Pi (π) Day

Today is Pi Day. π is one of the most important mathematical and physical constants, and is the basis of many formulae from mathematics, science, and engineering. It is also an irrational number, which I like the sound of.

Back in the days of school I was not a fan of mathematics. It was always my worst subject, the bane of my homework existence. Algebra and calculus? Why would I ever need to know any of that crap? Of course, as I got older and wiser I began to see the usefulness of math in my everyday life. When I began jacking beats and constructing little songs in the late '90s it became apparent to me how mathematical music is - I mean, it's all about numbers. As a result I have a bit more respect for math, although if I had homework I'd probably still be hating on it.

Pi is also a great movie by Darren Aronofsky that is all about math and how it is everywhere in life. Just don't let it drive you to drill a hole in your head, OK?

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Here are a few of my favorite numerical numbers...

Kate Bush - π (Pi)
Kraftwerk - Numbers
De La Soul - The Magic Number
Princess - Say I'm Your Number One
Steely Dan - Rikki Don't Lose That Number

Funky Friday Funky Pi Day

Duffy - Serious
Diplo - Big Lost
Neon Neon - I Lust U
John Cameron - AfroWaltz
Alan Parker - Frozen Steam
Jamie Lidell - Figured Me Out
Steely Dan - Glamour Profession
Glass Candy - Life After Sundown
Meat Beat Manifesto - Solid Waste
James White & The Blacks - Contort Yourself (Remix)

(Repost of a post Blogger deleted on 1/20/09.)

π


It only took 12 years but it finally happened - Kate Bush released a new album last month, a 2CD set called Aerial. I have always had a bit of a "hit and miss" thing with prog queen Kate, loving some things and not feeling others. Reviews of Aerial have been pretty positive, and the bloggers seem to like it too, so last weekend I took the plunge. It's only been played a couple of times this week, and that is nowhere near enough time to have an accurate review/opinion. That having been said, right away I knew I would like it. One of the first songs to "jump out at me" (does a Kate Bush record ever really "jump"?) is from disc one (subtitled A Sea Of Honey), and is called π (Pi). Yes, infinity has been transformed into a gently undulating pop song, full of burbling beats, a snaky bass line, blippy keys, gently strummed acoustic guitars and Kate actually sings the string of numbers. I get a real kick out of that leftfield approach, and here it's couched in such a beautiful piece of music that it transcends it's artiness. I look forward to getting to know the rest of this record.