Fenxy Forum: Music

Music Trivia Streamcast today at 5pm EST

Scrivs — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:37:43

If you ever been in our streamcasts and we do something called music trivia (yes we made that name up) and people seem to have fun. We toss out some points, maybe drink a little bit and listen to some good music. If you want to join in on the fun be sure to be there and bring your A game.

Musical decade suggestions are being taken. We usually hit up the 80s and 90s, but if you want more variety let me know.

Pras Michel is Starting a Personal Video Blog

Vocino — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 01:29:43

Where else should Pras and I syndicate his vlog? We're on Bliptv, Viddler, Revver, YouTube and Vimeo.

Radiohead Blasted By Veteran Rockers KISS For Giving Their Music Away For Free

synunoi — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 23:26:54

Gene Simmons is just old, and bitter.

Radiohead trusts their fans. They know that the people who can afford to support their music, will do everything in their power to do so. Sure, they might have lost a few dollars here and there to the random listeners, but...

My girlfriend, a die-hard Radiohead fan, was ready to pay for her download the moment it was available on-line.

Yes, it's true that CD sales have dropped due to p2p file sharing... but...

I know I'd be lost in a world without free mp3s. It allows me to make the decision whether or not I like something BEFORE investing a lot of money in a CD that I end up hating. Really, what's the harm in that?

Your absolutely most favorite song in the world at this moment, right now

fuscom — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:52:19

What's your most favorite song in the world for the situation you find yourself right now, at this moment? If what you are doing right now were a movie scene, what would the background song be?

Right now, I'm playing beachball volleyball in the living room with my young son, while my baby girl watches Blue's Clue's in the family room and my wife is surfing her facebook page.

Right now, I'm just an ordinary average guy.

How about you?

It's 2008. Keith Sweat still whines.

Tyme — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 02:22:21

I know that is Keith's trademark - whining through songs. When the song came on I was chair dancing while I worked then it dawned on me...dayum...that's Keith Sweat!

Because no one whine like Keith. It's been a while since he's released anything. Keep doing your thing baby...whine on!

Why albums used to matter

Tyme — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 01:09:12

Looking at Jay's latest video it reminded me how "special" getting a record was:

I very rarely get excited when a new CD comes out...especially not like when a new album was released. Jay makes a good point - the "event" is no longer buying the album, it's not when the CD is released.

It's when the CD leaks.

Where Do You Find Your New Music?

shadowsun7 — Wed, 28 May 2008 12:36:14

I subscribe to 3hive and So Said The Gramophone. And I occasionally go to Hype Machine to see what my friends are listening to. I don't listen to radio at all - and even if I do there's just nothing Malaysia radio plays that's nice.

So. I want to know where else you guys go to to find new stuff?

The Quest

fuscom — Sun, 25 May 2008 19:01:54

It's not often that I watch Grey's Anatomy, but I was bored the other night and hung out and watched. Near the end of the show, they did a montage and played this totally kick ass song...

I'm now on my own quest to find out more about this dude -- his voice rocks, (kind of a cross between Lenny Kravitz and Cee-Lo) and I'm totally frustrated that he's not on iTunes yet.

What makes a good Mix Tape

joshawesome — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:51:41

I love making mix tapes and I often share them with friends online. My friend Mandy and I make CD's and send them to each other. I make mixes for my family members and I've also made mixes for my ex's when they weren't ex's. I make mixes for special occasions or based on a topic.

I've never been able to get the perfect mix though. Something is always off.

What do you think makes the perfect mix tape? What do you look for, or listen for, in a mix tape?

For me, it really depends on who it's for. But basically, just that it makes sense, is cohesive, and has great songs.

Apple now the #1 music retailer in the US

Ozone42 — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:29:24

Link to Ars Technica news post

Word is that iTunes has finally beat out Walmart as the #1 music store in america. We saw the climb for quite a while, but I still think it's a rather monumental achievement.

What do you think? Since the advent of mp3 the music industry has been a flurry on many fronts. Today I buy more music than I did before I could listen to things online for free. I'm exposed to more artists through services like last.fm and pandora. Even iTunes itself has a very useful suggestion feature.

Fresh ears

Clarkey — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:13:13

I found an old musical idea this morning and loved it.

It's over 6 years old and that got me thinking. How often do you go back to a project you never did anything with and hear it with fresh ears, or see it with new eyes, and then wonder why you never did anything with it?

Do we get too close sometimes or can the repetitiveness of finishing something finish it for good?

Muxtape.com

JPhill — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:57:52

Through a few people I follow on Twitter, I found Muxtape where you can create and share mixtapes. You just upload your mp3's and your mixtape is created. I made one earlier of just some laid back hip hop that I was listening to, half actual songs, half instrumentals. I like that you can listen to tracks and not just see the listing of songs.

I'd be curious to hear others mixtapes, so share them if you have them.

What Are Your Choice Songs For The Rebel In You?

Kamigoroshi — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 03:29:23

For the past few months, I've been mulling over what are the best songs that scream out that you're a rebel. Songs that shout to the whole world that you're against the norm. Songs that stick it to the man. So far I've only come up with these:

Sum 41 - Thanks for Nothing
Third Eye Blind - Misfits

Frankly, maybe it's just me, but I know there are a crap more songs out there, especially in the 70's that spelled out the rebel in all of us. Sad thing is that I've forgotten more than I can remember. Anyone else have any choice picks on songs like this?

Utah Saints Something Good '08: Running Man Is Back

Mike — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 22:42:18

There is something oddly hypnotic in watching someone in vintage 80s Brit fashion do the Running Man dance on camera. I need to bust this out next time I'm in the club. Who's with me?

If music was free would you donate money to the artist?

wickedwhammy — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 12:54:15

I run a music marketing blog and I'm always in search of new revenue models for independent musicians. It seems that music industry is slowly shifting towards the scenario, where music is free to download for consumers and is mainly used as a marketing tool instead of being a revenue source. When (or if) this happens, I'm just wondering would fans be willing to just donate a few bucks to the artist once in a while to finance the artists career, or are people just too used to buying instead of donating?

So, would you be willing to donate money to your favorite artists, if they released all their music free for private use?

When does imitation become original?

ryanarrowsmith — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 23:34:43

So, I've been listening to a lot of new music lately, as I often do. Among some of my more recent additions are a couple of lovely Brits who sing what I'd call throwback pop/R&B/jazz; very reminiscent of the Motown sound of the 60s, but updated so it's more relevant. The artists I'm referencing specifically are Adele (1, 2, 3 and, more so, Dufy (1, 2, 3. I'd also put Amy Winehouse in the same category, though I am much more partial to her music.

As I was surfing around Youtube trying to find other songs by both artists (as they've yet to release albums stateside), I ran across several comments about how original these artists are and, the part that cheesed me off, how far superior they are to current American musicians.

So, being me, I responded to a couple of the comments just pointing out the fact that "original arists" are borrowing heavily from early American R&B. Some only emulate the feel or vibe, while others sample directly from the music of that era. Are they creating something fresh and enjoyable? Absolutely. But, at the same time, they're essentially just building on the work of previous artists.

Apparently, that was a mistake. :) I have been given the "thumbs down" dozens of times, been sent hate mail, had people report me for Youtube, etc. Simply for pointing out the fact that, while this artists are great, they are borrowing much of their sound from previous decades. And, while some of my favorite artists are not American, you've gotta respect the contribution that the original American artists made in shaping R&B jazz. To prove my point, where would either genre be without the existence, or mainstream popularity of, Big Mama Thornton, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, The Supremes, Barry Gordy, The Tempations, and dozens of others.

As a traditional artist myself (I've been drawing painting since before I could talk), I could spend my time recreating the works of other artists. I could do my own version of the Mona Lisa for instance. If I did, and it gained any amount of public attention, it would always be linked and compared to the original. Is it so different for musicians?

What it boils down to for me is respecting the past. The artists I'm referencing are great but, to me, they're adding to the existing legacy of other artists who pioneered the R&B and jazz sounds.

I guess my point is this: when does imitation become unique art?

I love Simon Cowell

Ozone42 — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 06:22:18

I think Simon is the only idol judge that has any idea what he's doing. Am I in the minority here? I've only disagreed with him once that I can think of.

Randy Is ok about half the time, paula is constantly out of her mind on booze or drugs (or maybe she really is THAT crazy.) Am I the only one that thinks American idol only has one real judge!?

Who's going to win American Idol?

ryanarrowsmith — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:27:05

This isn't a post about whether or not you watch American Idol, or whether or not you like the show. This is a post for fans who are unafraid to say they're watching, and loving every minute. :)

So, who do you think will win this year?

It's a tough call for me, but I think it's between Carly Smithson (our Irish belter) and David Archuleta (the young cutie).

If I were to pick, I'd choose David Hernandez who has turned in one terrific performance after another.

What do you think?

Musician's Cramp

jazzjeppe — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 19:52:08

I have been playing music my whole life. I play many instruments and I have been playing in many different bands, from rock to swingy big bands. I have been DJing for 10 years. But almost five years ago I kind of hit the music wall, and after that I can't find any pleasure in music. My saxophone is collecting dust, my piano is rosty, my singing voice is almost gone. I threw away my CD collection of almost 800 CD:s last time I moved to a new apartment.

Music, once was my life. Now it's gone. I don't listen to music anymore, I don't play... I listen to talk show on the radio, never music shows. My home is quiet.

Writers can get the Writer's Cramp, but can musicians get the Musician's Cramp? I guess we can. It's sad. I miss music being a big part of the person who I am, a greater part of my life.

sigh...

Does anyone know what the artist / track is called on the new VW Tiguan ad in the UK?

Vainzine — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 04:38:58

Does anyone know what the artist / track is called on the new VW Tiguan ad in the UK?

Tire Swing from Juno - One of my students performing

littlerockjams — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 02:44:16

Juno is such a great flick, with some quirky but cool music.

One of my students wanted to learn how to play Tire Swing, so I showed here the chords and the strum pattern and she took off with it.

Check it out, a future star in the making...

You should know: Rob Blackledge

ryanarrowsmith — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 19:00:33

Rob Blackledge is an up and coming singer-songwriter who's just now gaining some notoriety based on his impressive vocal chops and energetic live performances.

I was telling a friend about him, and this sort of sums him up the best: imagine if Justin Timberlake played folk-tinged pop and hadn't sold his soul to Jive Records.

Bottom line: the guy can sing. And he's also an amazing pianist. Check him out:

The ending of this song is amazing:

Scorpions' 'Still Loving You'

loism — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 23:37:24

Before becoming a teacher , I had been an enumerator in the Statistics Department for three years. my colleagues and I always went travelling around doing household expenditure surveys in the interior sites of my hometown Miri. After completing the tedious job, our office driver would pick us up and play the band songs on the cassette player in the office-owned four wheel drive along our homeward-bound journey. I remember their 'Still Loving You' the most. It was thrilling to have the melody surround me while Suaji, the driver, was taking us on a speedy ride down the highway into descending twilight. To achieve an utmost satisfaction, remember to wind down the windows and let all strongly-gushing in wind brush against your cheeks and whip through your hair. My soul will gyrate to each beat of the song whenever I hearken to its electrifying music and the lead singer's powerful voice. A few moments after the song finishes, I can still feel it deeply echoed in my heart and my eyes will turn misty. The feeling has nothing to do with sadness but because of a sudden realization that love is the greatest thing of all and that it is insuppressible..

What do you think of this song?

FlyTunes Invites

amine — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 06:29:56

Man... I've been waiting for this in a while.. I finally got my FlyTunes {iPhone Online Radio - Without any hacks} invite.. and they gave me 3 extra invites..
So I figured I'll post it here :)

Post ur Email Address if you would like an invite..
By the way you can't signup if you don't have an iphone.

Amine

Top 3 favorite band names.

Chavez_Chavez — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 06:12:22

I just discovered another favorite band name. Thought I'd get a list going for all of you too.
I've got quite a list of them. I love a creative name. These are just the ones that make me smile. The list (except for #1) is never static or complete.

My top 3 are:

1) Amishko Kring ~ (say it fast) No other name makes me smile like this one.

2) Smudge ~ I used to love to yell it. They'd ALWAYS be late getting on stage so the quote was "Where the F*** is Smudge!"

3) Smootchknob

Runner's up

4) Minus the Bear

5) The Aquabats

6) The Wet Spots

Whats your artist / band tip for 2008?

Vainzine — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:09:36

So far this year has been big on the Indie front with The Futureheads, and These New Puritans hitting out strongly early.

Thats all well and good, but who is your tip to make an impact this year across the genre spectrum and beyond?

Top 3 songs about DEATH! (yeah, I know it's kind of a dark question).

Chavez_Chavez — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 05:39:06

It's kind of a dark topic but death gets us all. SOMEONE wrote a song about it somewhere. :-)

1) Moonlight Drive ~ The Doors (My all time fave)
2) Possum Kingdom ~ The Toadies (It's more about murder really but I think it just kicks ass)
3) The End ~ The Doors (it's the first one that came to mind. I may have to revise this as I think about it more).

Top 3 favorite Female Singers?

Chavez_Chavez — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 11:15:40

My top 3 are:
1) Aretha Franklin - Powerful honesty
2) Ann Wilson - Rock n Roll's powerhouse
3) Lisa Kelly (just discovered her and I like how her voice sounds)

You Have Been RickRoll'd

Mike — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:07:00

The little white guy with a big black voice. He only aims to please.

Creative Commons Music?

Scrivs — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 01:30:16

Is there a site or a place that offers music clips to use in your own way like Flickr does photos? I could be a bad person and post some of the music I have in my videos, but I think it would be cool to find some clips of music that nobody gets a chance to hear and besides it will keep me out of trouble.

Vinyl, CD or download, which do you prefer?

threefour — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:07:14

I've just come back from a rather successfull crate digging session in Brighton. My question to you guys is what do you prefer when it comes to buying your music?

I'm a vinyl junkie through and through, I love the feel, texture, sound and artwork that only a record has. I also DJ from time to time so that's one of my reasons, but I always feel like I'm getting more value for my money.

So thoughts ladies and gentlemen please...and any hints to some good digging spots are always appreciated.

Top Love Song

kaulainais — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 22:47:55

Once we had a coversation about it..Your Favorite Love song
mine : - Great Gig In The Sky by Pink Floyd

Who are the greatest all time singers, bands?

kaulainais — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 04:49:40

just wondering?

Michael Buble...simply amazing?

pickagun — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 21:47:58

He also does a variety of jazz. Discuss.

Porcupine Tree

Griffith — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 08:02:43

Sometimes I really love my friends for helping me discover great bands like this one.

I'm having a hard time picking a favorite track, there are so many good ones!

Trains, Deadwing, Arriving somewhere but not here, Melloton Scratch, Open Car, Trains, Fear of a blank planet, Sentimental... and the list goes on.