Here’s a few songs on my mind right now. Can’t get that Humps song out of my head unfortunately. Can someone please save me?
My Humps, Black Eyed Peas
I was hoping it was a fad song that would fade fast, but sorry folks, My Humps is here to say. It could even earn those Peas a Grammy. Yes, you heard it here first. No other lyrics promote interracial harmony quite like “Mix your milk wit’ my cocoa puff/Milky, milky cocoa/Mix your milk with my cocoa puff/Milky, milky riiiiiiight.” Congrats to the Peas for an impressive follow-up album. They have a lot more hits than I ever expected.
Welcome to Detroit City, Trick Trick featuring Eminem
Actually Em…maybe I’m the last person who knows Tricky. And I feel bad, cuz he’s like your friend or something. This “club banger” has got some heavy beats, and a bit more edge than the usual hits coming out of Em these days. A little more street. But I think I’m getting tired of this song already. Trick Trick’s raps are forgettable, but Em has another memorable refrain.
I’m Feeling You, Michelle Branch and Santana
Carlos! I will duet with you too, I think you just have an old number of mine in your cell.
I’m Feeling You is a great, happy song. I mean, the way she talks about the relationship in the lyrics, you’d think she’d be a little less chipper. I mean, gosh, it sounds miserable…but hey, his fire fills her void, so she is willing to take the bad with the good. I think my good friend Jessica from Laguna Beach (links to my LB blog) would relate to how Michelle is feeling on this one. “I’ve never faced, so many e-mo-tional days/but my, life is good/I’m feeling you.”
Friday, November 11, 2005
Monday, October 17, 2005
Steve likes...R & B?
Yeah, it’s hard to believe. Two of my picks this week are…R & B? I’ve never hated this genre, but I admit I’m a little surprised that these are my favorites. On one hand, these are R & B / Rap combos. On the other hand, Ciara and Kelly Rowland are definitely R&B.
Like You. Bow Wow featuring Ciara. I’m old enough to remember when Bow Wow was Lil’ Bow Wow. I have to give him props for growing up in the business and not giving up. I didn’t think he’d make it this far. Dropping the Lil’ was probably a good idea. Anybody know how old the guy is now?
Anyways, on to the song. I didn’t like it at first…and then I realized Ciara was in it! I could see me and Ciara getting along great. She seems pretty chill like me. Great lyrics and she and Bow Wow sound great together. Nice little beat in the background…makes me want to be back at high school dances. I hope Ciara maintains a huge presence in R&B, because I think she’s awesome and I like everything she’s been involved with.
Here We Go. Trina featuring Kelly Rowland. First of all, I wouldn’t want to be on Trina’s bad side. So, I think I’m going to just stay friends with her for now. ‘Cuz the woman can cut a man to pieces with those lyrics! Cool song with a nice contrast between the rough spittin’ by Trina and the sweet song of Kelly Rowland, a star in her own right. (She don’t need no Beyonce!)
Ciara and Kelly Rowland sound nearly angelic. Bow Wow and Trina give the songs a little balance…um, the other way. Thanks to all involved for the great songs.
Oh, and Ciara…call me!
In GREAT NEWS for musical fans: RENT: The Original Motion Picture soundtrack is out. There aren’t any huge departures from the Original Broadway Cast recording, with the exception of a sweeter sounding Mimi. I’ll admit being a bit naïve to street life, but aren’t homeless druggies supposed to be a little raspier and less Sesame Street? Adam Pascal sounds great as always…I can’t wait to see this movie.
Like You. Bow Wow featuring Ciara. I’m old enough to remember when Bow Wow was Lil’ Bow Wow. I have to give him props for growing up in the business and not giving up. I didn’t think he’d make it this far. Dropping the Lil’ was probably a good idea. Anybody know how old the guy is now?
Anyways, on to the song. I didn’t like it at first…and then I realized Ciara was in it! I could see me and Ciara getting along great. She seems pretty chill like me. Great lyrics and she and Bow Wow sound great together. Nice little beat in the background…makes me want to be back at high school dances. I hope Ciara maintains a huge presence in R&B, because I think she’s awesome and I like everything she’s been involved with.
Here We Go. Trina featuring Kelly Rowland. First of all, I wouldn’t want to be on Trina’s bad side. So, I think I’m going to just stay friends with her for now. ‘Cuz the woman can cut a man to pieces with those lyrics! Cool song with a nice contrast between the rough spittin’ by Trina and the sweet song of Kelly Rowland, a star in her own right. (She don’t need no Beyonce!)
Ciara and Kelly Rowland sound nearly angelic. Bow Wow and Trina give the songs a little balance…um, the other way. Thanks to all involved for the great songs.
Oh, and Ciara…call me!
In GREAT NEWS for musical fans: RENT: The Original Motion Picture soundtrack is out. There aren’t any huge departures from the Original Broadway Cast recording, with the exception of a sweeter sounding Mimi. I’ll admit being a bit naïve to street life, but aren’t homeless druggies supposed to be a little raspier and less Sesame Street? Adam Pascal sounds great as always…I can’t wait to see this movie.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
I'm Back...With Five Hot Songs
Sorry for the long pause in posting. I discovered Tetris for cell phones, which cut deep into my blogging time. I can’t promise a post every day, but I’m going to try and get back into it. Still need to finish that musical biography…I did watch a lot of good music television this weekend, which inspired my return to blogging.
Favorite songs right now:
1. Kelly Clarkson, Because of You
Wow. This song made go…um…do I like Kelly Clarkson now? She wrote the song at age 16, according to RadioAlice.com, and I’m guessing it was further refined with the help of Ben Moody and David Hodges…any ways…congrats to all involved for a really touching song. I think this song will touch a lot of people’s hearts.
2. David Banner, Play
An excellent club jam that I’d like to nominate for “Best Use of Sirens.” I wanted to like David Banner for a good reason, and he finally delivers. I’m not sure how long I’ll like this song though, but maybe it will prove to have some redeeming qualities over time.
3. The White Stripes, My Doorbell
Wow this song is catchy. I keep walking around my house singing “I’m thinking about my doorbell, when you gonna ring it, when you gonna ring it?” Part of me is like, why didn’t I think about writing a song like this? That line is a hook that’s got me…and probably for a long time.
4. Lil’ Kim, Shut Up
Good to have something new from Lil’ Kim. Favorite part of the song…when she spits something about “german enginerrin”. “Shut Up Chick ” (the radio lyrics) seems to take away a bit of the passion from what she’s trying to say, but I guess you have to do what’s necessary to get on the radio.
5. Dave Matthews Band, Stolen Away On 55th & 3rd
Wow. Stand Up has turned out to be a really great album that I have been enjoying a lot. This song, though mellow, has some good lyrics…it’s hard to imagine Dave as a shy fella considering his success, but it’s a cool song about the feeling you get when someone just steals your heart, when something about them makes them so impossible to resist that you’re afraid to do anything about it. This song taught me to trust Dave to deliver album after album, and to not miss his next concert in the area.
Favorite songs right now:
1. Kelly Clarkson, Because of You
Wow. This song made go…um…do I like Kelly Clarkson now? She wrote the song at age 16, according to RadioAlice.com, and I’m guessing it was further refined with the help of Ben Moody and David Hodges…any ways…congrats to all involved for a really touching song. I think this song will touch a lot of people’s hearts.
2. David Banner, Play
An excellent club jam that I’d like to nominate for “Best Use of Sirens.” I wanted to like David Banner for a good reason, and he finally delivers. I’m not sure how long I’ll like this song though, but maybe it will prove to have some redeeming qualities over time.
3. The White Stripes, My Doorbell
Wow this song is catchy. I keep walking around my house singing “I’m thinking about my doorbell, when you gonna ring it, when you gonna ring it?” Part of me is like, why didn’t I think about writing a song like this? That line is a hook that’s got me…and probably for a long time.
4. Lil’ Kim, Shut Up
Good to have something new from Lil’ Kim. Favorite part of the song…when she spits something about “german enginerrin”. “Shut Up Chick ” (the radio lyrics) seems to take away a bit of the passion from what she’s trying to say, but I guess you have to do what’s necessary to get on the radio.
5. Dave Matthews Band, Stolen Away On 55th & 3rd
Wow. Stand Up has turned out to be a really great album that I have been enjoying a lot. This song, though mellow, has some good lyrics…it’s hard to imagine Dave as a shy fella considering his success, but it’s a cool song about the feeling you get when someone just steals your heart, when something about them makes them so impossible to resist that you’re afraid to do anything about it. This song taught me to trust Dave to deliver album after album, and to not miss his next concert in the area.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
A Musical Biography, Part One
I have always loved music. If you know me well, you know I love to dance, and I can usually pick out the song you're trying to think of -- although there are periods of time where I devote myself solely to one CD.
It's hard for me to place what attracts me to a song. If I had to guess, it's probably the song's rhythm or some creative lyrics--perhaps a melody that triggers an emotion--I have always been attracted to the music that makes me feel something, whether it be happy, sad, or ... ahem.
Most of my lifetime memories begin in South Korea, where I lived for two years. We had these cool tapes made especially for the South Korean market--I remember Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston tapes (hey, I have an older sister). All I knew then at age 6 was that I liked music, my brother and sister loved it, and it was unclear exactly what Billie Jean's relationship was with Michael. Apparently, she's just a girl who think that he's the one, but he claims the kid is not his son. I was a little young to understand the scenario, so I took Michael's word for it.
Arriving back in the U.S. wasn't too much of a shellshock for me, and I soon overheard U2, New Order, and LL Cool J from my brother's room--three groups I still appreciate today. From age 7-13, it's a little fuzzy, but I know old-school rap quickly emerged into my tape collection. Who sticks out? ABC (Another Bad Company), Boyz II Men, Arrested Development (who just thought 'T-Tennessee..' in their head?), Onyx, Wrecx n Effect (sp.?), Sir Mixalot, Kriss Kross, House Of Pain all come to mind. My friend and I even rapped to Nice N Smooth's ("Sometimes I Rhyme Slow.")
Certainly, at 13, my high-quality music taste had to evolve into something, right? That something was grunge, a style of music I was introduced to somewhere you wouldn't expect...camping with the Boy Scouts. Tomorrow: Part Two of my musical biography.
It's hard for me to place what attracts me to a song. If I had to guess, it's probably the song's rhythm or some creative lyrics--perhaps a melody that triggers an emotion--I have always been attracted to the music that makes me feel something, whether it be happy, sad, or ... ahem.
Most of my lifetime memories begin in South Korea, where I lived for two years. We had these cool tapes made especially for the South Korean market--I remember Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston tapes (hey, I have an older sister). All I knew then at age 6 was that I liked music, my brother and sister loved it, and it was unclear exactly what Billie Jean's relationship was with Michael. Apparently, she's just a girl who think that he's the one, but he claims the kid is not his son. I was a little young to understand the scenario, so I took Michael's word for it.
Arriving back in the U.S. wasn't too much of a shellshock for me, and I soon overheard U2, New Order, and LL Cool J from my brother's room--three groups I still appreciate today. From age 7-13, it's a little fuzzy, but I know old-school rap quickly emerged into my tape collection. Who sticks out? ABC (Another Bad Company), Boyz II Men, Arrested Development (who just thought 'T-Tennessee..' in their head?), Onyx, Wrecx n Effect (sp.?), Sir Mixalot, Kriss Kross, House Of Pain all come to mind. My friend and I even rapped to Nice N Smooth's ("Sometimes I Rhyme Slow.")
Certainly, at 13, my high-quality music taste had to evolve into something, right? That something was grunge, a style of music I was introduced to somewhere you wouldn't expect...camping with the Boy Scouts. Tomorrow: Part Two of my musical biography.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Product Placement
Read an interesting article yesterday about a marketing firm that helps connect hip-hop artists with advertisers. Sure enough, Seagram's Gin was in the mix (literally) -- and I immediately thought of Petey Pablo's Freek-a-Leek-- a la -- "Let me get a shout out to Seagram's Gin , 'cuz I'm drinkin' it, and they payin' me for it." Maybe it's not always as blatant.
I'll be the first to say that this kind of thing actually doesn't bother me. In fact, props to everyone making money with this concept. Modern rap is mostly about the bling, and this is just a natural extension of that. If someone tries to pass off a song with Big Mac all over it and they go down in flames, that's the risk they took, and they'll pay the consequences. As harbingers of cool, you'd sort of expect them to know right from wack (wrong). Louis Vuitton certainly benefitted from the help of Kanye West and Ludacris, so hopefully they at least got some decent handbags out of the deal.
Granted, we're unlikely to hear rappers praise carrots, abstinence, or milk anytime soon...but this is hardly music for children.
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by Katrina.
Tomorrow: an exploration through my personal music history, the songs and artists that had an impact on me.
I'll be the first to say that this kind of thing actually doesn't bother me. In fact, props to everyone making money with this concept. Modern rap is mostly about the bling, and this is just a natural extension of that. If someone tries to pass off a song with Big Mac all over it and they go down in flames, that's the risk they took, and they'll pay the consequences. As harbingers of cool, you'd sort of expect them to know right from wack (wrong). Louis Vuitton certainly benefitted from the help of Kanye West and Ludacris, so hopefully they at least got some decent handbags out of the deal.
Granted, we're unlikely to hear rappers praise carrots, abstinence, or milk anytime soon...but this is hardly music for children.
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by Katrina.
Tomorrow: an exploration through my personal music history, the songs and artists that had an impact on me.
Monday, August 29, 2005
VMAs
Did anyone catch the VMA's last night? Quick warning: I am a HUGE music fan whose interests span across all genres. Depending on my mood, I may either choose to praise or dismiss Mariah Carey. If you can sympathize with that, you'll probably enjoy my blog.
I loved a lot of things: the water scenes, the remote performances (especially The Killers), the arrivals by car, the donations by Diddy to charity (can't argue with a man who puts his money where his mouth is).
I wasn't too crazy about: Green Day winning pretty much everything (sorry, I'm one of those fans who will ALWAYS prefer Dookie to American Idiot), flagrant lip synching (at least practice or pick an easy song), and the fact that Kelly Clarkson was invited (bring it on, pre-teens...I hear her every single morning on the radio when I wake up. Does anyone second me on the overplayed aspect?)
Mariah watch: How un-diva like of you to end your song in the pool! Not that you have shied away from water in the past...
Oddest moment: R. Kelly's performance of "Trapped in the Closet." The song is great and the movie was an awesome idea, but I don't think a live performance was necessary.
Most satisfying moment: The Killers winning "Best New Artist." They deserved it, they got it. That's how it should work every time. But I'm not a voter...yet.
I loved a lot of things: the water scenes, the remote performances (especially The Killers), the arrivals by car, the donations by Diddy to charity (can't argue with a man who puts his money where his mouth is).
I wasn't too crazy about: Green Day winning pretty much everything (sorry, I'm one of those fans who will ALWAYS prefer Dookie to American Idiot), flagrant lip synching (at least practice or pick an easy song), and the fact that Kelly Clarkson was invited (bring it on, pre-teens...I hear her every single morning on the radio when I wake up. Does anyone second me on the overplayed aspect?)
Mariah watch: How un-diva like of you to end your song in the pool! Not that you have shied away from water in the past...
Oddest moment: R. Kelly's performance of "Trapped in the Closet." The song is great and the movie was an awesome idea, but I don't think a live performance was necessary.
Most satisfying moment: The Killers winning "Best New Artist." They deserved it, they got it. That's how it should work every time. But I'm not a voter...yet.
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