"Brand New Flava In Your Ear"

Here is a few new songs...Take it, it's a gift!

1) Jay-z - D.O.A. (Death of the Autotune)

Finally, someone said it! As Hov himself says in the song, bring back real music and real rap. I'm tired of all these artists using autotune to pretend as if they can sing. For some people it works, such as T-pain (because he can really sing!), but that does not mean that every single artist needs to use it, especially rappers. Go back to rapping and stop singing (or trying to sing)! I digress, the song, the music, the lyrics are perfect, Jay. Keep doing your thing! Nanananananana, hey hey, hey, goodbye!



2) The Alchemist feat. Twista and Maxwell - Smile

Speaking of great rappers... Alchemist and Twista are showing us what creative and original Hip-Hop should be. Also, having Maxwell on the record is definitely a plus. One problem, though, the people in the video who are smiling are a bit awkward. Just saying.



3) Black Eyed Peas - I Got A Feeling

The Black Eyed Peas second single is much better than "Boom Boom Pow." A different sound for the Black Eyed Peas, but the laidback summer feel sounds good. It is a great song to start or end the season, and for graduation parties.



4) Ciara feat Missy Elliot - Work

Once again, referencing "Boom Boom Pow," this is a good party dance song, but that's all it is. I miss the old Ciara, her style and vibe were better. Now she is trying to look like Beyonce (doesn't she look like the "Diva" video). Ciara's voice is not that strong, so a song like this does not flatter her much.



5) Green Day- 21 Guns

Green Day is not my favorite band, but they do have their moments. So far, 21th Century Breakdown has some great songs! Billy's voice does sounds a little weird, but it still works. I love the message of this song because of its message of making love not war and that it sounds like a punk ballad. It is great how Green Day can go from a revolutinary song, like "Know Your Enemy" to a romantic song like this.



6) Linkin Park - New Divide

Linkin Park proving again why they are great. Thier songs are epic! Just as epic as the Transformer's movie, it is as if they were meant to be.



7) The Fallen - Bury Me Alive

The musicians who used to be in Evanescence are now part of a new group called The Fallen with none other than American Idol star -- Carly Smithson. Carly eerily sounds and looks like Amy Lee. I do not know if that will be a good thing (as in bringing Evanescence fans to her side) or a bad thing (splitting the fans of both group, so that they both make less money or that some people think Carly is a copycat). Anyways, the song is cool, but I think Carly needs to do something to separate herself from Amy, which I know she can do.

My Thoughts On Michael Jackson

I just felt as if I should reflect on his life as an artist and a person...

As an artist and entertainer, Michael Jackson was on the top and no one can top him. In his lifetime, he sold over 750 million records, had dozens of hits and has influenced almost every single artist who came after him from Beyonce to Fall Out Boy. Yes, I thought he was weird, but most geniuses are eccentric. Yes, I thought his behavior was bizarre and was wondering why the hell he was doing that to his face. But, I thought that was a cry for help because he felt so alone. It is lonely at the top, especially when you receive fame and wealth at such a young age. Also, since he had such as boy-like nature, he was a bit naive, which got him into legal trouble a lot and he did not trust the right people. However, I never thought he was a bad person. I felt he had very good intentions and was a very good person, just he did not have the support system around him to keep him well. People wanted his money, some of those who worked for him and the media circus around him that wanted to bring him down. They tried to put anything negative on him to distract us from the fact that he was a great artist, entertainer and humanitarian. Still his true fans knew the truth. I know he had his demons and I am not saying he was perfect, but he was a victim of everything that surrounded him. In the end, all the trouble he went through weakened him. I have and always will love him! RIP Michael.

A lifelong fan,

Reese

King of Pop Tribute

I have some sad news to announce...The King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson, unexpectedly died today at the age of 50. Let's us remember him for all the beautiful music that he brought to us. He was a true artist. As a tribute for the legend, here is a list of some of his best songs. R.I.P. Michael.

Jackson 5 - ABC



I'll Be There



Ben



I Want You Back



Who's Loving You



Can You Feel It



Dancing Machine



MJ - Billie Jean



Beat It



Smooth Criminal



Don't Stop Till You Get Enough



Rock With You



Off the Wall



Heal the World



Human Nature



Scream w/ sister Janet



Thriller



And finally... his famous moonwalk



You'll Be Missed, Mike!

"We Are Family..."

Since both mother's day and father's day have passed, it is time to celebrate the family and what is a better way to celebrate but with family groups and bands! There is no bond like a family bond, especially in music. Enjoy!

Sister Sledge - We are Family



Pointer Sisters - I'm So Excited



Jackson 5 - ABC/I Want You Back





Shangri-Las - Leader of the Pack (originally two sets of sisters)



K-ci & JoJo - All My Life



Oasis - Wonderwall



Everly Brothers - All I Have to Do Is Dream



The Carpenters - Close to You



Bee Gees - Stayin' Alive/How Deep Is Your Love





Isley Brothers - Shout/It's Your Thing





Jonas Brothers - Lovebug/ Sorry





Kings of Leon - Use Somebody/ Notion





The Coors - Breathless



Emotions - Best of My Love



Hanson - Penny and Me



The Knux

"Covers, Samples, Reworks and Answer Songs"

In honor of the rainy weather that we have been having in June in New York City, this C.R.S.A. edition will feature "I Can't Stand the Rain."

I Can't Stand the Rain

Written and first recorded by Ann Peebles in 1973, it became her biggest hit reaching #6 on R&B charts and #38 on Pop charts. Since then, the sing has been covered by several artists, including a disco version by the group Eruption in 1978 and on Seal's 2008 album Soul. Tina Turner recorded the most famous cover version in 1984 for her album Private Dancer. Missy Elliot's debut single "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" from 1997, samples the song and she also uses the chorus as the chorus for her song.


Ann Peebles



Tina Turner



Missy Elliot - The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)



Official Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_5GXwbzuy0

"Looney Tunes 3"

Here are some videos to sing and laugh along to....


Joe Jonas - Single Ladies Dance

Hilarious but weird at the same time. But Joe looks hot in heels!



Richard Cheese - Baby Got Back

He made "Baby Got Back" sound sophisticated!



Patrick Stump - I Wanna Be Your Lover

Not because he is funny, but because he is so adorable!



Stewey - May None of Them Be Missed (Banned Family Guy Clip)

It is the perfect cartoon revenge and a catchy song!



Steve Martin - King Tut

Steve is one of my favorite comedians and this one of the reasons why.

"Brand New Flava In Your Ear"

Breathe in, breathe out, count to ten and listen to some new music!

1) Beyonce - Ego

Beyonce should just change her name to Sasha Fierce. So far, I have liked the Sasha Fierce character better than Beyonce herself. First "Single Ladies," then "Diva," and now "Ego." Thank you Beyonce for giving the word "ego" a good name because there is nothing wrong with having a little confidence. On the other hand, why is all of her videos in black and white and the video for this song feels like a combination of the videos for "Diva" and "Single Ladies." Boring! She could have at least let the video go to color after a few seconds.

P.S. I do love her hair in this video! It is fierce like a lion!



Broken Hearted Girl

As a said before, the "Beyonce" side is a little dreary. Spice it up a little! I wish she would do a song like "Listen" again. It was strong yet sensitive.



2) Redman/Methodman ft. Saukretes - A-yo

The dynamic duo of Methodman and Redman are back! They have good lyrics, hot beat, and a catchy chorus -- great formula. Old school rappers are bringing Hip-hop back and I am loving it!



3) Wondergirls- Nobody

This Korean group and their song are adorable and they will be touring with the Jonas Brothers! Woohoo!



4) Pussycat Dolls - Hush Hush Hush Hush

The beginning of this song should have been the way the entire song sounded because it was more heartfelt. Having the disco vibe after ruined it for me. It reminds me too much of Danity Kane's "Damaged." Ewww! If it had a slower beat, it would have worked better. However, I do like the "I Will Surive" reference at the end.



5) Bobby Tinsley - What About Bob? (Throwback song - 2008)

I like this guy's laidback singing. He is reminding me of Frankie J and he seems more genuine than other singers out there (probably because he is using his real naturDave Matthews Band, al voice). A beautifully done and relaxing song.



6) Dave Matthews Band - Funny the Way It Is

Doesn't Dave look insane in this video! The lyrics make me feel guilty about being happy while others are suffering. Or maybe he is just saying life is full of ups and downs for everyone, so while we are up, we should help those who are down. Or maybe that this world is just crazy and keeps getting worse. Or maybe ... I should stop thinking. Weird video though, but great, thought-provoking song.



Official Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew8hmVIGKcM

7) Shinedown- Sound of Madness

Shinedown rock! The title definitely describes what the song sounds like, but ironically, the song has a positive message. Scary video, but it has a good ending. Wake up and fight for yourself and others!



8) Kanye West - Paranoid

I am tired of Kanye trying to sing and I wish he would go back to full time. However, at the same time, "Paranoid" is actually cool, mostly due to the haunting video with Rihanna in it and the chorus that Kanye does not sing on. It is very different than the other sing-songy tracks that he put out before and I like it.



9) The Dream ft. Kanye West - Walking On the Moon

The Dream is not that great of an artist and "Walking On the Moon" is ok, but I cannot get any of his songs out of my head, including this one. It is like Akon all over again! He's best when he is collaborating with someone else. Still, once again, Kanye ruins the song by putting himself on it!



Official Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fV39ApuY39k

"It's All Coming Back to Me Now" # 1: Vinyl Records

This is a new feature discussing how nothing is ever really something new and original, but a repacking of something else and how old things become new again!



In our digital age filled with MP3s, MP3 players and downloading music (whether legal or illegal ;) ), one would not expect the 33 1/3s and 45s from your parents and grandparents era to be in style again. But interest for these old vinyl records is coming back around. Some of today's bands like U2, R.E.M., Coldplay and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band have been releasing recent albums on LPs and some indie music stores have placed free MP3 downloads in addition to buying them. Even Amazon now has a vinyl only website. Sales for them have increased 89% since 2007. Wow!

Why are they gaining so much attention during our now infamous downloading music era. Well, a few reasons are:

1) Nostalgia for the old days of music

2) Analog music tends to have a warmer, purer and more authentic sound

3) To be able to use a record player or turntables is cool

4) To look at the album or single cover art

5) Actually enjoying the music more because it took more time to get it and listen to it

6) Easier social experience with LPs

7) Finally, having that tangible feel of a record in your hand (i.e. reassurance that if your computer died, you would not loose all of your music or your CDs will get scratch).

Jason Durham, a producer of vinyl, said himself, "I think it's got to do not only with the sound but the ritual of playing the record, and also just the whole packaging. It's like a gift every time you open it." "You experience the music versus hearing the music," said David MacRunnel. Hopefully vinyl will become the main format of music again and I think I am going to start my collection soon!


Sources: CBS, LA Times

Music Note #7: Artistry vs. Entertainment

Artist: (n) one skilled or versed in learned arts; one who professes and practices an imaginative
art, a person skilled in one of the fine arts.

To Entertain: (v) to keep, hold, or maintain in the mind.
Entertainment: (n) amusement or diversion provided especially by performers; something diverting or engaging.


When you look at Christina Aguilera, do you think of an artist? Now look at Bob Dylan, is he an entertainer? It is the old art versus entertainment debate that has been discussed for decades. Also, it is one of the debates that irks me because it is a useless debate. Music in general requires a balance of both artistry and entertainment. In reality, any type of art is a form of entertainment in its basic nature, whether it be for oneself or for other people. The term "entertainment" is often used in the negative sense to describe music that some feel are not "artsy," usually more pop-oriented artists, and some artists use it to justify why their music is better. Just because an artist is more commercial and popular does not mean that they are just entertainers and not artists.

What sparked my thoughts about this? Last week, I was watching Parallel Paths on BETJ and Rahsaan Paterson said that Christina Aguilera was not an "artist" and that singers need to get to a point when they are not just singers. But I find that to be close-minded (sorry Rahsaan, I still love you). There are different types of art and artistry. Singers are able to take a piece of material and creatively present it in a way that has never been done before or done differently than others. You might be able to write a great song or music piece, but that does not mean that you can perform it well and it works the other way, too. That is why the term "performing arts" exist. For example, an actor does not necessarily create the script in a movie or show, but they are taking what is given to them and performing it in a unique way. Someone said on another blog site that a DJ or a clown is not an artist, but they are because they are taking something and doing it in a creative or original way.

Labeling certain musicians as just entertainers puts a cap on their visibility as an artists. Michael Jackson wrote and produced many of his own songs, but is often seen as a pop entertainer, as well as Mariah Carey, too. Christina Aguilera is mostly known as an entertainer, but she co-wrote "Miss Independent" for Kelly Clarkson and co-wrote some of her songs on her recent albums. Many musicians do not just take what is given to them, they do have some creative input in the music they are recording.

Now as for having that balance of art and entertainment, it is more important than one might think. Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Fela Kuti, James Brown, U2 and other influential artists did not only create songs with serious or significant subject matter, but also create songs that were catchy (e.g. "Get Up, Stand Up" by Bob Marley). Would you listen to those types of songs if they were boring to listen to? Compare it to food, if healthy food taste very bland, I bet none of you would eat it, but if it has flavor, you would (same reason I do not like ricecakes). The songs have to be interesting enough to catch your attention and keep in your mind (definition of "to entertain"). At the same time, just because some artists do not create songs with serious topics does not make them any less of an artist. Louis Jordan in the 40s wrote very comical songs that were silly and goof but he did them in a way that shows his originality.

However, that does not mean all art is great art. Some artists create music that is comparable to the work of a 3rd grader. It doesn't mean that they cannot improve as they get older and wiser, but as for right now, they suck! The again, my views and views of art in itself is completely subjective and what I think is worse and less meaningful music might mean something to somebody else. Moreover, it does not give someone the right to say that something that someone created is not "art" and just "entertainment." In the end, "art" and entertainment are vague words that cannot be specifically defined. So, would everyone stop arguing about it!

The Golden Musicals

On the Town

During the past two weeks, PBS and Turner Classic Movies have shown On the Town,so I decided to put it on here. It is one of my favorite musicals because it is about my city, New York, and has two of my favorite actors/dancers/singers, Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra.

The 1949 MGM movie musical was an adaptation of the 1944 Broadway stage musical. "On the Town" included music from Leonard Bernstein and Roger Edens and lyrics from Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Directed by Stanley Donan and Gene Kelly, the movie stars Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Ann Miller, Betty Garret, Jules Munshin, Vera-Ellen and Alice Pearce. Not only was the musical the first big one for Kelly and Donan as a team, it was also noted for its on location filming in New York City (e.g. American Museum of Natural History, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Rockefeller Center).

Here are some of the performances from the film:

New York, New York



Prehistoric Man



When You Walk Down Main Street with Me (ignore spanish parts)



You're Awful



A Day in New York Ballet (Gene has a nice butt!)



You Can Count on Me



(Not Included: "Come Up to My Place" and "On the Town")

"Brand New Flava In Your Ear"

Delivering a truckload of new music to you:

1) The Fray - Never Say Never

Again, why do musicians keep releasing a weak first single. After I heard "You Found Me," I thought it was okay, but I felt it was sentimental just to be sentimental. It did not have the same strong feeling as "How to Save a Life." Now the Fray has released "Never Say Never," and the song is both meaningful and powerful, the latter was a quality that the first single did not have. "Never Say Never" is reminiscent of the "epic-sounding" Aerosmith's "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" and should be a bigger hit than it is now.



Official Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6iSaIs5WCk

2) Mandy Moore - Any of the Day of the Week

Mandy Moore is back and has gone country. It is very catchy and I can imagine myself line-dancing to it. However, the video is kind of stupid. Most of the video she is just standing there with a mean look on her face staring at martial artists and then at the end kicks one of them in the balls. At least that part was hilarious!



Official Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4YfMrZ_-UY

3) Cage the Elephant - Ain't No Rest for the Wicked

Velvet Underground meets The Raconteurs -- great lyrics, great music, great video, the end! (I was suppose to put this video up earlier, but I kept forgetting. Sorry!)



Official Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5kbBxv9XPo

4) Elliot Yamin - Fight for Love

Elliot Yamin's voice is beautiful but it is way better than his songs. Don't get me wrong, his songs are good, but they are a bit mawkish (look it up!) in their delivery, especially for his voice.



5) 311 - Hey You

Just as their album suggests, this song is uplifting. Definitely a summer anthem! Plus, the guy with the advertising board is cool!



6) Diane Birch - Nothing But a Miracle

Diane Birch's voice is amazing and soulful; she reminds me of Joni Mitchell and Carol King. Listen to "So Far Away" by Carol King and you will understand.



7) Taking Back Sunday - Sink Into Me

Taking Back Sunday is just pure fun! Adam and his voice are on fire!



8) Jordin Sparks - Battlefield

For some reason, the live version of this song that I heard on American Idol was better. Maybe because she had more attitude singing it and I could actually hear the background singers, which made it stronger. The beginning of the recorded version is weaker and I expected the video to be darker and a bit creepier. But I guess Jordin too much of a good girl to portray that image. Oh well. In the end, it is a great song, mainly because Ryan from One Republic co-wrote it.



9) Billy Boy on Poison - On My Way

First of all, the video was directed by Kiefer Sutherland. How cool is that! Bringing 60s pychadelic and 70s glam rock sound to today, this group is one of my new favorite bands!



10) Mos Def - Casa Bey

One of my favorite rappers of all time, Mos Def, is back with a new album. He is who I call a true rapper and he never fails to deliver with the ill beats and lyrics. Not only that, but he is also showing his singing voice. "Don't stop his go!" I just don't want to be that close to his face as shown in his video; can you please zoom out a bit! He's still cute though.



11) Kristina Debarge - Goodbye

Debarge's daughter definitely has her father, Jame's, talent. However, again her voice is better than the song. Still, it is pretty good for her first song and a good summer dance song.



12) Jonas Brothers - Fly With Me

Once again, I know a lot you do not like them, so I will keep it short. It is a beautiful song, especially Nick's piano playing at the beginning. Two songs I like already off their new album. This might be a good one!



13) Kings of Leon - Notion

Third song to prove why Kings of Leon rock! At times it does take a few listens to get use to their songs, but once you do, you cannot deny that they are one of the best bands out there right now. Caleb voice is gritty and it is just the way I like it! No one can sing this song better than him.



14) The Knux - Fire

Another song that I have been meaning to put on here earlier, but kept forgetting (so many songs, so little time). If you think Hip-hop is dead, then just listen to this and you will be proven wrong. Smart rapper who actually say something and so not just rely on the beat still exist. Nerdy rappers 4 life!



Official Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAq833AyIBA

"Say It Again" Musician Quote of the Day

Demi Lovato said something quite profound and courageous today:



“This business is so corrupt with a bunch of puppets being told what to do. I’m gonna be me. Love me or hate me, I don’t care.”

So true! Go, girl!

"Covers, Samples, Reworks and Answer Songs"

Grandma's Hands by Bill Withers

Bill Withers recorded "Grandma's Hands" in 1971 about his own grandmother who recently died. It appeared on his debut album, Just As I Am, peaked at 42 on the Billboard charts. Since then, the song has been covered by several artists, such as Al Jarreau, Barbara Streisand, Simply Red, Livingston Taylor, The Staple Singers, Gladys Knight, Will Downing, Jeff Lorber, Take 6, Marti Pellow and Ron Kenoly. In 1996, Blackstreet sampled the beginning of his song for their song "No Diggity," which has been the most famous sampling of the song, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.


Bill Withers - Grandma's Hands (Acoustic)



Electric version




Blackstreet ft. Queen Pen and Dr. Dre - No Diggity

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

I know it's been awhile, but here are some artists that you may not have heard about:

1) Jonny Lang

The blues prodigy himself was born in Fargo, North Dakota. As one would infer, there were not many blues singers or bands in Fargo. However, at the age of twelve, Lang (real name: Jon Gordon Langseth, Jr.) began learning to play the guitar and his father took him to see the Bad Medicine Blues Band. Soon after, Jon was taking guitar lessons with the band's guitar player, Ted Larson. Not long after, he joined the band, which was renamed Kid Jonny Lang & The Big Bang. At 15, he independently released his first record, Smokin', and later signed to A&M records. On the label, he released Lie to Me (1997), the Grammy-nominated Wander This World (1998), Long Time Coming (2003) and the Grammy-winning, gospel-influenced Turn Around (2006). His guitar solos and unique bluesy voice has garnered him much attention and he has been able to tour with the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Blues Traveller, Jeff Beck and Sting. Recently, he collaborated with the Jonas Brothers on their song "Hey Baby." (I know I had to mention it.)

Lie to Me



634-5789 w/ Eddie Floyd and Wilson Pickett



Red Light



Official Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SMr86leGzY

If We Try



Get What You Give



Give Me Up Again



2) Janelle Monae

The Kansas native originally wanted to pursue a career on Broadway, but fortunately changed her mind because of her belief that music could change the world. After moving to Atlanta, she met Big Boi from Outkast and formed the Wondaland Arts Society. She made two appearances on Outkast's Idlewild, which were the songs "Call the Law" and "In Your Dreams." Monae was set to released her concept album, Metropolis in 2007, but signing with P.Diddy's Bad Boy Record sort of changed her plants to make it into a movie. Still, she received a Grammy-nomination for her song "Many Moons" and is touring with No Doubt. What makes Janelle Monae special is her special mix of R&B, Soul, Funk, Rock and even Tin Pan Alley music (listen to "Cindi"). Janelle is set to release her upcoming albums, Metropolis, Suites II & III, sometime this year.

Many Moons



Metropolis



You



Cloud 9



My Favorite Nothing



Cindi



3) Amanda Diva

When Hip-hop fans think of a female rapper, Lil' Kim and Rah Digga usually come to mind. But this rapper is bringing back the style of the old school female rappers like Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah and Yo-yo. After attending SUNY-Purchase for theatre, Amanda Seales started writing her own spoken word book when a friend suggested it. In 2002, she appeared on Def Poetry Jam reciting her poem "Hot Shit." In 2004, Diva released her mixtape, It's Bigger Than Hip Hop, Vol 1, got a gig on MTV2 and began hosting her own radio show on SIRIUS called Hip Hop Nation Show. Amanda has acomplished even more -- she joined the DJ Drama/Don Cannon/DJ Sense-helmed Aphilliates crew, published a book of poetry, got a degree in African-American studies at Columbia and replaced Natalie Stewart form Floetry. After, she released two albums, Life Experience and Love Experience.

40 Mc's ft. Q-tip



Rebels



Man Woman Boogie w/ Q-tip



Neon



Supa-woman



4) Phoenix

Phoenix is one of the hottest French bands out there right now, alongside Air and Daft Punk, mainly because of their combination of Rock, Funk, Punk and Electronic music. They started with Thomas Mars, Deck D'Arcy, Christian Mazzalai and Laurent Brancowitz in the affluent suburb of Versailles in the late 90s. Laurent Brancowitz joined the group after he was in the short-lived group Darlin' with Daft Punk duo, Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo. Starting as a backing band for the Air's remix song "Kelly Watch the Stars," they released thier first record, United (2000). Since then, Phoenix has recorded Alphebetical (2004), which pushed them into the mainstream, It's Never Been Like That (2006) and Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (2009). "1901," their first single on Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix was released as a free download.

1901



Everything is Everything



Rally



Official Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cE4gc7Pdfys

Consolation Prizes



Official Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9xWBle5s9s

Long Distance Call



Official Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKkkGjnt3-Q

5) Parachute

Have you heard the song "She is Love" on the Nivea commercial? Originally Sparky's Flaw, the Virginia indie band recently graduated from college and are now promoting their first album, Losing Sleep. They have toured with O.A.R., Switchfoot, Duffy, Matt Nathanson and Jon McLaughlin and will tour this summer with 3 Doors Down, Secondhand Serenade and The Script. "Under Control" will be their second single, which I heard on their demo a few months ago.

She is Love



Under Control



All That I Am



New Year



Back Again

"Brand New Flava In Your Ear"

New music coming your way! Watch out:

1) Kelly Clarkson- I Do Not Hook Up

What is it about Kelly Clarkson's songs that make me hate them in the beginning and then a few weeks later, love them. "I Do Not Hook Up" is a fun, rocking song and it has a good message: girls, do not be easy and lower your standards for any guy because you are better than that. The video is actually funny, mainly because Kelly looks like a dork when she is trying to be sexy. Now I cannot get it out of my head!



2) Incubus- Black Heart Inertia

Simply, awesome song and awesome video! Making fun of celebrity egoism has never looked so good (Brandon is cute!)! Plus, the lyrics create a poetic love song, but that is the usual with Incubus. Go, Incubus!



3) Taurus Riley - Start Anew

After I heard "She's Royal," I fell in love with Mr. Riley. With "Start Anew," I love him even more. This song is telling women in abusive relationships to respect themselves and leave their men (although, they are boys) because it is not really love. The reason why Tarrus Riley is so great is that in his song he displays a lot of respect for woman and that always makes a man so much more appealing.



4) U2 - Magnificent

This song brings back the old U2 that I was missing; it is very inspiring and beautiful. U2 proves again why they are still on top and again why "love is magnificent" because it creates music like this.



5) Parachute - She is Love

Several months ago, I came across a group named Sparky's Flaw and heard some of their songs. I thought they were amazing. Then a few weeks ago, I came across a Nivea commercial playing the song "She is Love." Come to find out that the group that was once Sparky's Flaw is now Parachute. Even with the name change, I still think they are great and the song is lovely (haha).
Check them out tomorrow on my "Who's That..." Artists of the Day.



Official Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghhivSh1hSc

6) Jonas Brothers- Paranoid

I know, I know. But I cannot help it, it is the JONAS BROTHERS! So, I'll keep it short. "Paranoid" is not as corny as their previous songs, it is as cathcy as "Burning Up," and both the song and video show that the brothers are growing up. Ok, bye.



7) Nickelback - If Today Was Your Last Day

Once again, Nickelback is one of the few mainstream rock bands to have thought-provoking, inspiring, and positive lyrics. At times they seem a little too sentimental, but they are good for the soul.