A Variety of Different Music

          I mostly like to hear songs that are in Spanish because I love the Latin rhythm and how it makes me feel jumpy and how loud they are which makes me imagine about being in a country in South America and tasting the zesty flavors of Latin dishes and smelling the heavenly aroma of many more foods. Nevertheless, I love to listen to songs that are in different languages rather than just Spanish, mostly Japanese, and even some Arabic songs for even though I can’t understand what the singers are saying, I still love the beat of the songs, just like poems— some may be hard to interpret, but I can enjoy reading them. I definitely recommend these songs to the class for there is one that is like a ballad, another made me picture I was at the beach and actually smelling the salty air, and the others are more upbeat and will make anyone feel excited and forget about any problems.

          Classical compositions have a beautiful sound once played by many talented composers, transporting you to somewhere new and knocking your senses out. Opera is very loud yet magnificent at the same time to hear the voices of singers reaching high notes and getting a sensational feeling inside of you whenever the high notes come up. I love listening to classical music and only a few operas for whenever I listen, I imagine myself somewhere else.

What's your favorite Disney song(s)?

It may sound weird but my favorite thing to listen to would have to be Disney songs. I don't know what it is but I guess it would be the fact that they're just nostalgic and uplifting sometimes. It's become a ritual of mine now to be listening to the Disney radio on Pandora whenever I drive to school on Fridays and now I start listening to it when I study. I just can't seem to get enough of it! I've always been a huge Disney lover, ever since I was small. Nowadays I just can't stand listening to the radio because they always play the same music over and over again like clockwork. With the Disney radio it's always a surprise, bringing in new songs that might have even been a little bit older than my generation that I would have never even heard of. The song that I love the most from the entire Disney set the reprise of "One Jump Ahead" in Aladdin. The way Aladdin is portrayed for most of the movie as some poor boy who doesn't really have a home, he's a social outcast that leads to mischief for the attention he lacks since he has no parents (Spoiler, his dad is still alive). But even though he does bring chaos all along Agrabah, at the end of the day he understands that there's so much more to him than just some peasant who lives in the slums of the street but people never give him a second glance. In the entirety of less than a minute this song just speaks millions upon billions of words to me. We've all felt like we belonged some place but weren't accepted due to some stereotype or some prejudice when all we want is to be accepted. I can never get enough of this song and if you ever see me jamming out in my car then don't be a stranger and jam along if you know the song (:

I'm Talking About The Rap God

Now, as some of you may know, Eminem released his new album not too long ago, and I think it's safe to say that he is the true G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time). I don't care what you have to say to argue my point, the fact of the matter is that Eminem is a lyrical genius. Just take a moment to search for a YouTube video of one of his songs with lyrics and you'll see exactly where I'm coming from. The man writes poetry with a beat to go along with it. He includes metaphors and similes, passion and angst, even humor if you look closely enough. You don't have to take my word for it though, go look for yourself. May I recommend, "Rap God" or "Legacy" are two amazing songs, a great way to start.

My Guilty Pleasure: BANGERZ

I'm almost embarrassed to admit that a new album I can't get enough of is Miley Cyrus' Bangerz. Don't get me wrong, I recognize that she is no lyrical or musical genius but every song is just so damn catchy! Some of them even funny and clever! Although she does seem to be trying a little too hard, the more I listen to this album the more I like it. I'll give it to her that there's great variation between every song, which I didn't expect. Some songs like My Darlin' and Drive actually have some beautiful verses and notes, while some songs like #GETITRIGHT and 4x4 are impossible to get out of your head. I'm not saying all her music is great but you should definitely give this album a try.

Hype

I can't help it but to just dance and get energized, when i'm listening to music. Music is one of the only thing that can make you get over something or someone  , change you mood or just get you relaxed from a stressful moment .  There are only a few genre of music I listen to , but my favorite has to be reggae  especially some Busy Signal. He is one of those artist that has different songs for his various listeners male, female , young and even old but when it comes down to it his music is just enjoyable and can't help but to dance to it . Listening to reggae and dancing is something that goes hand in hand . In Jamaican culture my generation dance in a way many people would say they are just having sex. NO. The way we dance is just close and very inventive , from the steps to what happens.  Reggae is that thing I can listen and get hyped or just getting me in the mood to get focus . Don't take my word for it just hit up a Jamaican party and you will see .

Guilty pleasures? Not a chance.

I always find it funny when people look through my iPod and by the time they reach the “O” on my artists they look up at me, with a look of pure disbelief, and say, “I don’t understand how you listen to such great artists and then have One Direction on here.” I never really know what to respond to that, because in my opinion One Direction is a group of great artists as well. All I can really do is shrug and say, “Different strokes for different folks, I guess!” I’m totally aware that most people scoff at every boy-band, and deem them unworthy of being called “great” simply because they’re products of pop music. It’s not like I would compare boy-bands and their music to the likes of Arctic Monkeys or Vampire Weekend, I know pop music isn’t at the same level as these bands, and I don’t dispute the fact that pop music lyrics aren’t as poetic as indie or rock lyrics. However, that doesn’t mean that pop music isn’t worthwhile; music made by boy-bands, like One Direction, is fun, it’s meant to pump the adrenaline in the body and release endorphins. One Direction make “feel good” music, and there is no reason to make someone feel like less of a person simply because they listen to music that makes them happy. Whether it’s a boy-band, or a pop princess, it’s time to stop calling this music “guilty pleasures” because there’s  nothing wrong with listening to songs that make people happy, why should that be a reason for guilt?

There is a song for every mood, and perhaps the folk-y sounds of a banjo and the crooning of Marcus Mumford isn’t going to cut it in order to capture the feeling of finally kissing someone after finding out feelings harbored for days were mutual; perhaps a pop song captures that moment perfectly, “Wish I could freeze this moment in a frame and stay like this, I’ll put this day back on replay and keep reliving it.” Now I’m not saying there isn’t a song that can be considered “indie” that’s about the same kind of happy moment, I’m sure there are hundreds. What I’m trying to explain is that while someone may stick to just one genre of music and one style of artists, there are others who like to delve into all sorts of styles and enjoy music by artists that may be completely out of their usual range, and that doesn’t disqualify their music taste.  One of the worst things a person can be is a music snob and say, “I’ve lost respect for you because you listen to so and so.” There is nothing more pretentious than placing a person beneath another simply because of their likes and dislikes. Music is subjective and to look down upon people simply because their taste is different than others is simply ridiculous.

I could jam out one night to The 1975’s groovy sound on “Settle Down,” bop along to it in a small and personal venue, sweaty bodies pulsing to the same bass rhythm, and be close enough to Matt Healy that I can see his neck veins strain as he hits the notes on “You’re losing your words, we’re speaking in bodies, avoiding me and talking about you. You’re cold and I burn, I guess I’ll never learn, guess I’ll stay another hour or two.” Then the next night I can be in a sold out stadium, straining to see the five boys of One Direction jump across the stage, and scream my lungs out as I match their voices singing, “I would carry you over fire and water for your love, and I will hold you closer, hope your heart is strong enough. When the night is coming down on you, we will find our way ‘Through the Dark.’” At the end of the day I wouldn’t feel ashamed or guilty about either night, because I would have had the time of my life for both concerts. 

Christian Music

          When I was growing up most of the music I would listen to was Christian contemporary or Christian rock. I would hear this kind of music during chapel at the Christian school I went to, and out of all the music I was exposed to, it was the only kind that didn’t make me fall asleep, (like my parents music) or terrify me, (like my brothers’ music would). Though I no longer listen to the same music I grew up with, I would be lying if I said it didn’t influence my present taste in music.

          I have a tendency to listen to songs that are simple and catchy, like the music from my childhood. The only real difference is quality. Christian rock has a horrible reputation for being dull, and I can’t really argue with that most of the time. As I grew older and listened to other music genres, Christian rock just didn't hold up well; the music actually became a little annoying. I do not believe every single song in the genre is bad though. There are a few gems in the genre, such as Entertaining Angels by Newsboys, Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath, Sneakin’ Into Heaven by Chris Rice, and Walking Her Home by Mark Schultz are all songs that for me at least are worth listening too. 

My Music Spectrum

There’s this amazing thing about cheesy music. There are those that will argue that artists like One Direction and Miley Cyrus are less than those like Paul Simon and Bob Dylan and maybe they have a point, but temporal things can also hold importance. The Harry Styles fad will pass, but it still happened. Identifying it as unimportant because it’s over isn’t fair. Like pretending a lost love didn’t matter just because it’s over. It was at one point part of my experience of youth. My youth is important. Cheesy music is important. It’s a backdrop for so many of us. It is the center of American culture. It’s for blasting in convertibles with your best girlfriends, for forgetting, for dancing and for fun. I believe it’s the greatest accessory life has afforded us. Simon and Dylan won’t fade because they are not accessories. They are understanders of humanity who can perfectly capture that moment you were in the convertible with your best friends listening to Miley Cyrus and talking about boys.  I’d like to suggest though that the music spectrum not be from “bad” to “good” or vice versa, but from “living” to “life.” For, Miley Cyrus is what I listen to when I’m living and Dylan when I’m reflecting on life and longing to feel understood. 

Tom Waits performs Chocolate Jesus

To anyone and everyone with ears and eyes I recommend watching this video of Tom Waits performing “Chocolate Jesus.” I’m not sure where the line can be drawn between “music performance” and “performance art.” Perhaps there is no line, but there must be a spectrum. There must be a spectrum because this is a performance of music, but this is also performance art. There is a difference because people like Tom Waits create the difference. He walks up onto the stage, introduces himself in his trademark husky voice – PICKS UP A MEGAPHONE – puts it to his mouth, and starts belting out the lyrics into that megaphone. Watching it feels like the first time I heard “A Day in the Life” by The Beatles. The transition between John Lennon’s perception of everyday life to Paul McCartney’s was at first startling. It’s a teardown and a rebuilding. I love music, but it rarely makes me feel the way visual art often does. Tom Waits reminds me though that it can. He gets up on that stage, points his megaphone at the microphone, and when he does, he obliterates our idea of music, our idea of art. We aren’t listening or watching because it’s a catchy tune, we’re listening and watching because the man behind the microphone just tore down our barriers of what music should and can be and that in itself is visual poetry. 

Here's a link to the performance...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wfamPW3Eaw

A Universal Language

          In our generation, a common way to communicate with others is through music.  Whether it’s through singing, humming, or playing an instrument, through music people understand each other.  Music is a way to show and express yourself and the type of mood you are in.  A famous quote by Frank Ocean reads, “When we’re happy, we enjoy the music.  But when we’re sad we understand the lyrics.”  Also, the style of music we listen to conveys the kind of person we are. 

Some of us play music as a way to escape ourselves from the world we live in.  Some people play it and listen to it just for the entertainment of it.  And others listen to music because of the artists that play it.  Music has many different meanings to many different people.  To me music is sort of a way to relax but at the same time it helps me concentrate on doing other things such as homework. 

I don’t play any instruments but however I listen to a wide variety of music.  From Country to Rap to Latin music, I enjoy listening to it all.  Music is a universal language throughout the world and has a strong effect on people.  

Suicidal Thoughts

My Music: Notorious B.I.G.- Suicidal Thoughts

    Rap is hardly my favorite genre. That isn’t to say that I don’t like rap, or that I don’t listen to it. In fact, I do listen to a fair bit of rap, but I’m aware of its limitations as far as artistic merit, for the most part. Too many rappers focus on their own wealth, their own sexual exploits, and their alleged position in “the rap game”  to honestly strike a chord with me. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t rap songs that deal with pressing social issues or even reveal a true portion of human nature. Songs like Eminem’s “Stan” or Kendrick Lamar’s “Swimming Pools” exemplify this, but I will instead focus on an older track, Notorious B.I.G.’s “Suicidal Thoughts.”

    Rappers seldom journey into the realm of self loathing, but I’ve found that when they do they often make something great of it. Never is this truer than in Christopher Wallace’s suicidal ramblings. Set up as a phone call to a friend in the middle of the night, this song delivers with an excellent flow and an even greater foray into the mind of a man who, on some level, hates himself. With lyrics like “I know my mother wished she got a [expletive] abortion”, Biggie is not portraying himself as the rich superstar that he was. Instead, he is utterly human, admitting a fear of disappointment so great it drove him to suicidal thoughts. It is not like rappers, particularly those of this day and age, to show such fear and to portray themselves as humble beings who have disappointed their mothers, but this is effective because we have all felt that very fear.

    Another equally powerful lyric “I wonder if I died, would tears come to her eyes,” further separates this song from the genre. Rappers generally consider themselves a big deal, but there is nothing more fundamentally human than wondering what will be left of us when we die. Wallace accurately sums up the feeling of uncertainty, wondering if he’ll be missed when he dies just as so many of us have. These are only small snippets of an excellent piece, but I feel that this song is great for two major reasons. The song is itself an excellent study of the human condition, specifically its darker elements. Furthermore, the song serves as a beacon of light in a genre that is overly commercial and often trite. If such great works of art exist in the rap genre, than others must surely exist as well, and they certainly do.

The Police- Wrapped Around Your Finger

My Music- Wrapped Around Your Finger (The Police)

The Police are one of my favorite bands of all time, and I don't think it's to hard to see why. Their works aren't too numerous, but what they lack in quantity they make up for in sheer quality. Their music is, above all, great to listen to. With a unique sound, excellent choruses and ingenious instrument work (Not to mention the great vocal of Sting, a polarizing figure), the Police set themselves apart as a band. Their songs deal with a great deal of topics but seldom, if ever, foray into the political scene- for better or worse. I feel this makes their music all the more attractive, which isn't to say I don't enjoy a good protest song or a band that deals in social issues. I had initially intended to write about “Don't Stand So Close to Me,” one of this group's most recognizable hits, but “Wrapped Around Your Finger” is a more satisfying song in my view.

The song tells of a young man and an older woman, a story which immediately intrigued me, and how she has control over him. The two are romantically involved, though it seems the older woman is in it for her own gain, the young man being a sexual puppet for her. Soon, the man finds he has the power, as illustrated by the line “When you find your servant is your master.” At this point, the chorus shifts from “Wrapped around your finger” to “Wrapped around my finger.” I found this song so enjoyable because a person with little power in a relationship is revealed to truly possess the power, a concept I found promising when I was younger. If nothing else, the song is a great ballad for any who feels abused and dreams of being in power, and happens to contain some of the best instrumental sections of any of The Police's songs.

Sad Songs

There's something particular about 'sad' music. Somewhere between the slow rhythms and low notes, I lose myself because of the honesty that can be found in songs like these. The songs I'm talking about are those that when you hear them, you can instantly picture the musician held up in a run-down little motel sitting on the floor pouring his heart out about his latest heartbreak. It's the intensity of the musician's voice that one truly feels the emotion that the musician wanted to portray in his/her music. In my opinion, sadness is one of the strongest emotions, if not the strongest, so for an artist to incorporate it into their music just makes their music that much better. Moreover, sadness is something that everyone has experienced and can relate to, so regardless what genre the song is considered to be in, everyone can understand what the artist is trying to portray. For example, Slow Dancing In A Burning Room by John Mayer, Collide by Howie Day, Skinny Love by Bon Iver, or Broken by Seether are all songs that many people enjoy and look forward in their times of need. It's something about the rawness found in 'sad' songs that just makes them so much more attractive to me and, in my opinion, higher quality in the emotional sense than other songs.

One of the Best Albums of the Year

In just a few months this year is coming to a close. So many amazing albums have come out including Arctic Monkey's AM, Lana Del Rey's Unreleased, and MGMT's self titled album. Although my favorite album of the year, so far, would have to be Mosquito by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. With fame, most artists' fourth record end up being bubble gum and shallow but the Yeah Yeah Yeahs have always done a fantastic job of keeping their music fresh yet not losing their iconic indie rock/garage punk sound. Because they may be an acquired taste to some, if you are not a fan yet I would encourage you to listen to their Fever to Tell album and then jump into Mosquito, starting with Always and Sacrilege. In no time you'll be jamming to the album's new electro dub sound while still being able to appreciate their quirky early spirit. Mosquito is definitely a must have record.

The Shorthand of Emotion

Sometimes when I’m lying in bed late at night listening to Mayday Parade, I wonder where I would be if I had never discovered this life-changing band.

Music speaks to us, that much is true. Bob Marley said "One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain." But is that really true? Mayday Parade makes me feel so much pain. In their music, in their songs and their lyrics and even just the melodies, there is so much pain to be felt. Their songs are so mellow and catchy and they just have this way of speaking to me. And it’s not just me, the thousands of other Paraders feel the same way. It’s like they have a song for every single thing I’m feeling, whether I’m happy or sad or angry or miserable.

One of my favorite songs is called You Be the Anchor. It means so much to me, and it means a lot to the people that mean a lot to me. Despite the broken heartedness I feel with it, it’s come to make me realize that no matter how broken we are when we’re young, as we grow, we are slowly realizing what happiness is and where it comes from. And we’re learning how to let go of the things that destroy us.

And I know that it’s not just this band. That there are so many other bands and songs that help us in life. That help us comprehend our emotions and make it easier for us to deal with whatever life throws at us.

This is why I don’t understand why people tell me, or even others, that we shouldn’t be so excited to meet bands. When we meet band members, it’s the greatest feeling. I mean, these people changed my life, these people make me happy. These people were the only thing that kept me feeling alive for a long time. So don’t you dare tell me to stop fan-girling. Don’t you dare tell me to play it cool.

Because I am going to scream. I’m going to shake. And I’m going to say really stupid things in front of them. Because I feel like they’ve known me from the very second I listened to their music when I was that stupid little middle-schooler who didn’t know anything about music. And I am going to do whatever I want because these people changed my life and I want them to know the impact they’ve had on me.

Because listening to Mayday Parade, listening to any music that makes you feel, is a dangerous game and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

All Of Me

John Legend has released a new album called Love in the Future. I love every song on this album and I believe he is one of the best artists. He is Timeless. His music speaks to my soul and gives me peace. The melodies and the lyrics flow brilliantly. The song I love the most off of this new album is All of Me. I feel like he is speaking directly to me and I just close my eyes and listen. This is how every girl should feel if they are in a relationship or want to be loved unconditionally.

Listen, Read, Enjoy


"All Of Me"

[Verse 1:]
What would I do without your smart mouth
Drawing me in, and you kicking me out
Got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down
What's going on in that beautiful mind
I'm on your magical mystery ride
And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright

[Bridge:]
My head's under water
But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind

[Chorus:]
'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all, all of me
And you give me all, all of you, oh

[Verse 2:]
How many times do I have to tell you
Even when you're crying you're beautiful too
The world is beating you down, I'm around through every mood
You're my downfall, you're my muse
My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues
I can't stop singing, it's ringing, in my head for you

[Bridge:]
My head's under water
But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind

[Chorus:]
'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all, all of you, oh

Give me all of you
Cards on the table, we're both showing hearts
Risking it all, though it's hard

[Chorus:]
'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you

I give you all, all of me
And you give me all, all of you, oh

Music is beautiful

 Although I’m not a musician myself, I always loved music enough to want to pick up a guitar and play a piece I wrote.  It’s a beautiful way to express oneself and I even find whenever I feel really lonely and sad I would just start singing to myself or listen to emotional songs to make me feel better.  What I really love about music is many times lyrics aren’t necessary to convey what the musician is feeling; even simple piano pieces have the ability to make me feel truly touched.  “River flows through you” by Yiruma is one of the most beautiful songs I ever heard, I feel several emotions over the course of the song only to think afterwards ‘that was beautiful’.  One of these days I really want to be able to sit down and learn how to compose music and play guitar because, I want to play beautiful music myself.

Avirl Lavigne

I feel that there is a lot of talent in Canada such as Relient K, Nickleback and Avril Lavigne, when I was growing up.  In the past Avril Lavigne was more known for her punk songs such as Complicated and Sk8ter Boi.  As she grew older however she went through different phases sang some hyper, catchy songs including the song I hate with a passion “Girlfriend” which everyone has heard.  Then she wrote a series of very emotional songs such as “Slipped Away”, “Goodbye” and the song that made me tear up watching the MV of “When you’re gone”.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G3_kG5FFfQ

More recently she sang more fun, upbeat songs such as “Rock N’ Roll” and “Here’s to never growing up” were very random and a nod to her younger years as an artist. I know that she’s not the one of the best artists ever but, I really love her style and respect the fact she can smoothly transition to different kinds of songs.  Unlike some other artists nowadays she sings and write the songs to reflect what she goes through different times of her life.  Her songs never feel forced or made for marketing(except “Girlfriend”) and are very sincere to who she is as a person.

Hold on We're Going Home

[Verse]

I got my eyes on you, you're everything that I see

I want your hot love and emotion endlessly

I can't get over you, you left your mark on me

I want your hot love and emotion endlessly

[Pre-Hook]

Cause you're a good girl and you know it

You act so different around me

Cause you're a good girl and you know it

I know exactly who you could be

[Hook]

Just hold on we're going home

Just hold on we're going home

It's hard to do these things alone

Just hold on we're going home

[Verse + Pre-Hook + Hook]

[Bridge: Majid Jordan x2]

You're the girl, you're the one

Gave you everything I loved

I think there's something, baby

I think there's something, baby

I am obsessed with this Drake song. I can listen to it over and over again. I don’t what it is about this song but it has me addicted. I still consider it my favorite song up until now November 18, 2013. This song has been out a little while and I still love it. I loved it from the first time that I heard it. The only thing that I hate is that once a good song comes on the radio they will play it to death. It is all you will hear and possibly all at the same time on three different stations. But for now I love this song and will continue to sing it at the top of my lungs until I get sick of it. 

- Nisha Brijmohan 

My Music

My favorite type of Music is the smooth vibes of Reggae. I love it. I remember when I small and I never used to listen to any English music whatsoever. My parents are Guyanese with Indian Roots and therefore any music I ever listened to was like Bollywood type music. When I started to listen to “American Music” as I would call it, I fell in love. It was all from then on that I would listen to. Then when I discovered reggae I knew for sure that I was never going back to Indian music again. I wasn’t even sure on how I had missed out so much.

Reggae to me is just amazing. I love the beats and rhythms and pretty much everything about it. Sometimes I cannot really understand what they are saying but nonetheless it is still my favorite. When I talk about reggae I am not just talking about Bob Marley which to some people is what the definition of reggae is. I am talking about Vybz Kartel, Movado, Demarco, Alaine and much more. These are just some of the artist. Reggae makes me want to dance and to me is the best party music. It will always be my favorite. I pretty much listen to almost anything but this will always be my number one.

- Nisha Brijmohan  

Slow and Steady

House, Electronic Dance Music, Dubstep, Hip-Hop, Pop. Those are all good. Makes you keep hitting the ground with you're feet in sync with the beat. Your soul feels free.For those minutes of loud, uncontrolled sounds that feels like hours of liberation and joy.

 

This is the music of my time. But I seem to have my ears stuck in another time.

 

 The 1940s to the 1960s. Yes, I know it's old, ancient even, but it makes me feel so young. It actually makes me feel like the me that not even I see all the time. A me that fits somewhere. When I fit, I feel I can be better. Feel like I can get what seems impossible done. I'm not that person scared of the world and the tasks thrown on me when those songs come on.

 

 Romantic of course, but I love how slow the rhythm is, the way the singers sang. Clear and at an easy pace. Letting each word sink in. Leaving me room to dream between each trumpet sound and be carried away on the strings of the violins. I become the muse of the song, feel what the singer paints with his/her words. Images of black and white, red flowers, being sang to a top a balcony, seeing the lights and the white moon on the streets of Italy. Being brought back to a past of romance, dancing, and fun that aren't even from my own memories.

 

 Great pieces of simple and relatable writings being sung with such originality. Small words but the words they choose are pieces of personality and truth. Little details that go so deep with its versatility. What was felt at that moment, you and thousands of people still feel too. Forever or for a day, the exact same way.

 

No stress, no loss of control. Since it's away from this time, it's easier to get away from the world.

They say you go back to the past when you're afraid of the future, but hearing the music from the past makes me feel stronger for what may come.

 

All is possible and I am capable.

 

How can I feel angry listening to this? it's like it pushes off the angry button, almost like a lullaby. Maybe, just maybe, I may feel a little dizzy from all the dreams but when I take those headphones off and come down, I'm refreshed and at peace with all.

 

It fits me, and I fit in it. My earmate.

Gospel Music’s Touch

When it comes to music, one of my favorite types would be gospel music. It is one of my favorites because I am able to relate to it more and find a peace in it. In times of trouble there are songs that let me know that everything is going to be alright and songs made to motivate and uplift my spirit from whatever is causing it to feel its heartache and depressed state of mind. However, in the same aspect, there are songs that awaken, energize, and make me feel wholesome.

With gospel music, I can always find surprise in how the words and melodies are able to touch people from across the border and nations. Although we may not all speak the same language, I love how there are songs that you can find in any language and be able to translate it to the one you speak. Not only that, but one of my favorite aspects of gospel music is that it connects and brings people together. At my church, we have learned songs that have French, Spanish, English, and Creole parts so that no one is left behind or forgotten.

Gospel music ensures that everyone is felt welcome and know that there is someone who understands. It guarantees a helping hand and shoulder to lean on when times get tough and a source of motivation for when you’re feeling down. In times of celebration and gladness gospel music not only lifts up but escalates a joy that no other person can deem possible.

No form of gospel music is exactly the same, and each variety is made so that each person can tune in to what grabs their attention and keep them interested. Each style of gospel music in essence portrays one message whether you’re from different parts of the world, race, or ethnicity, but reveal the truth that some are too afraid to say or share and that’s what gospel music has conveyed not only for me but others throughout life. 

IT’S MORE THAN THE BEAT

“Without music, life would be a mistake.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche, Twilight of the Idols

Ever since I was young music has had a played a huge role in my life, now don’t underestimate the word role, I’m not talking about a role in the sense of listening to music every day in the car, or being hip enough to recite the newest Nicki Minaj lyric off the top of my head, but a role in the sense that it is truly a part of me and my everyday life.  I love music because I appreciate its complexity and the hard work behind it. I play guitar, piano, drums, ukulele and have a decent enough voice to back them all up if I need to, I’ve always taken much pride in the music I can create because I see it as me, who I am and the art that comes out of me. Yes I said art.

Music is an art that I think a lot of people abuse or take for granted, when I listen to music I want to hear deep meaningful lyrics that make you think even after the song is over. I believe that good lyrics should always come before a catchy or “sick” beat, in a day and age where it’s all about the “drop” and the bass, people are forgetting about the lyrics and how they should stand above everything. Lyrics should make you think about the writer and why he/she wrote it that way or why he/she decided to use that specific word, lyrics should not become a few words that are repeated over and over just to fit the “beat” of a song, in the hope that it will get stuck in the listeners head.

My favorite style of music could be simple described as simple, I don’t want all the fancy bells and whistles that come along with most pop music now a days, just give me a guitar and a singer whose lyrics could be considered beautiful spoken poetry. If this type of music is something that you have heard of before I strongly encourage you to look up the artist PASSENGER and listen to some of his music, to make it easy just click on the link at the bottom of the page. PASSENGERS guitar playing is beautiful and his voice can only be described as unique, if you do decide to listen to him, which I really hope you do, I want to listen to his song closely, one word at a time and really try to break down what he is trying to say throughout each verse and chorus. I hope after reading this and listen to this artist you might reconsider what music is, compared to what it has become in todays world, so take some time, sit down, learn how to play an instrument and create your art.

-ADAM BOYETTE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW7WH2j4Y3o

 

Why I love my music

   Music fills our soul and immerses our lives. We play music while doing homework, in the car, and anytime we feel we need comfort or excitement. Music has become such a huge part of this generation’s life. Without music some people feel that they wouldn’t have made it through many obstacles that have occurred throughout their lives. Music saves us. The type of music that saves me includes Hip Hop, Reggae, Rap, and R&B. I love this music because it is energetic and takes me away into a secret place where I feel as though life cannot touch me. I’m in a different dimension and all I hear is the beat of the song, the voice of the artist and my brain analyzes the words. My body becomes one with the music and I am in control.

    Rap makes me bop my head to the beat and strain my vocal cords to keep up with the speed of the artists spitting his rhymes. The rhymes engulf my mind as I am amazed that someone can come up with this type of lyrical genius.  R&B is the opposite of rap. It is filled with soul and sensuality. It is smooth and calming. Reggae permits me to move my hips in a rhythmic motion. As a Jamaican born woman living in America reggae reminds me of home back in my country. The way the artist speaks the native language of Patois entrances me. Then of course there’s Hip Hop. Hip Hop includes most of my favorite artists and represents almost everything combined. It consists of artists that can sing and create dance music. Hip Hop is sometimes used synonymously with rap. These genres of music are what move me. They are what get me through the day when I play them on my phone and insert my headphones into my ears blocking out the world. Without music I wouldn’t be the same.

My Music- Kendal Taylor (3605590) MWF 11-11:50

         Francoise Sagan once said that “jazz music is an intensified feeling of nonchalance". Jazz is an American genre of music developed from ragtime and blues music. Jazz was born in the melting pot of New Orleans during the late nineteenth century. Jazz began to increase popularity and eventually spread across America including Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York.

            Prohibition ignited the Jazz Age in the 1920s where jazz was frequently played in dance halls and speakeasies. Jazz evolved through the decades of the Depression, World War I, and World War II and from its origins of the swing era to a sophisticated genre of music. Inspiring stars of jazz have been Louis Armstrong (1901-1971), Billie Holiday (1915-1959), Frank Sinatra (1915-1998), Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996), Charlie Parker (1920-1955), and Miles Davis (1926-1991). Each brought their own style of jazz using their talented voices, creative harmonies, and unique melodies.
            My two favorite jazz artists are Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. Ella Fitzgerald was one of the only successful female jazz vocalists of her time. She began her career at seventeen after winning an amateur singing contest at the Harlem's Apollo Theatre. She had a successful career that lasted four decades. In the midst of her career she collaborated frequently with Louis Armstrong and made a record full of jazzy duets. Some of her greatest songs were "Dream a Little Dream of Me", “Cheek to Cheek", and "Someone to Watch over Me".  
            I have to admit I am a tad biased, but Frank Sinatra is the best American singer of the 20th century. Sinatra did not only have one of the successful music careers of all time, but he was an Academy Award winning actor and producer as well. He sold over 250 million records and had seven #1 hit singles. He was also the leader of the famous “Rat Pack” which included Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford. Some of his greatest songs were “Fly Me to the Moon”, “The Best is Yet to Come”, “New York, New York”, and “You Make me Feel so Young”. He defined American Jazz throughout his long and successful career. 

Some Songs I Suggest

1.       “A Kiss to Build a Dream On” – Louis Armstrong

2.       “At Last” – Etta James

3.        “Beyond the Sea”- Bobby Darin

4.        “Come Fly With Me” – Frank Sinatra

5.       “Embraceable You”- Sarah Vaughan

6.        “Hallelujah I Love Her So” – Ray Charles

7.       “Just One of those Nights”- Rat Pack

8.        “I Want a Little Sugar in my Bowl” – Nina Simone

9.       “Miss Otis Regrets” – Ella Fitzgerald

10.   “Return to Me” – Dean Martin

11.    “Smile”- Nat “King” Cole

12.    “Summertime” – Miles Davis

13.    “That’s Amore”-  Dean Martin

14.    “That Ole Devil Called Love” – Billie Holiday

15.    “What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong

Music with a sense of "space"

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        I often find myself attracted to the romantic aspects of astronomy, namely the solidarity you find when, to the backdrop of celestial mysteries, you can embrace someone without the awful arm cramps that come with a mattress. Spiritualized's album Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space , alongside its title track, remind me of the kind of love that I find most interesting: carnal and human, with the lust for experiencing everything with someone else. The title of the album is taken from a line in Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder, a book that analyzes many of the philosophical interpretations of the question "Where do we come from?" Although those are great questions to mull over a mediocre dinner with, thee is something beautiful in the careful observance of the birth of a single moment in time that can't ever be replicated.

Other artists I recommend , alongside their albums, include

My Bloody Valentine-Loveless
Stereolab-Space Age Bachelor Pad Music
Yann Tomita-Doopee Time
Radiohead (my favorite band)-OK Computer or Kid A 

"The Science" of hiphop.

Okay, so I'm not really sure as to what we're suppose to post up in reference to "My Music". 
So I'll go ahead and share with ya'll what open my eye's even more to this underrated true and pure definition of what hip hop really is. 
Nothing commercialized here. 

Hope you all enjoy it!  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_AkmzDeiZc

In case you have a hard time understanding Murs (the artist), here are the lyrics:

So I'm at the barbershop
And we talking about this new generation of hip-hop
And how, how lost you all are man
But y'all have no science
So here you go
The systematic knowledge of the physical world
Gained through observation and experimentation
Usually beginning with a hypothesis
Or what some may call an estimation
Record your results from a series of tests
And what your left with is a theory at best

Now let me give my hypothesis, an educated guess
On why my people on the whole seem to be such a mess

Genocide, the deliberate extermination of a race, culture, or an entire nation
Centuries ago they brought us here on a boat
Enslaved us, beat us til our spirit was broke
Then they gave us freedom and a little bit of hope
Then they killed our leaders and they gave us dope (crack)
From the C.I.A. by way of Nicaragua, shipped to Rick Ross, he’s the black godfather
Now Oscar Blandon was his known supplier, he snitched on Rick so he could retire
Ratted on Ricky so he got out quickly, now this is where the situation gets a little sticky

Not a citizen of the U.S.A. he got released and got hired by the D.E.A.
Then he got his green card by the I.N.S.
But that should’ve never happened due to previous arrests
See our government seems to think that there’s a difference
Between powdered cocaine and crack, for instance
You get five years for five grams of crack
But in the powdered form you have a hundred times that
Now who has the rock, and who has the powder?
Who’s the oppressed and who has the power?
They want you to fail so you wind up in jail
You know how much they make while you sitti'n in that cell?
Billions of dollars for inmate facilities
You sell yourself back into slavery willingly
It's not black and white, it’s so much more
It’s the rich stayin rich and the poor stayin poor
The poor white’s meth, the poor black’s crack
It’s not about race and once you realize that, we as a nation are free to move on
And become one people, a movement, strong

Now black people weren't the first to be enslaved
We were just the first to be treated this way
No education you were killed if you could read
So you hid your intellect if you wanted to succeed
And what happens to a lie when you livin' it
You lose sight of who you are and start forgettin' it
So many of us to this day act ignorant
A mere shadow of our former magnificence
Wellfare
No independence we become victims dependin' on the system
Looking for a handout waiting on some help
Toiling on the past feeling sorry for your self
But you do what you can to make it out the trap
And that right there is the origin of rap
It wasn't always played on every radio station
It was us makin the best out of a bad situation
Inner city schools stopped teaching us instruments
We took turntables and started flippin' it
Stole electricity from the street lights
Plugged it into a system and made the beat hype
There was a mic but MC's weren't rulin'
It was more 'bout what the DJ was doin'
He say a few words (GO GO) to keep the party movin'
The beat boys dancin' to the breaks and the grooves
An the break was the part where the record broke down
Where it was just a drum and a couple of sounds
You had two records you could go back and forth
To keep the groove goin' cause the break was so short

Now if that aint' science I don't know what is
The ingenuity of these young black kids
The Bronx New York Central Recita
Kool Herc earth hip-hop true believers
(Theory) Adversity produces opportunity
Anythings accomplished through strength and unity
The fate of the world is in the hip-hop commuity
The revolution is here and now with you and me

(Murs is a Scientist)