Oldies But Goodies: The Beatles
After I wrote up my last post about Prince being in the UK, I got to thinking about making a trip to Europe next summer! I also started thinking about one of the bands I listened to just about every other day…The Beatles. My father is a huge Beatles fan, so whenever we went on road trips, you can best believe that The Beatles were going to be a part of that drive!
The Beatles started out in Liverpool, England and eventually made their way into the hearts of Americans. The group consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison. What I like about The Beatles is that they were trend setters. They had the talent and creativity to explore new avenues in their recordings as well as introduce string and brass ensembles into their rock music. I also love that their songs are upbeat - just nice, wholesome music that your kids could listen to 
However, back then I’m sure many parents didn’t put up with that “rock and roll” music. How much has changed!
So, as I begin to plan my trip to Europe for next summer, I would love to visit the places that The Beatles have left their footprints - like the Cavern Club and the Cavern Pub. I would also love to attend any of the music festivals going on as well as sample the nightlife. Let’s see if the Brits can party like us!
I’ve started my search for decent London Hotels to stay at as well as Edinburgh Hotels and Glasgow Hotels. Other cities in Europe on the list to visit include Paris, Amsterdam, and possibly Milan!
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What Song Makes Your Heart Sing?
My soul was craving some feel good music today, so I listened to Robin Thicke and instantly felt much better! I only wish that there was more music out there that makes your heart sing - especially in the R & B genre. Many of the songs today are all about heart break, which is ok, but after awhile it just makes you depressed!
Thank Goodness I came across Hilda Carroll’s playlist of inspirational songs! A couple of my favorites on the list are:
And speaking of “Imagine”…Imagine a world where only joyful happy songs existed. Do you think we’d have a much more peaceful earth? I think so.
What many people don’t realize is that there are psychological effects of music. If you want to change how you feel, simply change the music that you’re listening to. Don’t listen to heavy metal while sitting in traffic and you certainly don’t listen to slow music while you’re at the gym!
That said, I also feel that it’s important to note that lyrics in music also affect how you think and view the world. I think people, especially famous artists, have a responsibility to the world to produce music that uplifts the people. We all listen to music - why not make it music that makes a difference?
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Prince Charming
As I read Failed Muso’s review of a Prince concert in London, I have my own memories of playing an air guitar in my bedroom as I listened to Prince’s album,Around the World in a Day on my cassette player. Ah, those were the days! Ever since his single Raspberry Beret came out, I’ve been a huge fan.
Well, I’m pretty jealous of those in the UK who were able to get Prince’s new CD with their Sunday newspaper! He’s making his rounds in London where he will spend 21 days. Where to next?
I completely respect Prince’s idea to give away his CD. He basically just wants to make sure the message in his music is given to as many people as possible. Obviously he’s not in it for the money anymore and I love that If I had millions like him, I would do the same thing.
Find out more about Prince by visiting his website, 3121.com
Music Lyrics That Inspire
What type of music inspires you?
The other night I was watching the show, America’s Got Talent, and saw one of the four final contestants, Julienne Irwin, sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. I couldn’t believe how much that song touched my heart. If that isn’t an inspirational song, I don’t know what is!
Here are the lyrics…
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high,
There’s a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue,
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true.
Someday I’ll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far
Behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That’s where you’ll find me.
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly.
Birds fly over the rainbow.
Why then, oh why can’t I?
If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can’t I?
She did a spectacular job singing this song. Makes me wanna go out and get some singing lessons! Watch Julienne Irwin’s performance…
Is Mp3 Music All That?
I must admit that I was a slow adopter to this new mp3 era. Heck, I just got my first mp3 player this year which was actually given to me on my birthday. It now sits lifeless for whatever reason - can’t seem to figure out why and I can’t find the receipt to return it.
As much as I love the idea of being able to carry music in my pocket, I still prefer to listen to Cds. I don’t really know why - but I did come across this article over SFGate.com which talks about the quality of mp3s and how our brain processes this music that we listen to.
Here’s what Dr. Robert Sweetow of the UCSF audiology department says:
“Poorer-fidelity music stimulates the brain in different ways. With different neurons, perhaps lesser neurons, stimulated, there are fewer cortical neurons connected back to the limbic system, where the emotions are stored.”
This may be true for instrumental music, however, I do believe - as does Dr. Sweetow - that the words trigger our emotions, so whether or not the quality of the sound is good, we can still feel the essence of the music.
Well, no matter which way we look at it, mp3 music is here to stay…At least, for a little while. I wonder what’s next?
Read more of the article over at SFGate.com
Making a Difference With Music
I was listening to the radio the other day as I exercised and heard a rap song. I have no idea who the artist is or what the title to the song is. All I know is that it talked about getting a girl into bed, getting drunk, and all the money that he had.
Seems like nothing has changed much in the rap industry, eh?
What bothers me the most about this is that young people like these kinds of songs. They are being spoon fed these ideas that money and sex is “cool”.
What happened to speaking and singing from the soul versus doing what an agent or producer says will “sell records”.
It’s time to stop thinking about selling records and start thinking about how we can uplift the spirits of these young souls! We’ve become a nation that lives for the pursuit of money instead of living for the sake of simply enjoying life, spreading love, and making a difference in this world.
Do you think singing about sex, alcohol, and money is making a difference?
Vinyl Still Exists?
The other day I was walking around downtown San Diego and passed by this area where there used to be a record shop. It was a cool little hole-in-the wall that was frequented by the local disc jockeys and vinyl collectors. Unfortunately, it shut down about the same that Tower Records closed its doors.
Nowadays it’s hard to find a place that still sells records. For some reason I thought records were extinct, until I read Manufactured Environment’s post. I guess it makes sense to keep vinyl around since so many disc jockeys still like to spin and scratch…
And speaking of disc jockeys, here’s a resource for those of you in this industry: Disc Jockey News
Also, here’s something you hardly see - a girl DJ in action…Love it!
