I wasn't sure how long it was going to last, but Classical Music (which I have enjoyed for some time, and loved for a little less time) grabbed me BIG time in November and December...
I was hitting iTunes purely to look at Classical releases. I was purposefully keeping HMV emails detailing purely Classical albums (not sure I've ever bought one from them, but I'm not fussed about receiving emails such as these from retailers).
I got through some Rachmaninov, some Bach, and some Opera (plus some Arias). All in all, I loved it, but I have emerged from the other side...
I now find myself sitting on a train, selecting songs as I go on my iPod (Menniss III, as I call it), and just to prove that you can go from classical to other things, today's music has consisted of:
Muse (currently steaming through the HAARP live album)
Sir Paul McCartney (I did listen to some Lennon on Dec 8th as well, I admit - always try to do this)
The Bee Gees (guilty pleasure - just think the song Nights on Broadway has some if the BEST harmonies ever)
Philip Glass (OK, a bit more classical)
Currently organising a little trip to see Dodgy play the Tunbridge Wells Forum next month, so I've been listening to them too, catching up on one of my favourite bands ever! Have already seen them once since they re-formed, which was a bigger gig in London.
Right, I must now give Muse the attention they deserve/crave...fortunately, no one is looking at me too seriously as I headbang to a bit of 'Hysteria'...
Hope you're all well - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May music affect your holiday in some way, supremely positively...
Love, Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
Worth the wait - Batman Begins OST Soundtrack
As some of you will know, I have a HUGE thing for soundtrack albums...
This week, after literally years of trying, I finally got hold of a copy of the OST to Batman Begins (Hans Zimmer / James Newton Howard), and it was worth the wait...
3 reasons I love OSTs:
• they swell the heart
• they are terrific to walk along to, listening on the iPod
• the tracks can produce any kind of emotional response (hey, I cried within 2 minutes of the beginning of Saving Private Ryan - listen again, and you'll see why...)
Here's Batman Begins track by track (second half tomorrow?):
1. Vespertilio
Sets the scene, dark, mechanical. Short, but so sweet.
2. Eptesicus
More hopeful, but yet this track has it's undertones too. We begin to hear the themes that rise within the music so hugely towards the end - the sweeping notes at the end of this track are those of a 'hero'.
A wonderful mixture of orchestra (some oboe at the beginning, maybe) and piano. Absolutely brilliant music to walk along to...
3. Myotis
We're brooding again. The almost mystical chimes make you think of Asia as they echo at the start of the track.
The sound of confusion builds, but this is very quickly followed by action - sharp, recurring notes...punches being thrown, explosions!
The track concludes with peaceful tones, as though our hero is emerging - music to make you wonder, breath in deep and smile...
4. Barbastella
(OK, how did they come up with these names??!)
Choral beginning, with orchestra flowing through, followed by piano... There is something of track 2 about this one, but it does build and has a sort of metallic, structured feel to it at the end.
Then the drums begin to bang... With wind instruments and a lot of passion...great finish!
5. Artibeus
Mysterious, spikey in tone and course - definitely a track to personify our bag guy... Nothing particularly moving about this song, but can be terrific to listen to depending upon where you are (imagine listening to this one walking around a city in the early evening...).
A little show at the end...
6. Tadarida
Softer, brought back to a more comfy place with this track, but for how long...
There is a sense in the music that something is wrong - spikiness returns!
This track is long (just over 5 mins), and is worth it - the last two minutes are pure OST gold dust! Orchestra, choral, a real sense of something happening -it is listening to pieces like this which make OSTs soooo much fun!
7. Macrotus
Even longer now (7+ mins), and starts beautifully with flowing violins and delicious piano. This is the main theme of this album - one of hope, heroism, passion, yet pain. You feel, at moments, like your head is swirling in the clouds...
But, like all great OST composers, you're brought back down to Earth soon enough...
The chimes begin again, but no sharp spikes yet. Enough to feel eerie...
Big, strong, powerful orchestral tones follow in the middle third - our hero is being called upon. The young choral that follows feels like a weakness has been shown, and help has been sought.
Tracks 8-13 tomorrow...
Thanks - hope you found this interesting!
Have a great evening!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
This week, after literally years of trying, I finally got hold of a copy of the OST to Batman Begins (Hans Zimmer / James Newton Howard), and it was worth the wait...
3 reasons I love OSTs:
• they swell the heart
• they are terrific to walk along to, listening on the iPod
• the tracks can produce any kind of emotional response (hey, I cried within 2 minutes of the beginning of Saving Private Ryan - listen again, and you'll see why...)
Here's Batman Begins track by track (second half tomorrow?):
1. Vespertilio
Sets the scene, dark, mechanical. Short, but so sweet.
2. Eptesicus
More hopeful, but yet this track has it's undertones too. We begin to hear the themes that rise within the music so hugely towards the end - the sweeping notes at the end of this track are those of a 'hero'.
A wonderful mixture of orchestra (some oboe at the beginning, maybe) and piano. Absolutely brilliant music to walk along to...
3. Myotis
We're brooding again. The almost mystical chimes make you think of Asia as they echo at the start of the track.
The sound of confusion builds, but this is very quickly followed by action - sharp, recurring notes...punches being thrown, explosions!
The track concludes with peaceful tones, as though our hero is emerging - music to make you wonder, breath in deep and smile...
4. Barbastella
(OK, how did they come up with these names??!)
Choral beginning, with orchestra flowing through, followed by piano... There is something of track 2 about this one, but it does build and has a sort of metallic, structured feel to it at the end.
Then the drums begin to bang... With wind instruments and a lot of passion...great finish!
5. Artibeus
Mysterious, spikey in tone and course - definitely a track to personify our bag guy... Nothing particularly moving about this song, but can be terrific to listen to depending upon where you are (imagine listening to this one walking around a city in the early evening...).
A little show at the end...
6. Tadarida
Softer, brought back to a more comfy place with this track, but for how long...
There is a sense in the music that something is wrong - spikiness returns!
This track is long (just over 5 mins), and is worth it - the last two minutes are pure OST gold dust! Orchestra, choral, a real sense of something happening -it is listening to pieces like this which make OSTs soooo much fun!
7. Macrotus
Even longer now (7+ mins), and starts beautifully with flowing violins and delicious piano. This is the main theme of this album - one of hope, heroism, passion, yet pain. You feel, at moments, like your head is swirling in the clouds...
But, like all great OST composers, you're brought back down to Earth soon enough...
The chimes begin again, but no sharp spikes yet. Enough to feel eerie...
Big, strong, powerful orchestral tones follow in the middle third - our hero is being called upon. The young choral that follows feels like a weakness has been shown, and help has been sought.
Tracks 8-13 tomorrow...
Thanks - hope you found this interesting!
Have a great evening!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
10 Menace2Music regrets
I'm not a person who regrets much - for me, life is about choices. We make 100's everyday. I don't think you can regret anything if you've made the choice, however painful that choice might be sometimes... But, for fun, here are 10 Menace2Music regrets:
1. Not listening to The Cure a lot more when I was a teenager (sorry, for regular readers, I know I've said this one before)
2. Never having been to Glastonbury, or any other Festival for that matter
3. Although it would've been the biggest waste of money and time (with the great benefit of hindsight), never going for minidiscs!!!?
4. A personal one - never committing to singing training as a bass
5. Aaah, to have a thing like Spotify as a teenager?!
6. Not going to more gigs, full stop...but, I can't help preferring just to listen to the live album!
7. If George were alive today, I'd write him a letter...
8. Maybe I haven't given Soul and RnB music enough of a chance (naaaaaaah!?)
9. Never learning to play an instrument
10. Not inventing the iPod (ok, so tenuous there aren't even words!!!?)
Have a good music evening - remember now, no regrets!!!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
1. Not listening to The Cure a lot more when I was a teenager (sorry, for regular readers, I know I've said this one before)
2. Never having been to Glastonbury, or any other Festival for that matter
3. Although it would've been the biggest waste of money and time (with the great benefit of hindsight), never going for minidiscs!!!?
4. A personal one - never committing to singing training as a bass
5. Aaah, to have a thing like Spotify as a teenager?!
6. Not going to more gigs, full stop...but, I can't help preferring just to listen to the live album!
7. If George were alive today, I'd write him a letter...
8. Maybe I haven't given Soul and RnB music enough of a chance (naaaaaaah!?)
9. Never learning to play an instrument
10. Not inventing the iPod (ok, so tenuous there aren't even words!!!?)
Have a good music evening - remember now, no regrets!!!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, 11 March 2010
Well, I love that 'part' of the song!?
The first of two blog entries today, I hope... We shall see!
This morning I've been thinking about how there are songs we like, or love, but sometimes just for PARTS of them. A few i've thought of, for example:
"Layla" - Derek & The Dominos
I can't help but link it to the montage on Goodfellas, but the piano section of Layla is, in my opinion, the stronger, more giving part of this fantastic song.
"Perfect Kiss" - New Order
The ghostly synths (like something out of Blade Runner) and instrumental towards the end of the track.
There's a song by Unkle featuring Richard Ashcroft (trying to remember the name of it - it's on my second iPod, which is stowed above my head on the train) - the second half of the song, which I seem to recall being mostly instrumental is really moving/beautiful! Name of track later on, unless someone hits me on Twitter with it!
There are some amazing guitar solos that stand out above songs too - out of left field, and not a major one that people would think of, is the solo on "Things We Said Today" of McCartney's Tripping the Light Fantastic album. It is a classic track in it's entirity, but this solo (which comes in 2 parts) has always had a special place in my heart!
On my way to work - train to London. This morning on shuffle, as well as the above tracks (aaargh, what is the name of that Unkle track??!), I've also been enjoying music by:
Ray LaMontagne
Maria Callas / Verdi
Stephen Fretwell
Snow Patrol
The View
Tori Amos
Heard a great song by Kate Bush last night on shuffle, from her Red Shoes album. Here's an interesting choice - flick back 30-odd tracks, or listen to the whole album? Tonight I'll let you know what I did! Come on, you can't wait, huh???!
May your Friday be filled with happiness, praise, but just as importantly, some great music!
Catch you all later!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
This morning I've been thinking about how there are songs we like, or love, but sometimes just for PARTS of them. A few i've thought of, for example:
"Layla" - Derek & The Dominos
I can't help but link it to the montage on Goodfellas, but the piano section of Layla is, in my opinion, the stronger, more giving part of this fantastic song.
"Perfect Kiss" - New Order
The ghostly synths (like something out of Blade Runner) and instrumental towards the end of the track.
There's a song by Unkle featuring Richard Ashcroft (trying to remember the name of it - it's on my second iPod, which is stowed above my head on the train) - the second half of the song, which I seem to recall being mostly instrumental is really moving/beautiful! Name of track later on, unless someone hits me on Twitter with it!
There are some amazing guitar solos that stand out above songs too - out of left field, and not a major one that people would think of, is the solo on "Things We Said Today" of McCartney's Tripping the Light Fantastic album. It is a classic track in it's entirity, but this solo (which comes in 2 parts) has always had a special place in my heart!
On my way to work - train to London. This morning on shuffle, as well as the above tracks (aaargh, what is the name of that Unkle track??!), I've also been enjoying music by:
Ray LaMontagne
Maria Callas / Verdi
Stephen Fretwell
Snow Patrol
The View
Tori Amos
Heard a great song by Kate Bush last night on shuffle, from her Red Shoes album. Here's an interesting choice - flick back 30-odd tracks, or listen to the whole album? Tonight I'll let you know what I did! Come on, you can't wait, huh???!
May your Friday be filled with happiness, praise, but just as importantly, some great music!
Catch you all later!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
5 albums I would LOVE to listen to for the 1st time....again!?
The idea for today's post came to me as I was listening to Sleep To Dream by Fiona Apple. I was blown away by her debut album "Tidal" - not only was this a female vocalist who wasn't afraid of who she offended, her blend of vibrant piano playing and passionate vocals was a joy to behold. I was hooked from the beginning, and "Tidal" (although by no means the greatest album I own - it might just feature in my top 100) is an album I would love to listen to again for the first time!
Here are another four:
2. Stephen Fretwell - "Magpie"
When I listen to this album, it's like I'm being given a hug! Clever, poignant lyrics, so clever musically - a wonderful mixture of acoustic guitar, drums, piano (ooo, running theme) and voices.
Track to hit: Run
3. Radiohead - "The Bends"
Purchased on the back of a piece on TV about their nomination for the Mercury Music Prize (I had not really heard of Radiohead by this point), I bought a copy of "The Bends". Is it over the top to suggest this was the equivalent of my father's Sgt. Pepper moment all of those years ago. Music, for me, was never going to be the same...
Track to hit: start at the beginning, and ride to the end
4. The Beatles - "Abbey Road"
I have to include this album in such a list as this! Why? This is, quite simply, my favourite album of all time EVER! Did it take the demise of one of the greatest bands of all time to create their final masterpiece? Side B of this album is just the cleverest arrangement of music there is on the planet (is it too weird that I'm welling-up just writing this - well, I am a Pisces, and it's my birthday today!!!?)
5. Dodgy "Free Peace Sweet"
I awaited this album so eagerly, and Dodgy did not disappoint. This was a band having fun, writing great songs! I saw them live, bought the t-shirt - this album was probably played more than any other at Uni! I wish I could turn back time, slide this into a cassette deck and play this again for the first time! Would I love it more? Probably not, but that's not the point!!!
I was going to do this about 10 albums - might do another 5 next week, maybe...
May a little music in your day guide the seconds, minutes and hours with harmony!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Here are another four:
2. Stephen Fretwell - "Magpie"
When I listen to this album, it's like I'm being given a hug! Clever, poignant lyrics, so clever musically - a wonderful mixture of acoustic guitar, drums, piano (ooo, running theme) and voices.
Track to hit: Run
3. Radiohead - "The Bends"
Purchased on the back of a piece on TV about their nomination for the Mercury Music Prize (I had not really heard of Radiohead by this point), I bought a copy of "The Bends". Is it over the top to suggest this was the equivalent of my father's Sgt. Pepper moment all of those years ago. Music, for me, was never going to be the same...
Track to hit: start at the beginning, and ride to the end
4. The Beatles - "Abbey Road"
I have to include this album in such a list as this! Why? This is, quite simply, my favourite album of all time EVER! Did it take the demise of one of the greatest bands of all time to create their final masterpiece? Side B of this album is just the cleverest arrangement of music there is on the planet (is it too weird that I'm welling-up just writing this - well, I am a Pisces, and it's my birthday today!!!?)
5. Dodgy "Free Peace Sweet"
I awaited this album so eagerly, and Dodgy did not disappoint. This was a band having fun, writing great songs! I saw them live, bought the t-shirt - this album was probably played more than any other at Uni! I wish I could turn back time, slide this into a cassette deck and play this again for the first time! Would I love it more? Probably not, but that's not the point!!!
I was going to do this about 10 albums - might do another 5 next week, maybe...
May a little music in your day guide the seconds, minutes and hours with harmony!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Could I have been an EMO?!
I started writing my blog a lot earlier last night - you see, I'm on my way home on a train, thinking a lot about my wife and daughter, my new job, but also music...
I decided about a year-or-so ago that music is something really REALLY important to me. I collect and listen to enough of the stuff - it was time to appreciate that my interest in music was something that does, and should, DEFINE me.
I'm pretty simple to read:
* I don't go anywhere without my iPhone and three iPods (yes, 3!!?)
* I'm seen, very rarely, on my own without a pair of headphones on
* I cannot go a week of my life without buying a CD, hearing something new
That's me really!
Right now, the following is true:
> I've been listening to the song 'Afterglow' by Genesis a lot
> I wish I'd listened to The Cure f%#€ing years ago - not sure I would've been an EMO, but they're just sooooo good
> I am definitely going to put a playlist together of songs to play to "people who are just too damn jolly?!"
> sorry to be so hung up on this, but it is my birthday tomorrow, and I have no idea what CDs to get (apart from perhaps Gorillaz..., and Peter Gabriel..., and heehee, maybe I do know after all!!!!)
I believe in music. Music can bring peace. But, music can be a volatile maiden, that needs to be treated with maximum respect. Me: I thrash music around, and get treated in a reciprocal manner!!!?
Love to all - enjoy whatever tunes that are rockin' your life right now!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I decided about a year-or-so ago that music is something really REALLY important to me. I collect and listen to enough of the stuff - it was time to appreciate that my interest in music was something that does, and should, DEFINE me.
I'm pretty simple to read:
* I don't go anywhere without my iPhone and three iPods (yes, 3!!?)
* I'm seen, very rarely, on my own without a pair of headphones on
* I cannot go a week of my life without buying a CD, hearing something new
That's me really!
Right now, the following is true:
> I've been listening to the song 'Afterglow' by Genesis a lot
> I wish I'd listened to The Cure f%#€ing years ago - not sure I would've been an EMO, but they're just sooooo good
> I am definitely going to put a playlist together of songs to play to "people who are just too damn jolly?!"
> sorry to be so hung up on this, but it is my birthday tomorrow, and I have no idea what CDs to get (apart from perhaps Gorillaz..., and Peter Gabriel..., and heehee, maybe I do know after all!!!!)
I believe in music. Music can bring peace. But, music can be a volatile maiden, that needs to be treated with maximum respect. Me: I thrash music around, and get treated in a reciprocal manner!!!?
Love to all - enjoy whatever tunes that are rockin' your life right now!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, 8 March 2010
What's running around in my head?! Musically....
Evening everyone - hope you're all well!
I've got lots of music stuff swirling around in my head (and not only those songs you hear in your head - yes, worryingly, those hang around every so often...this morning's was definitely a Duran Duran track for no particular reason), so in haste let me chuck a couple of them down here...:
* it's my birthday on Wednesday and I have no idea which CDs I'm going to get, or I want?!
THIS is very unlike me! Maybe it's because I started a new job this week, and new music has (oh, this is paining me to write it' let alone think it?!) been shelved somewhere at the back if my head... Blurgh, this sucks!
* we have to come up with a remedy to this particular "blurgh" - could this be Spotify Premium???
Still very much up in the air for me, but a definite possibility for purchase later this week. How about positives and negatives:
GOTTA HAVE IT
• let's be honest - Spotify is cool, so Premium will be even cooler
• freedom to listen to tonnes of stuff on the iPhone
• the current "blurgh problem" disappears for a bit...
Oh, I'm not sure, I'm so indecisive?!
• currently commuting to Londinium, and from what I can see, Spotify will be crap on the train - it'll keep cutting out as the 3g is sporadic
• I'm not that fussed about the ads
• with the job, and a new baby, I don't get as much time on the computer with the ol' Spotify as I would normally crave...
So, it's a quandary!!!?
* should I STOP shuffling ALL the DAMN time!?
I've been thinking about putting some playlists together, plus working on a new top 100 tracks - I know all of this takes time, but I'm keen!
I think the playlist idea (I would then post them on Spotify as collaborative playlists) is a fun one...ideas???
> music to cheer you up
> tracks by artists that might surprise you
> in your head to stay, but for good reason (haha, as I write this, "Wild Boys" started playing - thank you shuffle?!)
> music if you're just too damn happy (Mmmm, I like this one - bring people down a peg or two)
But it's a serious question about shuffling - I've got to stop, and get some solid album/playlist time in!!!
* lastly, I think I might have found one of thx coolest cafes on the planet - bagels, music, Walls covered in CDs, music magazines to read... And, all of this....25 paces from my new office!!!! Yes yes yes!!! Brill Cafe in Clerkenwell!
Right, as Eva Cassidy sings about valuable pastures, I'll sign off! If anyone has any thoughts on the above, you'll find me on Twitter (Menace2Music) most mornings and evenings!
Menace2Music signing off - listen to a track today that reminds you of someone, that will make you smile...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I've got lots of music stuff swirling around in my head (and not only those songs you hear in your head - yes, worryingly, those hang around every so often...this morning's was definitely a Duran Duran track for no particular reason), so in haste let me chuck a couple of them down here...:
* it's my birthday on Wednesday and I have no idea which CDs I'm going to get, or I want?!
THIS is very unlike me! Maybe it's because I started a new job this week, and new music has (oh, this is paining me to write it' let alone think it?!) been shelved somewhere at the back if my head... Blurgh, this sucks!
* we have to come up with a remedy to this particular "blurgh" - could this be Spotify Premium???
Still very much up in the air for me, but a definite possibility for purchase later this week. How about positives and negatives:
GOTTA HAVE IT
• let's be honest - Spotify is cool, so Premium will be even cooler
• freedom to listen to tonnes of stuff on the iPhone
• the current "blurgh problem" disappears for a bit...
Oh, I'm not sure, I'm so indecisive?!
• currently commuting to Londinium, and from what I can see, Spotify will be crap on the train - it'll keep cutting out as the 3g is sporadic
• I'm not that fussed about the ads
• with the job, and a new baby, I don't get as much time on the computer with the ol' Spotify as I would normally crave...
So, it's a quandary!!!?
* should I STOP shuffling ALL the DAMN time!?
I've been thinking about putting some playlists together, plus working on a new top 100 tracks - I know all of this takes time, but I'm keen!
I think the playlist idea (I would then post them on Spotify as collaborative playlists) is a fun one...ideas???
> music to cheer you up
> tracks by artists that might surprise you
> in your head to stay, but for good reason (haha, as I write this, "Wild Boys" started playing - thank you shuffle?!)
> music if you're just too damn happy (Mmmm, I like this one - bring people down a peg or two)
But it's a serious question about shuffling - I've got to stop, and get some solid album/playlist time in!!!
* lastly, I think I might have found one of thx coolest cafes on the planet - bagels, music, Walls covered in CDs, music magazines to read... And, all of this....25 paces from my new office!!!! Yes yes yes!!! Brill Cafe in Clerkenwell!
Right, as Eva Cassidy sings about valuable pastures, I'll sign off! If anyone has any thoughts on the above, you'll find me on Twitter (Menace2Music) most mornings and evenings!
Menace2Music signing off - listen to a track today that reminds you of someone, that will make you smile...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, 1 March 2010
Why I love Movie Soundtracks, and I'm back...
I won't dwell on why or how, but Menace2Music returns with a vengeance from today!
Musically, today, I've shuffled on the iPod, and hit the following albums for some sustenance:
Gattaca OST - Michael Nyman
Hospice - The Antlers (yes, I just had to buy it!)
Unplugged - Eric Clapton (looks like a dodgy old CD downloaded, as it was skipping, so abandoned)
...and now I'm listening to The Dark Knight OST - Hans Zimmer & James Newton Howard
The primary reason I like listening to movie soundtracks is that I find the music can be so emotive.
What I mean by this is that you can be strolling along, minding your own, or sitting on a train (like I am now), and a track from a movie hits your ears... Suddenly, for me (depending upon the track), blood begins to boil, or I feel as light as a feather, or I look around me and everything is just wonderful (or scary - depends upon the movie/song)!!!
I don't see the movie in my head very often at all - this is mainly because I have a lot of OSTs where I've either never seen the movie, or have seen it once (Gattaca, for instance - bought this for Nyman's music).
I know I've harped-on about OSTs before, but it was either talking about this, or what "shuffling on a iPod really means to me" or "To Shuffle, Or Not To Shuffle...". Yeah. Exciting stuff to come, huh!?
I think I'll review a classic album tomorrow, and might try and do this in the morning...we shall see!
Have a fab Music-filled Monday!
Menace2Music
Find me on Twitter - Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Musically, today, I've shuffled on the iPod, and hit the following albums for some sustenance:
Gattaca OST - Michael Nyman
Hospice - The Antlers (yes, I just had to buy it!)
Unplugged - Eric Clapton (looks like a dodgy old CD downloaded, as it was skipping, so abandoned)
...and now I'm listening to The Dark Knight OST - Hans Zimmer & James Newton Howard
The primary reason I like listening to movie soundtracks is that I find the music can be so emotive.
What I mean by this is that you can be strolling along, minding your own, or sitting on a train (like I am now), and a track from a movie hits your ears... Suddenly, for me (depending upon the track), blood begins to boil, or I feel as light as a feather, or I look around me and everything is just wonderful (or scary - depends upon the movie/song)!!!
I don't see the movie in my head very often at all - this is mainly because I have a lot of OSTs where I've either never seen the movie, or have seen it once (Gattaca, for instance - bought this for Nyman's music).
I know I've harped-on about OSTs before, but it was either talking about this, or what "shuffling on a iPod really means to me" or "To Shuffle, Or Not To Shuffle...". Yeah. Exciting stuff to come, huh!?
I think I'll review a classic album tomorrow, and might try and do this in the morning...we shall see!
Have a fab Music-filled Monday!
Menace2Music
Find me on Twitter - Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Why I can't stop buying music!!!
I can't believe 2010 is already so old, and I've only written 5 entries on my blog - shame on me!!?
You might be interested to know that at some point next month, I am going to be getting Spotify Premium for my iPhone, thus ending the arguments that have been going on in my head for ages!!? Why? Well, it's a birthday present first-and-foremost, but I think it is a worthwhile "musical consumer experiment". Is it going to stop me buying so many CDs?
Well, just having a few adverts scattered over albums hasn't stopped me so far! But, I like to think I've been the kind of music consumer that Spotify and the labels respect - I use Spotify a lot, I playlist any albums I like, and if (after around 3-5 listens) I like the album enough, I go out and buy it!
Is that going to end when the adverts stop? When all I have to do is click on Spotify anytime I like, via my iPhone, and I can listen to anything I like! Will I need the CD anymore?
There have definitely been periods of my life where I just collected music. I could say this happened a couple of years ago - I just bought CDs because it was enormous fun!!! But, as I filled iPod-after-iPod, something a year-or-so ago changed in me. I realised that MUSIC was a lot more important to me than any collection.
I've begun to listen a lot more...
I've read a lot more about the music industry...
I've remembered a lot more track names, artists and albums - I've been able to talk a lot more to friends and family about what I'm listening to...
Will I still buy CDs, when I have Spotify Premium? Fuck yes! But for one vitally important reason - if I love an album, I mean TRULY love it, I have to own something tangible. Owning the virtual space just isn't enough! You want something you can hold, open, and see on your shelf! OK, I might not put a CD in a player much anymore (well, if ever, to be honest - sadly), but that ownership is vital! It is a link with the artist. A link with your passion for music. Collection, and their artistry.
I'm looking forward to Spotify Premium - I cannot wait, to be honest! But, it won't end my collection of music. It will, if anything, create a new beginning - I am hoping it will lead me to listen to more, More, MOre, MORe and MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hope you're all well - currently hitting my Spotify Playlist of songs I've found on there over the last 14 months-or-so! It's a collaborative playlist - check it out on:
New Songs I Love!
New Songs I Love!
Have a great day, wherever you are in it - let music rule a few minutes of it, for me, OK!
Take care, and all the very best, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
You might be interested to know that at some point next month, I am going to be getting Spotify Premium for my iPhone, thus ending the arguments that have been going on in my head for ages!!? Why? Well, it's a birthday present first-and-foremost, but I think it is a worthwhile "musical consumer experiment". Is it going to stop me buying so many CDs?
Well, just having a few adverts scattered over albums hasn't stopped me so far! But, I like to think I've been the kind of music consumer that Spotify and the labels respect - I use Spotify a lot, I playlist any albums I like, and if (after around 3-5 listens) I like the album enough, I go out and buy it!
Is that going to end when the adverts stop? When all I have to do is click on Spotify anytime I like, via my iPhone, and I can listen to anything I like! Will I need the CD anymore?
There have definitely been periods of my life where I just collected music. I could say this happened a couple of years ago - I just bought CDs because it was enormous fun!!! But, as I filled iPod-after-iPod, something a year-or-so ago changed in me. I realised that MUSIC was a lot more important to me than any collection.
I've begun to listen a lot more...
I've read a lot more about the music industry...
I've remembered a lot more track names, artists and albums - I've been able to talk a lot more to friends and family about what I'm listening to...
Will I still buy CDs, when I have Spotify Premium? Fuck yes! But for one vitally important reason - if I love an album, I mean TRULY love it, I have to own something tangible. Owning the virtual space just isn't enough! You want something you can hold, open, and see on your shelf! OK, I might not put a CD in a player much anymore (well, if ever, to be honest - sadly), but that ownership is vital! It is a link with the artist. A link with your passion for music. Collection, and their artistry.
I'm looking forward to Spotify Premium - I cannot wait, to be honest! But, it won't end my collection of music. It will, if anything, create a new beginning - I am hoping it will lead me to listen to more, More, MOre, MORe and MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hope you're all well - currently hitting my Spotify Playlist of songs I've found on there over the last 14 months-or-so! It's a collaborative playlist - check it out on:
New Songs I Love!
New Songs I Love!
Have a great day, wherever you are in it - let music rule a few minutes of it, for me, OK!
Take care, and all the very best, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
Sunday, 17 January 2010
D is for Delphic, but only because I love too many bands that begin with the letter D!!?
Apologies for the delay on this blog, but have been extremely busy - music has passed me by a little lately, but I have a couple of nice journeys ahead of me soon, where I can maximise some listening time!
In the meantime, I'm listening to the Delphic album on Spotify - I'd seen a load of hype around this, and a fair amount of media coverage! Plus, the album has been splashed over phone boxes and billboards too. Weirdly, the last album that did this so much was White Lies, a year ago, and it sold a lot of records. Is the same going to happen here?
HTTP/Spotify link for the album:
Delphic – Acolyte
Delphic – Acolyte
Although you can hear the New Order influence upon Delphic, there is a lot more to this band and album - you can at times feel a mature sensitivity to it (check out the title song, at a wonderful 8mins.51secs), as well as some wonderfully pure electronic vibes!
I'm not sure, however, whether this is on my list of albums to go out and purchase? I think it is definitely worth a few more listens to see, for sure.
I tackled a look at Delphic for a couple of reasons:
(i) because my Dad said he'd listened to the album, and recommended I give it a look - this is a man who discovered Arcade Fire before me, so I give him his dues on musical taste (plus, I owe a lot of my taste in the musical arts to him)
(ii) because I just like so many bleeding bands that start with the letter D:
Dodgy
Dire Straits
Dr Dog
Def Leppard
The Divine Comedy
The Doors
The Doves
I mean, wow!? Each of these is worth a huge mention, as part of my musical collection - I own practically everything by them all (apart from The Doors, where I have only begun to scratch the surface)!!!
Off the letter D, I heard a great song today - Change by Marc Bolan and T Rex - unfortunately not on spotify, but I will keep an eye out for it!
Right, I'm now going to start thinking about the letter E, and promise to write something a lot sooner! Hey, I'm on one of my journeys tomorrow, so might just have to hit a few keys on my iPhone - watch this space!!!
Signing out, Delphic-stylee - Menace2Music
In the meantime, I'm listening to the Delphic album on Spotify - I'd seen a load of hype around this, and a fair amount of media coverage! Plus, the album has been splashed over phone boxes and billboards too. Weirdly, the last album that did this so much was White Lies, a year ago, and it sold a lot of records. Is the same going to happen here?
HTTP/Spotify link for the album:
Delphic – Acolyte
Delphic – Acolyte
Although you can hear the New Order influence upon Delphic, there is a lot more to this band and album - you can at times feel a mature sensitivity to it (check out the title song, at a wonderful 8mins.51secs), as well as some wonderfully pure electronic vibes!
I'm not sure, however, whether this is on my list of albums to go out and purchase? I think it is definitely worth a few more listens to see, for sure.
I tackled a look at Delphic for a couple of reasons:
(i) because my Dad said he'd listened to the album, and recommended I give it a look - this is a man who discovered Arcade Fire before me, so I give him his dues on musical taste (plus, I owe a lot of my taste in the musical arts to him)
(ii) because I just like so many bleeding bands that start with the letter D:
Dodgy
Dire Straits
Dr Dog
Def Leppard
The Divine Comedy
The Doors
The Doves
I mean, wow!? Each of these is worth a huge mention, as part of my musical collection - I own practically everything by them all (apart from The Doors, where I have only begun to scratch the surface)!!!
Off the letter D, I heard a great song today - Change by Marc Bolan and T Rex - unfortunately not on spotify, but I will keep an eye out for it!
Right, I'm now going to start thinking about the letter E, and promise to write something a lot sooner! Hey, I'm on one of my journeys tomorrow, so might just have to hit a few keys on my iPhone - watch this space!!!
Signing out, Delphic-stylee - Menace2Music
Friday, 8 January 2010
C has been a toughie!
I didn't want to write about Coldplay, despite being a fan (though their last album still disappoints in comparison to "Rush of Blood").
I thought about writing about Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - the 7+ minute version of "Almost Cut My Hair" always sends shivers down my spine...
I've never let "Mmmm Mmmm" put me off collecting music by The Crash Test Dummies albums (though I can't say I've been an avid listener on the iPods to the Dummies - I just buy the albums if I see them).
Cranberries - no.
Creedence Clearwater Revival - love 'em, but not enough to have more than a Greatest Hits.
It was through discussing this on Facebook that one of my friends mentioned a band I have always loved, buying album after live album - Counting Crows!
I think it shows a lot of confidence as a band that you can release live albums so regularly, and them not dissolusion a fan base waiting for more-and-more studio material.
They're just a very solid band, with great foundations (question: will they ever better their first album, "August and Everything After"). Their live albums also show they have a human side, often having charity tables outside their gigs.
Favourite song: pick anything from "August", which is an album of hits
Really looking forward to tomorrow, and the letter D. Getting used to writing this blog on the iPhone now!
Enjoy your weekends, everyone - let some music flow through those ears of yours...
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I thought about writing about Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - the 7+ minute version of "Almost Cut My Hair" always sends shivers down my spine...
I've never let "Mmmm Mmmm" put me off collecting music by The Crash Test Dummies albums (though I can't say I've been an avid listener on the iPods to the Dummies - I just buy the albums if I see them).
Cranberries - no.
Creedence Clearwater Revival - love 'em, but not enough to have more than a Greatest Hits.
It was through discussing this on Facebook that one of my friends mentioned a band I have always loved, buying album after live album - Counting Crows!
I think it shows a lot of confidence as a band that you can release live albums so regularly, and them not dissolusion a fan base waiting for more-and-more studio material.
They're just a very solid band, with great foundations (question: will they ever better their first album, "August and Everything After"). Their live albums also show they have a human side, often having charity tables outside their gigs.
Favourite song: pick anything from "August", which is an album of hits
Really looking forward to tomorrow, and the letter D. Getting used to writing this blog on the iPhone now!
Enjoy your weekends, everyone - let some music flow through those ears of yours...
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, 7 January 2010
B is for The Beach Boys
I'm working my way through a Greatest Hits, but could quite easily have sat here listening to Pet Sounds.
I remember the first time I heard that album - it featured at #1 in a UK newspaper (thinking The Sunday Times) chart of top albums, published in the very early '90s. Sgt Pepper was #2, and I had no idea how anything could better The Beatles masterpiece that I had listened to so often!
I've been fortunate enough to see Brian Wilson perform live, and he was amazing - he performed the above album from start to finish at The Royal Festival Hall in London.
Favourite track by The Beach Boys = Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)
Rather morbidly, I've said I'd like this played at my funeral - this is one of those songs where the lyrics just reached out to me, and dragged me in...
Tomorrow is C - it's going to be one of:
Clannad
Coldplay
Creedence Clearwater Revival
or Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
One for me to mull, while I enjoy a Little Deuce Coupe..."you don't know what I got!"
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I remember the first time I heard that album - it featured at #1 in a UK newspaper (thinking The Sunday Times) chart of top albums, published in the very early '90s. Sgt Pepper was #2, and I had no idea how anything could better The Beatles masterpiece that I had listened to so often!
I've been fortunate enough to see Brian Wilson perform live, and he was amazing - he performed the above album from start to finish at The Royal Festival Hall in London.
Favourite track by The Beach Boys = Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)
Rather morbidly, I've said I'd like this played at my funeral - this is one of those songs where the lyrics just reached out to me, and dragged me in...
Tomorrow is C - it's going to be one of:
Clannad
Coldplay
Creedence Clearwater Revival
or Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
One for me to mull, while I enjoy a Little Deuce Coupe..."you don't know what I got!"
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
From A to Z... Menace2Music style
I'm going to spend the next 26 days (roughly what we have left in January) discussing some of my favourite bands through the alphabet!
Today = A
The Arcade Fire
Firstly, there probably isn't another band around at the moment that I am looking forward to their next album more! Neon Bible was fab, and a terrific follow-up to their superlative Funeral.
And it is Funeral that I find myself listening to now, as I write this. The harmonies and instrumentation make this album so individual, but so wonderfully accessible.
My favourite song of all time by them is 'My Body Is A Cage' which concludes Neon Bible. I've seen Arcade Fire live twice, and was gutted when they didn't play it either time?!?
Tomorrow is, rather predictably, the letter B. Not sure what to go for yet....tune in to see! It definitely won't be my fave band of all-time (The Beatles), but won't be Billy Ocean either...
Right, 'Neighbourhood #3 (Power Out)' just kicked-in......time for me to rock out to T'Fire!!!!!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Today = A
The Arcade Fire
Firstly, there probably isn't another band around at the moment that I am looking forward to their next album more! Neon Bible was fab, and a terrific follow-up to their superlative Funeral.
And it is Funeral that I find myself listening to now, as I write this. The harmonies and instrumentation make this album so individual, but so wonderfully accessible.
My favourite song of all time by them is 'My Body Is A Cage' which concludes Neon Bible. I've seen Arcade Fire live twice, and was gutted when they didn't play it either time?!?
Tomorrow is, rather predictably, the letter B. Not sure what to go for yet....tune in to see! It definitely won't be my fave band of all-time (The Beatles), but won't be Billy Ocean either...
Right, 'Neighbourhood #3 (Power Out)' just kicked-in......time for me to rock out to T'Fire!!!!!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, 4 January 2010
Jason Lytle's masterpiece
Evening everyone!
I hope everyone had a very lovely Christmas and New Year!
I'm currently listening to Jason Lytle's "Yours Truly, The Commuter". If you get a chance, enjoy it on spotify (I'll post the link soon), or buy it, as it will be money well spent!
Now, get back to listening to some music.....
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I hope everyone had a very lovely Christmas and New Year!
I'm currently listening to Jason Lytle's "Yours Truly, The Commuter". If you get a chance, enjoy it on spotify (I'll post the link soon), or buy it, as it will be money well spent!
Now, get back to listening to some music.....
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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