Song: "Same Love" || Artist: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat Mary Lambert || http://youtu.be/hlVBg7_08n0 ||
Comments: Good morning, everyone! In celebration of the landmark decision by the US Supreme Court yesterday, I bring you today's song, "Same Love." Truly, this song is beautiful -- its message is powerful, and the song that carries it is a more-than-fitting vehicle. Brass and a subtle drum section propel this tune through four-ish minutes (4:09 for the radio edit, according to Wikipedia) and into my head for hours. By the way, I love how wikipedia is calling this genre 'conscious hip hop.' I wasn't aware there was such a term, and while I'm not sure that such a term needs to exist, it certainly amuses me that it does. Ryan Lewis was responsible for producing this song, which (to the surprise of nobody) perfectly accents and complements the vocals provided by both of the other artists in the track. Macklemore's verses are spoken quickly and clearly, in a style that's closer to spoken word than rap and makes this song surprisingly user-friendly to all comers. My mother -- a long-time oldies listener with little interest in modern music --told me that she found this song to be even easier to understand that Adele. I particularly like his free-flowing and almost free-verse style in this piece. Don't get me wrong, I love "Thriftshop" and "Can't Hold Us" as much or perhaps even more than the next person, but seeing this change in style is a refreshing cool breeze on a hot day. The sung verses in this track are provided by singer-songwriter Mary Lambert, no relation to Adam Lambert. I have to say, I like her voice, and will be looking up more of her in the future. This song used to leave me hopeful, but after the SCOTUS ruled against Prop. 8 and DOMA yesterday, more than a little bit of that hope has been replaced by a feeling of warm satisfaction. This is one of those songs that both opens my eyes, and leaves me feeling good to be alive. Enjoy it, folks.
Showing posts with label Hip Hop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hip Hop. Show all posts
Stuck In My Skull 431 -- "Same Love"
Written By Christopher Audiophile on Thursday, June 27, 2013 | 6/27/2013 06:00:00 AM
ETC# 79 "Take a Bow"
Written By Anonymous on Thursday, April 18, 2013 | 4/18/2013 05:00:00 AM
Song: "Take a Bow" ~ Artist: Rihanna
Comments: Hi, guys! So I was doing some reminiscing and came across this song. I had forgotten about it to be honest, but I absolutely love it. It's a single from her album Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded from back in 2008. This isn't the usual S & M that she can be known to sing about. The song is mainly focused on how she has been cheated on, but I find that as I listen to it, the song can actually be applicable to anyone even if you haven't been in a relationship. Just being led on can apply to what she said about "you put on quite a show/you really had me going/very entertaining..." My favourite part about this song is how well it shows off Rihanna's voice. Sometimes I forget that she has some power in those chords of hers and this is one song that is definitely more slow pace, but I actually enjoy it just as much as any other song because of her voice. Happy listening!
Stuck In My Skull 397 -- "Mercy"
Written By Christopher Audiophile on Thursday, March 28, 2013 | 3/28/2013 08:23:00 AM
Song: "Mercy" || Artist: Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz || http://youtu.be/7Dqgr0wNyPo ||
Comments: Oh, this song. The video is SFW, but the lyrics aren't -- heads up on that one. Musically, the song is pretty interesting. I'm definitely a fan of the minimalist construction of the beat and instrumentation. The intro and bridge vocals are sampled from someone named "Fuzzy Jones" who I've never heard of, but will probably start looking for. I think using that sample in the intro actually works really well, and sets the tone of the song. The video is pretty interesting. The black and white colorization gives the video a touch of class, and the constantly moving camera and the constantly-reappearing artists gives it a touch of class. I'm not a fan of the lyrics -- braggadocio really does nothing for me -- but the song is still pretty good. I'm always entertained how tracks like this generally feature rappers bragging about their foreign-made items -- Swiss watches and foreign cars seem to be a favourite. Enjoy!
Stuck In My Skull 391 -- "Amazing"
Written By Christopher Audiophile on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 | 3/12/2013 08:34:00 AM
Song: "Amazing" || Artist: Kanye West feat. Young Jeezy || http://youtu.be/PH4JPgVD2SM ||
Comments: If you asked me a year or two ago, I would have told you with a straight face that I don't like Kanye West or his music, period, with maybe possibly a single exception for his mix of the Daft Punk song "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" -- because that's how I would have described the song "Stronger" at the time. I certainly wouldn't have many nice things to say about Young Jeezy, if I even knew who he was. Now, I've had a bit of a turnaround. 808s & Heartbreak might be one of my favourite albums of all time (though I'm still fuzzy on Young Jeezy). "Amazing" is the third single of 808s & Heartbreak, and according to Wikipedia, it actually charted before being released as a single. I'm not surprised, though -- the song is certainly catchy enough. It has a reflective tone that I don't usually associate with Kanye, and I don't really see in him outside of this album. Also, I really enjoy the tribal-sounding percussion in this song, and throughout the album as a whole. Apparently, Hype Williams directed the music video released for this song, which did surprise me. I associate Hype Williams with flash, colour, and in-your-face effects -- see the video to "All of the Lights" (epilepsy warning!) for a good example of this. Perhaps I should look him up, since he seems to be here for the long haul. (After reading up on him, I realize I need to pay more attention. He directed the video to "Viva la Vida"! Apparently he's up there with RedOne -- always there, not always mentioned...)
Comments: If you asked me a year or two ago, I would have told you with a straight face that I don't like Kanye West or his music, period, with maybe possibly a single exception for his mix of the Daft Punk song "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" -- because that's how I would have described the song "Stronger" at the time. I certainly wouldn't have many nice things to say about Young Jeezy, if I even knew who he was. Now, I've had a bit of a turnaround. 808s & Heartbreak might be one of my favourite albums of all time (though I'm still fuzzy on Young Jeezy). "Amazing" is the third single of 808s & Heartbreak, and according to Wikipedia, it actually charted before being released as a single. I'm not surprised, though -- the song is certainly catchy enough. It has a reflective tone that I don't usually associate with Kanye, and I don't really see in him outside of this album. Also, I really enjoy the tribal-sounding percussion in this song, and throughout the album as a whole. Apparently, Hype Williams directed the music video released for this song, which did surprise me. I associate Hype Williams with flash, colour, and in-your-face effects -- see the video to "All of the Lights" (epilepsy warning!) for a good example of this. Perhaps I should look him up, since he seems to be here for the long haul. (After reading up on him, I realize I need to pay more attention. He directed the video to "Viva la Vida"! Apparently he's up there with RedOne -- always there, not always mentioned...)
ETC #34 "I Cry"
Written By Anonymous on Monday, December 24, 2012 | 12/24/2012 12:00:00 AM
Song: "I Cry"
Artist: Flo Rida
Link: http://youtu.be/OLuWHr6-0YQ
Comments: Hey there! Happy Christmas Eve. Please don't be deceived by the title of this song. It is actually quite upbeat. The one thing that I will say is that the beginning is a bit sad when Flo Rida talks about growing up in the projects and throughout the video as well. There are a lot of pictures of...you know what, I don't want to spoil it. Please take the time to watch and appreciate the video. I hope that at least watching the beginning makes y'all feel thankful for what you have. #rantover Anyway, this techno beat has been getting stuck in my head off and on quite a few times. Even though the beat and the video are decent, I have to say that I'm not the biggest fan of the lyrics. I feel that he could have done a lot more with them. Regardless, I hope you all enjoy your holiday. Happy listening!
Artist: Flo Rida
Link: http://youtu.be/OLuWHr6-0YQ
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLuWHr6-0YQ]Comments: Hey there! Happy Christmas Eve. Please don't be deceived by the title of this song. It is actually quite upbeat. The one thing that I will say is that the beginning is a bit sad when Flo Rida talks about growing up in the projects and throughout the video as well. There are a lot of pictures of...you know what, I don't want to spoil it. Please take the time to watch and appreciate the video. I hope that at least watching the beginning makes y'all feel thankful for what you have. #rantover Anyway, this techno beat has been getting stuck in my head off and on quite a few times. Even though the beat and the video are decent, I have to say that I'm not the biggest fan of the lyrics. I feel that he could have done a lot more with them. Regardless, I hope you all enjoy your holiday. Happy listening!
Stuck In My Skull 349 -- "Love Lockdown"
Written By Christopher Audiophile on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 | 12/19/2012 03:57:00 AM
Song: "Love Lockdown" || Artist: Kanye West || http://youtu.be/HZwMX6T5Jhk ||
[youtube http://youtu.be/HZwMX6T5Jhk]
Comments: Alright, I'm going to do my level best to not rephrase and rehash what every music critic and has already said about this song -- especially since they said it years ago then this song came out, and I'm behind the curve. Some things, though, can't be avoided. Putting on my Pitchfork hat, I have to say that the tribal drums aesthetic is excellent, as is the minimalist beat. Apparently this album (808s and Heartbreak -- thanks Amanda for giving it to me!) is the first album in which Kanye really uses Auto-Tune. That surprised me to discover, since he could write the book on the proper and tasteful application of that oft-lampooned technology. He uses it to do some tasteful shifts of tone in the song, but more interestingly, he uses Auto-Tune to add distortion to his voice in a really excellent way for a really nice effect that's in that just-right spot between obvious and subtle. The song is lyrically a bit cliched, but he puts a nice spin on things by actually attempting to deal with his relationship failures. More importantly, his attempt to not drag everyone else down and "...keep a secret code / So everybody else don't have to know" is really interesting. It gives it the realism that this biographical track deserves, and it really speaks to me.
As to the video, I think the tribal aspect might be a tad overdone, but it's not bad. I would legitimately prefer to see more Kanye and fewer warriors in the video, but that's personal preference for emotion over bravado. The part that actually grabbed me (once I got over the dancing) was the spaceship (is that a spaceship?) at around 2:00. Anyway. Song is excellent. Video is excellent. If you haven't seen/heard it lately, give it a go. Enjoy!
[youtube http://youtu.be/HZwMX6T5Jhk]
Comments: Alright, I'm going to do my level best to not rephrase and rehash what every music critic and has already said about this song -- especially since they said it years ago then this song came out, and I'm behind the curve. Some things, though, can't be avoided. Putting on my Pitchfork hat, I have to say that the tribal drums aesthetic is excellent, as is the minimalist beat. Apparently this album (808s and Heartbreak -- thanks Amanda for giving it to me!) is the first album in which Kanye really uses Auto-Tune. That surprised me to discover, since he could write the book on the proper and tasteful application of that oft-lampooned technology. He uses it to do some tasteful shifts of tone in the song, but more interestingly, he uses Auto-Tune to add distortion to his voice in a really excellent way for a really nice effect that's in that just-right spot between obvious and subtle. The song is lyrically a bit cliched, but he puts a nice spin on things by actually attempting to deal with his relationship failures. More importantly, his attempt to not drag everyone else down and "...keep a secret code / So everybody else don't have to know" is really interesting. It gives it the realism that this biographical track deserves, and it really speaks to me.
As to the video, I think the tribal aspect might be a tad overdone, but it's not bad. I would legitimately prefer to see more Kanye and fewer warriors in the video, but that's personal preference for emotion over bravado. The part that actually grabbed me (once I got over the dancing) was the spaceship (is that a spaceship?) at around 2:00. Anyway. Song is excellent. Video is excellent. If you haven't seen/heard it lately, give it a go. Enjoy!
ETC #29 "C'Mon"
Written By Anonymous on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 | 12/12/2012 12:00:00 AM
Song: "C'Mon"
Artist: Ke$ha
Link: http://youtu.be/rElZ85IofT4
Comments: Hey y'all. Here's the latest from Ke$ha from her album Warrior that was released back in November. Unfortunately, the only video that is out for this single is the lyric video, but on the plus side it's kind of trippy. I have to say that I like this new single of hers however, I'm just not used to this speed. The language and the meaning of the song isn't any different than that of many of her other singles, but it doesn't have that high energy and excitement that I was anticipating. Not to say that it's a slow song by any means, but it is not "Die Young". Like I said this video is a bit weird, but the drummer kittens are kind of cute. Happy listening!
Artist: Ke$ha
Link: http://youtu.be/rElZ85IofT4
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rElZ85IofT4]Comments: Hey y'all. Here's the latest from Ke$ha from her album Warrior that was released back in November. Unfortunately, the only video that is out for this single is the lyric video, but on the plus side it's kind of trippy. I have to say that I like this new single of hers however, I'm just not used to this speed. The language and the meaning of the song isn't any different than that of many of her other singles, but it doesn't have that high energy and excitement that I was anticipating. Not to say that it's a slow song by any means, but it is not "Die Young". Like I said this video is a bit weird, but the drummer kittens are kind of cute. Happy listening!
ETC #10 "Let it Rock"
Written By Anonymous on Monday, October 29, 2012 | 10/29/2012 07:39:00 AM
Song: "Let it Rock"
Artist: Kevin Rudolf Ft. Lil Wayne
Link: http://youtu.be/u0n4eMGXAyk
Comments: Happy Monday, all! Sorry about the delay on the post today. I have been having some health issues lately and I was passed out early last night and sick this morning so the post is clearly late. Anyway, the song. It is an old one (2008) and a tune that most people probably know. I heard it on the radio yesterday and it has been on and off inside my head. It's quite contrary to how I've been feeling recently, but it's a decent tune to be stuck in my brain. I hope that this song brings a smile to your Monday. Happy listening!
Artist: Kevin Rudolf Ft. Lil Wayne
Link: http://youtu.be/u0n4eMGXAyk
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0n4eMGXAyk]Comments: Happy Monday, all! Sorry about the delay on the post today. I have been having some health issues lately and I was passed out early last night and sick this morning so the post is clearly late. Anyway, the song. It is an old one (2008) and a tune that most people probably know. I heard it on the radio yesterday and it has been on and off inside my head. It's quite contrary to how I've been feeling recently, but it's a decent tune to be stuck in my brain. I hope that this song brings a smile to your Monday. Happy listening!
Entry 298-- "Dirt Road Anthem"
Written By Anonymous on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 | 9/26/2012 05:00:00 AM
Song: "Dirt Road Anthem" || Artist: Jason Aldean Ft. Ludacris || http://youtu.be/DhBte0LzahQ ||
Comments: Hey everyone, it's Miriah. Happy Wednesday. Now, the song for today is not new or recent, however it has been stuck in my head numerous times and I've been meaning to share it and keep forgetting. Then today I found out that Ludacris has done a remix of it with Mr. Aldean?! It's not terribly often that genres mix and do duets such as this. Of course, they do exist and it isn't a surprise when I see one, but the point is that I do excited when it happens because it isn't an every day occurrence (and especially not with country). I am happy to report that the changed bridge that Ludacris provides for the song is good. For those of you who are used to Mr. Aldean's bridge here are the lyrics to Ludacris' remix. Enjoy!
Entry 295-- "Rock That S#!+"
Written By amandathepanda on Friday, September 21, 2012 | 9/21/2012 11:03:00 AM
Song: "Rock That S#!+" || Artist: Kublakai || http://youtu.be/qByK-FSg29k ||
Comments: Hello everybody! Amanda here! Sorry for the lateness of the entry but things are a tad hectic around here. A friend of mine played this song for me last night and I couldn't get over how unbelievably awesome it is. The rap is half clever, amusing diss and half party anthem. Apart from how sick the song is and that's he a talented Seattle-based MC, I don't know much about Kublakai. I will definitely be keeping up with his career from now on though. Enjoy!
Comments: Hello everybody! Amanda here! Sorry for the lateness of the entry but things are a tad hectic around here. A friend of mine played this song for me last night and I couldn't get over how unbelievably awesome it is. The rap is half clever, amusing diss and half party anthem. Apart from how sick the song is and that's he a talented Seattle-based MC, I don't know much about Kublakai. I will definitely be keeping up with his career from now on though. Enjoy!
Entry 292-- "Look At Me Now"
Written By Christopher Audiophile on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 | 9/18/2012 05:00:00 AM
Song: "Look At Me Now" || Artist: Chris Brown feat. Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne || http://youtu.be/8gyLR4NfMiI ||
Comments: Good Tuesday morning ladies, gentlemen, and gender-neutral persons! This song is one of those songs that I've flip-flopped on a few times before deciding I liked it. I originally heard this song on the radio forever ago, and thought "what the [censored] is this?" Because, let's face it-- most people have never heard anything like this before. In the long run, I finally decided to give Chris Brown (no I still don't like him for beating up Rihanna, but I try and separate artist and person) the benefit of the doubt and assume he was trying for minimalism, rather than just ended up producing this after sitting down with Garage Band and a six-pack, as I had originally thought. What this song is, is a well-put together song with an interesting beat, minimal instrumentation, and clever vocals. It dodges the over-produced PILE OF NOISE that is many other songs of the genre and manages to be fairly interesting. As for the video, the choreography is pretty impressive, as is the scenery. Being a nerd, I got a serious kick out of seeing them performing on an NES controller. Enjoy!
Comments: Good Tuesday morning ladies, gentlemen, and gender-neutral persons! This song is one of those songs that I've flip-flopped on a few times before deciding I liked it. I originally heard this song on the radio forever ago, and thought "what the [censored] is this?" Because, let's face it-- most people have never heard anything like this before. In the long run, I finally decided to give Chris Brown (no I still don't like him for beating up Rihanna, but I try and separate artist and person) the benefit of the doubt and assume he was trying for minimalism, rather than just ended up producing this after sitting down with Garage Band and a six-pack, as I had originally thought. What this song is, is a well-put together song with an interesting beat, minimal instrumentation, and clever vocals. It dodges the over-produced PILE OF NOISE that is many other songs of the genre and manages to be fairly interesting. As for the video, the choreography is pretty impressive, as is the scenery. Being a nerd, I got a serious kick out of seeing them performing on an NES controller. Enjoy!
Entry 239-- "Torre de Babel"
Written By Anonymous on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 | 7/04/2012 08:00:00 AM
Song: "Torre de Babel"
Artist: David Bisbal Ft. Wisin y Yandel
http://youtu.be/Y2E-M9Kes_U
Comments: Hola todos! Hello everyone, it's Miriah. I have brought today a little bit of Spanish music again. Sr. Bisbal is a favourite of mine and is mainly pop music in Spain, and Wisin y Yandel have more of a hip-hop style, but together they made an amazing song. The beat itself is excellent (I've had it stuck in my head several times) and admittedly this video has some good dancing. I am sharing the English lyrics with you. I'll admit that this translation that I found is not great, but the point of the song is what I am trying to share not whether or not someone understands every word. I was going to translate just the chorus like last time, but I feel like all of the song should be understood; it's intense, but good. Finally, if you like this song I would recommend looking up both Bisbal and the duet W y Y. Enjoy!
Artist: David Bisbal Ft. Wisin y Yandel
Comments: Hola todos! Hello everyone, it's Miriah. I have brought today a little bit of Spanish music again. Sr. Bisbal is a favourite of mine and is mainly pop music in Spain, and Wisin y Yandel have more of a hip-hop style, but together they made an amazing song. The beat itself is excellent (I've had it stuck in my head several times) and admittedly this video has some good dancing. I am sharing the English lyrics with you. I'll admit that this translation that I found is not great, but the point of the song is what I am trying to share not whether or not someone understands every word. I was going to translate just the chorus like last time, but I feel like all of the song should be understood; it's intense, but good. Finally, if you like this song I would recommend looking up both Bisbal and the duet W y Y. Enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
