#OnRepeat – Page 5

#OnRepeat: Dolores Duran’s “Only You”

May 19, 2017 No Comments

This week, I’ve had Dolores Duran’s “Only You” #OnRepeat. One great thing about setting your music to “shuffle” is that you can discover music that you’ve downloaded months ago and forgotten about. I’ve been on a ballad song binge lately, mostly because the slower tempo allows the singer to really show off their own interpretation of the song and their voice, and Duran’s version is no exception.

Dolores Duran (born Adiléa Silva da Rocha) is a singer and songwriter from Brazil. She began singing as a young girl on the radio and later in nightclubs, recording her first album in her early twenties. Dolores Duran would’ve had a long and successful career had she not had a heart-attack at the age of 29. Some of her most well known songs are “A Noite do Meu Bem,” “Por Causa de Voce,” “Se É por Falta de Adeus,” and “Solidão.”

“Only You” is a classic love song whose lyrics say that only that one person can make everything better, and that this overall effect that this person has on them and their life is what they consider to be love. Dolores Duran’s interpretation sounds closer to 1940s and 50s American Pop and Jazz music, which can be somewhat surprising since her first language was Portuguese. Her voice is deep and full, with a nice mixture of vibrato. Some might assume that Brazilian singers don’t typically use much vibrato in performance (I haven’t heard many that do), since popular Brazilian music of the time, like Bossa Nova, characteristically didn’t call for it. However, if you listen to music from countries outside the United States during this time, you’ll find similarities in interpretation, performance technique, and sound. Knowing all of this, though, Dolores’ voice is still quite striking to listen to. Her voice truly brings out the angst and depth in the lyrics–truly almost heart-breaking to listen to, even if it is a song about the profession of love.

Take a listen below:

Are there any singers or songs that you can’t stop listening to? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat, Music

#OnRepeat: Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love”

May 13, 2017 No Comments

This week, I’ve had Elvis Presley’s version of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” #OnRepeat. I was actually listening to Pentatonix’s version and just happened to look up the Elvis version on a whim, but instantly loved it.

In case you didn’t know already, Elvis Presley is a singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and actor from Memphis, Tennessee. He was known not only for his deep voice, but his dancing during performances and widely acknowledged sexual appeal. His music blends influences from Gospel, R&B, Country, Blues, Pop, and Rock’n’Roll music. Some of his most well-known songs are “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Love Me Tender,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Hound Dog.”

“Can’t Help Falling in Love” was originally written and recorded for the 1961 Elvis Presley film, Blue Hawaii, a romantic comedy about a guy who has to figure out what he wants to do with his life when he gets out of the military. Although Pentatonix’s version of this classic is heavy on the bass with a great, full vocal sound, Elvis Presley’s version truly showcases his unique vocal timbre and performance technique. His delivery of the lyrics is relaxed, yet deliberate and his deep vocal tone is warm and intimate. I have been a fan of Elvis for quite some time, mostly because his deep vocal timbre and range in a lot of ways matches with mine, and this song just happens to be one of my favorites by him.

Take a listen below:

I’ve also included Pentatonix’s version of this song for reference below:

What do you think? Do you like Elvis’ version or the Pentatonix version more? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat, Music

#OnRepeat: “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass

May 5, 2017 No Comments

This week, I’ve had “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass #OnRepeat. As I mentioned in a previous post, I have been anxiously awaiting the release of the second Guardians of the Galaxy movie, and I’ve been using the sound track to tide me over until then.

Looking Glass is a music group from New Jersey that was semi-popular during the early 1970s, and was a strong part of the Jersey Shore sound. Their music mixed Rock’n’Roll, R&B, Country, Soft Rock, Pop, and Doo-Wop music, and some of their most well-known songs are “Golden Rainbow” and “Jimmy Loves Mary-Anne.”

“Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” was written and composed by the band’s lead guitarist and vocalist, Elliot Lurie. The song became the most popular song for the band, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for a week and staying on the chart for four months. The song talks about Brandy, a barmaid in a port town who falls in love with a sailor who doesn’t want to be tied down and barely ever comes home. The music almost betrays the words of the song; while lyrics are sad and full of longing, the melody and arrangement is light and playful. I always loved listening to this song as a girl because it reminds me of old children songs and folk music–lyrics that have a bittersweet or subtly tragic meaning set to a light-hearted arrangement. This type of song is the kind that gets stuck in your head, but also tugs at your heartstrings, as you think about the barmaid’s lonely life. Music just isn’t written like this anymore.

Take a listen below:

Are there any songs you can’t stop listening to? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat, Music

#OnRepeat: Sly and the Family Stone’s “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)”

April 29, 2017 No Comments

This week, I’ve had Sly and the Family Stone’s version of “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)” #OnRepeat. My mom used to sing this song to me all the time when I was younger and while browsing through YouTube recently, I came across this version.

Sly and the Family Stone is a Funk, Soul, and Rock band originally from San Francisco, California. This group was one of the pioneers of the psychedelic music “sound,” and were known for inserting social commentary into their lyrics. Their music had a strong influence on the Funk, Pop, Soul, R&B, and Hip-Hop music genres, and were subsequently inducted into the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. Some of their most well-known songs are “Dance to the Music,” “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” and “Everyday People.”

“Que Sera, Sera” is a song that was written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston (a songwriting duo) in 1956, and made its debut in the Alfred Hitchcock movie, The Man Who Knew Too Much. It was sung by Doris Day and eventually would become her signature number. Each verse of the song tell of a different stage in the narrator’s life (childhood, falling in love, parenthood) and asking “what will happen?” This song has always been a favorite of mine because of the underlying theme of living life and going with the flow (whatever happens/whatever will be, will be).

Sly and the Family Stone’s version of this song is a funky, eclectic one, with a slower tempo, heavy on the Gospel and Funk music influences. Although this version sounds very different from the Doris Day version, you can still hear the waltz, lullaby-like melody within the arrangement and the singers in the group add to the child-like innocence of the song with their own intimate, individual performances.

Take a listen below:

Are there any songs or singers that you can’t stop listening to? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat, Country, Music

#OnRepeat: Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain”

April 21, 2017 No Comments

This week, I’ve had Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” #OnRepeat. Growing up, Fleetwood Mac was one of my mom’s favorite bands to listen to, so it was naturally a part of the wide range of musics listened to in our home. However, this song came back on my radar after viewing the trailer for the new Guardians of the Galaxy movie, which I am highly anticipating. For those who don’t know, I’m a huge Marvel-sci-fi-fantasy-comic-book person on top of being a musician, so the sound track for this movie just adds even more to its already entertaining appeal.

Fleetwood Mac is a rock band that formed originally in 1967. Although there were several changes with band members, the group has sold over 100 million records worldwide and have even been inducted into the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame. Their music blends elements of Pop, Blues, Soft Rock, and Country. Some of their most well-known songs are “Landslide,””Don’t Stop,””Dreams,” and “Gypsy.” Even though she hasn’t been with the band since it was originally founded, Fleetwood Mac is the reason why Stevie Nicks has been one of my favorite singers (out of my long list) since before I can remember. Her writing style and her unique voice that has both a nasal and powerful tone, contributed to the band’s unique eclectic sound.

“The Chain” is a song written by all members in the band, who pieced together previous work from other songs. Although the lyrics appear to be somewhat random, it seems to be about a frustrated person who wants their love to be reciprocated, but the situation doesn’t seem to be improving. Fleetwood Mac’s vocal harmony and musical arrangement mirrors the angst and frustration felt in the lyrics perfectly. Also, the nasal-like quality of the singers in the group coupled with their powerful vocal projection when performing, gives the song a folk-singer/country undertone even though you can clearly hear heavy Pop, Rock, and Blues music influences.

Take a listen below:

Are there any singers or groups that you can’t stop listening to? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat, Country, Music

#OnRepeat: Glenn Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman”

April 14, 2017 No Comments

This week, I’ve had Glenn Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman” #OnRepeat. I actually heard a cover of this song performed by fellow musicians a year ago and came across the original performance because I couldn’t get the song out of my head after I saw the character, Ron Swanson, sing it on an episode of Parks and Recreation.

Glenn Campbell is a singer, songwriter, actor, and television host from Arkansas who performs Rock and Country music. He won four Grammy Awards in 1967 in the Country music and Pop music categories, and is most well-known for his variety t.v. show, The Glenn Campbell Goodtime Hour, that aired during the early 1970s.

“Wichita Lineman” was written by Jimmy Webb in 1968 and tells the story of a lineman (telephone power line technician), his job, and what he thinks about when he works. It doesn’t seem like something so simple or ordinary could be so beautiful, but the song is.

Glenn Campbell’s performance of the lyrics and melody exemplify the theme of an ordinary man who desires and thinks of extraordinary things. The melody is simple and the lyrics are poignant and to the point, reading like an internal dialogue that you would hear in the head of an everyday person. The vulnerability of Campbell’s voice also fits within the framework of the simplicity of the song, making you want to stop and listen when you hear the first notes that he sings.

Take a listen below:

Below is the clip of Ron Swanson singing “Wichita Lineman” in Parks and Recreation for reference:

Are there any songs that you can’t stop listening to? Let us know in the comments below!

#OnRepeat, A cappella, Music

#OnRepeat: Pentatonix’s “Hallelujah”

April 7, 2017 No Comments

This week, I’ve had Pentatonix’s version of “Hallelujah” #OnRepeat. I’ve always been a huge fan of Pentatonix, but this song in particular is one of my favorites.

Pentatonix is an a cappella group from Arlington, Texas made up of five members. The group got their start in 2011 when they were the finalists for the show, The Sing-Off and are known for their pop-style vocal arrangements using basslines, harmonies, riffing, percussion, and beatboxing. Even though they have their own original material, Pentatonix is mostly known for their pop covers set in medley-form. Their music blends Pop, Hip-Hop, Classical music, Reggae, Rock, Electro, and Dubstep. Some of their most well-known songs are “Little Drummer Boy,” “Radioactive,” “If I Ever Fall in Love,” and “Mary, Did You Know?”

“Hallelujah” was originally written by Leonard Cohen, but resurged in popularity after its use in the movie Shrek in 2001. Pentatonix’s version of this song perfectly represents the angst, uncertainty, and struggle that you hear in the lyrics, while also simultaneously portrays a great deal of hope. Pentatonix’s use of beat-boxing adds a more modern element to the song and I appreciated the fact that the arranger showcased the higher voices in the group for this song because it gives the listener an introspective experience, making you feel as though you’re in a church, when you’re just sitting at home.

Take a listen below:

Do you have any groups or singers that you can’t stop listening to? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat, A cappella, Jazz, Music

#OnRepeat: The Manhattan Transfer’s “Java Jive”

March 31, 2017 No Comments

This week, I’ve had The Manhattan Transfer’s “Java Jive” #OnRepeat. While doing some research for the topic, vocalese, I came across this group and this song, which is actually an arrangement that my choir sang back in high school. Even just thinking about the title makes me automatically sing through my second alto part in my head because I love this song so much and there are so many fond memories attached to it.

The Manhattan Transfer is a Jazz vocal group that was founded in 1969. Interestingly enough, the group initially disbanded after their first album had poor commercial success and a bad creative approach that wasn’t well received. Then, in 1972, another version of the group formed and recorded the album, The Manhattan Transfer. The group’s music consists of Jazz standards, A Cappella, Vocalese, Swing, R&B, Pop, and Brazilian Jazz. They have received several Grammy Awards and nominations for their work, and were even inducted in the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998. Some of their most well-known songs are “Tuxedo Junction,” “Route 66,” “Mystery,” and “Sassy.”

“Java Jive” is a song written by Ben Oakland and Milton Drake in 1940. The song was originally performed by The Ink Spots, a Pop vocal group that was popular during the 1930s and 1940s. “Java Jive” is an upbeat song expressing love for coffee that uses common phrases and cultural references from the 1940s. The Manhattan Transfer’s version of this song is the sound you think of when you think of this group: tight, four-part harmony, precise phrasing and Jazz riffs reminiscent of the 1930s and 1940s. Each voice alone is bright and strong, but together creates a warm, full sound that you look for in a vocal group with just the right amount of swing.

Take a listen below:

Do you have a singer or group that you can’t stop listening to? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat, Movies, Music

#OnRepeat: “How Does a Moment Last Forever (Music Box)” Beauty and the Beast

March 24, 2017 No Comments

This week, I’ve had the song, “How Does a Moment Last Forever,” from the live-action version of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. To be honest, I’ve been listening to the songs from the soundtrack for weeks now in preparation for the release of this movie (since this was one of my favorites growing up), and when I came across this song, the melody has been stuck in my head ever since.

Beauty and the Beast is the tale of a young woman who is imprisoned by a beast in an enchanted castle after trading places with her father who was punished for taking a rose from the castle garden. The beast was once a prince who was cursed by an enchantress for his arrogant behavior; and his curse can only be broken by learning to love another and receive love in return. There are obvious themes of love and redemption, but also the need for the sense of belonging.

Several of the characters in the story are mourning the loss of loved ones who have passed and frequently revisit memories of their loved ones. This concept of trying to cling to memories of loved ones–and possibly even trying to relive those memories–are especially apparent in the song, “How Does a Moment Last Forever.” Although the song is performed by Emma Watson (who plays Belle) and Celine Dion (who I grew up listening to and consider a powerhouse in terms of Pop and Ballad music), it is actually Kevin Kline’s performance that impressed me and stood out the most of the three. Kevin Kline plays Maurice, Belle’s father, and during the brief moment where he actually sings, it doesn’t feel like a performance. It is a musical that he is a part of, and he’s technically performing to some degree because he’s singing a song, but it doesn’t feel elaborate or grandiose like the other numbers (“Be Our Guest” or “Belle”). It feels intimate, simplistic, and vulnerable in nature, and Kline’s pleasant tone exemplifies these sentiments as he softly sings to his tiny music box. I think we forget sometimes, as performers, that something as simple as someone singing to themselves or to another person can be so real just in that one private moment. It is truly one of the most profound moments in the movie just based on the context of the moment and Kline’s delivery alone.

Take a listen below:

Is there a song or artist that you can’t stop listening to? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat, Jazz, Music

#OnRepeat: Ithmara Koorax’s “Mas Que Nada”

March 19, 2017 1 Comment

This week, I’ve had Ithmara Koorax’s version pf “Mas Que Nada” #OnRepeat. Although I am fairly familiar with some Brazilian music, I haven’t come across Ithmara before, so when I heard this song, it took me by surprise.

Ithmara Koorax is a Pop and Jazz singer from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil who rose to prominence in the Brazilian Pop and Jazz scene during the 1990s. She started out studying classical music, but became very interested in Pop music, having played with artists such as Luiz Bonfa, Azymuth, Ron Carter, and Gonzalo Rubalcaba. Her music blends influences of Jazz, Pop, Blues, and traditional and popular Brazilian music. Her vocal timbre and performance style is reminiscent of Elis Regina, especially in her vocalizations. Some of her most well-known songs are “Perdido de Amor,””The Girl From Ipanema,” and “Ligia.”

Ithmara’s version of “Mas Que Nada” is rhythmically and melodically so different from the standard written by Jorge Ben Jor, that the words are your musical anchor, allowing you to sing the song, either out loud or in your head, so you can recognize it. Much of Ithmara’s music is slightly eclectic, bordering on the edge of experimental or what some would call “Free Jazz,” but that’s what makes it so interesting. The timbre of her voice, and how she manipulates it in the song, only adds to the eclectic, ethereal ambience of the music.

Take a listen below:

I don’t know too much about Ithmara Koorax, so if anyone has any interesting information or songs of hers that you think I should listen to, please leave a comment below!

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