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Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie…Bijou bikini?

13 Jul

That she actually wore for the first time today

Today’s Word:

Bijou (adj) – Something small or delicate

Musical Example

Everyone knows the tune and the famous bijou bikini. It is itsy bitsy and teenie weenie and yellow and polka dot and did I mention a bikini. The song, which tells the tale of a shy girl who is afraid to let people see her in her small bikini, is an infectious and cheery tune that can seriously embarrass you if you know all of the lyrics and tend to often tell people, “what she wore.” But, I don’t care. I am not ashamed and neither should bikini girl.

The song was written by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss and was first released in June of 1960 by Brian Hyland. It skyrocketed to #1 on the U.S. charts in August of the same year.

The song also was more than just a superficial diddy. It also incited a large increase in bikini sales, which were still looked at as risqué in the early 60s. It is cited as being one of the earliest contributors to the acceptance of the suit in society.

SWOD: Come On, Come On and Make a Haptic Move at Me

29 Jun

Today’s Word:

Haptic (adjective): Relating to the sense of touch; tactile.

He's not afraid

Musical Example:
As the title evinces,  The Doors made a mistake when titling their 1969 hit, “Touch Me.” Obviously, haptic move would have been a better choice.

The song, which was written by guitarist Robby Krieger, implements a riff inspired by The Four Seasons’ “C’mon Marianne.” It is perhaps one of the most known Doors’ songs, and a perfect example of Jim Morrison’s excellent croon.

It also includes both brass and string instruments, which, according to fans at the time, was the problem with The Soft Parade, the album which the song finds itself on.

But, while the album faced controversy then, it has, like a fine wine, aged well.

Did You Know…

The album had numerous working titles before the Doors’ finally settled on “Touch Me.” Fortunately, “Make a Haptic Move at Me” was not in the running. “I’m Gonna Love You,” a lyric of the song, was a possibility. “Hit Me,” a reference to the card game black jack, also was a working title. Actually, the famous first line of the song originally went, “C’mon, hit me, I’m not afraid.” But, Jim Morrison frequently changed the line during live performances fearing that the “hit me” line would encourage fans to challenge him to a fight.

Video

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Nicki Minaj Massive Attack?

23 Jun

Hey there all,

I’m sure that if you are even slightly familiar with the hip-hop scene you have heard of Nicki Minaj. The Queens native has collaborated with the likes of Mariah Carey, Usher and Diddy, often featured alongside staple counterparts Drake and Lil’ Wayne.

Nicki "Barbie" Minaj

She’s been the focus of attention as of late, partially because of the summer release of a solo album and a hyped-semi feud with rapper Lil’ Kim (Kim maintains that Minaj has not paid enough respect and “homage” to her position as an artist).

Currently Minaj, a self declared modern day Barbie, is thought by many to have taken the place of Lil’ Kim in the rap scene. Fresh blood and new perspective has lent the up and coming artist waves of attention. With her ultra decadent music video Massive Attack, Minaj seems to affirm a permanent position in the music biz.

But with the supposed beef between Minaj and Kim, one must wonder is there only one spot for a female in hip-hop? What is the source of competition and animosity?

Rap music has such a reputation as hard edged, fueled by the tough grit of masculine energy. I think that Minaj’s flair of aggressive confidence and feminine eccentricity is a perfect complement to the scene. I don’t, however, believe that only one woman should merit the spotlight. Minaj is a fascinating artist, but should not be the only “token” girl rapper on a track.

Minaj and Drake

Yes, there has been others (Eve, Remy Ma, and as aforementioned, Lil’ Kim, to name a few) to make there names known. But as of now, Minaj seems to be taking the lead. But, before asking Barbie to contribute to another song, maybe a few artists should look into other female talent out there.

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SWOD: Here Comes the Sun

21 Jun

Time for another instalment of the song/word of the day.

Today’s Word: Heliolatry

Oh...Now the post title makes sense

Heliolatry (noun): Worship of the sun.

Musical Example:

For those who reside in the Northern Hemisphere the concept of heliolatry was quite prevalent yesterday. Summer solstice, the longest day of the year, occurred yesterday and with it brought sunshine, warm weather (at least on Long Island, NY) and the welcomed beginning of summer. Trust me, I would know. I was out yesterday reporting on how people were spending their solstices around Long Island.

And, to help welcome in summer, I could not think of a better song than “Here Comes the Sun.” I wonder if there will ever be a word like Beatlolatry. The worship of the Beatles (in case you did not realize what I was getting at). I may suffer from a taste of this. Luckily, Beatlolatry won’t lead to eventual skin cancer. Though it may lead to a serious case of Beatles’ lyricitis (a condition which provokes constant singing of Beatles’ songs). Anyway, moving away from my stupid comments, here is what you all came here for. Quality George Harrison (who wrote “Here Comes the Sun” on one of Eric Clapton’s guitars, by the way) playing “Here Comes the Sun” with some other talented musicians.

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SWOD (Song of the Day/Word of the Day) #20: Hobbledehoy

7 Jun

Today’s Word:

An example of a hobbledehoy

Hobbledehoy (Noun): An awkward, gawky young fellow.

Musical Example:

Ah, now you get the image above. Now, before I get into a musical example of this odd word with unknown origins, let me alert you all of my posting schedule for the summer. Internship orientation was exciting, but a tad bit confusing and overwhelming. That was to be expected. After most likely getting hopelessly lost in the building tomorrow, I believe things will become more clear when I am put in front of a computer and told to write. I can do that well. Heck, I am doing that now. Maybe I will write about a hobbledehoy. I work on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday for now. Does everyone remember the posting schedule that I used when I was in college just a few months ago? Court links will grace your screen on Monday and Thursday. Tuesday’s will be reserved for a SWOD. So, consider this a Tuesday post. Wednesday and Friday will change weekly.

Now, on to the music. You know, “Why must I be a hobbledehoy in love.” Wait, those are not the lyrics Dion and the Belmonts famously sing? That’s right everyone. Tonight is reserved for an oldie but a goodie. “A Teenager in Love” was written by Doc Pomus and partner Mort Shuman in March of 1959. The song hit #5 on the Billboard pop charts. The song was originally sung by Dion and the Belmonts and you can watch a video of a performance of the song below.

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