Amandoo's Handle of Realitumtum » Music Reviews http://www.exactasty.com/blog Life & Death, Yin & Yang, & Reviews & Re-Visions...and Teaching? Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00:10 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 music is your best friend sometimes (thomas newman = the genius at hand) http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2011/08/31/music-is-your-best-friend-sometimes-thomas-newman-the-genius-at-hand/ http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2011/08/31/music-is-your-best-friend-sometimes-thomas-newman-the-genius-at-hand/#comments Wed, 31 Aug 2011 06:41:54 +0000 Amandoo http://www.exactasty.com/blog/?p=1635 i come from a family where music can mean anything and everything to each of us. i know a lot of people probably feel that way, but if i spent two hours getting into it, you might get what i’m saying, and i’d still have a few more hours to go explaining why…

thomas newman – how to make an american quilt

from the soundtrack you know. i don’t even know if i ever saw the movie. but t.newmerz became a hugely important part of my mother’s life, so much so that she wrote him a deep, long letter from her heart. she was so touched. and then so was my sister, who passed. and so was, and am, i. and i imagine many hundreds of thousands of people can and do feel the same way.

he wrote soundtracks for indescribably beautiful concepts/movies, like “shawshank redemption” “meet joe black” and the popular “american beauty”, as well as many others such as the video i’m sharing. and how could i not mention “angels in america”?! these songs touch the deepest parts of my soul, to a place and point where i don’t care what time it is, what mood i’m in, i can always let go of my facade, caring what others think, being ashamed of overflowing feelings and emotions…it’s just pure beauty. he is a genius.

i am going through SO much right now. it makes all that other stuff i thought was tough to go through look almost like fluffy pillows. but. alas. i respect my former self, at that time, and recognize that the “me” at that time really felt like i was “going through a lot”. and music always helps me.

if i’m upset and want to cry, i might listen to thomas newman, as i now more than ever associate him with emotions with such depth that i can’t describe…circa the time of my sister’s death and surreal funeral. and if i’m happy i’ll put on the beatles. or sad the beatles. or want to dance- pop, or want to escape- rap. or want to be someone different- listen to an alternative station.

i’m not going to try and make any points here. just sharing that thomas newman is an astounding composer and/or songwriter. and, as so many of you can relate to, whether or not you play or make any music, everyone loves a great song, and whatever mood strikes, it’s nice to find complementary music. maybe that’s why i’m so excited about being a DJ.

what a world, hearing is possibly the last sense i’d want to give up. it’s tough deciding between vision and hearing. tonight it’s hearing i’d want to hold onto forever. i have seen so much, but i’d go crazy if i couldn’t enjoy the beauty of music out there already, music to come, music to commemorate and cherish, and music i can create!

]]> http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2011/08/31/music-is-your-best-friend-sometimes-thomas-newman-the-genius-at-hand/feed/ 0 It’s That Time of Year Again – Daryl Nathan http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2011/07/02/its-that-time-of-year-again-daryl-nathan/ http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2011/07/02/its-that-time-of-year-again-daryl-nathan/#comments Sun, 03 Jul 2011 00:57:18 +0000 Amandoo http://www.exactasty.com/blog/?p=1627 This guy is simply the best. It’s only because of him that I love the 4th of July so much. He represents true freedom of expression to me.

The Great Daryl Nathan – 4th of July

I love the timing/key change, and I mostly love everything about it. Hard to explain just how much I love it. There’s not just something about him, there’s everything.

]]> http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2011/07/02/its-that-time-of-year-again-daryl-nathan/feed/ 0 Erykah Badu sings for an H&M commercial!?! http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2011/02/14/erykah-badu-sings-for-an-hm-commercial/ http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2011/02/14/erykah-badu-sings-for-an-hm-commercial/#comments Tue, 15 Feb 2011 02:24:54 +0000 Amandoo http://www.exactasty.com/blog/?p=1603 Interesting, I just saw this commercial for the first time (don’t watch a lot of TV, hence the fact that this came out Fall 2010 and I hadn’t heard or seen it yet), and I heard that uniquely gorgeous voice I could recognize anytime:

It was for an H&M commercial, and Erykah Badu is covering this Muddy Waters’ blues song “Mannish Boy”.

The songs ‘aight, Erykah’s great, I’ve been missin’ listenin’ to her. Now I’ll go research what she’s been up to.

]]> http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2011/02/14/erykah-badu-sings-for-an-hm-commercial/feed/ 0 End of Year is Almost Hear http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2010/12/29/end-of-year-is-almost-hear/ http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2010/12/29/end-of-year-is-almost-hear/#comments Wed, 29 Dec 2010 04:14:32 +0000 Amandoo http://www.exactasty.com/blog/?p=1582 I wrote “hear” instead of “here” as a reference to all the end of year mashups/best-of’s people make (Rolling Stones’ lists, anyone?). I care most about music, so I like a lot of the “best album of the year” and all that stuffs. But, I also love DJ Earworm’s top 25 billboard mashups.

I mentioned Taio Cruz’ Dynamite a few months back after my little brother got married and that was the song they danced in to.

I believe I’ve also mentioned DJ earworm before? If I haven’t, I’m appalled. He does some great mashups.

And here is his 2010 hot hip hoppity hits song smashup.

I like it a lot.

My favorite is still. @#$%. I forgot which year. I’m getting older. Some don’t compare to the others as well as the others. I guess it all depends on your personal preferences, which I’ll allow. I also guess there have been a number of other factors that have caused me to have positive feelings for some of this crappy popular music.

What can I say? It’s time to get down, ladies and gentlemen…the end of the year is almost here!

My END OF YEAR REPORT BLOG (or whatever it’s called) is almost here!

]]> http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2010/12/29/end-of-year-is-almost-hear/feed/ 0 “Hot Machines” by the Alphabests http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2010/10/14/hot-machines-by-the-alphabests/ http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2010/10/14/hot-machines-by-the-alphabests/#comments Fri, 15 Oct 2010 01:08:14 +0000 Amandoo http://www.exactasty.com/blog/?p=1563 It speaks, or rather, sings, rhymes, and rocks…for itself.

The Alphabests – Hot Machines

yay album release! i may or may not be on this album!!

Listen now, BUY later! :)

]]> http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2010/10/14/hot-machines-by-the-alphabests/feed/ 1 I’ve Got Problems http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2009/12/29/ive-got-problems/ http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2009/12/29/ive-got-problems/#comments Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:47:12 +0000 Amandoo http://www.exactasty.com/blog/?p=1370 Can’t stop listening to questionable rap music. It’s better than what’s on repeat on the radio, but, that said. I wonder about myself sometimes.

To share, I’d like you to consider these songs:

50 Cent – Baby by Me featuring Ne-Yo

Why? It’s hilarious to hear 50cent talking about settling down, because if you had a baby by him, you’d really only be s#$%!ed. Terrible lyrics, wonderful refrain, beautiful beats.

Ludacris – Saturday

Love everything about Ludacris, I don’t know why. This video is kinda stupid, kinda hilarious. The song is PURE GENIUS. Oooh oooh! I got into watching it because of the Whistle Tips guy and a remake from that :)

Snoop Dogg- Drop it like it’s hot featuring Pharell

I like the earnest look of the kid playing drums, Snoop’s driving dance move, the clicking, and the piano rift. And of course, snooooooowhoop! Any time Snoop dances is amazing, really.

I could go on and on with the bad songs I like, but maybe they’re not that bad. Some parts of them are, but some parts of me are too. ha. At least it’s not “Birthday Sex” I’m hooked on.

]]> http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2009/12/29/ive-got-problems/feed/ 0 Back in the Day http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2009/12/04/back-in-the-day/ http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2009/12/04/back-in-the-day/#comments Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:54:02 +0000 Amandoo http://www.exactasty.com/blog/?p=1354 Can you believe I listened to this song as a kid?!


*Warning- most of you who know me in person should not listen to this song. it will scare you. but those of you who are my true, humour-appreciating friends, you might like it.*

Good thing I didn’t take it as serious advice or anything.

But I am preeeetttty geh toe.

Right.

I’m laughing, out loud.

]]> http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2009/12/04/back-in-the-day/feed/ 0 B.E.P. Boom Boom Pow = unfortunately catchy http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2009/06/06/bep-boom-boom-pow-unfortunately-catchy/ http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2009/06/06/bep-boom-boom-pow-unfortunately-catchy/#comments Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:47:34 +0000 Amandoo http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2009/06/06/bep-boom-boom-pow-unfortunately-catchy/
(This is a fast version (without the music video to hopefully get you through it painlessly?))

This song is unfortunately catchy. “Unfortunately” because it’s the Black-Eyed-Peas and they’re not singing about much of anything worthwhile. However, they’ve got these lyrics: “I’m so 3008 / You so 2000 and late” which could make a great insult. The beat is bumping (which they also mention). They effectively sing-rap about “boom-boom-pow” which is their beat-sound. And it’s good. It has bumpin’ bass, vocoder, JT-esque segments, fadeins&outs, and boomin in general. I have to approve no matter how much I try to not. The video’s just future-scary, but overall it’s a decent mindless dance song. Good for working out?

(99 words including made up combos)

]]> http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2009/06/06/bep-boom-boom-pow-unfortunately-catchy/feed/ 0 2 very important things- http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2008/12/09/2-very-important-things/ http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2008/12/09/2-very-important-things/#comments Wed, 10 Dec 2008 04:52:00 +0000 Amandoo http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2008/12/09/2-very-important-things/ Fresh Cut Salads YES!!! Watch this video four (hundred) times!!!! It’s crazy, fun, thrilling, and a little scandalous!

Fresh Cut Salads – I Can’t Stop This Feeling

And then this humor:

cat found best of craigslist posting

is was yes!

cat scrat thing

cat scrat thing eating

]]> http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2008/12/09/2-very-important-things/feed/ 0 “At the Top of Green Mountain” makes me feel better http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2008/10/18/at-the-top-of-green-mountain-makes-me-feel-better/ http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2008/10/18/at-the-top-of-green-mountain-makes-me-feel-better/#comments Sat, 18 Oct 2008 23:17:44 +0000 Amandoo http://www.exactasty.com/blog/2008/10/18/at-the-top-of-green-mountain-makes-me-feel-better/ Sometimes I feel up, sometimes down. Sometimes I fill my car up, sometimes my $ supply is out of town.

I have no money; I have a job, but all my money went to necessary evils such as taxes, car repair, dental bills, and STUDENT LOANS.

What do I have left? For happiness, I am relying on puppies, the continuation of days (and hopefully more money coming), as well as music.

With that in mind, watch this melancholic and delightful piece by one of my favorite bands ever.

Fresh Cut Salads performing “At the Top of Green Mountain” at John & Peter’s in New Hope, PA.

Most other F.C.S. songs make me happy as well, or put me in a better mood. The Fresh Cut Salads are the most wonderful of people.

A lot of them have birthdays in October, so we should give them lots of presents. I don’t have money, but I have creative ideas. I better go get to it.

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