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.

Blink 182 Concert at Midwest Bank Ampitheatre

As an avid concert goer I like to make sure that when I go see a band I am as close as I can possibly be to get the full experience. When I decided to go see Blink 182 I realized my best bet was to get lawn seats. (Mainly because pit sold out and was expensive). This was my first time seeing Blink 182 and my first time at Midwest Bank Ampitheatre. The opening act, Manchester Orchestra got a few cheers but they knew they had to get off the stage quickly. When My Chemical Romance came on, it was pretty hard to hear them. As I was told earlier, the sound at Midwest Bank is not that good. Regardless, MCR put on a great show and were pretty good live. They played what they needed to play but unfortunately only played about 11 songs before Blink came out. I've been to many concerts, of all genres, of all crowds, but this was truly special. When Blink came out, the audience erupted. There were over 20,000 people at this concert and every single person was on their feet. There were definitely some memorable moments.

- The guy next to me drunkenly bragging about the amount of times he's seen Blink and how they are not that good live. (He was wrong)

-The amount of drunk people that were dancing, moshing, falling, and screaming was hilarious and amazing to see.

-The 2 people who passed out and need medical attention in front of me.

-The 5 or 6 plus girls who I saw with just their bra on, and one girl who basically flashed everyone.

-Blink playing all their classic songs, in a 20+ song set which included: All the small things, First date, The rock show, What's my age again, I miss you, and their new single Up all night.

- Tom leaving the stage because he had to piss and constantly telling the fans how much he had drank.

-THIS was the BEST part: When they came out for their encore, Travis Barker and his drumset were put on a giant pole which floated across the entire pit area while he played a drum solo for 5 min from his album "Can A Drummer Get Some". This was unbelievable and I had never seen anything like it. It was even cooler because 40 of Travis' family members were in the audience. I posted a video below.

You can find the entire setlist here: http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/blink-182/2011/first-midwest-bank-amphitheatre-tinley-park-il-43d0ef27.html

Here are some pics and videos from the show. This was truly an amazing show and seeing Blink brought me back to my younger years. I recommend seeing them to anyone. 9.5/10

My Chemical Romance playing "Welcome to the Black Parade"

Over 22,000 people at the concert

Blink playing their new single "Up All Night" from the album "Neighborhoods"

Finishing up their set

Getting ready to see BLINK 182!

I Love the 90's (Part 1)

If you are like me and grew up in the 90's there are a lot of things you will remember from those days. Nickelodeon, Boy Meets World, Yo-Yo's, Crazybones, Pokemon cards, and of course 90's music. I'm not just talking about classics like Nirvana, Dr. Dre, and Goo Goo Dolls. I'm talking about those one hit wonders that if heard today are so terrible even though we somehow managed to accept that music into our society. Hearing it now of course brings back memories of when your mom used to buy you stuff or when movie theaters were the cool hangout. Who could forget classic times of going to Chuck N Cheese. Let these songs live in our memories as what childhood was like and what music shouldn't be like. Here is part one of 90's music: A look at the top 20 Classic Hits from the 90's.

Classics

20. Green Day – When I Come Around

Even though I hate this band I had to put them in here.

19. Will Smith – Getting Jiggy Wit It

Just because Will Smith is awesome.

18. Lifehouse – Hanging By a Moment

They are almost a one hit wonder, but they've stuck around.

17. Fuel – Hemmorage (In my Hands)

Same comments as Lifehouse.

16. DMX – Party Up In Here

God gon' make me lose my mind.

15. Train – Drops of Jupiter

Definitely a classic.

14. Ace of Base – All That She Wants

This makes me think of Russia. And get sad.

13. Jimmy Eat World – The Middle

Everyone who grew up in the late 90's knows this classic

12. Outkast – Ms. Jackson

Pure Outkast. Gotta love it.

11. Bone Thugs N Harmony – Notorious Thugs (Ft. Biggie)

This is here for the Bone Thug fans. (This obviously includes me)

10. Jay-Z – Big Pimpin

Major hit from Jay-Z.

09. Biggie – Mo Money, Mo Problems

I believe this song became a favorite long after Biggie was gone.

08. Matchbox 20 – 3 AM

Any song by Matchbox 20 was classic back then. This includes "Bent" and "Push"

07. 2 Pac – Changes

It's 2 Pac. Enough said.

06. Nirvana – Smells like teen spirit

It's Nirvana. Enough said.

05. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Californication

For a band that's been around for almost 30 years, this is their most popular.

04. Third Eye Blind – Semi-Charmed Life

The epitome of 90's alternative rock. "Jumper" and "Never Let You Go" should be here too.

03. Dr. Dre – Next Episode & Still D.R.E.

2 songs by DRE. Just because they are still playin at parties.

02. Eminem – My Name Is…

Any song Eminem makes is going to be on a list of top songs. This is just his first classic.

01. The Goo Goo Dolls – Slide

This song is covered by every band and is synonymous with the 90's. As is "Iris" & "Broadway". Here is the video for slide.

Goo Goo Dolls - Slide

- Watch more Music Videos at Vodpod.

KING

Its summer. If you are like me, you like to enjoy listening to relaxing music at this point of the year. For most this might include Reggae, Alternative, Classic Rock, with a little bit of Hip-Hop as well. Dave Matthews, Sublime, Tom Petty...and of course O.A.R. are always summer time favorites. People seem to be divided on their thoughts on O.A.R. these days. Some people love them, some people say they sold out and hate them, and some people simply stopped listening after Stories of a Stranger came out. Thats all acceptable. My question is - how do you go from liking a group to all of a sudden giving up on them completely? Some people give up on on an artist because of their actions. Just because Chris Brown beats up women, Akon likes underage girls, and Michael Jackson enjoyed touching little boys doesn't reflect on their musical talent. Just beacause a group changes, or in most cases matures with time, doesn't mean they sold out. How long can you hear the same music for? Everything adapts and changes with time - as does music. This brings me to my point. O.A.R. has been a favorite of mine for a while now. I love their older music. I love their newer music. They are incredible live. But some people have given up on them and my point here is not to tell you to go listen to every band you liked before. My point here is not to ressurect O.A.R. and bring back their older fans. My point is to tell you - don't give up on your favorite artists just beause their music starts to change. O.A.R. recently released a new album entitled King. At first listen it sounded different than their older music. However, after listening a few times through, I noticed why it sounded different. It had better production, a fresher sound, and good combination of their older and newer style. In fact, this CD resurrected their older sound. All in all the new CD is great. As a new fan, an old fan, or a LOYAL fan - King is solid all the way through. Give O.A.R. a chance if you haven't been. Attend their concert, they put on a hell of a show.

Notable Songs:

Heaven - Their lead single is catchy and embodies O.A.R.'s newer style.

Taking on the World Today - Lyrically and musically sounds a lot like their old music.

Not For Me - Just great all around song. It gets stuck in your head

Gotta Live - Also very similar to their older music. Great solo's in the song.

Heavy Heart - Great lyrics, great song

Gotta Be Wrong Sometimes - Amazing song, looks to be their next single

2nd Chances

When I first heard "Rehab" I hated the voice, the song, and thought it was terribly overrated. I haven't necessarily changed my opinion on it, but with the news of Amy Winehouse's passing I decided to take a look at her music. Maybe this was because she is Jewish and I gotta support the tribe. Maybe it was because I was bored. After I listened, I was very surprised - I actually enjoyed her music. It was ironic the two videos I watched were for the songs "You Know I'm No Good" and "Back to Black". Both seem to be a foreshadowing for what eventually happened to Amy. I realize why I was curious to listen to her now. Just like a book, you can't judge music by its cover, or by listening to a song one time through. I wanted to listen to her music because I wanted to give her a second chance. It's unfortunate that life didn't.

Here are the videos to the songs mentioned above. Give them a chance, you may enjoy.

"You Know I'm No Good"

"Back to Black"

Just Because It's a Thursday

Summer Albums You Should Have & Albums You Should Get

Have you had a busy summer? Most people can't even keep up with their lives, let alone new music. Since I try to not only keep up with life but with music, I'll provide a short list of CD's which have come out this summer and CD's that are anticipated for release by the end of the summer.

Released Albums:

The Lonely Island – Turtle Neck and Chain (May) 2.5/5 stars

Funny. Dirty. What more can you expect?

Notables: Jack Sparrow (ft. Michael Bolton) & Shy Ronnie pt. 2 (Ft. Rihanna)

Lady Gaga – Born this Way (May) 4/5 stars

Definitely more mature and definitely sounds more like Madonna.

Notables: Marry the Night & Electric Chapel

Matt Nathanson – Modern Love (June) 4.5/5 stars

Just like the title suggests its all about love. Great album

Notables: Faster & Love Comes Tumbling Down

Taking Back Sunday – Taking Back Sunday (June) 3.5/5 stars

Have kept to their old sound. This cd wasn't heavily promoted though, like their old stuff.

Notables: Faith (When I Let You Down) & Best Places to be a Mom

Bad Meets Evil (Eminem & Royce da 5’9’’) – Hell – The Sequel (June) 4/5 stars

Love Royce. Love Eminem. They both tear it up on this album. "Lighters" is incredible.

Notables: Lighters (Ft. Bruno Mars) & Fast Lane

Pitbull – Planet Pit (June) 5/5

Every song Pitbull does is a hit. Love him or hate him - he will make you dance.

Notables: Every song

LMFAO – Sorry For Party Rockin (June) 4.5/5 stars

Similar to Pitbull, if you want to dance get this CD.

Notables: Sexy and I Know It & With You

Sublime With Rome – Yours Truly (July) 4/5 stars

Fresh sound while sticking to their roots with a new singer. They still love weed.

Notables: Can You Feel It (Ft. Wiz Khalifa) & Take It or Leave It

DJ Khaled – We The Best Forever (July) 3/5 stars

We get it. We the best. Well you aren't, you just think you are. Gotta love Drake.

Notables: I'm On One (ft. Drake, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross) & Money (ft. Young Jeezy & Ludacris)

Anticipated Albums:

O.A.R.– King (August 2^nd)

^{Lead single "Heaven" suggests it will be good ol' fashioned OAR this summer. Can't wait.}

Mat Kearney – Young Love (August 2^nd)

Lead single "Hey Mama" is upbeat and similar to his old style. Kearney never fails.

Jay – Z and Kanye West – Watch the Throne (August 8^th)

This could either be amazing or horrendous.

The Game – The R.E.D. Album (August 23^rd)

This album has been delayed for far too long. "Pot of Gold" (ft. Chris Brown) sounds great.

David Guetta – Nothing But the Beat (August 29^th)

Apparently there will be a lot of instrumental on this album. "Little Bad Girl" & "Where Dem Girls At" are sexy.

Lil Wayne – Carter 4 (August 29^th)

^{I'm sure he'll set more records, but hes extremely overrated. "How to Love" is a good song though.}

Red Hot Chili Peppers – I’m With You (August 30^th)

How can you not be excited?? Single "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie" is good anticipation for the CD.

Cobra Starship – Night Shades (August 30^th)

Wanna Dance? Heres a start: "You Make Me Feel" & "#1night". Excited.

PS - Dr. Dre, can you release Detox already. It's been like 8 years.

"Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music." - Jimi Hendrix

10 Summer Songs You Will Enjoy

I can make this list very simple. All I would have to do is write down Sublime, Bob Marley, Goo Goo Dolls and this would be a perfect list. In fact, there are artists on this list that may sound like those. Those artists set the bar high in creating chill, relaxing, summer music. My attempt here is not to top them. I don't have that kind of power nor do I have that many people who read this. So this is simply for those people who want to experience some new (and older) music that will get them relaxing by the pool and enjoying their summer. This may even spark a blunt or two. Mid July - Summer Music. Here You Go:

10) Miike Snow – Animal

Although this could be filled by same song title by Neon Trees, Miike Snow takes this. Check out his self-titled album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVWeqAPQUXc

9) The Bravery – Time Won’t Let Me Go

Typically I would fill this spot with The Killers. The Bravery has a very similar sound and has a great CD entitled "The Sun and the Moon". Check it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spKOib_D5YY

8) The Expendables – Bowl For 2

If I smoked weed this song would be number 1.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euAQCWBX6ns

7) Fun. – Walking The Dog

Really goofy song but it makes my day. Great band. If you like them, also check out "The Format".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPLMwI1wabE

6) O.A.R. – Heaven

Can't have a summer without OAR. New CD "King" in August.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-yValw_UbE

5) Matt Nathanson – Faster

Cute would be a good word to describe this song. But I love it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyjQFdeFox8

4) Long Beach Dub All Stars – Sunny Hours

This song is from 2001 and reminds me of Crazytown - Butterflies for some reason. Maybe it's the same idiot singer. All in all its a chill song and has old school Will.I.Am in it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSSVaW5fklc

3) Pepper – Point and Shoot

I could have put any song by Pepper on here. They are all reminiscent of Bob Marley + Sublime + Hawaii. Can't go wrong here. Check out the songs "Boot", "Rent", and "Freeze".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pynZZ-SZwZ0

2) Shwayze – Love Letter

If you remember the song "Corona and Lime" you know Shwayze. They are easily my favorite summer music. This is from the singer Aaron Smith's solo album titled "Love Stoned".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGVT7Z-T_4Q

1) The Dirty Heads - Lay Me Down (ft. Rome of Sublime)

Mix of Pepper and Sublime. Extremely Chill. Actually features Sublimes new singer Rome. Also listen to "Stand Tall", "Believe", "Driftin" and "Easy".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnuEOYK1Kps

There are many artists like these. Enjoy summer.

Feel Good Music

Have you ever listened to an artist and wanted to tell the world about them? You think to yourself, "Wow, everybody would love this." Then you realize that it is very difficult for everyone to like what you like because everyone has different tastes. While sitting in my cubicle, spacing out, and listening to music, one of these thoughts came to my head.

As I was listening to a little know group that I've been listening to for over 4 years, it hit me. This is the band that everyone will like. You can like rap, rock, techno, or even classy dub-step, but you will truly appreciate this kind of music. How do I know? Well - I've shown this band to my mom, my barely-can-speak-English dad, and my friends who have various tastes in music. There is one thing in common. As my dad would say "I like it a music". What does that mean exactly? I don't know, but it seems like even the non-English speakers like it. Some of you who will read this will know this band and appreciate them even more. For those who don't know, let me introduce you to Ringside.

Here are some great songs:

Struggle - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLfDpsnSN1o

Tired of Being Sorry - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmpZhibh8eg&feature=fvwrel

Raining Next Door - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5nl7iNEhOo

Other notables: Strangerman, Miss You

If you enjoy these - Get their first CD: Ringside - Ringside (Self-Titled) and their recent cd release "Lost Days"

ENJOY.

Girls, You Rule the World.

Anyone who likes to listen to bands or any sort of music that has a guitar involved typically is accustomed to listening to a male voice. Believe it or not, there are many women who can sing too. I'm not talking Lady Gaga or Rihanna. I'm talking about the little known talents that tour the country with loyal followers who are silently creating buzz in the music business. If you are a techno lovers, in which you are used to hearing a woman's voice, you will enjoy these artists. As I sit here, slightly drunk, I too am enjoying the sweet sounds of a woman's voice. Here you go, my top 5 bands with female lead singers.

5) Eisley

A band from Texas consisting of 4 siblings and a cousin of theirs, their music has influences from The Beatles and Radiohead. Great music for anyone in the mood to just sit back and relax. Popular singles; Marvelous Things, Invaion, and Smarter.

Here is a video to their single Invasion:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKprch2ywJY

4)Meg & Dia

Similar to Eisley, this band is made of up of two sisters. Creating largely acoustic, easy-listening music, they are also a great way to end your days or nice music to fall asleep to.

Popular singles; Monster, Roses, What If

Here is the video to their single Monster:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlQGgDE9NNk

3)The Pretty Reckless

A hard-rock band from New York, this band has released just one album that hit the top of the charts in the UK. Even though the rock music they produce may not be for everyone, the lead singer, Taylor Momsen's voice is amazing. Check them out.

Popular Singles; Just Tonight, Make Me Wanna Die, You

Here is the video for their single Just Tonight:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7VGOnV2QhU

2)Halestorm

It's surprising that Halestorm's lead singer Lizzy Hale has not gained the popular attention she has deserved. Listening to her voice and seeing her perform live once says it all. Take a listen, you will enjoy.

Popular Singles; I Get Off, Love/Hate Heartbreak, Familiar Taste of Poison

Here is the video for their slow rock ballad, Familiar Taste of Poison

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHZKPYQnsmc

1)Florence & The Machine

You may have heard of Florence and it's hard not to put this band first. It's hard not love a band from London. Amazing all around.

Popular Singles; Dog Days Are Over, Cosmic Love, You've Got the Love

Here is the video to their single, Dog Days Are Over

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWOyfLBYtuU

And...Since they are number one, here is another video for You've Got the Love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQZhN65vq9E

Girls - You truly rule the world.

Everyday I'm Shuffling

Coined on the popular, but absolutely ridiculous show Jersey Shore, fist pumping has become a great way for people who do not know how to dance to think they look cool at the club. It seems like people are constantly looking for new music to "fist pump" to. There are few artists in the industry that can make one truly fist pump. Whether you like them or not, two of the artists that can do this the most are Pitbull and LMFAO. Recently, both have released new cd's titled "Planet Pit" and "Sorry for Party Rocking", respectively. Pitbull is a machine when it comes to releasing music that gets you dancing and LMFAO can make even an 80 year old man shuffle. Besides the common tracks that everybody has heard on the radio I wanted to highlight some music that may become popular in the near future. If you are in the fist pumping mood...here you go.

Pitbull - Where Do We Go (Feat. Jamie Foxx)

Pitbull - Took My Love (Feat. Red Foo, Vein & David Rush)

LMFAO - Champagne Showers (feat. Natalia Kills)

LMFAO - Sexy and I Know It

And for the non fist pumper here are two songs I think you may like:

Pitbull - Castle Made Of Sound (Feat. Kelly Rowland & Jamie Drastik)

LMFAO - One Day