While I have been listening to modern radio, I have also completely raided my parents vinyl collection. It contains some gems, ladies and gentlemen. Hardcore original vinyls of classics. These albums have found me new artists, made me rediscover old favorites, and broaden my tastes. In addition to these vinyl discoveries, I've also fallen in love with some classics that I have on CD that I had never really paid any attention to before.
The Police
My mom has always loved them, and I know all the words to the popular songs. "Roxanne," "Every Breath You Take," "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic," and "Message in a Bottle." It wasn't until I really listened to the album "Synchronicity" that I realized how good they actually are. The rediscovery, I guess you could call it, had something to do with a music video for a little song called "Wrapped Around Your Finger." The Police at their best! The album "Synchronicity" truly is awesome. I've also managed to listen the heck out of "Zenyatta Mondatta," which we also have on vinyl. There it's a tie between "Don't Stand So Close to Me" and "Driven to Tears." While I was freaking out over the quite possibly the best album of all time, I saw another video featuring Mr Matthew Sumner, aka Sting, on TV. This one is "Fortress Around Your Heart." The song is brilliant, seriously check it out.
"Jungleland"
So, I watch a lot of TV. On one of the music channels about a month ago they were showing a Springsteen concert, and I just happened to catch one of the most awe-worthy performances I have ever seen. The Boss and the E Street Band were playing "Jungleland," a performance that was filled with so much emotion that I couldn't look away and my eyes welled up with tears. I have the "Born to Run" album, I just never really listened to this song. This song has like every emotion known to man in it. The piano, the sax solo, the guitar, the lyrics. Goodness gracious, this song is ahh-mazing. The song is beautiful. It's perfect. It's poetic. It's everything. The whole song builds to the end where it's powerful. Clarence Clemons makes the saxophone cool, and his performance on this song kicks butt. Needless to say, "Jungleland" is my favorite song.
"Because the Night"
Written by Bruce Springsteen, made popular by Patti Smith, and performed at the Rock and Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary concert by U2, Springsteen, and Smith. Forgot how brilliant this song was until I watched all of those legends perform it on one stage.
Elvis Costello
Mom loves The Police, Dad is a huge fan of Elvis Costello. The reason why we have genuine Costello vinyls in a box downstairs. I was pretty much set on not liking this guy very much, he had a weird voice. Then I listened to "My Aim is True" about five times in a row. After that it was "Get Happy!!" Too good to stop listening. All of the classics, I can't get over "Watching the Detectives." Over "Alison," "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes," and "I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down." There's something about that reggae beat and those lyrics.
"Songbird"
The last song on the first side of the legendary "Rumours" album. One of the songs that you hear and it's like you just have to stop what you're doing for the duration of the song. Simply put, this is the best Christine McVie song, hands down.
The Doors
I've always heard about the infamous appearance on the Ed Sullivan show, then I watched it. I was hooked. This band is exceptional. "When the Music's Over" is my favorite.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
My Songs of 2011
2011 was the year of Tebow, debt crises, the protester, and a million other things.
Here are my thoughts on the 2011 music scene. AKA-the top songs. I will admit my list is very biased. I'm not so into rap and that stuff. Yes, Adele ruled this year. My favorite song of hers is on the list. It's kind of hard to pick a certain number of songs from just one year. These are simply the songs that I loved this year. It is December, so I'll try to remember everything that I've been into this year. Here they are, in no particular order.
"Your Song"-Ellie Goulding.
This is a song that I have loved for quite some time. The album was released in the US in March, and I bought the whole thing. I still listen to it over and over again. Not to hurt any "Rocket Man"fans out there, but this song is so much better than the original Elton John version.
"For the First Time"-The Script.
A brilliant, brilliant piece of work by a brilliant brilliant band. The Script realeased the album "Science + Faith" that contains this song back in January in the US. Just as song, "For the First Time" triumphs over anything else on the radio. The opening piano chords are heartwrenching. The entire song just makes your heart melt.
"Moves Like Jagger"- Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera
No, this song is not about Mick Jagger's dance moves. How can you go wrong with a song like this. It's a fun song. Plus, the whistling. It's just plain fun to try to whistle along.
"Pumped Up Kicks"-Foster the People.
If Adele was the artist that ruled this year. Foster the People was the band. Everywhere you went, every radio station you listened to this band was playing. More specifically their song "Pumped Up Kicks." A song that got stuck in your head. This song is so bubbly and fun to listen, until you hear the lyrics. Then it's creepy. Other than the slightly disturbing lyrics, the song is excellent. This band came from nowhere and blew up the entire music scene. More whistling, by the way and bum dancing.
"Shake It Out"-Florence + The Machine.
If there was any song this year that I could honestly and wholly relate to, it would be this. This year has not been the easiest, and this song represents what I've been trying to do all year. 'It's hard to dance with a devil on your back.' The screenshot below is a YouTube comment on this song, it's brilliant.
"Marry the Night"- Lady Gaga
Out of all her songs this year and all of her antics, this is the best. Even though "Edge of Glory" was basically all that I listened to in the car during the summer. "Marry the Night" gets me pumped and in a good mood, that's why I like it so much. Whenever I feel like dancing I just put this song on, turn up the stereo, and dance for the entirety of the song. I probably look like a madman but this song is fun.
"Just a Kiss" -Lady Antebellum.
Just have a listen. 'Nuff said.
"The A Team"- Ed Sheeran
This is just one of those songs. The type of songs are so heartfelt and meaningful. It's just a wicked good song. Literally the best artist on the British charts today. I know, I'm a nerd, I know who's on the UK charts. Check out "Lego House" and "You Need Me, I Don't Need You."
"Rivers and Roads"-The Head and The Heart
This is my band of 2011. Absolutely magnificent. Every song off their debut album kicks butt and is amazing. I'm still upset that I wasn't able to see them back in September, I think that was when it was.
Check out "Ghosts" and while you're at it, just buy the whole album.
"Remind Me"- Brad Paisely duet with Carrie Underwood
It's kinda' beautiful. A song about a relationship that's lost it's spark and the song feels like the relationship is rekindling. Plus, there's just chemistry between Brad and Carrie's voices.
"Barton Hollow"- The Civil Wars
How can a list of 2011 be complete without this band? The Civil Wars are amazing. They're so country yet folk. They're nominated for two Grammys this year, and I read that they're the highest charting Indie band on Billboard, so that's pretty cool.
"For What It's Worth"- Stevie Nicks
My favorite artist of pretty much all time releasing a new album? Yes please! This album is awesome, and I love this song. Oh and if you ever get a chance to see her live, do it. It's amazing, and one of the best concerts I've been to. The lyrics that are poetry in every form, the mystery, the romanticism, the legendary music is what makes Stevie Nicks the best. And that voice!! A real singer singing real music.
"I'll Be Home for Christmas"-Michael Buble
He released his Christmas album this year, named "Christmas." It's been number 1 for quite a while now. He sings Christmas music the way it's supposed to be sung-romantically with emotion and a big band swing to it. Mr Buble has done it again. I mean melted my heart. The whole song, the album too, has a feeling of magic to it. Christmas time is magic, it's hopeful, it's fun, that's what he has accomplished with this Christmas album. If you haven't bought already, please go buy it. You won't regret it. Unless you're a Christmas scrooge.
"The Trouble With Girls"-Scotty McCreery
Some girls have Justin Bieber. Other Bruno Mars or Robert Pattinson. Me? Head over heels with Scotty McCreery. Everytime I hear this song, or just his voice, a smile comes to my face. I probably ran up the phone bill voting for him on American Idol and then freaked out when he won. Then on "I Love You This Big" I just like to pretend that he is singing to me. I'm stopping now, because I could go on forever about this boy.
"Someone Like You" -Adele
I honestly don't think a song could be anymore perfect.
So there's the list. An honorable mentions would have to be "Lucky Now" by Ryan Adams simply because I love this artist. And "The Fear" by Ben Howard because it's so different from anything else on the radio. "Helena Beat" too, that's another good Foster the People song. I have Greg James at the BBC Radio 1 to thank for that song. Oh and "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO because it was everywhere and even though I can't stand it, it's hard not to get it stuck in your head.
That's it then. Have a marvelous rest of 2011!
Here are my thoughts on the 2011 music scene. AKA-the top songs. I will admit my list is very biased. I'm not so into rap and that stuff. Yes, Adele ruled this year. My favorite song of hers is on the list. It's kind of hard to pick a certain number of songs from just one year. These are simply the songs that I loved this year. It is December, so I'll try to remember everything that I've been into this year. Here they are, in no particular order.
"Your Song"-Ellie Goulding.
This is a song that I have loved for quite some time. The album was released in the US in March, and I bought the whole thing. I still listen to it over and over again. Not to hurt any "Rocket Man"fans out there, but this song is so much better than the original Elton John version.
"For the First Time"-The Script.
A brilliant, brilliant piece of work by a brilliant brilliant band. The Script realeased the album "Science + Faith" that contains this song back in January in the US. Just as song, "For the First Time" triumphs over anything else on the radio. The opening piano chords are heartwrenching. The entire song just makes your heart melt.
"Moves Like Jagger"- Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera
No, this song is not about Mick Jagger's dance moves. How can you go wrong with a song like this. It's a fun song. Plus, the whistling. It's just plain fun to try to whistle along.
"Pumped Up Kicks"-Foster the People.
If Adele was the artist that ruled this year. Foster the People was the band. Everywhere you went, every radio station you listened to this band was playing. More specifically their song "Pumped Up Kicks." A song that got stuck in your head. This song is so bubbly and fun to listen, until you hear the lyrics. Then it's creepy. Other than the slightly disturbing lyrics, the song is excellent. This band came from nowhere and blew up the entire music scene. More whistling, by the way and bum dancing.
"Shake It Out"-Florence + The Machine.
If there was any song this year that I could honestly and wholly relate to, it would be this. This year has not been the easiest, and this song represents what I've been trying to do all year. 'It's hard to dance with a devil on your back.' The screenshot below is a YouTube comment on this song, it's brilliant.
"Marry the Night"- Lady Gaga
Out of all her songs this year and all of her antics, this is the best. Even though "Edge of Glory" was basically all that I listened to in the car during the summer. "Marry the Night" gets me pumped and in a good mood, that's why I like it so much. Whenever I feel like dancing I just put this song on, turn up the stereo, and dance for the entirety of the song. I probably look like a madman but this song is fun.
"Just a Kiss" -Lady Antebellum.
Just have a listen. 'Nuff said.
"The A Team"- Ed Sheeran
This is just one of those songs. The type of songs are so heartfelt and meaningful. It's just a wicked good song. Literally the best artist on the British charts today. I know, I'm a nerd, I know who's on the UK charts. Check out "Lego House" and "You Need Me, I Don't Need You."
"Rivers and Roads"-The Head and The Heart
This is my band of 2011. Absolutely magnificent. Every song off their debut album kicks butt and is amazing. I'm still upset that I wasn't able to see them back in September, I think that was when it was.
Check out "Ghosts" and while you're at it, just buy the whole album.
"Remind Me"- Brad Paisely duet with Carrie Underwood
It's kinda' beautiful. A song about a relationship that's lost it's spark and the song feels like the relationship is rekindling. Plus, there's just chemistry between Brad and Carrie's voices.
"Barton Hollow"- The Civil Wars
How can a list of 2011 be complete without this band? The Civil Wars are amazing. They're so country yet folk. They're nominated for two Grammys this year, and I read that they're the highest charting Indie band on Billboard, so that's pretty cool.
"For What It's Worth"- Stevie Nicks
My favorite artist of pretty much all time releasing a new album? Yes please! This album is awesome, and I love this song. Oh and if you ever get a chance to see her live, do it. It's amazing, and one of the best concerts I've been to. The lyrics that are poetry in every form, the mystery, the romanticism, the legendary music is what makes Stevie Nicks the best. And that voice!! A real singer singing real music.
"I'll Be Home for Christmas"-Michael Buble
He released his Christmas album this year, named "Christmas." It's been number 1 for quite a while now. He sings Christmas music the way it's supposed to be sung-romantically with emotion and a big band swing to it. Mr Buble has done it again. I mean melted my heart. The whole song, the album too, has a feeling of magic to it. Christmas time is magic, it's hopeful, it's fun, that's what he has accomplished with this Christmas album. If you haven't bought already, please go buy it. You won't regret it. Unless you're a Christmas scrooge.
"The Trouble With Girls"-Scotty McCreery
Some girls have Justin Bieber. Other Bruno Mars or Robert Pattinson. Me? Head over heels with Scotty McCreery. Everytime I hear this song, or just his voice, a smile comes to my face. I probably ran up the phone bill voting for him on American Idol and then freaked out when he won. Then on "I Love You This Big" I just like to pretend that he is singing to me. I'm stopping now, because I could go on forever about this boy.
"Someone Like You" -Adele
I honestly don't think a song could be anymore perfect.
So there's the list. An honorable mentions would have to be "Lucky Now" by Ryan Adams simply because I love this artist. And "The Fear" by Ben Howard because it's so different from anything else on the radio. "Helena Beat" too, that's another good Foster the People song. I have Greg James at the BBC Radio 1 to thank for that song. Oh and "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO because it was everywhere and even though I can't stand it, it's hard not to get it stuck in your head.
That's it then. Have a marvelous rest of 2011!
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