Songs of the day: 7/21/09 at 3:36 PM

So this is something I'm going to try to do every day, just to keep me blogging every day. I listen to a lot of music and thought I'd share what I listen to, especially since I'm at work while I do this haha. Here goes:

George Nozuka - "Butterfly"

You might recognize the last name. Around last summeron VH1, they were highlighting an artist named Justin Nozuka and his song "After Tonight". This his brother. He's got a more R&B feel to his music; I like it.



Butterfly - George Nozuka

Kings of Leon - "Use Somebody"

I just heard this song last week and wondered where I've been. The leader singer's voice is incredible and the production and music behind this song really make you feel the lyrics of the song. Good song for sure. Makes me want to pick up the whole album and see them live.



Use Somebody - Kings Of Leon

Drake - "Houstatlantavegas"

Drake's "Best I Ever Had" is ridiculously popular. I remember when I heard this particular song, I thought it was The-Dream, but was surprised to learn it was Drake. I like that Drake can be both a singer and a rapper; maybe someday he'll come up with an album that focuses on either talent. He's going to be an artist to watch (and it does help people know him from Degrassi already haha)



Houstatlantavegas - Drake

Josh Rouse - "Sad Eyes"

I'm not going to lie...I heard this song on Grey's Anatomy and had to download it haha. I don't know what it is about this song, but it's pretty chill and a good song to lay back and enjoy.



sad eyes - Josh Rouse

Let me know what you guys think! It's a little mix of everything; I've never been able to settle on just one style of music. But, if I had to pick one, it'd definitely be soul music.

Music on Rotation at 12:06 AM

Hey guys,

I know it's been a really long time, but I've been introduced to such good music lately that I feel I should share what's been on repeat on my iPod and you guys can get a sense of what I listen to:


Raphael Saadiq - "The Way I See It"

So I've known that he's been around for awhile, without being in the spotlight too much. I listened to him a little bit when he created Lucy Pearl, but never got into his solo music until this album. This album has a really old-school vibe to it, and I really enjoy it. Tracks I recommend are "Let's Take a Walk", "100-Yard Dash", "Never Gonna Give You Up", and "Hope You Mean It".







Maxwell - BLACKsummers'night

Another artist I didn't start listening until just recently. His last album came out 8 years ago, and it's safe to say that I really didn't relate to it much and at that age I didn't really appreciate the production of music or soul music for that matter. That's definitely changed. This album is so good, I'm still in shock. The production and instrumentation on each track and the way Maxwell delivers his music is so strong and passionate, you can tell why he's still popular even after disappearing for almost a decade. Modern soul music doesn't get as good as this, and I'm glad he's provided this album for people to hear. Tracks I recommend: "Pretty Wings", "Bad Habits", "Love You", and "Fistful of Tears". But really, the whole album is great.

BLACKsummersnight


Then there's a few songs here and there that have caught my ear:

Jason Mraz - "If It Kills Me" (Casa Nova Session)
This song is something I can relate to. It's about a guy who wants to cross that line of friendship with a girl who seems to be his best friend, but he feels he may not be bold enough to do it because of what may happen. I really like the stripped down version of this song, and I feel it's one of his strongest songs. Check it out.

If It Kills Me (From The Casa Nova Sessions) - Jason Mraz


John Mayer - "Split Screen Sadness"
For some reason, I didn't really listen to John Mayer's music when it came out, so it took me a while to get around to his 2nd album, "Heavier Things". I was really missing out, especially because of this song. It's about two people in a relationship that's taken the energy out of both of them and they both don't know what went wrong. I think it's bold when he says " "All You Need is Love" is a lie". In a way, he's calling out the Beatles for giving some false line in a song since his relationship isn't working. Production's great, lyrics are great. If you haven't heard this song yet, I definitely recommend it.

Split Screen Sadness - John Mayer

I think that's it. If you want, let me know what you think of the music I've listed and give some recommendations. I'm always down to listen to new music. Until next time.

-Ray

How Do You Measure a Year in the Life? at 12:38 AM

So I just bought the new RENT DVD. The last performance on Broadway was filmed.

Now, if you knew me in high school...I was on the whole RENT hype when it came out, thought it was amazing. And I still do. It means more to me now than it did four years ago, and I understand what the show is trying to say. To live for today. Yes, you do have a future...and yes, you have a past. But they are not something to dwell on. The hope is that you live every day of your life like it is your last, and just enjoy it. A few of my favorite quotes from the musical are:

"Give in to love...or live in fear"

"There's only us, there's only this. Forget regret, of life is yours to miss. No other road, no other way, no day but today"

"Let's find a bar, so dark we forget who we are, all and all the scars from the nevers and maybes die"

"There's something I should have told you, when I looked into your eyes. Why does distance make us wise? You were the song along"

Yes, the show is pretty EMO. But...I do think it sends a strong message that many people can relate to. I personally have been listening to the soundtrack nonstop since I watched it ago :D. Check it out if you haven't seen it.

Heals the Eardrum at 11:40 PM

Decided to recommend some more songs.

"By Your Side" by Sade
Love this song. It was my cousin's song for her first dance with her husband...and I haven't been able to stop listening to it. The love that the narrator of this song sings about...that devotion...I hope to find that in someone some day.


"Makes Me Wonder (Just Blaze Remix) by Maroon 5
This song is still my favorite Maroon 5 song...and I never expected it to ever sound like this. Just reminds me of how complex music can be and how much you can accomplish with it if you have that creativity and patience.


"(Another Song) All Over Again) by Justin Timberlake
I always like the stuff he puts out that is different from what ends up going out into the radio as a single. I digg the lyrics...the easiness of the song, and he's an artist that, while yes, he used to be in a boy band, and yes, he's not the best singer in the world, he's an artist. It's amazing to me that a guy who can put out a song like "SexyBack" is capable of delivering a song completely opposite song.


"No Other Love" by John Legend feat. Estelle
This song just hooks you from beginning to end. And having Estelle on featured and backup vocals was a nice touch. Gotta listen to it. One of my favorite...if not favorite track from him.


"Sad Eyes" by Josh Rouse
I'm sure this song hasn't been heard by many people. Not gonna lie...I first heard this song on Grey's Anatomy haha. But I like how it's kinda different...but still makes you feel good. Also..the album that it's on, "Nashville", is one of the better reviewed albums from 2005. Worth checking out. And by the way...the only video I could find with this song is a video montage to Derek and Addison from Grey's haha.


"Hollywood" by Jay-Z feat. Beyonce
Gotta throw a hip-hop track in here somewhere haha. The song is sick...and I like what Jay-Z talks about. Plus the production is really good on this track. Don't like many rappers, but he's definitely one I can keep listening to.


Hope you enjoy the songs. Let me know what you think! 'Til next time...


-Ray

Fearless on My Radio at 1:55 AM

I've been listening to two albums heavily during winter break. They've been "Fearless" by Jazmine Sullivan and "Onmyradio" by Musiq Soulchild. Thought I'd recommend a song from each.

FEARLESS....this album is dope. Fresh voice...good sound...it's sick. If you haven't listened to it, you should. Here's "Fear".






Onmyradio...I like this album a lot. It's going back to his past sound. I liked Luvanmusiq a lot too...but I didn't think it was as good as his old material and it was becoming more commercial, so I'm glad this album's starting to sound like his old material. Here's "Ifuleave" featuring Mary J. Blige






Hope you all enjoy it. Peace.