I enjoyed how we didn't go through entire albums. I think hip hop albums didn't start really becoming good until Public Enemy and Beastie Boys came around. Although I do plan on listneing to De La Soul's "3 Feet Above The Ground" or something like that.
I like hip hop because it's so different. It makes me feel different when I listen to it. I love hearing the stories. And with hip hop you don't get the gist of what they are trying to say. With real hip hop, you get word for word every bit of their message.
My favorite that we listened to was Ladidadi by Doug E. Fresh. That's just badass how you can make so much sense just from saying the first thing that goes to your mind. And a nasty hook that was used by one of the biggest rappers ever? It was sick. I can't wait for the future and what we get into.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
Parliament/Funkadelic/George Clinton
George Clinton made a sound that changed music forever. His band Parliament started out as a doo wop group called the Parliaments, but then due to legal reasons he had to change his band name to Parliament.
He's known for his flamboyance and electrifying performances on stage. And his unusual way of lyrics and attire he wears. But he doesn't wear that stuff to be weird or cause he thinks it's normal. It started with him trying to get attention. His band was playing their album, same old same old. In front of a very uninterested crowd. Then he decided to tell his background singers to start dancing more. Soon he stood up and was belting all of his notes. He progressed to putting on nothing but a sheet over his body and showed his dick and balls to the crowd while singing and dancing. Thereforth, the revolution of Funk culture began.
George's style of making music was "whatever felt right." Some would say he would be chilling dropping acid, say a line like "Nasty dog" then leave the room to make a song. And his process of life and his philosophy really connected with the other members of the band. Like on the Funkadelic album "Maggot Brain" (1971). They were just about to start recording, but then George went over to guitarist Eddie Hazel and told him. "I want you to go in there, and play like you just found out your mother died. But then, find out she's still alive." And Eddie Hazel played one of the greatest guitar solos I've ever heard. If it's possible to know exactly the situation he's playing in, I knew it. If that makes any sense.
Also George added on key members into the Funk revolution. The James Brown band let go of bad ass basist Bootsy Collins. They say because Bootsy was a little too much for James. But he was perfect for George. George would think of what he wants his music to sound like, then Bootsy made it happen. Apparently, George has had that idea of heavy bass and drum influence for a long time. It's just he had no one who could perform it to it's potential. Bootsy could. Also George added on Junie Morrison on the keys and synthesizer. Which made the exact sound George had invisioned. Sooner of later George had a Funk army he could control. You hear it in songs like "Flashlight"
George Clinton also was one of the first to compose a concept album. After hearing Sgt. Peppers by The Beatles, he said "Sgt. Peppers had every thing I want in music. It had everything I hold dear to me and stand by. It was an album that truly made me love music and made me want to make music like it" And thus the creation of The Mothership Connection happend. George then started making most of his albums with a concept. "Mothership Connection" was about a group of people from space who came to our planet to Funkify out world and make us groove more. Also albums like "The Return of Dr. Funkenstein", "Chocolate City", and "Gloryhallastoopid". George was truly awesome.
George created a whole new sound. That is still sampled today. In all hip hop/ r&b samples. George says "P-Funk is still alive today. I don't know how, but it always finds a way to reach the ears of people in the earth"
He's known for his flamboyance and electrifying performances on stage. And his unusual way of lyrics and attire he wears. But he doesn't wear that stuff to be weird or cause he thinks it's normal. It started with him trying to get attention. His band was playing their album, same old same old. In front of a very uninterested crowd. Then he decided to tell his background singers to start dancing more. Soon he stood up and was belting all of his notes. He progressed to putting on nothing but a sheet over his body and showed his dick and balls to the crowd while singing and dancing. Thereforth, the revolution of Funk culture began.
George's style of making music was "whatever felt right." Some would say he would be chilling dropping acid, say a line like "Nasty dog" then leave the room to make a song. And his process of life and his philosophy really connected with the other members of the band. Like on the Funkadelic album "Maggot Brain" (1971). They were just about to start recording, but then George went over to guitarist Eddie Hazel and told him. "I want you to go in there, and play like you just found out your mother died. But then, find out she's still alive." And Eddie Hazel played one of the greatest guitar solos I've ever heard. If it's possible to know exactly the situation he's playing in, I knew it. If that makes any sense.
George Clinton also was one of the first to compose a concept album. After hearing Sgt. Peppers by The Beatles, he said "Sgt. Peppers had every thing I want in music. It had everything I hold dear to me and stand by. It was an album that truly made me love music and made me want to make music like it" And thus the creation of The Mothership Connection happend. George then started making most of his albums with a concept. "Mothership Connection" was about a group of people from space who came to our planet to Funkify out world and make us groove more. Also albums like "The Return of Dr. Funkenstein", "Chocolate City", and "Gloryhallastoopid". George was truly awesome.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Queen
I've listened to the essential Queen songs. You know "We Will Rock You", "We Are The Champions", "Bohemian Rhapsody" the basics. But I was curious on how good Freddie Mercury's voice was. I listened to a live version of "Somebody to Love" and my jaw dropped. His range, his stage presence, his everything is impecible. He is the perfect singer. And also he's not a bad piano player.
Another good song by Queen is "Killer Queen" . It's really jazzy and catchy and fun. He makes the notes he hits look easy. Also the hints of harmony in the song that come out of no where is awesome. And Brian May's solo on that song was killer... you could say it was a Killer Queen..... forget it.
Another one of my favorites is "You're My Best Friend" which is one of those songs where I was like, "Oh yeah, I know this song. Wait... this is Queen?" Which just has awesome lyrics and notes and harmonys and is really just a fun song. John Deacon did a terrific job writing this song.
Overall, Queen is just a fantastic fun-loving band. They are a band you can listen to no matter what you are feeling. Whether artistic, happy, lonely, silly, horny, you name it. They have a song for it. Great band and it is a shame Freddie is dead. That dude had the best set of pipes in the history of the world.
Killer Queen
You're My Best Friend
Somebody To Love (live)
Another good song by Queen is "Killer Queen" . It's really jazzy and catchy and fun. He makes the notes he hits look easy. Also the hints of harmony in the song that come out of no where is awesome. And Brian May's solo on that song was killer... you could say it was a Killer Queen..... forget it.
Another one of my favorites is "You're My Best Friend" which is one of those songs where I was like, "Oh yeah, I know this song. Wait... this is Queen?" Which just has awesome lyrics and notes and harmonys and is really just a fun song. John Deacon did a terrific job writing this song.
Overall, Queen is just a fantastic fun-loving band. They are a band you can listen to no matter what you are feeling. Whether artistic, happy, lonely, silly, horny, you name it. They have a song for it. Great band and it is a shame Freddie is dead. That dude had the best set of pipes in the history of the world.
Killer Queen
Monday, March 4, 2013
Daft Punk
I was relaxing on a Saturday night after coming home from hanging. I unwinded and watched the latest SNL. You know the usual. Then as I was looking at my phone I heard the funkiest newest tune. I looked up and a rising screen unvieled the name Daft Punk. And then it showed both of their helmets. The commercial was 7 seconds long. I was so confused I watched it again. I went to the computer to look up this info. "Daft Punk announces new album." I didn't finish the SNL episode.
I'm so pumped. These guys are the greatest DJ/House artists of all time. Thier music is so influential on a lot of Pop/House/Electronic artists today. The samples they use and the beats are incredible. The only album of their I didn't like had to Daft Club which was a cool idea. But it wasn't them originally. It was just a bunch of remixes.
My favorite album is their Pop album Discovery. It has my favorite Daft Punk song "Digital Love" and many more. This group has worked with the best in music and everyone in music today has respect for these legends. Chumps like Skrillex and Avicii have nothing on these veterans.
They are so diverse with their electronic music also. Most diverse electronic artists of all time. They have three albums. Homework, which is a funk album mostly. Discovery, which is a Pop album. And Human After All, which is their Rock album. It's about as Rock as electronic music can get.
They also are one of the best artists to see live period. They set the standards for DJ's live performances. Swedish House Mafia, Deadmau5, Bassnectar, Avicii, Fat Boy Slim, all of them have taken one or two tricks from Daft Punks sleeves.
Their real names are Guy-Manuel de Homen-Christo and Thomas Bangalter. They are french. That is all about their personal lives I genuinely care about besides their badass samples and beats and funky rythyms.
I can't wait for this album.
My favorite Daft song, "Digital Love"
The most famous Daft song the Kanye took his sample from, "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger."
And also here's a little clip of their live shows. They never just simply play one of their songs. They always mix a couple of their songs together to make a mind blowing sound wave of God.
I'm so pumped. These guys are the greatest DJ/House artists of all time. Thier music is so influential on a lot of Pop/House/Electronic artists today. The samples they use and the beats are incredible. The only album of their I didn't like had to Daft Club which was a cool idea. But it wasn't them originally. It was just a bunch of remixes.
My favorite album is their Pop album Discovery. It has my favorite Daft Punk song "Digital Love" and many more. This group has worked with the best in music and everyone in music today has respect for these legends. Chumps like Skrillex and Avicii have nothing on these veterans.
They are so diverse with their electronic music also. Most diverse electronic artists of all time. They have three albums. Homework, which is a funk album mostly. Discovery, which is a Pop album. And Human After All, which is their Rock album. It's about as Rock as electronic music can get.
They also are one of the best artists to see live period. They set the standards for DJ's live performances. Swedish House Mafia, Deadmau5, Bassnectar, Avicii, Fat Boy Slim, all of them have taken one or two tricks from Daft Punks sleeves.
Their real names are Guy-Manuel de Homen-Christo and Thomas Bangalter. They are french. That is all about their personal lives I genuinely care about besides their badass samples and beats and funky rythyms.
I can't wait for this album.
My favorite Daft song, "Digital Love"
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Kendrick Lamar
At first all I heard of this guy was, "Yo, he's the next big thing in rap." And really I just thought that was a bunch of ghetto kids who listen to bad rap hyping him up. I spent a long time not listening to him. But then something drove me to finally download his album. I listened to it all the way through and I shit out of my ears. It was amazing. I strongly suggest you listen to it. It tells a terrific story. You can't listen to it seperately, you have to listen to it fully all the way through.
The album starts off with him rapping about his life as a young teenager in the hood. Rapping about the parties he goes to, friends he hangs with, the girls he messes around with. Until he gets a call from his mom and dad telling him to come home.... then they end up fighting and it ends with dad telling the mom to "Not Kill My Vibe".
Every transition of this album is perfect. At first Kendrick is a kid who drinks and smokes his life away until he realizes that its stupid in the hit song "Swimming Pools (Drank)". He tells how money is what makes the world go round and how much easier it would be if it was here in "Money Trees". He also shows his sentimental sides in how girls don't want a thug they want a poetic romantic in "Poetic Justice". Then he tells his stories of being an underprivellaged kid in Compton in "Good Kid" and "Mad City". Then after hearing of his friend and companions dying off, he sings a sad song about how he hopes people will remember him in "Sing About Me" and how he needs to learn his morals in "Im Dying of Thirst". Then he closes off this masterpeice with the streets made him and he's never gonna change with "Real" and "Compton".
This guy is for real. His rhymes and lines are just ridiculous. In the song "Sing About Me" he says "and if I die befor your album drop I promise I'll...." and all you hear is gun shots. That's just genius. He also slips in small things like in "Money Trees" he says, "with all disrespect". Just small things like that can make a rapper.
My favorite song by him is Sing About Me
The most popular song is probably "Swimming Pools"
The album starts off with him rapping about his life as a young teenager in the hood. Rapping about the parties he goes to, friends he hangs with, the girls he messes around with. Until he gets a call from his mom and dad telling him to come home.... then they end up fighting and it ends with dad telling the mom to "Not Kill My Vibe".
Every transition of this album is perfect. At first Kendrick is a kid who drinks and smokes his life away until he realizes that its stupid in the hit song "Swimming Pools (Drank)". He tells how money is what makes the world go round and how much easier it would be if it was here in "Money Trees". He also shows his sentimental sides in how girls don't want a thug they want a poetic romantic in "Poetic Justice". Then he tells his stories of being an underprivellaged kid in Compton in "Good Kid" and "Mad City". Then after hearing of his friend and companions dying off, he sings a sad song about how he hopes people will remember him in "Sing About Me" and how he needs to learn his morals in "Im Dying of Thirst". Then he closes off this masterpeice with the streets made him and he's never gonna change with "Real" and "Compton".
This guy is for real. His rhymes and lines are just ridiculous. In the song "Sing About Me" he says "and if I die befor your album drop I promise I'll...." and all you hear is gun shots. That's just genius. He also slips in small things like in "Money Trees" he says, "with all disrespect". Just small things like that can make a rapper.
My favorite song by him is Sing About Me
Friday, February 22, 2013
Stevie Wonder: Talking Book
I love this album. The sound is just so ahead of it's time. It was shocking to know this album came out in 71-72. Every song flows perfectly and I like it cause his voice doesn't just go with one sound like many singers do. His voice goes with every sound. Whether it be rock, funk, soul, ballads, whatever it is he sounds perfect.
The album starts off with a great smooth song "You are the sunshine of my life". And then the bass drops on "Maybe Your Baby". That bass is just so ridiculous I love it. And the fact that Stevie Wonder plays every insturment except Sax and he did all of them for Superstition?? Possible his best song... that's insane.
My favorite song on the album for sure was his ballad "I Believe"
The album starts off with a great smooth song "You are the sunshine of my life". And then the bass drops on "Maybe Your Baby". That bass is just so ridiculous I love it. And the fact that Stevie Wonder plays every insturment except Sax and he did all of them for Superstition?? Possible his best song... that's insane.
My favorite song on the album for sure was his ballad "I Believe"
Friday, February 15, 2013
The Roots
Last night I listened to three roots albums in a row.... Thing Fall Apart, Illadelph Halflife, and DoYou Want More?!!!??! And I gotta say Do You Want More was my favorite so far. Some of the lines Black Thought spits are amazing. "I wake up early in the morning, I mean early afternoon. Break lyrical hymn of the stem like boom, I'm flyer when I'm higher put my shit up on a tomb" that line is sooo sick. And I like Do You Want More because I get a nice chill feeling when listening to it. I love Proceed and Mellow My Man. And also Distortion to Static is a tight track. Definitely a go to album when I'm just chilling out.
Illadelph Halflife.... I hated the first track "Respond React". It was so repetitive and annoying but then "Section gave me that nice Roots feel. Overall the album is ok. Maybe I didn't get a good listen out of it. I feel like the sampling on that album is poorly executed. I'll have to listen to it again to really be able to judge it. But "What They Do" is one of my favorite songs ever.
Things Fall Apart..... I didn't fully finish this one. (Fell Asleep) Looking at the track listing alone makes it seeme like a unique album. I really can't judge it right now, but once I'm finished with it I'll let you know.
Overall my favorite track off of Do You Want More is "Proceed"
My favorite Roots track overall is "What They Do"
Illadelph Halflife.... I hated the first track "Respond React". It was so repetitive and annoying but then "Section gave me that nice Roots feel. Overall the album is ok. Maybe I didn't get a good listen out of it. I feel like the sampling on that album is poorly executed. I'll have to listen to it again to really be able to judge it. But "What They Do" is one of my favorite songs ever.
Things Fall Apart..... I didn't fully finish this one. (Fell Asleep) Looking at the track listing alone makes it seeme like a unique album. I really can't judge it right now, but once I'm finished with it I'll let you know.
Overall my favorite track off of Do You Want More is "Proceed"
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