I've heard music fans put together a "Perfect 10" for 107.9 FM on Sunday nights, so I want to put together my own "Perfect 10" List. I wanted to go outside my listening area, and try to find ten songs that I could tolerate in the hip hop world.
Now you're asking yourself, why would this guy choose the world of hip hop? Well first, this is a test to see if I can even name ten hip hop songs. Second, I don't listen to this music, so it should be a challenge to find ten songs I would listen to. Third, it's something I was thinking about when the song Gin and Juice has popped a few times in my listening world. So why not? Here we go. And I wish I could give out a reason for each song, but I think I will truly be lucky enough to name ten hip hop songs I know.
Bombs Over Baghdad- OutKast
Gin and Juice- Snoop Doggy Dogg
California Love- Tupac and Dr. Dre
Good Feeling- Flo Rida
Hard Knock Life- Jay Z
Bad Boy for Life- P Diddy
Stronger- Kanye West
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Hey kids, do you want to go to a punk rock show?
I was sweaty. I was sore as heck. I had some beer spilled on me. And my ears were ringing. Yes I was just at a Dropkick Murphys' show, and man I had forget what that feeling was like. I was right in the middle towards the front, not thinking that it would be as crazy as it got. Last time, the Murphys played here, things weren't that bad, and I could stand and enjoy the show. This time around, not so much. It's been a while since I've had this feeling of just pure exhaustion after a show.
Actually, going into this night, I was more excited for Mr. Frank Turner. He's an English singer songwriter that I've been very into the past year. He released the album, England Keep My Bones, which just hooked me. Listen to the song "Peggy Sang the Blues" and you'll have this feeling of attachment to what he is singing. It just was an album that was fitting into my life. I was not disappointed with Frank, and couldn't believe how amazing his voice is sounding. He had great charisma on stage and just had a great backing band. Good times.
But the Murphys just came me that feeling of what I want in my own music. I could only imagine having all those people at one of my own shows. But I am at the point, where I question if I will even be playing music. I am still out here trying to lock down a drummer as things didn't work out previously. I wish I had the confidence and ability to play out on my own, but I don't want that aspect.
I want a bass player and a drummer backing me up with us creating together. Nothing beats those first moments of just playing a bare bones song to turn it into something full blown that you can be proud of and take out for people to listen to. You could see that emotion in the bands that I saw last night. The bass player with the Murphys had a smile on his face the whole night as he was rocking out. Frank Turner just had a joy to his face as he was making music. I wish I could remember the little spiel he gave towards the end about music because it just hit me, but of course I can't remember it right now. But I know what music can do, which is truly connect with people in a way that's hard to do.
Actually, going into this night, I was more excited for Mr. Frank Turner. He's an English singer songwriter that I've been very into the past year. He released the album, England Keep My Bones, which just hooked me. Listen to the song "Peggy Sang the Blues" and you'll have this feeling of attachment to what he is singing. It just was an album that was fitting into my life. I was not disappointed with Frank, and couldn't believe how amazing his voice is sounding. He had great charisma on stage and just had a great backing band. Good times.
But the Murphys just came me that feeling of what I want in my own music. I could only imagine having all those people at one of my own shows. But I am at the point, where I question if I will even be playing music. I am still out here trying to lock down a drummer as things didn't work out previously. I wish I had the confidence and ability to play out on my own, but I don't want that aspect.
I want a bass player and a drummer backing me up with us creating together. Nothing beats those first moments of just playing a bare bones song to turn it into something full blown that you can be proud of and take out for people to listen to. You could see that emotion in the bands that I saw last night. The bass player with the Murphys had a smile on his face the whole night as he was rocking out. Frank Turner just had a joy to his face as he was making music. I wish I could remember the little spiel he gave towards the end about music because it just hit me, but of course I can't remember it right now. But I know what music can do, which is truly connect with people in a way that's hard to do.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Lawrence Arms Writing New Stuff!!!
Now this is the type of news I can get behind. It's been way too long since these guys have been out a new full length album. There was the EP that came out in 2009, but before that was Oh Calcutta! in 2006. Hard to believe it's been that long.
The guys have been busy with other projects, and weren't away from music, but I am ready and I am sure the fans are ready for a proper full length. I am interested to hear Brendan Kelly's solo album, but truly they are best working together.
Now if that dvd celebrating the 10th Anniversary of this band would come out, I would be an even happier person. Not sure what the heck is going on with that thing as that's been a couple of years in the making and what not. But I want to see the band again, and figured live dvd's are the best way to see them anymore. Unless they get out and tour later this year after writing new stuff.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Happy Birthday to the Shameless Plug
Who knew that I would get around to a year of doing podcasts? But I think for the time being, I'm putting the Shameless Plug on hiatus. I can't get around to getting good ideas for it, and think I want to get more people involved regularly before bringing it back. I did enjoy doing it, but want something more with it. So I am sure it could bounce back in the future. I want to thank anyone who gave it a listen because I know that's what I did it for. I enjoyed talking music, getting different topics to discuss, and giving you great listening selections. I will sit and think what I can do to make this much better, and go from there. But once again, thanks for listening, and I'll be shamelessly plugging away in the near future.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Give me a band playing up on stage any day of the week
Where do I even start with bashing this article? Dave Grohl is one of the more respected musicians in this crazy music industry, so what he says is going to be something worth taking note of. This author though really took some shots at Mr. Grohl, while it seemed that most people really agreed with what he had to say.
As a musician, how can you not truly believe in this statement? "It's not about being perfect, it's not about sounding absolutely correct, it's not about what goes on in a computer. It's about what goes on in here [your heart] and what goes on in here [your head]." Just about any song I start writing is some thought in my head.
How can you create that passion through the use of electronics? And yes the Foo Fighters have probably used some digital tools for their music, but I think that the author took that too literal. I think Grohl was talking about this whole electronic music movement.
Myself, I've never been into it, and never given it a chance because I see nothing behind it. Most of the music I enjoy and love has that feeling behind it. You can hear the music and sing along with the words as if that singer is singing to you.
To me, that's great music, and what music should be able. Getting your message out to the world. What sense does it make to sit in my room and strum my guitar without passion behind that? Even the dumbest songs, I feel like I truly am getting behind.
As a musician, how can you not truly believe in this statement? "It's not about being perfect, it's not about sounding absolutely correct, it's not about what goes on in a computer. It's about what goes on in here [your heart] and what goes on in here [your head]." Just about any song I start writing is some thought in my head.
How can you create that passion through the use of electronics? And yes the Foo Fighters have probably used some digital tools for their music, but I think that the author took that too literal. I think Grohl was talking about this whole electronic music movement.
Myself, I've never been into it, and never given it a chance because I see nothing behind it. Most of the music I enjoy and love has that feeling behind it. You can hear the music and sing along with the words as if that singer is singing to you.
To me, that's great music, and what music should be able. Getting your message out to the world. What sense does it make to sit in my room and strum my guitar without passion behind that? Even the dumbest songs, I feel like I truly am getting behind.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Shamelessly Plugging the Shameless Plug
Who knew that a year ago, I would still be putting together music news that caught my eye, music that I wanted you to hear, and videos for you to watch. I know that after listening to some podcasts, I thought I can do that, and talk to myself for a few minutes. So I did just that, and saw that as time went by, it was enjoyable. Some episodes came together quite easily, while others I had to use brain power to get a topic going. But no matter what, I tried to make it fun and entertaining. Here I present five of my favorite episodes, even though they are all good, and remember you can find all rambling on Itunes under Shameless Plug. Thanks for all the listening, and here's to another year.
The one that started it all
Talking up what makes a great band documentary
Giving out my best summer music memories of great shows and music
Putting together my own music fest
Bands I want to share a stage with
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Top 100 Emo Songs of All Time
I came across this article while browsing Yahoo, and decided to look at the songs. And I noticed that I actually knew and enjoyed a good number of them. Songs like Radio from Alkaline Trio is on there, Valentine by Get Up Kids, At Your Funeral by Saves the Day just to name a few. I think for me, the term "emo" gets used and taken as a bad thing. But who doesn't want emotional in their music? Which is essentially what that term means. Yes I can understand the whiny part of music, and I typically don't go for those type of songs. But a band like Alkaline Trio was truly at their best when they sang with that passion of desperation. You have the Get Up Kids create Something To Write Home About, which is an album full of intensity and emotional. I don't always look at it as a bad thing this whole emo thing unless you turn it into that. A lot of these bands are actually cheery and optimistic in the long run. So before you go bashing the emo musings of music, take a listen and see what they are actually singing about.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Shameless Plug- News to Read Edition
News to Read
Metallica Fest
Metallica with their own fest performing the Black album and Ride the Lightning. Cool concept, and especially when you look at the different artists there performing. Gaslight Anthem and Lucero are two interesting names that jump out to me. Who would have thought they would be playing at a Metallica fest?
Top Drummers
Cool news story where you can vote for your favorite drummer in 17 different categories. All of the different music genres and even out of the box categories. For me, I would love to see Taylor Hawkins take home the best rock drummer. Brooks Wackerman can take home the "alternative" one.
Joyce Manor Detail Sophomore Album
This band got Punknews' top album of last year, so what do they do this year? Oh just put out another album that's coming out soon. Cool to see them giving more music, and can't wait to hear the stuff.
Metallica Fest
Metallica with their own fest performing the Black album and Ride the Lightning. Cool concept, and especially when you look at the different artists there performing. Gaslight Anthem and Lucero are two interesting names that jump out to me. Who would have thought they would be playing at a Metallica fest?
Top Drummers
Cool news story where you can vote for your favorite drummer in 17 different categories. All of the different music genres and even out of the box categories. For me, I would love to see Taylor Hawkins take home the best rock drummer. Brooks Wackerman can take home the "alternative" one.
Joyce Manor Detail Sophomore Album
This band got Punknews' top album of last year, so what do they do this year? Oh just put out another album that's coming out soon. Cool to see them giving more music, and can't wait to hear the stuff.
Monday, February 6, 2012
The Sidekicks- Grace Single Live Review
These guys caught my attention when I saw them playing at a record store here in Indianapolis last year, and I loved the sound of the indie rock they were creating. It just had a good mid tempo beat that you could nod your head to and get some feeling behind it. The singer caught my attention with his vocal delivery, and this is prevalent on this single. Their new album will be out next week, but this is a small sampling of what to expect, and I'm excited to hear the full length.
Grace
Good kickin' beat to this song. I like the sounds of the guitar and how they sound a bit different from the punk rock sound I am used to. Once again, the vocals catch my ear the most. Good gang vocals in the breakdown till the final chorus. Everything just works out great in this song.
The Wallflowers
Another song that gets me rocking in my seat as I type this. Hard to describe the music if you're not listening, but I can picture this being played right now on this sunny day and you're just walking along the street all to yourself.
The 9th Piece (Alternate Version)
Vocals and guitar capture the energy of this song. Makes me think of taking all that time to enjoy the weekend as it ends on the Sunday, and you know you have to get back to the work week on Monday.
Stay
Yet another guitar and vocal song that ends this short single on a somber note. It's very moving as you can hear the nuisances of the guitar moving along.
I can really picture these songs as film scenes in my mind. That's the power of music to me, if you can sit back and really see the music. I wish I had the better ability to paint those pictures for you. But I want you to experience this band and their music on your own, so you can get your own sense of what's going on. That's the best thing about music how each person can interpret themselves.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Cheap Girls - Ruby (Official Video - NEW ALBUM FEB 21)
This song is great, and I'm excited for the new album to come out. The video really fits the vibe of this song. Makes me think of the movie, Mannequin.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Shameless Plug 47- Recapping the January that Was
Second Day of February, so why not recap my month of January in my blog?
Some highlights include:
News to Read
'Salad Days:The DC Punk Revolution' is in pre production
Ben Folds Five Reunite
NOFX Singles Box Set
Blink 182 Work on New Album
Dave Grohl Possible Tv Series
Reel Big Fish in the Studio
Music to Hear
Cheap Girls "Communication Blues"
Video to Watch
Fake Problems "Songs for Teenagers"
Catch the Shameless Plug on Itunes
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