See the tracklisting after the jump.
Showing posts with label Weezer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weezer. Show all posts
See the tracklisting after the jump.
Labels:
17 Tracks,
B.o.B.,
Brandon Flowers,
Drake,
Ellie Goulding,
Jamie Foxx,
Jay-Z,
Justin Bieber,
Kanye West,
Kelly Rowland,
Mike Posner,
Neon Trees,
Rihanna,
Robyn,
Sia,
Weezer
"Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"Beyonce
I Am...Sasha Fierce (2008)
Kanye West wasn't kidding, Beyonce really did make on of the best music videos of all time for "Single Ladies". All it took was a black and white dance video that could easily translate to a dance craze involving only a wrist twist. How could you ignore a fire breathing Sasha Fierce in a song like this? Jay-Z didn't. He liked enough that he did put a ring on it.
"Gotta Have You"
The Weepies
Say I Am You (2006)
A Grand Don't Come For Free (2004)
Most British singers are indistinguishable from American ones, but with British rapper the Streets, nothing could be further from the truth. Inspired by former S Club 7 beauty Rachel Stevens, Mike Skinner describes a “fit” (British slang for “hot”) woman as he talks in a strong cockney accent over a snappy but simple rock beat providing hilarious lines about tan lines and queues.
"I'd Rather Dance With You"Kings of Convenience
Riot on an Empty Street (2004)
This quirky number from indie duo Kings of Convenience (who hail from Bergen, Norway, also home to electro-pop singer Annie) recounts the all too familiar experience of dancing with a girl who wants to talk. Will they ever learn to just let their hips do the talking? The delicate strings and piano are a perfect match for the groups’ calming vocals.
"Love Story"
Taylor Swift
Weezer (2008)
Weezer’s commentary on life in the late 00s made us nostalgic for this decade before we even got over 80s nostalgia. Written in response to their record label asking for a hit single, Weezer delivered although they had their tongue planted firmly in their cheeks as they mocked Timbaland, bathroom mirror pics, and the whole idea of writing records for the radio. And the video? Instant classic.
"One Word"Kelly Osbourne
Sleeping in the Nothing (2005)
Kelly Osbourne seems like the last person who would have a number one dance record in the country, but thanks to writing and production from heralded songwriter Linda Perry, she did. “One Word” is a slice of futuristic new-wave pop, complete with French dialogue to set the mood and Osbourne gently cooing about the one mysterious word that can change the future.
"Faint"
Linkin Park
Meteora (2003)
Don’t turn your back on Linkin Park because they won’t be ignored. As the kings of nu-metal, LP rammed rap together with metal to create inventive music you could feel like a B.A.M.F. listening too. “Faint” is a stirring declaration of war made up of screeching samples, hard hitting hip-hop beats, and heavy guitar. Sticking it to the man never sounded this good.
"Gimme More"
Britney Spears
I Am...Sasha Fierce (2008)
Kanye West wasn't kidding, Beyonce really did make on of the best music videos of all time for "Single Ladies". All it took was a black and white dance video that could easily translate to a dance craze involving only a wrist twist. How could you ignore a fire breathing Sasha Fierce in a song like this? Jay-Z didn't. He liked enough that he did put a ring on it.
"Gotta Have You"The Weepies
Say I Am You (2006)
The Weepies' simple "Gotta Have You" is a heartfelt plea for love and a convincing argument that America needs to spend more time listening to folk-pop. It's melodic, blissful, and honest. "No amount of coffee, no amount of wine, no amount of whiskey or wine...nothing else will do, I've gotta have you," sings Deb Talan.
"Fit But You Know It"
The Streets Most British singers are indistinguishable from American ones, but with British rapper the Streets, nothing could be further from the truth. Inspired by former S Club 7 beauty Rachel Stevens, Mike Skinner describes a “fit” (British slang for “hot”) woman as he talks in a strong cockney accent over a snappy but simple rock beat providing hilarious lines about tan lines and queues.
"I'd Rather Dance With You"Riot on an Empty Street (2004)
This quirky number from indie duo Kings of Convenience (who hail from Bergen, Norway, also home to electro-pop singer Annie) recounts the all too familiar experience of dancing with a girl who wants to talk. Will they ever learn to just let their hips do the talking? The delicate strings and piano are a perfect match for the groups’ calming vocals.
"Love Story"Taylor Swift
Fearless (2008)
Taylor Swift didn’t break any new ground with “Love Story”. It’s the tried and true model of boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, girl’s dad doesn’t approve, and boy convinces girl’s dad to let him marry her. Swift’s simple lyrics and heartfelt vocals provided the soundtrack millions of teenage girls’ first relationships as she sang, “Romeo save me, they’re trying to tell me how to feel. This love is difficult but it’s real."
"Pork and Beans"
WeezerTaylor Swift didn’t break any new ground with “Love Story”. It’s the tried and true model of boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, girl’s dad doesn’t approve, and boy convinces girl’s dad to let him marry her. Swift’s simple lyrics and heartfelt vocals provided the soundtrack millions of teenage girls’ first relationships as she sang, “Romeo save me, they’re trying to tell me how to feel. This love is difficult but it’s real."
"Pork and Beans"Weezer (2008)
Weezer’s commentary on life in the late 00s made us nostalgic for this decade before we even got over 80s nostalgia. Written in response to their record label asking for a hit single, Weezer delivered although they had their tongue planted firmly in their cheeks as they mocked Timbaland, bathroom mirror pics, and the whole idea of writing records for the radio. And the video? Instant classic.
"One Word"Sleeping in the Nothing (2005)
Kelly Osbourne seems like the last person who would have a number one dance record in the country, but thanks to writing and production from heralded songwriter Linda Perry, she did. “One Word” is a slice of futuristic new-wave pop, complete with French dialogue to set the mood and Osbourne gently cooing about the one mysterious word that can change the future.
"Faint"Linkin Park
Meteora (2003)
Don’t turn your back on Linkin Park because they won’t be ignored. As the kings of nu-metal, LP rammed rap together with metal to create inventive music you could feel like a B.A.M.F. listening too. “Faint” is a stirring declaration of war made up of screeching samples, hard hitting hip-hop beats, and heavy guitar. Sticking it to the man never sounded this good.
"Gimme More"Britney Spears
Blackout (2007)
“Gimme More” perfectly captures Britney Spears' darkest days. From the immortal opening, “It’s Britney bitch” to the last blip of the minimalist synth, the song portrays an insatiable appetite for hedonistic self destruction. Her panting “gimme”’s are looped and followed by a host of robotic voices demanding “more” mirroring the bizarre relationship Spears had with the blog fueled tabloid industry.
"Me and Mia"
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Shake the Streets (2004)
When coming up with ideas for songs, I doubt eating disorders is ever at the top of the list. In fact, Leo and the Pharmacists might be the only band to ever do it. Referencing Mia (bulima) and Ann and Anna (anorexia), Leo both empowers and rocks as he sings about fighting for self control despite “bourgeois social angels telling you you’ve got to change”.
"Sound of the Undergroud"
Girls Aloud
Sound of the Underground (2003)
Reality television has largely failed to produce any great songs but “Sound of the Underground” is an exception. The pulsating track employs surf guitar and a neo drum and bass beat to annihilate any preconceived notions of what kind of music reality pop stars are allowed to make. In fact, the Aloud’s debut single makes pop out to be the most exciting, underground, electric, and overpowering medium known to mankind.
"Supermassive Black Hole"Muse
Black Holes and Revelations (2006)
Supermassive black holes are black holes with the highest classification of mass and Muse’s song of the same name is probably one of their heaviest songs. A dance rock song that borrows from Kanye West and Prince just as much as it does from Radiohead, it was so good that it ended up on the soundtrack to a very popular vampire movie. That marked the first and last time millions of pink iPod nanos had a Muse song on them.
"Sweet Dreams My L.A. Ex."Rachel Stevens
Funky Dory (2003)
Originally an imagined response to Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me A River”, “Sweet Dreams My L.A. Ex.” was given to former S Club 7 star Rachel Stevens after Britney Spears wrote her own retort (“Everytime”). In the end, everyone won. Stevens’ sexy performance is a perfect complement to the juxtaposed acoustic guitars and brazen synth buzz. Sweet dreams indeed.
"Seven Nation Army"
The White Stripes
Elephant (2003)
There is no mistaking the baseline and thumping drums of "Seven Nation Army". Its role as the flagship garage rock revival song of the decade means it still gets plenty of spins and plenty of artists clammering to cover it. The song never gets too wild and out of control, but it still packs enough punch that the queen of England, the hounds of hell, or even a seven nation army can hold it down.
"Apologize"Timbaland feat. OneRepublic
Shock Value (2007)
All Timbaland did was add some percussion and his trademark "eh" but somehow he got the lead in the featuring credit. Not fair, but it's too late to apologize. Singer and songwriter Ryan Tedder has gotten his fair share of bad press for recycling songs but "Apologize" was the cream of the crop, lamenting late requests for forgiveness and the pain of having to move on even though you don't want to.
“Gimme More” perfectly captures Britney Spears' darkest days. From the immortal opening, “It’s Britney bitch” to the last blip of the minimalist synth, the song portrays an insatiable appetite for hedonistic self destruction. Her panting “gimme”’s are looped and followed by a host of robotic voices demanding “more” mirroring the bizarre relationship Spears had with the blog fueled tabloid industry.
"Me and Mia"Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Shake the Streets (2004)
When coming up with ideas for songs, I doubt eating disorders is ever at the top of the list. In fact, Leo and the Pharmacists might be the only band to ever do it. Referencing Mia (bulima) and Ann and Anna (anorexia), Leo both empowers and rocks as he sings about fighting for self control despite “bourgeois social angels telling you you’ve got to change”.
Girls Aloud
Sound of the Underground (2003)
Reality television has largely failed to produce any great songs but “Sound of the Underground” is an exception. The pulsating track employs surf guitar and a neo drum and bass beat to annihilate any preconceived notions of what kind of music reality pop stars are allowed to make. In fact, the Aloud’s debut single makes pop out to be the most exciting, underground, electric, and overpowering medium known to mankind.
"Supermassive Black Hole"Black Holes and Revelations (2006)
Supermassive black holes are black holes with the highest classification of mass and Muse’s song of the same name is probably one of their heaviest songs. A dance rock song that borrows from Kanye West and Prince just as much as it does from Radiohead, it was so good that it ended up on the soundtrack to a very popular vampire movie. That marked the first and last time millions of pink iPod nanos had a Muse song on them.
"Sweet Dreams My L.A. Ex."Funky Dory (2003)
Originally an imagined response to Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me A River”, “Sweet Dreams My L.A. Ex.” was given to former S Club 7 star Rachel Stevens after Britney Spears wrote her own retort (“Everytime”). In the end, everyone won. Stevens’ sexy performance is a perfect complement to the juxtaposed acoustic guitars and brazen synth buzz. Sweet dreams indeed.
"Seven Nation Army"The White Stripes
Elephant (2003)
There is no mistaking the baseline and thumping drums of "Seven Nation Army". Its role as the flagship garage rock revival song of the decade means it still gets plenty of spins and plenty of artists clammering to cover it. The song never gets too wild and out of control, but it still packs enough punch that the queen of England, the hounds of hell, or even a seven nation army can hold it down.
"Apologize"Shock Value (2007)
All Timbaland did was add some percussion and his trademark "eh" but somehow he got the lead in the featuring credit. Not fair, but it's too late to apologize. Singer and songwriter Ryan Tedder has gotten his fair share of bad press for recycling songs but "Apologize" was the cream of the crop, lamenting late requests for forgiveness and the pain of having to move on even though you don't want to.
November 8, 2005 - Guitar Hero is Released
I can't tell you how many times a song has come on and I've heard the comment, "Oh, this is on Guitar Hero". The video game that took karaoke a step further by adding plastic instruments also seemed like a viable alternative to selling CDs for a record industry scrambling for a new business model. Guitar Hero became apart of pop culture, a Dance Dance Revolution for your fingers, so much so that the Beatles were on board by decade's end.
American Idol Runner-up David Archuleta Releases His Inner Rock Star in Guitar Hero Commercial
February 22, 2006 - Coldplay's "The Speed of Sound" Becomes One Billionth Song Downloaded on iTunes
Only three years after the launch of iTunes, the one billionth song was downloaded from the site. The billionth song downloaded was Coldplay's "Speed of Sound" by Alex Ostrovsky of West Bloomfield, Michigan. “Over one billion songs have now been legally purchased and downloaded around the globe, representing a major force against music piracy and the future of music distribution as we move from CDs to the Internet," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO.
Coldplay performs "Speed of Sound" on the UK's Top of the Pops
March 11, 2006 - James Blunt Goes No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100American Idol Runner-up David Archuleta Releases His Inner Rock Star in Guitar Hero Commercial
February 22, 2006 - Coldplay's "The Speed of Sound" Becomes One Billionth Song Downloaded on iTunes
Only three years after the launch of iTunes, the one billionth song was downloaded from the site. The billionth song downloaded was Coldplay's "Speed of Sound" by Alex Ostrovsky of West Bloomfield, Michigan. “Over one billion songs have now been legally purchased and downloaded around the globe, representing a major force against music piracy and the future of music distribution as we move from CDs to the Internet," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO.
Coldplay performs "Speed of Sound" on the UK's Top of the Pops
In March of 2006, British singer James Blunt shocked chart watchers when his song "You're Beautiful" went No. 1. It was the first non-hip-hop, non-American Idol coronation song to go No. 1 in America since Nickleback's "How You Remind Me" in 2001 ("Hollaback Girl" was produced by N.E.R.D., so its position as the milestone single has been disputed). "Beautiful" was a turning point for the Hot 100 because after it, the charts were once more diverse. For the remainder of 2006, pop acts like Rihanna, Shakira, and Fergie scored No. 1s alongside Ludacris and Akon. The advent of iTunes democratized the Hot 100, allowing consumers to influence the charts instead of just radio programmers.
James Blunt performs his big hit "You're Beautiful" in Italy.
April 8, 2006 - Gnarls Barkley's Download Only "Crazy" Goes No. 1 in UK
The British singles charts have been more sales oriented than its American counterpart. While the physical single died a painful death in the States, they were still an important part of the British music industry and the weekly charts. With the growing popularity of digital downloads, it was inevitable that a song would come along and top the charts without a physical single release. "Crazy" was that song. On downloads alone, the track went No. 1 for an astounding 9 weeks, an incredibly rare feat in that country.
Gnarls Barkley, dressed in airline uniforms, takes to Top of the Pops to perform a re imagined version of "Crazy"
September 9, 2007 - Britney Spears Performs "Gimme More" at Video Music AwardsGnarls Barkley, dressed in airline uniforms, takes to Top of the Pops to perform a re imagined version of "Crazy"
By 2007, Britney Spears had come a long way from her ubiquitous squeaky clean sex symbol days at the turn of the century. She had her quickie Las Vegas marriage and canceled her World Tour. She married Kevin Federline, made a reality show and two children with him, and divorced him. She attacked the paparazzi with an umbrella, shaved her hair, and went in and out of rehab for the whole world to see. It was a sickening tabloid fueled reality show that kept the world on the edge of their collective seats. No moment encapsulates Spears' public downward spiral like her VMA performance where she lip sync and half-dances to "Gimme More", a song that both lyrically and sonically describes the state Spears was in at the time.
Britney Spears in what some have called the worst VMA performance of all time
October 1, 2007 - Radiohead Releases Choose Your Price "In Rainbows" Online
Radiohead blew up the Internet and what was left of the record industry when they released their seventh studio album, In Rainbows. Having fulfilled their contractual obligation to EMI, the band could do whatever the hell they wanted with their new material. "Every record for the last four—including my solo record—has been leaked. So the idea was like, we'll leak it, then," said lead singer Thom Yorke. The album was put online for fans to download at allowed them to name their own price. You could be a cheapskate and get it for free, or you could drop $50 right then and there if you thought it was worth it. Some speculated that Radiohead ended up making more money this way then they would have with a normal physical release. For the rest of the decade, the phrase "Radiohead model" was knocked around anytime a band thought out of the box to distribute their music.
The winning fan made video for the "Reckoner" music video contest.
May 27, 2008 - Weezer Releases Video for "Pork and Beans"The winning fan made video for the "Reckoner" music video contest.
The 2000s was a decade where anyone could broadcast a message, and if it was interesting enough, millions of people would tune in and watch it. YouTube was the perfect medium for wannabe entertainers seeking an outlet. In the latter half of the decade, it seemed like new viral videos popped up on a weekly basis. Some videos had people who intentionally wanted their 15 minutes of fame, while the fame was probably unwanted for those starring in embarrassing clips. While everyone was nostalgically poking fun at the 80s, Weezer was doing the same thing to the 00s before they were even over. The band packed every YouTube star into their ironic "Pork and Beans".
How many viral video stars can you spot?
June 17, 2008 - Lil Wayne Sells 1 Million Copies of "Tha Carter III" in a Week
As album sales continued to spiral south, 50 Cent's 2005 album The Massacre seemed destined to be the last to post a million plus sales the first week of its release. Three years later, Lil Wayne proved everyone wrong when Tha Carter III stormed the charts with similar numbers. Wayne's route to impressive first week sales seemed counter-intuitive, he flooded the Internet with free music. Offering free mixtapes, demand for his full length album built and buzz on the blogosphere reached dizzying levels. When he dropped Tha Carter III, the buying public responded. Maybe free music is the way to go.
Lil Wayne's first No. 1 hit, "Lollipop".
November 24, 2008 - Kanye West Releases "808s & Heartbreak"
Kanye West's 808s & Heartbreaks was a game changer. It was one of the most controversial records of the decade with many embracing Ye's transition from rapper to pop star and his heavy unashamed used of auto-tune, while many thought it was trash. The record was such a landmark because it was one of the few records of the decade that showed an artist using their music to tell their story. Sure, everyone from Christiana to Ashlee Simpson has promised that they would show you the "real me", but each attempt fell flat on its face. Unfortunately, Jay-Z's announcement that auto-tune was dead along with West's VMA outburst minimized the record's importance as time wore on.
The artsy music video for "Heartless", 808s & Heartbreak's most successful single.
February 7, 2009 - Kelly Clarkson Breaks Record Again
The Hot 100 during the late 2000s became a battleground for breaking and re-breaking the record for largest jump to No. 1. The initial record was set by the Beatles in 1964 when "Can't Buy Me Love" leaped 27-1 in a single week. That record stood until 2002 when Kelly Clarkson laid waste to it with a 52-1 jump of "A Moment Like This". Each record happened for its own quirky reason. The Beatles had released dozens of songs on a handful of American labels without much success and then their television exposure on The Ed Sullivan Show shot them from obscurity to massive success overnight. Similarly, Clarkson received huge exposure after winning American Idol and her debut single was released the week following her win which made for a lot of pent up demand. When Billboard began incorporating digital sales into the singles charts, the whole game changed. To break the record, an artist would need to release a song to the radio only for a few days so it would barley make the Hot 100, and then release the song digitally and sell bus loads of it. Maroon 5 broke Clarkson's record in 2007 with "Makes Me Wonder" followed by T.I. breaking it in 2008 with "Whatever You Like" and breaking it once again with "Live Your Life" featuring Rihanna. His new record lasted a week until Britney Spears re-set it with "Womanizer". Kelly Clarkson finally retook the position for biggest leap to No. 1 in 2009 when "My Life Would Suck Without You" pole vaulted 97-1.
Kelly Clarkson performs her second record breaking hit "My Life Would Suck Without You".
April 18, 2009 - Black Eyed Peas Begin 24-week Run at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100Kelly Clarkson performs her second record breaking hit "My Life Would Suck Without You".
As music continued to fragment and the task of getting the whole world to pay attention to one artist for even more than a few days became harder and harder, a few things happened in 2009 to show that it was still possible. Of these three events, two involved some of the greatest artists of all time from decade's past. Only one involved a current act. The Black Eyed Peas shattered the record for most consecutive time at No. 1 when "Boom Boom Pow" topped the charts for 12 weeks and was immediately followed by "I've Gotta Feelin'" which stayed in the penthouse for 14 weeks. That's six months. Half a year. I'm sure the Peas would love to interpret that as meaning they are among the greatest musical acts of all time, but it really came down to Americans not getting tired of these two songs for a very long time as well as no other songs being able to garner enough digital downloads and radio airplay to take them down.
The Black Eyed Peas go Boom Boom Pow at the Much Music Awards.
June 25, 2009 - Michael Jackson Dies
On the eve of his highly anticipated This Is It show, Michael Jackson was rushed to a hospital and declared dead shortly thereafter. News of the singers death blew up the Internet, and soon radio stations switched to an all Michael format. The self proclaimed King of Pop's catalog of music stormed the iTunes store, and in the following weeks, Michael Jackson albums outsold the Black Eyed Peas The E.N.D., the first time an older album had outsold a newer release since Soundscan began tracking album sales in 1992. Michael Jackson's death brought together the world for a single musical force in a way that few artists could have ever done and even fewer will be able to do in the future.
Footage from Michael Jackson's concert rehearsal was turned into a movie and a cash cow called This Is It.
September 9, 2009 - The Beatles' Remastered Catalog, Rockband Game Released
On the prophetic 9/9/09, the Beatles released their entire body of work digitally remastered as well as their very own version of the successful Rockband video game. Only a few months after the death renewed interest in Michael Jackson and his music, many saw this as the Beatles opportunity to do the same. Although the Beatles failed to garner the sales that Jackson did, they did manage to outsell many new releases and by the end of the year, Billboard decided to count older albums in its flagship album chart, the Billboard 2000.
The Beatles' Rockband commercial.
September 13, 2009 - Kanye West Interrupts Taylor Swift During Acceptance Speech
Taylor Swift's "You Belong With Me" beat out the superior and more culturally significant "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" by Beyonce for Best Female Video at the 2009 Video Music Awards. A drunk Kanye West took to the stage, as he often does, but instead of wanting an award for himself, he stood up for Beyonce (who later won the Moonman for Video of the Year). The word "jackass" was thrown around quite liberally, including by Barack Obama, Taylor Swift became America's sweetheart, and Beyonce, who gave up her mike time to Swift came out a hero.
Kanye West gives his PR team the biggest headache of their careers.
td:ar timeline 2
Weezer recently covered the Coldplay hit "Viva La Vida". Nothing too spectacular, but Weezer is great, Coldplay is great, and free music is great. Download it here.
Weezer has teamed up with Lil Wayne for a track on their new album Ratitude."Can't Stop Partying" is a standout song even without Weezy, but the rapper's bridge only adds to the song and album's blogability.
"Monday to Sunday I hit all the clubs and everybody knows me when I pull up. I have a real big posse, yeah I run deep," Rivers Cuomo sings.
Last year's "Pork And Beans" was a tongue in cheek look at the late 00s, something that "Can't Stop Partying" continues without trying as hard. It's fist pumping pop, and a surefire party starter as 2009 draws to a close.
Wayne's rap is hilarious. "Party like tomorrow is my funeral. Gotta stop mixing alcohol with pharmaceuticals." No more purple ladies for you Weezy.
Check out the track below and then head over to iTunes to buy it. Don't worry, the iTunes site doesn't say feat. Lil Wayne, but it does.
Before these musicians were famous, they were writing term papers just like the rest of us. Many of them studied creative arts and a few even studied less artsy subjects like, gasp, economics! There is something to be said for smart rock and something to be said for an individual who is smart enough to get their education on the off-chance that they are not the next Mick Jagger.An artist’s intelligence shines through in their work. Smart lyrics laced within literary illusions and metaphors make for some, well, to use a regional dialect, “ril good listenin.” Check out our list below.
I wanna rock and roll all night, and party every day. Right after I finish this paper.
Rivers Cuomo: Weezer frontman has that bookish college boy look that thousands of wannabes imitate with their oxford sweaters and black-rimmed glasses every fall. Cuomo is no poser though. In 2006 he became a Harvard graduate at 35. After years of musical success he decided he wanted to finish school and lived in a modest 14-by-9-foot dorm room. He didn’t mind at all. In a NY Times article Cuomo said: “What I am best at is reading a book and then writing a critical essay.”
Greg Gaffin: Gaffin, a member of Bad Religion, double majored in anthropology and geology at UCLA and later earned his PHD in Zoology from Cornell. In 2006 he penned a book titled, “Is Belief in God Good, Bad or Irrelevant? A Professor and Punk Rocker Discuss Science, Religion, Naturalism & Christianity.”
Tom Morello: Before Morello was shredding guitars for Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, he a made a name for himself as a Harvard grad. He graduated in 1986 with a BA degree (with honors) in political science.
Singer-Songwriters who can wield an adjective or two.
Art Garfunkel: Garfunkel has mad scientist hair but he actually studied art history and math in college, graduating with a masters degree in both from Columbia University. Garfunkel met his musical soul mate, Paul Simon at Columbia where they were both members Alpha Epsilon Pi.
Art Garfunkel: Garfunkel has mad scientist hair but he actually studied art history and math in college, graduating with a masters degree in both from Columbia University. Garfunkel met his musical soul mate, Paul Simon at Columbia where they were both members Alpha Epsilon Pi.
Sting: I know you are wondering why Sting is in the rocker category, but allow me a brief parenthetical to remind you a certain hit song called, “Roxanne.” That is besides the point. After Sting graduated high school he worked as a bus conductor, a construction laborer, and in a tax office. Eventually he attended Northern Counties College of Education and graduated with a teaching degree, where he got the inspiration for, “Don’t Stand So Close to Me.”
Sam Beam: Sam Beam is best known as folk-rock virtuoso, “Iron and Wine,” but he was once known as Professor Beam. Beam earned a Masters of Fine Arts from Florida State and worked as a professor of cinematography at the University of Miami for several years.
Kings and Queens of Country
Garth Brooks: Garth is one of country’s most revered men and believe or not he can throw a javelin pretty good too. Brooks attended Oklahoma State University on a track scholarship and earned a degree in Journalism back in 1984.
Garth Brooks: Garth is one of country’s most revered men and believe or not he can throw a javelin pretty good too. Brooks attended Oklahoma State University on a track scholarship and earned a degree in Journalism back in 1984.
Sheryl Crow: We know Sheryl Crow for her extentive catalog of feel-good music but what you might not know is that she received a B.A degree in Music Composition, Performance and Education. She was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta social sorority and Sigma Alpha Iota, a womens music fraternity. Crow actually worked as an elementary school music teacher in a suburb of St. Louis for awhile and sang in bands on the weekends.
A soulful man who can perform mathematical equations on demand?
Lionel Richie: Lionel Richie once pretended to be a college professor in one of his music videos, but it wasn’t that far of stretch after all. He attended Joliet on a tennis scholarship and eventually graduated with an economics degree from Tuskegee.
Lionel Richie: Lionel Richie once pretended to be a college professor in one of his music videos, but it wasn’t that far of stretch after all. He attended Joliet on a tennis scholarship and eventually graduated with an economics degree from Tuskegee.
Kate Lenhof
Contributor
Grammy Winners
I got a 6/12 for my predictions. That ain't bad. It ain't good either. I nailed it with the Krauss and Plant collaboration though, didn't I? I know I suck at updating this week but I've been bogged down with school. Commentary on the Grammys is forthcoming.
Album of the Year: Raising Sand - Alison Krauss & Robert Plant
Record of the Year: "Please Read My Letter" - Alison Krauss & Robert Plant
Song of the Year (goes to songwriter): "Viva La Vida" - Coldplay
Best New Artist: Adele
Best Pop Vocal Performance Female: "Chasing Pavements" - Adele
Best Pop Vocal Performance Male: "Say" - John Mayer
Best Pop Vocal Performance Group: "Viva La Vida" - Coldplay
Best Pop Vocal Album: Rockferry - Duffy
Best Dance Recording: "Harder Better Faster Stronger" - Daft Punk
Best Dance Album: Alive 2007 - Daft Punk
Best R&B Recording: "Miss Independent" - Ne-Yo
Best R&B Album: Jennifer Hudson - Jennifer Hudson
Best Country Vocal Performance Female: "Last Name" - Carrie Underwood
Best Country Vocal Performance Male: "Letter To Me" - Brad Paisley
Best Country Album: Troubadour - George Srait
Best Rock Vocal Performance: "Sex On Fire" - Kings of Leon
Best Rock Album: Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends - Coldplay
Best Alternative Album: In Rainbows - Radiohead
Best Rap Performance Duo/Group: "Swagga Like Us" - T.I. feat. Jay-Z, Kanye West, & Lil Wayne
Best Rap Album: Tha Carter III - Lil Wayne
Best Music Video Short Form: "Pork and Beans" - Weezer
I got a 6/12 for my predictions. That ain't bad. It ain't good either. I nailed it with the Krauss and Plant collaboration though, didn't I? I know I suck at updating this week but I've been bogged down with school. Commentary on the Grammys is forthcoming.
Album of the Year: Raising Sand - Alison Krauss & Robert Plant
Record of the Year: "Please Read My Letter" - Alison Krauss & Robert Plant
Song of the Year (goes to songwriter): "Viva La Vida" - Coldplay
Best New Artist: Adele
Best Pop Vocal Performance Female: "Chasing Pavements" - Adele
Best Pop Vocal Performance Male: "Say" - John Mayer
Best Pop Vocal Performance Group: "Viva La Vida" - Coldplay
Best Pop Vocal Album: Rockferry - Duffy
Best Dance Recording: "Harder Better Faster Stronger" - Daft Punk
Best Dance Album: Alive 2007 - Daft Punk
Best R&B Recording: "Miss Independent" - Ne-Yo
Best R&B Album: Jennifer Hudson - Jennifer Hudson
Best Country Vocal Performance Female: "Last Name" - Carrie Underwood
Best Country Vocal Performance Male: "Letter To Me" - Brad Paisley
Best Country Album: Troubadour - George Srait
Best Rock Vocal Performance: "Sex On Fire" - Kings of Leon
Best Rock Album: Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends - Coldplay
Best Alternative Album: In Rainbows - Radiohead
Best Rap Performance Duo/Group: "Swagga Like Us" - T.I. feat. Jay-Z, Kanye West, & Lil Wayne
Best Rap Album: Tha Carter III - Lil Wayne
Best Music Video Short Form: "Pork and Beans" - Weezer
Labels:
2009 Grammy,
Adele,
Alison Krauss,
Coldplay,
Daft Punk,
Duffy,
Jay-Z,
John Mayer,
Kanye West,
Kings of Leon,
Lil Wayne,
Radiohead,
Robert Plant,
T.I.,
Weezer
Readers' Choice Singles of the YearThanks to everyone who participated in the poll. 17 Tracks readers have voted Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" the song of the year. "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz came in second followed by Britney Spears' "Womanizer". Perhaps the most intersting song to make the top ten is "Hillary" by local Provo band and winners of Muse Music's 2008 Battle of the Bands. Well done boys -- you should have beat David Archuleta, and you nearly did. The winner of the free CD will be announced...shortly. I'm on vacation now, can you blame me for taking forever?
1. "Viva La Vida" - Coldplay
2. "I'm Yours" - Jason Mraz
3. "Womanizer" - Britney Spears
4. "Pork & Beans" - Weezer
5. "Low" - Flo Rida
6. "Forever" - Chris Brown
7. "Love Story" - Taylor Swift
8. "I Kissed A Girl" - Katy Perry
9. "Crush" - David Archuleta
10. "Hillary" - The Yaks
Mixes are like time capsules. You make them, listen to them a few times, and then let them collect dust in the center console of your car. With the rise of iTunes playlists, mixes are becoming less necessary, which is a shame. They become snapshots of our musical tastes that we can look back on with both nostalgia and disgust. This weekend I had a ten hour drive through the desert and decided that I should make a mix to sum up the past three months. It would serve as both a reminder of summer '08 and provide better sound quality than my radio station tuning iPod would. Some of these tracks are summer blockbusters and deserve a place on the mix whether you like 'em or not. Others barley made a blip on radio waves but are so good that it would be a crime not to be included. Without further adieu, I present to you, the 17 Tracks Summer '08 Mix (in no particular order).
01. "If I Never See Your Face Again"
Artists: Maroon 5 feat. Rihanna
Albums: It Won't Be Soon Before Long and Good Girl Gone Bad Reloaded
Chart Placing: US #51 UK #28
Why: Rihanna had two #1's this summer and this song wasn't one of them. In fact, it is one of the few things that she touched that didn't turn to gold. Regardless, it made Rihanna more legit and it made Maroon 5 more new wave.
02. "Pork And Beans"
Artist: Weezer
Album: Weezer (The Red Album)
Chart Placing: US #64 UK #33 US Rock Chart #1
Why: The video alone makes this song a worthy candidate. However,the celebration of YouTube celebrities and culture aside, the song's remarks about Timbaland and taking pictures while looking in the mirror are so mid-to-late 00's it isn't funny.
03. "Spiralling"
Artist: Keane
Album: Perfect Symmetry
Chart Placing: UK #28
Why: "Spiralling" is hands down, the best free download of the year. It doesn't hurt that it sounds like a Killers track from the future or maybe the 80's (the future sounds like the 80's, doesn't it?) with Tom Chaplin giving his best Brandon Flowers impression. The album is due out in October featuring production from none other than Stuart Price.
04. "My Drive Thru"
Artists: Santogold, Julian Casablanca, Pharrell
Album: NA
Chart Placing: NA
Why: Another amazing free download. Each artist wrote their own track and then N.E.R.D. stitched each part together to produce the ultimate mash-up. Despite its three separate and distinct parts, "My Drive Thru" flows together flawlessly.
05. "4 Minutes"
Artists: Madonna & Justin Timberlake
Album: Hard Candy
Chart Placing: US #3 UK #1 US Dance Chart #1
Why: Let's be honest, the best part of the song is the beginning where Timbaland is mumbling about four minutes. As the anticipation reaches its climax, the rest of the song is a relative disappointment. Still, it's Madonna's biggest hit in eight years and the first time since 1989 that fourteen year olds know the words to one of her songs.
06. "Black And Gold"
Artist: Sam Sparro
Album: Sam Sparro
Chart Placing: UK #2
Why: Cool synthesizers slink along as Sparro describes looking up in wonder at the night sky. Sparro claims the song is about the very existence of God, which, if it's true, is the catchiest religious dance song of the century.
07. "Paper Planes"
Artist: M.I.A.
Album: Kala
Chart Placing: Currently US #5
Why: It took being featured on a film trailer and Rihanna's section of the Glow In The Dark tour, but M.I.A. has finally got a major hit on her hands. Like "I Kissed A Girl", this track should have angered a lot of people but for some reason didn't. Sure she was censored on Letterman, but everyone knows that all she wants to do is bang bang bang bang and take your money. (She's got more records than the KGB.)
08. "I Kissed A Girl"
Artist: Katy Perry
Album: One Of The Boys
Chart Placing: US #1 UK #1
Why: It should piss of gay rights activists because of its appropriation of homosexuality only OK if its girls and they are just playing. It should piss of conservatives because, well, it's about girls kissing girls. Somehow, no one is upset and it's a transatlantic #1 hit.
09. "L.E.S. Artistes"
Artist: Santogold
Album: Santogold
Chart Placing: US #27
Why: The L.E.S. isn't French, it stands for Lower East Side, as in the avant garde part of New York City. It comes across as an updated version of "Complicated", bashing pretentious starving artists but it's much more believable coming from someone who isn't "complicated" themselves.
10. "Dance Wiv Me"
Artist: Dizzee Rascal feat. Calvin Harris
Album: NA
Chart Placing: UK #1
Why: Great Britain has a love for disposable dance songs and this is a perfect example. How often does a black rapper feature a white pop songwriter on a track? Not often. If you find one, hold onto it tight.
11. "The Geeks Were Right"
Artist: The Faint
Album: Fasciinatiion
Chart Placing: NA
Why: In a summer of washed up sea monster sightings, rumors of Bigfoot finally being caught on the front page of Drudge Report, and fears of China on the rise, this horror song at least gave us something to dance to as we worried.
12. "Everyone Nose:
Artists: N.E.R.D. feat. Kanye West
Album: Seeing Sounds
Chart Placing: UK #41
Why: You'll never look at all the girls standing in the line for the bathroom the same way again. Sure it's about groupies using cocaine, but the beat is so sick that it doesn't matter.
13. "Bleeding Love"
Artist: Leona Lewis
Album: Spirit
Chart Placing: US #1 UK #1
Why: "Bleeding Love" is one of the few gems from a slew of sappy reality television winner songs. Written by Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic and Jesse McCartney, the track was better than any song ever recorded by either of them. You can bet Mariah Carey's blood boiled with envy upon hearing the distorted organ and Lewis' opening coos for the first time.
14. "Viva La Vida"
Artist: Coldplay
Album: Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends
Chart Placing: US #1 UK #1
Why: Coldplay officially took their spot as biggest band of the decade this summer and "Viva La Vida" was the song that took them there.
15. "Mercury"
Artist: Bloc Party
Album: Intimacy
Chart Placing: UK #16
Why: If Britney Spears was a male rock star who wielded a guitar rather than a female pop star who wielded her sexuality, this would be her "Toxic". The "4 Minutes"-esque horns blare amid the remixed shouts of "my mercury's in retrograde" and it takes you too high that you can't come down.
16. "Closer"
Artist: Ne-Yo
Album: The Year Of The Gentleman
Chart Placing: Currently US #10 UK #1
Why: If Usher was concerned about reclaiming his crown as King of Pop from Timberlake, this is the song he would have made. Apparently he's more concerned about being the first Usher than the next Michael Jackson but we still have "Closer" so everyone is a winner.
17. "Yes We Can"
Artist: Will.I.Am feat. Barack Obama
Album: NA
Chart Placing: NA
Why: Even if you are voting for McCain, you have to admit that this song is inspiring. It doesn't touch on energy policies, the war in Iraq, or abortion, and after the Saddleback debate, I'm not sure that Obama talking about real issues would sound as eloquent anyways. That wasn't the point though; it was all about hope.
01. "If I Never See Your Face Again"
Artists: Maroon 5 feat. Rihanna
Albums: It Won't Be Soon Before Long and Good Girl Gone Bad Reloaded
Chart Placing: US #51 UK #28
Why: Rihanna had two #1's this summer and this song wasn't one of them. In fact, it is one of the few things that she touched that didn't turn to gold. Regardless, it made Rihanna more legit and it made Maroon 5 more new wave.
02. "Pork And Beans"
Artist: Weezer
Album: Weezer (The Red Album)
Chart Placing: US #64 UK #33 US Rock Chart #1
Why: The video alone makes this song a worthy candidate. However,the celebration of YouTube celebrities and culture aside, the song's remarks about Timbaland and taking pictures while looking in the mirror are so mid-to-late 00's it isn't funny.
03. "Spiralling"
Artist: Keane
Album: Perfect Symmetry
Chart Placing: UK #28
Why: "Spiralling" is hands down, the best free download of the year. It doesn't hurt that it sounds like a Killers track from the future or maybe the 80's (the future sounds like the 80's, doesn't it?) with Tom Chaplin giving his best Brandon Flowers impression. The album is due out in October featuring production from none other than Stuart Price.
04. "My Drive Thru"
Artists: Santogold, Julian Casablanca, Pharrell
Album: NA
Chart Placing: NA
Why: Another amazing free download. Each artist wrote their own track and then N.E.R.D. stitched each part together to produce the ultimate mash-up. Despite its three separate and distinct parts, "My Drive Thru" flows together flawlessly.
05. "4 Minutes"
Artists: Madonna & Justin Timberlake
Album: Hard Candy
Chart Placing: US #3 UK #1 US Dance Chart #1
Why: Let's be honest, the best part of the song is the beginning where Timbaland is mumbling about four minutes. As the anticipation reaches its climax, the rest of the song is a relative disappointment. Still, it's Madonna's biggest hit in eight years and the first time since 1989 that fourteen year olds know the words to one of her songs.
06. "Black And Gold"
Artist: Sam Sparro
Album: Sam Sparro
Chart Placing: UK #2
Why: Cool synthesizers slink along as Sparro describes looking up in wonder at the night sky. Sparro claims the song is about the very existence of God, which, if it's true, is the catchiest religious dance song of the century.
07. "Paper Planes"
Artist: M.I.A.
Album: Kala
Chart Placing: Currently US #5
Why: It took being featured on a film trailer and Rihanna's section of the Glow In The Dark tour, but M.I.A. has finally got a major hit on her hands. Like "I Kissed A Girl", this track should have angered a lot of people but for some reason didn't. Sure she was censored on Letterman, but everyone knows that all she wants to do is bang bang bang bang and take your money. (She's got more records than the KGB.)
08. "I Kissed A Girl"
Artist: Katy Perry
Album: One Of The Boys
Chart Placing: US #1 UK #1
Why: It should piss of gay rights activists because of its appropriation of homosexuality only OK if its girls and they are just playing. It should piss of conservatives because, well, it's about girls kissing girls. Somehow, no one is upset and it's a transatlantic #1 hit.
09. "L.E.S. Artistes"
Artist: Santogold
Album: Santogold
Chart Placing: US #27
Why: The L.E.S. isn't French, it stands for Lower East Side, as in the avant garde part of New York City. It comes across as an updated version of "Complicated", bashing pretentious starving artists but it's much more believable coming from someone who isn't "complicated" themselves.
10. "Dance Wiv Me"
Artist: Dizzee Rascal feat. Calvin Harris
Album: NA
Chart Placing: UK #1
Why: Great Britain has a love for disposable dance songs and this is a perfect example. How often does a black rapper feature a white pop songwriter on a track? Not often. If you find one, hold onto it tight.
11. "The Geeks Were Right"
Artist: The Faint
Album: Fasciinatiion
Chart Placing: NA
Why: In a summer of washed up sea monster sightings, rumors of Bigfoot finally being caught on the front page of Drudge Report, and fears of China on the rise, this horror song at least gave us something to dance to as we worried.
12. "Everyone Nose:
Artists: N.E.R.D. feat. Kanye West
Album: Seeing Sounds
Chart Placing: UK #41
Why: You'll never look at all the girls standing in the line for the bathroom the same way again. Sure it's about groupies using cocaine, but the beat is so sick that it doesn't matter.
13. "Bleeding Love"
Artist: Leona Lewis
Album: Spirit
Chart Placing: US #1 UK #1
Why: "Bleeding Love" is one of the few gems from a slew of sappy reality television winner songs. Written by Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic and Jesse McCartney, the track was better than any song ever recorded by either of them. You can bet Mariah Carey's blood boiled with envy upon hearing the distorted organ and Lewis' opening coos for the first time.
14. "Viva La Vida"
Artist: Coldplay
Album: Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends
Chart Placing: US #1 UK #1
Why: Coldplay officially took their spot as biggest band of the decade this summer and "Viva La Vida" was the song that took them there.
15. "Mercury"
Artist: Bloc Party
Album: Intimacy
Chart Placing: UK #16
Why: If Britney Spears was a male rock star who wielded a guitar rather than a female pop star who wielded her sexuality, this would be her "Toxic". The "4 Minutes"-esque horns blare amid the remixed shouts of "my mercury's in retrograde" and it takes you too high that you can't come down.
16. "Closer"
Artist: Ne-Yo
Album: The Year Of The Gentleman
Chart Placing: Currently US #10 UK #1
Why: If Usher was concerned about reclaiming his crown as King of Pop from Timberlake, this is the song he would have made. Apparently he's more concerned about being the first Usher than the next Michael Jackson but we still have "Closer" so everyone is a winner.
17. "Yes We Can"
Artist: Will.I.Am feat. Barack Obama
Album: NA
Chart Placing: NA
Why: Even if you are voting for McCain, you have to admit that this song is inspiring. It doesn't touch on energy policies, the war in Iraq, or abortion, and after the Saddleback debate, I'm not sure that Obama talking about real issues would sound as eloquent anyways. That wasn't the point though; it was all about hope.
Labels:
17 Tracks,
Bloc Party,
Coldplay,
Julian Casablanca,
Katy Perry,
Keane,
Leona Lewis,
lists,
M.I.A.,
Madonna,
Maroon 5,
N.E.R.D.,
Rihanna,
Sam Sparro,
Santogold,
Summer Mix,
The Faint,
Weezer,
Will.I.Am
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