Jóhann Jóhannsson - Flight From The City

Music Appreciation

Jóhann Jóhannsson’s "Flight From The City" opens his 2016 album Orphée, a work deeply influenced by the myth of Orpheus and themes of transformation. The album reflects Jóhannsson's personal transitions, including his move from Copenhagen to Berlin, and explores concepts of change, love, and the artistic process. Drawing inspiration from Ovid’s Metamorphoses and Jean Cocteau’s 1950 film Orphée, the album traces a journey from darkness into light, mirroring the Orpheus myth's exploration of loss and rebirth.​

"Flight From The City" is characterized by its minimalist composition, featuring a simple piano melody accompanied by gradually building strings and subtle electronic elements. The piece exemplifies Jóhannsson's ability to blend classical instrumentation with ambient textures, creating a meditative soundscape that invites introspection .​

The music video for "Flight From The City," directed by Clare Langan, complements the composition's themes through visual storytelling. Filmed in the hot springs at Flúðir, Iceland, the video portrays a mother and daughter immersed in 'black' water, symbolizing the profound bond between them. This imagery reflects universal themes of connection, love, and transition, resonating with the album's exploration of change and the human experience .

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://songoftheday.ca/2020/10/25/flight-from-the-city/

https://www.whitechapelgallery.org/exhibitions/artists-film-international/clare-langan-flight-from-the-city/

https://crawfordartgallery.ie/wp-content/uploads/AFI-2021-Press-Release-final.pdf

https://www.clarelangan.com/portfolio/flight-from-the-city

https://classicalexburns.com/2020/09/13/johann-johannsson-flight-from-the-city-a-loving-tribute/

https://floodmagazine.com/41930/dark-night-johannsson

https://pitchfork.com/news/67330-johann-johannsson-to-score-new-blade-runner-sequel

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Tom Jones & The Cardigans - Burning Down The House

Music Appreciation

In 1999, Welsh crooner Tom Jones teamed up with Swedish pop sensation The Cardigans to cover Talking Heads' classic "Burning Down the House" for his album Reload, which was released September 13, 1999. The original track, written by David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison, and Tina Weymouth, was released in 1983 and is known for its energetic vibe and abstract lyrics. Jones and The Cardigans' rendition brought a fresh twist to this iconic song.

Their version infuses the track with a blend of Jones' powerful vocals and The Cardigans' smooth pop sensibilities. The arrangement maintains the original's funky rhythm while adding a contemporary pop-rock flair, showcasing the seamless collaboration between the artists.

The accompanying music video, directed by David Mould, features Tom Jones and The Cardigans' lead singer, Nina Persson, performing amidst dynamic visual effects and vibrant backdrops, capturing the song's energetic essence. 

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9673924/

https://www.moopy.co.uk/threads/tom-jones-the-cardigans-burning-down-the-house.100524/

https://www.openculture.com/2021/06/tom-jones-covers-talking-heads-burning-down-the-house.html

https://www.discogs.com/release/440788-Tom-Jones-And-The-Cardigans-Burning-Down-The-House?srsltid=AfmBOoqSX1_TVyX93A7CyPL669JY2SWayqrf-aDIOLJwUdzj1Ux7_S8q

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Charlie Kirk’s Death and the Uneasy Road Ahead

Pardon the Interruption

On September 10, 2025, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University, the first stop of his “Prove Me Wrong” tour. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, played a major role in mobilizing young conservatives and fueling the MAGA movement. Even Donald Trump acknowledged his influence in remarks last night, calling him “a martyr for truth and freedom” and praising his efforts to bring young people into politics.

Kirk was always a lightning rod. His speeches and online posts often pushed conspiracy theories and combative views. He labeled COVID-19 the “China Virus,” compared vaccines to apartheid, and promoted the “great replacement” theory. He railed against diversity, equity, and inclusion, while arguing that women should prioritize motherhood over careers. 

Recently, he even declared that gun deaths were an acceptable price for preserving the Second Amendment: “I think it’s worth it… some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights.” Moments before he was shot, Kirk was fielding a question about gun violence in America.

Watching the news coverage, I couldn’t help but feel unsettled—not only about his death, but about where this might lead. Trump’s response only deepened my concern. His words—“radical left political violence has hurt too many innocent people and taken too many lives”—were less about healing and more about stoking anger. It’s hard not to ignore the possibility that this tragedy will fuel even greater division.

I texted my daughter, who is transgender, telling her to stay alert and aware of her surroundings. Her reply was simple but sobering: “It’s heating up.” That message, more than anything, captured the dread I was already feeling.

by Clay Jones (Sept 10, 2025)

Sources:

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/charlie-kirk-gun-deaths-quote/

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/charlie-kirk-controversies-1.7630859

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/us-politics/charlie-kirk-most-controversial-statements-b1247191.html

https://abcnews.go.com/US/total-shock-witness-fatal-charlie-kirk-shooting-recounts/story?id=125453787

https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-vlog-charlie-kirk-september-10-2025/

https://claytoonz.com/2025/09/10/sorry-charlie/