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)