Olympian Musical Feats
Monday, August 11, 2008
The Olympic Games are the biggest sports and entertainment event on the planet and the music industry is eager to capitalize. Today, China-based music writer Ken Smith talks about the secrecy surrounding the opening ceremony, and about the complex dance between the music industry, the Olympic organizers, and the Chinese government.
Our blog: John Schaefer on keeping an open mind for the opening ceremonies
Our blog: John Schaefer on keeping an open mind for the opening ceremonies
Comments [5]
Comments that suggest the lip-synching used by the Chinese was common are off base. The chinese did not employ lip synching, which involves someone recording their own vocals. They used a different person. What the Chinese did was akin to Milli Vanilli or Singing in the Rain.
Unfortunately we are all very uncomfortable in the West with the notion that one party capitalism works. We've all been raised to believe that economical development only works within a democratic framework.
On a separate but unrelated note, its time for Americans to get over themselves - the notion of American exceptionalism is downright old and manifest in its foreign policy its toxic and arrogant. The U.S. is not the only working democracy in the world, duh.
I could go the rest of my life without hearing Sara Brightman, but, john, your general tone about the ceremonies is sadly snobbish.
It was a great show. the arena was filled brilliantly with color, sound, movement and emotion. Spectacle without stupidity, which sets it above your typical rock extravaganza.
I've heard that Sarah Brightman is super popular in China, maybe she was chosen for her celebrity status?
Hands down, Beijing 2008 was the best opening ceremonies I've ever seen. China took the worlds of sports, entertainment, and spectacle to school.
- Olympics junkie since 1960 (Rome)
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