U2, once again has found its way into my lovely little blog. This time with their 1988 documentary, Rattle and Hum. Honestly from what I saw I really enjoyed it, especially the cinematography of it all and, of course, the music it featured. After watching it, I realized that the guys really were good friends with each other, and loved making music and just had a great time doing it. A few videos that really stood out to me were their cover of The Beatles hit song, Helter Skelter, Bono singing Just Haven't Found What I'm Looking For with a gospel choir, and all of their work with blues guitar legend, BB King, most notably "When Love Comes To Town." All of these really show U2's amazing versatility and pure talent when making and even rerecording music.
I have the up most respect for The Beatles, but U2, in my opinion, killed the song....probably one of my favorite recordings.
I love the way The Edge describes the song at the beginning of the video.
After watching the documentary, I really have come to appreciate U2 even more. These guys really do know what they are doing.
As I seem to be running out of new music to listen to, I decided to delve into my childhood. As I was pondering who I listened to I remembered these guys...Fall Out Boy. The emo rock/punk/pop/alternative band or whatever they were were formed in 2001 in Chicago Illinois. The group led by front man, vocalist, and guitarist- Patrick Stump, known for his crazy range and falsetto, and bassist and lyricist- Pete Wentz- known for well being crazy.
The first song of theirs that I really became familiar with first was "Grand Theft Autumn/Where Is Your Boy," off the album Take This To Your Grave in 2003. Looking back on it I have no idea why I liked it. I feel as though the whole album was very childish, reeking of early 2000's pop. Yet by their second album From Under The Cork Tree in 2005, their sound had completely changed. The early 2000's pop sound had vanished, replaced for a much heavier rock influence with more thought provoking and controversial lyrics/message. My two favorite songs off of that album were probably the two most popular: "Dance, Dance" and "Sugar, We're Goin Down." On their third album, which I consider to be just as good as the second, two other songs stood out: "This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race," and "Thanks fr th Mmrs."
This band is really good at a lot of things, one of those being the way they make their videos. All of their videos relate to each other in some sort of way, either with the same characters or a continuing story. For example, at the beginning of "This Ain't A Scene..." the "Dance, Dance" video is ending...pretty cool in my opinion. Another thing about the video's...watch Pete's dance moves, the man likes to spin.
Oh, what a twist
That's not a possible Joe Cocker impression I see at about 0:35 is it?
After taking a quick break from the band and having somewhat successful solo carriers, Stump and Wentz have rejoined the band and have released two new singles: "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Them Up)," and "The Phoenix." Both are much more intense and darker than their previous works.
....Is that...2 Chianz....what?
A bit dark but interesting none the less
After going back and listening, I realized that they are still really good musicians who have amazing stage presence and are really entertaining to watch. More good news is that FOB's new album Save Rock And Roll is expected to come out April 16th. Hopefully it's as good as their old music if not better.
Sorry to all of you country haters out there but I'm gonna have to talk about it again this week. This time the lucky artist is none other than Luke Bryan. The 37 year-old singer out of Leesburg, Georgia is probably one of my favorite country artists at the time and most likely ever. In 2007, Bryan came out with his first album- I'll Stay Me with his hit song "All My Friends Say." Personally I didn't like the album very much and thought that the songs were a bit too cliche and almost childish. Yet I've slowly gotten used to his relatively lowish Georgia croon among other things. Sure his lyrics aren't the most complex but there is emotion behind them and to me there's a sense of comfort in that, one that makes his music very enjoyable to listen to.
His new album, Spring Break...Here To Party having been just released before spring break was surprisingly pretty good. Although a lot of the songs are up beat and happy, like "If You Ain't Here To Party, some are slow and thoughtful too, like "Buzzkill." Some of my other favorites, not on that album include: "Been There, Done That," and "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye."
Can't say I approve of his dancing...but it's a catchy song for sure.
This one of my absolute favorites. I really like that the song is more acoustic and centered around the lyrics and message, not just the music.
One of the coolest things about country music in my opinion is that people can relate to the songs because although some are a bit too cheesy, they are about real emotions and real things. Plus who doesn't like a catchy song to relax to?
I'm very excited to be finally getting to U2, especially when listening to The Joshua Tree (their best album by far in my opinion). This album has elements of classic rock along with more folky tunes. The most amazing thing about it is that anyone in the world who has ever listened to any form of music knows who this band is, and can at least recognize 4 songs off of the album without listening to more than 30 seconds. This feat is something that hardly any other band or artist can say about one album.
Then....
...and now
On the album their songs very musically in a few different ways. For example the song "Bullet The Blue Sky," has elements that lean more toward the stereotypical classic rock sound with Bono's voice and especially the influence of the guitar. Yet other songs like "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," and "With Or Without You," are a little more calm and lean towards the folk side of the musical spectrum. Regardless, all are still amazing songs, both musically and lyrically.
(I love the drums in the beginning of this song!)
U2 really is quite an amazing band, coming together in 1976 in Dublin, Ireland. The really spectacular part about it is that they still are making good music and have been for a good 37ish years. That takes dedication.
This week I learned how much music there actually was during the 80's; you had pop greats like Michael Jackson, tons of hair metal bands including Def Leopard and Quiet Riot, along with the growth of hip-hop with rappers like RUN-DMC and Doug E Fresh & Slick Rick. I feel like many people love one of those three groups and absolutely hate the others. In my opinion I really think that something good can be found in all of them. For example MJ is the king of pop and his voice and dancing explains exactly why. The pop scene had never seen anyone that could do both nearly as well as he could. Hair metal allowed everyone just to let their long golden locks let go and just jam along with the wailing electric guitar and grooving bass and drums. If they were lucky they'd also get a clap and sing along session. In the world of hip-hop, rappers began to start writing about more intense issues or topics. Yet many still allowed their fans to have fun and relax to their hip hoppin beats.
Introducing the.....Moonwalk
With cross over videos and songs like this, hip-hop became even more exposed to the public and even more popular.
Overall, I can't say that the 80's were my favorite decade for music in general. Much of it was made without much thought but one thing is for sure, they definitely had fun playing it.
I had the opportunity to go to the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo this year and see two really good concerts as well: Eli Young Band and Josh Turner. I have personally always like the Eli Young Band but the Josh Turner show was probably one of the best concerts I've ever been to. Known by his alter egos: The Tornado of Testosterone and the Bone Shakin' Baritone, Josh Turner knows how to put on a good show. The quality of his live singing is some of the best I have ever personally heard. It sounded as if the recordings were playing and he was lip sinking...the only reason I know he was singing is because in the realm of country he could be considered fairly old school and they would never commit such a ridiculous crime, especially not in this state.
Picture of him preforming on stage with his band
He played a great set with many songs that I knew including what seem like everyone's favorites: "Why Don't We Just Dance," and "I Wouldn't Be A Man." He also played some that I had never heard before like: "Punching Bag," and "Find Me A Baby."
Weird video, but still a pretty good song
So maybe his lyrics aren't the most intellectual and deep but everyone can still appreciate his talent and just enjoy listening...not many people can do what he can do.
Alright, I'll admit it...I really didn't want to listen to disco music all of today. I honestly thought my ears would bleed...but fortunately, for everyone, it didn't happen. I realized that it all wasn't as awful, as I was expecting, and that some of it was even pretty good...for the most part anyway... My absolute favorite thing we listened to was Earth, Wind & Fire, especially the two songs played: "September," and "Serpentine Fire." Both songs have beyond amazing vocals, killer bass lines, and trumpet parts that I could only dream about playing. One of the coolest things about Earth, Wind & Fire in my opinion is the vocal range that is shown-especially the falsetto.
Not going to lie...this video kinda makes me want to throw up but regardless, it's still an amazing song
Another group who I didn't seem to mind too much was Kool & The Gang. Their songs also had quite a bit of superb (or at least just catchy) trumpet and overall brass playing.
And why not throw in a little MJ in his prime. "Rock With You," is definitely is no Thriller but it still is pretty good as disco goes.
Man oh man..this video just screams cheesy 70's music. Yet in all honesty, it isn't that bad of a song.
Overall disco wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. The difference between the music of the time was kind of amazing. The punk scene- full of rebels lashing out harsh words towards the government, public scene, and about everything in between. And the disco scene- almost mindless dancing music, that just let people relax and have fun...when they weren't rioting in the streets of course.
