Music: Thread o' "All Other Music"

[Terracosmo]

This thread is for discussion of all kinds of music which don't have their own threads.

Examples would be pop, r'n'b, electronica, techno... basically everything that people generally classify as "mainstream", "commercial", "general" or "all other music" - hence the topic title.

So if you want to discuss...

-...metal, go here: http://forums.gotwoot.net/showthread.php?t=6011
-...j/pop & j/rock, go here: http://forums.gotwoot.net/showthread.php?t=8700
-...rap/hiphop, go here: http://forums.gotwoot.net/showthread.php?t=6062

All other music discussion goes here. All clear? Good.

Let me recommend three of my favorites within the world of pop (people/bands you all probably know of):

1. Madonna
- Yes, that's right, Madonna. I love her. She has energy and looks hot like hell even today. And her music rules, especially the 80's stuff. Get the album "The Immaculate Collection", it contains all her best songs. You won't be disappointed (and if so you are just suck)

2. Savage Garden
- You probably heard of these guys too. The australian duo behind such hits as "Truly, Madly Deeply", "To the Moon and Back", "The Animal Song", "Affirmation", "I Want You", "Crash and Burn" etc etc and so on and so forth. They also have a best of out, called "Truly Madly Completely". Good starting point.

3. Sarah Brightman
- SHE FUCKING RULES! Her voice is fantastic, and her mix of pop, dance & classic music just makes my blood boil in a sexy way. Again, let me recommend a best of - the one released 2001, called simply "The Best Of" I think. Listening to it right now in fact. Every song is amazing.

Later on I'll list some outstanding techno acts or something.

[Phoenix20578]

Later on I'll list some outstanding techno acts or something.

I'll do that for you Terra. Here are some Techno/Trance artists I would recommend:

1. Tiesto - If you've heard or Trance, you know Tiesto. He is one of the greatest DJ's to date. So far, he has been the first and only Trance/Techno DJ to be asked to create songs for the most recent Olympic Games. He has a big following, and deserves that following because of the way his songs get to you. Must notably are his songs Just Be, Touch Me, Adagio for Strings, as well as an almost infinate amount of remixs and club mixes that have been out for years. Tiesto deserves the praise of all!!!

2. Paul Oakenfold - An easily reconizable name in the music world. Many know one of hisradio hits, Starry Eyed Surprise. His fame doesn't stop just there. One of his most prominant songs is Ready, Steady, Go. He may not be as well known as some, but is very much worth checking out for some great beats.

[Terracosmo]

Those are nice. I also really enjoy Sash!. The guy behind "Ecuador", "Adelante", "Stay" etc. Awesome hooks and stuff.

[masamuneehs]

Time to give out the love for the moldy oldies. I'm telling you, nothing beats the classics.

Pink Floyd
This British group does it all. Deep, meaningful lyrics, wild solos, jazz fused with rock 'n roll, instruments/inclusions on tracks that make the Beatles White Album look like Gregorian chant. They also were wildly famous for their live shows, which included three record setting pyrotechnics/light shows (they broke their own record twice), having a fake band play the first song of a concert to see if the crowd could tell the difference or not and literally having a massive wall built between them and the crowd.

Syd Barrett was one of the founding members and although he was a musician for only a few years is famously influential. Barrett was originally pinned as a 'pretty boy pop singer', but his use of drugs quickly changed his agenda. He feuded often with the rest of the band and was eventually replaced by Roger Waters. Barrett's mental condition was never very good, and many suspect he suffered from schizophrenia BEFORE starting taking psychadelic drugs.

'The Dark Side of the Moon', which syncs up quite well with 'The Wizard of Oz' is their most famous album. It is said to be the 1st or 2nd best selling album of all time. 'Wish You Were Here' is also one of their best sellers, including the famous title song and the 24 minute long, 9 part orchestral masterpiece 'Shine on You Crazy Diamond'

Jimi Hendrix
This guy taught himself to play a Fender guitar for right-handed people (Hendrix was a lefty) upside-down and restrung to fit his style. He'd also often light his guitar on fire at the end of shows. He would also wear bandanas around his head laced with acid. What more could you want from the man who did a 5 minute version of Star Spangled Banner at woodstock?

Hendrix teamed up with bassist Mitch Mitchell and drummer Noel Redding and formed The Jimi Hendrix Experieince. Their first single was a cover of 'Hey Joe' and all of the bands first 3 songs broke the UK Top 10. On their first major US tour the band was dropped by the now infamous Monkees and Hendrix was critisized for being 'lewd and indecent' in most of his acts.

Yeah yeah yeah, Purple Haze all in your brain. Honestly that's one of my least favorite Hendrix songs, and I consider his blues and covers to be his best stuff. 'Castles Made of Sand', 'Fire', 'Hear my Train a Comin', 'Red House', 'Hey Joe' and his cover of Bob Dylan's 'All Along the Watchtower' are must hears.

Led Zeppellin
All I can say about this band is that every year the NY radio stations have a 'Best Classic Rock songs of all time' marathon, and not once has anything but Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven' won. They were also once called 'The Biggest Band in the World'. Each member had more talent in their pinky finger than the Rolling Stones have all together. These guys made rock and roll what it is today.

[KitKat]

Well, although I listen to a lot of metal, my taste in music tends to be very eclectic. On the softer side of things, I'd really like to recommend Loreena McKennitt. She writes a lot of music for old poems and ballads, and her original compositions are also gorgeous. There is a lot of Celtic influence in her music, but she's also travelled to many different countries experimenting with instruments and sounds. I listen to her music when I want to relax, or just want some soft background music. Probably not your cup of tea for many of you, but maybe one or two of you might find it appealing.

[Uchiha Barles]

Let me recommend three of my favorites within the world of pop (people/bands you all probably know of):

1. Madonna
- Yes, that's right, Madonna. I love her. She has energy and looks hot like hell even today. And her music rules, especially the 80's stuff. Get the album "The Immaculate Collection", it contains all her best songs. You won't be disappointed (and if so you are just suck)

OMG!! Its ok to like heavy music and Madonna at the same time??? *peaks out of the Madonna lovers closet* Terra's absolutely correct on this one. Listen to him and check it out or risk impotence.

Some recommendations of my own:

Tori Amos: This woman's singing, piano playing, and overall song writing are awe inspiring. I don't really know how to describe her music because it is extremely varied. Some light, playful pieces, dark and moody songs, grand and atmospheric compositions, infusing influences from jazz, rock and roll, blues, folk, electronica...yeah, this isn't helping. I'll list some songs here, that'll help out a lot more:

Winter, Precious Things, Father Lucifer, Caught a Light Sneeze, Hotel, Raspberry Swirl, Spring Haze, Bliss, A Sorta Fairy Tale, Beekeeper.

These are some of my favorites. Enjoy!

Well, although I listen to a lot of metal, my taste in music tends to be very eclectic. On the softer side of things, I'd really like to recommend Loreena McKennitt. She writes a lot of music for old poems and ballads, and her original compositions are also gorgeous. There is a lot of Celtic influence in her music, but she's also travelled to many different countries experimenting with instruments and sounds. I listen to her music when I want to relax, or just want some soft background music. Probably not your cup of tea for many of you, but maybe one or two of you might find it appealing.

Over the holidays I was looking for...holiday songs to listen to, and came across her version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen". I really enjoyed it. I'm also a big fan of Celtic music, so I'll definately go check her out.

Edit: Masamuneeh has superb taste as well. Dammit gotwoot rocks!

[XanBcoo]

I'd have to say Queen is my favorite band in the world. Freddie Mercury has such an awesome vocal range, and his voice is just amazing. He's been thought of as one of the greatest performers ever (makes me wish I was at this age when he was still alive ). I'm partial to Queen's hard rock songs like "Hammer to Fall" and "Princes of the Universe" but I also love some of their more recognizable tunes like "Another One Bites the Dust". The music is just so diverse - you've got heavy metal, ballads, folk, pop-like songs and copius amounts of overdubbing. I can listen to this band in any mood and love it. How can anyone not respect the band responsible for Bohemian Rhapsody?

[rockmanj]

For some reason, i cant stop listening to the new mariah carey album; esp. that 'stay the night' song. I think this may be her best album ever, even better than butterfly or any of the mid-late 90's joints.

[Terracosmo]

@Barles: Definitely. My taste in music is pretty wide. It's an indication of getting older I think, because when I was in my early teens I remember strictly forbidding myself to like everything that wasn't FUXXIN HARDKORE!!!11



You guys bring forth lots of nice bands. Led Zeppelin are among my favorites, I also really enjoy Queen and to a lesser extent Pink Floyd.

[rockmanj]

Another good artist who does what i suppose would be 'soul music', even though its kind of got a bluesy feel, is Anthony Hamilton. He's been around for a while, but only enjoyed soem limited commercial success as of the last 2 years. And speakin og soul music, My fav. of all time has to be Maxwell. Probably because a lot of his songs are really emotive and deep (also its good to play when the ladies come around, if u catch my drift ). However, the 2nd maxwell album may be confusing to some people. But i would definitely recommend both of these guys to people who like good music to relax to

[samsonlonghair]

I'm into classic Rock and Alternative. I guess my two favorite bands are the Doors and Pearl Jam. They let me work out my nihilism.

Terra, I must say that there are few bands I hate to hear more than Savage Garden. This isn't because of any fault of theirs'; the band itself is alright. The reason that I hate to hear them is because I work at a radio station, and every idiot trying to get laid asks me to play "Truly, Madly, Deeply" (or K.C. and Jojo's "All My Life") for their girlfriend/wife. These morons think they can cheat on a woman a dozen times then request a romantic song to make everything better. When that doesn't work they'll call me back in twenty minutes wanting me to play "I'll be" by Edwin McCain. Retards.

[Terracosmo]

lmao.. yeah those two songs are typical for moments like that.

But it sounds pretty cool to work at a radio station.

[masamuneehs]

Today's three areeath Cab for Cutie, The Mars Volta, and Michael Jackson :eek
Death Cab for Cutie
Indie alternative rock at its finest. Carefully crafted compositions, mellow guitar solos, deep and emotional (though often angsty) lyrics, this band has gotten huge in the past 3 years or so in the U.S.

I especially love the fact that this Death Cab (named after a segment in the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour) defies the stereotype that all popular bands must contain beautiful people. Ben Gibbard, the vocalist (as well as sometimes lead guitar and drums) has a voice that makes most women swoon, almost like a Sinatra for the new generation. But the man is UGLY! Hell, the whole band isn't much to look at! I love when a group sticks it to the 'we sell albums based on our looks, not music' genre.

'Transatlanticism' is their most well recieved album, with the most recent one 'Plans' being more of an acoustic, simple and clean style. I also love their earlier stuff from 'Something about Airplanes' which features tracks noticeably more upbeat than the recent album.

Ben Gibbard also sings for 'The Postal Service', a group with much more elctronic sound. His voice is reason enough to try both these groups! This band is one of my 'chill out, calm down, collect your spirits' band

Masa's recommended tracks: Title and Registration, Photobooth, Tiny Vessels, Marching Bands of Manhattan, Passenger Seat, I Was a Kaleidoscope and (from the Postal Service) Bend to Squares, Sleeping In

The Mars Volta
If I ever decided to do exctasy and stay out all night, it'd be at a Mars Volta concert. I first heard this band at Bonaroo '05, and I nearly shat my pants. This music has been called 'progressive rock metal', as it blends the eclectic, almost insane nature of most prog rock with a harder metal sound. Honestly, though I don't quite think of this band as either.

Mars Volta lead singer, Cedric Bixler-Zavala, has this voice that is hard to grasp. He uses a melismatic style (changing the pitch in your voice multiple times during a syllable) and can manipulate his voice to make it sound distorted. He also occasionaly uses distortion devices, making it sound like he's singing from underwater or through a voice box.

They can be sloppy in concert, but this band's CDs are flawless compisitions of incredibly difficult songs, most of them averaging 5-7 minutes long.

'Deloused in the Comatorium' was the band's first big album, and was followed up in 05 with 'Francis the Mute'. The first is roughly based on a first-person narrative of a drug-induced coma, while the second is known for actually only consisting of 5 tracks, 2 of which are split up into 5 and 7 'mini-tracks'. You must hear 'Deloused'.

Masa's recommended tracks: Cicatraz E.S.P, Interiactic ESP, This Apparatus must be Unearthed, Cassandra Gemini I, Cygnus...Vismond Cygnus and L'Via L'Viaquez

Michael Jackson
And now for something totally different.
I love this guy's music, and his life entertains me to no end, although I feel somewhat bad for him occasionally because it's fairly obvious to me that he's not OK in the head. However, this man had a huge effect on music as we know it today (not all for the best), and deserves more praise than criticism.

MJ is attributed with making the Music Video what we know it today. Before they were often just liek recordings of live performances, but without actually being live... Sometimes they'd throw in some random effects/attempts at telling a storyline.

then came 'Thriller', and the world has never been the same.

MJ also has a strong record of being a philanthropist, most widely documented when he co-wrote and performed a major part of 'We are the World', a collective effort by artists to promote attention to and money for poverty in Africa.

MJ was also the first black artist to get substantial playing time on MTV.

It's just sad that such a great artist (and shrewd business man, he currently owns huge shares of everything made by both Elvis Prestly and the Beatles) should mostly be remembered and talked about for his personal life, but Jacko is Whacko, and I won't deny that. Still, his songs continue to be a 'guilty' pleasure of mine.

Masa's recommendations: Smooth Criminal, Beat it, Billie Jean, Black or White, Blood on the Dancefloor

[Nai]

I just have to mention Vanessa Mae here. I absolutely adore her work and the violin is without a doubt my favorite instrument. Yes, it even ranks above the would-be omnipotent piano!

Others I really enjoy would be Modern Talking, Russel Watson ( huge bonus points for True to your Dreams ), Agent Provocateur and pretty much everything classical.

[XanBcoo]

@Masamuneehs: Funny, I just randomly decided listened to Smooth Criminal and Billie Jean earlier today, and I must agree they are pretty good songs. The bass line in Billie Jean is just awesome.

Another favorite band of mine is The Who. These guys practically invented the destructive rockstar lifestyle. It became customary at the end of their performances for Pete Townshend (the lead guitarist and writer of most of their songs) to smash his guitar to smithereens. The drummer, Keith Moon, was even worse. He's regarded by many as one of the best drummers ever (to my knowledge) and led such an amazingly hectic life. That joke on the Simpsons "trash the hotel room!"...that was Keith Moon. Stories about cars being driven into swimming pools...that was Keith Moon.

The band's music reflects their personality imo: Moons' wild man-style drumming, Entwistle's solid bass lines, Townshend's creative music, and Roger Daltry's powerful voice. My two favorite tracks by them are "Won't Get Fooled Again" and "Baba O'Riley" both of which are guided by awesome synthesizer tracks. I love this band.

[complich8]

If other people are pimping their favorite groups ... I might as well chime in.

Chris Cornell (in the scope of Soundgarden, in his solo work, and in Audioslave) is... well ... awesome. Complex lyrics, incredible vocals, and a wide variety of sounds ... pretty much everything he's done just reeks of talent. Musically, the man can do no wrong.

Speaking of components of Audioslave, don't overlook Rage Against the Machine. Lyrics are a bit overly-political for some, but man, the band's guitar work is just stunning.

And, speaking of side-project bands, A Perfect Circle (a side-project of Tool lead Maynard) is another great choice. Check out their Thirteenth Step album, which is just a beautiful soundscape and a lyrical masterpiece.

Oh, and let's not forget the ever-interesting Radiohead. That group deserves a lot more exposure and success than they've had, for sheer innovation factor.

[el_boss]

I just started listening to Incubus. I've been listening to their new album Light Grenade. The track Anna Molly kicks ass. It's so fucking good that I have been listening to it like 30 times today.

[eat_toast]

I"m more into electronica.

That being said, one of my favorites is Daft Punk. You can see them featured in my sig . You may know them for Harder, Better, Stronger, Faster, or maybe Technologic, because I've heard that in many other places. Personally I love their music because of how in so many of their tracks you want to get up and dance, or rave, or something, it's just good. This is a duo, two Parisians who met up and started making great music around ten years ago, and they're still going strong. They've taken to wearing Robot-esque helmets in public and in concert, which has sort of become iconic for them. They even released their own full length anime set to their album "Discovery." My favorite tracks? Have to be Rollin' and Scratchin', Robot Rock, and the mix between Around the World/Television they did live. Good stuff.

For something different:
A few weeks ago I came across Royksopp. At first it was in a geico commercial (yeah yeah i know, pretty weird), and then a friend mentioned to me that he knew who it was that played the song. This song was Remind Me, and is one of my favorite tracks on their album, Melody A.M. The band hails from Norway, and thats about all i know about them personally, but the music is still excellent. Another is Poor Leno, and both of these tracks have a slow feel to them, but it's almost like you cant stop listening. In Eple, you've got a steady beat going in the back, where in front you have just these notes, these notes that make you bop your head and imagine them. Trippy stuff.

[el_boss]

OMG! I thought I was the only one that loved Rollin' & Scratchin'.

Discovery has to be one of the best albums ever made.

I don't really like their newest album though. It's to monotonous. All the songs are the same. Needless to say I was really disappointed by it.

[saman]

I just started listening to Incubus. I've been listening to their new album Light Grenade. The track Anna Molly kicks ass. It's so fucking good that I have been listening to it like 30 times today.

anna molly is a pretty good song. i've only listened to light grenades once, and it seems interesting. i'll probably like it the more i listen to it. i like all their albums i've listened to, but my favourite is morning view, so i suggest you check that one out.

i've also recently bought chantal kreviazuk's ghost lights, and evanescense's the open door, which i think are both very good.