Ooh Kill 'Em

I am going to talk about three songs, all by different artists but remixed by the same two guys:  CAKED UP.

They are amazing DJs and their remixes make me so pumped on so many levels.  Oscar Wylde and Vegas Banger have remixed so many songs from Miley's "Wrecking Ball" to Lorde's "Royals," but neither of those made it onto my list.

Song 1:  "Drop It Low" - Ester Dean feat. Chris Brown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syq9VMbBWEc

Sorry, this one has to be a link.  Out of the three I am displaying, this is probably my second favorite, but I still think it is such a great pump up song for your evening visit to the gym.

Song 2:  "Gas Pedal" - Sage the Gemini

[Source:  YouTube]

This song may be the most offensive out of the three, which is why it's not my favorite.  It sounds very similar to the original track, but the remix sounds A LOT better in my opinion.

Song 3 - "Ooh Kill 'Em" - Terio

[Source:  YouTube]

THIS ONE IS MY FAVORITE!  I love the beat, the bass drop, and even the part where they say "twerk" (even though that part is in the actual song).

To download CAKED UP'S remixes, go to https://soundcloud.com/eatdatcake

Miles Away

This band An Honest Year followed me on Twitter so I had to check them out.  They are a pop-rock band from Philadelphia, PA and has five members:  Matthew McKay on vocals, Stephen Morrell on lead guitar, Jon Pfingsten on rhythm guitar, Jordan Mitchell on bass, and Greg Pinney on drums.

So far, they have released two albums (both unsigned) that you can purchase here on their website or on iTunes.  I am really into pop-rock at the moment, so I think their songs are great and have no idea as to why they are not signed to a record label.

Moments has a total of seven songs:

1. Liar & a Thief
2. Your Forgiveness
3. Moments
4. Don't Leave Me
5. For Fake's Sake
6. Miles Away
7. Live Your Life

while An Honest Year (which is just a single) has only three:

1. You And All Your Friends
2. Starting Over
3. Second Guessing

To find out more about this band, visit http://anhonestyear.com/ or visit their YouTube page http://www.youtube.com/anhonestyear.

Here's their lyric video for "Don't Leave Me" from their EP Moments:

[Source:  YouTube]

Evil Woman

1975 was a big year for music.  In January, three Led Zeppelin shows at MSG sold out in record time.  March was the month the movie version of The Who's Tommy premiered in London (although that movie was atrocious).  And in November, Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" reached number one where it will remain for nine weeks.  Also, several bands were formed that year including Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Iron Maiden, and the Sex Pistols.

But aside from all of those exciting things, my dad sat front row at an Electric Light Orchestra concert.

My dad had somewhat forgotten about that concert until his friend sent out an e-mail with pictures he had taken from the show (the pictures below).

The year, of course, was 1975 and he and his buddies went to the Convention Hall in Asbury Park, NJ to see one of their favorite bands.  ELO had just released their 1975 album Face the Music in September and their first single from the album in October, "Evil Woman."

So that is what Jeff Lynne's eyes look like!  If you look at the first picture, Lynne is not wearing sunglasses.  He doesn't seem to take them off anymore.

I think these are really cool pictures.  Not only is the view amazing, but the black background really makes Jeff Lynne, Hugh McDowell, Mik Kaminski, and Melvyn Gale "pop" with all of their brightly colored clothes.  Nice style, 1975.

 [Photo:  Louis]

[Photo:  Louis]

I Get A Kick Out of You

I got this book fro Christmas from my aunt, uncle, and cousins called The Greatest Album Covers Of All Time.  The book features more than 250 of the best album covers and is arranged by decade and musical genre.

It was published in 2005 by Collins & Barnes and was written by Barry Miles, Grant Scott, and Johnny Morgan.  There are six different chapters:  1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.  I'll go over just a few of those.

In the 1950s chapter, there are four subchapters:

1. Pop - Frank Sinatra's Come Fly with Me and Peggy Lee's Black Coffee are two of the albums included.
2. Exotica - Robert Frost's Robert Frost Reads His Poetry is one of the records in this subchapter.
3. Jazz - Ella Fitzgerald's Ella Fitzgerald Sings Gershwin Vol 2 and Quincy Jones's This Is How I Feel About Jazz are just two of the several albums.
4. Rock 'n' Roll - Elvis Presley's Elvis Presley, Little Richard's Here's Little Richard, and Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps' Gene Vincent Rocks!  And the Blue Caps Roll.

In the 1980s chapter, there are seven subchapters:

1. Factory - New Order's Low-Life, Power Corruption and Lies, and Movement.
2. Pop - Bruce Springsteen's Born in the U.S.A., Adam and the Ants' Kings of the Wild Frontier, Madonna's True Blue, and R.E.M.'s Murmur are just a few.
3. Rock - Tom Waits's Rain Dogs, Talking Heads' The Name of this Band Is Talking Heads and Remain in Light
4. Agit Rock - Killing Joke's Killing Joke and The Fall's Hex Enduction Hour.
5. Metal - AC/DC's Back in Black, Van Halen's MCMLXXXIV, Iron Maiden's The Number of the Beast, and ZZ Top's Eliminator.
6. Rap - Beastie Boys' Licensed of Ill and L.L. Cool J's Radio.
7. Soul - George Benson's Give Me the Night and Bobby Brown's Don't Be Cruel.

I don't want to give the whole book away, so if you would like to know the other chapters, you will have to buy it for yourself!!

Christmas in Hollis

Merry Christmas!  It has been a little hectic the past two days so I haven't been on.  Look forward to my post tomorrow - it goes along with one of my Christmas presents!  But I do not want to keep you completely hanging, so I'll give you a little something.  I guess you could say it's your Christmas present from me!

Here is the music video to Run-D.M.C.'s "Christmas in Hollis."  Enjoy and have a very Merry Christmas!!

[Source:  YouTube]

These Four Walls

I watched this on YouTube yesterday and it is Little Mix singing "These Four Walls" from their new album Salute.  This is an unofficial video but I LOVE it.  I know it may sound weird, but I get choked up when the video shows them winning X Factor.  And on top of that I fell in love with the song.  I think it is beautiful and really displays their amazing amount of talent individually and as a group.

[Source:  YouTube]

White Christmas

We are getting so close to Christmas so I think it is time I post some of the best Christmas songs ever!

1. White Christmas - Bing Crosby
2. Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry
3. The Chipmunk Song (Don't Be Late) - The Chipmunks
4. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
5. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Bruce Springsteen
6. Do You Hear What I Hear - Martina McBride
7. Merry Christmas Darling - The Carpenters
8. Dominick, The Italian Christmas Donkey - Lou Monte
9. The Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth - Bing Crosby & David Bowie
10. Happy Christmas (War Is Over) - John Lennon

I will post some more Christmas songs tomorrow! :)

The Apple Tree

Nina Nesbitt is a very talented 19-year-old from Edinburgh, UK.  The singer-songwriter is able to sing and play the guitar, piano, and keyboard.

She has five EPs available for download on iTunes (even the US):

1. Live Take (four tracks)
2. The Apple Tree (five tracks)
3. Boy (four tracks)
4. Stay Out (four tracks)
5. Way In The World (four tracks)

She announced on her Twitter last month that her debut album Peroxide is set to be released in February 2014 in the UK (sorry, US).  On top of that, she recorded a cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Don't Stop" which you can purchase on iTunes and covered "Love Me Again" by British singer John Newman for BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge.

I love her voice.  It is somewhat raspy but sounds amazing.  My favorite song may be "The Apple Tree" from the EP of the same name.

She has several music videos for her songs including (but not limited to) "Stay Out," "Make Me Fall," and her most recent one, "Selfies," a song on her upcoming album.

[Source:  YouTube]

The Hamilton Mixtape

I feel badly that I have not posted in a few days.  I hope my post now will make you forgive me!

We all love history, especially classic history that everyone knows.  I remember watching this video a couple of years ago in my history class.  It is a parody of "Apologize" by OneRepublic and is titled, "Too Late To Apologize:  A Declaration" and I have to say it is really well done.  Have a look (and listen) down below:

[Source:  YouTube]

Do not sit there in front of your computer and tell me it was not a clever video.  The lyrics are perfect and the video is great as well.  Have to love the wigs, too.  Classic.

What made me think of this video was my brother.  He watched this video of a guy named Lin-Manuel Miranda rapping a song all about Alexander Hamilton called, "The Hamilton Mixtape."  It is a great representation of Hamilton's life.  Have a look:

[Source:  YouTube]

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

If only I had a dollar for every time I have seen a performance of The Nutcracker.  My cousins are both dancers, and up until last year when my cousin was in her senior year, I had seen them dance in that show almost every year.  I pretty much know the dance routines by heart at this point.

But I was listening to "The Nutcracker Suite" today and it really is a beautiful song along with "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy."  Of course the source of its beauty is Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

Born in 1840 in Russia, Tchaikovsky also composed Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake.  In his piece "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," he used a new instrument from the time called a celesta, a small, piano-like instrument with a tiny sounding sound.

Tchaikovsky's music is recognized no matter what kind of music you regularly listen to.  That is because he is one of the most famous composers of all time along with Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin.  Classical music is not appreciated that much anymore.  Our lives are too consumes with what society listens to, that we forget about all of the classic music that came before.  I think you need to just take some time and listen to Tchaikovsky.

[Source:  YouTube]

Can We Dance

The Vamps were formed in 2012, but can I just say that I really want them to release their debut album in the US right away in 2014.

The British (of course they are Brits!) pop rock band has four members: Bradley Simpson (lead vocals), Connor Ball (bass guitar and vocals), Tristan Evans (drums and vocals), and James McVey (vocals and guitar).  The group signed with Mercury Records.  Ever since they have supported Little Mix, The Wanted, and Lawson.

This past April and May, The Vamps supported McFly on their tour and in July put their first song "Wildheart" on YouTube.  Their debut album is set to be released next year.

But they are an amazing band so let's keep our fingers crossed that they tour in the US very soon!

Wildheart [Source:  YouTube]

Love Money Party

I finally picked up a copy of Miley's Bangerz and it's...interesting.

Don't get me wrong, Miley is extremely talented and she really showed it in her cover of Lana Del Rey's "Summertime Sadness," but I was not expecting this, even with previously hearing "We Can't Stop" and "Wrecking Ball."

"Wrecking Ball" sounds very much like Cyrus's prior songs from Breakout and Can't Be Tamed.  "We Can't Stop" I just thought was a get-it-out-of-my-system song.  "Can't Be Tamed" was seen as a scandalous song with the lyrics and music video, so it really isn't like we haven't seen this from her before.  People need to get over themselves and let her be who she wants.

"Adore You" is a really good pop tune on the record.  It's the first track and I think it was a good choice for number one.  And besides the tunes, there are several guests on the album!  Britney Spears, Nelly, Future, Big Sean, and French Montana are all included.

It's not that I don't like the album, it is just different from what I am used to listening to from her.  I am sure that once I listen to it a few times the songs will grow on me and I will be prepared for her concert in April!!  Still love and support you, Miley!

Who You Are

Jessie J has a magnificent voice.  In every song of hers, she presents her voice in a remarkable and unforgettable way.

Well, I love her song "Who You Are" which is all about never losing who you truly are and that no one is perfect.  The song is so beautiful and occasionally makes me tear up.  To me, this song is one of the greatest examples of why she is an incredible singer and songwriter.

I was watching one video that my friend showed me where she is singing this song in a subway station in Times Square, New York City.  I want you to remember that she is singing this LIVE.  It's fantastic.

[Source:  YouTube]

Let It Snow

There's a snow storm on it's way, so it is only necessary that songs about snow are mentioned.

"Let It Snow!  Let It Snow!  Let It Snow!" is one of the more popular songs about snow.  Snow is cold, but the song gives off a warm vibe with the topic of fires and a warm night in.  There are so many different renditions of the song including Michael Buble, but was first written by Sammy Cahn and composed by Jule Styne back in 1945.

Everyone knows "Frosty the Snowman."  Fairy tales, magic, and a snowman who is able to laugh are only a handful of things that make this song a lot of fun to listen to when the snow is falling outside your bedroom window.  But before the song was released with the TV short in 1969, it was written by Walter "Jack" Rollins and Steve Nelson and was recorded by Gene Autry and the Cass County Boys in 1950.

Hallelujah

I was watching old X Factor performances from both the X Factor UK and US.  I didn't watch X Factor US, but I remember how crazy people went for Carly Rose Sonenclar.  Her voice is incredible.  She was the runner-up in the second season of the show in 2012 but honestly deserved to be the winner.

In the live finals she performed "Hallelujah" and I get goosebumps every time I watch it.

[Source:  YouTube]

Please tell me you did not get goosebumps watching that.  Flawless:  the word I will use to describe her talent.  She sounds absolutely perfect the whole three minutes.  Absolutely perfect.

Hot N Cold

I don't think I have ever spoken about Katy Perry on my blog.  So in honor of the beautiful singer, I'll give you all of her music videos.  Yeah, all of them.  Really.

Roar

Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)

Part Of Me

Unconditionally

Hot N Cold

The One That Got Away

Thinking Of You

Wide Awake

E.T.

Firework

Teenage Dream

I Kissed A Girl

I really hope I got them all.  All of her videos aren't on her Vevo on YouTube.

All credit goes to YouTube and the channels used.

Sk8er Boi

Please tell me you remember this song.  Avril Lavigne from 2002.  The album was Let Go which peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 in the US and sold over 14 million copies worldwide.

But the song "Sk8er Boi" was definitely one of my favorites off the album.  The lyrics are so simple but you learn so much about the boy and girl during the song.

He was a boy

She was a girl

Can I make it anymore obvious?

He was a punk.

She did ballet.

What more can I say?

He wanted her.

She'd never tell.

Secretly she wanted him as well.

And all of her friends

Stuck up their nose.

And they had a problem with his baggy clothes.

And then later:

Five years from now, she sits at home feeding the baby, she's all alone.

She turns on TV and guess who she sees?

Skater boy rockin' up MTV.

She calls up her friends.

They already know.

And they've all got tickets to see his show.

She tags along, stands in the crowd.

Looks up at the man that she turned down.

And the girl now wants to date him because he's famous...annoying.

Sorry, girl, but you missed out.

Well, tough luck, that boy's mine now.

We are more than just good friends.

This is how the story ends.

Too bad that you couldn't see...

See the man that boy could be.

There is more than meets the eye,

I see the soul that is inside.

And then Avril Lavigne has her moment of victory.

He's just a boy, and I'm just a girl.

Can I make it anymore obvious?

We are in love.

Haven't you heard how we rock each other's world?

I met the skater boy, I said, "See ya later, boy.

I'll be backstage after the show.

I'll be at the studio singing the song we wrote about a girl you used to know."

She ended up with the skater boy after that chick turned him down and wanted him back.  Avril is teaching a good lesson in one song's time.

Beyond My Wildest Dreams

I saw The Little Mermaid on Broadway two times.  I saw in in January 2008 and again on Easter the same year.  It was one of the greatest shows I had ever seen.  The cast was amazing, the set and costumes were phenomenal, and the songs were exceptional as always with Alan Menken, Glenn Slater, and Howard Ashman.

Sierra Boggess was a beautiful Princess Ariel and was a perfect match for the part and sat very well with the critics.  Her voice was incredible, just like Jodi Benson.  Sherie Rene Scott played the notorious sea witch Ursula and did fantastic as well.  The whole entire cast sounded flawless on the whole soundtrack, but those two stars are the ones who stood out the most to me.

My favorite song in the musical is "Beyond My Wildest Dreams" which Ariel sings in her mind due to her stolen voice.

[Source:  YouTube]

American Girl

[Photo:  dearagi.com]

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' second single from their debut album, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.  It is from 1977 and people still play it all the time.  That is when you know a song was a good one.

The chorus is only four lines, but it is sooo good:

Oh yeah, all right

Take it easy, baby

Make it last all night

She was an American girl

And along with the chorus, the second verse is astounding:

Well it was kind of cold that night,

She stood alone on her balcony

Yeah, she could hear the cars roll by,

Out on 441 like waves crashin' on the beach

And for one desperate moment

There he crept back in her memory

God it's so painful when something that's so close

Is still so far out of reach

Is that not a powerful set of lyrics?  "God it's so painful when something that's so close / Is still so far out of reach," hits home I think for everyone.  But while it is so relatable, I guess you could say it is a tiny bit depressing.  "And for one desperate moment / There he crept back in her memory."  A "desperate moment" is always a hopeless moment.

So many different feelings I feel are tackled in this song, which is partially why I think it is formidable.  The band made it an upbeat, fun-sounding song, yet they talk about a girl who stands on her balcony alone thinking about some guy who has no meaning to us as listeners.  It is like, you want to feel badly for her, but the song is so dance-worthy that you...can't.  Am I misinterpreting it?  Probably.

With A Little Help From My Friends

Happy Thanksgiving!!  We all get caught up in work, school, and everything else in our lives, that we forget about what we do have.  Today is the perfect day to say "thanks" for everything great in your life.  I always give thanks for my family, my friends, my good health, and music.  What would I do without music?  Not much, that's what!

I am thankful for all of the classic artists, as well as the new and upcoming.  There is a lot to be thankful for with the music industry.

[Source:  YouTube]

Midnight Memories

I bought One Direction's new album, Midnight Memories, yesterday and I have to say, it is different, yet very good.

Actually, I kind of want to change what I said.  It is different, but I have seen that every new release of theirs sounds different than the one before.  The only thing, is that this one sounds extremely different.

Here's the track list:

1. Best Song Ever
2. Story Of My Life
3. Diana
4. Midnight Memories
5. You & I
6. Don't Forget Where You Belong
7. Strong
8. Happily
9. Right Now
10. Little Black Dress
11. Through The Dark
12. Something Great
13. Little White Lies
14. Better Than Words
15. Why Don't We Go There*
16. Does He Know?*
17. Alive*
18. Half A Heart*

*Deluxe version

If you listen to Up All Night and then listen to this album, you will be amazed as to how the boys have matured; lyrically and musically.  Even the jump from Up All Night to Take Me Home was a pretty great one.

Louis's solos make me want to cry.  Zayn's high notes make me want to scream.  This whole album makes me want to go crazy.  Play this album on the highest volume your device allows!!!!

"Midnight Memories" is very rock 'n roll (actually a majority of the album sounds very rock 'n roll), "Little White Lies" has a BASS DROP, and "You & I" sounds a little like "Change My Mind" from Take Me Home.  This whole album has me very impressed.  Amazing job my little British and Irish lads!

You can of course purchase the album wherever CDs are sold.  

Salute

There are plenty of songs that I absolutely hate before I love.  Whether it's the rhythm, the lyrics, or the genre, sometimes all I need to do is listen to it 50 times before it is one of my favorites.

1. Little Mix - Salute - This song is off their new album Salute which is not yet available in the states.  I couldn't resist myself and I listened to all of the songs on YouTube and the second this song started playing, I immediately turned it off.  I thought it was absolute rubbish!  The beat just gave me chills.  But since I love Little Mix, I brought myself to listen to it a few times and now it is one of my favorite tracks on the album.
2. One Direction - Change My Mind - I know, I know.  How could I hate a 1D song?  I'll admit that I had never listened to the song from the beginning to the end until about four months after I got the album.  The reason?  I hated the beginning of the song.  It was not Louis, I just found the first ten seconds to be very dull and borrring.
3. Lorde - Royals - I have never heard a song played on the radio as much as this one.  I was sick of hearing it, until I listened to it on my own.  I don't love it, but I like listening to it.  I guess you could say it's one of those songs that I have to be in the mood to listen to.  

Stop the Music

A new EP by Sammy Adams was recently released and I just had the chance to listen to it.  It's called Homecoming and sounds similar yet more mature than his previous albums...not that his previous albums sounded immature.

The EP is just $4.99 (plus tax) on iTunes and features six brand new tracks...which are all explicit so I don't recommend it for children under the age of 17.

The genre, of course, is rap, but they don't sound like songs from a new Lil Wayne album.  No, no, no.  The songs sound the way Sammy Adams has always sounded, trust me.  My favorite one is called "Stop the Music" which is the first track on the EP and really does not sound like rap at all.  Here's the tune:

[Source:  YouTube]

Sammy Adams is currently on tour with Timeflies and their final show is tomorrow night in Detroit.  If you would like to find out more about Sammy, you can go here!

Oath

Well, it is official.  English singer Cher Lloyd married longtime beau Craig Monk on the 18th.

You all know I am a huge fan of the pop star so I am so happy for her and her new husband.  She may only be 20-years-old, but he star has already accomplished so much with her career with number-one singles, top twenty album in five countries, and a sophomore album on the way, Cher has done more than the average 20-something.

Want U Back

With Ur Love

Oath

I Wish

(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party!)

I was thinking about this song a lot yesterday, so I thought I'd share it with you.  Enjoy!

Beastie Boys - (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party!)

[Source:  YouTube]

The Way I Am

So something interesting was recently brought to my attention.  Hip-hop vs. Shakespeare.  When given the task of determining whether a line is from a famous rap song or from one of the playwright's works, the answer is quite difficult to come to.

You see, Shakespeare was a self-educated man who spoke with deep meaning.  Rappers (although not always) do the same thing.  They take their feelings and modern day issues and address them in their raps, but do so with a lot of emotion.

So, I thought we would play a little game.  I am going to give you a line from either a work of Shakespeare or a line from a contemporary rap song and you will have to guess what it is from.  No cheating!!!  Ready?  Let's go.

1.  "And I rest again peacefully."

2.  "Hell is empty and all the devils are here."

3.  "I must be cruel only to be kind."

4.  "Then I hope this take away from my sins."

5.  "May the Lord protect me as the world gets hectic."

6.  "To destroy the beauty from which one came."

7.  "The most benevolent king communicates through your dreams."

8.  "I was not born under a rhyming planet."

How do you think you did?  Well, you had a 50/50 chance, right?  Let me explain the answers.

First, let's look at number one.  Hip-hop or Shakespeare?  Hip-hop.  This line is from Eminem's song "The Way I Am."  Number two is...Shakespeare.  "Hell is empty and all the devils are here" is from  Act I, Scene ii of his play The Tempest.  Number three should have been a piece of cake!  It was from Act III, Scene iv of Shakespeare's play Hamlet.  Know Kanye West's song "Jesus Walks?"  That was the answer to number four.  "May the Lord protect me as the world gets hectic" sounds like a line from Shakespeare.  Wrong.  It's a line from Nicki Minaj's "Autobiography" which means number five is hip-hop.  The answer to number six is hip-hop.  It 's from Jay-Z's song "You Must Love Me."  Number seven is a tricky one.  If you guessed hip-hop, you are correct!  It's a line from a Wu-Tang Clan song.  And finally number eight, which is surprisingly Shakespeare, Act V, Scene ii of Much Ado About Nothing.  

Little Me

Little Mix just released their sophomore album basically everywhere except the US!!  Thanks, girls (sorry for the sarcasm).  Salute features their brand new single "Move" which is available for download on iTunes.  At least we get that to help make this dreadful wait a little bit better.

Well I am a huge fan of the X Factor UK.  There is a portion of the show called The Xtra Factor and Little Mix performed a song from their new album called "Little Me."  I fell in love with it immediately!

[Source:  YouTube/The Xtra Factor]

This is a piano version of the song, but it is still as good as the recording.  I just think they sound beautiful in this.  The four girls - Perrie, Leigh-Anne, Jade, and Jesy - sound amazing together.  Their voices all compliment the next girl's perfectly.  This song has the same sound as their first album DNA, so I like that, too.  

Summertime Sadness

The lyrics to "We Can't Stop" and the title Bangerz for her album have made Miley Cyrus one of the most well-known names in the music biz.  Despite her recent decisions (which have been viewed as "trashy" by some) I love her.  She has an incredible amount of talent and is perfect in so many ways.

I also love BBC Radio 1, the radio station in the UK. Well, Miss Cyrus was there the other day and did a cover in the Live Lounge of Lana Del Rey's "Summertime Sadness."  I have nothing to say except it was incredible.  Lana has such a distinct voice that I have felt no one can really mimic, but Miley does it beautifully.  Here it is:

[Source:  YouTube]

I am also blown away by how well she sings this live.  I sing Del Rey songs around the house and I always have a hard time.  I saw her in concert in 2009 for her Wonder World Tour and she was flawless then and continues to be flawless now.

She gets a lot of crap from so many people, but my cousins and I will always be true Smilers...forever!  Love you, Miley xx <3

Stutter

I want you all to check this out.  Notice how I wasn't asking you to, I was telling you to.  It was written by a friend of mine on Twitter, Amelia, @playful_kitty9 (yes, that means you should follow her).  This is from her blog with Tumblr and on this post she talks about my favorite thing...music.

In her "Notebook Challenge" for November 9th, she talks about "Stutter" by Marianas Trench (the band I spoke of last Tuesday), One Direction's "Story of My Life," "If We're Alright" by The Wanted, and "Wildlife" by Hedley.  The post is done so well!

You really have to read it yourself because she wrote it so she deserves 100% of the credits.  She says things "so much better than I do."  The way she explains her feelings and views on each song is done in such a way that I have to think of a way to tell you.

Amelia speaks of each song for about a paragraph and talks about the lyrics, the artist, the beat - all in six or seven sentences.  When I first read the post, I immediately felt what she felt about the song in such a short amount of time.  I have only listened to one of the four songs, yet I already like the "unknown" songs, just from what she wrote.  If you haven't read it yet, read it now.  Here it is again, just in case you skipped the one at the top.

I'll Follow the Sun

Beatles '65.  This is an album wanted by many, yet difficult to find.

A family friend at church found out yesterday about my record collection (I am almost at 200) and today brought me his copy of the number one hit.  Another one for the collection woohoo!!!

November 23, 1964 was the day the vinyl hit stores through their label, Capitol.  In America, the album went from the number 98 spot to number one.  The Beatles had their release at that position for eight extra weeks.  The track list goes as follows:

1. No Reply
2. I'm a Loser
3. Baby's in Black
4. Rock and Roll Music (written by Chuck Berry)
5. I'll Follow the Sun
6. Mr. Moonlight (written by Roy Lee Johnson)
7. Honey Don't (writeen by Carl Perkins)
8. I'll Be Back
9. She's a Woman
10. I Feel Fine
11. Everybody's Trying to Be My Baby (written by Carl Perkins)

It was released in both mono and stereo versions and holds eight out of fourteen songs from Beatles for Sale.  It also includes the song "I'll Be Back," which I believe is from A Hard Day's Night, and singles "I Feel Fine" and "She's a Woman" which were released as singles in November 1964, a month before the album was released.

Madman Across the Water

For those who don't know, my family revolves around music and hockey.  I have spent a good amount of time at Madison Square Garden, "The World's Most Famous Arena," so my dad bought us tickets for a tour of the transformed Garden.  We got to go see the locker rooms (Ryan McDonagh ;)), walk along the new bridge that hangs from the ceiling, and got to see a bunch of other cool things most people will never even know about.

But besides seeing everything related to my beloved New York Rangers, I got to see a bunch of candid photos and used concert gear from some of the greatest artists of all time.

The Eagles are performing at the Garden tonight, tomorrow, and Monday night.  We were lucky enough to see the crew setting up the stage for their show.  I love the Eagles.  I LOVE them.

Elton John.  He's a record holder with MSG.  By December 4th, Elton John would have performed 64 shows at Madison Square Garden, a number no performer has ever reached.  Pretty impressive.

MSG has hosted several charitable events like the Hurricane Sandy Relief Concert and the relief concert for Hurricane Katrina.  In the main concourse of the arena, they have a number of cases with lots of memorabilia.  One case was filled with things from the Hurricane Katrina concert.  A set list signed by Sir Elton John, a baseball hat signed by Paul Simon, and countless other things.

Madison Square Garden is a pretty cool place.  I am lucky enough to live right outside New York City so I have access to MSG so much.  After all, it is the most famous arena.

Got Me Going Crazy

With the Jonas Brothers' sudden split, I have been thinking about their music a lot recently.

The band has released four studio albums:

1. It's About Time - 2006
2. Jonas Brothers - 2007
3. A Little Bit Longer - 2008
4. Lines, Vines, and Trying Times - 2009

I liked the fact that they released a new album every year, especially because I hate waiting!!

Right now, I'm listening to their song "Got Me Going Crazy" off their third album, A Little Bit Longer.  The album got its title from the song Nick wrote about his diabetes.  That was their second best album, their most popular being their fourth and final record Lines, Vines, and Trying Times (as far as the peak chart rankings are concerned).

The brothers released their first record with Columbia records, but released the others with a different label, Hollywood.  Does that have something to do with the fact that they worked with Disney?  We can only assume.

I miss the JoBros, I don't know about you.  Their music was good and they seem like really decent guys.  I was young when they were big like One Direction, so it's kind of an upsetting incident.

Good To You

A friend of mine introduced me to the band Marianas Trench and now I love them!

My favorite album, from what I have listened to, is Masterpiece Theatre.  The record sold 80,000 copies in Canada, the band's native country.  The regular release has twelve tracks and the "Director's Cut Edition" has an extra four.  You can purchase the album on iTunes.

My favorite song is "Good To You (feat. Jessica Lee)."  Jessica has an amazing voice!  Listen below.

[Source:  YouTube]

Another good song is "Celebrity Status."  This band kind of has the same sound as, maybe, Simple Plan or Fall Out Boy.  Kind of.  I don't know, please tell me if you disagree.

Story of My Life

So I had a different post in mind for today, but after watching the new One Direction video, I felt it necessary to speak of that.

The song is called "Story of My Life" and is off their third and upcoming album Midnight Memories.  The song is amazing, but the music video makes it incredible.

The boys each recreate a favorite picture of theirs, but it is so touching to the point where I actually cried.  Did I overreact?  Probably, but watch the video for yourself and see what happens.

It was directed by Ben Winston, the guy who does all of One Direction's music videos, so he must be a pretty fantastic dude.  Just sayin'.  Well, here it is:

[Source:  YouTube]

Move

So, Little Mix is BACK with a brand new single off their sophomore album, Salute.  I have been anxiously awaiting this song and it is exactly what I have been expecting!

Little Mix's new single "Move."  Enjoy!!

[Source:  YouTube]

Grim Grinning Ghosts

I thought I'd refer back to those Disney Sing-Along Song videos I used to watch.  In the Halloween one I spoke of earlier this month, there is this song called "Grim Grinning Ghosts" that a few Disney villains sing on the front lawn of Haunted Mansion Disneyland.

When you're young, you find a lot of things frightening, and this was one of them.  But, since music has always been the love of my life, I did quite enjoy it.

[Source:  YouTube / Disney]

It is not necessarily the song that is creepy, I think it is the creepy characters.  I mean, Disney chose the scariest villains like the Big Bad Wolf.  Just look at him!  Does anyone else feel like he is going to eat you?!  That tongue, though.

So, I'll be out tomorrow night, considering it's Halloween, so I won't promise that I'll post.  If I do not, then HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Skyscraper

Okay, so I officially can't wait to receive the Union J album.  I have listened to every song a million times on YouTube, and while my favorite is "Last Goodbye," I am IN LOVE with their cover of Demi Lovato's "Skyscraper."

[Source:  YouTube]

I find their voices to be mesmerizing...right?  I mean, it sounds a lot like Demi's version, so I like how they didn't really change anything, being as though Lovato's is amazing.

The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)

I think it is appropriate to talk about the new song by the Norwegian duo Ylvis called, "The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)."

In case you have yet to hear it, here you go:

[Source:  YouTube]

How on earth did they come up with that?!  I don't know if I should congratulate them for thinking of those lyrics, or if I should just throw my computer at the wall.  I mean even the verses are pretty...out there.  "Dog goes woof.  Cat goes meow.  Bird goes tweet and mouse goes squeak."  To me, it sounds a lot like the Italian song "Il Coccodrillo Come Fa?" which talks about all of the different sounds certain animals make but then asks, "What does a crocodile do?"  Now, the MAJOR difference between the two songs is that in the Italian song, they DO NOT horribly guess what sound a coccodrillo makes like Ylvis guess the sounds that come out of a fox's mouth.  I don't know what kind of foxes they're running into where they go:

Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!
Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!
Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!
What the fox say?

Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!
Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!
Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!
What the fox say?

Hatee-hatee-hatee-ho!
Hatee-hatee-hatee-ho!
Hatee-hatee-hatee-ho!
What the fox say?

Joff-tchoff-tchoffo-tchoffo-tchoff!
Tchoff-tchoff-tchoffo-tchoffo-tchoff!
Joff-tchoff-tchoffo-tchoffo-tchoff!
What the fox say?

Now, if you are big on giving people second chances, here's your shot!  The second verse goes, "Big blue eyes.  Pointy nose.  Chasing mice and digging holes."  Wait, it's not over!!  "Tiny paws.  Up the hill.  Suddenly you're standing still."  And it is just a little strange because the chorus changes!  Here's a link to the song's lyrics:  http://www.metrolyrics.com/the-fox-lyrics-ylvis.html

But if you have read my blog for a long while, you know that I am generally not mean.  I usually don't criticize singers and bands, so that is not what I am going to do to these two brothers.  It is a clever song.  After all, it IS songs like this that grab our attention.  This video has millions of views.  Don't hate.  Just admire.

Bandsintown Concerts

Bandsintown Concerts is a free app you can download on the App Store or Google Play.

The app allows to enter your area to see what bands/singers are playing in your area.  They usually give you a 75 mile range, so every concert listed is sure to be as close as you want it to be.

The app is really easy to use and does not take long to download at all, so I highly recommend it.  If you're anything like me, you'll want to stay in tune with your inner rock star.  Oh my gosh, there is no way I just said that.....

October 23rd

On October 23...

1956, Dwight Yoakam, famous country singer, was born.

1962, Stevie Wonder, then 12-years-old, recorded his first single entitled, "Thank You For Loving Me All The Way."

1963, The Beatles headed to Stockholm, Sweden to begin their first foreign tour.

1966, The Jimi Hendrix Experience recorded their first single "Hey Joe" at De Lane Lea Studios in London.

1976, Led Zeppelin made their debut on American television on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert.

1989, Nirvana performed at Newcastle's Riverside Club in England, their first show in Europe.

1993, Meat Loaf's "I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)" was his first song to reach No. 1 on the UK charts and stayed at the spot for seven weeks.

1993, English band Take That's second album Everything Changes was their first to reach No. 1 on the UK charts.

1995, Def Leppard scored a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for playing three gigs in three continents in only 24 hours; Tangier, London, and Vancouver.

Heartbreak Girl

One of my favorite songs by the Australian band 5 Seconds of Summer, "Heartbreak Girl."  Enjoy!

I Believe

Timeflies, the American music duo, is my current obsession. The two just released a new EP Warning Signs last Monday and I am just getting a chance to listen to it now and it is fantastic!

Their single "I Choose U" from the EP has been all over radio stations for months.  If you know the song, their whole release has the same sound as the successful single.

The Extended Play contains four songs:

1. SMFWU  Explicit
2. I Believe (my personal favorite besides "I Choose U")
3. Ride  Explicit
4. I Choose U

Of course I think you should buy it on iTunes.  And for those of you who don't like spending the money on iTunes, this EP is literally only $4.26 on iTunes.  I really don't think there is any way you can pass that up.

[Source:  YouTube]

Thank You For Being A Friend

I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who follows me on Twitter.  You guys are the reason why I keep posting.

Aside from that, today is the ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF MY BLOG WOOOOO!!!!  I am going to take this day as the perfect opportunity to share with you my favorite moments from this past year and my favorite songs.

1. Favorite moment:  Buying a BOY record that happened to be signed
2. Favorite song:  Learn to Love Again by Lawson
3. Favorite moment:  The Cher Lloyd concert (you can see pictures under my "Concerts" tab)
4. Favorite song:  Take Me Home by Midnight Red
5. Favorite moment:  Talking about and with singer Brian Mackey
6. Favorite song:  Sweater Weather by The Neighbourhood
7. Favorite moment:  Finally finding the Fleetwood Mac album Rumours after a long search
8. Favorite song:  I Choose U by Timeflies
9. Favorite moment:  Talking about and with singer Todd Carey
10. Favorite song:  Best Song Ever by One Direction

Thank you everyone for continuing to read my blog every day.  You have no idea how much I appreciate it! - Jordan xx

Smells Like Teen Spirit

Nirvana.  The American band that started the grunge movement.  Three studio albums, eight years, and many in-and-out members, this band belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Even though Bon Jovi and ELO (or just Jeff Lynne) have yet to be inducted into the legendary HOF, (I am very angry that they have not been inducted) Nirvana is one of the groups that also belongs and will belong as of this year.  The group made grunge a "thing."  Without Kurt Cobain's basic components,singing style, and lyrics, it is hard to tell what the band would have been.

But the band really would not have been what they were if the other members had never been there.  Krist Novoselic and Cobain were the only members present for the full eight years with the rest coming and going as they pleased.

In honor of their nomination for entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Kurt Cobain, here's their 1992 VMA performance:

Royals

I am currently obsessed with "Royals" by 16-year-old Lorde.  No instruments (except maybe a drum), just hands that were made for snapping.  This girl so young yet so talented.

[Source:  YouTube]

'O Sole Mio

"'O Sole Mio" was composed by Eduardo Di Capua in 1898 and is referred to as a Neapolitan song.  Neapolitan songs were written for the Festival of Piedigrotta in Naples, Italy.  Di Capua set the music to the poem by Giovanni Capurro.

One of the most popular versions of the song is "It's Now or Never" by Elvis Presley.

Here are the Neapolitan Italian lyrics:

Che bella cosa na jurnata 'e sole,

n'aria serena doppo na tempesta!

Pe' ll'aria fresca pare già na festa...

Che bella cosa na jurnata 'e sole.

Ma n'atu sole

cchiù bello, oje ne'.

O sole mio

sta 'nfronte a te!

O sole

O sole mio

sta 'nfronte a te!

sta 'nfronte a te!

Quanna fa notte e 'o sole se ne scenne

me vene quase 'na malincunia;

sotto 'a fenesta toia restarria

quanno fa notte e 'o sole se ne scenne.

Ma n'atu sole

cchiù bello, oje ne'.

O sole mio

sta 'nfronte a te!

O sole

O sole mio

sta 'nfronte a te!

sta 'nfronte a te!

I know that it is probably not easy to read, but that's because the Neapolitan dialect is a little...informal.  Also, some of the words are definitely a little different from regular Italian.  For instance, in lines 1 and 4, the word "jurnata" is really "giornata."  In the Italian language, there is no "j" in the alphabet.  

Anyway, here is an English translation:

What a wonderful thing a sunny day

The serene air after a thunderstorm

The fresh air, and a party is already going on...

What a wonderful thing a sunny day.

But another sun,

that's brighter still

It's my own sun

that's in your face!

The sun, my own sun

It's in your face!

It's in your face!

When night comes and the sun has gone down,

I start feeling blue;

I'd stay below your window

When night comes and the sun has gone down.

But another sun,

that's brighter still

It's my own sun

that's in your face!

The sun, my own sun

It's in your face!

It's in your face!

The song was really made popular by Luciano Pavarotti, a famous Italian opera singer.  The Italian tenor pop group Il Volo recorded a cover of the song two years ago.

[Source: IlVoloVevo on YouTube]

It's a beautiful song, isn't it?  If you search for it on iTunes, so many different versions appear.  Andrea Bocelli, Bryan Adams, Luciano Pavarotti...the list is endless!