It's A Four Letters Word (L.O.V.E)

While Having a Great Conversation

Ola. i know it's not a Valentine's Day, but i feel like talking about Love. Yep, maybe some of you guessed it right. That four letters word are indeed LOVE. I actually believe that music is a universal media for expressing your feeling especially love. and this time i would like to talk about some memorable songs related to love topic whether it's on its downfall or on its rise time.

Nazareth - Love Hurts

the lyric of this song is truly heartbreaking. it feels like whoever wrote this song had experienced the worst side of being in love with someone. 

Love hurts, love scars, love wounds
And mars, any heart
Not tough or strong enough
To take a lot of pain, take a lot of pain

Just from looking at those lyrics above, i can tell that whoever wrote it has been through a lot. he has lost faith in love yet love is the most wonderful thing in the world.

Bryan Adams - Have you ever really love a woman

Every word of its lyric are magical, sweet and honest. you can easily agree with his words whether you're a boy or a girl. Guitar strums at the beginning really bring some romantic atmosphere and the entrance of Bryan's sexy voice really adds the missing puzzle. of course it's the lyric that really speaks to our heart. Honestly, if a guy sings me this song, it would be very hard not to pay attention. In my opinion, it is far from cheesy.

Michael Buble - Everything

i admit, there's a lot of lovey dovey, love related songs came from this singer. But what really caught my attention was this song. just check out this optimistic and honest lyric :

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It's you, it's you, you make me sing.
You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.

And I can't believe, uh that I'm your man,
And I get to kiss you baby just because I can.
Whatever comes our way, ah we'll see it through,
And you know that's what our love can do.

this song, this lyric somehow makes us believe in the existence of love.

Maroon 5 - Infatuation

This song are not the famous one from this band. Maybe some of you never heard of this one. me neither, before. Until one guy asked me to hear this because he said that this song really explains his situation at that time. So, this is more of a personal related pick. But objectively speaking, this song speaks about an infatuation. It is the state of being carried away by unreasoned passion or love. But in this song, this dude can't have this girl because it is an unrequited love.

Blink182 - Going Away to College

the first time hearing this song was in Junior High. I didn't really get the meaning of it nor feel the same way. Basically this song is about a guy that's gonna leave his girlfriend for academic purpose. And never thought i would experience it first hand. Anyway, farewell sucks, especially with your loved ones. But that's life.
I never thought Blink182 had this sensible side in them. because i think these lyrics are not cheesy at all, actually it's kinda sad once you truly understand them. And long distance relationship is a tough call. No one is gonna make it, if they don't have enough love and trust...and respect.
just check out some of their lyrics :

Westlife - Flying Without Wings

You know, English is not my native language. Of course LOL. So when i heard this song in my Elementary years, i didn't know what it meant. And i remember asking my mom for the translation. And we were discussing it. But still with my mom translating it, i still didn't really get what it meant until, i was Karaoke-ing with my friends then and seeing the lyric popped out and i realized that this song is so effing sweet.

"who can't deny the joy it brings, when you've found that special thing, you're flying without wings".

Someone really did tell me one time that he feels like flying when i said i love him. I never really experience that 'flying' sensation, maybe i had but i just didn't realize. but i was so happy knowing that i could make someone feel that way :)

The Script - The Man Who Can't Be Moved

Ok. This is a personal pick as well, because a guy asked me to listen to this song because he said that he feels that way at that time. Truly this song talks about dedication. Dedication of a man that is very very sure that this particular girl is a love of his life. So, he will wait at the same spot (whether it's a literally meaning or not) and he thought it would be easier for this girl to find him. Because he won't budge and he'll stay. 

Well, after reading my list, i came to a conclusion. Love is weird, it makes you stronger sometimes but it also makes you vulnerable as hell. But no human being will survive without love, because it is the most wonderful thing in the world. Before i get too sensitive and cheesy, i will stop :)

Oh! here's one of my photos taken in Bali last week. Just wanna brag it a little. Please don't hate me.

Psyched!!

While Listening to Saturday Night by Travis Barker featuring Transplants and Slash

Hy there. So, there are a lot of music genres. Psychedelic rock is one of them and categorized as rock. I'm not very familiar with this genre, but i'm so excited about it and i want to talk about it in my blog. Mainly, Rock genre divided into these :
• Adult Alternative
• American Trad Rock
• Arena Rock
• Blues Rock
• British Invasion
• Death Metal/Black Metal
• Glam Rock
• Hair Metal
• Hard Rock
• Metal
• Jam Bands
• Prog-Rock/Art Rock
• Psychedelic
• Rock & Roll
• Rockabilly
• Roots Rock
• Singer/Songwriter
• Southern Rock
• Surf
• Tex-Mex

Psychedelic rock is a style of rock music that is inspired or influenced by psychedelic culture and attempts to replicate and enhance the mind-altering experiences of psychedelic drug such as marijuana and LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide; ‘acid’) and that reflected drug-induced states through the use of feedback, electronics and intense volume. It reached a peak in between 1967 and 1969 with the Summer of Love and Woodstock Rock Festival (I can tell more about Woodstock later). And because it emerged in 1966, psychedelic rock became the soundtrack of the wider cultural exploration of the hippie movement, initially centred on the West Coast of the United States. In other article psychedelic rock is also mentioned as space rock.

These are the example of psychedelic songs : (i only familiar with some of these)
  1. Tomorrow Never Knows - The Beatles

  2. The American Metaphysical Circus - The United States of America
  3. Grace - Country Joe & The Fish
  4. Interstellar Overdrive - Pink Floyd
  5. Are You Experienced - Jimi Hendrix Experience
  6. At The Mountains of Madness - H.P. Lovecraft
  7. Strawberry Fields Forever - The Beatles
  8. Dark Star - Grateful Dead
  9. Bass Strings - Country Joe & The Fish
10. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds - The Beatles
11. Spare Chaynge - Jefferson Airplane
12. Strange Days - The Doors
13. Other Side of The Sky - Gong
14. My White Bicycle - Tomorrow
15. Translucent Carriages - Pearls Before Swine
16. White Rabbit - Jefferson Airplane
17. Beacon From Mars - Kaleidoscope
18. Season of The Witch - Donovan
19. Venus In Furs - The Velvet Underground
20. Magoo - Country Joe & The Fish

In addition, psychedelic element can be found in many other genres of progressive rock.
Psychedelic Rock generally blue based, like most rock, but often the most psychedelic aspects of this kind of music come from the juxtaposition of traditional rock sounds with outlandish ones (ie: When the Beatles used a sitar rather than a guitar). The psychedelic aspect can also come in the lyrics, though it is rare to see psychedelic lyrics without music that fits the part. Popular techniques in this genre are to use exotic musical styles and warbly effects in order to sink you in the trippy mood (or perhaps even STIMULATE) the effects of psychedelic drugs.

How did i even get sort of familiar with this genre? Maybe it was started when i heard The Flaming Lips quite a long time ago, but the band that very very triggered me to just kinda explore more about this genre was MGMT. and it was in 2009-ish. Make sure you check their songs such as Time to Pretend, Kids, Electric Feel, Pieces of What (OMG i love this song so much) or Flash Delirium.

MGMT (from left to right - Benjamin Goldwasser and Andrew Vanwyngarden)

They are dreamy aren't they? especially Andrew, but i loved them since before i saw that dreamy faces. So i wasn't biased and they're purely talented. just saying :)

10 Songs that would set your mood right

While Listening to Perfume by Britney Spears

Helo. Life is very interesting. it has its own ups and downs moments. this article will share some of my personal song lists that would set my mood right when i'm in THE down state. these are very subjective, because these are my own collections. but maybe you will agree with some of these songs. here they are, starting from number 10. 

10. Pink - Try

Pink is one of my favorite performer. i've been listening to her song since 2001 (get the party started). This particular song released not too long ago. It has that essence which telling you to never give up and just try. 

9. Adele - Set Fire to the Rain

Have you ever felt that down and angry then you just wanna scream at the top of your lungs? Well, singing this song could satisfy that needs. Adele reached her top of singing carrier from releasing '21' titled album. That album was famous for its break up songs (lyric-wise). But it doesn't mean that this song only apply to broken-hearted situation. It's all about reviving and just to bounce back to track.

8. The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Part.1

I've read somewhere that this song was dedicated to one of their (the Flaming Lips) friends. it was told that this particular friend has suffered from cancer and she's been struggling in a huge battle. Yoshimi (maybe not a real name) was the name of that friend and Pink Robots is an analogy for Cancer disease. This song tells us that no matter what, we'd still have people that cares a lot about us and support us.

7. Monkey Majik - Open Happiness

First time i heard this song was in 2010. It's late, i know. but i remember my first impression of this song. it was a complete joy. even its music video was delightful to watch. dogs, cute dogs were everywhere.

6. Sheila On 7 - Pagi Yang Menakjubkan

This local (Indonesia) song just has that x factor in setting your mood right. lyrics, melody and beat. it feels like when you're not in that good mood for waking up in the morning or starting your day with such optimism, i suggest you to listen to this track. and plus, i'm a huge fan of Sheila on 7 :)

5. The Strokes - Someday

This, is one of my all time favorite songs from one of my most favorite bands. This song always sets my mood in its rightful place. it's like having this massive raid of warm breeze into your heart and just making you grateful for even survive the day. The intro, guitar riffs and Julian's voice, it all just feels right.

4. Travis - Flowers in the Windows

First time hearing this song was in my middle school period of time. Same with The Strokes - Someday, this song just has that warm and peace feeling bursting into your soul, especially the intro. Lyric-wise, this song tells a story about a man in doubt. i'm just talking from a very board perspective, but there were flowers in the window that day. it's growing and it makes the day brighter and more beautiful. This song makes you believe once more in the good side of life. At least that's my opinion.

3. Coldplay - Fix You

Do you know the background of the song? Chris Martin was comforting his ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow when her dad passed away. he said "when you're too in love to let it go, lights will guide you home" it's like telling us to just stay strong, this problem called life and you still have people that love you no matter what. 

2. The Beatles - Let It Be

Who doesn't know this famous band? The Beatles was known for their amazing tracks. One of my favorite track is Let It Be. The music, the piano intro, Paul's voice. they're just perfect. This song is telling us that in bad of the baddest situation you're still have God. You need to turn to God and just let it be. God knows what best for you and there will be an answer.

1. Oasis - Stop Crying Your Heart Out

"Cos all of the stars are fading away just try not to worry you'll see them some day. Take what you need and be on your way and stop crying your heart out". That's the chorus of this song. I think that's enough explaining, this song literally speaking to you to stop crying and being sad, everything is meant to fade away, but you don't have to worry because you'll see them again someday. Try listen to this and you'll know what i mean. Liam's voice just so mesmerizing. and personally, when i'm so so so sad about something, i will always listen to this piece from Oasis because this song works.

HONORARY MENTIONS :

People have their own opinion about this list, so i gathered some of my friends opinion about songs that would set their mood right.

Imey : Muse - Butterflies Hurricane

Binsar : Johnny Winter - Johnny b goode, Creedence Clearwater Revival - Fortunate Son, Bee Gees - Staying Alive

Iji : Koil - Nyanyikan Lagu Perang
Kydie : Linkin Park or Simple Plan

Basir : Post-Rock songs

Citra : Sara Bareilles - Brave

Prista : Nidji - Laskar Pelangi

Yoe : Christina Aguilera - Fighter

Gde : Just some calming piano sounds

Bootylicious

While Listening to Staring at the Sun by Rooster

Hai. so a couple of days ago, i was just browsing the internet minding my own business and looking for fun when suddenly, i came across this certain music video called Anaconda. Don't get me wrong, i'm not hating it (not loving it either) hence i'm not a hater but it got me thinking, is this music that sells nowadays? does people still love this music on a same scale if the lyrics doesn't make any sense with no sex related content and the music video would just totally bizzare in term of boring and no booty shaking anywhere to be found? that was a long statement for a question anyway LOL. i just want to know whether people appreciate it for its music or just simply the appearance of booty. here, i'll give you a link to that certain music video i was talking about, eventhough i'm totally sure you have heard it before :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDZX4ooRsWs

Nicki Minaj is a great rapper. there are a lot of successful rapper out there and most of them are men. She is one of the great female rapper of all time. we used to have Missy Elliot, but this era owned by Nicki. She got the skill. She can be amazing without exploiting her b*tt (in my opinion). But her tendency lately which is sex-content worries me. Call me conservative, but i'm just have this huge sympathy for kids who accidentally -or not- see this music video and then consider it an awesome art. There are a lot of awesome music without sex content in it but of course they are not as mainstream as music videos with booty these days.

I won't raise this topic if it were just only one Nicki Minaj Anaconda out there. There are also Booty by Jennifer Lopez feat Iggy Azalea and Wiggle by Jason Derulo. I can search more and i'm sure i will get more.

J.Lo : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxtIRArhVD4
Jason Derulo : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiP14ED28CA

My questions are, what's with Booty? does women classified by it? does men love it? the bigger the better? and why do you have to sing about it? it encourages people to question their body which is not good. Music was supposed to be a peace tool. a container to express your true feelings. there are a lot of better use in music, so please just use it for a good cause.

I won't post any picture because today's topic is Booty and i don't want any Booty in my blog, sorry :D

Oh! here are some lyrics from Anaconda that would kinda blow your mind in confusion :

This dude named Michael used to ride motorcycles
D*ck bigger than a tower, I ain't talking about Eiffel's
Real country ass n*gga, let me play with his rifle
Pussy put his ass to sleep, now he calling me NyQuil
Now that bang bang bang,
I let him hit it 'cause he slang Cocaine
He toss my salad like his name Romaine
And when we done, I make him buy me Balmain
I'm on some dumb shit

Yeah,,,that's about it

Magical Eric

While Listening to Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton


Eric Clapton is one of the greatest and most consistent musician in the world. He was born in England (one of my favorite countries in the world). His productive time in music field is infinity alike. this dude has released so many albums in his lifetime. from 1970 until last year, mr. clapton has constantly given contributions to this world in a form of music. and about acknowledgement? of course he nails it. He earned 17 Grammy. And if that wasn't amazed you, i don't know what will.

How come i ever get the chance of knowing him? how did i get so lucky? well, thanks to my dad, he introduced me to the one and only Eric Clapton when i was just a little girl. i'm sorry if this is getting a little bit personal, but who am i kidding, this is my freakin' blog (lol). Anyway, the first song i ever heard mr. clapton sang and played was Tears in Heaven. This particular song took my attention. because my dad told me that this song was about a son that died and his dad (eric clapton) channelled his despair through song which was entitled 'Tears in Heaven'. i found it very touching and i started loving mr. clapton's works from that time.

i must admit, i don't know much of his songs and of course i don't know all of them. because that's a loadsome of masterpieces to go through and he lived practically before my time but that doesn't deny the fact that he has affected my childhood and my love for music and that's the reason i write an article about him. this is a gratitude for letting me know the taste of a good music. and it was indeed delicious.

The second song from him that i heard was Wonderful Tonight. i may have read an article mentioned the origin of this song like who inspired it. this time was different, my dad wasn't told me anything about the background story of this song. i found it myself. This song is a love song. it's a story of how a man was enchanted by this particular girl that so beautiful that night. see? musicians are sensitive, they're deep. they actually appreciate things that matter to them. they thought about it in long good time and bam! a masterpiece is born. This particular girl, suspected to be Pattie Boyd, and she was married to George Harrison (guitarist of The Beatles) at that time. His affection continued as he created another song about her which i also love so much called 'Layla'. This song was about a man that is madly in love with a woman but he could not marry her. more like an infatuation. man, that is insanely romantic. but in the end he married that girl but got a divorce as well. but my concern wasn't on that part. he created a good song because of this girl and i think a lot of people in the world are thankful for it. we can always get a bright side over things, right?

Those two songs i mentioned above was introduced to me when i was a little girl, as the time went by, i started to looking to another piece from mr. clapton. These are my favorite songs from him,
1. Wonderful Tonight
2. Tears in Heaven
3. Layla
4. Crossroads
5. Let it Rain

i also love his colabration with BB. King like 'key to the highway' and 'Come rain or come shine'

Eric Clapton, magical eric, well at least to me. he holds one of the keys of my growing love for music. and i learned that, even in the worst of times and conditions you can still manage to get a good thing out of it. like songs. and people can enjoy it, they'll be thankful to you and your story would be immortal (in a good way) eventhough it's the story of the death of your child. Thanks for the lesson mr. clapton :)

Eric Clapton

Baby Blues

While Listening to Come Rain or Come Shine by BB. King feat Eric Clapton

I love music. I don’t know when exactly i began loving it, perhaps as long as I can remember. I love almost all of music genres. From Blues to Punk. And I’d like to know more about what I love. That’s why I’m sharing it here. Keep in mind this isn’t some kind of lecture or me being know-it-all, it’s simply just pouring out what I know and hopefully I get criticized or maybe corrected. 

Blues is one of the oldest genre of music there is. It was started in 19^th century and mostly being performed by African-American.When you think of blues, you probably think about misfortune, betrayal, sadness, misery or regrets. Just like Rolling Stones said in one of their songs “as i stand by your flames, i get burned once again, feelin' low down, i'm bluee....”. The term blues in music may have a connection with its original term as a word which is sadness or depressed. 

But listening to the music itself, i usually don't get that sad. i heard Eric Clapton, BB. King, Muddy Waters, Rod Stewart, Robert Johnson etc and the songs that performed by those artists most of the time didn't get me that sad feeling that really identical with the word blues. So, in my conclusion, blues isn't a sad genre. it is a soulful genre. you have to really feel it in order to enjoy it. it's intimate, really. That's why people tend to be so honest, it gets personal and then maybe that 'sad' thing came as a result of an honest thoughts. That is a unique charm i got every time i listen to blues music. i cannot put it in one word, but if i have to it's "eargasm". a nice blues music always gets me there. an ultimate satisfaction. i can listen to other music genre while working, cycling, running or whatever activities i got in between, but blues, man, you cannot cheat on it with your other activities. you have to listen to it without distraction. or maybe you should try to close your eyes to really enjoy it.

I think the most well-known blues song of all time is Mannish boy by Muddy Water. That song, in my opinion is blues signature. and it's so famous too. but not my personal favorite.

Muddy Waters

my personal favorite from this genre are these :

1. Rod Stewart feat Ron Wood - I'd rather go blind

2. Eric Clapton feat BB. King - Key to the highway

3. Pee Wee Crayton - Texas Hop

4. Rolling Stones - I Got the Blues

5. Robert Johnson - Sweet Home Chicago

Those were some kick-ass blues songs if i may say. 

Other not-so-usual stuff from blues is that i can't listen to it all day long. it's heavy somehow. i need to focus to listen in order to get that satisfaction feeling and it's tiring. But once you listen to some good ol' blues, you'll fly,,,,and you'll thank god for inventing such an amazing thing.One instrument that is very familiar in blues family is Saxophone. and Saxophone is my second favorite instrument after guitar.

There is one new band from England that is so amazing and have a blues taste in their music. the band name is The Strypes. I fell in love instantly after hearing two or three of their songs. they made a remake of ol' blues song titled "you can't judge a book by its cover". it was amazing and it made me dig more about them. their song felt like blues had a marriage with rock n roll, and i think that's awesome. Funny thing is, the strypes personal is very young, their age were about 16 and they play an old music. so not mainstream and so skillful because, you know, playing blues need a lot of instrument skill. like i said, it's hard to listen to it, then it is harder to perform it. 

The Strypes

Okay, back to the blues music. maybe the term blues fits. according to lyric, most of blues songs related to sad events to someone's lives, heartbroken, homesick etc. but it's not a mushy kind of music. it's simply just picturing a less-happy part of your life and you can still enjoy it in a form of good music. like a diary, but more elegant. The inventors of blues were slaves, ex-slaves and descendants of slaves back in American. Most of slaves were African-American, maybe that's why blues is best sang by African-American. They sang it in their difficult times as a slave and they still wanted to enjoy some good music, singing songs to pass the time as well as pouring out their heart out to the world. it's deep, like way deep. Music is a sanctuary, it really is then.

Eniwe, the blues grew up in Mississippi Delta just upriver from New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz. Blues and jazz have always influenced each other, and they still interact in countless ways today. But i don't really dig jazz eventhough its relations with blues is so close.

Today there are many different sahdes of the blues. Forms include :

• Traditional county blues - A general term that describes the rural blues of the Mississippi Delta, the Piedmont and other rura; locales;
• Jump blues - A danceable amalgam of swing and blues and a precursor to R&B. Jump blues was pioneered by Louis Jordan;
• Boogie-woogie - A piano-based blues popularized by Meade Lux Lewis, Albert Ammons and Pete Johnson, and derived from barrelhouse and ragtime;
• Chicago blues -  Delta blues electrified;
• Cool blues - A sophisticated piano-based form that owes much to jazz;
• West coast blues - Popularized mainly by Texas musicians who moved to California. West Coast blues is heavily influenced by the swing beat.

You can't talk about one music genre without really connecting it with other genre. Just like blues. in my opinion -correct me if i'm wrong- blues really have a close relation with jazz, R&B and rock n roll. Cool old stuffs :)