Super Heavy - Music For Everyone to Love

What happens when you combine the singer of one of the greatest rock bands, the producer for one of the most popular songs of all time, the son of one greatest reggae artist, and one of the best female voices in music? You get a group called SuperHeavy. Combining rock, reggae, jazz, and every other musical combination you can think of, this new group is extremely unique. The group contains Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger, Eurorythmics' Dave Stewart, Damien Marley, and Joss Stone.

SuperHeavy is a unique name but it makes sense for the group - a group of superstars creating music that is hard to take in because of the style differences between the group members. We have already seen the combination of Kanye West and Jay-Z with their Watch the Throne release, but this is something special. This is a completely different genre which is good for listeners of all types of music. The older crowd will love Mick Jagger and Dave Stewart's accomplished voices while the younger crowd will appreciate Joss Stone and Damien Marley's vibrant flow. The band is fresh with a unique sound that grabs your attention from the very first song. If you want to experience something new, exciting, and want to really appreciate how far music has come in the last 40 years, you really need to listen to this.

Here are a few songs you must hear: SuperHeavy, Energy, Rock Me Gently, Hey Captain

This is the lead single off of the CD. Try to move past Mick Jagger's flamboyant dancing and hot pink suit. The song is fantastic.

SuperHeavy - Miracle Worker

New Study: Music Therapy Helps Cancer Patients

Music is not meant to listen to just as a form of entertainment or relaxation. According to a new study music can be used to help cancer patients. Here is the full article:

Study Finds Music Therapy Helps Cancer Patients

• SEPTEMBER 8TH, 2011
• BY MATTHEW VAN DUSEN

• In Christopher Hitchens’ caustic 2010 essay “Tumortown” about his battle with esophageal cancer the celebrated journalist singles out for scorn those who offered unsolicited advice on miracle cures, soothing tonics and nourishing diets.

The one piece of advice Hitchens’ heeds comes from a Cheyenne-Arapaho friend, who notes that all of her friends who turned to tribal medicine died almost immediately and if anyone offers him the same, he should “move as fast as possible in the opposite direction.”

Hitchens’ essay encapsulates the disdain that many feel for alternative and complementary cancer therapies – which is to say, anything outside of clinical medicine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or experimental medical treatments. These therapies are, skeptics believe, quackery that will, at best, do nothing and, at worst, hasten your demise.

It may surprise these skeptics, then, that a scientific review published in The Cochrane Reviews in August showed that cancer patients who participated in some form of music therapy reported reduced anxiety and pain.
Joke Bradt, an associate professor at Drexel University in Philadelphia, said she was motivated to do the review to justify the value of music therapies.

“In order for the conventions to appear legitimate, they need to show evidence,” Bradt said.

The evidence (pdf) from 30 studies involving 1,891 participants showed music interventions, in the careful language of such research, may improve patients’ anxiety, pain mood, quality of life and vital signs. The studies evaluated music interventions as a complementary therapy used in conjunction with clinical treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy.

They looked at music medicine, where recorded music is played for patients, and music therapy, which involves a therapist who engages the patient or plays an instrument in the room. Both showed positive results. Bradt said it was hard to evaluate whether one was better because there weren’t enough studies though she believes that music therapy, which can also engage family members, is clearly better.

It was clear, however, that a patient’s music preference was important to the outcome. Soothing waterfalls sounds or cloying strings wouldn’t help if what the patient really wanted was, say, Kanye West.
“I use music that you like,” said Bradt, who is a music therapist herself. “If it’s heavy metal it’s heavy metal, if it’s hip hop, we play hip hop.”

That’s because the point of music therapy isn’t always to soothe, Bradt said. Sometimes it’s a way of coping with worry about the next treatment or hospital visit.

In her own experience as a therapist, Bradt said she would tell children, “I will not let the doctor or nurse touch you until they sing a song with us.”

Bradt said the findings were consistent with four other reviews she had done of music’s benefit for ventilator patients, those with brain injuries.

“We do note from brain studies that music activates the same pleasure centers in the brain as food does as sex does,” Bradt said. “People just feel better when they listen to music.”

Source: txchnologist.com

You can read more here

It's Real Love

Taken back by the all the Gaga, Ke$ha, and Eminem that's all over the radio these days, I completely forgot about my undying love for The Beatles. This morning, as I was heading to class to class I heard the song "Real Love" as my iPod was on shuffle. Many people, even major Beatles followers, probably aren't as familiar with this song as they are with their more popular songs like Hey Jude and Let it Be. Real love is not just an amazing song, but it is a great love song. Put that iPod on Beatles shuffle and rekindle your REAL LOVE for The Beatles today.

Need Some Inspiration? Take on the World.

O.A.R. - Taking on the World Today

If You Haven't Listened Yet...

The end of August saw a lot of CD releases. Some of the more anticipated albums were Lil Wayne's "Carter IV", David Guetta's "Nothing But The Beat" and Red Hot Chili Peppers' "I'm With You". Here are 5 albums you should listen to that were released in August.

5) The Game - R.E.D. Album

This album was delayed for over a year and finally released in Late August. With the exception of one or two songs nothing stands out as a radio hit. However, Game uses a lot of different beats and this seems to be one of the most legitimate, back-to-real-hip-hop CD's in a long time. This will surely be underrated until people realize the greatness of this album. 4/5 stars

Notable Songs: The City, Heavy Artillery, and Martians vs. Goblins

Here is the lead single from the album, Pot of Gold (Ft. Chris Brown).

4) Jay-Z & Kanye West - Watch The Throne

The two of the most popular artists coming together, this CD was bound for greatness or disaster. The consensus: It's good. Not amazing. Not bad. Just good. This CD would've been a lot better if Jay and Ye didn't spend all their time rapping about how they were the best and about their success. They have a right to brag, but they should've been more humble. Nevertheless, there are some classic songs on the album. 4/5

Notable Songs: Murder to Excellence, Why I Love You, Niggas in Paris

This song won't be on the radio, but it'll be known as a classic: "Illest Motherfuc*er Alive"

3) Lil Wayne - Tha Carter IV

This CD probably won't beat out Tha Carter III in sales. It probably won't even win a Best Hip Hop Grammy. Even though I believe Lil Wayne is still overrated, this CD is probably his best. The first half he just goes out hard and as the CD progresses he becomes more mellow like on his single "How to Love". Some people will hate this CD and some will love it. You have to appreciate it though. As Lil Wayne says, "When it Wayne's it pours". 4/5

Notable Songs: She Will, Blunt Blowin', President Carter. (Along with singles 6 foot 7 and How to Love)

Here is one of the best songs on the CD, mainly because of John Legend's chorus. "So Special"

2) Red Hot Chili Peppers - I'm With You

Anytime the Chili Peppers release new music you can't help but be excited. Although I liked Stadium Arcadium better and I wouldn't consider this a masterpiece, it is still great music. If you are a Peppers fan this CD is a must have. The more you listen to it, the more you love it.

Notable Songs: The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie, Ethiopia, Brendan's Death Song

Here is a fun song that is reminiscent of their music from the 90's. "Look Around"

1) David Guetta - Nothing But the Beat

This isn't number one because it is lyrically better than any other CD on this list. This is number one because it will produce the most radio hits and will get people dancing. Guetta decided to release this CD at the end of the summer so as to keep us dancing and thinking its summer as we head into Fall. The entire CD is filled with great songs, even if you don't like techno. There are too many songs to list as being "good", get the album. 4.5/5

Notable Songs: Crank it Up (ft. Akon), Where Dem Girls At (ft. Flo Rida & Nicki Minaj), Lil Bad Girl (Ft. Taio Cruz & Ludacris)

This is sure to be Guetta's next monster hit. "Turn Me On (ft. Nicki Minaj)"

Lupe Fiasco Concert - UIC 9/1/11

Typically, I have to pay for concerts. I also have to travel to a destination. I have to find parking. I have to purchase my tickets in advance hoping they don't sell out. I have to get to the concert early enough so that I can have a decent view. Forget all of that now.

UIC's 2nd annual Spark in The Park concert was free and on campus. There was no need to travel or find parking. The Cool Kids opened up for Lupe and they rocked it. Although there weren't too many people there yet, they definitely put on a great rap show. Then came Lupe. Let me start of by saying this - I am a big Lupe Fiasco fan. I have all of his music and know almost every song he has released. At the show, people were jumping, throwing water, body surfing, and even doing that thing where you move your hand up and down, pretending to be a rapper. (You all know what I'm talking about it. We all do it). People got hit in the face by people who didn't care where their feet were flying as they were body surfing. I was one of them - the hit in the face part, not the body surfer.

This concert was free and Lupe could've easily played a small set and left people happy. Instead, Lupe rapped for an hour and a half, playing all of his hits, and left students wanting more. This was honestly one of the best concerts I've ever been too. The ending was great as he finished with "Daydreamin". He played his classics like "Superstar" and "Hip Hop Saved My Life" while also throwing in a hometown song in "Go Go Gadget Flow". "Show Goes On" was epic and everyone was singing along and the controversial but incredible "Words I Never Said" was even better live than on CD. Throwing shots at Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne, Lupe went all out and wasn't afraid to face a little controversy.

Speaking of controversy, all week I have been hearing that Lupe is an Anti-American, Anti-Semite and does not support Israel. Some of my friends hate him and refused to go the concert. Being Jewish, I have my own opinions on Israel and Anti-Semitism - obviously they are not the same opinions that Lupe has. PS: the first religion that Lupe gave a shout out to was the Jews at the concert. Just because he may not support Israel doesn't make him Anti-Semitic. Just because he doesn't support the American Government doesn't make him a horrible person. Nevertheless, whether this is true or not, it shouldn't matter. Music artists, actors, and other celebrities face tons of controversy. Michael Jackson has been linked to enjoying the company of little boys, Chris Brown almost destroyed Rihanna's beautiful face, Mel Gibson is a lunatic, and Lil Wayne has definitely killed some people (What do you think those teardrops on his face represent). There are plenty of controversial celebrities. Their talent in what they do and their opinions outside of their profession are independent. We cannot judge celebrities by their opinions and their actions, they are entitled to their freedom of speech just as we are. If we did, we probably wouldn't like anyone. Enjoy music for what it is. Don't get caught up in who thinks what and who did what or else you will let talented people pass you by. Would it be nice if Lupe wasn't an Anti-Semitic (which no one knows for sure regardless)? Yes. Would it be nice if Chris Brown didn't beat on women? Yes. Does it have anything to do with their talent as musicians? No. Go enjoy some music and hit up a free concert when you get the chance.

Here is a great song for you by Lupe.

LUPE FIASCO "HIP HOP SAVED MY LIFE" OFFICIAL VIDEO from RUSH FILMS on Vimeo.

I Love the 90's (Part 2)

So this is the fun part. Part 1 was songs that are classics, by artists who in most circles would be considered talented. This list contains people who might be considered a talent or a pity excuse for something we call music. Some of these you won't even know by name, but when you listen you will be filled with memories and question why on earth this music even got airplay. Enjoy this list of my top 25 one hit wonders.

25. Creed – Every Song By Them

We hate them yet we still know all the words.

24. Corona - Rhythm of the Night

I believe I heard this while I was still in Russia.

23. Tal Bachman – She’s So High

We sing along to this man, yet we have no clue who he is.

22. Real McCoy – Another Night

Listening to the lead male singer makes me ponder his existence.

21. The Wallflowers – One Headlight

The name might not be familier, but we all know this song.

20. La Bouche – Be My Lover

I will not be your lover.

19. Papa Roach – Last Resort

Even though Papa has released more music, nothing will compare to this.

18. Eagle Eye Cherry – Save Tonight

We only know the chorus. And that’s enough for us.

17. Semisonic – Closing Time

I thought this song was by Green Day up until a year ago.

16. Uncle Kracker – Follow Me

Uncle Kracker sounds like the name of a bad rapper.

15. No Mercy – Where Do You Go

Yet another Europop song that somehow became a cult classic.

14. Amber – This is Your Night

Da-bada-bada-tip-top ne is the beginning of this song. Hmm....

13. Sugar Ray – When It’s Over (Also: Fly & Every Morning)

I don’t know why…but we love it. Along with “Fly” & “Every Morning”

12. Chumbawamba – Tub Thumping (I Get Knocked Down)

90's party with jean shorts.

11. Blues Traveller – Run-Around

Basically a rip-off of Hootie & the Blowfish.

10. Vertical Horizon – Everything You Want

Typical 90’s alternative rock, yet they are still around…somehow…

09. Eiffel 65 – Blue

My friend actually owned this CD. Wow.

08. Aqua – Barbie Girl

They STILL release music. HOW?

07. Various Artists – Macarena

We barely know the words but we know the hand movements.

06. The Verve – Bittersweet Symphony

Good song or bad song? Who knows.

05. Smash Mouth – All Star

This can be played at parties. You may or not be cool playing it though. “Walking On The Sun” & “Then The Morning Comes” are favorites also.

04. Haddaway – What is Love

Night at the Roxbury. Will Farrell. Kris Kattan. Classic.

03. Deep Blue Something – Breakfast at Tiffany’s

This song is covered so much I don’t even know who the real artist is.

02. Hootie & The Blowfish – I Only Wanna Be With You (Also: Let Her Cry & Time)

Their CD “Cracked Rear View” is the 15^th best-selling cd of all time in America. Probably one of the best “few hit wonder" bands of all time.

01. Crazytown – Butterfly

This was the theme to 6^th grade for me. The video makes this song even more ridiculous than it is. Here you go.