Echotone

Due to the fact that last Monday we didn't have school and Friday was the first day of our finals, we only had one class where we could've listened to music. Instead, we watched the beginning of a documentary directed by Nathan Christ known as Echotone and I'm so glad we did. Here in downtown Austin, there's music almost every where you go, hints why we call it "The Live Music Capital of the World." Austin is populated with many talented artists trying to survive on their musical gifts. After watching Echotone, I was educated on how newly- discovered artists are staying proactive and making their voices heard here in the same city as I live. The documentary captures creative aspects of different artists and how they're getting around. Whether it's Black Joe Lewis, who performs at night and delivers fish during the day, or Cari Palazzolo from the pop band Belaire, who makes her own CD covers and inserts to sell to the public, every artist is worth something and proves that they deserve a chance in the spotlight. It doesn't take much to find your talent, but once you look behind the scenes at what it takes to become an artist and advertise your music to try and draw in a crowd, it's a lot more than we give them credit for. After watching parts of this documentary, I've realized that artists are just like us except what they do to become famous is beyond imaginable. Like I said this documentary shows great angles of emerging artists and what it takes to become the well- known band that everyone has grown to love. This is why Austin has artists just waiting to be discovered and the variety of music discovered here is exactly why I love Austin.

Enjoy.

- Caroline

Official trailer for Echotone

I've finally found what I've been looking for

All year I've been looking for some new music just waiting to be discovered and I think I've finally found what I've been looking for this whole time. I was on Spotify this week searching around and wasting time when I came across this new promotion for a band called Youngblood Hawke. They recently just put out a new album and I decided to give it a try. The moment I heard the melodious sound of this band, I fell in love. I have never heard anything like them and that's what makes them so unique. It doesn't take much for me to listen to music but it takes quite a bit for me to enjoy it enough to listen all the way through. I've finally found a band that has an original sound who puts out great quality songs that please audiences such as myself. The songs captured me and pulled me into a world full of musical talent represented by this band. The tracks they put out range in variety, making it enjoyable to listen to. I never thought I could find a band quite like them, but I'm happy that I did because it's something that suits me. I'm not an artist, nor do I posses any musical talents, but I have enough knowledge to know that Youngblood Hawke is on the right track to perfection and fame. So try to enjoy it just as much as I did, I dare you!

Songs I enjoyed (I know there's a lot but they're all SO good!)

• Blackbeak
• Sleepless streets
• Glacier
• Say Say
• Dennyboy
• Dreams
• Forever
• Rootless
• Stars (Hold On)
• Survival

- Caroline

Album cover for Wake Up

The artists behind the sound

The music starts here

The Definition of Great Music

As I was searching around on Itunes this week, I discovered some songs that I can't stop listening to. Not to mention, they are by an artist that I am familiar with. I am always satisfied with their output of songs and in my opinion 30 seconds to mars is a great band full of a variety of artistic talent. Whether it's a slow song or a fast beat one or even an instrumental song with no vocals. All the songs they produce are crowd-pleasers and I am so glad I found these songs. Conquistador, City of Angels, End of All Days, Do or Die and Northern Lights all show different aspects of the band and that's what I enjoyed about them. No two songs are exactly alike, keeping the track a surprise to the ears. All five of these songs are off of their new album Love Lust Faith + Dreams and are truly great finds! I don't have any negative comments about these songs and I know my ears are thankful for finding these fantastic new tracks. I love them. Will you?

- Caroline

Conquistador- Personally my favorite!

City of Angels

End of All Days

End of All Days- Acoustic cover

Do or Die- Live in concert!

Northern Lights

Changing Opinions

I guess you could say that I was slightly deprived as a child because I wasn't introduced to too many different artists besides what my parent were listening to. I had a very small range of music input and the stuff I was listening to wasn't even that good. One group I remember listening to was Outkast with their song Hey Ya!. At the time, it was catchy but definitely not my favorite. When I found out we were listening to them in class, I was dreading it. However, as soon as I heard Ms. Jackson I realized that as a child, when I first heard it, I wasn't listening with an open mind and had judged them way too quickly. Ms. Jackson has a mix of rap and slow parts that is surprisingly pleasing While it's full of varieties, I enjoy the melodious aspects and was quite pleased. From this I've learned not to judge too quickly and to always keep an open mind when listening to songs, even if they aren't my favorite. Their songs are catchy and after liking Ms. Jackson, I feel like I should go back and see what other songs I judged too quickly. Maybe then can I add more to my playlist.

- Caroline

The talent behind the music

Ms. Jackson

No Doubt That It's a New Favorite!

You know how you can listen to a song and instantly think it's a road trip song? Well that's exactly what I thought as soon as my friend played it for me. It's a fun song with a great beat and cool lyrical notes. The band One Republic never seems to disappoint and their song Counting Stars has definitely climbed it's way to the top of my favorites list. Not to mention there's a really cool part around the 3 minute mark in the song. You'll have to see for yourself, but for me this song is a great find and I can't stop listening to it. It's one of those songs that make you smile just by playing it. You're in a car, top down, on the highway or driving through the country on a back road, with some of your closest friends and with your hair flowing in the wind, while listening to this song. I can picture it now and if you ask me it sounds like a memorable time shadowed by a great song! For now, the only thing I can realistically do is listen to it and from what I can tell, I have a hard time believing that I will ever get tired of this song. One Republic, you've done it again!

- Caroline

Counting Stars

Radiohead...

Lets start with the facts:

• Radiohead, an English rock band from England, was formed in 1985 
• They've sold more than 30 million albums worldwide
• In 2005, Radiohead were ranked number 73 in Rolling Stone's list of "The Greatest Artists of All Time" (wikipedia)

The multi-talented band consists of five members: Thom Yorke (vocals, guitar, piano), Johnny Greenwood (guitar, keyboards), Colin Greenwood (bass), Phil Selway (drums), and Ed O'Brien (guitar, back-up vocals). Before listening to them in class, I hadn't heard much of their stuff and wasn't too surprised when I only liked a few songs out of an entire album. Like you've known me to be, I am very picky with my music. However, I went in it with an open mind but really only enjoyed two songs. Even though the music videos were strange, the music is what matters. Both Planet Telex and Fake Plastic Trees are acceptable songs in my opinion and have unique musical attributes that qualify them to be in the list of my approvals. I won't admit that I loved them because I didn't but they definitely weren't terrible. Some of my family members really enjoy Radiohead, particularly the guys and excluding myself, but nevertheless I still appreciated listening to their wide variety of songs. 

- Caroline

Planet Telex

Fake Plastic Trees

Fake Plastic Trees- Acoustic

Amazed... Again!

It amazes me how artists that I've never heard of, are out there making incredible tracks that gain the public's attention with just a strum of the guitar or a hit on the drums. I feel like I have missed so much. Thankfully, I was introduced to a song this week by a friend and because of it, I am somewhat of a step closer to finding more amazing music. This song, unlike some of the others, starts out with a slow introduction and builds it's way up to a powerful and least expected moment in the music. The Funeral by Band of Horses isn't like many that I've heard before and in my opinion, this American rock band formed in 2004 and originating out of Seattle, is definitely on the right track. Not only do they create wonderful songs, but gain followers each day, just like myself, with their melodious ways. Bands, like this one, never cease to impress audiences like myself and I am thoroughly impressed by their creativity and determination exemplified throughout their songs. Way to go Band of Horses, you just earned yourself another follower and fan!

- Caroline

The Funeral- Official Video

What Have I Been Missing???

Incredible. Powerful. Remarkable. True talent. Well- written lyrics. Cool sounds. All of those represent the band Fugees, a band who exemplifies true sounds and artistic qualities. Earlier this week when our teacher played us some of their songs, I FELL in love. I went home and immediately starred them on Spotify and listened to two of their songs, Killing Me Softly With His Song and Ready Or Not, over and over again until I had to shut down for the night. I enjoy how the sound is mixed. For example, there are rap parts sung both by males and females as well as slow parts sung by a female. The mix of melodies are refreshing and make you want more. I don't know what I've been missing but I can truly say that I am so excited to have been introduced one of my new favorites. I know I say that a bunch of these artists/groups are my new favorite, but I confidently stand behind my opinion when I say that this group is truly climbing it's way to the top of my list. There isn't one thing I don't like about these songs. The songs are powerful and are highlighted with unique moments throughout the songs. For example, in Ready Or Not, around 2:22 in the song, the female artist sings some high-pitched lyrics that are incredible and make the song that much better. I love her voice, one of the many things that drew me closer to these songs. Overall, the band is a great example of pure talent! Their songs incorporate unique sounds and vocals which is exactly what caught my attention from the beginning. Enjoy! 

- Caroline 

Killing Me Softly With His Song

Ready Or Not- music video

Here's An Old One For You!

Believe it or not, one of the songs I've been listening to this week is Here I Go Again  by Whitesnake. I heard it in the car not too long ago and as soon as I heard it, I had to star it on Spotify. Whitesnake, a British rock band, was founded in 1978 by David Coverdale and is very well known. It's been a while since I've heard their stuff but I'm so glad that I was reintroduced to this song. I love this type of music and honestly, if I could go back to a time period and go to concerts, I would most likely want to go back to this time period, as in the 70s and 80s. The music is legendary and makes me wish I was alive back then. I feel like I've missed out on so much but with the help of great songs like this one, I'm able to get a taste of what the music was like back in the days of rock sensations. This song, like many other from that time period, is composed of well- written lyrics as well as a steady beat. I love it and I wish I could have witnessed it in real life. If only I was born a few decades earlier!

- Caroline

Here I Go Again lyrics:

I don't know where I'm goin

But I sure know where I've been

Hanging on the promises in songs of yesterday.

An' I've made up my mind, I ain't wasting no more time

But here I go again, here I go again.

Tho' I keep searching for an answer

I never seem to find what I'm looking for.

Oh Lord, I pray you give me strength to carry on

'Cause I know what it means to walk along the lonely street of dreams.

Here I go again on my own

Goin' down the only road I've ever known.

Like a drifter I was born to walk alone.

An' I've made up my mind, I ain't wasting no more time.

Just another heart in need of rescue

Waiting on love's sweet charity

An' I'm gonna hold on for the rest of my days

'Cause I know what it means to walk along the lonely street of dreams.

Here I go again on my own

Goin' down the only road I've ever known.

Like a drifter I was born to walk alone.

An' I've made up my mind, I ain't wasting no more time

But here I go again, here I go again,

Here I go again, here I go.

An' I've made up my mind, I ain't wasting no more time.

Here I go again on my own

Goin' down the only road I've ever known.

Like a drifter I was born to walk alone

'Cause I know what it means to walk along the lonely street of dreams.

Here I go again on my own

Goin' down the only road I've ever known.

Like a drifter I was born to walk alone.

An' I've made up my mind, I ain't wasting no more time

But here I go again, here I go again,

Here I go again, here I go,

Here I go again.

Here I Go Again- music video

Red Hot Chili Peppers.... Eh

Throughout the week, we jam-packed our ears with new music and forced ourselves to considers music from the 1990's. One album we boosted our spirits with was Red Hot Chili Peppers' Blood Sugar Sex Magik. The album consists of five songs: Give It Away, Under the Bridge, Suck My Kiss, Breaking the Girl, and If You Have to Ask. Overall, the album was pretty good and I enjoyed listening to it and educating myself with their songs. The album Blood Sugar Sex Magik is the fifth studio album of the American rock group and the musical styles were different than their other albums. Another thing that I noticed with this album was that the album's subject matter incorporated sexual innuendos and references to drugs and death. The album also includes "themes of lust and exuberance", according to Wikipedia.org. I'm glad we listened to this album however, in my opinion it wasn't terrible but it also wasn't the best. When it comes to music, I can be pretty critical towards what I like and what I don't like and when it comes to Red Hot Chili Peppers, I confidently believe that the band is adequate but not the best.

- Caroline

Album cover for Blood Sugar Sex Magik

Surprised, Yes... Disappointed, No!

In the past, I had never really considered Pearl Jam as having a good musical sound. I mean, I knew that they were well known but not to me. I had never listened to their songs, nor did I know any of the members. However, that all changed the moment we listened to them on Monday during class. I was honestly and completely surprised. I never thought I would like them as much as I did and I was blown away by their musical talent. Due to the fact I still didn't know much about the band, I decided to research them. Here's what I found out:

• Pearl Jam is an American rock band that started in Seattle, Washington around 1990
• The line up and current members includes Eddie Vedder (vocals), Stone Gossard (guitar), Jeff Ament (bass), Mike McCready (guitar), and Matt Cameron (their drummer as of 1998)
• The band has sold over 31.5 million records in the U.S. and an estimated 60 million worldwide
• According to Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic, Pearl Jam was "the most popular American rock & roll band of the '90s."

(facts taken from Wikipedia.org)

After listening to the band, the two songs that really caught my attention were Alive and Even Flow. I'm not sure if it was the upbeat rhythm or just the fact that it caught my attention as to why I enjoyed them so much, but I really did like listening to Pearl Jam. So take my advice when I say that you should always listen to music with open ears and an open mind. Who knows, you might actually like what you're listening to.

- Caroline

Alive- music video

Even Flow- music video

Tim McGraw... Exceptional!

Over the years, I have listened to so many country songs all by various artists. One artist that always stands out in particular is country sensation Tim McGraw. His music is pleasing to my hears and always leaves me satisfied. There hasn't been a song of his that I had negative feelings towards. I grew up listening to country music and I still wake up to it every morning. Every time one of his songs comes on, I can't help but to smile. It makes my day hearing his melodic voice and his charming lyrics. His newest song, One of Those Nights, is full of sweet lyrics with a mix of persuading melodies. As soon as this song hit the radio and climbed its way to the top of the popular list, I feel in love. The song is different than his normal tracks, but that makes me like it so much more. Its nice seeing him make a change and honestly I could never imagine myself growing tired or annoyed of this phenomenal song! Tim is one of my favorite country artists and I can't wait to hear his new songs once they become accessible to the public. 

- Caroline 

One of Those Nights- music video

Introduced to a New Song

A lot of my friends have great musical taste and are constantly updating me with new songs that I usually seem to develop a passion for. This week's find, from my friend Rachel, was from the artist Spoon and the dong, an original hit, is titled The Underdog. One thing I really enjoyed about this song, besides the unique sound and lyrics, was the background music where band instruments such as the trumpet was incorporated into the song. While there are many songs out there that could have caught my attention, I'm so glad that this is the one that my friend showed me. It's full of cool sounds as well as a strong introduction to the song. Even though I don't know much about the band, I can't wait to hear more of their songs to really get an idea of the magic behind the group. If you're looking for a new find and something that will most likely become you're new favorite, then I highly recommend looking up this group and either buy it from Itunes or even star it on Spotify. I promise it's worth it!

- Caroline

The Underdog

Have You Heard of Wilco?

Unfortunately this was a short week so we weren't able to listen to too much but we definitely listened to some good stuff. We started out the week listening to popular artist Nirvana and ended the week listening to musical sensation Wilco. Before the class I had never listened to Wilco before and as soon as I heard his voice I fell in love with it. What have I been missing out on??? Due to the fact I didn't know much about them, I researched the group and found out that Wilco is an American alternative rock band based in Chicago, Illinois and was formed in 1994. Some of their songs include Born Alone, You and I, and I Am Trying to Break Your Heart. I enjoyed listening to this band so much that I can't think of any negative comments towards their music. Thankfully, we had the chance to watch their film titled I Am Trying to Break Your Heart, a documentary that follows the band fulfilling their everyday lives. I'm surprised I've never heard of them before but I can truthfully say that I am so glad my teacher showed introduced them to me!

- Caroline

Born Alone

You and I

I Am Trying to Break Your Heart

I Am Trying to Break Your Heart- Trailer for Film

Not particularly the best...

Lately I've been writing about things I've enjoyed listening to or songs/ artists that I found something worth my time. Well now I want to write about something that I don't really like. Keep in my mind that I'm not trying to be rude, just honest. When I'm listening to music I do my best to keep an open mind, but I find it difficult to when you listen to stuff such as The Beastie Boys album Paul's Boutique. When we first started listening to it in class, I didn't find it likable. I tried listening to their songs on my own time outside of the class to see if that would help but it didn't .. I think it's the style that I don't particularly like. While each band, especially this one, has a unique sound, I didn't find them to be appealing, musically speaking. I know I'm picky and that I should always try to listen and appreciate the music, but I honestly didn't enjoy this album. Observing while criticing is quite a challenge, but in my complete opinion I would say that this album is at the bottom of my list.

- Caroline

Album cover for Paul's Boutique

You may or may not have heard of them, but they're my new favorite!

Penny and Sparrow. Ring a bell? Well if not that's okay because I'm going to tell you all I know about them. For starters, the band consists of two main members, Andy Baxter and Kyle Jahnke. And even better, they're from Texas! Another thing I learned, taken from pennyandsparrow.com, was that Andy and Kyle were previous roommates and "the duo makes music influenced by The Swell Season, Bon Iver, Mumford and Sons, and others. They also love musicals." Not do they sound cool, but their voices and musical talents show through their incredible and flawless songs. I discovered them this week after a friends showed me one of their sons, Brothers, and besides that track, Duet feat. Stephanie Briggs would have to be my favorite. I love the slow style of the song and the lyrics flow nicely. Both tracks come off of the same album, Tenboom, and definitely express the bands uniqueness. I love finding new bands and I am so glad I now have them in my Spotify playlist. Who wouldn't want their songs? Trust me, if you aren't listening to them, then you're missing out! So take my word for it and look them up. If you aren't satisfied then fine, but if you are then I get to say "I told you so". Enjoy!

- Caroline

P.S. Unfortunately there wasn't a video for Duet but since it's my favorite, I found a link for you. So click it!

http://pennyandsparrow.bandcamp.com/track/duet-feat-stephanie-briggs

Brothers

The men behind the great talent!

U2: Rattle and Hum

One of my favorite parts of being in History of Rock and Roll is being able to watch the interesting documentaries from a variety of bands. They’re usually full of excitement and are rarely dull and boring. As an audience, especially after studying the artist or group, it’s a neat experience to watch that same artist or group do what they were born to do; play music. This week, we had the chance to watch part of U2’s documentary Rattle and Hum. This documentary features so much; like concert footage, a unique version of Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For sung with a church choir, the band playing When Love Comes to Town with talented and well-known jazz artist B.B. King and even a tour through Elvis’s home in Graceland. Talk about a cool movie! Not only was it interesting but it kept me entertained with all that went on backstage. I admit I wrote about them last week, but I just had to talk about this documentary. I really enjoy how bands can go from performing on stage closed in by bright lights and loud music, and then be at their homes with their families trying to live and execute somewhat of a normal life. It also blows my mind how bands, such as U2, can have so much talent with only four members (Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.). Two cool facts I learned are that all four of the band members are from Ireland and their drummer, Larry Mullen Jr., is a huge Elvis fan (hints one of the reasons they received the tour of his house). I mentioned in my last blog, when I expressed how much I enjoyed this band, how U2 will never disappoint me and the more I listen to their songs, the more I like the band overall. In my eyes, U2 is definitely a unique band to follow and their documentary only brought me closer to becoming a bigger fan.

- Caroline

Rattle and Hum trailer- Must see! It shows a little taste of what the documentary has to offer

Stay...

Ooh the reason I hold on

Ooh cause I need this hole gone

Funny you’re the broken one but I’m the only one who needed saving

Cause when you never see the light it’s hard to know which one of us is caving

When a songs reaches out to you and gives you emotional comfort, you know you were meant to find that song. Whether it’s physical or emotional pain, songs can be your antidote. Lately, I keep feeling like I’m alone but as soon as I plug in my head phones, I no longer feel lonesome or afraid. I feel safe and at home. Many people turn to drugs or alcohol, I turn to music. I love music and my favorite kinds are the ones that touch my heart and make me feel at peace. If you listened to that part of Rihanna’s song Stay, how would it reach out to you? For me, it might not be the most fathomable lyrics, but at least they left an impression on my emotions that I've been dealing with for the past couple of weeks. Lately, I've been suffering from a variety of different things, such as anxiety or family problems or even friendship problems, but I know I can always count on music to cheer me up. While Rihanna’s song is composed of sadness, the lyrics and music are what had the greatest impact on me. A song like this one is what helps me to pull myself together and fight through whatever is destroying me. However, songs aren't just about the lyrics or the rhythm. They’re about the depth and meaning behind the obvious and the message you take away from them. I learned that powerful songs, this one for example, have powerful impacts and that’s exactly what this song did for me. Not only did I understand the song in a new way, but I learned that within music is the key for happiness. 

- Caroline 

The incredible, one and only, Rihanna

Rihanna- Stay ft. Mikky Ekko (music video)

I Will Always Be a Country Girl

So I might not fulfill societies definition of a country girl because I don’t live on a farm or own horses or go hunting. However, I believe that I am country to an extent. My favorite kind of music is country music, I drink sweet tea all day long, I want to live in the country when I’m older and retired, I own cowboy boots, and if I had it my way I would own a horse and ride her around all weekend long through the country woods and fields. Unfortunately, I can only do so much and that’s why I listen to country music. Sometimes all I want to do is escape to the country side but in reality I know that isn’t an option for me. So to get away, I turn up the country stations or plug in my headphones and for as long as I want, I live that fantasy of mine. This week’s top country choice is Dierks Bentley’s Every Mile A Memory. I have no negative comments about this song or the artist. It’s a great song sung by an amazing artist and I will never get tired of this song and it’s amazing originality. I might be picky with what I chose to listen to, but when it comes to country, I could care less. Country music is the one of the only types of music that I believe describes exactly how I’m feeling. There’s song for when I’m happy, songs for when I’m sad, and songs for all the other kinds of emotions. I love falling into the world of country music that never seems to disappoint me. Maybe someday I’ll be able to live my fantasy of a life in the country and fulfilling the true definition of a country girl, but until then, I’m going to spend all the time I can listening to inspiring songs and artists, such as Dierks Bentley and Every Mile A Memory.

- Caroline 

Dierks Bentley 

Every Mile A Memory

Never Seems to Disappoint Me

This week we listened to a band that I hadn’t listened to in a while but I’m so glad that I had the chance to reconnect with them. Since it was a short week we didn’t listen to much but I still found an interest in those few bands. U2 hasn’t disappointed me yet. Their song I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For is an original that exceeds my music expectations. The lyrics are well written and the music has a steady and exceptional beat. In general, I haven’t familiarized myself too much with U2 but listening to this song has gotten me interested in exploring their unique sound more closely. I really did enjoy listening to their music and I hope we get the chance to listen to them again soon. Even if U2 hasn’t found what they’re looking for, I sure did with this great song and incomparable band.

- Caroline 

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

What a Classic!

Many of the songs that we listen to during class are ones that I've never heard of before. However, when we started listening to some hair metal songs, I instantly knew what was coming next. Pour Some Sugar On Me, by British hard rock band Def Leppard, is a classic and came off of their 1987 album Hysteria. The lyrics along with the music makes the whole entire song a wondrous hit that will never get old. While rock music isn't my favorite genre, I still enjoy listening to some of the groups from that time period. Pour Some Sugar On Me is one of my favorites from the 1980's and I love everything about the song. From the beat at the beginning to the guitar solos throughout the song all the way to when the song is over is about four minutes of craziness and enjoyment. Yes I like some hair metal songs and yes I like some of the bands, but in my opinion nothing can compare to this rock hit wonder.

- Caroline

Def Leppard's classic hit Pour Some Sugar On Me

Give Me More, Macklemore!

Macklemore, a performer at this years SXSW (South by Southwest) in Austin, has definitely become a new hit in the music industry. According to Top40Charts.net, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis (a producer, rapper and DJ associated with Macklemore), are at number 2 for 2013 with their song Thrift Shop. After trying to go see them at Waterloo Records during Spring Break and being disappointed after finding out it was too crowded to stay, I realized that I did enjoy this artist regardless of the fact that we couldn't see him at SXSW. Even though I like the song Thrift Shop, I do believe it's starting to become overplayed and for that reason I'm writing about a different song. Can't Hold Us feat. Ray Dalton is a fun song that attracted me with it's powerful and upbeat rhythm. The beat at the beginning of the song especially when the piano kicks in is one of my favorite moments throughout the song, besides the chorus of course. In my opinion, he's definitely made a name for himself through his music and thanks to him audiences such as myself can enjoy new and refreshing songs such as ones like Can't Hold Us.

Favorite set of lyrics in the song:

We came here to live life like nobody was watching

I got my city right behind me

If I fall, they got me

 Learn from that failure gain humility and then we keep marching ourselves

- Caroline

Artist Macklemore

Can't Hold Us- Macklemore & Ryan Lewis on Chase Jarvis LIVE

Disco, Disco, and more Disco..

This week in class we listened to "Disco". According to Wikipedia, Disco is a genre of music which became popular in the mid to late 70s. The initial audiences started with African American club-goers and went all the way to psychedelic communities in New York City and Philadelphia. Not only was Disco embraced by men, but also by women and later on the music expanded to several other groups of the time. In my opinion, you either like Disco or you don't. There really isn't an in-between. According to my views on Disco, the music is upbeat and that's what I enjoy about it. However, on the contrary, it defiantly isn't my favorite. Maybe if I lived during that time period then I would have a different opinion about it. However, for now I stand by my decision that the only reason Disco survives is because it's entertaining and the artists behind it are famously remembered for creating up beat and classy songs. Honestly, there are some artists that I can stand listening to when it comes to Disco. For example, Jackson 5 or Earth, Wind, and Fire. One group that I want to write about is The Brothers Johnson. Their song Stomp, composed of unique beats and wicked guitar and piano solos, is one of the stronger songs that we listened to this week in class. As soon as I heard the solos I knew I wanted to write about them.The song is strong representation of great quality Disco. Even though I am not a huge fan of Disco, I do like some and The Brothers Johnson's Stomp is one that I defiantly do enjoy listening to. So tell me, are you a fan?

- Caroline

Stomp

Stomp- Music Video

You might get tired of Country, but for me that's IMPOSSIBLE

When I was younger I never saw myself as a lover of Country music. However, that quickly changed when I was introduced to it, at an early age I might add. I found myself being drawn towards the newer Country artists, such as Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Dierks Bentley, and so many more. Discovering new Country artists and songs became my growing passion and I enjoyed searching around until I found something that interested me. This week I would like to introduce another one of my favorites that I discovered, the talented and incredible Mr. Lee Brice. A lot of people might agree that some Country music sounds very similar but that fortunately isn't the case for Lee Brice. His voice, at least to me, stands out and screams a whole new level of uniqueness and originality. As I was listening to the radio earlier this week I heard a song of his called I Drive Your Truck. While it's a very meaningful, emotional, sentimental and deep song mixed with a nice rhythm, I especially enjoy listening to his voice. Yes that might sound creepy but if you listen closely, then you can here the emotions expressed and sometimes you start to feel those same emotions. For example, the song has a slow tempo so when I listen to it, I start to reflect on everything that's going on in my life whether it's positive or negative. Songs aren't just songs to me. They're more than that. In my opinion, songs are pretty much everyday therapy sessions that help me to relieve some stress that I normally feel on a daily basis. Like other Country songs, I Drive Your Truck represents strength and hope and I really enjoy listening to Lee Brice. He keeps getting better and better. If home is where the heart is, then Country music is defiantly my home and always will be.

- Caroline

Lyrics: 

"I Drive Your Truck"

Eighty-Nine Cents in the ash tray
Half empty bottle of Gatorade rolling in the floorboard
That dirty Braves cap on the dash
Dog tags hangin’ from the rear view
Old Skoal can, and cowboy boots and a Go Army Shirt folded in the back
This thing burns gas like crazy, but that’s alright
People got their ways of coping
Oh, and I’ve got mine

I drive your truck
I roll every window down
And I burn up
Every back road in this town
I find a field, I tear it up
Til all the pain’s a cloud of dust
Yeah, sometimes I drive your truck

I leave that radio playing
That same ole country station where ya left it
Yeah, man I crank it up
And you’d probably punch my arm right now
If you saw this tear rollin’ down on my face
Hey, man I’m tryin’ to be tough
And momma asked me this morning
If I’d been by your grave
But that flag and stone ain’t where I feel you anyway

I drive your truck
I roll every window down
And I burn up
Every back road in this town
I find a field, I tear it up
Til all the pain’s a cloud of dust
Yeah, sometimes I drive your truck

I’ve cussed, I’ve prayed, I’ve said goodbye
Shook my fist and asked God why
These days when I’m missing you this much

I drive your truck
I roll every window down
And I burn up
Every back road in this town
I find a field, I tear it up
Til all the pain’s a cloud of dust
Yeah, sometimes, brother sometimes

I drive your truck
I drive your truck
I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind
I drive your truck

Lee Brice Ladies and Gentlemen!

I Drive Your Truck Music Video

I Drive Your Truck- Acoustic Version

Have you heard of Lecrae?

Lecrae Moore, mainly referred to by his stage name Lecrae, is on of those individuals who always seems to impress me. Not only is he an American Christian rapper, but he is also a ministry leader, entrepreneur, record producer, and actor. He has experience with many different occupations and that's what makes him so exciting. I first heard about his music many many years ago; however it was just this week when my twin sister, Catherine, showed me his more recent songs. As soon as I heard one of his songs Fakin', I fell in love all over again. I decided to do more searching and I discovered that I also like his songs Tell the World, Power Trip, Buttons, Confessions, Free From it All, Walk With Me and The Drop. All of these songs highlight Lecrae's many different artistic styles. Some have neat beats and many, if not all, have ridiculously cool intros. I really like this artist now and I definitely am glad he's on Spotify! Growing up as a Christian, I enjoy listening to Christian music and when I found out about Lecrae I was ecstatic! I could enjoy one of my favorite types of music, upbeat styles and hip-hop, with meaningful lyrics. Overall, I am very impressed with his work and I can't wait to keep listening! 

Cool facts about the artist:

• Born on October 9, 1979 in Houston, Texas
• Nicknames include Crae, Creezie, Creazy, Crayola, "Crazy 'Crae"
• All his occupations include: rapper, singer, record producer, actor, president and co-owner of Reach Records, co-founder of Reach Records, and president and co-founder of ReachLife Ministries (he's only 33 and he's already done that much!)

Not only is the music cool, but the artist himself is pretty inspiring. After seeing all the different occupations he holds and the groups he's a part of as well as started, I've realized that people can make a difference in the world, one song at a time.

- Caroline

Fakin'

Lucky Ones

Tell the World

Power Trip

Buttons

Confessions

Free From it All

Walk With Me

The Drop

Qu'est Que C'est? A New Find!

Before we listened to the Talking Heads, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was starting to get mixed emotions because our teacher was telling us that they were good but really exotic and strange yet on the contrary my friends were telling me that they liked their music. After hearing those reviews, I was really curious to know what they sounded like. In class, our teacher showed us some of their songs and at first I wasn’t sure what to think. However, after a few songs I started liking them more and more. We listened to their songs and as soon as we listened to their song Psycho Killer, I was dragged in by their musical gift and was officially a fan of the Talking Heads. I had gone from indecisive to a fan of their strange and unique sound. If you watch videos of them performing, then you would understand why my teacher as well as my class mates calls them strange. They dance and act crazy when they’re performing but at least they’re having fun. Some bands aren’t entertaining to listen to or watch; however, that isn’t the case for this band. Describing the Talking Heads is a challenge mainly because there are so many ways to explain my feelings towards them but I can say that I do enjoy listening to their music. So when you start listening to this band, put aside their uniqueness and strange habits, and bathe in their amazing talent and strong sounds that I like to call music.

Other songs I enjoyed: Take Me To The River, Once In A Lifetime, and Life During Wartime

P.S. - My favorite song by them is Psycho Killer for mainly reasons. First I really love the beat especially at the beginning because it draws you in as an audience. Also, after being a French student for 4 years, I really enjoyed hearing the French within the song when they said “qu’est que c’est” meaning “What is this/it”. It’s a catchy song and seems to be one of the most popular hits by this distinctive band. Enjoy!

-Caroline

Psycho Killer

Take Me To The River- Clip from the movie

Once In A Lifetime

Life During Wartime

Stop Making Sense- The movie