Swifties, the time has arrived. Our beloved Taylor Swift just released her new single off her fourth album, "Red." So save the date. October 22 will be the day we flock to the stores to listen to that alleged "very sad album" of hers.
But in the mean time, let's make a toast to breakups, because in this song, "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" makes flipping off your douche bag ex in the artful form of a pop song seem so cool....and so liberating.
Even if Swift tried purposely writing the worst song ever, she would still make it a hit. Why? She knows how to write a song that speaks to millions of heartbroken, boy-hating fans across the world.
Since the single was released on iTunes just shortly after Swift's live webchat on Youtube at 7 pm ET, the single has...
Made its way on the radio to hopefully replace "Call Me, Maybe" (I heard it at 2 am. Anyone have me beat?)
Made its way to the No. 1 spot on iTunes
Beat Lady GaGa's record for fastest selling on iTunes in music history. Swift did it in 50 minutes. GaGa did it in 1 hour
Proved to everyone that once you go pop, you never go back (sorry country)
We can bicker about how Swift's voice and how she sometimes under performs at live telecast performances. Love her voice, hate her voice, there is no arguing that she has songwriting ability. Who cares if 90 percent of her songs are about ex-boyfriends instead of singing about growing up, life, death, taking chances--whatever those unsuccessful 22 year old singers are writing about these days. Swift knows how to write a hit song--even if it's a story we've heard in her other 334653 singles.
Swift's biggest haters--her critics--are saying that her new hit is immature. Yes, it sounds like something a teenager would sing. Yes, it's NOT country whatsoever, so those fans hoping for a song sounding like her country-charmed first album might have to wait for the fifth album. Yes, it's about an ex boyfriend, but she's making the big bucks and probably made millions in those 50 record-breaking minutes.
Sadly, most of us can say we've never done it, and sorry to burst your bubble, but we probably never will either.
But if your relationship acts like it came out of high school--breaking up, getting back together, I love you, I hate you x 30, then maybe writing a song to match that is perfect. And maybe a song like this would smack us out of pity mode and make us jump on our beds with Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia spilling down our faces as we flip off our ex boyfriend's ugly face in our head, kicking the hard snotty tissues in his face. That's the song we need, not some victimized song like "White Horse" and "You're Not Story." Be a fighter. Show them their immature ways are not going to make you listen to a sad, emotional Taylor Swift country song.
You would rather listen to an upbeat, quirky, Taylor Swift teeny bopper song instead.
If Facebook ads have brought me anything, it's promoting an upcoming pop/folk country married duo, Jenny & Tyler, on the right hand side of my Facebook news feed.
If you love harmonies, acoustic guitars, and mandolins, then Jenny & Tyler will be your new background music for a lazy day. Good study music, good reading music, good music to feed your sentimental self.
Jenny & Tyler's music speaks for all sorts of music fans, despite being under the radar. Folk, country and their newest songs have taken the Christian route. I'm not even a Christian music fan, but this couple has made their way on my iTunes.
Despite their small fan base, they have collaborated with fellow big name singer-songwriters like Simon & Garkfunkel, James Taylor, Jack Johnson and Allison Krauss. Their songs range from dreaming of peace, to a wedding ballad, to singing about their faith.
The couple currently have three full length albums, one EP, one Christmas EP and a live studio album. If you believe in separation of church and songs, don't worry, there are plenty of Jenny & Tyler songs that aren't about how much they love God, even though those songs can almost go unnoticed when you hear their soothing harmonious voices. Those songs can be found on their first two albums "Prelude" and "This Isn't a Dream."
Although I would say about 50 percent of their music would be deemed "Christian folk," any folk lover can appreciate two songs from their latest two albums. Their single "Song for You," might not be on the radio, but many YouTubers are covering the song.
The only thing I planned at a young age for my wedding was my first dance song, "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing,"--cliche, I know, but I think people secretly like cliches (like puns). It's what's familiar to us. But when I discovered this song in May, it instantly kicked Steven Tyler to the curb, and has replaced his classic song with this one. There is not a doubt that this will be my first dance song, so I can scratch one beloved wedding cliche off the list.
Another song I just got into (within a minutes ago) is called "Faint Not," their single from their second full length album with the same name.
But my favorite Jenny & Tyler song, unfortunately, cannot be found on YouTube, which makes me a little angry. Who doesn't love a song about peace? (maybe gun lovers, but that's a different subject). If these two songs intrigued you, then I suggest hopping on iTunes to hear a preview of their song "Dreaming of Peace" or If you love the sounds of the mandolin and love a song about peace and protest, there is no possible way you would hate this song.
All these songs can be found on their album "Faint Not."
Jenny & Tyler, the perfect couple to proves you don't need a reality TV show to "show" your love for one another.
I know everyone's lives has not been the same from the unexpected nine month hiatus. But brace yourselves, the fact I cannot complain/worship today's music on a widely unpopular blog has really gotten to me.
So grab your banjo, mandolin, electric guitar, and let's celebrate some awesome music. If you're not a fan, then go blast the overrated, overplayed "summer hit" "Call Me, Maybe." And if you are listening to the summer anthem, please do not call me.
In these nine months, I have discovered a whole new genre of music. I have fallen in love with the harmonica, learning how to play the mandolin this fall has made me appreciate country music just a little more, and the wonderful British band, Mumford & Sons, makes the twangy sounds of the banjo seem cool in almost every song. But, of course, I can't let go of my beloved acoustic guitar and piano.
Who would have though that there's a music genre that has all of the country/rock goodness?
This genre has been around for a while, but since I'm extremely slow on picking up on the latest fads (which probably explains why I'm writing this blog instead of making my own version of a "Call Me, Maybe" video), it is taking me just now to write a blog about Americana music, alternative country, country folk, roots rock, southern rock--whatever you want to call it. I like to blend all of the names and slightly different genres to form my own called "folky rock with a country twang."
Now, since I'm a brand new fan, I only have a small list of some of my favorite songs--still learning about this "new" concept of music. My iPod craves more of these songs, so if you have any recommendation, please let me know.
5. "Washed by the Water" by Needtobreathe
Needtobreathe comes from the great Deep South state of South Carolina, and you can hear it in their song "Washed by the Water." Electronic organ, gospel like rhythm, and a hint of the sounds of a joyous gospel choir, this makes the not-so-big church fan actually want to show up at a small white church on the corner in the heart of Charleston and sing. And for those church fans, the Christian charts love Needtobreathe too.
4. "I and Love and You" by The Avett Brothers
The "famous underground" band, The Avett Brothers, represent the sounds of North Carolina in their single "I and Love and You." What's so great about this band is that they combined elements of folk, bluegrass, and pop. The band has many more well known songs than this one, but again, I don't pick up on popular things quickly, so we have to settle for this one.
3. "99 Problems" by Hugo
Yes, same song as Jay-Z, except this is a million times better. Why? Well, for one, we can actually understand what Hugo is saying, unlike our dear friend Jay-Z. Two, it takes us out of the New York hood and into the quaint sounds of the countryside. And three, when Hugo sings it, the lyrics sound a lot less sexist. Not only is this Hugo's only hit, but the guy isn't even from the Deep South--or America. But he just proves that you can be half-Thai and half-British to make one tolerable version of a rap song.
2. "Barton Hollow" by The Civil Wars
My world has been so much better once I discovered The Civil Wars back in Spring 2011. Even better, they co-wrote with Taylor Swift for "The Hunger Games," which is like three awesome Christmas presents in one. From the eerie sounds of "Safe and Sound" to the melancholic sounds of "Poison and Wine" to the song that screams Deep South, deep Nashville, "Barton Hollow," The Civil Wars prove to all musicians all you need is great voices, great song writing, and you can have a hit song with just one simple instrument.
1. "Bartholomew" by The Silent Comedy
Surprisingly, this band is from San Diego, and a song I just discovered in the past 24 hours. But it's a song that screams "Deep South rockin'" that it serves as the trailer song to the most southern thing ever--more southern than the confederate flag. The song of the mini series "Hatfield's & McCoy's." Maybe The Silent Comedy aren't "true" Southerners, but they fool you in this foot-tappin' song.
Last night, musicians flocked to the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles for the American Music Awards. It was a night that could easily be forgotten like all AMA's.
Best Performance
Hands down Katy Perry. Any time she performs without back tracking is a highlight of an award show. Perry performed an acoustic version of her new single "The One That Got Away" with her pink guitarthat matched her pink dress and pink Bruno Mars-styled hairdo. She sang and played a song. That's rare. She even won a special award for the first female to have five number one songs on a record.
See what happens when you sing and play an instrument? Good karma follows you.
Worse Performance
Nicki Minaj. Hon, we can all get up on a stage and sing over ourselves. The only thing that separates you from us is that you can't paid millions of dollars to do it. The award show kicked off with Minaj in Gaga-esque attire--instead of a sparkling bra, she had sparkling butt cheeks. Very original. Very Gaga. The infamous backtrack made its first apperances last night just three seconds into the show where Minaj failed to sing. Instead, she sang over her own track and chose to sing only half of her songs.
Because it's extremely hard to sing a chorus. So hard that you need a backtrack as you stand up there dancing to it.
Longest time for someone to accept an award
Nick Minaj.
The lip syncer took a good minute to walk from backstage to the center of the stage to accept her award for Rap/Hip Hop artist. She slowly scuttled her way in a emerald green dress, extremely high heels and an escort attached to her arm. If that show delayed the networks next scheduled program, it was because of Nicki Minaj.
The awkward moment when...
Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera are forced to sing together.
The two singers don't like each other, to say the least, from working on "The Voice" together. They mustered up the courage to sing their song "Moves Like Jagger" with each not sending awkward tension into the air so strong, viewers at home could feel it.
People too good for the award show
Country band The Band Perry and Kelly Clarkson.
Clarkson basically flipped the bird when she hired The Newsies to announce all the "scandal" the press has given her (if she's gay or straight, if her album is pop or country). She sang her new single "Mr. Know It All" in 40s-styled attire and set. And then The Band Perry sang their smash hit "If I Die Young," receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. This could either be the result of two things 1) They were just plain amazing. 2) They came after Justin Beiber's snoozefest performance of "Mistletoe."
The other awkward moment when...
LMFAO closed the show by singing "Party Rock Anthem/ I'm Sexy and I know It," ripping off their pants to reveal their smiley faced underwear. It was decent and fun, but then everything was ruined when Bieber made another apperances by running on stage and dancing. If that was awkward, well, leave it to David Hasselhoff to take off his pants.
Only in Germany can you pull that off Hoff.
Night's Biggest Winners
Good, bad or ugly, Taylor Swift, Adele and everyone's favorite drunken lip syncer Nicki Minaj won big. Continuing her winning streak, Swift won Country Female Artist, Country Album and the night's highest honor, Artist of the Year. Unfortunately, Adele wasn't able to accept her awards for Pop/Rock Artist, Adult Contemporary Artist and Pop/Rock album on an account that she's recovery from throat surgery. And Minaj, barely sober during the whole show, won Rap/Hip Hop Artist and Rap/Hip Hop Album.
The art of a music video is to bring your lyrics and melodies to life in the same way a movie brings a screenplay/novel to life.
Sounds simple, right? Then why are there so many music videos out there that don't follow this simple concept?
We have gotten over the horrendous '80s phase with musicians dancing around in front of a plain white screen. That might sound boring, but don't forget their Flock of Seagulls hairdos, overuse of Aquanet, and their hideous '80s attire to the video. Not story structure. Just people singing their song in horrible fashion.
Michael Jackson started the whole thing when he made a five hour, I mean, 14 minute long music video, to his hit song "Thriller." It was everything a music video should be. It made the song a story, a move--a music video.
As much as I love Lady GaGa and thought her music video to "Telephone" was pure genius (minus the ad placements), her videos have gotten so far off track that it scares me. The video doesn't tell a story, it's not a mini movie to her songs, so what's the point? Still to this day, the absolutely worse music video is Fall Out Boy's "Sugar, We're Going Down," a song about jealousy. So they have a guy with antlers who likes a girl. This all happens when the band flies around all over place, playing guitar.
If one artist does music videos right today, surprisingly, it's Katy Perry...with the exception of "California Gurls." Today, she just released her music video to her new single "The One That Got Away," and shocker, it tells a story. An older Perry remembers the one that got away, flashing back to when she was younger and dating a boy. Not only does it tell a story, the cinematography resembles an indie film, which is always a plus.
"The One That Got Away" isn't the only well done music video Perry's made. Videos like "Thinking of You," "Teenage Dream,""Firework," and even the weird "E.T." all have to do with the lyrics in the song. "Thinking of You" references a couple scenes from the movie "The Notebook," but tells a story about Perry missing her boyfriend who is in the army around WW II. "Teenage Dream" jas Perry and her music video boyfriend riding in a car, hanging out with a couple teenagers. "Firework" shows Perry singing about troubles, alternating back from her and kids having a hard time with their home lives...plus her bra that shoots out fireworks.
And then there's "E.T." (extra terrestrial), which has Perry as an alien. Not the best story structure, but at least her song wasn't about an alien and then in the video, she walks around with antlers.
No product placement, no bizarre scenes symbolizing rebirth like in GaGa's "Born This Way." Just a simple video that bring the songs to life visually. That's all people want. No antlers. Just a story.
Long story short, thank you Katy Perry and to your music video directors. You do music videos right. Keep it up.
Nothing says “Happy Thanksgiving” like a table filled with America’s favorite feasting foods, reuniting with your favorite dysfunctional family members and hearing the sweet sounds of Nickelback, serenading you as you munch away on a plateful of turkey.
That’s how Detroit might celebrate Thanksgiving, at least. Just when you thought sitting with your family and/or your in-laws was bad, the Motor City found a different way to torture you on the holidays.
Come on, Detroit. You’re already known for being the worst team in football history (once upon a time), your 0-16 record engraved on the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the rest of eternity. You really need to punish your 6-2 team and your excited fans with Nickelback? Really? Do you have ears? Go out and celebrate that awesome record with.
Can’t you please your city with Eminem, Kid Rock, Bob Seger, Alice Cooper or show a little respect with Aretha Franklin?
This is America. Nickelback doesn’t even celebrate Thanksgiving! Reason 23135 why they should come.
Maybe Baby Jesus will bless the city with an early Christmas miracle. Let’s celebrate America with football, food and good music—with a band that actually celebrates Thanksgiving and that doesn't sound like an elephant slowly dying.
What happens in the Staple Center, stays in the Staple Center...sometimes. Yeater claims she and Justin had a thing after one of his shows last year and now claims he his the father of her baby.
She is taking legal action against him, demanding that he take a paternity test.
Yeater pulled a January Jones. Not only did she leave the father's name blank on the birth certificate, she's claiming a successful celebrity (who just so happens to have release his Christmas CD yesterday) is the father of her baby--like how the press thinks Ashton Kutcher (who just so happens to be Charlie Sheen's replacement on "Two and a Half Men") is the father of Jones' baby.
Because Bliebers, the way to Justin's heart is to announce to the world he is the father of your baby. Yeah, he'll get right on that.
Justin tweeted, "So I'm going to ignore the rumors...and focus on what is real. an opportunity to help by doing what i love. Judge me on the music! Love yall!"
If Swift converts to Islam, and if she sacrifices a goat and "devour its entrails."
It's like The Onion gone wrong.
Swift is currently on tour, wearing kitten shirts and singing songs with no profanity in them. Her monologue song for her first ever hosting gig on SNL was about how she loves things that smell like winter and glitter. Singing songs about Joe Jonas and John Mayer are the most scandalous things she has done.
Guess you're not considered a celebrity until someone starts a rumor about you. Welcome to Hollywood.
