Oh, These Boys Can Bring It Down

I have to say, I was warned. I mean, I knew System Of A Down definitely wasn't John Mayer or Coldplay, but wow, this is one loud album.

To say if I liked it or not would be way too simple. Well, that and I can't say for sure if I really do like it. I can say for sure, however, that there are a lot of things I could write about this band, but I'll only note a few.

For one, lead singer Serj Tankian has got one kick-ass voice. Not only can he go from singing to screaming in a click, but he's got this awesome accent that I can't place!!! He's Armenian (the whole band is), but it sounds like a mix of New Jersey and Israel, so if you can imagine what that sounds like, you see what I mean.

Also, SOAD's (as they are often called) lead guitarist, Daron Malakian is crazy talented. I don't too often listen to hard rock (and I have low tolerance for screamo) but in the guitar idea of it, this guy has got mad skills. I can especially hear it when I listen to one of the album key tracks, "Toxicity."

I'm not sure what the word on the street is about this band, but I'd like to know. Are they hard rock? Metal? Emo? Screamo? All of the above? I personally say they're a lovely mix of all four. They scream, yes, but they also sing, though the lyrics don't always make sense. Like the song "Bounce". Some of the lyrics are kind of...different. Example- "Unannounced twister games. All players with no names. They lined up double quick. With just one pogo stick. Everyone gets to play."

But, in a way, they're good. Raivynn doesn't care for hard rock too much herself, but I found it growing on me with every listen. This album strangely reminded me of pop music, because it was kind of infectious. I found myself tapping my feet as a song of theirs played in my head over and over again (my mind is a never endless jukebox, at all times there is a song in my head).

With that being said, it's time for favorites! Raivynn was really digging "Forest" track eight on the album. I think she was really drawn to the lyrics and the melody of the song. I could not choose between two songs- "Jet Pilot" the fourth song, and "Toxicity" the twelfth song. "Toxicity" just pulled me in, and I didn't actually start liking it until listening to the album for the third time. "Jet Pilot" has these crazy amusing lyrics and the guy's accent (I know, I can't get over this) was so prominent, I loved it. I'm smiling while I type this, that's how much I love his voice!

I think for a person who hasn't heard a lot of hard rock, this was a good introduction. Who knows, maybe you'll see me in the middle of a mosh pit one day.

-Whitni

Oh, and heads up. Raivynn and I may not be blogging for a little while. We'll be out of town a few weeks, but we'll try to get one or two in here or there.

Beats, Lyrics, Ego, Kanye

Warning: This album had been listened to before this project, and may create some unintended bias, though I doubt that will happen.

Graduation was the third studio album to be released by Kanye West, and I believe it was one of his best. It's the third in his 'schooling' chronicles, the first being The College Dropout, and the second Late Registration. Before I talk about the album though, I'm going to pull a Whitni, and talk about Kanye himself.

I actually like Kanye West (for the most part). I'm personally not a big fan of ego, but that's not why I listen to his music. I listen to Kanye West because he is an original. He has been since he started back in 1996, and hasn't stopped for anybody. Since the latter part of the 2000s, rap music started sounding a lot different. You would a hear a great beat one month, and three months later, hear that exact same beat being spun by a different artist. Or, rappers started taking old songs and "re-vamping" them. This is great sometimes, but shouldn't be overdone, like it is now. West has his own distinct sound, he creates his own beats. He brings in sounds from other genres like techno, r&b, pop, and even rock. He experiments, he goes outside his comfort zone. Another thing about Kanye. He is a great rapper and an excellent musician. And he knows this. So many Kanye songs have been attributed to the fact that he talks about how great he is, how all the girls want him, how the haters hate him (and why they shouldn't). And even though you initially roll your eyes and say 'Yeah right', after a few listens you realize one of these two things:

1) He's telling the truth. I mean, honestly, how many other rappers out there are really like Kanye? I would put him right up there with Jay-Z; this guy has talent for spinning records, and he knows it. So shouldn't you know it too? Or...

2) He's knows it, but he's messing around. Remember that previous post by Whit talking about rap music (if you don't, check it out. It's very good). Remember the part where she talked about Luda, and how he used to poke fun at himself and his music? I think that Kanye does this too. Example? I was listening to track eight, 'Drunk and Hot Girls'. The whole song is silly, not worth a listen. So, I skipped it. Maybe Kanye is saying, 'Yeah, this shit is pretty stupid, but the real question is, are you gonna dance your ass off to it anyways?' Maybe I'm wrong, but I like to say that he is a mix between Luda and Common. Why? Because he possess the silliness of Luda, but, also, the seriousness of Common. A lot of his songs talk about real problems, concerns, or just thank somebody (track 13, 'Big Brother'). Those songs make more sense than some of his others, and show a side of Kanye many people don't ever see. Now, back to the music!!

No two songs sound alike, and if you listen to Graduation you'll hear that. The first song, the intro, is aptly named 'Good Morning'. The next five songs of the album really illuminate Kanye's talent, with songs like 'Stronger', 'Can't Tell Me Nothing', 'Good Life', and, my personally favorite, 'I Wonder'. Whitni's favorite song was 'Homecoming', which was a kind of duet with Chris Martin of Coldplay. That's another aspect of young Kanye, he makes songs with all kinds of musicians, from Lil Wayne, to John Mayer, to Dwele. He uses inspiration from musicians like U2, Elton John, Michael Jackson, and Public Enemy, and has said his favorite musical groups include The Killers and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This guy has been around the block a few times.

Anyway, back to Graduation. It's a great album, placed well on the Rolling Stone's chart (40 something?). I didn't like tracks seven (Barry Bonds), eight, and eleven (The Glory). Tracks you might overlook include 'Everything I Am' and 'Champion', but overall, this album in definitely one of a kind. Like...a bright light in a dark hole of crap. Eww.

-Rai

P.S- No, I will not talk about any of Kanye's controversial outbursts or recent actions involving two young, talented women, a music video, and an badly abused microphone.

A Music Lover's Five Best Friends

This is exactly what it sounds like, the five things you should definitely know about and use if you have the guts to call yourself a true music lover. These are in no particular order, meaning one is just as important as the others!

1. The Internet

Let's face it, without the internet artists like Ok Go, Vampire Weekend and Arnel Pineda (who is now the lead singer of Journey) might have never gotten their start. The internet has changed the world of music, both in a good way and a bad. On one side, small town musicians and starving college students with hopes and dreams, but no money have the opportunity to make it in the music world. From getting a MySpace or Facebook page, to putting their stuff on Itunes and shoving their music down people's virtual throats, getting online for many is the key to getting on a record and, who knows, on a Grammy stage. But (and there's always a but)the internet can take away from musicians as well. We music lovers and listeners have gotten into the bad habit of downloading illegal music. While it's free for us (which is awesome) it takes away from that band you love so much (which isn't so awesome).



2. The Public Library

I know what you're thinking, I'm such a geek. But I can tell you with no shame that the public library is a music lovers paradise. An seemingly endless array of cds, audio recordings, books on music and video recordings of your favorite musicians in concert, you really can't go wrong whipping out that library card. Even more important than the selection of all this is the price- free! Well, kind of. Taxes fund the library, but when you're checking out that stack of cds and you're not pulling out your credit card, life feels pretty good.



3. The Ipod

There aren't too many people I know, especially my age, who don't own one of these. Ipods have become the beginning and the end in music, making Apple one wealthy company. I don't like to attach myself to labels very much, but for Apple, I make an exception. I love Ipods. The ability to carry my music in my pocket and show it to my friends, that's something I can't complain about. Itunes, well, that's another story. Itunes gets on my f***king nerves sometimes. But when I weigh the occasional screw-ups of Itunes versus the fact that my Ipod is still going strong after almost five years of heavy use, you can see why I stick by Apple.



And yes, this is what my Ipod looks like. Raivynn's got an Ipod Touch, lucky girl.

4. The Record Store

An interesting add on to the list, but just as necessary. Not nearly enough people recognize the importance of their local record store. Here in Cincinnati our two biggest are Everybody's Records in Pleasant Ridge and Shake It Records in Northside. I've been to them, and while I can vouch for both, I especially love Everybody's. From four dollars cds (I myself picked up Coldplay's "A Rush Of Blood To The Head") to vinyls and posters, that place really makes you feel like a true music lover. Most importantly, record stores are on this list because of the fact that they are the best place to pick up cds from local bands. My only complaint is that I can't seem to find any cds from my favorite local band, Shayna Zaid and the Catch, anywhere.



5. The Friends You Make

I discussed this a little bit in an earlier post, but sharing music with friends is not only super fun, but it helps you expand your own listening. Different people have different styles and preferences, so they listen to different music. As long as you're open minded to at least trying your friends music, who knows what might happen. Raivynn got turned onto The Beatles by a former friend of hers, and even though they don't talk much today she will forever credit him for the love she has for them. By the way, thanks to all my musical friends who have given me the gift of finding new music.



No, I have no idea who these chicks are, I just needed a picture of kids listening to music. That one kid looks pretty happy though. The other, I'm not so sure...

If all is right in the world, Raivynn will blog about the next album today and I will follow shortly thereafter. We're taking a little trip soon, so I'm trying to get through some more albums. Hope you guys are liking the blog so far, because I sure do. Don't forget to tell your own music friends all about this!

-Whitni

JT's One Night Stand With Music

Warning- I had already heard almost half of songs on this album and therefore I may be slightly biased when it comes to the review. I think it'll turn out okay though.

Justin Timberlake. Just hearing that name brings me way back, before "Sexyback" and "Cry Me A River", all the way to, gasp, NSYNC. Justin was a boy band member, raiding the charts with hit after hit. But all somewhat bearable things come to an end, and NSYNC found themselves s.o.l (Google it).

But Justin got lucky. As NSYNC failed, he rose. First came Justified (I know, what a title, right!?), which did well. It got two Grammy's and was very clear in expressing to the music world- "I'm not a cutesy little teenage pop star anymore."

He got burnt out though, and needed a break from the music world. Justin started golfing and chilling on the weekends, something that really helped him find prospective. He acted for a while before diving back into music back in 2005. Then, messing around in the studios with Timbaland, a prominent music producer, the first draft of one of the hits off of FutureSex/LoveSounds, "What Goes Around, Comes Around." I have to say, I love this song. It takes a break from the sex-obsessed, oh-my-god-that-girl-is-smokin'-let's-write-every-song-about-hot-girls, idea of most his songs seem to inhibit.

"What Goes Around, Comes Around" isn't the only song JT put his soul into. As acclaimed as it's been, "Sexyback" was the blowup of the album. Taking the charts by storm, I still hear that song on the radio!

But, why have I bothered to go through Justin Timberlake history in Hollywood? The best way to understand this sophomore album is to know where JT came from. Coming from a boy band, he truly deliberated over these songs, trying to create his own distinct style. Personally, I think he succeeded.

Future Sex/Love Sounds is the kind of album you'd love to hate. The popish beat and freak-a-dink lyrics would mentally kill a good number of music lovers I know, myself included. I like to keep an open mind though, so I listened closer, and that's how I really heard this album. Those popish beats, those are supposed to be there. Music wasn't meant to be contained to one genre, and Justin fully exploits that. Even though this album is primarily pop/r&b, you can feel him grasping for rock, blues, even gangsta rap.

You can even note the transition of the songs. The first half, the FutureSex, explores the suggestive and sometimes explicit themes of sex("I'll let you whip me if I misbehave." from Sexyback). Songs on that half include "FutureSex/LoveSounds", "My Love" and "Sexy Ladies/ Let Me Talk To You." The second half, the LoveSounds, gives more credit to the lovey-dovey part of Justin, with songs like "Until The End Of Time", "Summer Love/Set The Mood", and "Losing My Way." That brings me to favorites. I was really digging "Until The End Of Time" on this album. The groovy beat mixed with the Justin's heart pulling voice on this song as he aches for some girl got to me. The song really set with me that, although people may not think of him as so, Justin Timberlake is a serious musician. Raivynn really like one of the many hits off that album, "LoveStoned/I Think She Knows (Interlude)", a sexy sounding catchy tune that leaves room in the last two minutes to transition you from catchy beat to a slow mo surf of serenading sound.

JT may never make another album and if he didn't, I'd be okay. Not because he's a bad artist, but because he found his sound, something I think every artist longs to find. Good job kid.

-Whitni

Oh, and I think it's important to note that Raivynn and I can rap TI's part on "My Love." We are very proud of it :).I did it for the first time in front of some friends a couple weeks ago and my friends we're blown out of the water. I guess they were thinking, how can this chick who likes The Beatles, Coldplay and The White Stripes spit a beat? Huh, isn't musical diversity amazing?

The Slow and Sad Degeneration Of Rap Music

Let me first say this- this has been a long time coming for me. I have long since noticed what is going on in the rap industry and thanks to that, my frustration with the artists, producers, parents and fans only continues to grow.

Anyone who really knows me knows I am no stranger to rap music. I hear it almost daily, but after a while I have to stop listening. Hip hop has transitioned since it first became mainstream in the eighties. Old school hip hop (think The Sugarhill Gang, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five and The Fat Boys) inspired the new school hip hop (think Run DMC, Public Enemy, LL Cool J). But this generation of artists, I don't who's inspiring them.

Well, okay, that's a little harsh. There are some artists who have clearly inhibit the talent of their forefathers, artists like Jay-Z, Common, Eminem, Outkast, Kid Cudi, and yes, even Kanye. They bring back real hip hop back in bits and pieces, just enough to give this generation an idea of what hip hop really used to be.

And then, dear God, there are the others. Artists like Lil Wayne, Ludacris, Trey Songz (yes, your beloved Trey Songz is on this list), Snoop Dog (shudder), even Usher is starting to join the legion of young male rappers who seem to only rap about sex, making money, and big egos.

But I feel I should give specific examples of this, so let's take the top five r&b songs by male artists and look at some of the lyrics:

Usher's "There Goes My Baby"- In this single, Usher gives his audience a bit of both worlds, not losing his gentle, sweet side- "I've been waiting all day to wrap my hands around your waist and kiss your face. Wouldn't trade this feeling for nothing not even for a minute." Yet,at the same time, Usher's still speaking to what the record companies seem to think the world wants to hear- "I swear your body's so perfect baby, how you work it baby yeah...so please believe we gone be twerking it out by the end of the night baby."

Drake's "Find Your Love"- Now this kid, in the charts, this kid is hot. His song is a prime example of a kind of softer alternative hip hop beginning to make it's way across the charts. This is a truly, genuine love song though and Drake's voice is perfect for it. I'm proud of this kid for sticking to his guts and putting out there what he sees fit to be heard. "I bet if I give all my love, then nothings gonna tear us apart."



Usher's "OMG"- Usher, Usher, Usher, what happened? Surely he realizes that though this song is infinitely catchy, seeing a girl drop it low at the club does not equal falling in love with her. That's falling in love with her body. Sigh. "I fell in love with shawty when I seen her on the dance floor. She was dancing sexy, pop, pop, popping, dropping, dropping low."

Young Jeezy's "Lose My Mind"- Wow, Jeezy, wow. I didn't know it was possible to make a whole song about getting drunk and having reckless sex, but you've proved me wrong. I get partying, I do, but this song is just one in a common parade of songs almost exactly like this, and I don't just mean the theme. Everyone in the industry is copying after one another; originality is a thing of the past. "Security,I need help cuz the bitch stalkin'. A half fucking mill,that's what the whip cost me. One-hundred dollars,that's what the pussy cost me."



Ludacris's "Sex Room"- Do I really need to explain? I actually used to have respect for Ludacris as a rapper because even though what he was saying wasn't always that positive, I got the feeling he was going for a 'I know what I'm rapping about, isn't it stupid, maybe you should turn this shit off' influence, if that makes any sense. I don't know what happened; I guess the record industry got a hold of him, or the idea of making more money overshadowed making the best music he could make. "Damn right imma get that thang & imma put my name on it. All night imma whip dat thang, allstate better put a claim on it. I claim my territory, my tongue finna mark you up."

I said earlier in this post that the record companies seem to think this is all the people want to hear, and maybe they're right. The more this kind of degrading and just down right stupid music is produced and released, the more people buy it. Although record sales have been going down for the last couple of years, and I cannot remember another time in my life that I turned on the radio and heard song after song tell me to "drop it low and take it all off."

So what is the point of this blog entry? We can't stop the record companies and artists from putting on the music they want, and why should we? That's the freedom that comes with living in America. But it's not okay to let kids sing and dance to this, most of whom don't even know what they're really talking about. You wouldn't let your two-year watch X-rated porn, so why should you let them pop and lock it to a song filled with cuss words and extremely vivid sexual imagery ("Change Positions" by Pleasure P...need I say more?)

Hip hop is slowly dying, no doubt, and I can see why some people would take offense at what's being said here, but the hard truth is it's true.We can bring it back, but it will take people facing the truth and, even more than that, changing the circumstances for the better.

-Whitni

This Album Is Your Kid's Bedtime Story

The first thing that I will say about this album, Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes is that it is everything except for fleet. There is very little that makes this album fast paced. In fact, I found that, for myself, it actually helped me slow down, especially when life is moving so fast right now. When listening, I feel like I could fall asleep while listening, but that doesn't mean that this musical composition is boring. They remind me a little of Coldplay, in the way that they play quieter music (for the most part) that doesn't put people to sleep, but actually entertains them. Not saying that they are like Coldplay, because they aren't. I'd have to say, they're a rough mix of Beirut, a much quieter Kings Of Leon, with some Josh Ritter thrown in there. Different, huh? But I like them, nevertheless.

I like the style and tone of the music. It's kind of like they are saying to their audience, 'Okay, sit back and relax and put this on when you have company in the living room, but still listen closely, because you never know when we'll surprise you.' And that's true, no two songs sound alike, not at all!! My favorite songs are the second, fifth and sixth, 'White Winter Hymnal', 'Quiet Houses' and 'He Doesn't Know Why', respectively. I think that Whitni's favorite song is either the second or third 'Ragged Wood' (sorry Whit), but I can't be sure. The first song 'Sun It Rises' is also very excellent, which is always a good thing, and the fourth song, 'Tiger Mountain Peasant Song' makes me want to go outside in a skirt, with no shoes, and hippie dance. If I had to pick a potential single, it would be track eight 'Your Protector', which is a magnificent song that could easily find its way onto college/alternative radio. All in all, Robin Pecknold and Josh Tillman work together on the vocals to create a magical kind of road trip. Thankfully, this kind requires no car or driving skills. Just a radio, and a little bit of your time.