Jack’s Mannequin

Short post tonight... 

I started listening to a new band, Jack's Mannequin. 

I think they sound a lot like "The Fray" and I really like their music. 

Combine heartfelt lyrics with some awesome piano work and  you have a great combo. 

I'm hoping that they come to Chicago on their upcoming tour. I would defiantly go see them. 

If you want to check them out, I would suggest the songs "Holiday from Real" and a song thats not on iTunes but you can check it out here, called Katie. Katie is a song about his sister who was his donor after he was diagnosed with cancer. It's so good you have to go listen to it!

I hope you enjoy. Let me know what you think.

I NEED MONEY

I'm actually writing my blob on time today. Why, you ask. Because I have reached rock bottom. --The rock bottom of my iTunes account. That's right, I have $0.03.... So here I am making a wish list of all the songs that I really want. I never understood why people use Limewire or other music sharing sites. They are illegal and only hurts the artist. But here I am craving music and I am lacking funds. 

I think that I tunes should lower their prices. Or have a frequent buyer program. Wouldn't it be great if they had a program where if you bought 100 songs you get 10 songs free.  Music shouldn't put us in the poor house. There are actually having confrences to find out a better way to distribute music. Read more here. 

I'm very conflicted right now... lol... I need music, but have no money. (*tear tear)

 

Musical Role Models.

There isn't a lot of new music out this week but there is some shocking news. A couple of weeks ago we heard rumours that Chris Brown beat his girlfriend Rihanna. This past week a photo was released, revealing how badly Rihanna was beaten. The picture shows a bruised and bloodied face indicating that the situation was less of a domestic dispute and more of a case of abuse. That's right, ABUSE. 

Although the picture was the object of discussion this week, I think the biggest news is the report that Rihanna wants him back. I know that what they do is private and really none of my business, but do you know how many little girls look up to Rihanna? Tons. They all want to be like her. I think that by her taking Brown back is sending a message that it is okay for a guy to beat the crap out of you. 

If Chris Brown gets away from this scandal unscathed I will be very disappointed. I think that no matter if you are a redneck or a rock star, you should be punished for your actions. By not punishing him you are sending out the message that what he did was okay. 

I know this doesn't have a lot to do with music, but Rihanna was pretty much the "IT" girl this past year. So here's my question-- Why can't our idols be role models? There are so few musicians out there right now who have good morals. Maybe that's why they are so popular but I don't think its right. Sometimes I get so frustrated when i see musicians doing such stupid things, because they don't seem to understand how many people look up to them like they are god. I wish that musicians of today would get rewarded for being good role models, not publicly ridiculed.

For example the Jonas Brothers and some other Disney stars. They are role models to literally millions of girls and I am so thankful that there is some one for girls to idolize other than Brittany Spears. But they are constantly criticized for their purity rings and for not drinking, smoking, and swearing in their songs. 

Personally I wish that more musicians realized that their actions are closely watched and mimicked by America's youth. I wish we had role models. 

Katy Perry

When it comes to Katy Perry I usually don't have nice things to say about her. I don't know if i can ever forgive her for making lyrics that are so catchy and so inappropriate at the same time. I cant explain to you how many time I have been made fun of for belting out the lyrics to her "I Kissed a Girl" song.

So I  thought I had sworn off Katy Perry. Then I was driving home last night when I heard a song called "Thinking of You." The words were once again so catchy, but what really surprised me was that this was a somber ballad. Not a punk rock lesbian proclamation like before. Katy admits that this song shows a different side of her in this article.

So to sum up, Katy Perry is not the type of music that i would normally be caught listening too. If I am being honest, she makes really good music. She has a fresh unique, view on music and i think it is much needed. Watch or listen to thinking of you here.

I LOVE the 90's

Ever since Blink 182 announced that they are coming back (read here), I cant help but pulling out all my favorite cds from the 90's. It makes me feel like my parents when they tell me about music from "back in the day." I get this huge smile on my face as think about what music "used to be." The other day some one asked my why I was so excited about Blink coming back. 

My older sister listened to Blink when they were really big. Blink was the first real music that I can remember being able to sing along to and dance around. So the reason I am so excited that they are coming back is because, to me, they are the soundtrack to the 90's.

J-Hud and that Pepsi Commercial

Some music suggestions...

Jennifer Hudson shocked the Grammy's with her heartfelt ballad, "You Pulled Me Through." Hudson proved that she still has what it takes and more after her tragedy last fall. Her song, a live recording, is available on iTunes. It may not be for everyone but its a really powerful song. 

Excuse me, for one moment, as I talk about something totally random... Has anyone seen the new Pepsi commercial? It aired during the Superbowl and is still on the air. Its called Pepsi: Refresh Anthem and its a remix of a Bob Dylan song called "Forever Young." It starts out with Dylan and then goes into a more modern version with Will.i.am. I was never a Bob Dylan fan, and I have the mind set of: If it ain't broke don't fix it. However I am totally in love with this commercial. If you haven't seen it, GO WATCH IT here.

Grammy Overview

So I thought that the Grammy's were a little long, but they defiantly delivered. 

Speaking of delivered.... Its a BOY! That right M.I.A. had that baby of hers this Wednesday(click here to read more). If you are at all like me you were covering your eyes when she came out on the Grammy stage. I was just waiting for her to pop. 

Other "highlights" were some of the odd duets...  The Jonas Brothers and Stevie Wonder.... B.B. King and Keith Urban... Some of them were pretty odd. My favorite though was Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus, haha. Miley completely butchered Taylor's acoustic song with her lack lust vocals and uncontrollable hair flips. It was so much fun to watch.

That's all for now check back later for more info.