1/31/15

Music Review #11: "Hot for Teacher"

Today, I will be reviewing "Hot for Teacher" by Van Halen. This song was released in 1983 as part of Van Halen's 1984 album. In my opinion, this song has the best drum solo ever. I also really enjoy the guitar in this song. The only thing that I think is weird is how there are pauses where they act as if they are in class. Other than that, it really is a great song. I give this song a nine and a half out of ten.

1/30/15

Music Review #10: "Don't Look Back"

Today, I will be reviewing "Don't Look Back" by Boston. This song was released in 1978 as part of the Don't Look Back album. I enjoy pretty much everything by Boston. Brad Delp's voice is incredible. Tom Scholz is a terrific guitar player. I love how all the instruments are in-sync throughout this song. "Don't Look Back" is easily in my top three favorite songs by Boston. This is a song that I would want to hear performed live. Sadly, I am not willing to go see Boston in concert. Brad Delp cannot by replaced. Anyways, this is a great song. I give it a ten out of ten.

1/29/15

Music Review #9: "I'm Amazed"

Today, I will be reviewing "I'm Amazed" by My Morning Jacket. This song was released in 2008 as part of the Evil Urges album. I am a big fan of this song. It is quite a calming tune. I enjoy the guitar and I think that Jim James has a great voice. This song is also very catchy. I really encourage listening to this song if you are ever angry. When I am angry, this is my go-to song. My Morning Jacket is a group that I have enjoyed the last few years and my interest in the group is increasing significantly. I give this song a solid ten out of ten.

1/28/15

Music Review #8: "Mayflower Overture"

Today, I will be reviewing "Mayflower Overture" by Ron Nelson. This version of the song was played by the Joliet Central High School Symphonic Band. This is a song that is supposed to resemble the pilgrims' voyage to the United States. I played this song in band class during my sophomore year in high school. The beginning has an uplifting sound, as this resembles the start of the voyage. The song gets dark a little later. This represents the strong storms and other challenges faced on the voyage. Then, the calm after the storm sets in. The French horn solo is very good. Next is my favorite part. This is when the pilgrims spotted land and are almost at the end of the voyage. My favorite part of the song is from 6:18 to the end. I love the sound of all the lower instruments. This is a terrific song. I have always enjoyed this song and that will never change. I give this song a ten out of ten.

1/27/15

Music Review #7: "Helicopter"

Today, I will be reviewing "Helicopter" by Martin Garrix and Firebeatz. This song is a single that was released in March, 2014. I definitely like the rhythm. I am a big fan of electronic music. I remember that I first heard this song when I went to the Pens game on my birthday. This is definitely a song that I would recommend to use during warm ups. It's got a good sound to it. Also, Martin Garrix has a lot of good stuff. It's kind of funny to say that I am older than Garrix given that I am only 20 years old. This is definitely one of my favorites by Martin Garrix. I give this song a ten out of ten.

1/26/15

Music Review #6: "Don't Ask Me to Explain"

Today, I will be reviewing "Don't Ask Me to Explain" by Of Montreal. This song was released in 1997 in their first album, Cherry Peel. Right off the bat, I am a big fan of the intro. I think the lead singer's voice is a bit weak. The drums are very good. I am not a fan of the bells and I am not too much of a fan of all the instrumentation. I think this song does have good rhythm. Something else is that there is something about the album cover that I enjoy. I used to be a much bigger fan of this song, but things have changed. I give this song a six out of ten.

1/25/15

Music Review #5: "Shiny Happy People"

Today, I will be reviewing "Shiny Happy People" by R.E.M. This song was released in 1991 as part of R.E.M.'s Out of Time album. Other than the original members, Kate Pierson provided the female vocals. Right off the bat, I can say that I am a big fan of how upbeat this song is. Everyone should try to find happiness in some way, shape, or form. I also like the instrumentation in this song as well. The only thing I throws you off is the slow part in the beginning, and then it picks up. I have always been a fan of this song. This is a song that I would recommend everyone to listen to if they are having a down day and they need something to brighten their mood. I give this song a nine out of ten.

1/24/15

Music Review #4: "Time Stand Still"

Today, I am reviewing "Time Stand Still" by Rush. This song was released in 1987 as part of Rush's Hold You Fire album. In addition, to Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart, Chrissie Hynde provided the female vocals. I really like this song. I am a huge Rush fan. I like the tempo and the rhythm. I am also a big fan of the bass in this song. The bass riff that starts at 3:45 is incredible. I rank this song in my top five favorite Rush songs. I give this song a rating of ten out of ten.

1/23/15

Music Review #3: "I Won't Let You Down"

Today, I am reviewing "I Won't Let You Down" by OK Go. It was released in 2014 as part of the "Hungry Ghosts" album. Right off the bat, this song in downright catchy. I really like the rhythm in this song. I also like the video. It is incredible that they used a remote-controlled octacopter to record the video. The only think I do not like about the video/song is the prep before the video. I think that it should have just started when the song did. Anyways, it is an awesome song. I have always been a big fan of OK Go. I give this song a score of nine and a half out of ten.

1/22/15

Music Review #2: "Learning to Fly"

Today's song that I am reviewing is "Learning to Fly" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. This song was released in 1991 and it is featured in the album "Into the Great Wide Open." The song has a very calming tone to it. I like the backing instruments and the backing vocals. The backing vocals seemed to sync well together. The only part about this song that I don't necessarily care for is that Tom Petty's voice is somewhat shaky. I understand that Tom Petty has a distinct voice, but it is somewhat shaky. Overall, this is a very solid song. I give this song a seven out of ten.

1/21/15

Music Review #1: Apollo 13 Soundtrack

Apollo 13 is a movie based on a real event. The Apollo 13 mission was captained by Jim Lovell with a crew composed of himself, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise. The goal of the mission was to land on the moon. Due to oxygen problems, they were unable to land on the moon. Even though they were unable to reach the moon, it was a struggle to get the crew back to Earth. With the help of Ken Mattingly, the astronaut who was supposed to be on the mission, the crew successfully came back to Earth. Apollo 13 is my favorite movie. The music in the movie is absolutely phenomenal. My favorite scenes from the movie include the suiting up/launch and the re-entry. During these major scenes, the music was at its best. My favorite part was the women's voices in both songs. When I heard them, it gave me goosebumps. It made me think of outer space and tranquility. This terrific movie is one that I encourage everyone to watch. Even though this may sound move like a movie review, it is still a music review. James Horner did a spectacular job writing the music for this movie. If you watch this movie. don't just pay attention to the action, pay attention to the background music. On a scale from one to ten, I give the Apollo 13 soundtrack a 10 rating.