I like to move it, move it!

I believe that music is one of the strongest forces that exists.  Music has been a part of human existence for longer than records date.  The right melody has the power to calm, excite, motivate, and soothe you.  The interesting thing is that not everyone likes the same genre(s) of music.  Even within the same kind of music, one artist or even a particular song may not ‘speak’ to you the way it does to someone else.  But nevertheless the power is there.  Messages sung transform the words from script to magic. 

I’ve liked a lot of music in my life covering most genres (sorry Country still no love here).  And over the years, I’ve collected my arsenal of favorites.  There are tracks that get me moving and pumped for whatever is coming my way.  Those that I turn to when times are tough or I’m feeling down and discouraged.  There are the ‘feel good’ songs that I can never tire of and there are those that truly touch me deep down inside.  Those are the power songs.  The ones that not only influence your emotions but motivate you to do something.  I feel that for me, these songs tend to have themes of self-empowerment.  They tell me to be who I am, act how I feel, use my voice, and stand for what I believe.  These songs come to me from artists as varied as Rage Against the Machine, INXS, the Cranberries, Mackelmore, and Enya.  I hate to conform just for conformity’s sake.  Every action takes an effort; make them count…for you. 

BTE

Went to the Better Than Ezra show last night with my beautiful wife. It was a blast! Seriously better than I could have expected. The band was electric; they played a great set, sounded amazing live, and entertained us beyond just the music. I have to admit that it was probably one of the most fun concerts that I have ever attended. We definitely will be looking for them the next time they come around.

Their opening band Sherwood was just as good, in a lesser known kind of way. I had never heard of them, but was impressed by their songs, lyrics, and overall performance. I’ve added a couple of their songs that I like below. Take a listen and let me know what you think. I don’t know why these guys aren’t better known.

Get your plaid and Dr. Martens on!

Why did popular Ska music have to come and leave so fast? It almost seems as if the whole genre experienced a one-hit-wonder like rise to fame. Don’t get me wrong, I know that those bands were out there long before becoming ‘radio worthy’ and continue making music today. But most people don’t get exposed to music that either isn’t on the radio or in iTunes top lists. This style of music is the perfect fusion of reggae beats with rock/punk guitar riffs and vocals.

I still remember hearing songs from the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Aquabats, Stretch, and Reel Big Fish for the first time. The music was just fun. The beats were addictive in a Mocha Frappuccino sort of way; and you have to love a band that can successfully incorporate horns into their compositions. So, if you are looking for a feel good just plain fun pick-me-up, have a listen to a couple of my favorites below.

Today I highlight another cool band to emerge from the moss strewn streets of Seattle. Throw Me The Statue (TMTS among avid fans) is the band product of Scott Reitherman. In 2004, he began self-releasng lo-fi indie pop music on his own label, Baskerville Hill. Reitherman as a talented musician utilized synthesized instruments to create his unique sounds. His arsenal of instuments including drum machines and glockenspiels were aided by friends including Casey Foubert of Pedro the Lion. Reitherman included Aaron Goldman, Jarred Grimes, and Charlie Smith in early 2007 to form the band as currently performing. Their debut album, Moonbeams, was released on the Baskerville Hill label. As their popularity increased, signing to a full-time label was necessary. The band chose Secretly Canadian to re-release their first album in 2008. Check out some of their tracks on my playlist below. The band is currently on tour in venues across the United States. Look here for dates near you and other info about the band. Happy listening.

First Class or Media Mail?

From the first time that I heard Ben Gibbard’s vocals on The Postal Service's “Such Great Heights”, I was entranced. However, it was only recently that I was able to put two and two together. Ben Gibbard is also the lead vocal for Death Cab for Cutie. It is no surprise that I also am a Death Cab fan. However, I have to attribute my knowledge of their existence to my wife; she has a brilliant musical mind. At first taste, I was addicted. As with any artist, Postal Service is not without their skeletons.

In 2004, the United States Postal Service sent the band a cease and desist letter, citing its trademark on the phrase "postal service". After negotiations, the USPS relented, allowing the band use of the trademark in exchange for promotional efforts on behalf of the USPS and a performance at its annual National Executive Conference. Additionally, the USPS website sells the band's CDs. In 2007, "Such Great Heights" appeared in the background of the "Whiteboard" advertising campaign for one of the federal establishment's private competitors, the United Parcel Service.

In January 2006, Josh Melnick and Xander Charity, who had produced the "Such Great Heights" music video, created a commercial for Apple Computer (now Apple Inc.) and Intel using similar footage. While strikingly similar to the music video, the commercial did not contain imagery of the band or a recording of its music. On January 19, 2006, Gibbard stated on the band's website, "It has recently come to our attention that Apple Computers' new television commercial for the Intel chip features a shot-for-shot recreation of our video for 'Such Great Heights' made by the same filmmakers responsible for the original. We did not approve this commercialization and are extremely disappointed with both parties that this was executed without our consultation or consent." The band did not take legal action against Apple or the filmmakers.

This band is just another prime example of artistic talent that not only is U.S. originated, but straight from the heart of Seattle.