Xanadu Magic Xanadu Magic is a term used to describe the enchanting and mystical nature of Xanadu, an imaginary place of great beauty and tranquility. The concept of Xanadu was popularized by the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge in his famous poem "Kubla Khan." In the poem, Coleridge describes Xanadu as a magical land with "gardens bright with sinuous rills," "caverns measureless to man," and "mighty walls of rock." The idea of Xanadu has captivated the imagination of countless artists and writers throughout history. It represents a utopian realm where the ordinary laws of nature are suspended, and anything is possible. In Xanadu, one can find ancient civilizations, mythical creatures, and magical powers.
Magic
Magic is a song from the 1980 feature film, Xanadu, and its soundtrack album. It was performed by Olivia Newton-John. It also appears in the musical.
In Xanadu, one can find ancient civilizations, mythical creatures, and magical powers. Xanadu Magic is not just about fantasy and escapism; it also serves as a metaphor for the power of imagination and creativity. It reminds us that within our minds, we have the ability to create our own worlds, free from the limitations of reality.
Lyrics [ ]
Come take my hand
You should know me
I've always been in your mind
You know I will be kind
I'll be guiding you
Building your dream has to start now
There's no other road to take
You won't make a mistake
I'll be guiding you
You have to believe we are magic
Nothin' can stand in our way
You have to believe we are magic
Don't let your aim ever stray
And if all your hopes survive
Your destiny will arrive
I'll bring all your dreams alive
For you
I'll bring all your dreams alive
For you
From where I stand, you are home free
The planets align so rare
There's promise in the air
And I'm guiding you
Through every turn I'll be near you
I'll come anytime you call
I'll catch you when you fall
I'll be guiding you
You have to believe we are magic
Nothin' can stand in our way
You have to believe we are magic
Don't let your aim ever stray
And if all your hopes survive
Destiny will arrive
I'll bring all your dreams alive
For you
I'll bring all your dreams alive
For you
You have to believe we are magic
Nothin' can stand in our way
You have to believe we are magic
Don't let your aim ever stray
And if all your hopes survive
Destiny will arrive
I'll bring all your dreams alive
For you
I'll bring all your dreams alive
For you
'Xanadu' - Olivia Newton-John's Underappreciated Bit of Magic
Okay, I have been teasing that I would one day cover the 1980 disco musical Xanadu ever since I wrote my piece about Razzie picks worth watching four years ago. With how busy my life is between two jobs and multiple side projects, it kept getting pushed off over and over again. However, with the recent passing of the film's star, the wonderful Olivia Newton-John, I decided that I just had to hunker down and finally do it, especially since all of the tributes to her only seem to focus on Grease and her pop songs. Xanadu may be a polarizing film that (along with Can't Stop The Music) created the Razzies in the first place, but I can't help but enjoy it.
I would give a spoiler warning before discussing the plot of a movie, but the plot here is paper-thin and not really the point, anyway. The movie is about an artist named Sonny, played by Michael Beck AKA Swan from The Warriors. After a failed attempt to freelance, he returns to his prior job painting album cover replicas, a job he hated. However, that day, a mysterious woman later identified as Kira (Newton-John) keeps popping into his life over and over again, even showing up on an album cover he was tasked to replicate. While searching for Kira, Sonny meets Danny McGuire, played by the dance legend Gene Kelly in his final role. McGuire is a former big band leader from the 40s who, after years in the construction business, decides he wants to open a new music venue. Kira spends the movie trying to help Sonny and Danny realize their dreams together.
Like I said, the plot is razor-thin, but that can be forgiven. This musical is more about spectacle than anything else, and on that level, it succeeds. Stylistically, the musical numbers are the most diverse I had ever seen in a single movie. From the simplicity of Gene and Olivia dancing in a ballroom to a big band meets New Wave mash-up to an animated sequence directed by the legendary Don Bluth, no two numbers are alike. While the staging, camerawork, and editing can be rather messy (Robert Greenwald even won the first Razzie for "Worst Director"), there's still a charm to all of them. Funny enough, even though I can notice things like long takes of just skating in circles and the very clear use of blue-screen (like in the screencap right under the title), I can forgive them due to the imagination and fun cheesiness everywhere. While the execution may be a "C" at best, I definitely give an "A" for effort.
The performances were hit or miss. Gene Kelly, even at his old age, still had the buckets of charisma that he had in his heyday, and seeing him dance never stopped being a joy to watch. By contrast, Michael Beck just didn't feel like he wanted to be in the movie. His complaining to his boss Simpson never felt real nor did his joy around Kira. His performance was just so wooden, well-deserving of the "Worst Actor" Razzie nomination (FYI, he lost to Neil Diamond in The Jazz Singer). Olivia Newton-John, rather appropriately, fell between the two. She had all the charm she was known for, but the writing made her sound a bit flaky. However, whenever she flashed her million-dollar smile and started singing, all was forgiven.
Of course, I can't forget to mention the music. While the movie just failed to break even at the box office, the soundtrack was a massive success. Almost evenly split between Olivia Newton-John and the Electric Light Orchestra, the songs run through just about every feel you can imagine. Olivia's tracks range from warm torch ballads like "Suddenly" (which is #27 on my 100 favorite songs list) to her joyous duet with Gene Kelly for "Whenever You're Away From Me" to her pop smash "Magic". ELO's input added an extra ethereal feel to the movie with "I'm Alive", "The Fall", and the show-stopping title track which Olivia sings. Even separate from the movie, the music is an absolute joy to listen to.
Xanadu is not a movie for everyone. It is as gaudy as the disco era itself. The story is thin enough to be anorexic. Its visuals can be very messy at times. However, the music is always wonderful to hear, and the musical numbers are a sight to behold, for sheer craziness if nothing else. This movie has stuck with me more and more as I got older. Its main theme is following your dreams, something everyone can relate to. Adulthood has often threatened to derail my desire to reach for the stars. There have been plenty of times that I wondered if I should just give up on what I truly want to do. Whenever I get to thinking I should just put my dreams out to pasture, I can just plug in Xanadu (the movie or the soundtrack) and feel my ambition recharge. So, thank you, Olivia, for helping me keep my dreams alive for more than forty years. Rest in peace.
Any other thoughts on this bit of disco joy? Let me know, and take care of yourselves.
Xanadu magic
Written by Olivia Newton-John's longtime producer John Farrar, "Magic" appears on the soundtrack to the movie Xanadu, which she starred in along with Gene Kelly. The song deals with destiny and faith, and its easygoing melody and clear vocals proved much more accessible than the movie. While the film floundered, this song was a huge hit, staying at #1 on the Hot 100 for four weeks and on the Adult Contemporary chart for five weeks during the summer of 1980. The follow-up single, the title song from the film, went to #8 in the US. The next year, Newton-John had her biggest hit with "Physical."
"Magic" became the first word to serve as both the title of a chart-topping hit and the name of an artist behind a leading song after the Canadian band Magic! topped the Hot 100 in July 2014 with "Rude." (Exclamation point excluded).
Remarkably, this is the only song with the word "Magic" in the title to hit #1 on the Hot 100. The two that came closest: "Puff The Magic Dragon" by Peter, Paul and Mary and "Magic Stick" by 50 Cent, which each hit #2.
According to John Farrar, this song took a while to record and about three days to mix.This was performed on the Season 1 finale of Glee, "Journey to Regionals," by a rival group at the Regionals competition. Newton-John appeared as one of the celebrity judges.
Shortly before his death in 1980, John Lennon told Newsweek he enjoyed this song and "All Over The World," a Xanadu track by ELO.
Xanadu Magic encourages us to explore the depths of our imagination, to dream big, and to believe in the impossible. The magic of Xanadu is not limited to its physical setting but extends to the emotions and experiences it evokes. It represents a sense of wonder and awe, a feeling of being transported to a different realm. The beauty and tranquility of Xanadu Magic provide solace and inspiration to those who seek refuge from the chaos of the world. Xanadu Magic has influenced various artistic mediums, including literature, film, music, and visual arts. It has inspired authors to create fantastical worlds, filmmakers to depict mystical landscapes, musicians to compose ethereal melodies, and artists to capture the essence of wonder in their works. Overall, Xanadu Magic represents the power of imagination, the allure of the unknown, and the beauty of otherworldly realms. It serves as a source of inspiration and solace, inviting us to explore the depths of our creativity and believe in the limitless possibilities of our dreams. In a world often devoid of magic, Xanadu offers a refuge, reminding us that enchantment and wonder are within our reach..
Reviews for "The Role of Tarot and Divination in Xanadu Magic"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
The Xanadu magic show was a huge disappointment. The tricks were predictable and lacked any sense of wonder or amazement. The magician seemed unenthusiastic and his performance felt dull and uninspired. The whole show felt like a cheap imitation of other magic shows I have seen before. I expected more from a show that claims to offer a unique and captivating experience. Save your money and skip this one!
2. John - 1 star
I attended the Xanadu magic show with high expectations but left feeling thoroughly disappointed. The tricks were poorly executed, and it was obvious how they were done. The magician's stage presence was lacking, and he failed to engage the audience throughout the show. The overall production quality was subpar, and the set design was unimpressive. I would not recommend wasting your time or money on this lackluster performance.
3. Emma - 2 stars
Xanadu magic show was a letdown. The tricks were nothing we haven't seen before, and the magician seemed to rush through them without giving the audience a chance to fully appreciate the illusions. The pacing was off, and there were several awkward moments where the magician stumbled or had to repeat a trick because it didn't work as planned. The lack of attention to detail was disappointing, and the show felt unpolished and unprofessional. I was expecting to be amazed, but instead, I was left feeling underwhelmed.
4. Mike - 2 stars
Having heard great things about Xanadu magic, I was excited to attend the show. However, it fell short of my expectations. The tricks were mediocre at best, and the presentation lacked charisma and showmanship. The magician seemed disengaged and failed to connect with the audience. The whole experience felt rushed and unpolished, leaving me questioning the show's reputation. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone seeking a truly magical experience.