Today, New Music Tuesday is laid to rest. I have launched a new blog, head over to Pigeons in Yellow Denim to check it out.
Thanks for reading.
--Dave
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
RIP Jay Reatard
Wow, what a sad start to the year. The earthquake in Haiti and this evening it was announced on multiple news sources that Jay Reatard was found dead. Jay Reatard was a terrific musician and had a number of associated acts. At only 29 years old, he had influenced a number of other musicians and gained a great following. He will be missed.
Thoughts go out to the friends and family of Jay Reatard, as well as to all those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. If you can please donate if you can, here are a few places you can donate to.
Canadian Red Cross https://www.paypaq.com/redcross/en/corporation/index.php?login=haiti&password=support
World Vision Canada
http://www.worldvision.ca/give-a-gift/Pages/EarthquakeinHaiti.aspx
GlobalMedic
http://www.globalmedic.ca/missions/Haiti/earthquake_jan_2010/main.html (follow the link at the end of the article)
-- Dave
Thoughts go out to the friends and family of Jay Reatard, as well as to all those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. If you can please donate if you can, here are a few places you can donate to.
Canadian Red Cross https://www.paypaq.com/redcross/en/corporation/index.php?login=haiti&password=support
World Vision Canada
http://www.worldvision.ca/give-a-gift/Pages/EarthquakeinHaiti.aspx
GlobalMedic
http://www.globalmedic.ca/missions/Haiti/earthquake_jan_2010/main.html (follow the link at the end of the article)
-- Dave
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Band Who Stole 2009
I reviewed the year and after reflecting on it for a few days I realized I didn't mention...or failed to expand on the best story of the year. Thomas Mars, Deck D'Arcy, Christian Mazzalai and Laurent Brancowitz played as a backing band for the great French duo known as Air. In 2000, Phoenix came to life on their own releasing United. Also in 2000, Air composed the soundtrack to a great movie The Virgin Suicides, which stars one of my biggest celebrity crushes Kirsten Dunst, in the soundtrack is an amazing track called "Playground Love" which is where I first heard about Phoenix after some research into the soundtrack.
The years past and Phoenix saw some commercial success hitting my radar again with the release of It's Never Been Like That with a great track "Long Distance Call". But, 2009...more specifically the latter half of the year Phoenix rose to startling fame into the mainstream and have now hit the media circuit like mad! In May, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix was released and generated instant buzz, rightly so, it's an awesome album.
The album received high praise from Pitchfork, SPIN and NME, among others. As the year went on the album and the band began to steam roll along and saw the track "1901" played in car commercials which is as we all now know the arena where new music is discovered by the masses.
More recently the Grammy's gave the nod to Phoenix as a nominee for Best Alternative Music Album. They are in some tough competition against Brian Eno and David Bryne's album Everything That Happens Will Happen Today and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs It's Blitz. With the media buzz around the band at the moment, they are great front runners to win.
The web has also been a buzz with the band with some great stripped down sets on La Blogothque's Les Concert A Emporter (The Take-Away Shows) which are amazing and have destroyed my sleeping patterns as I go through all the amazing videos. Sigur Ros, The Kooks, Jason Mraz and Grizzly Bear are some of my other favorites.
http://www.blogotheque.net/Phoenix,5176
As well, SPIN just posted an acoustic set by the band.
http://www.spin.com/articles/phoenix-unplugged-spin-hq
As many media sites have stated this is Phoenix's year. The guys have hit the mainstream and people have fallen in love with their up tempo sound. The albums that were released this year were stunning and it was probably one of the best years in recent memory with artists like Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Grizzly Bear, Animal Collective all releasing brilliant albums. But, then Phoenix rose up right at the last to steal this year and finish it off as the most talked about band going into the new year. I expect good things from them in the future and from their current discography I don't think I will be disappointed.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Year in Review
2009 is almost over and I can't wait. Honestly, this year hasn't been a good year, probably one of the worst years I have ever had. I lost both my grandfathers (neither of which I was that close to), I moved to a city and immediately (and still kinda) hate. I left all my friends and immediate family and came to a city which I kinda knew, but wasn't prepared for the cultural impact and the isolation I encountered.
But, this year wasn't all bad. I discovered a lot of new things, grew closer to family and was able to step back and realize the appreciation I have for friends like Di and Nayyer who were my anchors in Toronto and put up with me while I went insane and was severely depressed. They were my regular escape, made me home cooked meals and listened to me rants.
My Aunt Esther and Uncle Brian who let me stay in there place, taking over their peaceful life and invaded there home. They welcomed me so warmly and supported and stood by me and helped me adjust to life in the big city. We grew closer and they are amazing people who I could never express into words how much I love them.
My work friends who became my friends as they left and those still there. Andrew, who gave me a social life in Toronto and became my running partner. Michelle, who I could share our mutual love of music with and experienced a magical concert with Dan Auerbach. Ashely, who is my partner in venting and support at work. Keays, who gave me a place to stay in Chicago and a smile on my face every day with her positive attitude. Candice, who is the realist person I have met in Toronto and was able to tell me when I was being an idiot from my freak outs. Christine, who is my partner to go to movies and frightening concert experiences. And of course Leslie, who gave me a great friend to drink with and who writes the best blog and who will eventually write a book that will be amazing.
All my friends and family mean a lot to me! If I didn't mention anyone specifically, don't get upset I love you all, I was just highlighting a few.
At the end of the year it is an amazing time to look back and too often those people that impact your life either positively or negatively are not given the credit they deserve and more often then not, it is so hard to say your thanks and appreciation to their face, so that's what blogs are for.
Another positive thing that came out of 2009 is the music. Oh the music! It has been a while since all those things I have looked for in my musical appetite have been satisfied. My music blog has suffered, not being updated as often as I would have liked, but a new site with some ambitious new elements is under development and I am hoping, once the site images are designed will launch in early 2010. I have few categories I will give my top picks in and give some brief write ups on those that had the most impact to me.
Best Concert
3. Dan Auerbach - Phoenix Concert Theatre
2. Camera Obscura - Lee's Palace/Phoenix Concert Theatre
1. Weezer - Molson Amphitheatre (Not the Blink-182 side of this show)
Best Pop/Rock Album
3. Fearless - Taylor Swift
2. Only By The Night - Kings of Leon
1. My Maudlin Career - Camera Obscura
I know, I know this is a odd top three for a dual genre category. And I know I have to explain why Taylor Swift is on my list. Quite frankly, it's a good album. Good melody, solid vocals and a genuine sound. There are thousands more who agree with me so shut up! Kings of Leon is pretty obvious, it was a great album although their earlier records are great as well. Finally, Camera Obscura who I saw live twice this year put out just an amazing album from start to finish.
Best Rap Album
3. Troubadour - K'Naan
2. Tounge N' Cheek - Dizee Rascal
1. Blueprint 3 - Jay-Z
Not much to say, these are just awesome albums.
Best Indie Album
3. Merriweather Post Pavilion - Animal Collective
2. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix - Phoenix
1. Veckatimest - Grizzly Bear
So hard to choose the top three, there was soooo much good music out this year. If you don't own these three albums you should.
Best Album Overall
3. My Maudlin Career - Camera Obscura
2. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix - Phoenix
1. Veckatimest - Grizzly Bear
Best Music Site
3. Stereogum (www.stereogum.com)
2. I am Fuel, You are Friends (www.fuelfriendsblog.com)
1. Pitchfork (www.pitchfork.com)
So many things happened in the music world this past year. We lost some amazing artists, many new bands released their debut albums and EP's that were amazing like Japandroids. Groups took time off to release stunning solo albums like Dan Auerbach's Keep It Hid and Pat Carney's group Drummer with their self-titled debut.
2010 will be a great year. There are albums coming out that I can't wait for like She and Him Volume 2. The White Stripes box set of their cross Canada tour comes out in March. It is going to be a great year!!!!
Till next year. I will announce on here when the new site goes live and I hope everyone has a great holiday season. Thanks for reading.
-- Dave
But, this year wasn't all bad. I discovered a lot of new things, grew closer to family and was able to step back and realize the appreciation I have for friends like Di and Nayyer who were my anchors in Toronto and put up with me while I went insane and was severely depressed. They were my regular escape, made me home cooked meals and listened to me rants.
My Aunt Esther and Uncle Brian who let me stay in there place, taking over their peaceful life and invaded there home. They welcomed me so warmly and supported and stood by me and helped me adjust to life in the big city. We grew closer and they are amazing people who I could never express into words how much I love them.
My work friends who became my friends as they left and those still there. Andrew, who gave me a social life in Toronto and became my running partner. Michelle, who I could share our mutual love of music with and experienced a magical concert with Dan Auerbach. Ashely, who is my partner in venting and support at work. Keays, who gave me a place to stay in Chicago and a smile on my face every day with her positive attitude. Candice, who is the realist person I have met in Toronto and was able to tell me when I was being an idiot from my freak outs. Christine, who is my partner to go to movies and frightening concert experiences. And of course Leslie, who gave me a great friend to drink with and who writes the best blog and who will eventually write a book that will be amazing.
All my friends and family mean a lot to me! If I didn't mention anyone specifically, don't get upset I love you all, I was just highlighting a few.
At the end of the year it is an amazing time to look back and too often those people that impact your life either positively or negatively are not given the credit they deserve and more often then not, it is so hard to say your thanks and appreciation to their face, so that's what blogs are for.
Another positive thing that came out of 2009 is the music. Oh the music! It has been a while since all those things I have looked for in my musical appetite have been satisfied. My music blog has suffered, not being updated as often as I would have liked, but a new site with some ambitious new elements is under development and I am hoping, once the site images are designed will launch in early 2010. I have few categories I will give my top picks in and give some brief write ups on those that had the most impact to me.
Best Concert
3. Dan Auerbach - Phoenix Concert Theatre
2. Camera Obscura - Lee's Palace/Phoenix Concert Theatre
1. Weezer - Molson Amphitheatre (Not the Blink-182 side of this show)
Best Pop/Rock Album
3. Fearless - Taylor Swift
2. Only By The Night - Kings of Leon
1. My Maudlin Career - Camera Obscura
I know, I know this is a odd top three for a dual genre category. And I know I have to explain why Taylor Swift is on my list. Quite frankly, it's a good album. Good melody, solid vocals and a genuine sound. There are thousands more who agree with me so shut up! Kings of Leon is pretty obvious, it was a great album although their earlier records are great as well. Finally, Camera Obscura who I saw live twice this year put out just an amazing album from start to finish.
Best Rap Album
3. Troubadour - K'Naan
2. Tounge N' Cheek - Dizee Rascal
1. Blueprint 3 - Jay-Z
Not much to say, these are just awesome albums.
Best Indie Album
3. Merriweather Post Pavilion - Animal Collective
2. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix - Phoenix
1. Veckatimest - Grizzly Bear
So hard to choose the top three, there was soooo much good music out this year. If you don't own these three albums you should.
Best Album Overall
3. My Maudlin Career - Camera Obscura
2. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix - Phoenix
1. Veckatimest - Grizzly Bear
Best Music Site
3. Stereogum (www.stereogum.com)
2. I am Fuel, You are Friends (www.fuelfriendsblog.com)
1. Pitchfork (www.pitchfork.com)
So many things happened in the music world this past year. We lost some amazing artists, many new bands released their debut albums and EP's that were amazing like Japandroids. Groups took time off to release stunning solo albums like Dan Auerbach's Keep It Hid and Pat Carney's group Drummer with their self-titled debut.
2010 will be a great year. There are albums coming out that I can't wait for like She and Him Volume 2. The White Stripes box set of their cross Canada tour comes out in March. It is going to be a great year!!!!
Till next year. I will announce on here when the new site goes live and I hope everyone has a great holiday season. Thanks for reading.
-- Dave
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Camra Obscura - Phoenix Concert Theatre
I logged in today to write a blog entry regarding the amazing Camera Obscura concert last Thursday. I noticed I had a lot of saved drafts...8 to be exact...all incomplete. So! First assignment is to finish this one, gotta keep you current. Then I will go through the lost archive blogs and finish those.
Back in June, Camera Obscura was my first concert I saw since moving to Toronto, went by myself to Lee's Palace and it was great. So when they announced another Toronto show in November I thought "should I see this band twice in one year...is it overkill?" the answer was "no..no it's not overkill". With the release of My Maudlin Career this year I have listened to this album virtually everyday and many times two or three times in the day.
So on November 24th, I headed down to meet my friend Christine for dinner at Mercatto, which not to give a full review of the restaurant. Mercatto was fantastic! The service was great, our waitress was prompt, helpful and friendly. The food was delicious and reasonably priced, I had a great ravioli with a Fantinel Pino Grigio, it was just great! I highly suggest it.
After dinner we wandered down to the Phoenix, got in a little early and enjoyed a beer. The venue is good. It has a lot of space, decent acoustics and reasonable prices for beer. The only complaint I would have it that it gets incredibly hot...like insane, which when it is cold outside it is hard to dress appropriately. Christine wanted to go to the front, closer to the stage. Now, this is important. I am one more for hanging near the back and I like to have some space, this would play a role later on in the night.
The opening band Papercuts took the stage. They sounded pretty good, Jason the lead singer had a great voice. What really stood out about Papercuts was the fact that on the third track Jason was having some technical difficulties, his cord kept falling out and not working. The band did not miss a beat, Jason handled these issues like a professional and provided a great opening act for Camera Obscura. Post concert I had a chance to chat with Frankie and Graham from the band and picked up their 7" which is great. I encourage you to check out their Myspace and listen to some tracks.
Camera Obscura took the stage and began with "Sweetest Thing" and mainly stuck to tracks from My Maudlin Career. The band was great, Tracyanne, the lead singer was amazing as always. Carey (Who I have a crush on) was jammin' away on the keyboards and is really hot...something about girls in bands, don't know. The most fun though is watching Tim, their touring percussionist who plays the trumpet, wood blocks, xylophone and occasionally jumps up plays the drums as well.
About seven songs in, Christine all of a sudden rests her head on my shoulder and says "Dave, I don't feel good", so I think "Alright, let's get out of the crowd so we can breathe"...nope, no time Christine faints. Holy crap this was insanely scary. She comes to a few seconds later as I am trying to get her to her feet. We start walking out of the crowd and she drops again and goes straight to the floor. Security joins us a few seconds later and is helping me get her to the side. After a break and some fresh air, we figure the fainting spell was due to the heat and crowd, so Christine says she is okay so we chill out at the back and hear them finish off the concert. As they lead up to "Forest and Sands", Tim (who is American) comes out wearing a turkey hat....that's right a turkey HAT!! It was awesome, as those who know I am an expert on turkey hats and although this was not a homemade turkey hat, it still was impressive.
As the crowd is pouring out, we decide to wait until the place clears out as to not have to stand in the line up. As we are waiting Carey passes by...my heart stops for a second and I think "Crap..missed my chance" then we start walking out and I look behind me and there is she again. So I say "You guys were awesome"... in her state of clearly looking for someone gives a very nice "Oh...Thank you" in a great Scottish accent. So, although I missed a few songs while we went outside, it was a great show again. A lot of memories (not all great ones), but had a great dinner and a great show.
I am looking forward to the 2010 stop and I will certainly go see Camera Obscura again, and if Papercuts comes back I would go see their show too, they were a pretty good opening band.
Well, that's the concert update. Many updates from the lost blogs coming.
Till next time
--Dave
"Oh it feels like none of this is real, I pretend that my heart and my head are well, But if the blood pumping through my veins could freeze, Like a river in Toronto I'd be pleased, You said I made you feel warm, Said I made you feel warm inside" -- Camera Obscura - "Forest and Sands"
Back in June, Camera Obscura was my first concert I saw since moving to Toronto, went by myself to Lee's Palace and it was great. So when they announced another Toronto show in November I thought "should I see this band twice in one year...is it overkill?" the answer was "no..no it's not overkill". With the release of My Maudlin Career this year I have listened to this album virtually everyday and many times two or three times in the day.
So on November 24th, I headed down to meet my friend Christine for dinner at Mercatto, which not to give a full review of the restaurant. Mercatto was fantastic! The service was great, our waitress was prompt, helpful and friendly. The food was delicious and reasonably priced, I had a great ravioli with a Fantinel Pino Grigio, it was just great! I highly suggest it.
After dinner we wandered down to the Phoenix, got in a little early and enjoyed a beer. The venue is good. It has a lot of space, decent acoustics and reasonable prices for beer. The only complaint I would have it that it gets incredibly hot...like insane, which when it is cold outside it is hard to dress appropriately. Christine wanted to go to the front, closer to the stage. Now, this is important. I am one more for hanging near the back and I like to have some space, this would play a role later on in the night.
The opening band Papercuts took the stage. They sounded pretty good, Jason the lead singer had a great voice. What really stood out about Papercuts was the fact that on the third track Jason was having some technical difficulties, his cord kept falling out and not working. The band did not miss a beat, Jason handled these issues like a professional and provided a great opening act for Camera Obscura. Post concert I had a chance to chat with Frankie and Graham from the band and picked up their 7" which is great. I encourage you to check out their Myspace and listen to some tracks.
Camera Obscura took the stage and began with "Sweetest Thing" and mainly stuck to tracks from My Maudlin Career. The band was great, Tracyanne, the lead singer was amazing as always. Carey (Who I have a crush on) was jammin' away on the keyboards and is really hot...something about girls in bands, don't know. The most fun though is watching Tim, their touring percussionist who plays the trumpet, wood blocks, xylophone and occasionally jumps up plays the drums as well.
About seven songs in, Christine all of a sudden rests her head on my shoulder and says "Dave, I don't feel good", so I think "Alright, let's get out of the crowd so we can breathe"...nope, no time Christine faints. Holy crap this was insanely scary. She comes to a few seconds later as I am trying to get her to her feet. We start walking out of the crowd and she drops again and goes straight to the floor. Security joins us a few seconds later and is helping me get her to the side. After a break and some fresh air, we figure the fainting spell was due to the heat and crowd, so Christine says she is okay so we chill out at the back and hear them finish off the concert. As they lead up to "Forest and Sands", Tim (who is American) comes out wearing a turkey hat....that's right a turkey HAT!! It was awesome, as those who know I am an expert on turkey hats and although this was not a homemade turkey hat, it still was impressive.
As the crowd is pouring out, we decide to wait until the place clears out as to not have to stand in the line up. As we are waiting Carey passes by...my heart stops for a second and I think "Crap..missed my chance" then we start walking out and I look behind me and there is she again. So I say "You guys were awesome"... in her state of clearly looking for someone gives a very nice "Oh...Thank you" in a great Scottish accent. So, although I missed a few songs while we went outside, it was a great show again. A lot of memories (not all great ones), but had a great dinner and a great show.
I am looking forward to the 2010 stop and I will certainly go see Camera Obscura again, and if Papercuts comes back I would go see their show too, they were a pretty good opening band.
Well, that's the concert update. Many updates from the lost blogs coming.
Till next time
--Dave
"Oh it feels like none of this is real, I pretend that my heart and my head are well, But if the blood pumping through my veins could freeze, Like a river in Toronto I'd be pleased, You said I made you feel warm, Said I made you feel warm inside" -- Camera Obscura - "Forest and Sands"
Friday, November 6, 2009
So much to say!
It's been a long time since I posted anything. I have been working on the new site which I hope to have up before the new year. There is so much I want to write about lately. I just returned from the Aretha Franklin concert and it was good, not great but good. Aretha Franklin is a legend, the Queen of Soul. She was having some vocal issues during the concert, missed a few notes had a few coughs but overall she was still amazing to listen to. Tomorrow I get to go see Dan Auerbach and later this month, I am going to check out Camera Obscura for the second time this year.
I love listening to music, it makes me happy the only other thing that makes me happier is great food. As I was sitting in Roy Thompson Hall listening to Aretha belt out "Chain of Fools" I thought to myself what a great mash-up it would be if Jamie Lidell jumped on stage right now. It would be great if I could DJ and create the mash-ups in my mind. I wonder what other great mash-ups are out there. What two artists would you like to see?
Mash-ups of legendary artists don't always work. The other day U2 took the stage in Berlin where MTV made a huge mistake in constructing a wall to prevent those who did not receive free tickets to the concert from viewing it....Okay this is just stupid!! (I'm getting to the mash-up, pardon my rant) What person at MTV who was figuring out the logistics for this free show thought to themselves, let's construct a WALL in BERLIN to prevent people from seeing a FREE show!! This person or group of people were not thinking clearly. But, on to the mash-up, U2 takes the stage and does what they do performing a great set from all accounts I have read. During "Sunday Bloody Sunday" the one and only Jay-Z takes the stage to contribute his part. This was the most awkward on stage partnership I have seen. Bono and Jay-Z just look uncomfortable and it doesn't flow properly. You can check out the performance over at Stereogum http://stereogum.com/archives/photo/jayz_joins_u2_in_berlin_099681.html
The mash-ups don't end there. Recently the ever aging Weezer has done even more to make their fans scratch their heads. First their initial singles off Ratitude sound like teen pop songs. Now they partner up with the likes of Chamillionaire (didn't realize he still was around), Kenny G...seriously Kenny G?! and Sara Bareilles who is actually quite terrific. I can appreciate Weezer exploring new musical avenues but really Kenny G??? Ridiculous!!
I am busy going through a lot of music I have received recently. I will post reviews on: The xx, Elvis Costello, Julian Casablancas, Sally Shapiro and a few more. As well as some re-visiting of albums from Wyclef Jean and in preparation for their new album some Dashboard Confessional.
Till next time, let me know what artists you would like to see mash it up. I think a dueling piano's album with Alicia Keys and John Legend still tops my list.
--Dave
I love listening to music, it makes me happy the only other thing that makes me happier is great food. As I was sitting in Roy Thompson Hall listening to Aretha belt out "Chain of Fools" I thought to myself what a great mash-up it would be if Jamie Lidell jumped on stage right now. It would be great if I could DJ and create the mash-ups in my mind. I wonder what other great mash-ups are out there. What two artists would you like to see?
Mash-ups of legendary artists don't always work. The other day U2 took the stage in Berlin where MTV made a huge mistake in constructing a wall to prevent those who did not receive free tickets to the concert from viewing it....Okay this is just stupid!! (I'm getting to the mash-up, pardon my rant) What person at MTV who was figuring out the logistics for this free show thought to themselves, let's construct a WALL in BERLIN to prevent people from seeing a FREE show!! This person or group of people were not thinking clearly. But, on to the mash-up, U2 takes the stage and does what they do performing a great set from all accounts I have read. During "Sunday Bloody Sunday" the one and only Jay-Z takes the stage to contribute his part. This was the most awkward on stage partnership I have seen. Bono and Jay-Z just look uncomfortable and it doesn't flow properly. You can check out the performance over at Stereogum http://stereogum.com/archives/photo/jayz_joins_u2_in_berlin_099681.html
The mash-ups don't end there. Recently the ever aging Weezer has done even more to make their fans scratch their heads. First their initial singles off Ratitude sound like teen pop songs. Now they partner up with the likes of Chamillionaire (didn't realize he still was around), Kenny G...seriously Kenny G?! and Sara Bareilles who is actually quite terrific. I can appreciate Weezer exploring new musical avenues but really Kenny G??? Ridiculous!!
I am busy going through a lot of music I have received recently. I will post reviews on: The xx, Elvis Costello, Julian Casablancas, Sally Shapiro and a few more. As well as some re-visiting of albums from Wyclef Jean and in preparation for their new album some Dashboard Confessional.
Till next time, let me know what artists you would like to see mash it up. I think a dueling piano's album with Alicia Keys and John Legend still tops my list.
--Dave
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Ladies are Killin' It!
Okay, it's been a while since I have written about music and there is a lot I want to write like have you heard the Where the Wild Things Are soundtrack? It's great. What are you listening to right now? What song can't you stop listening to?
In the past year I have heard two songs that have had just amazing hooks in them both by very talented female artists who I enjoy. In both track I feel the hook is better then the rapper's lyrics. Let's chat about the first one, we will start with the one that has been out the longest.
"Life is Better" - Q-Tip feat. Norah Jones
This track is a homage to the creators of hip hop and the strong artists that exist in the present. The track starts and Norah Jones voice is just so light and fits so well with the back beat that it causes this track to play in my head for days after I hear it. Q-Tip's lyrics are basically him reciting the names of some of the best hip hop/rap artists to ever exist. But there are only two parts of this song I feel are necessary, the simple back beat and Norah Jones. WOW! She makes this song come alive and when she cuts back in after the initial rap by Q-Tip it just brings the track around and back to life. Kudos Norah Jones you made this song amazing!
Check it out, I would embed it but it's just gonna get yanked off in a bit anyway so check out the video through the link and let me know your thoughts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLoscbxjcwU
The next track is probably the best track out right now. Many artists have been tweeting about this track as their favorite tracks.
Empire State of Mind - Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys
WOW! Listen to this track over and over again. Alicia Keys is this song, every moment of this song is truly just waiting for her to start singing again. She nails every part of her hook, every single part. Jay-Z is solid on this track, he has a good flow and compliments Alicia Key's hook well. The hook though builds this song up and makes it what I think should be used by the New York City Tourism Board as their theme song. It speaks to the fact that New York is the greatest city in the world. I don't even feel I need to write that much about this song. Listen to it, again and again and again. The video has been shot for this track, expect it to be good, I am.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm61weFrK4c
That's it for now. I gotta get back to work, but let me know what is new and great out there and expect some good things I am working on the new site for the blog and will hopefully have it up and running in the next few months. If you want to see something on the new site drop me a line.
Till next time, enjoy the music.
--Dave
In the past year I have heard two songs that have had just amazing hooks in them both by very talented female artists who I enjoy. In both track I feel the hook is better then the rapper's lyrics. Let's chat about the first one, we will start with the one that has been out the longest.
"Life is Better" - Q-Tip feat. Norah Jones
This track is a homage to the creators of hip hop and the strong artists that exist in the present. The track starts and Norah Jones voice is just so light and fits so well with the back beat that it causes this track to play in my head for days after I hear it. Q-Tip's lyrics are basically him reciting the names of some of the best hip hop/rap artists to ever exist. But there are only two parts of this song I feel are necessary, the simple back beat and Norah Jones. WOW! She makes this song come alive and when she cuts back in after the initial rap by Q-Tip it just brings the track around and back to life. Kudos Norah Jones you made this song amazing!
Check it out, I would embed it but it's just gonna get yanked off in a bit anyway so check out the video through the link and let me know your thoughts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLoscbxjcwU
The next track is probably the best track out right now. Many artists have been tweeting about this track as their favorite tracks.
Empire State of Mind - Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys
WOW! Listen to this track over and over again. Alicia Keys is this song, every moment of this song is truly just waiting for her to start singing again. She nails every part of her hook, every single part. Jay-Z is solid on this track, he has a good flow and compliments Alicia Key's hook well. The hook though builds this song up and makes it what I think should be used by the New York City Tourism Board as their theme song. It speaks to the fact that New York is the greatest city in the world. I don't even feel I need to write that much about this song. Listen to it, again and again and again. The video has been shot for this track, expect it to be good, I am.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm61weFrK4c
That's it for now. I gotta get back to work, but let me know what is new and great out there and expect some good things I am working on the new site for the blog and will hopefully have it up and running in the next few months. If you want to see something on the new site drop me a line.
Till next time, enjoy the music.
--Dave
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
