Pretty Vocals versus Real Vocals

In class we have been discussing whether people enjoy pretty vocals that don't connect to the emotions of lyrics versus less beautiful singing that is by someone that is better connected to the emotions of the lyrics. Since the main thing I enjoy in music is the lyrics, this issue is one I struggle with myself. The main band that creates this controversy for me is Bright Eyes. The lyrics written by Conor Oberst, in my opinion, are some of the best in music today. Yet, a lot like Bob Dylan, Conor's voice is a very polarizing element in his music. You either love it, or you hate it. The determining factor for me is the quality of the lyrics. We all have a certain lyrics versus vocal quality threshold. Some people's are just higher than others.
Sometimes, emotion is not pretty. So shouldn't the vocals reflect that? If you are angry, would you usually sing beautifully about it? No! You would yell and scream about it. When artist channels the feelings of the lyric through the vocals, I don't care what it sounds like, because it makes me FEEL SOMETHING. That's a lot better than feeling nothing at all.

I recently have started listening to a guy called Kevin Devine, I found him in one of the studio interviews with Brand New. His music is a mix between Elliot Smith, and Bright Eyes. So its mostly quiet acoustic stuff. Take a Listen!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=related&v=Hiy_VZYmQVc

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ry9b85nUmmY

We have been listening to The Who in class, not only are they fairly proficient players, they put on a great show, maybe the greatest rock show ever!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BzIwRpFDZ8I

Funny Beatles Moments

I've since discovered that the Beatles are hilarious and have decided to share some great moments.

The Evolution of Brand New

I've been listening to the band "Brand New" for a long time. I've fell in love with every album they have ever released. Each of their 4 albums chronicles their journey from an ordinary Long Island punk band, (a good one at that.) to a more mature post hardcore group. The core of the band, a guy named Jesse Lacey, is the best songwriter I have ever listened to, with a particular knack for lyrics. listen to these 2 songs, one from their first album and another from there last and compare them.

Brand New- Seventy Times Seven

and now

Brand New- At the Bottom

See what I mean? Their first album is teenager who angry, chaotic and impulsive. Their latest album is an adult who is angry, chaotic and impulsive. Their other 2 albums are everything in between. They are a great band and I hope you will check them out!

Bright Eyes

Hey Guys,
I have terrible habit of discovering great bands after everyone else has. By the time I first heard Radiohead most people had moved on. So if you have heard of my newest discovery, sorry, but if you haven't heard of Bright Eyes, keep reading.

Bright Eyes is defined as an Indie rock group, but it really has done everything from folk to electronica. most of their songs are simple acoustic ballads written by core of the band Conor Oberst. He has been writing songs since he was 15 and has since perfected the art. While some people complain about his singing not being up to par. I believe he sings not to sound angelic, like most people would, but to convey the emotion of the lyrics, and sometimes emotion is ugly and raw. So his voice can be like such. The strongest element of his music are his lyrics, but don't take it from me! Go check them out, Here are some of my favorites by them.


1. Lets not sh*t ourselves

2. A Perfect Sonnet

3.Poison Oak

The Beatles Painted?

Hey Guys,
We've been talking about the Beatles alot in class recently. I recently discovered that the Beatles did a fair amount of painting while on tour. Here's an awesome article about a Beatles painting that was found stashed under a bed for 20 years.

http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/09/how-a-painting-by-the-beatles-ended-up-stashed-under-a-bed-for-20-years/262034/