English, baby!

Annie Lennox

Date: May 11 2009

Themes: News

Grammar: Third Conditional

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Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

You know you’ve really made it as a musician once you get to put out a greatest hits album. After five Top 10 albums, Annie Lennox is finally there. Earlier this year, the Scottish singer released The Annie Lennox Collection. The album includes two new songs as well as 12 classic tunes from Lennox’s nearly 20-year career.

Actually, Lennox has been around for even longer than that. Before starting her solo career, she was in the Eurythmics. Their first big hit, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” came out in 1983 and went on to become a hit again when covered by Marilyn Mason.

Beren didn’t think she’d see Annie Lennox release a greatest hits album, but Marni knew all along.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Beren

Marni

Beren: If you’d told me back in the 80s that Annie Lennox would still be around today, I would not have believed you.

Marni: Really? I’m not surprised. I think she had staying power.

Beren: She has been named one of the best singers of all time by VH1 and Rolling Stone…

Marni: Yeah.

Beren: But I definitely think just her solo career…I mean, it just sounds so dated to me. But that could just be a personal preference, ‘cause I think the Eurythmics actually have a lot of staying power, you know?

Marni: Yeah, I can see that. And I think there’s probably a lot of bands that were influenced by the Eurythmics. But I think she does have an incredible voice.

Beren: Isn’t she kind of known for her activism?

Marni: She is, yeah. She and…I think she and Dave Stewart from the Eurythmics donated a lot of money to Greenpeace and Amnesty International. And I know she’s also a spokesperson for the campaign to help Burma.

Beren: Oh, wow. She’s speaking out.

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Discussion

Beren is surprised by how much staying power Annie Lennox has. To her, Lennox’s music sounds a little dated. But she agrees that Lennox has a good voice. Both Beren and Marni like Lennox’s old band, the Eurythmics.

Marni also admires Annie Lennox for her activism. It’s not uncommon for celebrities like Lennox to promote their favorite charities and causes. Some, like Angelina Jolie and Bono, are even able to influence politicians and create change. In 2005, Bono was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize!

Do you think celebrities should speak out about political issues? What cause would you like to be a spokesperson for?

Comments

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eldy

Uzbekistan

I love her though don't know much about her, i love her 'i saved the world' and 'sweet dreams', amazing voice, very talented and now when i know she's a social activist i respect her even more!

Hey_babe

Oman

hello dear

soulaimanjarwa

Syrian Arab Republic

pleas i want learn english can u help me

annieanna

China

i have never sound of her !from the introduction ,i think she is a extraordinaly girl ~~

songminyuan

China

Oh, I can not follow them

songminyuan

China

Oh, I can not follow them

songminyuan

China

Oh, I can not follow them

xiaojunchy

China

Rufita，
I choose your recommended --sweet dream.
Wow.Tks,it’s very classical.

kukuka

Ukraine

I don't beleive in celebrities' good intensions. Do you know what is paved with good intensions?

It's just sort of PR. They need good PR they recall starving children in africa. I think its immoral.

Marcelolic

Brazil

I have no vocation to be a “spokesperson” hehe,so I prefer to be just a listener :D

Marcelolic

Brazil

In some ways yes…Because the celebrities has direct access on the media! And generally,their voices are heard ;)

tamago

Japan

and where is Dave Stewart ?

I often listened to his solo album .

it was quiet good

kukuka

Ukraine

Annie Lennox is just an amazing singer. One of the best of the bestest.

susu afroo

Eritrea

yes ,I think cellebs should speak out for political issues coz they are under the spot ligh and thier opinions would be taken seriously ,And I would like to be a spokesperson for lots of causes like Education and Healthcoz Every one in this planet should have good Health care and better Education for free and world peace.

Mira_Memoir

Egypt

I agree with you Ca_Brazil. You are right, celebrities should help, but sometimes they abuse their celebrity and promote for causes of personal interest to them. So, if they just help the poor and the hungry like you said, that would be really great.