Magic Moments: The Best of 50s Pop The 1950s was a golden era for popular music, and "Magic Moments: The Best of 50s Pop" captures the essence of this enchanting decade. From iconic crooners to rock 'n' roll pioneers, this collection features some of the most beloved songs and artists of the era. One of the defining characteristics of 50s pop music was the emphasis on innocence and romance. Ballads like "Magic Moments" by Perry Como and "Love Me Tender" by Elvis Presley became anthems for young love, capturing the hearts of listeners across the country. These songs were the soundtrack to unforgettable moments, and they continue to evoke a sense of nostalgia and tenderness. In addition to the romantic ballads, the 50s also saw the rise of rock 'n' roll.
Stonehenge, one of the world's most famous prehistoric monuments and a World Heritage Site, was built on the flat lands of Salisbury Plain in stages starting 5,000 years ago, with the unique stone circle erected in the late Neolithic period about 2,500 B.C. Some of the stones, the so-called bluestones, are known to have come from the Preseli Hills in southwest Wales, nearly 150 miles (240 kilometers) away, but the origins of others remain a mystery.
Stonehenge, one of the world s most famous prehistoric monuments and a World Heritage Site, was built on the flat lands of Salisbury Plain in stages starting 5,000 years ago, with the unique stone circle erected in the late Neolithic period about 2,500 B. The Solstice also occurs at differing local times, so depending on where you live, it may fall the day before or after the date listed on any given calendar.
In addition to the romantic ballads, the 50s also saw the rise of rock 'n' roll. Artists like Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard brought a new energy and rhythm to the pop music scene. Hits like "Peggy Sue," "Johnny B.
The Wiccan Calendar: Litha (Summer Solstice)
When is Litha: June 20-22
Litha pronunciation: LEE-tha
Themes: abundance, growth, masculine energy, love, magic
Also known as: Midsummer, Midsummer’s Eve, Gathering Day, St. John’s Day, St. John’s Eve, Summer Solstice, Alban Hefin, Feill-Sheathain
“Litha” is the name given to the Wiccan Sabbat celebrated at the Summer Solstice. This is the longest day and shortest night of the year, marking the pinnacle of the Sun’s power to fuel the growing season. From here on out, the Sun will set a little earlier each night until Yule, and so we recognize and give thanks for its warmth.
Though it’s typically celebrated on June 21st, the exact moment of the Summer Solstice varies from year to year. This is due to a slight misalignment between the Gregorian calendar and the actual rate of the Earth’s rotation around the Sun. The Solstice also occurs at differing local times, so depending on where you live, it may fall the day before or after the date listed on any given calendar. For this reason, a date range of June 20-22 is often cited in sources on the Wheel of the Year.
As the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky, the God is now in his full power, and the Goddess of the Earth is bringing forth the greatest abundance of the year. The crops are reaching their full maturity and the forests are bursting with lush growth. In just a few short weeks, the harvest season will begin, but for now we pause to celebrate the manifestation of what was planted in the early weeks of Spring. The warm sunlight is a welcome contrast to the cold and dark of Winter, and we bask in its comforts. There is a focus on the Element of Fire in honor of the Sun God, but recognition is also given to the Horned God of the forest and its wild animal life.
Ancient pagans celebrated the Solstice with torchlight processions and giant bonfires to ritually strengthen the Sun. Another tradition found among European cultures was centered on the need for balance between the Elements of Fire and Water—large wheels were set on fire and rolled downhill into creeks, rivers or lakes, perhaps as a charm against summertime drought. This is also the traditional time for gathering wild herbs for medicine and magic, as most are fully grown by Midsummer and the power of this particular day will add to their benefits. For this reason, Litha is known as Gathering Day in Wales.
To celebrate this Sabbat, you can decorate your altar with summer flowers, herbs and fruits, and summer colors like yellow, green and blue. This is a traditional time for rites of re-dedication to the God and Goddess, as well as divination related to love and romance. Keep at least one candle lit throughout the day to honor the Sun, and if possible hold your Litha rituals at noon, when the Sun is at its highest point in the sky. Have an outdoor picnic feast to bask in the warmth of the day, and eat fresh fruits and vegetables—ideally from a farmer’s market or harvested from your own garden. This is a good time for magic related to masculine energies and any situation that needs to be “fired up” in your life.
Litha was long known as Midsummer, an older name for the Solstice that emphasizes the actual course of the warmer months in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer was considered to begin around May 1st, when Beltane (or May Day) is celebrated, with June 21st marking the midpoint of the season. The name “Litha” is traced back to an old Anglo-Saxon word for the month of June, and came into use as a Wiccan name for this Sabbat in the second half of the 20th century. However, many Pagans continue to use the more traditional “Midsummer.”
For the thousands making the pilgrimage to Stonehenge, approximately 80 miles (128 kilometers) southwest of London, it is more than looking forward to Elton John at Glastonbury or a few ciders in the sun.
Goode," and "Tutti Frutti" showcased the raw talent and rebellious spirit of these pioneering musicians. The 50s also saw the emergence of girl groups, with acts like The Shirelles and The Chordettes stealing the hearts of audiences with their sweet harmonies and catchy melodies. Songs like "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" and "Mr. Sandman" became instant classics, with their timeless appeal transcending generations. "Magic Moments: The Best of 50s Pop" is a compilation that encapsulates the magic of this unforgettable decade. Whether you're a fan of the heartfelt ballads, the vibrant rock 'n' roll, or the infectious harmonies of the girl groups, this collection has something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and let the music take you on a trip down memory lane to a time when the world was a little simpler and the music was truly magical..
Reviews for "From Icons to Legends: Best Songs from the 50s Pop"
1. Jane Doe - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Magic moments: The best of 50s pop." While the songs themselves are classics and did bring back memories, the quality of the recordings was extremely poor. It almost sounded like they were taken from old vinyl records with scratches and pops. It was really distracting and took away from the enjoyment of the music. I would have expected better sound quality considering it's a compilation of popular songs from the 50s.
2. John Smith - 1 star - I cannot recommend "Magic moments: The best of 50s pop" at all. The selection of songs is quite limited and doesn't really capture the true essence of 50s pop music. Additionally, the album lacks any sort of cohesive flow. The songs jump from one genre to another without any logical progression. It feels like a random mix of songs thrown together without much thought. Overall, it was a disappointing purchase and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic 50s pop experience.
3. Sarah Williams - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Magic moments: The best of 50s pop" but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The sound quality of the recordings is subpar and almost feels muffled. It's a shame because these songs are true classics and deserve to be heard in their best possible form. Additionally, the packaging of the album is quite lackluster. It feels cheap and doesn't do justice to the iconic era of 50s pop music. I would recommend looking for a different compilation album that offers better sound quality and presentation.