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Very big news! The Crankamacallit iPad app is in the iTunes store!
An interactive children’s story about building an imaginary vehicle written by Mimi Cross and designed by Polymash, “The Crankamacallit” is filled with stunning animation and surprising sounds.
"Today I will build you a Crankamacallit
With pieces and parts from my carpenter's kit.
With buttons and levers and yes, of course—CRANKS!
With switches and gears and an old baseball mitt."
Part poem, part story, this rhythmic three-dimensional fantasy was animated by Juergen Berkessel and narrated by acclaimed singer songwriter Robert Burke Warren, aka “Uncle Rock”.
Robyn Stratton-Berkessel author of the app EMBRACING CHANGE says, "Polymash's execution of transforming narrative text into interactive moving, sound-filled experiences that spark our imaginations and emotions is the vision that Apple says it has for the iPad device. I am so inspired by what The Crankamacallit shows is possible for children's books in this new form."
Read an interview with Mimi in Chorus & Verse.
"Everything Has Changed For Me." Interview with Mimi Cross by Josh Davidson
It seems that as Mimi Cross enters a new phase in her life, she has found new sources of inspiration. The birth of her son has caused Cross to delve into a new style, while still experimenting with those from which she has drawn in the past.
VERY MOST FAVORITE FAN QUOTE #8
Exquisitly Presented. Normally I shy away from songs that are this bleak in outlook. My life is hard enough without my music depressing the hell out of me. In the case of this song, though, I must make an exception. The lyricism here is too expertly done, too brilliant in its nihilism.That's the best place to start with this song, really. A thorough exploration of the words to this song reveal a songstress that has a firm (if utterly pessimistic) grasp of the dynamics of many modern relationships. The lyrics examine a character completely at odds with her own heart. She loves someone enough to imagine building a life with them but can concede only to the fact that fate will be unkind to the pairing. Still, with reckless abandon, the listener leaves the song quite sure that she will pursue this future anyway. "What does love do," is the catchphrase, and in the case of the character in this song, it makes her give into a man who seems to offer only kind words, soft lips, and the promise of much misery.On the other hand (and taken from a different perspective) this song is an amazing celebration of the hold that love has over each of us. The woman in the song, though sure all sorts of unpleasantnesses are to come, still seems set to rush off and follow her heart over her head. Truly fools rush in, but thus is the nature of love, and that notion is exquisitly presented in this gem of a song.The instrumentation of this song is artful. From its opening bars the soundscape is generally upbeat, though a plantive vibratto guitar and another reverbed slide guitar add just the right touch of dark emotion to tame the pop-ness of the backing track. The drummer shuffles along at just the right pace in an effect that, to me, almost sounds train like. The bass player is no slouch either, providing a solid grouding to the song. Despite the well crafted backing track, the star of the show is a emotional delivery of the clever lyrics. The singer's voice easily convinces the listener of its sincerity. It is both sweet and sultry at the same time. You've done a wonderful job here and I am wholeheartedly impressed. Kentwood, Michigan.
VERY MOST FAVORITE FAN QUOTE #7
I hope this wasn't written from personal experience... There are some powerful emotions at work here. I think it's about the World Trade Center attacks. I take it the line "two clay feet" refers not only to human fragility, but also to the Twin Towers. It's a fine vocalist that can get away with singing such a charged lyric. A song like this could become incredibly hokey and annoying in the wrong hands. This artist carries it off and manages to touch the listener instead of making them recoil in embarassment...I am incredibly touched. It compares favourably with Laurie Andersons' response to the same events. jasonbern from Bern, Switzerland.
VERY MOST FAVORITE FAN QUOTE #6
Gutteral Romantic. Nice Production, great lyrics, great vocals. The beginings of a great song already. Your drummer is good at playing rhythms that contour around the vocal changes, too many drummers don't do that, so, kudo's there. Nice Edge-sounding guitars, good choice of effects and tone...LYRICS!!!! Great lyrics....- zerosaint Brooklyn, New York.
VERY MOST FAVORITE FAN QUOTE #5
Femme fatale. Is the chorus "I slay you?" ... Because if it is, you'd normally have to tell a wicked good joke to slay me. Otherwise, you're just killing me softly with your Goth-esque song. Nice mood. Nice female vocals. And it's been my experience in this forum that--like rock beats scissors--sad beats happy, moody beats poppy in the alternative category. So this should do rather well. And I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I can totally see this is the theme to the next James Bond movie--complete with naked silhouettes of femme fatales and blowy uppy things ... especially helicopter blades, eh? - Univibe Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.
VERY MOST FAVORITE FAN QUOTE #4
P.J. and Cure compilation. Very cool arrangement and choice of sounds. Vocals like P.J Harvey...very powerful and dynamic. Cool groove created by rhythm section....espectially tight base lines...reminded me of Interpol. Guitar has a cool sound...similar to a "Cure" tone. Like layering of vocals towards the end of the song. I was really with you on that song - slickfric Long Branch, New Jersey.
VERY MOST FAVORITE FAN QUOTE #3
PJ Harvey on e? A shivering shimmer of a song. A strong, stretching vocal with a lot of range and a lot of resonance. Like a more melodic Polly Harvey. In fact, the song itself could be described that way. But whereas, increasingly, the PJ Harvey sound is one that's cruising bruised, this always sounds like it's a tale spun by people who see the beauty in the shadows. The guitar textures are the perfect example of this. Rather than scratch or slash behind the voice like the rest, the guitarist weaves a bewitching and subtle backdrop with some sparkling stringwork. I love it. Reviewed by: FrankandNancy from London, United Kingdom.
VERY MOST FAVORITE FAN QUOTE #2
Fever. This is like some all night binge with Blondie and PJ Harvey. Fluid production, attention to very specific sonic details-And that voice, damn-love the lonley guitar lines a la old Mazy Star-deep production-you should go play the CMJ in N.Y-you need to be out there. -TokyoMachine Orlando, Florida
VERY MOST FAVORITE FAN QUOTE #1
About "Pray" the 5th track of Mimi's new cd: A "Jeremy" for the Columbine generation. This song is really sludgy; reminds me of Hole, or the Butthole Surfers. It seems really wierd to have a pretty-sounding, Liz Phair-inspired female singer sing over it. The production is pretty well done, especially as far as the guitars are concerned, except that the lead guitar is too quiet during solos. The drum playing is a bit simplistic, but it matches the two parts (the grungy verse and the atmospheric-melodic chorus) well. The harmonies and levels on the backup vocals are pretty well done too. The lyrics could possibly be the best part; clever and topical. - dangermart, Seattle, Washington.
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