Since I'm on the topic of freedom, here's an example of our every day freedom. This song delivers a message about what it takes to keep this country alive. Although Tom Morello is a socialist activist, he sends a pretty healthy message: keep the country fresh with new ideas. His lyrics talk about revolution and change. I'm not saying that we need revolution and change, but these are the things that keep a country honest. I will let The Nightwatchman take it over from here.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Not Even for the Sun
Horrible acts have been committed in this world. Buildings have been blown up, wars have been started, and freedom has been taken from those who need it most. The men and women weren't always this cruel; they were innocent children once too. I stumbled across a music video that depicts just that. At one point or another, all of these terrorists were innocent children. At some point in our lives, we leave our innocent self for our adult counterpart. Some of us make changes for the better, some for the worse. All in all, we aren't always that child. Billy Corgan says in the song Disarm, "I used to be a little boy, so old in my shoes. And what I choose is my choice, what's a boy supposed to do? The killer in me is the killer in you."
Serj Tankian spreads a similar message with this music video for one of his solo projects Empty Walls. Serj Tankian is the lead singer of the band System of a Down. Pay attention and see how many real life instances you can pick out of this video.
Serj Tankian spreads a similar message with this music video for one of his solo projects Empty Walls. Serj Tankian is the lead singer of the band System of a Down. Pay attention and see how many real life instances you can pick out of this video.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Keep Me Searchin'
Music has been the theme as of late for these blogs. Tonight is a night in which I look back not only on timeless classics, but on something that is very important to me in a song. These are those songs that when I hear them, it sends a shiver up my spine. These are the songs that give me goosebumps every time I hear them.
1. Heart of Gold - Neil Young
This was my song of the day today, it's a timeless classic that just gives me the shivers. Words can't describe the melody of this song.
2. The Fred Bear Song - Ted Nugent
The Fred Bear Song is about a man named Fred Bear who is no longer alive. This song doesn't touch me because it's about Fred Bear. When my Grandfather passed away, I listened to this song many times in remembrance of him. I don't really know why, because he wasn't a hardcore hunter. However, every time I hear it, it brings back memories of my late Grandfather.
3. Peace of Mind - Boston
In the UP we listened to a radio station called The Bear. The Bear played Peace of Mind almost every day it seemed like. So, naturally when I hear this song it brings me back to possibly my favorite family moments - trail riding with my Dad. Not only that, but rabbit hunting. So many times we went up there hunting bunnies. Some of the best memories were trout fishing, or just when my Dad would drive the trails trying to make me lost.
4. Hurt - Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash brings much emotion with this song. It has no specific memory for me, only that it is a touching song. Sure, it's about drug use, but it's still such a sympathetic tune.
5. Gray Seal - Elton John
I got the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album when I was about 7 years old. When my parents split up, I played Gray Seal over and over all night long. I fell asleep to it, it helped me get through the tough times for some reason. I couldn't tell you why, I don't even know what it's about. All I know is I will never forget the words, "And tell me gray seal, how does it feel to be so wise?"
6. Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot
There's not much to say about this song, other than it chills to the bone with its lyrics.
1. Heart of Gold - Neil Young
This was my song of the day today, it's a timeless classic that just gives me the shivers. Words can't describe the melody of this song.
2. The Fred Bear Song - Ted Nugent
The Fred Bear Song is about a man named Fred Bear who is no longer alive. This song doesn't touch me because it's about Fred Bear. When my Grandfather passed away, I listened to this song many times in remembrance of him. I don't really know why, because he wasn't a hardcore hunter. However, every time I hear it, it brings back memories of my late Grandfather.
3. Peace of Mind - Boston
In the UP we listened to a radio station called The Bear. The Bear played Peace of Mind almost every day it seemed like. So, naturally when I hear this song it brings me back to possibly my favorite family moments - trail riding with my Dad. Not only that, but rabbit hunting. So many times we went up there hunting bunnies. Some of the best memories were trout fishing, or just when my Dad would drive the trails trying to make me lost.
4. Hurt - Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash brings much emotion with this song. It has no specific memory for me, only that it is a touching song. Sure, it's about drug use, but it's still such a sympathetic tune.
5. Gray Seal - Elton John
I got the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album when I was about 7 years old. When my parents split up, I played Gray Seal over and over all night long. I fell asleep to it, it helped me get through the tough times for some reason. I couldn't tell you why, I don't even know what it's about. All I know is I will never forget the words, "And tell me gray seal, how does it feel to be so wise?"
6. Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot
There's not much to say about this song, other than it chills to the bone with its lyrics.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
The Real List
Here it is. This is my list of top bands of all time, in order of my opinionated best.
1. Metallica
Metallica has released many albums, and are the most sold rock band of all time. Stemming from the early 80's they released Kill 'em All, originally titled "Metal Up Your Ass" - needless to say, the producers didn't approve of that title. They have released controversial albums such as ...And Justice for All, and even new albums such as St. Anger. In 2001 they released a documentary Some Kind of Monster, it was a huge success in the box office. Another of their albums was titled S&M, which was Metallica live with the San Francisco Orchestra. This album features some of their big hits, along with No Leaf Clover, recorded exclusively for S&M. That is the video I posted for Metallica, I encourage you to give it a try.
Metallica Top Songs:
-Wherever I May Roam
-Nothing Else Matters
-One
-No Leaf Clover
-Fade to Black
2. The Who
Roger Daltry - need I say more? His lyrical geniuses, combined with one of the best voices known to man makes him a legend. His role in the rock opera Tommy, which came to live via the album Tommy, was a musical masterpiece. Combined with the lunatic drummer Keith Moon, stunning guitarist Pete Townshend, and intriguing bassist John Entwistle - Roger Daltry and The Who released album after album of musical fury. With songs ranging from love, war, hope, and prosperity - what's not to love?
Top Songs:
-Baba O'Reily (some know it as Teenage Wasteland)
-My Generation
-Won't Get Fooled Again
-Who Are You
-Behind Blue Eyes
Who could forget this moment on the Ed Sullivan Show? If you've forgotten, or haven't seen it - stay tuned for the ending...you won't be disappointed.
3. Rush
Geddy Lee, Neil Peart, Alex Lifeson - what a trio of talent. Geddy Lee not only is the lead vocalist, but he plays bass and keyboard. Alex Lifeson is an amazing lead guitarist, and don't even get me started on Neil Peart. Regarded as one of rock and roll's top drummers, if not the top drummer, Neil Peart brought creativity and great lyricism to Rush. Rush released albums such as Rush, Fly By Night, 2112, and Hemispheres. Rush brought a great blend of the high pitched voice, keyboard, impressive guitar, outstanding drums, and killer bass. Rush is one of the most overlooked bands of all time.
Top Songs:
-Limelight
-Tom Sawyer
-Working Man
-YYZ
4. The Smashing Pumpkins
In The Smashing Pumpkins, there is only one band member that sticks out - the white pale bald guy...Billy Corgan. Billy Corgan has one of the most unique voices to ever hit the rock scene - not to mention the most unique lyrics. With albums ranging from Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, to Rotten Apples, to Zeitgeist, the music is electric. Every song from every album is a blissful tune to my ear. A hard rock sound in some songs, an easy going sound in others. The Smashing Pumpkins have it all - even a woman guitarist.
Top Songs:
-Zero
-1979
-Disarm
-Tonight, Tonight
-Bullet With Butterfly Wings
5. Tool
Regarded as more of a grunge rock band, Tool brings to life a dark set of lyrics. Maynard James Keenan writes with a sense of dark and twisted demise. The music itself is rich with bass guitar, and has an unmistakable sound to it. Songs range in topic from death, to depression, to politics, to what's wrong with the world.
Top Songs:
-Schism
-Aenema
-Prison Sex
-Sober
6. Rage Against the Machine
I had to do it. I had to show my inner rebel. Communists, rebel scum, outcasts, heathens, the Hammer and Sickle warrior elite. Only, they were armed with sound. Rage Against the Machine was one of the most outspoken bands of the 1990's. Their voices were heard not only on Wall Street, but in every house with a radio tuned to a modern rock station. The unique rap/rock sound of the 90's was just what they needed to spread their communist message. With albums ranging from Renegades to Battle of Los Angeles, Rage Against the Machine combined lyrical spunk from Zach De La Rocha, with a revolutionary guitar player, AND HARVARD GRADUATE (Political Science), Tom Morello.
Top Songs:
-Guerrilla Radio
-Bulls on Parade
-Sleep Now in the Fire
-Testify
1. Metallica
Metallica has released many albums, and are the most sold rock band of all time. Stemming from the early 80's they released Kill 'em All, originally titled "Metal Up Your Ass" - needless to say, the producers didn't approve of that title. They have released controversial albums such as ...And Justice for All, and even new albums such as St. Anger. In 2001 they released a documentary Some Kind of Monster, it was a huge success in the box office. Another of their albums was titled S&M, which was Metallica live with the San Francisco Orchestra. This album features some of their big hits, along with No Leaf Clover, recorded exclusively for S&M. That is the video I posted for Metallica, I encourage you to give it a try.
Metallica Top Songs:
-Wherever I May Roam
-Nothing Else Matters
-One
-No Leaf Clover
-Fade to Black
2. The Who
Roger Daltry - need I say more? His lyrical geniuses, combined with one of the best voices known to man makes him a legend. His role in the rock opera Tommy, which came to live via the album Tommy, was a musical masterpiece. Combined with the lunatic drummer Keith Moon, stunning guitarist Pete Townshend, and intriguing bassist John Entwistle - Roger Daltry and The Who released album after album of musical fury. With songs ranging from love, war, hope, and prosperity - what's not to love?
Top Songs:
-Baba O'Reily (some know it as Teenage Wasteland)
-My Generation
-Won't Get Fooled Again
-Who Are You
-Behind Blue Eyes
Who could forget this moment on the Ed Sullivan Show? If you've forgotten, or haven't seen it - stay tuned for the ending...you won't be disappointed.
3. Rush
Geddy Lee, Neil Peart, Alex Lifeson - what a trio of talent. Geddy Lee not only is the lead vocalist, but he plays bass and keyboard. Alex Lifeson is an amazing lead guitarist, and don't even get me started on Neil Peart. Regarded as one of rock and roll's top drummers, if not the top drummer, Neil Peart brought creativity and great lyricism to Rush. Rush released albums such as Rush, Fly By Night, 2112, and Hemispheres. Rush brought a great blend of the high pitched voice, keyboard, impressive guitar, outstanding drums, and killer bass. Rush is one of the most overlooked bands of all time.
Top Songs:
-Limelight
-Tom Sawyer
-Working Man
-YYZ
4. The Smashing Pumpkins
In The Smashing Pumpkins, there is only one band member that sticks out - the white pale bald guy...Billy Corgan. Billy Corgan has one of the most unique voices to ever hit the rock scene - not to mention the most unique lyrics. With albums ranging from Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, to Rotten Apples, to Zeitgeist, the music is electric. Every song from every album is a blissful tune to my ear. A hard rock sound in some songs, an easy going sound in others. The Smashing Pumpkins have it all - even a woman guitarist.
Top Songs:
-Zero
-1979
-Disarm
-Tonight, Tonight
-Bullet With Butterfly Wings
5. Tool
Regarded as more of a grunge rock band, Tool brings to life a dark set of lyrics. Maynard James Keenan writes with a sense of dark and twisted demise. The music itself is rich with bass guitar, and has an unmistakable sound to it. Songs range in topic from death, to depression, to politics, to what's wrong with the world.
Top Songs:
-Schism
-Aenema
-Prison Sex
-Sober
6. Rage Against the Machine
I had to do it. I had to show my inner rebel. Communists, rebel scum, outcasts, heathens, the Hammer and Sickle warrior elite. Only, they were armed with sound. Rage Against the Machine was one of the most outspoken bands of the 1990's. Their voices were heard not only on Wall Street, but in every house with a radio tuned to a modern rock station. The unique rap/rock sound of the 90's was just what they needed to spread their communist message. With albums ranging from Renegades to Battle of Los Angeles, Rage Against the Machine combined lyrical spunk from Zach De La Rocha, with a revolutionary guitar player, AND HARVARD GRADUATE (Political Science), Tom Morello.
Top Songs:
-Guerrilla Radio
-Bulls on Parade
-Sleep Now in the Fire
-Testify
Shades of 1989
So, I figured I'd jump on the bandwagon and post a song or two from my birth year - 1989.
Rockin' in the Free World - Neil Young
Epic - Faith No More
There's a funny story to go along with the video by Faith No More. If you notice, at the end, there is a goldfish that is flopping around out of water. The fish ends up dying and it turns out it was a fish belonging to one of the band members' girlfriend. She ended up suing them.
Rockin' in the Free World - Neil Young
Epic - Faith No More
There's a funny story to go along with the video by Faith No More. If you notice, at the end, there is a goldfish that is flopping around out of water. The fish ends up dying and it turns out it was a fish belonging to one of the band members' girlfriend. She ended up suing them.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
I Know We Ain't Got Much To Say
So maybe you noticed and maybe you didn't. I got a new playlist. This playlist contains over 50 songs. They aren't songs that I picked though. They are from the game called "Rock Band" Rock Band is a video game in which there is a drum set, lead guitar, bass guitar, and microphone. I am currently in a band known as Jack Be Quick. I am the lead singer of this band. Right now, we are practicing up so we can win our school championship on May 9th. I know it sounds lame, but it really is a blast.
Basically, the point of this song list is to help me study up. I need to know how to sing all of these songs by May 9th. I know most of them, but some of them really give me problems. I would have to say my best song is (Don't Fear) The Reaper, by Blue Oyster Cult. Also, I am pretty good at We Won't Get Fooled Again, by The Who.
Anywho, just thought I'd give you the run down.
Basically, the point of this song list is to help me study up. I need to know how to sing all of these songs by May 9th. I know most of them, but some of them really give me problems. I would have to say my best song is (Don't Fear) The Reaper, by Blue Oyster Cult. Also, I am pretty good at We Won't Get Fooled Again, by The Who.
Anywho, just thought I'd give you the run down.
Shine Until Tomorrow
Carpe Diem
In short, this means 'seize the day'. Such a simple phrase, used in many song lyrics and books alike. To seize the day is one of the most debated phrases in culture. What exactly do you do to seize the day? This writer's opinion is this: live for the small things. Life isn't about saving mankind, making the world a greater good, or changing the world in which we live in. Life is about enjoyment. When we are off this planet, it won't matter how much we contributed to a company, a stock, or our portfolios. What will matter is, how did you carry yourself? How did you live your life? Were you too buried in work that you didn't stop and do something you enjoy every now and then? This post is dedicated to all of those small things that we simply have right under our very noses - yet they go overlooked.
Sleep
In short, it's the rest that cleanses us. Sleep keeps us fresh, it's the one true rejuvenation of the body. Shakespeare quoted through the character of Macbeth,
"Sleep that knits up the raveled skave of care,
the death of each day's life, sore labor's bath,
Balm of hurt minds, great nature's second course,
Chief nourisher in life's feast"
Sanctuary
Everybody believes in something. Whether this something is God, a spirit, or just pursuing the greater good - it's each individual's choice. One person's sanctuary doesn't dictate over another's; to each their own. In the end, it comes down to what your inner mind tells you.
"Sanctuary, on a person level, is where we perform the job of taking care of our soul."
-Christopher Forrest McDowell
Sport
Whether it's baseball, softball, boxing, skiing, shooting, fishing, running, hiking, biking, chess, knitting, or any other hands on physical activity - everyone has one. It's the most basic form of entertainment, no imagination is required - although it can be a very fun addition. Sports like these keep us on our proverbial game. Many times these things get overlooked, but they contribute to the well being of society.
"Sports do not build character; they reveal it."
- Haywood Hale Broun
Music
What tune do you march to? Is it blues, reggae, jazz, rock, punk, classic, instrumental, vocal, country, pop, hip hop, rap, R&B, or is it just the sound of wind whistling through the trees? In any case, we all have our rhythm. It all comes down to what your inner ear likes to have ran through it. Whether you're into deep lyricism, outstanding guitar solos, a catchy beat, or the sound of the string instruments - it helps us through this life.
"Take a music bath once or twice for a few seasons. You will find it is to the soul what a water bath is to the body."
-Oliver Wendell Holmes
This is a very short list of things that go overlooked in this world we live in. I want to know what you guys think. What things go overlooked in your everyday life?
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