Groovelily’s Striking 12, is a unique experience. I have not seen it, so I can only write about the CD and what I have gleamed from the Internet…
First who is Groovelily. Groovelily is a small independent band out of New York. Their style can only be described (or copy and pasted) as a “melodic and introspective approach to pop-rock”.
Striking 12, is a concert/musical theatre. The entire performance is done from their instruments (unlike musical theatre, where a band plays in the pit). Each member of the band plays a role in the story telling, but is not afraid to come out of character and speak as members of the band. An perfect example is when one member wants the audience to know, he REALLY isn’t like the character he plays. At which time every band member disagrees with him. Another much more entertaining break down on the 4th wall is in the song, Give The Drummer Some.
The story takes place, and the concert also takes place on New Year Eve.
A Young man works late on New Years Eve, and doesn’t want to attend his friend’s party. Problems with an ex-girl friend appear to play a small part in the reasoning plus he hates New Years Eve. While at home a young lady rings his door bell trying to sell Christmas lights that prevent S.A.D Seasonal Affective Disorder. After learning that someone told her to go away, Little Match Girl, our young man starts to re-read Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Match Girl.” Most of this is told in song, with a little dialog added to the disc to keep the story moving.
The wonderful thing about Groovelily and Striking 12 is the versatility of their work. Their sound is unique but not every song sounds the same. The lyrics not just in their “show” pieces but even in their regular music CD’s are thought out and tell wonderful stories.
The only real problem I have with Striking 12, is when I couldn’t figure out how to get play lists to work on my MP3 player I wasn’t able to get my CD to play in track order (just alphabetically) and this CD must be listened to in order.
The CD is available on iTunes, Rhapsody, and in CD format.
I purchased mine from iTunes and Amazon.com as a gift.
Their next CD I have even pre-ordered direct from the publisher.
about the songs 1. Violin Ascension
opens up the CD and gives you a feel for what to expect). Since not many bands have a lead singer who also plays the Electric Violin.
2. Overture 3. Thank You Very Much And Welcome 4. Snow Song (It`s Coming Down)
This is a soft airy pop rock song that gives you a wonderful feel for the strength of their lead singers lovely voice
5. Our Story Begins With A Man
Here we enter the story. Mostly talk
6. Last Day Of The Year
A more musical type number, describing a hard work day on December 31st.
7. Resolution
8. And So, The Man Resolves
9. Sales Pitch, The
We are introduce to the "match girl" she tries to sell her SAD Christmas lights in a FAST paced song (in under 60 seconds). Meanwhile the man isn't listening because he is falling in love, also in song.
10. But The Woman Is Gone
Now we enter the story of the Match Girl. With interruptions. Most is read, but some musical number also
11. It Was Terribly Cold
12. Matches For Sale
13. Say What?
14. Lights Were Shining From Every Window
15. Hey La La
16. Fine, Fine, Fine
17. She Had Drawn Her Little Feet Under Her
18. Can`t Go Home
19. Her Little Hands Were Almost Frozen
20. Burning Match Gave Off A Warm, Bright Light, The
21. Visions In The Matchlight
A super powerful song, still in the Match Girl, describing the visions she sees by the light.
22. Someone Is Dying
23. Give The Drummer Some
A slight detour from the story, but the Drummer was feeling left out.
24. The Girl, When We Left Her
25. Caution To The Wind
26. Violin Ascension
27. Grandmother Took The Little Girl, The
28. Screwed Up People Make Great Art
A rocking song, about why Hans Christian Andersen told his stories, he didn't have SAD he was sad.
29. Thank You For The Dissertation, Pal
30. It`s Not All Right
31. Excuse Me, Little Match Girl?
32. Snow Song Reprise / First Day Of The Year
33. Encore
I have avoided writing a review of this CD for a while because it is impossible to describe. But I hope this helped.
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