Welcome to Shift, where Tom Allen takes you on a daily musical journey from the stalwarts of Classical music to the cutting edge of Contemporary tunes. Join us here on CBC music for a round-up of the stories of the day, some videos of music (or maybe just videos interesting to music fans) and a place to speak your voice.
Thursday September 13th
Do you remember having to "show your work" in Math Class? It's as if the answer wasn't enough, but you had to explain the entire process. There is a very similar thing you may remember from piano classes. They are called "etudes" and act as lessons for young piano players. They are played over, and over, and over, repeated again, and again. Really, it's dry stuff. But Frederic Chopin didn't understand why these etudes couldn't be beautifully composed pieces as well. And so he composed these stunning pieces which, if repeated, can surely improve your playing.
We're one day past the anniversary of Johnny Cash's passing. A true storyteller, Johnny stayed in the public eye for his entire career. Even though he didn't have the best singing voice, nor virtuoso skill on guitar, the authenticity of his songs rang in his gravelly voice.
Yesterday, we asked you what you could possibly sing that would get you through a rough night alone. A 19-year-old had to put this to the test recently when he was tossed from his fishing vessel in Alaska. From inside a 4x4 plastic bin, he sang himself through the night. Here's one of our favourites that you told us you'd sing through the night. And don't be shy about singing along with Stan Rogers.
In the world of Odd News, Paris just added a whole new section of shopping to their city. However, this might be a little more difficult to get through customs. It's live men.
And in the Even Odder News category, we've found out why those grasshoppers can jump so much higher than you or I. It has to do with your finger nails, oddly enough. Where we only have a small amount of exposed nail, grasshoppers have it coating their entire exoskeleton. Well, I'll let the experts explain the rest. But would you want the hard, shiny coating? Or is there another aspect of an insect or animal you'd prefer? Me, I'd want to jump!
You can contact us at SHIFT with your ideas, questions, or anything else by sending us a message on our Facebook page. Through email, you can reach show producers Alison Howard ( alison.howard@cbc.ca ) or Alex Redekop ( alex.redekop@cbc.ca ).