Cover Songs: Yay or Nay?

Hello Everyone!

So after what could possibly be considered the LONGEST day of my life (computer virus meant an hour and a half in ITS, exam tomorrow meant 2hrs in the library with reserved course material, etc) I'm finally home with my books and a cup of tea. I also decided to overrule the TV for a while in favor of my ipod dock. I have to say, I was kind of surprised at the overwhelming number of covers that came on in the short hour long period I had it playing. It got me thinking about the whole concept of cover songs in general... are they good or bad?

Maybe the answer isn't quite so clear cut, but you get my drift... what do you think makes or breaks a cover song? I mean, its really an art form in itself to make a known song sound unknown. For me, its a bit complicated. I'm usually a fan of making the song your own, but at the same time I've always been a fan of originals. Sometimes a cover just goes too far in the wrong direction... it ends up being a butchered piece of art that music fans mourn. 

I've usually enjoyed cover songs. I have to say, I love them in a live environment. I think its fun going to a club to hear a band you dont know when they play a cover. Suddenly, everyone is involved in the show, singing along and cheering. Its a great way to break the awkwardness is a setlist that no one is familiar with. I'm a big Green Day fan, and I know that they've always been big on playing a series of rather odd covers at their shows. When they released American Idiot in 2004, I think this quirk really helped to make their new fans feel like they were a part of the show. Who doesn't know the songs 'Shout' and 'We Are The Champions'? Clearly everyone is going to belt it out and have a great time!

Something that is often said is that a great cover makes you forget there was another version before it. What do you think? What is your opinion of the cover song? What are some of your favorite cover songs and why? 

A Few Covers:

Green Day: I Fought The Law (The Clash), We Are The Champions (Queen)

Guns N Roses: Knocking On Heaven's Door (Bob Dylan)

Johnny Cash: Hurt (Nine Inch Nails)

Me First And The Gimmie Gimmies: I Believe I Can Fly (R. Kelly)

Joan Jett: Love Me Two Times (The Doors)

Sinead O'Connor: Nothing Compares To You (Prince)

ALSO: If you're interested, there are compilation albums out called "Punk Goes _____" and I highly recommend them. Its a bunch of modern punk/pop punk artists adding their own twist to other genres of music. Really interesting takes, check it out. This youtube playlist has quite a few covers from various versions of these compilations!

Thanks for reading, I'll check back in tomorrow after my exam!

Rock On!

- Girl At The Rock Show

Song of the Day: Love Song (Sara Bareilles Cover) by Four Years Strong ... I think its a great way of taking a song and tweaking it just enough that its yours but not unrecognizable. Its found on the Punk Goes Pop Volume 2 CD.

 

Multi-Instrumentalists: Modern Day One Man Bands

Hello Again!

Yet another sunday drawing to an end. Hope you all had a good weekend because its back to school (aka assignments, essays and exams) tomorrow so make it count! Anyways, today I'd like to give you a look at some 'one man bands'. By 'one man band', I do NOT mean that guy who stands on the street corner and plays a drum, harmonica sings, and whatever else at the same time. No, I'm talking an actual recognized artist who essentially records each part (or a large majority) of a track themselves.

I think its amazing that people like this actually exist... most people can only dedicate serious time to one or two instruments, but to do all the work of 4-5 people yourself must be exhausting. I mean, I guess the bonus is having complete control over the creative process. Instead of having a band to compromise with, you can do whatever you want. Change tuning, change chords, change rhythms... the sky is the limit. But it also means you cant do recording simultaneously, a lot of these multi-instrumentalists take twice as long to release albums because one person can only do so much work at a time. I give these artists a lot of credit.

A few to check out:

Bryce Avary (The Rocket Summer)

Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails)

James Husband (aka Jamey Huggins of the band Of Montreal)

Beck

Lenny Kravitz

Sufjan Stevens

Buckethead

Have any other favorites? Let me know!

Rock On!

- Girl At The Rock Show

Song of the Day: Right Here In My Arms by HIM... what can I say, I've been watching Viva La Bam most of the day. Seeing as Ville makes an appearance in 8/10 episodes, I tend to be left with the need to grab one of their CDs haha. I think HIM is absolutely brilliant! Enjoy!

Music Format: The Ongoing Debate

Hello Everyone!

So in a lot of my classes lately, the whole debate about changing music formats has become one of high interest. I mean, when you think about it, there are so many options out there old and new. Personally, my music collection is made up of a bit of everything... I have vinyl (both 7" & 12"), CDs, Itunes digital, cassettes, pretty much everything. I like to keep my mind open to different technologies. In terms of music, I feel like each format lets you interpret the tracks in a new way.  If I had to pick, I'd say I love vinyl the most. I always loved vinyl, but my parents were always too afraid to let me use their old school players for fear of me breaking it. But I got a record player for Christmas last year and its been a staple in my life ever since. I just cant get over the quality... the way it has its flaws, how it plays with little scratches and white noise. Its not perfect, not airbrushed and over edited, but its natural. Thats why its my favorite. There's just something about it that makes me feel like I'm in the studio, listening to the raw demos of each track as it plays... So now I turn the question to you, whats your favorite and why? Be it sound quality like me and vinyl, or maybe even wide availability like Itunes, I'd like to hear your thoughts!

Thanks, looking forward to getting some feedback from you guys!

Rock On!

- Girl At The Rock Show

Song of the Day: So Contagious by Acceptance : I saw these guys when I was in high school, one of my first (and certainly not my last) show at London's own Call The Office. Anyways, this song has been stuck in my head since then. Sadly, they've disbanded since then but I still love to play their CD. Hope you like it even half as much as I do.

On The Radar: The Young Veins

Hey Everyone!

Hope the week treated you well, I know I'm glad its the weekend! Between essays and studying for exams, this has been the longest week of my life haha. I've spent my day so far making up for it... horror movies, junk food, video games, basically undoing the stress on my brain by numbing it! if you haven't tried it, I highly recommend it! Anyways, on with today's blog!

Today I'd like to talk about a band I'm curious about. Now, I say I'm "curious" because they haven't released much, but I see a lot of potential and am interested in seeing how the final product turns out. The band is called The Young Veins and contains members that some of you may be familiar with... Ryan Ross and Jon Walker (ex Panic At The Disco members). It also features guest work from Eric Ronick and Than Luu (Black Gold), Alex Greenwald (Phantom Planet), and  Jason Boesel (Rilo Kiley and Conor Oberst). With a line up like that how could you go wrong? 

Now, I know a lot of you are probably thinking "ew, Panic At The Disco, so high school!"... but I say, lets give them a shot. These guys signed a deal when they were young (about sixteen), subjecting them to a lot of criticism as they experimented with their sound. Now having disbanded (to an extent anyways), the members have gone in their own solid directions. For guys in their early twenties, I think they've done a great job so far. 

The Young Veins play slightly off the Pretty Odd sound, combining a more 60s hippy-rock vibe with a raw indie vibe. The sound (thus far) pushes away from the complex, overly polished music of their old band. I think I like it because it reminds me of an old vinyl record, actually. While Ross' voice doesn't quite stand out the way young, former band mate Brendon Urie's did with nearly perfect tone and exemplary range, he still brings his own style to the performance and does a good job.

Anyways, I think this group has a lot of potential to do well and make great, catchy music. Its simple, but timeless- reminds me of lazy summer afternoons. They are seasoned musicians with a lot of ambition left, so give it a listen and try to forget that they were once responsible for this haha. Happy listening!

Any bands you're keeping an eye on lately? Let me know! Enjoy the weekend!

Rock On!

- Girl At The Rock Show

New Michael Jackson Track Hits Airwaves!

Hello readers!

      I know the whole MJ topic is highly overplayed right now, but before the media hype takes hold once more when the film is released next week, I'm using this break to write a VERY short blog on the late king of pop. 

Like Elvis and Kurt Cobain before him, Michael Jackson has left behind an important legacy... as well as unreleased music. One track, entitled "This Is It" was released to radio this past week and is already making waves. Fans worldwide were comforted in his death by the fact that his music lives on and will continue to top charts today. As many of you agreed in the poll, the film is paying perfect tribute to the icon. The new track provides a sense of peace for dedicated followers who are still struggling with the loss of their idol. So no matter what the media may say, or what tabloids may appear in months to come, I say we let the music speak for itself. Let MJ be remembered for his contributions to the industry, and the way he made the fans scream for 45 years, and many more to come. I may not be a big fan myself, but I can appreciate the mark this man made on society through the art of music. So rest in peace Michael, and may your legacy live on.

This Is It by Michael Jackson

What do you think of this new track? Let me know, share your opinions!

Thanks and Rock On,

- Girl At The Rock Show 

Song of the Day: Dont Fear The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult

MIT 2412: Outfoxed Video Response

*NOTE: Although this is an important topic, this is not a typical blog post, but an assignment for my blogging class. 

More rock to come at a later time and day! thanks for understanding!*

Is Fox Really Fooling Us?

Every day, people around the world turn on their television sets and sit back to watch the days events unfold on the nightly news. Embedded in our culture is the assumption of journalistic integrity and honesty, but how can we be sure that the truth from any single perspective is the real truth? The documentary "Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War On Journalism" asks just this, and works to unravel the thin layers between fact and fiction in the world of Fox News reporting. 

                The documentary uses former employees and guests to display the stories Fox never meant for you to hear. It pulls apart the heavy manipulation involved in creating sensationalized stories that aim to attract and control viewers. After watching this film, I found myself feeling almost betrayed. Although I am often careful not to trust media of various forms, I was shocked by the overall misguidance and bias that was brought to light.

                The fear sets in when we begin to realize the overall effect on our culture. It scares me to think that any one opinion can influence and control that of millions with the simple click of a button. It also scares me to think that Fox is well aware of their impact, and doing nothing to change it. In fact, they use it to serve their own needs. Understanding that in promoting one idea for a long period of time will provide you with the ability to create an agreeing hegemonic culture who hangs on their every word.

                Journalism is supposed to be an art. It’s the process of finding and delivering the truth, enlightening and educating those around you. Years ago, this art was based heavily in research and local importance. However, as Outfoxed shows us, modern day media like Fox is more focused on ratings, viewers and entertainment. A main focus is the way stories and facts are twisted to meet the needs of Fox. The way they contort facts and quotes to fit their own needs and create their own versions of stories is disturbing at best.

                The message here is to be an active watcher of the news. Do not passively digest the media as solid fact,because even honesty can be misleading. 

Halloween Party Playlist

Hey everyone!

So I know its a little early for this entry, but I cant help myself. As I'm sure you're all aware, Halloween is slowly creeping up on us. Personally, this is one of my favorite holidays of the year. Yes, I am aware that it is nothing more than corporate designed nonsense to make us spend money and temporarily give up on those healthy diets to splurge on sugar, but you have to admit the simple fact... its FUN! So in honor of upcoming holiday festivities, here is my list of top ten songs for those halloween parties some of you may be busy planning.

10. Ghost Busters Theme: because what is halloween without classic theme songs? Definitely a good way to break the ice in a big group and get everyone involved!

9. Halloween by The Creepshow: kind of self explanatory... it doesn't get much better, a song called Halloween by a band called the Creepshow? It just demands a place on any playlist. You could also look into the original version which is by the Misfits if you're looking for something a little heavier in the punk genre.

8. Pet Sematary by The Ramones: Again, the marriage of rock music and classic horror films make this a perfect fit. "I don't wanna be buried in a pet sematary, don't want to live my life again" The Creepshow also does a great cover of this if you want a more modern sound for your party :P Other covers: Michelle Darkness, Rammstein

7. Welcome To My Nightmare by Alice Cooper: What is "horror rock" without a little Alice Cooper? Not exactly a dance track, but its eerie and haunting in sound & lyrics so its great for atmosphere.

6. Tainted Love by Marilyn Manson: This version is a long way from the original performed by Gloria Jones back in 1964. Soft Cell also does a great cover, but for this list, I highly recommend Manson. This version of the track combines a well known classic with a metal/techno edge and creepy vocal style. Very halloween-esque.

5. American Psycho by The Misfits: Very morbid and for lack of better words, evil? haha. This band is known for their "horror punk" music, so definitely look into a couple of their songs if you want some good halloween related punk/hardcore.

4. Time Warp by Rocky Horror Picture Show (movie): This is right out of a classic halloween styled musical, and perfect for getting everyone dancing. You cant back out on this one, there are no excuses since it tells you exactly how to do it!

3. I Put A Spell On You by Screamin' Jay Hawkins: An oldie but a goodie. A little more bluesy than the other tracks, but its a great song to play around halloween. If you like the song itself but want something a little different, search through some of the covers by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Katie Melua, Marilyn Manson or others. This song has been remade in various styles so its up to you what you like!

2. Thriller by Michael Jackson: Why not honor the late great king of pop this halloween by playing this at your party? Who doesn't instantly think of dancing zombies when this track comes on?

1. The Monster Mash by Bobby Boris Picket: Because you absolutely cannot have a halloween party without this track. Its the ultimate necessity. Everyone will know it and have a good laugh.

So thats my list, hope you enjoy the recommendations. Do you have any favorite halloween themed tracks to add to the list? Let me know, I'd love some help building my own list, so please feel free to share :)

Thanks & Happy Early Halloween Preparations!

Rock On

- Girl At The Rock Show