Watch and listen below:
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
SWV - 'Right Here'
To demonstrate just how pervasive Michael Jackson's musical influence was, here is one fine example. 'Right Here' by Sisters With Voices (SWV) blatantly implemented MJ's 'Human Nature' as its backing melody in the early nineties. To say the least, it worked quite nicely.
Watch and listen below:
Watch and listen below:
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Michael Jackson - 'Stranger in Moscow'
It has been impossible this weekend to avoid discussing the untimely death of Michael Jackson. As the tributes begin and the music elites speak out, it will be the prescribed course of action to begin identifying which one of his songs are his very best.
Undoubtedly, monster hits such as 'Thriller,' 'Billy Jean,' and 'Bad' will surely rise to the top. Notwithstanding these pop successes, however, it is some of MJ's deeper tracks that hold a special place in the collective music listener's consciousness. One such deep cut is 'Stranger in Moscow,' the King of Pop's captivating ballad from 1995. In the video, dramatic slo-mo shots of baseballs shattering windows, insects fluttering in the wind, and the pitter patter of rain drops show the viewer that whenever we may feel alone there is still music in the world. We sometimes just have to listen hard enough for it.
In sum, 'Stranger in Moscow' is but one example of Jackson's incredible gift to convey the beauty of the world through music. And for that, he will always be remembered.
Undoubtedly, monster hits such as 'Thriller,' 'Billy Jean,' and 'Bad' will surely rise to the top. Notwithstanding these pop successes, however, it is some of MJ's deeper tracks that hold a special place in the collective music listener's consciousness. One such deep cut is 'Stranger in Moscow,' the King of Pop's captivating ballad from 1995. In the video, dramatic slo-mo shots of baseballs shattering windows, insects fluttering in the wind, and the pitter patter of rain drops show the viewer that whenever we may feel alone there is still music in the world. We sometimes just have to listen hard enough for it.
In sum, 'Stranger in Moscow' is but one example of Jackson's incredible gift to convey the beauty of the world through music. And for that, he will always be remembered.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Nickel Eye - 'You and Everyone Else'
Nickel Eye is the side project of Strokes bassist Nikolai Fraiture. Although the new venture retains its root Strokes essence, you can almost feel The Cure creeping through on a few of the tracks.'You and Everyone Else' is a great example of this.
Stream 'You and Everyone Else' below:
You And Everyone Else - Nickel Eye
Sunday, June 07, 2009
The Boxer Rebellion - 'Flashing Red Light Means Go'
A little bit of Verve, a little bit of Radiohead, The Boxer Rebellion creates weighty treks that spiral quite nicely through space and time. Stream a sample of 'Flashing Red Light Means Go' below:
Flashing Red Light Means Go - The Boxer Rebellion
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Phoenix - 'Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix'
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is the latest offering from the French band Phoenix. Rather than writing a full-scale review on this amazing new disc, I think it's much better to listen to it yourself. Below is a sampling of the entire disc. They are in 30-second increments on this site, but if you click on the "play full song" link within the widget, it will take you to the host iMeem page where you can stream all songs in their entirety for free. Some of my favorites are '1901,' 'Lasso' and 'Rome.'
Stream below:
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Behind The Sample: 'Summer in the City'
"Hot town, summer in the city, back of my neck getting dirty and gritty"
Chances are, you've heard those lyrics before. They belong to none other than The Lovin' Spoonful's 1966 hit, "Summer in the City."
The single jumped to #1 on the Billboard charts, and has since gone down in the classic rock history books for its signature keyboard and organ structure.
You probably already know that the single was a big hit and that it's still played regularly on classic rock radio. You may even recall cover versions of the song by BB King and Joe Cocker. What you might not have known is the influence it has had as a sample in popular music.
In 1973, legendary producer/songwriter Quincy Jones did a smooth-jazz interpretation of "Summer in the City," which emphasized the keyboard/organ interplay of the original.
Jones' seminal take on "Summer in the City" was able to cross over into future generations when hip-hop wordsmiths, The Pharcyde, broke onto the rap scene in 1992 with their iconic single, "Passin' Me By."
The song, recounting boyhood crushes and heartbreak, was built on a recognizable sample of "Summer in the City," as well as The Weather Report's "125th Street Congress," and Hendrix's "Are You Experienced?"
Three years later, Jones' cover was the basis for the Nightmares on Wax trip-hop/electronica song, "Nights Introlude," from its 1995 album, Smokers Delight.
In 1998, Massive Attack furthered the sample's use in trip-hop with limited use in the song, "Exchange."
But as if that wasn't already enough evidence of the sample's popularity...
Joe, a popular R&B singer, had a #1 single in 2001 with the remix of his track, "Stutter." The song finds the singer calling out his girlfriend for lying over an affair. Beyond the familiar keyboard loop itself, one recognizably stuttered lyric is, "My dear, my dear, my dear, you do not know me, but I know you very well, now let me tell you that I c-c-c-c-caught you."
Joe - "Stutter (remix, feat. Mystikal)"
Sound familiar? If not, listen again to that last verse of The Pharcyde's, "Passin' Me By."
At one point, The Pharcyde's lyrics speak of a love letter that reads, "My dear, my dear, my dear, you do not know me but I know you very well, now let me tell you about the feelings I have for you..."
Hmm. So, I suppose this would mean that Joe's best hook is based off of The Pharcyde's hook, which is based off of Quincy Jones' hook from his song which covers a classic rock single by The Lovin' Spoonful, who were influenced by the British Invasion movement in the 1960s. Interesting.
It is a test to just how far a good musical idea can reach. A well-written song can recur and be interpreted through generations of new musicians.
Chances are, you've heard those lyrics before. They belong to none other than The Lovin' Spoonful's 1966 hit, "Summer in the City."
The single jumped to #1 on the Billboard charts, and has since gone down in the classic rock history books for its signature keyboard and organ structure.
You probably already know that the single was a big hit and that it's still played regularly on classic rock radio. You may even recall cover versions of the song by BB King and Joe Cocker. What you might not have known is the influence it has had as a sample in popular music.
In 1973, legendary producer/songwriter Quincy Jones did a smooth-jazz interpretation of "Summer in the City," which emphasized the keyboard/organ interplay of the original.
Jones' seminal take on "Summer in the City" was able to cross over into future generations when hip-hop wordsmiths, The Pharcyde, broke onto the rap scene in 1992 with their iconic single, "Passin' Me By."
The song, recounting boyhood crushes and heartbreak, was built on a recognizable sample of "Summer in the City," as well as The Weather Report's "125th Street Congress," and Hendrix's "Are You Experienced?"
Three years later, Jones' cover was the basis for the Nightmares on Wax trip-hop/electronica song, "Nights Introlude," from its 1995 album, Smokers Delight.
In 1998, Massive Attack furthered the sample's use in trip-hop with limited use in the song, "Exchange."
But as if that wasn't already enough evidence of the sample's popularity...
Joe, a popular R&B singer, had a #1 single in 2001 with the remix of his track, "Stutter." The song finds the singer calling out his girlfriend for lying over an affair. Beyond the familiar keyboard loop itself, one recognizably stuttered lyric is, "My dear, my dear, my dear, you do not know me, but I know you very well, now let me tell you that I c-c-c-c-caught you."
Sound familiar? If not, listen again to that last verse of The Pharcyde's, "Passin' Me By."
At one point, The Pharcyde's lyrics speak of a love letter that reads, "My dear, my dear, my dear, you do not know me but I know you very well, now let me tell you about the feelings I have for you..."
Hmm. So, I suppose this would mean that Joe's best hook is based off of The Pharcyde's hook, which is based off of Quincy Jones' hook from his song which covers a classic rock single by The Lovin' Spoonful, who were influenced by the British Invasion movement in the 1960s. Interesting.
It is a test to just how far a good musical idea can reach. A well-written song can recur and be interpreted through generations of new musicians.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Squeeze - 'Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)'
'Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)' was the second single released from Squeeze's Argybargy. Despite both its quirky title and somewhat unorthodox song structure, 'Pulling Mussels' is rather infectious. Indeed, it is a must-have for any New Wave audiophile.Stream 'Pulling Mussels' below:
Pulling Mussels (From The Shell) - Squeeze
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Taking Back Sunday - 'Sink Into Me'
When I first heard 'Sink Into Me' I couldn't believe it was by the very same band that had originally penned 'Cute without the E' only seven years earlier. 'Sink Into Me' sounded muscular, focused, and generally more mature than Taking Back Sunday's earlier work. But I guess that's what they call growing up.
Watch the video to Taking Back Sunday's new single from their forthcoming release, New Again, below:
Watch the video to Taking Back Sunday's new single from their forthcoming release, New Again, below:
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Cash Cash - 'Party in Your Bedroom'
This song speaks for itself. There's a party in your bedroom...all night long. Listen to it. Like it. Love it.
Stream Cash Cash's 'Party in Your Bedroom' below:
Party In Your Bedroom - Cash Cash
Manchester Orchestra - 'I've Got Friends'
If you listen to only the first forty-five seconds of Manchester Orchestra's 'I've Got Friends,' you probably won't feel very intrigued. The innocuous intro sounds all too similar to the other dime-a-dozen, earthy indie bands that currently grace the underground music scene.But 'I've Got Friends' isn't for the music listener with a brief attention span. Beyond the initial dormancy of the introduction, the song quickly splits into multiple layers. It cleverly juxtaposes the softs and louds, and the highs and lows. As the chorus breaks into its pleading scream, it is hard to realize that the gentle song you thought it originally was has so seamlessly morphed into the alluring anthem you find yourself passionately singing along to.
You can stream 'I've Got Friends' below:
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Caught On Tape: Depeche Mode - 'Wrong'
Yesterday, Depeche Mode released its 12th studio album, Sounds Of The Universe. The lead single, 'Wrong,' certainly finds the band returning to the darkness of its signature synthpop sound.
The music video, however, may be disturbing enough to overshadow the single. The viewer is abruptly thrown into the passenger seat of a speeding car - a speeding car which happens to be recklessly driving in reverse down a city street. But where is it going and why?
And who, as the question has been posed, is the one behind the wheel?
*Unfortunately, embedding has been disabled on this video. Please click here to view the original, via YouTube.
The music video, however, may be disturbing enough to overshadow the single. The viewer is abruptly thrown into the passenger seat of a speeding car - a speeding car which happens to be recklessly driving in reverse down a city street. But where is it going and why?
And who, as the question has been posed, is the one behind the wheel?
*Unfortunately, embedding has been disabled on this video. Please click here to view the original, via YouTube.
Monday, April 06, 2009
The Virgins - 'One Week of Danger'
'One Week of Danger' is an easy-going, Strokes-influenced rollick. Oozing with brash attitude and effortless bravado, it would be an understatement to say the song is quite likable.You can stream 'One Week of Danger' below:
One Week Of Danger - The Virgins
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Ben Folds - 'Not the Same'
A few weeks ago I finally attended my first Ben Folds concert. To be sure, Mr. Folds is the consummate live performer, so it was a privilege to finally witness his skills up close. During the concert Folds explained that nearly all of his songs are based off of real life stories he, himself, has experienced.'Not the Same' is no exception. Legend has it this song was written about a guy Folds witnessed going on an acid trip, climbing a tree while hallucinating, and the next day abruptly becoming a devout Christian.
"You took a trip and climbed a tree
At Robert Sledge's party/
And there you stayed 'till morning came
And you were not the same after that."
The song, not only contains a riveting back story, but has a great pop hook as well.
Stream 'Not the Same' below (click on the song title in the widget to access the full track):
Not The Same - Ben Folds
Monday, March 30, 2009
Asher Roth - 'I Love College'
'I Love College' is the slacker rap tune that has been quickly sweeping the nation. With an undeniable proposition as its lyrical theme, 'I Love College' is a fist-pumping anthem for current students, and a nostalgic reminder of great times past for graduates now in the workplace.
You can watch the music video below:
And if you ever get sick of beer pong and late night parties (unlikely, I know), try giving online bingo a try. Although I wouldn't recommend trying online bingo after beer pong or a late night party, you might win a lot of cash and not even know it.
You can watch the music video below:
And if you ever get sick of beer pong and late night parties (unlikely, I know), try giving online bingo a try. Although I wouldn't recommend trying online bingo after beer pong or a late night party, you might win a lot of cash and not even know it.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Artist Spotlight: Marina And The Diamonds
Marina and the Diamonds has been on my "to blog about" list for a couple of months now. The indie-blog circuit is notorious for burning out on bands in less time than that, but the buzz on Marina is still fresh, and still growing.The UK chanteuse's debut single 'Obsessions' was released on Valentine's Day. The song sprouts from a heartfelt, little piano ballad into a full-fledged dance track in only 3.5 minutes.
This single's been in my rotation enough lately that you could likely say I have developed a bit of my own "obsession."
Besides, doesn't she seem rather adorable? Just watch the video below:
Be sure to visit Marina and the Diamonds on MySpace for more great tunes and info.
Friday, March 20, 2009
NIN|JA = More Free Nine Inch Nails
Trent Reznor can't stop giving his music away for free.
His band, Nine Inch Nails, is ready to embark on a nationwide tour with the reunited Jane's Addiction and with Tom Morello's new project, Street Sweeper.
As a taste of things to come, the tour's website is offering NIN|JA - a free sampler EP featuring brand new songs from all three bands.
Tracks are as follows:
1) Jane's Addiction - 'Chip Away'
2) Nine Inch Nails - 'Not So Pretty Now'
3) Street Sweeper - 'Clap For The Killers'
4) Jane's Addiction - 'Whores'
5) Nine Inch Nails - 'Non-Entity'
6) Street Sweeper - 'The Oath'
Click HERE to download the sampler for yourself.
Back in 2008, the prolific Reznor released a four-volume instrumental Nine Inch Nails album, Ghosts I-IV, for just $5. The first disc could be downloaded for free.
Three months later NIN released another full album, The Slip, entirely for free.
A month after that, a tour sampler - Lights in the Sky. It featured songs from supporting acts like Deerhunter and Crystal Castles. That EP was also free.
His band, Nine Inch Nails, is ready to embark on a nationwide tour with the reunited Jane's Addiction and with Tom Morello's new project, Street Sweeper.
As a taste of things to come, the tour's website is offering NIN|JA - a free sampler EP featuring brand new songs from all three bands.
Tracks are as follows:
1) Jane's Addiction - 'Chip Away'
2) Nine Inch Nails - 'Not So Pretty Now'
3) Street Sweeper - 'Clap For The Killers'
4) Jane's Addiction - 'Whores'
5) Nine Inch Nails - 'Non-Entity'
6) Street Sweeper - 'The Oath'
Click HERE to download the sampler for yourself.
Back in 2008, the prolific Reznor released a four-volume instrumental Nine Inch Nails album, Ghosts I-IV, for just $5. The first disc could be downloaded for free.
Three months later NIN released another full album, The Slip, entirely for free.
A month after that, a tour sampler - Lights in the Sky. It featured songs from supporting acts like Deerhunter and Crystal Castles. That EP was also free.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
A.C. Newman - 'The Palace at 4 a.m.'
A.C Newman, of New Pornographers fame, recently released Get Guilty. The album contains several noteworthy cuts, emblematic of the glossy sound N.P. is already known for. One such track is 'The Palace at 4 a.m.' You can stream it below:
The Palace at 4 AM - A.C. Newman
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)