Music Review: “Big Little Lies” Soundtrack

Music Review: “Big Little Lies” Soundtrack

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The smash-hit HBO limited series, “Big Little Lies,” directed by Jean-Marc Valleé and based on the novel of the same name by Liane Moriarty, came to a close on April 2. The seven-episode drama, starring a powerhouse ensemble (Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley, Zoë Kravitz, Alexander Skarsgård, and Adam Scott) tells the story of three mothers of young children and their seemingly perfect lives that begin to unravel. Set in the picturesque, seaside town of Monterey, California, audiences were enthralled, not just from the idyllic scenery from which the story takes place, or even the colossal, looming question of “who murders who?” But rather, what stuck with the audience after the series ended was it’s masterfully curated soundtrack. Music has always been a tool that elevates film and television, but never before has it so skillfully been used to help define a setting, set the tone, and offer insight into the psyche of a story’s characters. From the series’ opening title sequence featuring Michael Kiwanuka’s epic “Cold Little Heart,” to six year-old Chloe’s savant taste in music (seriously, how does a first grader even know of Fleetwood Mac, or comprehend the lyrics to Leon Bridges’ “River?”) music serves as a central thread that unites the characters, provides context to their distinct points-of-view, and – to the tune of Ituana’s cover of “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” – ultimately, solidifies their bond.

 

 

Throwback Thursday: “May the fourth be with you!”

Throwback Thursday: “May the fourth be with you!”

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May the fourth be with you!” On this day in 2011, the first organized celebration of “Star Wars Day” was held in Toronto, Canada. This day was chosen to celebrate the Star Wars franchise, created by George Lucas, because of it’s pun with the Jedi phrase “May the force be with you.” Since the “unofficial” holiday’s founding in 2011, Star Wars fans across the galaxy use this day to show off their Jedi pride by dressing up as their favorite character, going to trivia events, and of course, re-watching all the Star Wars films (but maybe skipping Episode I. Sorry Jar Jar…) The music for the immediately recognizable Star Wars theme song was written by legendary composer John Williams. Find a droid, grab your lightsaber, and listen below.

 

How to update your Pioneer or Onkyo Receiver for Wireless Multiroom Sound

How to update your Pioneer or Onkyo Receiver for Wireless Multiroom Sound

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This past February and March, Onkyo rolled out a new set of firmware updates for select A/V and hi-fi components and systems initializing Blackfire’s FireConnect wireless multi-room audio distribution. (Yay!) So, if you’ve bought – or plan on buying – any FireConnect by Blackfire enabled receiver, this firmware update will allow you to create your dream wireless, multi-room music system. New wireless speakers have been announced by both brands, and these (and other new features) will be supported by FireConnect in the near future.

 

Here are the Onkyo models that can receive the FireConnect firmware update:

PR-RZ5100, TX-RZ3100, TX-RZ1100, TX-RZ810, TX-RZ710, TX-NR656, TX-NR555, HT-S7805, TX-L50, TX-L20D, LS7200, LS5200, R-N855, NS-6170, and NS-6130.

 

And the latest Pioneer firmware update will activate FireConnect on these Pioneer models:

 

We decided to try out the firmware update at the Blackfire Research office in San Francisco and document the process. We used an Onkyo TX-RZ1100 Receiver and overall, the update took less than 10 minutes. Check out the numbered steps and photos below:

20170428-blackfire-research-firmware-updates-steps

 

Onkyo Press Release: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pioneer Press Release: