Sunday's Flashback Feature - "Lonely Boy" by Andrew Gold
I first heard this song back in the late 70's and from the very first listen I was hooked for a lifetime - I must confess I don't know exactly what its all about (I'm a just a melody guy who occasionally writes a semi-decent lyric :)), but "Lonely Boy" is just a monster of a pop song....great verse melody and incredible hook...driving piano background - and then they hit you with a way cool guitar solo which just puts the icing on the cake that's already tasting good ha :) If you are not familiar with "Lonely Boy" I highly recommend you check it out - both a studio and live version are posted below. Andrew also penned "Thank You For Being a Friend" from Golden Girls TV show and many other songs covered by big artists. "Lonely Boy" went all the way to #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977 was a nice ride:
"Lonely Boy" - YouTube (Live version)
"Lonely Boy" - YouTube (Studio Version)
Super Bowl Halftime brings us The Who
Well tonight is SuperBowl nite (starts in about 30 minutes) and since the Eagles arent' playing I'm not too worried about who will win. The Saints are definitely a sentimental favorite so I'll definitely be happy for New Orleans if they win. At halftime this year, they'll bring out another super group that started well even before my time ha. The Who is one of my favorite bands from that era...so many of their songs deliver emotion like nobodies business..."This Song is Over", "Baba O'Reilly", "Behind Blue Eyes"...and songs from the Rock opera "Tommy" - quite a legacy that will live on long after Pete, Roger and John stop making music together. Sadly original members Keith Moon and John Entwistle won't be there to join them....both died of drug related incidents....Keith in 1978 and John in 2002...behind the sadness of them not being alive with their family and friends...the live version of the Who could never be the same after their passing.
Enjoy the game and the music tonight and we'll be back with another song and some fun tomorrow!
~Vincent
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Saturdays' Snowy Featured Song - "Misery" by Suzanne Gorman
Well the snow finally stopped coming down and when it was all over it was 2+ feet and higher due to drifting..unbelievable! I finally managed to drag myself in the house so I could do a blog post. Today we're featuring another indie pop song this time in the country vein. "Misery" by Suzanne Gorman has an extremely cool vibe to it and gets your attention from the first notes in the introduction..then the first vocal line seals it with "I don't feel real pretty today..."..totally not true in Suzanne's case but her delivery of the line is so sincere and heartfelt you are drawn into the rest of the song. We always say that "misery loves company" and this song makes it feel all too real for the listener. Another great song on her site is "Heartbreaker" - to hear "Misery", "Heartbreaker" and several other really good songs please visit Suzanne Gorman on MySpace here: www.myspace.com/suzannegorman
Whirlwind Valentines Tour @ Borders in 1 Week!
Just one week from today on Sat Feb 13th, I'll be running around the Philadelphia area playing a 30 minute set at 8 different Borders Bookstores...trying to keep my voice and my sanity intack at I go. For more information on tour locations visit me at www.vincentjames.com . We'll also be posting updates on Facebook from each location look for Facebook links on LoveSongs.com shortly.
That's all for today folks - I'm pooped and need to go practice some more - 8 mini-shows in one day is like running a marathon and have to almost train like one :) Have a great nite and we'll be back tomorrow with another song and some more music news!
~Vincent
Well the snow finally stopped coming down and when it was all over it was 2+ feet and higher due to drifting..unbelievable! I finally managed to drag myself in the house so I could do a blog post. Today we're featuring another indie pop song this time in the country vein. "Misery" by Suzanne Gorman has an extremely cool vibe to it and gets your attention from the first notes in the introduction..then the first vocal line seals it with "I don't feel real pretty today..."..totally not true in Suzanne's case but her delivery of the line is so sincere and heartfelt you are drawn into the rest of the song. We always say that "misery loves company" and this song makes it feel all too real for the listener. Another great song on her site is "Heartbreaker" - to hear "Misery", "Heartbreaker" and several other really good songs please visit Suzanne Gorman on MySpace here: www.myspace.com/suzannegorman
Whirlwind Valentines Tour @ Borders in 1 Week!
Just one week from today on Sat Feb 13th, I'll be running around the Philadelphia area playing a 30 minute set at 8 different Borders Bookstores...trying to keep my voice and my sanity intack at I go. For more information on tour locations visit me at www.vincentjames.com . We'll also be posting updates on Facebook from each location look for Facebook links on LoveSongs.com shortly.
That's all for today folks - I'm pooped and need to go practice some more - 8 mini-shows in one day is like running a marathon and have to almost train like one :) Have a great nite and we'll be back tomorrow with another song and some more music news!
~Vincent
Friday, February 5, 2010
Friday's Feature - "Replay" by Iyaz
Well I have to admit I thought he was saying "Charlene's like a melody...." but actually its "Shawty's like a melody..."...glad I looked that one up :) This is definitely a catchy song that you just want to play again and again. Born Keidran Jones, the artist known as Iyaz. Sean Kingston found Iyaz's music online and tried unsuccessfully to contact him a few times, then finally Iyaz responding just incase it really was Kingston's email :) Well the rest as they say is history...Iyaz signed with a Warner Brothers affiliate..his debut CD "My Life" came out in 2009 and "Replay" went all the way to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (not a bad debut :)). More music is on the way from "My Life" listen for it on radio..for now check out this infectious tune and video:
"Replay" - YouTube
Record Label Giant EMI lost 1.7 Billion Pounds (as in $$$)
In the past year, UK record label giant EMI REcords lost a staggering 1.7 Billion pounds. Not sure what that exactly translates to in dollars (about $ 2.5 Billion Dollars I believe) but its huge. Home to Katy Perry, Coldplay, David Bowie and many other successful artists. Currently they have 4 albums in the Top 10 charts in the US and have about 18% of the market. But illegal MP3 downloads are continuing to take a big bite out of EMI and other companies as they try to stay relevant in the digital age (would have helped if they had jumped on the Itunes/paid Napster situation much sooner). Check out the full article here: EMI Records loses 1.7 Billion Pounds
That's all for Friday nite folks - BIIGGG snowstorm coming in tonight to Philadelphia area - 12-18 inches should be a long white weekend. Be back tomorrow with an Indie song favorite and some more music news!
~Vincent
Well I have to admit I thought he was saying "Charlene's like a melody...." but actually its "Shawty's like a melody..."...glad I looked that one up :) This is definitely a catchy song that you just want to play again and again. Born Keidran Jones, the artist known as Iyaz. Sean Kingston found Iyaz's music online and tried unsuccessfully to contact him a few times, then finally Iyaz responding just incase it really was Kingston's email :) Well the rest as they say is history...Iyaz signed with a Warner Brothers affiliate..his debut CD "My Life" came out in 2009 and "Replay" went all the way to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (not a bad debut :)). More music is on the way from "My Life" listen for it on radio..for now check out this infectious tune and video:
"Replay" - YouTube
Record Label Giant EMI lost 1.7 Billion Pounds (as in $$$)
In the past year, UK record label giant EMI REcords lost a staggering 1.7 Billion pounds. Not sure what that exactly translates to in dollars (about $ 2.5 Billion Dollars I believe) but its huge. Home to Katy Perry, Coldplay, David Bowie and many other successful artists. Currently they have 4 albums in the Top 10 charts in the US and have about 18% of the market. But illegal MP3 downloads are continuing to take a big bite out of EMI and other companies as they try to stay relevant in the digital age (would have helped if they had jumped on the Itunes/paid Napster situation much sooner). Check out the full article here: EMI Records loses 1.7 Billion Pounds
That's all for Friday nite folks - BIIGGG snowstorm coming in tonight to Philadelphia area - 12-18 inches should be a long white weekend. Be back tomorrow with an Indie song favorite and some more music news!
~Vincent
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Thursdays Feature - "All Around Me" by Flyleaf
Flyleaf and this song in particular reminds me of Evanescence at their very best. The haunting, silky voice of lead singer Lacey Mosley pulls you in, the amazing melody feeds on your ears and any song that sings "my tongue dances behind my lips for you" has got to be something special. The contrast between the verses and chorus is so intense with the chorus guitars and lead vocal pounding the message into you...its just way past cool. "All Around You" by Flyleaf actually came out in 2007 as a single from their 2005 debut CD and cracked the Billboard Top 40. They've been quiet on the Top 40 charts lately with one song "Again" from their new CD getting played on Rock and Alternative radio...but I wouldn't count these guys and gal out yet. Currently touring the US with Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace look for more good stuff to come from Flyleaf. Watch and listen "All Around You" here:
"All Around Me" - YouTube
Kenny Rogers to mark 50 years in the Music Biz with TV Special
That man who first brought us "Lady" (written by Lionel), "You Decorated My Life", "The Gambler" and many many other great hits will be taping a TV Special in April that will include Dolly Parton and other special guests. For more info check out the news here: Kenny Rogers TV Special
That's all for Thursday folks. A BIG Snow is coming our way tomorrow so I'll be snowed in, writing and playing music and will post another blog entry with a new song. This weekend I'm also gonna switch to posting in the mornings so starting Saturday morning the posts will be early...that way Mondays post will actually be out all of Monday (instead of Monday nite into Tuesday ha ha). Have a great nite all and see ya manana!
~Vincent
Flyleaf and this song in particular reminds me of Evanescence at their very best. The haunting, silky voice of lead singer Lacey Mosley pulls you in, the amazing melody feeds on your ears and any song that sings "my tongue dances behind my lips for you" has got to be something special. The contrast between the verses and chorus is so intense with the chorus guitars and lead vocal pounding the message into you...its just way past cool. "All Around You" by Flyleaf actually came out in 2007 as a single from their 2005 debut CD and cracked the Billboard Top 40. They've been quiet on the Top 40 charts lately with one song "Again" from their new CD getting played on Rock and Alternative radio...but I wouldn't count these guys and gal out yet. Currently touring the US with Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace look for more good stuff to come from Flyleaf. Watch and listen "All Around You" here:
"All Around Me" - YouTube
Kenny Rogers to mark 50 years in the Music Biz with TV Special
That man who first brought us "Lady" (written by Lionel), "You Decorated My Life", "The Gambler" and many many other great hits will be taping a TV Special in April that will include Dolly Parton and other special guests. For more info check out the news here: Kenny Rogers TV Special
That's all for Thursday folks. A BIG Snow is coming our way tomorrow so I'll be snowed in, writing and playing music and will post another blog entry with a new song. This weekend I'm also gonna switch to posting in the mornings so starting Saturday morning the posts will be early...that way Mondays post will actually be out all of Monday (instead of Monday nite into Tuesday ha ha). Have a great nite all and see ya manana!
~Vincent
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Wednesday's Feature - "Life After You" - by Daughtry
Talk about a Cinderella story. One moment he's working as a service advisor for a car dealership, and then a few short months later he's got 4th place on American Idol. In 2006 that same year his debut CD comes out and sells almost 5 million copies and spawns 7 top 40 singles. Perhaps the most amazing thing is that all 7 are really great songs which is so rare these days. Well Chris Daughtry and the band Daughtry are back with a new CD called "Leave this Town". The first single that I really liked was a song called "No Surprise" and #2 is this song called "Life After You". Once again he delivers with really solid songwriting, great lyrics and emotion for the listener. Check out Daughtry's latest musical offering here:
"Life After You" - Daughtry
The Day the Music Died - 51 years ago
Long long ago a small plane crash took the lives of 3 very special musicians along with some other folks. Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Richie Valenes ("La Bamba") all met their terrible fate that day and Don McLean memorialized is many years later with the song "American Pie". For some interesting details on the events leading up to that day and who traded fates before the flight check out this Wiki article:
"The Day the Music Died"
That's all for Wedddddnesday...will be back tomorrow with another tune and some more music newzzz!
~Vincent
Talk about a Cinderella story. One moment he's working as a service advisor for a car dealership, and then a few short months later he's got 4th place on American Idol. In 2006 that same year his debut CD comes out and sells almost 5 million copies and spawns 7 top 40 singles. Perhaps the most amazing thing is that all 7 are really great songs which is so rare these days. Well Chris Daughtry and the band Daughtry are back with a new CD called "Leave this Town". The first single that I really liked was a song called "No Surprise" and #2 is this song called "Life After You". Once again he delivers with really solid songwriting, great lyrics and emotion for the listener. Check out Daughtry's latest musical offering here:
"Life After You" - Daughtry
The Day the Music Died - 51 years ago
Long long ago a small plane crash took the lives of 3 very special musicians along with some other folks. Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Richie Valenes ("La Bamba") all met their terrible fate that day and Don McLean memorialized is many years later with the song "American Pie". For some interesting details on the events leading up to that day and who traded fates before the flight check out this Wiki article:
"The Day the Music Died"
That's all for Wedddddnesday...will be back tomorrow with another tune and some more music newzzz!
~Vincent
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Tuesdays Feature - "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon
This is an interesting song..it starts out hard driving and then it hits the breaks when the vocals start in the verse (which is a very cool contrast). And that voice is so expressive it really makes you want to listen to the words being sung. This song and production was in fact so cool that Grammy voters gave it the Record of the Year in Sunday nites broadcast. Not bad for a band of brothers from Nashville that formed in 1999, put out their first studio album in 2003 - Kings of Leon initially had success in Austrailia, Ireland and the UK and only with their 2008 release "Only By the Night" did they start to get attention in the US. The single "Sex on Fire" went to #56 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and "Use Somebody" went all the way to #4. If you haven't heard it yet check out this very interesting tune you'll be glad you did :
"Use Somebody" - YouTube
The well of what I call great songs is starting to run dry on the current charts. That just means if I'm gonna feature a new song every day I'm gonna have to dig a little deeper. If there is a really cool song (I mean awesome :)) that you've heard and I haven't featured it yet - post it to the blog here and I'll take a listen.
American Idol in Denver Tonight - High Pitch Bare Back goes to Hollywood
Tonights broadcast was pretty interesting - definitely some good folks going through and a few went through I was surprised - the girl with the high speaking voice who flew all the way from Italy to audition and then there was the guy who only got his golden ticket after he took off his shirt (well sex sells in Denver as well as anywhere else :)). I know they have to put some interesting folks through so we get to see some of the fun drama in Hollywood week. I definitely think some of the folks in Hollywood will surprise - some will go much farther then we expect - while frontrunners may be quickly gone - Thats how it is in the rough and tumble entertainment business - If it were easy, EVERYONE would be doing it!
Have a great Tuesday nite (stay out of the snow) and be back tomorrow with another tune - gotta dig deep now :)
~Vincent
This is an interesting song..it starts out hard driving and then it hits the breaks when the vocals start in the verse (which is a very cool contrast). And that voice is so expressive it really makes you want to listen to the words being sung. This song and production was in fact so cool that Grammy voters gave it the Record of the Year in Sunday nites broadcast. Not bad for a band of brothers from Nashville that formed in 1999, put out their first studio album in 2003 - Kings of Leon initially had success in Austrailia, Ireland and the UK and only with their 2008 release "Only By the Night" did they start to get attention in the US. The single "Sex on Fire" went to #56 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and "Use Somebody" went all the way to #4. If you haven't heard it yet check out this very interesting tune you'll be glad you did :
"Use Somebody" - YouTube
The well of what I call great songs is starting to run dry on the current charts. That just means if I'm gonna feature a new song every day I'm gonna have to dig a little deeper. If there is a really cool song (I mean awesome :)) that you've heard and I haven't featured it yet - post it to the blog here and I'll take a listen.
American Idol in Denver Tonight - High Pitch Bare Back goes to Hollywood
Tonights broadcast was pretty interesting - definitely some good folks going through and a few went through I was surprised - the girl with the high speaking voice who flew all the way from Italy to audition and then there was the guy who only got his golden ticket after he took off his shirt (well sex sells in Denver as well as anywhere else :)). I know they have to put some interesting folks through so we get to see some of the fun drama in Hollywood week. I definitely think some of the folks in Hollywood will surprise - some will go much farther then we expect - while frontrunners may be quickly gone - Thats how it is in the rough and tumble entertainment business - If it were easy, EVERYONE would be doing it!
Have a great Tuesday nite (stay out of the snow) and be back tomorrow with another tune - gotta dig deep now :)
~Vincent
Monday, February 1, 2010
Mondays Featured Song - "Never Gonna Be Alone" by Nickelback
Its hard to believe Nickelback started out way back in 1995, had their first mainstream success in 2000 and 38 million albums sold later can still crank out the hits. Criticized for their lack of originality (which I agree they are not the most original sounding band or songs), Nickelback has that knack for writing a pop-hook and building up a production that gets you singing it over and over. Hey if it was so easy every other band and label would be doing it - you can't tell me they don't want a piece of 38 million albums sold in 10 years in the US alone. And being from Canada, they are the 2nd biggest foreign act (record sales wise) in the 2000's decade just behind the Beatles. What can we say..the bigger you get, the louder your critics are :) Well the current Nickelback song caught my attention with its strong anthemic chorus and heartfelt verse lyrics. The story line is so simple but sometimes that is the best message to deliver. What girl doesn't want to hear "You're never gonna be alone"? Check out the tune and video here:
Never Gonna Be Alone - YouTube
Whirlwind Valentines Tour at Borders Books - Sat Feb 13th.
On Saturday February 13th I'll be attempting to play a 30 minute set at 8 different Borders Bookstores in one day. I'll be starting at 9 AM in Newark, Delaware and circling the city of Philadelphia to end up in Wynnewood, PA at 9 PM. If nothing else it will be a day to remember (and one to see how my voice holds up :)). To get more details and the locations/times please visit me at http://www.vincentjames.com/ . We'll also be posting updates on a new Facebook fan page we'll be launching this week we'll post that info mid-week.
Well Monday's a wrap folks - I hope you enjoyed the Grammys last night - certainly was one of the more interesting broadcasts in a while with the highlight being Michael Jacksons Lifetime achievement award being accepted by his children. I am glad to see that Michael's memory will live on in both his music and his family.
Please have a great nite and we'll be back tomorrow with another tune and American Idollll talk!
~Vincent
Its hard to believe Nickelback started out way back in 1995, had their first mainstream success in 2000 and 38 million albums sold later can still crank out the hits. Criticized for their lack of originality (which I agree they are not the most original sounding band or songs), Nickelback has that knack for writing a pop-hook and building up a production that gets you singing it over and over. Hey if it was so easy every other band and label would be doing it - you can't tell me they don't want a piece of 38 million albums sold in 10 years in the US alone. And being from Canada, they are the 2nd biggest foreign act (record sales wise) in the 2000's decade just behind the Beatles. What can we say..the bigger you get, the louder your critics are :) Well the current Nickelback song caught my attention with its strong anthemic chorus and heartfelt verse lyrics. The story line is so simple but sometimes that is the best message to deliver. What girl doesn't want to hear "You're never gonna be alone"? Check out the tune and video here:
Never Gonna Be Alone - YouTube
Whirlwind Valentines Tour at Borders Books - Sat Feb 13th.
On Saturday February 13th I'll be attempting to play a 30 minute set at 8 different Borders Bookstores in one day. I'll be starting at 9 AM in Newark, Delaware and circling the city of Philadelphia to end up in Wynnewood, PA at 9 PM. If nothing else it will be a day to remember (and one to see how my voice holds up :)). To get more details and the locations/times please visit me at http://www.vincentjames.com/ . We'll also be posting updates on a new Facebook fan page we'll be launching this week we'll post that info mid-week.
Well Monday's a wrap folks - I hope you enjoyed the Grammys last night - certainly was one of the more interesting broadcasts in a while with the highlight being Michael Jacksons Lifetime achievement award being accepted by his children. I am glad to see that Michael's memory will live on in both his music and his family.
Please have a great nite and we'll be back tomorrow with another tune and American Idollll talk!
~Vincent
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