are you watching the inaugural celebration at lincoln memorial (live now on HBO)? archived

eliz

Jan 18, 2009 at 4:42pm

This was one of my favorites:

justmelaura

Jan 18, 2009 at 4:59pm

I've watched it a few times and I usually hate this stuff. Loved Pete Seeger etal, yes some weird groupings but I could dig them.

So, who produced this and when was it set in motion?

nohero

Jan 18, 2009 at 5:04pm

Posted By: elizEr - this is what closed the show

You're right, I stand corrected.

Although I have to disagree with you, about anything that involves Jon Bon Jovi. :wink:

at the risk of being a downer amidst much deserved celebrating, i'm getting this off my chest:
Though there were many moving moments - i just learned that the obama team put gene robinson (the gay bishop who gave the prayer today, and some saw it as a remedy for tuesday's coming rick warren prayer) twenty minutes before the show began, with a full ten minute break between robinson and the show itself which guaranteed that HBO wouldn't air robinson's prayer (there's no way they'd air him if they then had to leave 10 minutes of dead air with literally nothing on but crowds standing around waiting for the 'real' show to start.
This is seriously disappointing.

jersey_boy

Jan 18, 2009 at 5:35pm

Nohero, I thought the pairings were racially interesting. Jon Bon Jovi singing Sam Cooke's song about the Civil Rights movement was one. Gospel accompaniment to John Mellencamp was another, Sheryl Crow doing Marley's "On Love" with Will.I.Am. (and Herbie Hancock) was another.

I'm watching it for the first time as I post, but I see something to the musical pairings that is intentionally bi-racial.

eliz

Jan 18, 2009 at 5:39pm

I know it's cool to dis Bon Jovi and I'm not in a fan in that I don't own any of their music but I have to say that his voice sounded beautiful/soulful and the two of them together sounded great.

nohero

Jan 18, 2009 at 5:42pm

Posted By: jersey_boyNohero, I thought the pairings were racially interesting. Jon Bon Jovi singing Sam Cooke's song about the Civil Rights movement was one.

You're correct, but I still have my Jon Bon Jovi reaction. :wink:

jersey_boy

Jan 18, 2009 at 5:50pm

Me too. At least he has a better haircut.:neutral:

jersey_boy

Jan 18, 2009 at 5:51pm

It's a good day for choirs.

jersey_boy

Jan 18, 2009 at 5:53pm

Stevie Wonder takes the lyrics at "teachers." I gave Mrs. J.B. a high five. (She's a teacher.)

jersey_boy

Jan 18, 2009 at 5:56pm

Does this always happen? I don't remember it from any other inauguration. Also, is it true that this is "unscrambled" for people who don't get HBO? Apparently HBO paid $5 mil. for it. If they aren't airing commercials, and they're giving it away, why?

noo2wood

Jan 18, 2009 at 6:52pm Edited

Posted By: rilokay, intermittently great and laughable.

My sentiments exactly. Bruce was great, but actually had to turn it off after they wasted Mary J. on "Lean on Me" and put Bon Jovi up there. Won't even wait around for U2, and I love U2. I'll DVR it and watch it in parts to see if I can take it. The sheer theatrics of this whole presidency thus far is really way out of hand, and way self-congratulatory. First the Lincoln train tour and then this. All I've got to say is, after throwing FDR and JFK up there, BHO better make a speech that has something of the caliber of "...fear itself" or "ask not..." in there.

bets

Jan 18, 2009 at 7:44pm

Posted By: noo2woodAll I've got to say is, after throwing FDR and JFK up there, BHO better make a speech that has something of the caliber of "...fear itself" or "ask not..." in there.

He is writing his own speech (unheard of in recent presidencies (plural!)). Let's wait to criticize until he has the chance to deliver it, please.

jersey_boy

Jan 19, 2009 at 2:45am

noo2wood, I'd say that BHO has already made some great speeches. I think you miss the point about "throwing FDR and JFK up there," it, I think, was a celebration of the history of the United States, not just Obama. Every president references the big guys, some get added to Mt. Rushmore some don't.

noo2wood

Jan 19, 2009 at 5:55am

Posted By: betsHe is writing his own speech (unheard of in recent presidencies (plural!)). Let's wait to criticize until he has the chance to deliver it, please.

I wasn't criticizing, I feel for the guy because his handlers, by likening him to Lincoln, FDR, JFK and MLK are setting him up for dissapointment. I only wish him the best in his speech and in his presidency.

DottyParker

Jan 20, 2009 at 9:20am Edited

Posted By: noo2wood
Won't even wait around for U2, and I love U2. I'll DVR it and watch it in parts to see if I can take it.

For me the high point of the show was U2. Their music was breathtakingly gorgeous. Be sure you see it.

Did you know (from wiki): Bono is the only person to have been nominated for an Academy Award, Golden Globe, Grammy, and Nobel Peace Prize.