12/7/07
The Coup
If you are into hip-hop, particularly less mainstream hip-hop, check out The Coup. I discovered them on the 2nd stage at Rock the Bells this summer, and they are really cool. "My Favorite Mutiny", in particular, is dope. It's just great lyrics and great beats, not like all that bullshit that's on the radio right now. Don't get me wrong, I do like commercial hip-hop, to some extent. But if you are looking for artistry, look at The Coup.
12/4/07
Fa la la la la
It occurs to me that Christmas music is some of the most beautiful, yet most irritating music ever. I find that most "good" Christmas music is rooted in nostalgia. For instance, Alvin & the Chipmunks singing Christmas songs is silly, and their voices are so obnoxious, yet I consider it classic because I distinctly remember sitting on my brother's bedroom floor playing the record (yes that's right, record) repeatedly. Is it good? Probably not. But there are so many memories attached to it that I think it's great.
I feel that I have lots to say about Christmas music. Working retail for many years exposes you to lots of bad holiday music, as does having a parent who thinks Kenny G is jazz. What makes me an expert, you ask? I'm not, in music or anything else, for that matter. I just love music and like to talk about it, much to the chagrin of many of my chums.
Your best bet for good holiday music is jazz. No, folks, NOT of the Kenny G variety. I'm talking Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Michael Buble, Harry Connick Jr. "Christmas with the Rat Pack" is my current fave, although, you really can't beat "Christmas with Dino". I'm sure some of you are thinking "Rat Pack? Are you kidding?" No, my friends, I am not. Just give Dino's "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow" a listen and you'll see what I mean. Are these perfect Christmas albums? Not quite. Are there a few boring songs and arrangements that you find extremely irritating? Yes. For some reason, nearly all artists who do a Christmas album feel the need to create a new song, hoping it's the next "Winter Wonderland" or something, I guess. A word of warning--these original songs are rarely good.
I could ramble on all night, but since this is my first ever blog, I'll wrap it up.
Try listening to Aaron Neville's "Ave Maria" if you have a chance. That's all.
I feel that I have lots to say about Christmas music. Working retail for many years exposes you to lots of bad holiday music, as does having a parent who thinks Kenny G is jazz. What makes me an expert, you ask? I'm not, in music or anything else, for that matter. I just love music and like to talk about it, much to the chagrin of many of my chums.
Your best bet for good holiday music is jazz. No, folks, NOT of the Kenny G variety. I'm talking Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Michael Buble, Harry Connick Jr. "Christmas with the Rat Pack" is my current fave, although, you really can't beat "Christmas with Dino". I'm sure some of you are thinking "Rat Pack? Are you kidding?" No, my friends, I am not. Just give Dino's "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow" a listen and you'll see what I mean. Are these perfect Christmas albums? Not quite. Are there a few boring songs and arrangements that you find extremely irritating? Yes. For some reason, nearly all artists who do a Christmas album feel the need to create a new song, hoping it's the next "Winter Wonderland" or something, I guess. A word of warning--these original songs are rarely good.
I could ramble on all night, but since this is my first ever blog, I'll wrap it up.
Try listening to Aaron Neville's "Ave Maria" if you have a chance. That's all.
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