MUSIC
music
I like tons of different music, and obviously I can't put every single artist I like up here, so here's a small part of them. I used to have long pieces of writing about them all, but I've changed this page now so that there will be a bit of writing about a few of them. Then there will be a little bit about lots of different artists and names of good albums. Enjoy!
THE BEATLES
A group that stopped making music almost 30 years ago and still has fans, like me, who weren't even alive when the group was active, must really have accomplished something.
The Beatles consisted of John Lennon (guitar and vocals), Paul McCartney (bass guitar and vocals), George Harrison (lead guitar and vocals) and Ringo Starr (drums). The first four started playing together in the late fifties, under various names such as "Johny and the Moondogs" and "Long John and the Silver Beatles" before they settled with simply the Beatles. Ringo joined in 1963, the year they released their first record: Love Me Do.
The story goes on and can be made into a very long one, but for those who aren't fanatic fans (the ones who are probably know all this anyway), I'll make it short. The Beatles broke sale records all over the world and were put in life threatening situations surrounded by hysterical fans. Manias like this one had never been seen before, and parents were shocked at the Beatles' long hair and at the way their teenage daughters acted around them.
Eventually, Beatlemania went too far, and in 1967, the group played their last live concert. After that there was no more touring. They kept on making records, however, until the final breakup in 1970.
KULA SHAKER
Kula Shaker play indie music, with influences from India and touches of the sixties. Kula Shaker are: Crispian Mills (guitar and vocals), Alonza Bevan (bass guitar and backing vocals), Jay Darlington (organ) and Paul Winterhart (drums).
Be sure to check out their fab album K, which has a great mixture of different kinds of songs, some is India-influenced, and some is influenced by the 60's and 70's. They hadn't released anything new for ages until a few month ago, when they released a new single: Sound of Drums. I've heard people saying that they will have an album out this autumn as well, so we'll just have to wait and see! Here's a link to the :official Kula Shaker homepage
SIMON AND GARFUNKEL
Joining the Beatles as one of the older groups are Simon and Garfunkel, an american duo.
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel both come from Queens, New York City. They grew up together, as best friends, and started singing then, too, using Art's tape recorder to overdub and mix their voices into beautiful harmonies. They would sit and stare into each other's faces as they sang, struggling towards perfect timing and articulation. Both Jewish, Simon and Garfunkel were among the first American artists to go by their Jewish last names, in a country still affected by antisemitism.
Their music is very melodic, full of harmonies and perfection. Art had already as a child developed a beautiful tenor, and usually sings the higher parts and Paul the lower.
I'm sure you've heard some of Simon and Garfunkel's music, perhaps without knowing it. Some of their most famous songs are Scarborough Fair, The Sound of Silence and Mrs Robinson.
BOB DYLAN
And yet another one of those old artists: Bob Dylan. Bob Dylan is the most amazing songwriter, I really love just reading his lyrics, and he has a very original and "supercool" way of singing too. I love his music, his lyrics, his voice, everything. And I don't suppose I really need to say to much about him as most people (hopefully) know who he is already. If you aren't familiar with Dylan's music, I suggest you listen to his most recent Greatest Hits album, as it has a really good mix of songs and not a single bad one.
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
I went to see Bruce Springsteen live in Stockholm this summer. Before that I didn't really know much of his music and so I was far from a Springsteen fan, but the concert really turned me around! Bruce Springsteen is an incredible performer, and an incredible singer, songwriter and rock star as well! So even if you don't have the opportunity to go see him in person, I reccomend you listen to some of his music. I can't guarantee you'll love him, as I've realised there are actually people out there who don't, but I suggest you at least give it a try or you're missing out! Try listening to Born to Run, it's considered by many the best of his albums.
Calico Skies
Alanis Morissette's album Jagged Little Pill was probably one of the best albums released that year (I'm not sure which one it was). Most albums have a few songs that aren't as good as the others, but this one has only good songs, so I'd suggest you listen to it if you haven't already.