Elvis Costello

In class when we looked at the Elvis Costello album cover, I was getting ready to listen to a peppy little nerdy singer with a soft, light voice. The very first song of the album, although very short, blew my expectations. It never ceases to amaze me how people's voices can be so different than expected. I really like the way he sang, and to me it almost seemed like he has a little but of a Texas drawl. He seems to kind of scoop is voice to deeper and more wholesome that gives it a bit more of an punky rock feel. I also like how his songs kind of follow stories and have kind of meanings, so it draws me into wanting to listen more closely to the letters. I also really like how he kind of tricks the listeners by pairing a more calm, lovey sounding beat and instruments with harsher lyrics so you really have to listen in to see what he is really meaning. Other than his voice and more poppy and upbeat songs, my favorite thing is probably how clever his lyrics. He hides what he means so you have to get his references to fully understand the music, and you can see he takes pride in his music. A song that stood out to me was mystery dance because it really sounded like Elvis Presley, and so I wonder if he was his inspiration for naming himself Elvis Costello.

The Police

Today in class we listened to The Police, and I definitely think they are my favorite "punk" band we have listened to. Generally, I don't even really like punk bands, because I feel that the kind of screemo, yelling sounds I think of when I think of punk songs. However although they are classified also in the broad division, I think their music was better, and probably one of my favorite bands we have listened to. The thing that really makes me like them is that although they have the high paced beat and jumpy vibe most punk rock songs have, I didn't feel that they compromised the quality of the music to get it. Sting managed to be able to sing (sometimes quite fast) but still keep it musical and sounding good. I really liked his manipulation of his voice, and along with the amazing talents of the other band members, I thought they were able to put together a very diverse but good group of songs and make a great album! I really liked them!!

Christina Agulara

Although she has had her fair share of psycho, drama queen moments, I can't deny that Christina Agulara has a phenomenal voice and a surprising black woman beat. I had never really heard of her before I watched the movie Burlesque, but when I did I was shocked by how powerful her voice was for such a small girl. Of course you can expect some autotune in Hollywood movies, but you can't fake the true soul she has in her voice. I was most impressed by how high and strong she could creshendo her voice to get. When I heard her other songs, I wasn't let down. Although I wasn't a huge fan of some of her poppy beat and lyrics, the amazing voice always kept me listening. So do I think she is the best artist of this generation? No. But I do think her voice is one that will be remembered.

Why Hiphop Is Poppy

Today in class we talked about hip hop and why its so poppy and rythmic. I think it has to do with the motivation and drive behind the creation of that music. When you look into the pure reason behind the creation of music, it is, or at least it should be, is to do it because you love music and you want to enlighten people with your art. As the motivation of humans began to change to selfishness and doing things for money and power, hip hop was beginning to become very popular. I don't think this is a coincidence. I think that the origin of hip hop was the creation of music for the wants of the people in order to make money, not art. Children began to become rebellious and wanted something to dance to and party to, and so a big industry opened in the music world. The creation of hip hop to me was to make single songs ( kids like thing fast, interesting, and reachable) to make them dance and help them party. So although I like hip hop and rap, I do think that the intentions of it being started were to make money instead of pouring your soul into a beautiful creation.

Thrift Shop

A few weeks ago I discovered the song "Trift Shop" by Macniomore, and I really liked it and thought it showed the really cool things you can do with music now that we have tons of technolohy. If you dont likr rap, you will most likely not like this song, as the majority is fast talking that although is clever, doesnt really have a deep meaning or impact. What i want to focus on is the first 30 seconds. I really like how Macnimore uses different sounds that alone would not sound good, but together builds on eachother to make a really kicken beat. I think it is an example of how people and artists are still very creative and use technology to their advantage.

Kurtis Mayfield

In class on Tuesday we listened to Bobby Wolmack and Kurtis Mayfield. I decently liked Bobby Wolmack, but I definitely liked Kurtis Mayfield more. My favorite part was definitely his Beatles cover. I really liked the Beatles and so originally when I heard there was a cover I wasn't excited to hear it because I didn't think it would do the Beatles justice. After listening to it however, my opinion changed. Although I still like the Beatles more, i throught his take on it was really creative and crafty! I think his voice is really good and I liked what he did with The Beatles songs. I am looking forward to hearing more from him!

Carly Rose Sonoclair

It never fails to impress me the talent that we have in America let alone the world. Although I find the show pretty boring, I really like that American Idol and shows like that are AWEOSME to find young (and old) stars and ordinary people have. I'm even more impressed by how young some of the people are! One of the girls that particularly amazed me was Carly Rose Soneclair. At only 13 she has an amazingly powerful and even more amazingly soulful voice. She sang a very deep and hard song, but she sounded like a older black woman. It never ceazes to amaze me the voice that some small young people have. I think she is fantastic!!