Get ready to bob your head to this one. I can barely type right now cause I'm dancing too much.
This next artist is about as colorful and interesting as his CD cover. His name is Mika. And his debut album, Life in Cartoon Motion, is a must-have. If you're looking for a disc where each song is completely different from each other, this is for you. It's hard to listen to the tracks and not bop around in time with the constant beat.
The beat. At first listen, it may sound like just another teenage techno artist, but hang on a little longer, and you will realize it actually contributes to the creativity. Not all the songs have this head-bobbing rhythm though. A few, such as Any Other World and Happy Ending are slower and more emotional.
However, his music is surprisingly creative. Main instruments are the guitar and piano, but don't let that fool you. In the different songs, various things are used, like violins and choirs. Trumpets are used occasionally as well. The singers in most of the songs also use a great harmony, especially in Happy Ending.
One of my favorites is Lollipop. He adds in the Spoon Orchestra of Chiswick in this. It is a bunch of children, but it's not that obnoxious child-singing that we so often hear today. This song has so much going on it's hard to determine every instrument that's used. I can pick out the drums of course, but there's a bass, piano, and various horns. But it's great, and has a good message to it. Lollipop explains that one shouldn't go 'looking' for love. Instead, you should wait for it to happen, or you will just get youself down. Some songs, like Billy Brown and Big Girl (You are Beautiful) are good, but the subject matter is pretty silly.
He is from Europe, so that would probably explain his different style.
Many of the songs have speaking parts. They fit, but it's not what you would expect.
So check out this CD if you're having a creativity withdrawal. I get that whenever I turn on the TV and see today's music videos...ugh....
If you're wanting just a few songs though, my top picks would be Grace Kelly, Lollipop, and Happy Ending.
Click for his website. It's fun to click around on.
Have fun! And tune in tomorrow! I think I'm gonna be able to do this every weekday because I just love you that much. Leave comments or suggestions por favor!
June 30, 2008
June 27, 2008
How Do You Pronounce It?
Well, I couldn't wait a few days to make this post because this artist has got to be the most original I have ever heard. So I'm really excited about this one!
His name is Sufjan Stevens. The main album of his that we are focusing on today is the 2005 record, Come on Feel The Illinoise! The entire album is inspired by the state of Illinois (one of my favorite places on Earth). This record is extremely complex, with 22 songs. Many are 20-second fillers, but they fit in with the song before and the song after it. The whole CD is like listening to one long symphony because, though as unique and original as each song is, they all mesh to form one story progressing. My dad describes it as "quirky."
There's a cornucopia of instruments, sounds, and voices laced within each song. Favorites include piano, trumpets, and various strings. He also uses chimes, hand-clapping, and a flute.
Some things he uses, such as the use of voice and piano, are used very subtly but carry a huge feeling behind them. Others, such as trumpets, are played loudly to contrast the softness. But each carry the same amount of feeling and meaning. An electric guitar is used to full potential in The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts.The song then reverts back to his peaceful,hypnotic voice and silent choir. Next it goes back to the guitar AND the choir. The rest of the song keeps changing pace and mood throughout. But it all goes together perfectly.
Each song is widely different, with various moods as well. The record starts out fast and exciting, then as the songs go on it becomes slow and somber. Then once again, through the filler songs, it picks up the pace again. It's as if Sufjan goes through every mood that a human can possibly feel. The songs can also make you feel a mood you may have never felt before. There's always the basic feelings: mad, sad, glad. But he explores the complexity of how our species work, by communicating all of those in between moods you didn't know you had.
This album does capture the whole vibe of Illinois, including songs about lesser-known places, such as Peoria and Decatur.
My favorite though, would have to be either Chicago or The Predatory Wasp of The Palisades is Out To Get Us! The latter is the most amazing and complex song I've ever heard. It's hard to believe someone could make a song so eclectic, yet meshable. (yes I made up a word)
I recommend buying the CD at the store though. If you want to buy all the 20 second fillers on iTunes go ahead. But if you don't, then you are missing essential pieces to fit this complex puzzle.
It's a great album to listen to while driving for a long time or writing a paper.
Here's his website.
Well, technically it's his label's website, but look on the right for a list of their artists and you can find him.
Somehow, a group of kids managed to sing it A Capella, making instrument noises as well.
Click here to view the video.
SO, have fun, it's a great album and I know you'll enjoy it.
Please comment! If you have any suggestions, just throw them out there.
P.S. it's pronounced Soofyan for those who were wondering :)
His name is Sufjan Stevens. The main album of his that we are focusing on today is the 2005 record, Come on Feel The Illinoise! The entire album is inspired by the state of Illinois (one of my favorite places on Earth). This record is extremely complex, with 22 songs. Many are 20-second fillers, but they fit in with the song before and the song after it. The whole CD is like listening to one long symphony because, though as unique and original as each song is, they all mesh to form one story progressing. My dad describes it as "quirky."
There's a cornucopia of instruments, sounds, and voices laced within each song. Favorites include piano, trumpets, and various strings. He also uses chimes, hand-clapping, and a flute.
Some things he uses, such as the use of voice and piano, are used very subtly but carry a huge feeling behind them. Others, such as trumpets, are played loudly to contrast the softness. But each carry the same amount of feeling and meaning. An electric guitar is used to full potential in The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts.The song then reverts back to his peaceful,hypnotic voice and silent choir. Next it goes back to the guitar AND the choir. The rest of the song keeps changing pace and mood throughout. But it all goes together perfectly.
Each song is widely different, with various moods as well. The record starts out fast and exciting, then as the songs go on it becomes slow and somber. Then once again, through the filler songs, it picks up the pace again. It's as if Sufjan goes through every mood that a human can possibly feel. The songs can also make you feel a mood you may have never felt before. There's always the basic feelings: mad, sad, glad. But he explores the complexity of how our species work, by communicating all of those in between moods you didn't know you had.
This album does capture the whole vibe of Illinois, including songs about lesser-known places, such as Peoria and Decatur.
My favorite though, would have to be either Chicago or The Predatory Wasp of The Palisades is Out To Get Us! The latter is the most amazing and complex song I've ever heard. It's hard to believe someone could make a song so eclectic, yet meshable. (yes I made up a word)
I recommend buying the CD at the store though. If you want to buy all the 20 second fillers on iTunes go ahead. But if you don't, then you are missing essential pieces to fit this complex puzzle.
It's a great album to listen to while driving for a long time or writing a paper.
Here's his website.
Well, technically it's his label's website, but look on the right for a list of their artists and you can find him.
Somehow, a group of kids managed to sing it A Capella, making instrument noises as well.
Click here to view the video.
SO, have fun, it's a great album and I know you'll enjoy it.
Please comment! If you have any suggestions, just throw them out there.
P.S. it's pronounced Soofyan for those who were wondering :)
June 26, 2008
FIRST!!
HELLO all. This is my first blog! *Throws confetti and pops open a soda...pop*
Party time.
So, first things first, who will the spotlight be on for my first post?????
Well ladies and gentlemen, today's group is Unkle Bob. Particularly their somber song, One By One.
You may have heard of them, I don't know. I first heard this song on CSI: Miami, and HAD to find it. It fit the scene extremely well. And I love CSI so it works.
This one is really great to listen to when you're in a bad mood. Whether your pet died or you spilled some milk, it's perfect for when you just don't feel like being happy.
It might sound like I'm putting it in a negative context, but I'm not.
The band is insanely original, and they know it.
It starts out with the lead, Rick Webster, singing very gently with a soft guitar and then piano. There's a couple places where it gets a little louder, but it fits. There;s also a part that sounds like a whole chorus is singing along. They all sound sad, so that helps.
As I was checking out the website, I found another very original and more fast-paced song, called Birds And The Bees. It has a wonderful harmony at the beginning. I strongly recommend it. Has a very modern banjo sound that helps contribute to the mood of this song.
Most of their songs are slow-ish, but that's their style of music. Some of them are so pretty they make you want to cry just because they sound so nice. Well, it happens to me.
So, if you're feeling mellow or creative or lonely, these are songs you must have. Both of them are on their debut album, Sugar and Spite, which IS available on iTunes.
Here's their website. Be careful, it plays a song when you visit the site, and it scared the crap out of me.
:) Have fun. More later in the week! I already know who my next spotlight is, so tune in!
Well, this is the internet so I guess I should say log on? I don't know, just check back within the next few days.
Party time.
So, first things first, who will the spotlight be on for my first post?????
Well ladies and gentlemen, today's group is Unkle Bob. Particularly their somber song, One By One.
You may have heard of them, I don't know. I first heard this song on CSI: Miami, and HAD to find it. It fit the scene extremely well. And I love CSI so it works.
This one is really great to listen to when you're in a bad mood. Whether your pet died or you spilled some milk, it's perfect for when you just don't feel like being happy.
It might sound like I'm putting it in a negative context, but I'm not.
The band is insanely original, and they know it.
It starts out with the lead, Rick Webster, singing very gently with a soft guitar and then piano. There's a couple places where it gets a little louder, but it fits. There;s also a part that sounds like a whole chorus is singing along. They all sound sad, so that helps.
As I was checking out the website, I found another very original and more fast-paced song, called Birds And The Bees. It has a wonderful harmony at the beginning. I strongly recommend it. Has a very modern banjo sound that helps contribute to the mood of this song.
Most of their songs are slow-ish, but that's their style of music. Some of them are so pretty they make you want to cry just because they sound so nice. Well, it happens to me.
So, if you're feeling mellow or creative or lonely, these are songs you must have. Both of them are on their debut album, Sugar and Spite, which IS available on iTunes.
Here's their website. Be careful, it plays a song when you visit the site, and it scared the crap out of me.
:) Have fun. More later in the week! I already know who my next spotlight is, so tune in!
Well, this is the internet so I guess I should say log on? I don't know, just check back within the next few days.
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