Alle, alle auch sind frei. That is likely the original phrase that has now morphed into Olly Olly Oxen Free. The phrase used when your little and playing a game known as Hide and Seek. I know that when I was growing up in New York, my best friend and I used to go across the street into Central Park to play tag and other various games in a place we called the ‘sand park’, not far from 1st West and 85th St.
The big game on Saturdays would be “wood tag”. What exactly is wood tag? Well it was a combination of regular tag, mixed with Hide and Seek and with some additional rules. The big rule was you could not touch the sand. If someone on the “it” team saw you on the sand, you were ‘tagged’ and then part of the “it” team. Thus it starts with one person who is “it”. That person would have to start in one area hiding their eyes and counting. Everyone else playing would disperse to other parts of the park to find a safe spot somewhere on one of the structures. Of course all of these structures were in the sand, and remotely connected by walkways and other things. The surrounding blacktop (like a mote for a castle) was also off limits like the sand.
Then the person who was “it” started hunting people to find and tag, or call out on the sand. Lets just say that based on the layout of the sand park, there were some interesting pursuits. I know that I still carry physical scars from those games. Not to mention a broken tooth. Despite those minor injuries, it was an inventive way to get exercise. It was the ultimate in fun. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Inventive. That is how I would explain today’s selection. I heard it for the first time last night. That’s not to say that I didn’t know who Imogen Heap was. She’s made quite a stir in the last year. She made headlines in music publications because she mortgaged her house to do the album. That’s certainly a sacrifice for an non-signed artist. However, there’s one thing made it easier for her to do that than say Josh Kappa, Imogen was already famous for being in Frou Frou. BTW, I made up the name Josh Kappa, so if there is one and he’s a musician that isn’t famous it’s purely coincidental.
Either way, I know someone else who is doing that too. Without the previous fame. We’ll see if it works.
Mesmerized is the word I would use based on hearing the song. I immediately had to snag it. Then I started doing a little more research. To find stuff about it. It immediately gave me ideas for a song, though I probably wouldn’t do it a cappella like this. I will say that it is likely the most inventive use of Vocoder that I have ever heard. Vocoder is an effect I never gave much thought to, but you can bet I will now. Thus don’t be surprised if you hear something with that type of effect from me in the future.
I also found out that Imogen is also a Mac/Apple affectionado. She claims she’s a tech freak and obviously it shows. Always has to have the latest Apple gear. I’m betting she’s already got an iPhone for the U.S. despite the fact she lives in the U.K. It was interesting to read about her gear and the fact she spends time researching and collecting it for her studio. Sounds very familiar to someone I know, and a few other friends I have too.
Keep the dream alive. Pick it up now.
(** Disclaimer: If Imogen or her current label isn’t happy with playing with me and my game, I’ll have to free the video from the page. The post will remain to show my awe of killer creativity. **)