National anthem at inauguration

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Comrad

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I'm an old school guy like many here. I prefer to hear traditional versions of our National anthem. Is anyone else bothered by turning the Star Spangled Banner into a hip hop pop song? I was somewhat pleased by the version at the inauguration with minimal deviations but for me any jazzing up takes a little away from the listening experience.
What say you?
 
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Makes me sick to my stomach.
I was a music major, and don't tell the boys, but I am a pretty darn good singer. I HATE when people mess up that fine piece of music.
 
I guess I can tolerate either as long as it appears the musician is serious and respectful (in their own way). When they turn it into a circus, and particularly if their "arrangement" seems poorly sung or played owing to indifference, then I am ready to complain. It's like the flag not touching the ground, to me. You either make the connection of the music with our great country, or you don't and just think of it as another piece of ceremonial music. I tilt hard in the first direction.
 
i ve always felt that the National Anthem was NOT meant to be
changed to blues, rock, hip-hop or any other type. of music. It should be sung/performed as written. Just my opinion.

I'm an old school guy like many here. I prefer to hear traditional versions of our National anthem. Is anyone else bothered by turning the Star Spangled Banner into a hip hop pop song? I was somewhat pleased by the version at the inauguration with minimal deviations but for me any jazzing up takes a little away from the listening experience.
What say you?
 
At this weekends football playoffs two different groups sank the Anthem, and did well, BUT ....

they were dressed in t shirts and shabby jeans,unshaved and looked down right disgusting!

If you are given the honor to sing our Anthem you should show the proper respect for the song and your audience and dress accordingly

Now that I`m on a roll here they need to tell those athletes to stand at attention and get rid of the gum. What are they thinking?
Man I could go on and on, but instead I`ll just shut up and go back to work
 
I thought Beyonce did a pretty good job. She held a few notes a little too long, which sounded a bit odd, but over all she sang the anthem with respect and didn't mess it up.

Of course, she's no Tricia Yearwood.... :)
 
I do not like Beyonce's vibrato technique, or Kelly Clarkson's for that matter. But otherwise, OK jobs.

I do think any singers or instrumental performers doing the SSB need to look at the laws (yes, there are federal mandates) on what is and is not allowable, down to the key and style and embellishments.

It's supposed to be in A-flat, and not overly embellished. BY LAW.
 
it supports a few techniques, but very few.
a soloist hasn't much room to go off on one and should be sung mostly straight.
what it has far more room for is harmony.
put a mostly straight laced vocalist at the melody mic and a few friends on chord member parts below and it does extremely well
 
It should be sung traditionally, with honor and respect. People adding their little touches to it, tick me off.
And in more good news, I saw a headline today where singer Alicia Keys is rehearsing to do the National Anthem as an entirely new song, in her words. I believe it will be at the Superbowl? Not real sure as I don't care about the SB.
Good thing I'm working in the boonies that evening.
 
Some of the ones done at Super Bowls make me want to just turn the TV off.

I listen to the audience during the singing of the NA and have to turn the sound down and leave the room. The only sound you should hear is the song, not the roar of the crowd. Another gripe I have concerns parades and the passing of the colors. Those of my generation always stand and salute or put a hand over our heart. Whether it's the NA or the colors, it won't hurt anyone to take a minute to remain silent and remember all those who sacrificed so much for all we have today.
 
They all should sing them as originally done, and another thing that irritates me to no end is when the announcer says to "please stand and remove your hats for our National Anthem" and so many disrespectful people leave them on.

And as far as the inauguration...I'd rather watch paint dry!
 
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Recently the best anthem singing I've heard has all been by military
ensembles. They respect the piece.

The rest should make a note: It's supposed to be about the the
country, and the song, not about the singer.
 
I was channel surfing today, saw Beyonce singing the National Anthem for about 20 seconds, quickly turned it.

I will not watch her in the Superbowl halftime show either.

On the night of November 6th, she tweeted "Take that Mitches"! As a slam to all who voted for Romney.

Therefore I will exercise my right to not listen to her and turn the channel whenever she is on.

And I agree with the others here. Don't add lib the song, sing it with respect and humility.

When I hear the Anthem, I think of my wife's granddaddy, in the forests of Germany, feet frozen in a foxhole (he was a machine gunner).

I think of all the brave souls who went to foreign lands and died there serving their country.

That is why the Anthem is no place to "put your special touch to it".
 
Generally, I'm a traditionalist. I didn't much care for Jose Feliciano's version at the 1968 World Series in Detroit, but Whitney Houston's version at the Super Bowl was the most exciting version I've ever heard.
Mike,
i could'nt agree more with that. She might have died a junkie,
with help from Bobby...but that performance she gave on Super Bowl Sunday was about the best i've ever heard or can remember. Brought a lump to my throat and tears to these old eyes. The ghetto version from some (performers), today makes
me want to throw something at the TV.

Chuck
 
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