[Editor's note: the author is sick and half delirious today - don't hold this entry against her. ]
What makes a song/video sexy? I think it differs wildly, but to yours truly it's all about someone's essence. If the person/song/video/etc is original and not trying too hard or completely calculated, it's probably quite sexy.
Today I'm giving 2 examples of videos that are thought of as sexy. While I really like both songs, only one video stands out as sexy in my mind. Though it's not completely fair to compare these songs, as it's like making a high-school JV player play horse with Lebron James, I'm doing it anyway. The first video is MGMT's "Electric Feel", which is supposed to be sexy, I know that, but doesn't resonate at all. There is a forced quality to the sexuality in this video that makes it really awkward, which is sad because the song is complete raw sex with little to no effort put forth. This song deserves better, dammit.
My second video is my big winner, my Lebron James, my all-time favorite, D'Angelo's "Untitled/How Does it Feel?" OH MY FUCKING GOD is the reaction I have every time I see this video. Granted, he's naked, but the raw emotion of the song combined with the vulnerability of the straight forward one-take shot of the video makes it unbelievable. It's a very simple concept and it works. This is not trying too hard, this is who this man is and he's showing you everything. Damn! I'm just going to post it now so I can watch it again and stop talking about it.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
You're always mine to keep when you're gone
[Editor's note: You know it's been too long when you forget which font you've been posting in. I'm going to hope it's Lucida Grande, and if it isn't, maybe I will fix it later or maybe you won't care.]
Today's title comes from a wonderful Ryan Adams cover called "Dear John" which I saw him perform live here in beautiful Burlington. Despite many rumors to the contrary, Mr. Adams was both sober and professional that night. It was then I decided to really heart him. I had dabbled in hearting him before, but nothing ever really gelled. I would pluck him from the shelf every now and then, dust him off for a day or so, then gently place him back into the recesses of my mind. Well, Mr. Adams sealed his fate at that show last summer, and now he joins a select few of the People I Really Heart in Music.
To know me is to understand that I am a complete musical slut and approach music in the way that most people would use at a buffet. I take a little here, a little there, sample it all, pick it up, put it back down, forget about it, remember it, roll around in it, blast it out of my station wagon with the windows down, and I could really care less where it came from as long as it feels good going in. I don't care if you are critically acclaimed, no-named, off-brand, a mixed tape, a bootleg CD with a paper-sticker label, or a rock opera. If I like you, you're in. If I don't, I ignore you. I don't spend a minute talking about music that I think sucks because: a.) I can't play music and have never really tried ,so who am I to judge; and b.) who cares? It's a waste of time and it makes you look like a douche when you could be enjoying some music you like.
That being said, it's time to talk about some music I have liked so much that it's spilled over into the people themselves. For your (dis)approval, I submit to you, The People I Really Heart in Music. Brief explanations/justifications follow each entry. As a mother says to her children, regardless of its truth, they are in no particular order, as I love them all the same.
1. Sondre Lerche - Sondre. I ♥ him for his lovely growlish-honey voice mixed with his lyrics that are just a little oblique but very solemn. Wonderful musician, non-obtrusive, doesn't seem to have an attitude, and I'll admit, easy on the eyes. For this, he makes the cut. Recommended Song: You know so well.
2. Stevie Jackson - I fear to post this name in the remote chance that Himself would someday read this and roll his eyes for the rest of his life. Stevie is the tall, shy, bespeckled rhythm guitarist for Belle and Sebastian who dresses like he's part of a mid-60's brass section and has a thick glasgow accent. It's impossible for me not to heart him. I feel like it's part of my genetic makeup to heart him. He writes gorgeous songs and has a voice that makes him sound like he should be in The Birds. He, like me, is a modern-day throwback and for that, I will continue to heart him, much to Himself's chagrin. Recommended Song: Mornington Crescent.
3. Donald Fagen - He's responsible for Steely Dan. He's a crazy perfectionist and a slave to the smooth grooves. He works in conjunction with Michael McDonald. His lyrics are completely fragmented but somehow you could care less. I have the distinct feeling he's a person that you could know for 15 years and not know at all. His music sounds effortless but is a complicated bitch to execute. He's the other side of the Roger Waters coin, and for that I will heart him always. Recommended Song: anything from Aja, Can't Buy a Thrill or Pretzel Logic.
4. Paul Banks - Hollow, haunting voice. Has a huge presence without saying shit. Seems shy in real life. His songwriting is sparse and effective, which is exactly the way I like it. He was born to be pretentious and he does it well, so I will forgive him for that and continue hearting him. Another person that himself detests. Say what you want, but Interpol has a distinct sound and style, and in my opinion, doesn't sound that much like Joy Division once you get past the voice similarities that don't seem to exist if Paul sings unplugged. Fuck the haters-Paul Banks, I will always heart you. Recommended Song: Pace is the Trick.
5. Nas - Wow. Intelligent, Succinct, powerful lyricist with delivery that hurts. Sexy growling voice. Nas always amazes me with his ability to stay relevant while expounding on topics that most people can relate to and making that work. I'm always interested in what he has to say, and the man never disappoints. Combine that with a chest tattoo and you have the makings of I heart you long time. Recommended Song: My Way.
6. Ryan Adams - Oh Ryan. You have the voice of an angel and a devil. You're troubled and sort of dark and yet I feel like you are capable of being really happy. You don't give a fuck what anyone thinks. You are a talented, intelligent southern boy with country roots, yet you live in NYC. You are too talented for your own good and sometimes come off like a maniac. For all reasons listed above, I heart you. Recommended Song: Hollywood Blvd.
7. AIR (both of them) - Listening to AIR is like dreaming while being awake. They are aptly named, as their music is completely intangible and seems weightless. They seem to be the personification of creativity and never stick to the same format, yet you know an AIR song without knowing it. There's a strong possibility these two could be sorcerers of some kind. They are also very French and very petite, and for that I heart them. Recommended Song: Run, Universal Traveler, You Make it Easy, One Hell of a Party.
8. Stevie Wonder - You've read the name. That alone should make you understand why. What can you possibly say about someone who wrote Innervisions? Funky, soulful, conscious, loving, spiritual and uplifting, Stevie can capture any emotion and translate it for you. It's impossible to be unhappy when you hear that voice and that sound. When I listen to Stevie, I feel bad for deaf people who will never be able to experience him. He is that good, and one of the few people that you just shouldn't try to cover because you'll never be able to do it better than he can. Gifted doesn't begin to explain this man's talent. For being born into this world, Stevie, I heart you. Recommended Song: Every last one. Even I Just Called to say I Love You.
9. Wayne Coyne - Mr. Coyne of the Flaming Lips, you are an innovator, a showman, and incredibly sexy without trying. You are the embodiment of being yourself and it inspires me. You are very positive and you really seem to love your wife, which makes my heart happy. Your shows are an extravaganza even without the aid of drugs and I speak from experience. For those reasons, I heart you. Recommended Song: The Spark That Bled, W.A.N.D
10. Elliot Smith - Elliot, you should have stayed around longer. You had the uncanny ability to connect with people's deepest emotions, and no one could put it quite like you. Your sometimes brittle voice matched your vulnerable lyrics and heart perfectly. You could tell you were never quite comfortable with life and that just made everyone love you more. You were braver than you ever probably thought you were. For touching many people's lives with your poignant lyrics and beautiful sense of melody and tone, I still heart you, long after you are gone. Recommended Song: Anything from XO or Figure 8.
11. Al Green - DAMN. The late Reverend can always touch your soul, with his vulnerability, openness, and lyrics that stood for something. The man was all about love in any form and had a voice that could fill the rafters. No matter what your mood, when you listen to Al, you feel like he understands what you're going through. For the heavenly voice, thoughtful lyrics, and the gentle soul, Al, I will always heart you. Recommended Song: Any.
12. Jay Z - Jay, you are a married man now, so I'm going to try to put it away, but my god, you are the total package. Creative, smart, polished and a delivery that reminds me of a machine gun, you are the best of the best. You seem like you have a comeback for everything someone would say to you. You're a great businessman and you have confidence that's tangible. You are the definition of "I don't know what it is, but this man is sexy". You made a hit single off an Annie song for god's sake. Can you do any wrong? It's doubtful. And it's also doubtful that I will ever stop hearting you, Bey or no Bey. Recommended Song: Lucifer, Hard Knock Life, and about 15 others.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
You didn't quite make the list, but you didn't not make it either.
Steve Windwood circa Traffic
Earth Wind & Fire
Kool & the Gang
Chaka Khan
Fiona Apple
Chuck Klosterman (off topic but I don't care, he's earned his spot in my heart).
Jose Gonzalez
Well there you have it. There are the people in music I heart. I hope you have found this little trip to be fun or at least worth the gas money. Until next time.
Today's title comes from a wonderful Ryan Adams cover called "Dear John" which I saw him perform live here in beautiful Burlington. Despite many rumors to the contrary, Mr. Adams was both sober and professional that night. It was then I decided to really heart him. I had dabbled in hearting him before, but nothing ever really gelled. I would pluck him from the shelf every now and then, dust him off for a day or so, then gently place him back into the recesses of my mind. Well, Mr. Adams sealed his fate at that show last summer, and now he joins a select few of the People I Really Heart in Music.
To know me is to understand that I am a complete musical slut and approach music in the way that most people would use at a buffet. I take a little here, a little there, sample it all, pick it up, put it back down, forget about it, remember it, roll around in it, blast it out of my station wagon with the windows down, and I could really care less where it came from as long as it feels good going in. I don't care if you are critically acclaimed, no-named, off-brand, a mixed tape, a bootleg CD with a paper-sticker label, or a rock opera. If I like you, you're in. If I don't, I ignore you. I don't spend a minute talking about music that I think sucks because: a.) I can't play music and have never really tried ,so who am I to judge; and b.) who cares? It's a waste of time and it makes you look like a douche when you could be enjoying some music you like.
That being said, it's time to talk about some music I have liked so much that it's spilled over into the people themselves. For your (dis)approval, I submit to you, The People I Really Heart in Music. Brief explanations/justifications follow each entry. As a mother says to her children, regardless of its truth, they are in no particular order, as I love them all the same.
1. Sondre Lerche - Sondre. I ♥ him for his lovely growlish-honey voice mixed with his lyrics that are just a little oblique but very solemn. Wonderful musician, non-obtrusive, doesn't seem to have an attitude, and I'll admit, easy on the eyes. For this, he makes the cut. Recommended Song: You know so well.
2. Stevie Jackson - I fear to post this name in the remote chance that Himself would someday read this and roll his eyes for the rest of his life. Stevie is the tall, shy, bespeckled rhythm guitarist for Belle and Sebastian who dresses like he's part of a mid-60's brass section and has a thick glasgow accent. It's impossible for me not to heart him. I feel like it's part of my genetic makeup to heart him. He writes gorgeous songs and has a voice that makes him sound like he should be in The Birds. He, like me, is a modern-day throwback and for that, I will continue to heart him, much to Himself's chagrin. Recommended Song: Mornington Crescent.
3. Donald Fagen - He's responsible for Steely Dan. He's a crazy perfectionist and a slave to the smooth grooves. He works in conjunction with Michael McDonald. His lyrics are completely fragmented but somehow you could care less. I have the distinct feeling he's a person that you could know for 15 years and not know at all. His music sounds effortless but is a complicated bitch to execute. He's the other side of the Roger Waters coin, and for that I will heart him always. Recommended Song: anything from Aja, Can't Buy a Thrill or Pretzel Logic.
4. Paul Banks - Hollow, haunting voice. Has a huge presence without saying shit. Seems shy in real life. His songwriting is sparse and effective, which is exactly the way I like it. He was born to be pretentious and he does it well, so I will forgive him for that and continue hearting him. Another person that himself detests. Say what you want, but Interpol has a distinct sound and style, and in my opinion, doesn't sound that much like Joy Division once you get past the voice similarities that don't seem to exist if Paul sings unplugged. Fuck the haters-Paul Banks, I will always heart you. Recommended Song: Pace is the Trick.
5. Nas - Wow. Intelligent, Succinct, powerful lyricist with delivery that hurts. Sexy growling voice. Nas always amazes me with his ability to stay relevant while expounding on topics that most people can relate to and making that work. I'm always interested in what he has to say, and the man never disappoints. Combine that with a chest tattoo and you have the makings of I heart you long time. Recommended Song: My Way.
6. Ryan Adams - Oh Ryan. You have the voice of an angel and a devil. You're troubled and sort of dark and yet I feel like you are capable of being really happy. You don't give a fuck what anyone thinks. You are a talented, intelligent southern boy with country roots, yet you live in NYC. You are too talented for your own good and sometimes come off like a maniac. For all reasons listed above, I heart you. Recommended Song: Hollywood Blvd.
7. AIR (both of them) - Listening to AIR is like dreaming while being awake. They are aptly named, as their music is completely intangible and seems weightless. They seem to be the personification of creativity and never stick to the same format, yet you know an AIR song without knowing it. There's a strong possibility these two could be sorcerers of some kind. They are also very French and very petite, and for that I heart them. Recommended Song: Run, Universal Traveler, You Make it Easy, One Hell of a Party.
8. Stevie Wonder - You've read the name. That alone should make you understand why. What can you possibly say about someone who wrote Innervisions? Funky, soulful, conscious, loving, spiritual and uplifting, Stevie can capture any emotion and translate it for you. It's impossible to be unhappy when you hear that voice and that sound. When I listen to Stevie, I feel bad for deaf people who will never be able to experience him. He is that good, and one of the few people that you just shouldn't try to cover because you'll never be able to do it better than he can. Gifted doesn't begin to explain this man's talent. For being born into this world, Stevie, I heart you. Recommended Song: Every last one. Even I Just Called to say I Love You.
9. Wayne Coyne - Mr. Coyne of the Flaming Lips, you are an innovator, a showman, and incredibly sexy without trying. You are the embodiment of being yourself and it inspires me. You are very positive and you really seem to love your wife, which makes my heart happy. Your shows are an extravaganza even without the aid of drugs and I speak from experience. For those reasons, I heart you. Recommended Song: The Spark That Bled, W.A.N.D
10. Elliot Smith - Elliot, you should have stayed around longer. You had the uncanny ability to connect with people's deepest emotions, and no one could put it quite like you. Your sometimes brittle voice matched your vulnerable lyrics and heart perfectly. You could tell you were never quite comfortable with life and that just made everyone love you more. You were braver than you ever probably thought you were. For touching many people's lives with your poignant lyrics and beautiful sense of melody and tone, I still heart you, long after you are gone. Recommended Song: Anything from XO or Figure 8.
11. Al Green - DAMN. The late Reverend can always touch your soul, with his vulnerability, openness, and lyrics that stood for something. The man was all about love in any form and had a voice that could fill the rafters. No matter what your mood, when you listen to Al, you feel like he understands what you're going through. For the heavenly voice, thoughtful lyrics, and the gentle soul, Al, I will always heart you. Recommended Song: Any.
12. Jay Z - Jay, you are a married man now, so I'm going to try to put it away, but my god, you are the total package. Creative, smart, polished and a delivery that reminds me of a machine gun, you are the best of the best. You seem like you have a comeback for everything someone would say to you. You're a great businessman and you have confidence that's tangible. You are the definition of "I don't know what it is, but this man is sexy". You made a hit single off an Annie song for god's sake. Can you do any wrong? It's doubtful. And it's also doubtful that I will ever stop hearting you, Bey or no Bey. Recommended Song: Lucifer, Hard Knock Life, and about 15 others.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
You didn't quite make the list, but you didn't not make it either.
Steve Windwood circa Traffic
Earth Wind & Fire
Kool & the Gang
Chaka Khan
Fiona Apple
Chuck Klosterman (off topic but I don't care, he's earned his spot in my heart).
Jose Gonzalez
Well there you have it. There are the people in music I heart. I hope you have found this little trip to be fun or at least worth the gas money. Until next time.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
I beg to differ
There are so many songs that I can't remember when I started liking them or even when I first heard them, it's as if I have always existed knowing and loving them. I wish I could say that my mom listened to some pretty groovy stuff while I was in utero, but I know she loves Meatloaf and Pat Benetar, so I'm dismissing that idea immediately.
Anyway, this is one of those songs. Climax Blues Band's "Couldn't Get it Right" is one of my absolute favorites, and the fact that CBB also did the polar opposite "I love you" makes both songs even better because they contrast so much.
Where do I start? The creepily deep vocals, the funk-infused baseline, the synthesizer in the background, the obscure lyrics, and the slight pause right before the chorus all add up to one great song. Another great thing about it is that it came out in 1976, during the midst of singer-songwriters and arena rock. Can you see this song fitting into either category? Not really. This song has just a touch of dance-disco in it, and I really feel like it was 2-3 years ahead of its time.
The last thing I'll say about it is that you can't fit this song into any particular genre. There's a lot going on, yet it all comes together coherently. A song like this would have a good chance of coming out today and being played on the radio (though I admit the synth would probably sound different, which is a total shame and goes to show things happen when they are supposed to). This band wasn't trying to fit anywhere, they wanted to make good music, regardless of what was going on. I love when an artist has that sort of attitude, and I feel like it really shows.
"Couldn't Get it Right", Climax Blues Band, 1976
Anyway, this is one of those songs. Climax Blues Band's "Couldn't Get it Right" is one of my absolute favorites, and the fact that CBB also did the polar opposite "I love you" makes both songs even better because they contrast so much.
Where do I start? The creepily deep vocals, the funk-infused baseline, the synthesizer in the background, the obscure lyrics, and the slight pause right before the chorus all add up to one great song. Another great thing about it is that it came out in 1976, during the midst of singer-songwriters and arena rock. Can you see this song fitting into either category? Not really. This song has just a touch of dance-disco in it, and I really feel like it was 2-3 years ahead of its time.
The last thing I'll say about it is that you can't fit this song into any particular genre. There's a lot going on, yet it all comes together coherently. A song like this would have a good chance of coming out today and being played on the radio (though I admit the synth would probably sound different, which is a total shame and goes to show things happen when they are supposed to). This band wasn't trying to fit anywhere, they wanted to make good music, regardless of what was going on. I love when an artist has that sort of attitude, and I feel like it really shows.
"Couldn't Get it Right", Climax Blues Band, 1976
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
you were always someone's fool
I credit my brother Jason for my love of Elton John - and my wide range of tastes in music. We used to sit upstairs in his room and listen to music for hours. Granted, we lived in a town of 500, so there wasn't a lot to do anyway, but I'm really lucky to have had a kick-ass brother who taught me a lot about music, comic books, and how to throw a great spiral. Thanks, Jas!
"Little Jeannie" is one of Elton's more underrated songs, in my opinion. The melody, the brooding, reflective lyrics, and just the right amount of horn and percussion to sound almost tropical come together in a perfect brew that touches the soul. Who doesn't hear this song and reflect upon some person or situation in their life that they wish they could change, but know they can't do anything about? I've been moping over this song since I was about 5, and I certainly don't plan to stop anytime soon.
Now, "The Bitch is Back" is another childhood story,which I will tell you another time.
"Little Jeannie", Elton John, 1980
"Little Jeannie" is one of Elton's more underrated songs, in my opinion. The melody, the brooding, reflective lyrics, and just the right amount of horn and percussion to sound almost tropical come together in a perfect brew that touches the soul. Who doesn't hear this song and reflect upon some person or situation in their life that they wish they could change, but know they can't do anything about? I've been moping over this song since I was about 5, and I certainly don't plan to stop anytime soon.
Now, "The Bitch is Back" is another childhood story,which I will tell you another time.
"Little Jeannie", Elton John, 1980
Saturday, March 15, 2008
musical immunity
Everyone gets sick of songs. You hear them too many times, and it just loses its power somehow. Like a long relationship with the wrong person, it gets old and you just don't have the same interest. When they come around, there's no spark, no excitement. Sure, if you break up with them and don't see them for 6 months, it might change, but overall, the magic has worn off.
Somehow, there's been one song that's escaped this fate. Maybe it's true love, who knows. I don't want to be able to explain it. Every time I hear this song, it's just like the first time I ever heard it. It captivates me. It's been in 50850958 commercials and I STILL love it.
For your listening pleasure, I submit, Modern English's "I melt with you," quite possibly one of the best songs ever made, and the only song I've never been sick of.
Somehow, there's been one song that's escaped this fate. Maybe it's true love, who knows. I don't want to be able to explain it. Every time I hear this song, it's just like the first time I ever heard it. It captivates me. It's been in 50850958 commercials and I STILL love it.
For your listening pleasure, I submit, Modern English's "I melt with you," quite possibly one of the best songs ever made, and the only song I've never been sick of.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
hard habit to break
I've had it suggested a few times now that I should start a music blog. Whether this is a good idea or not is left to be seen. I definitely have eclectic taste in music, no one can argue that.
So, what I'm going to do is post a song 4-5 times a week, starting in late April when my classes are over. They may be really good, really bad or both.
I will also do my best to give a link to where you can hear this song for yourself.This may not always be possible. Most of the time it will be a projectplaylist.com link. Hopefully, as I learn more, I will figure out a better way to do this.
So, until then, I will leave you with a song that has been in my mind all day today,
Olivia Newton-John's "Have you never been Mellow". Such a smooth sound, beautiful voice and positive message. ONJ knocked it out of the park with this one.
Lots of Love, Kasey
So, what I'm going to do is post a song 4-5 times a week, starting in late April when my classes are over. They may be really good, really bad or both.
I will also do my best to give a link to where you can hear this song for yourself.This may not always be possible. Most of the time it will be a projectplaylist.com link. Hopefully, as I learn more, I will figure out a better way to do this.
So, until then, I will leave you with a song that has been in my mind all day today,
Olivia Newton-John's "Have you never been Mellow". Such a smooth sound, beautiful voice and positive message. ONJ knocked it out of the park with this one.
Lots of Love, Kasey
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