Category: music musings

five song friday, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

5SF: november 9

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Thank goodness it is Friday… this weekend is a three day weekend! Love it!

Now, here’s your Friday five!

The Pipettes – ABC
First up today, are the fabulous Pipettes. I have featured a video for one of their other songs (Pull Shapes) in the past, and felt the dire need to feature them again today; because I am seeing them in concert tonight!!! That’s right, I will have the pleasure of seeing this amazing trio at Vinyl tonight, and in order to get into the mood, I wanted to feature them as part of today’s line up. Seriously, you guys, this group is fantastic, if you haven’t been listening before now, do yourself a favor and get the Pipettes CD; it’s great! I can’t wait until tonight!

OK Go – Here It Goes Again
I found out about this song sometime at the end of last week on some random website, and after falling instantly in love with the video, I must admit that the song itself is infectious! Not only is the video just a big dose of fun, this song really gets in your head and doesn’t want to leave. No matter, really, because I really like it. I had never heard of OK Go before seeing this video, and I am glad that I found it; the CD is pretty good. If you like this song (and how could you not?), I recommend them.

A Camp – Song For The Leftovers
First of all, imagine my surprise that there was actually a video for an A Camp song! I have been on such a huge Cardigans kick recently, that I jumped at the chance to get something “new” “by them” when I heard that Nina had released a solo project. After downloading A Camp’s CD, I have to say, that I have been enjoying it immensely, and I am becoming further convinced of Nina’s amazing-ness. Seriously, I really, really love her voice, and it has been further solidified that the Cardigans are definitely one of my favorite groups.

Daniel Bedingfield – Nothing Hurts Like Love
I was looking through my CDs the other night with my friend Joey, and I happened to notice my Daniel Bedingfield CD, and thought to myself, self, why don’t you listen to this more often? I played a couple of my favorites from his amazing second album for Joey, and was reminded why I fell for Daniel in the first place. His sister may be enjoying success right now, but I would strongly caution anyone who would write Daniel off as a one (or two) hit wonder… his sophomore album was (is) amazing. I am still surprised that it never officially came out here in the US, but I hope that there are new albums in the future from Mr. Bedingfield… I know I am looking forward to them (hint, hint, Daniel).

Scissor Sisters – She’s My Man
Here’s another band that I thought about after seeing their neglected CD sitting on the shelf… I LOVE the Scissor Sisters, who are also another one of my favorite bands. Not only do they make great music, they put on a fucking amazing show. It is funny how you can love a group so much, and almost completely forget about a CD that you love… but I guess the best part about that, is “rediscovering” it! Low and behold, that is what happened with the Scissor Sisters this week too! Man, there is so much good music in my collection, it is no wonder I forget about stuff I love, right? Either way, here is a great Scissor Sisters song to round out this installment of five song Friday. The video is a little crazy, but I think that it totally fits the band to a tee; they are crazy talented, and put out big time when it comes to performing (hence why they are one of my favorite bands).

There you have it… another five song Friday on the books. Man, there is so much good music out there. As always, let me know what you are listening to folks! This shouldn’t be a one way street!!! Also, coming up, I am going to do 31 days of music for December… a new CD will be featured each day in December!! This is going to be massive… and fun! All of the CDs will be CDs that I loved from 2007 (that is, that were released this year), and will serve as the most massive year end list I have ever done. December is just a few weeks away, so stay tuned!

Have a great weekend!

five song friday, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

5SF: november 2

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Thank goodness it is Friday… it has been “one of those weeks”, if you know what I mean. Time to lull it away with the sweet sounds of music; specifically, the five tracks I have selected for this week’s five song Friday. I hope everyone’s week was better than mine (not that mine was “horrible”, per se), and if not, here’s hoping a jolt from the music offered today will brighten you up in time for the weekend.

This will be the first video free 5SF, so buckle up, because the music is about to begin…

The Cardigans – And Then You Kissed Me
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1102_thenyoukissed.mp3]
Since I chose the Cardigans as my Monday music suggestion for my flickr group, I thought that I would share one of my all time favorite Cardigans songs from the record Long Gone Before Daylight. The song, And Then You Kissed Me, shows the dark, and very emotionally driven, direction that the Cardigans went with their most recent albums, and in my opinion, marks the most impressive work of their career. This song represents why they are one of my favorite bands. The record from which this song comes from, came after the experimental Gran Turismo, and is probably my favorite Cardigans record of all. If you enjoy this track, be sure to check out the rest of Long Gone Before Daylight, as it has a similar feel. Also, be sure to check out Super Extra Gravity, because it is another great step in that same artistic direction.

Metro Station – Kelsey
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1102_kelsey.mp3]
This is from Metro Station’s self titled debut, which I discovered when iTunes offered one of their songs (Shake It) as a free download of the week. After listening to that initial track, I figured I would give the record a go, and I was glad that I did; as it is good. This track is probably my favorite from the CD, and really highlights the feel that I got from the group. My first impression of Metro Station, was that they really reminded me of Hellogoodbye and Shiny Toy Guns, two bands I really love, and after listening to the whole CD, I couldn’t have been more correct. If you like Hellogoodbye or Shiny Toy Guns, chances are, Metro Station will be a good listen for you as well; while I must say, they are more like a younger, less experienced Hellogoodbye. While they don’t really nail either band’s sound as well as those bands do (because let’s face it, those are two pretty amazing groups), they do a pretty decent job of creating something pleasant to listen to, with a few tracks being more standout than others (the aforementioned being my favorite). Overall, I am definitely glad to have discovered them, and recommend them to you as well.

Delta Goodrem – Brave Face
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1102_braveface.mp3]
Last week, I brought you a track from Delta Goodrem’s newest album, Delta, and even threatened to do a whole 5SF composed of nothing but tracks from her amazing new release; but I opted to steer away from that “Delta-overload” at the last minute (not really, but you get where I am going here). However, I did decide that I had not praised Delta enough, so here is another amazing track from her new self-titled release, Brave Face. I can’t tell you how much I have been enjoying this album; I just hope that Delta shows up in the US at some time in the future; it would be a shame to have this talent stay down under.

Aqualung – Glimmer
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1102_glimmer.mp3]
I had never heard of Aqualung before my friends Barry and Rebekah invited me to go and see them perform, and after seeing them live, I have to say, I am glad I went. I absolutely love their (it is really Matt Hale with a band, but it seems weird to refer to Aqualung as a singular person, so I will keep with the pronoun game, cool?) sound, and had to get the CD once the show was over. The result, was finding one of the best CDs of 2007; seriously, Memory Man is amazing. With a little bit of a Radiohead feel, Aqualung really delivers, and I am so glad that I was introduced to this amazing band. If you enjoy this song, you should definitely check out their other stuff, as I have all of their music on my ipod, and I can tell you; it is all good stuff.

Smashing Pumpkins – That’s The Way (My Love Is)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1102_thatstheway.mp3]
Finally today, last but not least, we have a track from the most recent Smashing Pumpkins CD, Zeitgeist. I have to say, I was a little apprehensive when I heard that Smashing Pumpkins were coming back out with new music, especially considering what they released before they bowed out as a band. However, after hearing the first track from this album, I figured I would give it a listen. What I got, was a nice surprise, as much of the album sounds a lot like the Smashing Pumpkins that I fell in love with back in the mid-90s. Hard rocking, guitar driven tracks that really I enjoy. Overall, the album is quite good, and it was nice to see that Billy Corgan still has some of what I fell in love with him for in the beginning. This is one of my favorite tracks from the new album, and I felt it appropriate to put it in this week’s selection because of one of my favorite songs of all time being featured in GHIII, which was released earlier this week (Cherub Rock). Overall, I am glad to see the Pumpkins back and rocking hard…

Well kids, there it is… another 5SF; I hope you enjoyed it. There are some amazingly talented artists represented this week, and I hope that you found something you will enjoy. Let me know, won’t you?!?!

listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion, show the love

dear Cardigans,

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I want to take a second to sincerely apologize, because I have no idea why I always forget how amazing you are as a band. Seriously, my apologies.

I see you on my ipod, and I always pass by you, for whatever reason I cannot identify. However, this morning, I stopped by again, for the first time in a long time, and I was instantly reminded why I love you so much; you guys are amazing. Amazing. Again, my bad.

I am now listening intently, and I hope that we can curb any future instances of this egregious behavior. All my love… I miss you and hope you come out with something new for me soon.

Love you forever,
duane

mixed media, music musings, show the love

guitar hero III

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Wow.

Seriously. WOW.

I was lucky enough to have James go at midnight last night and get me a copy of the newest, and possibly most awesome, game, Guitar Hero III. I am glad that I pre-ordered it, because he got to go right to the front of the line, as they checked out the pre-orders first (score!).

I really didn’t think that they could make the game THAT much better and that much more fun, but they totally did. Also, the inclusion of some of my favorite songs has just got me so jumpy. The graphics, interface, and pretty much EVERYTHING has been given the biggest shot of adrenaline; making this game tower over the other three.

I love the controller, as it is so much better and more sensitive than the PS2 ones. It is great that the sound of a missed note comes out of the wii mote, because it is much less distracting than it was when it blasted out of the surround sound before; it is also cool that this feature is unique to the wii (hee hee hee).

I have as yet to have experienced the two player mode or even the online (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) play, but I am sure that I will get my chance for at least the former this afternoon when John comes by for some thrashing.

A serious thumbs up and major high five to anyone and everyone that had anything to do with both this game as well as the entire franchise. I just got Guitar Hero III and I already can’t wait for GHIV. This shit is addictive; and awesome. Now… I gotta go play. Get your copy today!!

UPDATE: I am going to definitively say, that it was worth the entire $90 to play Cherub Rock by the Smashing Pumpkins (actual track!!!), and My Name is Jonas by Weezer (again, actual track!!!), and beat them both with 5 stars on the first try on Medium. Today is a good day.

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5SF: october 26

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Welcome to another installment of the fabulous Five Song Friday!!! This week, we are all about the ladies! I have always had a thing for female singers, and according to my listening tastes, it is clear they represent the majority; perhaps that hearkens back to a childhood/lifelong obsession with Karen Carpenter?… who knows… but that’s a different story for a different day!

Now, on with the show!

Avril Lavigne – Hot
And that is exactly what this song is… HOT. I have to say, when her CD came out, I really tried to resist liking Girlfriend, because of how obnoxious is can be, but it turns out, that it was more catchy and fun than obnoxious. About the time I fell in love with Girlfriend a couple weeks ago, BAM, Hot hit me right between the ears, and I have been addicted to this song ever since. It is not what I remember about Avirl’s earlier stuff, and I definitely like this direction that she is going. Pop is much more suited to her than the angry little “emo punk” chick that she was (IMHO) trying too hard to be. Keep the look; ditch the attitude… win/win as far as I am concerned. Also, this video is a little treat to my buddy dave, who I know loves the punk/emo girls… as Avirl is looking quite “hot” herself in this video.

Missy Higgins – Where I Stood
Now to switch MAJOR directions, I bring you one of the most beautiful songs I have heard in a long time (man, I say that WAY too much… oh well, right?); Where I Stood, by Missy Higgins. I was watching Smallville last week, and this is the song that they played over a particularly “emotional” moment in the show, and I was like, “I MUST have that song!”. As such, I got Missy’s album, and have been playing this song a lot (as well as the rest of the CD) ever since. Turns out, Missy is pretty huge down under, which is something she has in common with another artist I am featuring this week; Miss Delta Goodrem. I am glad to see some Aussie love coming this way, and hope that this trend increases. If you enjoyed this song, be sure to check out the rest of her CD, which is quite good, by the way.

Now… on with the video-less portion of our show!

Delta Goodrem – Woman
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1026_woman.mp3]
Now is time to make good with my earlier mention of bringing more Australian artists on board this week’s 5SF, and I’m doing so in a big way. This song, Woman, by Delta Goodrem, is off of her newly released, amazing third album, titled simply, Delta. I got the album earlier this week when it was released, and I promise you, it has not left my CD player. In fact, it was really hard not to just feature five songs by Delta this week, because her new album is amazing. If you have never heard of this Aussie beauty, welcome to the show, because you are sure to be impressed. Delta is a very talented musician, and has an amazing voice; which can be easily compared to Celine Dion. Before you launch a protest because I mentioned Celine, realize that Delta isn’t as “cheesy” as Celine, and has more edge to her, and in my opinion, more talent. I have liked Delta for a quite a while, and I am so pleased to hear such amazing music coming from her. This is a must have CD, and one of the best of the year so far. As my buddy Stu mentioned, it is the album Celine WISHES she could make… but she can’t, because Delta did! If you like this song, be sure to get the rest of the album… you won’t be sorry.

Sugababes – Surprise
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1026_surprise.mp3]
A few weeks back, I featured About You Now, the lead single off of the Sugababes’ newly released album, Change, and this week, I am going to build on my love for the Sugababes. I am still surprised that this girl group has as yet to break the US market substantially, because they really have got it going on. This song is also from their new release, which I have been slow to get into for whatever reason. It is, however, aptly titled, because when I heard it, I was like, WOW! What a surprise! It is fantastic!!! If you are fan of the Sugababes, you should love this song, because it is easily the best from the new album. The Sugababes prove (yet again) that there is still great pop music being made out there… you just have to go to other countries sometimes to get it! If you enjoy this song, make sure you check out the rest of their new CD, which I am enjoying more and more with each listen!

Britney Spears – Heaven On Earth
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1026_heaven.mp3]
As I mentioned yesterday, I am pretty excited about Britney’s new album, and will be picking it up on Tuesday after hearing leaked tracks, like this one; Heaven On Earth. Honestly, this song shows Britney doing what she does best, and that is being a pop diva. Whatever you think about Britney doesn’t really matter, because she really does have the music to back it up; she is, and always will be, a pop princess… and her new album PROVES it… regardless of what is going on in her life, the music is really, really good. Honestly, I am elated that she made so many good decisions with regards to the songs she is releasing on Blackout, and I hope that it gets the attention that it deserves. Seriously, there are people saying that this may be the best record of her career, and I think they may be right. Britney, bravo. You have got major applause from me for this one, and I can’t wait to get the record. If you like Britney, pop, and fun music, you should love this track… if not, then perhaps another one of the songs featured today will work for you! Either way, we all have something to enjoy. I just hope that this record is a solid foot in the right direction for dear old Brit. I am routing for you, girl!

I hope everyone is having a great Friday… thanks for tuning in to another Five Song Friday! I hope that you enjoyed the songs, and as always, if you have suggestions for me, let me know!!! I have been really enjoying this weekly feature here at duanemoody.com, and I am sure that I will only get better with time! Have a great weekend everyone, and enjoy the music!

all about me, blog on blog, happenings, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion, the catch-all-egory

it’s that time of year…

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…Where the weather starts to FINALLY cool off. It’s also that time of year where there tends to be a surge of music releases, usually from the heavy hitters; which I always look forward to.

Just recently, we have had great releases from Melissa Etheridge, Annie Lennox, The Pipettes, the Sugababes, Radiohead, among others. I am also certain that there are tons of other great releases out there that I am still waiting to discover; whether they were recent releases or not.

I am also riding high, because just this week, one of my favorite artists from the other side of the world (Australia) released her amazing 3rd album: Delta. I seriously don’t know how Delta Goodrem isn’t huge here, because she is amazing, and given her new album, it is a shame that more people don’t know about this talented singer. I am just glad that I was introduced to her a while back by my buddy Stu… Her new CD is on steady repeat for me right now. Seriously, it is wonderful. She will be featured this week on five song friday, so stay tuned for an introduction to the amazing Delta Goodrem!

There is also so much to look forward to as the rest of year marches on… Not surprisingly, the next release most on the “radar” for me, is Britney’s new CD, which drops Tuesday. While I know there are plenty of people wanting this CD to fail miserably, I have to say, I have heard most of the tracks from the new CD, and, well, I am completely blown away. Britney has done what she needed to do with her music; regardless of what is going on with her life. I for one will be getting it right away, because from what I have heard, it is one of the best pop CDs of the year; and definitely of her career. This new release blows her last CD out of the water. If you like pop music as much as I do, I highly suggest you give it a whirl. If she isn’t your style, then you probably won’t become a fan because of her new stuff… but if she is, you will probably really like what you hear.

Other than that, there are new releases coming from Westlife, Shayne Ward, potentially Girls Aloud, Alicia Keyes, and many others I am sure that I don’t know about yet… But what are you most looking forward to? There have been some amazing releases this year, as evidenced by the growing list of favorites I have, which you can see on my ongoing favorites list page here. I swear, I fell so far out of music just a year or so ago, and coming back in and discovering so much great music to listen to has been amazing. I love exploring new music and new artists, and look forward to the next few months on that life long journey. There really isn’t much in life like experiencing an amazing song, or album. It really is a feeling that can’t be described.

Also, I didn’t really say anything on the main blog, but I have “sort of” gotten into last.fm. I added a link to my profile on the “more than just a blog” link list, so feel free to go and add me as a friend (or just click here). I have to say, that currently, it doesn’t really represent what I really listen to, so I hope that with time, and with some more “scrobbling”, it will eventually get more in tune with what I am listening to. Either way, another neat web app to play around with, right?

Let me know what you are listening to, and what I should be checking out…. I am always looking for the next music selection!!!

Finally, I am also SUPER EXCITED about the release of Guitar Hero III on Monday. I think that I am going to take the day off and shred all afternoon… I LOVE Guitar Hero, and I can’t wait to get my hands on these new songs. I am also excited to get to play it on the Wii! If you are into GH, we should totally get together and jam!

five song friday, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion, that is so gay

5SF: october 19

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Yay! It’s Friday; which means it’s time for your Five Song Friday!

Let’s do this!

Paramore – crushcrushcrush
First up today is the amazing song by the amazing group Paramore, crushcrushcrush. I fell in love with their album after only one listen, and this song remains one of my favorite songs that I have heard all year. This song definitely gets you moving, and keeps the energy up! This is one that you should add to your workout mix, because it will definitely get you pumped. If you like this track, I highly suggest you check out Riot! by Paramore; a fantastic album, and one of my favorites so far from this year!

Rihanna – Please Don’t Stop The Music
I have to say, I really resisted liking Umbrella at first, but now I realize how awesome of a song it really is. Additionally, upon my initial listen to Rihanna’s CD, I was really not that interested in hearing what she had to offer, but after seeing the video for this song, it has definitely given me reason to sit up and take another listen. This song is a great dance song, and really makes me want to get up and do just that; dance! Rihanna definitely has some great singles up her sleeve!

Now , the final three will be in the new format; video-less songs!! (IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THE VIDEO-LESS SONG FORMAT: If you are reading this post through a feed-reader, I am pretty sure the songs will not show up; the player I use is an embedded flash player. Come to the site to check out the songs!) I seriously think that I am going to have to switch exclusively to this format eventually, because of the stupidity that record companies continue to exhibit on you tube by disabling embedding on their videos. I mean seriously, what is the big deal? Wouldn’t it make sense for MORE people to see it? What idiots. Either way, here are the rest of your Friday song selections…

Sara Bareilles – Love Song
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1019_lovesong.mp3]
I have loved Sara for a long time now, and I was super excited when she released her major label debut back in July. The entire CD is perfection, and it leapt back into my top rotation this week when I got an email from Sara, letting me know about the debut of the video for Love Song. While the video isn’t on you tube yet (hence the lack of it being used here), I was compelled to present the song, as I love it so much. Also, if you are curious to see the video, where you get to see how amazingly stunning Sara is, here’s a link. (BTW, this may just be my favorite song of the year!)

Hem – The Part Where You Let Go
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1019_partletgo.mp3]
This song is actually a song that is featured in an insurance ad, but I never saw the ad before I heard it. I found out about it from an iTunes “feature” where they listed a bunch of songs that were used in ads and stuff; and I am glad that I checked out that feature. Hem’s sound is beautiful and acoustic, and this song is one of those ones that makes you feel warm and happy inside. I can see how it is perfect for the ad, but I am just glad that I went the next step and downloaded it, so I could enjoy the whole song. The EP that this song is from is actually quite excellent as well.

Feist – How My Heart Behaves
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1019_heartbehaves.mp3]
I may be laying it on a little thick with Feist, but I swear, the more I listen to her CD, the more I love. Her voice is so amazingly angelic and piercing at the same time, that it really moves me. This song is from the same album as 1234, but this song is by far my favorite on the record. I generally have to listen to this song 2 or 3 times each time I listen to her CD, because it is so beautiful and perfect. I LOVE this song, and it makes me feel amazing. If you want to hear a perfect song, look no further, it is here with Feist’s How My Heart Behaves.

Well, there’s another version of Five Song Friday for you guys! I hope that you enjoy this installment as much as I have! I also hope that everyone has a great weekend, and as always, if you are interested in obtaining these tracks for your very own, YOU HAVE TO LET ME KNOW. Otherwise, jog on, bitches! HA!

Final, unrelated note, this just makes me laugh. You get what you deserve, bigotsassholes.

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omigod, omigod you guys…

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This weekend, we were lucky enough to get the chance to see one of the currently playing Broadway shows; Legally Blonde: The Musical… and we didn’t even have to go to New York to see it! MTV aired the entire show on Saturday, and I have to say, it was awesome.

Not only was the musical totally cheesy, campy, silly, and fun, but it was awesome to have the opportunity to see a show that one might not otherwise be able to see (i.e., lack of access to NYC, lack of funds to pay for expensive tickets, etc). I am a big fan of musicals (of the ones that I have seen, that is), and having seen a couple on Broadway, trust me, I get the importance of the quality and presence of the show. However, I always leave the show wishing that it were a movie, or wishing that there was a recording of the show (not just the cast recording), because, of the ones I’ve seen, I enjoyed them so much that I would like to be able to see them again. I have never understood how a show that has such a high budget for production, and rakes in so much money ($100 a seat per night for most new shows), wouldn’t want to to capitalize even more, and bring the show to the masses… especially considering that some Broadway shows barely make back the upfront costs of production!

Sure, they do tours, and have touring casts for certain shows, but those just aren’t the same (trust me, I saw Wicked on Broadway, and I saw it again when it came to Atlanta… TOTALLY different show). Also, you have to be in one of those select cities to get to see the show, which again, plays into that whole concept of access. I just wish that some of the great shows could be recorded like Legally Blonde was this weekend; I can bet that it would make the show way more popular in the long run. I am, however, really glad that a lot of musicals have been adapted into feature length films recently; and super happy that the trend doesn’t seem to be slowing. There have been some EXCELLENT films come out over the past few years, and I hope upon hope that some of my favorites (ahem, Wicked), will follow the same path.

Overall, I loved the concept that MTV had, and I really enjoyed the show. James and I are talking about going to NYC over Christmas (James has family in NJ), and I know that I would REALLY like to see Legally Blonde now that I know what to expect. I personally hope that MTV decides to put the show that they aired on DVD, because I would totally be in line to buy my copy (hint hint, MTV!!).

Other than watching the show with friends, the weekend was pretty relaxing and nice. As I mentioned yesterday, James and I celebrated four years and one month last night, by ordering in some pizza, and just enjoying each other’s company. I am not big on flashy plans and expensive restaurants, personally… I am all about the simple things. (Like musicals on DVD!) I hope that everyone is at least adjusting to the start of a new week… I am personally avoiding the fact that I have an anatomy test this week… grrrr.

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5SF: october 12

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It’s that time again! Not only is it great to be at the end of the week, but it’s also time for another great installment of Five Song Friday! Woo hoo! Now, I have been giving some thought to the whole process of how and why I pick the songs that I do each week, and I must say, being limited to only you tube videos is highly frustrating; especially considering that there are many tracks I want to feature that do not have videos! So, I thought of a solution: after today, the five song Fridays will no longer be limited to just you tube videos! I have found a great plug in that will allow me to embed the mp3s right into the post, and I am going to start using them as I see fit (I’ll post a bonus sixth song to show you what I am talking about at the end of this post). Who knows, we might move away from you tube all together!

Also, as a reminder, if you want access to the songs that I have posted up until now, including today’s featured tracks, you have to let me know by comment or email. I will be happy to provide access at that point, but until anyone expresses interest, I will just assume that no one is interested!

Now, let’s get to the music, shall we?

This week, I have been listening a lot to the CDs that I was obsessing over last week (particularly Feist and Annie Lennox), but since there aren’t any “new” videos, I am probably going to focus on posting just some older, or fun stuff that I want to share. Either way, it is going to be a good time, because it doesn’t matter when music is made, so long as it is good, right? Also, it does a good service to bring older stuff back to the surface every now and then; I know that I am bad about forgetting a certain CD, and then being super excited when it is brought back into the spotlight!

Will Young – All Time Love
First up today is a blast from the not-so-distant past: the video for All Time Love by Will Young. I remember the first time that I heard this song, it literally gave me chills it was so good. I still love this song so much every time I hear it, and I honestly think that it is one of my all time favorites. It also got me to give the whole album a second chance (an initial listen wasn’t good), which I was glad that I did, because I really love the whole album. Will Young is a great singer, and I can’t wait for some new stuff from him.

Westlife – Home
Next up is the new single from my favorite boy band, Westlife. I absolutely LOVE this song by Michael Buble, and I have to say, Westlife can definitely turn out a cover of a song; as they did again with this great song. I have been a fan of theirs for years, and can’t wait for their new album. Until then, I will have to gaze into Shane’s beautiful eyes, and just dream that he is coming “home” to me… *swoon*

Kleerup feat. Robyn – With Every Heartbeat
This is an updated video for the amazing single With Every Heartbeat, which should end up in my “singles of the year” list, simply because of how amazing it is. Since she made a splash back in the 90s, she disappeared almost completely in America, but luckily, I rediscovered Robyn earlier this year. I think that acts like her bring the best in pop music, and given songs like this one, as well as her newest release, she has definitely got my attention. I hope that she makes a second splash in the US, because Robyn is definitely amazing.

Alicia Keys – No One
Alicia is one of those artists that truly broke the record set by many artists in the past; which was, if you won the best new artist Grammy, you practically disappeared… but not Alicia. After seeing her perform this song on the VMAs this year, I was in love with the song. I have always been impressed with her amazing voice, and her crazy talent; and this song is no exception. I may have to pick up her new album… Alicia definitely has that same feeling and intensity artists like Mary J have, and I for one, love me a diva.

Annie Lennox – Cold
Last, but certainly not least, is an older track by Annie Lennox. As I said earlier, I am really enjoying her new album, which is fantastic. I have loved Annie Lennox for a long time, and love how unique she is as an artist. Her voice is sheer beauty, and I could just listen for hours to her sing. This song is honestly one of my favorites of all time. The song Cold is from her first solo album Diva, which is about as appropriately titled as it can get; Annie truly is a DIVA.

I hope everyone is having a great Friday, and I hope you enjoyed this week’s five song Friday, I know I did! Again, if you are interested in getting the music, let me know! Finally, here is what songs will look like if they are posted directly, without the video; which again, will be used in instances where I want to share a song and not have to worry about whether it has a video or not (which I am finding to be VERY limiting):
Jennifer Hudson – And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/and_im_telling_you_im_not_going.mp3]

Let me know what you think of the “new” music format, and as always, it’s a pleasure exposing people to new (or old and fantastic) music! Have a great weekend!

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music sharing and ridiculousness

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So, I spoke briefly on Friday about the girl that was sued by the RIAA who lost, and now owes upwards of $200,000 for downloading and sharing a few songs. Now, while I am do agree that there should be some regulation, and that nothing should just be totally free, I think that this whole war against those that share music has gotten out of hand (as evidenced by this case). In fact, what is forgotten, and I think on purpose for whatever reason, is that most people that download music actually end up buying most of that which they download.

Take me for example. I buy CDs all of the time. Most of those CDs are CDs that I downloaded first, in order to see what they were like. Most of the stuff that I download is stuff that I haven’t heard of, and want to check out. If I get a chance to check out something new, and end up enjoying it, I definitely want to support the artist, and 9 times out of 10, I do.

So is what I am doing helping or hurting the music industry? I would say that it is helping because I am buying the products that are being produced; and most often I am buying the minor artists, and supporting music that would otherwise never be heard. Additionally, many of the smaller artists that I find this way, would never have been discovered without my trying to find them. I also go to concerts of these artists regularly, and support them even more in that manner.

If I relied on the radio for my every music need, I would miss many of the amazing artists that I love today, and I think that not only is that a terrible shame, I think that it clearly shows that the RIAA is not about saving music… they are about their profits.

However, I still contribute to their profits. Willingly. Yet, they still come after those like me, those that love music, and just want to be able to share it with others, in hopes that they will enjoy and support those artists that they might have never heard of; that is, if I didn’t play them that “illegal” mp3.

I think this whole issue is bullshit, and it just makes me angry that big corporations get all angry when they can’t control every single aspect of something. This is especially infuriating with regards to trying to control music that I legitimately pay for… If I bought it, so back off. You got your money, now let me enjoy my CD, or even make a copy for a friend if I choose to do so; I payed for it! In the end, it is clear to me, that the RIAA is always the one that wins, because like I said, most of those suggestions lead to purchases; and most of the profits are never even seen by the artists themselves.

I gave $5 to the save Jammie fund, because I know that if I were in her shoes, I would really be freaking out. I feel sorry for her that the RIAA has chosen so ridiculously to make an example out of her. Asking her to pay a $1 for each song she shared is one thing, but what they are doing is robbery. So, here’s $5 from me, Jammie, I hope that you can raise enough to pay off the bloodsuckers that are on your back.

What do you guys think about sharing music/downloading music? Do you think the whole thing is just another greedy scandal by corporations to make as much money as possible? Or do you really think that artists suffer? What about sharing music is so bad, especially if you are like me, and you almost always go out and buy the CD? Additionally, sharing music was meant to discover new artists, which for me, it totally does… what would happen to the obscure artists if this ability was taken away? How would it effect you?