Read Ebook {PDF EPUB} Strange Mercy by Francis Gideon St. Vincent Strange Mercy Review. With the critical mass now in her favour, a commercial breakthrough seems inevitable for St. Vincent, known otherwise as Annie Clark: poster girl for indie rock, former member of Sufjan Stevens’ touring band, beloved of Bon Iver, Grizzly Bear and Andrew Bird. Her two previous albums have revealed an intelligent, offbeat but charming talent, and her live performances – both with a band and solo, surrounded by loops stations and echo boxes – have proven her an impressive musician. Furthermore, her feminine side is matched by an ability to play the boys at their own game – her recent virtuoso live cover of Big Black’s Kerosene sees her shred as effectively as anyone – rendering redundant lazy comparisons with the traditional canon of female performers. Strange Mercy, however, is a little underwhelming, full of ideas but struggling to find a coherent voice. Her charismatic performances still exhibit the trademark confidence that makes her so intriguing, but the album’s songwriting fails to deliver a standout track like Actor Out of Work or the eccentric, disorientating Marrow (both from 2009’s Actor). There are flashes of brilliance throughout, but opening track Chloe in the Afternoon – in which guitars crunch against woozy fairground keyboards and a stuttering, programmed beat until Clark attempts clumsily to cram the song’s title into the chorus – does her no favours. This is especially frustrating when she follows it with Cruel, a far more rounded, melodious track full of Disney-esque strings, galloping but simple rhythms, fuzzily ripped guitar lines and Clark’s tender but never reticent vocals. Northern Lights is grittier, guitars grating against a persistent snare tattoo, Vincent’s vocals heading into ethereal realms as noise bursts around her, while Hysterical Strength further confirms her instrumental prowess. Surgeon, too – which opens with a tip of the hat to John Barry’s You Only Live Twice – is a moody and atmospheric song that takes unexpected turns, especially its weird foray into the kind of synth-pop perfected by Wally Badarou in the 1980s. But throughout there’s a distance between performer and audience: despite being teased by notable lines like "I don’t want to be a cheerleader no more", "If I ever meet the dirty policeman who roughed you up" and ‘Oh, America, can I owe you one?" it’s hard not to feel cheated by irritatingly impenetrable lyrics like "By your heel heal my hurt horse hair whip be your floor", as though she daren’t let us get too close. Champagne (with its melodic reference to Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah) and Year of the Tiger prove that she can be smart as well as approachable, but ultimately Strange Mercy sounds like her best record still lies ahead, once she feels a little more at ease with balancing her obviously multiple talents. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Licence. If you choose to use this review on your site please link back to this page. Exposed: 10 Female Guitarists You Should Know, Part 3. There’s one thing that has become very clear to me. There is no shortage of talented, diverse female guitarists out there that are worth a listen, or two, or three. Here once again are 10 women (actually 11, since we’ve got two guitarists from Wild Flag) who know how to wield their instrument in a wide variety of musical ways … from the enchanting to the downright slap-upside-the-head. And don’t forget to check out our previous Exposed articles, too! Check them out in "RELATED CONTENT" to the left. New York-based Rudick isn’t afraid to explore her instrument. Known for utilizing original tunings and chords, percussive rhythms and looped beats, Rudick’s style and ability are spellbinding. Rudick has scored a slew of films and stepped into the engineer role on Scott Matthew’s Gallantry’s Favorite Son . Her new release, slated for January, “is a departure from her acoustic debut, exploring new territory and mixing genres; combining orchestration for strings with electronica,” Rudick says. Do tell! We’ll keep you posted when that baby goes live. In the meantime, check out this video of Rudick performing "Darling" from her forthcoming second CD for an encore at the Knitting Factory, BAM Sounds Like Brooklyn Music Festival show. Hailing from Oakland, California, Mendoza has played in a wide variety of groups from heavy rock to contemporary classical. But her solo work leans toward the country/blues side of the spectrum. That may sound a little highbrow, but Mendoza isn't afraid to get down and dirty. As she says, “I tend to tread a wobbly line between melodicism, atonality and sonic abstraction. Both solo and in groups I like to develop specific tunes / riffs / compositional ideas and then throw musical monkey wrenches into them live, forcing them to self-destruct and collide with free improvisation.” I say, ooooh, anyone with a monkey wrench knows how to have a good time. Here’s a solo show from a couple of years ago at Café du Nord in San Francisco. You might call guitarist and vocalist St. Vincent avant-garde, quirky or even peculiar, but her talent is undeniable. This winter she released Strange Mercy , which was named on Rolling Stone’s list of the top 50 albums of 2011. Born Annie Erin Clark, St. Vincent has opened for acts such as Television, Arcade Fire, Andrew Bird, Jolie Holland, John Vanderslice, Xiu Xiu, Death Cab for Cutie, and Grizzly Bear. She worked with Bon Iver on the song "Roslyn," which appeared on the film soundtrack of The Twilight Saga: New Moon . Her unconventional musical style and sensibility have been characterized by critics as a mixture of chamber rock, pop, indie rock and cabaret jazz. I call it … interesting. Here’s a live performance of “Cruel” off of Strange Mercy. Check out the official video too if you get a chance. It IS cruel. This singer/songwriter jumped into the biz at the age of 10 when she released an album of children songs on EMI Norway with her friend Marit Larsen. That album was nominated for a Norwegian Grammy! Then at age 14 Marion and Marit, now under the name “M2M,” signed with Atlantic Records and released two albums that sold more than two million copies. In 2006 Marion recorded a duet with Meat Loaf of the song “It´s all coming back to me now” and then toured with both Meat Loaf and Pink around the world in 2007. This year finds Raven as a judge on Norwegian “Idol,” but don’t hold that against her. Raven can rock acoustic, electric, keys or whatever else is thrown her way. Check out this video of "Heads Gonna Roll." The title says it all. Super hot. Don’t be afraid to call Tedeschi "Derek Truck’s wife." As half of the Tedeschi-Trucks Band, this blues and soul musician puts her heart into every gritty note. Jumping into her first band at the age of 13, she’s been nominated for several Grammys and has opened for a long list of name acts, including The Rolling Stones, John Mellencamp, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, The Allman Brothers Band, Taj Mahal and Bob Dylan. Trucks, guitarist for the Allman Brothers, met Tedeschi on their 1999 tour, and the two have been collaborating ever since, guesting on each other’s solo recordings and now performing together with the formation of their current band in 2010 and the release of Revelator . Check out the crazy cool dual guitar work on this video of “Learn How to Love.” Even if you don’t care about raw, top-of-your-lungs energy and jangly punk-ass guitar playing, you’ll be drawn in by the crazy curly mass of red hair sported by Miss Alex White and her brother Francis Scott Key White, the two and only members of Chicago-based White Mystery. With Francis on drums and Alex manning the guitar and vocals, this duo knows how to throw one hell of a party. Raw, punchy, with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good luck, and yet somehow catchy enough to make you wanna stay for the second set. White Mystery were named a Top Act and Best Video premiere by MTV, Top Ten Indie Album by The Chicago Tribune, and have shared stages with Weezer, the Gories and Mavis Staples. They played more that 120 shows around North America in 2011. Look out for a new release, video and SXSW tour to come this year! Molly Manarchy is in love with both classical and metal guitar. Intensely trained at top-notch academies and universities, Manarchy has performed at the White House and the Kennedy Center and was awarded a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music. Her long, flowing hair and undeniable dexterity add to the enchantment that pervades her performances. Here’s a video of Manarchy of Milonga by Piazzolla performed in Antelope Canyon. Mesmerizing! But wait! You say you want to see her metal side? Catch a little taste here: Tight, skilled and never a dull moment, Japanese trio Boris are known for combining metal, noise, psychedelic rock, ambient and pop to create their own unique take. Launched in 1996, the band has recorded 17 studio albums. Drummer-vocalist Atsuo, bassist-guitarist-vocalist Takeshi and guitarist-vocalist Wata rely on instinct and raw emotion to guide their creative path. Check out the slinky, cranky solo by Wata on “Statement.” So stoic and yet so badass! Brownstein, formerly of the celebrated trio Sleater-Kinney, and Timony (The Spells, Helium) have landed in a very fine place with their new project, Wild Flag. Celebrating their September 2011 self-titled debut, Wild Flag finds Brownstein and Timony stepping back into the guitar spotlight and onto some pretty hefty stages. Brownstein is also known as a writer and the blogger for NPR’s “Monitor Mix.” Wild Flag brings the ladies together for some much needed excellent, down and twangy mouthing off. Check out this irreverent little number called “Romance.” Now that’s a lunch break! With the release of her latest album, Make Your Move , Ali Handel continues to carry her funky, rock rhythms and seductive vocals into new territory. Admittedly inspired by Jimmy Page as a teenager, Handal took a circuitous route to her lead guitar role. Handal has had several songs placed in movies, and she has routinely appeared on The Price Is Right as the resident guitar demonstrator when they give away guitar prizes! Here’s a sassy cover of “My Sharona” from Make Your Move , complete with a sweet solo at 1:29. “Praying is not like taking an aspirin”…but neither is confession! Francis payed homage to Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, granting an audience to the prayer groups inspired by this Italian saint; a multitude of 40,000 filled Saint Peter´s square a few days ago, accompanying his relics along with those of Saint Leopold Mandic. The media, who are always so favorable toward Francis, almost unanimously chose one of his characteristic sayings to serve as an opening line for the news item: “Praying is not like taking an aspirin…” (Catholic Review) The Bishop of Rome’s discourse to the pilgrims was labeled with this phrase — an apparent demand for profoundness in their undertakings. Paradoxically, a profoundness which Francis himself does not seem to possess. Padre Pio had wished to call his hospital. “House for the Relief of Suffering” ( Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza) , the name it currently holds. But his manner of alleviating the faithful was through an upfront battle against sin, without qualms. However, Bergoglio himself has chosen Saint Pio of Pietrelcina and Saint Leopold Mandic as symbols of the mandate he proffered on Ash Wednesday to more than a thousand missionaries sent throughout the world to confess and pardon, “even the sins that are considered to be the gravest”. Wonderful! How we love to hear of mercy! However, Padre Pio understood the Sacrament of Reconciliation to be the most efficacious means for a soul to abandon the paths of perdition. Here is just one example: Renzo Allegri tells of the torturous spiritual journey of a famous actress of the 50’s and 60’s, Lea Padovani. Padre Pio’s mercy was manifested to her through firm and intransigent words during confession, after which he denied absolution to her. The man she illicitly lived with in Rome had become ill, and this was the motive that had led her to San Giovanni Rotondo to beseech a cure from Padre Pio. After six unsuccessful pilgrimages, she thought it was time to go to confession. The actress herself described the scene: “I had a twenty minute confession with Padre Pio. With enlightened words, he opened my mind regarding the essential truths of life. His manner of expression was simple, but very efficacious. After a long conversation, he was hard on me: ‘poor deluded one, don’t you realize that everyone scoffs at you? Don’t imagine that I will grant you absolution — leave, and see if you wake up” [1] Feeling rejected, the actress did not hesitate in hurling imprecations upon Padre Pio during her trip back to Rome. Later on, she was able to normalize her situation, when after her concubine’s miraculous cure he “recuperated his joie de vivre ” and abandoned her to go off with another woman. She returned to confess with Padre Pio, who granted absolution and also accepted her request to become his spiritual daughter. “The Lord always pardons – He never condemns” (see study) affirms Francis. This strange mercy does not seem to be the same as Saint Pio’s. The equalization of the true Catholic Religion with others that do not have access to the Sacrament of Reconciliation would have led Lea Padovani to find “pardon” on her own — just as the Protestants who are so dear to Francis, or through simple relaxation therapy, yoga exercises or Buddhist meditation. These days, Padre Pio would be considered nothing more than just another optional accessory that could be avoided, in case he showed too much firmness in his convictions. And he would have ended up not producing the effect – which is beneficial and full of true love – that till the end of his life left profound remembrances among all of those whom he had treated with severity in order to save them from perdition, and also, his tender affection when they effectively abandoned sin. We raise a meaningful hypothesis: How would Francis have treated Padre Pio if he lived during the present pontificate? What would Padre Pio think of the current situation? May each one answer for himself… Denzinger-Bergoglio correspondent in Rome. Notes 1- Renzo Allegri. Padre Pio: Man of Hope, Servant Publications 2000, Ann Arbor, MI [1] John Philip. John Philip was conceived out of wedlock in Paris, France at the The Burgundy House in 1557. Season 1. Royal Blood - (Mentioned) have sex. Consummation - (Mentioned) Lola asked Kenna where she had been the night before. She'd come to her with hot cocoa, but a servant said she was with the King. Kenna tried to play it off, but Lola's said it was very late, and she knew what she was up to and it was a mistake. Kenna then informed Lola she knew of the Château she had claimed to stay at. And that it had burned down the year before. She didn't know exactly what Lola and Francis had been up to, but she could make a pretty good guess . Dirty Laundry - (Mentioned) Lola was approximately 3 months pregnant when she tried to get an abortion. Kenna, and Mary Stuart all find out Lola is pregnant with Francis' child . The Darkness - (Mentioned) Go make that man marry you! Mary and Lola are talking about Lola's pregnancy. Mary tells Lola to go to the First Light Banquette and insists she'll find someone to marry there. She thinks it's a good idea Lola gets married quickly, and that King Francis never finds out. At the ball Lola and Mary were discussing Count Philipe Nardin they would be a good match, and should married quickly, and fall in love after. Lola is being courted by Count Philipe Nardin, as they leave the party they make small talk. Philipe apologizes there can be no time for romance and states he likes her and finds her attractive. He adds he's put off getting married for too long, and now his inheritance rests on it. He promises they can get married, and get to know each other after, promising he actually is quite a romantic in real life. He offers Lola his candle and she accepts, telling him to look for it in her window. Francis finds Lola and asks if she's considering marrying Count Philipe Nardin. She says she is and asks why he cares. Francis says not to rush anything. Francis and Mary are talking about Philipe Nardin, and he comes clean about the rumors of Philipe Nardin prefering the company of men to women. Francis confesses that he was talking to Lola about it and this infuriates Mary. Francis decided to come clean about what happened while they were in Paris. Mary finds Lola and is furious with her for making her lie to her husband. Mary tells her how her fiancé prefers the company of men, but she should marry him anyway. This hurts Lola as it means she could never eventually find happiness with him. Mary tells her it doesn't matter and Lola needs to do this to fix both their problems. She demands Lola to marry him, and if she doesn't, she will tell Francis everything. The next day, Mary apologizes to her friend for her outburst. They talk about Lola's pregnancy and Mary’s trouble having children. Lola promises to take this secret to the grave. Monsters - (Mentioned) Mary takes Lola and inform her the potential fiancée will be delayed for five weeks. Lola complains that she will start to show in a week or two, and Mary promises her she will be able to figure it out soon. later, Lola confesses she has something secret to Greer and Kenna. I need to get married soon! Mary finds Lola in her room crying. She is upset that her dress no longer fits, her pregnancy is beginning to show further. Mary suggests Lola try for Lord Julien. As it is perfect for the two. Lola needs to marry, adding she needs this to work for herself, for her and Francis. Slaughter Of Innocence - (Mentioned) Mary Stuart tells King Francis of Lola's pregnancy, and the child is his. Season 2. The Plague. John Philip was born in a barn during The Black Plague outbreak in France in 1558. Soon after his mother Lola gave birth to him, his father King Francis, arrived. Not long after they were all together was it realized the Plague had reached inside the barn, which led the three of them to quickly flee. [1] The next day, they were introduced to Louis Condé, a cousin of his fathers. He supplied them with food and water. Once his dehydrated mother was fed, she was able to produce milk to feed him. A few days later, his father decided to keep him and bring him to court. [1] Drawn and Quartered. Days later, they all arrived at French Court and were greeted by Lady Greer and Lady Kenna. A few nights later he was visited by his father and a nanny. [2] Coronation. The next week John was brought down to Tent City with his mother and was cooed over by many noble women, including Lady Barnard. [3] The Lamb and the Slaughter. Not long after his father's Coronation, John was christened with Queen Mary as his Godmother. [4] Blood for Blood - (Mentioned) King Francis confessed to his wife that he was visiting his son and apologized to her admitting that he had been lying about it to spare her from being hurt about it. [5] The Prince of the Blood - (Mentioned) Terror of the Faithful. Baby John Philip makes his first appearance since his Christening. Acts of War. Getaway. Cried for three days from baby colic. His mother stayed by his side the entire time, but he calmed down or tired himself out when his dad came to hold him. [6] The End of Mourning. His dad and mom visited him together for the first time in a couple of weeks. [7] Forbidden - (Mentioned) The Duke of Guise's high treason against the crown is covered up in light of his murder. King Antoine, King Francis, Queen Mary, Queen Catherine, Marie de Guise, Louis Condé and Lady Lola all attend his funeral. After The Duke of Guise's funeral, King Francis tells Lola he was looking for her at the Duke's Memorial service. He has good news, telling her that the Duke and Duchess Von Amsberg were in town. And that they were a wealthy, and powerful branch of The Hapsburgs, and had agreed to an engagement between their infant daughter and their son. Tasting Revenge. The Siege. King Francis sent him and his mother away for their safety while the castle was under attack and facing civil war, and a coupe from Louis Condé. [8] Burn - (Mentioned) On their way back from the safe house, they were kidnapped and taken somewhere against their will. They were eventually found by Lord Narcisse and brought back to Court. It turned out Queen Catherine was behind the whole thing. [9] Season 3. King Francis told Lady Lola and him that he forbid her from having a relatioship with Lord Narcisse. [10] His mother went out to pick his favourite berries for him during his nap. [11] Extreme Measures Lord Narcisse wants to slip away with Lady Lola, however she declines, informing him King Francis knows about them. He answers that that is a problem, and they will find a solution. Lola tells him she can't do it anymore. Realizing her life belonged to her son, John Philip . She has to think about what's best for him, and she's not sure that's him. As long as Francis has doubts, so will she. Narcisse adds he's raised children of him own, some of them turned out quite well, like Luc Narcisse. Bruises That Lie While talking with Lady Lola Elizabeth mentioned how Royals have such a strange sense of family. Her father, King Henry VIII cut off her mother, Anne Boleyn's head. her sister, Mary Tudor jailed her as a threat to her rule. And how Lola had King Francis's bastard son. Season 4. With Friends Like These Elizabeth and Gideon discused the events surrounding Lola's execution. Gideon Blackburn asked if they gain any information in Scotland, but Queen Mary maintained her innocence. Queen Elizabeth said Lola admitted the order came from Mary. Gideon wondered if Lola was wrong, used by someone. Elizabeth added Lord Narcisse was imprisoned in The Tower of London and refused to speak, but John Philip and his nanny were missing. Lola had probably planned an escape for after her death, and they were back in France. Gideon re-introduced himself to Narcisse. Reminding him they met in France. Gideon says he know why Narcisse was refusing to speak, he's afraid of being implicated in his wife's crime. But he can trust him. Gideon know he wasn't involved and neither was Mary. Insisting Mary would never put a friend in danger like that. Narcisse argued Mary would if her country were at risk. Elizabeth was on the edge of taking Scotland, and Lola would never have done it unless the order came from Mary. However it is soon realized, John's nanny Renee might be involved. Narcisse left little John with her, in hiding, waiting to flee. But if Renee betrayed Lola, and her own queen, they wondered what she might she do to a child left behind, a complication. Renee told Gideon Blackburn that John Philip , knows him as his mother's friend. But he still calls out for her, he doesn't understands his mom isn't coming back. However she died at the hands of archers soon after. A Grain Of Deception John Knox visited John Philip with his new nanny. She told him John had trouble falling asleep, and missed his mother, adding he'd lost much. His father, mother, and his last caregiver. They found her with the boy and brought them back to court, but an infection took her strangely quick. Leaps of Faith Narcisse and Catherine are reunited at French Court, along with John Philip . Catherine thanked Narcisse for returning John, and promises to protect him, to honour Francis and Lola, and as his stepfather, he would always be in his life. But Narcisse doesn’t want that, John has Lola's eyes and he can't look at him. Strange Mercy by Francis Gideon. The Reign Wiki is the first , most comprehensive and informative online encyclopaedia dedicated to Reign and the History. Caution this wiki contains spoilers from Reign . Farewell Francis. What will you miss most about him? Discuss the show. Listen to the music. This is a collaborative wiki meaning we need you to help us grow this wiki! Anyone is more than welcome to help, once they've read our guides and regulations . To start editing, please sign up to create a free personal account, or log in if you already have one. If you're new to Wikia, please use the above links to get started. If you already have editing experience, and you have an article relating to Reign to contribute, use the box below to create it:
Strange Mercy by Francis Gideon St
