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.

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

To me, this is quite embarrassing. Usually I like to have a head-start on people when it comes to new music and artists. But this one, I was definitely only drawn in by others who were obsessed. What I find even more frustrating is the fact that one of my classmates already posted about his guy in NOVEMBER, 2 1/2 months ago. I'm not going to mention her name because that would be weird because I don't know her but I like her blogs. Um, moving on. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, to my surprise, are white. Call me racist, though I am not, their voices sounded like they were a large, black, man. NOT an average sized white guy. Anyways, their first song  that was been a real hit among me and most of the country/world was "Thrift Shop." I literally love this song. It is so catchy and amazing and I can't even put it into words except it's amazing. He brought something new to the table with this song. Rather than just making it all rap, he adds in parts that are actually sang, with a really catchy tune that really makes the song flow. Plus the lyrics are hilarious. They talk about how he wants some guys grandpas hand-me-downs. And how he wears huge shirts from the thrift shop. Overall, it is definitely are great jam that I would totally recommend.

It does have its moments with explicit language, but if you can overlook that, I definitely would.

For a while, this was the only song I knew of theirs. But then a friend recommended that I listen to some of his other songs, especially the one called "Same Love." This song, I think, is one of the best representations of political opinions and art mixed together. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are speaking out to their listeners with their views about same-sex love, explaining that their is nothing wrong with it. The lyrics are so motivating and moving.

The right wing conservatives think it’s a decision
And you can be cured with some treatment and religion
Man made rewiring of a predisposition
Playing god, aw nah here we go

...


Gay is synonymous with the lesser
It’s the same hate that’s caused wars from religion
Gender to skin color, the complexion of your pigment
The same fight that led people to walk outs and sit ins
It’s human rights for everybody, there is no difference!
Live on and be yourself
When I was at church they taught me something else
If you preach hate at the service those words aren’t anointed
That holy water that you soak in has been poisoned
When everyone else is more comfortable remaining voiceless
Rather than fighting for humans that have had their rights stolen
I might not be the same, but that’s not important
No freedom till we’re equal, damn right I support it
Please read those lyrics. Or listen to the song linked below. They truly are inspiring.

I realize it could be offensive to your belief, but it only explains the struggle gay people go through. It sends a great message. That is why I love Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. During some of his performances, Mackemore wears a shirt that says Legalize Gay Marriage. It has been a long time since we have seen an artist/artists that cares so much about a debated issue. For that I really admire Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. Not just for their talent, but for their beliefs and courage.

Led Zeppelin IV

To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised by the album Led Zeppelin IV. I had never really heard any of Led Zeppelins stuff before, so I didn't think much of them. But when we listened to it in class today, I immediately recognized quite a few of the songs. And they were all songs that I somewhat liked and enjoyed... Which is weird... because usually this type of music isn't my cup of tea. My favorite song is probably "Stairway to Heaven," but there is no surprise there. I feel like it is very simple, yet sophisticated. I love the way it starts off very calm and collected, then it gains more power, then it reaches the grand finale of screaming rage, then it settles back down and finishes. I remember this was one of the first rock 'n' roll song I ever heard. But it wasn't the original I heard. I heard a remix that I am not really sure what the name is. But this is link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBG7esonEMc

It has more of an 80's sound to me, but I like it more than the original just because it is more upbeat and dance like.

Another track I really liked from this album was "Black Dog." Before, I had only heard little snippets of the song and I never knew who the artist was. I really like the layout of this song, how they sing, then continue with an instrumental part, then it quiets out again and there is more singing and on and on. But I think it really flows well. I feel like this was probably one of the most influential albums during this time because I feel like it is the first to really produce good rock music. Regardless if their lyrics suck, I still think they are super talented and really impacted rock in the 70's in a positive way.

Fun.

I don't like the sound of this band. They are too chirpy and positive for my taste. Just as it gets annoying to be around someone who always is looking on the bright side, Fun.'s songs are upbeat and just obnoxious. Their lyrics aren't anything special either.

My seat's been taken by some sunglasses, asking 'bout a scar

Um, what?

 I also don't like the sound of the lead singer Nate Ruess. It sounds too much like a boy punk/pop band. Especially their song "It Gets Better."

 Plus in every song, it sounds like they put a small echo on his voice, giving it a kind of choir-ish sound. And I don't like it. You can really hear the echo in the verses of the song "All Alright."

 Part of my hatred for this band definitely has to do with the fact that I hear their songs on the radio every few minutes. I can't go one day without hearing "Some Nights" or "We Are Young." Sure, for a while they were new and "hip" and I thought they were good. But now, I just can't do it.
        It's funny because, the blog I wrote about overplaying songs includes the song "We Are Young" by Fun. And that was written back in September of 2012. I actually said, "They (Fun.) also released another really good, catchy song called "Some Nights," which I predict everyone will hate within the next few weeks." That was for sure true.