A TUNE: Music or rather, when paired with the "A" (attuned) brings things into accord, harmony, or sympathetic relationship. TOO: As a synonym for "also," too can be used to mean "in addition." YOU: As in those who are not me.
This writing, like Leon Russel's Composition, "A Song For You," and what Amy Grant once said, "The best part of music is sharing it."
When I find myself in times of
trouble, I look to music to take me to a place of better times.It gives me perspective, even if it’s only
for three or four minutes.Whether music
is a distraction or dogma—it is the soundtrack of our lives.With the recent passing of Davy Jones
and Whitney Houston, I cannot help but wonder which of my musical
mentors will be following.I grew up
listening to the Monkees, and consider them a staple in my listening
lexicon.With Whitney Houston,
I’ve found that she is a good education of what it means to be a consummate
artist and soulful songstress.I turn
to music continually and believe it is the universal language that we all
speak.Even though I may not know the
words of a song (or in some cases, the language), I can sense the conviction in the music and it makes me feel
like I’m a part of something greater—especially when I share it with
someone.These two artists gave themselves
to us, and in return, we gave them a part of our lives.It makes me think back of all of the artists
that have been lost to the ages, but the good news is that they have left us
their music.I can’t think of a greater
gift than their work and what it has done for my life.More than anything, I keep alive the spirit
of the muse and it helps me in the day-to-day aspects of life.It is the responsibility of new artists to
provide new hopes and dreams in the musical landscape.It reminds me of the song, “Turn, Turn,
Turn”
The Byrds-"Turn, Turn, Turn"
Words-adapted from The Bible,
book of Ecclesiastes.
WARNING…WARNING…WARNING…THESE SONGS ARE NOT FOR THE FAINT
OF HEART. THIS MUSIC SHOULD BE TAKEN AS
ARTISTIC EXPRESSION AND NOT FOR ANTHEMS TO PROMOTE HATE OR VIOLENCE—EVEN IF
SOME OF THE LYRICS, AND TONE, SEEM TO HAVE THAT FEEL. MOSTLY, THERE’S IRONY IN
THE LYRICS, WHICH SOME JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND.
I posted something on-line on how
to come up with a band name (Color of your pants and what you’ve previously
eaten) and a friend from high-school, who now lives in Germany, mentioned that
her band name would be No French Fires, or in German, Nicht
Frittes. What kind of band
would tour without French Fries? Maybe
if Doppelweck (a type of German Bread) and Hackfleisch mit Senf (Hamburger with
Mustard) were a part of the package, then there would be French Fries for all
to enjoy. Now, what would they sound
like? My friend’s vision for the band
is, “Industrial mixed with Dubstep and an undertone of downtempo.
Similar to James Maynard and Puscifer.” To me, it sounded like a band that would be
on tour with Rammstein. With this band in mind, I discovered a
new genre (well, new to me anyway) Neue Deutsche Härte. I’ve included a list of bands at the end of
this blog, but this is in no way a complete list. It includes some of the originators and innovators of the sound,
with a couple that don’t emanate from Deutschland or sing in its native
tongue. So put your Jackboots on and
head for the mosh-pit, cause these songs are not for wallflowers—Achtung!
The origin’s of Neue Deutsche
Härte can be traced to this group, as well as Nitzer Ebb, and
developed out of the Industrial sound that came out in the nineties. The band is actively anti-Nazi and may have
chosen this name to highlight the role of the Krupps in arming the Nazis during
World War II. This is a pinnacle song
in considering the consequences of your actions. The vocalist has a sound that reminds me of Ian Astbury
from the Cult, with Metallica Tendencies.
2. Rammstein - Du hast (1996)
The first time I heard this song,
I thought that I was listening to a remix of Ministry’s “Just One Fix”
because the guitar riff is very similar.
Also, I thought the song’s title, in English, was ‘you hate me,’ but
what they are really saying is ‘you have me.’
This band is one of the innovators of the Neue Deutsche Härte
sound and to fully appreciate this band, you have to have a sense of humor and
be familiar with East German culture—with a little melodrama thrown into the
grinder.
3. Emigrate – My World (2007)
When Rammstein decided to
take a break in 2007, this was a side project that lead guitarist Richard
Zven Kruspe developed. His sound
has a more driving rhythm with a little of thrash metal beaten into the mix.
Though technically not a part of the Neue Deutsche Härte scene, it shows
a progression of the genre. Upon the reformation of Rammstein, he
dissolved Emigrate to focus on his core band, but that does not mean
that this side project is gone forever.
There are defiantly Industrial tendencies present in this song and maybe
a nod to the group the Butthole Surfers.
4. Oomph! – Labyrinth (2008)
Oomph! is considered to be
the original Neue Deutsche Härte musical group and is a direct influence
on Rammstein. In the 22-year history of the band, there have been no
line-up changes—an anomaly with most bands. This is one of my favorite songs on
this list—it has a rip-roaring feel that is relentless in its edgy depiction of
being trapped. They do have English
versions of their songs, but the punch is lost in the translation.
5. Omega Lithium - Stigmata
(2009)
You didn’t think that all of
these band were going to be male fronted—did you? Well here comes Omega Lithium. Technically they are from Croatia, and sing in English, but are
considered to be a part of Neue Deutsche Härte. The cool crisp vocals are there, but now
there’s beauty in this beastly sound.
They have a gothic sound like Lacuna Coil and Evanescence,
but have a style all their own. They
hold the record for the most Youtube views for a debut song in this
genre.
6. Megaherz – Jagdzeit (2011)
Formed in 1993, this band
attained success with their original Lead singer Alexander "Alexx"
Wesselsky, but in 2003 he left the band citing creative differences. Matthias "Jablonski" Elsholz
stepped in for a few years, but left the band in 2005 wanting to devote more
time to his family. Finally In 2007, Lex
Wohnhaas, from the band Seelenbrand, was announced as the new
singer, and catapulted the band’s sound toward a more stylized Industrial Metal
direction, but still manages to still keep a bounce to the group.
7. Eisbrecher – Verrückt (2012)
Alexander "Alexx"
Wesselsky left Megaherz in 2003 and formed the group Eisbrecher
with another former member, Noel Pix. There is a nice female presence in
this song, which gives it a nice contrast in the mist of brutal guitars and
beastly vocals. Maybe some more lady
vocalists (Mina Harker and Omega Lithium) will start to bring the
news of Neue Deutsche Härte?
One
night, not too long ago, I was listening to an album track “Without A Sound,”
from the group SheDaisy. I marveled at its simplicity and sensed a
familiarity in the piano accompaniment. The sound of that song reminded me of “I
Can’t Make You Love Me,” by Bonnie Raitt. Though I do not know who
played the piano on the SheDaisy song, I can attest that one of my
favorite musicians played on the Raitt track—Bruce Hornsby. He
has worked with a myriad of artists, which includes: Stevie Nicks, Don
Henley, Cowboy Junkies, Bela Fleck, and even the Grateful Dead.
Bruce is consistent in his piano work, but brings something new to each
composition. Even though he may not be directly credited with a song, here is a
list of seven songs that showcase his sound.
1.
SheDaisy–“Without A Sound” (2004)
Sometimes
you don’t need a full band of musicians to make a song great. Someone once told
me that Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones) became a great guitarist
because he knows how to “play the pauses.” The simple piano in this song
conveys an emotional Niagara Falls of sadness in its quiet melody. It also has
a sound like Amy Grant’s “If These Walls Could Speak,” but that’s
another set of songs.
2.
Bonnie Raitt–“I Can’t Make You Love Me” (1991)
Although
Bruce Hornsby provided fills and interpolations on this song, he is not
credited for writing it. His piano part on the track has become associated with
this Ballad, though he did record his own version later on.
3.
Cowboy Junkies–“Rock And Bird” (1990)
This
spooky song has haunting lyrics of being caught between the sky and the ground.
Bruce gives the foundation to Margo Timmins’s ethereal voice in what I
feel is an under appreciated song. This track was on The Caution Horses
record, but was overshadowed by the previous successful release, so I don’t
believe it was given popper consideration. I still grapple with the song’s
meaning, but revel in the vocal and musical dichotomy and find it brilliant.
4.
Don Henley–“End Of The Innocence” (1989)
This
one Bruce gets a writing credit in a wonderfully introspective composition that
appears on Don’s third solo album named for the song. Nostalgia saturates this
pensive selection about entering into middle age. The song is more than a flashback of someone’s recollections; it
also has political sub tones that aren’t just banged out on the keyboard.
5.
Stevie Nicks & Bruce Hornsby–“Two Kinds Of Love” (1989)
Stevie’s
Fleetwood Mac roots can still be heard—stemming from her duets with Lindsey
Buckingham. In her solo work, she
had hit duets with Tom Petty (Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around) and Don
Henley (Leather and Lace), but in this instance it is Bruce
Hornsby. The song appears on
Stevie’s Other Side of the Mirror record, but the single failed to
chart. I think it is another haunting
melody with a good collaboration between these two great artists. It also includes some sax work from Kenny
G.
6.
Bruce Hornsby & Bela Fleck–“Tangled Up In Blue”
Though
Bob Dylan is the author of this one, Bela and Bruce gave their spin on
this record. This is around the time that Bruce started to expand from just pop
hits into a more improvisational jazz artist. You really can see the evolution
in his playing on this classic record.
7.
Bruce Hornsby and the Range–“Mandolin Rain” (1986)
This is a classic Hornsby
tune. It is, in my opinion, the benchmark of Bruce’s sound. Several years after
this song, he broke up the band and started composing and playing more
elaborate pieces. He continues to delight listeners by sprinkling his magic on
a select few projects.
Previously
know as the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (N.A.R.A.S.,
or the Academy), the Grammys is a one of the oldest and most
established awards ceremony, but who are the members of the Academy anyway? The Academy is comprised of
vocalists, conductors, songwriters, composers, engineers, producers,
instrumentalists, arrangers, art directors, album notes writers, narrators, and
music video artists and technicians.
Record companies do not vote, so it’s the individuals, and not the
labels, that give the recognition.
Unlike other award shows, the
Grammys commits to several initiatives. With programs like the GRAMMYs on the Hill, GRAMMY U,
MusiCares, and GRAMMY in the Schools, the Academy gives back
and supports great music in many genres.
There are currently 29 fields (Pop, Gospel, Classical, etc.) and 78
categories within those fields.
I’ve been asked, on many
occasions, what is the difference between Record of the Year, and Song
of the Year. According to the Grammys
web page, in the FAQ section (http://www.grammy.org/grammy-awards/voting/faqs),
the “The Record Of The Year category recognizes the artist’s performance
as well as the overall contributions of the producer(s), recording engineer(s)
and/or mixer(s) if other than the artist. The Song Of The Year category
recognizes the songwriter(s).”
As a writer, I am more
sympathetic to the Song of the Year category, although I acknowledge
that the whole process of producing a record is crucial to the success of a
song. Now, more than ever, in this age
of name recognition of producers, recording studios, and engineers, a lot of
the great music that we hear would not be possible if it weren’t for them.
With this Seven Song Itch, I
am looking back at the last six Song of the Year awards with my current
prediction for this year’s award. Here
are the live versions from previous broadcasts and other live
performances.
1. U2-"Sometimes You
Can't Make It on Your Own", Songwriters: Lyrics by Bono, Music by U2—48th
Grammy Awards
2. Dixie Chicks-"Not
Ready to Make Nice", Songwriters: Martie Maguire, Natalie Maines, Emily
Robison & Dan Wilson—49th Grammy Awards
3. Amy Winehouse
"Rehab", Songwriter: Amy Winehouse—50th Grammy Awards
4. Coldplay-"Viva la
Vida", Songwriters: Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion &
Chris Martin—51st Grammy Awards
5. Beyoncé -"Single
Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", Songwriters: Thaddis Harrell, Beyoncé Knowles,
Terius Nash & Christopher Stewart—52nd Grammy Awards
6. Lady Antebellum-"Need
You Now", Songwriters: Dave Haywood, Josh Kear, Charles Kelley &
Hillary Scott– 53rd Grammy Awards
7. Adele-"Rolling in the
Deep", Songwriters: Adele & Paul Epworth – 54th Grammy
Awards (my prediction)
This
genre evolved out of Old School Rap in the eighties, which transitioned into the
nineties. New Jack Swing reigned supreme from 1986-1994 with over 160
artists that slid into this category.
Beginning with Club Nouveau’s “Lean On Me” (1987) to Madonna’s
“Erotica.”(1992), there are way too many artists to cover the music with just seven songs. Even narrowing it down to one particular year (1991) was difficult, but
this selection of songs have an upbeat and playful tone that I like to
remember. This was the heyday of these
artists as they bring the sound of Motown, Atlantic, and Philly
Soul to the mix—with a little Hip Hop shaken in for good
measure. For some of these artists,
this style was an aspect of their career, for others, it was their entire
career. After this wave of music, there
was a backlash, and the age of Gangsta Rap started to make its presence
known, but that’s another playlist.
If
you want to go directly to the YouTube Link of the video playlist click the
link below.
1.
Luther Vandross-“Power of Love/Love Power”(1991)
I've always been a Luther fan, but in the nineties, he was
at the top of his game. To me, he was known as the man of Love, because it was in most of his hit songs. The music world lost this great voice in 2005, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of us all.
2.
Shanice-“I Love Your Smile”(1991)
Babyface, among his other projects, produced this young
ingénue. The playful element of the song even has Babyface laughing at the end of the track. Shanice bounced around with a couple of hits in the nineties, but then disappeared. Rumor has it that she will be back with an album soon.
3.
TLC-“Baby Baby Baby”(1991)
This is another Babyface project that has a chilled out groove. At the time, this was TLC's biggest hit, but they would go on to record the smash, "Waterfalls" just a few years later. They were billed by Entertainment Weekly as "the perfect pop group" during this era.
4.
Lisa Stansfield-“Change” (1991)
Lisa came to the party with her classic debut,
"All Around The World" some years before, but with her album Real
Love, which this track is taken from, she really hits her stride in having a
soulful song that makes you wanna dance around. I Gotta have my English soul sister in this mix.
5.
DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince-“Summertime”(1991)
The song's music is a replay of "Summer Madness", a popular hit released by Kool & the Gang in 1974. In 1990 however, Will Smith (The Fresh Prince), was on the verge of bankruptcy, but then an oppertunity to have his own show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air on NBC, pulled him back into the spotlight. During this time, he rebooted his musical career, and then parlayed that success into movie roles. Not bad from a prince that thinks his, "Parents Just Don't Understand." (1989)
6.
Boyz II Men-"Motownphilly"(1991)
Back in the
Eighties, New Edition was the flavor of the decade and spawned many
solo/group projects--one of them was Bell Biv DeVoe. They, in turn, discovered a few more groups, which included Another Bad Creation and well as the seminal band Boyz
II Men. They incorporated several
styles, including New Jack Swing, as well as being respectful to their Motown
and Philly Soul roots.
7.
Prince–“Cream”(1991)
This was just after the
dissolution of his previous back up band The Revolution and the creation
of The New Power Generation. Later on he would go on to
change his name to the unpronounceable symbol, but for now, he rises to the top again with this sassy track.
Just
for kicks, here is a partial list (In Alphabetical order) of groups that have
the New Jack Swing sound (Source Wikipedia)
1-900, 7669, Aaliyah, Aaron Hall, After 7, Al B.
Sure!, Alexander O'Neal, Alyson Williams, Another Bad Creation, B Angie B,
B.Brown Posse, Babyface, Basic Black, Bell Biv Devoe, Bingoboys, Blackgirl,
BLACKstreet, Bobby Brown, Boyz II Men, Brandy, Brian McKnight, CeCe Peniston,
Chante Moore, Charlie Wilson, Chris Bender, Christopher Williams, Chuckii
Booker, Color Me Badd, Coming of Age, D.R.S., Damian Dame, David Peaston, Don
Newkirk, Donna Summer, Earth, Wind & Fire, En Vogue, Entouch, Eric Gable,
Father MC, Foster & McElroy, Full Force, General Kane, Georgio, Good 2
Go, Guy, Guys Next Door, Heavy D & The Boyz, Hi-Five, H-Town, II D Extreme,
Immature, Intro, Jade, James Ingram, Jamie Foxx, Janet Jackson, Jasmine Guy,
Jeff Redd, Jeremy Jordan, Jodeci, Jody Watley, Joe, Joe Public, Joey Lawrence,
Johnny Gill, Johnny Kemp, Karyn White, Keisha Jackson, Keith Sweat, Kid n Play,
Kool Moe Dee, Kris Kross, Kulcha, Kwame, LeVert, Lisa Stansfield, Little Shawn,
LL Cool J, Lo-Key, Luther Vandross, Maestro Fresh Wes, Marc Nelson, Mary J.
Blige, MC Brains, MC Hammer, MC Lyte, MC Trouble, Me-2-U, Men At Large, Michael
Cooper, Michael Jackson, Michel'le, Mint Condition, MN8, Monica, Montell
Jordan, New Edition, New Kids on the Block, Nice & Smooth, Nona Gaye,
P.O.V., Paula Abdul, Paulina Rubio, Pebbles, Perfect Gentlemen, Portrait, Pretty
In Pink, Prince & The New Power Generation, Quincy Jones, R. Kelly, Ralph
Tresvant, Ready for the World, Redhead Kingpin and the F.B.I., Remedy, Riff,
Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, Salt 'N' Pepa, Samuelle, Seo Taiji, Shai,
Shanice, Silk, Simple Pleasure, Small Change, Snap!, Soul for Real, Soul II
Soul, Sounds of Blackness, Special Generation, Stephanie Mills, Steven Randall
Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Subway, SWV, Tara Kemp, Terri & Monica, Tevin
Campbell, The Boys, The Gap Band, The Good Girls, The Honeys, The Mac Band, The
Party, The Rude Boys, The U-Krew, Tim Owens, Tisha Campbell, TLC, Today, Tony
Terry, Tony! Toni! Toné!, Tracie Spencer, Trey Lorenz, Troop, Tyler Collins,
U.N.V., Usher Raymond, Vanessa Williams, Voices, Wooten Brothers,
Wreckx-N-Effect, Zhané.
