The Star Spangled Banner

[Leonis]

I just saw an interview with a famous Australian singer Kate Ceberano.

She was relating how she has been asked to sing the USA's national anthem accapella at a few events in the USA - and decided that she should sing it straight down the line - no vocal gymnastics, just sing the melody as it was written. (she also took this approach recently for the Aussie anthem at an event)
Apparently a number of Americans, particularly older ones, have come up and thanked her for singing it that way - telling her "that's our anthem, that's how I remember it"

In her words - "...what do you have to prove? You've already proven yourself as a singer by being chosen to sing it, so why not sing the song?..."

How do other Americans feel about this? Is there too much "look at me, how good am I!" in anthem singing? Or do you like the 'gymnastics'?

EDIT: the interview was on free to air Australian TV - no link available.

EDIT 2: Do other countries suffer/benefit from this style of singing their anthem? Australia often does and I personally think it's unnecessary - a 'straight up' version is refreshing and...people can sing along!

[ 01-22-2003, 06:14 PM: Message edited by: Leonis ]

[dizzy]

screw the gymnastics, sing it how its meant to be sung.

[Ziroc]

Originally posted by Leonis: I just saw an interview with a famous Australian singer Kate Ceberano. She was relating how she has been asked to sing the USA's national anthem accapella at a few events in the USA - and decided that she should sing it straight down the line - no vocal gymnastics, just sing the melody as it was written. (she also took this approach recently for the Aussie anthem at an event) Apparently a number of Americans, particularly older ones, have come up and thanked her for singing it that way - telling her "that's our anthem, that's how I remember it" In her words - "...what do you have to prove? You've already proven yourself as a singer by being chosen to sing it, so why not sing the song?..." How do other Americans feel about this? Is there too much "look at me, how good am I!" in anthem singing? Or do you like the 'gymnastics'? EDIT: the interview was on free to air Australian TV - no link available.

I like it the way it is.. no 'yodeling no 'eeeaaa eeaaaa aaaa aaaaaaaaa' crap.. I always hated that. It's NOT gospel music.

[Kzonon]

To the extent that the country has a good anthem, sing it the way it was written. Its great if you have an anthem like France or Germany's but for other countries maybe some "flexibility" is in order.

[Leonis]

I'm thinking once Hendrix did his version, everyone else should have gone "well there's no way we're gonna top that one, let's not even try?"

Was his rendition ok, because it was in a different context (ie: at his own events - concerts, not sporting/political etc...) or should he not have messed with it either?

[Chewbacca]

Originally posted by Leonis: I'm thinking once Hendrix did his version, everyone else should have gone "well there's no way we're gonna top that one, let's not even try?" Was his rendition ok, because it was in a different context (ie: at his own events - concerts, not sporting/political etc...) or should he not have messed with it either?

Hendrix is a great American who served his country and loved the freedom America stands for. His rendition of the anthem is certainly not for everyones taste but is in no way innappropriate.

Like many live improve musicians, he took a great piece of music and played it with the passion and character of the moment. He is most famous for playing the anthem at woodstock, But I have heard several different renditions, several done during rehearsal.

Alas, I am biased due to my insane love of Jimi and the music he made.

Besides, Hendrix never sang the anthem. He merely playyed it on a 'lecric geetar! [img]smile.gif[/img]

For vocals: A simple vocal rendition in a traditional folk manner is fine by me.

I can't stand the "whitney houston/christina agulaira-like" vocal theatrics. But if it floats some peoples boats, fine by me.

[Morgeruat]

I would like to say that vocal theatrics have their place, maybe, but not in my anthem.

[Leonis]

Chewbacca, I should have said that I love hearing Hendrix play it. But not being my anthem I have no personal emotional connection to it, but always thought it was a raw, heartfelt and honest translation of his own nationality.

I used to think that someone should have done that with our anthem too. But soon realised that it would just be ripping off the master - besides Advance Australia Fair is honestly a less than inspirational tune IMHO.

[Ronn_Bman]

Originally posted by Leonis: I'm thinking once Hendrix did his version, everyone else should have gone "well there's no way we're gonna top that one, let's not even try?" Was his rendition ok, because it was in a different context (ie: at his own events - concerts, not sporting/political etc...) or should he not have messed with it either?

I agree completely. I loved the Hendrix version!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's ok by me.

Some of the gymnastics are ok occassionally, but the Kate Smith version is the standard. Why do singers think they have to "out do" everyone else? I did love Whitney Houston's SuperBowl version a dozen years ago, but everyone doesn't have to do that, and most can't get away with it anyway.

BTW, how in the heck did the English ever drink beer to that tune? [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img]

[ 01-22-2003, 08:00 PM: Message edited by: Ronn_Bman ]

[Night Stalker]

I can't stand that EVERY singer nowadays feels they need to arpegio all over a song. It just gets borring and annoying. And they try to out do each other. Unngghh! It is a nice technique, but if it's the only thing in your bag of tricks .... sorry you ain't THAT good.