This episode I will talk about my experience with Spotify, the music streaming service available to the States. I think it's a pretty fantastic way to discover music, and to have your music all in one place.
After watching "She's Out of my League and being inspired by Adult Education in it, I decided to use this podcast to talk about tribute bands. Now while the idea is great, I have my own thoughts on it, and do think that if you were to start a real life Hall and Oates tribute band, you should call it Private Eyes. That's an easy one right? Wiki of Tribute Bands
I go out to eat by myself a lot, which isn't always that fun, so I got to thinking if I could invite five musicians to come over for a meal, who would I invite?
I added Reel Big Fish to my pandora station just to get some ska music going, and I always think about why didn't that music seem to take off like some genres. Do we think there's not enough ska music out there to really make a trend? Or is it just that a trend or wave? I feel like I've heard there's been waves where ska comes out and makes a splash. But then it just goes away. You could have a great ska band like Streetlight Manifesto that I am sure if people listened to would be very impressed with. The musicianship of that band is just great. They write great melodies and the songs say something about life more so than most music. Now granted they seem to not be as out there playing as much I would like, but I know they're still around. Or you could have the band Less Than Jake, who just love playing shows anymore. Reel Big Fish would be another band I would put in that vein. If you can go out and enjoy a good live show why not do it. They can't be the Beatles and give up touring to make great studio albums. Touring might be a better income, if there is any income to it anymore, than make an album. But that's a whole other discussion.
Gave this band a listen after seeing them come up on Burning Bridge Recordings, and must say I'm impressed with the output. You can check out their bandcamp page, and download the latest album for free. I think more bands will be utilizing band camp to get their music out there. The sound of Spero is very guitar driven and rock sounding. I would think of that indie rock sound of the 90s, but with some more force. The vocals are soaring and you can catch on to what the singer is saying. Give them a listen, and tell me what you think!
I wanted to start up this feature of music videos that I used to love back in the day, and feature the music that made me who I am today.
No Use For A Name- Why Doesn't Anybody Like Me?
One of those first punk bands that I actually listened to their whole albums. More Betterness was played through quite a few times, and I couldn't get enough of it. Just great melodic punk music that you could sing along with.
Bad Religion- Sorrow
My first Bad Religion cd had this song on it, and I couldn't believe the harmonies on it. And the intensity of the song. Process of Belief was a great first BR album for me because that's the sound I want to achieve in my own bands. And it's a travesty Rolling Stone readers didn't vote them as a top punk band. There wouldn't be a lot of punk bands if it wasn't for Bad Religion.
Beatles- Help
Speaking of godfathers of music, is there anything more I can say about the Beatles? I am sporting my Beatles t shirt today, so I had to post something by them. This song is their first song not about love, and was definitely signalling a change for them and for music all around. This movie, Help!, is just hilarious, and I still love it today. Go watch it, if you've not seen it!
Another episode of the Shameless Plug hits your ears today. Talking best punk bands of all time as voted by the Rolling Stone readers with my special guest from Sugar Moon Rabbit, Josh Spellman. Do people still read that magazine? Apparently enough people do to vote Green Day the best punk band of all time. I also found a link for the origins of how some bands found their name. Talking some punk music news, giving you a music recommendation, and letting the conversation flow.
I took some time to check out this album from the Goodnight Fields. They have such a strong message in their music, and it's my music suggestion for you today. The music is lighthearted, and the vocals are delivered in an easy way. I like the variety of male and female vocals as well that give the music that added depth. Depth is a great adjective to use for this music. Hope you'll give it a listen, and tell the Goodnight Fields what you think!
After seeing the twitter message about what should be a song for NYC, it got me thinking what about the state I live in, the Hoosier State. There are a couple of songs that come straight to mind when I think Indiana.
Here's the first one, Back Home Again in Indiana. One of my favorite moments for the pre-festivities of the Indianapolis 500.
Next up, I would go with Johnny Cougar Mellencamp's Small Town. It just has that feel of Indiana, and all the smaller cities that make up our great state.
There's a link that talks about five songs for Indiana. And I have to say I don't agree with a song choice of Indiana Jones Theme. That does not in fact say anything about the state, so not sure why this blogger decided to drop it in there. And I wouldn't necessarily included Indiana artists, but more songs that talk about Indiana. Looks like I have some song writing to do.
Wanted to do a short preview for this event coming up tomorrow night. I remember getting an invite for this months ago, and thinking oh man that's a bit of time away. But here we are, and it's tomorrow night. The idea behind it is great. You get six bands, and charge six bucks for it. It's great exposure for these bands. Those bands can meet up with other musicians. All sorts of networking can happen. If you can, come on out to Birdy's on Saturday night, and check out these bands.
Those are the bands that will be showcased, and I can say that I've only had experience with the Red Wire. This looks to be a cd release party for them as well. So go get a cd of theirs. I'm excited to hear the other bands, and look forward to what this night can bring.
In this episode of the Shameless Plug, I talk about reading Sammy Hagar's book, Red My Uncensored Life in Rock. He's not holding anything back from his days of playing music. He's definitely had some ups and downs, but he's made through, and is a very successful person now. Give this a listen, and hear my thoughts on the book.
