Hi Hello
The year is coming to an end and there has been an abundance of great music that has come out this year and I would just like to take a moment and acknowledge those pieces of work. Now, I'm like everybody else, I listen to a wide variety of music, yes, but I do cater to a specific genre of music more because it is my favorite genre. So if this list seems heavy on a specific genre, don't go up in arms that its not diverse enough for you...its my top 14...not Billboards Top 14.
I have searched through my iTunes library for all the albums that have been released in 2014 and wrote them down. Then I went through that list and made my top 14. This is what I've come up with.
1. Sam Smith - In The Lonely Hour released June 17 on Capitol Records. (Pop, R&B, Soul). Basically if I could marry a voice...I would marry Sam Smith's voice. Pure beauty. Pure talent.
2. Ed Sheeran - X released June 20 on Asylum Records. (Acoustic). If it doesn't work out between Sam Smith's voice and me...I'd marry Ed Sheeran. Not just his voice...him in general.
3. We Are The In Crowd - WeirdKids released February 18 on Hopeless Records. (Alternative Rock, Punk). I have never related to an album as much as I did this one. Amazing.
4. John Laing and Brittany Benish - Christmas Memories released November 25. (Holiday, Christian). Gotta show the love for my friends and this EP is just amazing. If you haven't gotten it yet what is wrong with you?
5. One Direction - FOUR released November 17 on Syco Records. (Pop). I mean...I did a review on it and its just a great album!
6. Hozier - Hozier released July 29 on Rubyworks. (Indie Rock, Soul, Blues). This man can sing. No question this is a great album.
7. 5 Seconds of Summer - 5 Seconds of Summer released July 22 on Capitol Records. (Power Pop, Pop Punk, Pop Rock). Showing some love for the Australian idiots. Bringing be back to my high school days with this album.
8. Young Rising Sons - Young Rising Sons released July 22 on Interscope Records. (Indie Rock, Alternative Pop). Found out about them this year, saw them in concert, fell in love. Basically.
9. Troye Sivan - TRXYE released August 15 on EMI Records (Universal). (Pop, Electropop). Its something new from what I'm used to listening to but I fell in love with it once I heard it.
10. New Found Glory - Resurrection released October 7 on Hopeless Records. Loved New Found Glory as a young one and needless to say I was super stoked that this came out.
11. The Vamps - Meet The Vamps released November 4 (USA) on Virgin EMI Records. (Pop, Pop Rock). Hated the fact that I loved their music but couldn't buy it and so when I was able to I jumped on it.
12. Passenger - Whispers released June 10 on Black Crow Records. (Indie Rock, Acoustic, Soft Rock). Loved "All the Little Lights" so naturally, loved this album!
13. Nina Nesbitt - Nina Nesbitt released April 1, 2014 (USA) on Universal Island Records. (Pop, Acoustic) still a bit upset that I cannot get my hands on "Peroxide" but this was a nice treat for me this year.
14. Cher Lloyd - Sorry I'm Late released May 27 on Epic Records. (Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B). This was a surprise for me. Liked her, but didn't love her...until this album.
There you go! Those are my Top 14 of 2014! I highly suggest that you take some time and listen to these albums. All of them are great and are done by very talented artists.
If you have any albums that you feel have made your Top 14 of 2014 that are not on my list, please share them below and I will listen to them. Maybe they will make one of my playlists in the future??
Until next time my misfits,
Stefanie
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Searching For You
Hi Hello
Dreams. Goals. Ambitions. Everyone has them. When you're a little kid and you dream of having the newest GameBoy or Barbie doll, or you have a career ambition to be a firefighter, doctor or mother or father. Or even now, at your current age, you have a dream of having a family, living in a nice neighborhood or working at your dream job. Everyone has them and we think about them everyday.
But do you take action?
Do you, with the start of everyday, merely think about your dreams, goals, ambitions; or do you work towards them?
I have on my desk a piece of stationary that has my short term and long term goals. My short term goals are tasks that I can achieve in a day, week, or months time. Once they are completed I check them off the list and its the greatest feeling. And I wish to one day check off my one and only long term goal. To help striving artists achieve their goals.
I have never been one to think solely about myself and what I want. Growing up I always was helping other people get where they want to get. Now, as an adult, I want to help musicians achieve their musical goals.
My mission is to find those artists that are recording on their laptops on GarageBand to make an EP to sell. It is to find the artists that are going to local hang outs and playing their music on amateur night. It is to find the artists that are playing on the street corner of a busy shopping center, or concert venue, or tourist attraction.
Find these artists and help them in anyway.
If that means just buying one of their CDs out of their backpack, then that is what I'll do. If its helping them find their next gig, then that is what I'll do. If its spreading the word about them on social media or in my hometown, then that is what I will do.
I am here to help striving and hard working artists get to where they want to be with their material. And hopefully one day, I will be able to expand and travel to other states, or even countries, looking for these talents. But for now, I have to start small in order to build.
Until next time my misfits,
Stefanie
Dreams. Goals. Ambitions. Everyone has them. When you're a little kid and you dream of having the newest GameBoy or Barbie doll, or you have a career ambition to be a firefighter, doctor or mother or father. Or even now, at your current age, you have a dream of having a family, living in a nice neighborhood or working at your dream job. Everyone has them and we think about them everyday.
But do you take action?
Do you, with the start of everyday, merely think about your dreams, goals, ambitions; or do you work towards them?
I have on my desk a piece of stationary that has my short term and long term goals. My short term goals are tasks that I can achieve in a day, week, or months time. Once they are completed I check them off the list and its the greatest feeling. And I wish to one day check off my one and only long term goal. To help striving artists achieve their goals.
I have never been one to think solely about myself and what I want. Growing up I always was helping other people get where they want to get. Now, as an adult, I want to help musicians achieve their musical goals.
My mission is to find those artists that are recording on their laptops on GarageBand to make an EP to sell. It is to find the artists that are going to local hang outs and playing their music on amateur night. It is to find the artists that are playing on the street corner of a busy shopping center, or concert venue, or tourist attraction.
Find these artists and help them in anyway.
If that means just buying one of their CDs out of their backpack, then that is what I'll do. If its helping them find their next gig, then that is what I'll do. If its spreading the word about them on social media or in my hometown, then that is what I will do.
I am here to help striving and hard working artists get to where they want to be with their material. And hopefully one day, I will be able to expand and travel to other states, or even countries, looking for these talents. But for now, I have to start small in order to build.
Until next time my misfits,
Stefanie
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Holiday Listening Guide
Hi Hello
How is it already December???? I feel like I was just celebrating the Fourth of July and now I'm searching online for deals on Christmas gifts. Anyone else feel like this?
With the Holiday season upon us, so are the Christmas songs on the radio (and on my iPod playlist). But with only so many songs in the Christmas songbook, I can only listen to "Let It Snow" so many times until I get sick of it, and if you're anything like me...you'll need new artists and arrangements as well as original songs to listen to this season.
Here is my Holiday Listening Guide for most genres of music. Now, I say "most" because I do not have a Holiday album for all genres or age groups.
Christian
Simple Little Christmas by Anthem Lights is the perfect Pop Christian album to listen to this holiday season. Anthem Lights is a Christian Pop Boyband that are mainly known for their amazing covers on YouTube. This album not only has song Christmas classics like "O Holy Night" and "All I Want For Christmas" but they also have original songs on the track-list like my personal favorite and album title, "Simple Little Christmas."
Alternative
...And A Happy New Year by The Maine throws it back to 2008 with a fun and catchy Christmas Album. This album contains all original songs with one cover by the 80s band Wham! John O'Callaghan's voice is very unique and when you hear a song by The Maine you know exactly who it is. The Maine teamed up with Brighten on the song "Ho Ho Hopefully" where they did a fun little music video for on YouTube.
Another great album to listen to that falls into the Alternative category would be A Green River Ordinance Christmas by Green River Ordinance . This album adds a more orchestrated rock feel to song of the classics. The arrangements of these classics like "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night" really show case the band's abilities instrumentally as well as vocally. There are some shinning vocal harmonizing in both of these songs that just make your jaw drop.
Oldies
A Jolly Christmas From Frank Sinatra by Frank Sinatra if you are looking for some classic songs with a nostalgic feeling of sitting by the fireplace sipping on some hot cocoa, this is the album for you. Everybody loves a little Sinatra, right? This album features some of Frank's best Christmas songs recorded with traditional classics as well as song songs you have forgotten about, like "Mistletoe and Holly" and "Adeste Fideles." If you're going to listen to any classic Christmas album this season, this one should be one of those at the top.
Rock
Let It Snow Baby...Let It Reindeer by Relient K even though most people will classify Relient K as Alternative, I get a more rock feel from them than anything else. But, not only is the title of this album clever, the songs and arrangements on the album are hilarious to listen to. And their cleverness sarcasim doesn't end with the title, it goes on to their songs with titles like "I'm Getting Nuttin For Christmas" and "Santa Clause is Thumbing To Town" these songs are fun to just sing along with the hilariously recorded "Good King Wenceslas" which, if you're going to listen to any song off this album, it better be that one.
Country
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Other Christmas Classics by Gene Autry if you are going to listen to any country Christmas album I hope you listen to this one. I am not a huge country fan, and by "not a huge fan" I mean I don't listen to it at all really...with the exception of Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton and some Alan Jackson. But this album I have on my iPod and I listen to it every Holiday season without fail. Yes, this album is full of classics, but just like the Frank Sinatra album, you need the classics in your life but the classics that are sung by a classic artist makes them more nostalgic and easier to listen to peacefully.
That is all I have! If you have any other albums that are in a different genre of music or that you feel are a great fit for these genres of music, please leave it in the comments below! All of these albums are my opinion (obviously) and they could not be the right fit for you, but give them a listen because they are all unique and they are my go-to albums for this time of year!
Until next time my misfits,
Stefanie
How is it already December???? I feel like I was just celebrating the Fourth of July and now I'm searching online for deals on Christmas gifts. Anyone else feel like this?
With the Holiday season upon us, so are the Christmas songs on the radio (and on my iPod playlist). But with only so many songs in the Christmas songbook, I can only listen to "Let It Snow" so many times until I get sick of it, and if you're anything like me...you'll need new artists and arrangements as well as original songs to listen to this season.
Here is my Holiday Listening Guide for most genres of music. Now, I say "most" because I do not have a Holiday album for all genres or age groups.
Christian
Simple Little Christmas by Anthem Lights is the perfect Pop Christian album to listen to this holiday season. Anthem Lights is a Christian Pop Boyband that are mainly known for their amazing covers on YouTube. This album not only has song Christmas classics like "O Holy Night" and "All I Want For Christmas" but they also have original songs on the track-list like my personal favorite and album title, "Simple Little Christmas."
Alternative
...And A Happy New Year by The Maine throws it back to 2008 with a fun and catchy Christmas Album. This album contains all original songs with one cover by the 80s band Wham! John O'Callaghan's voice is very unique and when you hear a song by The Maine you know exactly who it is. The Maine teamed up with Brighten on the song "Ho Ho Hopefully" where they did a fun little music video for on YouTube.
Another great album to listen to that falls into the Alternative category would be A Green River Ordinance Christmas by Green River Ordinance . This album adds a more orchestrated rock feel to song of the classics. The arrangements of these classics like "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night" really show case the band's abilities instrumentally as well as vocally. There are some shinning vocal harmonizing in both of these songs that just make your jaw drop.
Oldies
A Jolly Christmas From Frank Sinatra by Frank Sinatra if you are looking for some classic songs with a nostalgic feeling of sitting by the fireplace sipping on some hot cocoa, this is the album for you. Everybody loves a little Sinatra, right? This album features some of Frank's best Christmas songs recorded with traditional classics as well as song songs you have forgotten about, like "Mistletoe and Holly" and "Adeste Fideles." If you're going to listen to any classic Christmas album this season, this one should be one of those at the top.
Rock
Let It Snow Baby...Let It Reindeer by Relient K even though most people will classify Relient K as Alternative, I get a more rock feel from them than anything else. But, not only is the title of this album clever, the songs and arrangements on the album are hilarious to listen to. And their cleverness sarcasim doesn't end with the title, it goes on to their songs with titles like "I'm Getting Nuttin For Christmas" and "Santa Clause is Thumbing To Town" these songs are fun to just sing along with the hilariously recorded "Good King Wenceslas" which, if you're going to listen to any song off this album, it better be that one.
Country
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Other Christmas Classics by Gene Autry if you are going to listen to any country Christmas album I hope you listen to this one. I am not a huge country fan, and by "not a huge fan" I mean I don't listen to it at all really...with the exception of Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton and some Alan Jackson. But this album I have on my iPod and I listen to it every Holiday season without fail. Yes, this album is full of classics, but just like the Frank Sinatra album, you need the classics in your life but the classics that are sung by a classic artist makes them more nostalgic and easier to listen to peacefully.
That is all I have! If you have any other albums that are in a different genre of music or that you feel are a great fit for these genres of music, please leave it in the comments below! All of these albums are my opinion (obviously) and they could not be the right fit for you, but give them a listen because they are all unique and they are my go-to albums for this time of year!
Until next time my misfits,
Stefanie
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Soundtracks Of Our Lives
Hi Hello
Ever hear a song on the radio and have a flashback to a moment in your life where you either first heard the song or shared a special moment with someone while that song was playing? When you are taken back to that place in time it can make you feel all sorts of emotions. The song can take you back to a time when you were sad, happy, angry and can make you re-feel all those emotions again.
This happened to me recently. I was listening to my iTunes song library on shuffle (which is an experience in itself) and the song Vegas Skies by The Cab started playing. I was instantly transported to a summer night during high school where my best friend Shawn and I were sitting on his porch swing at his mom's house. Everything was silent with just a faint sound of music playing on the cd player and it was one of those moments when we didn't need to speak, we just needed each other's company. This was the song that was playing and that night we made it out friendship song. Although its a love song, we had a different meaning for it and when we graduated and he was moving to Indiana to go to school closer to his dad we sat on his porch swing on his last night home and just sat silent listening to this song. No words had to be said.
So when that song came on my shuffle, I'll admit...I cried. He is my best friend and I practically lived at his house and now, its been 4 years and I only get to see him for a few months out of the year. It really sucks.
That trip down memory lane made me think of other songs that have special meanings to me and I thought I would share (briefly) what some of those are.
First I'm taking it way back to when I was a kid and my dad would drive my brother and I to my grandma's house so she could babysit us before school while our parents were at work. All three of us would pile into his old pick up truck and I would flip the cassette player to play Fred Bear by Ted Nugent because at the time that was my favorite song. I knew every word of that song (yes all 7 minutes complete with words and instrument solos) and I would sing it during the short trip to grandma's house. Now that I'm older, and its been ages since we've been taken to grandma's to be babysat, whenever I hear that song I grin from ear to ear and I turn it up and sing it like I did when I was 7 years old!
But, like I said...songs don't always bring you back to a happy memory, they can make you angry as well. One song in particular for me is Forever by Chris Brown. Although this sounds cheesy now, it made me angry then and still does now. I was dating a boy and I was really "falling" for him hard...as hard as a high school relationship can fall and this was our song. I remember going paintballing with him and they played it over the PA system in the dining area of the arena and that it was specially requested by the boy I was with. It made me feel so happy at the time. But then the relationship started to turn for the worse (which is a whole other can of worms that I'm not opening) and every since we broke it off whenever I hear this song I think of him and get angry.
It is amazing how songs can do this to us. How certain ones hold a special place in our memories and can take us back to a time in our lives to be relived again for the duration of the song. These songs that link us to memories act like our soundtrack. Like if our lives were a movie, these songs would be part of the soundtrack; each song for a specific moment or scene in the film.
My list could go on and on since music is ver prominent in my life with everything I do, but how long is your soundtrack?
What are some songs that you hear that take you back to your past?
Until next time my misfits,
Stefanie
Ever hear a song on the radio and have a flashback to a moment in your life where you either first heard the song or shared a special moment with someone while that song was playing? When you are taken back to that place in time it can make you feel all sorts of emotions. The song can take you back to a time when you were sad, happy, angry and can make you re-feel all those emotions again.
This happened to me recently. I was listening to my iTunes song library on shuffle (which is an experience in itself) and the song Vegas Skies by The Cab started playing. I was instantly transported to a summer night during high school where my best friend Shawn and I were sitting on his porch swing at his mom's house. Everything was silent with just a faint sound of music playing on the cd player and it was one of those moments when we didn't need to speak, we just needed each other's company. This was the song that was playing and that night we made it out friendship song. Although its a love song, we had a different meaning for it and when we graduated and he was moving to Indiana to go to school closer to his dad we sat on his porch swing on his last night home and just sat silent listening to this song. No words had to be said.
So when that song came on my shuffle, I'll admit...I cried. He is my best friend and I practically lived at his house and now, its been 4 years and I only get to see him for a few months out of the year. It really sucks.
That trip down memory lane made me think of other songs that have special meanings to me and I thought I would share (briefly) what some of those are.
First I'm taking it way back to when I was a kid and my dad would drive my brother and I to my grandma's house so she could babysit us before school while our parents were at work. All three of us would pile into his old pick up truck and I would flip the cassette player to play Fred Bear by Ted Nugent because at the time that was my favorite song. I knew every word of that song (yes all 7 minutes complete with words and instrument solos) and I would sing it during the short trip to grandma's house. Now that I'm older, and its been ages since we've been taken to grandma's to be babysat, whenever I hear that song I grin from ear to ear and I turn it up and sing it like I did when I was 7 years old!
But, like I said...songs don't always bring you back to a happy memory, they can make you angry as well. One song in particular for me is Forever by Chris Brown. Although this sounds cheesy now, it made me angry then and still does now. I was dating a boy and I was really "falling" for him hard...as hard as a high school relationship can fall and this was our song. I remember going paintballing with him and they played it over the PA system in the dining area of the arena and that it was specially requested by the boy I was with. It made me feel so happy at the time. But then the relationship started to turn for the worse (which is a whole other can of worms that I'm not opening) and every since we broke it off whenever I hear this song I think of him and get angry.
It is amazing how songs can do this to us. How certain ones hold a special place in our memories and can take us back to a time in our lives to be relived again for the duration of the song. These songs that link us to memories act like our soundtrack. Like if our lives were a movie, these songs would be part of the soundtrack; each song for a specific moment or scene in the film.
My list could go on and on since music is ver prominent in my life with everything I do, but how long is your soundtrack?
What are some songs that you hear that take you back to your past?
Until next time my misfits,
Stefanie
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Christmas Memories
Hi Hello
Today is a very exciting day, hence why I am writing a post on a Tuesday and not on Sunday (but don't fret for I will post my playlist on Sunday). Today is special because two of my best friends released their debut Christmas EP entitled, "Christmas Memories" on iTunes. And to just persuade you to pick up a copy (don't be stingy its only $4.99, a steal compared to that One Direction album you just bought) I will be posting a little review of the album, track by track. So let's get started!
The EP starts off with the classic "The First Noel" and the opening instrumental is reminiscent of John's first album, "Awakened" (buy it here) with some celtic influences. But don't worry, if you are not a fan of celtic music, the whole song is not greatly influenced, once Brittany's voice comes in you are taken back to the first time you heard "The First Noel" and you are filled with the warm embrace of Christmas. When John comes in to join it adds to that warm feeling. Both of their voices sound like they were made to sing together. The tone of both of their voices compliment each other perfectly. The arrangement of the voices on this song is beautifully done and flows with the instrumentation that is backing them up.
The next song is a solo by Brittany and it is the modern Christmas classic, "Where Are You Christmas?" made popular by the 2000 movie "How The Grinch Stole Christmas." The Song starts off with a wind effect (nice touch friends) which gives you the feeling that Brittany is singing this while walking through Whoville looking up at the mountain that the Grinch lives on. I don't know if they noticed that, but it is what I imagine. Although the song starts off soft with an angelic sound to Brittany's voice, the song builds in the middle and becomes powerful and slowly decreases back to the soft angelic feeling as in the beginning.
Next comes John's solo entitled "The Light of Christmas Morn" which I feel is a very underrated Christmas song during the Holiday season. This is a song that when I listen to it I imagine John walking through a wooded area in the snow and finding the manger that Jesus was born in and the feeling of the true meaning of Christmas filling his heart. (when I typed that I noticed that I always imagine John in a wooded area with all of his songs...I did that on his full length as well) John's voice on this song is very smooth and actually reminds me of a well established boy band member that went solo...like if a member of Anthem Lights went solo, that would be John's voice on this track. The instrumental is subtle but every little addition is perfectly placed and adds to the overall feeling of this song.
The final song, and probably my favorite song on the EP, is "Angels We Have Heard On High" a very well known Christmas song, but the way that this song is arrange it is nothing like you have heard before. It comes in with a driving drumbeat and an extraordinary fanfare of trumpets with a call and repeat style between the voices and the trumpets. The song is at a fast tempo throughout most of the song but then slows down towards the middle with another celtic influence interlude. Probably my favorite part of the whole song is when they slowed down the famous "gloria excelsis deo" melody of the song to not be as fast as the normal tempo, but slowed it down to create an ending to the song that I've never heard before! Amazing track. Its my favorite on the EP, definitely.
And that is all for their debut EP. Christmas Memories is out now, and its literally a steal on iTunes! I highly suggest this EP to all of you, not because they are my friends and I'm doing a plug for them, but because they are truly talented musicians and this EP is nothing short of that. Wonderfully orchestrated and put together. This is not your typical Christmas EP, my dear readers, this has a new twist and unique sound to each Christmas song but with a traditional sound (if that makes sense). Its a unique take on the songs keeping with the traditional sounds...just go with it and buy it.
You can buy the EP, "Christmas Memories" on iTunes. I will also have the link in my sidebar over there >>>>> so if the link above is not working, you have another option. Please share this with your friends and get them excited for the Holiday seasons!!
See you all again on Sunday with my November Playlist!
Until next time my misfits,
Stefanie
Today is a very exciting day, hence why I am writing a post on a Tuesday and not on Sunday (but don't fret for I will post my playlist on Sunday). Today is special because two of my best friends released their debut Christmas EP entitled, "Christmas Memories" on iTunes. And to just persuade you to pick up a copy (don't be stingy its only $4.99, a steal compared to that One Direction album you just bought) I will be posting a little review of the album, track by track. So let's get started!
The EP starts off with the classic "The First Noel" and the opening instrumental is reminiscent of John's first album, "Awakened" (buy it here) with some celtic influences. But don't worry, if you are not a fan of celtic music, the whole song is not greatly influenced, once Brittany's voice comes in you are taken back to the first time you heard "The First Noel" and you are filled with the warm embrace of Christmas. When John comes in to join it adds to that warm feeling. Both of their voices sound like they were made to sing together. The tone of both of their voices compliment each other perfectly. The arrangement of the voices on this song is beautifully done and flows with the instrumentation that is backing them up.
The next song is a solo by Brittany and it is the modern Christmas classic, "Where Are You Christmas?" made popular by the 2000 movie "How The Grinch Stole Christmas." The Song starts off with a wind effect (nice touch friends) which gives you the feeling that Brittany is singing this while walking through Whoville looking up at the mountain that the Grinch lives on. I don't know if they noticed that, but it is what I imagine. Although the song starts off soft with an angelic sound to Brittany's voice, the song builds in the middle and becomes powerful and slowly decreases back to the soft angelic feeling as in the beginning.
Next comes John's solo entitled "The Light of Christmas Morn" which I feel is a very underrated Christmas song during the Holiday season. This is a song that when I listen to it I imagine John walking through a wooded area in the snow and finding the manger that Jesus was born in and the feeling of the true meaning of Christmas filling his heart. (when I typed that I noticed that I always imagine John in a wooded area with all of his songs...I did that on his full length as well) John's voice on this song is very smooth and actually reminds me of a well established boy band member that went solo...like if a member of Anthem Lights went solo, that would be John's voice on this track. The instrumental is subtle but every little addition is perfectly placed and adds to the overall feeling of this song.
The final song, and probably my favorite song on the EP, is "Angels We Have Heard On High" a very well known Christmas song, but the way that this song is arrange it is nothing like you have heard before. It comes in with a driving drumbeat and an extraordinary fanfare of trumpets with a call and repeat style between the voices and the trumpets. The song is at a fast tempo throughout most of the song but then slows down towards the middle with another celtic influence interlude. Probably my favorite part of the whole song is when they slowed down the famous "gloria excelsis deo" melody of the song to not be as fast as the normal tempo, but slowed it down to create an ending to the song that I've never heard before! Amazing track. Its my favorite on the EP, definitely.
And that is all for their debut EP. Christmas Memories is out now, and its literally a steal on iTunes! I highly suggest this EP to all of you, not because they are my friends and I'm doing a plug for them, but because they are truly talented musicians and this EP is nothing short of that. Wonderfully orchestrated and put together. This is not your typical Christmas EP, my dear readers, this has a new twist and unique sound to each Christmas song but with a traditional sound (if that makes sense). Its a unique take on the songs keeping with the traditional sounds...just go with it and buy it.
You can buy the EP, "Christmas Memories" on iTunes. I will also have the link in my sidebar over there >>>>> so if the link above is not working, you have another option. Please share this with your friends and get them excited for the Holiday seasons!!
See you all again on Sunday with my November Playlist!
Until next time my misfits,
Stefanie
Thursday, November 20, 2014
FOUR
Hi Hello
What??? Today isn't Sunday...why am I posting on a Thursday? Don't worry, I will still post on Sunday, today is just kind of like a bonus post, but it is necessary. This week One Direction dropped their new album, FOUR and let me tell you, it is an absolute jam.
Throw away any preconceived mindset that you had of the five British/Irish heartthrobs and listen to me. This album is nothing like "What Makes You Beautiful" off their debut album, Up All Night. This album has the mature sound that shows their fans, as well as the critics, that the boys are grown up and that your typical boyband. Like their third studio album, Midnight Memories, this album brings forth a indie and rock elements into their music that separates some of the songs from the bubblegum pop music they were making when they first hit it big.
Before we break down some of the songs, lets talk about some technical stuff first, starting with their vocals. They have grown and developed with the boys. Their voices are no longer little boy voices, they have grown to fit their personalities and they show a great difference in maturity as well as range. When they first started out Zayn was not hitting as many high notes or riffs as he is now. Their voices also blend together better now then in the beginning. They have really learned how to sound like a band, not like they didn't before, but now you know that they are not just five individuals that were thrown together to make a band, they are five boys that make one band. Five voices that make one. Just like working in a choir, you need the voices in your section to sound like one voice. This doesn't mean they all sing in unison, it just means that the blend and balance is so on point that it sounds like one voice. That is what FOUR gives you. One voice, one band.
Going with that, their harmonies have improved dramatically. When I first listened to Midnight Memories I was aw-struck with their harmonies. They literally made me gush (being someone who's life is surrounded by music on a daily I am a sucker for great harmonies). And finally, the lyrical content, we are not in the ages of "you don't know you're beautiful, that's what makes you beautiful" oh no my friends, we are talking profound lyrics that actual mean something and that are actually based on a real life event or on a real life person. Liam has actually said that their song "Illusion" is about is girlfriend Sophie. Although, Liam himself did not write the song, one of their songwriters did (unintentionally I believe). Even though their songs are still about relationships you cannot get mad at them because, when you think about it, all bands write about relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends or even past friends. EVERY BAND DOES IT! So don't you dare say, "They only write about love" because I will have you look at the songs by your favorite band and make you count how many are about love. But on FOUR we don't see so much "oh I love you and our relationship is the best thing in the world" type songs, no we hear quite a few of breakup songs or songs of a love gone wrong, as well as unconventional love songs, such as their song "Stockholm Syndrome."
Now, let's get into some of the songs. The songs that I will be listing are the ones I believe are the best (a.k.a my favorites) as well as the ones I feel like "break the boyband mold." Legggoooo!
The first one, would probably be my favorite song off the album and this one is what I would call a "pub song". You're sitting in a pub, its almost last call and you've been chatting it up with some of your friends when one (in my life it would be me most likely) breaks out into song. And that song would be "Act My Age" the last track on the deluxe edition. This song brings me back to my roots. Being an irishwoman this song screams home (even though I was not born in Ireland, I still think of it as home). They have an irish jig beat starting off the song and the lyrics are in a pub song type of chant. There are not specific voices on the verses or chorus, its like they all just went into the studio and sang the song together straight through because that is what you would do in an actual pub. I love it and it makes me want to get up and dance. This song also breaks your typical boyband song. I mean, what type of boyband brings in celtic elements into their songs?
The next song would be "Once In A Lifetime." Now this song is not on my top 3 favorites list (which was hard to pick let me tell you) but this song brings a different sound that we are not used to with One Direction. When I first listened to this song I immediately thought of The Beatles. The chorus is something that you would hear on a track by The Beatles. Now don't throw daggers at me for making that reference, but the structure of the song is very reminiscent of something that you would find on a later Beatles album. This is also one of the songs that shows great harmonies from the boys. This song is a masterpiece and I feel like not enough people are giving this song the credit it deserves.
Everybody loves a good Louis solo right? Well "No Control" has a great one, and its called the chorus. I think that Louis has the most unique voice in the group and its not showcased enough on the albums so when I heard "No Control" and Louis was on lead for the chorus I was all giddy inside. I feel like the melody fits his voice perfectly and really shows the vulnerability in his voice but still holds onto the strong, controlled voice that he has.
The next two songs I'm going to pin together because they are finish out my top 3. The first would be "Fool's Gold" and the second being "Clouds." Starting with "Fool's Gold" this song has amazing melody that really shows a sensitive side to their voices in the verses. But I also really love the message of this song. Its not your typical love song, its about falling for something fake but having no regrets, the analogy of fool's gold is perfect in this song. We've all been there I think, we see the charm and beauty of a person on a surface level but then as we get to know them, and even fall for them, we find that they are not the person we thought they were. They're fool's gold. Then we have "Clouds" now this song has a bit of a alt-rock edge to it. I see this being on a movie soundtrack. When I listen to this song, yes its about a relationship, but I view it as being on such a high that you feel like nothing can bring you down. You are high on life, as they would say, and having the time of your life that you feel higher than the clouds and you never want to come back down. Its a feel good song for me and an absolute jam.
Finally, last song that I will be mentioning would be "Change Your Ticket." If you are a fan of The 1975 I think that you will enjoy this song. It reminds me of their song "Girls" its got that indie pop sound to it and the lyrics of it really show a mature and grown up side to the boys. Nope, these boys are not talking about holding your hand anymore and being your first kiss, no...they're getting more into their relationships. The opening lyrics are all talking about sharing a hotel together and being in the same bed (you can make your own conclusions there) and asking for their girl to stay longer. "playing hard to get, we did that when we were younger" I think that explains it all really. There is no more playing around like little teeny-boppers. No, they are men now and they are in real, meaningful relationships with more intimate actions, and this song I feel expresses that in a lighthearted way.
Well, I could talk about every song but I will stop there. You can go and listen to the album yourself to make your own conclusions, but I would definitely consider giving it a listen. Its not your typical boyband cookie-cutter album. Oh no, these boys are all grown up and they sing it loud and proud on FOUR. If you want to take a listen to it before you buy it you can now listen to it on Spotify or you could buy it on iTunes now! You wont regret it.
Say hello to the new One Direction.
Until next time my misfits,
Stefanie
P.s. I will still do a post on Sunday and I will still do a November Playlist at the end of the month, this was just a bonus post. :)
P.s.s I just thought I let you know that I'm going to be seeing them in August in Milwaukee on their On The Road Again Tour and I'm gonna be 10th row. Very happy that I'll be seeing these songs performed live. Ready to kick out my dancing shoes and beer for Act My Age.
What??? Today isn't Sunday...why am I posting on a Thursday? Don't worry, I will still post on Sunday, today is just kind of like a bonus post, but it is necessary. This week One Direction dropped their new album, FOUR and let me tell you, it is an absolute jam.
Throw away any preconceived mindset that you had of the five British/Irish heartthrobs and listen to me. This album is nothing like "What Makes You Beautiful" off their debut album, Up All Night. This album has the mature sound that shows their fans, as well as the critics, that the boys are grown up and that your typical boyband. Like their third studio album, Midnight Memories, this album brings forth a indie and rock elements into their music that separates some of the songs from the bubblegum pop music they were making when they first hit it big.
Before we break down some of the songs, lets talk about some technical stuff first, starting with their vocals. They have grown and developed with the boys. Their voices are no longer little boy voices, they have grown to fit their personalities and they show a great difference in maturity as well as range. When they first started out Zayn was not hitting as many high notes or riffs as he is now. Their voices also blend together better now then in the beginning. They have really learned how to sound like a band, not like they didn't before, but now you know that they are not just five individuals that were thrown together to make a band, they are five boys that make one band. Five voices that make one. Just like working in a choir, you need the voices in your section to sound like one voice. This doesn't mean they all sing in unison, it just means that the blend and balance is so on point that it sounds like one voice. That is what FOUR gives you. One voice, one band.
Going with that, their harmonies have improved dramatically. When I first listened to Midnight Memories I was aw-struck with their harmonies. They literally made me gush (being someone who's life is surrounded by music on a daily I am a sucker for great harmonies). And finally, the lyrical content, we are not in the ages of "you don't know you're beautiful, that's what makes you beautiful" oh no my friends, we are talking profound lyrics that actual mean something and that are actually based on a real life event or on a real life person. Liam has actually said that their song "Illusion" is about is girlfriend Sophie. Although, Liam himself did not write the song, one of their songwriters did (unintentionally I believe). Even though their songs are still about relationships you cannot get mad at them because, when you think about it, all bands write about relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends or even past friends. EVERY BAND DOES IT! So don't you dare say, "They only write about love" because I will have you look at the songs by your favorite band and make you count how many are about love. But on FOUR we don't see so much "oh I love you and our relationship is the best thing in the world" type songs, no we hear quite a few of breakup songs or songs of a love gone wrong, as well as unconventional love songs, such as their song "Stockholm Syndrome."
Now, let's get into some of the songs. The songs that I will be listing are the ones I believe are the best (a.k.a my favorites) as well as the ones I feel like "break the boyband mold." Legggoooo!
The first one, would probably be my favorite song off the album and this one is what I would call a "pub song". You're sitting in a pub, its almost last call and you've been chatting it up with some of your friends when one (in my life it would be me most likely) breaks out into song. And that song would be "Act My Age" the last track on the deluxe edition. This song brings me back to my roots. Being an irishwoman this song screams home (even though I was not born in Ireland, I still think of it as home). They have an irish jig beat starting off the song and the lyrics are in a pub song type of chant. There are not specific voices on the verses or chorus, its like they all just went into the studio and sang the song together straight through because that is what you would do in an actual pub. I love it and it makes me want to get up and dance. This song also breaks your typical boyband song. I mean, what type of boyband brings in celtic elements into their songs?
The next song would be "Once In A Lifetime." Now this song is not on my top 3 favorites list (which was hard to pick let me tell you) but this song brings a different sound that we are not used to with One Direction. When I first listened to this song I immediately thought of The Beatles. The chorus is something that you would hear on a track by The Beatles. Now don't throw daggers at me for making that reference, but the structure of the song is very reminiscent of something that you would find on a later Beatles album. This is also one of the songs that shows great harmonies from the boys. This song is a masterpiece and I feel like not enough people are giving this song the credit it deserves.
Everybody loves a good Louis solo right? Well "No Control" has a great one, and its called the chorus. I think that Louis has the most unique voice in the group and its not showcased enough on the albums so when I heard "No Control" and Louis was on lead for the chorus I was all giddy inside. I feel like the melody fits his voice perfectly and really shows the vulnerability in his voice but still holds onto the strong, controlled voice that he has.
The next two songs I'm going to pin together because they are finish out my top 3. The first would be "Fool's Gold" and the second being "Clouds." Starting with "Fool's Gold" this song has amazing melody that really shows a sensitive side to their voices in the verses. But I also really love the message of this song. Its not your typical love song, its about falling for something fake but having no regrets, the analogy of fool's gold is perfect in this song. We've all been there I think, we see the charm and beauty of a person on a surface level but then as we get to know them, and even fall for them, we find that they are not the person we thought they were. They're fool's gold. Then we have "Clouds" now this song has a bit of a alt-rock edge to it. I see this being on a movie soundtrack. When I listen to this song, yes its about a relationship, but I view it as being on such a high that you feel like nothing can bring you down. You are high on life, as they would say, and having the time of your life that you feel higher than the clouds and you never want to come back down. Its a feel good song for me and an absolute jam.
Finally, last song that I will be mentioning would be "Change Your Ticket." If you are a fan of The 1975 I think that you will enjoy this song. It reminds me of their song "Girls" its got that indie pop sound to it and the lyrics of it really show a mature and grown up side to the boys. Nope, these boys are not talking about holding your hand anymore and being your first kiss, no...they're getting more into their relationships. The opening lyrics are all talking about sharing a hotel together and being in the same bed (you can make your own conclusions there) and asking for their girl to stay longer. "playing hard to get, we did that when we were younger" I think that explains it all really. There is no more playing around like little teeny-boppers. No, they are men now and they are in real, meaningful relationships with more intimate actions, and this song I feel expresses that in a lighthearted way.
Well, I could talk about every song but I will stop there. You can go and listen to the album yourself to make your own conclusions, but I would definitely consider giving it a listen. Its not your typical boyband cookie-cutter album. Oh no, these boys are all grown up and they sing it loud and proud on FOUR. If you want to take a listen to it before you buy it you can now listen to it on Spotify or you could buy it on iTunes now! You wont regret it.
Say hello to the new One Direction.
Until next time my misfits,
Stefanie
P.s. I will still do a post on Sunday and I will still do a November Playlist at the end of the month, this was just a bonus post. :)
P.s.s I just thought I let you know that I'm going to be seeing them in August in Milwaukee on their On The Road Again Tour and I'm gonna be 10th row. Very happy that I'll be seeing these songs performed live. Ready to kick out my dancing shoes and beer for Act My Age.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Christmas Memories November 25th!
Hi Hello
I am so excited to finally post this today, for the last few months I've been wanting to express my joy and excitement for this project that my dearest friends have been working diligently on AND NOW I CAN EXPRESS THAT TO YOU!
Now, like I've mentioned before, I have talented friends. One of those friends, John, actually has his own full length album (available now on iTunes) but now he has joined forces with our very close friend, Brittany, to make their debut Christmas EP! They have been talking about it since last year, and wanted to release something then but realized that time was not on their side and decided to put in the appropriate time and effort into making something as magical as the feeling of Christmas!
Their EP really brings home the true meaning and feeling of Christmas. Sometimes we get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and we forget what it really means to us. The true meaning (whatever it may be to you) is showcased in their song selections. Not only are they keeping true to some classic songs of Christmas, but they have also brought in some more modern songs, like Brittany's solo.
Working up to the release of the EP, on Facebook we will be releasing promo photos leading up to the release date that is November 25th! It is being called the "12 Days of John and Brittany" (like that play on words here...12 days of Christmas...12 days of John and Brittany...ehh? ehhh? get it?) Each day we are releasing a new photo of the two with little sniplets of information about the EP as well as John and Brittany themselves! Trust me, this is something you don't want to miss out on.
So go to the link above to view the Facebook page and hit that little 'Like' button to stay updated! Once the album becomes available I will be posting a link on here as well as all of my social media sites, which you can access from the side panel >>>>>
I am so incredible proud of my friends (not like I've never been...) but with this Christmas EP, and being that it is two of my closets friends in the world, I am over the moon and all jittery in excitement over the approaching release date!
With the spirit of Christmas all over this post as well as floating in the air, tell me below you favorite thing about the Holidays, favorite movie..song..family tradition..whatever comes to mind when you think of Christmas.
Until next time my misfits,
Stefanie
I am so excited to finally post this today, for the last few months I've been wanting to express my joy and excitement for this project that my dearest friends have been working diligently on AND NOW I CAN EXPRESS THAT TO YOU!
Now, like I've mentioned before, I have talented friends. One of those friends, John, actually has his own full length album (available now on iTunes) but now he has joined forces with our very close friend, Brittany, to make their debut Christmas EP! They have been talking about it since last year, and wanted to release something then but realized that time was not on their side and decided to put in the appropriate time and effort into making something as magical as the feeling of Christmas!
Their EP really brings home the true meaning and feeling of Christmas. Sometimes we get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and we forget what it really means to us. The true meaning (whatever it may be to you) is showcased in their song selections. Not only are they keeping true to some classic songs of Christmas, but they have also brought in some more modern songs, like Brittany's solo.
Working up to the release of the EP, on Facebook we will be releasing promo photos leading up to the release date that is November 25th! It is being called the "12 Days of John and Brittany" (like that play on words here...12 days of Christmas...12 days of John and Brittany...ehh? ehhh? get it?) Each day we are releasing a new photo of the two with little sniplets of information about the EP as well as John and Brittany themselves! Trust me, this is something you don't want to miss out on.
So go to the link above to view the Facebook page and hit that little 'Like' button to stay updated! Once the album becomes available I will be posting a link on here as well as all of my social media sites, which you can access from the side panel >>>>>
I am so incredible proud of my friends (not like I've never been...) but with this Christmas EP, and being that it is two of my closets friends in the world, I am over the moon and all jittery in excitement over the approaching release date!
With the spirit of Christmas all over this post as well as floating in the air, tell me below you favorite thing about the Holidays, favorite movie..song..family tradition..whatever comes to mind when you think of Christmas.
Until next time my misfits,
Stefanie
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