Saturday, February 28, 2009

"Rewind"- Jumpin', Jumpin' by Destiny's Child

This new feature will play music and videos from any genre, e.g. Pop standards, Broadway numbers, Soul, Country, etc. Also, it will be from any decade,from the 1900s to the 1990s.

Don't you miss the old days of Destiny's Child? I have not heard this song in a long while and hearing it again just brings back memories!

Friday, February 27, 2009

"And the Grammy Goes To..." Not Bruce Sprinsteen!

During last week's Grammy's, the nominations for Best Song were as follows:

Jai Ho- A.R. Rahman

O Saya- A.R. Rahman

and

Down to Earth- Peter Gabriel

The winner was Jai Ho, which I do agree was the best song out of the three. However, none of the songs were the best movie song of 2008. None of the songs provided that emotional connection that I needed to call it the Best Oscar Song. They were all too mechanical and absolutely were not masterpieces.

What song should have been nominated and won? Bruce Springsteen's "The Wrestler" was obviously the best. It even won a Golden Globe for chrissake! I was insulted for "The Boss" that he did not win let alone be nominated! This song was heartfelt (could not get entirely lost in Rahman's songs because of the drumbeats), inspirational and was not a corny Pixar song (sorry Peter Gabriel, I still love you!).

Listen:

Thursday, February 26, 2009

"Looney Tunes 2"

Here are some singing comedians that you will enjoy!

Stephen Lynch- His songs are so wrong, but so funny!

Grandfather



Special Ed



If I Were Gay



D&D w/ Mark Teich




Rob Paravonian- He makes facts about songs or other music related stuff that you did not notice before noticeable.

Pachelbel Rant



The Friend's Theme and Sugar Ray



Children's Songs



American Idol Loser Song



Flight of the Conchords- Hilarious New Zealand Duo, Jermaine and Bret!

Business Time



Bret, You Got It Going On



She's So Hot/Boom



Ladies of the World



Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros



Song for Sally



I'm Not Crying



Issues



Albi (The Racist Dragon)

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

"Who's That..." Artists of the Day

Time again to find out about some new and old artists!

1) Michael Penn: One of the best indie artists out there! Do you want to know how I found out about him? Well, he is the older brother of one of my favorite actors, Sean Penn! Coming from such a talented acting family, it is kind of weird that he became a musician, but he is a really great singer-songwriter. He is often considered a one-hit wonder with the song "No Myth" from his debut album March from 1989 (won MTV Best New Artist award in 1990). Since then he has released four albums Free-for-All (1992), Resigned (1997) and MP4: Days Since a Lost Time Accident (2000), Mr. Hollywood Jr., 1947 (2005, on his own Mimeograph Records label), which received critical-acclaim, but were not as successful commercially. So far, he has been creating songs and scores for films and TV shows, such as Boogie Nights, Scrubs, I Am Sam, etc. His free-form style of lyric writing mixed with his indie rock pop sound (influences are Bob Dylan, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and David Bowie- all of them I love!) makes him creatively and musically appealing. In fact, he is often compared to Elvis Costello!

Try



No Myth



This and That



Innocent One



Walter Reed



2) Nikka Costa: Do you remember a song named "Like A Feather?" Ever wonder what happened to the singer? Well, the singer, Nikka Costa is still around. The Tokyo-born Spanish singer was surrounded by music since she was little because her father, Don Costa, was a producer, arranger and musician with many artists connections. At five, she worked with Hawaiian singer, Don Ho and at age nine sang with Frank Sinatra at the White House. She started her recording career in 1981 in Italy with "(Out Here) On My Own" (from the musical Fame). It rose to #1 on European charts in September of that year and stayed on the top spots for several weeks. Releasing several albums, such as Nikka Costa, Fairy Tales, and Here I Am, she became big in Europe and South America. However, Nikka did not develop her funk/soul/rock style till later on in her career while listening to a lot of Motown music. Since then, she released Butterfly Rocket (1996; featured "Like a Feather"), Everybody Got Their Something (hit single from title track) and can'tneverdidnothin' in the U.S. Currently, she signed with Stax Records (my favorite Soul label) and released her latest album, Pebble to Pearl in October. Let's get down and funky with Nikka!

Like A Feather



Everybody Got Their Something (played during many



Push and Pull



Get Off My Sunshine



Hope It Feels Good



Nothing



Till I Get to You



3) Mando Diao: The punk/garage band from Sweden has had a following in Sweden, Germany, and Japan and recently spread to Western Europe, most noticeably the UK. Hurricane Bar is the band's breakthrough album. Dating back to 1995 in the group Butler and a different line-up, it was not until 2003 with their first album Bring 'Em In that they were starting to get noticed. Since then the group released four albums, which are Ode to Ochrasy, Never Seen The Light Of Day, Hurricane Bar and their latest in Feburary, Give Me Fire. The latest album debuted in Germany at #1. Their sound mixes Artic Monkeys with the Sex Pistols. It rocks, literally!

Dance With Somebody



Long Before Rock 'N" Roll



God Knows



You Can't Steal My Love



4) Lisa Hannigan: Her voice is eerie, but in a beautiful way! The Irish singer, musician and actress has already worked with two singers I like, Jason Mraz and Damien Rice. She has begun her career with her debut album Sea Sew with the hit, "Lillie."Her influences include a wide rnge from Joni Mitchell to Nina Simone to Janis Joplin to Michael Jackson.

Lillie



Pistachio



Get This Party Started w/ Damien Rice (Great Cover of Pink's song)



Lucky w/ Jason Mraz



9 Crimes w/ Damien Rice

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

"Earworm 4"

You Just Been Rickrolled!!!!

(If you don't know what that means, it refers to the internet phenomenon in which every time someone would click on a website, it would be redirected to Rick Astley's song "Never Gonna Give You Up.")

The other day, I was watching Ellen (the Jonas Brothers were on!) and she played this song. Now it's stuck in my head! What is even funnier is that I laugh when I see the video because I can not believe a white, redhead, nerdy-looking but cute British guy has a voice like that. Oh well, I still like the song.

Monday, February 23, 2009

"Brand New Flava In Your Ear"

Once again, I have some new music coming at ya:

1) Melinda Doolittle- It's Your Love

Remember her from American Idol Season 6? The one she should have won, but foolishly got kicked off of (instead, Jordin Sparks won)! Well, after a few years, Melinda is finally releasing her first album, Coming Back to You. Her first single, "It's Your Love," definitely take me back to the days of classic soul in the 60s with the likes of Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner. If Melinda was around then, she would have definitely been a legend because her voice is so powerful and amazing! Plus, her sweet, humble and shy nature when she is not performing is an added bonus and she blows me away even more when she does perform with such confidence! People need to check her out; one of the best out there right now!



2) The Killers- Spaceman

The Killers are back with their second single, "Spaceman," and I love it! It's so catchy; I can't get it out of my head! Not only is it catchy, but it also has great lyrics! I love when an artist can have great lyrics with a great melody. Every song they do just comes out great! Just shows how great the band is!



3) Sam Sparro- Black and Gold

He threw me off guard the first time I saw him in the video and heard his voice. His voice did not match his looks. Still, he sounds pretty good and the songs stuck in my head. If he continues like this, he will be up there with Robin Thicke in my RnB list.



4) The Tings Tings- That's Not My Name

I love the drums and rhythm on this song! Also, I can't stop singing the chorus. The Tings Tings are different than most other bands and that's why I like them!


Saturday, February 21, 2009

Why So Serious?! ... Just Dance!!

Today, we will a list of famous dance songs from the past to now:

Lois Prima- Jump, Jive and Wail



Chubby Checker- The Twist



Jackie Wilson- Baby Workout



The Contours- Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance)



The Capitols- Cool Jerk



Wilson Picket- Land of 1000 Dances



The Isley Brothers- Twist and Shout



The Isley Brothers- Shout



Dee Dee Sharp- Mash Potato Time



Ray Charles- Shake A Tailfeather



Mr. C- Cha Cha Slide



Digital Underground



E.U. - Da Butt



Salt and Pepper- Shake Your Thang



Buju Banton- Bogle Dance



The Soca Boys- Follow the Leader



Byron Lee- Dolla Wine



DJ Webstar- Chicken Noodle Soup



Los Del Rio- Macarena (Just to be funny!)



Lou Bega- Mambo Number 5



Peaches and Herb- Shake Your Groove Thing



Van Mc Coy- Do the Hustle



Carl Douglas- Kung Fu Fighting



Jamiroquai- Just Dance

Friday, February 20, 2009

News: Photo of Rihanna Released




























Someone close to the situation leaked (the person is in trouble now because it was a private investigation) a photo to TMZ of a horribly injured Rihanna. It definitely is not pretty. After seeing this photo I was even more angry at Chris. Hearing about it is one thing, but actually seeing it. Rihanna does not even look like herself. The bruises on her forehead, the swollen lips an nose, the scratches on her face and the black eye makes it so hard to look at. No matter what she did to him before the assault, he should have never did went to that extreme. He really does need help (and I heard he is facing 10 years in prison) because I can not see how you can do that to a person, especially someone you claim you love. The apology that he gave last week will not be enough now to cover his tracks.

This was Brown's statement earlier:

“Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God’s help, to emerging a better person. Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and/or reported in the media is wrong. While I would like to be able to talk about this more, until the legal issues are resolved, this is all I can say except that I have not written any messages or made any posts to Facebook, on blogs or any place else. Those posts or writing under my name are frauds.”

Very generic for such a crime!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

"Brand New Flava In Your Ear"

Time again for some new music! Here we go:

1) My Chemical Romance- Desolation Row

MCR is back with a cover of the famous and really long Bob Dylan song, "Desolation Row" for the Watchmen soundtrack. Some people are saying that their cover ruined the song, but I like this punk version and I love My Chemical Romance. Also, I love Bob Dylan's version and, yes, I am allowed to like both (I'll put both versions to show it). I smell another hit for MCR!



Bob Dylan's version



2) Kelly Clarkson- My Life Would've Sucked Without You

At first, I hated the song, but I guess Kelly changed it somehow because the song has grown on me and now I like it. It's cute and catchy! Plus, don't you just love being in a dysfunctional relationship that just works somehow (Ha, Ha)!



3) Ne-yo- Mad

Again, Ne-yo has created a song and video that makes me cry! First, it was with the song "Do You" and now this one! Ne-yo is a great songwriter and so emotional with his lyrics. No wonder some people think he is gay (Ha, Ha)! He is not, he is just a sensitive gentleman!



Do You



4) Plain White T's- 1,2,3,4

This song is so adorable! I love the lyrics, especially the chorus (I wish I thought of that!). Great Valentine's Day song!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

"Who's That..." Artists of the Day

Well, it's again time to learn about some new artists! Here they are:

1) Gabriella Cilimi: The Australian-born Italian singer is already being compared to Amy Winehouse, Anastacia and Macy Gray. She is continuing in the line of "Blue-eyed Soul" and I am glad because her voice is great!

Sweet About Me



Save the Lies



Sanctuary



2) Noel Gourdin: The Boston native and his soulful voice will take him far. His song "By the River" reminds of Southern Gospel and Soul, which is funny, since he is from New England. I am glad real soul is making a comeback.

By the River


Better Man



One Love



3) Novel: Rapper/singer Novel is definitely breaking the mold. Several labels did not want to deal with him because they did not know what category to put him in (another reason why record labels make me mad). Following in the footsteps of another rapper/singer/producer/songwriter, Lauryn Hill (who he has worked with)and Missy Elliot, he has already worked with several artists, such as Talib Kweli, Joss Stone, India Arie and Lionel Richie. Now it's his time to shine!!

I Am w/ Talib Kweli and Spree Wilson



Lost (remix) w/ Coldplay



Winter Version/ Hard 2 Stay a Float



4) Jay Electroinca: Erykah Badu's baby dady, Jay Electronica, is a producer who is now starting his rap career. He has worked with several rappers, including Nas, who he is somewhat of a protege of. Jay has a unique lyrical and music(samples movie soundtracks for beats)style. One of the best out there right now!

Exhibit A Transformations



I Feel Good



Renaissance Man

Monday, February 16, 2009

Presidential Black Artists

Today is President's Day and this month is Black History Month, so I decided to celebrate the two by creating a list of the top 26 black leaders that has had a major influence in music.

1) Muddy Waters- Blues Legend

If it was not for Muddy Waters, Rock n Roll would probably not exist today. The "Grandfather of Rock n Roll," known for his electric sound, influenced everyone from the Rolling Stones (the group got its name from one of his songs) to Led Zeppelin to the Beatles to Bob Dylan. His influence even spread to other genres, such as Jazz, R n B, folk and country.

Hoochie Coochie Man



I Got My Mojo Working



Rolling Stone



w/ Rolling Stones- I'm a Man



2) Louis Armstrong- Jazz Legend

Mr. Satchmo was not only a great Jazz trumpeter, he was a major influence in the genre with the focus on the idea of solos and the phrasing of sung words. His distinct gravelly voice was easily recognizable and he was able to bend the lyrics and melody to be more expressive. Louis became a major shaper of American popular music as a whole.

What a Wonderful World



When the Saints Go Marching In



Dream a Little Dream



High Society Calypso



3) Ray Charles- R n B/Soul legend

Not only was he a great pianist, singer and songwriter, but he was able to blend many musical styles together, such as Gospel, Country, Pop, Jazz, Blues and Soul, to make a unique sound all his own.

Hit the Road Jack



Georgia on My Mind



I Can't Stop Loving You



4) Ella Fitzgerald- Jazz Legend

The "First Lady of Song" was known for her clear voice, her vocal phrasing of words, "horn-like" voice and as the "Queen of Scat." She also known as the supreme interpreter of the Great American Songbook, including songs written by Cole Porter. Her singing has influenced many Pop and RnB singers, such as Chaka Khan.

A- Tisket, A- Tasket (co-wrote, 1st hit)



I Got A Right to Sing the Blues



w/ Louis Armstrong- Learnin' the Blues




5) Sam Cooke- Soul Legend

The "Father of Soul Music" was able to take what he learned from singing Gospel music to incorporate it into a new style of music, Soul. He was also one of the first black artists to focus on the business side of the music business and owned his own record label and publishing company.

Ain't That Good News



Twistin' the Night Away



w/ Lou Rawls- Bring It On Home to Me



6) Jackie Wilson- RnB/Soul Legend

"Mr. Excitement" was Sam Cooke's idol and also helped to transition RnB into soul music with his extraordinary vocal range. His repertoire included RnB, pop, Doo-wop, Soul and Easy-listening. Moreover, Jackie's stage presence and enrgetic moves influenced many artists later on, such as James Brown and Michael Jackson.

Lonely Teardrops



Higher and Higher



Baby Workout



7) Jimi Hendrix- Rock Legend

Hendrix's guitar playing has influenced many in rock music. His wah-wah pedal and overdriven amplifiers, which produced guitar feedback, has been used in many mainsteam rock bands. Basically, Hendrix's singing-style to guitar has continued with other artists, such as Carlos Santana. (FYI- he was a lefty, like me, so I am happy)

Purple Haze



Foxy Lady



Red House



8) Aretha Franklin- Soul Legend

"The Queen of Soul" is known as one of the greatest singers of all time. Not only is she known for her soul, recordings, but she also has dived into other styles of music, such as Jazz, Rock, RnB, Blues, Pop and Gopsel.

I Say A Little Prayer for You



Respect



Think



9) Billie Holiday- Jazz/Blues Legend

"Lady Day" and her singing style greatly influenced vocal styling of many Jazz and Pop singers. Although she did not have the greatest range, her manipulation of wording and tempo and creation of an intimate and emotional atmosphere in her songs made her an important figure in music.

Strange Fruit



God Bless the Child



Easy Living



10) Duke Ellington- Jazz legend

Duke has an influence in all of American Popular music, not just Jazz. He stands as one of the greatest composers and bandleaders of all time.

It Don't Mean a Thing



w/ Ella Fitzgerald- Take The A Train



C Jam Blues



11) Marvin Gaye- RnB/Soul Legend

The talented singer-songwriter was able to break down obstacles at Motown to become one of its first singer/songwriter/producer triple-threats. He inspired other artists at Motown like Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson.

Let's Get it On



What's Going On



I Heard It Through the Grapevine



12) Tina Turner- RocknRoll/ Soul/ RnB Legend

I call her the "Queen of Rock n Roll Soul." Even though she started out with pop and soul music, her powerful and gritty voice made her perfcet for rock. As one of the worlds most energetic and popular entertainers, and also known for her amazing legs, she is the most successful female rock artists of all time.

Proud Mary



River Deep, mountain High



Simply the Best



13) James Brown- Soul/Funk Legend

Known as "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business," James Brown's vocals, energetic dancing, and funky music has influenced artists, like Michael Jackson, and other music styles, like Hip-hop, Afro-Beat and Go-go music. His involvment in the Civil Right movement also made him someone to honor.

Sex Machine



Please, Please, Please



Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud



14) Michael Jackson- Pop/RnB Legend

Widely known as "The King of Pop," Michael Jackson has influenced a lot of today's music and singers, especially in Pop and RnB music. Starting with his brothers in Jackson 5 to a solo career, his voice and incredible dance moves have been copied by several artists from Chris Brown to Justin Timberlake.

Billie Jean



She's Out of My Life



Jackson 5- ABC



15) Prince- RnB/Rock Legend

Fusing together RnB an rock styles and playing all the instruments on his albums to create his own style, Prince is definitely a music genius. (sorry, not much on youtube of Prince because of his ban of his music videos on the website).

Adore



Do Me Baby



16) Otis Redding- Soul Legend

Redding made Soul music what it is! After Sam Cooke's death, he took the crown, became "The King of Soul" and furthered the style. Also, he has gone on to have an impact on other artists of other music styles, such as The Doors and Steve Perry.

Try a Little Tenderness



Sitting on the Dock of the Bay



These Arms of Mine



17) Chuck Berry- Blues/RocknRoll Legend

A pioneer in the creation of Rock n Roll, Chuck helped to make Blues mainstream and combined it with Country and Western music to make it a unique sound. He was able to put the pieces together to create what we know as rock. Berry's guitar techniques, songwriting subjects and showmanship have impacted every single person in rock music.

Johnny B. Goode



Maybelline



w/ Etta James- Rock n Roll Music



18) Stevie Wonder- RnB Legend

Another musical genius! Stevie Wonder, who was signed to Motown at the age of twelve, can play the piano, synthesizer (which he made popular), harmonica, congas, drums, bongos, organ, talk box, melodica, and clavinet and has had more than thirty top-ten hits. As a sociously-conscious singer-songwriter, Wonder, basically every artist in music today has been influenced by him in some way. He is also one of few artists who songs are so difficult to sing because they are so complex and unpredictable, but they have become standards.

Superstition



w/ Ray Charles- Living for the City



Cherie Amour



19) Little Richard- RnB/RocknRoll Legend

Considered to be a major figure in the transition of RnB to RocknRoll, Little Richard's songs and wild stage presence help to lay the foundation for rock music. He has influenced many Rock, Soul and RnB musicianians. His use of heavily accentuated back-beat, funky saxophone grooves and raspy shouted vocals, moans, screams, and other emotive inflections has been copied over and over. Several artists have stated that they woud not have had a career without Little Richard, including Otis Redding, James Brown, Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix, and Bob Dylan.

Tutti Frutti



Lucille



Long Tall Sally



20) Run-DMC- Hip-hop Legends

Hip-hop is a relatively recent music form and before this group came along it was not taken seriously as real music. Run-DMc helped to make Hip-hop mainstream and also bridge the gap with other genres of music, especially with their collaboration with Aerosmith on "Walk This Way."

w/ Aerosmith- Walk This Way



Mary Mary



Sucker MCs


21) Smokey Robinson- RnB Legend

A promary figure in the Motown scene, Smokey made something of himself as part of the group, the Miracles, and as a songwriter of many classic RnB hits. He has written hits not just for himself and his group, but for many other artists, like the Temptations, the Four Tops, the Marvelettes and Marvin gaye and there has been numerous covers of his songs.

Track of My Tears



You Really Got a Hold On Me



Ooh Baby Baby



22) Fats Domino- RnB/RocknRoll Legend

Mr. "Fat Man" has had a major influence in rock, too. His boogie-woogie piano style and smooth vocal phrasing put a Southern tinge to Rock music. He was the second to Elvis Presley in the number of records sold and had several hits. From him, we have southern RnB, RocknRoll, Piano Blues and Boogie--woogie music.

Ain't That a Shame



BlueBerry Hill



I'm Walkin'



23) Bo Diddley- Blue/RocknRoll Legend

Influential in the transition from Blues to RocknRoll, Bo is often called "The Originator." He introduced the more heavy, hard-edged sound to Rock. Bo is also known for his innovations of the rectangle guitar and the "Bo Diddley beat," which is similar to the hambone or clave beat. Almost all rock musicians have used the Bo Diddley beat in one way or another.

Hey, Bo Diddley



Who Do You Love



You Can't Just a Book By Looking at the Cover



24) Etta James- Blues/RnB Legend

Etta James has influenced singers from Janis Joplin to Beyonce (not in the personality area). She has delved into Blues, Jazz, RnB, Pop, RocknRoll and Gospel. Her sassy and strong-willed personality has made it ok for female singers to be independent and strong in performances.

I'd Rather Go Blind



I Just Want to Make Love to You



Sugar on the Floor



25) Bob Marley- Reggae/World Music Legend

Influential in Reggae, Rocksteady and Ska, Bob Marley was able to spread these Caribbean-styled genres around the world and make them mainstream. Many artists have covered his songs and recognize Marley as an important influence in music. Socially-conscious, Marley also helped to spread his views on uniting the human race and fighting for justice in the world.

One Love



Is This Love



Redemption Song



26) Public Enemy- Hip-hop Legends

After Run-DMC, Public enemy helped to further Hip-hop into the mainstream and helped to make it a force to be reckoned with. Using new scratching and sample techniques, they started a new era in Hip-hop. Their politically-charged lyrics scared middle-class white Americans, but at least it told the truth and pulled the rug from under those who lived in denial about what is really going on in America. Public Enemy allowed us as a Black people and the entire human race to think for themselves and not just take what is given to them.

Fight the Power



Shut 'Em Down



Don't Believe the Hype

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Valentine's Day

Hi, everyone! It is Valentine's Day and I hope all of you are spending time with all your loved ones!!! Well, after the gruesome videos I showed you yesterday for Friday the 13th, it is time to sit back and listen to some of my top 25 favorite love songs! This is for all the hopeless romantics out there, who are either with someone or looking for someone special (including me)! Enjoy!!

1) Prince- Adore (It will be my wedding song! One of his best!)



2) Sam Cooke- Cupid



3) Sam Cooke- Wonderful World



4) Sam Cooke- Nothing Can Change This Love



5) K-Ci and J0Jo- All My Life



6) Eric Clapton- Wonderful Tonight



7) Elton John- Something About the Way You Look Tonight (My second wedding song!)



8) Patti Labelle- If Only You Knew (For all those with secret crushes)



9) Marvin Gaye- Sexual Healing



10) Barry White- Never Never Gonna Give you Up



11) Barry White- Can't Get Enough Of Your Love Babe



12) Etta James- I Just Wanna Make Love To You



13) Rod Stewart- Have I Told You Lately That I Love You



14) Percy Sledge- When A Man Loves A Woman



15) Seal- Kiss From a Rose



16) Aaliyah- One in a Million



17) Al Green- Let's Stay Together



18) Al Green- Tired of Being Alone ("Make-Up" song)



19) Al Green- Sha La La La



20) Al Green- Simply Beautiful (Can't help it, it's Al Green)



21) Willie Nelson- Always on My Mind



22) Shania Twain- You're Still the One



23) Etta James- At Last



24) Natalie and Nat King Cole- Unforgettable



25) Aerosmith- I Don't Want to Miss a Thing