Category: music

Lasers

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Lasers

In 2006, Lupe Fiasco released his first album, Lupe Fiasco’s Food and Liquor. It peaked at number one on the U.S. Billboard Top Rap Albums.

In 2007, Lupe Fiasco released his second album, Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool. It peaked at number one on the U.S. Billboard Top Rap Albums as well.The CoolFood and Liquor

Lupe Fiasco then moved on to his next project, his third album. That was 2008. It’s been almost three years, and only recently (i.e. October 2010) did Atlantic announce a release date for Lupe Fiasco’s third album, Lasers.

Coming out on March 8th, 2011, Lasers has been an intense effort. Fans have created countless websites, signed petitions, and even demonstrated in front of Atlantic’s office’s to get the album released.

Now, Lupe is ready to reclaim the charts, and the world seems more than ready for his return.

Lil’ Wayne laments; “I Hate Love”

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Lil’ Wayne released a track this past week titled, “I Hate Love,” that is, for a comeback, quite dark. I’m not sure if anyone remembers 2008’s mild musical disaster, Kanye West’s 808’s & Heartbreak, but when I heard this new style Weezy’s picked up, I immediately flashed on that. It’s dark, it’s passionate, and it’s auto tuned.

That’s really all there is to this track. Like 808’s, it’s very repetitive and not very catchy. Overall not a bad song, but when Lil’ Wayne is trying to come back from something like “Rebirth,” it’s gonna take more than just a song like this.

Lil’ Wayne is almost always upbeat and funny, so to see his music shift in this direction is quite a surprise. The only thing to do now is sit back and see how it pans out for the usually robust rapper and his up comeback album Carter IV.

Bloc Party.

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Bloc Party

Although I’ve done lots of music blogs I’ve realized I haven’t done one about an all time favorite bands of mine. Bloc Party.

Bloc Party are described as British alternative rock. Although classified as this, in my opinion the band’s music is not one specific genre. The group’s music explores different melodies and styles adding to their unique sound and on going success.

Forming in 1999 they made their break into the industry in 2003. They got their voice by throwing a demo onto the stage of Scottish band Franz Ferdinand who backed their music along with BBC Radio DJ Steve Lamacq.

In 2005 they released their first album Silent Alarm. Since then the band have progressed and grown to become a world renowned act.

After seeing them live in October 2009 the band sadly decided to take an extended break. Luckily for me I managed to see them on their sell out tour at the Brighton Centre, Brighton, witnessing an otherworldly performance.

Although the venue was full of moshing teenagers and Indie kids the concert was still amazing and these features just added to the atmosphere. Kele (lead singer) was an amazing stage presence awing the crowds with his voice and attitude.

Since taking a break Kele Okereke continued his success releasing solo album “ The Boxer” in 2010.  Other members took the opportunity to explore doing their own projects, enjoying life and having fun.

I can’t help but hope that they will once again reunite in the near future, creating more great music and filling my iPod with more of their songs.

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The Death of Americas Most Beloved Hair (or so i thought)

dmilesburton3 Comments

On Thursday, February 10th, 2011, Justin Bieber as the world knew him died. He shaved his head… or so we thought. Bieber, teen pop sensation and major promoter of having incredible hair, went on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and staged a segment in which host Jimmy Kimmel shaves the young singers head.

When I first heard the news, I have to admit, my heart was broken. “Why would he do it?” was all I could say. “Beiber’s hair is of the gods.” Then it struck me that I should at least look up a picture of his new hairstyle, or lack of one.

This is where I found out the truth. While Bieber did get a slight hair trim, his hair remains present. Again, I was heartbroken. “This means I still can’t claim to be better looking than him.” I moped for a bit, and then, again, decided to look up a picture of his new “trimmed” hair.

I wasn’t heartbroken. I was furious. It looked really good. I sat in front of my computer for a second longer, and then said to myself, “Well, at least he’s still Justin Bieber.” (i.e. a tool)

Even this thought, however, was only reassuring for a fraction of a minute. The sense of security rushed away when I realized that if I had the chance, I’d trade places with the Biebs. Well, maybe not that far, but I’d at least kick it with him.

Either way, I was ashamed of myself for even getting into this whole ordeal. In a matter of minutes, my manhood was destroyed, my looks were questioned, and all off it was done by my very own actions.

I’ve dug myself a hole that I don’t think I’ll be able to easily escape, but I don’t have the focus to write an alternative post to this one, so for now, I have to say, I’ve come down with Bieber fever, and it can only get more intense from here.

On a better note,

yourgingerkid1 Comment

And I’m being literal here; I have found a new music obsession. Call me girly, crazy, dumfounded, but I love John Mayer.

More often than not I have found my roommate and I, fellow OVS blogger Paloma, listening to him. His songs really just calm you down and his voice is incredibly smooth. And hey, I’m not afraid to say that.

I’m sick of seeing blogs in general bashing artists. If the artist well-known enough for the general population to recognize their song or name, there must be something appealing about their music.

Even other genres of music are being picked on. I know that shredicusmaximus is a fan of older, classic rock and our own ex blogger, and my best friend, chuckscherza is a big fan of techno. Is it necessary to completely put down a genre and not even bother to listen to another’s opinion of it because you think that yours is better?

It really isn’t. I’ve come out and said that I love John Mayer. Call me a woman, tell me I have an awful taste in music, make fun of me; but I can promise you that it won’t be retaliated.

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Introducing The Auctioneers

shredicusmaximusLeave a comment

From meth burnt carpets in Las Vegas hell holes to champagne buffets aboard the Mary Ellen, their mission is to die free and to play music that will enhance the mood and make you become soul junkies.

It was this past spring when my brother introduced me to E.B Sollis. I got his number from my brother with the message saying “tell him you’re down to play with his band when you come out here.” I started talking to the man himself a couple days later when I told him they had some “sick tunes.” He replied, “thanks mang, your bro tells me you’re quite the hunk with an axe,” (yes, we talk like that.) From there, the ball started rolling. We became friends on facebook and from there, I got exposed into the world of a NY rockstar.

Erik and E.B

We met up later when I went to his apartment with my brother. There was Sollis and the rest of them chillen on the couches, the smell of cigarettes filled the room, a couple beer bottles, an ash tray, and a few lighters rested on the glass table by the couch and there were posters and photographs. I went to get a drink and the fridge had a few song lyrics written on stickies with polaroids and funny magnets. I thought “this is the life.” “Yo Ry,” Sollis said, “you know D-Bo went to Berklee too.” “You got in?” he asked. I told him it was the 5 week summer program I got accepted to, “Gotta love Boston man, I’m from there, just keep in mind Berklee ladies are fast, a little crazy, but oh so sweet.” Long hair and a silk long sleeve shirt made him look like somewhat of a Jesus figure, but nevertheless, he was one of the 5 characters that made up the band. Sollis, D-Bo, there’s Ryan the “pianist” as he likes to be referred to. Though he play’s keyboard like a man possessed, he calls himself, “a fxckin piano player.” Reason: “because I got straight class bro.” Chris “The monster” plays bass and Erik shreds along on the guitar. Sollis had a white Les Paul with the word “SOLLIS” written across the body and Erik had his Gibson SG by his side. They asked what I played, I pulled out the Fender Stratocaster I had in my case, “damnnnnn, someone must get the girlies huh?”-Erik.

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THIS IS WAR!

yrreskrapLeave a comment

02-10-2011;War has been declared in the Upper wings of the girls dorm in Ojai Valley School. All girl dormers, take note.

I am currently engaged in a war. A video war that is.

Last night, my friend Madisen Demery and her roommate Joanna Degroof pulled my roommate and I out of our room after study hall into their room. They opened their laptops to show us a video of them dancing to Hannah Montana‘s Party in the U.S.A (click to watch the actual music video). My roommate and I were not impressed. However, they were smiling, enjoying themselves. What they didn’t know was that they had informally declared war with their amateur video.

My roommate and I split from the two girls, and two crews had formed. A music video battle had begun. We ran into the rooms, dressed up as ridiculously as we could with huge necklaces, matching white hats, and nerd glasses, and danced to the song, I believe in Miracles by Hot Chocolate (click on link to watch the video).

We tore apart our dresser and found matching white tee’s (cuz we are so G dawg) and wrote on them. At this moment, I believe that we will win. We will make the best music videos and win this war.

Watch out Maddie and Joanna.

Oh Say Can You Sing?

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You might find this post a massive waste of time, but as a musician I think this story will and should have an enormous impact on the world of music…well, maybe not that big, but perhaps a tickle.

GET THIS!

wow!

Musical goddess, role model and icon, Christina Aguilera – who once acted as a leader in a self-conscious, self-doubting community – made a major boo-boo at this year’s Super Bowl.

X-Tina fans all over the world were on the edge of their seats waiting with anxiety to hear the first note of our country’s theme song flow from Christina’s mouth.

Emotions were on the rise as the announcer introduced the singer to the stadium.

“Ladies and gentlemen, 5 time Grammy award winner, Christina Aguilera!”

Mic raised, she slowly opened her ruby red painted lips and when she sang the first word the butterflies from our stomachs fluttered. She was on fire. Singing with her soulful, trademark melisma – or more commonly known as vocal gymnastics – spirits were being lifted.

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Once upon a freestyle…

dmilesburtonLeave a comment

Today I can honestly say I rapped the first freestyle of mine that I can fully appreciate. No “da da da’s,” no pointless phrases, just pure and utter beauty. When I was done with the first verse, I leaned back into my chair, looked up at my one man audience and waited for a reply. He looked at me and said, “Wow. that was good. I mean like I’d buy that song. I’m serious” When I heard that I smiled.

I’ve wanted to be a rapper for almost as long as I’ve liked rap music, which, as it would happen, is only a couple of years. Now I know, I know, everyone wants to be a rapper, but when you think about it, how many “aspiring rappers” will actually take the steps they need to in order to become one. If I had to guess, I’d say less than 15 percent. The rest, that less than 15%, have to have a lot of luck.

Well, I don’t know if actually becoming a rapper is in my cards, or if it’ll just sort of die off, but for the time being, it’s a real goal. Now I’m betting you’re wondering how spitting one good freestyle validates anything, and in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t. But for the moment, it’s proof that, yes, I can in fact create a song that I’m proud of.

Not to say this is my first song, because it isn’t in the slightest. Nor is it to say that I haven’t made verses that I’ve been proud of before (I’ve made at least a few that I would use in a song and be proud of). It’s more about the idea that this one’s for real, which basically means I’d put it on an album and feel confident showcasing it as a single.

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Beach Boys -> Punk -> Metal (fiddle) -> Tech no

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Having been to many different schools I have  seen, and been a part of, many different music scenes. I grew up in the South Bay of California, or to be more specific, Manhattan Beach. The growing beach town used to be the place to go and soak up the beach life. Now however, it is a rich, very conservative, oddly out of place city.

While I was growing up there, the main music everyone from Jr. High to College were listening to was Punk.  Bands like the Circle Jerks,  Bad Religion, NOFX, and my favorite, Pennywise, were all from the South Bay. These are some of the most famous punk bands on the West Coast, ergo every kid from 13 to the early 20’s wanted to be just like them. I did for a while, then I moved to Ojai.

I moved from Manhattan when I was 12. I went to Oak Grove School for about a year. The music scene there changed from Punk, to Metal. At first, I didn’t find much music in the loud clanging of metal, but after a while, and a little pressure, I did. That went away quickly. The thing that ruined it may have been the “fiddle” immersion in one of the high schoolers metal bands. 

Once I came to OVS, the scene altered dramatically into electronic. This is the one genre that I could never like. Dubstep, tech no, drum and bass. I never like any of them. To me, the music has no soul.

There you have it. Music timelne according to Jack. Beach Boys -> Punk -> Metal (fiddle) -> Tech no. What will it be next?