Archive | January, 2010

Lyric of the Day #72: Top 100 Lyricists #75 Ani DiFranco

19 Jan

“If folk music has a future it’s Ani DiFranco.”

The next artist on our best lyricists countdown is Ani Difranco. A beacon in both the folk and alternative scene, Difranco rose to public consciousness in Buffalo, New York, in the early 1990’s. She boldly started her own record label Righteous Babe in 1989, and ever since has remained a trailblazer, redefining the image of the modern woman. Difranco’s lyrics are reputably potent with soul and are true expressions of emotion and heartache.

Difranco has managed to release 20 albums within her career, and in this time, proved herself to be a feminist icon. She has historically turned down lucrative record contracts and the spotlight of mainstream media, valuing the artistic freedom inherent within her own label. Such integrity and craft is unfortunately a rarity in this day and age.

While fishing around through her massive catalogue, one song of Difranco’s seemed to stand out. It was the Not a Pretty Girl, released back in 2002 (Difranco has since produced music more recently as well). The opening lyrics are biting yet funny at the same time:

I am not a pretty girl
that is not what I do
I ain’t no damsel in distess
and I don’t need to be rescued
so put me down punk
maybe you’d prefer a maiden fair
isn’t there a kitten stuck up a tree somewhere

The song is pretty unconventional in the sense that she seems to “talk” out the lyrics.  Nonetheless, it is beaming with experience and a collective pain. She comes off jaded, dismissive of society’s popular approach towards women.

With a career based on manic touring and a college following, Difranco continues to be an unstoppable force.

Court Links: Support for Haiti and Are You Ready For Some Football?

18 Jan

Yesterday at the Golden Globes awards show, George Clooney announced to the Associated Press that more than 40 celebrities will attend the “Hope For Haiti” benefit scheduled for January 22. It is being hosted by Clooney and Haitian-born singer Wyclef Jean. It will be broadcast on more than a dozen networks and will feature performances by Bono, Sting and Alicia Keys to name a few. It is certainly a big event for a necessary cause…so watch it and please donate whatever you can to help the struggling Haitians!

Article: http://www.billboard.com/#/news/bono-sting-timberlake-to-perform-on-haiti-1004059789.story

I am still rather shocked that the New York Jets pulled off a major upset last night. All can be said to celebrate the victory and to look forward to next week’s match-up, but to avoid many words, I will simply ask you. Are you ready for some football?

Don’t Stop Believing: Lets Go Jets

17 Jan

Greene saw green and made Jets green look great

I know this post may be lame but I cannot help it; Journey explains it well in their overplayed classic. I am beyond shocked with my J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets and because of their win I present to you “Don’t Stop Believing” by Steve Perry and Journey. Also, a special non-musical video (music to my ears though). The hilarious locker room speech (the censored version) by Tyrannosaurus Rex Ryan.

J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets

16 Jan

Tomorrow the New York Jets will be in San Diego, not for a team golfing trip, but for playoff football against the 13-3 San Diego Chargers (who have won 11 straight games). I don’t exactly know how they got this far, but the perseverance by my lowly football team has proven that they are certainly on the right track and, for this season, they have as good of a chance as anybody to make the Superbowl and I am PSYCHED! The Jets are hot and playing with house money which makes them a true force to be reckoned with. So, from The Music Court a hearty J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS and what is better than a song set in New York City in the mid 1950’s to help you celebrate.

Bestowing the Crown:Corinne Bailey Rae

15 Jan

Hi there all,

I’m currently enjoying the last week of my winter break, just before I get thrown back head first into the brutal, biting  tundra of Bingahmton University. So before my fingertips decay at the Mr. Frost’s unforgiving mercy, I think a new post is in order. This morning I was channel flipping and came across an amazing new single by the likes of British singer Corrinne Baily Rae. The melody was simple but intoxicating, gentle, bluesy and warm. And so like any good music enthusiast would do, I listened to the song I’d Do It All Again on a loop. Rae’s newest album The Sea will be released in 2010, and I suggest you all check it out.

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