The Seven Song Itch - What Is Love?

A friend of mine, currently residing in Germany, posted a photo on Facebook with the following quote, “Love is not a habit, a commitment, or a debt.  Love is not what we hear in romantic songs or see in movies.  Love simply is.”  I completely agree with the sentiment, and look for a kind of love that is described in I Corinthians 13 of the Bible, but you know I’m going to make a song list anyway.  These songs hold special memories to me and stand the test of time.

Playlist for What Is Love?

1. Howard Jones – “What Is Love”(1983)

This was the second single off of his debut album, "Human's Lib." I like the conversational aspect of this song, as it addresses doubts that we all have in a romantic relationship.  If something is bothering you, don't let it simmer till you both blow your top.  There is always time, in any relationship, to reach out and communicate with each other.  Maybe even the doubts about your union can bring you closer together - stranger things have happened.  Don’t let a misunderstanding end something before it begins.

2 Peter Cetera – “Glory of Love”(1986)

A long time ago, I took a very lovely girl to a screening of "The Karate Kid Part II," and this was the love theme from that movie.  It was my first semi-public make-out session, resulting in me getting popcorn and bubblegum in my hair.  The surprising thing, however, was that this gal had seen the movie the day before so that when her father quizzed her about the plot she would be able to give a excellent answer.  You gotta love those smart girls.  I still haven't seen the movie all the way through, I guess I should do something about that.

3. Amy Grant – “Saved by Love”(1988)

If you ask me what my favorite song of all time is, it would be this one.  Back in 1988, I checked Amy's “Lead Me On” album out of the church library per a pretty gal's recommendation.  My love of her music is the only thing that has lasted from those days of old.  I began to collect her back catalog and continue to do so to this day.  I like the themes that drift into her music and find both her sacred and secular work to be transcendental.  She just seems to know how to spin a story, even if it's a pop diddy.  Laura, the woman mentioned in the song, is a semi-autobiographical nod to her sister Carol. This is my hope for those who are not in the spotlight of life, but give it their all.  A windfall of love is in store for them, even if they don’t know it.

4. Vanessa Williams and Brian McNight – “Love Is”(1993)

One of my secret obsessions in the early nineties was “Beverly Hills 90210,” and this was the love ballad from that TV Series.  Though the song never appeared in the show, it did appear in the spinoff "Melrose Place."  The paring of these two vocalists is just magical, and it brings a bit of nostalgia to these old ears.

5. SheDaisy – “In Terms of Love”(2006)

This is a heartbreaking catharsis about believing in life after love.  Kristyn (Supporting Vocals and Principal songwriter) is brilliant in the lyrics and really conveys that moving on is not easy.  Consideration of what comes too soon and what comes too late in a relationship almost seems commonplace in coupledom, but you have to love yourself enough to know when to stay in and when to get out..

6. Taylor Swift – “Love Story”(2008)

Ah, this song speaks to the hopeless romantic in me.  Yeah I know, Taylor changes the end of the classic tale of “Romeo and Juliet” by Shakespeare, but I’d like to believe that those crazy kids found a way to make love last.  This song is hopeful, heartfelt, and helpful in getting two star-crossed lovers together.  It still gives me goose bumps, and yes I know, it’s just a pop country song, but sometimes we need a fairy-tales to take us away to a far off land where love has a chance. <3 <3 <3

7. Michael Bublé – “Crazy Love”(2009)

This Van Morrison song has been covered dozens of times, and I like them all, but Michael’s version of the song really speaks to me.  He is a modern day balladeer that really knows how to croon.  So much of the music today is launched at you with high intensity, so when a chilled out love ballad comes my way, I want to savor it.

Bonus Videos:

To quote a Righteous Brothers song (Rock and Roll Heaven), “If you believe in forever, then life is just a one-night-stand.  If there’s a rock n roll heaven, well you know they got a hellva band.”  With the passing of Donna Summer and Robin Gibb, I can’t help but wonder who else will leave this mortal coil and join that illustrious group in the afterlife?  I am sad for the loss of these two great vocalists, but thankful for the legacy of songs that they leave behind.  Here are two songs of Love from their catalog.

Donna Summer “Love to Love You Baby”(1975)

Many years ago, when Ms. Summer became a born again Christian, she stopped performing this song live, and I respect her decision to do so.  It has that sensual passion of lovemaking that others have tried to duplicate, but end up delving into depravity – not that there is anything wrong with that.  This song is “Hot Stuff,” but I think we sometimes miss the point of intimacy.  I was taught that sex is dirty, but save it for someone you love – a contradiction of sorts.  I’m not advocating free love, but I do think that people should relax and enjoy the ride.  No disrespect is intended by including this song in this playlist..

The Bee Gees – “How Deep Is Your Love”(1977)

This is another tune that poses the question of how committed you are to a person and waxes poetic about the depths of one’s feelings.  Sometimes love can be one sided, but that can’t be helped.  It’s rare to find someone on the same level of intimacy, but when you find them, hold on for dear life.  The greatest gift you can give a person is yourself.

The Seven Song Itch - Rock On Range

I’ve often wondered where rock lives.  Is it Cleveland, Nashville, New York, L.A., Milwaukee or some other place?  Well I’m not that far off because according to Rock on the Range, it lives in Columbus.  Back again for its sixth year, ROCK ON THE RANGE is MAY 18th, 19th, & 20^th at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, OH.  It may not be as large as Lollapalooza (Chicago) or Summerfest (Milwaukee), but it still rocks hard and is one of my favorite festivals of the year.  It’s more personal and you really get up close to the performers, even with the nightly headliners.  I’ve been going to this event ever since it debuted and it just keeps getting better.  So here’s a list of the headliners, and one band favorite from many years back.  All of them have new music, or at least on the verge or some, and will be touring cross-country for the summer concert season.  So pack your suntan lotion, fill your cooler, and bring along a friend because there is head banging to be done!

Playlist for Rock On TheRange

1. Five Finger Death Punch – “Under and Over It”(2011)

Formed in 2005, Five Finger Death Punch (FFDP) is an American Heavy Metal band that takes its name from oriental martial arts cinema, though I suspect that it’s an allusion to the movie “Kill Bill,” but let’s not split hairs with a samurai sword.  FFDP are a staple on the festival circuit and on this current tour they are rumored to be working on their fourth release, so you might see some new music by this band during this summer.  This song, however, is the first single off of their "American Capitalist"(2011) release and is a great commentary about band rumors, and how FFDP are over it.  It almost seems like an episode of “Metalocalypse,” considering the scuttlebutt surrounding the band, but all that I can confirm is that they still know how to rock!

2. Shinedown – “Unity”(2012)

The singles “Bully” and “Unity,” both on their current release “Amaryllis,” continue Shinedown’s mantra of creating heavy metal music with an empowering message.  If you’ve ever been to one of their shows, you know the drill—Audience participation is mandatory!  Pretty early into the show you are instructed by Brent Smith (vocals) to look to your right and to your left and introduce yourself, shake hands, hi-five each other.  In Smith’s mind’s eye, each show is the only show that the band is interested in, and believe you me, they give you all they’ve got at each show.

3. Incubus – “Promises, Promises”(2011)

Over the course of their career, Incubus has utilized elements from a variety of genres and styles, including alternative rock, heavy metal, electro, funk, funk metal, jazz, hip hop, nu metal, rap metal, techno and trip hop—making them one of the most diverse bands at ROTR.  This single is taken from their 2011 release, “If Not Now, When?” which was recorded after a five year hiatus of the band.  This is another group that plans to put out new music in 2012, so check out their lives shows for sneak peaks.

4. Megadeth – “Public Enemy No. 1”(2011)

Known as one of the Big Four of Thrash (along with Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax), Megadeth is touring in support of the ironically titled release, “Thirteen.” The previous twelve releases have seen a number of personnel changes, but Dave Mustaine’s vision has made the band a formidable sonic force during its 28-year reign.  I’ve seen this band dozens of times, as a headliner and support, and they never fail to put on a bone crushing show.

Previous Concert Review: Megadeth

5. Marilyn Manson – “No Reflection”(2012)

The maniacal animal is back and his scowling sounds sinister.  Taken from his current release, “Born Villain,” this song finds Mr. Manson at a bit of a crossroads.  He queries which persona he loves-his stage persona or the man behind the mascara. True to form, the rest of the release is a blazing sonogram into the origins of his music and turns out to be one of his best.

6. Rob Zombie – “Mars Needs Women”(2010)

I tend to disagree with Mr. Zombie on this, because most of the women are at his show, and they need to be there.  He continues his real life horror rock show to the delight of his undead audience.  Rob’s current lineup John 5 (guitar), Ginger Fish (drums), and Piggy D (bass), is an all-star freak show that scares the hell out of me.  This is going to be an awesome show!  Again, there is new music due in 2013 so you might get some free previews of Rob’s madness.

Previous Concert Review: RobZombie: A Creature Feature With A Zombie

7. Halestorm – “Love Bites (So Do I)”(2012)

Lzzy (vocals) continues to be in touch with her inner Valkyrie as the band voyages ahead with their second release, “The Strange Case of…”  A few years ago I got to interview the band and they were hilarious.  I asked her about male groupies and she stated that they had them and that they have a collection of boxer shorts lining the back of their tour bus.  Needless to say, I contributed to the collection.  Ah, the rock and roll life style.  

Previous Interview: There'sa Hale storm a commin, to your town!

List of Performers at Rock On The Range 2012:

12 Stones, Anthrax, Aranda, Attack Attack!, Black Stone Cherry, Black Tide, Bobaflex, Cavo, Chevelle, Cypress Hill, Down, Emphatic, Escape the Fate, Eve to Adam, Falling in Reverse, Five Finger Death Punch, Foxy Shazam, Ghosts of August, Hairball, Halestorm, Hells Bells, In This Moment, Incubus, James Durbin, Kyng, Lacuna Coil, Marilyn Manson, Mastodon, Megadeth, New Medicine, Otherwise, P.O.D., Redlight King, Rival Sons, Rob Zombie, Shinedown, Slash, SOiL, The Darkness, Theory of a Deadman, Trivium, Volbeat.

The Seven Song Itch - Classic Mashup Tunes

A long time ago, in a town far away from the mainstream, I was conversing with a few friends at a late night diner about the movie “Star Wars.”  Earlier that afternoon, I had stage-managed a ballet and the music from the show was still spinning though my head.  Somewhere in the conversation with my Sci-fi friends, I mixed Tchaikovsky’s “Sugar Plum Fairy,” from “The Nutcracker,” with John William’s “The Imperil March (Darth Vader’s Theme)”, in my head and the chaos went on from there.  Though the tempos are a little off, they have an interesting contrast that I find entertaining.  Years later, and many mashups discovered, I was exposed to this guy who mixes up a myriad of songs under the moniker of Girl Talk.  He is not the first one to do this, but he takes it up a level, by blending dozens (and sometimes, a hell of a lot more) of songs into a mix.  Yes, appropriating someone else’s hard work takes from their financial stability, but the genus of these mashups makes you appreciate the original song so much more—in my opinion.  Mixes like these will never make it to the mainstream due to the intrusion of Record Labels and Artist Managers, but I think that creativity is organic, and we need to push the envelope in order to find a new crop of artists.  There are literary thousands of these videos on youtube, some come across as bad remixes, but some are brilliant in their combination of artists.  Here is a sampling of some that I found interesting.

Playlist for Classic MashupTunes

Youtube Channel for Mashups

1. Kylie Minogue (Stuart Crichton) – “Can't Get Blue Monday Out of My Head”(2005)

Stuart Crichton made this remix of the song and it is available as a b-side to “Love at First Sight” on several formats and as the first track on the remix of Kylie’s album “Boombox.” “Can't Get You Out of My Head”(2001) and “Blue Monday”(1983) are both songs that took nightclubs by storm and both have fond memories that I just can’t get out of my head.  This song is technically a remix, which seems to be the all the rage these days, but I feel that it is respectful to both songs and brings something new into the arena—it’s a great mashup.  There is not much innovation here, but genus of this mix is that two similar songs blend nostalgia and innovation seamlessly.

2. Mash Up Of Britney Spears and Gwen Stefani (DJ Surge-N) – “Tick-Toxic”(2005)

This is a video adaptation of a mash up for “What You Waiting For?”(2004) and “Toxic”(2004) by DJ Surge-N produced in 2004 and released on the Internet January of 2005. I like the contrast and find that this mashup made me revisit the originals and in turn, developed a new appreciation for these pop songs.  This music isn’t going to save the world, but I like the writer’s block aspect of Gwen and the secret agent storyline of Britney.  This is a mashup made at 50,000 feet and rising.

3. Amy Winehouse vs. Queen (DJ Magnet) – “Crazy Little Thing Called Rehab”(2008)

This is a mashup of Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab” and Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” with Ray Charles thrown into the mix.  It’s sad that Amy, Freddie Mercury and Ray Charles are all deceased, but their music lives on.  This mashup is a celebration and has a cheery kind of feel in the midst of it all.  A friend of mine dared me to find a song that sounds positive but has a negative connotation in the lyrics.  I submit this mashup for his consideration.  Enjoy your “Seasons In The Sun,” but that is another playlist.

4. The Ting Tings vs. The Knack vs Toni Basil – “That's Not My Name Mashup”(2008)

Okay, this is the point when I stop listing the songs, because there is hidden samples thougout the mix.  This plucky mashup pulls from several decades of pop music and blends quite well.  It shows how music can be influential and commentary on what has come before, even if it is not overt or conscious.  This is republican blend of songs in a democratic setting where all voices are heard.

5. The Beatles vs. Joan Jett vs. Cypress Hill vs. House of Pain vs. RATM (FAROFF) – “Mash Together”(2010)

There is so much that is wrong about this mashup (in an ironic sense), but it sounds so right.  Talk about old school—this pulls from dozens of decades of music.  It is what I hope for the future, to be able to listen to all of my favorite songs all at the same time, because I don’t have time to listen to all of what I want at any particular point in time.

6. Girl Talk – “Triple Double”(2010)

I just love this artist!  Gregg Michael Gillis’s (A.K.A. Girl Talk) music requires multiple listens and it’s always great when you discover the multi-layers in the music.  With festival concert season coming, I am going to spend some time in the DJ tent and get my rave on. These shows are very intense and full of delight.

7. DJ McFLY – “2011: The Aftermash - (Earworm style mashup of 30 pop songs from 2011)”(2012)

I couldn’t pass this mix up, because I think it sums up the year very well.  DIY y’all! Go out and take up your instruments, whatever they may be, and make new music. 

Bonus Video:  EBN – “Get Down”

Emergency Broadcast Network (EBN), is the one of the old school artists, along with Negativeland, that enabled me to appreciate modern day Mashups.  You know, I should have a separate list for these artists. J

The Seven Song Itch - New Music Vol.1

What? Do you think I spend all of my time compiling playlists of old songs?  Well, here is some relatively new music that I’m really excited about.  Yes, there is too much to cover with a list of seven songs, and I’ll get to some more, but these are artists that I follow preeminently.  Concert season is coming and most of these bands are going out on tour to showcase their new music—I can’t wait!

Playlist for New Music Vol.1

1. Lacuna Coil – “Trip the Darkness”(2011)

I’ve been following this band since 2004 and am excited about the new release.  They have been compared to Evanescence, but these Italian Goth Rockers have been around since 1994.  The Album, “Dark Adrenaline,” has all of the ethereal dark existential rock that you would expect in an empty spiral existence, but forge ahead in the madness of life.  They are not afraid to put their heart and soul into the music, as well as vampiric blood, cold sweat, and acrid tears.  Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro create a vocal dichotomy that mixes melody and dissonance into perfect harmony.  This band brings life illusions into crystal clear focus.

Official Video Release: October 17, 2011

US Release of Album: January 23, 2012 by Century Media

Previous CD Review: Karmacode

Previous Concert Review: Lacuna Coil gets swamped

Previous Interview: Ozzfest2004 Interview

2. The Ting Tings – “Hang It Up”(2011)

A friend of mine, from my corporate job, introduced me to this group while she was on holiday a few years ago. Back then, The Ting Tings were playing in a little Irish pub, which was packed to the gills, and now they are doing festivals all over the world.  The sophomore release, “Sounds from Nowheresville,”(2012) is funkier, harder and infused with electricity than their debut, “We Started Nothing.”(2008) With lyrics like, “Live up tricks when you don't have a thing. Live like a hippy if you wanna be king. People say is not worth the wait. Everybody loves somebody to hate,” Katie White’s vocals have a playful banter like a little girl playing hopscotch and throwing rocks at you in between hops.  Don’t piss her off—buy the record.

Official Video Release: October 2011

US Release of Album: February 24, 2012 by Columbia Records

3. Our Lady Peace – “Heavyweight”(2012)

Our Lady Peace’s music comes across like real life exorcisms of societal demise.  Their anarchistic approach to music brings into view the disparity of life and challenges you to address your own issues.  With their new album, “Curve,” they sculpt sonic stories that drag you in and pull no punches.  Raine Maida’s atonal vocals (this is a good thing) catch your ear so that the lyrics become more prevalent in your psyche.  This is not background music, but a journey of the mind.  Not many contemporary groups can rock out and make you think, which makes their art superb.

Official Video Release:

US Release of Album: April 3, 2012 by Warner Music

Previous CD Review: Healthy In ParanoidTimes

Previous Concert Review: Disturbing the"Peace"

4. Carrie Underwood – “Good Girl”(2012)

Carrie rocks a little on this song, though her country roots still show.  “Blown Away,” tackles a variety of emotional topics, including abuse, infidelity, revenge and regret.  She shines brightly on this release and will no doubt add some more awards to her repertoire.  She has come a long way from the fourth season of American Idol.

Official Video Release: February 24, 2012

US Release of Album: May 1, 2012 by Arista Nashville, 19 Recordings

5. Garbage – “Blood for Poppies”(2012)

Even though I liked the show Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, I am glad that the series was cancelled, so that Shirley Manson could get back to what she does best.  Yes, she was great on the show, but I missed Garbage and am glad that they are back with a vengeance.  “Not Your Kind of People” is released on the band's own independent label, and showcases an artistic freedom that many major record labels would stifle.  Manson’s Macabre and sensual lyrics rail against sinister guitar riffs and danceable drum beats.  They are their own contradiction, but they are my kind of people.

Official Video Release: April 12, 2012

US Release of Album: May 14, 2012 by STUNVOLUME

Previous Concert Review: Madison Garbageloved in Chicago

6. Metric – “Youth Without Youth”(2012)

This song is a scathing commentary on today’s youth, and yet Emily Haines is playing her own game.  This slow groove song has all of the intimidation of Metric’s music and has multi-layers of irony and shock interwoven in its fabric.  I live with my own contradictions by fully embracing today’s technology and yet I long for those days when I played kick-the-Can on a gravel parking lot behind.  With a generation that grew up with the Internet, they tune in by remote deviate from schoolyard play.  Adult difficulties can be mitigated by the simplest of things.  It’s easy to get too ahead of yourself in today’s society—we grow up too quickly.

Official Video Release: May 1, 2012

US Release of Album: June 12, 2012 by Metric Music International

Previous CD Review: Fantasies

Previous Concert Review: Metric– There's no right, there's no wrong, there's only popular opinion.

7. Sara Bareilles – “Stay”(2012)

Since I can’t find a proper video for this song, this live version, taken from her concert April 21, 2012 at the Wisconsin Union Theater, completely blows me away.  Damn—this girl can ‘sang’!  This song is on her forthcoming EP, “Once Upon Another Time,” and is slated for release on May 22nd. However, in celebration of Record Store Day (April 21), you can get a limited edition 7-inch vinyl record, which features “Stay” and the exclusive track “Beautiful Girl.”  For a girl that doesn’t like writing “Love Song(s),” she seems have a few of them in her repertoire.  Sara keeps busy by touring (and avoiding injury: IndianapolisStage Collapse) her second album “Kaleidoscope Heart”(2010), appearing on the NBC television series The Sing-Off as a celebrity judge, and collaborating with artists like Ingrid Michaelson, Jon McLaughlin, Ben Folds, and Seth MacFarlane. When does this girl have time?

Official Video Release: TBA

US Release of EP: May 22, 2012 by Epic

Previous CD Review: LittleVoice