My Sweet Lord

So I almost came when I found out Kevin Max did a cover of My Sweet Lord by George Harrison.



I miss the guitar solo. It's not in Kevin's version

But my goodness...I fall in love with the original song every time. That guitar solo = Love in general.
I get chills. every. time.

Here's the original:

Mykonos

I cannot, for the life of me get this out of my head.



Lately I've been kind of out of it. I don't know the real reason why. But during this weird phase I've been going through, I've been listening to more Fleet Foxes. I don't mean to reblog about them but I could not get something out of my mind about this band.

I think I feel some sort of connection with them. Kind of like I did with Copeland but a bit different so far. I love their way with words, their harmonies, their choice of instruments...the vocals. I found something really interesting that I wanted to share and cannot get out of my mind about the band.

*

This guy. Skyler Skjelset. I know him. Or I've seen him before. Met him in a dream. Met him in real life. Or met someone who looks like him. So far the only person I can say he reminds me of is Bo Rinehart of Needtobreathe. But he's more...wild. Skyler has this...innocence I've not seen in awhile. It's odd. But I know somehow, some way, I've seen him before. and whenever I get this song in my head...I think about this very picture. It's almost kind of creepy. But it's here in my mind, lingering, and I can't seem to manage to figure out why. There is something strikingly odd about this guy. (no i don't think he looks like a pedophile or anything of that nature)

As for some other songs I've come to love by Fleet Foxes, I recommend these: He Doesn't Know Why and Isles. Those are two I've come to love so far.


*this is not my photo, I do not claim it, whatever I need to say so I don't go to jail over copyright crap, there you go.
P.S. Screw you SOPA if you ever get passed.

This Coming End of the Year

So while I was browsing through some tweets and listening to Fleet Fox interviews, I noticed someone mention they were coming up with their "Top Albums of 2011." I thought, "holy crap, I need to do this myself." Then I realized...I've not listened to that many albums that have come out this particular year. now...I can do a "Top Songs I've learned about in 2011" but I don't think I'll be doing an "album" list. I'll try again next year. But if anyone is interested in that, let me know.

Blue Ridge Mountains

So it turns out, there must be some special reason why I need to listen to and check out more of Neil Young.

As sometimes my friends will do, they will share with me songs they like. I was given this link and told I might not like it. How wrong that was. The harmonies... they are perfection. The music is sublime. What I love most is that it reminds me of where I used to grow up. Not sure if it is in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but a place in Tennessee. A country side. With lots of mountains and hills and plains. Honestly, probably my real favorite place on earth. Because it is perfection because that is how I saw it growing up. and of course...the song reminds me of a story I knew. The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald. It talks a lot about mountains.

In any case, today I did a little bit of reading on Fleet Foxes. I go to wikipedia often when I want to study a band. (don't judge me, I know it's not the most accurate of sources, but it's the simplest thing to go to for research) One of their major influences happens to be...Neil Young. and from my previous blog about Foster The People, I mentioned that if someone was into older music, such as Neil Young, they've got taste. and with these guys it's obvious because their music sound like it's from the 60's or 70's. It's that good. While reading in wikipedia, I read of when someone had first listened to them and said they could tell "that talent was coming out of their ass." This made me laugh. But clever. And honestly, these dudes sound like their gonna make some sort of history, just like Neil Young perhaps. NOT, however, like the Beatles. :)

Also...I noticed something...Robin Pecknold, the lead vocalist, his voice reminds me most of Joel T. Hamilton's from The Working Title. I wouldn't be surprised if one got influence from the other. Or if their distantly related...who knows. In any case, they remind me of each other quite a bit. Except joel T. Hamilton's voice is a bit different of course...and makes me wanna jizz my pants. :D

I'm gonna get on the road with Neil Young sometime or another. I'm scared though...because I have a strong feeling I may like his stuff. and then I'll want all his music...we'll see.

Heart of Gold

I am one for new music every once in awhile. And sometimes I'll come across it by mistake. By listening to covers.

I've been in a romantic mood so Foster The People was one band I definitely was craving. I got curious and started watching some interviews. I wasn't looking for it but I came across a cover they did of Neil Young (or so it says in the description) I have not actually sat down and listened to Neil Young. But I already knew I liked this band for different reasons, other than the fact they appreciate good, old music like myself. In one of the interviews I came across, Mark Foster is asked who he would collaborate with if he was given the choice or chance. The first thing that comes out of Foster's mouth is "Damon Albarn...or Thom Yorke." I jizzed my pants a little bit.

That was completely different than what I had in mind to say but I did want to mention, I am really glad he appreciates good music and talent. Mark Foster that is. And even after listening to this song which I have never listened to and an artist I have never really took interest in though heard of, I know he's got taste and knows what he listens to and isn't one of these other mainstream artists who become famous because other people are writing for them. They write their own songs. I see the influence.

I would never, however...say that Foster The People has come out as The "New" Beatles. I saw another interview not too long ago where the interviewer said something along those lines and I about wanted to reach into the screen and pull her hair off her head or slap the hoe. Yes, they have become popular, almost over night but that does not mean that they are anything like The Beatles. They are creative, they are unique, they do have their own style but no. They are not The Beatles.

Beside the point, I'm glad these guys have come into the music industry, even if they have gone mainstream. I am glad that they (so far) they keep to their morals of staying creative and keeping it real. and...listening to good music. Indie artists, for the win.

10 Years Ago Today

Today while browsing Reddit, I came across a little something I needed to be reminded of.

10 years ago today, George Harrison died.

I remember that day too. I remember waking up at the foot of my parents bed (my room was in the making, for we had just moved) and the television was on. It was all over the news. My parents being the big Beatles fans they are, had to television set to watch what all they had to say about the late George Harrison.

At the time, he wasn't my favorite Beatle. At the time, I didn't even know all their names. I know them now...I love them always, and George has slowly become my favorite out of the Fab Four.

I guess the reason why I love George the most is because he was quiet, and said what he needed to say at the right time. The Quiet Beatle. He was dedicated to his religion, his wife and family, and his music. Perhaps he wasn't the best musician on his own but he was part of what made The Beatles, The Beatles. Without him, there wouldn't have been The Beatles. And the same goes for John. and Paul. and Ringo. They all filled in their time with The Beatles and made music history. I don't think we would have a lot of the bands and artists that we have today if it were not for the influence of The Beatles. I am forever indebted to The Beatles, and the four individuals that made it. Here's to George.

Patterns by Stacy Clark

While everyone has been at home and out and about preparing for what was Thanksgiving and now for Christmas, individuals around the world have been anticipating other things. For Indie artist, Stacy Clark, it was her third official album Patterns. Patterns came out November 22, from record label One Small Instrument Records.

From what I have heard of Clark in the past, I have loved what I have heard. The very first song I heard by her was "Empty Bottles" (featuring Aaron Marsh) on her second album, Apples & Oranges. With her new album, I was left completely awestruck. In every song, her voice is angelic in many different ways. My particular favorites were "Lose My Mind" and "Decimals and Music Notes." One thing that I found surprising was how short the album is. Still very good, all in all. One thing I cannot help when listening to this album, is how much it reminds me of State's Line 'Em Up EP. I cannot figure out why they remind me of each other but they do. I've read elsewhere where she is related most to musicians like Björk, Death Cab For Cutie, and Regina Spektor. She has an ingenius and harmonious sound.

In any case, if you are looking for some new music, I most definitely recommend this album. And of course, check out her past albums and EPs. Each and every song carries with it a new surprise with Clark's evolving voice. I believe this is what many people need to listen to, to truly appreciate many kinds of music. I think Stacy Clark has done a good job at showing off her musical skills. Keep up the good work and continue writing new and creative music. Everyone, go give her a listen!

Check her out here:

www.facebook.com/stacyclarkmusic

www.twitter.com/stacyclark

www.youtube.com/stacyclarkmusic

www.myspace.com/stacyclark