We Interrupt this Broadcast

A brief pause in the music scene for a bit because, hey, I never said this was a music blog nor do I intend it to be. It just happened to be that the everlasting battle of what music genre is best or hit songs vs. complete albums struck a chord with me at the time. For (great, if I do say so myself) music-based opinions, recommendations, and, well, just plan music (songs and whatnot), check out my good friend Boy Wonder at http://emoboywonder.blogspot.com/. Very good stuff, let me tell you. I recommend for anyone in or wanting to get in the rock, pop-punk, or electronica scene. Scratch that, I recommend for anyone really. Seriously, his reviews are top-notch; check them out. Plus, you don't have to worry about him bashing your favorite artist or something. He posts what he enjoys, and I hope you enjoy it, too. Alright, enough shameless whoring. This turned into a music post without my intending...

GRADUATION <-- it's a word you always throw around, an event you know is coming, yet when it hits you, it hits you hard but in the slow-progressively-getting-more-noticed kind of way. Put it this way, when the ceremony is over, all you think about is must get pictures with all my friends. Then, summer hits, and you have all your plans either travelling, working, preparing for the upcoming fall, simply hanging out, or some sort of combination of the aforementioned possibilities. Slowly but surely, for most people, that day on your calendar circled in red marked "MOVE-IN DAY" crawls closer and closer. And you begin to realize, this is it. This is a new beginning (of course thought in less groundbreaking, cliche terms, more like "oh, fuck"). I can't comment on how it will be the week before everyone disperses across the country because I haven't reached that point myself. I'll jump off that bridge when I get to it (crossing is just way to easy and I like a bit of an adrenaline rush). For now, I'm going to make the most of my summer: travelling in foreign countries, working for a bit of spending money, and hanging out with old friends, new friends, best friends, and friends I hope to not let go. No need for teary goodbyes when we get to the point of send-offs because we didn't see enough of each other. Just one last hug and a "see you later" will suffice.

snap crackle POP

As mentioned in a previous post, I thought a discussion involving various musical genres would be interesting, seeing as my friends' taste in music, as well as my own, span far and wide through the vast sea of notes, beats, and melodies. I can't say I won't be impartial because 1. it's my blog (and the likelihood of anyone actually reading this is about the same as fangirls denouncing Myspace, Buzznet, and the like... slim to none) and 2. being opinionated results in more interesting and enriching conversation.

But instead of one "blog" of every genre, different posts will be devoted to solely one type. And today, we begin with pop and Top 40. (strictly pop, not delving into the realm of pop-punk or anything)

I'd be lying if I said there was no talent within the pop gene-pool because there are many, many artists who are vocally (if not also instrumentally) talented. Kelly Clarkson qualifies as does Christina Aguilera. Each of their voices, when stripped down and pulled away from editting and studio work, is great, least to say. Live shows truly show that. Give a purely vocal pop artist a mic and perhaps some guitar or piano background music and the true test is whether or not he or she can carry out the song based solely on his or her vocal prowess. For the most part, these ladies pass the test with flying colors. A group that doesn't is the Pussycat Dolls. Now, don't get me wrong; I like their songs as much as the next guy. However, I think their looks/sex appeal (<-- don't deny it), dancing, and catchy, computerized synths (a-la-"When I Grow Up") make their singing better, if not cover up what flaws their singing may have. Honestly, I think their dancing is better than their singing. This is not an attack on PCD because I know I will still be listening to them on my own accord. This is merely an example of how pop is more than just sugary melodies and includes appearance and presentation. As much as I hate to say it, when is the last time an overweight pop singer made it big?

And if you want my opinion on Disney pop (which I think should almost be its own genre and category), look directly below this post. If you want the Sparknotes version, I don't particularly approve.

Finally, a question that relates more to the rock scene than pop (and perhaps not even music at all)...
When guys paint their nails (typically black, as I have seen), do they do it themselves? Do their friends (male or female) help them? Or do they go to a nail salon and get them done? Or some sort of combination, depending on their mood?

Next up... Rap/Hip-hop

Faux Singers?

Random thought that popped into my head (and I happened to be on the computer)...

Is it me, or do all Disney stars (former or current) have the need to "launch their music careers" at some point? There is no way that all of them have immense musical talents.

Examples include Hilary Duff, Lindsay Lohan, Corbin Bleu (granted, he was in High School Musical, so some talent must have been necessary), Vanessa Hudgens (same thing), Ashley Tisdale (same thing), Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana, Selena Gomez, Mitchel Musso, etc.

I don't get it. It bugs me. Actors turned singers (as in, releasing self-title/self-named albums) bug me unless actual talent is involved. Or maybe Disney actor-singers bug me... Whatever.

And to end to random rant and tangent of the day, I wonder how Mason Musso feels about his little brother starting up in the music biz, probably garnering a bigger fanbase of screaming tweens faster than he was able to simply because Mitchel's a Disney "star"...