Nintendo

I have recently become a huge fan of singer-songwriter Todd Carey.

The Illinois native has released three solo records and two EPs.  After the Morning After, his most recent from 2010, is definitely my favorite.  This was his first major release after Watching Waiting.  The EP has a total of five songs:

1. The First Day
2. After the Morning After
3. The Kind of Man I Am
4. Where Are You Tonight?
5. Gotta Be Next to You

His new single "Nintendo" is available for purchase on iTunes as of midnight last night.  It's a very good song so I really suggest getting it.

In addition to his incredible music talent, he is a star in many other aspects of his life.  He attended the University of Southern California as a music major [1].  He has also started a foundation , Todd4Tatas, which is to benefit breast cancer once his mom was diagnosed [2].

Todd seems like a smart, talented, and a genuinely nice guy.

You can find him on toddcareymusic.com

[Credit:  YouTube]

Sources:

[1] - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_Carey

[2] - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_Carey

Pretty Baby

Just want to say a quick congratulations to English boyband-er JJ Hamblett who is expecting his first child with girlfriend, model Caterina Lopez.

Hamblett is in the group Union J, a band formed on the X Factor in the UK.  The boys placed fourth in the finals.

The 25-year-old singer has received lots of support from his fellow band mates and fans, along with other X Factor alumni like Rylan Clark.  It's easy to say that I am very happy for the singer as well!  Congrats!! xx

Without Me

Rhyme density equals the total number of syllables that are part of a rhyme ÷ total syllables.

In case I lost you somewhere in that first sentence, rhyme density is the most powerful statistic.  Let me show you an example.  If a song has a rhyme density of .40, that means that 40% of the syllables are rhymes and the other 60% are not. Pretty simple, right?

Let's take a glance at Eminem's "Without Me" which has a .49 rhyme density.

"So the FCC won't let me be

Or let me be me, so let me see

They try to shut me down on MTV

But it feels so empty without me"

FCC, me, be, me, be, me, me, see, me, MTV, empty, me.  Every single line contains at least two words that rhyme with each other and words from the lines to follow.

According to rapgenius.com, the five "best" rappers are:

1. MF Doom .44
2. Cam'ron .41
3. Big Pun .40
4. Eminem .38
5. Fabolous .36

Now, you are definitely wondering Who are MF Doom and Cam'ron? and I really don't blame you.  How could the best rappers be rappers we have never heard of?!?!  The answer is pretty simple actually.  A good rapper rhymes very well.  Guys like MF Doom are GREAT at rhyming.  But if MF Doom is so amazing, why isn't he that popular?  That's not a question I could answer because I am not sure.  What makes One Direction more popular than The 1975?  We have society to ask that question to.

[Source for info:  rapgenius.com]

Barracuda

I have our organ called the heart on my mind so I thought it would be appropriate to create a playlist all about hearts!

1. Heartbeat - Buddy Holly
2. Give One Heart - Linda Ronstadt
3. You'll Be In My Heart - Phil Collins
4. Heart of Glass - Blondie
5. My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion
6. Young at Heart - Frank Sinatra
7. Listen to Your Heart - Roxette
8. Total Eclipse of the Heart - Bonnie Tyler
9. Heart Attack - One Direction
10. Hungry Heart - Bruce Springsteen
11. Straight From the Heart - Bryan Adams
12. Don't Go Breaking My Heart - Elton John and Kiki Dee
13. Piece of My Heart - Janis Joplin
14. Listen to Her Heart - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
15. Heart of Gold - Neil Young
16. When the Heartache is Over - Tina Turner
17. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - The Bealtes
18. Heartbreak Beat - The Psychedelic Furs
19. Jar of Hearts - Christina Perri
20. Heart Out - The 1975
21. Who Owns My Heart - Miley Cyrus
22. Heartland - U2
23. How Can You Mend A Broken Heart - Bee Gees
24. Change of Heart - Cyndi Lauper
25. Heartbreak Hotel - Elvis Presley

Now that you have read over my playlist, do you have any idea why the title for this post is "Barracuda?"  Tweet me your answer @jordanblogger

Thunder Road

Happy birthday to the Boss, Bruce Springsteen!  Like me, the New Jersey native has always had a thing for music.  Practicing in a neighbor's home, playing gigs at the Stone Pony, and making a name for Asbury Park are only a few of the things this rock star has to talk about.  He has had so many hit singles and so many sold-out concerts.  So many, actually, that it is hard to keep track.

I've talked about Bruce Springsteen before so I won't repeat myself.  I'm just wishing the legend a happy birthday - Jersey Girl to Jersey Boy.

Lock 'n' Load

The Dead Daisies followed me on Twitter and I immediately followed back once I heard their music.

They recently released their debut album The Dead Daisies and this is really the perfect album if you have been trying to find a good rock band.  I know I have been searching for a rock band and I have not been able to find one...until now that is!

The band originates from Australia and consists of Jon Stevens, Richard Fortus, Darryl Jones, Charley Drayton, Dizzy Reed, and David Lowy.  I have listened to all of their songs and my favorite is definitely "Lock 'n' Load" which features no other than Slash!  

If you live in the UK and would like to check them out, they will be touring throughout the UK and Ireland starting November 20th.  Click here for tickets.

Like I said, they're the perfect rock band to listen to!  Check them out on their website http://www.thedeaddaisies.com/ or on Twitter +TheDeadDaisies 

[Credit:  YouTube]

Happy Birthday

I just want to take a moment to wish Brian Mackey a very happy birthday!  I posted about Brian and his great music back on August 29th.  If you have not already, I really suggest listening to his music and buy some songs!  I have two reasons why you should.  One, his songs are very good - sound a little Bob Dylan-ish.  And two, you only live once. YOLO.  That's really my answer for everything.

Well, happy birthday, Brian!  I hope you have a great day.  Here's a video of Bob Dylan singing "Happy Birthday" to you.  Actually it's to Eric Clapton but we can pretend it's to you.

The Truth About Love

I've been watching for some Fall tours and I have created a list of some shows I definitely would want to be on line to see. Under the artist's name, I have a link to purchase tickets for a venue closest to you!

P!nk - The Truth About Love Tour
With special guests (guests appear different nights):  The Kin, The Hives, New Politics,
http://thetruthaboutlovetour.com/events

Jake Miller - The Us Against Them Tour
With special guests:  Action Team and Air Dubai
http://www.jakemiller.com/tour.html

Fun.
http://www.ournameisfun.com/tour

Brian Mackey
http://www.brianmackeymusic.com/brian-mackey-music--tour-dates.html

Lawson - Everywhere We Go Tour
http://www.lawsonofficial.com/live/

Primadonna

So I fell in love with Marina and the Diamonds today.  I never really attempted to listen to her music, but I did today and I enjoyed it.

[Credit:  YouTube]

She was born Marina Lambrini Diamandis.  The "Diamonds" in Marina and the Diamonds does not represent her backing band, but the name she has for her fans.  Pretty interesting.

My friend played "Teen Idle" for me and that is probably my favorite, even though most of her songs are pretty great.  There are also a handful of remixes out there of her songs, which you should definitely check out when you have the chance.

She has accomplished a lot so far in her career, releasing two studio albums, The Family Jewels and Electra Heart, both of which did pretty well and landed her international success.  Touring the world and doing what she loves?  That's a pretty good gig if you ask me.

Walking

Alexz Johnson is a Canadian singer-songwriter.  She has released one studio album and is set to release another on the 4th of October, although the name of the album has yet to be announced.  In April 2012, her EP Skipping Stone was released as both a digital download and a CD.

A friend of mine on Twitter introduced me to this singer yesterday and I really like her music.  Her sound is pop/folk-pop, but it's definitely more on the poppy side.  Her music is available on iTunes and I highly recommend making a few purchases.

Here is the video for her latest single "Walking."

History of the Turntable - A Presentation

Last year in physics, we had the opportunity to pick anything related to physics and present a project on it at the end of the year to the class.  I obviously chose the turntable and did not regret my decision at all!

Now, you did not have to bring in a physical representation, but I did.  I took my record player and a handful of my favorite records and showed the class alongside my project.

I was going to explain the physics of the turntable to you, but I thought I would just let you take a look at my project.  Click here to view if you would like to strengthen your knowledge.

Beautiful-er Life

The music video for the Union J song I spoke of yesterday was coincidentally released, well, yesterday!  Enjoy!!

Beautiful Life

You know how much I love my Brits.  Union J, a boy band formed on last year's X Factor UK, has just played their new single "Beautiful Life," but of course it's not available here in the US yet!  I'm so angry.  Since I am not able to buy it on iTunes, I am forced to listen to the song on YouTube and it is fantastic.

So far, I'm really impressed with what this band is releasing.  A few months ago they came out with "Carry You" (the video below) which was good and this song is great as well.  Yes, they do have the sound of a boy band, but that sound is in now!!  Let loose and have some fun people!  Listen to fun music, please!!!!

Unfortunately for America and pretty much every other country, Union J is not up for grabs.  Their upcoming debut album Union J is set to be released October 28, 2013 in the UK, Ireland, and Scotland.  Yes, just those three countries.  But maybe I'll purchase the album from some guy on eBay for a ridiculously high price instead of waiting a small number of months for them to travel over here to the states.  I'm a little psychotic like that.

For a little bit of background info for the band, they are made up of four men.  Josh Cuthbert (21), JJ Hamblett (25), Jaymi Hensley (23), and George Shelley (20).  Josh, JJ, and Jaymi were originally part of a group Triple J.

I guess all I can really tell you to do is to listen to them on ...YouTube?  I don't know what else to say since they're not a thing yet over here or anywhere else.  I'm really not even expecting you to purchase their album on eBay when it is released because it's definitely going to be highway robbery.  But, heck with it, give them some views on YouTube!  They seem like good lads.

[Credit:  UnionJVevo]

Fresh Snips

Marcus Johns and Cody Johns (yes, they are brothers) are two of my favorite people on the famous smartphone app Vine.  They have recently released a comedy song on iTunes entitled "Fresh Snips."  Now, I find the song very funny, but maybe that's just because I am a huge fan.  The song starts off with the eldest brother Cody, I guess you could say, rapping.  He walks into a beauty salon which is where the whole video takes place.  I mean, the whole song is basically them singing about getting their hair cut.  They're comedians so it is supposed to be silly so they're not being serious...well, let's hope.

For those who have a Vine account, other famous viners are found in the video like Curtis LePore and Jason Nash as well as others.  Here's the silly video:

[Credit:  Marcus Johns]

Princess Things

So when I was babysitting these two little girls, they were watching a show on Disney Junior called Sofia the First.  The show is absolutely adorable!!  Every show on that channel contains a song which usually pertains to the problem in the episode.  In the first episode I ever watched, there was this song that has been in my head ever since.  It's a song in the the very first episode of the show and the song is called "Princess Things."  For some odd reason, I love the song.  I know, that's insanely weird, but it is so cute and it's a song that I have been continually singing.  Here it is:

I would like to know if you honestly do not find this song incredibly adorable.  The show is very cute, so maybe that's why I like the song?  I really don't know.  Just please don't judge me.

Chocolate

So there has been a lot of talk about The 1975's new album The 1975 so of course I had to listen to it.

For those of you wondering, The 1975 is an English indie/alternative rock band that was formed in 2002.  This is their first studio album and is available in the UK as well as the US and was just released on September 3rd.  The debut album has sixteen tracks, all of which are pretty decent in sound.  There is one "explicit" song on the record, in case you are a parent who likes information like that.  The songs really range in length.  There are two songs at 1:19, a couple at around 3, and a small number at 4 or a little over.

I know that this song is really big with a couple of really famous singers.  I have been seeing it on Twitter a lot lately.  All of that attention is what made me curious so after having a listen to the whole album, my favorite song would have to be either "Settle Down" or "Girls."  It's quite funny because their British accents are very apparent in most of their songs...I love British accents.

Whether or not you're a fan of alternative rock music, I highly suggest taking a listen to this band's album.  I'm almost positive Matthew, Ross, Adam, and George will appreciate it!

[Credit:  YouTube]

Never Forget

Today's post is going to be a little different than usual.  As most of you know today is 9/11, the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the US in New York City.  Twelve years went by so quickly, but the ones we lost and the ones who were heroes will never be forgotten.  We all remember where we were when we first heard the news.  We remember who told us.  We remember what we had for dinner...if we had any at all that night.  The ruins and debris have now been replaced by a memorial.  Our memories and remembrance of those thousands will forever remain in our hearts.  God Bless America.  

Apologize

I am very sorry I haven't posted the past two days.  I started school yesterday so things have been a little hectic.  My posts should start up again tomorrow, but if for some odd reason they don't, then something really major came up.  Basically, keep checking for updates!  I'll keep you posted on my twitter which can be found to the right --> and if you do not have a twitter then....I guess you'll just have to keep refreshing my blog until I post?  Whatever floats your boat!  But keep listening to music in the meantime :)

Jordan xx

Don't You (Forget About Me)

So it's the most dreaded time of year...school!  I start school on Monday so all I have been able to think about are movies that involve school like Napoleon Dynamite, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and Billy Madison.  I am so obsessed with these four movies that I know pretty much every line.  But, aside from the hysterical scripts, these four movies have some great music.

Napoleon Dynamite - This movie has songs like "We're Going to be Friends" by The White Stripes, "Forever Young" by Alphaville, and "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper.  "Forever Young" and "Time After Time" are both songs you will hear when Napoleon is at the school dance, while "We're Going to be Friends" is the song for the opening credits.

The Breakfast Club - Okay, the only MAJOR song in this movie is "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds.  Is there anyone out there that doesn't think of this movie when you hear this song????

Ferris Bueller's Day Off - This is a fantastic soundtrack.  You have "Twist and Shout" by The Beatles, "Danke Schoen" by Wayne Newton, and "Oh Yeah" by Yello.  Those three songs really complete this movie.

Billy Madison - This movie is loved by everyone.  It's such a great "school" movie!  "The Stroke" by Billy Squier, "Renegade" by Styx, and "Telephone Line" by Electric Light Orchestra.  There are so many other songs I could have put but I wanted to limit it to three.  Sorry.

Cat and Mouse

This may sound a little strange, but I installed a Tom and Jerry app onto my laptop because who doesn't love watching Tom and Jerry?

I of course used to watch this show when I was younger and of course I knew that Tom and Jerry were the only characters that never spoke.  I mean, even that bulldog would talk!  But what I never really noticed was the background music.  I have spoken about music in movies in some previous posts, but I am 100% positive I have never spoken about background music in television shows, especially when that's really all you hear.

The instrumentals in this show speak FOR the characters.  The sound gets louder and more intense when Tom is mad.  The music gets kind of a windy, zigzagging sound when Jerry is plotting to avoid that vicious, yet stupid, cat.  The music has an emotional feel to it, but only when it is placed perfectly behind a character's actions.  Actually, all I pay attention to now is how well the music fits.

Let Her Go

Mike Rosenberg, also known as Passenger, is an English folk-rock singer.  He is the co-founder, singer, and songwriter for the band Passenger which is where he gets his stage name from.

I had not heard of him until the song "Let Her Go" came on while listening to Pandora.  I quickly searched for the song on YouTube and up came several results like the music video and also the acoustic version of the song which is as fabulous as the original recording.  The song is a single off his (this song is from one of his solo albums) album All the Little Lights and peaked at two on the UK charts and one in every other country it was released in, like Ireland and Germany.

To focus a little more on Mike, he only released one record with the band Passenger and has released three solo albums.  He is quite the talented songwriter.  If you listen to the lyrics of "Let Her Go," it really was put together nicely.  The song is really a job well done!

[Video: YouTube.com]

You

I always go through different phases when it comes to listening to music.  For the past few months, I have been really into acoustic tunes.  Today I am going to talk about one acoustic song in particular called "You."

The song is recorded by the band The Pretty Reckless.  For those of you who watch Gossip Girl, Taylor Momsen is the leading lady of this alternative group.  This is a song I first heard on Pandora when I was at my friend's house.  My friend is a huge fan of The Pretty Reckless and I am slowly becoming a fan myself.

Acoustic songs are very calming, especially when they are performed by rock bands like this one.  This song is roughly three and a half minutes, but not many lyrics make up the release.  The chorus goes, "And I want you in my life / And I need you in my life."  I just love those two lines.  She's so forward with what she wants to say.  Yes, I am aware that it is a song and those lyrics were written because they go with the song, but I wouldn't even be able to say that to anyone let alone sing it - that is if this song was written for a certain someone.

There is so much emotion in this song and I hope you will listen to it so you'll understand.

It Might Get Loud

My dad put on the movie It Might Get Loud and it is very interesting so far.

The movie is a documentary that looks at the music careers of Jimmy Page, Jack White, and  The Edge.  We are really only watching it for Jimmy Page because he's an inspiration to me and my dad.  Page didn't want to just play music, so he separated himself from that for a little bit and went to art school.  He, of course, returned to music as a session guitarist, but realized that he was playing pieces by other musicians so it prevented him from showing off his creativity.  He started writing and performing in bands The Yardbirds and Led Zeppelin.

While Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton are considered some of the best, I think Jimmy Page is the best.  He did things that were never done before.  He basically created the double-neck guitar - he had it made for himself for "Stairway to Heaven" in 1971.  He can play seventeen instruments (yes, you read the correctly).  He taught himself how to play guitar from listening to records.  He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice; first with The Yardbirds and second with Led Zeppelin.  I could literally go on for hours about this rock legend, but I know you have things to do so I won't.

[Video:  YouTube.com]

Wrapped Around Your Finger

We have a Police DVD called "Certifiable:  Live in Buenos Aires" and I think it contains one of the most amazing live performances I have ever seen.

You all know their song "Wrapped Around Your Finger," right?  Well, drummer Stewart Copeland put the beginning together so well.  He is such a gifted musician - all of the percussion is flawless.

Tell me what you think of the performance on my Twitter which can be found to the right and up a little bit next to this post, or you can just type in @jordanblogger on your Twitter app on your smartphone because I know you have the app. You're not fooling anyone ;)

Gonna get married

I am very sorry, but I will not be posting today.  My cousin is getting married and I have a very hectic, but extremely fun, day ahead of me. My scheduled posts will continue tomorrow :) - Jordan xx