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Lyric of the Day #46: “No Rain,” by Blind Melon

3 Aug

For your morning pleasure I have for you a band who shoves it in your face that they have the ability to sleep all day. I kid, I kid. “No Rain,” by Blind Melon (a.k.a the song that holds together all early 90’s music) was a true revolutionary song that signaled back to acoustic 60’s music. The song sounds like it could have been performed at Woodstock and been greatly enjoyed. Yet, possibly the only difference between this song and 60’s music is that “No Rain” comes with a directed music video which showcases a girl in a bee costume dancing.

Some lyrics:

All I can say is that my life is pretty plain

I like watchin’ the puddles gather rain

And all I can do is just pour some tea for two

and speak my point of view

But it’s not sane, It’s not sane

I just want some one to say to me

I’ll always be there when you wake

– “No Rain,” by Blind Melon off of their 1992 self-titled album

I’ve always loved these lyrics because of their truthfullness. Shannon Hoon, the lead singer and songwriter who unfortunately passed away in 1995 from a drug overdose, seems to be saying that his life is no different then the rest of the world’s population. Doesn’t everyone metaphorically “pour… tea for two” and just hope someone is there to listen to them. Someone there to promise that they will be there when they awake.

Fun Fact: This is a good one. The song is mentioned in an episode of Beavis and Butt-head where they comment on a dwarf in the video of “Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats. Beavis comments, “I think that’s that bee from that Blind Melon video”. Classic.

Song of the Day #45: “New York, New York,” by Frank Sinatra

1 Aug
Frank Sinatra Doing Work

Frank Sinatra Doing Work

Two things are being said with the choice of Sinatra to head the new era of the Music Court. Firstly, it says that I am egotistical person, surrounding all of my posts around events in my life. This one celebrating my glorious return to the lights of New York (at JFK airport). But, hopefully, if you spotted my sarcasm there, you realize that the choice of Sinatra is due to us not discriminating against any music here at The Music Court (seriously we will do anything, From big band to punk pop *does that even exist*) and the song symbolizes a man that embodies greatness, independence, and really good music.

So, what is “New York, New York?” What has made this song so iconic, so recognized by the masses? Why is it one of those songs that everybody recognizes? Is it because of its timeless attribute or because how famous the musician is? Or, is it just a great song? Well, let us take it apart and give some history

First, “New York, New York,” was originally composed and written for the same titled 1977 film by Martin Scorsese. Can you guess who it was written for? Liza Minneli. I know my reaction was a big really too. The song was written by Fred Ebb and composed by John Kander, who were the two members of the popular Broadway team of Kander and Ebb who frequently wrote for big stage actors and actresses. In 1979, Sinatra recorded the song for his 1980 album entitled Trilogy: Past Present Future. The song did not become popular until Sinatra performed it, changed around some lyrics, and made it a charted hit. Since then, it has become one of his most noticeable songs. Seriously, who hears “New York, New York,” and thinks Liza Minelli.

The draw of the song is definitely Sinatra’s croon. It has to be. He belts out this song with such emotion that it becomes alive inside of you. A melody that travels through your ear canals into your long-term memory store in the Hippocampus after hearing the song enough times. (All of that information could be wrong and skewed but hey I ain’t no doc. I’m a English Major. That colloquial english was supposed to be a joke. Yeah, haha, okay.) The song is just memorable. He glorifies New York and makes everyone want to go there. It is a song of overcoming adversity and making it in the big city that never sleeps. The funny thing is, of course, Sinatra found his way quickly to the top of the heap. He made it there in New York, New York! Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da. Sorry!

The New Music Blog

31 Jul

New Music Court Blog (Please Play)

Hello readers. Well, I have returned from my five day tropical getaway in Aruba where I soaked in the strong sun and constant 30 mph winds. Yeah, it is really really windy there. But the vacation has ended and that means two things. One, I am back in New York. Two, the Mets will begin to lose. Yes struggling Mets fans, if you would like to ever feel joy send me on vacations. You just have to pay my air fare and hotel room.

But, what this also means is the return of the The Music Court. Yippee. Streamers are flying around the room. Noise makers are going off in the background. The music has been turned back on. A little overdramatic, okay. Over the course of the vacation I got to thinking about the blog and went back to the drawing board. Over the past couple of weeks there has been a noticeable decline in posts. One reason for this is that while there was a two man system working for a while here, the second man skipped out of daily updates and his section, leaving me all by my lonesome making posts. So, here is what I plan on doing.

Firstly, you will see some sections being erased. These are sections that have not been in use at all. Will they come back? Possibly, sometime in the future when I gain the luxury of a surplus of writers. But, for now they are on hiatus. What you can now expect from the music court is a devoted effort to bringing you your daily harmony. There will be a song of the day or lyric of the day waiting on your driveway each day like a plastic covered newspaper. A sealed song for your listening pleasure. Also, you will occasionally get themed posts. Some links of the day. A 60’s band of the day. Good stuff like that. Maybe, even an album review at times. But, the most you will see in a day is one or two posts. I will be honest with you. I need some help.

What I now propose to you is a request *cough plea cough.* Excuse me. But, seriously, my goal for this blog is to make it a first stop for music cravers. I want it to provide daily songs for enjoyment, news for interest, links for fun. While being reputable, I also want it to be opinionated and fun, like all blogs should be. But, if this is going to happen there needs to be more then one person running the blog. What I am thinking is about four.

 So, without further ado, THREE JOB OFFERS

 1.)    Newsman/lady

–         As the music court newsman/lady you will be looked at to provide readers with daily news. One who is right for this position is interested in not only listening to music, but also keeping updated on the latest gossip, cd releases, concerts, tours. The whole nine yards. News posts will be daily (except for Sunday, you can take that day off). I suggest have a few sites online that you can turn to for news (rolling stone is a good one). Be on call for the latest cd releases (metacritic.com) or the latest concerts (pollstar.com).  Now, along with these updates have a sense of humor with it. Be opinionated. Creed is coming to Jones Beach. How does that make you feel? Are your arms wide open or do you want them to go away. That kind of stuff.

 2.)    The Link and Poll guy/gal

–         As the link and poll guy/gal your job is to deal with links and polls. The links will be daily but the polls can be weekly or bi-weekly. I love reader participation and I feel that it is also important. Links and polls provide that. Links can be anywhere online related to music. A cool live performance, an awesome amateur. Something in that nature. I would think two links a day but if there is only one awesome one or a many cool ones, that is perfectly fine. Wonder what it should like? Check out the past links of the day.

–         As poll guy/gal make some polls. Out of these bands which do you think has the least talent? Things like that. Let’s get people involved. There is a wordpress option for polls so it will make it for you

 3.)    Song/Lyric of the day guy/gal

–         As of right now I do a song or lyric of the day on top of posting links and various other things. Yet, I can only do one. I would like someone with a good sense of humor and a great background in any type of music (more modern would be best). They would do daily updates with me on a schedule. If I am doing a song they do a lyric. That easy. Look at past ones for ideas.

 In my opinion, with a group of four people equally putting there share into the blog we can really make this an awesome blog atmosphere. Yes, the jobs are unpaid (I wish I could pay you) but go on the drive that this is music we are talking about. Enjoy it. Let us spread the harmony. I give you two perks. You are writing for a cool blog and I have an incredibly large music collection and will send you anything you want. Not like anyone wants my underground 60’s stuff! Hey, if you’re interested in making this blog good again e-mail me at musiccourt@gmail.com. Easy enough to remember I think. Tell me why you want to write for the blog and a little about yourself and your love for music. You do not have to bother with a writing sample if you are illiterate I can tell in the e-mail.

 

So, as of now faithful readers, welcome back the music blog, as I sit here now in good ol’ New York, New York. Betcha can’t guess what the song of the day is going to be.

Lyric of the Day #45: “Margaritaville,” by Jimmy Buffet

23 Jul

Jimmy Buffet has seemingly made a career about singing about places that you want to be. Luckily, I will be traveling to one of these vacation spots to sip Margaritas and waste away in a few days. From the 26th to early August I will be in Aruba. Therefore, from here until that date the blog shall be paused. But, before I leave you for a few days here are some lyrics by Buffet.

“Nibblin on sponge cake
Watchin the sun bake
All of those tourists covered with oil
Strummin my six-string
On my front porch swing
Smell those shrimp theyre beginnin to boil

Chorus:
Wastin away again in margaritaville
Searching for my lost shaker of salt
Some people claim that theres a woman to blame
But I know its nobodys fault

I dont know the reason
I stayed here all season
Nothin to show but this brand new tattoo
But its a real beauty
A mexican cutie
How it got here I havent a clue

Chorus:
Wastin away again in margaritaville
Searchin for my lost shaker of salt
Some people claim that theres a woman to blame
Now I think
Hell, it could be my fault

I blew out my flip-flop
Stepped on a pop-top
Cut my heel had to cruise on back home
But theres booze in the blender
And soon it will render
That frozen concoction that helps me hang on

Wastin away again in margaritaville
Searching for my lost shaker of salt
Some people claim that theres a woman to blame
But I know its my own damn fault
Yes and some people claim that theres a woman to blame
And I know its my own damn fault”

Margaritaville

Song of the Day #44: “The Long and Winding Road,” by The Beatles

21 Jul

                

                  Tonight I will be making the trip to Citi Field to see McCartney’s last show at the new Mets home. The first two shows were met with incredible reviews and I doubt that tonight will be any different. McCartney has dished out all he has for these shows and the set lists have included songs from “Hey Jude” to various solo material. But, today, in honor of the show, I would like to focus on one particular McCartney composition that is one of my favorites, “The Long and Winding Road.”

              One interesting fact that not many know about the song is where it originated from. Well, yes, of course it came from McCartney’s mind, but he penned the song in Scotland inspired by the tension in The Beatles. Why can’t my stress result in beautiful music. Some people have all the luck. The subtle beauty of the song lifts itself above the sad lyrics which McCartney said he loves to write because it keeps him away from the Psychiatrist.

           Stay tuned for a review of the concert!

          Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6ZegjrEIGQ

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