iPods Ruining Perception of Music?

Are iPods really the best way to listen to your music? Some companies are bringing back records because the sound just isn't the same in digital recordings. Evan Shamoon on "Switched.com" says: "Enthusiasts also prefer the warmer, analog sound of records. MP3s, on the other hand, can have the harsh and tinny sound typical of digital music files (and they don't always reproduce every sound or instrument in the original recording). And let's not forget that you don't need DRM (Digital Rights Management) or other piracy controls with vinyl -- after all, you can't encrypt a record." What do you think? Here's the link to the full page at "Switched.com":
http://www.switched.com/2007/04/16/why-vinyl-records-are-back/

Beatbox - Felix Zenger

The video intro is a little too theatrical for my taste lol. However, the beatboxing is nigh impeccable.

Andy McKee - "When She Cries"

Another fine craftsman in a completely different genre.

University of Utah Singers-Sure on this Shining Night

Possibly the most beautiful piece of choral music ever composed. Lauridsen may not be the most innovative composer, but he creates musical beauty far beyond many a craftsman of music.

*The Missing Internet Link*

Here's the link to The National's song "Fake Empire" that I posted about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KehwyWmXr3U&feature=related

Annoto Aude! (Dare to Comment)

Ok... So, this is probably getting really annoying for you all (if you're even reading this,) but I would like a heapin' helpin' of comments. See something you like? Leave a big honkin' comment. See something you don't like? Leave a big honkin' comment. pleeeeeeeeease? oh? ...ok... "yes" you say? Good good. buh-bye now!

Under Whose Influence?

Working on a song cycle based on poems by Ogden Nash. One version for piano and high voice (soprano or tenor,) the other for high voice accompanied by cello, Bb Clarinet, and violin. Their gonna be an amalgamation of elements from jazz, pop, atonality, musical theater, and other "modern" idioms. At the same time, I'm still playin' around at the piano with some freestyle pop (just making up whatever comes to mind in a sort of indy-folk-pop style." Call me crazy. Neither of these things I'm working on are very progressive or revolutionary, which calls to attention an interesting point. In MUS-411 (Contemporary Styles and Techniques) this morning, we debated about which 20th-century composers were more revolutionary and which ones were more backward-looking or sedentary in their style. I'd like to ask everyone this question regarding the same topic: In your experience with "formal" music, which composers would you say are the most progressive (pushing their art to new heights,) and in "pop" music, which composers/artists are the most progressive? Who's influencing music the most today? Comments, as always, are more than appreciated.

A Note to Say...

So, you might eventually notice that a girl named Abbi is posting stuff on my blog. Particularly, something flirtatious or about me being "cute" or "handsome." To clear things up: No, she is not some random follower hitting on me; No I do not flirt with people on me bonnie bonnie blog lol. Abbi and I are courting (dating if you prefer,) so, DON'T BE ALARMED!!!!! ;) Love ya Abbi!

On The National's CD "Boxer," check out the song fake empire.

Ask yourself intermittently, "What time signature is this in?"

Well, what is it? 3/4? 4/4? Speculate and comment. 

Everbody Speaks it

Music is, indubitably, a language that everyone can speak. It's time that people understood it as such and not as something to kindle among a select few. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not Mr. Angst Monger here, but the music education world has especially created a sort of mindset that some people just don't get the complexities of music and therefore create mediocre music (this usually pertaining to their disdain for "pop" music).

Pic!

Performing original song "Meant to Be" at the Phi Mu Alpha

 Fall Talent Showcase

New Kid on The Block

So I'm new to this whole blogging thing, but, as you will come to find, that will not be much of a hindrance. I'm a singer/songwriter who's basically out to let the world know that there doesn't have to be a huge rift between what is called "formal" music and what is called "pop" music. Music is not a set of similar yet incompatible languages, but rather a set of very similar dialects within the same language. Music by its nature is completely and utterly understandable and yet mysterious to all. It is Panlingual. Get ready for more in the near future. 


"Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music." Sergei Rachmaninov