At the moment, I am drafting my second eBook, entitled The Truth About Unemployment. This book describes personal accounts, from a variety of angles, in being several months unemployed. The draft is ongoing, but a general sense of my thoughts can be found on my blog, "What to write about today. . ." - http://lah1983.blogspot.com/. I am sharing this general interest post on my music blog because in Chapter 10 of the book, I open with lyrics from Depeche Mode's "Precious." These lyrics including, "If God has a master plan, That only He understands. . ." & "I hope it's your eyes He's seeing through," reflect my frustrations in not getting through the brick wall that is unemployment.
Music saddens me in my job search - such as "Nobody Knows" by Nick Wood and Simon Le Bon. Music drives me in intensity in my job search - such as various Janet Jackson songs. Music inspires me to keep hope in my job search - such as "Keep Holding On" by Avril Lavigne. Music wills me to share my thoughts in professional writing (eBooks, novels, blogs) - such as "Say" by John Mayer. Music lays the foundation for my emotions in a sorrowful light and in a positive light. I live for music and music lives in my life. The above stated songs are mere examples of how music impacts my life. The YouTube video seen below is a visual example of music's influence in my current day-to-day life.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Duran Duran's Not So Much Albums : Give Them A Chance
Medazzaland & Pop Trash were not so much for Duran Duran. However, select favorites off of both - "Midnight Sun" (Medazzaland) and "Fragment" & "Kiss Goodbye" (Pop Trash) - are quite pleasing to listen to. I gave these three a chance as a Duran Duran fan and as a music fan in general. I encourage fellow listeners to do the same.
Set List - Off Road Duran Duran
At the moment, I am listening to Duran Duran's lesser-preferred albums - "Fragment" & "Kiss Goodbye" from Pop Trash and "Midnight Sun" from Medazzaland. Neither went far with critics and fans. Classic attraction simply was not there at the time of release. I myself, however, am just now discovering these ill-fated albums and wonder why they were written off so swiftly? I like the instrumentals from Pop Trash and the vocals on the one from Medazzaland.
"Midnight Sun" has a sweet tone in lyrics and guitar. The background instruments provide an almost metalic sound. The song opens with a sorrowful instrumental and the lyrics follow through on this note. The only fault I find in this song is that the ending is open-ended. When I first listened, I felt a sense of incompleteness with the ending - just vocals with no support and then silence seconds to conclusion. If I were not the Duran Duran fan that I am, this aspect of an otherwise decent song would have turned me away. Alas, however, I admit to liking a song on a rather unpopular album. Just give it a chance.
For the blasting drums Roger Taylor produces, the technology-astounding synthesizers Nick Rhodes adds, edgy & electrifying guitar Andy Taylor (and others) provides, deep bass beat set forth by John Taylor, and melodic vocals by "simply Simon Le Bon," their pure instrumental songs are beautiful. "Tiger Tiger" to "Tricked Out," the instruments definitely can play. Yet so can those on "Fragment" and "Kiss Goodbye." In 49 seconds, a listener is lost in keyboard sound, haunting and powerful with emphasized notes every so often. Bring the energy up and then slow to a stop. In 41 seconds, mysterious beauty is painted in the mind of the listener through soft yet intense instrumentals. So why, then, are these two intermission-like selections discounted? They are just as touching.
Duran Duran is not immune from off road, not so much songs. I just wonder why these three were included. Apparently, there is something I should know.
"Midnight Sun" has a sweet tone in lyrics and guitar. The background instruments provide an almost metalic sound. The song opens with a sorrowful instrumental and the lyrics follow through on this note. The only fault I find in this song is that the ending is open-ended. When I first listened, I felt a sense of incompleteness with the ending - just vocals with no support and then silence seconds to conclusion. If I were not the Duran Duran fan that I am, this aspect of an otherwise decent song would have turned me away. Alas, however, I admit to liking a song on a rather unpopular album. Just give it a chance.
For the blasting drums Roger Taylor produces, the technology-astounding synthesizers Nick Rhodes adds, edgy & electrifying guitar Andy Taylor (and others) provides, deep bass beat set forth by John Taylor, and melodic vocals by "simply Simon Le Bon," their pure instrumental songs are beautiful. "Tiger Tiger" to "Tricked Out," the instruments definitely can play. Yet so can those on "Fragment" and "Kiss Goodbye." In 49 seconds, a listener is lost in keyboard sound, haunting and powerful with emphasized notes every so often. Bring the energy up and then slow to a stop. In 41 seconds, mysterious beauty is painted in the mind of the listener through soft yet intense instrumentals. So why, then, are these two intermission-like selections discounted? They are just as touching.
Duran Duran is not immune from off road, not so much songs. I just wonder why these three were included. Apparently, there is something I should know.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Set List - Everybody Have Fun Tonight
Summer in Chicago. . .
Taste of Chicago
Local food festivals
Craft fairs
Fireworks off Navy Pier
Packed beaches
Air and Water Show
Boats populating Lake Michigan
Outdoor concerts
Music!
In warm weather, Chicago knows how to play it. Everybody have fun tonight!
Taste of Chicago
Local food festivals
Craft fairs
Fireworks off Navy Pier
Packed beaches
Air and Water Show
Boats populating Lake Michigan
Outdoor concerts
Music!
In warm weather, Chicago knows how to play it. Everybody have fun tonight!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Income rally correction
I successfully reached well over 1,000 views. However, my estimated earnings remain at $5.68. Inquiry showed that I begin earning after 1,000 advertisement views - and I am at 76. Therefore, I am embarking on an Amazon Purchase Rally where viewers can either purchase or at minimum view the advertisements. If there are any Amazon items you would like to see advertised for view or purchase, please let me know via comment.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Set List - ...And slow down
Go crazy. . .and slow down.
Boney James is a smooth jazz saxophone player. His style is sensual with a groove. "Boneyizm," off of the album Body Language, is slow and sexy in beat and tone. Yet, "RPM," off of the album Ride, is relatively fast and energetic for smooth jazz. Boney James is phenomenal in tapping into different senses. Whereas "Boneyizm" is perfect for a rainy day, "RPM" has the zest for a live concert.
Joyce Cooling is a smooth jazz musician. "Before Dawn," off of the album Keeping Cool, is upbeat and refreshing in tone. I imagine coming home to this song gently cooling the air on a hot summer day.
Steve Laury is a smooth jazz guitarist. "Shakedown," off of the album Steve Laury Vol 1, compliments the cool sound set by Joyce Cooling. "Shakedown" is ideal to listen to on a lazy summer weekend day. No pressing needs. No errands. Just home.
Greg Adams is a jazz trumpet player. In my opinion, his style is one of mystery and intrigue with a beat. "Burma Road," off of the album Hidden Agenda, allows the listener to escape on an imagined exotic journey far from home. The beat is smooth. The instrumentals provide escaped mystery. The overall sound allows the listener to catch their breath on a hectic day.
To be sure, however, these songs and artists, just to name a few, give the listener a much-needed chance to slow down their daily pace and relax.
Smooth jazz can catch you grooving in the moment or resting in the moment. Either way, smooth jazz has a way of relaxing moments. So choose your style and always play it.
Boney James is a smooth jazz saxophone player. His style is sensual with a groove. "Boneyizm," off of the album Body Language, is slow and sexy in beat and tone. Yet, "RPM," off of the album Ride, is relatively fast and energetic for smooth jazz. Boney James is phenomenal in tapping into different senses. Whereas "Boneyizm" is perfect for a rainy day, "RPM" has the zest for a live concert.
Joyce Cooling is a smooth jazz musician. "Before Dawn," off of the album Keeping Cool, is upbeat and refreshing in tone. I imagine coming home to this song gently cooling the air on a hot summer day.
Steve Laury is a smooth jazz guitarist. "Shakedown," off of the album Steve Laury Vol 1, compliments the cool sound set by Joyce Cooling. "Shakedown" is ideal to listen to on a lazy summer weekend day. No pressing needs. No errands. Just home.
Greg Adams is a jazz trumpet player. In my opinion, his style is one of mystery and intrigue with a beat. "Burma Road," off of the album Hidden Agenda, allows the listener to escape on an imagined exotic journey far from home. The beat is smooth. The instrumentals provide escaped mystery. The overall sound allows the listener to catch their breath on a hectic day.
To be sure, however, these songs and artists, just to name a few, give the listener a much-needed chance to slow down their daily pace and relax.
Smooth jazz can catch you grooving in the moment or resting in the moment. Either way, smooth jazz has a way of relaxing moments. So choose your style and always play it.
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