The Year In Music 2010: Comebacks, Breakthroughs and Stories That Made The News

It's been one crazy year, and not just in music. Between an intense November election, BP oil spill, the recession that seems like it will never end, Haiti's disastrous earthquake, the thirty-three Chilean miners, Wikileaks, the Pakistani floods and healthcare reform, we've had our share of troubles and triumphs.

And through it, we've had one interesting soundtrack to our lives. 2010 has been, if anything, a year of really odd and somewhat skanky pop idols and a noticeable increase of the mashing of pop and r&b. It's also been the year of indie music, with artists like Vampire Weekend, The Black Keys and Florence + The Machine popping out of every rabbit hole conceivably imaginable.

This is part one of an examination of the music world in 2010. We're going to try and step on every toe and dot every i. Honestly, we're mostly going to focus on pop, rock, r&b, hip-hop, alternative and indie, but we'll try and hit the lesser known genres like jazz, world and classical.

This first part is about artists that busted through the rock solid door of music, comebacks of epic proportion and stories that made your head turn.

Comebacks

Usher: Usher didn’t just come back; he came back from the dead. From 2004 to 2007 he sat on the success of Confessions before releasing another album in 2008. That album had just one hit, and it didn’t linger in our minds like his previous albums had. So when he came back in 2010 with hits like, “OMG”, “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love”, and “There Goes My Baby”, we were blown away. Guess he ain’t dead just yet.

My Chemical Romance: Go back, back, back to 2006. Remember the super long, but super epic rock opera of sorts, “Welcome To The Black Parade”? Well, the big brothers of emo pop are back with a new album (Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys) and, supposedly, it’s one of their best. Sadly, they’re a little cut up, seeing as how their just gone through their second drummer in nine years. Oh, well, long live the killjoys!




Sade: This is the comeback of all comebacks. The band Sade (yes, it’s a band, not just the one girl) released an album after an almost ten year hibernation. In the music world, that’s around a bajillion years. And not only did they come back, they came back in style! Solider Of Love took the charts by storm, both in R&B and smooth jazz. Very very cool.

Avril Lavinge: If you were to ask me what I think the most well known song of this decade is, I would tell you “Girlfriend”, and I stand by that. But after “Girlfriend” and Lavinge’s 2007 album, The Best Damn Thing, she kind of… disappeared. But fear not, Avril is back! She’s got a new album coming out in March and is going to perform her new single, “What The Hell” tomorrow on national television. She’ll probably have another album like The Best Damn Thing, but a girl can try.

Soundgarden: Scratch my earlier comment- this is the comeback of all comebacks. Superunkown, the album they released in 1994, gave Soundgarden mainstream success. Yet, only three years later they disbanded, due to musical differences. Everyone went their own way and denied the probability of the band getting back together. But on January 1^st, 2010, it was announced the band was getting back together! The SMP expects great things of this grunge-y, alternative metal band!

Honorable Mentions: Eminem, Fantasia, Kanye West

Breakthroughs

The Black Keys: Sure, right now the only song anyone's really heard by them is "Tighten Up". But the Black Keys made sure they were the name on everyone's indie lips this year. They broke through with their sixth album 'Brothers', and we have gotten word that Spin magazine have named the Black Keys 'Artists of the Year', a much deserved and earned title.

Ke$ha: Ask a class of fifth graders if they wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy and see what they say. Kes started her reign of pop music (along with her comrades Beyonce, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, and Nikki Minaj) last year, but she really took her career places this year. Half the public hate her, the rest love her and Rolling Stone called her album, Animal, "repulsive, obnoxious and ridiculously catchy."

Drake: Remember Degrassi? Remember that kid in the wheelchair? Yeah, that's Drake. An actor before he became a rapper, Drake hit the scene in 2006, and had a EP hit (So Far Gone). He released his much anticipated (thanks to friend Lil' Wayne) album, Thank Me Later, in June. It has already been certified platinum, and has sold over one million in the US alone. This kid will go far.

B.o.B: If you haven't hear this guy yet, then you haven't been listening to the radio for the last six months. Songs like "Nothin' On You" from his debut album, B.o.B Presents: The Adventures Of Bobby Ray, and "Airplanes", which featured Paramore's Hayley Williams, hit the radios, the top 40 charts, and the I-pods of millions. Bobby Ray only started making music in 2008, but also already been nominated for a couple Grammys, as more and more people recognize his obvious talent.

Mumford and Sons: We here at the SMP happen to believe this English folk rock Mumford and Sons is the best thing to happen to music since diced tomatoes (or amps). And why shouldn't they be? Their debut album, Sign No More, has given the general public songs like "The Cave", "White Blank Page", and "Little Lion Man", as well as reasons to continue to listen to music. M&S may, along with (some new) awesome artists like Vampire Weekend, MGMT, Beach House, Kings Of Leon, Arcade Fire, Weezer, DCFC (Death Cab For Cutie, remember that!) and many other bands that we will come to know in 2011 and beyond, save music from its own demise.

Honorable Mentions: Zola Jesus, Justin Bieber, Chiddy Bang

Stories

No More Love: The Love Parade was halted this year by a stampede caused by over-crowding that led to the death of 21 people, and hundreds of injuries, in Northern Germany. Officials reported that in honor of the victims, the parade (which has been held since 1989 in different locations in Germany) will never be held again.

Free Weezy?: Lil Wayne spent almost all of 2010 behind bars on a weapons possession, through you couldn't have known it. He released a #1 album while serving his sentence and plans to release another in February. Nothing can keep this kid down.

A Revolution Of Sorts: If you don't already know the news, you've been living under a rock the last month and a half. The Beatles are on Itunes. Their entire catalog was digitally released and Apple reported that in just the first week 2 million songs and 450,000 full albums were sold.

If I Were President: When Haiti was rocked by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, Wyclef Jean didn't hesitate to work to help his people. But...he tried a little to hard. Jean later announced he was going to run for president of Haiti, but officials disqualified him because of a residency requirement. Sure...I bet that was the real reason. It had nothing to do with him having no experience in politics whatsoever.

Still A Gleek?: In 2009, when the hit show Glee came out, it was lapped up by everyone, even people who didn't watch it! Everyone loved the cutesy, outcast characters who seemed to shine in the spotlight. As the second season got well under way, Glee fell victim to themed episodes and idol worship of stars like Madonna and Lady Gaga. Will it come back to it's roots, or fall completely off the edge?

Part two is heading your way tomorrow! Stay tuned!

-Raivynn and Whitni

Auld Lang Syne! Happy New Music Monday!

Hey my Monday people, how was your Christmas? Get a lot of good stuff? Eat some yummy food? See all your relatives (hope it wasn't too awkward)? If you celebrate Kwanzaa, like my family, joyous Kwanzaa! Today is Kujichagulia, which means self-determination. So, I am determined to tie up some loose ends in my life!

You, however, should be determined to listen to this NMM. And I have to confess, this song isn't very new at all. In fact, it was actually covered in 2004 by the Barenaked Ladies. But this is the best version of the song I found, and seeing as I promised holiday music only in December, here you go!



Isn't the video cool? It's synchronized to someone's Christmas decorations, and they did really well! Anyway, the song is called "Auld Lang Syne" originally by Robert Burns. It was written as a poem in 1788, but was later made into a kind of folk song. It's pretty well known as a New Year's song here in the US, but it's sung pretty regularly in Europe and Asia. Happy New Year music lovers! May 2011 bring some incredible music!

-Whitni

Awkwardness Part Three: Holiday Awkwardness

It really is that time of year again. The holidays. Children around the world rejoice, while the rest of us simply groan. Just kidding, there are really people out there who still enjoy the holidays. But there are also a large group of people who don't look forward to dealing with other people. For this post, I'm going to focus on a certain group of people: young adults. For YAs, the holidays can be very good...or not so good.

In fact, they can be quite awkward.

Imagine it, talking to relatives you haven't seen in a few years, who remark on how you have or haven't grown (sorry short dudes), asking about your G.P.A (don't wanna know) or whether or not you have a boyfriend/girlfriend or gotten married yet.

For some of us stuck in a limbo moment (I'm not going to college, I dropped out, I dumped that chick three weeks ago), it can be even more awkward. How do we answer the questions that people really have no business asking?


Awkward Cat.

Well, I don't know. But I do know how we can avoid/diffuse these situations. Ask for more chicken, say 'no comment', take a swig of vodka (if you're of age), remark on how the fruitcake is extra nutty this year, hold somebody's baby, or trip one of your annoying cousins as he runs through the house (again). Other than that, you just have to get through it.

On a serious note, though, everyone should really be thankful for all that they have, especially family. Families can be hard to deal with (people are complex, remember?), but they are very worth it. How else are you going to get your 20 minutes of laughter a day?

Plus, you can always head back to your dorm/apartment and kick it til Easter. See ya suckers!

Awkward turtle says "Happy Holidays!"

-Raivynn

New Music Monday: Old, Cool And Hot

My Monday people, what's up?! Christmas is getting closer and closer and chances are while you're out in the stores shopping for all those presents, you're hearing Christmas music. Well, if you're not tired of it yet, here's some more for you to listen to!



This song is from a movie called The Year Without A Santa Clause from the year 1974, and featured this song 'Snow Miser/Heat Miser'. It was based on two quarreling brothers who controlled the weather, and whether or not it would snow on Christmas or not. Snow Miser is voiced by Michael McKean, while Heat Miser is played by Mr. George S. Irving. I don't think it was played on radio, but it's a favorite in my house, and I hope you guys like it too!

Have a very Happy Christmas!

-Whitni

In 1647, English Puritans banned Christmas. It was widely disapproved of and it wasn't until 1681 that the ban was revoked. By 1820s, the holiday was dying out and writers set out to bring it back. In 1843 Charles Dickens wrote the classic novel, A Christmas Carol. Christmas trees gained popularity in Britain in early 19th century and in America in the 1820s. In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore wrote a poem called A Visit From St. Nicholas (also known by it's first line- Twas The Night Before Christmas). The poem popularized the idea of gift giving and therefore the controversy behind it. In 1875, Louis Prang introduced Christmas cards and, well, you know the rest. Happy holidays readers!

PS- Yes, I realize Blogger says this was published on Tuesday, but it wasn't. Blogger's acting all funny, so ignore that and enjoy your NMM for the week.

Love,
The SMP Mgmt

The Sky Is Not The Limit

In 2000, shortly before the release of their album All That You Can't Leave Behind, Bono proudly declared that, " [We're] reapplying for the job. What job? The best band in the world job." Bono and his boys held the top spot for most of the eighties and nineties, striving to get their name and message out there, and it worked. Start talking to any one (literally, anyone) about U2, and they'll know exactly who you're talking about. More than likely, they'll probably start singing one of U2's multiple hits from the past thirty years, like "Beautiful Day", "Mysterious Ways", or "With Or Without You."

In 2009, U2 released their twelfth studio album, No Line On The Horizon, the album I am reviewing here. It was their first studio album in five years and the longest gap between any two albums.

The band began working with producer Rick Rubin in 2006, trying to get work started on a follow-up to their 2004 album, How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. Rubin wanted them to go for a 'back-to-the-basics' feel, but the band wanted to continue onward with their experimental, free form style. The band and Rubin went their separate ways and U2 teamed up with Daniel Lanois (who produced albums like Oh Mercy by Bob Dylan and So by Peter Gabriel) and Brian Eno (who produced albums like Laid by James and Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends by Coldplay).


^ U2 in the 1980, when they were just beginning. They are, from the left, Larry Mullen, Jr, Bono (real name- Paul Hewson), The Edge (real name- David Evans), and Adam Clayton.

For U2, this album is a game-changer. Listening to it, I can hear a mix of generations in every song. The first song, "No Line On The Horizon", didn't really match up well with me. I thought it was a bad choice for a starting song and that it was a little flat. But the follow-up, song number two- "Magnificent", was picture perfect. U2 is the type of band that pulls on your heart strings and Bono's voice can take you from wherever you are and put you right where he wants you to be.

Bono, who writes many of the songs, decided that for this album, he would write from different perspectives. He was tired of songwriting first person, and leapt out of his comfort zone and into the minds of a traffic cop, a drug addict and a solider serving in Afghanistan. The next two songs, "Moment of Surrender" and "Unknown Caller" both derive from the addicts' perspective.

The next two songs could be called the singles of the album. "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight" was created by a collaboration with Will.i.am, a member of the widely popular group, The Black Eyed Peas. The video for the song was U2's first animated video since 1995, and depicted a group of people all trying to make change in their lives, though they are all interconnected.



My favorite song on this album is "Get On Your Boots" (originally named "Sexy Boots"), a fast-paced (at 150 beats per minute, it is one of the fastest songs the band has ever recorded) rocking pop song. Rolling Stone Magazine called it a, "blazing, fuzzed-out rocker", and I have to agree.

Bono later commented on the album, saying it was split into thirds, the first part as, "a whole world unto itself, and you get to a very ecstatic place." The second was described as "a load of singles" and the last third is songs that are, quote, "unusual territory" for the band.

Unusual territory definitely describes most of the second half of the No Line On The Horizon. Every song after six, for me, was just like the last and faded into the background. Maybe I wasn't listening hard enough, maybe it just wasn't all that good.



Either way, U2 has still it! I doubt any other album U2 will record in the future will be as good as their early works, like The Joshua Tree, which is probably they're most acclaimed album. Still, this is a good album. U2 is not afraid to experiment, to try things that may throw their fans off a little and maybe even question their sanity. U2 is the kind of band that stands as a foundation in the music world. If we looked upon music as a table they would be one of many legs (there would be a lot of legs on that table). Yet, at the same time, they are constantly changing and growing themselves, if that makes any sense. Sure, it's not the eighties anymore, but U2 can still bring it.

-Whitni

PS- Bono really knows how to spin his lyrics, and one line that stood out for me is from "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight." The line is- "How can you stand next to the truth and not see it?" Think on that world.

All Stars, Y Nots, and Peace Signs: Ringo Starr After the Beatles

Ringo Starr is not his real name. His real name is Richard Starkey, a kid from Liverpool, England, born on July 7, 1940. He was the oldest, but shortest Beatle, and the only one with blue eyes. And he was, and still is, the very lovable Ringo. Ringo did not have many chances to display his now known singer-songwriter skills, but he now known as a distinguished solo artist. And his innate drum skills have only flourished since the Beatles broke up.



In the year of 1970 (the year the Beatles broke up), Ringo released two albums. The first was called Sentimental Journey, and was very acoustic and focused on the music Starr grew up listening to. The other was called Beaucoups of Blues, and it had a more country/western feel to it. Also, in 1970, Starr's wife Maureen Starkey had what would be the couple's last child, and Starr's first daughter, Lee. They also had two sons, Zak, who later become the drummer for the band Oasis and The Who, and Jason.



Then came the singles. Ringo became the first solo Beatle to have seven consecutive Top 10 singles. The first was 'It Don't Come Easy'/'Early 1970' (A side/B side) in 1971. Soon after he released 'Back Off Boogaloo'/'Blindman' (1972). In 1973, he released his one of his most famous albums, Ringo, which included hits like 'Down and Out', 'Photograph', 'Oh My My' and 'You're Sixteen (You're Beautiful and You're Mine). Ringo was also the only album that reunited all the Beatles. The album Goodnight Vienna was also a major success, and had songs off it like 'Only You (And You Alone)' and 'No No Song'.

Starr's first greatest hits album came in late 1975, and was called Blast From Your Past. This was also his last album with Apple Records. Starr created his own record label called Ring O' Records, and signed with Atlantic Records. However, things started going a bit down hill for Ringo. His next three albums, Rotogravure, Ringo the 4th, and Bad Boy all performed poorly on the charts. He also divorced his wife, Maureen, in 1975.

In 1981, Ringo released his most critically acclaimed album after Ringo, and it was called Stop and Smell The Roses. It included the song 'All Those Years Ago', which was written by George Harrison (and later sung by him as well), sung by Ringo. He also married Barbara Bach, a woman he had met a year earlier on the set for the film Caveman. Ringo did cameos and acted in a lot of films and on television, and he continues this today. He was noted by John Lennon and Paul McCartney as the best actor in the movie A Hard Days Night, and was supposedly called 'a new Charlie Chaplin'.



In 1983, he released the album Old Wave. In 1989, another greatest hits album, Starr Stuck: The Best Of Ringo Starr Vol. 2, was also released. And, in 1988, Ringo and Barbara attended a detox center together, hoping to recover from alcoholism that plagued them both.

In 1989, Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band debuted for the first time in Dallas, TX. The band brought together artists that had, at some point, been popular in their own right. Starr said, "I've said this over and over again, but I love being in a band."



In the fall of 1990, Starr released his first live album, Ringo and His All-Starr Band. It went over very well with the critics. In 1992, Ringo also released his first studio in nine years, called Time Takes Time. The New York Times called it "Starr's best: more consistently pleasing than Ringo, it shows him as an assured performer and songwriter." In 1992, Ringo put together his second All-Starr Band, which included his son Zak and Joe Walsh. An album was released, Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band: Live From Montreaux. 1995 brought about the third All Starr Band, as well as another album, Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band Vol. 1. The fourth All-Starr band was to be formed in 1997.

1998 brought about the release of two new albums, Vertical Man and Storytellers, the latter being the live show Starr did on VH1's show 'Storytellers', and included his greatest and newest hits, as well as stories about them.

The creation of the fifth All-Starr band began in 1999, and Starr's first holiday album, I Wanna Be Santa Claus, was also released. The sixth All-Starr Band was created in 2000, and Starr was inducted Percussive Arts Hall Of Fame. In 2001, the seventh All-Starr band came alive, and the album Ringo and His All-Starr Band: The Anthology, So FarE was released. 2003 brought the forming of a new record label, Pumkinhead Records, the release of the album Ringo Rama, and the formation of the eighth All-Starr Band.


Postcards From The Boys was a book filled with postcards that had been sent to Ringo over the years from his friends, John, Paul, and George, all former Beatles. It was published in 2004. In 2005, his album Choose Love, was released. And, in 2008, his well received album Liverpool 8, which featured the single 'Liverpool 8', was released. On January 12, 2010, Ringo released his fifteenth studio album, Y Not. This year, it was also announced that Ringo would have a star in his name on Hollywood Walk Of Fame.



Ringo, throughout his entire solo career, worked closely with many other artists by playing on their albums and singing in songs on musicians albums. He is also heavily involved in charities, and is known for playing many benefit concerts, including for his friend George Harrison.

In July of 2010, Ringo celebrated his 70th birthday. He was laughing and smiling, like he always does. It would not be inappropriate to say that Ringo Starr is one of the most positive people alive. And why shouldn't he be? Starr has worked hard to become the solo artist he is, and spreads his message of peace and love to all corners of the media, from music to art to books to television. He went from being a poor sick kid from Liverpool to a peace sign welding musician, and there is little doubt in my mind regarding one simple fact: Ringo Starr is the greatest drummer of our time.

-Raivynn

P.S- If you want to learn more about Ringo Starr, please visit his website at www.ringostarr.com. If you like more info on two other former Beatles, John Lennon and George Harrison, you can read the blog posts Working Class Hero, NYC, and Lost Weekends: John Lennon After the Beatles or
My Sweet Lord, Hare Krishna, and Dhani: George Harrison After the Beatles. Tune in next week for our last number, Sir Paul McCartney!

Coldplay Does Christmas... New Music Monday!

Hey my Monday peoples! Well, the title says it all, this week's new song is a little dilly by an experienced British by the name of Coldplay. They just so happen to be my all-time favorite band and when I found out they'd made a Christmas song, I couldn't resist the opportunity to feature them right here on the SMP.



The song is "Christmas Lights" by Coldplay, and I have to say, I love the video. I hope my bias isn't affecting how good/bad the song is! I'm usually a little skeptical of new Christmas music, since the old stuff is often not as good as the holiday music from the 40s to 90s. Coldplay has created an original that really does give you that fuzzy warm feeling inside. Feel the love!

-Whitni

As is customary, an explanation of Christmas. Or, at least, part one of an explanation, since I'm devoting two NMMs to this particular holiday (only because it has the most music!). Christmas began as Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, which means "the birthday of the unconquered sun". It was more of a winter festival celebrated because of the winter solstice. During the winter solstice the sun reversed it's southward retreat and seemed to be unconquered and experiencing a rebirth. Some early Christian writers connected the rebirth of the sun with the birth of Jesus Christ. It wasn't until the year 354 that Christmas was even documented as being celebrated on December 25th. You'll have to check back next week for the rest of the story!

My Sweet Lord, Hare Krishna, and Dhani: George Harrison After the Beatles

A man of few words, but many actions, George Harrison will forever go down in history as the affectionately named 'Quiet Beatle'. He was the lead guitarist for the Beatles, but after they broke up, he followed his own path of enlightenment, religion (in a tweaked sense), and, of course, music and art. Even while in the Beatles, he was always more of a individual, a solo artist of sorts; he recorded and released two solo instrumental albums, Wonderwall Music and Electronic Sound while still in the band. From then on, he pursed music, art, film, charity, and even fatherhood, and George Harrison will always be remembered for his musical abilities, as well as his heart full of love and hope.

When Harrison was still a Beatle, in about 1965, he became interested in Indian music, sitar, and later Hinduism, which helped broaden the Beatles musical horizons (this can be heard in albums like Rubber Soul, Revolver and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band). It was around this time that more and more of George's songs began to show up on the Beatles albums. By the time Abbey Road was recorded, George was ready to unleash his own songs to the world, and strike out as a musician in his own right, no longer overshadowed by the powerful Lennon-McCartney duo.

All Things Must Pass (1970) came as a result of this breakthrough. Three discs full of music, and two of those discs full of mostly original Harrison songs (the third disc was George and friends, jamming), led to All Things Must Pass being Harrison's most critically acclaimed album, as well as his best known and most loved (it was six times certified platinum). George came storming out of the gates, as a solo artist, strong.



On All Things Must Pass, there were several singles that are, even today, played on the radio, and are probably some of the career-making singles Harrison will forever be known for- 'My Sweet Lord', 'Isn't It A Pity?', 'What Is Life', 'Wah-Wah', 'I Dig Love', 'Beware Of Darkness', and 'Apple Scruffs'. Sadly, Harrison encountered copyright problems with 'My Sweet Lord', having a lawsuit because the song sounded too much like the Chiffons song 'He's So Fine'. This was later settled, but not without grief (not sobering grief, just tiring grief) from Harrison, which would bring him to later record a song called 'This Song', which poked fun at the court case, as well as the ruling.

After ATMP, Harrison became aware, from friend and mentor Ravi Shankar, of the disastrous situation in Bangladesh, where political turmoil and a cyclone had brought about serious hardships to the area, and people, especially children, were without basic needs. George recorded a song called 'Bangla Desh' to raise awareness, and set up The Concert for Bangladesh. On August 1, 1971, two concerts were held in Madison Square Garden. Over 40,000 people attended, making it the largest benefit concert at that point in history. Many famous musicians like Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Eric Clapton, and the members of Badfinger played along with George and Ravi. The concert raised $243,418.50, which was given to UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) to distribute. Sales from the album and DVD continue to benefit the George Harrison Fund for UNICEF.

His next album, Living In the Material World (1973) would not be as successful as ATMP (none of his albums would), but the single 'Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)' proved to be quite the single. This particular album also had deep Indian influences. Dark Horse (1974) would not go as well with the critics. During this album, Harrison had broken up with his wife of eight years, Pattie Boyd, and was suffering from laryngitis.



His final album for EMI and Apple Records (which was founded by the Beatles themselves) was Extra Texture (Read All About It) in 1975. It created two singles, including 'Yes' and 'This Guitar (Can't Keep From Crying)'. The latter was Apple's last original single. Apple would also go on to release a album of Harrison's Beatle and solo work called The Best Of George Harrison.

In 1976, George started recording under the label 'Dark Horse'. The first record to come out was Thirty Three and 1/3, which became his most successful late 1970s album. This album included songs like 'This Song' and 'Crackerbox Palace', which reflected Harrison's growing friendship with Monty Python's Eric Idle.

On Sept. 2, 1978, George married Dark Horse assistant Olivia Arias, whom he had met in 1974. A month before the wedding they welcomed Dhani (pro. Dhaa-Knee) Harrison, the couple's only child, and George Harrison's only son. Soon after, he recorded a self titled album, called George Harrison, which made the Billboard Top 20. Throughout the 70s, Harrison wrote songs for many other musicians, including former Beatles John Lennon and Ringo Starr, worked with artists like Billy Preston and Cheech & Chong, and preformed on Saturday Night Live with Paul Simon.



After John Lennon was murdered in 1980, George revised the lyrics of a song originally for Ringo Starr, and recorded it as 'All Those Years Ago' as a tribute song for John. The three remaining Beatles played on it. It was featured on his album Somewhere In England, which was supposed to be released in 1980, but was released in 1981 instead, due to some difficulties Harrison was having with the music industry.

After the release of his twelfth album Gone Troppo, Harrison didn't release music for five years, and rarely appeared in public. This gave time for Harrison to explore his other interests and duties, like tending to his wife and son, gardening, racing cars, and practicing Hinduism and mediation.

In 1987, Harrison returned to the music industry with the album Cloud Nine, which proved to be one of his best and most acclaimed. Songs like 'When We Was Fab' and "This Is Love' hit the charts, and the album did pretty well. By this time, a new generation of listeners were tuning in to the musings of the legends of the past, and MTV helped introduce George to a new group of music fans.



For the rest of his career, George slowed down significantly, but was always involved in the world of music, art, and charity. He released another album, Best Of Dark Horse 1976-1989. He played concerts with others, appeared on TV, played at Carl Perkins funeral, attended Linda McCartney's memorial service, played with Electric Light Orchestra, and co-wrote a song called 'Horse To The Water' with his son Dhani. He was also invested in his charity, The Material World Foundation, which supported all artists, regardless of circumstances or special needs.

In 1988, George helped form a group of musicians called the Traveling Wilburys, which included Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, and Tom Petty. They released two albums, and the song 'Handle With Care' became well known. George also helped with the making of The Beatles Anthology, in which he gave lengthy interviews and played in the first Beatles single in decades, 'Free As A Bird'. Harrison also spent time working in his film production and distribution company HandMade Films.

In 1997, throat cancer was discovered in Harrison. He began treatment, and it was successfully removed with radiation. Then, in 1999, Harrison and his wife were attacked in their home by crazed fan. Both survived the attack, but were badly shaken. Harrison had been limiting his public appearances since Lennon had died, and continued to do so. In May of 2001, George underwent surgery for a cancerous tumor found in his lung. Despite this, the cancer made its way to his brain, and he sought treatment.

On November 29, 2001, George Harrison died at a Hollywood Hills mansion once leased by Paul McCartney. He was cremated, and his ashes were spread in the Ganges River, abiding by the Hindu tradition. The year after his death, Dhani and Olivia Harrison organized 'The Concert For George', which featured many of George's friends (Clapton, Starr, McCartney) and benefited his charity, The Material World Foundation. Also in 2002, Dhani and Jeff Lynne released Harrison's final album, Brainwashed. It received generally positive reviews, and reached 18 on the charts. Singles from that albums include 'Any Road' and 'Stuck Inside A Cloud'.



In March 2004, George was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame as a solo artist. Recently, director Martin Scorsese announced that he was going to be making a documentary about George called Living In The Material World: George Harrison.

George Harrison was a sweet, thoughtful, and considerate rock guitarist, singer-songwriter, actor, film producer, and philanthropist who was not only concerned with his own problems, but those of the world. He was deeply invested in spiritual learning and generosity, and his family continues to spread that message today. He was a man who set out from the Beatles wanting to make a difference, and that, and more, is exactly what he did.

-Raivynn

P.S- Find out more information about George Harrison, his music, and The Material World Foundation at www.georgeharrison.com.

Remember to Imagine

Today could be a pretty sad day, and it probably is for a lot of people. Today, 30 years ago, John Lennon, former Beatle, musician, artist, revolutionary, and advocate for peace was murdered outside his home, his wife Yoko by his side, and his young son Sean a few flights upstairs. The man who committed the crime had been in jail all these years, but I hope that people today can not focus on the absolute madness in the crime itself, but on the genuis man behind the music. Radio stations across the country are playing John's tracks, from 'Revolution' to 'Watching The Wheels'. I know I'll be listening to 'Happy Xmas (War Is Over)' and 'Whatever Gets You Through The Night', remembering a true pioneer in music.

One more thing. Tell the little kids in your life about John. Not just John, but all the Beatles, and the Stones, the Who, the Kinks, the Mamas and the Papas, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Muddy Waters, Ray Charles, Buddy Holly, everything. These kids are our future, but a knowledge of past music, to live a truly enriched life, is necessary.

John knew this, and his children were educated on the legends of the past. And you can bet that my kids will know that December 8 is a day to remember to wish for peace.

-Raivynn

If you would like more information about John Lennon, please read the blog post Working Class, NYC, and Lost Weekends: John Lennon After The Beatles or visit http://www.johnlennon.com/

Peace

New Music Monday: Eight Bright Nights and Candlelight

Hey-o Mondayers! It's that time of week again and now that it's winter, and all dark, cold and gloomy, we need some extra good new music to lift our spirits. That's why NMM will be featuring new holiday music all through December. This Monday we're taking a trip to Yeshiva University, in New York City, where a young group of men created an all-male a-capella group in the fall of 2007.



This song is called "Candlelight" by The Maccabeats. If it sounds familiar, it is! The song is a spin on Taio Cruz's "Dynamite", but this is no cover. These young men are finding a nice cozy spot in the a-capella world, as well as the world of Jewish music. I adore this song and I sincerely hope it will become a Hanukkah favorite!

-Whitni

In case you don't know, Hanukkah is the Jewish celebration of a Jewish victory over Syrian-Greeks in 165 B.C. The Syrian-Greeks took control of a holy temple and tried to force the Jews to bow down to false idols and eat pork- two things forbidden in Judaism. The Jews took back control of the temple and tried to purify the temple by burning oil on a menorah for eight days, but they found they only had enough oil for one day. They lit the menorah anyway and, miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days.

Working Class, NYC, and Lost Weekends: John Lennon After the Beatles

John Lennon is known, to this day, as the most well know Beatles, as well as one of the most well known people in the world. Well before the Beatles had broken up, John was beginning to strike out on his own, forming The Plastic Ono band and spending more and more time with his girlfriend, and later on, wife, Yoko Ono. After the Beatles he became increasing involved in social and political activism, especially working towards peace. Although he was murdered in 1980, he remains a important public figure, and as well as a realistic, charming, witty, genius artist.

Following the break up of the Beatles in 1970, both John (with Yoko, as they were married by this time) underwent primal therapy, hoping to face the demons in his past, including the many issues he had as a child with his mother, father, and aunt Mimi. This therapy very much affected his music, and his debut solo album, Lennon/Plastic Ono Band was quite emotional, with hits like 'Mother', 'Working Class Hero', and 'Power To The People', which displayed the beginnings of his social involvement.

However, Lennon's musicality soon changed back to a Beatles-esque sound with his album Imagine. 'Imagine' is still one of his better known songs, with the lyrics:

You may say that I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And the world will be as one

I'm quite sure most people who have access to radio or internet have heard this song. Later on, Lennon would say the song was "anti-religious, anti-nationalistic, anti-conventional, anti-capitalistic", but most of all, it represented the ever present image as 'Lennon- Peace Maker'.

Imagine also featured a song that was less peaceful, directed at former Beatles and songwriting partner, Paul McCartney, called 'How Do You Sleep'. The song jabs at McCartney, referencing events that took place during the Beatles several times. Overall, the album received very favorable reviews.



In August 1971, John and Yoko moved to America, specifically New York City. This was to become Lennon's home, as he would never return to Britain. At this point, Lennon was very vocal in his protest against the Vietnam War, which had the entire world in wraps. Hundreds of men were dying every week, and many Americans, especially young Americans, wanted the troops brought home. One way John outwardly opposed the war was the song 'Happy Christmas (War Is Over)', as well as billboards that said "WAR IS OVER (If you want it)." After this, fearing John would become a leader for the youth movement, the Nixon administration investigated John increasing more over the years, built a case against him and, ultimately, decided to deport him. It wasn't until 1975, on John's birthday and the birth of his second son Sean, that John found out he had been granted a green card, and could stay in the States.

His third solo album, Some Time In New York City, included the song 'Woman Is The Nigger Of The World', which received extreme criticism. Many DJ's refused to play it on the radio. Lennon defended it as a pro-feminist song, and even quoted U.S Representative Ron Dellums, who said "If you define 'nigger' as someone whose lifestyle is defined by others, whose opportunities are defined by others, whose role in society is defined by others, the good news is that you don't have to be black to be a nigger in this society. Most of the people in America are niggers."

Lennon hosted and participated in multiple concerts for the benefit of others, like John Sinclair, who went to jail, and received a ten-year sentence for selling two joints of marijuana, and the One to One concert, which helped children at the Willowbrook State School Mental Facility. The One to One concerts (there were two) were Lennon's last full-fledged concerts.



Soon after, while recording his fourth solo album Mind Games, John and Yoko split. John retreated to Los Angeles, with Yoko's assistant May Pang accompanying him. Many called this eighteen month period Lennon's 'Lost Weekend', as he met new friends, became re-acquainted with old ones (like Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Mal Evans), got to know his first son, Julian, better, and finished Mind Games. However, the album did not get as many positive reviews as expected. This, added to the fact that John was separated from Yoko, drove John to taking drugs and excessively consuming alcohol. Many cite this period as a dark time for Lennon, in which he was often drunk and depressed.

John and May returned to New York in 1974, and John started work on his fifth album Walls and Bridges. For this album, John refrained from drinking and doing drugs, and continued doing so until his death. He also reestablished a relationship with Yoko, and soon after, Yoko became pregnant.

Walls and Bridges brought about the only number one single, 'Whatever Gets You Through The Night', which featured Elton John. Other hit songs included '#9 Dream' and 'Stand By Me'. John also appeared at Elton John's Thanksgiving concert at Madison Square Garden, receiving a ten-minute standing ovation.

Sean Taro Ono Lennon was born on October 9, 1975, the same day as his father's 35th birthday. John became a house-husband, caring dearly for his son, feeding him, playing with him, and teaching him how to swim, and would later write a song for him called 'Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)'. He withdrew from the public eye, and, for the first time, focused on his family.



In October of 1980, Lennon released 'Just Like (Starting Over)', which was off his album Double Fantasy. Double Fantasy featured both songs by John, and songs by Yoko. By this period of time, the media was much kinder to Yoko, crediting her music and art as true talent. Yoko and John had begun work on their next album, Milk and Honey and a worldwide tour, when, on December 8, 1980, John was shot down by Mark David Chapman, in front of his apartment, the Dakota. Despite attempts to revive him at the hospital, John Lennon was pronounced dead.

In New York's Central Park, there is a 2.5 acre landscaped section called the Strawberry Fields memorial, often called 'Imagine circle', as seen in the picture below. This memorial is one of many to remember this beautiful man missed by many. Other memorial sites include places like Liverpool, England, and Havana, Cuba.



Musician, author, artist, public figure, leader, revolutionary, peace advocate, father, husband, friend; John was all these things and more. He is still missed dearly by those who outlived him, and his messages of peace, community, humor, shared existence and love continue to spread.

-Raivynn

Don't Get All Technical

Happy December fellow readers! I hope the holidays aren't too stressful for everyone, and if they are, I hope this little blog of ours offers some relief from your crazy in-laws. This month will be very exciting, with all kinds of blog posts and new music, and starting in the new year, we've got a HUGE surprise that has even me geeking!

First off, we've got some new techie stuff on the side of the blog. The Grooveshark listening box (!!) is awesome. Use it. It features music from all the albums we've reviewed as well as new music (like from New Music Mondays!). If you have used it, you may have noticed a little problem. Yeah, we know, after 1-3 songs, it stops playing. And won't start again, unless you refresh the page. We are working on fixing this, and I'm sorry. Sometimes Grooveshark sucks.

Next, The Stack. It's awesome too, and you can definitely request albums for us to listen to (that would be the cool thing to do). Just know that, when you hit the 'Email Me', it will take you to the Yahoo! Mail link. If you don't have a Yahoo!, just email us at walnuts13@gmail.com. We are working on that too.

Okay, happy/good news!! New, fun posts coming up. I will be blogging, this Friday. It will start a series called 'The Beatles, After The Beatles'. For four weeks, it will be John, Paul, George, and Ringo, and their life after the Beatles. I can hardly wait.

We will have reviews, as usual. We will also have three special posts: Holiday Music, The Year In Music and Holiday Awkwardness. So keep an eye out for those.

So, I think that's it.

This is Raivynn, signing off!