Yeezus and other Religious Musings

I am a practicing Christian.

People immediately jump to conclusions about me based on this fact.  Possibly, I am a terrible follower of Jesus due to the music I listen to, the lifestyle I lead, and the opinions I have.  Either that or I am a terrible music critic because I obviously believe that the only credible music in the eyes of God is gospel.  This is not, however, how I feel.

I believe God has put musicians on earth to show that He is accessible through many mediums. That means he can even be heard through the writing of non-believers, you just have to hear it and feel it.  Note:  This is conditional to the specific musician and the personal beliefs of the listener, just like anything else in the world.  What I believe brings me closer to God may not to the next person and visa versa.

You may be thinking that this is my way to justify my music taste in the eyes of God.  You are right.  I'm sure that I listen to songs that He would not approve of, but that does not define the quality of a relationship.  That's all I will say about that.

All of this being said,

I am sure that musicians have an equally hard time justifying the music they write with their faith. This is a universal problem.  A prime example, as stated in the title of this post, is the new album Yeezus by Kanye West.  It is no secret that he is my favorite rapper.  To those that know me very well it is also no secret that I can recite "Jesus Walks" line for line.  I do, however, find fault in this album due to the conflicting ideas between his Christianity and the content of some songs. 

 I will be the first to say that music should not be censored or watered down, but does that mean that it should even have super explicit content in the first place?  There is a line of what is acceptable for every person, which I understand, but what is the line for Kanye West, a self-professed Christian?  I don't know if there is one, because in this album he actually equates himself to God in a way that I personally am uncomfortable with.

Now, all of this moral hoo-haa aside, what do I think of the album?  What do I think of the actual music?  Can the morality and the artistry be separated at all?  I don't know if I have answers to all of those questions, but I am going to state my personal opinions with each song I feel is notable.

I hope it's very obvious by now that I don't think or want everyone to agree with me, but I'm putting it in cyberspace because it's a controversial subject that is worth at least considering.  Plus I love Kanye.

1. On Sight- From a secular point of view this song is very listenable.  It seems to be an elaboration of "Stronger", which as everybody knows can't be a bad thing for album sales.  I also enjoy the bridge cutting into the song the way it does. I think that Kanye often uses a shock factor that ruins the song for people like me.  He didn't have to curse that much or write about what he did, and I don't appreciate that aspect of it. Bottom line: I don't think that the artistry of the song outweighs the lyrical content that I am opposed to.   

2. Black Skinhead- So, I'm Catholic.  However, I'm not offended by what he says in this song because I've heard worse from other Christians about Catholics.  That's the thing about this song, the political inaccuracy is ironic and therefore very important to hear.  I think that the anger is necessary and the cursing is warranted. Bottom line: The song is not a classic and by far not marketable for 80% of music listeners, but it is a song worth listening to. 

* I'd like to add that a lot of interesting information can be found on songfacts.com and artistfacts.com, not only on this song or any other Kanye West song, but on almost any artist you can imagine.

3. I Am A God (feat. God)- I assume that he says the song is featuring God because the song features a lot of ideas from the Bible. This sounds like Christian rap, but way better because it isn't terrible.  I don't like the sound of the woman crying in the background, but I do enjoy that it sounds like "Heard 'Em Say".  Bottom Line: Even though Kanye is super cocky and it's a little annoying, I think that this song was truly inspired by God.  It is candid, beautiful, and overall well executed.

4. New Slaves- Simply put, I feel the same way about this track as I do with "Black Skinhead", except the line about being...a "swallower" is trashy and unnecessary.  However, I would rather listen to this song over the other just because the bass line is really catchy.

Those are the tracks I think are most relevant to morality.  I can't say that it's an album I will listen to regularly because it is a little distasteful, but it's still relevant in the music scene and that's exactly what he was going for, isn't it?   

Summertime

You wouldn't know it by how pasty-white my skin is,

but it's summertime.  I haven't been out much.  Even if I did go out, it would take a long time for me to show any signs of a tan.  Am I bitter about that?  A little.  However, I have nobody to blame but myself unless you want to get technical and blame my father's ancestors for this pale and stubborn Polish skin I have inherited. 

Regardless of whose fault this is, the fact remains that I am still on the computer rather than soaking up any sun.  So, in order to atone for this I am just going to make a playlist.  I will burn this playlist and play it in my car as I make the 4.5 hour journey back to my parents' house this week to see my brother graduate from high school.  While I am there I intend to go to the beach, enjoy my free time, and make up for spending all of May staying indoors.  I cannot be more excited about it, so this playlist is a product of my excitement.

1) Blister In the Sun- Violent Femmes

2) Spotlight- Gucci Mane feat. Usher

3) Water- Brad Paisley (This can also be interchanged with "Beat this Summer", but I like Water better)

4) At the Beach- the Avett Brothers

5) Never Let You Go- Third Eye Blind

6) Long Hot Summer- Keith Urban

7) Sweetness- Jimmy Eat World

8) Summer of '98- Secret Handshake

9) I Do- Better Than Ezra

10) Summer Girls- LFO

11) Little Secrets- Passion Pit

12) Bad Girls- M.I.A.

13) Treasure- Bruno Mars

14) I Can't Lie- Maroon 5

15) Man Down- Rihanna

16) If We Ever Meet Again- Timbaland feat. Katy Perry

17) Lover, Lover-Jerrod Niemann

18) One Week of Danger- The Virgins

19) So Lonely- The Police

20) Keep Me In Mind- Zac Brown Band

As Previously Mentioned,

My brother of 18 years is graduating high school this week.  I cannot believe it's been 2 years since I moved out.  It's weird to think that I haven't been able to see him every day, or even every few months.  I'm tremendously proud of him.  So, in honor of Greg and his accomplishments, I have a picture of us and a song that relates to him in many ways.

Go-Getter Greg- Ludo

Happy June, Everybody.

Here's a Post About Jazz.

To be honest, I don't know a lot about jazz.

I took "The History of Jazz" my first semester in college and got an A, but if I told you I went to more than half of the classes I'd be lying.  Also, if I told you I was awake for the classes I did attend that would also be a lie.  I don't know why I couldn't stay lucid because I really am interested in jazz.  The songs and artists I do know are some of my all time favorites.  So, when the opportunity to attend the jazz festival downtown arose obviously I took it.  We decided to wear red, white, and blue for Memorial Day, drink girlie drinks, and look sophisticated while exposing ourselves to culture.  I'd like to think we did just that.

This is me with a pineapple.  It was awkward to hold as you can see.

Jennifer and her son, Austin, and the same pineapple.

This is all of us just outside The Landing.

This is what I learned about jazz from the Jacksonville Jazz Festival:

1. Some women really should invest in clothes that fit properly.  In the Florida heat it is not wise to wear clingy clothing, especially if you are prone to profuse sweating.
2. A dress like the one I wore does have the tendency to blow in the wind and consequently flash every man, woman, and child in my 10 foot radius.  They did see my undergarments and for that I feel awful.
3. Pineapples make awesome drinking vessels only if you like being poked with the bristly part and carrying a giant ass fruit in your hand all day.  It does, however, make for a cute picstitch on instagram.
4. Homeless people do in fact enjoy festivals and the subsequent crowding of their turf due to all of the free samples and whatnot.  Also, it gives them more opportunities to make casual conversation with unsuspecting girls walking by.  I learned that firsthand.

So there you have it. 

I know nothing new about jazz after the festival, but I did learn some valuable life lessons.    In honor of the Jazz Festival, I'll post my favorite pre-existing jazz or jazz-influenced music.  This is really just scraping the surface,  but I have to start somewhere.

• Last Train Home- Pat Metheny.  My dad is my sole influence here, and I don't know why this is one of the only jazz bands I grew up listening to.  This band has a way of making jazz accessible to a younger generation that I really like.
• Take Five- The Dave Brubeck Quartet.  This song has been featured in I don't even know how many TV shows and movies.  I'd venture to say it's one of the most recognizable jazz songs out there.
• Mack the Knife- Louis Armstrong. It goes without saying that any Louis Armstrong song you hear is the epitome of jazz. This song was actually written in German for an opera but was popularized here in it's translated English version.  Of course, the more popular version by Bobby Darin is slightly watered down, but I suppose more listenable for some. 
• God Bless The Child- Billie Holiday.  Most of these songs are sung by multiple artists and you can find all of their individual covers easily.  I'm picking songs to feature based on the song itself, and in this case God Bless the Child is a classic.  Billie Holiday, like the other women I will list shortly, could sing the phone book and make me cry.  They are so supremely talented.
• My Baby Just Cares For Me- Nina Simone.  Due to the fact that Nina Simone is probably my favorite female jazz singer, I also must note some of my other favorites that she performs. Many people know Sinnerman without realizing it (probably due to it being featured in a Mac commercial recently).  Feeling Good is another popular song, and I just really love Ain't Got No, I Got Life even though it's a departure from the classic jazz genre and more bluesy.
• I Just Want to Make Love to You- Etta James. I know that most of her music is more bluesy than jazzy, but these genres are so closely intertwined and her voice is so beautiful that I must include Etta James in my list.  I have her compilation album "At Last!" and whenever I hear her voice I stop what I'm doing just to really hear her sing.
• How High the Moon- Ella Fitzgerald.  Scat is such an important part of jazz that Ella Fitzgerald can't not be included in my list.  Also, as a mediocre piano player I really admire jazz piano when I hear it.
• Turn Me On- Norah Jones. Like I said, this is a cover, but I had to include it because her voice is so beautiful with the piano and I love her versions of classic jazz songs.
• I Only Have Eyes For You- Jamie Cullum.  This is a more pop/jazz song and a very eclectic interpretation, but Jamie Cullum is a fantastic pop/jazz artist so I figured I'd throw him on my list.  Another version of this song that is awesome is by The Flamingos.
• In My Arms- Jeff Buckley.  You will find out soon, as I plan to devote an entire post to this man, that I love Jeff Buckley with a love greater than words can express.  Out of my favorite artists, he is my favorite favorite.  He is very heavily influenced by Nina Simone and the like, so you can see why I would include him on this list.
• In A Sentimental Mood- Duke Ellington and John Coltrane.  I picked this song because it's great and it combines two of the most recognizable names in jazz music.  It really does put you in a sentimental mood.
• I Got A Woman- Ray Charles.  I hear this song and think of Stevie Wonder, early funk, and rock and roll of the mid 20th century.  Obviously I also think of Kanye West and Jamie Foxx.  Ray Charles and the jazz genre was essential to the evolution of music as we know it today.

After writing this I'm realizing that at some point I will have to do a blues-themed post.  These genres are just too similar and they overlap so much I am getting slightly overwhelmed by it all.  I'd say this was a good week for me and jazz.

Just Ugly Enough For Stardom

I've been thinking about the chicken and the egg.

Or rather, the rock star and their popularity.  Which comes first, looking like a rock star or actually having the talent to be one?  My guess is that it's different for every person.  As we all know, there are bands that look like rock stars but, in fact, are about as musically inclined as my cat.  That is, not very much.  Some examples of these people:

Age has not been kind to these men.  Neither was the music industry.  Actually, neither was the reality TV industry.

A true hero of Sports Half Time entertainment.

This is my cat Ellie.  She looks like a rock star but is not actually musically inclined.  Also she's adorable.

Then again,

Some of the best artists I can think of definitely look the part.  I wonder if looking this way gave them the confidence to perform music and live their lives as celebrities, or their dress was just a by-product of what they had already produced.  A few of my favorite looks are these:

If you listen to When the Levee Breaks and then look at this picture, it's obvious that they are doing exactly what they should be doing, and marketing themselves accordingly.

Beyonce. This goes without saying.  She would have talent without her looks, but do her looks and style help develop her talent?  Or does the talent evolve on its own?

David Bowie.  Ziggy Stardust. He is prime evidence that a stylized persona does affect a musician's evolution.  I just don't know whether one can exist without the other for most celebrities.

And then there are the underdogs.

 The ones who, despite all odds, convinced people that they were worthy of radio play.  They look like people we see in the car next to us at a stoplight.  They certainly can look like men we pass by at WalMart and wonder what they are doing with their lives.  But lo and behold, they are doing a lot with their lives without any help from makeup, hairspray, or jeans that really are just a little too tight.  These are the people that are a true marvel because they are in the business doing only one thing: making fantastic music out of nothing.  Here are some people that are notably normal, if you can believe it.

My love for this Ed Sheeran is no secret.  It's also no secret that he was asked to change his hair color in his early recording days.  I'm personally glad he didn't because...well for one he's endearing the way he is.  Also, he would look super creepy with any other hair color, similar to a vampire.

A true musical hero, Paul Simon really does look like my next door neighbor.

Phil Collins is the ultimate "normal" guy.  However, I learned today that this is his daughter...

So now we know he's good for at least 2 things: being a kickass musician and making surprisingly gorgeous offspring.  

Lastly...

The men of Radiohead.  It is obvious that over the years they actively decided not to become a product of the Top 40 charts.  They are who they are, even if that is slightly scary middle aged men who have incidentally won multiple grammys.  I can vibe with that.

So, that is basically how I group stars when I see pictures of them.  I think it is a rare and beautiful thing when a celebrity looks normal.  I am aware that there are many more people that would fit wonderfully into this post, and commentary is welcomed!

Being Rejected and How Much Fun it is.

Summer is the time that sororities start recruiting.

Honestly they are always recruiting, but the summer is when they have fresh meat that know nothing about their previous transgressions, so they go in force to convince everyone that they are the best.  They convince young girls to spend the money, put in the time, wear the heels that are a genuine health hazard, put themselves out there, face scrutiny, and conform to the standards they believe are right.

All of that being said...

I loved it.  I loved all of it and I ate it up.  I was on our recruitment team, I was there for every event, I wore the matching outfits, I talked to scared freshmen, and I talked about them after they left.  I sized every girl up to my personal (or rather, fraternal) standard and decided for myself whether they were good enough to be my sister.  I don't regret any of it, and truth be told if I wasn't kicked out I probably would still be loving it and eating it up.  I have so many fantastic memories from being greek that I wouldn't otherwise have had, or even understood.  It is NOT a mistake to go greek, and I think it is a wonderful experience as long as you understand that it is a sisterhood as well as a business.

This was moments after my big revealed herself to me.  I just adore her.

"Ask us about sorority recruitment!"

I never understood that, so I spent a year and a half of my life truly believing in something that, as it turns out, didn't believe in me as a person.  The process of being expelled was dragged out over a semester, it was painful, it required me to attest to the character of my sisters when I knew some of them wouldn't reciprocate.  In the end it was one of the worst experiences of my life, but also one of the most character building.  I don't hate them, in fact I appreciate them more as individuals instead of an organization.  My big is still one of my best friends and confidants, my little is still my little no matter what, and I will remember the relationships I still have whenever it gets hard.  I will even accept girls on campus constantly telling me to "GO GREEK!" and attend "Sorority 101", because life is a funny joke and I kind of enjoy the irony.

Because this is a music blog:

Here's some music I've been listening to whilst writing about my sad sad life.  I think these songs are fittingly introspective, sad, yet uplifting and hopeful.  Or else just really good.

1. The Heart of Life- John Mayer. 
2. Everywhere I Go- Lissie.
3. True Love Way- Kings of Leon.
4. The Ballad of Love and Hate- The Avett Brothers.
5. Kathleen- Josh Ritter.
6. I Will Come to You- Hanson.
7. Hope On the Rocks- Toby Keith.
8. I've Been Loving You Too Long- Otis Redding.
9. Whiter Shade of Pale- Procol Harum.
10. Circuital- My Morning Jacket.

So I Guess I'm Doing This.

First off, my name is Dani and I'm about to be in my Junior year at the University of North Florida.  I'm a pretty run-of-the-mill 20 year old.  I spent last year getting kicked out of my sorority, switching jobs 3 times, taking classes, being desperately poor and consequently eating intense amounts of Ramen.  The only thing that I know really well is music, so that's what I'm going to write about.

The issue with the internet is that there are really no playlist sites that satisfy me.  This is probably because although I like all types of music, I am rarely satisfied listening to the same genres for very long.  That means I've heard all of my "Recommended" crap before...and I can't be the only one with this problem.  So bearing that in mind, I have some lists of songs I'm listening to right now and stuff I think people would like based on what is popular right now.  Hopefully I do a better job than scary corporate computer robots.  After all, when they say your music is personalized I think it should actually be personal.  I'm done ranting about that.

Without further ado, here is what I've been listening to lately.  I just started classes and have been driving a lot to and from work, so I have had a couple CDs in my car on repeat.  I also have a couple oldies that I just drug up from my archives.  

In my car right now I have:

Michael Jackson's "HIStory" Vol. 1

This is just to gain your trust, I hope you know now that I have at least the basic good taste in music.  That being said, I'm about to confuse you a little bit.  Next thing I've been listening to:

Lady Gaga's "Born This Way"

Yup. Lady Gaga is one of my favorite artists out right now.  I offer no excuses because I'm not sorry.

Ed Sheeran.  Enough said.

Florence and the Machine's "Ceremonials"

I'm not tired of this album yet and it's been months of continuous listening.  EVERY song is awesome and that's hard to do.

Here's what's on my random playlist:

1. High Enough-Damn Yankees.  Why do I love the 80's hair bands so much?  They harmonize better than anybody bothers to nowadays.  That and I enjoy a good synthesizer every now and again.
2. 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover-Paul Simon. Recently I was in Barnes and Noble just cruising and I heard this song in the background.  It was then that my love for Paul Simon was rekindled.  I just love that he doesn't look at all like a rock star.  In fact, there are many musicians that look more like uncles or bank tellers than Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.  That's a discussion worth having, but at a later date.  Getting back to the song, if you like its gentle humor, you might also enjoy "50 Ways to Say Goodbye" by Train.  It's not the same genre, but there are some additional tips on breaking up with annoying bitches.
3. Do You...-Miguel.  If you like Prince, Usher, or any other number of R&B singers with seemingly no last names, you will like Miguel.  He's got a couple other notable songs, All I Want is You with J. Cole and #Beautiful with Mariah Carey.
4. Called Out In the Dark-Snow Patrol.  Snow Patrol has been killing it lately, I've heard a couple new songs from them and they are excellent.  This should be in a movie during a travel montage scene or opening credits.  It will happen, mark my words.
5. Raise Hell-Brandi Carlile.  I have been exploring a more bluegrass sound lately, and I know that this genre isn't very listenable for most people.  Therefore, the best of both worlds is blues rock that is catchy and expertly sung, which is exactly what Brandi Carlile is awesome at.  She's reminiscent of Melissa Etheridge or K.D. Lang, and I'm not just saying that because they are all lesbians.  They are also all amazing vocalists with a bluesy flare in their music.
6. I'm About to Come Alive- David Nail.  This song was originally written and by Pat Monahan of Train, but I like the country version better simply because of the female harmony.  It's heartbreaking in the best way, the way all timeless songs are.

In Other News:

I have super mixed feelings about this movie, but that is neither here nor there.  I am simply stating that people are going ape shit for the soundtrack and I totally understand why.  This album demonstrates perfectly the progression of jazz music from the twenties to the rap of today.  I'm not talking about novelty rap music, I'm talking about Jay-Z and Kanye.  There are a few things I think listeners would like to know if you'd like to hear more by similar artists.

• Lana Del Rey's music sounds almost nothing like "Young and Beautiful".  I thought I was really going to like her music outside of this single, but I just don't.
• Bryan Ferry, who orchestrates some of the music on the album, had a band a while back that was similar to the work he does here.  His band, which my dad ingrained into my adolescence and I will never forget, is Roxy Music.  I recommend songs like "In the Midnight Hour" that are jazzy and upbeat.
• The reason the XX is on the album, I think, is because they are just a great band with a sound a lot of people enjoy.  Their style of music doesn't fit the album, but it still works with "Together".  The bands I think of immediately after considering the XX are the Dirty Projectors and The National.  There is also a song in particular that comes to mind, "Golden Skans" by the Klaxons.
• Jack White, as I'm sure most people know, is in The White Stripes.  He also has done a lot of other great music with The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather.  If you like that type of raw, unrefined sound you might like The Black Crowes, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, or maybe if you are feeling really bluesy, Muddy Waters.  Also, seeing as the song he performs on the album was written by the men of U2, it's worth giving one of the best bands in the world a shot if you haven't already.