Musical Holocron

2011/06/09

Google Honors Les Paul On His Birthday

I'm not sure that it will be available beyond today, but Google is honoring Les Paul on his birthday today by having an interactive Google log that allows you to play and record an electric guitar. Here's my first solo: Google Doodle: Les Paul Guitar. Have fun with it before it goes away.

Labels: ♫, history, instrument, music, music/artists/les-paul, music/guitar

# posted by ArcoJedi : 08:05 0 comments

2011/03/13

Piano Covers

The piano doesn't get enough credit. I've found a treasure trove of piano players covering random rock songs that I never would have thought would make sense on the keyboard. There are many videos available on YouTube. If you wanted to learn to play the songs yourself, it's not a bad place to start. But here's just a small taste of my favorites.

DragonForce - Through the Fire and Flames - Piano 4 Hands Cover

I'd guess these guys names are Max and Leo? Everyone who's played Guitar Hero has likely heard this song. I think the piano version here is very loyal to the original.

And everyone who plays music loves free sheet music.

System Of A Down - Toxicity - Piano Cover

Vika Yermolyeva does a number of metal and classic rock song covers. Because they are all copyrighted works, they are available for free download on her site.

Labels: ♫, music, music/artists, music/artists/dragonforce, music/artists/system-of-a-down, music/notation, music/piano, video, video-games

# posted by ArcoJedi : 23:12 0 comments

2009/10/26

Dear Jordin Sparks, Meet Pat Benatar

I've avoided watching American Idol for the last complete season. I'll admit that I had an uneasy like/dislike relationship with the show the first several seasons, but that I watched it when my wife watched it. Her interest in the show has dwindled down to non-existent from my perspective. There were dramatic parts of the show that I would get interested in when it was on, but as far as I'm concerned it's good riddance to bad rubbish.

I could write a long treatise on what I don't like about the show and the negative effects that have hampered the music industry. But I'll keep my elitism in check for right now. After all, as I mentioned there were redeemable moments that I can't ignore. There have been certain moments in the show that have been interesting and memorable that made for good television at the least. And some of the artists that graduated to stardom from the ranks of the contestants are worthy to stand alongside other more traditionally accomplished musicians.

But damn. The nerve of some of these... *sigh* ...kids can really annoy me at times. For a moment, let's focus on one named Jordin Sparks, winner of season six. I've appreciated at least one song of hers called Tattoo simply because the chorus captures an emotion I associated with the tattoo I got for myself when my son died. At it's heart, this song is a lost romantic love song. However, the theme is that someone who is gone will remain as a permanent mark on their heart. I can dig that just a bit.

Sparks' latest hit that is being overplayed on the FM dial is catchy, but altogether sounds way too familiar. And I don't mean to say that the lyrics or music were plagiarized. No, the problem is nothing so droll. It's the fact that the idea for the song's theme was already out there in a much more classic version. This story has already been told. This question has already been answered. The sad and annoying fact is that young Jordin may be too young to even know it. Confused? Perhaps the video evidence...

Jordin Sparks - Battlefield

The underlying question that young, naive Jordin is (repeatedly) asking here is WHY does love always feel like a battlefield? Hmph! What a dumb question. Do you really want to know why, Jordin? Would you like a source of wisdom to enlighten you? Well, there's no need for me to tell you what should be obvious. This question has already been answered by one of your elders and betters. And it was stated so elegantly back before you were born (probably). Once again, let's roll the video...

Pat Benatar - Love is a Battlefield

Did you catch that Jordin? Love feels like a battlefield, because IT IS a battlefield! So there you go. You might make a memorable songwriter some day Jordin. But the next time you get yourself up to asking silly questions, please be sure to consult the entire music catalog of Pat Benatar for the answer before you put any more silliness into song form. It might save you and us a lot of grief. Thanks! ::Jim

P.S. Actually, perhaps you shouldn't stop at just Pat Benatar. Other songstress classics from the 80s you should check out include Blondie, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, Donna Summer, Kim Carnes, Dolly Parton, Sheena Easton, Pointer Sisters, Abba ... (Who am I forgetting?). Anyway, I sincerely hope this helps. So much for keeping my elitism in check, huh?

Labels: ♫, funny, genre/pop, history, love, music, music/artists/jordin-sparks, music/artists/pat-benatar, music/lyrics, via:youtube.com, video

# posted by ArcoJedi : 23:59 0 comments

2009/05/30

Youngblood Brass Band - Nuclear Summer

Wow. Just, ... wow. I've never heard of these guys before, but they are like the perfect blend of horns and high energy that I'd put together if I could custom create a band. It's exotic and modern and mean. You've got some jazz and bebop sounds --check! You've got a little Latin --check! You've got some vocals and they start smooth --check!! But by the end of this performance he's spittin' like a fire hose on fire --double check!!

The Trombone player starts it off with a simple riff. But each horn in turn gets their spotlight. The Tuba even gets a simple bass riff that should make any bass guitar player quit his night job. Why hasn't anyone got me their CD yet?! It's jazz you can slam dance to.

Found via Reddit.

Labels: ♫, audio, genre/hip-hop, genre/jazz, local, local/new-orleans, music, music/artists, via:youtube.com, video

# posted by ArcoJedi : 00:57 0 comments

2009/03/15

Derek's Spring Break Singalong Playlist

My friend Derek posted a list of songs on his blog that he wanted to share. Since some of my coworkers and I had been posting our own playable play lists at Top 5 Friday using Playlist.com, I thought I'd take a few minutes and create an embeddable version for Derek.

Derek described the theme as follows:

Most of them are either from soundtracks of movies/tv shows I’ve seen recently or have something to do with the theme of movies/tv, with a few exceptions.

I could find every song that Derek listed except for #5 (30th Century Man by Jigsaw Seen), #8 (Rocket Ship by Kathy McCarty) and #16 (Fearless Leader by Soul Asylum). Anyone who'd like to do so should be able to copy and paste this to their own website or blog using this code:

Check out the full list of songs at Things I Meant to Blog.

Labels: ♫, audio, music, music/artists, music/artists/derek-brink

# posted by ArcoJedi : 01:02 2 comments

2008/12/29

Top 5 Friday: Top 5 Christmas Songs

This is just a little late for Christmas, but I missed the posting while out of town. Here's my quick top 5 Christmas Songs.

12 Days of Christmas - Straight No Chaser
12 Days of Christmas - John Denver & the Muppets :: Actually, anything on their "A Christmas Together" is classic.
Little Drummer Boy - Vienna Boys' Choir
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer - Elmo & Patsy :: This one was forbidden during my childhood, but my kids and I enjoy it now.
Emmanuel - Amy Grant

To see the other lists and leave your own, please visit Top 5 Friday: Top 5 Christmas Songs.

Update (2009/01/02)

Also see the top 5 for 2008

Labels: ♫, holidays, holidays/christmas, music

# posted by ArcoJedi : 03:18 0 comments

2008/12/20

The RIAA Has Found Its Soul?

I thought this headline was a joke when I saw a link to it. Certainly the organization that has been responsible for totally demonizing simple music-sharing over the last several years and waging a legal war against children and other innocent confused people would not suddenly grow a heart and change their tune.

When you retard fair use with pointless DRM and then sue anonymous children for illegally downloading music while ignoring those of the execs at the top of the music industry, well, you're asking for a public relations nightmare. Now, with more than 35,000 lawsuits to its credit, the RIAA says it will finally end the legal assault against consumers that began back in 2003. The Recording Industry Association of America will instead, focus its anti-piracy efforts with ISPs. Under the new plan, the RIAA will contact ISPs when illegal uploading is detected. The ISP will then contact the customer with a notice that would ultimately be followed by a reduction or cessation of service. As you'd expect, the RIAA is not commenting on which ISPs they are in cahoots with. The RIAA also says that it won't require ISPs to reveal the identities of individuals but could, of course, go after individuals who are heavy uploaders or repeat offenders. For the moment though, it appears that single-mothers are in the clear.

View the full story on Engadget.com. And also see more information on Consumerist.com.

Labels: ♫, copyright, music, RIAA

# posted by ArcoJedi : 16:56 0 comments

2008/12/11

iLike Playlist Editor - Metallica

You can now add a play list to your blog from iLike.com, an up-and-coming music discovery service. I made a list of Metallica-Awesomeness. It's METALLICESQUE!

Metallicesque:

Having the essence or likeness of Metallica.
Being imbued with the spirit of Metallica.
Possessing the might or equivalent might of Metallica.

One by Metallica
Enter Sandman by Metallica
Master Of Puppets (Metallica Cover) by Primus
Motorhead - enter sandman (metallica cover) by Motörhead
The Unforgiven by Metallica
Loading Playlist...

Get one of your own at the iLike Playlist Editor.

Labels: ♫, audio, genre/metal, genre/rock, music, music/artists, music/artists/metallica

# posted by ArcoJedi : 00:08 0 comments

2008/11/03

48 Months - Sinister Dane [mp3]

Here is your reminder to go out and vote tomorrow courtesy of local Saint Louis' Sinister Dane. Forty-eight months is a long time.

48 Months - Sinister Dane [.mp3]

Labels: ♫, audio, download, genre/rock, local, local/saint-louis, music, music/artists, music/artists/sinister-dane, news, politics

# posted by ArcoJedi : 12:06 0 comments

2008/10/02

Top 5 Friday: Farewell Jayme

Top 5 Friday has been on a bit of a hiatus for a few weeks. Everybody is pretty busy, at least I know that I am. But one of our coworkers is leaving us and getting a different job. As a farewell --and to send her our hopes that she will "Feel Good" without us-- I present...

Top 5 Feel Good Songs!

View the full playlist at Playlist.com.

Labels: ♫, audio, friends, music, music/artists, Top 5 Friday, via:playlist.com

# posted by ArcoJedi : 23:30 0 comments

2008/07/21

Mix Turtle - The Music Search Engine

Do you need a new Music Search Engine? Yeah, me neither.

Found via del.icio.us.

Labels: ♫, audio, download, music

# posted by ArcoJedi : 01:16 0 comments

2008/07/10

Top 5 Friday: Mushed-Up, Mixed-Up Mashups

This week was difficult for some folks as I don't think everyone has heard of mashups before. But I think in that case it was an educational list for the uninitiated.

Mushed-Up, Mixed-Up Mashups | Project Playlist.

Alternate Player

Labels: ♫, audio, genre/remix, music, music/artists, Top 5 Friday, via:playlist.com

# posted by ArcoJedi : 20:56 0 comments

2008/07/04

Top 5 Friday: Happy Birthday America!

Per the assignment at Top 5 Friday: Top 5 Bottle Rocket War Anthems, here is my list. Sorry it's a little late!

See the full list titled Independence Day - U.S.A. - Fourth of July | Project Playlist | Music Playlist.

Alternate Version:

The code above sometimes doesn't work.

Labels: ♫, genre/marching-band, holidays, holidays/independence-day, music, music/artists, music/artists/bruce-springsteen, music/artists/jimi-hendrix, Top 5 Friday, via:playlist.com

# posted by ArcoJedi : 20:20 0 comments

2008/06/12

Top 5 Friday: Songs to the POWER of eX

Per the assignment on "Top 5 Friday" called Songs to the Ex, here is a glimpse of my relationship breakdown moments.

See the playlist or make your own at Songs to the POWER of eX | Project Playlist.

Amazon.com Widgets

Man, I'm gonna enjoy participating in this collaborative project. However, one of the things that I feel it really needs is to have an expanded explanation from each contributor on why they chose each song or what each one means to them. Since my opinion is so important (*snif*), I'll start if off right now.

Led Zeppelin makes the top spot simply because they were one of the first bands that I embraced when I was introduced to classic rock. Here, the jilted lover is reading the riot act to and about his love, who apparently is being dressed up as the town slut. That bitch!

I've written about Rob Thomas before and not just here. Basically, my wife adores him, we saw him in concert and she bought his debut CD. "Dear Joan" is a song with no radio play, but I've listened to it repeatedly. It starts with him writing a goodbye letter to his woman in the style of Dear Jon (hence the name?). By the end of it, he's off-handedly mulling over strangling her in her sleep. Yeah.

My very first girlfriend in the tenth grade gave me a copy of a mix tape at or near the time that we broke up. I thought she'd made it for me, but it turns out that another boy had made it for her and she was just letting me copy it. Love Hate Love by Alice in Chains was in this collection and it goes one step further by having the protagonist wanting to "peel the skin from" her face. Of historical interest regarding this one and only mix tape is the fact that it may have been my first exposure to grunge music. Someday (soon?) I'll post the whole song list.

"Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing" by Chris Isaak is a classic angry blues song that I got on some CD that came with a subscription to Details Magazine. It was paired right next to Alanis' "You Oughtta Know" juxtaposed with other unmemorable crap. Chris is walking her walk away, missing her and liking it at the same time.

Jewel's "You Were Meant for Me" was deceptively released in one version that played on the radio and MTV and another that was found on the CD (which sucked). The woman who would years later be my wife and I spontaneously danced for the very first time in my basement to this song of heartache and heartbreak. We were in a long-distance relationship and were having a bad stretch at that point. This song has always been "our song" for me ever since, but it's ironic in the sense that it's a song of loneliness.

And there you have it! Note: I admit that I don't really know the proper interpretation for the lyrics of all of these songs. I don't care. This is what these songs mean to me and I don't have time to research whether I'm right or not. Meh!

Update (2008-06-18): I'm adding more songs to the above playlist, but the first five are the priorities.

Labels: ♫, music, music/artists, music/artists/alice-in-chains, music/artists/chris-isaak, music/artists/jewel, music/artists/led-zeppelin, music/artists/rob-thomas, Top 5 Friday, via:playlist.com