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."