The "Monster Mash" is a Bright Spot in the Halloween Season

Even the Fremont Troll is in for the "Monster Mash"

Happy Halloween. Please enjoy this post from holidays past. The article was originally posted on October 31st, 2016.

I'm not the biggest fan of Halloween. I think that I've made that pretty clear on this website and podcast. Halloween died for me the day my parents told me, at 13, that I was too old to go trick or treating anymore. I couldn't argue with them, they were right. Who was I fooling by going out there with my football jersey on, that's right, it was my jersey, not some NFL or college players jersey, and trying to get free candy from strangers. It felt weird doing that, as a teenager. I've also never been one for dressing up, be it in costume, for a party, a funeral, a wedding, basically any fancy occasion. I like to wear t shirts and jeans, cargo shorts or athletic shorts. That is what is most comfortable, so that is what I feel like I should wear. So, the idea of putting on a costume or makeup or both, that is unappealing to me. Since 13, I have not been a fan of this "holiday". I also don't like being spooked, I hate scary movies, I don't like haunted houses and the puns made around this time of year are atrocious. Even with 2 small children, I still do not get into the spirit. Call me a curmudgeon, an old man, an angry old man, whatever, I just do not get excited for Halloween. I do go out and trick or treat with my children, I'm not a monster, but I'm always happy when it is over.

But, there is one thing, and probably the only thing, that I do like about Halloween. I like, neigh, I LOVE the song "Monster Mash" by Bobby Pickett. First off, I love the 50's/60's music sound. I love how genuine and nice and kind of dirty that it can get. I'm a big Buddy Holly fan. I love all the old time blues guys, think Robert Johnson. I'm just a big fan of that older sound of music. "Monster Mash" is the perfect representation of the goofy, yet extremely catchy sound of the 50's/60's rock/pop music.

The song is hilarious first off. The singer sings the song in a very deep, trying to sound scary but not pulling it off, voice that is unforgettable. The song also has background singers doing some of the best background work in spoof music history. The "ooh ah ooh"'s that sprinkle that song and the hushed vocals during the chorus are glorious. The music is trying to be spooky, but it comes off kooky, in the best possible way. The instruments and sounds are great. The bubbling cauldron at the beginning is great. Then, it's your typical 4/4 groove with 3 chords. The "Monster Mash", in its simplicity, is so much better than any Ramones song ever, and I will debate anyone for the length of time why I'm right about this.

Then there are the lyrics, my goodness, what a hilariously ridiculous song. Pickett sets the table beautifully from the start. He paints a very real depiction of a goofy Halloween story. The first line, "I was working in the lab, late one night/when my eyes beheld an eerie sight/for my monster from my slab began to rise/and suddenly to my surprise". Perfect. He is a mad scientist that had a late night, and Frankenstein I'm going to assume, awakes from his slumber. But, instead of attacking this scientist, the chorus lets us know that Frankenstein just wants to do the monster mash. They never tell us how to do the monster mash, but we do know that it is a graveyard smash, so I guess all the monsters at the graveyard can really boogie, but they can only do the monster mash. In the second verse, Pickett talks about how all the ghouls and monsters and vampires and the like come to him to get a jolt so they too can do the monster mash. It is so silly, yet so damn catchy. I'm humming it in my head as I type this. Then, after all the monsters get their jolt, they all proceed, along with Frankenstein, to do the monster mash, and we are led to believe that it is still a graveyard smash. In the third verse, we hear that every monster is there, including, the Wolfman, zombies, Dracula, and even Dracula's son. This dance has turned this graveyard into party central. And now, not only are they dancing the monster mash, they are singing it as well. These monsters are having the time of their lives, thanks to the monster mash. But, in a stunning twist during the fourth verse, Dracula wants to know why no one is doing the Translyvania Twist? Well Dracula, I'd like to know as well, and Pickett explains why in the next verse. The other monsters let him know that this is a strictly monster mash party, and at the next party they have, they will all gladly do the Translyvania Twist. Instead of getting angry and biting necks, Dracula is cool with this arrangement and goes back to the party. The "Monster Mash" ends with it's unforgettable chorus, and the song is over.

I really do truly love this song. I love the goofiness, the music, the vocals, everything. I think this song is great. It is an undeniable classic as well. Everyone spoofs it to. From the "Comedy Bang! Bang!" podcast to "The Simpsons", someone somewhere has a "Monster Mash" spoof that they are waiting to unleash. So, while Halloween may not be for me, at least I'll always have the "Monster Mash" to get me through it. Thanks Bobby Pickett.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He is not quite as high on the sequel to "The Monster Mash", the unfortunate "Monster Swim". Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Ty Listens to Beck's New Album "Colors"

Time to take a little break from sports and get back to other pop culture things for awhile. Today I want to review Beck's new album, "Colors". I have been waiting for this record since I saw Beck live over a year ago. He played a few of the songs live, teased the crowd that the record was coming soon, but much to mine and my brother's surprise, nothing came out for weeks. Weeks turned into months. Then Beck finally announced that the record was on hold due to some mixing and song choice stuff. So the wait continued. Finally, Beck announced that his record was going to come out on October 13th. I was still leery because this was a "Friday the 13th" day, but thankfully the record was released. I listened to it immediately, of course.

At first listen I was very happy with what I heard, but a tinge of disappointment hit me for some reason. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I had heard some people say that "Colors" was his funkiest record since "Midnite Vultures", but that was false praise. Maybe it is my unconditional love for "Midnite Vultures", and it will be nearly impossible for any Beck record to reach the love I have for that album, but I definitely do not think "Colors" is anywhere near "Midnite Vultures". So, the record was at an unfair disadvantage right off the bat. But, I kept listening. It is Beck, so I am not going to write it off after one listen. The more I listen to it, the more I begin to really enjoy it.

I think "Colors", while not "Midnite Vultures", is a nice change of pace from his last record, "Morning Phase". This is what Beck does. He changes the style/genre on every other album. He is incredibly versatile as a musician, and that is what I love about him. So, after getting over my comparison to "Midnite Vultures", and just taking "Colors" for what it is, a pop record, I have grown to like it more and more, as I said before. The record is fun. The songs blend seamlessly. Each song is more fun than the next. Beck and his band sound like they had a blast recording this record. With "Morning Phase" he went straight folk, and the songs were pretty sad, but with "Colors", it is all fun.

I love the first track, the title track, "Colors". It opens with a bang. It is a poppy blast of a song. I love to listen to it while I walk home from taking my son to school, or when I work out. In fact, this whole record is great for working out. The next four songs are very solid pop songs. "Seventh Heaven" is fun, with a great chorus. "I'm So Free" is one of the "slower" songs, but still pretty poppy and pretty good. I love the song "Dear Life". I love the piano. It is awesome. It ranks right up there with the all time great piano stuff Beck does. The song is the perfect running song too. "No Distraction" is a good change of pace. It is a bit more up tempo pop song. The next 2 songs are the "hits" from the record that he played live when I saw him. "Dreams" is a whimsical song that is so awesomely produced. The sounds and the instruments and the lyrics are just perfect. "Wow" is a hit. This is classic Beck. This is the funkiest, coolest and most like rap music song on the record. When he says, "jujitsu, coming at girl with a Lamborghini shitzu", I love it every time. We blast this song in my car. My son loves to sing the chorus. My daughter tells me, "it's our song daddy". Even my wife, who is a Beck skeptic, thinks "Wow" is great. This song is awesome. It is the best song on the record. The last 3 songs are a great way to close out a very good album. "Up All Night" is another fun, fast paced pop song. "Square One" is about as straight forward a song as one will ever get from Beck. It is actually kind of nice to hear him do a paint by the numbers pop song. The closer, "Fix Me" is truly wonderful. This song sounds like it could have been on "Morning Phase", but it is such a perfect fit to close out "Colors". Beck sings the song beautifully, and it is just a nice ending to a solid record.

Look, the wait made my anticipation go through the roof. That is unfair to a musician that constantly comes through no matter what. Beck has never put out a record that isn't well thought out and one that he hasn't worked incredibly hard on. You cannot say that about a lot of musicians that have reached his level of stardom. It was also unfair of whatever reviewer called it a modern day "Midnite Vultures". Nothing will ever be as good as that record. But, for what "Colors" is, a pop record, it is one of the better ones out there right now. This record proves how versatile Beck is, and how he still is making great music 20 plus years into an extraordinary career from one of the best/weirdest/most influential musicians of the 20th century. "Colors" only gets better the more you listen to it. That is the sign of a very good album. I highly recommend it to everyone that loves good music.  

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He is just part of "silver foxes looking for romance in the chain-smoke Kansas flash dance ass pants."

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Ty Listens to "American Dream"

After a 6 year layoff, and having one of the greatest close out concerts in recent memory, LCD Soundsystem released their newest "comeback" album, "American Dream". I have already listened to it twice and I have to say, this record is amazing. It is oddly comforting for me. They sound like a better version of themselves from the past. They sound so much tighter. They sound like they are having the most fun of their professional careers. James Murphy has never sounded better, at least in my opinion. The music and the writing is absolutely top notch. I am so very impressed by this record.

I got an email from Ticketmaster this morning that was a message from Murphy. He stated that the new record was out, how hard they had worked on it, and he said that he felt like this is the best work they have ever done. This made me a teeny tiny bit worried. I always get cold feet when someone says, "this is the best work we have ever done". Especially when it is a band that I love. Their earlier stuff is already amazing, and I already stated that their final concert, which was made into a tremendous movie, "Shut Up and Play the Hits", was fantastic. So I didn't know how much better they could truly get.

I bought the record, because of course I was going to buy it. I turned it on, and I was so very, very impressed by what I was listening to. You can tell that they really poured their heart and souls into this new record. The 6 year layoff almost seems worth it because "American Dream" is so wonderful. Like I said, I have never heard James Murphy sound this great. He sounds like modern day David Bryne. In fact, I was listening to the record with my dad and he asked me if The Talking Heads put out a new record. He didn't think it was LCD Soundsystem. And, it is not like he doesn't know the band. He listens to them with me all the time. The more I thought about that comment from my dad, I thought that was the best way to describe this new record. On "American Dream", LCD Soundsystem sounds like a 21st century Talking Heads. That is a tremendous compliment for those that know me. I became a big Talking Heads fan after college, and to hear a modern band that I am a big fan of sound like them is just phenomenal. Every song has that Talking Heads sound, but put into the 21st century. It is like a mix of Talking Heads and Daft Punk, in all the best possible ways. LCD Soundsystem brings that excellent electronic sound combined with their rock and roll roots. The band, especially the keys player, plays synth music so perfectly. Then, the guitarist, bassist and drummer add that rock to the mix and it is such a wonderful combination of great musicians. Then throw in Murphy's vocals and it is a perfect collection of great musicians coming together at the best possible time.

Every song on the record is tremendous. It is hard to just point out one or 2. I wrote and talked about the 2 songs they released early as singles, and the rest of the record is just as good as those songs were the first time I heard them. Every song has that classic LCD Soundsystem slow burn and then explosion that just makes you want to dance. I was grooving very hard in my car, and so was my daughter. She was having a blast in her car seat. The record only has 10 songs, but it runs a shade over an hour long. That is about 6 minutes per song, but none of the songs seem that long. In fact, I wish all the songs were pushing 10 minutes. This isn't a jam band, all these songs have proper progressions and the 6 minute plus run time per song is perfect. I could listen to this band play a 20 minute long song and never feel bored. They are so much more fun than jam bands.

I love LCD Soundsystem and "American Dream" is a tremendous return. I hope they continue to play live shows and they continue to make more and more new music. I'm so glad that they are back and they are still making some of the best music out there right now. Welcome back LCD Soundsystem, and please stick around for another decade making great, great music.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He is quite happy when he and his daughter can dance to the same music. There is only so much "Yo Gabba Gabba" one grown ass man can take. 

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Ty Listens to New Music from Jay Z, Vince Staples, and Tyler the Creator

I have recently purchased or been given 3 pretty awesome hip hop records over the past 2 weeks, and I want to write a little something about all of them. I'm doing it this way because they're fresh on my mind, and starting next week, and the week after that, I'm going to be very football heavy. So, let's get to it.

The first one I bought, and that is the newest Jay Z record, "4:44". I waited until it was off Tidal, I don't have the service, and I got it on iTunes. I have to say, it is a good, straight down the middle Jay Z record. Kendrick Lamar has usurped him as the heir apparent to Biggie as the best solo rapper in my opinion, but Jay Z can still bring it, and "4:44" proves that. He still has that wonderful, effortless flow, and his lyrics are just as profound. From talking about his problems, that he caused, with Beyoncé, to the coming out of his mother to talking about his kids, it all works. Jay Z is one of the best rappers alive for a reason. No album will be as good as "The Black Album" was for me. But, I really enjoy "4:44". I like it more than his last record, which I loved, and if he continues to put our great rap music like this, I will always be happy.

The next album was a gift via an iTunes gift card. That record is Vince Staples "Big Fish Theory". This record bumps. I listened to it fully for the first time this past Tuesday and I was blown away. I am a fan of Staples, but it was more so for his guest spots. His song with the Gorillaz on "Humanz" is one of the highlights. But, I have his other stuff, and while it is good, it's no where near as good as "Big Fish Theory". The way he blends electronic beats with introspective lyrics is amazing. He is one of the better modern rappers too. He has great flow and a sense of confidence when he rhymes. He knocks his verses on this record absolutely out of the park. The track with him and Kendrick Lamar is one of the better singles I've heard all year. I don't know why Staples isn't more widely known, but if he keeps doing new and innovative things like he does on "Big Fish Theory", he's going to be as big, if not bigger, than Chance the Rapper. He's that good.

Finally we have Tyler the Creator's new record, which was given to me by a friend, "Scum Fuck Flower Boy".(sorry for the language mom and dad, but that is the title) I'm a big fan of Odd Future, and Tyler the Creator is the reason why. Even though he can get very dark and dirty, I love the way he raps. He's got a newer voice, but with an old school delivery. His other solo stuff has been good, but like I said, it gets very dark. On "SFFB", it's dark, but not as dark. It's more accessible for rap fans. His lyrics and rhyming are the best I've ever heard from him. I just got this record yesterday and I've already listened to it twice, with a third about to come when I mow my lawn in a minute. This record is amazing. Of the three, this one is my favorite, and I also think it is genuinely the best. The songs are great. The beats are dope. His rapping is on point. It's all around wonderful. I love love love this album.

It is a great time to be a hip hop fan. I highly recommend getting all three of these, but if you can only get one, get Tyler the Creator's "SFFB". Don't listen to it around kids, in fact, don't listen to any of these around kids, but find time on your own to listen. "SFFB" is a masterpiece, and so is "Big Fish Theory". And don't forget about "4:44", it's classic Jay Z, which means it too is awesome.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He does not like the fact that some artist use a swear word in the titles of their albums. He wants the entire album title to be filled with swears. Damn hell ass swears.

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

The Greatest American Music: Beck's "Debra"

The Greatest American Music is a companion to our Greatest American Band Debate.

SeedSing is filled with music lovers. We can not agree on who is the best band from the States. The Greatest American Band Debate will be a regular feature where we discuss and compare bands who started in the good old USA. If you have any suggestions of bands we should debate Contact us seedsing.rdk@gmail.com

Last Friday I wrote about how the greatness that is "Baby Driver". That movie is a classic. I also wrote in my spoiler free review about the excellent music in the movie. I bought the soundtrack, naturally, and I have been listening to it pretty much everyday since it was purchased. This is not a review of the album. The album is great, and I highly recommend it, especially for 50's and 60's soul and R&B music fans, but one song on it has rekindled my love for a musician I'm a big fan of.

The song "Debra", from Beck's best album, "Midnite Vultures", is on the soundtrack. "Midnite Vultures" is a tremendous record, and "Debra" is the highlight of the whole record. It is Beck's masterpiece, in my opinion. That is what I want to talk about today, the greatness that is the song "Debra". This is also my way of getting Beck into the Greatest American Band debate, but I just want to talk about this one song. It is enough to put him in the debate. Beck has so much other great music, but "Debra" is a step above everything else he has done, and will do.

In "Baby Driver", Baby and his girlfriend, Debora, talk about all the songs that have their names in them. Obviously Baby has a ton of songs. Debora, not so much. They mention 2 in the movie. One is T Rex's "Debora", and the other is Beck's "Debra". Lily James sings the first part of the first verse, and then immediately after she does that, I was brought back into how much I love this song. Then after listening to it on repeat for awhile, both on the soundtrack and "Midnite Vultures", I fell even further back in love with the song.

Everything about this song is perfection. First off, I heard, I think RD told me in fact, that Beck has said that this song is his own personal tribute to Prince, and it sounds like classic Prince. The song is very funky and Beck sings his heart out, hitting notes I didn't think he could ever get to. He sings some of the highest notes I've ever heard.

I started to dig deeper into the song because Debora explains to Baby that the song isn't even really about a girl named Debra, it is about her sister Jenny. I had forgotten about that. I just assumed the song was about a girl named Debra because that is the name of the song. But no, it is about a girl named Jenny, and her sister Debra. The first lyrics, the ones that Debora sings, go like this, "I met you at JC Penny/I think your name tag said Jenny". Bam! Right off the bat Beck establishes that the song is not about Debra, but it is about Jenny.

Beck goes on to say, "I cold step to you with a fresh pack of gum/And somehow I knew, you were looking for some oh no!/Like a fruit, that's ripe for the picking/ I wouldn't do you like that Zankou Chicken". That is some Barry White esque game that Beck is spitting to Jenny.

It also has classic Beck nonsense like him calling out a chicken restaurant in California. For years my brothers and I would debate what he was saying. We thought he was saying things like "cold chicken", "microwave chicken", anything but "Zankou Chicken".

He then finishes up the first verse, "Cause only you got the thing that I just got to get with? I just got to get with you and you know what we're gonna do". Again, funky as hell. This lyrics are classic throwback R&B lyrics and Beck sings them like a boss.

The chorus is tremendous. The lyrics are, "I wanna get with you/ And your sister/ I think her name is Debra". That is the first mention of Debra in the song. That chorus though, it is top notch and the guitar and drums and especially the bass, are second to none. It is classic, and extremely well played funk/R&B music coming from the weirdest dude in music. He crushes the chorus and the guitar work. I love it.

The song only gets better from there.

In the second verse, Beck explains, "I'll pick you up late at night after work/ I said, lady, step inside my Hyundai/ I'm gonna take you up to Glendale, I'm gonna take you for a real good meal/ Cause when our eyes did meet/ Girl you know I was packing heat/ Ain't no use in wasting no time getting to know each other, you never do". He then rehashes the "Cause only you got the thing" verse.

Lets unpack most of the second verse real quick. Again, super duper funky. It has all the elements of funk music. He is letting Jenny know all his plans, and what he wants to do with her. He is a gentleman obviously, by telling her he is going to take her up to Glendale for a "real good meal". He also isn't boasting when telling her to "Step inside his Hyundai". I have a Hyundai, so I know that all Hyundai's aren't fancy. He is confident, but not cocky. Then telling Jenny that they don't need to waste time getting to know each other is some of the coolest shit ever written. Beck is the man. He lets Jenny know what he wants, and if she is down, he will be having a great night. The second verse is my favorite. It is so cool and shows some of the best bravado that I have ever heard. This is where the song really hooks you.

He then goes on to the chorus again. Only the second mention of Debra in the second verse as well. It just gets funkier from there.

He goes on to close the song with, "ooh lovely lady/ girl you drive me crazy". He then repeats that a few times and finishes it off with, "I got a little bit of sympathy for you girl/ Yeah, cause I'm a grown ass man". He could not sound any cooler than he does at the end of this song. He is truly "the man". He throws down so epically on "Debra". The song closes out with some of the grooviest, funkiest guitar and bass in any funk song ever.

"Debra" is a classic. "Midnite Vultures" is a classic as well. It is songs like these that make me realize why I love not only music, but Beck specifically. He makes so much different and unique stuff, and for the most part, it is successful. Go out and listen to "Debra" right away. This song is so great, and I guarantee that you will gain a whole new level of respect for how great of a singer and song writer Beck truly is. He is like no one else that makes music nowadays, and "Debra" is what opened my mind to his genius.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He owns a Hyundai because Beck planted subliminal message's in Ty's head that said the Sonata is a car for the smoothest of dudes. Come step inside to see for yourself.

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Ty Listens to Lorde's "Melodrama"

Today I purchased Lorde's new album, "Melodrama". I have to say, this was well worth the 4 year wait. This record is excellent. I am blown away that someone this young is this good a writer and singer. She seems so much older than her years on this album. Her lyrics are insightful, fun at times, smart and beautifully sung. Her band is great as well. This is a great all around record.

The first four songs of "Melodrama" sound like they come from the 80's synth movement, but not fueled by cocaine, looking at you Flock of Seagulls. Lorde and her band uses the best parts of what made that music palatable, but they make it modern age and they make it good. Songs like "Green Light" and "Homemade Dynamite" would have easily been hits in the mid to late 80's. Those songs are so synth heavy, but they are also fun as hell to listen and dance to. Lorde's lyrics and voice are phenomenal, and I love the keyboards, synthesizers and whatever else they use to make the music. "Green Light" is a tremendous single, and if I remember it correctly, this was the first single that she released to the public months before this album came out. This was the perfect song to show people that she has grown up, and that this album was going to go in a different direction than her first album, the excellent "Pure Heroine", did 4 years ago.

I love the new sound. I was on board right away, but I was also a bit confused how different it sounded. I am very glad that she chose a different approach, but I thought she would do more of the same from her first record because it was such a hit. But I'll say it again, I love when artists try something different when they make new music. That shows me growth. That shows me that these people are willing to take a chance. And, when they hit, it is amazing to hear. That is how I felt about "Melodrama" after the first 4 songs.

Then the fifth song, "Liability", played next. This song absolutely blew me away. She completely strips everything away, and it is just her voice and a piano, and the song is a thing of beauty. To me, a song like "Liability" is better than any ballad that Taylor Swift or Adele has put out in the past 6 or 7 years. I absolutely love this song so much. It is so god damn good.

Now, I was totally hooked. I needed to hear the rest of the record. She follows "Liability" up with "Hard Feelings/Loveless". This is a bizarre, yet awesome double song. The first part of the song, the "Hard Feelings" part, has an almost hip hop vibe to it. The beat is very good and the lyrics are even better. This is the one song on this record that reminds me of something that would have been on "Pure Heroine". She then shifts into a song that is even more hip hop esque on the second part of this song, "Loveless". Lorde does he style of "rapping" while mixing in singing, and for the very first time I've ever heard from her, she uses the F word a couple times in this song. I loved it. I thought it was a great surprise. I very much love this song as well. I like that she does stuff like this, turning a 5 minute plus song into 2 separate things. She is so good at switching time signatures right in the middle of a song, and that takes a lot of talent to do something like that, while still making it easy to listen to. I really like the song "Sober 2 (Melodrama)". It is sad and heartbreaking and so well performed by Lorde. She really sings her heart out and I wouldn't be surprised if this song gets massive radio play in the near future. It is a hit. Her reprise of "Liability" brought me back to that stripped down version I loved from earlier, and brought me back down to just listening to her, as opposed to what the other songs do, which is make me listen, but also dance and want to know the lyrics so I can belt it out in the car soon. "Perfect Places", the final track on the record, is a great blend of everything we got from this entire record. She sings loudly, the band is on fire, the lyrics are tremendous and it is such a glorious end to a wonderful album.

I truly do love "Melodrama". This is one of the best sophomore records I've heard from anyone that I have ever listened to. I know some people kind of slump on the second record, especially when they have an enormous surprise hit like Lorde had with "Pure Heroine", but that is not the case on "Melodrama". If anything, this record proves to me that she is only to get better and better. She is so young, but so talented, and this is such a great album.

Lorde needs to be even more known than she already is. I've already mentioned the Taylor Swift's and Adele's of the pop music world, but Lorde is better than not only them, but people that get major radio play like Bruno Mars or 21 Pilots or Ed Sheerhan, basically anyone that gets played on pop radio. Lorde is a star, and she should be the face of pop music in the 21st century. I'm a very, very big fan, and I cannot wait to see what she does next. Lorde is incredible and so is "Melodrama".

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He is thinking of asking his preteen neices if he can chaperone them when Lorde comes to St. Louis. He does not want to go alone and be the weirdo old guy around a bunch young girls. Bad look.

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Ty Listens to "Waiting on a Song"

Dan Auerbach's second solo record, "Waiting on a Song" was released today. Of course I bought it first thing this morning, and I've already listened to it 3 full times. It's a short record. There are 10 songs and the record runs about 33 minutes long. As I've gotten older, I love when albums are put together like this. Short and to the point. There are no pointless jams and songs that go on just for the sake of going on.

"Waiting on a Song" is also a complete departure from what Auerbach has done on every other record. It's not heavy rock like he does with the Black Keys. It's not psychedelic like when he fronts The Arcs. It's not a blend of hip hop and rock like they did with Blakroc. It's not even like his first solo record, which was basically a Black Keys record, but with a full band. This album is completely stripped down. It is very acoustic driven and sounds almost like a Bluegrass record at times. Auerbach is trying something he's never tried before and I've got to say, I am really starting to dig it. At first listen I didn't really know how I felt, but the more I hear, the more I find myself enjoying the songs, and the record as a whole. It kind of sounds like a modern day version of CCR, a band I adore, but better. I personally think Auerbach is a better singer, and his band on this record sounds tighter.

I heard the single "Shine on Me" awhile ago, and I really liked it. Then, as I got deeper into this album, I think I enjoy 7 or 8 of the songs more than "Shine on Me". "King of a One Horse Town" is a very groove, slowed down folk song. I love the lyrics and I adore the music. "Malibu Man" is a very cool, fun song. "Undertow" is a darker song, yet I still really like it. "Cherry Bomb" is about as rock and roll as it gets, and it is a good, good song.

I am a Dan Auerbach apologist. I will say, I will give him more chances than anyone else I listen to. But, when he and his bands continue to make great music, I feel he's earned his chance to take his music in a bunch of different directions. I knew I'd love this album, I just didn't know how much. I was curious with the new direction, but I've always like folk music, and I went through a big Bluegrass phase, so what's not to like. "Waiting on a Song" is a must have for Auerbach and Black Keys fans, but I feel like fans of folk and Bluegrass would enjoy it too. Check it out.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He one time confused CCR with CCW. Boy was he confused when he showed up to that class. 

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

"Bob's Burgers" is a Great Show, and Now it is Also a Great Album

The best companion to a great tv show

About a week ago the television show "Bob's Burgers" put out an album of original music from the show. This has been done before. Most shows release scores and some original stuff from their series. I remember when "Lost" was on TV, they had a very memorable theme song, and a great song called "The Walking Song" that they released to the public. "The Simpsons" have released a ton of music. Like I said, it happens a lot.

What makes the "Bob's Burgers" record special is how many tracks are on it, and how well it is made. The album I bought off iTunes has 112 songs on it. That is a whole lot. Sure, most of the songs are less than 45 seconds long, but that doesn't make me like them any less. When I can hear stuff like "Burgers and Fries", "The Theme From Banjo", "Fracas Foam", "Da Ding Ding", "Weekend at Mort's", and so on and so forth, that makes me very happy. When they do go over a minute, the songs are still great. The extended theme to the show is wonderful. "Derek Dematopolis" is tremendous. "Bad Things are Bad" and "Good Things are Good" are both awesome. The little Fred Armisen run, when he played the health code guy, is great. "Sex, Sex, Sex", "Daddy" and the "Itsy Bitsy Stripper" are all very good, and very funny songs.

The standout for me, my family, and probably a lot of other people is the song, "Electric Love". This was in one of "Bob's Burger's" best episodes, and the song is dynamite. The song is about Thomas Edison's love for an elephant named Topsy. Gene writes the song, and while it seems that he and Tina are performing it, it is actually Gayle and Mr. Fischoeder. The song is so great. It is goofy and weird and just flat out bizarre. My wife and I have been singing and humming this tune since we first saw it. We hoped that one day it would be released to purchase. We sang it so much, our son, who was 2 or 3 at the time, would sing along with us. He still loves it to this day as well.

Another thing that makes this record great is that all the actors came on and sang the songs themselves. The whole cast, Jon Benjamin, Kristin Schaal, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, John Roberts, a real standout as Linda, Larry Murphy, Sarah Silverman, Kevin Kline, Megan Mullaly, Aziz Ansari, Zach Galifinakis, Bill Hader, Rob Heubel, I mean, I could go on and on and on. They're all on this record on one song, or many. It's pretty cool that they did all this for this newly beloved show. What makes it even better with all these people, they might not be the best singers in the world, but if they brought on different people, singers and musicians, it wouldn't hold the same weight with me as it does with the actual cast. I love that Jon Benjamin sings monotone as Bob the whole time. I adore John Roberts over the top Linda voice that he uses, not only when talking, but especially when singing. I like Mirman's voice as young Gene. Gene knows he's not a good singer, but man does he try, and Mirman is exceptional at this. Mintz as Tina is more monotone than Bob because that is who she is. Schaal yell singing lyrics as Louise is just what I want from her on a record. It is so wonderful that they all stay in character and sing these songs.

On the record I bought, they do bring on some pros. There are a couple of guys from the band The National, St. Vincent is on a song, Stephen Merritt and Kenny Mellman do their own version of "Electric Love" and Lapsley shows up on the final track. And, while they do their own spin on previous tracks, they are not taking it seriously, and that makes it even better. Everyone is having a good time on this album, and you can definitely hear how much fun they're having when you listen to it.

So no, this isn't the first time a show has made an album, but to this point, I think this may be the best TV album that I have ever heard, and that includes anything from may favorite show, "The Simpsons". "Bob's Burgers" is an awesome, well written and incredibly well voice acted show, and music plays a big, big part on the show. I love this record and I highly recommend that any fan of the show go out and purchase it immediately, if you haven't already. Hopefully they make another one of these after they do a few more seasons. I'm sure it will be just as fantastic as this first record.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. In a freak coincidence, Ty talks about this album, and LeBron, and Trump on today's mini X Millennial Man Podcast. Download it for free today.

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

RIP Chris Cornell

Chris Cornell was found dead this morning at 52 years old.

It took me awhile to process this. Awhile back I wrote about Soundgarden as one of America's greatest bands. I was a fan of Soundgarden before most other grunge groups. Soundgarden was the psychedelic grunge group. I loved Nirvana and Pearl Jam, but for some reason, I enjoyed Soundgarden the most. They were bizarre and weird and like nothing I had ever heard before. They also made some of the most innovative and inventive music videos I have ever watched. "Black Hole Sun" to this day still scares me a teeny tiny bit.

What attracted me to their music was their guitarist, Kim Thayil, but there was always something about Cornell's voice that I really liked. He was great at grunge music, but he could also do rock and psychedelic vocals with relative ease. His voice was one of the first things that made me realize how great music with instruments can be. I love hip hop, I always will, it has probably surpassed blues music as my favorite genre, but back when Soundgarden came about, I was listening to some really crappy hip hop. Soundgarden kind of shifted my taste in music as a teenager. And while it was Thayil's crazy guitar that I loved, Cornell's voice had just as much to do with it as anything else.

Chris Cornell was different from guys like Kurt Cobain and Eddie Vedder, who he will be forever compared and mentioned in the same breath as. Kurt Cobain was pretty much the John Lennon of the grunge scene. He was the moody genius that left us way too early. Eddie Vedder is the Paul McCartney of the grunge era. He has done so much great stuff, both with and without Pearl Jam, but his best stuff is his Pearl Jam stuff. Just like McCartney's best is with the Beatles. To me, Chris Cornell was the George Harrison of the grunge genre. Now, for those of you that do not know me, that is incredibly high praise. George Harrison is not only my favorite Beatle, but he is one of my all time favorite musicians. What I loved about Harrison, I find myself liking the same things about Cornell. They were both different. They both tried weird and crazy shit that other contemporaries didn't have the guts to try. As I have already mentioned, look at the music video for "Black Hole Sun". Sure, maybe a video like "Smells Like Teen Spirit" might have meant more to the generation, or "Jeremy" may have had a better message, but I remember "Black Hole Sun" more than both of those videos, or any other video from that era. It was cool and crazy. The stretchy faces and the wild stuff that was going on, I was scared, but I could not look away.

As far as his music stylings, he was a lot like Harrison as well, just with different genres. Harrison was able to straddle the lines of pop, rock and Indian music. He loved his sitar and that sound of music. Cornell was a rock legend and could do some of the best psychedelic stuff since the 60's. He made psychedelic music accessible to kids like me that didn't discover the greats until later in life. And, the best thing about this, we didn't even know we were listening to psychedelic rock. We just thought it was rock music, but looking back at it now, Soundgarden, and Cornell more so, were presenting us with some of the wildest psychedelic music since Jefferson Airplane, not Starship, or Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band. I will be forever grateful to him for this. He was my gateway to psychedelic rock. I have found other, older artists, but Cornell and Soundgarden were my stepping stone.

Cornell even ventured out himself and formed the band Audioslave. For the record, I think this was a failed project, but it did give us the chance to hear Cornell sing with the greatest guitar player of my generation, Tom Morello. In his band, Soundgarden, he got to play with the most underrated guitar players, Thayil, and in Audioslave, he got to jam with Morello. That kicks ass. These 2 guys respected him so much that they asked and enlisted his vocals when forming their bands. That should speak volumes to Cornell's talent and pull with people in his field.

I'm still kind of in shock that he is gone. When I saw the headline this morning I said out loud, "NO WAY". I just couldn't believe it. I mean, he was only 52. That is way, way too young. He had so much more that he could have given the world with his music. The early reports are saying that it is a possible suicide as well. That makes it even more unfortunate and upsetting. Things seemed good for Chris Cornell, Soundgarden was back touring, and he seemed in good spirits at their last show according to all reports. I had even contemplated going to see them here in Saint Louis this Saturday. They were doing a show here in 3 days. Now, no one will ever get to see the original Soundgarden ever again. That is a sad statement. I can't peer into someone's soul or mind, but if it was suicide, that would be heartbreaking.

Go out, especially if you are in your mid 30's like me, and listen to as much Soundgarden as possible today and remember their greatness and Cornell's incredible voice. Rest In Peace Chris Cornell. My idols and people that shaped the person I am today need to stop dying.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Chance the Rapper was Great. Everything Else at his St. Louis Show was Terrible.

Last night I had the pleasure to see Chance the Rapper in concert here in Saint Louis. The show was great, but there was some not so fun stuff I, and a lot of other people, had to deal with last night.

I want to get the bad out of the way first, then give the review of the Chance show. First off, I think the Scottrade Center oversold the show. There were enormous lines just to get in. They seemed to have every door to get in open, but when you got in, there were only 2 security people and 2 metal detectors. So, they had four or five doors open only to let all the people in those four or five lines regroup and get into 2 lines. It was a cluster from the start. After we finally got in, we found our seats fairly easily, but since the show seemed to be oversold, there were multiple people with the same seats as my friend and I. This was frustrating, but we made it work because everyone stood the whole time. Still, it was annoying.

Chance had 2 openers, and neither were that good, in my opinion. I already forgot the rapper's name that was the first opener. His stuff was your typical bass heavy, gun shot sounds and air horns over and over again. It was very forgettable. Then there was DJ Oreo. This guy did have a ton of energy, and was a great hype guy for the show, but all he was doing was taking requests from the crowd. I'm serious. He had his Twitter and Instagram handle on the big screen and was playing parts of songs that people in the crowd had tweeted at him. I can listen to the radio in my car or at home. Like I said, he was full of energy, but we were basically listening to a very, very loud radio. This was made even worse by all the clearly drunk teens that were rapping very loudly with every single song. These were all white teens as well. It was embarrassing. This was one of the first times in my 30's when I actually felt old. I was getting irritated by all this. I don't do dance clubs and I hate when non singers sing. It was very upsetting.

DJ Oreo, after what seemed like an hour, finally said that Chance was ready to come on the stage. I got excited, but then there was another 30 minute wait. So, this DJ gets the crowd ready, then we sit there for 30 minutes. I was very close to getting ready to leave, especially when 2 of the WASPY-est people I have ever seen said that we were in the wrong seats, finally got it all figured out, and then the male of the group was dropping unspeakable words along with every rap song.

What kept me and my buddy there was, the lights went down, and finally, after 2 plus hours of listening to a very subpar rapper and a DJ playing today's hits, Chance the Rapper finally hit the stage. He rode out on a scooter and immediately went into the song "Mixtape" from "Coloring Book". All my anger disappeared. I was happy to be seeing this great artist live. For the next 90 minutes, it was great. Chance played a ton of songs, not just stuff from "Coloring Book". He played a lot of singles that he has performed on with guys like DJ Khaled. He did one of his lesser known tunes on a project he did some surfer guy when they were both broke. He played a ton of stuff off my favorite record, "Acid Rap", highlighted by my favorite Chance song, "Favorite Song", ironically. I was pumped to hear so much from "Acid Rap". I was also thrilled to hear that his mother, who was in attendance, loves "Acid Rap" as much as I do. The show was on Mother's Day, so it was nice to see his mom in the crowd. I love stuff like that at live shows. It was great.

Midway through his set, he introduced a special guest, Maxwell. I remembered the name, but I couldn't figure out who he was. Then, it dawned on me, he was a big R&B guy in the mid to late 90's. I remember a bunch of girls in high school loved his songs. It all came flowing back when he said to the audience, "I want to take you all back to 96 with this song", and he played one of his hits. It was an odd change of pace, but I've got to say, it was nice. All his songs were specifically for the mothers in the audience, and like I said, it was very nice and sweet.

After this little interlude, Chance came back on stage and crushed for another 40 minutes plus. This was when he did a bunch off of "Coloring Book", and all the songs sounded great. I loved when he did "Same Drugs" specifically. He was sitting on a stool and singing, then all of the sudden a big stage rig dropped down over the audience and he walked across singing the song to all the people there. It was cool as hell. There were a lot of fireworks, smoke, fires and a great light show. He clearly put a lot into the production of this tour. He was great as far as his performance, and at times, he seemed like a conductor, imploring the audience to sing along. This didn't make me as mad as usual because Chance is so god damn charming. He is also a very deep individual, giving a lot of deep talks and philosophizing on life and love and faith.

So, while I was frustrated at the start, Chance the Rapper came out and played one hell of a live show. He is a very good, very giving performer. Know that when you are going to his show that you will have to wait for awhile, almost to the point of wanting to leave, but when he hits the stage, the wait will be worth it. I cannot wait to see what he does next, and I recommend going to see him live if he comes near, or to, your town.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He is also a white kid who loves rap, he just forgets to be a douchebag like so many others. 

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Ty Listens to New Music From LCD Soundsystem and Big Boi

Three song were recently released to the public, and I want to take my time today to talk about how much I personally enjoy all 3.

First off, LCD Soundsystem, a band that I love, released 2 of them. They were supposed to be released at midnight last Friday, but they got leaked early Thursday afternoon. I waited until this weekend before buying the 2 song EP on iTunes. I've got to tell you, both "Call the Police" and "American Dream" have me very, very anxious and excited to hear what their full length record will sound like when they finally finish it. These 2 songs are tremendous throwbacks to what I love most about this band. It was refreshing and comforting to hear them sound so tight and together as a full band. James Murphy's voice is still perfect for their sound, and the band, my gosh do they sound terrific.

"Call the Police" is a 7 minute synth/pop song that is just about perfect. It could have easily been on "Sounds of Silver". It has that feel. There are some great instrumentals to start out the song, and when Murphy comes in with the vocals, it is like I'm transported back to 7 and 8 years ago when I first discovered the band. It is a great, great tune. I wish it were 14 minutes long. I love the flow, the verses, the chorus and the bridge. Basically, I love the whole damn thing. I was so happy when I heard it the first time, I listened to it about 100 times more since because I cannot get enough of it.

As far as "American Dream" goes, it is a bit of a departure form their normal sound, but not by much. I also say that in a good way. Everyone knows that I like it when bands I listen to take newer and different chances on their particular style of music. LCD Soundsystem has always been a synth/punk/dance band. Those are genres I'm not that into, but for some reason, I like how they blend it all together. On "American Dream", it sounds about as poppy as they will ever get. This is a good thing. Sometimes it is nice to have a song that you can sing and dance along to. It is fun. I really enjoy the direction they took on this particular song. Yes, it is different, but if it is always the same, there is no growth. "American Dream" shows me that this band, during their time off, grew up, and now, they sound like they are having more fun than ever making music.

These 2 tracks have me fully ready to devour the new record when it comes out. I hope it gets released sooner than later. But, I will say that it is nice to kind of get a preview of what to expect on the new record with these 2 new, early released songs.

The other song I want to talk about is a totally different genre, rap, but it also comes from someone that hasn't put out new music in a long time. The person in question is Big Boi, of Outkast fame, and the song is called "Kill Jill", and it features Jeezy, and the always exceptional Killer Mike.

This song is dope as hell. I had seen a lot of stuff on social media about the song, but it wasn't until yesterday that I finally heard the song. I was driving home from a race, and I had my Run the Jewels station playing on Pandora. They played some RTJ, a few El-P and Killer Mike solo songs, and then this new Big Boi track came on. I was totally floored by how awesome it was. I'm an Andre 3000 fan when it comes to all things Outkast. I like Big Boi too, but I prefer the sound and style of Andre 3000. "The Love Below" is a million times better than "Speakerboxxx". But, Big Boi does have his moments as a solo artist. "The Son of Chico Dusty" is a really good record that doesn't get the credit it deserves. But, I'm always a little wary when Big Boi ventures out on his own. Well, not anymore after hearing "Kill Jill".

The song has a very quiet and slow beginning with an Asian lady singing something in her native tongue for about 20 seconds. After that, the beat sounds like an old Asian tune you'd hear in a Kung Fu movie, but really slowed down, and Killer Mike comes in with the first verse and absolutely crushes it. From there on out, Big Boi sounds incredible, Jeezy is awesome and Killer Mike is doing his thing. I think it is perfect for Big Boi to feature Killer Mike on a track since he pretty much gave him his start in music and help guide him in the beginning. And Jeezy, who I am not all that familiar with, sounds amazing on this song. It makes me want to check out his music to see if I would be into it.

Big Boi has done something magical with this song, and, just like with LCD Soundsystem, I'm excited to see if this one song brings about a new Big Boi solo record. I usually do not buy singles, but these are the exception. These 3 songs are tremendous and they run a wide variety of genres of music. I highly recommend people go and check these songs out. I'm glad I did, and I think you'd all enjoy them very much.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He missed out on the gold old days when the head editor would go to his local Streetside Records and get a maxi-single cassette tape. 

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Ty Listens to "Humanz"

The Gorillaz finally released their newest record last Friday, April 28th. This has been a much anticipated album by many, myself included, and it does not disappoint. It feels so good to hear Damon Albarn's voice again hidden behind his cartoon counterparts.

I've been on the Gorillaz bandwagon since they released their first record back in 2001. I've always bought their new records the day they came out, and "Humanz" was no different. I woke up on Friday, got myself prepared for the day, and when I had a moment to sit down, I got on iTunes and bought and downloaded the record immediately. I then listened to it immediately. I waited until today to review it because I wanted an entire weekend to let myself really get a thorough listen. The wait seemed like forever, so I needed at least three days to really access my feelings on this record. I needed the time to really let the new music sink in.

I loved, as I have already said that the record does not disappoint, what I heard. It is classic Gorillaz music. It is very synth-y, with elements of hip hop, pop, rock and roll, electronic and, to round it all out, some great R&B. I'm not a big fan of interludes on albums, but for "Humanz", the interludes feel needed. This is as close to a concept album, a title given to records that I have stated on this site that I loathe, as it gets nowadays. The interludes are your segues from song to song. They're perfect.

Then, the songs are just tremendous. First off, their is a guest on every song on this record, but that is what the Gorillaz do. They're notorious for their guest lists on all of their records. It is needed since this is a band created by Albarn and a friend of his, so he needs the help from other artists. The names that pepper this record are phenomenal. We get people like Mavis Staples, Grace Jones, Popcaan, Vince Staples, De La Soul, Danny Brown, Anthony Hamilton and Pusha T, to name a few. That is quite the guest list if you ask me. Then, to hear them with the Gorillaz, it was icing on the cake.

The first track of the record, "Ascension" features Vince Staples, and it is a great rap song. It is 99 percent Vince Staples vocals, with the Gorillaz doing the instruments, and it works tremendously. Staples is a great, young rapper, and he is on fire right now. This was a great way to start off the record. The song is bouncy, fun and very dance worthy. Staples is great, as are the Gorillaz. Then, 2 songs later, we get the song "Saturnz Barz" featuring Popcaan. I hadn't heard much from Popcaan, but this song is a great, almost disco type pop/electronic song. Again, it is very dance worthy and this song makes me want to go out and find some more Popcaan to listen to. The very next song, "Momentz" features one of Gorillaz main collaborators, De La Soul, and it is just as great as "Feel Good Inc", or "Superfast Jellyfish". De La Soul and Damon Albarn clearly have a great partnership, and any time Gorillaz releases a record, I want to first hear the song that will feature them. "Momentz" is awesome. It is a wonderful rap song, and it is great for working out. I expected greatness from both De La Soul and Gorillaz, and they, of course, delivered. When I did not think it could get much better, we get "Submission". This song features Keela, and one of my new favorite rappers, even though he's been around forever, I just recently discovered him, Danny Brown. This song is incredible, and it all comes to a glorious end with Danny Brown rapping for 90 seconds straight. Keela and the Gorillaz carry the song, and then Danny Brown comes in and finishes it off with an absolute bang. This was, after one listen, my favorite song.

But, as I dug deeper and listened more and more, I think my favorite track is "Let Me Out". This song has Pusha T just crushing it as the emcee, great vocals from the Gorillaz, and then we get the great Mavis Staples singing the chorus, as well as adding her own verses. This is the perfect Gorillaz song. It blends all their styles into one 4 minute masterpiece. This song is flat out stupendous. To get someone like Mavis Staples is a feat in and of itself, and her singing on this song is a true delight.

The rest of the record I really enjoy as well. I love the hard rocking "Charger" featuring Grace Jones. I enjoy the very odd "Sex Murder Party". "Hallelujah Money" featuring Benjamin Clementine is so sad and depressing, but it is a great song. And the final track, for those of you that did not buy the deluxe edition, "We've Got the Power" featuring Jhenny Beth is a great ending. 

"Humanz" is like a great meal. It starts out wonderful, you digest the first half, you want more, the middle of the record is great, and then the dessert that is the last 1/3 of the record that kind of slows down a bit and lets you stew in the great music. I am a fan of Gorillaz, and in my mind, they can do no wrong. The 6 year wait seemed like 60, but the work they did, and the people they got to be on this record, was worth the wait. "Humanz" is a great record, and it makes me that much more excited to see them in September in Kansas City. The Gorillaz are great, and "Humanz" is too. I highly recommend this record.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. With the Gorillaz having released new music, how long before Timmy and the Lords of the Underworld get back in the game.

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Let Me Respectfully Explain Why Musical Festivals are the Worst

Behold the natural beauty of the modern music festival

Today I'm going to put on my old man hat, pants, short shorts, whatever you want to call it, and complain about music festivals, mainly, Coachella. First off, I love, love, love music. I have made that abundantly clear on the site. Next to my family and sports, music is the biggest thing in my life. It has shaped my style, my thoughts and how I perceive the world today. The music is not the problem with Coachella and all other music festivals in general. The music is most definitely great at most of these festivals. The fact that people and bands I love like Kendrick Lamar, Radiohead and Run the Jewels headline these fests are great. The problems I have are the people, the attire and how commercial all of this stuff has gotten.

The bad stuff started a long time ago when some morons decided we needed a Woodstock 2. First off, the original Woodstock was a free event held at some family's farm. Woodstock was meant to bring people together, in a trying time, through music. Sure, there were some wildly dressed people and many of the memories and pictures we all know and see now have to do with the mudslide. But, for the most part, the original Woodstock is remembered for Jimi Hendrix and the like that played some of the best music of their careers. Then, Woodstock 2 came along. You know what most people remember about this crummy festival? Well, I remember the horrific lineup, the fights and the fires that were started, and people complaining how expensive everything was, including bottled water. That is where the biggest problem with festivals nowadays lies. The prices for merchandise, food and drink is utterly ridiculous, and it all started with Woodstock 2.

Of course that was a tremendous failure, and festivals were very sparse afterward. People just didn't want to deal with the headache anymore. Sure, there were still one or 2 day things. We had situations where there were 3 stages and the whole thing would start at noon and end after midnight, but nothing too big.

Then, in the early 2000's, Bonnaroo came along. I remember first hearing about this fest. This was during my jam band phase, and Bonnaroo had them all. I remember wanting to go to it so, so bad. But, I couldn't afford the tickets, and I do not like camping, so it was out of the question. I bought the compilation CD that came out, and listened to it a bunch. I figured I'd go in the future, but not at the current time.

As the years passed, I got less and less interested because it started to become this over crowded, pop obsessed, image driven festival. What started as a much better predecessor to Woodstock than Woodstock 2, was becoming just as commercialized and stupid, for lack of a better word, in my opinion. When bands like U2, who were great in the 80's, but not in the 21st century, are your main headliners, no thank you. They have tried to do other things, like add a comedy event, but I still have no interest. First off, it is in the dead of summer, and I have no interest in hanging out with a bunch of smelly, sleep deprived and drug infused music fans. I'm a nightmare when I'm sleep deprived. Put me with a million other sleep deprived people and I would go nuts. It doesn't help my case that I'm not a "partier". I have no problem with people doing drugs and drinking, as long as they aren't hurting anyone. But, I do not want to hang with people for 3 or 4 days that are just straight up binging. That is the worst. Bonnaroo is so off my radar now, when someone says that they are going, I always think to myself, I can't believe that it is still a thing.

I did try the whole festival thing about 12 years ago though. I found a festival called Wakarusa being held in Lawrence, Kansas. It had a good lineup, and I thought that I could handle the camping. I even went with my oldest brother, his wife, some of their friends and my niece, when she was a tiny baby. I thought this was the ideal situation. I was wrong. I was miserable. I was constantly harassed by hippies and stoners all weekend long. I was made fun of because I was not drinking and or doing drugs. I thought it was going to be like going to a Widespread show, where everyone is welcome, but I was wrong. I felt secluded. I could not believe how mean these supposed all loving people could be. To make matters worse, there was no time to see the bands I wanted to see because schedules always conflicted. I would catch 15 minutes of Robert Randolph, sprint over to the second stage to catch 15 minutes of Keller Williams, then run again to see North Mississippi All Stars encore. This was incredibly frustrating. Add the fact that I was getting little to no sleep, I was ready to go home by the second morning. Luckily for me, so were my brother and his wife. We left early. All the excitement I felt a month before Wakarusa was demolished within an hour of being there. I have never even thought about Wakarusa again, until I decided to write this piece today.

Here in Saint Louis we now have LouFest, and I have absolutely no desire to go to this. The prices are outrageous, there is usually only one, maybe 2 bands worth seeing, and it is so commercialized that it is disgusting. LouFest is utterly ridiculous.

They also have the Roots N Blues BBQ/Music Fest in Columbia. I have been to this twice, and both times, I was ready to leave the moment I entered the park. I immediately regretted my decision to go. This has gotten way out of hand too. They sell way too many tickets, and for a smaller college town like Columbia, they cannot handle the amount of people. I vividly remember going to see Buddy Guy, and leaving after his first song because there were too many people, I felt like I was in a sardine can, and I couldn't even see or hear Buddy Guy. Never again for Roots N Blues. There is other stuff like Lollapalooza, the Gathering, and I'm sure other things I can't think of now that I will never go to because festivals are the worst. 

Finally, what sparked this whole idea today, we just had Coachella this past weekend. I will never, ever ever ever go to Coachella. I stated at the top that the lineup is second to none. But, no matter who plays, even if Bob Marley and Robert Johnson were to rise up from their grave, I will not attend. First off, it is in the desert at, or near the beginning of summer. No thank you. Second, this festival over sells every year. There are so many people there. Third, it is straight debauchery. My brother has been to Coachella once, and from what he told me, it was absolutely intense and insane. Not for me.

But, what I find most appalling about Coachella though is the fact that it has become some kind of crappy second hand fashion show. All the pictures you see are of celebrities, or faux celebrities, and what they are wearing. I could care less what Vanessa Hudgens, Cam Newton or any of the god damn Jonas Brothers are wearing at Coachella. I had to scroll through 4 or 5 different stories that talked about the "fashion" or the "famous faces in the crowd" before I got a small review of Radiohead's problems with sound, or how great of a set Kendrick Lamar did. That is a big, big problem. Coachella is the definition of image. People care more about what the bands, performers, or even worse, the crowd is wearing, or what they look like. Coachella should be about the music first, the art second, then everything else last. I do not care about anything from Coachella, except the music. How long until Coachella is just as much a laughingstock for outsiders, such as myself, as Burning Man is? Not too far away I'd guess.

Festivals have gotten a well deserved bad rap. They are wastes of time, in my opinion, and they are just a big cluster. I'd much rather just see the bands or performers when they come to, or near, my hometown. The fact that I got to see Run the Jewels in Kansas City, or that I'm seeing the Chance the Rapper here in Saint Louis, at their own headlining shows, sounds so much more appealing than fighting with thousands upon thousands of sleep deprived, smelly music fans. I LOVE live music. I LOATHE festivals. Simple as that.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He used to be with it, then it changed, now what is it is confusing and strange. It did not take Ty long to morph into Grandpa Simpson.

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Ty Listens to Kendrick Lamar's "Damn"

What should be to no one's surprise, Kendrick Lamar has done it yet again.

I heard rumblings about a week or so ago that he was putting out another new record so shortly after "To Pimp A Butterfly" and "Untitled, Unmastered". It was proven to be true when his new record, "Damn" was officially released today. I bought it as soon as I woke up, as I have done with all of his records, and I have already listened to it all the way through twice.

I have to say, I really enjoy this album. This is the first album that feels like you can just sit and vibe out to. All his other records are tremendous and wonderful and very, very insightful. Lamar has proven himself the best writer in hip hop since Jay Z, and now, I think he has surpassed him.

After I bought "Damn" this morning, I found an hour to myself, my wife is off work for the day, to listen to it from start to finish while doing some chores here and there, so the kids didn't have to hear it. They cannot listen to this record, just like every other Kendrick Lamar album. Then, when my kids retired to their room for naps, I went to work out, and that was when I really dug into the record. It was just me, my headphones, the pavement and Kendrick Lamar. I got to really focus.

What I really enjoy about "Damn" though, while it is still incredibly introspective, it is easily his most "fun" record. Now, it is not fun in the way that Puff Daddy or any other "party" rappers from the early to mid nineties. It is fun more so in the way that Jay Z was having fun on "The Black Album", or how Run the Jewels have fun on all three of their records.

This record has it all. Like I said, it is deep. The intro is sad and terrifying. Then, the album slips into an almost R&B/funk type record with Kendrick rapping over the beats. It was so different from what I have come to expect from him, but I found myself really enjoying it. I like when artists take a shot at something different, and when they hit, it is even better. Then, the record reverts into a straight up rap record with some big time bass thumping beats. These songs were perfect running songs. Being able to pound the pavement to every bass beat is exactly what I look for when listening to an album that I use for working out. The song "Loyalty" is so prefect for that. "Humble" is another track that made me feel like I could an extra mile or two. "XXX" is kind of a blend of bass and R&B, and it is tremendous.

Look, what it comes down to for me, I am a fan of Kendrick Lamar's just like I'm a fan of Run the Jewels. He would have to do something truly awful, Macklemore awful, for me to not like whatever it was/is. "Damn" just proves tenfold that Lamar is so gifted as a rapper and a writer. The fact that he can put out 3 records in less than 2 years is incredibly impressive. The fact that all 3 records are totally different from each other and successful proves that he may be the best solo rapper in the game right now. Scratch that, he is the best solo rapper right now. He has taken over that throne from Jay Z.

Looking at just the current hip[ hop scene, Kendrick Lamar is so much better than anyone right now, especially Drake. The fact that each of them have a newer record out now, and that Lamar's is so much better is proof enough. Add on "To Pimp A Butterfly" and "Untitled, Unmastered", and he is so much further ahead and so much more prolific than Drake could ever imagine being. While Drake is out there being a front runner for whoever is the best team in college football, basketball and the NBA at the current moment, Kendrick Lamar just keeps getting better and better at rapping and writing. Kendrick Lamar cares more about his craft than most musicians in any genre of music, and "Damn" further hammers home this point. If you ask me, there is no debate about who is a better emcee. It is Kendrick Lamar by a million miles. Lamar is so god damn good and can do any style of rap better than anyone.

I will be listening to "Damn" for a long time now. It will be spliced between listens of "RTJ 3" and "Awaken! My Love" for the next couple of months. There is another rumor floating now that he may release even more music on Sunday, I cannot think of a better way to celebrate Easter, which is a hilarious farcical holiday anyway, than more Kendrick Lamar. Until then, I will be listening to "Damn" over and over again, and you should too. This record is phenomenal.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. Ha has yet to pick up the new Drake record. Ty is just not in the mood to hear sub-par rymes where Drake bashes the mentally ill.

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Ty Listens to the Shins "Heartworms"

Almost 3 weeks ago The Shins released their newest record "Heartworms". I've put off a review until now because I really wanted to give it a good amount of listens.

I'm a Shins fan. I, like most people, first heard of them when they were heavily featured in trailers and on the soundtrack to the movie "Garden State". By the way, that movie does not hold up well. It is melodrama at its worst. Anyway, that is where my love for the Shins began. I know there are people that knew of them well before, but for the most of us, the "Garden State" soundtrack was our entryway into their music.

I loved what I heard from the band. I had never heard pop/alternative music that sounded like the Shins. It was sad and slow, almost folksy, but then they'd play something very upbeat and fun. I liked the change of pace that it brought to the pop/alternative genre. I also really enjoy James Mercer. I have heard and read a lot of stories about how he is a total pain in the ass to work and play music with, but the end result, for the most part, is very good.

After seeing "Garden State" I of course went out and bought "Oh, Inverted World". I loved it too. It had that blend I mentioned earlier that I like, and the record as a whole is very good. One day when I get back to my greatest American band debate, the Shins will be one of the first bands I write about.

After "Oh, Inverted World", I got to listen to "Cutes Too Narrow". It sounded a lot like "Oh, Inverted World", but had a bit more pep in its step. It was fun and more and more people began to become Shins fans. I listened to this record on repeat. After that record was when the stories of working with Mercer became more and more prevalent. He always seemed to be switching and or firing band members because he personally did not like them.

It didn't seem to matter because when the Shins released their next record, "Wincing the Night Away", it was the best they have ever sounded, in my opinion. I saw them live while touring this record. This was the most rock and roll they sounded, and it hit me right where I needed to be hit. The song "Sea Legs" off that record is my favorite Shins song by a quarter mile. Richard Swift was part of the band during this record and tour, and he made them sound so god damn good.

This was when my fandom for the Shins was at its peak. Mercer broke off and did some great work with bands like Modest Mouse and some other indie alternative groups, but his best non Shins stuff was when he teamed up with Danger Mouse and they formed Broken Bells. This was where Mercer started to take more chances with vocals and try new things with instruments. Broken Bells is incredible. That is another band I will bring up during greatest American band stuff.

In between the 2 Broken Bells records, the Shins released another album, "Port of Morrow", and I loved it because it sounded like Broken Bells as a full band. That record really came and went with a whimper though, which was surprising to me.

So, when I heard they were releasing a new record this year, my interest was piqued. Having listened to "Heartworms" multiple times now, I come away feeling full, but not satisfied. The record is good. It sounds like newer Shins, which is my favorite style of Shins, but it all sounds too familiar. The stuff he does with Danger Mouse and Broken Bells I thought would influence this record, and while there are hints of it here and there, it is not on as much as it should be. The music is great. James Mercer is great. The band is very good. But, it all just kind of sounds similar to "Wincing the Night Away" and "Port of Morrow". That is not a bad thing, I have mentioned how much I like both of those records, I just wanted the band to try something different.

The Black Keys and yes they are my favorite band, and I won't say bad things about them, at least try and make their music sound different on each record. They always try something new. Same can be said for other bands I like with multiple albums like Run the Jewels, Chance the Rapper and Childish Gambino. I mean, look at what Childish Gambino did on his last album. It is a total departure, and that album rules. Even a band like RTJ, who are straight forward rap, take lots of chances doing different things on each of their three records.

I guess I am kind of just a lukewarm fan of this new Shins album. I really like the first track, but after that, it all just kind of blends together. The record is fine, don't get me wrong, I just wanted to hear something a bit different from a band that I have become a very big fan of. I still recommend the record for fans. I mean, it's a Shins record and it sounds like one. That being said, maybe on their next record Mercer will try some more falsetto singing and the band will take some far out chances as far as instrumentation.

I'd give "Heartworms" a B-, but it could have easily been an A. There is always the next record.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He likes to feel full after music. Sometimes he wants to be full of steak and brussels sprouts and not just day old pizza (which is still pretty good). This record was day old pizza.

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Let Me Respectfully Explain Why Macklemore Sucks

The only good place to store Macklemore's "music"

Today I'm going to go back in time and do one of my favorite things, explain why I irrationally hate something. I usually save this for sports teams, but today, my sole focus for my hatred will be squarely on a "rapper". Many of you may have just read that sentence and assumed that I will be talking about Drake today, but not so fast. I'll save him for another day. I have also shit on him a lot on the podcast.

But, today I was driving in my car listening to my Pandora stations on shuffle, and something so damning to my ears came on that I got literally upset. I yelled at Pandora as if the AI could hear me for what they'd done to me. I felt like tossing my phone out of the car because of how angry I was that Pandora's AI thought I would want to hear anything from the "rapper" Macklemore. 

I DESPISE Macklemore. I think he is one of, if not the, most overrated "emcees" of all time. And yes, I'm going to continue to use quotes throughout this whole article because he is one fake ass "rapper".

Macklemore first jumped on my radar in 2013 with the horrendous song, "Thrift Shop". Everyone I knew loved this song, but me. I could not stand it. I did not like the hook. I thought that the beat was terrible, at best. I loathed the video for this song. But, what irked me most was this phony new "rapper" Macklemore trying to rap. It was disgusting. He sounds like a white guy trying to rap. That is not a compliment. You know when you hear someone like Eminem, El-P or Mike Skinner(AKA The Streets), and they sound like a legit rapper? That is the opposite feeling I got when I heard Macklemore. He was trying so hard to be a "rapper", where with real rappers, it just comes naturally. Of course "Thrift Shop" blew up. It was everywhere. Try as I might, I could not get away from the song. Every party, gathering, radio station or place I went or listened to, that damn song was on. It never grew on me at all. It had the opposite effect. The more I heard it the more I hated it.

People then looked for what he was going to do next, and to everyone else around him I give credit, his next single was "Same Love". This song has a great message, just a terrible messenger. If this had just been the lady singing who sang the hook, I would have been totally on board with this track. As I have said, I love and respect and agree with the message behind "Same Love", but, every time I hear Macklemore's dumbass "rap", I get angry.

A great spoof of how horrific a messenger Macklemore is was Andy Samberg as Connor 4 Real in "Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping" when he sang the song "Equal Rights". It is almost indistinguishable as to which guy is singing which song, and Andy Samberg was making a joke. That should, in and of itself, be enough evidence that Macklemore is an absolute joke.

Of course his record "The Heist" went on to win multiple Grammys, including beating out Kendrick Lamar's "Good Kid, M.A.D.D. City" for best rap record. That is one of the biggest "upsets" in the history of the stupid Grammys. In my opinion, that ranks right up there with Jethro Tull beating out Metallica for Best Heavy Metal Album, which many people see as the biggest upset in Grammys history. To make himself look even worse though, Macklemore supposedly texted an apology to Kendrick Lamar, telling him he deserved the award. What a douchebag. Just take your prize and let it be. I'm positive Kendrick Lamar doesn't give a second thought to the Grammys because he is way too busy making relevant, meaningful, incredible music. Only a moron like Macklemore would think that Kendrick Lamar would want an apology text from him. This was so stupid.

Then, Macklemore went on to show up in a multitude of Dr. Pepper commercials, claiming he was an independent artist who did things on his own terms. He would then take a sip of a Dr. Pepper at the end of these commercials claiming to be an "independent artist". This is such a sell out move. Just admit you did it for the money. Every musician and band does this now. It doesn't make you a sell out, unless you come across like Macklemore did in these stupid Dr. Pepper commercials. Some of my favorite bands, like the Black Keys for one main example, sell their songs to commercials all the time. I don't care because they don't come out and try and explain why they sold their music. I know why, they're getting paid a shit ton of money to do it. I'd do the same thing. Macklemore's Dr. Pepper commercials reminded me of myself when I was 17 and claimed anyone I liked that performed on TV or had one of their songs in a big time commercial was a sell out. Let me repeat my age, I was 17. Macklemore acts like a 17 year old. He also went on to do more stupid commercials, I don't even know what for, but he and Russell Wilson were hanging out. They said it was the Seattle connection, but I just saw a couple of holier than thou douchebags shilling some nonsense, and I hated those commercials too.

Many people anticipated Macklemore's second record, I couldn't have cared less, and it was a total flop. Again, I go to the "Popstar" comparison. Just like "Connquest" was a colossal failure for Conner 4 Real, so was "The Unruly Mess I've Made" for Macklemore. It was a colossal critical and monetary failure. That album got incredibly panned by critics and fans alike. I assumed the unruly mess he was talking about was his terrible "rapping", but I'm sure he was talking about some other bull shit that he thought made him seem semi important.

I hope this is the end of his "rap" career because he is garbage. I also do not know one single person, nor has anyone come to me and said, I'm a Macklemore fan. I know he sold millions of records, but I do not know one single person that owns a Macklemore single or record. It is a lot like The Black Eyed Peas with Fergie. I know they sold records, but I don't know one single person that claims to be a fan. Macklemore is trash and he should quit music forever. I hope it happens sooner rather than later.  

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He was at the thrift shop yesterday and saw all of Macklemore's music for $.99. Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Run the Jewels Prove they are the Best With an Incredible Live Show

Last night was the night. I finally got to see one of my new favorite bands. This is the band I have not stopped talking about on podcasts lately, and I finally got to see Run the Jewels live, and it was spectacular.

They had three openers and they were all okay, Gangsta Boo, from Three 6 Mafia fame, was the standout, but the night belonged to Run the Jewels. My only beef with the show, there was a 35 minute set break in between the last opener and Run the Jewels. This is a small complaint, but it is still irritating. I know it builds up suspense, but we are all there to see them, so I want all headliners to come on stage ASAP. The stage was set up in about 5 minutes, so the fans all had to sit and wait for 30 minutes. It was frustrating, but that was the only problem.

When Run the Jewels, Killer Mike and El-P, took the stage, the next hour and 15 minutes was tremendous. They went through most of their new album, sprinkling in some "older" classics as well. They owned the stage during their whole set. The two of them have such a great rapport and friendship, and that comes across ten fold when you see them live. They truly love what they do, and they love doing it for their fans.

Killer Mike was incredible last night. When doing new songs off "RTJ 3", like "Talk to Me" or "Hey Kids", Killer Mike was the star. He is such a great emcee and you truly got a feel for that when seeing him do the stuff live. He was on time and on point in every verse. He was having fun while delivering his message. He was angry when he needed to be angry, goofy when that was needed and just being an elite emcee when that was needed. Killer Mike was awesome.

Same thing can be said about El-P. He comes off on some of the records and some of their interviews as a "second banana", but that could not have been further from the case last night. El-P was just as good, and dare I say, sometimes better than Killer Mike on some of the songs. When he was doing his thing on songs like "Panther like a Panther" or "A Message to the Shareholders" I was blown away at how good he was live in concert. I should not have been, but since I have been a Killer Mike fan since high school, and I only recently got into El-P, I was surprised at how great of an emcee he is. I always knew he was an exceptional producer and beat maker, but last night proved to me how great of an emcee he is. He slayed his verses. I was bobbing my head and moving my feet as much to his verses as I was to Killer Mike's.

These dudes are at the absolute top of the rap game right now. They have been on their world tour now for months, this was their 24th of 36 shows, and if anyone thought that they may be slowing down a bit, that did not happen last night. As I said, they went through a lot of the new album. They opened with "Talk to Me". It was great. They also played the songs I previously mentioned, as well as tracks like "Call Ticketron", which was a lot of fun, "Stay Gold" which was incredible and "Don't Get Captured" which was really good, among many other songs on the record. When they did dip into older songs, they did not disappoint. "Lie, Cheat, Steal" was phenomenal, "Love Again" was grimy and gritty and hilariously vulgar and when they did their encore, I was amazed at how great the two "older" songs, "Close Your Eyes" and their very first song, "Run the Jewels" sounded. First off, "Close Your Eyes", which is one of my favorites, was just a bass thumping, wailing good time. Both Killer Mike and El-P were tremendous on this track. The light show was just a flashing display of strobe lights. You could barely see the two of them, but you could definitely hear them. It was a banger, and I was so, so glad that they played it last night.

That would have been more than enough to suffice my appetite, but then they played "Run the Jewels" and my mind was blown even further. This was their first song. This was what got me into this awesome band. This was their introduction to the world, and to hear them play it live so many years later, it was just tremendous. Both guys again crushed their verses. Killer Mike completely stood out on this one. He owned the stage, with the lights shining down on him as he crushed his verses. El-P was great too, he always is, but Killer Mike brought a little something extra to close out the night.

The show was great and it only reaffirmed my love for Run the Jewels. I highly recommend going to see them if you get the chance. I drove 4 hours from Saint Louis to Kansas City to see them, so you don't have any excuse. Run the Jewels is one of the greatest bands ever, and now, they are one of the greatest touring bands ever. Great show by a great band last night.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He seen a lot of concerts. Hear about the good, the bad, and the Cubby in a classic X Millennial Man Podcast.  Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Happy Birthday Bob Marley

Before I get into what I am going to talk about today, I want to praise Martellus Bennett. He is a true patriot by refusing to go to the White House to take a picture with the current "president". He is standing by his beliefs, I fully agree and support his decision, his team should too, and I hope this leads to many, many other pro athletes refusing to go to the White House. I know that a second Patriots player has already said that he will not go as well. This makes me very happy that pro athletes, who make millions upon millions of dollars, can see the injustice and stand up for what they believe in. This is just the start, and I know more athletes and coaches, and maybe, just maybe, owners will stand by their players and protest this terrible, awful, racist "government", and not go to these photo ops. Nothing would upset that puppet and child more than pro athletes refusing to come say hi and take a picture. Thank you for starting the revolution Martellus Bennett, and hopefully the majority of pro athletes that win championships will also refuse to go to the White House for the next 4 years.

Okay, now for my main point of today. Yesterday would have been Bob Marley's 72nd birthday. I was going to write about him yesterday, but I had to touch on the Super Bowl. Bob Marley is, and always will be, an idol of mine. He was my introduction to "real" music. Before Bob Marley, I did not listen to music with instruments and decent singers. I was busy listening to pop and crappy rap music. I still listen to some pop music, and my taste in rap has gotten much, much better. But, Bob Marley was my guide. He was my intro to good music. My father and brother sat me down and they played me a bunch of music that they thought I'd like. I heard Cream, Bob Dylan, Run DMC, Ben Harper, Public Enemy, among many others, and while I was blown away by them all, Bob Marley was the one that I kept going back to. I could not get enough of his voice. I could not get enough of his band. 

At the time, I did not understand his message, but as I got older and devoured his entire catalog, I began to not only understand, but also agree with pretty much everything he was singing about. Bob Marley was an activist in a very volatile time in his homeland of Jamaica. He stood up for the downtrodden and did everything he could to help. We could really use a person like him today, that is for sure. But, he always gave back to his people. He always went back home to see his people and help out anyway he could.

Bob Marley was also heavily involved in his religion, Rastafarianism. He was a very close personal friend of Hailee Saliasse, when they were both still alive. Bob Marley was a man that not only talked the talk, he walked the walk. He was a true power to the people person. It is a bummer that he died so young. His religion forbade him from surgery, which could have removed the cancer that started in his toe and spread through his entire body, but he still lived all 36 of his years on Earth to the fullest.

We know Bob Marley for his music, and it is absolutely timeless. I can put on any record of his, and it feels relevant no matter the time. From ages 16-22, Bob Marley was all I listened to. As I said earlier, I devoured his music. I devoured his life story. I was, and I do not think I'm exaggerating, probably the biggest Bob Marley fan in the state of Missouri. His music was literally all I listened to for 6 years. I did everything I could to be like, and act like Bob Marley. I even had dreadlocks for a time, when I had hair. I always proclaim that Robert Johnson was my gateway to playing guitar, and he is, but Bob Marley was my gateway to good music. Through Marley, I learned that music played with instruments could be great. I loved the reggae sound. I loved the heartbeat rhythm to the music. I always feel relaxed when I listen to Bob Marley. His voice in undeniably unique as well. Marley has the greatest voice in the history of reggae music, and one of the greatest voices in music ever. It is so damn great. I even try to mimic his tone when I am singing along in my car, which can be very embarrassing for my wife and kids, but Marley's music moves me like that. I wanted to have a Jamaican accent when I was a high schooler because of Bob Marley.

I just wanted to wish one of my all time favorite musicians a belated happy birthday. I wish he were still alive, god we could really, really use him right now, and I miss him every time I hear his records. If you want some suggestions, go listen to records like "Exodus", "Catch a Fire", "Talkin Blues", his 4 disc box set of all his music, his early ska/reggae stuff, or my personal favorite record, "Burnin and Lootin". It is all great, and given the corrupt nature of the world right now, the music is incredibly poignant. I wish you were still alive, but at least I have your music to listen to for the rest of my life, and that is a great gift you left us. Happy belated birthday Bob Marley, and Rest in Peace.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He is a strong believer in getting up, and standing up, for your rights. Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Do Yourself a Favor. Start Listening to Little Richard

Cue up the Little Richard, and be happy.

Earlier today I was driving in my car and listening to some Little Richard. I need something upbeat to keep my mind off the horrors that occur everyday now. I've always been a Little Richard fan. I like his voice, his piano playing, his style, everything about him I find very entertaining. I don't think this falls in the greatest American band debate because he is just one man, but I wanted to point out the greatness that is Little Richard, and why I think he is one of the most underrated musicians of all time.

First off, his showmanship is second to none. I have gone on record saying that Freddie Mercury is the best front man of all time in rock music, but Little Richard is a very close second. Going back and watching some old footage of Little Richard is amazing. He absolutely owns the crowd. He is truly one of a kind when it comes to flash and stage presence. He was a hurricane when he performed. The old stuff on You Tube, or anywhere else you see it, is truly amazing. He would have been a stadium performer had he come around now.

Second, his singing is excellent. He rode the line between rock and R&B like no one else I have ever listened to. He had such a soulful voice, but when he needed and felt like he had to rock, he was awesome. Take his most famous song, "Tutti Fruiti". His vocals are so god damn amazing. When he is yell singing the chorus, I want to get up and dance. In actuality, you could say that about the majority of his songs. He hits the R&B when he needs to, but he is so much more of a rock and roller than I think people ever gave him credit for. His voice is legendary and will never be duplicated.

His piano playing was top notch too. He is just as good, better than in my opinion, than Jerry Lee Lewis, but he doesn't get the same recognition. I think it has to do with the fact that he wasn't on Sun Records, but that should not matter. The way he would thrash those keys and how loud, yet sophisticated it sounded was incredible. He could play Beethoven level stuff, but make it a rock and roll song that we could all sing and dance to. I mean, that is astounding. When he would go off on his little solos and hit high notes incredibly fast, my god that was magical.

Little Richard was flashy, he was a great singer, he dressed very stylishly and he owned a stage. So, why do more people not talk abut him being an enormous influence? I mean, without Little Richard, we may have never gotten James Brown. The legend goes, James Brown needed to be convinced to go on stage to perform, and the guy doing the convincing, a young dishwasher/part time musician by the name of Little Richard gave him the confidence he needed to get on a stage. He told him he was special and he gave James Brown that final push he needed. Stevie Wonder owes a great deal of his success to Little Richard. Wonder is definitely more of an R&B guy, but a guy like Little Richard paved the way for a piano player that could rock and play soulful R&B to become ultra famous. Little Richard was the first, then came Stevie Wonder, and I love Stevie wonder. The Beatles owe a ton of their influence from American music to Little Richard. They even tried to do covers of his songs. They did okay, but when the Beatles aren't as good, that is the sign of a true legend. I'm a Beatles fan through and through, but I'd much rather turn on Little Richard when I hear the Beatles attempt to do one of his songs. I know what I will get with Little Richard.

I also happen to think that front men like Freddie Mercury, Steven Tyler, Robert Plant and Mick Jagger owe a ton of debt to Little Richard. They saw him and they saw that they could dress as loudly as they wanted, wear what they wanted and be as free as they wanted on stage because, they saw Little Richard do it long before they became the faces of rock and roll. He was doing it all 10 to 20 years before they even attempted to act like him on stage.

Little Richard is not talked about nearly enough when it comes to legends of, not only R&B, but rock and roll as well. He was more of a rock and roller than a lot of people that are considered legends of rock. I'd take Little Richard any day over people like Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Steven Tyler, basically almost any of his contemporaries. I also think a lot of younger musicians, people like Adam Levine, Leon Bridges, Raphael Saadiq, I know he isn't young, but he still plays like Little Richard, Nathan Rateliffe, among many, many others, would not be doing what they do today if not for someone like Little Richard.

Little Richard is an all time great. I'm sure he is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is recognized by people in the business and industry, but when it comes to fans of older R&B and rock and roll, I think he gets left out of the conversation, and that is unfair. I'm so glad that I have a father and brothers and sister in laws that all introduced me to him when I got heavily into older R&B and rock and roll. Little Richard is one of the most underrated legends of all time. He is truly a master of his craft and he deserves and garners respect from everyone that loves music. As I stated already, we would not have a lot of the people we have today if not for Little Richard.

Do yourself a favor and, to get away from the madness, nightmare hell scape that is our country right now, listen to some Little Richard. He will make you smile and make you want to dance. I know that I am a Millennial, but I am one of the biggest Little Richard fans there are, and I will sing his praises until the cows come home. You are truly a one of a kind legend Little Richard. Thank you for all you have done for music.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He now knows that Little Richard was part of the very first class inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

The SeedSing 2016 Year in Pop Culture: The Best, and Worst, in Music

My best of list today will be my top 5 albums of 2016. There was some good music put out this year, but honestly, this was probably the easiest list for me to make. When certain people announced they were putting out new records, I hoped for the best, and for the most part, they all delivered. Lets get to it.

At number 5, I have Frank Ocean's "Blonde". This record was tremendous. The wait was totally worth it. After Ocean put out the phenomenal "Channel Orange", he waited almost 2 and a half years before releasing "Blonde". The wait seemed like it would go on forever. The rumors never stopped, especially after he performed on "SNL", that a new record was in the works, and it would be coming soon. But they never seemed to develop. Then on some random Friday, Ocean announced that he had released his record on social media. I bought it immediately and listened to it right after it downloaded, and it was great. It was a perfect blend of R&B/rap/funk and the weirdness that is Frank Ocean. His voice is tremendous on the record. His switching back and forth between singing and rapping is totally on point. The guests on this record are second to none. Andre 3000's verse is one of the dopest things I've heard in years. "Blonde" is one of the first records that I can remember being worth the wait. Ocean is a super star now, and it is because of the success of "Blonde".

At number 4, I have Chance the Rapper's "Coloring Book". This is one of the most uplifting rap records I have ever heard. Chance the Rapper is a shining light in the music industry right now. He is clearly someone that does it for the love of music, not the fame, money or recognition. Every record he releases, he releases them for free. "Coloring Book" was first put on Apple Music only, but there were many other ways to download the record for free, instantly. Every song on the album has his perfect rap presence on it, but his singing is also really good. Take a song like "Blessings". The chorus is great, and Chance's verses are really good, but his singing on the song is just as good as anything else he does. He too has really blown up recently, due to "SNL" and the fact that he is the Kit Kat spokesman now, but he is one of the better rappers doing music right now. The record has straight forward rap songs, but there are some good R&B songs and some, I almost want to say, gospel type songs. "Coloring Book" is a revelation, and Chance the Rapper is on his way to the top. Go get this record now. It is free and it is awesome.

At number 3, I have my all time favorite rap group's newest record, A Tribe Called Quest's "We Got it From Here...Thank You 4 Your Service". This was a much needed record. After it was announced that Phife Dawg passed away, RIP, the remaining members announced that they were putting out a record of original material. They had some of Phife's vocals still recorded, and they made new songs with what they had, and the material was incredible. The album finds the band with a more politically conscious sound than ever, and it suits them incredibly well. They have great voices, and with what is going on in the world now, we needed to get their thoughts. Q-Tip slays on every song on the record. Ali Shaheed Mohammed is right there with the beats and the one liners that he is the master of. Even Jarobi shows up and does some nice things. Then, we get Phife. Man was he the best of the best. His verses were so great. Hearing him one more time on record was so god damn satisfying. I still miss the hell out of him, but at least I will always have his voice on records, and "WGIFH...TY4YS", he is wonderful. The guest list on this record is better than what Frank Ocean has in "Blonde". Andre 3000 is on this record, so is Jack White and the reemergence of Busta Rhymes. Busta Rhymes is a beast and he sounds dynamite on this record. I hope this means he is contemplating a comeback, because I'd love some new music from him. ATCQ is back, and this new album is awesome. Thank you for releasing it. We as a nation needed this right now.

At number 2, I have the new funk record from Childish Gambino, "Awaken! My Love". This album is incredible, unique, weird and awesome. It is as if Parliament came back and recorded a record for the 21st century. Along with making great TV, i.e. "Atlanta", Donald Glover also released one of the best albums of the year. I have been listening to this record almost nonstop for the past month or so. I love every track on this album. Glover goes totally off script and, instead of releasing a new rap record, he delivers a straight up funk record, and it is incredible. His voice is so tremendous. He hits some crazy high notes that I had no idea he could hit. From the opener, "Me and Your Mama", which is a great blend of funk and rock, to songs like "Boogieman", "Zombies", "California" and "Baby Boy", which are all straight up funk, the album is a homerun. The song "Redbone" may be the track of the year. Glover is tremendous on this song, and his band sounds phenomenal. The chorus may be my anthem for the crap fest that has been 2016. Glover sings, "stay woke/they be creepin/they gon find you/gon catch you sleeping". I mean, that is pretty poetic and prophetic for the state of our country. "Awaken! My Love" is a triumph, and further proves that Donald Glover is the most talented person in show business. I have mentioned him everyday in all my lists so far, so he must be doing something right. This record is incredible, and I cannot wait to see what he does next in TV, movies, but most importantly for me, music. I'm sure it will be awesome.

This all brings me to my number one record of the year, "Run The Jewels 3" by, Run The Jewels. I know this album has only been out for 3 days, but damn it is the shit. The band surprised released the record on Christmas at midnight, and as they would say, "it was a Christmas f&*(ing miracle". I have not stopped listening to the album for the past three days. When I go on runs at night, this record gets me through the 3 miles. When I clean the house, this is what I'm putting on my Echo or headphones. When I'm driving in my car, and my kids are not present, this is what I'm cranking. The record is dope, and this, more than any piece of pop culture this year, is exactly what I, and a bunch of other people need to get through these trying times. EL-P and Killer Mike take on the establishment in every track, and they take it down. These dudes are the voice for the downtrodden and they make me want to start a revolution. I would go to war with these dudes, especially Killer Mike. This record makes me want to accomplish things to take down the current state of the government. This record makes me have visceral responses. I will just yell random things, to no one in particular, when listening to this dope ass album. "RTJ3" is an absolute triumph, and RTJ themselves are the best rappers making music right now. EL-P and Killer Mike are phenomenal. They basically crashed the internet when they surprised announced that they were releasing this record early. I do not care that it has only been out for 3 days, it is the best record of 2016, and it will probably be better than anything put out in 2017. It is a god damn masterpiece. I'm getting fired up just writing about how much I love this record right now. Buy it immediately, if you do not already have it. It is the bomb diggity.

As far as the worst record of the year goes, anything that Drake puts out is always garbage, and the Macklemore record, which I have not heard one song of, I guarantee it is a joke of an album. Drake is an overrated, bandwagon fan, and a wannabe. His rhyming is garbage. His voice is garbage. His beats stink. I'd rather listen to anyone from the early 90's rap than listen to any piece of trash that Drake releases. He is, by far, the most overrated emcee of all time. Then there is Macklemore. Talk about a poseur. This dude and his DJ are fake rappers and Macklemore is the leader of this fake ass sound. He is just as bad as Drake, and he thinks he is "rapping" about important issues, and that he alone is bringing this stuff to light. Macklemore is garbage, and his 15 minutes of fame were done a long, long time ago. Do not listen to anything by these 2 guys because they are both equally terrible.

That's it for today. Come back tomorrow for my best and worst sports moments of 2016.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. His dislike of Drake goes back to the Degrassi days. Jimmy Brooks was the worst. Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.