It's funny looking back in time in movies, books, and comics and seeing what they believed the future would look like. Robots, flying cars, Smart Houses. We've seen it change a bit recently with how we believe our future will be. Self-driving cars, Internet inside of our brain, In-n-Out and Keyes Taco Truck on every street corner in Northern California. Ok maybe that last one is just me, but wouldn't you agree that it would be awesome? I just want to live in a time where I can live in the Future, past, and the present. And for 44 minutes and 28 seconds, you can enter that alternate universe. Future DS2 July 17, 2015 Alright, hold on a second. Before I even get into this legendary album, I need to say something. I am now barely realizing as I'm looking at the cover right here that his face is in the design. I am so fucking oblivious to half of the world around me, I honestly don't know how my wife deals with it. But this is why I write, to expand my mind and open my mind up to new possibilities, lessons, and hopefully better vision... Yeah, right. In case you don't know, Future is a global rap/hip-hop artist. He hit the scene with a splash with his 3 mixtape from 2010 which included a huge hit with his debut single "Tony Montana." Then he kinda became a joke around social media in 2012 when he dropped his debut studio album Pluto, with many of the songs being much different that of which we heard from his mixtape. He was talking about love and all the positive things in life that people don't like in their rap music, unless you're ... J Cole ... I guess? And honestly, I didn't want it either. I wanted the Down South Atlanta dirty shit, ya know? Like I wanted that Tony Montana shit. And from Future, we didn't get that until DS2. After his first two albums lost me, I almost didn't ever even give this album an ear. But I remember thinking to myself like just give it chance. The man has been grinding this long, I'm sure he has worked out his growing pains as a popular artist by now. And sure enough he did. With the album being produced by the young wunderkind of instrumentals Metro Boomin, it was destined to work. Right off the bat, you get that unique Atlanta sound with "Thought it was a Drought" where he speaks on his love for that Dirty Sprite and fucking other people's bitches. I just fucked yo bitch in some Gucci flip flops I had just had some bitches and I made em lip lock; I just took a piss and I seen codeine coming out We got purple Actavis, I thought it was a drought? You can see by the straight-forwardness in this hook that he was finding himself again, possibly at the bottom of a styrofoam cup. Now while although I hope the man stays healthy for his family, himself, and his kids, I am so glad that his use of codeine placed him in a musical genius state that can only be achieved by being in an out of body, slow motion, thought provoking experience. We have seen this in many artists over the years, but maybe none more prominent than with Jimi Hendrix. Now while most of the lyrics on this album aren't going to make you woke, they will still find a way to hit you. With "I Serve the Base" he not only lets you know that he knows how to cook crack-cocaine, but he can also appease to the masses musical taste. He continues to educate the listener by giving them an insight to the drug dealing life, a topic very popular amongst rap fans. Every artist who invites us for a look into their mind and perspective on life not only gives us a chance to learn more about them, but it is a message to others out there who may be going through the same things that artist is going through. Key word being perspective. In "Colossal" he reminds us that we can never listen to they. I'm hungry, I admit it, I swear I'm conditioned I served and I hustled on any conditions Fuck your permission, I'll get to them digits Come to your town and I get and split it I am a firm believer that everything in life is about timing and perspective. Lessons we learn and how we move forward from them, create a limitless amount of opportunity for us to grow mentally. This album shows the growth of a man who was living his life how he believes will give him the most happiness. Now, this will not be the case for everyone, but it can be the case for you. We are not here to judge others on how they live their lives or what they choose to do with it. Life is about quality, and not quantity. This album gives us that quality over quantity as it is still Future's best work to date. He can continue to release music that the masses love, but it will never be as thought provoking as DS2. The ability he showed to be as transparent as he could be is a lesson to all of us. Speak on what you are passionate about, because there may be someone out there who feels the same way, but is too scared to speak up. This video isn't from this album, but it is March so...
0 Comments
Every Monday, throughout the day I'll think about who I want to write about. Usually I will think about someone legendary, someone I can relate to, or someone that I believe other people can relate to. This week is quite a bit different, actually vastly different. Minutes before I decided to start writing, I had come across the news that Bento, the Keyboard Cat, has passed away. I never realized that news about a cat's death would ever effect me the way it did, but Bento meant so much to the world. People may not realize it, but Bento is a legendary musician in this internet generation. Bento, the Keyboard Cat 2009-2018 Rest in Peace Just as a clarification, this cat isn't the original Keyboard Cat in the video that was watched over 50 million times on YouTube. Yes, 50 million views, I don't care who you are a musician, that is doing numbers fam. The original Keyboard Cat is named Fatso and the original video is from 1984. Bento was just a beautiful cat who remastered this legend's work, and who looked exactly like him. This ain't no joke man, I really respect this cat. I can't even imagine the things that went on in Bento's mind. Like did he wake up and just think like "Yo, I hope my owner puts me in front of a keyboard today so I can rip this shit." With over 100K subscribers on YouTube, I guarantee kids and cat lovers across the world were just enjoying what this cat was doing. Life is stressful man, and if you can get some entertainment from a random cat playing a keyboard then why not? I've thought a lot recently about what the future holds for me, and sometimes I let my thoughts get out of hand. As it is man, life goes on. And at the end of it, what do we want to be known for? Do we want to be remembered by our family members and friends as someone they loved and cared about? Do we want to make an impact on peoples lives? Do we want to share our stories with the world and see if there are people out there going through the same struggles of everyday life like us? What does any of these questions have anything to do with a cat playing a keyboard? I'll tell why it is relative, because no matter what species we are, we all seek happiness and a fulfilling life. Now I didn't know this cat personally, but the fact that so many people watched Bento's videos shows the impact his life had on others. I know that everytime I saw the Keyboard Cat's videos, I would laugh my ass off. Maybe it's just because I'm a cat lover, but I know y'all dog lovers out there still liked that OG cat video. What I'm trying to get at is this; No matter what point you are in life, try to imagine what your life would be like if you were Keyboard Cat. No worries in the world, just living life. Find what it is that helps you have self worth, it will go a long way in the end. And maybe, you will put as many smiles on people's faces as Bento did. Yes bruh, 10 hours of Keyboard Cat. RIP Bento Do people even watch television anymore? Remember DVR? That was the shit honestly. But now you can watch anything and everything on the internet, and most of the time I just watch something that I missed either on YouTube or on the channel's app. I don't know, maybe it's just me. Ever since I've lived on my own I haven't had cable so I don't watch television. Netflix and NBA League Pass is pretty much my comfort zone. But when I did have DVR when I lived with my parents, I used to record Conan O'brien. Mostly just for his jokes at the beginning and the musical performances at the end of the show. This next group is one that I first witnessed drop some major funk back in 2011. Chromeo White Women May 12, 2014 Now this album here isn't the one that originally got me hooked on Chromeo, but it is my favorite one out of all the work they've put out over the years. And with a new album in the works, I thought it was the perfect time to give these guys their props. So this is the second time in three weeks that I've done a #MusicMondays on a Canadian duo, I promise this wasn't planned. If I do have any Canadian readers, I love y'all, please share some more of your music with me! Anyway, these homies are the closest thing that come to Funk music since the 1970's. Their use of synthesizers and the Zapp & Roger type of vocals got me hooked on their music real quick. "Dave 1" and "P-Thugg" have been making their disco inspired sounds since 2002, that's hella long ago. This year is their Sweet16 in the music business and it doesn't seem like they're in any rush to slow down. When this album dropped, they were 12 years in, with a following that some would call cult-like. Their throwback sound has not only helped them maintain a longstanding success, but has inspired others to continue to create a sound they love, even if it is outdated like cable television. When I saw these guys in concert, I can honestly say it was like nothing I had ever seen before. It literally looked like something from the 1980's, with fog, lasers, leather jackets, and crazy hairstyles dominating the stage. Without getting too deep into who these guys are, I'll give you a little insight to the album and let you judge it for yourself. It's really hard to put into words what their music sounds like. It's like when your parents would watch that movie Dirty Dancing, and you really didn't get what was going on but all you remember was the music playing. I can totally see Jennifer Grey dancing to Chromeo. I know most of you have no idea what I'm talking about, but look her up she was totally hot. My favorite thing about this album is that you can listen to it no matter what mood you're in. You feel like you don't know where you're going in life, listen to "Lost on The Way Home feat. Solange" and just enjoy the time you have with the people in your life. You're going through a heartbreak, listen to "Jealous" and let these guys help you shrug those assholes off. You're in the mood to just dance and have a good time, slap "Sexy Socialite" and dance like my boy Roy Purdy. These guys aren't typically what you're used to hearing or it probably isn't the sound you prefer, but put this album on when you're cleaning your house and tell me you don't get that shit done faster than Derek Fisher can get a shot off... Wow I lost you again huh, ok just YouTube "Derek Fisher 0.4" you'll see what I mean. Here's that video of the homies on Conan circa 2011 How about them Canadians, eh? Those guys are just living the good life above our border aren't they. Must be nice, eh? They finished with 29 medals in the Winter Olympics, they don't have any school shootings, and the 23rd Prime Minister aka His Excellency Justin Trudeau is doing a pretty good job from what I've read. The Toronto Raptors are currently in first place in the NBA Eastern Conference, and in a recent interview with their coach Dwane Casey talked about how safe he feels having his family live in Canada everyday as opposed to what America is going through right now. This next duo are some pretty dope Canadians, so lets dive right in, eh? Purity Ring "Shrines" July 24, 2012 Whenever I do #MusicMondays I try not to give the artists a genre. I'm sure if you asks the artists, they'll always give you some kind of answer as to how they wish to be described. But this happens far too often, and artists end up in a box. Being labeled as such leaves artists stuck within a certain style that people feel they must supply their sound, and I feel like this duo breaks down certain boundaries that would have otherwise been put up for them. Just from watching a few interviews from them, they are somewhat indescribable within their own personalities which just adds to their ability to not get stuck in that box. I had never even heard of these guys until my wife played their music in her 1993 Honda Civic, back when we were "just friends." This was back when I used to be a little pothead, so this album made me feel like "Whoa, who is this? What planet do they record their music on? Do you think they got their sounds from dreams?" But you don't gotta be a pothead to like this album. It's got that perfect mix of I can listen to this and chill and I can workout to this. The first song, "Crawlersout" comes in hard and shows you every side of their versatility. The duo perfectly mashes strong poetic waves that crash smoothly into the sounds of the beat. You can easily read their music as a poem and equally enjoy it. they'll weave their long souls into the frame to grow their foliage in sew their long hairs into their beds to keep them crawlers out As I'm writing this, I'm finding that it is hard to put this album into words about how it makes me feel. When I hear the sounds, I feel like I'm lost in the middle of the forest, not looking for a way out, but looking for a way to stay in this sanctuary for as long as possible. When I hear the words, I can feel the pain, sorrow, happiness, and acceptance that is coming from the writers soul. Basically what I'm saying is that this album is some deep shit, and if you don't listen carefully, you can miss out on some vibes that you may be needing in your life. It's inspirational to me as a writer, because it helps me put into perspective of what is deep inside me that I need to get out to the world. We all have our own form of expressing ourselves, we just need to find the right platform. So listen to this album and think about what you need to do to express yourself. Here's a trip vid from the album, eh Waking up early on a Monday morning isn't always the easiest thing to do, but I'm guessing if you had a strawberry alarm clock it would at least make waking up pretty dope. While taking online classes at ASU, I took a couple modern music history classes, which turned out to be some of the best courses I had ever taken. One of the eras focused on that captivated me was the psychedelic scene of the 1960's. In a time of so much hate, this entire group of people did not judge by race, gender, age, or social status, but then again it was probably because they were all on drugs. But it made for some pretty incredible music. The Strawberry Alarm Clock "Incense and Peppermints" December 1967 With a name like The Strawberry Alarm Clock you know they had to be on some crazy drugs to make them think of that name. But luckily for us, their lifestyle helped create this incredible album psychedelic sounds and peaceful lyrics. The first time I actually heard one of their songs was on the first Austin Powers movie, I knew the song just from that movie but had never thought to look it up. So when these guys popped up in my assignments, it was almost like their sound had never left my memory. These guys formed their group in the Los Angeles area in the 1960s, and of the 20 members they have had come in and out over the 50 years they've been together, six men remain strong and continue to play together. On March 18th, they actually had a 50 year anniversary concert which they headlined to celebrate this historic album. Incredible to think that these dudes are still going strong after all these years. The album is only 30 minutes long, but it makes for the perfect length for a car ride to work to get your mind in a more peaceful state. The album was named after the hit song "Incense and Peppermints" which is a hit that you have probably unknowingly heard in your life. It was a Billboard #1 hit at the time and it remained their biggest hit over their years together. The lyrics are somewhat relatable when you can put yourself in their shoes. Incense and Peppermints are what they used when they would smoke weed, so that they could mask the smell. But the song references not only their lifestyle, but how people should be able to express themselves however they want. Incense and peppermints, the color of thyme. Who cares what games we choose? Little to win, but nothing to lose. Incense and peppermints, meaningless nouns. Turn on, tune in, turn your eyes around. Look at yourself, look at yourself There are only ten tracks on this album, but they all contain the same substance that represents this era of music greatly. Songs like "The World's on Fire" and "Rainy Day Mushroom Pillow" have also found their way into movies over the years. One song that still stands out to me is one that could still be a positive influence on our people today. "Tomorrow" contains simple lyrics, that remind us that we can make it if we stick together. Tomorrow Things won't be the same Tomorrow Life would be a different game But right now I am with you, and Together we can make it through Ba-ba-ba...ba-ba-ba-ba If you like The Beatles then I can guarantee you will like this album. If you don't care about anything created before you were born then you won't like it. But I encourage you to open your mind to this music and allow yourself to fall into an alternate state of mind. These guys are pretty far out man. Look at these dudes swag bruh lol Lyrics are overrated sometimes. Whenever we listen to music, however which way we listen to it, whether it be through the radio, Spotify, Apple Music, XM, or whatever other way there is to get it now, I'm guessing more than 90% of the stuff you listen to contains some artist either singing or rapping or talking on the track. But sometimes you just tryna feel the beat and roll with it. If you're tired of hearing other people spill their problems onto a song and you're just in the mood to mob to some dope instrumentals, then this group has something for you. Usually I break down one specific album from artists on these things, but this week I'm saying screw it because I can do whatever the hell I want. Thats kinda how these guys make me feel after I listen to their music, like You know what? Fuck the norm, I'm going this way and y'all can go that way. The Glitch Mob has brought some dope beats to the table and have revolutionized the way remixing a track should be. Originating from the Los Angeles area, their music has spread worldwide and has left their fanbase constantly anticipating the next move. Justin Boreta, Edward Ma, and Josh Mayer have taken the road less traveled into the music industry, and have created a path for others to follow. Their music sounds like something from the year 3999 with all of the electric sounds that they have created through the use of their technology driven mindset in instrumentation. They started in 2006 playing shows locally in the West Coast areas, bringing their laptops or even multi-touch screen controllers to showcase their unique style of how the sounds are formed in their minds. They actually had an instrument created just for themselves called "The Blade" which they now use at their live shows. As someone who has seen it in person, the best way I can describe it is a giant glowing piano/808 machine with lights and buttons and turntables that all three of the artists can control. Pretty freakin dope. Josh Mayer talked about the one of a kind instrument in an interview prior to the debut. The Blade is our new instrument that we play, which also is a set piece and a visual element. We basically built it as one giant instrument. We play The Blade. All the instruments that we play are actually customized and built into it. It also houses tons of lights and it’s all been painted with tons of texture and detail. Actually, the guys that we designed it with also built huge movie sets in LA. When it came together, it was such an amazing thing. It really represents who we are and what we’re trying to say, and it’s just a functional thing that lets us play our music the way we want to play our music. Their discography contains multiple full length albums, mixtapes, EPs, singles, and completely unique remixes to other artists songs'. Drink the Sea from 2010 was their first full length album, which created their huge following mostly through social media and the digital community. Songs such as "Drive it Like you Stole it" and "Between Two Points" had their fanbase dancing and begging for more. My personal favorite work from them is their sophomore album "Love Death Immortality" which was released in 2014 and debuted at #13 on Billboards top 200 albums. Every single song on that album is an absolute banger, and that is pretty much the best way I can sum it up. That album alone has left myself and many others highly anticipating their next moves as a collective. My girlfriend introduced them to me way before we even got together, and I was always like Yeah this slaps but I was never like about it ya know. But once that Love Death Immortality dropped, and then I seen them in person, it was a wrap. She's the biggest The Glitch Mob fan in the entire world, and its not even close. It's always about who introduces you to new music that really sets it apart from just a website or magazine telling you. If you're reading this, then we're probably good friends, and I'm highly recommending to you that you listen to these dudes. Here's a sick video of The Mob using The Blade live Who would have ever thought the best meal to go with orange juice wasn't breakfast at all? An artist who would go on to be known worldwide made one of his works together before he even had the big record deal. A mixtape that would be released to the listener for free became one of the most successful moments in his career. Wiz Khalifa Kush & OJ April 14, 2010 Wiz Khalifa, a young artist on the rise at the time, found a way to make the perfect bridge between good music and a way of life. I remember being 18 years old at the time and in my first year of college when this came out, and I had never smoked marijuana so I couldn't exactly relate to what he was talking about. But I could still feel his happiness that he was experiencing when he made this tape through the music that was being played in my 1989 Acura Integra. So when I came across this tape the other day, it gave me that nostalgic feeling and reminded me that this work is timeless. Twitter was created in 2006 but really started to take off around 2008-'09, and Wiz Khalifa used this as his main platform to reach his fans. As one of the first artists to use Twitter as their main way to promote and stay connected to fans, he released the link to this mixtape which led to him being the top trending topic for days straight and was number one in Google's hot-search trends. Timing was perfect as he released it one week before 4/20 so that it could be enjoyed by everyone who participates in the annual unofficial holiday for weed smokers. The first single from the mixtape was "The Kid Frankie" which was a cover of an R&B song that was number one in England, with a life is good vibe. Ain't nothin' to a G Let your hair blow in the breeze Roll some bomb-ass weed Get high, cruise out at jet speed Do it like I do it for TV Before I ever picked up a joint, that was my favorite track. But as I got older and was introduced to marijuana, I was able to view things from the perspective of a young man who had seen a lot of things in his life but saw even more for his own future. This tape was created for anyone who just wants something to relax and appreciate the life you have for what it is. With some deep tracks that open up his emotions to the listener, he created a window that allows us to look into the past of an artist who now has millions of albums sold and fans all over the world. The track "Still Blazin" gives us a peek into the thoughts of a young artist who just wanted to make music and chill out. Why can't everyone just smoke like me? Just get up out my face and lemme roll my weed Where ain't nobody in my business, don't nobody gotta know Lets all learn how to roll and blow it by the O I'm here but my minds gone As someone who has listened to this tape before even knowing what Kush was, and has also listened to it years after its release while enjoying Mother Nature's sweetest scent, I can tell you that you can enjoy this music either way. If you're tired of hearing the same style of rap music that every single rapper is using now, put this tape on and relax your mind and think about that first car you ever had and how it made you feel when you played your music at any volume and nobody could tell you to turn it down. The weed may be loud, but the music doesn't have to be to vibe out. Here's an old video of Wiz smokin' and rappin' Sometimes we work so hard that we forget how to vacation. And there's a lot of people who don't have that same dedication, they'll hate from a distance and talk about how "you've changed" even when you make it. Theres a point in a person's life where they realize what they're put on this planet to do, and this album perpetuates that message to the listener and allows them to follow this artist's life journey to the point he is at and where he wants to be. Post Malone Stoney December 9, 2016 Austin Richard Post is a 21 year old artist who was born in Syracuse, New York and goes by the stage name of Post Malone. His story is one of interest and definitely a story of everything happens for a reason. He was raised in Texas, where his dad was a manager for the Dallas Cowboys concession crew, and he would get free food and tickets to the games on occasion. He auditioned for a popular alternative rock group Crown the Empire in 2010, but his guitar strings broke and he didn't get the gig. But luckily for us he didn't just become another guitar player, who claims his interest came from playing the video game Guitar Hero as a kid. He taught himself how to make beats with FL Studio, like a lot of people who are out there working in their garage trying to find that nostalgic sound. The singer/song-writer/producer/hip-hop artist found the sound that best represents what he can bring to the table with his debut album Stoney. His incredible use of vocals along with that Texas sound allows the listener to hear and feel the emotions of a young man who has big dreams and aspirations. Most people know him for his major radio hit "White Iverson" which led to a record deal and allowed him to work with people such as 50 Cent, Justin Bieber, and Kanye West. The basketball-inspired anthem is a look into the dreams of a kid who wants to ball just like the NBA greats we grew up watching, but in his own unique way. Fuck practice, this shit just happens, know y'all can't stand it I have it, I never pass it, I work my magic High average, ball on these bastards, it makes me happy It's tragic, I make it happen, and all y'all Shaqtin' There are heavy tones of that slowed-up poured-up sound that allow you to vibe to something thats not too crazy, that can help you get in the right state of mind even at 5 am. Theres a lot of good tracks on this album such as "I Fall Apart," "Patient," "Congratulations," and "Big Lie." But one song that hits home with anyone who feels like their dreams are never going to become reality is "Go Flex." This track shows us that failure comes before success both in the dictionary and in life. They tell me to quit, don't listen what I'm told Help me forget that this world is so cold I don't even know what I'm chasin' no more Tell me 'What I want?', just keep searchin' on It's never enough, cup after cup Blunt after blunt I wouldn't give one if I could find a fuck You may never hear him on the radio again after his hit "Deja Vu" that featured one of his best friends Justin Bieber, but radio hits don't make the success story of any artist in today's music. It's about the following the artist is able to gain and the message they share with those people who feel where he is coming from. Post Malone isn't the most lyrical artist you'll ever hear, but the words he shares and the emotions he uses behind the lyrics reach the audience that has dreams of becoming something in their time on this planet. Being able to share his feelings and true emotions through music is what makes him so unique. Here's a video of the kid with the gold teeth just talking to anyone who will listen It's coming down hard out there, and we've got to get our shit together. We've gotta get it together, come on lets make something happen. Our beautiful country is in an interesting point in it's history and this could be a huge turning point in time that either moves us forward as a whole, or it could divide us more than we have ever been. We can all do our part in any way that we can, and we are lucky to have Hip-Hop here to save us when we need it most. In remembrance of the late great Phife Dawg, known as Malik Izaak Taylor, this collective was able to create the most socially, politically, and emotionally relevant album that represents the current state of our country. A Tribe Called Quest We Got it From Here... Thank You 4 Your Service November 11, 2016 Unfortunately for me, I never listened to ATCQ religiously throughout my life. I probably would have learned a lot about not only their lives, but everything I needed to know about what is going on in the world outside what the media wants us to see and hear. I knew they were one of the greatest hip-hop collectives to ever be formed and that they paved the way for many artists of yesterday and today, but with this album they proved they can still pave the way for the future. Their last album "The Love Movement" was released in 1998, and it was said for a long time that it was the end for them, until they recorded this album in secrecy. That underground sound can be felt in sequence as each song passes, as they were able to encapsulate the music they created in the past while fusing it with lyrics that are so true to our culture. They were able to record more than half of the songs while Phife Dawg was still alive and well, and his influence and love for music can be heard through his production and lyrics. Joining them on the album as well were some greats in their own right with Busta Rhymes, Andre 3000, Consequence, Elton John, Talib Kweli, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, and Anderson .Paak. The album is split up into two "Sides," giving it that feel of a vinyl record of the past. (FYi you can still buy vinyl records) Every single song brings a different and important message that can only be fully understood through listening at high volume and an in tune mind, or as the kids say "Woke." On Side A, there is heavy influences of peace and love that spread from your ears to your heart and soul. Q-Tip went above and beyond, and took it upon himself to represent an entire group of people that want to make the world a better place. He takes on the role of American citizens who have expressed hate in their heart, not only in the past, but now more than ever. All you Black folks, you must go All you Mexicans, you must go All you poor folks, you must go Muslims and gays, boy we hate ya ways Said all you bad folks, you must go That sounds like something out of a twisted and sadistic poetry journal from the 1930's, but the sad thing is that those words represent the feelings of about half of our country right now. Now Side B is more about taking action, and using a more aggressive approach towards moving our country forward. Phife Dawg did his part while he was here to share with us a little bit of his feelings towards what is going on in our country. Even in death, his words from "Conrad Tokyo" are still going strong. Rather watch the Nixon shit than politicians politic CNN and all this shit, gwaan yo, move with the fuckery Trump and the SNL hilarity Troublesome times kid, no times for comedy Blood clot, you doing, bullshit you spewing As if this country ain't already ruined This album didn't go number one on any charts, it wasn't up for any awards, it probably wasn't even heavily talked about on your Twitter feed. But that is what made this album so incredible. The fact that it was formed in secrecy just before the death of Phife Dawg makes it all the more unbelievably powerful. Their message to the world was displayed when they performed at the Grammys, a message so powerful that even the leader of the free world could hear them. Sometimes people just need a sign, that everything is going as planned, and that everything else goes away into the darkness of this shallow place. This group was a sign for me when I thought life was getting tough. These guys were an example of how to simply have fun through all times in life, you could feel it in their music. Thanks to my sister Aleyah for putting me on game. A Day To Remember - Homesick Released February 3, 2009 A Day To Remember (ADTR) used their second album as a stepping stone towards a very successful future. This group from Ocala, Florida, started off in the garage of their lead singer's house, Jeremy McKinnon. Many consider their music to be "Metalcore" because of the occasional hard drum solos and loud noises, or "Pop-punk" because of the smooth guitar riffs and deep lyrics. Jeremy is one of the best lyricists I've ever listened to, going across all genres of music. The album only sold 22,000 units in it's first week, but was certified Gold by the end of the year because of the success of a couple singles. The first song I ever heard from them was "I'm Made of Wax Larry, What are you Made of?" The music video showed the band members and friends playing against kids in kickball, with hot cheerleaders, chokeslams, and crazy head banging. It looked like something out of a Jackass movie. Just a bunch of dudes being themselves and having fun while being able to share some great music. In the song, Jeremy says, "This is me, you can take it or leave. Right or wrong, I will stand on my own two feet." Not sure who he was talking to, but I'm sure he stands by his statement. In a song a little less hard "Have Faith in Me" the video shows a couple going through a rough patch in their relationship, leading to the end of it. He says "I said I'd never let you go and I never did. I said I'd never let you fall, and I always meant it. If you didn't have a chance, then I never did. You'll always find me right there again." The fact that they could bring versatility to a genre that usually seems to only have one sound is what made these guys stand out to me, and what made this album one of my favorites of all time. Theres plenty of songs on this album that I could break down, but I want you guys to take a listen for yourself and create your own perspective on the lyrics and tone of the music. For most of you guys, its not gonna be the kind of music that you're used to listening to, but it wasn't for me either. When my sister showed these guys to me, I was completely shocked and how they were able to keep me engaged throughout an entire album. They really were the band that opened my ears to all different kinds of music, and made me have a more open mind. So maybe this won't be the band that opens your mind up, but when you find the sound that challenges your typical music choice, then I encourage you to never let it go. This song is from their third studio album "What Separates Me From You" but its probably their most important song. |
Anthony VallesterosJust a man trying to make the most of his time on this planet. Categories
All
Archives
February 2019
|