Quick and Easy and Chill Today
It's Friday. Wrap yourself up in some fog (cause listening to this doesn't it feel like you should be wrapped up in fog… or is that smoke *cough, cough*?) and get ready for the weekend baby. Not going to write much here (mostly because I'm lazy yes) but this song is just chill. Was a nice way to roll into work.
Thoughts From One About To Leave For Tour
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The version I have comes from O.A.R.'s first performance at Bonnaroo. As is the case with the majority of my O.A.R. tracks I couldn't find the exact version so this is the next best thing. But the show was played when O.A.R. was still emerging (before the pop sound) and they sound so grateful to be there. That's what I've always loved about this band, they appreciate everything. The first time I saw them at the Garden you couldn't help but feel the band's excitement. There's nothing better than seeing a band who understands the importance of the venue their playing. The first time I saw the Killers was at the Garden and the show was only an hour and twenty minutes and was nothing special. It was like "you guys do know you're playing Madison Square Garden right?"
I like this song because it gives a good perspective of what it feels like to leave for tour. You always get the songs about how awesome tour is but you never hear about the pain of leaving. O.A.R. may not have the most intricate lyrics ever written, but they do have this ability to write/sing lyrics that grab a hold of you and that you can relate to. Maybe it' s the simplistic nature of it or maybe it's saying more than saying less? I don't but I've always had an easy time connecting with O.A.R. lyrics.
On top of all that this is just an awesome song to hear live. I want to say that the first time I saw them they opened with this. I'm not 100% on this but I'm pretty sure. It's that bass groove it just starts strumming through you. Plus it could just be me, but there is almost a hidden dark nature to this song. Like it's hiding underneath the vocals or something. But it feels like there's this dark underlining. Hmmmmm the best way I can explain it is early morning right before the sun rises. That's what this song is to me. I don't know how else to explain it (or if that even explains it all).
The version I have comes from O.A.R.'s first performance at Bonnaroo. As is the case with the majority of my O.A.R. tracks I couldn't find the exact version so this is the next best thing. But the show was played when O.A.R. was still emerging (before the pop sound) and they sound so grateful to be there. That's what I've always loved about this band, they appreciate everything. The first time I saw them at the Garden you couldn't help but feel the band's excitement. There's nothing better than seeing a band who understands the importance of the venue their playing. The first time I saw the Killers was at the Garden and the show was only an hour and twenty minutes and was nothing special. It was like "you guys do know you're playing Madison Square Garden right?"
I like this song because it gives a good perspective of what it feels like to leave for tour. You always get the songs about how awesome tour is but you never hear about the pain of leaving. O.A.R. may not have the most intricate lyrics ever written, but they do have this ability to write/sing lyrics that grab a hold of you and that you can relate to. Maybe it' s the simplistic nature of it or maybe it's saying more than saying less? I don't but I've always had an easy time connecting with O.A.R. lyrics.
On top of all that this is just an awesome song to hear live. I want to say that the first time I saw them they opened with this. I'm not 100% on this but I'm pretty sure. It's that bass groove it just starts strumming through you. Plus it could just be me, but there is almost a hidden dark nature to this song. Like it's hiding underneath the vocals or something. But it feels like there's this dark underlining. Hmmmmm the best way I can explain it is early morning right before the sun rises. That's what this song is to me. I don't know how else to explain it (or if that even explains it all).
Temple of the Dog Suckas
After seeing PJ20 I've had a new appreciation for Temple of the Dog. I've always liked them but after the documentary I feel that there's a new bond there. I can't stop listening to Say Hello To Heaven (my God does that song just shred). So needless to say I was pretty pumped when this started playing through my car speakers on the way home.
If you think that Say Hello To Heaven kicks then you're not listening to Reach Down. This song is 12 minutes of ass kicking goodness. Right around the 4:30 mark when Cornell lets the band take over this song just explodes. For me it's the fastest 12 minute song I've ever heard. Also (and this could just be me) does this sound like it could be an Alice In Chains track? I don't know I hear it a little bit.
Lately I've forgotten how awesome Cornell is (yes I blame most of Audioslave and that pop album he put out…shiver) and listening to Temple of the Dog just helps to remind one how awesome he truly is. I would say he probably has the best voice in rock n' roll right now, although I don't think he can compare to Plant or Mercury. But his voice is just as important as the guitar work here. Cornell is a rock god (despite that pop album) and it took PJ20 and some Temple of the Dog to remind me of that.
Side Note- so my wonderful, incredible, awesome wife (Shea) gave me my birthday gift last night. And Shufflers guess what? We're going to the ROCK N ROLL HALL OF FAME!!!! That's right Shea got me tickets to go see the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in late October. We're driving down and awesome shall ensue. Not to mention that the following day (Sunday) we have tickets to go see the Browns play the Seahawks (not to mention the Giants are on a bye week so I won't miss their game). Yeah greatest birthday ever. Greatest gift. So pack your bags Shufflers. Ohio here we come!
If you think that Say Hello To Heaven kicks then you're not listening to Reach Down. This song is 12 minutes of ass kicking goodness. Right around the 4:30 mark when Cornell lets the band take over this song just explodes. For me it's the fastest 12 minute song I've ever heard. Also (and this could just be me) does this sound like it could be an Alice In Chains track? I don't know I hear it a little bit.
Lately I've forgotten how awesome Cornell is (yes I blame most of Audioslave and that pop album he put out…shiver) and listening to Temple of the Dog just helps to remind one how awesome he truly is. I would say he probably has the best voice in rock n' roll right now, although I don't think he can compare to Plant or Mercury. But his voice is just as important as the guitar work here. Cornell is a rock god (despite that pop album) and it took PJ20 and some Temple of the Dog to remind me of that.
Side Note- so my wonderful, incredible, awesome wife (Shea) gave me my birthday gift last night. And Shufflers guess what? We're going to the ROCK N ROLL HALL OF FAME!!!! That's right Shea got me tickets to go see the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in late October. We're driving down and awesome shall ensue. Not to mention that the following day (Sunday) we have tickets to go see the Browns play the Seahawks (not to mention the Giants are on a bye week so I won't miss their game). Yeah greatest birthday ever. Greatest gift. So pack your bags Shufflers. Ohio here we come!
Post Foo Show
First thing first. That concert last night was amazing!!! Two hours and forty-five minutes of melt your face, kick you in the groin rock show. From start to finish it was amazing (and considering the 14 hours it took us to get there it was well worth it. Traveling yesterday was beastly). Covers of Pink Floyd's In the Flesh (I was hoping for a Roger Waters citing since they will be playing the same song with him tonight on Jimmy Fallon) and Breakdown by Tom Petty. You wouldn't really think the Foo Fighters could jam out but yes they can. A number of songs steamed rolled into 8-12 minute territory as the band just shredded the Izod center. And to top it all off Krist Novoselic (yes that one) came out to play accordion on a song. I was present for a mini Nirvana reunion (all surviving members on stage at once… Dave, Krist, and Pat Smear). I couldn't help but get choked up. It was awesome and 1996 Kevin totally geeked out. I am currently scavenging the internet to see if anyone maybe recorded the show. I must have it. Must.
Trying to move on from the awesome that was last night to today's song. For starters it's not a Foo Fighters track (actually I think we've only had one so far right? That's weird). Actually it's not even a rock track. It's the re-emergence of Obie Trice people (you might remember him from our very first song). This one is a little different though. I think the Set Up might be the best track off the album. I love that opening verse and the beat, and even Nate Dogg's hook is pretty good. The whole tempo of the song stays even and I think that's pretty interesting. Even when Trice is talking about things that happened that pissed him off he never raises the volume of his voice. Everything is steady. Flows perfectly with the beat. This was always a stand out track from Cheers for me.
I believe there is a remix out there somewhere with Method Man, Redman, and Jada Kiss. I've only heard it a couple of times and from what I remember Redman kills it. I should really track it down. I think my ipod would thank me for it.
Trying to move on from the awesome that was last night to today's song. For starters it's not a Foo Fighters track (actually I think we've only had one so far right? That's weird). Actually it's not even a rock track. It's the re-emergence of Obie Trice people (you might remember him from our very first song). This one is a little different though. I think the Set Up might be the best track off the album. I love that opening verse and the beat, and even Nate Dogg's hook is pretty good. The whole tempo of the song stays even and I think that's pretty interesting. Even when Trice is talking about things that happened that pissed him off he never raises the volume of his voice. Everything is steady. Flows perfectly with the beat. This was always a stand out track from Cheers for me.
I believe there is a remix out there somewhere with Method Man, Redman, and Jada Kiss. I've only heard it a couple of times and from what I remember Redman kills it. I should really track it down. I think my ipod would thank me for it.
Vegas End Into Foo Awesome
Leaving Las Vegas today and heading back to New York only to head down to New Jersey to see the Foo Fighters at the Izod Center. Oh and it's my birthday. Yeah so I'm pretty pumped right now. So when I hit shuffle on my ipod I was hoping for something Foo or something awesome. I didn't get Foo and I didn't get awesome but I got something that wasn't terrible.
I'm pretty sure I've mentioned before that I'm a pretty big David Cook fan. The stuff he did on American Idol was outstanding (well for the most part), and was enough to make me a fan (by fan I mean someone who downloaded his American Idol singles almost weekly). Then there is this song. Here's the thing here. I can't fault David Cook too much here. This song was written for the competition and it's pretty cheesy. It sounds like something that would be used for an 80's teen movie montage or something. But to Cook's credit he does his best with it and makes it listenable. Further proof of why he should have won American Idol that year. Taking crap songs and making them sound listenable.
But enough of David Cook… bring on the Foo!!!!
I'm pretty sure I've mentioned before that I'm a pretty big David Cook fan. The stuff he did on American Idol was outstanding (well for the most part), and was enough to make me a fan (by fan I mean someone who downloaded his American Idol singles almost weekly). Then there is this song. Here's the thing here. I can't fault David Cook too much here. This song was written for the competition and it's pretty cheesy. It sounds like something that would be used for an 80's teen movie montage or something. But to Cook's credit he does his best with it and makes it listenable. Further proof of why he should have won American Idol that year. Taking crap songs and making them sound listenable.
But enough of David Cook… bring on the Foo!!!!
Vegas Day 2
Vegas Day 3- Oh dear God waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many gin and tonics last night. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many. Things I've learned thus far
1. I play the slots better when listening to Pearl Jam… not so much with Foster the People.
2. It's fun to speak to people with Foo Fighters tattoos
3. Football at 10 a.m. is pretty fun
4. A Giants victory over the Eagles can cure most hangovers (especially when money is won for said Giants fan)
Keeping it brief today but I love the whole Europe '72 album. This exactly the sound I was looking for after last night (Shea had a lounge singer sing happy birthday to me… it was awesome). Very mellow. Very chill.
Five Songs I Can't Live Without (At Least This Week)
1. Release (live)- Pearl Jam
2. Better Off- Foo Fighters
3. I Follow Rivers- Lykke L
i4. The Mall and Misery- Broken Bells
5. Walk With Me- Pearl Jam w/ Neil Young
1. I play the slots better when listening to Pearl Jam… not so much with Foster the People.
2. It's fun to speak to people with Foo Fighters tattoos
3. Football at 10 a.m. is pretty fun
4. A Giants victory over the Eagles can cure most hangovers (especially when money is won for said Giants fan)
Keeping it brief today but I love the whole Europe '72 album. This exactly the sound I was looking for after last night (Shea had a lounge singer sing happy birthday to me… it was awesome). Very mellow. Very chill.
Five Songs I Can't Live Without (At Least This Week)
1. Release (live)- Pearl Jam
2. Better Off- Foo Fighters
3. I Follow Rivers- Lykke L
i4. The Mall and Misery- Broken Bells
5. Walk With Me- Pearl Jam w/ Neil Young
Vegas Day 1
Vegas Day 2- Day one of Vegas was a success. I hit shuffle early on in the day today because there was lots to do (slots, booze, food, pool, ect.).
The version that played on my ipod came from a show in 20__ and was the end of the tour. I've always really enjoyed this show. The band plays with a lot of energy (the version of About Mr. Brown from this show is one of my favorites) and you can hear the strain in Marc's voice. It's clear that it's been a long tour but this was when O.A.R. didn't disappoint.
Hey Girl is one of the songs you can tell the band is most proud of (case in point it has shown up on three studio albums and two live albums) so the band takes a lot of pride in perfecting it. The closest they've come to capturing the live feel of the song is on the In Between Then and Now album. Hey Girl was always destined to be a song that needed to heard live. I'm sorry I couldn't find the exact version but this one should hold you over. Feel free to sing-a-long.
The version that played on my ipod came from a show in 20__ and was the end of the tour. I've always really enjoyed this show. The band plays with a lot of energy (the version of About Mr. Brown from this show is one of my favorites) and you can hear the strain in Marc's voice. It's clear that it's been a long tour but this was when O.A.R. didn't disappoint.
Hey Girl is one of the songs you can tell the band is most proud of (case in point it has shown up on three studio albums and two live albums) so the band takes a lot of pride in perfecting it. The closest they've come to capturing the live feel of the song is on the In Between Then and Now album. Hey Girl was always destined to be a song that needed to heard live. I'm sorry I couldn't find the exact version but this one should hold you over. Feel free to sing-a-long.
Not the Time For LOST
So I thought to myself today "how cool would it be to hit shuffle while 30,000 feet in the air?", so that's what I did. I had just finished up listening to my newest Pearl Jam playlist (making my trilogy of Pearl Jam playlists now into a saga) and was thoroughly impressed with myself. So when I hit shuffle I expected good things.
By now you all know I'm a huge LOST geek and usually I would be excited about a LOST piece coming on the ole ipod, but today there was something disconcerting about it. I'm all about ending up on the island but being on a plane when a track from the soundtrack came on kind of gave me pause. We were flying over the Colorado Rockies at the time so if the plane was to "go down" there was no way I was ending up on the island. In fact there was no water below us what so ever. So while I listened to the track in the back of my head I kept thinking "this isn't a good idea, listen to the rest when we land" and so that's what I did. I didn't want to test fate and all that.
By now you all know I'm a huge LOST geek and usually I would be excited about a LOST piece coming on the ole ipod, but today there was something disconcerting about it. I'm all about ending up on the island but being on a plane when a track from the soundtrack came on kind of gave me pause. We were flying over the Colorado Rockies at the time so if the plane was to "go down" there was no way I was ending up on the island. In fact there was no water below us what so ever. So while I listened to the track in the back of my head I kept thinking "this isn't a good idea, listen to the rest when we land" and so that's what I did. I didn't want to test fate and all that.
The Night Before Vegas...
So I'm leaving for Las Vegas tomorrow for a long weekend, and ending it on Monday with a return to the east coast to see the Foo Fighters. Needless to say I don't think I'm going to be posting that much while I'm over there. As a a matter of fact I'm not going to bring my lap top (Shea will have hers so there is a slight chance but doubtful). I just wanted to give you guys the heads up so you didn't think I was flaking out on you guys again. Expect a number of posts on Tuesday. Until then enjoy todays song.
What I like about this track is there is a lot of emphasis on the bass and the drums. It's not like it's a particularly difficult drum scheme but you can always hear it. The bass stands front and center and makes like a bass-bass-drum type rhythm.
Getting back into O.A.R. has re-opened the door to a lot of bands I stopped listening to as much. Michael Franti and Spearhead sort of fall in that category. I used to listen to the Yell Fire album all the time and slowly it fell out of rotation. So when I played it for the first time in ages it was like listening to it for the first time again. Forgiving O.A.R. was one of the best things I've done musically this year.
Well off to Vegas goes I. I'll catch you guys in a couple of days.
What I like about this track is there is a lot of emphasis on the bass and the drums. It's not like it's a particularly difficult drum scheme but you can always hear it. The bass stands front and center and makes like a bass-bass-drum type rhythm.
Getting back into O.A.R. has re-opened the door to a lot of bands I stopped listening to as much. Michael Franti and Spearhead sort of fall in that category. I used to listen to the Yell Fire album all the time and slowly it fell out of rotation. So when I played it for the first time in ages it was like listening to it for the first time again. Forgiving O.A.R. was one of the best things I've done musically this year.
Well off to Vegas goes I. I'll catch you guys in a couple of days.
You Should Talk About This Album More
When people talk about Bob Marley records Survival isn't mentioned as much as it should be, but I would go so far as to say it belongs in his top three best albums (this is not including Legend because that is more or less a greatest hits album). Actually this album kind of reminds me of working at Borders (I bought it with a gift card I got for employee of the month... that's right self plug). Come on One Drop alone makes this album worth buying.
It's Time To Meet The Muppets...Queen
It's funny that this song would be selected now. Funny for a few reasons.
Reason 1- Shea and I were literally talking about this song on Saturday when I played it in her car. She told me I find the song to be funnier than it is and funnier than other people think. I thought this was kind of weird but correct me if I'm wrong here… this is the Muppets singing Queen right? It's the freakin' Muppets singing probably what is Queen's biggest song. How is this not funny or awesome (granted Shea used the word funny and didn't say anything about it not being awesome). I would think everyone would find this song to be funny. Just listen to Animal. I was curious to how the Muppets would handle some of the subject matter of the song, and the use of Animal is perfect. No one wants to hear a Muppet singing about killing a man and going to jail and yada yada yada. Imagine Kermit singing that. Well it would remind me of this painful video to watch.
Reason 2- I have been on a HUGE Muppets kick as of late. Maybe it has to do with the upcoming movie or the Green Album (speaking of which if you haven't listened to this or downloaded it what in the hell is wrong with you?! There is some really great stuff on here. For Christ sake the Fray do Muhna Muhna… and it's awesome). Whatever it is I'm all about the Muppets right now. We spent a hungover Saturday a couple of weeks ago watching two hours of the first season of the Muppet Show (the night before we danced about to bits of the Green Album… seriously people what are we waiting for here?). It was glorious. Do yourself a favor and just check out some of those old shows they're worth it for the subtle funny.
Non Muppet Related News- I saw Cameron Crowes love letter to Pearl Jam (PJ20) last night. There is so much I want to say but I'm still geeked out over the whole thing I'm not even sure where to begin. In short it was amazing. DVD comes out Oct. 25 (with a bunch of special editions being sold by the Ten Club) and I think they're airing it on PBS a few days before that. Do yourself a favor and watch it. I thought I was in love with Pearl Jam before…it just blew my mind.
When Soundtracks Go Wrong
I bought the Pineapple Express soundtrack thinking it would be pretty good. There was a good collection of songs within the movie (come on Electric Avenue!!!) and it was funny so these things seemed like they would translate well to a soundtrack. Unfortunately I was incorrect (surprised right? that hardly ever happens). The stand out tracks…well they stood out but everything else was kind of "eh". Funny within the movie not so much on the soundtrack. What can I say? We live and learn. Not every soundtrack can belong to Pulp Fiction, Donnie Darko, or Kill Bill Vol. 1 (yeah that's right two Tarantino soundtracks). Then again what was I expecting from the Pineapple Express soundtrack? You're not really going to strike gold here. It's not Empire Records or Mallrats. There's no cultural movement within the movie so I shouldn't be surprised that there isn't one on the soundtrack. I guess good soundtracks encompass a time period. A sound that instantly takes you back to movie and your life. It's like one of those cheesy collection albums without the infomercial or the cheese.
But instead today we got Pineapple Express. D'oh!
For me this song never takes off. It's that kid who you meet at the playground who seems like he'd be fun to play with then spends the next five minutes running in a circle blabbering, and you find he's more annoying then fun. That's this song for me. I don't really know what else to say about it really. It exists in a world where no one really cares I suppose. It fit inside the movie well. That's something positive right?
It's Ray Charles Y'all
I first heard Ray Charles through Billy Joel and their amazing duet, Baby Grand. To this day it's one of my favorite Billy Joel songs. As I got older I of course discovered America the Beautiful and Georgia (sweet Jesus Georgia) among many others. I have never seen the movie Ray though (although I have glimpsed bits and pieces here and there), and I can tell you that Ray Charles is the most unsuspecting heroin addict ever. Who would have thought? There are so many blind jokes that I'm going to stray for but it just didn't seem to fit.
I like these types of songs where the backup singers are involved with the lead singer or front band. James Brown would do this type of stuff all the time to the point where the backups played the role of James's conscience and he had to check in with them before he did anything else. I think it also boils down to the fact that music that requires participation from band members translates well to live shows because you can turn that participation to the crowd. And we all know that I love crowd participation.
The cool thing about Ray Charles was his passion. When the man was performing or recording you could hear it in his voice you could hear it in the piano playing…the man had passion and soul. Unchain My Heart touches on that soul. You can hear it while listening that Charles just wraps himself entirely in the song and creates almost his own little universe with himself and the band. I could easily picture him forgetting that there was anyone else in the world at that moment. That's the beauty of his music sometimes you forget too.
Five Songs I Can't Live Without (At Least This Week)
1. Truth- Alexander
2. Miss You- Foster the People
3. Waste- Forster the People
4. Kick Drum Heart- Avett Brothers
5. Given To Fly- Pearl Jam
I like these types of songs where the backup singers are involved with the lead singer or front band. James Brown would do this type of stuff all the time to the point where the backups played the role of James's conscience and he had to check in with them before he did anything else. I think it also boils down to the fact that music that requires participation from band members translates well to live shows because you can turn that participation to the crowd. And we all know that I love crowd participation.
The cool thing about Ray Charles was his passion. When the man was performing or recording you could hear it in his voice you could hear it in the piano playing…the man had passion and soul. Unchain My Heart touches on that soul. You can hear it while listening that Charles just wraps himself entirely in the song and creates almost his own little universe with himself and the band. I could easily picture him forgetting that there was anyone else in the world at that moment. That's the beauty of his music sometimes you forget too.
Five Songs I Can't Live Without (At Least This Week)
1. Truth- Alexander
2. Miss You- Foster the People
3. Waste- Forster the People
4. Kick Drum Heart- Avett Brothers
5. Given To Fly- Pearl Jam
Hell Yes 90's Aerosmith, Hell Yes
Where does one begin to start with 90's Aerosmith. Wow. For me Get A Grip Aerosmith was the start of me finding my own sound outside of my parents. Livin' On the Edge was one of those songs that I fell in love with instantly, and memorized it and sung it every chance I had, and started to realise that I could like my own bands and didn't just have to listen to what my parents were pumping. While Aerosmith didn't really fit the alternative music I was going to start listening to I never pushed them aside. In fact I was proud of my love for all things Aerosmith.
Let's be honest here too people, Aerosmith helped make the music video awesome! Yeah I said. That string of videos (including Cryin' here) staring Alicia Silverstone were incredible. She was smokin' and everyone wanted to see Aerosmith's videos because she was in them (come on need I say how hot she was on the bike in Amazing and her and Live Tyler in Crazy? Do I people?). Watching these videos now they just glow with 90's excellence, but back then they were the shit. (Side Note 1 For LOST Fans: The person who steals her bag in the diner is none other than Sawyer himself) (Side Note 2- the video version of the song is actually longer then the studio cut because they liked the footage they shot so much. Thank you Pop Up Video. Wow does anyone remember that?)
I love Cryin'. Everything about it from those opening chords to the harmonica solo to the screamin' it's one of those songs that just makes me think how exciting it was to listen to Get A Grip with my head phones on. Aerosmith helped introduce me to a lot of other classic rock bands that the grunge music was missing out on (don't get me wrong with grunge I learned of the Pixies, Sonic Youth, and the Ramones but with Aerosmith I learned of the Who's Tommy or some random Zeppelin record.) Aerosmith opened a lot of doors for me musically, and it's funny you don't hear them get referenced enough like that.
What is great about Cryin' and the whole rest of the Get A Grip album was how Aerosmith was able to adapt their sound again in order to remain relevant. I've never seen a band able to keep a float for so long even when it seems like they were dead in the water. They save themselves by re-doing Walk This Way with Run DMC and then kind of slip back into the shadows and then bam Pump hits and followed up by Get A Grip and it's like they never left. Yeah they've gone a little too pop as of late but Aerosmith does what it needs to survive. How can you fault them with that? And even if you do listen to Cryin' again and see if you feel the same way.
The Game Has Changed
The Game. The Game? Hmmmmm I'm not really sure where to begin with this one. I for one was really excited for his first album (The Documentary) there was so much positive hype plus I was still had my love affair with Shady/Aftermath going on and even better then that Dr. Dre had his hands all over this album. What more could you ask for right? Everything about it seemed like it would be good, and speaking honestly it was a really good rap album. From start to finish The Documentary delivers the goods. Over hyped? Yeah probably. Solid? Yeah it's that too.
The worst part of this album (besides the fact that they changed the name of the album from N.W.A.) was all the drama that followed it. All that G-Unit, 50 Cent vs. The Game crap got annoying real fast. It was like all of you need to shut the hell up and just record songs. It was during that time period where 50 Cent had to beef with everyone. It just wasn't fun.
I think the split with G-Unit was probably the best and worst thing that could have happened to the Game. Yeah he shed himself of the garbage that 50 was becoming but he also lost that publicity that came with being associated with him. Once that beef died it seemed that the Game became an afterthought, I would say he neither won or loss that beef. Yeah he was still putting out some pretty good albums and tracks but it wasn't holding the impact that it would have if he had maybe stayed in the good graces. I don't it's one of those double edge sword type deals.
I really liked this song off when I first heard it, and listening to it again today for the first time I liked it but not as much. A large part of it has to do with my love for most things Eminem (minus Encore and Relapse). When I first heard the track I agreed that Em did kill the Game on his own track but since re-listening and hearing Eminem drop nastier verses I think that comment downgrades Games ability to rap because this isn't Em's best work, nor is it his worse. It's just him dropping in and making it a song because his name is attached.
I recently read an interview with Game where he states that he loves going after rappers, but the one he stays away from is Eminem because he knows Em will rip him up. I kind of liked that he acknowledged that. It's good to have that understanding.
The worst part of this album (besides the fact that they changed the name of the album from N.W.A.) was all the drama that followed it. All that G-Unit, 50 Cent vs. The Game crap got annoying real fast. It was like all of you need to shut the hell up and just record songs. It was during that time period where 50 Cent had to beef with everyone. It just wasn't fun.
I think the split with G-Unit was probably the best and worst thing that could have happened to the Game. Yeah he shed himself of the garbage that 50 was becoming but he also lost that publicity that came with being associated with him. Once that beef died it seemed that the Game became an afterthought, I would say he neither won or loss that beef. Yeah he was still putting out some pretty good albums and tracks but it wasn't holding the impact that it would have if he had maybe stayed in the good graces. I don't it's one of those double edge sword type deals.
I really liked this song off when I first heard it, and listening to it again today for the first time I liked it but not as much. A large part of it has to do with my love for most things Eminem (minus Encore and Relapse). When I first heard the track I agreed that Em did kill the Game on his own track but since re-listening and hearing Eminem drop nastier verses I think that comment downgrades Games ability to rap because this isn't Em's best work, nor is it his worse. It's just him dropping in and making it a song because his name is attached.
I recently read an interview with Game where he states that he loves going after rappers, but the one he stays away from is Eminem because he knows Em will rip him up. I kind of liked that he acknowledged that. It's good to have that understanding.
I'll Take the Studio Cut Over This Live Version
This isn't the exact version of the song that played on my ipod this morning but I suppose it's close enough for government work.
So my ipod must be gearing up for Pearl Jam's big 20th birthday next Tuesday. I'm not going into a lot of detail here because I actually like the stuido cut of Whipping better then this live version (or the live version that played on my ipod this morning). For some reason I think it just translates better on a record then live (or at least in this case). But I won't deny that I'm always pretty excited to start my day off with a little Pearl Jam. It actually lead to me listening to the live album they dropped earlier this year, Live On Ten Legs, which upon first couple of listens I thought was "eh". See I have problem with live albums that take from a bunch of different shows. They all ways try and peace them together as if it's just one show and most of the time it misses the mark. Sometimes they fit and other times the sound seems different and you can tell the band was in a different mood. Although listening to Live On Ten Legs this morning on shuffle I enjoyed it a bit more.
That's my story folks and I'm sticking to it.
Who Wins In A Fight Lemmy, God, or HHH?
Once upon a time I used to be a pretty huge wrestling fan. I'm not talking about high school or college wrestling (it's a little much for me), no I'm talking about the then WWF and now WWE. I wish I could sit here today and tell you by huge I meant descent but I mean huge. I would tape matches on Raw and Smackdown and make collections of my favorites of the year, I was going to house shows, I was rocking t-shirts, the whole nine. Through this love of wrestling I discovered I could actually do a pretty good Rock impression (I know be jealous, but I'm not sure if I could still do it it's been so long).
Part of my obsession with wrestling (and yes I'm okay to say that it was an obsession) was the music. Come on, who among us has not thought about how freakin' cool it would be to have their very own intro music? I think about it at least once a day. I have tons of different songs picked out too. Songs for when I walk into work, songs for when I leave the bathroom, songs when I wake up, the list goes on and on. So naturally I would be drawn to wrestling theme music. Now when I was growing up (during the high years of wrestling, when it was fun to watch) the music was evolving. Hulk Hogan's Real American was fading and new songs were emerging to take it's place (for the record I listened to Real American before I ran Warrior Dash and man did it pump me up). I was being WWF albums with songs to my favorite wrestlers and burning them to CD's for basketball games and track meets (wow I'm sound like such a loser here). I couldn't help it.
Now this... this has to be one of my all time favorite wrestling theme songs ever. Let's just break it down (break it down... that's for my fellow DX nerds. God must stop). Not only is this a wrestling theme song, but it's a wrestling theme song sung by fuckin' Motorhead (sorry for the swearing just needed to get my point across)! That's right people... fuckin' Lemmy himself is singing a wrestling theme for HHH (or as he's known as... The Game). It almost seems like it should make sense doesn't it?
This song kicks too by the way. It always gets me pumped up when I hear it. Makes me want to kick some ass or hit some one with a folding chair or jump off a ladder. Maybe when I was younger (I'd like to tell you that my friends and I never tried to wrestle in the back yard but I'd be lying. Many epic battles in pools (it's easier to lift and kill people in the pool), garages, backyards, I still think my body is trying to heal.) but I can't do that stuff now... I'm married (Note To Self- Contact Tim see if he's interested a wrestling fight reunion... Further Note To Self- Shut up).
You haven't lived people until you've watched a wrestling PPV and Motorhead shows up to play a wrestler's theme song. I can remember this happening three times, maybe four. It will blow. Your. Mind.
As I've gotten older I've strayed away from wrestling (all my favorites left or got to old), but every now and then I'll check in on it or watch something with my brother in-law Paul and my buddy Tim. It reminds me of old times when we'd get together on that one Sunday a month for the PPV. It's a very nostalgic feeling for me I suppose. While I've out grown wrestling it still holds a place in my heart, and I couldn't help but giggle when this came on today. I mean who giggles to a Motorhead song? So this is for my wrestling junkies out there. Be proud of your obsession. It's okay. There are worse things out there. Also please embrace C.M. Punk I'm pretty sure he can make it fun to watch again. And that's the bottom line because- sorry I really meant to stop myself but it's just too easy.
Part of my obsession with wrestling (and yes I'm okay to say that it was an obsession) was the music. Come on, who among us has not thought about how freakin' cool it would be to have their very own intro music? I think about it at least once a day. I have tons of different songs picked out too. Songs for when I walk into work, songs for when I leave the bathroom, songs when I wake up, the list goes on and on. So naturally I would be drawn to wrestling theme music. Now when I was growing up (during the high years of wrestling, when it was fun to watch) the music was evolving. Hulk Hogan's Real American was fading and new songs were emerging to take it's place (for the record I listened to Real American before I ran Warrior Dash and man did it pump me up). I was being WWF albums with songs to my favorite wrestlers and burning them to CD's for basketball games and track meets (wow I'm sound like such a loser here). I couldn't help it.
Now this... this has to be one of my all time favorite wrestling theme songs ever. Let's just break it down (break it down... that's for my fellow DX nerds. God must stop). Not only is this a wrestling theme song, but it's a wrestling theme song sung by fuckin' Motorhead (sorry for the swearing just needed to get my point across)! That's right people... fuckin' Lemmy himself is singing a wrestling theme for HHH (or as he's known as... The Game). It almost seems like it should make sense doesn't it?
This song kicks too by the way. It always gets me pumped up when I hear it. Makes me want to kick some ass or hit some one with a folding chair or jump off a ladder. Maybe when I was younger (I'd like to tell you that my friends and I never tried to wrestle in the back yard but I'd be lying. Many epic battles in pools (it's easier to lift and kill people in the pool), garages, backyards, I still think my body is trying to heal.) but I can't do that stuff now... I'm married (Note To Self- Contact Tim see if he's interested a wrestling fight reunion... Further Note To Self- Shut up).
You haven't lived people until you've watched a wrestling PPV and Motorhead shows up to play a wrestler's theme song. I can remember this happening three times, maybe four. It will blow. Your. Mind.
As I've gotten older I've strayed away from wrestling (all my favorites left or got to old), but every now and then I'll check in on it or watch something with my brother in-law Paul and my buddy Tim. It reminds me of old times when we'd get together on that one Sunday a month for the PPV. It's a very nostalgic feeling for me I suppose. While I've out grown wrestling it still holds a place in my heart, and I couldn't help but giggle when this came on today. I mean who giggles to a Motorhead song? So this is for my wrestling junkies out there. Be proud of your obsession. It's okay. There are worse things out there. Also please embrace C.M. Punk I'm pretty sure he can make it fun to watch again. And that's the bottom line because- sorry I really meant to stop myself but it's just too easy.
Hip Hop Week Continues
I always find it interesting when my ipod gets into moods like this. There are times where it just throws a whole bunch of random stuff at me and that's fine, but when it hits a groove like it has this week that's really when it peaks my interest. What is it right now that has my ipod wanting to play hip hop? I'm starting to think of the Shuffle as the ipods choice. Picture this... when I hit shuffle every morning my ipod is making it's choice of song for the day. This is the number one song on my ipods mind right now. Kind of weird right? I blame this on having to much time to think while driving and years and years of drug abuse (just kidding folks...yes kidding).
This track on paper sounds like it should be really promising. It's Kanye West and Nas on a Kanye produced track, it should be pretty awesome. And I'm not dismissing the coolness of the track because it is pretty chill, but when you put two mega names like this on a track together I want a home run. I want something epic. Picture this. If Elton John and Billy Joel were to write a song together wouldn't you want that song to be a blend of both of their styles as well as something fresh and original? And I'm totally aware of all the artists in the world I could have used here I chose Billy Joel and Elton John. What do you want from me?
Still Dreaming comes off of Nas's first album release on Def Jam records which was a really big deal at the time, now not so much. At the time of this album Jay-Z was the head of Def Jam and he signed Nas to a record deal which was such a huge deal because of the "beef" between the two of them. Although it seems that said "beef" might have been all for money since it was squashed so quickly but I digress.
Any way it just sounded so promising with Nas and Jay-Z working together on an album, so I was quick to scoop it up when it came out. After a few listens I knew I was sort of disappointed but I thought it was a step in the right direction. There were some really good songs on there, and there were some songs that were just there. I for one would have loved if the Roots and Nas had cut a full album together. Maybe one day.
This album was more about the hype of it coming out on Jay-Z's record label then anything else. Still Dreaming has a real smooth beat to it. Very jazz like which is cool (but at times reminds me of the Kanye/Game collaboration Wouldn't Get Far) . I would have liked a better hook here, and believe it or not a little more Kayne. Maybe have the two of them trade viruses off each other or something. There was so much potential here that I felt that kind of got left on the cutting room floor.
Things to check out on this album though, Will.I.Am (yes that one) actually produces a couple of really good tracks here. It makes you almost forget that he sold his soul to the pop gods for money and lame catchy hooks... almost.
This track on paper sounds like it should be really promising. It's Kanye West and Nas on a Kanye produced track, it should be pretty awesome. And I'm not dismissing the coolness of the track because it is pretty chill, but when you put two mega names like this on a track together I want a home run. I want something epic. Picture this. If Elton John and Billy Joel were to write a song together wouldn't you want that song to be a blend of both of their styles as well as something fresh and original? And I'm totally aware of all the artists in the world I could have used here I chose Billy Joel and Elton John. What do you want from me?
Still Dreaming comes off of Nas's first album release on Def Jam records which was a really big deal at the time, now not so much. At the time of this album Jay-Z was the head of Def Jam and he signed Nas to a record deal which was such a huge deal because of the "beef" between the two of them. Although it seems that said "beef" might have been all for money since it was squashed so quickly but I digress.
Any way it just sounded so promising with Nas and Jay-Z working together on an album, so I was quick to scoop it up when it came out. After a few listens I knew I was sort of disappointed but I thought it was a step in the right direction. There were some really good songs on there, and there were some songs that were just there. I for one would have loved if the Roots and Nas had cut a full album together. Maybe one day.
This album was more about the hype of it coming out on Jay-Z's record label then anything else. Still Dreaming has a real smooth beat to it. Very jazz like which is cool (but at times reminds me of the Kanye/Game collaboration Wouldn't Get Far) . I would have liked a better hook here, and believe it or not a little more Kayne. Maybe have the two of them trade viruses off each other or something. There was so much potential here that I felt that kind of got left on the cutting room floor.
Things to check out on this album though, Will.I.Am (yes that one) actually produces a couple of really good tracks here. It makes you almost forget that he sold his soul to the pop gods for money and lame catchy hooks... almost.
Lazy Ass Rap Songs
Like I've said before I went through a Shady/Aftermath phase where I was listening to just about anything that was put out on the record label. It mostly stemmed from my love of all things Eminem and trickled down to lesser albums from Young Buck and yes Lyod Bankis . See there was a period where the whole label thought they were untouchable, Eminem even started producing records (to mixed results mostly misses, must I remind you all of the Tupac album?) and 50 Cent put out albums after Get Rich Or Die Tryin'. I personally thing it went all down hill after Eminem's Encore and the G-Unit album.
So while I was on this kick of Shady/Aftermath artists I was almost forcing myself to like certain albums because of their affiliation. I listen to this stuff now and I wonder what the hell I was thinking? This song is lazy hip-hop at it's best. It sounds like an Eminem produced beat (I'm to lazy to look it up), the rhymes from everyone involved are simplistic and there is no real flow here, and the hook... well I expect better from Nate Dogg.
It's songs like this that kind of made Eminem and 50 Cent less effective. At least Eminem has been able to redeem himself, 50 Cent on the other hand. Wow, that went wrong. Now that I think of it I probably bought this album because Eminem did a track on it. Tisk, tisk, tisk.
A Rap Super Group You Should Know About
Mos Def and Talib Kweli together form the rap super group Black Star. They've only put one album out but if you're looking for the roots of what makes hip hop so good look no further. This album is awesome. If you're just looking for some smooth, chill, awesome hip hop look no further. Actually why aren't you downloading it right now... go I'll wait.
In the mean time check this out
5 Songs I Can't Live Without (At Least This Week)
1. Ole- Pearl Jam
2. My Body- Young the Giant
3. Mahna Mahna- The Fray
4. Dangerous Connection- O.A.R.
5. 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover- G. Love
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