[NMAS]

Yeah I knew it would, kust kidding around. But it is true about the Celebs singing. :lol:

[vicariousmartyr]

I have always agreed with the point that anthems are not subject to artistic license. But after Sunday night's rendition of the Star Spangled Banner as performed by Mr. James Taylor, I now think that there may be some wriggle room here. Did anyone happen to see it?

I did see it, and I thought it was absolutely beautiful. Especially the last few closing bars. And Im someone who doesnt care for patriotism, national anthems and such, and am not even American. I dont even necessarily agree with playing anthems before a sporting event (I almost always change the channel in a somewhat of a subtle, self-satisfying protest).

But it was, it was beautiful.

[The Horrible Esthete]

I guess the fact that Taylor is a Bostonian, and the fact that I have an immense respect for his craft, together contribute to the emotional response his rendition of TSSB evoked in me. But its beauty, simplicity, and relative understatedness stand alone, IMO.

Here is a link to the MLB.com page where you can view it:

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[grooveless touque]

Thanks for the link...it's a crappy file, the audio keeps speeding up and slowing down every two seconds, but I got a feel for the vocals, and the wonderful guitar flourishes at the end added a lot while still being tasteful...I'm glad I got to see it. We don't hear nearly enough understated, modest yet powerful versions of that song.

[NMAS]

Taylor has much better voice for something like that.