Tuesday, August 30, 2011

New Music Tuesday: Returning with 10 Explosive Songs

If you haven't noticed, I have not posted any blogs in, well... three weeks. I needed a break from writing. Part of it had to do with readjusting to my son's school year schedule. He and I needed to return to a routine that didn't involve sleeping in every day. Now that I'm back in the groove, I can focus on writing again. For those that missed reading my blogs, I apologize.

I have been keeping up on researching new music, so some of these videos are ones that you may have seen already. Others are new discoveries surrounding the Mtv Video Music awards, which I watched on Sunday evening (and did about 100 tweets on my Twitter account- still debating on writing a blog over the show). Be prepared for a lot of artists you recognize or listen to...


Florence + The Machine "What the Water Gave Me"



Yay! New music from Florence + The Machine! I became a fan last year, after "Dog Days Are Over" was nominated for a VMA. I like how the lyrics and music combine to make powerful songs. There is no denying that there is pure talent and I am excited to hear more music from this yet-to-be-released album.

Oh, and is it just me or does she look like a mix between Zooey Deschanel and Chloe Sevigny in this video???

Paramore "Monster"



You know, contributing to the Twilight soundtrack really worked to Paramore's benefit. They gained a multitude of fans (including me- Stephanie Meyer has some badass taste in music). Speaking of soundtracks, this song was released earlier this summer as part of Transformers: Dark of the Moon. I didn't discover this song until two weeks ago, when the video played on the Mtv Hits channel. Better late than never... especially since I really like the song.

Lady Gaga "You and I"



Okay, I was going to have a New Music Tuesday blog for you last week, but this music video stopped me from posting it. I couldn't find the words to describe what I had just seen. I expected the erratic outfits and the possibility this video would be filmed somewhere out in the country. What I didn't expect was to react with "So this is what a bad version of the Footloose remake looks like."

I can say I FINALLY got weirded out by a Lady Gaga video. I did like seeing her in drag- which the likeness grew after her Video Music Awards performance (loved that she stayed in character the entire time and I was amused by a lot of tweets making fun of her as Jo Calderone). I love seeing her in the middle of the corn field with the piano (and herself as Jo)- that could have been the entire video.

Jay-Z and Kanye West "Otis"



If the Otis Redding sample doesn't pull you into this song, I don't know what will. It makes the song an instant "modern classic." Kanye and Jay-Z collaborate very well. Great song guys and you two did a great job performing this at the VMA's!!!

Beyonce "1+1"



First reaction to this video: Every man's wet dream come true. The video is so sexually charged that you feel like you are seduced by Beyonce herself. The lyrics contribute to this... "make love to me." Oh yeah... this video will make women fall for her. Also, congrats to Beyonce and Jay-Z for what will be a very talented (and very spoiled) baby-to-be. :-)

Rihanna "Cheers (Drink to That)"



Rumors are that Rihanna is expected to release a new album, much like the way Lady Gaga did with The Fame, then The Fame Monster. Either way, the trend to release another album, while still having singles top the charts from the current one, seems to be going strong. One of these times, a pop artist is going to check themselves in for exhaustion... and I will be waiting to see that headline all over the social media sites. As far as the song itself, it's alright. I do like the Avril Lavigne sample in the chorus but the song, to me, seems like it could be easily forgettable.


Nicki Minaj feat Rihanna "Fly"



This video reminds me of the movie Wall-E, without the robots. Nicki and Rihanna look absolutely gorgeous!!! I really like the song. Nicki has the ability to be able to rap alongside some of the biggest rappers today, but she can also pull off a softer, melodic side. I think I found my next music purchase.

Bad Meets Evil feat. Bruno Mars "Lighters"



This is currently my favorite song of the moment. When I realized this was the second single from the Bad Meets Evil album, I made the trip to Target to buy the album within a week. Between the beautiful chorus sung by Bruno Mars and the career reflections of Eminem and Royce da 5'9'', I enjoy listening and singing to the song. I just cannot get enough of this song!!!

Wiz Khalifa "No Sleep"



Bold statement of the week: I like this song better than "Black and Yellow."


OK Go and the Muppets "Muppets Theme Song"



Combining the unforgettable videos of OK Go with the Muppets.... highly entertaining!!! If anyone watched this video and have not watched any of OK Go's videos, you need to look up their videos now. This music video will be funnier if you do so. This video got me excited for the upcoming Muppet film, due out in late Fall.


All righty... that's a wrap for this week. See you again in seven days!!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

New Music Tuesday: OK Go, Shaggy, Tech N9ne, Urkel Goes Cee Lo, and a Video Debut of a Song I Featured Last Week

I turned into a workaholic... well, for a week. Since I was kid free for 10 days, I decided to take advantage of picking up extra shifts at the grill and bar, especially over the weekend. Now that I've caught up on rest and relaxation, I can share some new music with you guys (which I had only started researching last night). Please, enjoy the five songs/videos I have included in today's blog!!!!


OK Go and Pilobolus "All Is Not Lost"



When I heard that OK Go had made another unique video, I had to look for it! I love how the group and other individuals created a kind of visual art using bodysuits and glass, especially when creating words and moving patterns. I admit that I was paying so much attention to the video that I have no idea what the song is about. Time to give it another listen!

Shaggy "Sugarcane"



Well, Shaggy has returned. I enjoyed his music from my high school days and this single brings that familiarity back to my ears. However, the beginning of this song seemed a little busy and loud. It calmed down later. I was highly amused by the video. I have tasted actual sugarcane before and it was very sweet but I don't see myself running off with the guy that provided me the treat. :-)


Tech N9ne "Mama Nem"



I've been listening to Tech N9ne's music for years now, but I have not called myself a real fan since I have not invested in any of his music. I've always liked his music. This song, however, is making me want to go to the store and buy his latest album. I thought it was very sweet to write a song for his Mom. I loved seeing the pictures of Tech N9ne and his family over the years... it made the song and video more personal. :-)

Cee Lo Green "Cry Baby"



Well, hello Jaleel White! After my initial reaction to seeing the former Steve Urkel in the video, I became engulfed in the song and video. This is one of those times in which you forget about the actor and just see the story unfold in front of you. I love how Cee Lo Green incorporates old school Motown for his videos. I was excited to see the video and was not disappointed.


Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera "Moves Like Jagger (Director's Cut)"



A blend of the old and new... I loved how this video turned out!!! First, there's footage of Mick Jagger when the Rolling Stones were emerging as a band. It blends into modern day where individuals are wearing vintage clothing. Then, Adam Levine and company emerge. My addiction to this song now has a great video to enjoy!


Well, that's all for this week... see you guys next time!!!

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

New Music Tuesday: Carolina Liar, a Collaboration Thanks to The Voice, DEV, and Ellie Goulding

Before I go into my normal weekly blog, I need to address something...

Saturday (July 30th) was the one year anniversary of starting my blog page. Wow. I've been writing on a regular basis for an entire year. I could not be happier. I also want to thank my friends, acquaintances and readers for taking time to enjoy what I have to write. There will be plenty of blogs in the future, and hopefully I'll see myself sending in a draft of a novel to a publishing company. Again, thank you to everyone who has enjoyed my blog.

Now, it's Tuesday and I have new music to share!

Carolina Liar "Drown"



I really enjoy the song... it's got a great message while accompanied with an alternative/rock edge. The confetti surrounding the band and their instruments leave a nice, colorful touch to the video before the day glow paint explodes all over the place. Who says you can't make a cool video with craft supplies??? LOL


Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera "Moves Like Jagger"



This song has become my new addiction. Whenever it comes on the radio, I turn it up! The combination of Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera's voices are explosively amazing. The song makes me want to get up and dance..... okay, move like Jagger. ;-)


DEV "In The Dark"



Recognize the voice??? DEV collaborated with Far East Movement for their single "Like a G6." This is a song I expect to hear in any dance club across the globe. I like the monochromatic color scheme in the video but am unsure how the snake and tarantula fit into the concept of the video (well, at least apart from the hundreds of arms). A unique video, yes, but a total pop/club hit.

Ellie Goulding "Lights (Bassnecter Remix)"



This is one of those songs where I enjoy the music more than the artist. I know Ellie is talented because I have heard her on several songs in the past few months. I am just not that into the lyrics. However, I see that her appearance at Kanrocksas this weekend will gain a lot of new fans (Oh, and I will not be at the two day festival... I chose to make money instead).

Well, that wraps up this week's edition of New Music Tuesday. See you guys next week and please keep yourself cool in this unbearable heat across the country!