I recently came across this new-ish alternative group called The Neighbourhood and there music isn't half bad. They have a slightly raw-r sound than most alternative bands and they incorporate many different types of sounds into their music which makes their music very interesting. They also include some electronic sounds that I think give their songs a little "texture." But I also generally like songs that have interesting and fast beats. One thing I found interesting is on allmusic.com, they said that the fans of the band would also most likely be fans of modern pop music. To me, that statement is kind of like the cold truth to me. I don't like to think of myself as someone who loves any song as long as it sounds good - in my fake reality, I like to think that I enjoy music because it has merit, great vocals, and is instruementally put together very well. But that statement was like a slap in the face. It's true, I do just like any song that sounds good, regardless if it is by The Beatles or Selena Gomez...
ANYWAYS, I still think this band has great potential to producing some great hits in the near future. Their most popular release is titled "Sweater Weather."
I also really enjoy the song "Female Robbery." The intro of the song is very captivating and really draws in the listener.
Their song, "How," shows more of their electronic side versus their alternative side.
The more I listen to this band, the more I like them. Just in writing this blog about them, I already like them way more. I will definitely be on the watch for their next album.
I thought Echotone was a really interesting movie not only because of the stories and journeys it revealed, but also that it showed what Austin, Texas was like 5 years ago. Movies that are set in your city are always neat to watch, regardless of the topic it covers because throughout the film, you find yourself saying, "I remember that!" or "I've been there." It was also neat to see the view of the city through another person's eyes, such as a fish delivery man. To me, Austin is a loving, welcoming, and weird city, but to Black Joe Lewis, it might have seemed rough and unforgiving. But I find Black Joe Lewis's story quite inspiring. I think I am able to say that he might not have been as fortunate growing up, which led to his job as a fish delivery man. Even though he hated and dreaded his job, he still went every day so that he could attempt to make it in the music industry. And I find that kind of perseverance really inspiring because for someone who came from a fortunate life to make it somewhere isn't that unheard of. But for someone who was less fortunate or got themselves into a really bad place (drugs, gangs, violence, prison) to make it out on top is really fascinating.
I also really enjoyed the band Belaire. I'm not a huge fan of their music, but it isn't bad. What I really enjoy about this band is their sincerity. The fact that the lead singer makes all of their cd case designs and their t-shirts by herself is awesome. And what really made me love them was when she said something like 'I don't want to put our name out there, I want people to come find us.' I think that is so great because for once, they are in it for the music and the art, and not just the money.
I first came across this band a couple years ago when I heard there first, well known song "Midnight City." It has a really catchy, electronic sound that really draws you into the song. It has a very vibrant and exciting sound while the voice of the singer is very low and drawn back. The contrast works really well because it creates a balance in the song. The contrast compliments both the artists and the songs strengths. One thing that really sticks out in the song is the trumpet. I think it was a great addition and brings a factor of "reality" because most of the music is electronic and computer generated.
M83's electronic-alternative vibe captures the ear of many music lovers. They all have incredible voices that really compliment their music. Neither is over powered by the other - they are always in balance, like I explained above. Their songs vary in sound quite a bit. Certain songs sound like they could be from the 90's, while others sound like the could be in the hair metal genre. And there are some that have a more current sound with the use of dubstep-like beats.
Right now, my favorite song of theirs is "Skin of the Night." It is so eerie and the voices of the singers give me chills. When the female begins with the chorus, the male vocalist comes into the background and that sound that they create together, (I'm not sure exactly what it's called, I don't think it's harmony, but it's something) that sound that they create together is magical-sounding. Everything flows so well, it just makes me so happy and giddy whenever I hear the song.
My next favorite song is also off of their Saturdays=Youth album, which was released in 2008 and is currently my favorite album. The song is titled "Couleurs." I just love the mixture of the sounds, it also gives that eerie feeling. I also think it's great how throughout the song, power builds and then recedes and then it builds, and then it recedes - that pattern is very entertaining to me.
I really enjoy the group OutKast. Overall, they are an upbeat group with unique sounds and styles. Again, it was an instance where I thought I didn't know any of the groups songs, but after listening, I recognized many of them. Compared to all of the other hip hop artists present during this time, I prefer OutKast because it's true, their hook lines ARE catchier - they grab and hold my attention throughout the whole song. Plus the beats are memorable and the lyrics are easy to sing to.
During class, the idea was brought up that OutKast doesn't rap in all of their songs. It was then questioned if they were still considered to be alike the rap/hip hop groups that were around at the same time. I think they are the same, even though they don't have rap in all of their songs like "Hey Ya." They are a group that kind of caused for the shift to pop songs. They still have similar qualities like the earlier rap groups in the 90's, but they have evolved with the time and changed the music style.
I really enjoy their song Rosa Parks because it has a really catchy chorus and a great tune. However, I completely understand the reason Rosa Parks sued the group. The song is about "getting down" at the back of the bus, and in a sense is making fun of the famous situation that Rosa Parks, herself, encountered. It is also using her name and attributing it to ideas like drinking and sex. But, it is a catchy song if you don't pay attention to the lyrics.
I also really love the speed and energy of the song B.O.B. It just makes me want to get up and dance. It is so catchy and I think one that works to the advantage of the song is that it is broken up by a chorus with different singers (the choir sounding part). It gives the listener something else to hear and therefore keeps their attention better.
Overall I really enjoyed listening to this group. They are fun and have catchy energetic songs that will always have a place in music.
I'm going to warn you. This is more of a pop-y album, which you may not like/enjoy. But I do sometimes enjoy pop songs. It is on rare occasion and if I do listen to it, the artist is usually super talented and worth listening to. This is the way I feel about Vicci Martinez. Martinez was on The Voice back in 2011, though she did not win. However, she did land a record deal. She had already released multiple albums with other companies before performing on The Voice, but her most recent album is by far her best. She has a very rough/kind of scratchy voice - similar to Adele's. I'm not exactly sure how to describe it, she just has that toughness in it - it's not super clear and clean, it's just, I don't know. Here most popular song is "Come Along," which features Cee-Lo Green.
"Come Along"
Her voice is super strong. With some artists, if they hit high notes and hold them for a long time, you hear their voice begin to weaken. But not with her. She has so much power.
"I Can Love"
"Let Go"
She truly is a fantastic singer/songwriter. Now I can pin-point her voice - it has a very soulful sound, especially on certain songs on her recent album like "Touch That Fire." I can't wait to see what she produces next.
When it comes to knowledge about music, I have very little. I knew a lot of the big names like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, but before this class, I didn't know any of their songs. Or at least I thought I didn't. This was kind of the instance with Radiohead. Before listening the "The Bends," I thought that I knew no Radiohead and it would be a completely foreign group. Well it turned out to be the opposite - I ended up recognizing at least half of the album. Which is going to lead me into a small complaint about the radio. I knew all of these Radiohead songs from the radio. But because I didn't know they were sung by Radiohead, I thought that I was unfamiliar with the band... but I was... kind of subconsciously. And that's why the radio frustrates me. You hear tones of great music (sometimes), but you never know the artists unless you happen to be listening when they announce it or you are extremely well educated with music. That was my rant. Now back to the actual blog.
Once I knew that I had heard many of the Radiohead songs before, I became very excited because it's always exciting to listen to music that you actually know... You're more into it and pay closer attention and you actually enjoy it.
I believe the first song we listened to by Radiohead was "Creep," which I know was off of Pablo Honey. We then listened to "High and Dry" off of The Bends. Then, we compared the songs. Mr. A asked the class which one was an easier listen. Unanimously, we agreed that "Creep" was an easier listen. He then asked which song would've been more preferred during that time or even now. The rest of the class responded with "Creep," while I said "High and Dry." Because I was the only one that responded with "High and Dry," I assume that my opinion was probably incorrect if we still keep it in the context of the question he asked. But if I were to answer the question based on my interests, I would for sure answer with "High and Dry." Sure, it requires more attention to listen to, but it is much more interesting. It's lyrics are much more meaningful and Yorke, I feel, is much more emotionally invested in the song. He also has a fabulous voice that is always wonderful to listen to. It's hard to say if I would've picked "Creep" as my favorite in the 1990's or if I would've stuck with "High and Dry." I know that I get really bored with songs that are the same with little to no variation, but I really don't know.
Some of my favorites off The Bends are "High and Dry" (obviously). I also really enjoyed the music video. Rather than distracting the listener, I thought it helped portray the emotions and messages even better. I also love "Fake Plastic Trees." It's a classic, there is not much to say. I also really enjoy "My Iron Lung," which brings up an interesting point. Thom Yorke and the lead singer of Muse, Matthew Bellamy have similar voices. Their bands also share a similar sound. I love Bellamy's voice, so I guess that's why I love Yorke's voice so much as well.
I know that this song isn't on either of those albums, but we did listen to it. I really like Paranoid Android. Okay that's all.
A new group I recently came across through the hours spent on Spotify is called Hey Champ. They aren't a very well known group. For instance, to find out more information on this group, there was no Wikipedia page or allmusic.com overview. I had to resort to a Wikipedia page in Spanish, which you'd think you could turn the language to English, but no. Once it's in Spanish, you can never go back. But that just proves that Foreign Language in high school HAS A PURPOSE. Continuing with my original motivation for this blog, Hey Champ is an electropop/alternative group that I really like. They have some killer beats, with tones of variety. They remind me a lot of Two Door Cinema Club, which is another one of my favorite bands. However, I wouldn't say that Hey Champ are incredible lyricists, because they aren't. They are repetitive. I feel like the meaning and ideas behind the lyrics are there, they just don't expand well on those topics. But I really enjoy listening to them because I feel like every song is different. Lead singer Saam Hagshenas has a voice that I would say is comparable to the lead singers of Two Door Cinema Club, Phoenix, and Passion Pit, except imagine all of their voices put together. That is what I think of when I hear Hey Champ. One of my favorite songs by the group is probably on of their better known songs called, "Cold Dust Girl."
I think what I like about it so much is the beat and how it kicks off in the very beginning. It is kind of 80s retro. It quickly jumps out of that sound into a more modern jam, but overall I think all of the different sounds, whether they're artificially made or natural all compliment each other really well.
"Cold Dust Girl"
It might me a bad thing to some people, but some of their songs sound like 80's-90's jazzercise music. I don't personally mind it because a large part of the time I spend listening to music is done while I workout or run. And I don't exactly want to be listening to The Beatles "Let it Be" as I am running up a huge hill. It's just not as motivating, if you know what I mean.
Another song I like by them is called "Shake."
which oddly sounds a lot like Two Door Cinema Club's "Something Good Can Work Here."
But, I don't really mind. I am excited to see what Hey Champ puts out next because their last full album was released I think in 2010 and since then, they have only released singles.
My overall opinion of The Fugees is very scattered. To me, they sound like any other rap group. I tend to zone out with hip-hop and rap songs because usually the beat is very consistent and uninteresting. Even with the different rappers singing different parts, that can hold my attention for maybe a few extra seconds, but after that I am lost again. But what really makes me reconsider The Fugees is Lauryn Hill. She is incredible. Her voice is strong and it really stands out against the somewhat dull sound. She really gives the songs life and originality. One example where I think she really outshines the other group members is in "Ready or Not." From the very beginning, she starts off powerful and eerie. But what is great about her power is it comes from the tone of her voice, not the volume of it.
"Killing Me Softly with His Song" is definitely another song that shows off Hill's talents. Again what is so great about her voice is the subtle power - if that makes sense. Everything she sings sounds so effortless, yet strong, but never forced. She always sounds very composed and together, and I really enjoy listening to her songs.
Ending on a COMPLETELY different note, I was kind of saddened by the fact that Lauryn Hill is going to jail because she hasn't paid over $1 million in taxes. I mean, how hard is it to pay your taxes? You're wealthy, you've had a fabulous career, just pay your darn taxes. And if you can't afford the taxes, then don't buy things with such high taxes. That's all.
I'm not sure if I have already written a blog about this group, but I don't think I have. But if that isn't the case, then I'm terribly sorry. Crystal Castles is a very intriguing band to me. They have a great electronic/dance sound which I really love. And unlike a lot of electronic groups, they actually have somewhat decent vocals. A lot of their songs have that video game sound, where they make all of these beeps, boops, etc. I don't especially like those songs, but when the male of the group, Ethan Kath, sings, the songs are really great. His voice kind of sounds like those from the 80's hair-metal era, which I know many people hate, but I personally enjoy. I really like the song "Vanished" off of their first album, titled Crystal Castles.
But other than this song, I'm not a big fan of their first album. But I do like their second album. It has the same electronic sound, just not as much of the video game sounds are present. Off of their second album, I love the song "Not in Love." This song actually has some literary merit because it somewhat talks about a story. One thing I particularly like in this song if the fact that there is a building affect. The verses of the song are much quieter, but as you come closer to the chorus of the song, the intensity builds and then during the chorus, there is an explosion of sound and beat.
One thing I also noticed that I don't normally notice is their album cover off of their second album Crystal Castles II. It is really eerie and creepy because the girl is in front of graves. And she looks like one of those child demons in the horror movies. I think rather than being creative and different, it came off rather creepy. But it definitely makes the viewer/listener question what it is and what is its purpose and how it relates to the album, which is the point, I guess.
First, I'm going to start off by saying how very surprised I was with Stevie Wonder's song "Higher Ground." I had never heard the song before today in class and I LOVED it. It is funky and groovy and definitely jam-able - sorry if that isn't a word. The intro is really catchy with all of the different sounds. It has a great vibe and can definitely hold your attention throughout the whole song. I've never really known much about Stevie Wonder, which I know is quite terrible, but this song has really opened up my eyes and I intend on listening to much more of his music in the future. However, the cover done by the Red Hot Chili Peppers is no where near as good as the original. For starters, I don't like how they sped up the song - it ruins the tranquility and "funk" of the song. The vocal capabilities of the singer are also not as good as Wonder's, which also takes away from the cover.
Abrupt ending, but now I would like to talk about how much I hate Primus. They are loud obnoxious, and I feel like they don't follow any particular patterns or beats when they play. It sounds like they stuck a bunch of four year olds together and said, "Start slamming against the instruments on the count of 3. 1....2....3... JKLFJDKSJFKLSJDKL." It just sounds horrible. I don't enjoy the vocalist either. He sounds like he is talking the whole time during the Suck On This album. I understand that their instrumentalists alone are probably really talented guys. But man, when they are together, I feel like plugging my ears and curling up in a ball. My ears actually hurt after listening to this band. Now that could have been because the music was being blasted, but it could also be because they are bad. But to end on one positive note, some of their attempted beats and songs had creative sounds and some were intriguing.
Here is to remind you of the dysfunctional band:
And this is completely unrelated. But I am here to prove that The Moore Brothers sound like Oompa Loompas!
The Moore Brothers:
"Second To"
Oompa Loompas:
Veruca Salt has gone down the garbage shoot
You are welcome for this incredible connection and discovery.
I'm really kind of upset because I'd think this group would be my favorite band ever - they combine my two favorite genres - dance/electronic and alternative. But the outcome isn't so great... or as great as I would have liked it. I like really loud music with a good beat, but I feel like all of the songs are very quiet, and none of the beats are in your face - the way I like it. I first thing I like to hear when I click on a song is a killer beat or tune. That is honestly all I care about in a song...But that's an overstatement. But I just feel like with most of their songs, you can easily tune out. And that's frustrating for me. I think this band could've been an even bigger success if their beats were a little louder and crazier - they really played it safe with many of their songs. You could then say, "Well maybe some of their fans wouldn't like them if their music was louder." And that could be true. But I would personally like them louder and crazier. Their beats just sound generic. But maybe they were the ones who originally came up with these beats and everyone else copied them. I know I have been complaining a little too much, but I have one more complaint. They sound too much like the All-American Rejects. I don't like All-American Rejects. I can't really describe it, but it is that boy-bandish sound that I really despise.
One song that kind of meets my standards is "Thrills."
Commercials are like the gateway to Stardom for new or undiscovered artists. By putting their song in a commercial as the background music, it allows people to discover their music without having to do anything - they just have to watch tv. Plus, many commercials are repeated numerous times, so the song will then be stuck in the viewers head, and thus, leading them to look up the song and discover the artist. This is exactly what happened just the other day and many other times to me. I was watching something on hulu or something and a commercial for windows popped up with a really really catchy song. It sounded a lot like One Republic, so I was excited because their latest album wasn't too great for me. So I looked it up. And it turned out to be a guy named Blake Lewis, who happened to be the runner up on American Idol a few years back. I was kind of shocked, but kind of intrigued.
I then began to think of all the other commercials that led me to songs. I know that I was led to the song "Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons a couple months ago by a commercial, but I'm not sure which one it was. A Microsoft commercial led me to Alex Clare's song "Too Close."
Another Microsoft commercial led me to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' song "Can't Hold Us.
This one is from many years ago, but the song "New Soul" became very popular from this Mac commercial.
Those are only just a few examples, but commercials are the perfect way to get your name out there. Plus, you get paid for the use of your song. You can't lose in this situations - though maybe you can, I'm not sure what is written in the fine print......
Both Nirvana and the Smashing Pumpkins excel in certain areas and lack in others. Nirvana, I think, is vocally stronger than the Smashing Pumpkins. But, the Smashing Pumpkins is instrumentally stronger than Nirvana. From what I've seen so far, the lyrics from both bands are so-so. I think the songs made by the Smashing Pumpkins have a little more of a variety, sound wise, but that isn't a huge factor that separates the two bands because some people like one sound and only one sound. When listening to Nirvana's "Nevermind," I feel like it's one of those albums where you have to be in a happy and energetic mood to enjoy it. Otherwise, it could seem rather loud and annoying. I think it's a fantastic album that is strong, entertaining and aggressive, which is something that the 80's definitely lacked. But at the same time, a lot of their songs are the same. Same, loud sound. And that can get annoying. Now for the Smashing Pumpkins. They ARE much more diverse with their songs, but are they as entertaining to me? I don't really know. Nirvana's loud music can definitely hold my attention, but sometimes quieter songs lose me - it just depends. The Smashing Pumpkin's songs are much quieter, not just their sound, but the over all volume of the album. Regardless of what volume Nirvana's "Nevermind" is played at, it will always seem super loud. But the Smashing Pumpkins have some killer instrumentalists. Everything is so coordinated, especially the drumming, it is so clear and clean cut, you can easily pick out the guitar or drums - it isn't just mush. Like "Nevermind's" hidden track. That was AWFUL. I feel like they just took the outtakes from every song and threw them together and that's what they got. I hope they don't do that in any of their other albums.
One thing I found really interesting was one of the genres allmusic.com classified the Smashing Pumpkins into. It is a genre called Noise Pop. And their definition of it was the funniest thing.
Noise Pop: pop music wrapped in barbed-wire kisses of feedback, dissonance, and abrasion. I think Nirvana would be considered more Noise Pop-y than the Smashing Pumpkins, but they weren't.
Probably my favorite Smashing Pumpkins song off their album "Gish" would definitely be "Daydream."
It is really soft, yet has this underlying power that comes through with the instruments and the voice of the singer. The singer kind of sounds like the lead singer in The Silversun Pickups, which isn't my favorite band, but I don't mind it in this song.
Milo Greene is a recent band that released it's first album this past year titled Milo Greene. The band has a folky sound similar to that of Of Monsters and Men. It has a slight pop-sound, but it is very minimal and non-assertive. They have a quiet sound that sounds very natural and unforced. All Music called their sound, "organic and honest." The lead singer, Marlana Sheetz, has a very simplistic voice that almost sounds like a lullaby. Though they have only produced one album, the band has built quite a reputation in these past few months. My favorite song of theirs so far is "1957."
"1957"
Some of my other favorites are:
"Don't You Give Up on Me"
"Son My Son"
"Polaroid"
One thing you don't really see these days are short songs under 1:30. And this is the second album that I have seen where there are about 4 songs with their time under 1:30. I also saw it on One Republic's new album Native. So who knows, maybe short songs are the new thing.
When I heard the name "Nirvana" or "Nine Inch Nails," I used to think they were bands that were serious, hard-core rock bands that were on the verge of becoming metal groups, which in a sense could be true. I used to think that they would be really bad, loud rock groups. But when the first Nine Inch Nail's song was played, I was like, "Wait, I actually know this song. And I REALLY like it." It shocked me to think that I actually knew and liked this artist. And when more and more songs from the group and Nirvana were played, I knew many, if not all of the songs. Side Note: Knowing the song before we listen to it in class on it's album is much more captivating and attention-holding because you can sing along with the song and re-analyze, where as when the first time you hear it, you are just trying to keep up with the melody and rhythm. Anyways, it was interesting to me that I knew a bunch songs and lyrics, but I didn't know one single title or artist of the songs. Mainly because I had heard them on the radio. But regardless, I really enjoy their music. They are upbeat, which is a huge plus for me because that way they are attention-holding. Plus I really enjoy the two groups lead singers voice. Its very raspy/rough and it can be found in all of their songs - it's like their signature. I also really love their beats and I feel like the drummer, especially in Nirvana is really talented and adds a lot to every song. I really like their song "Lake of Fire." It is more laid-back than most of their songs, but it still has that sound of strain and roughness. I also really enjoy the first lyrics of the song because even though they aren't super original, I feel like they are worded really well.
Where do bad folks go when they die They don't go to heaven where the angels fly Go to a lake of fire and fry See them again 'till the Fourth of July
They also sound great live and look like a great concert to see. In the video we watched, they all looked out of it, yet they still performed really well. And when the bassist threw up his guitar, and lost it in the lights, that is just such a funny situation. I'm surprised that hasn't happen to other artists, but then again, I guess not many throw their basses into the air and try to catch it again.
With Nine Inch Nails, my favorite song so far is most-definitely "Head Like a Hole." I'm not as familiar with them as I am with Nirvana, but now that I know their music and that I actually like their sound, I will look into them. One thing I really enjoy about Nine Inch Nails is they have a slight Hair Metal sound that I think makes it a little more dance/Michael Jackson-y rather than pure, hard, rock n roll.
Though these bands are both talented, they are some of the creepiest bands I have ever seen. Like Nine Inch Nail's video for "Head Like a Hole" is one of the weirdest/creepiest things. And both bands have really interesting looks, which I assume were popular in the 90's, but they are so creepy looking. But it's not the way you look that determines the amount of talent you have, that's for sure.
And I thought I'd add this little video. It might make you loathe this song afterwards, but I have to give the creators props for finding the connection between the two songs.
Well, lets start off with N.W.A. Definitely an interesting group. I think they are something...different...especially for the time period in which they performed. They were very out there - both lyrically and with their beats. I usually don't care what the lyrics say in songs, as long as I can sing along to them. But with this group, they go a little overboard with the cuss words. Which is a real shame. They, out of all the hip-hop groups we listened to, had the greatest beats. There is just something morally wrong - to me anyway - to be singing harsh, vulgar words throughout every line of a song.
Something that really sparked my interest was when Mr. A commented that N.W.A and some of the other groups could be categorized as "punk" hip-hop artists. I think that was completely correct and a really great comparison because that is exactly what N.W.A. was. Like I said in one of my earlier blogs, to me, punk is an attitude, a perspective of something. It is rebellious. Like The Clash, N.W.A. has similar rebellious titles, except their are just a little more vulgar:
"F*** the Police"
"Express Yourself"
"Parental Discretion Iz Advised"
"Protest"
All of these titles express encouragement or ideas of rebellion. It also made me question the fact that music kind of goes through life cycles. Plenty of other things go through life cycles, even if we don't notice it or even if they aren't actually "alive." Trends in clothing, for example. High-waisted clothing was popular a good 20-30 years ago. Guess what is popular and trending today? High-waisted shorts. Of course there are some improvements to the trend - new patterns and designs, but that is besides the point. The point is that the "life cycle" repeated. The same could be said for music. There was soft, sweet, cheery music in the 50's-early 60's. Then, we went to the louder, crazier stuff. Then we hit "punk" and rebellion. Then we hit, happy, make-you-feel-good hair-metal. Now we have loud and rebellious hip-hop. That kind of makes me think we might hit some softer, more tone-downed genres in the 90's. I know you think I should know music from the 90's, but I don't. And that's why I'm in this class. This general pattern has sort of continued through music, though their have been some adjustments to each genre every time it is repeated. I think it just goes back to the idea that we get sick of things and we want something "new." But really it's just recycled music made into something different.
Susanne Sundfor is a Norwegian singer-songwriter who began her career in the mid 2000's. She has a delicate and gentle-sounding voice that is usually accompanied by a powerful or upbeat sound, though she does have some slower songs. I really find her voice very different from most artists. It is so powerful, but it such a discrete and gentle way. She shows her power through her vocal range, rather than raising the volume of her voice. Her voice could sort of be compared to Ellie Goulding's, but she does not have as many slides or vocal changes or whatever you want to call - she doesn't have as many of those in her songs. In her earlier albums, like the one she released in 2007, the songs are much softer than some of the newer ones, where she is singing with other artists.
"I Resign"
But just this past week, she released a single with M83, and I happen to be very fond of that group. But the song really was meant for her voice. It has a fabulously addicting beat, very dramatic - it sort of has "the world is ending in slow motion" sound. I can really imagine it playing during a dystopian scene of a movie. Anyways, I feel like this danger mood/feeling really does magic for her voice and vice versa. It was like the song was made for her. Plus the piano at the end is really subtle and well placed. After all of that, I have failed to provide you with the name of the song. It is called "Oblivion."
"Oblivion"
She also has this other song that I am really enjoying called "Running to the Sea." It has a similar sound to "Oblivion." What I like about it is the fact that it has power and a good beat, but it's not in your face - it's subtle.
Though I'm not really into her older music, I really love her new stuff and I can't wait to see what she comes out with next.
Though I have never once watched SNL, I have heard about it's wonderful humor and musical performances. Based on what I saw through the small snippets of certain segments today, it seems to me that the older SNL's were based more on the music and incorporated the humor into the music. Where as the SNL's produced today focus more on the humor, rather than the music.
I think the skit with Beethtoven singing What I'd Say was quite brilliant. They created humor by using the two amazing artists and their disabilities - Ray Charles was blind, Beethtoven was deaf. Though it could be taken very offensively, which it is, it is still quite funny.
I also really really enjoyed Joe Cocker's performance when the impersonator guy, John Belushi, was dressed like Cocker and imitated him. But I really can't stand Cocker's voice. It may have once been good, but it just sounds like he is grunting and groaning. Plus, I was shocked to see that he was only 32. ONLY 32! He looked at least 60.
My goodness and the faces he is capable of are just incredible. I'm not sure I've ever seen someone make such unattractive faces before!
I also really loved when the guy (I'm not sure if it was Belushi or not) came out in a pink suit and spoke in the accent about the penguins. It was so random, or at least it was to me. It may have had some relevant, hidden meaning, but all I got out of it was humor. And his impersonation of Elvis Presley with the lip movements, was great. Spot on.
I thought the Simon and Garfunkel performance was good, and I loved how Elvis Costello decided that he wasn't going to comply with his managers and sing "Less Than Zero." Overall, I thought the show gave a great insight into what music and performances were like back in the 70's. I definitely would love to see more of the show now.
So now that I have figured out how to use Spotify, I am addicted to it. It is so great to be able to listen and find new artists for free! But then I thought about how it compared to Pandora. I have used Pandora for the past few years, mainly because of it's convenience and lack of commercials. I can pull it up on my phone, and rather than playing only the popular songs like a radio station, it mixes it up and adds in some new artists. You can also choose the overall style of the station, which is definitely a positive.
But then it also has its cons. Though you can skip songs, you have a limit and once you have used up all of your turns, you are stuck listening to a horrible song. You also have no control over what you play... which can sometimes be a huge turnoff.
I realize that there are many other pros and cons of both, but rather than just listing them, I'm going to make a chart.
Pandora:
Pros
Introduces you to new music
You can skip songs you don't like
You can choose the style of the radio station
You can thumbs up/thumbs down songs you like/don't like
Limited commercials
Plays songs continuously
Provides information about the artists
Ability to follow others (I don't)
Can be used on mobiles and computers
Limits you to overplaying songs
Cons
Limited number of skips
No control of the songs played
Songs can be repetitive
Singles only - Not full albums
Spotify:
Pros
Stream any music
Free
Follow artists or playlists
You can create your own playlist
Like a free iTunes
Listen to full albums
Can listen to radio
Shows new releases, top songs, top playlists
You can connect with people you know through facebook
Cons
Limited to computer use only (the free version)
Radio choices are limited to mainly genres
You can easily overplay songs and ruin them
That might show you something - the fact that I can't come up with any more negatives or positives for Spotify. Sorry if I forgot some. But overall I think they are both great for different reasons. If spotify was free on mobiles, it would definitely be my favorite, but right now they are at a tie...
Definitely an interesting album, but it wasn't my favorite. It was a very laid-back album, with hints of energy and culture. It was a really well put together album - It carried a similar theme throughout all of the songs, with a similar sound (very conversational), and overall it was catchy. It just wasn't my thing. For me, it is REALLY hard to get into songs and albums that sound like the artist is talking rather than singing. For instance in the song "Gumboots," it sounds like a guy talking to you at a concert. I also feel like Simon's voice doesn't change much or have much vocal range, which I think is pretty vital to songs so that it keeps your attention. I interpreted the theme of the album to be very hopeful, especially with the first song being "The Boy in the Bubble." Simon includes the lyrics:
It was a slow day And the sun was beating On the soldiers by the side of the road There was a bright light
And the in the chorus he includes:
These are the days of miracle and wonder
I could be completely misinterpreting it and just looking at its literal meaning, but it's what I think.
Graceland (the song) also continues this theme.
Though I think Simon uses a few too many words sometimes, he really has a way for putting them. He uses a lot of metaphors that are really creative and have in-depth meaning that really add a lot to the song. Like in "That Was Your Mother," he uses the metaphors:
She's pretty as a prayerbook Sweet as an apple on christmas day
These metaphors add a lot of merit to his lyrics, which makes them very unique. Most artists struggle with developing lyrics where as with Simon, I feel like he is the quirky guy who can say something crazy and turn it into a great lyric.
Overall, I think Paul Simon is a really talented guy, but he just isn't my favorite.
So a friend recently saw Civil Twilight at SXSW and she can't stop raving about them. She already knew who they were before she went, but she said they were even better live. I had heard two of their songs before.
"Letters from the Sky"
"Fire Escape"
I liked both of these songs previously and so I thought I'd check them out again. I was quite shocked when I found out that they were from South Africa. They have a very indie-rock sound. Some of their songs are very subtle and quiet, while others are a bit up beat. Their overall vibe is very soft and easygoing. They aren't like those bands who build adrenaline in an audience. They have the type of music you want to listen to when you want to relax. And I like that.
One song my friend introduced me to was "River."
"River"
It has a soft sound that is accompanied by a faster beat which gives it a great vibe.
I also am really enjoying this song.
"Holy Weather"
Again, same indie soft sound accompanied with a quicker beat. I really like that mix together. It is too overwhelming, yet it keeps your attention.
I am definitely planning on listening to all of their albums, now that I understand how to use spotify and what not.
And one last note. These blogs have really helped me figure out what I truly like in music and why I like it. I never would have said I like indie rock. Mainly because I didn't know what it was, but whenever I think indie, I think kind of hippy-ish. But I really enjoy that sound. And my knowledge of artists and music throughout history has really grown tremendously. Thank you, Mr. A, for making us write these.
I'm going to be completely honest. I'm running real low on what to write about. I feel like I don't know how to find any new artists and music. I did just get spotify - well I have had it, I just didn't use it. It just seems quite difficult to keep up with new artists. It's also really time consuming digging through artists and trying to find ones you enjoy. But regardless, this is not what this blog is about.
This blog is about HAIR METAL DAY!
First words that came to my mind when Mr. A said Hair Metal Day: Screamo. I honestly had no idea what hair metal was - I genuinely thought it was hardcore metal - like so hardcore, it made your hair static-y... No not really.
But it was the exact opposite. AND I LOVED IT. I don't get what is so bad about men dressing like women and singing really upbeat and potentially pointless songs. I seem to be sensing a song that Mr. A might dislike pointless songs, even if they are fun and upbeat. I will admit that he likes The Ramones, but if it doesn't have merit and beauty, then he doesn't like it. Which I feel is the EXACT opposite of me. I don't care what the lyrics are, the symbolism, what this means, what that means, I just want to listen to something that is entertaining and fun. I don't want to listen to trash, but I also don't have to listen to the most beautifully written song to feel happy or pleased. Music for me is like a release or a relaxing technique. In a sense, it's my escape.
Well that is off track. Anyways, I loved Van Halen's "Jump." I thought the music video was hysterical and fabulous in so many ways. It was energetic and fun.
I also loved Winger's "Seventeen" and Van Halen's "Panama." I really can't remember any more of the bands we listened to because their sound all sounds the same - it all blends together.
Oh, we did listen to Motley Crue, though they weren't my favorite - they were a little too rocker.
Poison also had some good ones like "Unskinny Bop." And of course, there is no point in quoting lyrics because like I said earlier, they aren't the most beautifully written songs.
Overall, I did enjoy Hair Metal Day. A Lot. Sorry this blog was so jumbled. I just thought it was important to throw out some of those points I mentioned at the beginning.
My blog tonight has no specific view or direction. I'm just going to talk about some songs that I recently heard that I think are really great or that the artist has a huge amount of potential. So, first off. I heard a song on a commercial and really liked it's sound. So I googled some lyrics I heard in the song and to my luck/surprise, it is sung by MACKLEMORE AND RYAN LEWIS. I serious love this guy. He is so different and is sound is varied and has a great beat behind all of his raps. Which brings me to the point that a lot of rap artists have great raps, but they lack a beat behind them, so the song is really dull. But this never happens with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, which is why I absolutely love them. Anyways, the song is called, "Can't Hold Us." Ugh, it is so great and upbeat. One might argue that it doesn't have much merit lyrically or musically, which makes me realize that the main reason I listen to music is to feel uplifted and positive - for entertainment. I don't really care what the lyrics say unless they drop multiple cuss words. As long as the song is catchy and upbeat, I basically love it. Which it's sad that it has taken me 7 months to figure out why I listen to music, but at least I know. But back to the point of this blog. This song is the jam. I can not wait to see what these guys produce next.
The next person I am going to talk about is a girl named Kat Dalhia. I reason I found out about her was because while Mr. A was looking up disco songs on Thursday, she and her new song were being advertised. Then that night, I was listening to the disco songs and her name came up again. So I thought, why not? I don't really know much about her because she is so new, but I do know that she is a Miami rapper. She recently released a song called "Gangsta." The lyrics of this song at times can be quite revolting. But the reason I am writing about her is because her voice. It is so deep and rich. She almost sounds like a man and a women, but then again not. It is so unexpected. And the sound of her voice makes her sound very genuine in her songs. I will have to say, this song definitely isn't the best thing ever. But I think she has so much potential. Her vocal capabilities are unbelievable and she can really do a lot with them. I will be looking out for her future work.
Going into disco day, I was really expecting the worst. It thought the songs were going to be really obnoxious and boring and repetitive and loud and unnecessary. That is, until I realized The BEE GEES were considered disco. I have known about the BEE GEES since I was in elementary school, and I guess I never really connected that they were disco. I love their songs, especially "Stayin Alive." I think part of the reason I love this song so much is for it's music video. In the beginning, they are just walking like they are so cool and hip, and then BOOM! They hit some killer high notes (at least to me they seem high.) It's like their whole manly outlook is ruined. But it is awesome. Plus, all I can do is stare at Barry's white teeth that are surround by a super dark face. It's just so funny because the guys in the video are so chill, barely dancing, yet they are singing this upbeat song.
I consider disco as a package rather than a sound. Kind of like punk, I think it is an attitude as well as a sound. I also think disco includes the fashion, the dance moves, the sound and the attitude. If you had some guys singing "Stayin' Alive" in jeans and a t-shirt, it would be COMPLETELY different and not a great. I just love the uniqueness of disco itself. It is so different from anything we see today. I guess you could say that dance music is similar, which it is. But when you hear dance music, you think of clubs and grinding. And that's what I love about disco. The dance moves weren't about grinding. They were about showing off your awesome talent and skills, while having fun and staying a friendly distance from unknown, drunk people. Plus it has such a happy outlook. Hearing it just makes me want to smile and get up and dance. I don't get the same reaction from listening to Joni Mitchell's album Blue. So I think it's nice to have an escape genre, which I guess is what it could be called.
Anyways, back to the people of disco. I also loved the Brothers Johnson and their song "Stomp." I think it has a great sound and the chorus is so catchy. Again it just makes me want to get on my feet and dance with high-waisted flared pants. Plus it has one of those guitar slap solos (I'm not sure if that is what its called.)
Overall I love disco, even though it might not be the most inspirational or lyrically important genre, I think it is nice to have a genre that is catchy and fun. Even if it's only purpose is for escape.
Lately, I have been struggling to find artists to write about for my second blog for the week. Nothing was really striking me as really good or even halfway decent. So tonight, while I was browsing iTunes to see if there was anything interesting, I came across a band called Boy. It is a duet band, consisting of two females. The lead singer is Valeska Steiner, who is originally from Switzerland, but is now based in Germany. Sonja Glass is the musician of the group. Together, they formed a band in 2007 and released their first work in 2011 titled Mutual Friends. Their songs have a very laid-back and folky sound, almost reminding me of Joni Mitchell. But BOY's sound is a bit more upbeat and positive than Mitchell's sad sound. I almost feel like their album is a reflection of ideas and objects. The lyrics are mainly about reviewing things they've had and been through. Their lyrics aren't the most amazing thing I have ever seen, but they aren't too bad. These are from the song "Army."
You should see my favorite people, You catch a glimpse of gold through their skins. I walk on air whenever I'm with them, They're where the happiness begins. And I'm alright on my own, but with them I'm much better They're like diamonds and diamonds are forever.
What I really enjoy about this group is the raw and realness of their sound. It doesn't sound fake or like it has been messed with. It just sounds real. Her voice sounds raspy at times and other times it sounds really composed and beautiful. It never sounds forced, it always sounds natural and soft. What I also really enjoy is the fact that their album has a mix of songs. Some are faster, some are slower, some are sad, and some are upbeat and positive. My favorite song off of the album is definitely "Little Numbers." It is a creative song with a great beat and awesome sound.
Overall, I am really glad I found this band because it is completely different from what I normally listen to and I really want to broaden the style of music that I listen too. I think BOY has a great sound and I think we can expect to see them grow as a band in the next few years.
Here is the link to All Music to check out more of their songs.
Punk: a hard, edgy sound, with a stripped-down sound, with short songs and typically contain themes and lyrics that suggest rebellion and hatred towards the government.
I never really understood punk, but now that we study it more and more, I don't think it is a genre. I think it is more of an attitude and style of writing and performing. The 1970's was the main time in which punk developed and was very popular among societies. The biggest punk movements were seen in the United States and Britain. In the U.S., certain artists like The Ramones, and the Talking Heads were considered major punk artists. But over in Britain, the Sex Pistols, The Clash, and Elvis Costello were major punk artists. Though all of these artists share the idea and attitudes of punk, they all sound completely different. The punk sound in the U.S. versus the punk sound in Britain has very little in common. The sound in the U.S. was much softer and had more of a Jazz and R&B influence. In Britain, it had a much harsher sound with more of a rock influence. Regardless, both movements encouraged rebellion and uprisings against things that go against certain beliefs, though it was more so in Britain than the U.S. For instance, The Ramones had a sing-songy voice played to a rocker sound, which created the garage band affect. They weren't completely talented and inspirational or total rockers, but they fit into the punk category because of the attitude towards the society and the government. The Talking Heads are in the same situation. Except their sound is more influenced by pop rather than jazz and R&B. But some of their song titles include, "Don't worry about the Government," and "Drugs," both of which could be seen as influence to rebellion.
In Britain, The Clash had many hits, which included their cover of "I Fought the Law." Again, same ideas, they resented the government, yet their sound was much harsher than the sound of the U.S. This is not as apparent in their song "I Fought the Law," but it can be seen in songs such as "Brand New Cadillac." I think between the Sex Pistols and The Clash, the Sex Pistols definitely had the harder sound and was influenced more by rock. Like in their song "Bodies," he is almost screaming at one point, and the drum and base lines of many of their songs are very heavy. They too showed signs of rebellion with songs like "Anarchy in the U.K."
Out of the two major punk movements, I favor the movement in Britain over the one in the U.S. because I don't like jazz or jazz influenced songs. So automatically, I am some-what biased to the U.S punk bands. Talking Heads was my favorite between them and The Ramones. In Britain though, I love The Clash. I love their sound. It isn't too heavily influenced by one particular type of music. I think they have a well-rounded sound and I enjoy many of their songs.
I have despised Bruno Mars for the past few years now. I just thought that he sounded like a groaning and moaning boy who wasn't fully matured. I never bothered to listen closely to the songs and maybe possibly consider that he had some talent. That is something I noticed that I do quite a bit. If I don't like the sound of an artist or a song, I immediately skip it and move on, I don't bother to listen and see if the artist has talent. What really made me realize that I did this was an English project. We had to read a challenged or banned book and then write a report stating whether we believed the book should be banned or left alone. I read A Separate Peace and I thought that the book should be left alone. I then brought up the point that people ban and censor books because they look at the content as inappropriate. They don't bother to consider that even though the content is inappropriate, it may have some crucial merit to the book. It's the same thing with music. Just because you don't like the song or sound, it doesn't mean you should disregard the artist as an untalented person. And sadly this is something I do quite a bit, especially to Bruno Mars.
Today, I heard a new song by Bruno Mars that was released on his most recent album Unorthodox Jukebox. And as I was listening, I realized that the vocal capacity and ability of his voice was mind-blowing - he could hit these harsh low notes, then go right back up to a soft high sound. I also really began to appreciate the uniqueness of his sound. Some songs you really have to question who the artist is, but when you hear a song with that raspy sound, you immediately know who it is. I honestly can't even describe his sound. All I can say is it's different. Because of his vocal abilities, I feel that he can convey many emotions through his songs. Most artists are very one sided - they are strong in conveying songs with a happy sound or a sad sound, but once they make a song with the opposite emotion, it just doesn't sound very good. But with Bruno Mars, all of his songs are very genuine and real, which allows all of his songs to succeed, regardless of the emotion. Some have said he is the new Michael Jackson of this generation. And I think that could be argued. He isn't my favorite singer and his sound isn't my favorite, but by no means am I no longer denying his talent. He IS one of the best vocalists in today's society.
Honestly, I really like The Ramones. I think Mr. A nailed it spot on when he said, "The Ramones are The Beatles meets Green Day." One thing though that I disagree with in this statement is the fact that there truly is no comparison between The Beatles and The Ramones. One is a composed, god-like band, that creates music like a child creates waste - naturally. The other is choppy, uncoordinated, unorganized and loud. But there's something about that I love. I love their heavy accents that stick out in almost every song. I love their quirky songs and lyrics and the sounds the make. They just remind me of a crazy high school band that plays at the homecoming dance that is held in the gymnasium of a school. I know that I say all music reminds me of something to do with high school but it just does. Anyways, even though everything about this band screams talentless and unorganized, it still is really good music to just jam to and have fun. Most songs to understand their true worth, you have to pay attention to every beat, every note, every lyric. And with these guys, all you do is have to listen to their ridiculousness and just have fun. Plus the lyrics just make you laugh. And the way they say the lyrics. Sometimes they will be talking, sometimes they will be singing it, or moaning it, or groaning it, or doing all of the above at the same time. Their songs are very repetitive, not only with their similar sounds, but with their lyrics and pauses as well. But I still love their sound and can't wait to hear more. My favorites are definitely "Blitzkrieg Bop," "Beat on the Brat," and "Judy is a Punk," all of which are off of their first album, simply titled Ramones.
I was genuinely surprised when most of the class didn't like The Ramones because I thought their songs were just dumb and a bunch of fun. When some of them said, they couldn't even stand it. I mean the band obviously won't win 'most talented' or 'most inspiring,' but the fact that they didn't even have fun with their poor musical skills really surprises me.
*I know how Mr. A always complains about how our generation doesn't ever listen to albums, but I feel like part of the reason is we don't have time. Or at least I don't have time to listen to the whole album which I got this new single off of that I like. And the reason is because I have to get up and go to school tomorrow morning and can't stay up into the wee hours of the morning. This is kind of a side note, but it has some relevance to the blog below. Anyways, read on.
So I know I wrote my blog last week on a single song and I am going to do the same song this week because I love it. The song "Between the Raindrops" was released by Lifehouse in December of 2012. I love the transitions in this song. SO MUCH. I love how it starts off nice and quiet and through out the versus it remains passionate, yet quite and then in the chorus it's like BAM! It explodes and kicks into a killer melody. The song really reminds of the song released by Bryan Adams in 2002 called "You Can't Take Me." They both have a similar chorus where the song takes off during that part.
Both singers have sort of a raspy voice that I think adds a lot of character to the songs. Part of the reason I love "Between the Raindrops" is because it is kind of a duet for half of the song. Natasha Bedingfield sings the 2nd verse and I think her raw sounding voice really adds to the mood of the song. Together Lifehouse and Bedingfield make a killer song that I am once again addicted to. And maybe this weekend I will try to listen to The Lifehouses whole album. Just maybe.
Curtis Mayfield isn't my favorite artist I have ever heard. I wouldn't choose to listen to him if I had a choice. But I am glad that I was exposed to him and his sound because I think he was one of the first artists that helped soul music to grow. His influence definitely helped the musical world to transfer more into soul/R&B sound from just R&B, which I am grateful for because I personally have a really hard time listening to jazzy R&B songs. They annoy me so much because I feel like they drone on and the sound of the cymbals and trumpet never end! But back to Curtis Mayfield. Like Sly and The Family Stone, Mayfield used his musical influence to voice his opinions about social and political matters, which to me is really admirable because it did risk a lot. It risked his own personal safety and it could have ruined his career. In his song "Power to the People," Mayfield says:
We want the power for the people That's all we ask in our country dear The sick and the hungry are unable Protect them and those who may live in fear
One song I really enjoyed off of the album Curtis, was "Move On Up." It is such a groovy song that makes you want to get off your butt and dance. It has a great vibe and tune. My only complaint is the length because in the last 3-4 minutes, all they do is repeat the same notes. Plus, I think people get tired of it halfway through because it is 9 minutes long. And if the song was made as a song you could dance to, it definitely should be shorter because dancing for 9 minutes straight is tiring and people want a break.
I also found it interesting that Mayfield made his album so long. It had 17 songs with 5 of them over 5:00 minutes. I feel like this could be perceived in a good way or a bad way. You could commend him because he was really dedicated and wanted to put a lot of effort into his first solo album. OR you could fault him by saying it is too long and he needs to pick his best work to publish. Either way, I think the album Curtis was a great way for Curtis Mayfield to start off his solo career.
As we listened to these two artists solo albums, I was definitely expecting to like McCartney's more because usually Lennon has a wacky sound and is just to much for me to bother with. But in fact, it was just the opposite. Lennons songs were catchier and had a nicer sound than McCartney's album. I felt like Paul McCartney was all over the place musically and vocally. Plus I guess I could be a little biased because Imagine is on John's album. McCartneys was just... odd. I felt like he was acting like a little kid, giggling at everything he saw while writing the album. I mean the lyrics kind of explain it.
"... Man I can smell your feet a mile away." -- Smile Away
"...I want a horse, I want a sheep, I want a good night sleep." -- Heart of the Country
I just wish is was a little more, I guess you could say, composed and not so childish. During the song "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey," at one point, it sounds like Paul is playing with his lips and making baby sounds. And I also hate "Monkberry Moon Delight." I swear, it just sounds like he is constipated and groaning the whole time. Plus I'd rather hear Paul McCartney alone, not with Linda... Though it is rather sweet.
But it's funny. As I listen to this album and write this blog, I am starting to hate it less. I am paying attention to his talent rather than just blowing over it because I don't like the sound. It's not my favorite, but as I've said, the newer sound of the Beatles (I know they are performing as individuals) isn't my favorite. I love and will always love the sound of them singing "I Saw Her Standing There."
BUT -- I like the song I really love the sound of the track "Ram On." He is much more subtle with his voice and uses a variety of instruments and it really works in his favor. Rather than him screaming out, like he is in pain, he sounds controlled and passionate. And that was the reason I have been a fan of him ever since I heard their first album. He is very collected and calm. He doesn't have to be head banging, screaming, and stomping around the stage to make good music. He simply just sings.
I have never been a fan of Fall Out Boy. They have had quite a few hits in recent years including "Sugar We're Going Down," and "Thnks fr th mmrs," before breaking up in 2010. But news of the band getting back together has surfaced as their new single "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)" was released. I agree, it is a mouthful and unnecessary. However. I am completely addicted to it. I first heard it last Thursday and thought it was okay, but when I re-listened to it tonight, I couldn't stop pressing repeat - which I know is horrible because it's only a matter of days before I hate it, but oh well. I feel like this is such an original song because it mixes all of the popular aspects of today's music into one song. You've got the rap, the pop, the heavy metal/rock, and to round it out for the girls, they have a boy-band sound at some parts. I know what you're thinking. Why on earth would I like any of that? Well trust me. It surprisingly comes together into a great masterpiece and I just... IT'S GREAT. But enough of me blabbing. Here's the song:
My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)
Oh I also feel like there might be a slight Michael Jackson influence on the sound, but maybe that's just me. And if the stupid link doesn't work, I'm sorry. For once, you will have to go look it up yourself. I know it's a struggle, but I think you can do it.
