Could this be magic? It's a question often asked when encountering something extraordinary or unexplainable. Magic has long fascinated and captivated human minds, pushing the boundaries of what we believe to be possible. Throughout history and across cultures, tales of magic have been woven into myths, legends, and folklore. Magic, in its essence, represents a force that defies the laws of nature, allowing us to witness or experience the impossible. From wizards and witches casting spells to sorcerers summoning mythical creatures, the concept of magic carries an air of mystery and wonder. In popular culture, magic is portrayed in various forms, whether through literature, movies, or theater.
In 1978, Eddie returned the favor by making a guest appearance on Nicolette’s album, Nicolette (produced by Ted Templeman and engineered by Donn Landee) and is listed as “?” in the album’s credits.
Perhaps to suggest they were floating out towards Hawaii, Ted Templeman handed Eddie a bottleneck and told him to try playing slide something he had never even tried before this. Perhaps to suggest they were floating out towards Hawaii, Ted Templeman handed Eddie a bottleneck and told him to try playing slide something he had never even tried before this.
In popular culture, magic is portrayed in various forms, whether through literature, movies, or theater. We are transported to enchanting worlds where magic powers are real, and adventures unfold in unimaginable ways. From the tales of Harry Potter to the magical realms of Middle-Earth in The Lord of the Rings, our imaginations are ignited by the possibilities that magic presents.
A Song's Story #6: Could It Be Magic?
It's hard for some people to admit that they like Barry Manilow's music, and I am no exception. In my high school, Barry Manilow was considered the lamest singer you could ever idolize, and that was exacerbated by the fact that the nerdiest kid in our school did just that.
But I think the cold, harsh truth most of us must face at one time or another is confessing to loving at least one Manilow song. Heck, even Peter and his buddies from Family Guy admitted to it.
And for me, that song is "Could It Be Magic" (OK, I also love "Copacabana", too.) I think "Could It Be Magic" is one of the most beautiful, lush, love songs written. Ever. In the entire history of love song making.
I heard the song for the first in many years in my car on the Sirius '70s on 7 channel and had to sit in a parking lot until it finished (and wholeheartedly admit to wiping away a tear when that last piano key was struck.) When I learned that it wasn't a hit at first for Barry Manilow, I knew I had to select it for the A Song's Story series.
As most of you probably know, Manilow got his start in music writing advertising jingles ("I am stuck on Band-Aid brand 'cause Band-Aid's stuck on me" and "Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there" are among his credits as well as McDonald's trademark "You deserve a break today.")
"Could It Be Magic" was written in 1970 or 1971 with lyrics by Adrienne Anderson. Because Manilow was unknown yet as a pop singer in the early '70s, he initially teamed up with session musicians under Tony Orlando's guidance in a pseudo-group with an awful name: Featherbed.
Featherbed recorded four tracks, one of which was "Could It Be Magic." It sounds very little like the version that would make Manilow famous; recorded as an upbeat pop track, the lyrics have been changed and the song is missing its integral piano opening and closer which is Frederick Chopin's Prelude in C Minor. In fact, it sounds similar to the Orlando hit "Knock Three Times." For many years Manilow said he detested the record and was grateful it was a flop.
Manilow released the intended version in 1973 on his debut solo album Barry Manilow, where again it didn't go anywhere. Two years later, when he was now with Arista records, he released it again as a single where it finally became a well-deserving hit and made it to #6 on the U.S. charts.
Why do I love this song so much? I think it's way it's constructed. it has a really slow build-up (as one person on YouTube observed, it's a lot like making love.) The Chopin melody also gives me chills. It's known as the "Funeral March" prelude in classical music and because it entered the public domain decades ago, Manilow was able to compose a song around it without fear of copyright infringement. And it is a true 1970s' love song, incorporating imagery of "where the stallion meets the sun." ("Sweet Melissa", by the way, is a nod to singer Melissa Manchester who was also signed to Arista at the time.)
A year after Manilow's version became a hit, Donna Summer released her own disco-inspired cover which also did modestly well (Summer changed the lyrics of "sweet Melissa" to "sweet Peter" as an ode to her boyfriend at the time, Peter Mühldorfer.
In 1992, a British boy band named Take That recorded the song, which sounds a lot like the original Featherbed version. It is considered one of the worst covers ever recorded but if you're into cheesy '90s boy bands, you may just dig it:
Since then the song has been recorded in Dutch and French, by jazz arrangers and even as house music. But one of my favorite renditions is by The Puppini Sisters, a lovely group of ladies who sing covers of modern music in a style similar to The Andrews Sisters. Their version is stripped of the Chopin chords, but it's still just as lovely.
Whenever I hear songs such as "Could It Be Magic" it's a painful reminder that they just don't write love songs anymore like they used to. It's a thing of magic, indeed.
A Song's Story #6: Could It Be Magic? Reviewed by Pam on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Rating: 5
Tags : 1970s 1990s A Song's Story Retro music
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But is magic real? Can we truly harness its power? While science strives to explain and understand the workings of the natural world, there are still moments that leave us questioning whether there is more to our reality than meets the eye. These moments of inexplicable coincidences, supernatural occurrences, and unexplained phenomena make us wonder if magic might have a role to play. Magic can also be found in everyday life, beyond the realms of fantasy. It can exist in the beauty of a sunrise, the intensity of an art piece, or the love between two individuals. It can be seen in moments of serendipity or synchronicity, where events align in seemingly magical ways that defy rational explanation. Ultimately, whether magic exists or not is a question that may never be definitively answered. It is a concept that stretches our imagination and challenges our understanding of the world. Perhaps, instead of trying to prove or disprove its existence, we can embrace the wonder and awe that magic brings into our lives. So, the next time you witness something extraordinary or unexplainable, allow yourself to wonder, "Could this be magic?" Embrace the possibility of the unknown, and let the enchantment of life's mysteries captivate your imagination. After all, sometimes it is the belief in magic that allows us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary and find a bit of magic in our own existence..
Reviews for "The Magic of Music: How Magicians Incorporate Sound to Enhance Their Performances"
- Sarah - 1 star
I found "Could this be magic" to be a complete disappointment. The plot was incredibly predictable, and the characters felt one-dimensional. The writing style was also lackluster, with cliched phrases and shallow descriptions. Overall, I felt like I wasted my time reading this book.
- John - 2 stars
While "Could this be magic" had some potential, it ultimately fell flat for me. The concept was intriguing, but the execution was lacking. The pacing was inconsistent, and the story dragged on unnecessarily. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating read.
- Laura - 2.5 stars
I had high hopes for "Could this be magic," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The characters were uninteresting and lacked depth, and the romance felt forced and unrealistic. Additionally, the plot had potential but was executed poorly. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and wouldn't recommend it to others.