Just Like Music

When it comes to music I like to think of myself as something of a connoisseur. I know that I'm not, but I generally like to listen to all types of music. I love the 70's Motown, Jazz of all ages, R&B is a must, real Rap (Rhythm Americ Poetry), Hip Hop, and all types of Rock, although, not a fan of Heavy Metal and you'll never catch me hitting play on my iPod for it, I can however listen to it if someone else is listening to it, but I draw the line at Country music.

I have on a number of occasions given Country music a chance. When Garth Brooks was bigger than Jesus I tried listening to his music and others, but I just couldn't stand it. I even recently tried again. I saw Derks Bentley preform live and I wasn't the least bit amused by his music. I certainly believe to each their own, but I like to recognize good music when I hear it. Maybe I just don't have an ear for Country music, therefore, I can't embrace it, but I have earnestly tried.

Lately, I haven't been happy with the music that has been coming out. I don't know what changed in the last ten years, but 90% of all music that is released to the public now is garbage. I personally think what Lady Gaga has done to music is worse than what George Bush did to America, and we all know how bad Bush f#@*ed up. Trust me, she is not alone. Soulja Boy and T-Pain are right there with her, but hey, they are stacking figures so I can't hate on that.

There are lot of artists that I don't like in genres of music that I do like. But I can respect what some of them do, because they at least do it with some class and dignity. The music industry needs a revolution, Lady Gaga has to go and fast!

Now I have a lot of favorites, and it would be very monotonous for me to mention them all so here are a few of my personal favorites:

Sam Cooke – 60's soul singer. Considered by many people that know of him as the inventor of soul music. “Live at The Harlem Square Club, 1963” is probably the greatest live album of all-time. Someone else told me this and I didn't believe them. Let me just say, I stand corrected.

Tupac – Some say Biggie, I say Tupac.

Justin Timberlake – I love me some Justin.

Frank Sinatra – When I was looking for a job when I got out of school and couldn't find one, I must of listen to “That's Life” by Frank a thousand times, along with his other great melodies.

Curtis Mayfield – The funk man, and he's a sensitive soul too. I personally think “There's No Place Like America” is the best album of all-time. You have to give it at least one listen.

Red Hot Chili Peppers – I know they are not the greatest rock group, but I find solace with them. Their album “Californication” was great for me and still is.

Aretha Franklin – Need I say more?

Ray Charles – The man.

Billie Holiday/Etta James/Nina Simone – I know it's not right to put these three ladies together, but I just have one word for all of them, AMAZING!

Remy Shand – Now this person, I doubt many people know of him. He only produce one album, but it was a great one, “The Way I Feel”.

The Beatles – I myself am not a huge fan. I have listened to a lot of their albums, even had to do a college essay on the “White Album”, I adulate their work even though sometimes their music sounds like a cacophony, no offense.

When it comes to music I think we are all neophytes. There are so many songs that we have never heard and will never get to hear. I have recently watch the movie “Blue Valentine” and found one of the most amazing songs. “You and Me” by Penny and The Quarters. I have probably listened to it in the last five days, at least 70 times. It was a demo for a little known group in the 60's or 70's and they never made it big. You have to youtube this one, you won't be disappointed.

One of the problems I use to have with finding great music that I hadn't heard of was, where was I suppose to find it? I didn't want to be a crate-diggger, that takes way too much work. When I heard about Pandora my music woes were cured. I have found so many artists like the ones that I love and even enjoy some of them more than the ones I knew about before.

There is just so much great music out there, have a listen.

Mr. Felder