American Punk vs. British Punk

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.

Bruno Mars.

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.

The Ramones

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.

Between the Raindrops

*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.

"Between The Raindrops"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgeA8frWjvQ

"You Can't Take Me"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R45M4jYmE2g

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

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.














Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/curtis-mayfield/power-to-the-people-lyrics/#lgRQ0eE5DwoAYIDa.99

Paul McCartney and John Lennon

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.

New Fall Out Boy Single

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.

Justin Bieber............

I know... by the title, you are probably pretty put off already. He definitely isn't my favorite artist, but in this past week, he released his new acoustic album Believe. And I was genuinely surprised. He really wowed me with some of his songs. Granted he did do a bunch of the extra, unnecessary ho--ohhh-ohhhs-ehh-yeahh-yeahhh yeahh. However, or whatever you want to call those. But this is the first album that I have really seen his true talent. I am not sure if he wrote the song himself or if someone did it for him, but the melody and the piano are really something. They have a majestic sound, even though it is about a sad heartbreak/break-up. Before you turn this down, please do listen to this song. You may hate it, but I think it does allow you to appreciate that he does have some talent and it is just a machine made voice. Plus without the fake instruments and voice changers and auto-tune, it gives it a sense of realness. It isn't fake and manufactured. But anyways, here it is.

"Nothing Like Us"

Joni Mitchell

        When I first heard Joni Mitchell, I was definitely shocked. Her vocal abilities are unbelievable. They very from super high to low and then to super high again. As we read the lyrics on the screen, you could never tell how she would perform them. With most songs, there are generally patterns with the way the words are sung. But I honestly had no clue how she would say them. She usually shot her voice up or down or in many other ways that I didn't even know were capable by the human body. But this aspect of her songs really got on my nerves during the first few songs on her album Blue.
        Out of all of the songs on the album Blue, "Blue" was my favorite song. It was so tranquil, yet with the piano, it gives it an aspect of pain and sadness. And I love it. When I hear the chorus, I immediately think of the "Colors of the Wind," song from Pocahantus. It has that same sliding sound or whatever it is called, though I understand many aspects of both songs are completely different.
         The lyrics of this song seems to be so emotional and motivating, though I can't exactly tell you what they mean and symbolize. I can kind of tell that she is wanting her (I'm assuming) lover to love her back, other wise she needs to move on. But in the end of the song, she truthfully misses them and dedicates the song to them. This is probably completely wrong, though it IS an interpretation and those can vary.
        One song I absolutely hated was the first song on the album, which at first, really put me off. Her voice is all over the place. I wish she had set more of a guideline for her voice in the song. It kind of sounds like a live version, where the artist tampers with their original song, except this had a negative effect on me. It was just to much for me. Looking at it from a musical stand point, her vocal range is unreal. But it is too much. She should have toned it down.
        Overall, I am looking forward to listening to more of her music and albums. It is nice to hear something from the 70's that isn't hard-core rock n roll.