House. . .

Now that I have entirely oversaturated the rock genre, how about a complete change of musical pace with house, or dance, music.

The song, "Days Go By," was made a smash hit on the radio waves when released, ironically, in advertising for Mitsubishi a few years ago.  This song, as performed by Dirty Vegas, has a distinct night club beat and sound - normally a style I personally shy away from.  House, or dance, music is loud, intense, and in my opinion without originality - no lyrics, just beat.  However, as of late, I find surprise interest in myself.

During an iTunes search for the song, "Shakedown," as performed in Beverly Hills Cop II (Tribute to Bob Seger album), I came across an incredible number of song and album titles named Shakedown.  Overwhelmed, I reviewed all - I was not sure who or what to look for to begin with.  I played every Shakedown title (including Steve Laury's "Shakedown" - see And All That Jazz post) and eventually found the "Shakedown" song and artist I was thinking of.  Along the way, however, I found the song "Nothing But a Heartache" on the album Shakedown.  Still in search mode, I listened to the 30-second window.

"Nothing But a Heartache," as performed by The Freemasons, is a dance-labeled song.  Shockingly, I liked what I heard so much that I purchased it...Oh my God, I like house music!  So what makes this song special and worth buying?  It is fun and fast.  It has a melodic beat.  It features more than just scratching on a turntable, including a brass section.  It is not oppressively intense.  "Nothing But a Heartache" is a song with attraction, house-style with substance.

My love for Duran Duran recently zeroed in on individual side projects created by various members.  Roger Taylor is a professional d.j. when not performing or recording.  His style is dance, house.  I love the drums and I adore Roger Taylor, so I took a chance and listened to his work online, through his official Facebook page.  The first link under his Facebook Info tab provides a biography and background of Roger's work as a d.j.  The second link provides an audio sample of his work, called "Ready For This."  When I first visited this site, I myself thought, "No!  I'm not ready for this!"  I truly felt like I had just stepped into a loud, busy nightclub.  Yet with repeated visits and more due chances, I found myself in a house groove.  The words are repetitive, but the beat is powerful...Holy something I cannot say, I love house music!  And there are times when I can't get the beat out of my mind!  Roger Taylor has a way of bringing together random sounds into one coherent tone.  The man in unbelievable in his awe-inspiring talent as a drummer and as a career disc jockey.

I dedicate this blog entry to Roger Taylor.  Thank you for opening my eyes to a new world in music.  A once-dreaded notion of house has now become an intriguing fun house.  (Apologies for the pun.)  Play it Rog!