Trivia Question #5

What Beatles Album featured the infamous "Butcher Cover" before it was replaced by a more benign cover as per Capitol Records request?

Ten Artists I'm Thankful For

Every year on/around Thanksgiving I plan on writing a post to artists/or musicians that I am thankful for. This year I am going to write a list of current artists who I am thankful for. Check it out:

1) Lady Gaga: Why I’m Thankful: Lady Gaga is brilliant. Not only is she an incredible singer, but she is also a ridiculous entertainer. I’m not sure how many of my conversations begin with, “did you see Lady Gaga’s crazy outfit last night?,” but I can tell you that is the mark of an interesting artist. Gaga turned electro-dance into mainstream pop and made it cool and accessible (which is different from the idiotic dance pop numbers Cascada). Because of this her new album Born This Way will surely be one of the best, if not the best album to be released in 2011.
2) Timbaland: Why I’m Thankful: Timbo is my favorite music producer. Not only can he take a track that is already awesome and make it ten times more awesome, but he is probably one of the smartest people in the industry right now. I remember when SexyBack came out and at first listen I really didn’t like it. Shocking, I know, considering not only is it one of my favorite JT songs now but it is also my ringtone for my husband. Once I heard it a second time, and a third, I realized how brilliant it actually was. Timbo’s success continued on with hits like The Way I Are and Apologize and basically anything he touches to me is pure music gold (see Carry Out and Marchin On).
3) Kanye West: Why I’m Thankful: Kanye West has been mostly off the radar since his mess up with Taylor Swift. As you know Taylor is not going to appear on my list of artists to be thankful for, however, what Kanye did was not excusable. Yet, I stood by him through it all because in all fairness he was thinking what majority of the country was thinking (sorry Taylor fans but Single Ladies was WAY better than You Belong With Me). Meanwhile Kanye has come back with a vengeance on his new album Dark Twisted Fantasy. The only negative I can come up with is that it uses a derogatory word for women way to often including when it is unnecessary.  Yet the rest of the album is actually amazing, his rhymes can’t be beat and his hooks on the tracks really make you want to jump up and down with excitement (see All the Lights).
4) Phoenix: Why I’m Thankful: These French Alt-Rock imports add an entirely new level of “interesting” to the American music scenes. One cannot find a replica of the cool Lisztomania or 1901 in the US. Basically every song off of their album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is quirky and out of the ordinary. 
5) Maroon 5: Why I’m Thankful: 1) Adam Levine- he is just so nice to look at and listen to. 2) Because they actually make really fun pop music which always gets me excited (see Give A Little More and Never Gonna Leave this Bed) 3) Because they are so amazing live. As you know from my earlier post, their concerts never cease to amaze me. Many performers seem to suck when they perform live and without the comfort of a studio recording. Yet Adam and the rest of the band have no trouble whatsoever and therefore make the concert more exciting for the audience.
6) Florence and the Machine: Why I’m Thankful: Aside from the incredibly catchy indie rock tunes this band produces (see Dog Days are Over or Kiss with a Fist), I am thankful for Florence Welch’s unique voice. Her set of pipes is so distinctive that you could pick it out in a dark room. This makes her already awesome songs even more recognizable and remarkable.
7) Eminem: Why I’m Thankful: Eminem was sorely missed by everyone. When he bounded back on the rap/music scene this past year with his new album Recovery everyone was expecting something great. He did not disappoint. His speedy rhymes continue to amaze me. I always laugh and think about how each line and carefully phrased quote is so clever. He also has great timing and chooses excellent guest stars for the hooks on his songs.
8) Vampire Weekend: Why I’m Thankful: Not only did VW form at Columbia (my alma mater) but they are also so trendy! Every time I hear their songs I think, a hipster just gained their oversized glasses. Their use of non conventional instruments and their delightful melodies (see Ottoman and Holiday) make this indie band a must. 
9) Nicki Minaj: Why I’m Thankful: I was skeptical of Nicki at first, but her talent has grown on me by leaps and bounds. Not only is she one of the most requested contributors to songs these days but she is just so darn oddball that you can’t help but like her. There is something about the way she rhymes and raps that reminds me of classic female rappers like Lauren Hill and Missy Elliot. She definitely adds something to the music scene that hasn’t been around for a while- a really good female rap artist.
10) The Scissor Sisters: Why I’m Thankful: The Scissor Sisters are so crazy and outlandish that they can only be compared to the many disco and glam artists that came before them. Every song is silly and full of fun. Additionally, they are on tour with Lady Gaga and I can’t really see a better match for tour mates. Their awesomeness shines on songs like Take Your Mama Out and I Don’t Feel Like Dancing.

What artists are you thankful for?

Song Dedication #4

So originally, when I thought of the concept of a post dedication I tried to come up with funny songs for my friends/ family if they ever answered the trivia question of the week. When It came to my sister Aliza (todays lucky winner), I thought, “ok I want to do Legs by ZZ Top”. However, I’ve run into a frequent problem where all the songs that I think are funny are almost always inappropriate or can be construed in the wrong way. So instead I decided that I was going to write a post of my top ten 80’s songs for my sister, who really showed me the awesomeness of 80’s tunes and how 80’s music really influenced many of today’s popular artists.

1) Thriller by Michael Jackson: Michael Jackson in a lot of ways defined what 80’s music was about. With hits like Billie Jean, Beat It, or basically anything off the Thriller album Michael was the king (of pop).

2) I Ran by A Flock of Seagulls: Oh Flock of Seagulls, how I love your crazy hair and your awesome tunes. I Ran is one of those songs that is easily recognizable as the 80’s. It uses the right amount of synthesizer and is just the right amount of British new wave to make this song an instant 80’s classic. 

3) Video Killed the Radio Star by the Buggles: I chose this song not only because I find it to be super catchy, but also because it was the first music video ever shown on MTV. That alone cements its status as one of the greatest/most iconic 80’s songs ever created.

4) Come on Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners: I love this song for so many reasons. First of all it is probably one of the best one-hit-wonders ever. Secondly it is interesting because the band employs the use of frequent tempo changes within the song (especially during the bridge section) and it is therefore atypical.

5) Notorious/Rio by Duran Duran: I  knew in a post dedicated to my sister that I had to choose a song by Duran Duran one of her favorite 80’s bands. However, I couldn’t decide between Notorious and Rio. They are both so interesting and different from each other that I had to lump them in the same number. To me a song is good when I could listen to it at a totally irrelevant time and find it exciting, and that’s what these songs did for me.

6) Roxanne by the Police:  The Police combined Reggae with pop in a beautiful marriage and created this excellent gem based on a prostitute they had seen on the streets of France. Sometimes when I think about the Police I cant help but start singing this song to myself and/or alternatively yelling out “Put on the red light”

7) Africa by Toto: I would be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t like this song. Not only are its harmonies complex, but the layering of music is also really interesting and complicated.

8) When Doves Cry by Prince: Prince was one of those artists you didn’t see coming. He was off the beaten path in his coolness. I mean who else could then call themselves “The Artist Formerly Known As Prince” or TAFKAP? Technically, he started the trend of constantly changing your name. Maybe one of these days Diddy will call himself TAFKAPD (pd stands for puff daddy).

9) Living on a Prayer by Bon Jovi: This was named #1 on VH1’s greatest hits of the 80’s. This Bon Jovi song is the epitome of 80’s rock. Not only are the lyrics instantly recognizable, but the theme of the song lends itself to the hardship of the times. When Bon Jovi was good, he was great.

10) Borderline by Madonna: Many people might choose a different Madonna song like Material Girl or Like a Virgin but I choose borderline since it was the first Madonna song I had ever heard. Madonna, like MJ, had changed the face of pop music for the time and continued to leave an ever lasting impression in her wake.

Notable mentions:
1) Wake Me Up Before You Go Go by Wham
2) Tempted by Squeeze
3) White Wedding by Billy Idol
4) Whip It by Devo
5) Private Eyes by Hall and Oates
6) You Got It (The Right Stuff) by New Kids on the Block

Trivia Question #4

From what movie did Duran Duran get their name?

Song Dedication #3

Song Dedication #3

My friend Shalini has one of the sunniest dispositions I have ever seen. I feel lucky to have her as a friend and in my life because I feel like she not only lights up the room with her energy and smile, but she always knows how to pick me (or anyone she comes across for that matter) up when I’m down. Because of this I thought I would dedicate the following song list to her which features songs that make me smile every time I hear them (aka therapy songs).

1) Umbrella by Rhianna and Jay-Z: Not only was this song featured on Glee last night, but Shalini also performed it Karaoke style at my bachelorette party! Every time I hear it I can’t help but sing along, especially to the ella, ella part, which I find myself singing hours after I hear it.           

2) I Believe in a Thing Called Love by the Darkness: I love this song. Its upbeat glam-rock-heavy beat makes me tap my toes and rock out at the same time. The lead singer Justin Hawkins has a crazy sick voice which really shines on this song. 

3) Hey Ya by Outkast:  In addition to this song being a personal anthem (most people cannot pronounce my full name so I tell them to call me Ya), this song is incredibly up-beat and exciting. Outkast, to me, is like no other band. Their sound is always interesting and fresh-sounding. Because of this Hey Ya still remains something completely different from anything else I’ve heard on the radio and can therefore always make me smile. 

4) You Make My Dreams by Hall and Oats: I know I talk about this song as often as I can but it is seriously one of the best songs ever. It is incredibly up-beat and silly, yet it is one of the catchiest songs to come out of the 80’s. As you all know by now I have a love for Hall and Oats that cant really be described, but this song literally makes me smile and clap with excitement every time I hear it.

5) I Want You Back by the Jackson 5: How can you have a list of songs that make you smile and not put the Jackson 5 on it? Baby Michael Jackson is awesome in everything he sings, yet this song is probably the catchiest of all the Jackson 5 songs (even though they all sound pretty similar).

6) F*** You by Cee Lo (explicit version): Yes, I know this was another song featured on Glee last night. However, this is the explicit version with very different words. I love this song. I have loved it from the moment I heard it and my love for it continues to grow. It is the type of song that I feel like I wont listen to for a few months and then I will hear it on an old cd or in a TV show, or on the radio (since they are so delayed) and I will actually jump up and dance (unless I am driving). 

7) Spitting Games by Snow Patrol: This was the first Snow Patrol song I ever heard and I fell in love. They are definitely one of my favorite bands and I think that Chasing Cars cut their stardom off instead of propelling them further. They remain a hit in the UK but have failed to have a hit in the US since then. I saw Snow Patrol in concert with none other than Shalini and loved it. It was the second concert I had ever gone to in my life and I blew off studying for a midterm in order to go. It was totally worth it.

8) Heart it Races by Architecture in Helsinki: Shalini actually introduced me to this band when we were interning together at Burnlounge, the now defunct digital music company. If you haven’t heard this song you should, since it’s so strange yet awesome and the use of non conventional music definitely makes me smile. The video is also pretty bizarre but I think it fits pretty well with the themes and differentness of the song itself.

Did I miss any of your favorites? Post them below!

Trivia Question #3

Name the song title (and band who sings it) that inspired the moniker "Lady Gaga."

Scene Stealing Songs Part 1

Have you ever heard a song on the radio and immediately thought of a scene from a movie? This happens to me on a regular basis. Often, I find myself listening to various songs on either the oldies channel, the classic rock channel, or the light channels of the radio and can’t help imagining scenes from the movies that feature that song in a prominent way. This, to me, is the sign of a good music supervisor. If you can hear a song and ultimately think of the song in the film you know the supervisor has done a good job. Here are a few of my favorite scene stealing songs which will be continued at a later date.  

1) Risky Business using Bob Seger’s Old Time Rock N Roll:  One cannot think of anything but tom cruise dancing around in his tighty whiteys and button down shirt when listening to this song. In fact the freedom in Tom’s lip singing and the way he dances shines through with the use of this song. In fact this scene has been parodied too many times to count. More recently it was used in the Guitar Hero commercials. 

2) 10 Things I hate About You using Letters to Cleo’s I Want You To Want Me: Yes I know all you purists out there will say, this is a cover song! I know it is, but the cheap trick song has the same effect on me as the excellent cover by Letters to Cleo.

3) Say Anything’s use of Peter Gabriel’s In Your Eyes: Oh Loyd Dobbler. You were so dreamy, if only I had a guy stand outside of my window with a boombox and play a song for me. The fact is, I can and always will remember Loyd Dobbler as Loyd Dobbler because of this scene in this movie, which has also been parodied numerous times (my favorite of which is on the ABC family show Greek where a girl asks a guy “who are you loyd dobblering?”)

4) The Breakfast Club’s use of Simple Minds’ Don’t You Forget About Me: This song still reminds me of this movie every time I hear it. Whether it is the cover version as mentioned on my blog or the original Simple Minds version, it evokes a feeling of the 80’s and of every John Hughesian movie there is. Sorry I cant embed the file, but click on the song title to see the video!

5) Ghost’s use of the Righteous Brothers’ Unchained Melody: This scene made me look at pottery in a very different way. Yet every time I hear this song I immediately think of this sensual and inappropriate scene. When I went to travel camp we watched this movie and my friend Jennifer and I used to randomly sing unchained melody and be super grossed out.

6) Love Actually’s use of The Pointer Sisters song Jump: Love Actually is one of my favorite Christmas movies. It does what Valentines Day couldn’t do which is be a Crash- like movie about love/romance. Sorry for the quality of the video. Due to NBC copywriting, the video had to be split up with actual crazy footage of the Pointer Sisters. If you haven’t seen Love Actually it is worth it just to see this scene where Hugh Grant dances to Jump for my Love.

Song Dedication #2

For this weeks song dedication, I am dedicated the Fall Out Boy song The (After) Life of the Party to my good friend Eliana. Fall Out Boy is one of both mine and Eliana’s favorite bands. In fact we even saw them in concert together (where they were awesome and used tons of fire to elevate their show). Many times, with Fall Out Boy, it is very difficult to understand their lyrics. In fact people have made many YouTube videos with the wrong words to Sugar We’re Going Down you can see one of the silliest here.  So the reason that I chose this song has nothing to do with the lyrics. I chose it because my friend Eliana is always the life of the party. I know that the title has the word “after” in it, but FOB’s titles are always so bizarre that I think we should just ignore that other word. In fact, most of the time, FOB’s song titles have little or nothing to do with their actual song content. Songs like Grand Theft Autumn, or Disloyal Order of the Water Buffalos, or A Little Less Sixteen Candles A Little More Touch Me have nothing to do with their songs. In fact, most of FOB’s songs have to do with relationships or women. My Freshman English teacher always said that the title is what keeps people interested in a song, or a research paper. But these titles, while interesting, cannot be understood within the song itself. But I digress.  When Eliana comes into the room the party usually starts, even if it’s just a few people Eliana knows exactly what to say and has the best stories to immediately liven up any conversation. So in honor of her always being the shining life of the party, and the fact that FOB has such awesome entertaining tunes which we both so enjoy, I dedicate this song to you Eliana.

Trivia Question #2

I am going to post a new music trivia question every week. The questions can be about a specific song or artist from any genre and any time period. Whoever first answers the question correctly (by posting your answer in the comments section) will get a song post dedicated to them the next day. Replies are time stamped so it’s easy to tell who posts first.

Question of the week is:

Who signed on to play Queen's lead singer Freddy Mercury in the upcoming biopic?

Lyric of the Week

Artist: Snow Patrol
Song: Hands Open

Smart Lyrics: It’s hard to argue when/ you wont stop making sense/ my tongue still
misbehaves/ and it/ keeps digging my own grave

Ah snow patrol. How I love you. I know this song isn’t technically “new,” but the opening  lyrics of this song speak for themselves. How many times have you been in an un-winnable argument with someone? I find that I often trip over my words or sound illogical in a fight. I do not have the gift of argument, which, in a way, works out well for me since I don’t need that skill at my current or dream job. However, when fighting with someone who does argue well I would always want to forfeit immediately, except that I am very stubborn and have no intention of losing an un-winnable argument (see the lack of logic?). Anyways, Hands Open was a UK single off of my favorite Snow Patrol album Eyes Open. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to the album in its entirety, you should make the time to do so because it is beyond awesome, and in many situations the lyrics really shine through. Also, for all those Chasing Cars lovers you should try out Open Your Eyes, which is just as powerful and has a very similar melody.

Song Dedication

I want to dedicate the song Timeless to Me from Hairspray to my husband Jason for correctly answering the first ever trivia question. I’m specifically writing this song as a dedication because of a few reasons. Not only is Timeless to me from the excellent Broadway show Hairspray, but it also is a non-traditional love song, that both me and Jason sing sometimes. Unlike most cheesy love songs, Edna and Wilbur rejoice in the fact that they have had so much time together, and cannot wait for more days with each other. Like Wilbur sings “Some folks can’t stand it/ say time is like a bandit/ but i take the opposite view/ cause when I need a lift/ time brings a gift/ another day with you. Edna and Wilbur take each other for what they are and embrace each other’s quirks with love and humor. They are as in love with each other at this point in (fictional) time as they were when they first fell in love. That is a marriage to respect. Every person has something that make them unique, in most situations, that is what someone falls in love with. As corny as this next part is going to sound, Jason you are timeless to me, and I look forward to many more days of being with you.