Coincidence

So if you, like most people, have been listening to top 40 radio, you may have heard this new song going around.  As the first single for the chart topping album "Lasers" by Lupe Fiasco, "The Show Goes On" has been getting tons of air time and is quickly filling up listeners iPods and cell phones.  At first listen the song sounds great. The song has a great positive message, especially for the minority African - American's of the U.S.  Basically it discuses the current problems that minorities face in today's culture and that even when the going get's tough, as the cliche goes, the show must go on.

Of course all that sounds great, however back in 2004 the indie band Modest Mouse released the song "Float On." Similar to "The Show Goes On" Modest Mouse's signature single discusses the idea that even when things seem bad, you must look for the good in every situation.  Besides having very similar themes, both songs also feature the exact same melody, based off of Pachebel's Canon.

Personally I don't think it's just a coincidence, but of course you can decide yourself.  Take a listen.

NoiseTrade

NoiseTrade.com

The other day I was doing the usual, searching Facebook to listen to some awesome, yet still undiscovered bands.  I came across one band that had an amazing offer.  You could download their entire new album entirely free! So I clicked on the link and found one of my new favorite websites.  If you have never heard of NoiseTrade.com you need to go check it out now! In fact, I'll include the link before I even finish my post.  Click here

Now what makes NoiseTrade different from other music download sites is incredible.  First, they legally offer free downloads of bands anywhere from local indie groups who post their music to some bands touring nationally and internationally.  All they request is that you submit them your zip code and email address to join the band's mailing list.  You can go check your email for the link to the download and next thing you know you're rocking out in your bedroom to some sweet tunes.  However, this is only the beginning to NoiseTrade's genius.

When a band's music is uploaded to the site, the album is placed on its on searchable profile.  Included on this profile are widgets to "like" the band or musician's Facebook page, visit their various online presences, buy their music, view their twitter stream, and share the music on your own Facebook page, twitter, or email, and leave a comment.  This allows for great viral growth for the band's featured!

However, although NoiseTrade.com has some amazing features, my favorite of them is the unique idea to allow viewers to donate to the band what they believe the album is worth.  Sure you can get your music for free by just submitting your information, but if you have ever been in a band, you know the hard work and expensive gear it takes to create some amazing music.  It's a really humbling experience as a band if you are essentially told what you are worth.  I love this concept, so way to go NoiseTrade.com!

Now if this didn't excite you to go check out the site, I don't know what will! So go check it out and find some awesome music!! If you hear anything you like, be sure to post it below so all our readings can share the experience the music together.

http://noisetrade.com/

Imogen Heap (Song: Hide and Seek)

Imogen Heap

There's always that one song that you'll never forget.  It'll be in your head for the rest of your life.  It isn't like that popular song on the radio.  It doesn't catch on real fast and lose interest at the same rate.  It isnt...normal.  The song that we have in mind to fit this description is "Hide and Seek" by Imogen Heap.  There is no other song like this one.  Filled with a complex simplicity, "Hide and Seek," has become one of our favorite tracks.  What's so good about it though?

It's an empty song.  There's only one instrument.  The voice of Imogen Heap is the only aspect of the song that actually gives sound to the listener.  A song with just singing?  Nothing else?  It probably sounds like a stupid idea if you're hearing it for the first time.  But the amazing thing about the idea is that it's great.  Singing without music behind you can be awkward.  The audience might feel uncomfortable, the listener in general might not want to hear it, and the musician might not want to perform it.  But for some reason, when Imogen Heap made this idea their own, it turned into an Indie phenomenon.  Lets check it out.

The reason that the idea of "just voice" is so cool is because Imogen Heap uses a wierd effect.  When she sings this song, the effect allows the voice track to add different harmonies.  The idea has some connection with ehr keyboard.  We don't know the details to the effect, but whenever she sings, her harmonies sorround the main voice.  It's a fantastic sound.  On top of the effect, Imogen Heap doesn't sing her song like a "normal song."  She has differenct melodies.  There aren't any set verses or choruses.  Basically nothing repeats itself like a regular song does.  It's amazing.  You really just have to listen to it to fall in love.

Imogen Heap has left her mark in music history with this revolutionary song.  No one in the world will ever be able to compose something similar.  If you ever have the time, please look up the song and listen to it over and over again.  The first time listening is love at first sight.  And the rest?  Well the song grows on you like a disease.  So go listen!  This is a musical emergency.