KICKIN'ITOLDSCHOOL.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
8:45 PM10: Janet Jackson - Miss You Much (1989)
This one just barely made my list by one year, but it still epitomized the 80s for me. Janet really broke through with whole the dance video thing back then, and we can still see this trend shown in music videos today. I chose this song because it's one of my personal faves (rhythm, beat, lyric-wise), but it was truly Janet's Rhythm Nation that really brought out the dance video craze.
09: Run DMC & Aerosmith - Walk This Way(1986)
The 80s was the time when rap finally came out as a mainstream genre, and this single was a giant milestone. True, Run DMC had the help of an extremely successful rock band, but they still managed to show the masses real hip-hop. As an added plus, this song still carries on to today and appeals to youth such as myself. The catchy guitar hook and chorus continues to render fans.
08: Marvin Gaye - Sexual Healing (1982)
Well, there isn't much I can say about this song except for maybe saying that a lot of us wouldn't have been conceived without it's help! [GROSS, GROSS, I KNOW.]
07: Michael Jackson - Thriller (1982)
This song makes me which I was an 80's child, because I so desperately would have loved to do the thriller dance up in the clubs with all of my friends (13 Going On 30-esque). Of course, this was Jacko's crazy huge hit that eventually drove him crazy because he just couldn't make a better song.
06:Bon Jovi - Livin' on a Prayer(1986)
I am, surprisingly, quite the fan of Bon Jovi, and this is definitely one of my all-time favourites of theirs. It's such a great song to just jump around and scream to. Plus, it makes me look like I have some mild interest in all those 80s hairbands (I am kinda ashamed to say I don't really like ACDC that much...even though I feel like I should). Last time I jammed to this song was when they played it inbetween sets when I was at a concert. All the tired, pissed off, sweaty kids stopped their pushing and bitching and just jammed out to the song. The whole concert floor was singing it; it was such a nice feeling. Oh, and, you might catch me singing this to myself at my work, when there's no one around ;).
05: Madonna - Like a Virgin (1984)
I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who has the guilty pleasure of knowing all of the words to this song. It's a regular shower ballad for me. What else can I say? Everyone loves Madonna!
04:Michael Jackson - Billy Jean (1983)
Okay, okay, I cheated a little. I love MJ so much that I had to put his songs twice on here. I would have made half the list MJ if I could (hmmm...do I see a list title in the making?) Anyways, back to the song. Ohhhh man do I get shivers down my spine when I hear those opening beats to this song. If I'm anywhere close to something that resembles a dance floor (school hallway, sidewalk, anywhere basically), I will break into my really bad 80s dancing...man...I really wish I could moonwalk.
03:Salt-N-Pepa - Push It (1987)
If you're one of my close friends, you've had the unfortunate experience of watching me jam out to this song. I really don't care if the lyrics are vulgar or suggestive, I friggin' love this song! I even made it my ringtone a while ago....BADDD idea, especially on public transit.
02: Pat Benatar - Love is a Battlefield (1983)
I'm sure a lot of you are suprised by my number 2 choice; I bet a lot of you didn't realize just how much I love this song. I don't know WHERE it came from, I think I might've actually downloaded this song by fluke, but it turns out, it was the best accident I ever made. I (obviously) know all the words to this song (which is rare for me). It's such an anthem for 80s teens, I love it.
01: Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams (1983)
I have one word for this song: TIMELESS. I think the first time I heard this song, I thought it was a new release. Like seriously, listen to this song and you'll see it could totally fit in on today's top 40 charts. It's got the weird 808esque beats, the creepy lyrics (some of them want to use you, some of them want to be abused). And, Annie Lennox is a genius. This song is my handsdown favourite 80s song and it will continue to be for the rest of my life! I can't fathom any other way to describe this but to say that it is simply amazing.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: Lionel Richie - All Night Long(1983); Hungry Like The Wolf - Duran Duran (1982); Beach Boys - Kokomo (1988); Under Pressure - Queen & David Bowie (1981); What's Love Got To Do With It - Tina Turner (1984)
*INTERESTING SIDE NOTE: 5/10 of my Top Ten and 2/5 of my Honorable Mentions were released in 1983-1984. That was 26 years ago, which is when my mother was 18 years old, the same age that I am. Weirdly cool, don't you think?
1 comments
and 3 of your top 10 has something to do with sex. :D
I LIKE WHERE THIS IS GOING.
By 
Unknown, at
June 4, 2009 at 10:21 PM
YOUKNOWYOULOVEME!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 9:18 PM1. The Lifestyle
filthy, filthy rich teenagers, tons and TONS of amazing, classy, eventful parties, and funny drunk times. Sometimes, its just fun to sit back and pretend we live the glamorous lifestyles of upper east side new yorkers.
2. The Raw Emotions
Despite everyone dating everyone, the messed up pseudo-incestual relationships, and the guaranteed 5 minutes of making out every episode, the true emotions of each character are really well portrayed in this series. Particularly, that of Chuck Bass. if you've watched his transformation through the two seasons, you know what I mean.
3. The Age Similarity
They're in grade 12, they have prom, and apply to universities, and have to deal with leaving high school behind, etc etc. In that way its kinda relatable, even though everything is extra dramatic given the presence of gossip girl.
4. Chace Crawford
.
...need I say more ?
5. The Awesome Music
what's a tmyb blog without mention of music? Like most of my favourite dramas (ie, the O.C., Grey's, etc) this one's got an amazing lineup; it mixes mainstream with indie and the music fits the moments perfectly. My personal fave: Kings of Leon's hit Sex on Fire playing during Aaron & Serena's makeout scene. Check out imeem's complilation of memorable songs from the show on the right hand column >>.
all in all, i'm kinda sad that its over, for now anyways. The next time i'll be watching the show is when I, and the characters from the show, are in university. *shudder*
thoughts?
- what are your latest tv obsessions?
- what are some other shows known for their good music? (other than the O.C, Grey's Anatomy, and Gossip Girl)
more later.
0 comments
COVERITUP!
Sunday, April 26, 2009 2:16 PMDIX: I Wanna Love You - The Maine
Akon cover
Maybe it's a personal preference, but after a while, Akon gets hella annoying. Hence, this cover by the Maine had a uncertain reception at first, but after a few listens, I began to realize how good it is. They basically took the annoying, whiney Akon voice out of it and made it much, much more enjoyable. This cover is on this list for one reason, and that is that the cover itself is better (WAY better) that the original.
Oh, and this cover can be found on the "Punk goes Crunk" album, which is filled with many other amazing hip hop / r&b covers by rock/scene/punk artists. I highly recommend it.
NEUF: Baby Doll - The (International) Noise Conspiracy
N.E.R.D cover
Unlike my #10 pick, this one's a bit different. I am an avid N.E.R.D song, but "Baby Doll" just didn't strike me as a hit. I am not, by any means, an "International Noise Conspiracy" fan. Like, I don't even know who the hell they are. All I know is, that this cover is totally amazing! They add this weird, quirky, indie vibe to a hip hop song. When I first heard this cover I was blown away at how catchy it is. It's funny because I found this song totally by accident; I was just scrolling through a filesharing blog about 3 years ago, and this sounded interesting so I downloaded it, and boy am I happy that I did.
I tried desperately to find this song on imeem, because I'm making a playlist (on the right >>), to go along with this blog, but its next to impossible. One day, when I'm not so lazy, I will upload it to my box.net account or something so that its awesomeness can be shared with the world!
HUIT: Fall At Your Feet - James Blunt
Crowded House cover
I'm sure everyone's heard the original on any old soft rock radio station, and it's okay. It's got the whole 80's vibe to it. Mr. Blunt, in his sexy, saultry(sp?) way, adds soul to this song. Plus, it's acoustic which makes it that much more intimate. I wouldn't say I'm a crazy fan of James Blunt, his music is very calming when it needs to be, but this cover is definitely my favourite song from him. It's flippin' amazing. I don't really know what else to say, just go check it out.
SEPT: Over My Head (Cable Car) - A Day to Remember
The Fray cover
It's already a given that I am passionately in love with The Fray, but this cover came quite unexpectedly. Firstly, since I love The Fray's music so much, I wasn't so sure some punk band could sing their song better (or as good) as they can. Boy, was I wrong. I wouldn't say that the cover is BETTER than the original, but they are both very different from eachother. The tone of the cover is totally the opposite of the original, yet it's still really good. Secondly, they are a screamo band. What? A screamo band doing a cover of the Fray?! Sounds like a weird combination, right? Wrong. It actually works. You will see this theme of screamo band covers again on this countdown. I actually really like it.
Oh, and another reoccuring theme: this cover is off of the "Punk Goes Pop" cd, another installment of the series from the #10 cover on this countdown.
SIX: Hips Don't Lie - Shakira ft. Wyclef
Claudette Ortiz (of City High) ft. Wyclef cover (originally named "Dance Like This")
Wait, what? Yeah, I know what you're all thinking: "Shakira didn't write this song?!" This cover is different from the rest in that the original is not as well-known as the remake. Only extreme Dirty Dancing II: Havana Nights (my all-time favourite movie..of all time...ever...of life..) fans will recognize this song. My first experiences with this song were in the steamy night clubs of Havana where Diego Luna danced it up with that white chick (I don't know or care what her name is, I just loveee Diego). I admit, I was pretty mad that Shakira went and remade this song and made it all famous. My favourite movie was not getting the credit for thing song. However, I eventually came around when I realized that the cover is pretty good. The reason why this is #6 is purely because it was so successful on the music charts, so this is not so much a personal preference as it is a general agreement that this cover is good.
Plus, Shakira does the boob dance in the video :).
CINQ: Feeling Good - Muse
Nina Simone cover
There's so many covers out there of this song (Michael Bublé, The Pussycat Dolls) , that I had to mention this one because it stands out. It's not only because I am completely and utterly obsessed with Muse either. Well maybe just a little. This song kind of introduced me to Muse's style, so it deserves a lot of credit. I had originally heard the Michael Bublé version, and I hadn't thought much of it, but when I heard Muse's rendition of it I fell in love. So, if any of you ever want to share my passion for Muse with me, this is a good song to get started on. It is simply amazing. It has Muse's retro rock feel to it without taking away from its original jazz roots. You can imagine how ecstatic I became when this song came on in the background of another one of my favourite movies, "Seven Pounds" (starring Will Smith). The combination of the two was almost orgasmic.
For another awesome Muse cover that didn't make this list, check out their rendition of "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" By Frankie Valli.
QUATRE: Killer Queen - Panic! At The Disco
Queen cover
This cover has a story behind it. I first heard it when I was at a Panic! At The Disco concert, and I really didn't know the song at the time but I knew quite a few Queen songs prior to hearing it so I was really intrigued that Panic! would make covers of Queen songs. Two of my friends that went with me already knew the song, and they were the only 2 people in the crowd that sang along. It was definitely a moment I'll remember for the rest of my life. So, I went home and checked out the original for myself, and I instantly loved it. I heard it again, and saw it live when I went to see "We Will Rock You". Panic!'s cover, therefore, I feel, allows people of younger generations that never had the opportunity to be exposed to Freddie Mercury when he was alive to listen to their amazing, timeless music.
TROIS: Wonderwall - Cartel
Oasis cover
It get's a little tricky when an artists attempts to make a cover of a song that did exponentially well in it's glory days. This is the case for "Wonderwall". I mean, come on, it came out in the 90's and still kids today know all the words to it. It's just one of those timeless songs. That's why I was really, really impressed with this cover by Cartel. They're a pretty good band to start with, so I gave them a shot. They keep their version quite similar to the original, which is good I think because it could have easily been a disaster had an artist tried to change this song. Of course, Cartel adds a bit of their own punk vibe to it, which I think appeals to younger kids these days. It's simple, and it's a good cover, so go check it out!
DEUX: Let Go - Static Lullaby
Imogen Heap cover
I think the original Imogen Heap version is the iconic indie song of our generation. Everyone's got it on their ipod after they watched Garden State to show that they've got a little indie in them. It's a great song, but a little bland. I was actually quite into Imogen Heap and Frou Frou (their other band) at one point, so I know their style, and after a while Imogen Heap becomes like Coldplay/The Fray/ and so many other bands: repetitive. All their songs sound the same. By the way that is by no means an insult to the Fray or Coldplay because I love them both dearly. Static Lullaby is another screamo/electropunk band , so again this cover was quite unexpected. I must say though, this is one of my favourite covers of all time. It takes a totally soothing, calming song and flips it into a high energy, action-packed song. And I friggen love it. Please, PLEASE go check it out, even if you're not into the screamo thing (Cuz I really don't even like Screamo that much).
UN: Smells Like Teen Spirit - Tori Amos
Nirvana cover
This song simply just takes my breath away. The original was, of course a worldwide success and pretty much defined a generation of angsty teens in the early 90's, but I think this cover appeals to a whole new audience. This is because, the lyrics of the song completely translate into this genre of smooth, piano-based music. Plus, Tori Amos' amazing voice (I'm not really familiar with her other work as well, but I know she's a realy good singer) adds a whole different aspect to the song. Just like the James Blunt cover, this cover strips the original of all add-ons: drums, guitar, screams. It's simple, it's tranquil, and it's beautiful. Once I listened to it I knew that no other cover could ever measure up. I can't really put a finger on why; I've already mentioned the possible reasons. Everytime I listen to this song it gives me goosebumps. It's that good. One listen and you're hooked.
SOME HONORABLE MENTIONS THAT ARE GOOD BUT DON'T DESERVE PARAGRAPH-LONG DESCRIPTIONS:
- Africa by Karl Wolf (Cover of the ToTo song of the same name)
- Reach Out & Touch Me by Hilary Duff (Cover of Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode, which was remade byMarilyn Manson)
- You Give Love A Bad Name by Atreyu (Cover of the Bon Jovi song of the same name)
if you guys have any more suggestions, post it in the comments I'll check em out and put them on the honorable mentions list.
And now for TMYB's 3 Bottom of the Barrel Covers
(they really suck).
TROIS: Hip's Don't Lie - The Fray
Cover of...well...see #6 of the top ten list.
It was just a joke, I'm presuming, so, I'm gonna let it slide for my favourite band of all time. Forgive, but not forget.
DEUX: Welcome To The Record - Hellogoodbye
Cover of Sir Mix A Lot's "I Like Big Butts"
ugh. Need I say more?
UN: Jai Ho - The Pussycat Dolls , and any other PCD cover (Another One Bites the Dust, Feeling Good, etc, etc.)
Cover of A.H. Rahman
ITS JAI HO NOT JAY HO. other than that, it's pretty good.
Dishonourable Mention: any and every cover of "Crank That", because, why would you make a remake of a horrible, horrible song in the first place?!
0 comments
YOUTUBE !
Friday, March 20, 2009 11:08 AMits march break.
and i really havent done anything. but i kinda needed that , you know? a week of doing nothing. I hung out, once, with friends, but thats because it was crucial. I really needed to get away from all that is school, friends, marks...everything basically.
Even though its been since November that I've written in here last, I don't really have much to update on here. I only write things here that I know people won't read that I need to get off my chest. So, if you're reading this, cool, but I know there aren't many of you which I like cus I don't want the whole world reading about what I think. I'm already opinionated enough as it is.
I also wanna keep this one light, because to be honest I don't have a lot of time to rant on and on about my thoughts and feelings today, sooo I'm going to give a little intro to youtube, my (kinda) new obsession. I've become totally obsessed with subscribing to these crazy kids who love making videos just for the sake of making vids!
So, here's my list of fav youtube celebrities (or almost celebrities)
FAVES:
1. Mitchell Davis (aka livelavalive)
http://www.youtube.com/livelavalive
He was introduced to me by my sister, and oh boy did I get hooked. The night she told me who he was, I was studying for a test the next day. I watched all 5o or so of his vids in one night, and (you guessed it) did not study one bit. Mitchell (or Mitcherr as he says at the beginning of his vids) is a quirky, artistic, and original guy who is sure to make anyone laugh. Oh, and he's hot.
Recommended Videos: Back to life, Zebra Dance
2. WasteTimeChasingCars (aka wtcc)
http://www.youtube.com/wastetimechasingcars
So I first stumbled upon his videos when looking up 3OH!3 videos. His remake of "Don't trust me" really caught my attention, and from then on I've been watching all of his videos. I'm not gonna lie, he's quite a looker. He's really good with the Fred imitations, and talking to himself (you'll get what I mean when you watch his vids). He also does "itunes" style videos for a variety of songs, including Don't Trust Me. He' s really funny, and cute.
Recommended Videos: Don't Trust Me, NBA Commercial: There Can Only Be One Spoof
3. SuperMac18
http://www.youtube.com/supermac18
Another one of my sister's recommendations. Mac, you gotta get used to his style. He's my sisters age, so only 15 or so and he's been making videos since he was around 13. For a 15 year old, he's amazingly good at editing his videos and he is also reallly funny when he wants to be. Out of all my faves, I think mac is the most real, probably because he's too young to get caught up into all the hype. Also, he's extra cool cus I'm pretty sure he owns american apparel sweaters in at least 10 colours.
Recommended Videos: Getting Noticed and All, My Life Would Suck
4. Michelle Phan
http://www.youtube.com/michellephan
Not like any of the above, Michelle, in the most calming voice I have EVER heard, shows viewers how to look beautiful. I know a lot of people who credit some of their makeup and hair tricks to her. She's really, really good. So, if you wanna look beautiful, check her out !
Recommended Videos: Paper Bag Curls Tutorial: No Heat, Kitty Litter Facial Mask
5. Little Boots (aka littlebootsvideos)
http://www.youtube.com/littlebootsvideos
I think she's either Scottish, Welsh, or Irish (I'm sorry I can't tell), and she's extremely talented. Her voice is soo good! And She is really good with the Tenori-On, which is this crazy new synth machine. Her covers are original and yet kinda like the original. I highly recommend her to anyone who likes to watch song covers. And she doesn't cover your conventional acoustic guitar song either.
Recommended Songs: Ready for The fun (cover of Hot Chip's 'Ready For The Floor', with Tenori-On accompaniment), Time To Pretend (Cover of MGMT)
NOT-SO-FAVES
(my list of overrated, unentertaining youtube stars)
1. Fred
http://www.youtube.com/fred
Need I say More? More than 5 seconds of his videos gives me a headache. And his stories, are not funny. Like who cares about Judy? Honestly.
2. VenetianPrincess
http://www.youtube.com/venetianprincess
The only youtube star I have ever UNSUBSCRIBED to. Her covers of every single popular song ever are NOT funny, and she's really processed. She does not have anything real or relatable about her.
3. SxePhil
http://www.youtube.com/sxephil
He's not funny. I really don't get it. I'm sorry, I know theres quite a few of you that love him, but, I really don't see the humour. He just talks about news, and he updates way too often. I like youtubers who update often but still spaced out so that the viewer can build up excitement.
That's all for today, folks. Have fun on youtube for the rest of the day. (You know how it is, you watch one video, which leads to another, which leads to another, and before you know it, its 3 hours later, and you have buttlock).
more later.
0 comments
Me
Name: VindyaLocation: Toronto, Canada
Objective: to list-make my way through life.
The Blog
Basically, the story goes that I have another blog, which I had initially intended to use for normal blogging stuff (thoughts, feelings, etc), but it turns out that I LOVE making lists to many of my posts were lists. LIGHTBULB! Why not make a seperate blog for lists? And here I am today.Turn it Up!
To-Do List
Fave Acoustic artistsFave Goodbye/End of Year songsSummer ChecklistConcert/Mosh tipsHigh School tipsMost Addictive WebsitesFriends
The Other BlogJustin
Christina
Glustinean
Glenn
Sean
Matt
Bianca
Nate
Credits
Layout: tuesdaynightResources: 1 2