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!