Pearl Jam

Pearl Jam circa 1990's

Pearl Jam live

This week I've been digging on a lot of Pearl Jam.  Part of the reason could be that I'm at home with my mother, who has recently become a die hard fan.  Or maybe it's just because the men of Pearl Jam really
know how to put together some good tunes.  Whatever the case may be, they are my choice for the week.  Pearl Jam is an older group, but they know how to keep the slick guitar riffs and smooth vocals coming, even with age.  This is another group that I have yet to see, but would love to roll up to a live show.  Some of their songs are a bit heavy rocking for me, but the way they combine the instruments and vocals makes everything even out for me in the end. One of my favorite aspects of the group is how real they are with their music: what you hear is what they can really do - NO auto-tune.  They are the real deal, and bring their powerful lyrics and rhythms to center stage.
Enjoy, and happy Easter!
Even Flow
Jeremy
Daughter

Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu

This week, I have really been getting into Erykah Badu.  She is a performer I enjoy both listening to and watching perform (although I have not yet seen her live), but I very much dig her music videos.  She has such an earthy sounding voice, which calls your attention from the other room.  That and her combination with a jazzy blues style tossed with a bit of reggae is something that soothes the soul.  Badu is an artist that I would definitely like to see live sometime very soon, as I think her performance would be both powerful and one of a kind.  She has a lot of thought and soul pouring out of her words and sound.

Badu on tour

Badu is an artist that is newer to my library, but I feel that she is a necessary component to creating a perfect playlist.  Something I really appreciate about her is how she is not afraid to use the range of her voice, but she does so in a way that isn't too much.  Many of her songs actually tend to remind me of TLC, with an entourage of female voices and soul.
Much love.
On & On
Bag Lady
Honey
Didn't Cha Know

Neil Young

Neil Young then

Growing up with a mother as a music teacher, I found myself being subject to almost every genre of music.  For as long as I can remember, both my mother and father (lacking a musical bone in his body) have always dug "classic rock" the most.  This included music from AC/DC to Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix to The Beatles, and one of my personal favorites, Neil Young.

Neil Young now

What can I say? The man can sing, and not only can he sing, but he can write.  He has a way of speaking the truth through his lyrics and relating them to everyday life.  Not only that, but his voice, to me, is probably what Jesus would sound like. Mr. Young seems to have a way of putting together a musical number that encompasses emotion as well as talent, and is a man I feel every person should include on their playlist. Enjoy!
Old Man
Down By the River
Heart of Gold

Kid Cudi

Scot Mescudi

You know how there are always those certain songs, or even those specific artists that you can't seem to avoid putting on virtually every playlist you create?  Well, I have a few artists that fit that category, and this week Kid Cudi is topping that chart for me.  There is something about the way I find myself connecting with his lyrics and being able to find a song that fits my every mood that just drives me to listen to more.
Although Scot Mescudi is fairly new in the music world, the few albums he's released so far have been impressive to me.  I do think that many of his songs sound the same, but there is always that distinction to tell them apart.  He definitely has a sound unique to himself, and it is something that I can dig on.  There are not many R&B artists or rappers that I am really dying to see in concert, but Kid Cudi is absolutely on that list; with the energy I can find in his music, it's hard telling how much energy would be flowing through a live show!
Go on, give him a try. (:
Dat New "New"

Mr. Rager album cover

Mr. Solo Dolo
Cudderisback (first Kid Cudi song I really fell in love with!)

Watch the Throne

Jay-Z and Kanye West

And update number 2 this week is not only a lot different than my first update, but it is different than the other music I have discussed thus far.  This week, I have really been getting into Jay-Z and Kanye West's new album entitled Watch the Throne.  I think that they are both two talented artists, of course they are both talented in different ways, in my opinion.  The collaboration on the album seems to really grab the attention and keep you wanting more, or at least that's what it did for me.  It seemed like every song on the album, although they had they similarities, were very differing as well.  This made it easy to listen to the CD on repeat. More than once.

Watch the Throne album cover

It's hard to pick just a few songs to share with you, but I'll try and choose the one's I think would sound the best on a daily playlist.  The duo seems to intertwine their rap/"singing" skills with a combo of dub-step, instrumentals, and various other artists, but I don't think much of it is overdone.  It's something different this year, and it's something I'm really digging.  Throw this album onto a workout playlist for an extra boost of confidence.
Otis
 Gotta Have It
No Church In the Wild (probably my favorite song on the album as of right now!)

Double Whammy!

In an effort to make up for my lack of an update last week, I will be hitting you with a double whammy of music for your playlists.  First off this week is going to be Wookiefoot.  The group is able to produce solid sound with good vibrations while dancing around the stage with strobe lights and glow-in-the-dark paint all over their bodies.  Honestly, the first time I saw them in concert it was a lot to take in, but overall it was one of the better shows I've been to so far.  The guys will be making their appearance at quite a few festivals this summer, so gear up!
The first time I saw Wookiefoot was at a show in Ames with Jon Wayne and the Pain; together they created a show that was well worth the drive and the money.  The bands often do shows and festivals together like Shangri-La, Project Earth, and Snowball (which is understandable with their similar sound and style).  I would say they are different than a lot of the main stream stuff that's out there right now, so if you're willing to expand your music library, I would suggest giving them a try. (:
Home Free
Be Fearless and Play
Overboard (One of my favorites; Jon Wayne and the Pain often plays this song in honor of Wookiefoot, or with them at a show)

Pretty Lights

Pretty Lights Show

Derek Smith

Although I'm a bit early, I have already begun preparing myself for the upcoming festival season.  The line-ups for shows this year happen to be just in time for a personal graduation present.  One of the bands that will be playing at many of the shows I'm planning on attending is Pretty Lights.
You may normally find me "slamming" on dub-step music, but this guy really does something for me.  The group consists of solo dub-stepper, Derek Smith.  The way he collaborates sounds and overlap prerecorded music is really interesting and always keeps me wanting to hear more.  Even though his songs tend to run on the long side, it's sometimes hard for me to decipher which songs are together and which are separate.  I like this, because it means I can listen to the song all the way through without getting bored of it or find it too repetitious.  Here's a question for you: who doesn't like free stuff? Pretty Lights actually posts all of his albums on the personal site (found above) where you can download them for free! If you would like to donate, however, it is always appreciated and a nice way to show support for the things they do. (: The one-man band is fantastic, both recorded and live so open  your mind and give him a listen!
I Know the Truth
Make You Feel
Finally Moving

The Black Keys

El Camino album cover

Let's just say it's been one beautiful week so far in Iowa.  For some reason the weather seems to effect my music mood.  Needless to say, this week has been all about beautiful sounds.  I've been really into the Black Keys this week, specifically their most recent album: El Camino.  There is such a combination of sounds and rhythms on the album, it's easy to listen through multiple times and not get sick of it.  I had heard of them before, but never really gave them much of a listen until this album dropped.  It's a newer sound, and something I really dig.  The two man group is heavy and electric, yet inviting.  Honestly it's hard to explain without listening to.

Black Keys performing

Because this group is newer to me, I have not seen them in concert yet.  However I just learned this week that they will be at Coachella this year.  For those of you interested in live music, festivals are definitely a good scene to check out.  I have a group of friends known as the "Whomp Family" that travels the country going to festivals (which I recently became a part of) and Coachella may very well be one of our next adventures.
Enjoy the Black Keys and let your festival planning begin!
Lonely Boy
Dead and Gone
Little Black Submarines

Woman Power!

Janis

I don't know what it is, but this week I've really been into artists/bands fronted by women.  It's about the vocals and the emotion they bring to their every word.  Next to the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin is the top artist I would go back in time just to see in concert.  Period.  No amount of watching her perform live on a recording can do her justice, I feel.  She is so powerful with the way she uses the music to express herself, and it is a direct connection for me.

Piece of My Heart

Cry Baby (one of my all time favorite songs)

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs

I have also really been digging on the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.  The group, fronted by Karen O., seems to be able to mix an array of sounds I don't think I would normally like in a band.  They are a group I have yet to see, but plan on adding them to my list soon.  Although she is backed by two men, her presence and sound is dominant.  The lyrics are also something to be said for, as each song tells a story.  They have quite the unique sound, so listen with an open ear!

Maps

Gold Lion

Meg & Dia

Last, I have been leaning on Meg & Dia.  The ladies are a similar group to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, but they have a much less uniform sound and I love it.  Much more garage-bandy sounding, the gritty vocals and hit-home lyrics will have you begging for more.  Although I don't have the pictures to show for it, I went to a concert of theirs last year and it was life changing. 
Check out some ladies...musically!

Monster

Roses

Jon Wayne and the Pain

JWP at People's Court

So far, this has been a cold week.  I've been listening to a lot of pick me up music.  Mainly, it has been a lot of artists that I have seen at music festivals over the summer.  For starters, my playlist has consisted of a lot of Jon Wayne and the Pain.  I first saw them a few years ago at People's Court in Des Moines.  They were one of my brother's favorite bands and after seeing them live, I was instantly hooked.  If you haven't heard of them I'm not surprised; they aren't signed by a major label but they produce awesome music.  They classify themselves as a reggae-rock-dub-step trio.

Candace, Jon Wayne, Kathryn and I

The guys (Jon Wayne, Chuck E., and Teeto) hail from the Minnesota region, and intend to spread love at every show. Not only do they make music that moves your soul, but they are also amazing people.  I have met and hung out with them multiple times before and after their shows.  They are genuine and down to earth, and just want to spread their stories through their music.  We all have a story to tell, and they do so through their tunes, reaching out to the audience with experiences we can all relate to in some way or another.  The band also tours with a lot of other musicians that I really enjoy, which you can be sure I will    try and turn you on to, as well. 

Go ahead, give them a listen. (:

Extended Family

Follow Through

None More Dat

Week 1: Beginning

Hello, world! My name is Becca Harris and I am currently a senior at Simpson College.  I have been required to maintain a blog in previous courses throughout the years, however, I have not kept them up to date once the class ends.  So, as my final year in college comes to a close, this is my last required blog I will have to maintain (unless a future job requires it!).  I have decided to pick something that influences me weekly as to better keep my blog and thoughts updated and posted.  I have previously blogged about music, and plan on doing the same again, only with a different concept.

I will post weekly updates about the music influencing my week; whether it be an old song rediscovered, a favored classic, or something entirely new.  It is also important to me to relay the music of various genres, so I will try and not cater to one. I will try and deliver weekly music, not limited to one song, complete with artist info, a video, and live web links.  Music has always been interesting to me, and I hope to share that with the world by creating one playlist at a time.

Enjoy your day, and let the music roll!