My Son; A Musical Prodigy

I'm a music fanatic, yes, but that doesn't mean I imposed that fanaticism upon my 3-year-old son.  Needless to say, I was ecstatic when he began to take on the role of musical prodigy regardless.  What do we wish for our children?  We wish happiness for them.  We wish for that happiness to arise from them doing what they love.  If that happens to come from what we love as well, what luck we have!  We can impart our wisdom and information we have gathered on the subject.  Parent and child can come together in harmony over a shared pastime.

My son, Ben, has been gravitating toward music over the past few years.  I didn't push him, but I did provide him with the tools.  He was already adorable.  Then he started singing.  Today he ran about the yard picking flowers (read: weeds) for me today.  As he did so, he sang Taio Cruz's "Dynamite."  "I throw my hands up in the airs sometimes," he'd sing as he gave his very allergic mother a bouquet of weeds, "in the a-yoooo, in the a-yooooo."  He hasn't quite mastered lyrics yet.



When he was about two I was playing his toy piano and he came over entranced.  I moved his hands and playfully smashed on the keys to make him laugh.  To my surprise, he moved my hands away and started pressing keys softly and thoughtfully.  "Ben, play a C," I joked.  Please imagine for me my face when he played a C on his first attempt.  "WHAT? PLAY AN E!"  He hit F.  Close enough for me to continue my excitement.

His fascination with instruments has held over.  He'll barge into the room where my guitar is and start to strum it.  A few days ago he did so wildly.  "Ben," I said, "be careful please."  "Wow," he countered, "this would make a great instrument!"  Yes.  Yes it would.

Now on the verge of four, he makes demands about the songs he wants to hear as the family navigates Long Island.  After Whitney Houston passed my mother ran out to buy her latest album, "I Look to You," the only one not in our collection.  I was pleased watching my son growing up with the music I'd grown up with.  It's a strange and lovely feeling.  Imagine my surprise when he started to sing one of the songs in full, riffs and all!  Below is a video of Benjamin singing "I Didn't Know My Own Strength."  The only thing deterring him is a bit of camera fright.

In the years to come I will see where his musical love leads.  Perhaps he'll venture to sing and play and listen like me.  Perhaps he'll decide to tackle other children on the football field.  The only thing that matters is that he is happy.  As far as passions go for me, I must say that his happiness rivals even music.

Do Lyrics Matter?

What matters more to you - lyrics or instrumentation?  I once had a boyfriend who pronounced during a leisurely drive, "The lyrics just don't matter as long the actual music is good."  Something in me went off, and I realized he might not be the one for me.  He is now an ex.

Hey, I certainly value instrumentation.  The composition of a song, whether it has lyrics or not, is one of my favorite things to analyze.  Lyrics aren't all important - but they are important  If there are words over that beat I believe they should be factored into the quality of that song.

Note that it is also in my opinion that if it is in the nature of a song to be silly, the lyrics can be a bit silly too.  For different genres there are different types of lyrics, and that is perfectly respectable.  Lady Gaga, for instance, is one of my favorite artists.  She has written various verses and choruses with odd phrases - remember "bluffin' with my muffin?"  It works for her.  It helps that she's written some great lyrics with substance as well - "Speechless," for example.

Check out musician and YouTuber Alex Day analyzing Lady Gaga's lyrics for "Telephone."

To those who say lyrics today are worse than in the past, I beg to differ.  Many of them simply mean pop music lyrics are worse than they were in the past.  We have more options in what we listen to today.  You can't complain about the quality of our lyrics if all you're listening to are the current charters.  You may have to go looking for the well-written choruses, but they're there.  What's more is you don't have to rule out Top 40 radio either!  Gotye and Adele lyrics will tear your heart out, in a good way.

So keep in mind the genre you are listening to when you get discouraged by less than stellar wording.  We haven't lost our talented singer-songwriters.  Great lyrics are still alive; lyrics that resonate with you, lyrics you can belt out and cry to, lyrics that change you.  And if you're having difficulty finding them in today's music...well, there's always the classics to restore your spirit.

Who knows?  Perhaps you'll even write some yourself. 

Music for Your Commute

You've had to deal with this; the religious zealot screaming on the subway, the loud phone conversations on the bus, the drunken frat-boys in your train car. What better way than to tune this out than by plugging in your headphones and pumping up the jams? Commuting via public transportation supplies you with valuable time to discover new music and listen to new favorites. Pandora makes this simple and joyous. As a seasoned commuter, allow me to make a few suggestions for Pandora stations to drown out the noise to.

For the Weary Worker - It may be six in the morning, it may be six in the evening. Either way, you're exhausted and there's still work to be done. Try waking up with the Duran Duran or Tears for Fears station. You need those alternative 80's pop to shake your system into gear. You'll struggle to keep yourself from bopping to the tunes in public. It'll wake up your body and your mind. Plus, you just may smile away those under-eye circles.


For the Pissed-Off Patron - Did you just wait for your respective mode of transportation twenty more minutes than you'd planned? In the freezing cold? It's natural for it to get on your nerves, even if it is the nature of the beast. Turn up the grunge and hard rock sounds on the Alice in Chains station. Heavy music will suit your heavy mood. Hopefully the listening will get some of your tension out before you snap at a co-worker or your significant other.


For the Multitasking Maven - You only have this ride to get a paper or a work project done. Hey, we've all been there. You want to write to music, but you don't want to get distracted by interesting lyrics or lulled to sleep by simple sonatas. Try the Clint Mansell station. You might remember him as the composer of the haunting score in Requiem for a Dream. You need some instrumental music with intensity behind it to drive you as you get your work done.


For the Restless Rebel - Your body and mind get annoyed staying in the same position for a while, whether it be on a bus or in life. Cheer yourself up with upbeat music that's both angry and lighthearted at the same time. The AWOLnation station provides you with that convenient balance.


For the Moody Miss/Mister - It's raining outside. The weather seems to be reflecting your soul. Okay, maybe things aren't that dramatic, but you are at least feeling a little down. Turn on the soothing and compelling sounds on the Doves station. It's the perfect soundtrack to look out the window as the drops fall. Search the gray with your eyes and people watch as you listen to thought-provoking music. It just may take your mind off of things for a while.


For the Different Dreamer - My friend Maria is an art student who travels back and forth to class on the train for about an hour each day. She recommends dreamy sounds to get you from A to B. She suggests the My Bloody Valentine station. Tantalize your thoughts with these daringly different tunes and look out the window. You'll catch something new on every trip. Or you could just close your eyes and let your imagination run wild. This music just may foster creativity.



I hope these trips come in handy, fellow travelers. I've included a playlist so you can sample the mentioned artists.  Happy trails!

Chopin Flowers

The Spring Break Music Fix

For me, relaxing and music go hand in hand.  So, naturally, I spent quite a bit of my spring break using the art to lull me into as relaxed a mood as I can get into.  Here are a few highlights from the week, and, no, Coachella isn't featured.  This New Yorker has stayed on her own coast, catching the desired performances on good old YouTube.

 

 

Grunge Beginnings

Me with Eric Erlandson of Hole

The set-up in Brooklyn's Book Court

Mark Yarm's book

Eric Erlandson and Mark Yarm discussing grunge topics

I'm a grunge woman.  By that I mean some of my favorite bands of all time hail from the era, and I love to wear plaid.  So when my fellow grunge-loving friend asked me if I'd like to go to Brooklyn to see former Hole guitarist Eric Erlandson discuss his book Letters to Kurt (yes, that Kurt), I presented her with an enthusiastic "Yes."

The crowd at Book Court in Brooklyn Heights was modest but filled with a palpable energy.  Mark Yarm, former senior editor for Blender and author of grunge-stars story filled Everybody Loves Our Town, soon introduced Erlandson. They began by discussing Letters to Kurt, a book of prose poetry inspired by Cobain's suicide twenty years ago and the grunge scene.  Yarm then questioned the rocker-writer about his lifestyle in Hole and his lifestyle today.  Yarm and the audience threw around the questions concerning the "real" Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain.  Erlandson, now a practicing Buddhist, replied sweetly and humorously to these questions.  "Do you really want to know what Courtney's like?" he responded to an audience member, and we in turn guffawed.  He chose to focus on her high points, like her being an example of a strong woman storming through the business.  We could tell that she very well is probably what we'd expect her to be like.  A few days later, we were treated to news of her latest Twitter madness.

Eric Erlandson and Mark Yarm inspired me with their ability to combine passions for music and writing, passions I share.  I must mention that they were both very pleasant men to meet as well.  The night was definitely a successful venture.  I look forward to reading both of their books.

Below, I present you with a quick grunge playlist I put together of just some of my favorite songs.  I would encourage music-lovers to listen to the entire discography of these bands.

 

Spring Cleaning

Okay, so perhaps it isn't the most relaxing event, but sometimes a break is the only time you have to clean house.  What better way to get it done than by singing your little heart out as you do?  This isn't Cinderella.  No birds were coming along to help me scrub the floors, but jamming out does seem to help the time fly by.

One of my prime artists to clean to this break was Nerina Pallot.  Never heard of her?  Do yourself a favor and listen to as much of her catalog as you can.  The British singer-songwriter's music is well-constructed and catchy.  Her lyrics are effortlessly beautiful, and she can do some wonderful things with her gorgeous voice.

I hope everyone's spring break was as relaxing and musical as mine was.  Now it's back to the grind.  There is work to be done...and there are albums to be listened to!

  

Music- Even Better with Friends

One of the greatest things about my relationships with my friends is that we all share a passion for music.  Depicted in the podcast and slideshow above is one of my greatest musical adversaries, my friend Jess.

Jess and I have been friends for a number of years, and one of the components of our friendship I treasure most is our love for music. We sing together every chance we get.  We sing  in the car or during full blown friend sing-a-longs with harmony and guitar.  We go to shows together, like the Duran Duran show Jess and my friend Maria surprised me with for my birthday.  We also hit up local shows of every genre, including the musical theater variety.

Feeding off of Jess's love for music has allowed me to broaden my scope of musical appreciation.  We tell each other of new music we've discovered.  She began throwing disco-themed parties and increasing my love for that genre. 

Jess is one of the many friends that I know shares my passion to a great extent.  We support one another's musical ventures, and we will continue to do so until we perish.  I love the girl, and I know fellow music lovers would too.

The Mash-Up Minute

Here is the result of my first venture into the world of podcasting!  Needless to say, it didn't go as well as I originally fantasized, but it was definitely a fun experience.  Not to mention it was an opportunity for music, which is rarely a bad thing.  Let this serve as an example.  You may not be able to perform to the best of your abilities at a designated time, but that's no reason not to try!  If anything, you've produced music in your own "voice," and that is worthy of your self-praise.  


Play on, my musical minions!

My Sister - A Profile

Nicole grew up the middle child in a wacky family.  Like me, that family helped foster creativity and a love for sarcasm and a sick sense of humor.  Unlike me, she is more reserved and quiet in the public eye.  She takes on a more docile nature, but behind that facade lies a screaming talent.

This girl is a writer, and a damn good one at that.  She's the type of person that can whip a piece (or paper) up in a half hour and have it sound like it could be published on the spot.  The words she writes will work themselves into you brain and your heart.  She is ridiculously intelligent, but not pompous about the fact.  As a creative writing major, she works hard for what she wants.  Nights are spent perusing literature and writing writing writing.  

As if she didn't all ready sound lovable enough, Nicole is the type of person who doesn't know how beautiful she is.  She doesn't seem to be able to acknowledge how talented she is yet, either.  When you work your way into her heart, she gives all of it to you.  As a friend and family member, you couldn't ask for a more dedicated, helpful, and loving person.  Not to mention that this girl will make you laugh.  Whether you need cheering up or not, she has a slew of faces, witticisms, and secret impressions up her sleeve.  

My sister is on her way to a successful and, more importantly, full and happy life.  She deserves nothing less.  She may have driven me nuts for the last 20 years of my life, but she's driven me sane more than enough times to make up for it.  We will compliment one another's personalities until we perish at a ripe old age.  We'll probably tease each other until that point, too.  What's important to me, however, is that we remain we.  

Now, this post wouldn't qualify for this blog without a little music, would it?  Nicole and I consider plenty of songs "ours."  Nicole loves music like I do, and thus we have shared many songs in our lifetime.  I have no idea how the following one became our song.  That's what it's like when you share a life with somebody; there are tons of inside jokes with origins you'll never be able to remember. It's awfully funny to see Nicole and I jamming out to this one.  We scream-sing along and bang our heads like the best of them.  We also frequently greet each other by shouting "OFF TO NEVER-NEVERLAND!"

Music To My Eyes

It was a beautiful day here in the land that winter forgot.  Spring is steadily approaching and the temperature has risen into the mid 50's.  I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it.

Imagine my delight when I got out of class early today and found I had time for a walk around campus.  My university's campus is particularly beautiful, as you can see from the above pictures.  I was pleased to be able to enjoy a walk in this weather and view the assorted foliage, sculptures, and koi ponds.  Okay, so there's only one koi pond and only one koi, but that's all I need.

The soundtrack I chose for this walk was Radiohead's latest album The King of Limbs.  It's dark, throbbing, artfully eclectic sound is the perfect accompaniment for an art/nature walk.

As an avid Radiohead fan, I encourage you to listen to the album.  Yes, it is different from Radiohead's earlier work, but that is what makes Radiohead so great.  They keep experimenting with the types of music they put out and they keep excelling at it.  Can you tell I love this band?

I mean, come on.  Imagine taking a walk like this and listening to the most famous track from the album, "Lotus Flower."  The combination of aurally and visually provocative images is a relaxing escape from life's stresses.

If you've yet to, you might want to watch the music video above.  Look at that Thom Yorke dance!  Don't pretend you don't lip-sync and dance like a mad-person when no one's around.   

The King of Limbs also happens to be just under 40 minutes.  That is a good amount of time for a lengthy walk when you can manage one.

So I wait for spring ready to find more time for tiny "adventures" like this.  A beautiful day, a little exercise, good music...could you ask for a more perfect way to relieve stress?

Guitar Practice Through My Eyes

I begin by gathering my notes and studying some of music theory.

Mel Bay's book for a "Grade 1" novice like me has been quite helpful thus far.  I'd definitely recommend it to those looking to begin studying guitar.

Here we find the dreaded - I mean, beloved - Cycle of Fourths.  As you can see, it says that I should "write this out a couple of times."  This will help me with the task of remembering it.  As my guitar teacher says, "True musicians have this shit memorized."

Ah, here's my trusty pick!  I know what you're thinking - is it really called "Big  Stubby?"  Yes, it is.  Don't let the funny name fool you.  Due to the thickness and space for your thumb, this pick is perfect for learning and playing.  I dread the day I lose it.  

There's the beast!  Okay, so maybe it isn't the sharpest and fanciest guitar, but it suits this beginner just fine.    I chose my Yahama 4G700S because of the stellar reviews it was given. and I don't regret it.  It has a beautiful sound and it is perfect for guitar newbies like myself.  I'll work my way up to a beautiful Fender or Ibanez someday.

Now it's time to put it all together!

Practicing sight reading, or determining what notes to play and how to play them just by looking at the music.  It's a daunting task, especially in the beginning.  Fortunately, I have some knowledge of sight reading from singing throughout my adolescence.  It gets easier the more you practice.  Yes, I'm reiterating the cheesy line "Practice makes perfect."  It's cliché but true.

So on I play for about an hour (almost) every night.  Sometimes it's hard to make time, but I feel so much better when I can.  The joy of making music - even as crappily as I am at this level - is so rewarding.  The challenge is definitely worth it.

Happy Birthday, Roger Daltrey!

The Who frontman Roger Daltrey turned 68 today.  He may be nearing 70, but he still sounds and looks magnificent.  It may be Justin Bieber's "big 18th" today, but I find myself much more inclined to commemorate a man 50 years older.  Roger Daltrey will forever remain an inspiration to me for his outstanding talent.

Unfortunately, I am far too young too have lived through Roger Daltrey and The Who's prime.  That does not mean, however, that I can't fangirl and fawn over the man - both then and now!  Young Roger Daltrey had the hearts of a slew of women and he has mine too.  With a voice that epitomized pure rock, that boyish  grin, and that mane of curly hair, Daltrey drew in the fans.

If you somehow have never heard a song by the Who, do yourself a favor and listen to as much of their music as you can.  Here is an example of this man's insane vocal ability, not to mention a brilliant song. 

The great thing about Roger Daltrey is that he did not fade away over the decades.  Despite necessary throat surgeries in 1978 and 20120, the man's voice will still send shivers down your spine. 

Here's Roger rocking it to the fullest with the Who at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2010.  I remember watching this in awe.  Almost 50 years after the band's inception, Daltrey (and Townshend!) have still got it.

The Tommy star may be all grown up, but he is certainly far from washed up.  The musician, actor, and charity supporter  is currently touring Europe taking on the Who's famous rock opera.  He may also tour with Pete Townshend later this year and take on the band's second rock album, Quadrophenia.

Daltrey continues to work hard and I continue to be inspired.  What does he have in store for the future?  His mixture of sheer talent and diligence propel him toward further success as he nears his eighth decade.

So to Roger Daltrey I say rock on, and happy birthday.  Time's got nothing on you.  I will wait in anticipation for you to roll on through New York and hope I can afford to witness your genius live.  Thank you for the music.

Check out Rolling Stone's "WHO is Roger Daltrey?" gallery (see what the did there?) for a look through the musician's long career.  The magazine also included Daltrey in their list of the "100 Greatest Singers Of All Time."

Music Theory - Should Musicians Bother Learning It?

Plenty of people can make some music with an instrument, but that does not mean they know what they are really doing.  Everyone wants to play songs, but who wants to take the time to learn the music theory behind what they are playing?  Music theory is complicated and it will drive you nuts, but those hoping to become true musicians will learn it.  It will make a musician.
In my last post I discussed my venture into the world of learning guitar.  When I decided to take guitar lessons I  got rid of the notion that I could merely strum strings and move my fingers to be a great musician.  I realized I'd have to strum and move my mind as well.
Now, I came in to guitar lessons with a basic knowledge of theory.  I have been a music lover since childhood, so I was aware of staffs, notes, rests, time signatures, beats, measures, and what these all should mean to me.  Just knowing this has proven to help me become a better musician.  When I came into lessons, I was able to tackle more in a short amount of time simply because I knew how to read music.
Despite understanding that I was better for knowing this basic theory, I still did not imagine I would have to learn theory in-depth.  I was wrong.  In my last lesson I was presented with a chart known as the Cycle of Fourths to memorize.  The Cycle of Fourths is a chart representing the relationships between the twelve tones of the chromatic scale and their key signatures.  It sounds difficult because it is difficult.
One wonders why I would bother learning this frightening Cycle of Fourths.  I'm bothering because in the short amount of time I have begun memorizing it, I have already seen growth in my skill.  Patterns in music that were a mystery to me before are becoming clear.  Not only can I make music, but I can understand how I am making that music.  It is an inspiring feeling.  I have gone from feeling like someone who can make music to a musician.
So I would suggest to anyone with the desire to be a musician that they take the time to learn music theory.  It is difficult and frustrating learning the language of music, yes, but it is well worth it.  If you want to live the dream, you have to understand it first.

For fun and interactive lessons in music theory on the web, I suggest Ricci Adams' site.

It's Never Too Late

You know what they say - it's never too late to learn guitar!  What, they don't say that?  Well, they should start.  They do say that it's never too late to learn, and though it may indeed be harder to, you will definitely be better for having tried.
So I have decided to follow that method and start taking guitar lessons with a brilliant jazz guitarist, teacher, and friend.  I had attempted to teach myself using YouTube and other internet goodies for a few years prior, but it really isn't the same as learning from a master of the art.  If you can make it happen, I would highly suggest it.
I have consistently walked into lessons feeling nervous and walked out feeling empowered.  Not to brag (okay, to brag) but I am doing rather well.  Perhaps that is because I do have musical background, or perhaps it is because the high that I get inside from producing music in a new way manifests in talent.
We have been using Mel Bay's books, and I would highly suggest them.  They are really well done, and facilitate the learning in a way I would not have thought possible from book on the subject.  My teacher has had my partner and I start with a mix of exercises to enable dexterity and reading music.  He has also taught us some chords through songs we enjoy (like "Stand By Me" and "Something") along the way, so that we can really get into the process and enjoy it.  Yes, the exercises are important, but who doesn't want to be able to play some recognizable music?
If you have time to invest in learning and bettering yourself through an art that makes you happy, I would highly suggest that you do.  Even if you do not have the time, I would advise that you make at least some.  You will be happier for it, I assure you.  I cannot claim to have that much time to practice, definitely not half as much as I would like to, but when I am practicing my heart sings along.  It cannot compare to the high you would get from any drug.  Okay, so I have never done a drug, but practicing guitar has to be better.
Well, that argument started to go sour, but go practice guitar, or piano, or painting, or street performance or what have you.  If I haven't convinced you to, maybe this adorable picture of my cat enjoying my guitar-playing will.

Gotye: Rising to Global Fame

Last summer, I was introduced to the music of the man with the name I could not yet pronounce, the music of a man that you have almost definitely heard of by this point - Gotye.  Now, I do not want to sound like one of those people who shows off because they knew about an artist before everyone else...but I did know about Gotye before many other Americans did!
Today, however, you can't go on a social media outlet without seeing someone post one of his hits, "Somebody That I Used To Know" (featuring Kimbra) at the forefront.  This multi-talented musician with a voice that sounds like it has been sent from the gods is not just huge in Australia anymore, but has worked his way into the hearts of the rest of the world.  I have noticed people I never would have guessed would like his work posting it to Facebook or their Tumblr's.  Keep in mind, however, that I didn't think some of these people would ever have a Tumblr, either!
More recently, his music has moved from the web to radio stations here in New York.  I've had friends inform me they heard him on Q104.3 and Fresh 102.7.
Let's just say I'm glad I got (cheap) tickets to one of his shows at Webster Hall when I did!  He has already added a show in NYC, noting the desire for one by new fans.  The next time he tours and passes through the city, I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be able to get tickets so easily (and for so cheap).
How do I feel about that?  Sad that I'll have to dole out more money in order to see him, but happy that his music has now gone global.  This man deserves it.  His music makes me weep, and dance, and sing with all my might.  Other people should get to live through the experience, and he, the true talent that he is, should get to give it to them.  I'm happy for him and I'm happy for us, the listeners.
So, if you have yet to listen to Gotye, do yourself a favor and make it happen.  After you do, you may want to attempt to find a ticket to one of his shows.  I cannot express how excited I am to finally see this man.
I leave you with the first song I heard by Gotye, a song I have heard again and again and again since that first time.  This is one of those songs, and music videos, that has made me cry all of the tears.

Why I Will Not Be Joking About Whitney Houston

I consider myself someone with what could often be described as having a sick sense of humor, but I can find no reason to even think about making jokes concerning the death or life of the legendary Whitney Houston.  My family spent quite a significant amount of time listening to Whitney in the past twenty-one years of my existence.  When I heard the news, I did indeed cry, and quickly began playing her music to sob-sing-along to.  The woman epitomized the term "breath-taking."  Her supreme, raw talent was undeniable.  She had problems, addiction problems that she admitted to openly, and yet still managed to have a personality as shining as her voice.  I'd encourage anyone making fun of her to consider the anyone they know who might have an addiction problem, and understand that does not by any means make them a bad person, and certainly not one who deserves to be made fun of in death. I would then encourage them to consider that voice, consider how many times they have sung along to one of her songs, and to consider how her music has spoken to them.  As it was Whitney Houston, it is almost a definite that her music would have at some point touched your life, and for the better too.

And if that doesn't get you...well, just listening to that voice, The Voice, just might.