When Beyonce first went solo, I became a fan, but not a big one. I wasn’t a follower of Destiny’s Child – although I heard/read about all the drama of the these girls out, these girls in and this girl out situation.
Her first two solo albums – Dangerously in Love and B’Day – weren’t on regular iPod rotation. I enjoyed her music, just not so much that I listened to her everyday.
Then along came I Am . . . Sasha Fierce. When it was first released, I didn’t rush to buy it. One day, however, my sister asked if I had seen the video for her single “If I Were a Boy.” I Youtubed it and went straight to iTunes and bought the album. (The video is just that good).
I found the album to be worthwhile and decided I would go see her when she started touring.
As I do whenever concerts are announced, I e-mailed my friends to see if anyone wanted to join me in the I Am . . . Sasha Fierce experience.
Everyone said no.
Resigned to attending the concert with myself, I received a text message from my sorority sister asking if I was interested.
Her text made my night.
On July 10, many months after I purchased the tickets, Princess and I were beyond ready to see if Beyonce was worth the $95 we paid for upper level arena seats (all lower level seats were priced at $125, hence the reason row after row was empty the night of the show).
Sasha Fierce was in full effect on July 10! Not only was Beyonce worth the $95, I would pay to see her again. I was really impressed with not only her performance, but all the scene changes, her all female band and the abs on her male backup dancers!
Their faces weren’t bad to look at either.
It’s obvious Beyonce put much thought and energy into the show. From the first note of "Crazy In Love" to the last note of "Halo," she gave the audience every bit of herself.
While Beyonce’s favorite song to sing on this tour is "Hello" (listening to the lyrics, I can understand why,) she only partially sang my favorite song, "Get Me Bodied." Even though this was the one song I was really looking forward to hearing, Beyonce sang enough songs over the course of two hours to leave the audience fully satisfied.
She covered her own hits, as well as those from Destiny’s Child, Alanis Morisette, Shakira, Etta James and Sarah McLachlan.
“Ladies, I believe we have to support each other – we need each other. That’s why my band is all female,” she said before launching into "Me, Myself and I."
My favorite moment of the night was her special dedication to Michael Jackson – which brought tears my eyes for the umpteen time.
The other was the montage of videos showing people dancing to "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)." Most were downright hilarious!
I know Beyonce is still young (27), but the energy she exuded during the entire show was inspiring. I left the arena having a sense of the time and dedication Beyonce gives to being the best performer she can.
After witnessing her performance, I can honestly say I’ll probably be a Beyonce fan for years to come.
Me
- Soul Sista D
- Bay Area, CA, United States
- Music wakes me and keeps me going all day, every day. I’ve had a love for music since childhood, and it’s only intensified as I’ve matured. Musings On Music was inspired by Kenny Lattimore. I saw him perform in 2008 and realized there was something in his music that spoke to me on a level which said I needed to write about what I witnessed. I’ve been writing ever since.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Still in disbelief
One day after I turned a year older, the man who the world knew as the King of Pop went into cardiac arrest and departed this Earth.
The fact that Michael Joseph Jackson is gone still hasn’t quite sunk in just yet. As they were paying tribute to him on the radio yesterday, the tears just started coming.
Crying and driving down the highway, I started thinking just how much of an impact this man’s music has had on my life.
See, I grew up on Michael Jackson. He was to my generation what James Brown was to my parents. His songs provided the soundtrack for my elementary and middle school years.
Off the Wall was released when I was 4 years old, and ironically it was playing on my iPod right before I found out he had passed.
Thriller – released when I was in the second grade – changed music forever. Michael gave us a classic that is still the world’s best selling album of all time.
Here is an album that you play from beginning to end. There’s no skipping of tracks; there’s no “this is my favorite song on the album” because all of them are so good it’s hard to choose just one.
Do you know understand just how difficult it is to create an album like that?
MJ created a music video (Thriller) that had movie-like qualities and transformed how artist utilized the visual medium to sell their music.
Michael changed music forever, and no matter who tries to imitate or be like him, there will never, and I mean NEVER be anyone that will come close to what Michael Jackson gave the world.
Although his music will live on, I wish he would have as well.
There are just some people you can’t fathom will die in your lifetime – and for me, Michael was one of them.
The fact that Michael Joseph Jackson is gone still hasn’t quite sunk in just yet. As they were paying tribute to him on the radio yesterday, the tears just started coming.
Crying and driving down the highway, I started thinking just how much of an impact this man’s music has had on my life.
See, I grew up on Michael Jackson. He was to my generation what James Brown was to my parents. His songs provided the soundtrack for my elementary and middle school years.
Off the Wall was released when I was 4 years old, and ironically it was playing on my iPod right before I found out he had passed.
Thriller – released when I was in the second grade – changed music forever. Michael gave us a classic that is still the world’s best selling album of all time.
Here is an album that you play from beginning to end. There’s no skipping of tracks; there’s no “this is my favorite song on the album” because all of them are so good it’s hard to choose just one.
Do you know understand just how difficult it is to create an album like that?
MJ created a music video (Thriller) that had movie-like qualities and transformed how artist utilized the visual medium to sell their music.
Michael changed music forever, and no matter who tries to imitate or be like him, there will never, and I mean NEVER be anyone that will come close to what Michael Jackson gave the world.
Although his music will live on, I wish he would have as well.
There are just some people you can’t fathom will die in your lifetime – and for me, Michael was one of them.
Friday, May 15, 2009
On the radio
I’m a commuter. Five days a week I drive about 45 minutes (one way) to work. Usually, I listen to my iPod or a CD.
Lately, I’ve been listening to a mixed CD my sister made for me awhile ago. She has great taste in music.
I rarely listen to the radio while driving because, no matter the station, they tend to play the same songs over and over. The one main radio station I listen to plays Charlie Wilson so much I’ve come to dislike one of his song with a passion.
Yesterday, I decided to listen to the radio on my drive home, but this time, I tuned into the station that plays what’s hot right now.
I mean, if I’m going to blog about music, shouldn’t I be current on the latest artists and sound?
The station – 106.1 KMEL for those of you in the Bay Area – is not one I tune into frequently. After yesterday, I realized why.
After 20 minutes, I came to one conclusion – I have no idea who sings what these days. Song after song, I kept saying, “Who is this, and is it the same person that was on the last record??” I swear all the songs sounded the same.
Same beat, same voice pitch, same lyrics, same everything!
The one thing that really annoyed me was the fact that I could hardly understand what they were singing/rapping. If you’ve read my previous blog about lyrics, you know I’m all about the words, and if I can’t understand what’s being said in a song, chances are, I won’t like it.
Is music really that bad or am I just getting old??
Upcoming concert alert:
Leela James and Bilial at The Grand Ballroom at the Regency in San Francisco, Aug. 8 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $28.50 (or $38.60 after all those Ticketmaster fees).
Lately, I’ve been listening to a mixed CD my sister made for me awhile ago. She has great taste in music.
I rarely listen to the radio while driving because, no matter the station, they tend to play the same songs over and over. The one main radio station I listen to plays Charlie Wilson so much I’ve come to dislike one of his song with a passion.
Yesterday, I decided to listen to the radio on my drive home, but this time, I tuned into the station that plays what’s hot right now.
I mean, if I’m going to blog about music, shouldn’t I be current on the latest artists and sound?
The station – 106.1 KMEL for those of you in the Bay Area – is not one I tune into frequently. After yesterday, I realized why.
After 20 minutes, I came to one conclusion – I have no idea who sings what these days. Song after song, I kept saying, “Who is this, and is it the same person that was on the last record??” I swear all the songs sounded the same.
Same beat, same voice pitch, same lyrics, same everything!
The one thing that really annoyed me was the fact that I could hardly understand what they were singing/rapping. If you’ve read my previous blog about lyrics, you know I’m all about the words, and if I can’t understand what’s being said in a song, chances are, I won’t like it.
Is music really that bad or am I just getting old??
Upcoming concert alert:
Leela James and Bilial at The Grand Ballroom at the Regency in San Francisco, Aug. 8 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $28.50 (or $38.60 after all those Ticketmaster fees).
Friday, May 1, 2009
Upcoming concerts alert
Every morning, I wake up to a local radio station and they usually give away tickets to upcoming shows.
For some reason, this past week they have announced so many artists coming to the Bay Area that I’m having trouble keeping track. Hopefully I don’t miss any in this blog.
May 1 at 9 p.m.
Goapele and Cody Chestnut at the Independent in San Francisco. Ticket prices: $27. Available at The Independent or ticketweb.com.
May 1-3 (two shows each day)
Rahsaan Patterson at Yoshi’s San Francisco. Ticket prices: $28. Available online or at Yoshi's box office.
May 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Robin Thicke and Jennifer Hudson at the Paramount in Oakland. Ticket prices: $79, $60 or $49.50. Available at ticketmaster.com or the Paramount Theatre box office.
May 25 – 12 p.m.
12th Annual KBLX Stone Cold Concert at featuring Teena Marie, Charlie Wilson, Jeffrey Osbourne, Average White Band and Ashford & Simpson at the Sleep Train Pavilion, Concord. Tickets prices: $97.75, $63.75 or $43.75. Available at livenation.com, the Sleep Train Pavilion box office, select Blockbuster outlets, or by calling (877) 598-6659.
May 28-31 (two shows each day)
Amel Larrieux at Yoshi’s San Francisco. Ticket prices: $28. Available online or at Yoshi’s box office.
June 6 at 8 p.m.
Musiq and Anthony Hamilton at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland. Ticket prices: $74, $59.59 or $49.50. Available beginning May 1 at ticketmaster.com or the Paramount Theatre box office.
June 6 at 9 p.m.
Erykah Badu at the Warfield in San Francisco. Ticket prices: $72.50-$42.50. Available beginning May 1 at ticketmaster.com.
June 11
India Arie at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga. Ticket prices: $75, $65, $55 or $45. Available at Mountainwinery.com or livenation.com.
Friday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Beyonce at the Oracle Arena in Oakland. Ticket prices: $129.25, $76, $57 or $19.75. Available at ticketmaster.com or the Oracle Arena box office.
July 11 at 8 p.m.
Chris Botti with the San Francisco Symphony – Davies Symphony Hall. Ticket prices: $70-$40. Available at sfsymphony.org
July 31 at 7:30
Earth, Wind & Fire, and Chicago at the Greek Theatre on the campus of the University of California, Berkeley. Ticket prices: $125.50, $75.50, $55.50 or $39.50. Available at ticketmaster.com
Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
India Arie and John Legend at the Greek Theatre on the campus of the University of California, Berkeley. Ticket prices: $89.50, $49.50 or $39.50. Available beginning May 3 at ticketmaster.com or apeconcerts.com.
For some reason, this past week they have announced so many artists coming to the Bay Area that I’m having trouble keeping track. Hopefully I don’t miss any in this blog.
May 1 at 9 p.m.
Goapele and Cody Chestnut at the Independent in San Francisco. Ticket prices: $27. Available at The Independent or ticketweb.com.
May 1-3 (two shows each day)
Rahsaan Patterson at Yoshi’s San Francisco. Ticket prices: $28. Available online or at Yoshi's box office.
May 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Robin Thicke and Jennifer Hudson at the Paramount in Oakland. Ticket prices: $79, $60 or $49.50. Available at ticketmaster.com or the Paramount Theatre box office.
May 25 – 12 p.m.
12th Annual KBLX Stone Cold Concert at featuring Teena Marie, Charlie Wilson, Jeffrey Osbourne, Average White Band and Ashford & Simpson at the Sleep Train Pavilion, Concord. Tickets prices: $97.75, $63.75 or $43.75. Available at livenation.com, the Sleep Train Pavilion box office, select Blockbuster outlets, or by calling (877) 598-6659.
May 28-31 (two shows each day)
Amel Larrieux at Yoshi’s San Francisco. Ticket prices: $28. Available online or at Yoshi’s box office.
June 6 at 8 p.m.
Musiq and Anthony Hamilton at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland. Ticket prices: $74, $59.59 or $49.50. Available beginning May 1 at ticketmaster.com or the Paramount Theatre box office.
June 6 at 9 p.m.
Erykah Badu at the Warfield in San Francisco. Ticket prices: $72.50-$42.50. Available beginning May 1 at ticketmaster.com.
June 11
India Arie at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga. Ticket prices: $75, $65, $55 or $45. Available at Mountainwinery.com or livenation.com.
Friday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Beyonce at the Oracle Arena in Oakland. Ticket prices: $129.25, $76, $57 or $19.75. Available at ticketmaster.com or the Oracle Arena box office.
July 11 at 8 p.m.
Chris Botti with the San Francisco Symphony – Davies Symphony Hall. Ticket prices: $70-$40. Available at sfsymphony.org
July 31 at 7:30
Earth, Wind & Fire, and Chicago at the Greek Theatre on the campus of the University of California, Berkeley. Ticket prices: $125.50, $75.50, $55.50 or $39.50. Available at ticketmaster.com
Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
India Arie and John Legend at the Greek Theatre on the campus of the University of California, Berkeley. Ticket prices: $89.50, $49.50 or $39.50. Available beginning May 3 at ticketmaster.com or apeconcerts.com.
Friday, March 27, 2009
20 albums that have impacted my life
First, I need to apologize for not having posted a blog since January! I've been busy with other projects, but that's no excuse. I promise to do better in posting new blogs.
I became a member of Facebook.com a few months ago – and I’m now hooked! Outside of keeping up with friends, there’s always something to ponder or write about.
One of my boys (who happens to love music as much as I do), posted the top 20 albums that have had the most impact on his life. He then asked his friends to do the same.
So below, find the 20 albums that have had a great impact on my life. It was a challenge to stop at 20, but I managed to do so.
Erykah Badu: Baduizm – I was either on the verge of graduating or had just graduated from college when this album came out. Erykah’s music moved me because, from the get go, she was on another level. Her lyrics were unique and the voice kept me interested from one song to the next. Since 1997, she has been my all-time favorite artist – hands down. Favorite cut: No Love
Jill Scott: Who Is Jill Scott: Words and Sounds Vol. 1 – Honestly, I was so in to Erykah Badu that I didn’t know or care who Jill Scott was. I’m glad I woke the hell up! Jill is another artist who just has the lyrics that go beyond the ordinary. Jill never delivers the same old stuff. This album speaks to me on so many levels that, even now, I still find new meaning behind her music. Favorite cut: Show Me
2Pac: 2Pacalypse Now – When I first heard the single, Brenda’s Got a Baby, I thought, who is that??? I’ve never been a big fan of rap, but this guy’s music told a great story. Tupac Shakur’s songs gave me a glimpse into a life I hadn’t lived, and I thank him (as well as miss him) for it. Favorite cut: Brenda’s Got a Baby
Ice Cube: Death Certificate – At the time this album came out, I was a black girl at a majority white high school who had just discovered the Autobiography of Malcolm X. The combination of the two created a militant teenager and changed how I viewed the world. Favorite cut: No Vaseline (which I feel is the greatest diss song ever!)
India Arie: Acoustic Soul – I discovered this album when an older black woman I worked with asked me if I had heard this song called Video. I hadn’t, but quickly discovered India was talking about me. The entire album made me take a good look in the mirror. The person I discovered is one I love to this day. Favorite cuts: Strength, Courage and Wisdom and Part of My Life (whose meaning I figured out while driving to Los Angeles)
Love Jones Soundtrack – What’s better than having a great soundtrack that pairs well with the movie? The songs selected from my all time favorite movie compliment the flick well. I know what Dionne Farris is talking about when she sings about being Hopeless. Favorite cut: Can’t Get Enough of You by Kenny Lattimore
Maxwell: Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite – This album changed my life because here was a man (a fione one at that) taking love and romance to another level. The entire album leads up to a marriage proposal. What more can you ask for! Favorite cut: Suitelady (The Proposal Jam)
Mary J. Blige: My Life – It was hard for me to pick which Mary album affected my life the most (Growing Pains comes in a close second), but My Life – outside of being a classic – got me through a few things in my early college years. Favorite cut: I’m the Only Woman
Chris Botti: When I Fall In Love – My sister will be quick to tell you I was sleeping on Chris Botti. Not anymore. I listen to this album and just fall into a trance. My mind relaxes and troubles just disappear. This is a great album to play at a wedding. Favorite cut: When I Fall In Love
TLC: Ooooooohhh . . . on the TLC Tip – I heard this album and said, finally, women who are letting men know it’s not about them, it’s about us! They boosted my self esteem a few notches. Favorite cut: What About Your Friends
Floetry: Floetic – The Flocist and Songstress showed how spoken word and singing can blend well together – if done right. This album was just different, and I’m always a fan of artist who aren’t mainstream. Favorite cuts: Sunshine and Mr. Messed Up
Kindred the Family Soul: Surrender to Love – A duo who just happens to be married singing about love and relationships? My kind of group. Another artist I was sleeping on that my sister introduced me too. Kindred’s music is so real and it makes me happy to see and hear black love. It also helps me keep hope alive that I too will one day find the kind of love they sing about. Favorite cut: Stars
Kenny Lattimore: Kenny Lattimore – I first heard the single For You sung at a wedding. I haven’t missed a Kenny Lattimore album since. Like Maxwell, Kenny romances you; he makes a woman feel good with his positive vibe. I believe him when he says he’s Never Too Busy. Favorite cut: All I Want
LL Cool J: Bigger and Deffer – Three words – I Need Love! I can still recite that song word for word! A rapper with a tender side? He hooked many ladies just by doing something no other rapper had – a slow jam! I think I started listening to more rap just because of this one song. Favorite cut: I’m Bad
Salt-N-Pepa: Hot, Cool & Vicious – Between I’ll Take Your Man and Tramp, Salt-N-Pepa let it be known that they were not to be messed with – and I started to feel the same way! Plus, they were females making hot music in a male dominated field. Nothing like strong women busting through glass ceilings. Favorite cut: Tramp
New Edition: Heart Break – New Edition had been off the radar for awhile before this album came out. I was feening for them – and I’m not joking. I love me some NE! There is no bigger New Edition fan than me and when this album dropped, I wore it out. Please believe I tried to learn the dance steps in the If It Isn’t Love video! Favorite cut: I’m Comin’ Home
Jodeci: Forever My Lady – Jodeci came on the scene just as I was in my sophomore year of high school and I just thought they were so hot. Their image wasn’t clean cut like New Edition’s – and I liked it. Forever My Lady will always be a classic love song (for my generation). Favorite cut: I’m Still Waiting
Vivian Green: Vivian – This was her second album and you could tell she had been through some things. Turns out, so had I! I related to every single cut on the album and she made me realize that there’s nothing wrong with being Selfish and needing to leave. Favorite cut: Under My Skin
I became a member of Facebook.com a few months ago – and I’m now hooked! Outside of keeping up with friends, there’s always something to ponder or write about.
One of my boys (who happens to love music as much as I do), posted the top 20 albums that have had the most impact on his life. He then asked his friends to do the same.
So below, find the 20 albums that have had a great impact on my life. It was a challenge to stop at 20, but I managed to do so.
Erykah Badu: Baduizm – I was either on the verge of graduating or had just graduated from college when this album came out. Erykah’s music moved me because, from the get go, she was on another level. Her lyrics were unique and the voice kept me interested from one song to the next. Since 1997, she has been my all-time favorite artist – hands down. Favorite cut: No Love
Jill Scott: Who Is Jill Scott: Words and Sounds Vol. 1 – Honestly, I was so in to Erykah Badu that I didn’t know or care who Jill Scott was. I’m glad I woke the hell up! Jill is another artist who just has the lyrics that go beyond the ordinary. Jill never delivers the same old stuff. This album speaks to me on so many levels that, even now, I still find new meaning behind her music. Favorite cut: Show Me
2Pac: 2Pacalypse Now – When I first heard the single, Brenda’s Got a Baby, I thought, who is that??? I’ve never been a big fan of rap, but this guy’s music told a great story. Tupac Shakur’s songs gave me a glimpse into a life I hadn’t lived, and I thank him (as well as miss him) for it. Favorite cut: Brenda’s Got a Baby
Ice Cube: Death Certificate – At the time this album came out, I was a black girl at a majority white high school who had just discovered the Autobiography of Malcolm X. The combination of the two created a militant teenager and changed how I viewed the world. Favorite cut: No Vaseline (which I feel is the greatest diss song ever!)
India Arie: Acoustic Soul – I discovered this album when an older black woman I worked with asked me if I had heard this song called Video. I hadn’t, but quickly discovered India was talking about me. The entire album made me take a good look in the mirror. The person I discovered is one I love to this day. Favorite cuts: Strength, Courage and Wisdom and Part of My Life (whose meaning I figured out while driving to Los Angeles)
Love Jones Soundtrack – What’s better than having a great soundtrack that pairs well with the movie? The songs selected from my all time favorite movie compliment the flick well. I know what Dionne Farris is talking about when she sings about being Hopeless. Favorite cut: Can’t Get Enough of You by Kenny Lattimore
Maxwell: Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite – This album changed my life because here was a man (a fione one at that) taking love and romance to another level. The entire album leads up to a marriage proposal. What more can you ask for! Favorite cut: Suitelady (The Proposal Jam)
Mary J. Blige: My Life – It was hard for me to pick which Mary album affected my life the most (Growing Pains comes in a close second), but My Life – outside of being a classic – got me through a few things in my early college years. Favorite cut: I’m the Only Woman
Chris Botti: When I Fall In Love – My sister will be quick to tell you I was sleeping on Chris Botti. Not anymore. I listen to this album and just fall into a trance. My mind relaxes and troubles just disappear. This is a great album to play at a wedding. Favorite cut: When I Fall In Love
TLC: Ooooooohhh . . . on the TLC Tip – I heard this album and said, finally, women who are letting men know it’s not about them, it’s about us! They boosted my self esteem a few notches. Favorite cut: What About Your Friends
Floetry: Floetic – The Flocist and Songstress showed how spoken word and singing can blend well together – if done right. This album was just different, and I’m always a fan of artist who aren’t mainstream. Favorite cuts: Sunshine and Mr. Messed Up
Kindred the Family Soul: Surrender to Love – A duo who just happens to be married singing about love and relationships? My kind of group. Another artist I was sleeping on that my sister introduced me too. Kindred’s music is so real and it makes me happy to see and hear black love. It also helps me keep hope alive that I too will one day find the kind of love they sing about. Favorite cut: Stars
Kenny Lattimore: Kenny Lattimore – I first heard the single For You sung at a wedding. I haven’t missed a Kenny Lattimore album since. Like Maxwell, Kenny romances you; he makes a woman feel good with his positive vibe. I believe him when he says he’s Never Too Busy. Favorite cut: All I Want
LL Cool J: Bigger and Deffer – Three words – I Need Love! I can still recite that song word for word! A rapper with a tender side? He hooked many ladies just by doing something no other rapper had – a slow jam! I think I started listening to more rap just because of this one song. Favorite cut: I’m Bad
Salt-N-Pepa: Hot, Cool & Vicious – Between I’ll Take Your Man and Tramp, Salt-N-Pepa let it be known that they were not to be messed with – and I started to feel the same way! Plus, they were females making hot music in a male dominated field. Nothing like strong women busting through glass ceilings. Favorite cut: Tramp
New Edition: Heart Break – New Edition had been off the radar for awhile before this album came out. I was feening for them – and I’m not joking. I love me some NE! There is no bigger New Edition fan than me and when this album dropped, I wore it out. Please believe I tried to learn the dance steps in the If It Isn’t Love video! Favorite cut: I’m Comin’ Home
Jodeci: Forever My Lady – Jodeci came on the scene just as I was in my sophomore year of high school and I just thought they were so hot. Their image wasn’t clean cut like New Edition’s – and I liked it. Forever My Lady will always be a classic love song (for my generation). Favorite cut: I’m Still Waiting
Vivian Green: Vivian – This was her second album and you could tell she had been through some things. Turns out, so had I! I related to every single cut on the album and she made me realize that there’s nothing wrong with being Selfish and needing to leave. Favorite cut: Under My Skin
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Layaway your concert ticket
Yes, you read that right.
Say it ain’t so.
The article states that those attending some music festivals in 2009 will have the option of paying in installments. The festivals include the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, the Stagecoach Country Music Festival, Country Thunder USA and the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.
According to the article, a three-day pass to the Coachella festival will make one’s pocket $269 lighter. That’s almost $90 per day. Buyers can pay half now and the rest April 1, or they can initially pay 10 percent, and follow up with equal installments on March and April 1.
I’m not familiar with this festival (or any of the others mentioned), but maybe $269 is a bargain. I’ll venture to say that those who attend probably leave feeling they got their money’s worth.
I’m really having a difficult time wrapping my brain around laying away a concert ticket. I know about laying away clothes and appliances, but concert tickets?
Just seems really strange to say, “I’m getting my concert ticket out of layaway tomorrow.”
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Lyrics vs. beats
When it comes to music, I pay a great deal of attention to lyrical content. What the person(s) is/are saying pulls me in quicker than the beat.
For me, lyrics are usually more important than the rhythm. I feel a lot of today’s music is popular simply because it has the hot beat of the moment.
I generally don’t listen to music or artists that are here today and probably won’t be around in five years. If I can’t understand what the musician is saying, you can forget about me buying his/her music.
If I’m at the club and a song comes on that I feel is degrading to women, I usually step off the floor. I mean, how can I dance to a song where I’m being called every name but the Queen I am?
Now, I do have some exceptions. I have a liking for a few songs by 2Live Crew; Juvenile’s Back that Ass Up used to get me going (I’ve since come to my senses).
When it comes to most music today – in particular rap – it’s challenging for me to come up with an artist that I really enjoy listening to. Outside of Kanye West, Outkast, Common, Tupac and sometimes Jay Z, I really don’t listen to hip hop.
As I continue to mature, I’ve noticed I listen to more music where the lyrics are such that I can relate to. When Jill Scott sings, “My love is deeper/Tighter/Sweeter/Higher/Flyer/Didn’t you know this/Or didn’t you notice” I know what she means because I’ve been there.
Mary J. Blige’s Just Fine was my anthem for 2008 (and it’s carrying over into ’09 as well). Those lyrics get me amped every time I hear them because Mary’s telling me that no matter what someone else may think, I ain’t worried about them cause my life is Just Fine!
I fell in instant love with Erykah Badu’s Baduizm. Every song on that album said something to me. My favorite song on Baduizm is No Love. I remember driving down Interstate 20 between
I looked over at him and thought to myself, “She’s talking about you.”
He’s now an ex and I will forever be a fan Erykah’s music.
When I need a reminder about how grand I am, I put on either Private Party or I Choose by India.Arie. I really believe
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