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By Emily Do you think that music makes the world go ‘round? Because I sure do! Hello friends, and welcome to a new Portrait Magazine column titled “Have you HEARD?” With this column I want to explore music from all eras. If you want to know about what up and coming bands are worth checking out or what older bands/musicians are worth your time, then keep checking back each month for the latest info. Over the past few years, my taste in music has changed a great deal. I think most people will find this happens as they get older. Granted I’m only 23 years old but if I were to compare the playlist on my laptop from now to seven years ago when I was 16, there would be a huge difference. Mostly the difference is in the broadening of my repertoire of musical taste. I think the best thing to do as a music fan is to open up your mind to the possibilities of falling in love with a style or musician you would have never thought you could enjoy. Now of course you may already have a pre-conceived notion that for example all country music sucks. (These words may have perhaps been uttered from my own lips within the last week, but I digress). Even someone like myself who isn’t a huge country music fan can still find enjoyment in a Carrie Underwood or Brooks and Dunn song. Basically what I am saying is open up your mind to the idea of broadening your musical taste horizon. You just never know what you may find and turn out to love. Let’s start out with some more old school music. When you hear the term “Old School” what comes to mind? For some it might be the hilarious Will Ferrell comedy, or maybe you instantly think of black and white films like Casablanca. No matter what the association you make, your initial reaction to the term ‘Old School’ starts the wheel in your head to turn and once that happens, I want you to add Music to that phrase. What comes to mind now? Depending on your age, you make consider bands like Blink 182 Old School or maybe your definition leans more towards older music such as The Clash. Either way I think you’ll find these bands/musicians of interest. Hopefully you’ll be able to add them to your list of bands you like and broaden your musical world.
Journey:
Journey is an American Rock band. They formed in 1973 in San Francisco, California with original lead singer Steve Perry. They are known for their power ballads and rock songs such as “Send Her My Love,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Open Arms,” “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’,” the songs listed below, and several more. Their most commercial success was during the 70’s and early 80’s. Journey had 19 top 40 singles, six of which hit the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. They have had several different lead singers and currently their lead singer is Arnel Pineda (who the band discovered singing their songs on YouTube and the rest is history!) Songs you’ll recognize: Faithfully, Don’t Stop Believing (featured in Glee)
Billie has so many timeless classics that I’m sure you already know all the words to. She is definitely considered one of the legends of jazz music. Born Eleanora Fagan in 1915 in Philidelphia, she began singing along to records of Bessie Smith and Louis Armstrong at a young age. Her road to success was a bit of a long one, not the instantaneous success most might assume occurred. After she changed her name, her signature head tilt and gardenia flower in her hair was developed while performing at New York’s Cafe Society. Her whole story would require several pages as she did live a rather short but eventful life. If you are interested, I recommend reading more about Billie Holiday’s rise to fame in the jazz world and about her life. Songs you’ll recognize: Blue Moon, Georgia on My Mind, and God Bless the Child
She & Him:
She & Him is a band consisting of Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward. For their debut album, Volume 1, Zooey wrote the lyrics and Ward produced and arranged the songs. Their sound is such a pleasing mix of mostly vocals and guitar. Zooey’s voice is angelic and soothing, and Ward’s arrangements are so perfectly mixed and Matt Ward commented about his style saying “I guess I believe good production should be like a good photograph, which is a great contrast between dark and light.” Songs to check out: “I Thought I Saw Your Face Today” from Volume 1, “Thieves” form Volume 2 and “In the Sun” from Volume 2. Favorite line from “I Thought I Saw Your Face Today:” “I somehow see what’s beautiful in things that are ephemeral.” sheandhim.com
Lights:
The Canadian Singer Valerie Poxleitner of Lights, age 22, is quickly becoming one of this year’s most popular new talents. Her music is addictive and you can’t help but sing along to her synthesized pop style. Her musical abilities are paired with a quirky, fun personality. Her band has appeared in Old Navy Ads as well as an episode of The Hills. The band has participated in Warped Tour, has gone on tour with Jets Overhead in a National Canadian Tour in late 2009. Lights went on tour with Owl City in early 2010. Starting at the end of August, Lights is going on a UK Tour starting in London and ending in Canada. Songs to check out: “February Air,” “Ice,” and “Drive my Soul.” iamlights.com
Be sure to check out full reviews of the albums listed at "Portrait Reviews" |
