Category: Music

Technology vs Standards

Warning:  this post is laden with trademarked technology devices.  Not because I like namedropping all my high-tech shit, but because it’s necessary to understand what works with what, and what doesn’t.

Also, I was going to take a pic of all my incompatible devices, but that will come later.  I’ve already waited far too long to post this.

Not all Bluetooth is created equal.

Are created equal?  Is Bluetooth singular or plural?  How about this?

Not all Bluetooth devices are compatible.

Yes, there are variations of Bluetooth, and not all Bluetooth versions work with all devices.  And here I thought Bluetooth was a standard.  I call “Foul!”

The Saga of My Bluetooth Wars

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Another Dragons Sunday Seven: John Powell Was Robbed!

The composer of the How to Train Your Dragon soundtrack was nominated for an Oscar in 2010.  He should have won.  Yes, we all know the lovely waltz that played when Hiccup and Toothless took Astrid into the clouds, but there’s so much more.  I never grow tired of listening to it.

Seven Favorite Songs from How to Train Your Dragon
(in chronological order)

  1. “This Is Berk.”  It could be called “Overture.” It has many movements and themes that run throughout the movie.
  2. “Forbidden Friendship.” Hiccup feeds the (as yet unnamed) dragon a fish and… you know the rest.  In their DVD commentary the directors and producer said this was a 5 minute scene without dialog.  That’s extremely hard to do!  But the music and the action are so wonderful, you don’t notice.
  3. “See You Tomorrow.”  The “Scottish jig” played during the montage of Hiccup and Toothless trying out various flying apparatuses (apparati?), where we learn about dragon nip, chin scratches, and light chasing.
  4. “Test Drive.”  The song associated with the movie.  When Hiccup and Toothless go for their first long flight, Hiccup loses his cheat sheet, but it turns out dragon and boy are in total synch.
  5. “Romantic Flight.”  When Astrid says she’s sorry, Toothless takes her and Hiccup into and above the clouds to see the Northern lights and a view of Berk no one’s ever seen before.
  6. “The Cove.” After returning from the dragon’s den, Astrid agrees to keep Hiccup’s secret and gives him a kiss.  The moonlight on the water and an accordion (yes, an accordion!) give the feel of a romantic cafe.
  7. “Where’s Hiccup?”  As the debris clears, a distraught Stoick searches for Hiccup.  The song continues into the scene of Hiccup waking up, and swells when we realize Hiccup and Toothless are now even closer than ever.

For the record, I’m not alone in my love for the movie and its music.  Tom  says, “God dammit I love this film way more than is healthy,” and The Platypus Agent notes “Best. Movie soundtrack. EVER.”  I agree 2000%!