Elegant Symphony Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication...

John Legend is one of those artist I can listen too at any given time. In fact I have been letting his albums run (and Jason Mraz) all morning.

The song P.D.A. (We Just Don't Care) is featured on John Legend's 2006 album entitled "Once Again". It's really a romantic yet promiscuous song and I love it!

Good Morning Blogger Nation... Is it weird that I now own all 23 Soundtracks to the Bond series? The music is so intense and lively. The strings are phenomenal but not every song is centered around orchestra. At the moment, I am listening to music from the Bond film "Live and Let Die" and it's actually has a lot of funk and soft rock elements incorporated, not to mention, Paul McCartney wrote the main theme for the film.

Remember that blog entry I posted earlier in the year? I guess now I can really make that happen ha!

This is one of my favorites from "Live and Let Die":

Today's New Band is Bon Iver. I found out about this band by looking up a song by Kanye West, Jay-z, and Nicki Minaj. Apparently, Kanye West used a Bon Iver sample in the song "Monster". I was curious to who they were so I gave their 2008 album entitlef "For Emma, Forever Ago". Honestly, it is a really enjoyable album. I like to listen to it when I'm working on things personally. The album is like brain food to me the music and singing are soothing and melodic.

Bon Iver is classified as Indie Rock/Folk. They have Released three Albums to date

For Emma, Forever Ago 2008
Blood Bank (EP) 2009
Volcano Choir 2009

Apparently, Bon Iver's song "Blindsided" was featured on Grey's Anatomy:

Hello blog world! I've severely neglected you all, but according to my stats my page still gets plenty of hits. I know it's been months since my last post but it's been a busy and eventful summer! Here's a tune for you all on this beautiful Saturday morning, Jack Johnson's "Hope" remixed by Nightmares on Wax:

Rainy days are Jazz kind of days.. Jamie Cullum was a featured artist yesterday (raining) and Michael Bublé today in "The Groove" series.

Today's New Artist is Jamie Cullum, hailing from England and born in Johannesburg, South Africa. Jamie Cullum isn't a new artist to me; more or less rediscovered.

I first found out about him watching 60 minutes back in 2005. He came to fame by covering songs by artists such as Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole and Ol' Blue Eyes himself...Frank Sinatra. Jamie has a good voice but what really drew me to him was his skill as a pianist. He's phenomenal!

When I found out about him in 2005, he was releasing his forth studio album entitled Catching Tales . Songs off the album that immediately caught my eye (or ear if you will) at the time were "Photograph" and "Mind Trick".

Recently I decided to look him up again and I found He released a new album late last year (November 2009) entitled The Pursuit. This past week I've been listening to it and it is quite enjoyable. My favorite song off the album is probably "If I Ruled the World" (featured). He also covers Rhianna's 2007 hit single "Don't Stop the Music" on the album which is a nice piano version of the song.

Discography:

Heard It All before (1999)
Pointless nostalgic (2002)
Twenty Something (2003)
Catching Tales (2005)
The Pursuit (2009)

Chocolate High... this is the kind of relationship I want one day. "If we make each other happy then we just can't lose" One day ha...

You know how certain songs bring back certain memories? I'm up bright and early this morning reminiscing away, ha. I have my computer on shuffle and "Voyage to Atlantis" by the Isley Brothers comes on.. Family road trips from the 90s anyone??

Back in the day My parents would take my two brothers and me out of school for like two weeks and just drive off in the sunset. It was so much fun, and to tell the truth I miss those days. My dad would always play his old school music like the Isley Brothers, Babyface, ect and it would grind our gears. As kids all we wanted to hear was the latest in Hip Hop and R&B.

As I've grown into the man I am today I have learned to appreciate the music my dad forced us to listen to and everytime I hear one of his old school songs playing it brings back memories of all the amazing times we spent traveling as a family. My dad, mom, two brothers and me.

I was cleaning out my car today and I noticed my CD case sitting on the floor in the back. So I go through it and decide to listen to Anthony Hamilton's The Point of it All (2008). I seriously forgot how good this album was because all the music I ever listen to is either online, my mp3 player, or computer. I rarely ever listen to CDs anymore...

Here are a few albums I can listen to any time anywhere.

(in no particular order)

Marvin Gaye: The Master Disc 3 (1961-1984)







John Legend: Get Lifted (2004)








Kanye West: The College Dropout (2004)








Jay-Z: The Blueprint (2001)








Maxwell: BLACKsummers'night (2009)








Aaliyah: I Care 4 U (2001)

I found out about this young lady from a friend on Facebook. In all honesty, I was not expecting such a powerful voice out of this young lady. Her name is Jessica Cornish but commonly known as Jessie, hailing from London. Her vocals are absolutely ridiculous, and she has personality to match her talent, which can be seen in any YouTube video you watch of her singing. As far as I know she doesn't have any albums as of yet but she is signed, so I'm guessing something is in the works soon. She definitely has my stamp of approval!

Check Jessie out: Facebook | MySpace | YouTube |

Today's featured artist is Janelle Monáe, hailing from Kansas City. She's different but she keeps it interesting. I can dig it. She has nice vocals and you can clearly tell that Outkast has an influence on her music, especially the song "Coldwar" (B.O.B anyone?). For more songs check her out on Myspace and YouTube.

Sorry so short but I have to keep it moving.

A good way to avoid the lack of lyricism and storytelling in popular music is to go the instrumental route. Insert Ratatat, hailing from Brooklyn, New York. This duo that features Mike Stroud (Guitar) and Evan Mast (Synthesizers) is not necessarily new to me, just rediscovered. I've always liked their song "Wildcat" (2006) but I never gave any serious thought about checking out any of their previously released albums. This week I did and I'm liking what I hear.

Their style ranges from Electronica to Rock to Hip Hop. While they do have their own albums under their belt, they have remix albums which features artists like Kanye West, Jay-Z, and The Notorious B.I.G. I would definitely recommend checking out their previous albums. Also, Keep a look out for their upcoming album LP4 slated for release May 2010.

- I do not own the rights to any music used in this blog -

I'm not in a relationship or anything at the moment but alas, I dig "It's Good to be Loved" by Babyface from his 2005 Album Grown & Sexy.

I'll try to get a new artist up sometime soon!

"Pretty Please (Love Me)" by Estelle featuring Cee-lo Green of Gnarles Barkley, from her 2008 Album Shine.

-my fortune cookie from dinner last night

Here's something I don't understand. It's the reason why people have an undying need to try to impress me. Does this happen to anyone else? People always want to make sure I notice things or brag exceptionally hard when I'm around. It even seems to happen with perfect strangers. I really hate to sound like an asshole or self-aggrandizing but I don't care. Yes, I like nice things but I have the things that I own because I like them. Not to impress others. I don't spend loads of money on things but I do have unique tastes that I guess appear really expensive and refined when in actuality most of it is dirt cheap (I shop wisely).

At any rate, I believe this can be used as an example as to why a lot of people fail to find true happiness in this world. They spend their lives doing things because of what others around them think or trying to impress someone instead of what truly makes them happy. Be yourself. At all times express who you are. Let people love and accept you for who you truly are instead of for who you believe they think you should be.

1. Create a page using Blogger's "Page Widget".

2. Post the page using Column view.

3. Go to "Edit HTML" on the Layout tab.

4. Check Expand Widget Templates.



5. Look for the line of code for the Page Widget that looks like this:

< b: widget id =" 'PageList1'" locked="'false'" title="'Pages'" type =" 'PageList'">



6. Locate the < /ul > tag.



7. Directly BEFORE this tag type this line of code:

< li >< a href=' INSERT YOUR LINK'> YOUR PAGE NAME < / a > < / l i >
(no spaces)

8. Repeat step seven as needed for however many customized pages you want.

Your lines of code should look like this:





**Preview your blog before publishing it to ensure the new page links work correctly.

I haven't posted in a while (Musical Experiment wise anyway) but it's kind of a good thing. I found a new job! Just an office job but I'm happy about it. I spent all of Sunday reworking my resume then sent some out that night. The next day (within hours actually because I applied at like 3am) I get a call back for an interview which was scheduled for wednesday. I killed the interview. Today was my first day. I had to design fire escape floor plans, ha. At any rate, I'm happy about the situation.

In other news, I have Lauryn Hill's "Sweetest Thing" on repeat in the memory banks. I haven't heard this song in I don't even remember how long.

I planned on making Australian singer/songwriter Jade MacRae a featured artist. But in all honesty, I'm not a huge fan of the songs I heard from her 2008 album Get Me Home. It's just too Pop for my tastes.

I haven't had the opportunity to experience her debut album. However, I do enjoy her live performances. Maybe it's because of the fact that she's gorgeous. How could you resist a smile like hers?

Reasons I love Spring:

-The weather (for the most part - Indiana is known to be unpredictable in this department). Cold and gloomy days give way to to sunshine and light breezes.

-There are more activities and things to get involved in around town. I personally love biking. I haven't dusted off my road bike yet because it has a flat from Fall of last year that I still haven't got around to fixing.

-People seem to be more pleasant and happier about life. I'm generally jovial and optimistic but when other people are happy it lifts my spirits even more.

-NBA and College playoffs/championships. I don't care for the regular season - too many games, too many horrible teams. Call me a bandwagon fan. So be it. Football is my sport.

-Tax return. who doesn't like money?

I'm sure there's more but that's the list off the top of my head.

Reasons I hate Spring:

-ALLERGIES! None of the medications on the market ever work for me and I've tried just about every kind known to man. The ones that do yield varied success only work for a few hours and tend to knock me out. I don't have time to sleep 20hrs a day, so I man up and deal with it.

-I even become allergy prone to certain foods that I'm otherwise fine eating (mostly fresh foods). I once had an allergic reaction to Dr. Pepper but that's a none issue now as I no longer indulge in carbonated drinks.

-Sinus Headaches: these have to be some of the most god awful things I have ever experienced and they tend to hit me hardest during the Spring months. Makes it hard to enjoy the weather when I'm locked in a dark room because sunlight magnifies the pesky little devils 10 fold. I've had to deal with these on and off the last 3 days. In fact, I have one as I'm typing this. Not fun.

-Spring is the only time I have complications with asthma. I had it badly as a kid and was hospitalized a few times because of it. I'm mostly over it now except for when complications stem from allergies. It's a vicious cycle.

I guess the plus side to this is that I no longer live in the suburbs surrounded by cornfields or soy bean fields depending on crop rotation (guess there is more than corn in Indiana, ha). All throughout high school I was nearly on my death bed during the Spring because of increased pollen count and whatnot.

"The more efficient a force is, the more silent and the more subtle it is. Love is the subtlest force in the world.

The law of love governs the world. Life persists in the face of death. The universe continues in spite of destruction going on. Truth triumphs over untruth. Love conquers hate."

-Mohandas Gandhi

Today's featured artist is Joss Stone, yet another Englander. At age 22, she has more than a few albums under her belt. I first found out about her from her Grammy tribute performance for Janis Joplin in 2005. I've been a fan of her music ever since.

I admire the rawness of her voice. When I bought her 2007 album Introducing Joss Stone, I found that she sang with emotion and conviction that wasn't being heard in a world of poppy ringtone artists. Apparently I've been sleeping on her though. I had no idea she released an album last year (October 2009). I think I have an album to check out.

Follow Joss Stone: Facebook | Twitter | Myspace



"Lady" from her 2009 album Colour Me Free:

I don't watch much TV on the actual TV. I manage to catch everything online. I do this mostly because I hate the advertising blitz during the phenomena known as commercial break - and I like to watch shows on my own time. But i digress.

In no particular order:

The Big Bang Theory (seriously)
White Collar (season 1 promo)
Spartacus: Blood and Sand (official trailer)
Flash Forward (promo)
Modern Family (bahaha)

Guilty Pleasure: Ghost Hunters - In all honesty, I'm not even sure why I watch this. Granted, I don't follow it regularly but still. Essentially, it chronicles a bunch of plumbers sitting around in the dark talking to themselves. How that is entertaining? I don't know. Even when something "paranormal" happens it's just out of camera's line of sight. Sometimes they can't explain certain events that take place. Likewise, I really can't explain my fascination.

I took a little adventure to Castleton today in search of a part time job and running errands in general. I just had to be out in this beautiful weather! While out and about, I stopped by Barnes & Noble where I found a nice little book about Gandhi for $5 (possibly future "Sunday Quote of the Day" material). I was also kind of sightseeing. Castleton is a really nice area. If I do decide to stay in Indiana after I graduate, I'll probably be moving in that direction. But that's a BIG "if". My desire to leave this state in my rearview is unmeasurable, ha!

On another note.... I have "Freddie's Dead"(1972) by Curtis Mayfield stuck in my head for some reason.

Today's featured artist is Marques Toliver, hailing from Brooklyn, NY. This young man's talent is incredible and He does it in a way that is not hugely popular anymore - with a violin(I like the fact that he's giving the violin some shine, as I played for 4 years as a kid). He started out playing in Central Park and Train stations in New York in order to pay the rent and make ends meet.

While he is not a huge success story yet, I believe it is only a matter of time before he breaks through. He's been praised as a soul singer, and often compared to John Legend. While I can her similarities in their singing styles, I personally believe Marques has the edge in vocal range.

Marques is still unsigned talent, but since his move to London, things have been turning around for him. He has performed with Daniel Merriweather and has been praised by Adele, who got him a solo tour in the London. He doesn't have very many tracks floating around, as he is an unsigned artist, but you can check him out on MySpace and YouTube.

Check out his blog



For production quality songs check him out on myspace.

The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.

-Morrie Schwartz

This clip of the opening sequence for the film Thank God It's Friday (1978) says it all.

Here's a cool little app for your computer! Cooliris is a nice easy to use media interface for your web browser. I recently downloaded and installed it for both Firefox and Google Chrome. It is available for both Mac and PC. Cooliris makes searching and looking at pictures and videos a breeze.


It works with any website with pictures. I personally love using it on Facebook (clicking through someone's album repeatedly can be a pain when there is 89,799,325 pictures in it!). AND it's not just for internet pictures, you can browse pictures on your hard drive or flash drive as well by simply clicking "My Computer" located at the top left of the app. The best part about it? It is absolutely FREE! I highly recommend this plug-in.

Today's featured artist is Jamie Lidell, hailing from Huntingdon, England. He's been around for a while and has more than a few albums under his belt. I only own his latest, Jim (2008), but I've heard songs from previous albums and highly intend on owning Multiply (2005) at some point.

Jamie Lidell is a soul inspired artist, however, you experience multiple genres incorporated into his soulful sound. I'm a fan of his switching up the beat during songs. This brand of production really keeps you on your toes and engaged throughout the album listening experience. Keep an eye out for Jamie Lidell's latest album Compass, which is slated for release May 18, 2010 (USA).

Check Jamie Lidell out: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Myspace



-I do not on the rights to any music used in this blog-

I recently saw the film No Reservations (2007). While it is a pretty good movie about family, life and love; the soundtrack is phenomenal. It made me hungry and want to dance all at the same time. The soundtrack consists of music that is literally straight out of Sicily (No fist pumping like those crazy kids on Jersey Shore). It features various Opera selections, a jazz number by Paolo Conte, and Ray Gelato's take on the Mambo! Who's ready for some Italian cuisine??

Ps. Did I mention Italian is a beautiful language that I want to learn someday? I have a huge fascination with other cultures and history. Italy is at the top of that list.

I guess it really is 2 for Tuesday (spin on a friend's blog ha). I present this new collaboration from a few familiar faces, Broken Bells. Broken Bells features Danger Mouse(Brian Burton) of Gnarles Barkley and the lead singer and guitarist of The Shins, James Mercer.

If you are a fan of Gnarles Barkley or the Gorillaz then this right up your alley, as Broken Bells sounds like a cross bread of the two bands (fittingly so, Danger Mouse produces for both). Broken Bells' self titled debut album is actually released today so check it out.

Follow Them On: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | MySpace

I didn't blog at all yesterday and I cant sleep right now, so I present a special 3am edition. The artist for today , who I am currently listening to, is Ayọ, hailing from Cologne, Germany. Ayọ is a German born singer/songwriter of Nigerian descent. Her real name is Joy; Ayọ is the translation of her name in her father's native language of Yoruba.

Ayọ has a voice that is absolutely heavenly. She's not overly expressive in her delivery and she doesn't really have the most powerful voice out there. It is, however, soft and pleasing, hence the reason I'm listening to her at 3am. Her accent is also delightful and adds a bit of flavor. I was first attracted to her graceful voice when I heard the single "What is Love" (featured), from then on I've been a fan.

Ayọ has released two studio albums, Joyful (2006) and Gravity at Last (2008). My personal favorite is Joyful, although Gravity at Last is good in its own right. Joyful is really an acoustic album which mainly features the soft melodies of her voice. She tells a story in her lyrics, with each song painting a beautiful portrait. I'd recommend both albums but definitely check out Joyful.

- I do not own the rights to any music used in this blog -

In a world too often cold and unresponsive, spirit-lifting words are springs of warmth and reassurance. We all need a boost from time to time, and a few lines of praise have been known to turn around a day, even a life.
-Fred Bauer

Here's a bit of music for you today. Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds" (acoustic), from the album B is for Bob, released in 2009. Hope everyone is having a good day!

Today's new artist is a lovely young lady by the name of Roxanne Tataei or simply Rox, hailing from South London. It seems I've been gravitating to London a lot for new artists; what can I say? She's a new artist in every sense of the word. So fresh to the music scene that I could only find credible information about her on her website and Myspace page.

Don't let the pretty face fool you, Rox has a powerful voice. She delivers a soulful style with a bit of an an edge. She also incorporates Jamaican symmetry, as her Heritage is half Jamaican. This can be heard on her song "Rocksteady". Her new single "My Baby Left Me" is set for release March 15th.

Keep an eye out for this rising star. Her debut album is set for release June 2010. I personally, wish her the best of success. The world needs more music like this in the mainstream.

Rox has performed and toured with Mark Ronson and Daniel Merriweather, two artist previously featured in the Music Experiment series.

Follow Rox on: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

For more music: click here

This is my niece Keely. At 10 months she seems to be pretty fascinated with my keyboard. Maybe we have a little Alicia Keys on our hands. At any rate, if she grows up and has anything to do with the arts, she can thank her uncle for it!

Today's New artist (details) is Thandiswa Mazwai, hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa. I first found out about Thandiswa over at BBC Music. It was one of those scenarios where the album art (from her second studio album Ibokwe) caught my eye and I couldn't resist the urge to see what awaited on the other side.

Thandiswa's music is refreshing and therapeutic. Her vocals are phenomenal, and the musical arrangement soothes the soul. Her style is kind of a Funk/Pop with native African symmetry. The Zulu sound is delightful. I have no idea what she is singing about, but her vocal range is beautiful and makes it all worth while. I read somewhere that "it is not about understanding music, it is the emotional response", so just accept it for what it is.

I haven't been afforded the opportunity to listen to the enitre album, outside of samples. Some of her music is featured on websites such as YouTube and Myspace, so I have been able to get a feel for what she is about. Based on what I have heard, Thandiswa has my stamp of approval.

[I'm open to suggestions for new artists]

Ingoma by Thandiswa

No new artist today. I do have an artist lined up, I just have not been in the mood to do a write up. I also did some upgrades to the Blog. Instead of a new artist, I give you this lighthearted tune by Jason Mraz, his band and the Grooveline Horns. I wonder if there are any hot spots in my local area with live music like this on a regular? Guess I'll have to look into it. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have that new artist but until then, enjoy. Don't get caught in a YouTube loop like I did watching these!

I started Playing my Alto Saxophone again this past Sunday (Feb 28) after about a year. As I was playing I found that I was doing pretty good for having absolutely zero practice hours logged in quite some time.

After about an hour of playing, I found myself sucking air and losing the ability to hit those high notes with authority and correctness of tone. My mouth just wasn't as strong as it was when I was playing regularly, which is only natural. The next morning my mouth was sore and for about half of the day there was general discomfort.

Here we are two days later, and I feel as though I am very close to my old form. Granted I'm probably not as good as when I won two first place medals (top right of the picture) back in the day, but hey that was over 10 years ago. I plan on getting back there, and hopefully beyond that skill set.

Is there anything that you were good at but gave up due to life? Do you plan on factoring it back into your life at some point?

“Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom.
If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn..."
-Charlie "Bird" Parker

As we usher in the month of March, so to do we a new artist (details). Today's featured artist is Alice Smith, hailing from New York. No, she's actually not international but she does have a unique style that deviates from popular music in America. I first heard her song "Woodstock" on Pandora Radio for my BlackBerry Tour in September 2009, but only recently decided to look her up.

Alice Smith's Album entitled For Lovers, Dreamers & Me is different to say the least. As I was listening to it, I got the impression that it lacked fluidity. The tracks just do not mesh well. Her vocals are great and the musical arrangement is done well but it sounded like it was a hodgepodge of Jazz, Rock and Country, which in turn lead me to believe that it lacked direction. After gathering further information on her, it appears that this is what she had in mind as she relates to all afore mentioned genres (I even found an article that confirmed what I was thinking, although it listed more genres than I did).

While I think this album will take some getting used to for me, their are some tracks that did appeal to me from the first rundown. Said tracks include "Woodstock", "Fake is the New Real" and "Dream". Overall I believe this to be a "when in the mood" album rather than regular listening.

[I'm open to suggestions for new artists]

“I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.”

-Leonardo da Vinci

Today's featured artist (details on the seires) is Mark Ronson, hailing from London. He's not really a new artists to me, as I have known about him for a few years, but I figured I would include him anyway for the simple fact that the music he delivers is absolutely incredible. He is more so a musician and producer than a singer, as both of his previous albums have been largely instrumental and features other artists for vocals. However, he is rumored to be singing on his new album in the works, which is projected for release later this year.

Mark Ronson has produced albums for artists such as Amy Winehouse (Back to Black) and Daniel Merriweather (Love & War). I am majorly a fan of his use of horns and big band in general, as I play the saxophone. His style is like a cross breed of Jazz and Hip Hop. I recommend checking out his second studio album entitled Version.

-I do not own the rights to any music used in this blog-

Relaxing on a friday night, reading Sherlock Holmes while a James Bond soundtrack plays softly in the background. I put down my book for a moment and think, "what if the average person's everyday life had a 007 soundtrack?". How much more intense and action pact would life seemingly be? If after waking up late for your 6am shift, your mad dash to work, weaving in and out of trafic, was accompanied by a classic Bond chase theme? Granted, you're not driving an Aston Martin V12 Vanquish, but that would be pretty intense!

Now imagine you're at your local super center. You're ready to check out, you've got your products in hand like a finely crafted Bond gadget, when you see a cart quickly approaching with a mountain full of God only knows what. You're Bond, the cart bearer is the beefy opponent with cat like agility and instincts. As both of you jockey for position at the checkout line, a Bond fight scene theme ensues.

After you've defeated your worthy opponent and completed your transaction, the classic Bond theme comes on as you tell the clerk your name (Bond... James Bond). Then you exit the store feeling accomplished and labeled the baddest shopper 'round town.

Today's new artist (new to me anyway: details) is a very talented guy named Daniel Merriweather, hailing from Melbourne, Australia. What more is there to say other than the guy can blow. His genre is R&B, Soul, and a touch of Funk. The production of his debut album entitled Love & War is superb.

Daniel Merriweather's musical accompaniment is phenomenal. He brings that old school feel, reminiscent of when artists made music for the love of music rather than to simply collect a paycheck. The songs on the album range from easy listening and chill to making you want to jump out of your seat and dance. Each of his songs tells a story which is also refreshing, as many artists today make music thats more or less a repetitive jingle rather than actual deeply thought out lyrics. If this is a resurgence of that classic soul sound, I'm all for it!

Here are a few tracks from Daniel Merriweather's album Love & War:

-I do not own the rights to any music used in this blog-

This is an original poem that i wrote. It is currently untitled. Enjoy.

We're taught to play fair in a world that's ass backwards.
Gotta sell my soul just for a chance to advance?
How can we play fair when those with lofty titles
who quote scripture from bibles
are morally noncompliant?
We the people, reliant
on a system based on deception
In contradiction of its own laws
since its very inception
I give you this diction
cause I refuse to graciously receive the fiction
spewed by the elected
We the people, deceived
when we should be protected
constantly rejected
Sending us away dejected

Forever in search but never to find
Blind leading the blind
We the people - unique in every way
but lost in our own minds
Constantly chasing wealth, Always on the grind
We got a little money but never the time
While these blood suckers do business
around corners where the sun don't shine
They teach us to play fair, play by the rules
We play fair, they play us for fools
Boxed in mentally
We put ourselves in the box
Did away with chains and locks - physically
Married the game - introduced this new form of slavery
We the people - born in complexity, drawn in simplicity
And sold a fantasy that doesn't match reality

We the people, we - the walking dead
Daily feasting on the lies we're fed
Life after death, heaven and hell
Life on this earth is life in hell
Take the good with the bad
But still we pray to God for better cards to no avail
So what's really real?
But I keep faith
And every time I feel the sun on my face
I put hope in tomorrow
That there will come an end to this struggle and sorrow
I keep faith
I put hope in tomorrow
I play fair, I play by the rules
I educate myself
I no longer play the fool

Lately, I have grown increasingly tired of egotism and narcissism in American music. Granted, I like to get hype like everyone else, but listening to it 24/7? Come on. It's so bad that even underground artists are stooping to said level in order to get recognition. So, instead of keeping the classics we have all grown to love over the years in continuous rotation, I have decided to branch out of my musical comfort zone and go international in hopes of finding a breath of fresh air.

Today's featured artist is Paloma Faith, hailing from London. Her music is actually rather soothing and good for chilling out in general. I personally enjoy the use of live instrumentation in music. In my opinion, live bands accompanying a singer are far more enjoyable than the computerized slop perpetuated by many artists these days. Paloma Faith and her band fit the bill. Paloma Faith's graceful vocals over the rhythmic melodies of the band are quite delightful.

I also enjoy her 1940/50s style. It is truly an elegance lacking in society anymore. Overall, Paloma Faith is not that far of a stretch from the music I am accustomed to listening to (at least her musical accompaniment anyway). I recommend Checking out her debut album entitled Do You Want the Truth of Something Beautiful?

-I do not own the rights to any music used in this blog-