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. 

Grammy Time

Alright everyone the Grammy's are quickly approaching. Only hours remain until we find out who gets the "hardware."
This is the biggest night for the music industry. I just have to say that I am really happy that so many deserving artists made it this year.
I already let you know some of my predictions for the winners tonight, but what I haven't mentioned is the performers.
I think that they have a very interesting line up for tonight. They managed to cover nearly every genre (it is the Grammy's). Look here for a complete list of performers.
Who I am excited to see:
I personally can't wait for the Jonas Brothers performance. I totally bought into the cute boy band this year and I am not ashamed to say that I love them. They promise to bring something young and fresh to the stage.
I am also excited to see John Mayer because even though his love life has gotten a little annoying his music is still great.

Who I am not excited to see:
M.I.A.-- isn't she pregnant? Power to the pregnant people of the world, but come on, shouldn't she be resting?
Kid Rock is sure to bring his haphazard self and music to match. I'm predicting a channel change will be in order.

Hopefully the awards go to those who deserve them and the performances are as great as in years past.

Tune in later for a Grammy recap!

Bruce Springsteen at the Super bowl is like realizing you walked out of the house without pants on. It was embarrassing. I was embarrassed to watch him huff and puff all over the stage, and don't forget the infamous knee slide. The knee slide that resulted in a Springsteen crotch-in-camera situation. 

In other, more current, news, the biggest music news this week is The Fray's new album dropping. I like their music a lot, but they are getting a lot of criticism for having all of their music sound the same (read here). I have to agree with this statement. Their songs do sound similar, but that's why I love them. They are so wonderfully predictable. You can expect a good piano intro and meaningful lyrics.  I definitely think that you should check this CD out and maybe buy a song or two. 

That's it for now!

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY!

OK. Lets be honest. Most of America could care less who wins tonight. I know a lot of you probably don't even know who's playing. Although the fate of the Steelers and the Cardinals is important to some, most of us are watching for more of a entertainment purpose. The commercials never seem to disappoint us. The halftime show on the other hand as not always been A+.

This year Bruce Springsteen will be the halftime entertainment. I was a little disappointed when i heard about this a while ago (click here for more info). The Superbowl has been using the words classic rock to describe their decision. I have a question. Since when does being old make you classic? There were so many other choices if you want to go for classic rock. I wont even list all the names that come to mind. Superbowl Sunday is the most viewed thing all year. they should have gotten someone who could have pleased more generations.

I guess I will have to see how it goes and ill update more later. 

Grammy Countdown!

I know that the Grammy's aren't for another couple of weeks but I'm just so excited for them, i couldn't help but dedicate a post to pre grammy news. 

The Grammy's released the list of their nominee's last month. I think that they did a good job of getting a wide range of talent. You can read a full list of the nominees here.

Here's my opinions-

For Best New Artist:

Who will probably win: I think that Adele will probably win this one just because her music is really fresh. She has nominations in a couple of different categories so even if she doesn't win Best New Artist I think she will defiantly be going home with an award.

Who I want to win: I really wish that the Jonas Brothers could take this one home. I know most of you are probably reaching for the exit button right now but hear me out. Their new album has done really well and they have really stepped up from the Disney cookie cut outs that a lot of people think they are. I think that if they won this they would get the recognition they deserve.

For Best Male Pop vocal Performance:

Who will probably win: I'm not sure about this one because I don't think that any of the nominees were particularly strong. I could see Paul McCartney take it home, just because he is Paul McCartney. 

Who I want to win: I really like Jason Mraz. I fell in love with his song. I think he could take it home. I pray that Kid Rock doesn't get the award. His song is a haphazard mix of two songs, both of which were better than his. He also can't pick a genre. His song is played on the country station, its nominated for pop, and the album is nominated for best rock album.  I wish he would just stay in one place so I would know where to avoid. 

The Awards are supposed to really cool this year as well. Lots of artists are scheduled to perform. Most recently is news that Paul McCartney will be joining the group. Read here for more info. I've never liked McCartney Live so we will have to see how this goes. 

That's it for now. Check in for more Grammy news and predictions.

U2

Yay! The iTunes charts finally changed Lady Gaga has moved down to 4th place. In sad news, Kelley Clarkson moved into first. I told you it was going to get overplayed. 

Now on to more mediocre music... U2 released their first single of their New album. The song is called "Get On Your Boots." The song makes about as much sense and the title entails. The lyrics include, but are not limited to, crazy things like satan, the moon, and some candy. This article  goes into more detail, and even discuss a possible political message. Leave it to some Irish rock band to take it upon them selves to save the world. Let's hope that the rest of the album lives up to the good old U2 Standards.

If you like free music, lets face it who doesn't, the single of the week for iTunes isn't as bad as it usually is. So you might want to stop by and pick that up!

Thats it for now... until next time... keep on rocking.

New Music Tuesday!

**Sorry, this post was supposed to go up on the 20th but but it didn't make it up somehow...

New Music Tuesday!

I dont know about everyone else but i always find myself logging onto iTunes as soon as I get home from school on Tuesday. New music Tuesday always helps get me through the week. So here's and update!

A song that has been getting some "buzz" is "My Life Would S**k Without You" by Kelley Clarkson. The song isn't bad... it's just not... good. This is her first single of her new album due to come out this March. The song is reminiscent of her bubble gum pop star sound that made her famous. Now that she's a little more grown up i think that her sound is a little more mature. My suggestion is to not buy it, as it will probably get a lot of airtime. 

In other news... oh, wait... nothing has changed. Lady Gaga still tops the charts with Kanye West close behind her. Its not that I don't like these artists but I feel like its all we hear on the radio. Maybe if DJs had a little more variety we could fall in love with some one else.

On that thought, if you like acoustic music, try listening to this band. The Apathy Eulogy. This band has a really chill sound and great choruses. That is my indie suggestion for today. Click here for more info on the band and here some of there music.

New Year. New Music?

Hey everybody! This is where I share my opinions on music. I’ll comment on mainstream music and suggest some Indies that you might not of heard have.

2009 is a new year but doesn’t sound like anything different then what we heard last year. 2008 tracks still top the charts with songs like Lady GaGa’s annoyingly repetitive, Just Dance. As well as Kanye West’s techno rap (why? I don’t know). Both songs have been clogging up the radio for what seems like an obscene amount of time. When will DJs start playing fresh tracks?

For example All American Rejects came out with a new CD called, When the World Comes Down. Their first single has hardly gotten the attention that it deserves. It’s new and refreshing. There first single, Gives You Hell, is highly entertaining and is my GOTTA HAVE IT for this week. This article gives a quick bio of the All American Rejects www.contactmusic.com. The band manages to have catchy lyrics and a sing-along chorus with out crossing over into the dreaded pop genre.

Well that’s it for now! Keep rocking out…