Whether solo or fronting the legendary Roxy Music, Bryan Ferry is arguably the suavest man rock n' roll has every known.
But his pre-rock croon and perfectly tailored suits, combined with his wit and only half-serious swagger, have earned him more respect than hits: Even his biggest US hit, Roxy Music's Love Is the Drug, was eclipsed by Grace Jones' wonderful cover version.
More Than This arrived in 1982, the first single from the last Roxy Music album. It's a synth-driven, heart-on-my-sleeve pop song that manages to be both unabashedly sentimental and completely cool. And while many other songs from that time now seem embarrassingly dated, More Than This and Bryan Ferry in general, have aged incredible well.
So whether you're looking for pop music with intelligence, or "art rock" your grandmother might enjoy, consider the timeless More Than This for your wedding day playlist.
For many couples, divorced parents are just another part of ceremony planning. Naturally, you want your whole family to be included in your wedding, but you don’t want them, or anyone else, to be uncomfortable. It’s your day, but there are ways to make their presence a little more pleasant for all involved.
Celebrity weddings and glamorous bridal magazines are a lot of fun, but nothing’s more helpful than learning how real brides plan their big day.
Meet OWD's Real Brides: real OurWeddingDay.com Brides-to-be sharing their experiences. It’s not about the “right” way to plan; it’s about each bride planning the wedding that’s right for her.
Amanda from Pittsburgh writes:
Ever since I was three, I loved dancing. Took all the dance classes growing up, won a scholarship to musical theatre school at a talent show, attempted to dance through college (until a torn hamstring changed my plans). Now I take some classes just as a hobby.
When planning my wedding went underway last fall, I was so excited that I could have the opportunity to share my passion for dancing with my fiancé by taking a class to learn our "first dance." At first, he was all for it: “Yes but let’s wait until the spring when its closer to the wedding.”
Even though there was two feet of snow on the ground, it was spring to me and time to talk over those dance classes again. I looked up a couple dance studios, talked to some friends who have taken ballroom dance classes before, really starting to figure out what type of dance to learn for our first dance.
With all the class schedules and prices tucked away in my purse just dying to be pulled out, I brought up the subject of ballroom dance classes for our first dance. The reaction was not what I was expecting. He said no! “What?! Why?” He finally told me that he wants to enjoy our first dance together just swaying back and forth to the music. I wanted to cry. But I said OK.
One of my best friends got engaged a couple months after I did. Recently for her birthday her fiancé surprised her with ballroom dance classes for the both of them. Am I jealous? Let’s just say it would have made quite a Valentine’s Day gift for me. But I am willing to accept that my fiancé just isn’t interested.
Since then, she has offered to teach us a simple waltz. And that really is all I am looking for. Anything but that swaying back and forth like we are in high school! As a classically trainer ballerina, I just cannot stand that!
I explained to my fiancé that if he still feels the same way, I am OK with that. We can sway. But at least give my friend teaching us a simple waltz a try. I am not trying to do something as elaborate as “Dancing with the Stars!” Just a dance that is more classic than contemporary.
Everyone wants their reception to be memorable, and everyone knows that the reception meal makes a big impression on wedding guests. So add a little spice to your menu with these reception-meal tips, and you’ll get ideas for a ceremony so delicious it has to be fattening.
OWD's Radio Romance: Highlighting songs you may not have considered yet for your wedding playlist. Whether you dance to them at your reception or just play them while you plan, they'll help set the perfect mood.
This week: Boh Runga covers Chris Knox's Not Given Lightly
Chris Knox has had a major influence on Indie Rock, although not much commercial success. The godfather of the celebrated New Zealand rock scene, both as a solo artist and with bands such as the Tall Dwarfs, Knox has built up an impressive discography since the early '80s, but Not Given Lightly (from '97) might be his most lovely tune. Written for his partner Barbara, it features an understated sweetness and intelligence that is more and more rare in modern pop. It's been covered by bands like Pearl Jam, and the APRA lists it as one of the 'best songs of all time.'
This past summer, Knox had a stroke. To help pay for his mounting medical fees, a tribute album was prepared, featuring some of the independent music scene's biggest names: The Magnetic Fields' Stephin Merritt, Yo La Tengo, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Neutral Milk Hotel's Jeff Mangum and more.
Boh Runga covered Not Given Lightly, and gave Knox's lo-fi love song a pop sheen perfect for weddings: All the genuine romance remains, but with a sexy swagger that's perfect for dancing close.
These days everyone’s trying to save on wedding costs. One popular idea for budget-cutters is to make Do-It-Yourself Decorations. If you have the time, and creative bent, DIY is a great way to go. To make sure you don’t end up hiring someone to FIFY (Finish It for You), check out self-starter tipshere.
It’s your wedding day, which means you can do anything you want, right? Well, yes and no. All the big decisions are ultimately yours and your groom’s, but if you want to make sure your guests are comfortable and have (almost) as much fun as you do, check out these “rules” you don’t want to break. Keep these tips in mind, and it will be great day for all involved.
Everyone’s going organic these days, and weddings are no exception. The reasons are simple: Mother Nature’s having a rough time of it, and as two people celebrate the beginning of their life together, they are also honoring the preservation of Earth. Should you decide to add organic touches to your wedding, read on for smart tips. Oh, and recycle this page if you print it out.
While there are several “green” labels out there, “organic” basically means “natural.” For an organic wedding, that can mean serving food from local farms (where the livestock is not fed preservatives), using seasonal and local flowers, even wearing a dress made from organic silk or cotton. Any time you import wedding supplies, you’re using more energy than necessary.
“There are so many ways to add organic touches to your wedding,” says Jonathan Rollo, chef and owner of Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop in Beverly Hills. “Bamboo is wonderful for placemats or centerpieces because it grows like a weed, it’s lightweight—saving energy on transportation—and it breaks down in a matter of months, not years or decades.” He says people are cutting down on the paper-heavy invitations. “Couples are sending out smaller invitations, on recycled paper, and telling guests the rest of the information is on their web site.”
There are many Jewish wedding traditions that you and your groom should prepare for if the faith is a part of either -- or both -- of your families.
As you plan your Jewish wedding, share basic Jewish wedding traditions with your friends so they know what to expect. Understanding the symbolism and meaning behind wedding traditions helps guests share the love and excitement you feel on your wedding day. Make your guests’ experience more poignant by explaining the specifics of Jewish wedding traditions.
Give friends the opportunity to ask questions about your faith and share specifics, such as whether or not male guests should wear a yarmulke for the wedding. While it may take extra time, helping your friends understand your faith and traditions will help eliminate awkwardness at your wedding. For instance, many non-Jewish guests may be unaware that men and women sit separately at orthodox Jewish weddings or that traditional Jewish weddings are generally formal occasions...
Latest Comments