Alright. I have to name 5 bands that I enjoy and give you a little something by them to tickle your eardrums. Simple enough. First off, I want to let you know that just because I listen to a band and enjoy some of their music, that does not mean that I approve of the lifestyles they live or the actions they take. With that out of the way, let's get rolling.
5. Led Zeppelin
I know, you feel like this is the same broken record over and over. Well, trust me. These records are far from broken. Led Zeppelin is easily the greatest RocknRoll band of all time. They have a sound that is impossible not to fall in love with. So much goodness was created by this master band, it is difficult to fathom.
For example:
And for a Reggae change of pace...
4. The Moody Blues
Ah, the Moody Blues. What can I say? Their relaxed hypnotic sound and their epic selection of tasty music made them an obvious choice for this list. They are worth giving a long listen to. Here are some of their stuff:
3. IRON MAIDEN.
Time for an extreme change of pace. I have always been fond of this band. The quality of their lyrical content along with the intensity of their heavy metal sound makes for some awesome music. Although some of their stuff can be slightly shady at times, I think that they have a lot of music worth listening to.
So intense...
Yeah, pardon the cover art. It is a bit...um...yeah.
2. Peter, Paul, and Mary
These guys are just a group from my childhood. The nostalgia I feel whenever I hear their music is hard to explain in words. I get teary-eyed and stuff. It is pretty embarrassing.
1. Boston.
I love Boston. Always have. Always will.
Well, that is all I have. Well actually. I am going to throw this song in there as a bonus because it needs to be heard:
Alright Ladies and Gents, have a good one. Peace out.
So, I am supposed to list five bands that I enjoy listening to and include some examples of their work. I must admit that until a few years ago my musical taste was very restricted. However, I have recently been experimenting with new performing groups and new styles of music, mainly rock-and-roll styles. I will try to include some variety and to not copy Honeybagel too much, since he happened to include two of the bands that immediately came to my mind. Oh well, all is good. Without further nonsense, let us commence!
5. The W's
This first band is a Christian group from the 90's (I think). They only have one good album, and I will take my examples from there. This group has a decadent sound that is reminiscent of old-school rock and swing. I really like the whimsical elements of the music, the sweet sax melodies, and the overall atmosphere of their sound. So, here ya go.
This is a song about the temptation of Eve in the Garden of Eden.
This next song is a big favorite of mine. It is, I assume, written with a young lady in mind. Kind of weird for a Christian album, but it is good stuff. I only wish that I could include more of the album.
4. Jethro Tull
I admit that I don't know too much about this group, but I have recently been listening to one of their albums, and it has grown on me a lot. Basically, this is a group from England in the 1970's. Their styles are generally rock, although they go into a lot of different subcategories. I think that their music has more melodic content than a lot of rock songs, which I can appreciate. Also, the vocals are marvelous, and it is not often that you hear majestic flute playing in rock. Both of the following songs are from the album "Warchild."
This first song is one of their most infamous, and I don't think that much needs to be said about it. Just enjoy the daring greatness.
This next song is not as well known, but I love the rhythmic rock elements, as well as the peculiar melody of the punch line.
3. Gordon Lightfoot (One dude; not actually a band)
This man, this legend, is a Canadian folk artist primarily from the 70's. He wrote many, many great songs. His voice is sweet and soothing, and the lovely folk melodies of his songs have a way of sticking to you. In addition, he has some wonderful talents on the acoustic guitar. Also, he has written some of the best love songs ever... in my opinion. I'm not sure where these songs originally were included, but it doesn't matter. Once, again I wish I could give you all of his songs. Bon appetit, ears.
This song is written about the sinking of a Canadian vessel.
This song is pretty self-explanatory. Canadian railroad.
Here's a bonus. Enjoy. Also, I didn't give any of his love songs, so check them out.
2. Steve Miller Band
I don't know hardly anything about this band. Honestly, I've just been listening to their songs on Youtube. Anyways, I like their style. That's about all I can say for this one.
1. (You guessed it.) Led Zeppelin.
While I did see Honeybagel's post before this, I knew that Led Zep. was going to be number one on my list beforehand. It was either them or some smooth jazz band, but I don't actually listen to smooth jazz, at least not yet.
You must acquire a taste...
for smooth jazz.
In addition to what Honeybagel said so well, I would like to say that, even if one does not know about all the acclaim that the infamous band members have received, their music is inherently groovy. No man or woman can deny the power of the Zeppelin! So, here are a couple of my favorite Led Zeppelin songs.
This song is about a band member walking through the woods with his dog and is named after a lodge in Wales. This is my favorite song by the band, and I hope that you will enjoy it too.
I don't know the story behind this next song, but it is pretty cool.
Finally, a lesser-known Led Zeppelin song that is rather odd. Enjoy. Yes, this one reminds me of a woman.
Well, there ya go. Those are a few bands that I am into at the moment, but my taste is always evolving. I hope you have found something to delight in. Always praise God for the gift of music. Peace!
Ah. A new week in April (kind of). And that means a new Queso Club topic! *virtual high five* This next two weeks topic is relatively lighthearted compared to our past topics. Here's the shimmy Jimmy on the dealio this time, you cool cat you. We are each going to pick five bands we enjoy listening too. Not our five favorite bands, although they could be. We'll talk about why we like them and pick a few songs by them to share with you. I chose this topic for two reasons. One, I enjoy discussing music, and two, I think this will allow to get an inside look at us. You can learn more about us on a personal level. So, without further ado, I'm getting started!
5. Muse
Remember in the pet peeve topic when I up and bashed modern music? Good times... Anyway, this band nearly makes me retract my statement on modern music. These guys are pretty cool. I've known about them for awhile, but I recently started getting into them. They right songs about dystopian futures and uprisings and stuff! Legit! Also, you listen to them and you're like, "Yeah, they're good, but I bet it takes a bunch of people for them to pull off that sound." But, wait! It's only THREE guys. Yep. They've got talent to spare, ladies and gentlemen. Also, those basslines are grooving man. Mmm, those basslines fill me with emotion.
So here's my favorite song by them. It's about a dystopian future and fighting against it and stuff! Downright beastly!
And here's another cool song about stuffed animals taking over the world!
Good stuff.
4. The Police
Whether it be about stalkers or weird vibes, these dudes (once again, there's three of them) can write a hit. This another band I recently got into, and I'm loving them. They've got this really cool pop rock sound that's hard to deny. Some might say their songs are repetitive, but I don't mind that. It makes the song catchy and fun to jam along too. Other than that, I don't know what to really say about them. Here's a tasty a jam by them. Also, it totally reminds me of a woman!
*tear*
And I decided to add this one because it's probably their most well known song. Sure, the lyrics may be a bit creepy and it's overall message may be about stalking, but if you look into it, it's actually a song that chastises stalking because one of the band members was getting stalked. So, it all balances out!
For the record, this song does NOT remind me of a woman.
3. The Beatles
I know, I know. Everyone loves the Beatles. How could you not like the Beatles? That's just inhumane. If you don't like the Beatles, go home and rethink your life. And if your already home, do your laundry or something. I know I need to...
Anyway, all jokes aside, the Beatles are great! Some might say they're the greatest band to have been formed, and I can see why people think that. They were so versatile and everything they did reflected what was going on in pop culture at the time. They were truly kings of rock and roll. Here's a pretty nostalgic song by them to get the feels rolling.
And now that your all caught up in your emotions and stuff, here's a more lighthearted song. At least it appears lighthearted. Just don't look into the lyrics. And don't look into the lyrics while listening to "Yesterday."
I'm sorry your drowning in tears...
4. Pink Floyd
Man these guys were weird! Like remember that creepy kid you went to/ go to school with who wore wore dark clothes and smelled like horseradish? These guys were like that level of weird. But I don't think they smell like horseradish... At least they used their weirdness to write really good music. These guys have sound about them that's really hard to replicate. Every time I listen to them, I'm so transfixed by that sound. It fills me with wonder and awe.
Here's a song about growing old.
And here's one about growing up with a clingy mom!
Trust me guys, I relate to that last song on a really personal level. I'm not joking about this either.
1. Led Zeppelin
I bet you saw this coming. We here at the Queso Club love Led Zeppelin. Like, really like Led Zeppelin. Like, I'm 99% sure Led Zeppelin will be on the other guy's list as well. Anyway, I'm going to break this down for you. Guitarist Jimmy Page. Named by Rolling Stone as the third greatest guitarist of all time and was considered the best studio musician ever. Singer and frontman Robert Plant. He could hit notes that were unheard of for men to hit and once had the range of a Soprano I in his singing career. Also, he could work a crowd like nobody's business. Drummer John Bonham. Considered the greatest percussionist ever. His drum riffs and fills were described as unhuman once. Bassist John Paul Jones. A true musician. He's mastered more than 20 instruments and his bass is even more grooving than the guy from Muse.
This is one of my favorite songs by them. Also, people consider this to be Zeppelin at their worst, which means this is Zeppelin at any other band's best.
Here's a more bluesy song by them that's also one of my favs.
And I guess I'll include Stairway to Heaven since it's consider one of the greatest songs of all time.
If the Beatles were the kings of rock and roll, these guys were took the throne from them and laced with more jewels than ever before.
That awkward moment when you completely miss the deadline to upload your post...
So, I don't know if I could really pick one place to live on this Earth. I want to visit Tokyo, New York City, London, Jerusalem, Sydney, New Zealand, and Rome, and that's only naming a few. I suppose I enjoy the big city, but in reality, I would hate to live there. I'm relatively introverted, and I don't do well when I'm in a crowd of strangers all by myself. I think out of any of the places named above I would choose Tokyo.
First of all, I really enjoy learning about Japanese culture and history. Sure, it has its dark points (cough 1920s through mid 1940s Japan cough), but so does the U.S. I've always thought the way of the Shogun and Samurai were awesome, and have always thought the idea of honor before your life was wicked. I wouldn't go so far as to take my life before being shamed, but I can see where these guys are coming from.
Now, when I say I want to live in Tokyo, I'm not talking about the big city where they have super weird toilets and sit around and eat sushi all day (not to be racist or anything...). I want to live a life of solitude. I want to live somewhere remote near Mount Fuji where I can do nothing but play guitar, meditate, and pray all day. You see, it is at these moments, when I do "nothing," that I feel truly connected to God. I appreciate all the beauty and majesty that he gave us by simply saying he wanted it that way. He's truly a beautiful artist, and I treasure experiencing his art more than anything. Anyway, that's all I got folks.
Freshly yours, Honeybagel VOTE ROBERT PLANT FOR PRES 2K15!!!
So, the topic for this session is "If you could live anywhere, where would that be? And what would your occupation be while there?" This is a question that has haunted me over the past few months, and I shall shortly explain why. Before I get into the meat of my contribution let me tell you what I am going to do. I am going to mention three places (Alaska, non-specific poverty area, and Ireland) and narrow down my view until I select just one. So, without further delay, let us commence!
I shall first consider Ireland and quickly dismiss the idea, since it is not a serious consideration. The only reason I include Ireland is that it is the richest country in the world. After all, its capital is always Dublin! Yes, it was all merely for that joke. It was worth it. If you don't get the joke, you should get that checked out.
Now, onto the real issue. I will start by considering Alaska, which I shall ultimately dismiss also. When I first think of the question that is this session's topic, I always immediately think of Alaska, because I fantasize about living the mellow life of a hermit there. Being a bit of an introvert, a non-people-person, and a quiet thinker, I often find myself wishing that I could live a simple, isolated life all by myself, all alone with my land and my thoughts. I would maintain a self-sustaining homestead by a small river, and, when not working the land, I would be reading and writing... a lot. To me, that sounds like paradise! I turn away from this answer because I know that I need people, and I know that people need me. I know that God has called me to touch the lives of people like He has touched mine, and living alone in Alaska would be terribly selfish. I will not give up the faithful call of Christ for this. It's got what it takes to make a mountain man leave his home. (Oh well, oh well, oh well.) My life is a ministry, a mission, and it involves other people. This is something that I wrestle with, hence the comment that the question is "haunting" me. So, having also rejected Alaska, let me finally turn to my last option and final decision.
By a non-specific poverty area I mean any place in this world where the inhabitants' quality of life is poor. I know that there are far too many of these places. Ideally, I would live in a poverty-stricken community in the United States. There are many places internationally where I could make a difference, but I want to serve the people of my own earthly nation. I would sell my possessions and retain only what I need to become a member of such a troubled community. While there, I would emerge myself in the life of the community, I would become one with the rest of my fellow humans there. I would share in their struggles and share the good news. I would, of course, face some threats, but I would at least impact the people, the valuable, precious people. I have read of people who have done this, and I find it to be one of the most significant actions a human being can ever perform. Look to Jesus. He left His home with the Father to enter into our miserable condition. This is the most striking, beautiful thing I can think of, and I think Christians are called to do the same. This is why I would want to leave my comfortable life to enter into the hard lives of many others. This is why I reject my hypothetical Alaskan life. The love of Christ compels me. Yet, this final option need not be hypothetical! This is something I can do, something God can do through me. This is the charge that I have to keep, in one form or another. This is my answer to this session's topic. Peace!
Many of the questions that constantly plague my mind have always been those that pertain to my future and what plans I have. When this session's topic arose, I was immediately plunged deep into thought (I do strive to answer all of our topics as honestly as possible). The topic caused me to ask myself questions such as: "Where do you want to be in 5 years?" and "What do you want to be doing in 5 years?" Those aren't this session's topics, but they were questions that I had to ask myself in order to point myself towards what I was going to say for my response to this session's topic. This session's topic is "If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you want to live and why? And furthermore, what would you do whilst living there?" After much calculation and deep meditation, I have come up with my response. Here it is.
The Earth has a surface area of 196,939,900 square miles. Which means it would take over 129,000,000,000 Little Debbie Jumbo Iced Honeybuns to cover the surface area of the entire globe. That's a lot of Jumbo Iced Honeybuns, kiddos. But yo mama could eat them all! So yeah, the earth is huge (just like yo mama), and the world is full of cool places with different art, food, and culture. I would love to wander the world and never settle down. I want to go and see all kinds of places: Moscow, Venice, Paris, Tokyo, London, Madagascar, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Jerusalem, Sydney, and the list goes on and on. I would love to constantly travel. So, what I am really saying, is that if I could live anywhere, I would live EVERYWHERE. I realize this answer is totally unoriginal, but this is the best I could come up with. As far as my lifestyle goes, I would be a simple wanderer. I would travel the world living off of the land, with nearly no possessions of my own. I would spread the gospel wherever I went, and I would do good to all I encountered. I would strive to spread love and peace across the land. I would gather wisdom around the world, and strive to make friends and allies wherever I went. Living a modest and humble Christian lifestyle wherever I went, would be my main goal. That is basically it. I might carry a giant cross with me wherever I went as well, it is a weird fantasy I have. Anyway. I am going to keep it short and sweet. Sweet and Lowe. Stay fresh children! Until next time, SweetNLowe the Meek is signing off. Catch ya later ladies and gentlemen.
