Hey guess what? You have pretty much exhausted my music taste/ collection. So now my blogs are going to be incredibly dull/ under-informed/ written without my usual expert critiques. So, enjoy.
I needed a band to write about, so I scanned through some of my friend's spotify accounts to see what they were listening to. Then, I found Beach House, and they are very soft, mellow, but catchy. They have a real XX and Broken Bell vibe to their music, which I can get into.
Here is some of my favorite tracks that I have found so far:
This band seems so ACL to me, or like they would just fit right in. The vocals kind of a distant- muffled sound to them, which remind me of am artist I posted about a while back, Zola Jesus.
This one reminds me of an 8-bit game, like mario or something, with the real sharp/ high keyboardy notes in the beginning. The vocals sometimes sound a bit off, which alarms me a little, but hey, nobody's perfect.
This one starts off really slowly, but then HOHO, a new vocalist? I love it! I actually like this lady better than the usual lead.
One thing that's super cool about this band is that they do vinyl recording, which I know you are all about.
Here is a link to the full album:
Anywhoo, I really like Beach House, they would be a great band to drift to sleep to, or perhaps to play as a background track for my philosophical shower thinking sessions.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Friday, February 22, 2013
George Watsky
First of all, allow me to introduce you to future husband, George Watsky.
What a dooofy nerdy white guy, right? BUT DAMN, can he rap, and FAST. This was his break-out youtube video that made him a bit famous.
I first discovered George Watsky through Speech & Debate when looking for a poetry pieces to perform, Watsky is a famous slam poet who writes just gorgeous poems that are typically a bit controversial, but they always really sit well with me and make me re-think things. Plus they are always PUN LOADED, which I am a sucker for.
Here's a song featuring Kate Nash, 'Hey Asshole'
The song is pretty goofy, here are some of the lyrics:
Got the power of my will
I don't needa to win a mil
But I'm looking at window sill
Gotta take a bitter pill
Gonna pay for what I did to my head and my heart'll foot the bill
Got a foot in my mouth and because I'm kicking myself I developed a habit of knocking out my front tooth
Looking uncouth
Want to hear the truth
Give it to me straight
151 proof
Telling myself it'll happen when I'm happy but I'm climbing up a ladder that has got no end
Hung up on a rung I'll never make it to the top, I'm looking at the bottom and I must descend
All I want to do is buck this trend
Everybody need a buck to spend
And I'll be working on myself, til I work on someone else, til I get there Ima just pretend
While Watsky is typically a very ironic, witty guy, this song is a bit harder/ touches on depression. His songs/ poems always have a tinge of silliness to them, but they typically touch on more serious stuff too.
Here's a really fun/ silly cover of Kanye and Jay-Z's 'Niggas in Paris'
Here's something that some might not consider music, because it's just him doing slam poetry, but he is definitely speaking in a certain pattern/ rhythm that gives it a musical quality. This also gives a look at what an incredible slam poet/ lyricist he is.
So while Watsky might not exactly be Rock & Roll, I just wanted to share some links to some raps/ poems that I'm passionate about and enjoy.
What a dooofy nerdy white guy, right? BUT DAMN, can he rap, and FAST. This was his break-out youtube video that made him a bit famous.
I first discovered George Watsky through Speech & Debate when looking for a poetry pieces to perform, Watsky is a famous slam poet who writes just gorgeous poems that are typically a bit controversial, but they always really sit well with me and make me re-think things. Plus they are always PUN LOADED, which I am a sucker for.
Here's a song featuring Kate Nash, 'Hey Asshole'
The song is pretty goofy, here are some of the lyrics:
Got the power of my will
I don't needa to win a mil
But I'm looking at window sill
Gotta take a bitter pill
Gonna pay for what I did to my head and my heart'll foot the bill
Got a foot in my mouth and because I'm kicking myself I developed a habit of knocking out my front tooth
Looking uncouth
Want to hear the truth
Give it to me straight
151 proof
Telling myself it'll happen when I'm happy but I'm climbing up a ladder that has got no end
Hung up on a rung I'll never make it to the top, I'm looking at the bottom and I must descend
All I want to do is buck this trend
Everybody need a buck to spend
And I'll be working on myself, til I work on someone else, til I get there Ima just pretend
While Watsky is typically a very ironic, witty guy, this song is a bit harder/ touches on depression. His songs/ poems always have a tinge of silliness to them, but they typically touch on more serious stuff too.
Here's a really fun/ silly cover of Kanye and Jay-Z's 'Niggas in Paris'
Here's something that some might not consider music, because it's just him doing slam poetry, but he is definitely speaking in a certain pattern/ rhythm that gives it a musical quality. This also gives a look at what an incredible slam poet/ lyricist he is.
So while Watsky might not exactly be Rock & Roll, I just wanted to share some links to some raps/ poems that I'm passionate about and enjoy.
Stevie Wonder
I was so excited to hear we would be listening to Stevie Wonder in class. Stevie's music is the perfect blend of funk, jazz, and soul. Is it weird that I have a little bit of a crush on him? He is so cute and always smiling and such a passionate guy. Let's just say, I wouldn't be opposed to him serenading me with 'Isn't she Lovely". Anyways, I have always loved Stevie Wonder, his songs were played for me by my parents allllll the time when I was a tot, so his music makes me a bit nostalgic. I also saw Stevie Wonder live at ACL two years ago, and he was AMAZING. Except for a bit of awkward and aimless wandering at the very end of the concert, I was so stunned at how successfully he could maneuver his way between different instruments and keep so perfectly in time with his band while being blind. He seriously is such an incredible inspiration to all striving musicians or people with disabilities, and I have Stevie Fever.
"Isn't She Lovely"
My dad used to sing this one to me when I was little. It's like a slower funk, and it's very romantic and soothing. The music is also slow on this track that it allows me to focus more on his incredible Voice. There's also a kind of funky-sounding instrument, that I'm 99% sure is a sax (but it's a bit harmonica sounding?), that plays awesome little riffs throughout the song that I love.
"Superstition"
Everyone went APE when he played this song at ACL, and it was insane. This song will always be my favorite, I think it is the most catchy and upbeat of his work. I love that you are given the chance to see him grooving in this video too. He is so passionate, and I love his head bobbing and how he is always smiling so big when he is given a break between lyrics. I also love the fact that, although not demonstrated in this video, he could play almost every instrumental part of this song himself, which is incredible enough for a fully-abled person, let alone someone who is blind.
I think Stevie is a rock & roll legend, and he is easily in my top 10 favorite musicians of all time.
"Isn't She Lovely"
My dad used to sing this one to me when I was little. It's like a slower funk, and it's very romantic and soothing. The music is also slow on this track that it allows me to focus more on his incredible Voice. There's also a kind of funky-sounding instrument, that I'm 99% sure is a sax (but it's a bit harmonica sounding?), that plays awesome little riffs throughout the song that I love.
"Superstition"
Everyone went APE when he played this song at ACL, and it was insane. This song will always be my favorite, I think it is the most catchy and upbeat of his work. I love that you are given the chance to see him grooving in this video too. He is so passionate, and I love his head bobbing and how he is always smiling so big when he is given a break between lyrics. I also love the fact that, although not demonstrated in this video, he could play almost every instrumental part of this song himself, which is incredible enough for a fully-abled person, let alone someone who is blind.
I think Stevie is a rock & roll legend, and he is easily in my top 10 favorite musicians of all time.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Zac Brown Band (Make up Blog for Week 6)
Okay, so up until recently I have been anti-country, not having it. And now, I am the biggest convert ever. The Zac Brown Band...gets me. Oh man, there has never been a band that I have so consistently loved/ thoroughly enjoyed every song they put out. Their music ranges from soft/ a bit melancholy to upbeat and fun, and I feel like they have a song for any mood I could be experiencing.
Here is some of their most somber stuff:
Not that I cry often, but if I needed a sound track, both of those would easily suffice. Anyways, their harmonization is AMAZING, and I am addicted to Zac Brown's voice. I noticed the other day, I also typically like male country singers significantly more than female ones. But that could have to do with the fact that I mentally view all of them as Dolly Parton.
And now, get ready to want to be relaxin' on the beach, because these two songs make me crave a vacation.
Like, what am I doing sitting on the couch/ watching netflix, I want the beach. Anyways, what a transition from their other songs! Completely different moods and sounds!
Anyways, while I have made giant strides in the Country direction, I still have my doubts. So far, I've discovered that I really love about 25% of country, I think 50% is good/ not terrible, and I absolutely hate the other 25%. I heard a song the other day about a man wanting to drink a beer with Jesus and I wanted to claw my radio out of my car.
Zac Brown is coming to Austin on April 21, and I REALLY want to go!!!!
Here is some of their most somber stuff:
Not that I cry often, but if I needed a sound track, both of those would easily suffice. Anyways, their harmonization is AMAZING, and I am addicted to Zac Brown's voice. I noticed the other day, I also typically like male country singers significantly more than female ones. But that could have to do with the fact that I mentally view all of them as Dolly Parton.
And now, get ready to want to be relaxin' on the beach, because these two songs make me crave a vacation.
Like, what am I doing sitting on the couch/ watching netflix, I want the beach. Anyways, what a transition from their other songs! Completely different moods and sounds!
Anyways, while I have made giant strides in the Country direction, I still have my doubts. So far, I've discovered that I really love about 25% of country, I think 50% is good/ not terrible, and I absolutely hate the other 25%. I heard a song the other day about a man wanting to drink a beer with Jesus and I wanted to claw my radio out of my car.
Zac Brown is coming to Austin on April 21, and I REALLY want to go!!!!
Curtis Mayfield (Make up Blog for Week 6)
The father of funk, what a guy. Not only does he make such smooth, catchy, snap-yo-fingas worthy tracks, but he is also a man of infinite feats and astounding accomplishments, such as being the creator of the soundtrack to "Superfly", being a two-time-inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and an enormous influence during the civil rights movements, his music giving hope and comfort to struggling and fighting African Americans.
In spite of my blinding white-ness, I wish this track was constantly playing in the background of my everyday life, like when I walk into a room with a now dramatic entrance, or anytime I do anything impressive or celebration-worthy. The drums in this song are AWESOME, if I could ever learn one instrument it would be the drums, and this song makes me desire the ability to play the drums more than usual. I also love any song that has accompaniment from brass/ wind instruments, and this song is loaded with a lil' symphony.
I love the super whammy-funky guitar in this one, it's almost trippy actually. However, the titles of the song troubles me because I feel like the music is rather upbeat and happy-sounding in contrast to such an ominous title.
Here are some lyrics:
Said he'd see him home
But his hope was a rope
And he should've known
It's hard to understand
That there's love in this man
I'm sure all would agree
That his misery was his
Woman and things
Now Freddie's dead
That's what I said
...well that got heavy and uncomfortable fast. anyways interesting lyrics and music combo.
Anywhoo, I really like Curtis Mayfield's music, and would listen to it on my own time.
In spite of my blinding white-ness, I wish this track was constantly playing in the background of my everyday life, like when I walk into a room with a now dramatic entrance, or anytime I do anything impressive or celebration-worthy. The drums in this song are AWESOME, if I could ever learn one instrument it would be the drums, and this song makes me desire the ability to play the drums more than usual. I also love any song that has accompaniment from brass/ wind instruments, and this song is loaded with a lil' symphony.
I love the super whammy-funky guitar in this one, it's almost trippy actually. However, the titles of the song troubles me because I feel like the music is rather upbeat and happy-sounding in contrast to such an ominous title.
Here are some lyrics:
Said he'd see him home
But his hope was a rope
And he should've known
It's hard to understand
That there's love in this man
I'm sure all would agree
That his misery was his
Woman and things
Now Freddie's dead
That's what I said
...well that got heavy and uncomfortable fast. anyways interesting lyrics and music combo.
Anywhoo, I really like Curtis Mayfield's music, and would listen to it on my own time.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Rizzle Kicks
For Rizzle my nizzle.
Rizzle Kicks is a hip-hop duo from England, consisting of two 20 year old guys. One of the guys lays the tracks while the other sings/ raps over the tune. They're real big in the big Brit right now with over a million copies of their first and only album sold, but they're not quite as big of a deal in the US yet.
The music is real weird mash-up style, ranging from country/ banjo backgrounds to trumpets to kind of mariachi sounding music. But I can dig it, I'm a versatile lady.
Here are my favorite songs:
"Down with the Trumpets"
The music of this song really reminds me of that relatively new Train song, "50 Ways to Say Goodbye". Anyways this track is catchy AF, they both rap a bit in this song and I think they have very distinct/ different voices that I like, perhaps due to their English decent? I don't know I'm just an ignorant American.
"Demolition Man"
The music in the beginning really reminds me of Nick Waterhouse, kind of jazzy-y and brass-y. I also hear a ton of influence from the Gorillaz in their music, which I love love love.
Here are a couple more kick'n songs:
Here's a mix with Ed Sheeran
And "Miss Cigarette"
Rizzle Kicks is a hip-hop duo from England, consisting of two 20 year old guys. One of the guys lays the tracks while the other sings/ raps over the tune. They're real big in the big Brit right now with over a million copies of their first and only album sold, but they're not quite as big of a deal in the US yet.
The music is real weird mash-up style, ranging from country/ banjo backgrounds to trumpets to kind of mariachi sounding music. But I can dig it, I'm a versatile lady.
Here are my favorite songs:
"Down with the Trumpets"
The music of this song really reminds me of that relatively new Train song, "50 Ways to Say Goodbye". Anyways this track is catchy AF, they both rap a bit in this song and I think they have very distinct/ different voices that I like, perhaps due to their English decent? I don't know I'm just an ignorant American.
"Demolition Man"
The music in the beginning really reminds me of Nick Waterhouse, kind of jazzy-y and brass-y. I also hear a ton of influence from the Gorillaz in their music, which I love love love.
Here are a couple more kick'n songs:
Here's a mix with Ed Sheeran
And "Miss Cigarette"
Joni Mitchell
First of all, I did NOT know Joni Mitchell wrote Big Yellow Taxi, the Counting Crows cover of that song is in my top 50 favorite songs of all time. This is AWESOME go Joni!
Anyways, I really like Joni Mitchell, but I get a little tired of listening to her after about 6 songs. I think he has an incredibly unique an all-her-own voice which has such an impressive range, but I often find myself growing weary of her sticking mainly to such a high octave and it unsettles me a lil bit. It also makes my throat hurt just thinking about singing that high.
Here is my favorite song of hers:
I think Joni Mitchell had a big influence on Sarah Barielles, because her music is so reflective of Joni's works.
However, while researching her I found a HELLA lot of tight mixes she has been featured in and other cool works she's done. She has been sampled in a ton of hiphop works, and has had countless covers done of her work.
Like here is a mix with her and Janet Jackson..is this real life?
How awesomely old school was that? Absolutely perfect.
Here, Kanye West sampled Joni's Song "River"
Crazy, right? Joni is e'rywhere. Anyways, love Joni, but I struggle to listen to a whole album of hers at a time.
Friday, February 1, 2013
JT IS BRINGING SEXY BACK AGAIN
It's official: JT is making a comeback from his 4 year music hiatus and is dropping a new album this march called "20/20"....and I could not be more excited. I LOVE JT. That boy can sing, dance, act, and be wonderfully good looking at the same time. Truly mistifying.
However, there's one gray cloud looming over my new album excitement...the one song "Suit and Tie" Justin pre-released off of his new album....kind of tanks.
Have a listen
So lack luster, right? The music is so bland/ repetitive and not even catchy to begin with. Then, Justin sings in like the same tone/ does not do any adventurous or challenging singing in this song. Jay-Z isn't even good in this song. It's just too slow, not catchy, and a flop.
HOWEVER I HAVE NOT LOST HOPE:
Here are some of my all time favorite Justin songs that give me the strength to have faith in his new album:
"LoveStoned" will ALWAYS be my favorite:
Justin is freaky and he knows it...but he's freaky and I like it. Maybe it's stupid but I love that he does the beat-boxing himself in the background, and the hook is so damn catchy. So much love.
Next, of course, is "Cry me a River"
It starts off with some fancy-opera like singing, very classy, then here comes Justin. He does some falsetto and stuff in this song I can get into, and I usually hate falsetto.
"Carry Out", the ultimate metaphor for Women to fast food.
Let's just take a look at some lyric highlights from this song:
Baby, you looking fine
I have you open all night like you I.H.O.P.
I take you home, baby, let you keep me company
You gimme some of you, I give you some of me
You look good, baby, must taste heavenly
I'm pretty sure that you got your own recipe
So pick it up, pick it up, yeah, I like you
I just can't get enough I gotta drive through
How absolutely stupid and ridiculous is that? However, I find it hilariously entertaining. Plus I LOVE me the Timbaland, seriously he and JT are the dream team.
Anyways, very excited, I'll do another JT Post once the new album comes out.
However, there's one gray cloud looming over my new album excitement...the one song "Suit and Tie" Justin pre-released off of his new album....kind of tanks.
Have a listen
So lack luster, right? The music is so bland/ repetitive and not even catchy to begin with. Then, Justin sings in like the same tone/ does not do any adventurous or challenging singing in this song. Jay-Z isn't even good in this song. It's just too slow, not catchy, and a flop.
HOWEVER I HAVE NOT LOST HOPE:
Here are some of my all time favorite Justin songs that give me the strength to have faith in his new album:
"LoveStoned" will ALWAYS be my favorite:
Justin is freaky and he knows it...but he's freaky and I like it. Maybe it's stupid but I love that he does the beat-boxing himself in the background, and the hook is so damn catchy. So much love.
Next, of course, is "Cry me a River"
It starts off with some fancy-opera like singing, very classy, then here comes Justin. He does some falsetto and stuff in this song I can get into, and I usually hate falsetto.
"Carry Out", the ultimate metaphor for Women to fast food.
Let's just take a look at some lyric highlights from this song:
Baby, you looking fine
I have you open all night like you I.H.O.P.
I take you home, baby, let you keep me company
You gimme some of you, I give you some of me
You look good, baby, must taste heavenly
I'm pretty sure that you got your own recipe
So pick it up, pick it up, yeah, I like you
I just can't get enough I gotta drive through
How absolutely stupid and ridiculous is that? However, I find it hilariously entertaining. Plus I LOVE me the Timbaland, seriously he and JT are the dream team.
Anyways, very excited, I'll do another JT Post once the new album comes out.
Parliament/ Funkadelic/ George Clinton/ Whatever
Parliament (and all it's other spin off bands and stuff) is definitely in my top 3 favorite bands we've listened to in class so far this year. They have elements of Hip Hop, Funk, and Techno, all 3 of which are a win for me.
My absolute jam is "Flashlight".
It is so Fresh Prince of Bel Air-esque, it makes me want to put hydraulics in my car and bounce around town while blasting this song. Unfortunately (as I'm sure the entire world is well aware of) I am way to white to successfully pull this off. Anyways I love the weird crazy keyboard the DJ scratching sounds. However, the lyrics make little to no sense/ don't appear to have a deeper meaning:
ow, I lay me down to sleep
Ooh, I just can't find a beat
Flash light (ohh, I will never dance!)
Flash light [x3]
Ha da da dee da hada hada da da
Oh, it's no use!
Flash light
Red light
Neon light
Ooh, stop light
Am I supposed to make something out of that? Who knows? However the funk is so full force in this song that I don't even care.
My other favorite is definitely "Atomic Dog" by George Clinton
First of all can we just acknowledge the beauty of this Music Video. It is so 80's and old MTV and I adore it. It gets a little weird when everyone is dressing up as cats and stuff but whatever. This song used to be in TV and movies alllll the time when I was tot, that "BOW WOW WOW YIPPIE YO YIPPIE YAY" line especially gets me.
Parliament is so old school and crazy weird, and they have a big place in my heart. There are few things I love more than 70/80's funk and Parliament gets me.
My absolute jam is "Flashlight".
It is so Fresh Prince of Bel Air-esque, it makes me want to put hydraulics in my car and bounce around town while blasting this song. Unfortunately (as I'm sure the entire world is well aware of) I am way to white to successfully pull this off. Anyways I love the weird crazy keyboard the DJ scratching sounds. However, the lyrics make little to no sense/ don't appear to have a deeper meaning:
ow, I lay me down to sleep
Ooh, I just can't find a beat
Flash light (ohh, I will never dance!)
Flash light [x3]
Ha da da dee da hada hada da da
Oh, it's no use!
Flash light
Red light
Neon light
Ooh, stop light
Am I supposed to make something out of that? Who knows? However the funk is so full force in this song that I don't even care.
My other favorite is definitely "Atomic Dog" by George Clinton
First of all can we just acknowledge the beauty of this Music Video. It is so 80's and old MTV and I adore it. It gets a little weird when everyone is dressing up as cats and stuff but whatever. This song used to be in TV and movies alllll the time when I was tot, that "BOW WOW WOW YIPPIE YO YIPPIE YAY" line especially gets me.
Parliament is so old school and crazy weird, and they have a big place in my heart. There are few things I love more than 70/80's funk and Parliament gets me.
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