Hey,
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I'm all for honesty. So, I have to be blunt here. It maybe a new year, but the music industry is still the big, broken machine it was 5 days ago. Sorry, but it's the truth.
Still, I consider myself an optimist, so even though the mainstream stuff is complete garbage and indie acts are still looked down upon and labeled, I believe there is a plethora of beautiful, amazing music waiting to be discovered and appreciated. The stuff on the radio is terrible, but with a little effort, it could be turned into something stunning. Therefore, tonight, I present 5 covers of terrible mainstream music made incredible.
5. "Off to The Races" (Originally by Lana Del Rey) by Drew Tabor- I discovered Drew a little over a year ago and she is one of my favorite female YouTube singers. Her vocals perfectly suit Lana's style, which I love anyways, with her deep, slightly gravely, yet powerful voice. Every cover Drew does makes me appreciate her talent even more. This cover, in particular, is so barebones, allowing her talent to really shine through, that it gives me goosebumps. Check out all her videos here
4. "Cola" (Originally by Lana Del Rey) by Ally Rhodes- I realize that this is the second Lana Del Rey song and the title of the post is "5 Covers That Put The Original Artists To Shame" and I love Lana, but both Ally and Drew bring something to Lana's songs. Where Drew's version is raw and chilling, Ally's stab at Lana is more polished but still absolutely beautiful! Both covers are incredible and it's impossible to choose a better singer of the two, so I pick both. :)
3. "I Knew You Were Trouble" (Originally by Taylor Swift) by Walk Off the Earth ft. KRNFX- Where Taylor's original version reeks of too many writers, a terrible stab at Dubstep (Only Skrillex can really get away with all the wub-wubbing) and comes across as another sloppy pop composition, WOTF's rendition is unique, darker, and the a capella gives the depth that the song was missing. I love Sarah's vocals, which blend nicely with the four other guys'. Crazy good.
2. "99 Problems" (Originally by Jay-Z) by Tonic Sol-Fa- I discovered these super talented guys after my mom saw an ad for their concert and we decided, on a whim, to go. Best. Decision. Ever. Seriously. They made a huge fan out of me. :) TSF is an acapella group-- and I've only mentioned a million times how much I love a capella in general--so it's really no surprise why this song makes the list. Jay-Z's versions oozes with his ridiculous bravado and features the most annoying background music I've heard, but TSF challenges that, giving the song a perfect beat, layered vocals, and making it completely loveable and listenable, unlike the original. You have to check these guys out. Really.
1. "One More Night" (Originally by Maroon 5) by Chester See ft. Alex G- Chester has one the most incredible voices and coupled with Alex's gentle vocals, Chester really shines here. Maroon 5's song has really great lyrics, but buried underneath too much synth, repetitious background noise, and Adam's obviously edited vocals, it's hard to tell. But, with Chester and Alex's expressive voices, and gentle guitar and piano, the true passion of the lyrics really comes out. Once again, Chester has won me over and Alex has made me fall in love with her vocals. Love!
Until next week,
Bella
Showing posts with label covers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label covers. Show all posts
Friday, January 4, 2013
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Random Songs You Should Know
Well, aren't you lucky! You're getting 2 posts this week, instead of just one.
This first post is going to be as random as they come, quite honestly. No, I'm not going to whine about the downfall of music as we know it or brag about the fact that it's Justin Beiber's birthday and I haven't listened to a single song of his all day long. (Scratch that, in celebration, I'm suffering through Never Say Never...why did I think this was a good idea?)
Nope, instead of that boring stuff, I'll just talk about some songs that I like/new artists. My second most will be a review of Fun.'s new album--awesomeness in MP3 form, if you ask me, which you did not, but I am supplying my answer anyway.
Random song 1: Bittersweet by Panic! At the Disco
Yes, this is the exact same band that I ranted about last week, and while I'm not particularly thrilled with the boys in their personal lives, I can appreciate that they are fabulous musicians. This song was a bonus track off their last album Vices and Virtues, and should probably have been an actual track on the album; it's that good. Things I like: the fade in, the catchy guitar riffs in the beginning, the back-up vocals (very doo-wop esque), the twisting and turning lyrics (My favorite place/is the warm embrace/of holding your hair back/in a bathroom stall...maybe it's just me, but I did NOT see that coming. They're pretty good at that) and the point in the song when Brendon switches from a higher octave to a much lower octave than he typically sings in. I approve, boys.
Random song 2: Somebody That I Used to Know By Walk Off the Earth (originally by Gotye)
One of my favorite songs ever and now one of my favorite covers. I love how it's just a bunch of random people playing a guitar, looking totally bad doing it too. The girl has a beautiful voice. Granted, it's not Kimbra's voice, but I've heard worse. Just look around YouTube and you'll find thousands of people who cannot sing a single correct note. So, I give these people lots of credit.
Random song 3: Magic by The Knocks and Gary Go
I have to confess: I heard this song in Hollister, so it's not exactly undiscovered talent, but it's catchy. Gary Go, I have heard of, but not The Knocks. A couple of years ago, I heard "Wonderful" Gary Go, but kind of forgot about him. He has some mean vocals on this track, even with the unnecessary auto-tune like sound and the ridiculous vocal effects. I realize that last sentence makes me sound like I hate the song; I don't. It's like tampered-with-alternative music. Some people might say this is pop/dance and others will say alternative. I say: shut up and enjoy the song. :)
Random song 4: Do Better by Say Anything
This song came from putting Spotify's radio option. At first, it was kind of like eh, but I kept listening to it and it grew on me. My favorite line is: "Life is not a spark in space/an episode of Will & Grace...Debra's Messing with your brain." Genius!
Random song 5: Making Me Nervous by Brad Sucks
Number one: I love the band's name. Number two: love how simple the track is. Number three: This song does not make me nervous
Random song 6: St. Walker by Young the Giant
I am sucker for a minor key and a crazy good base-line. When I read the title for the very first time, I thought St. stood for Saint and so I was like, "Cool, Saint Walker. Somehow I missed his name in history class." Then, I listened to the song and realized he meant street walker. Gotcha. Anyways, despite all my stupidity, it's a fantabultastic song...no, that's a dictionary word. Probably should be...but it's not. Thumbs up! (30 Days until the Young The Giant Concert with Grouplove...review for sure. It's at the same venue as Panic! At the Disco; let's pray it goes better this time! I hope that venue is not cursed! What can I say? I'm superstitious. Think about it, you were too at one point in your life.)
Random song 7: Mundian to Bach Ke by Panjabi MC
Don't laugh at me! I have a strange, varying taste in music. This is hardly alternative or new, but I rediscovered this song last week and remembered how much I like this song. It kind of makes me want to learn how to do Bollywood dance. You might recall that this song was in Stick It, that movie from nearly four years ago with Kellan Lutz (Emmett Cullen in Twilight...Did I mention I'm a Twi-Hard too? I should have. Don't worry; I've calmed down quite a bit. :D).
Random song 8: {LAST ONE!} Easy Way Out by Gotye
This song is infectious. I sense some Beatles/70's influences in this track and love it. The first Beatles' song that came to mind was "Day Tripper." What do you think? It's different how the vocals are almost hushed throughout the verses and then gradually gets louder throughout the chorus. The music video is, well, kind of like watching one of those ridiculous Indie movies where you waste hours (or minutes in this case) trying to figure out what is happening, why it is happening, and what is the significance. Also, does that mean he's dead? Crazy musicians...
Links to the songs:
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZnYstv5wNY
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9NF2edxy-M
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnJXHoCitdQ&feature=related
4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVwYnpoep-Q
5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwjfE2ylbWU
6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5OhaX9VxG8
7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJztXj2GPfk
8. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SmGNNdRQjc
Bonus Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quEYrjAL7s4
Until next week,
Bella
This first post is going to be as random as they come, quite honestly. No, I'm not going to whine about the downfall of music as we know it or brag about the fact that it's Justin Beiber's birthday and I haven't listened to a single song of his all day long. (Scratch that, in celebration, I'm suffering through Never Say Never...why did I think this was a good idea?)
Nope, instead of that boring stuff, I'll just talk about some songs that I like/new artists. My second most will be a review of Fun.'s new album--awesomeness in MP3 form, if you ask me, which you did not, but I am supplying my answer anyway.
Random song 1: Bittersweet by Panic! At the Disco
Yes, this is the exact same band that I ranted about last week, and while I'm not particularly thrilled with the boys in their personal lives, I can appreciate that they are fabulous musicians. This song was a bonus track off their last album Vices and Virtues, and should probably have been an actual track on the album; it's that good. Things I like: the fade in, the catchy guitar riffs in the beginning, the back-up vocals (very doo-wop esque), the twisting and turning lyrics (My favorite place/is the warm embrace/of holding your hair back/in a bathroom stall...maybe it's just me, but I did NOT see that coming. They're pretty good at that) and the point in the song when Brendon switches from a higher octave to a much lower octave than he typically sings in. I approve, boys.
Random song 2: Somebody That I Used to Know By Walk Off the Earth (originally by Gotye)
One of my favorite songs ever and now one of my favorite covers. I love how it's just a bunch of random people playing a guitar, looking totally bad doing it too. The girl has a beautiful voice. Granted, it's not Kimbra's voice, but I've heard worse. Just look around YouTube and you'll find thousands of people who cannot sing a single correct note. So, I give these people lots of credit.
Random song 3: Magic by The Knocks and Gary Go
I have to confess: I heard this song in Hollister, so it's not exactly undiscovered talent, but it's catchy. Gary Go, I have heard of, but not The Knocks. A couple of years ago, I heard "Wonderful" Gary Go, but kind of forgot about him. He has some mean vocals on this track, even with the unnecessary auto-tune like sound and the ridiculous vocal effects. I realize that last sentence makes me sound like I hate the song; I don't. It's like tampered-with-alternative music. Some people might say this is pop/dance and others will say alternative. I say: shut up and enjoy the song. :)
Random song 4: Do Better by Say Anything
This song came from putting Spotify's radio option. At first, it was kind of like eh, but I kept listening to it and it grew on me. My favorite line is: "Life is not a spark in space/an episode of Will & Grace...Debra's Messing with your brain." Genius!
Random song 5: Making Me Nervous by Brad Sucks
Number one: I love the band's name. Number two: love how simple the track is. Number three: This song does not make me nervous
Random song 6: St. Walker by Young the Giant
I am sucker for a minor key and a crazy good base-line. When I read the title for the very first time, I thought St. stood for Saint and so I was like, "Cool, Saint Walker. Somehow I missed his name in history class." Then, I listened to the song and realized he meant street walker. Gotcha. Anyways, despite all my stupidity, it's a fantabultastic song...no, that's a dictionary word. Probably should be...but it's not. Thumbs up! (30 Days until the Young The Giant Concert with Grouplove...review for sure. It's at the same venue as Panic! At the Disco; let's pray it goes better this time! I hope that venue is not cursed! What can I say? I'm superstitious. Think about it, you were too at one point in your life.)
Random song 7: Mundian to Bach Ke by Panjabi MC
Don't laugh at me! I have a strange, varying taste in music. This is hardly alternative or new, but I rediscovered this song last week and remembered how much I like this song. It kind of makes me want to learn how to do Bollywood dance. You might recall that this song was in Stick It, that movie from nearly four years ago with Kellan Lutz (Emmett Cullen in Twilight...Did I mention I'm a Twi-Hard too? I should have. Don't worry; I've calmed down quite a bit. :D).
Random song 8: {LAST ONE!} Easy Way Out by Gotye
This song is infectious. I sense some Beatles/70's influences in this track and love it. The first Beatles' song that came to mind was "Day Tripper." What do you think? It's different how the vocals are almost hushed throughout the verses and then gradually gets louder throughout the chorus. The music video is, well, kind of like watching one of those ridiculous Indie movies where you waste hours (or minutes in this case) trying to figure out what is happening, why it is happening, and what is the significance. Also, does that mean he's dead? Crazy musicians...
Links to the songs:
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZnYstv5wNY
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9NF2edxy-M
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnJXHoCitdQ&feature=related
4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVwYnpoep-Q
5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwjfE2ylbWU
6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5OhaX9VxG8
7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJztXj2GPfk
8. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SmGNNdRQjc
Bonus Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quEYrjAL7s4
Until next week,
Bella
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