Cinnamon and Honey

Monday's Muse: Spinal Tap Turns 30!

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 04:30:00 +0000

There aren't many movies I've seen so many times I've lost count, but This Is Spinal Tap is one of them. Over the years, I've had the chance to introduce it to several friends which is always fun. And it's also having a big anniversary; the coolest, most quotable mockumentary around just turned 30. (Which is shocking because everything about it, from its hapless humor to the reality-TV style shoot, holds up amazingly well.) You don't need to be a music fan to appreciate the genius driving this movie. In fact when it was released, many people even didn't realize it was a parody.

There are many things to love about Spinal Tap but my favorite scenes are the ones based on rock and roll reality. Like this:

This Is Spinal Tap, "Hello Cleveland!"
Yep, the Tap getting lost backstage was inspired by my boo, Tom Petty. Apparently he and the 'Breakers aimlessly wandered the bowels of a concert venue, stumbling upon an indoor tennis court instead of the stage. (Hello Cleveland!) Cool fact: that's the very real Bo Diddley giving the band directions in the movie. The music legend is one of several great cameos.

If you've never Spinal Tap, please, please go rent it now! And don't forget to turn it up to 11!

What's inspiring you?

It's a Rap!

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 17:01:00 +0000

Isn't Jimmy Fallon's "Tonight Show" off to a really good start? His obvious love of music is one of the reasons I like him so much. One of my favorite sketches is his "History of." (No surprise there) So clever and funny, and somehow Jimmy manages to keep it fresh even after many a redux. (As for Justin Timberlake, he needs to forget about becoming a Big Movie Star and stick to comedy. He'd be a much-needed and great addition to SNL.)

Now, rap isn't really my thing. (Have I mentioned that before? Maybe a little bit here.) So I was pretty surprised when I knew almost all of these songs:

"The History of Rap Part 5," Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake

Another great thing about Jimmy Fallon: He's able to tap into the things you didn't realize were buried deep in your consciousness. By the time they got to "Walk This Way," you were busting a move. I know you were.

And speaking of busting moves, there's this:

"Rapper's Delight," Brian Williams courtesy of Jimmy Fallon
Not to get all technical and ruin the genius of this clip, but... The researcher in me can't help but wonder how much work this was! I hope the show's writers have a magic turn-TV-newscaster-into-rapper translation program or at the very least a good voice recognition video search program. (You: Buzz. Killed. Thankyouverymuch.) My second thought: Wouldn't it be hilarious if Brian "rapped" something a lot more hard-core? Like "Straight Outta Compton"? But Jimmy already beat me to it. Of course.You can watch that one here.

Reality Still Bites, Twenty Years Later

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 22:33:00 +0000

As if there aren't enough reminders of how quickly time is passing, here's another. This movie just turned 20 years old:

"Reality Bites" was one of several aptly timed narratives of my generation (I count John Hughes's films as the others). I was less than two years out of college when it was released, so it was supposed to be a recognizable reflection of the ennui and struggles of Gen-X. College graduates adrift, unable to find jobs, a path, a life. So what do you think it means that, for me, this was its most memorable scene?

The Knack's "My Sharona," from "Reality Bites"
Maybe the characters were too aloof, too chain-smokingly hip? (A few things I definitely wasn't.) I know this for sure: I will never be Winona Ryder and I will never score with Ethan Hawke. No worries though. Dancing like crazy in a gas-mart to an 80s (okay, 1979) pop song (My my my myyyyyyy Sharona!) is something I can always get behind.

It's Definitely Still Rock and Roll to Me

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 14:00:00 +0000

When I was in college, I went through this crazy Billy Joel phase. I'm not sure why he became so important then, because his music had been around for most of my life. His trademark whistling in the opening to "The Stranger" played on the radio in my mother's 1970s Chrysler sedan, the song's provocativeness totally lost on a seven-year-old kid. His 1980 effort Glass Houses was the first record I owned that wasn't pilfered from my brother's cool collection. After school, my friends and I would dance wildly around my bedroom to "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me" while the needle bounced up and down on the record. I listened to that album so many times, I wore out the grooves on the vinyl. (Yes, vinyl.) Ten years later, I did my dancing in a dorm room and saw Billy Joel live for the first time in Boston with my college roommates. By then, I had collected all of his albums on CD. I'm sure my dorm-mates were sick of hearing them.

College was a long time ago (sigh) and while I still like Billy Joel, it's been a while since his music was on regular iPod rotation. (That tattered old record still exists in a box tucked away somewhere. Yes, I save everything.) That is, until yesterday when someone posted this on Facebook:

Billy Joel and Vanderbilt student Michael Pollack, "New York State of Mind"
Seriously? SERIOUSLY? Is this not the dream of pretty much everyone who loves music? Even if you can't play one damn note of piano? Now before anyone tells me that this was set up, yes it very well might have been. Perhaps Billy Joel's manager was given a demo tape and Billy agreed to this ahead of time. Can't blame him if he did. But that doesn't take away from the fact that he is cool enough to let an unknown college student accompany him on stage. And he didn't just do a good job, Michael Pollack KILLED IT. Truly amazing. Kudos to Billy Joel for being so gracious. This is what it means to be a true artist and musician. And it makes me feel like all that the fan worship for all of those years was totally, totally worth it.

Monday's Muse on a Wednesday: Buck It Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 17:40:00 +0000

We're going to break tradition here and do a Monday's Muse on a Wednesday! Why? Well, it's not every day that I get to write about a musician I know personally. So this is pretty cool and exciting!

When you work in publishing, sometimes you meet some super-creative people. This is my friend Amy's husband, Butch Phelps. (Amy isn't too shabby herself, by the way.)

Butch Phelps and the Buck Ups, "Bought and Sold"
I love how smoothly the country twang mixes with the singer-songer confessional. (It's also great to see someone play guitar and sing. Seems like a lost art lately.) While we watch Butch grapple with the creative process, writing and rewriting, and eventually tossing out his efforts in the end, he still has that confidence. You know, he's that guy walking around Brooklyn clad in cowboy boots with a guitar strapped to his back. He's someone you just know you want to see. So why don't you? Find out more about Butch Phelps and the Buck Ups here.

Click here to learn more about Monday's Muse.

Rock Hall (and Oates!)

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 17:08:00 +0000

Once upon a time I had a blog and published pretty regularly. And then somehow I stopped keeping up with it. But every so often something cool would happen and I'd wish I could write about it. And then I'd come to the silly realization that... um, hello! Today was one of those days. Why? Here's a hint:

You know how much I love these guys, right? Here is a good refresher if you need one. I can't tell you how happy (and quite honestly a little surprised) that Hall and Oates are going to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this April. Surprised not because I don't think they deserve it (give "Sara Smile" a listen) but because for a long time they were unfairly associated with an uncool 80s popularity that was seen to have little to no value. They've spent the past 20 years or so fighting back, putting out critically acclaimed albums and launching a ground-breaking live music webcast. Plus, they still tour regularly, easily selling out most of their shows. The accolades have been coming for a while now (they've already been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame) but this one puts them at the cool-kids table. The same guys who wrote "Rich Girl" are going to be honored alongside the guys who wrote "Smells Like Teen Spirit." Say it isn't so! Way to go Daryl and John. Hard earned and well-deserved.

The Truth About Miley...

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 01:30:00 +0000

I was all excited about updating my blog with a music post that was both current and Cinnamon and Honey-ish (at least I thought so). It just so happened to be about "Blurred Lines" and Robin Thicke.

Then two days later, this happened:

Typical of the pop culture machine we live in, the buzz immediately shifted. Suddenly, song theft is no longer the issue. It's all Miley. And how disturbed/inappropriate/lewd/desperate/pathetic/appalling her VMA performance was. Even negative publicity is good publicity. That's a no-brainer. This played out exactly how she'd hoped: Three days later we're still talking about Miley. Impressive, given our two-second attention span for everything these days.

But let's be honest, now. How surprised should we really be? Miley's performance has been a long coming, ever since a pig-tailed Britney donned a Catholic school-girl skirt and a belly shirt, and oh-baybeh-baybeh'ed her way across the stage at the 1999 MTV awards. Ripping off a tuxedo to reveal a sparkly nude body suit, dancing suggestively with a live snake and kissing Madonna full on the mouth... it's all been done. When you're a young female star struggling to stay relevant in 2013, how do you get people talking about you the next day, and hopefully the day after that? In other words, how do you out-Britney Britney Spears, the original the princess of shock?

Unfortunately we now know the answer. The boundaries haven't just been moved, they've been violently shoved out of the way. So shouldn't we be examining this a little closer and looking at it little more thoughtfully? Why have we allowed it to get this far? Why does being sexually shocking feel like not just the right path but the only one for many young female stars? Why does a woman, who has already achieved worldwide success for most of her young life, believe that her talent and hard work will not be enough? What does this say about us and the cult of fame we've been suggestively stoking?

This isn't just a fame issue, it's an identity issue about the way we teach women of all ages to value themselves. And since we continue to be consumers in this culture (and like it or not, we all are) it's essential that we start answering some of these questions. Now would be a good time.

"Blurred Lines" indeed...

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 16:35:00 +0000

Have you heard about the Robin Thicke/Marvin Gaye brouhaha? My first thought: I wish I could write about that!

Oh. Right. The Blog. Well let's go then!

First, give this a listen:

Marvin Gaye's "Got To Give It Up"

And now this (Unfortunately I can only post a live version):

Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines (Live)"

Full disclosure: I'm a Marvin Gaye fan. Pretty much every soul singer from the past 40 years would say that they are too, including Robin Thicke. He's openly admitted that "Blurred Lines" was heavily influenced by Gaye's "Got to Give It Up." But there's being influenced (i.e.: his music inspired me) and then there's being a thief (i.e.: his music inspired me... to lift rhythm and vocal patterns without giving credit to the original artist).

Look, it's next to impossible to compose a piece of completely original music. Almost everything written today is derivative to some degree or another. And even the best of musicians have been sued for copyright infringement (Johnny Cash, George Harrison and Steely Dan, to name a few). But one misstep in a successful career of groundbreaking music is very different from consistently "borrowing" vocal deliveries, song structure and instrumental style. The tickety-tock staccato rhythm line in "Blurred Lines" is just one of Thicke's offenses. Give a listen to the intro to his "Million Dollar Baby" and compare it to Gaye's "Trouble Man." Seriously? Maybe Thicke really is out of his miiiiiiind.

Filing a preemptive complaint to head off a lawsuit from the Gaye estate is arrogance at its worst. (It also hints at a bit of admission, doesn't it? If the songs weren't alike, Thicke would have nothing to worry about.) Thicke needs to give Gaye credit for using SEVERAL of his songs. Which yes, will mean forking over a small fortune. But them the breaks. Without Gaye paving the way, there'd probably be no Robin Thicke. Small price to pay.

Thank you, thank you!

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:52:00 +0000

I'm not sure I can properly express my gratitude to the amazing Elan Morgan. You all might know her better as the ridiculously talented Schmutzie. She stepped in, fixed Cinnamon & Honey and brought it back to its old splendor. ("Old" is definitely the key word. There are lots of cobwebs lurking around here. If I am lucky, I can work with her again.)

Schmutzie is a true triple threat: She designs, she codes, and she writes. I feel so fortunate to have crossed her path. The only way I can truly thank her is to tell you to please check out her blog. She also contributes at MamaPop. If you're looking to spruce up your website, I can not say enough about how easy and great she is to work with.

Hopefully I haven't embarrassed her too much. So, what are you still doing here? Go! Go!

Oops! Some Technical Difficulties...

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 04:48:00 +0000

Cinnamon & Honey is experiencing a temporary technical glitch with its host service. Please stand by while the problems get sorted out.

Thanks so much!

Monday's Muse: What a Gal!

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Surprised to see me? Yeah, I know, it's been a while. I'm bringing back the Muse (and the blog) out of retirement thanks to Jeff who introduced me to a great song. (I'm not going to do the meme thing, but feel free to join in or borrow.)

Here's what's very cool about this tune: all the instruments are vintage, so are the mics and the recording equipment. Which is what gives "North Side Gal" a truly authentic funky 50s swing.

"North Side Gal," JD McPherson

Not surprisingly JD is being compared to Johnny Cash and a young Elvis thanks to his upbringing in rural Oklahoma and an affinity for American roots music. Every 10 years or so, this sort of song comes back in style (remember 1997's "Zoot Suit Riot"?) but JD tackles it without any slickness or forced irony. Try to get this one out of your head. Impossible.

Be sure to check out JD's latest album and more videos.

What's inspiring you?

Will the Real Justin Bieber Please Stand Up?

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:00:00 +0000

I'm coming out of my blog coma just so I can post this. (Warning, language makes this NSFW.)

"Love the Way You Lie," Eminem cover by Dani Shay

Amazing, right? This screen shot alone is enough to fool you. But then the real singing begins. Be sure to read through the incredulous comments Dani's YouTube channel. She's also got an album out, so check it out.

Monday's Muse: Step It Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:58:00 +0000

Welcome to Cinnamon & Honey! Want to know more about Monday's Muse, my meme about all things inspirational? Click here. Don't be afraid to jump right in.

A friend of mine posted this video on Facebook over the weekend. Thought it was pretty clever so I am borrowing it for today's Muse.

"Piano Stairs"

How true that we're motivated mostly by what's fun. Deep down, we're like little kids when it comes to stuff like this. (Remember that scene with Tom Hanks in Big?) I try to take the stairs as much as I can, especially in the subway since it's great exercise, but I'm often in a rush or too exhausted or carrying too much crap to bother. Something creative and clever does slow you down and remind you that the mundane can be transformed into something totally enjoyable.

What do you think could use a fun makeover?

What's inspiring you? Join Monday's Muse by leaving a message in the comments. We'll get you linked up here. Oh, and don't forget to grab my blog button below!

A Year in the Life...

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 22:49:00 +0000

Amazing right? Though I wish fall, which is such a gorgeous season, lasted just a little longer. But this is pretty accurate since winter feels like forever. (With another snowstorm on the way, that's sort of how I am feeling right this very minute.)

Want to know how this was done? Go here.

Wishing You a Happy 2011!

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

"Christmas All Over Again (live)," Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

The Handmade's Tale: PaintinByFaith

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 12:58:00 +0000

The Handmade's Tale introduces you to independent, self-taught artists who toil away creating beautiful and inspiring pieces. Please welcome the lovely indie artist and blogger Vanessa Taylor.

Who: Vanessa Taylor
What: Jewelry designer
Where: PaintinByFaith
When: Vanessa has been making her pieces for a year now.
Why: "I am a creative soul," says Vanessa. "I have felt the need to make things since I was a little girl. I have this incredible urge inside of me to be some sort of artist."
Her Philosophy: "I don't work in a certain style or set genre. I do what feels right."
Her Inspirations: "My inspiration is life. Everything in it... one day my kids might say something that kicks off an inspiration. The next time it might be a leaf on the ground. Then the color of a shirt. I look at everything as some sort of art. I don't let my imagination ever turn off. Everything has beauty in it somewhere. Our job is to find it."

Hearts in Bloom, $28
Earrings made from sterling silver and hand-cut, texturized copper. Lightweight, hangs from sterling silver hoops.

Love Song, $28
Necklace made from hand-cut, texturized copper and sterling silver. Hand-stamped hearts; sterling silver music note shaped by hand. Hangs from black leather wire held in place with copper wire.

Love Earth Tree, $65
Necklace made with sterling silver with a heart and the word "earth" hand-stamped. Tree is shaped by hand. Hangs from brown leather cord.

Follow Your Heart, $69
Silver square pendant with hand-cut, textured copper, hand-shaped wire and sterling silver heart. Hangs on a toggle clasp chain.

A Flower For You, $39
Copper and sterling silver pendant with a sterling silver flower. Hangs from a leather cord.

Where to Buy: Check out Vanessa's blog where she debuts her newest pieces and offers a peek into her personal life! Then head over to her Etsy shop where you can browse through her amazing collection of earrings, pendants and necklaces. You can also become a fan of Vanessa's work on her Facebook page. Interested in a custom design? Vanessa is happy to create something just for you. What an easy way to pick up a one-of-a-kind gift for the holidays!

Want to be featured in Cinnamon & Honey's Handmade's Tale? Please leave a message here or send me an email by clicking on "Contact Me" at the top of this page.

Monday's Muse: The Handmade's Tale Returns!

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:58:00 +0000

Welcome to Cinnamon & Honey! Want to know more about Monday's Muse, my meme about all things inspirational? Click here. Don't be afraid to jump right in.

Back when I first started this blog, I had a column called the Handmade's Tale which featured the work of indie artists from across the US and Canada. Not only is it an interest of mine (I make my own greeting cards) but there's something about handcrafted work I've always loved. Perhaps it's the originality and personality that tends to get lost in many mass-produced items. And unfortunately there are a lot of amazing, hard-working artists out there who don't get the recognition they deserve. Many are good friends of mine.

Anyway, the column has been on hiatus for more than a year now (if you can call such a long time a "hiatus,") but the time is right to bring it back! I'm excited to have recently met two really talented designers and will be featuring one of them tomorrow. So please be sure to stop by and check it all out.

Do you know how to make anything? (Even dinner counts!)

And what's inspiring you? Join Monday's Muse by leaving a message in the comments. We'll get you linked up here. Oh, and don't forget to grab my blog button below!

Monday's Muse: Now on Tuesday!

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 16:37:00 +0000

Welcome to Cinnamon & Honey! Want to know more about Monday's Muse, my meme about all things inspirational? Click here. Don't be afraid to jump right in.

I love random covers. There's something extra fun about hearing something familiar in a totally unexpected way. Like this:

"Hey Ya (Acoustic Version)," Obadiah Parker

Confession: I know nothing about Obadiah (dig the old-school name!) but this video got well more than a million hits on YouTube. So clearly I am late to the party. He's got a website and has been recording his own album in addition to touring around the US. Seems like a pretty cool guy so go check him out!

What are you into lately?

And what's inspiring you? Join Monday's Muse by leaving a message in the comments. We'll get you linked up here. Oh, and don't forget to grab my blog button below!

Happy Hanukkah!

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 00:25:00 +0000

"Miracle," Matisyahu

Monday's Muse: All in the Family

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 12:57:00 +0000

Welcome to Cinnamon & Honey! Want to know more about Monday's Muse, my meme about all things inspirational? Click here. Don't be afraid to jump right in.

I'm always looking for new music here at C&H so I was especially grateful to my good friend Randi (from the crazy reality I like to call real life!) for sending me this:

"Brown Eyed Handsome Man," Teddy Thompson

Turns out the son of British folkies Richard and Linda Thompson isn't as new to me as I'd first thought. Years ago, when I saw Linda Thompson at the Botton Line in New York City, Teddy joined in on a beautiful version of "Dimming of the Day." (He sounded exactly like his dad, very cool since Richard and Linda no longer sing together.) Here, though, he's got a fun rockabilly thang going on, faux Texas twang and all. Nice to see him breaking away from the family's signature sound. He's got an album coming out early next year. Definitely check him out.

What new music are you listening to?

And what's inspiring you lately? Join Monday's Muse by leaving a message in the comments. We'll get you linked up here. Oh, and don't forget to grab my blog button below!

Charlie Sheen: Higher Than the Rent!

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 20:21:00 +0000

I didn't think it was possible for the Rent Is Too Damn High guy to be any funnier. (Yet another reason Jimmy McMillan should have been elected governor of New York.)

(Note: language makes this NSFW)

"Charlie Sheen Is Too Damn High"

Monday's Muse: The Big Dilemma

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:58:00 +0000

Welcome to Cinnamon & Honey! Want to know more about Monday's Muse, my meme about all things inspirational? Click here. Don't be afraid to jump right in.

Many of my original bloggy pals have called it quits over the past year. And I can't say it's not something I've also considered. Mine is hardly a traditional blog, you won't find a whole lot of confessional stuff here, and at times it's hard to know whether the direction I take is ever successful. Hence, the age-old question:

"Should I Stay Or Should I Go," The Clash

Have you ever thought about quitting the habit? What keeps you blogging?

And what's inspiring you lately? Join Monday's Muse by leaving a message in the comments. We'll get you linked up here. Oh, and don't forget to grab my blog button below!

Wordful Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:57:00 +0000

Every fall means a visit about 40 miles north to a really nice farmer's market for some fresh produce. These wacky guys are always for sale there and although one never comes home with me, I always take a picture. The guy on the right cracks me up. If you had blue hair, you'd probably be making that face too.

For more Wordfuls check out Parenting By Dummies.

Monday's Muse: Cover Me

noreply@blogger.com (Robin Honig Willens) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 11:57:00 +0000

Welcome to Cinnamon & Honey! Want to know more about Monday's Muse, my meme about all things inspirational? Click here. Don't be afraid to jump right in.

Yesterday (heh... you'll see why in a second) I heard an alternate version of "Yesterday" (see?) on the local oldies station. Apparently it's the only one the Beatles ever recorded (or likely, the only one they've allowed for official release). The chord progressions were a little different and Paul switched up the lyrics, by accident perhaps. Really, really pretty. Unfortunately there's no way to post it here because studio versions are not available online. (See: my complaint about Yoko.)

Good thing there are more than 3,000 covers of "Yesterday," the most of any song ever written. Supposedly, it's playing somewhere around the world every second of every day. And while I'm not a huge McCartney fan (George is my guy) he did write an incredible song. Here's one of my favorite versions:

"Yesterday," Marvin Gaye

Motown's best voice doing modern music's most famous song. How can you go wrong? (I could go on and on about Marvin but I'll save that for another post.)

What are some of your favorite covers?

What's been inspiring you lately? Join Monday's Muse by leaving a message in the comments. We'll get you linked up here. Oh, and don't forget to grab my blog button below!