Commodores are an American funk/soul band that was formed in 1968. They gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s with hit songs such as "Easy," "Three Times a Lady," and "Brick House." One of their most successful albums is "Midnight Magic," released in 1979. "Midnight Magic" is the sixth studio album by the Commodores and it showcased their talent for creating catchy and melodic songs. The album features a mix of R&B, funk, and soul, with a touch of disco influence. The songs on "Midnight Magic" are characterized by their infectious grooves, smooth vocals, and heartfelt lyrics.
A modern look inside the brain, written as beautifully as a long-form poem. Don’t miss this opportunity to let Kemp show you the how and why of where.
— David Eagleman, Stanford neuroscientist, author of Incognito and Livewired
Christopher Kemp s brilliant and beguiling new book reveals that behind the curtain of the seemingly quotidian act of traversing space lies an array of intricate neuroscientific magic tricks, temporal feats of strength, hiccups, and elusive mysteries. Christopher Kemp may not be able to find his way out of a stairwell, but he has quickly and with no false turns made his way to the top of my list of favorite science writers.
The songs on "Midnight Magic" are characterized by their infectious grooves, smooth vocals, and heartfelt lyrics. One of the standout tracks on the album is "Sail On," which was a commercial success and became one of the Commodores' signature songs. It is a heartfelt ballad that talks about a failing relationship and the pain of letting go.
Dark and Magical Places: The Neuroscience of Navigation (Paperback)
How the brain helps us to understand and navigate space—and why, sometimes, it doesn’t work the way it should.
Inside our heads we carry around an infinite and endlessly unfolding map of the world. Navigation is one of the most ancient neural abilities we have—older than language. In Dark and Magical Places, Christopher Kemp embarks on a journey to discover the remarkable extent of what our minds can do.
Fueled by his own spatial shortcomings, Kemp describes the brain regions that orient us in space and the specialized neurons that do it. Place cells. Grid cells. He examines how the brain plans routes, recognizes landmarks, and makes sure we leave a room through a door instead of trying to leave through a painting. From the secrets of supernavigators like the indigenous hunters of the Bolivian rainforest to the confusing environments inhabited by people with place blindness, Kemp charts the myriad ways in which we find our way and explains the cutting-edge neuroscience behind them.
How did Neanderthals navigate? Why do even seasoned hikers stray from the trail? What spatial skills do we inherit from our parents? How can smartphones and our reliance on GPS devices impact our brains? In engaging, engrossing language, Kemp unravels the mysteries of navigating and links the brain’s complex functions to the effects that diseases like Alzheimer’s, types of amnesia, and traumatic brain injuries have on our perception of the world around us.
A book for anyone who has ever felt compelled to venture off the beaten path, Dark and Magical Places is a stirring reminder of the beauty in losing yourself to your surroundings. And the beauty in understanding how our brains can guide us home.
About the Author
Christopher Kemp is a molecular biologist specializing in neurodegenerative diseases at Michigan State University. He lives with his family in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Praise For…
Christopher Kemp may not be able to find his way out of a stairwell, but he has quickly and with no false turns made his way to the top of my list of favorite science writers. For all his navigational shortcomings, Kemp is an expert guide to the most complex landscape of all: the human brain. He’s a natural storyteller, a deft explainer, and a terrific and funny writer.
— Mary Roach, author of Fuzz
Christopher Kemp’s brilliant and beguiling new book reveals that behind the curtain of the seemingly quotidian act of traversing space lies an array of intricate neuroscientific magic tricks, temporal feats of strength, hiccups, and elusive mysteries. Like the brain itself, Kemp’s wild writing quakes and sparks, uncovering the lyric lurking in the neuroscientific, the hilarious in the incantatory.
— Matthew Gavin Frank, author of Flight of the Diamond Smugglers
A dazzling—at times dizzying—exploration of brains and places, how they trouble one another and how they give one another meaning.
— Robert Moor, author of On Trails
A fascinating and sneakily amusing book. Kemp is an elegant and quick-witted writer who, feeling perpetually and hopelessly lost himself, is perfectly qualified to lead us through some of the most complicated and discombobulating corners of human cognition.
— John Mooallem, author of Wild Ones and This Is Chance!
A modern look inside the brain, written as beautifully as a long-form poem. Don’t miss this opportunity to let Kemp show you the how and why of where.
— David Eagleman, Stanford neuroscientist, author of Incognito and Livewired
As both scientist and scribe, Kemp brings his gifts of curiosity and intelligence to bear on the topic of navigation and shows us that there is no shame in being lost. On the contrary, Kemp demonstrates that to be continuously and authentically in search of our place on Earth is a wondrous thing.
— M. R. O’Connor, author of Wayfinding
Finding our way is a basic necessity of life, yet it is mostly taken for granted. Kemp effectively explains just how complex and astonishing that task really is.
— Tony Miksanek - Booklist
An intense lesson in the neuroscience of getting around.
— Kirkus
This tome is no textbook. It is designed to be accessible to a large audience: Nonscientists will benefit from Kemp’s capacity to render vivid representations of the complexity of living organisms, but scientists, too, are likely to gain something from reading this book.
— Marcia Bécu and Christian F. Doeller - Science
Kemp debunks numerous myths, including the idea that females possess poorer navigational skills than males, and reflects on the difference between the navigational abilities of modern humans versus those of Neanderthals. What separates the two, he suggests, is the use of the subjunctive form, which led to humans being better at navigating. Kemp peppers in accounts of his own poor navigational abilities and colorful stories of people getting lost, which keep things moving along. The result is both enjoyable and accessible.
— Publishers Weekly
- Science / Life Sciences / Neuroscience
- Medical / Neuroscience
- Science / Life Sciences / Molecular Biology
- Transportation / Navigation
- Hardcover (January 25th, 2022): $26.95
- Compact Disc (January 25th, 2022): $41.99
This tome is no textbook. It is designed to be accessible to a large audience: Nonscientists will benefit from Kemp’s capacity to render vivid representations of the complexity of living organisms, but scientists, too, are likely to gain something from reading this book.
— Marcia Bécu and Christian F. Doeller - Science
Lionel Richie's soulful vocals combined with the soothing melodies make "Sail On" a timeless classic. Another notable song on "Midnight Magic" is "Still." This track showcases the band's ability to blend soulful ballads with funk influences. It features powerful vocal performances, intricate musical arrangements, and memorable lyrics. "Still" remains one of the Commodores' most popular songs and has become a staple of their live performances. Other tracks on "Midnight Magic" include the upbeat and groovy "Lady (You Bring Me Up)," the funky disco track "Gettin' It," and the soulful ballad "Wonderland." Each song on the album has its own unique charm and adds to the overall appeal of "Midnight Magic." In conclusion, the Commodores' album "Midnight Magic" is a timeless treasure filled with catchy and melodic songs. The album showcases the band's talent for creating soulful and groovy tracks that resonate with listeners. Whether it's the heartfelt ballads or the funky disco tracks, "Midnight Magic" is a must-listen for fans of funk, soul, and R&B music..
Reviews for "The Live Experience: Commodores' Midnight Magic Songs in Concert"
1. Susan - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Commodores' Midnight Magic Songs". The songs were lackluster and didn't live up to the hype. The vocals were uninspiring, and the melodies felt repetitive and bland. I expected better from a band with such a strong reputation. Unfortunately, this album fell short for me.
2. John - 1 star - I couldn't get through a single song from "Commodores' Midnight Magic Songs" without feeling the urge to switch it off. The music was monotonous, and the lyrics were forgettable. It's a shame because I used to enjoy the Commodores' music, but this album was a major letdown. I won't be revisiting this one anytime soon.
3. Emily - 2 stars - The production on "Commodores' Midnight Magic Songs" was not up to par. The sound quality felt muffled and low-budget, which took away from the listening experience. Additionally, the overall energy of the songs was lacking, making the album feel dull and uninteresting. I was hoping for a more engaging and polished release from the Commodores, but this one fell flat for me.
4. Alex - 1 star - "Commodores' Midnight Magic Songs" was a snooze fest. The songs all blended together with no distinctive hooks or standout moments. I found myself struggling to stay engaged, and it felt like a chore to listen to the entire album. It lacked the energy and originality that I enjoyed from the Commodores' earlier work. Overall, a disappointing release.