So, if I remember correctly, the next letter in my ABC.123 posts would be…

The Letter G

As a reminder, I’m making my way through the alphabet, selecting the top three tracks, albums, and artists starting with the themed letter. I may deviate from this occasionally for special themed posts revolving around the current letter. However, today I’ll get back to the basics.

1) Song

Maybe it’s because it is raining. Maybe it is because this band/album has a special place in my life. Maybe it’s because Steve Jobs passed away today.  Who knows, but these are essentials to have in your collection.

God of Wine by Third Eye Blind

Gravedigger by Dave Matthews Band

2) Album

This was a hard choice. I don’t have many “G” albums in my collection, and of the ones I do, they are phenomenal. However, this one stands out as a turning point for both the genre and the artist.

Graduation by Kanye West

I would hope everyone has heard this album. It was a huge success, not only because it’s “popular” music, but because it is one of the most well put together albums I have heard to date. First, every track seemed to be a hit. There was no “ugly duckling” song on this CD. Second, you could tell this album was personal to Kanye. For once it wasn’t about his ego (although I’m sure the sells didn’t help!). I could tell that this album had a lot of heart, soul, and sweat put into it. Lastly, the production quality. I don’t think I could say enough about it. As much as I dislike Kanye as a person, I have to say this album is outstanding.

Good Life by Kanye West

Stronger by Kanye West (sampled from Daft Punk)

Flashing Lights by Kanye West

Side-note: After reading Spotify’s reviews on this album and Give Up by the Postal Service (my close second) I am very disappointed with whoever is writing those reviews. I do not agree at all.

3) Artist

I struggled with this selection. I had another artist in mind, but after looking more extensively at their catalogue, I lost interest after the album I had (thanks Spotify! I’ll feature the album next post). However, the following artist has consistently provided music my ears enjoy.

Gin Blossoms

Gin Blossoms: Then and Now

The Gin Blossoms are a band I can listen to anytime. Their album New Miserable Experience is one of my favorites. Not to mention, they dominated the airtime in my youth. In the 90′s they had many hit songs, and were doing very well. However, in 1997, the band broke up. Yet, it didn’t last long. In 2002 they got back together and have since released two new albums and have been touring as well. I’m glad they reunited, since it allowed me to see them in the early 2000′s. It was a great concert to just enjoy the music I had listened to almost a decade before. Their recent work (which I’m currently listening to…) sounds like what you would expect from Gin Blossoms. There is no definitive change in the band’s sound, but you can tell they have attempted to keep their melodies current. Regardless, I still enjoy it.

Follow You Down by Gin Blossoms

Hey Jealousy by Gin Blossoms (might be in my top 10 favorite songs of all time….)

This post comes directly from my Father. I undoubtedly owe my adoration and taste in music to him. Growing up there was always music in the house, whether it be from the stereo, or the piano my dad loves to play.

In honor of F being the next letter in my series, I asked him to pick out some of his favorite albums, artists, or songs that begin with the letter F. I got some great selections from him, and made the F is for Father playlist below. Fifteen tracks from my Father on the Fifth.

http://8tracks.com/chadwik09/f-is-for-father

Track listing below (with comments from my father in italics):

Fine Young Cannibals-Good Thing
Great song to warm up your fingers
-I think there is video evidence of me dancing to this song when I was very, very young…

Fine Young Cannibals-I’m Not the Man I Used to Be

The Finn Brothers-Disembodied Vocies
The Finn Brothers-Anything Can Happen
The Finn Brothers-Homesick
The best part of Crowded House

Frank Sinatra-It Was a Very Good Year
What blog can’t pay homage to Old Blue Eyes?
-Very true! Thank you for adding it to the blog!

George Harrison-For You Blue
Maybe the best original song writer in the Beatles?
-Is that even a question!?

Mazzy Star-Fade Into You
Turns your mom into mush every time she hears it

Crowded House-Fall At Your Feet

John Coltrane-Favorite Things
Pomplamouse-Favorite Things
-Apparently this was a tie. I agree completely.

Peggy Lee-Fever
Who does not have memories of this tune at some point?

Jeff Beck-Freeway Jam
Great Tune to put into the running playlist
-My dad would know great running music, he runs about 6 miles every day. He just completed a 10K with under 10 minute miles! Congrats Dad!
http://results.active.com/pages/oneResult.jsp?pID=110811107&rsID=113193

The Cure-Friday I’m in Love
Play it on Tuesday or Wednesday and you will be jazzed before the weekend

Emerson Lake and Palmer-From the Beginning
Very short but a incredible Moog solo that sent the keyboard world in a different motion

The Letter E.

Reserved for El Gun Legro.

A couple of months ago, my buddy Matt contacted me about an up and coming underground rap artist local to San Diego. Turns out, Matt’s his manager, and was throwing his debut album release party. unfortunately, I couldn’t make it. However, I met up with Matt, and the underground rapper El-Gun Legro for a bite and a night out. I also got a chance to grab El-Gun’s new CD, promising to write a review.

El-Gun, apologies for the delay, but here it is. I’m no expert on underground rap, so I’ll do my best.

El-Gun Legro’s debut album “The Return of the Future” brings on a journey into the life of El-Gun through time, and most certainly space. The artist El-Gun certainly evokes an interesting character while performing, an alter-ego of the man behind the music. However, this outlet corresponds to the music, light-hearted, fun, and never taking it too seriously. Once you know this about El-Gun, the music comes into perspective. When I first saw El-Gun’s pictures, I thought one part Steve Urkel, one part Lil John, with some Weird Al Yankovic tossed in.

 I don’t think I was too far off in my first impression…?
El-Gun Legro (right)

First, let me talk about the album as a whole. It’s well put together, with phenomenal production quality. I really do have to applaud the effort that went into this album. The sound, editing, and care that went into the album is apparent. I’m not familiar with the production company, but the producers are excellent.
Second, the beats are sick. There are some amazing tracks with sick beats. on top of that, there are some brilliant song collaborations featuring artists I’ve not heard of initially, but found my self following up on.  The chorus of each track, usually with some of these artists as supporting vocals or raps, are very well done.

Alright, now onto El-Gun himself.

Initially, I was really thrown off on the album. I couldn’t figure out a message El was trying to convey as an artist, or an audience he was seeking to target. Granted, this was one listen through. I can’t give it a proper review on just one listen.
So I queued the album back up, and listened closely. You know what I found? Just fun rapping.

El’s all about having fun with his music and being creative, and it shows in his lyrics and raps.  Sure he tackles the usual rapper status symbols: honeys and moneys. However, tossed in are jokes about superheroes, mistaken club ownerships, kung-fu fights, and secret agents. El-Gun just raps about what he finds funny, whether it be issues with his internet social life, or the life of a wizard. So, the second question, who is the audience? Well, I’d say anyone who doesn’t take life too seriously, who likes to have fun, and can call upon that reflection in rap music. Rap doesn’t always have to be about what society deems “hard”, El-Gun brings out the lighter, funny side of this musical genre. However, there is a great song “Goodday” that takes a more serious tone, and the beautiful vocals and tones fit nicely with the rest of the track, even if it is a bit slowed town.

Granted the debut album reflects El-Gun’s creativity and personality, has excellent production quality, and some great supporting artists, there is still plenty of room for improvement. First off, I think El-Gun is still establishing a comfortable flow in his rapping. He hasn’t quiet nailed down a fluid rhyming style, but it is (in my opinion) certainly better than the “last word hard-hitting” Ludacris style. Most of the time it matches and goes with the beat, but at times El hesitates with the beat, or attempts to cram in too much to get that last rhyme. Minor things on the overall album, but as an up and coming rapper, it’s something to work on.
As more of personal opinion and not really related to the artist or album, I’d like to hear less random background support of El in the chorus of his songs (particularly those vocalized by supporting artists). It takes away from El being on the “main stage” in the song, and drops him into a “Lil’ Jon” supportive “YEAH!” type role. Own the song El, no need for that.

Highlights of the album are the tracks “Goodday” featuring Rachel Evans, “Chinese Connection” definitely reflects El-Gun, and lastly “This Ain’t My Club” featuring Tommy Redding was a great track.

Overall, the album is fun to listen to,; and once you understand who the artist is, what he’s about, it all comes together. For a debut, “The Return of the Future” reflects, represents, and relates El-Gun Legro to a world awaiting new, fresh, fun,  and high-quality production rap music. Just don’t say his name five times fast.

Finally, I’d like to add one last note about El-Gun. During a night out on the town, I had a chance to sit and talk with El-Gun, and I asked what his rap was all about. He responded that he wants to promote the genre, and likes to help and be an mentor for teens and kids in the underground rap world. El-Gun volunteers locally assisting children in rough areas at a service allowing them the opportunity to pursue their dreams, despite hurdles life might have tossed their way. He added to this revelation: “I don’t swear in my music. I can’t be a model for children I mentor if I can’t put out the positive lyrics I wish for them to incorporate as well.” El-Gun, you have very admirable morality.

Sample El-Gun’s Music here

Pick up El-Gun Legro’s debut album “The Return of the Future” at
https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/elgunlegro

Check Out El-Gun Legro at his new website:
http://www.elgunlegro.com 

What is Dubstep?
Dubstep is dirty. Dubstep is depth. Dubstep is drums.
Dubstep is dark. Dubstep is distorted. Dubstep is a drug.

Dubstep, best described, is audio thunder.
It’s the stuff Transformer babies are made from.

I’m going to deviate from my previous “alphabet” postings. I’m not going to post an artist, track, or album based on the letter D. Instead, I’m going to introduce you to the genre, and explain why I love it.

Dubstep has taken over my music this past couple of months. I found it through 8tracks.com, the site I previously posted about. At first, I was hooked on its electronic beats, and quick tempo, which allowed me to get through tasks at hand. However, branching out, and diving deeper, Dubstep has a lot more to offer. It takes electronic music a step further, highlights the lows instead of the highs. Boosts the drums and turns up the bass. The melody is no longer the center of attention, only the beat and drop. It sucks you in, and then melts your face.

An introduction:

However, Dubstep is not just limited to adapting electronic music into its own. No, not at all. What has astounded me the most is the versatility of the genre, and the creativity behind the artists creating the music. As much as I love the music, I think it’s the minds behind it that I enjoy the most. Sure there are mash-ups, remixes, and covers, but nothing takes it as far as dubstep in my opinion. The creativity is what won me over. Here’s a sample of the diversity of the genre:

Silkie – Jazz Dubstep

Home -Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zero’s (Whole-Z Remix)

Harry Potter and the Half-Dub Remix – Terabyte Frenzy

Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites – Skrillex

I could add more, but I think the point is made. Dubstep pulls from youtube videos, movies, current songs, or just out of thin air to create a new unique sound in music. Dubstep has been around for some time, originating in UK and slowly making its way over here to the states. Now, it’s gaining some mainstream attention as artists start to incorporate the sounds into their music. Even live shows are incorporating some dubstep in their set-lists.

Expect Dubstep to make it big soon.

I found a new site and new venue to share music. 8tracks.com is a website designed to let users DJ their own station, by uploading at least 8 tracks to share with the world in random order. I have to say I am very impressed with the playlists on the site, and the volume of new music I’ve been opened up to.

In the spirit of being a new user, and very delayed in content for this site (sorry), I’ve uploaded 21 tracks centered around relationships in our life. A very mellow and somber playlist for reflecting on acquaintances throughout ones life. Let me know what you all think!

http://www.8tracks.com/chadwik09/edu-music-ation-relationships

Delicious Music with The Letter C

Part 3 in ABC.123

1) Song

Caroline & I – Kentucky Nightmare

Aw come on, you know I’ve gotta sport the home-state pride. Even if Kentucky Nightmare is from Illinois, I’ll let it slide, they’re music is good. I’ve only been able to find out limited information about them, and even fewer songs to check out. However, I’ve developed a taste for their laid back, indie, rock and roll style and I think you will too.

2) Artist

Civil Twilight

I actually found this band when I was in search for some new music a while back. I found a great site called gnoosic which allows you to enter music you like, and then it gives you suggestions on other music you may, or may not have heard based on people with similar interest. Anyway, long story short, I arrived at Civil Twilight.

Listening to them, you might think that I entered Coldplay into gnoosic, but that is not the case. After only a little bit of listening, you’ll be able to notice the differences and begin to really enjoy the mellow tones from Civil Twilight.

Letters from the Sky – Civil Twilight

Is Anybody Out There – Civil Twilight

Human – Civil Twilight

3) Album

Carnavas by The Silversun Pickups

When Carnavas was released in 2006, indie and alternative music was changed forever. The Silversun Pickups hit jackpot with their debut album and have continued to rise ever since. Blending melodies, fuzz, static, and harsh guitars with eerily intriguing vocals, the band create an all new sound that has never been heard before.

I had the opportunity to hear them at a small live studio session as they made their way to Coachella a couple of years ago. It was an amazing experience to see such a skyrocketing band up close and personal as if they were still playing out of a garage. Pictures and video of “Lazy Eye” from the album Carnavas below!

is for Blend

The second installment in ABC.123

That’s right, B stands for Blend; as in, the blending of musical styles to form something unique. I’ve scoured my collections of “B’s” and found a theme I could put together for this post. The song, artist, and album below all blend musical styles in their own way.

1) Song

Boyz-N-The Hood – Dynamite Hack (N.W.A. Cover)

Yeah, its pretty funny to hear an NWA song covered indie style. However, it blends well, surprisingly. So much so, other artists follow suit in the same style…

2)Artist

Ben Folds

Ben Folds even did a cover of Dr. Dre’s “Bitches Ain’t Shit” which you can check out below. Besides doing covers like that, Ben Folds has some amazing music. He recently teamed up with my favorite Youtube band Pomplamoose for a song featuring Nick Hornby (embedded below). One of my favorite songs by Ben Folds in his band Ben Folds Five is “Army”. Be sure to check out his songs, I’ve put several below:

Bitches Ain’t Shit – Ben Folds

Army – Ben Folds Five

Brick – Ben Folds

And who could forget the “Ode to Merton” via Chatroulette by Ben Folds:

3) Album

The Blueprint 3 by Jay-Z

I don’t think many people can argue against the fact that Jay-Z keeps doing things right with his career and music. The Blueprint 3 reaffirms his place among hip-hop and rap as it continues to blend old and new together to form amazing new music. I’ve listened to the album several times over, and it’s hands down great. Not to mention, it is PACKED with artists joining in on most songs.

Young Forever – Jay-Z (ft. Mr. Hudson)

ABC.123 Introduces the first installment:

The Letter A

Alright, so lets get started. Here are my picks for song, album, and artist that begin with the letter A:

1)Song

Are You Gonna Go My Way – Timid Tiger (feat. Ludacris & The Notorious B.I.G.)

This was a tough choice, as there were several songs I wanted to “kick off” this series with. However, this song hasn’t been introduced in this blog, it’s entirely new, and it starts the party off right. I got this off their PMA.EP album over at Pretty Much Amazing! They also do a great interview with the band that probably does them more justice than me trying to translate German articles about the band.

Honorable mentions:
Awake My Soul-Mumford and Sons

2) Album

Anthem In by Anthem In

Yeah yeah, album and artist are the same name, but who cares? Both are A, so it’s like a double whammy. Anyway, Anthem In was introduced to me by my God-Family. More specifically, my God-Brother is their drummer. Ok, so maybe I’m cheating a bit, but thats not to say their music isn’t great! Check out this album, or their other “The Cloudbusting EP”

Down-Anthem In

3) Artist

ACDC

I can’t resist posting some classic rock. It just has to be done. Enough Said. Especially an awesome remix!

Shook Me All Night Long-ACDC

Thunderstruck -ACDC (Crookers Remix)

P.S. This post is dedicated to Alex, who commented on my lack of posting and updates. Also, his name starts with A.