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December 07, 2006
MS Pick - Complaint Choirs
Here is an example of using lemons to create art. Special lemons ripe with sour protest. Complaint choirs from around the world are taking everyday mundane bitching as inspiration for songs that are both funny and heartbreaking.
Complaints Choir of Birmingham
This well edited, lo-fi video shows the ragtag Birmingham complaint choir performing an arrangement that can best be described as humanizing. Complaints such as "why does my computer take so very long" are universal and others like, "my job is like a cul-de-sac" have a dinstinctive English touch. My complaint: British people shouldn't rap.
Birmingham (to some known as the "arsehole of England") was a perfect place to start the project. The participants – found through flyers and small posters – understood the concept instinctively. Local musician Mike Hurley turned the complaints into a easy to learn song. Within two weeks time the song was rehearsed to perfection by the committed participants – despite the fact that only few were able to sing. A hit was born – with a chorus you can't get out of your mind: "I want my money back..."
Complaints Choir of Helsinki
Helsinki takes a turn with a more professional sounding choir taking on the social ills of sauna etiquette and mobiles. The Finns get a prize for the ringtone complaints with music to match.
What is your favorite complaint? Saddest? Funniest?
//Complaints Choir - site
Posted by Merry Swankster at December 7, 2006 09:45 AM
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