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

Looks Like Passion Pit Has Done It Again

One of the first bands I talked about when I started writing this blog was the American indie rock band known as Passion Pit. When I first listened to them I heard their song Take A Walk and I loved it! Well the other day, someone introduced me to some of their other songs that I had never heard of nor had I listened to. As soon as I heard them I knew I wanted to broadcast to my peers about the talent that I found within these songs. Let Your Love Grow Tall, Sleepyhead and Carried Away are just a few of the songs that highlight the top features found within this band. I've noticed that the more songs I discover by them, the more I enjoy listening to them.  All of these songs are different in their own way and that's what I really enjoyed about them. Not one sounded like the same nor were they repetitive. Even though these three songs, as well as their other tracks, are different than one another, they all highlight the band in the same way by showing the bands creativity with the lyrics and the beat. My opinion on this band is that I really do enjoy them and I am so glad I found these songs. My road trip that I took to Dallas earlier this evening wouldn't have been the same without these songs for the car ride. So take a walk to get rid of your sleepyhead and let your love grow tall and get carried away by the creative work and artistic style this band has to offer.

- Caroline

Let Your Love Grow Tall

Sleepyhead

Carried Away Music Video

How I Am Amazed by Stevie Wonder

I never thought I would enjoy listening to full albums but as soon as we started listening to Stevie Wonder I fell in love. Before hand, I had never listened to much of his stuff but now that I am more familiar with his songs, I can now share my new favorite artist, at least for this week. I feel like we all have at least one thing that we enjoy about the artist or group that we listen to. Well for me when it comes to Stevie Wonder, I really enjoy his stylistic voice. Stevie Wonder's voice is very unique and can easily be recognized due to his distinctive sound. To be honest, I was having a pretty challenging week full of test and quizzes and emotional family stuff. However, as soon as we listened to Stevie Wonder, I felt a bunch of weight lift off of my shoulders and I noticed how a smile replaced the depressed look on my face. I could feel the rhythm move throughout my body and the sound of Stevie's music almost felt inspiring to me. His music cheered me up and that's when I knew I had found my new favorite artist. It takes a lot to make me smile when all I want to do is hide from the world, but Stevie Wonder's music worked some magic on me. Yes I know he has a bunch of songs, but the ones we listened to in class that really stuck out to me and that imprinted on my music tastes were You Are The Sunshine Of My Life, Maybe Your Baby, You And I, Superstition, I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever) and I Wish. If I was a music critic, I would personally give each of these songs as well as the artist 4 to 5 starts. Not just because I enjoyed listening to them, but because they meant something to me. The songs impacted and changed my mood and I like to appreciate any songs/artists that can help me get through the times where I struggle. If you listen to him then maybe his music will work wonders for you like it did for me and because of it I now know the true meaning behind his last name. Enjoy!

- Caroline

Stevie Wonder You Are The Sunshine Of My Life Live at the White House

Maybe Your Baby

You and I with lyrics

 

The huge hit Superstition

 

 

Superstition Stevie Wonder feat. Stevie Ray Vaughan

  

I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)

 

I Wish with lyrics

I Will NEVER Get Tired of Country Music!

Yes, I know last week I blogged about country artist Randy Houser who caught my attention with his many songs. However, I'm the kind of person who listens to Country music everyday wanting to find a new artist or song that I really enjoy. This week's find was Hunter Hayes. I can't remember if I've written about him. I don't think I have but even if I have, I wanted to take this time to tell you about a new favorite song of mine, Somebody's Heartbreak. Lately, I've been listening to Country more than any other kind of song. Not sure if that means something, but it's true. I go day-to-day living off of Country music so to speak. It's what gives me the strength as well as the will to succeed when things get tough. Like I've mentioned before, music is my therapy and medication for many different diagnosis's. I enjoy finding new music, especially if it falls under the Country category. Hunter Hayes, a 21 year old from Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, is a man with an incredible voice, proving to himself as well as his fans that he's defiantly worked hard enough to be at the top. He began his musical career at age two and hasn't stopped perfecting his talent ever since. To me, he is an inspiration because he is the living proof that everyone has a talent and is worth something. Anyways, Somebody's Heartbreak is a great song and I really enjoyed listening to the rhythm as well as digging deeper within the lyrics. Mr. Hayes is a true role model and his talent and dedication to perfect what he has to offer makes him such a stronger influence. It never seizes to amaze me!

- Caroline

Somebody's Heartbreak Official Music Video

How the West Was Won...

To be completely honest, I felt like listening/watching the movie How the West Was Won featuring Led Zeppelin was really tough to sit through only because it felt so long. The movie itself was three discs, and even though we didn't watch all three, I felt like one of them was long enough to satisfy my musical taste. In all honesty I am super picky with my music and Led Zeppelin isn't one of my top choices. However, like I've mentioned before they aren't the worst I've listened to. Also, I don't want to only focus on the negative aspects of the group so I will say that one cool part of the movie that I enjoyed was watching Jimmy Page play the electric guitar with a violin bow. That honestly was one of the coolest things I've ever seen. His solo was defiantly the highlight of the movie and I enjoyed every second of watching Jimmy Page show off his unique and exquisite talent. Overall, the movie felt long and tiring but in my opinion Jimmy Page helped me to get through the length of How the West Was Won.

- Caroline

Jimmy Page's Solo

Country Babe From the Start!

I can't tell you how many times I've heard people say "I hate Country music" or "Country's stupid". Well in my opinion I think it's the best genre of music there is and I'm not afraid to admit that. I wake up to 100.7 (Country station- Kase 101) every morning and that's usually what starts off my day with a smile across my face. I started listening to Country at a young age and my love for it has increased as I get older.I show my dedication by going to Country concerts when I can as well as following Country stars on twitter. I love the music and that's something that nobody can or will ever take away from me. I support my favorite artists 110% because I know they are going to deliver the best Country music! Lately I've been listening to a bunch of Country, songs like Randy Houser's How Country Feels, Goodnight Kiss, and Anything Goes. These songs might not represent the old time Country; however, I prefer the newer Country music more. Randy Houser, like many other talented artists, capture Country's purest elements within his songs and I truly enjoy listening to what he has to offer. His songs speak not only to my musical standards but also to the little Country girl inside my heart. Like I said, I've loved Country ever since I can remember and that will never in my life change. I guarantee it! So try and enjoy it as much as I do!

- Caroline 

Country artist Randy Houser

Again talented Country artist Randy Houser

How Country Feels

Goodnight Kiss

Anything Goes

Pictures from: 

http://www.myspace.com/randyhouser

http://www.cmt.com/artists/randy-houser/

Love love love!

Lately we've been listening to a bunch of different artists such as John Lennon, Paul McCartney, The Band, Sublime, Parliament, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Chicago, etc. Some were great, some were decent, and some were hard to listen to in my opinion. However, after listening to all these influential artists, I've discovered an artist who has attracted many listeners like myself with his talented and unique voice. Before this week I had never heard of him but now that I think about it I might be familiar with his song Ain't No Mountain High Enough mainly due to Michael McDonald's version of the song. Anyways this new artist has an incredible talent and a true musical gift. His name is Marvin Gaye and I'm excited to start learning about him and educating myself with some of his songs such as God Is Love and What's Going On. If you really listen to his songs you can hear his unique and distinctive voice, which is exactly what I like about his music. Whenever I listen to new music, I listen for certain attributes from the artists that pull me into the music. For example, I listen for a good and steady rhythm throughout the song, well written lyrics, and if the artist has a voice that's easy to listen to. Marvin Gaye exceeds all these expectations of mine and I believe that's why I enjoy listening to his music so much. Not only does he meet all my requirements but he also perfects his songs and that shows his true dedication to his music and audience. I enjoyed listening to his songs and I recommend looking him up if you're in the mood for a treat!

- Caroline

Marvin playing the piano.

Marvin holding an award that he won for his music.

Marvin Gaye's God Is Love

What's Going On (Live)

What's Going On- Dubstep Remix

SO COOL!!! PLEASE WATCH

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell- Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Michael McDonald- Ain't No Mountain High Enough

(same song- different artist)

Pictures from: http://www.allmusic.com/artist/marvin-gaye-mn0000316834

Enjoy!

The Hardest Thing...

Sometimes in life you find yourself in a tough spot and you feel alone. You have no idea what you're doing or if you're doing anything right. Well something that I've learned that helps me is turning to music. There's a different genre for each type of mood you're in. Whether you're happy, sad, angry, depressed, or even scared, there's a song for everything. One song that helped me this week was a song by Tyler Ward. Before this week I had never heard of him but thanks to one of my friends who introduced me to him, I now have a new favorite for when I'm sad or missing someone. The song is called The Hardest Thing and the title pretty much says it all. Not every song means something to me but this song definitely does. My favorite verse, which is actually the chorus, and the one that means the most to me is this one:

 

And I won't forget you

Don't regret you

The hardest thing I've had to do

Is live without you

And I wonder why

We both walked away

I'm lost without you

Still crazy for you

Just turn around come back

Because your smile is overdue

And I miss you

 

When I find myself in a tough spot I turn to music and find a song that relates to how I'm feeling. Without music, I wouldn't be able to deal with all the stress and pressures I tend to feel all the time. Music is the solution to my problems and I'm glad my friend showed me this song. Another song to added to my "mood play list" so to speak. If I could say one thing, I would say how thankful I am for music. I don't know where I would be without it. Just remember, music can get you through anything!

 

- Caroline

 

The Hardest Thing

 

Lyrics for The Hardest Thing



David Bowie? I could get used to him

After my teacher showed my class a few artists throughout, the one that stood out the most to me was the talented David Bowie. Before this week, I hadn't listened to really any of his songs. However, as soon as I heard a few of his them, I knew I was going to write about him. David Bowie might come off as a strange and bizarre individual, yet his songs, especially Five Years, Oh! You Pretty Things, and Changes, prove his uniqueness. I didn't know what to think of David Bowie at the beginning but after a while I realized that he wasn't so bad and that his songs weren't completely terrible. So far you know that I am super super picky about what I listen to and if I don't like what I'm listening to then I don't enjoy it and I'll change the song if I can. Yet when it comes to a few of Bowie's songs, I was able to push through his weird personality and focus on his talented voice. Overall David Bowie was an artist that I enjoyed listening to and becoming more familiar with. Who knows, maybe in the future I'll discover some more of his songs that I'll want to listen to but until then I'm just going to enjoy the few songs I like by him and appreciate his unique talent for what it is.

- Caroline

Five Years

 

Oh! You Pretty Things

 

Changes