I thought I'd give you an alternate song of the day if you don't want to have "Birthday" stuck in your head. It's only appropriate that I keep with the Beatles though. I picked this song because I love my friends and it's pretty trippy. You have to watch the "Across the Universe" scene with this song because I feel like that's the state the Beatles were in when they made most of their music.
If you're not a fan of the Beatles then I don't even know what to say. They opened up so many things of the music industry. Those were some crazy dudes right there. If you ever get a chance to go to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame you definitely have to spend some quality time in their section. It's amazing. You'll learn so many things about the songs and the members.
Birthdays are kind of a big deal and since I can't be there for my friend's today, I'm going to post the love. There's this tradition in my family that we get woken up to "Birthday" by the Beatles every year, even when we are away. It can get pretty annoying because you might be sleeping, but it always brings a smile to my face.
Happy Birthday Meezy! I know you're having a great time and if not you let me know who's ruining it for you and I'll handle it.
Everyone should give him some bday love on twitter..... @meezyy
So this song, "Laughing With," is about how funny and how unfunny God and life can be. So if you're really religious you may not like it or you may. There's something about Regina that always draws me in. Sometimes her voice is borderline annoying, but her head voice is pretty darn good. I really like the surrealist art in the video too. I wonder if it's cheaper to have graphic/illustration-ish videos.
There are a few reasons why I choose this song, but the main one is because Clinton Sparks is going to be in Des Moines tonight. Kinda crazy. If you didn't know, he was the one that pushed Chester French to make the Jacques Jams mixtape as a promotional tool for their cd "Love the Future."
I also like it because I'm a fan of Janelle Monae and it makes it ok to be a nerd girl. haha
I know it's not winter...not even close, but I love this song. It was on that MTV show with the talented high schoolers and then I saw it on SYTYCD last night like 2 times. I can't wait for it to be winter so I can sing this song all the time. The video is really cute too.
Jade is definitely my favorite artist right now and here's another one of her great songs. If you're in NYC this Friday you should go check her out. I don't know the deets but if you love her I bet you can figure it out.
Mos Def's upcoming album "The Ecstatic" is dropping on June 9th, but they have put out a preview of all the tracks. He hasn't had a cd since 2006, so it's about time. I think the preview sounds pretty promising, so I definitely can't wait to hear the complete songs. Click here to check it out.
My friend Sasha brought this song up yesterday and I tweeted about it, but if you don't follow me then you don't know what I'm talking about. I originally liked this song, but listening to this after you know that Chris Brown beat Rihanna, it just seems wrong. You have to listen to the lyrics really close and you'll shake your head. Pay close attention to Jordin Sparks's parts, especially the ahhs. You'll either think this is hilarious or horrible. (Sorry for having to use an Idol performance)
Ghetto Palms: Cham / Santigold / Busy Signal / Phone Sex
So it’s spring time and apparently sex is in the airwaves. It started with Major Lazer’s "Hold the Line." Then Cham and Santigold did the booty call collabo "Call Mi." Then somebody messed up and passed the number to Demarco and Busy and the phone sex jams have um, multiplied forthwith. Phone Sex Blend: Cham f. Santigold, "Call Mi" Major Lazer f. Santigold and Mr. Lexx, "Hold the Line" (Ghislain Poirier rmx) Demarco, "She Can’t Wait" Busy Signal, "Da Style Deh" Busy Signal, "Nah Ansa" Busy Signal, "The Ansa" Download: Ghetto Palms Phone Sex Blend The Cham joint is labeled a Madhouse release which means it’s a Dave Kelly production but with the crazy surf guitar hook and crunk half-tempo it sounds like he flipped the basic elements of the Major Lazer tune. Santi, as usual, is the best thing about any track she’s on, which is saying a mugfull because not many vocalists could put their bars after a soundclash-ready artist like Cham and come away with their kneecaps intact. I won’t speak much on "Hold the Line" since it has already been parsed to def but it had to be represented and the Poirier remix, with its manic soca meets b-more wuk up made a nice segue into the Demarco tune. "She Can’t Wait" might be my favorite song of the week in a guilty pleasure kinda way. Active ingredients include: 1) a trance-soca meets ragtime vamp, 2) Demarco singing his heart out with real emotion about the hardships a woman must feel when the fuck a come down pon her and of course 3) a phone call intro from said woman which leaves no room for doubt about the seriousness of the situation. Also he says "bag of mouth" which is my favorite piece of patois. For non-guilty pleasure check any Busy Signal 45 (or let’s be real, mp3) of the last few months. He must be testing Sizzla for the most prolific artist title, because less than a year after his LP he has accumulated enough sterling tunes for another album or two. The last few weeks alone have found him licking back Sly & Robbie’s "Murder She Wrote" riddim (← expect this to feature in Ghetto Palms in the near future), voicing Sergio Mendes’ carnival classic "Magalenha," whistling the hook from Suzanne Vega’s "Tom’s Diner," covering Phil Collin’s "One More Night," and whatever the dholak meets yodeling of "Da Style Deh" is. (In fact I was tempted to break the theme and blend it into some bollywood or middle eastern drumming and I spent half my recording time looking for Hossam Ramzy’s "Baladi Plus" before I remembered it was probably in the CD wallet that Rekha accidentally gave away to visiting UK DJ Adil Ray in the middle of a particularly drunken Basement Bhangra.) Anyway, my point is, we should not surprised if Busy turns in not one but two phone sex jams and outdoes everybody else in terms of phone interludes, ringtones, vibration sounds and concepts (one tune is "The Ansa," the other “Nah Ansa.” Although I put them here in abridged form, these songs are all worth listening to in their entirety—so ask me nice and maybe I’ll make some of them freeloads.
You can get the whole experience of the article at the site.
Since it is Lauryn Hill's birthday today it is only right to have one of her songs as the song of the day. This one is definitely on the top 5 of her songs for me. And I'm pretty sure "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" is one of the best albums to come out...just saying.
This girl knows how to rock it. Her name is Annie Clark, but she goes by St. Vincent on the glorious stage. While I was reading magazines the other day at B&N I'm pretty sure I read her name at least 2 times, so that has to mean something. Her debut record was "Marry Me," but she recently released another album called "Actor." And it was inspired by Disney movies.
She has a soft voice and innocent look, but don't be fooled because she can rip it on the guitar. There's a whimsical feel sometimes and then she brings you back to earth with a dark guitar riff or a folksy guitar melody, it's crazy but I really like it.
Here's one performance of her that I liked on her myspace. You should definitely check her out.
I've talked about A.I. Love You before, but they posted this song not too long ago. After I revealed my frustration on twitter about maybe being stuck in IA for the summer, they said girls in IA can be Runway Girls too. I thought I'd reciprocate the love by posting this. It's pretty catchy and I can see it being used for a runway. The end kinda reminds me of sensual seduction haha Push Play and Check it!
Zee Avi is so special that I thought I would let you guys know even more about her. She is 23 and from Malaysia. She has this unbelievable jazzy voice and great humming skills. She signed with Jack Johnson's Brushfire Records. I think this is a great fit because she has the guitar feeling and heart that Jack has.
Her album just came out yesterday and I must say it is great. It's worth the $6.99...support the music industry. It was reviewed in RS and I believe it received 2 stars but I think it deserves more. You can listen to it all on her myspace or buy it on itunes. It's definitely a chill listen for the summer time.
Bitter Heart is by Zee Avi, a very talented singer signed to Brushfire records. This song is playful, but the lyrics are about a bitter heart. I really like the old feel to this song too. Her voice is jazzy and it kinda reminds me of Regina Spektor at parts. Hope you enjoy!
I went to B&N today and grabbed a stack of magazines as per usual. In the stack was vibe and they had a great inside look to the roots and their new lives with the jimmy fallon show. I thought it was going to be an interview, but it was just in article. I guess I shouldn't say "just" because I really liked it. Peep it on the stand because for some reason I can't find it online....maybe I'm blind.
They have uploaded the Madonna and Lil Wayne collaboration and I don't really know how I feel about it. I still can't get over the fact that they collaborated. She's old enough to be his mom. I'm just hoping that when they make a video she doesn't try to get all "sexy" with him like she did with Justin.
The concept of the song isn't that bad, but the beat really sounds like a Britney Spears song.
Listen to it and tell me what you think. Also read what The Fader has to say.
The whole weekend people were asking me about music they should listen to because they know I'm looking for a music internship and I write this handy blog, and I always said Jade. So I only thought it would be appropriate to have her as the song of the day.
This song is a little more mellow than the other songs, but it does show off her range.
I hope you like it and join the Jade fan club because she will get big. I have a feeling.
Sorry for the absence, but it was quality family time. So I thought I'd have to pick a great song for a come back. I picked Coldplay's "Lost" Remix because it's a good song by itself and then Jay-Z added a great verse to it. I love the drums in the background and then the guitar is brilliant. My favorite part of the remix is:
See Biggie, see Pac, see success and its outcome See Jesus, see Judas See Caesar, see Brutus, see success is like suicide Suicide, it's a suicide If you succeed, prepare to be crucified
This song is just hilarious to me, minus the explicit lyrics. Were the Geto Boys serious about the lyrics or no? The other reasons why I love this song are because of the delivery and that I have so many white guy friends that know all of the words. It's just priceless when ear/see them rap along with it. I think everyone has a little gangsta in them.
So I'm in this small organic food store and I couldn't believe what my ears were hearing. It was a glorious cover of TLC's "Waterfalls." I seriously stood there ecstatic and stunned. It was a guy playing the guitar singing the lyrics and then it got to Left Eye's rap and wooow he sang that too. If anyone knows it please tell me where to find it.
I found one cover, but this one is a little too poppy and fast. But covering this song is just amazing to me because I remember when it came out and we'd sing it all the time. Enjoy!
So the other day an acquaintance of mine tweeted about how she thought this song was dumb. But I beg to differ!
First of all, one of my favorite names to say is Chaka Khan. Just say it to yourself right now..fast and loud. If that doesn't bring a smile to your face then I don't know what will. haha
Anyway, I agree that this song is kinda cheesy, but at the same time the message is so heartfelt. This is a classic and I don't care what you think, but if a person is willing to walk through fire for you or say any part of this song to you he/she is a keeper. I would just like to add that the instrumentals are great on this and it's been featured in hip hop and rap songs. "Through the fire, through the limit." Oh Chaka Khan!
I love old Common so I thought I'd pick this song. I love how it's definitely not about a girl, but if you don't listen to it hard enough you'd never know. And I think it's great that it's in the move Brown Sugar.
I had this inspiration at the airport for my song of the day and it led to anything by Jonny Lang. I picked this song because it's great to sing to and it has some great guitar. But you should really check him out because he's pretty much eargasmic and amazing live. If you ever see that he has a show near you...go! He was one of the best concerts I've ever been to. You can tell that music consumes his soul and it just inspires you to go take music lessons in any instrument. Ohh I guess I should add that he is in the blues, jazz, alternative genres, but for all you hip-hop lovers just check him out because his music touches your heart with all the great harmonies, guitar riffs, and heartful singing.
You may recognize him because he was in one of the blues brothers movies way back in the 90s. I think it was the scene in the phone operating room or something like that and he was being moved across the floor while ripping it on his guitar.
Today's song is by Muse. I don't think a lot of people know about them or they just disregard them because a lot of their stuff is hardcore, but not even that hardcore in the big perspective of things. Anyway, I love this song because of all the polyrythmns and then the snapping and clapping are just great. The singer's falsetto is also pretty up there. If you like this song you should listen to the rest of their "Absolution" album.
This was on Kanye's Blog and I nearly jumped up and down. Q-Tip, D'Angelo, and Raphael Saadiq woooow. What more can you ask for? I haven't fully listened to it, but I'm just going to assume that it's a great combo of songs because these three guys are so talented. Click here for the download.
I decided I would pick the song that came up on shuffle for the song of the day and I'm very pleased. This song is by Caleb, student at SUNY Purchase. Enjoy it. My favorite part is around 2:17.
One of Drake's songs from his mixtape that will drop monday was leaked..dun dun dun. I'm not surprised. I don't know what the real title is, but that's probably just because my brain is fried. On Karencivil.wordpress.com it says download "Take You Down" but I don't know why Drake would name it the same as Chris Brown's "Take You Down" when they both have the same beat...hmmmm. Click on the link and you can listen to it. I don't know what it is but when Drake says pussy I just cringe a little.
I saw this on Kanye's blog. They're a new kind of earphones designed by Ji Woong. I don't know if I would rock them because with my luck the zipper would get caught on my skin and tear me up...if it's that rough kinda metal. Would you wear them?
So I may not be tired like the tired Adele is talking about, but I am sooo tired. Enjoy some Adele today. Her whole album is amazing. I know I've said it before, but it's the truth.
I feel like so many things happened these past couple of days, so I thought I'd do a run down. 1.)A.I. Love You finished their first project "Sincerely Yours" last night. If you liked them/ actually looked them up after I posted about them earlier, ask them how you can get a copy. They also put up a youtube video of a remix they did "Get Drunk"
2.) I guess some nudie photos of Cassie were leaked. She's not making a big deal out of it, but the internet is. I guess there's a lot of appeal for Diddy's girl. I'm definitely not going to post a link..if you want to see them that bad it won't be hard to find.
3.) Drake was signed to Universal Motown. If you want proof go here. He is also coming out with new music on monday. I know I can't wait.
4.) Supposedly Madonna and Lil Wayne are working together. That's just weird to me, but ok.
5.) Paula Abdul is coming out with new music. That just makes me laugh
Since he does sing today's song I thought I'd enlighten you on him a little bit. His stage name is 88-keys but his actual name is Charles Misodi Njapa. He started as a producer, but now he's a solo artist...just like the lot of them. He released his first album in November 2008..you've probably heard or watched the video for "Stay UP! (Viagra)" It's basically a ridiculous song, but it goes with the story his album is all about; a man you may have died due to his love of sex. His album is full of greatly-produced songs...done by Kanye...and crazy story lines. Check him out at http://www.myspace.com/88keys or better yet, check out his website. It's jammed packed with information. http://eightyocho.com/
When I originally heard this song I didn't like it, but now I do. The beginning instrumentals make me happy and want to dance around like no one's watching and then when you concentrate on the lyrics, it's just great. The singing is genuine...like straining but in a good way and then the rapping is on point. There are a lot of catchy phrases that I wish people would say/ follow. Example: "You Play Alot Of Games So I Call Out Your Name Like Paul Revere For All To Hear.." And I love the ending "love me? I'm not even sure I like you." ha
First I just want to wish everyone a great and safe Cinco de Mayo.Today's song is "Diablo Rojo" played by Rodrigo y Gabriela. I first heard about them on MTV when they still played music. These two are amazing on the classical guitar. It's crazy how fast they can play...cause it's all finger-picking. (Anyone who can play classical guitar is my hero) It's a combo of latin music with rock passion. Read more about them at www.rodgab.com
I don't know if it's just because I'm partial to Vibe because I interviewed with them or that I love the magazine...if you don't then oh well...but Danyel Smith writes the best letters. The June/July one makes me pretty excited to read the issue. Read it here.
I think I should just start posting a funny song for everyday, but that would entail another post and I don't want to be too overwhelming. But today's song is pretty funny. It's Christian Rich's song "White Girls." It's to N.E.R.D's "Everybody Nose Remix" beat. I don't even want to ruin the song for you so just press play.
This cool rocker panda design drew me in at first and then I pressed the play button and it was over. These two guys are good. I wrote about electro-hip hop yesterday, I believe, and then I found more. I love that when that happens. But anyway, from reading their myspace profile they seem like pretty cool guys who are making good music. If you look around the profile you can learn all their favorites and everything. They sound like someone to me, but I can't place it ...and that's really kind of making me mad. So if you guys can place the voice please enlighten me.
My favorite track from these Maryland guys probably has to be "Cold Dust Girl." It seems so creative to me and who can't like a little Disney reference..haha But their other ones are good too.
Damn I wish you could actually read that. But it says that Coldplay will be giving out a free cd to every concert they have and then on May 15 other fans will be able to download it on their website for free. All the tracks are live versions. If you want to read the actual thing and see the artwork go here.
This kid is hilarious. You have to watch his facial expressions and you'll end up peeing your pants. Pretty sure I looked/sounded like a fool while I was working.
I just love this song because I'm a rebel...ah ah ah ah ah. I blasted this while I was driving around last summer. I suggest you do the same this summer. And everyone has to love a little Bob Marley and Peter Tosh in their lives.
These guys have been getting a lot of buzz on twitter and the blogosphere, so if you haven't been keeping up with the times here's the info for you.
They're two brothers coming from Chi-Town...i swear some of the best artists come from the midwest. They've been helping other people in the studio for years, but now they're focusing more on themselves. They just released a video for their new single "Famous Girl" and it's pretty out there, but definitely in a good way.
They have an electro-rap kinda feel, which seems to be in most of the new songs coming out.
You can check out all their stuff(mixtape, photos, video, bio,etc...) at
So once I post something about someone I believe in following up with them...if you guys don't like it let me know. Anyway...Mike Milan dropped another track, "I Love Women," last night on illroots.com.It's to Asher Roth's "I Love College." If you like foreign women, drinking, and sex then here's the song for you. Check it out here.
It took me awhile to compile this so I hope someone enjoys it. It's what I've been listening to recently and a couple other songs thrown in there for a smile. I find it nice to study/write/make photo projects to. I recommend just opening it up in another window and do your thing because there is definitely around 2 hours worth of music in this playlist...maybe I went overboard, but I have a.d.d and it takes me a long time to accomplish anything.
All audio and photos are used for promotional or review purpose. If you would like your audio/photos taken down please contact me at kigarton@syr.edu. Thanks
