Archive for July, 2007

Can You Write a Song?

Hey! Do you want a really short blog post telling you where you can go kill some time and maybe even write a hit single?

I thought so.

Go now and check out the website Chordstudio. You can choose your very own chords and then pick the instruments to play them.

No musical talent required and you might even learn something. What could possibly be more entertaining than that?

How About a Little Rush! (Video)

Do you wanna see a cool music video? Check out this animated video set to the band Rush’s classic instrumental.

Props to Rush on a great song and also to a creative individual named Bobby Standridge. Bobby Standridge explains the inspiration for this video on Neil Peart’s website.

A List of the Worst Cover Songs

Behold, another entertaining find for you in the wonderful world of music. Here’s a site that lists some of what they think are the worst covers song ever.

Not sure why “Layla” made the list but Olivia Newton-John doing the Johnny Cash classic “Ring of Fire” certainly belongs.

For the record I would like to add a song by the late 80’s Glam metal band Faster Pussycat doing a cover of Carly Simon’s “Your So Vain.” What the hell where they thinking?

Do you have any nasty cover songs you’d like to share? You can share them with the rest of us in the comments below.

Do you have dreams? Better yet, do you have the balls to chase those dream? Well a guy Nick Daugherty did and I wanted pass his inspiring story on to you.

While listening to the Musicians Cooler podcast. I heard the host, Dave Jackson talk about this musician that decided it was time to become proactive in making his dream of getting a recording contract a reality. I had to investigate.

What I found was a year long journal of the trials and tribulations of aspiring musician Nick Daugherty. Nick decided, a little over a year ago, that he would begin seeking out a record deal and he gave himself a year to do it. This journal, found at Nick’s Journey, was a brilliant way for Nick to share his experiences with the world and, at the same time, keep himself accountable to his pursuit.

You can follow along with him as his proactive approach, belief in himself and an insatiable willingness to learn help all of the pieces for his dream fall into place. From the bits and pieces I’ve had the time to read, he was able to put together a band and assemble a network of trustworthy individuals to help him out.

Find out what he learned on his journey and whether or not he got his wish then be sure to check out his music.

The first song I checked out entitled “1000 Times Tonight” had me thinking “ladies… lookout!” I bet this song could melt just about any woman. Hell, under the right circumstances like a first date, anniversary, romantic surprise, etc you could really fan the flames with this tune. I just know there are love scenes everywhere just begging for a song like this.

Next up was “Can’t Say I Love You Anymore.” If you are going through a breakup, Nick offers up a remedy and some hope. I have been there myself, so trust me when I tell you it will ease your pain.

Finally, “Out Of My League” is as sincere as they come. A humble admission in the presence of complete admiration.

Overall, every song is offers up great lyrics, crisp acoustic guitar and haunting, heartfelt vocals! You’ll love his voice.

You can find these songs on Nick’s music page.

Whether you are a musician, music fan, entrepreneur or human being you will appreciate Nick Daugherty’s story. He is a musician who decided it was time to be proactive in the search for his dream. His story is inspiring and a great life lesson for us all. He reminds us all that dreams are not something that come looking for us but something we must actively seek out. Now go and see if he got that record deal.

You and I both know that great music goes great with weekends. Today I wanted to tell you about a site that celebrates the weekend everyday (A mindset which I am sure you could get used to).

Besides having a great name and a very cool image (when you get there look to the top left of your browser next to the page title) Everyday Weekender has an original theme and it is filled with great content. There are great articles about the goods and activities you might want to enjoy along with some of that great music you hear about on the Musicgoat. Things like good beer, poker, horseshoes and great food. There is also a nice helping of sports and finance stuff.

For those of you who have a a website, blog or any type of link to promote he will help you spread the love by increasing your page rank and exposure if you review his blog.

Stop by and check it out.

Wow, the old school music industry must be getting very desperate. I found a story about how ASCAP is looking for royalty fees from bars and coffee houses that have acts that perform cover tunes.

Many of these businesses are barely making ends meat and, rather than pays the fee, are requiring that the musicians play original material only. That might spare you and I from another bad rendition of “Brown Eyed Girl” but it sure as hell makes it tough for new artists to get their feet wet and it really sucks for guys named Corey Koehler who do one hell of a “Horse With No Name.”

Requests for music reviews are coming in fast and furious. In an attempt to keep up with all the goat-worthy requests, and give you a nice selection of new cuts to check out, I am going to offer up what I call nano reviews.

These teasers will give you just enough information to get you started along the path to new music discovery. Here are a few Indie music artists that are worthy of your consideration:

John Batdorf (self described – acoustic, folk rock) Veteran of the 70’s scene. I’m a sucker for good acoustic guitar and John Batdorf easily satisfies. Solid! Check out “Home Again” and the don’t even think about missing the 70’s epic joyride “Batdorf Rodney Silver.” Check him out on MySpace too.

Blip Blop (self described – Down-tempo, Jazz, Nu-Jazz)
Not really sure what to say, it all just sounds pretty damn cool. Must be heard to be appreciated. There are a few tunes on their MySpace page but you’ll find a larger, better sounding collection on their KamakazeMusic.com page .

John Mullane (self described – pop, rock, electro)
His sound takes me back to my youth by having a classic 80’s radio written all over it. If that is your genre, his song “Desire” is sure to please. For a healthy shot of inspiration make sure you listen to “Go the Distance.” We could all benefit from this type of mindset. Great message. Oh, and make sure you check out his cover of Tainted Love (the crunchy guitar is a nice touch). Go check out this Canadian rocker now.

Check them out and let them know the Musicgoat sent you.

If you have some tasty music you would like reviewed, use the contact form and I’ll tell you how.

I realize this is sort of old news but how cool is this? In another sign that the music industry is loosing ground, a major artist is using non-traditional means to distribute music. Mega-legend Paul McCartney has made his new album, “Memory Almost Full” available on the DRM free music download service eMusic.

What is even cooler is the fact that you can go there right now, sign up for free and take advantage of the 25 Free Downloads promotion to get the whole album for free.

Check it out and while there take a look around, there is a ton of great indie music available throughout the site.

oneillwean.jpg

I was immediately smitten with the smooth and throaty acoustic riff on the song “I Found Out.” You just can’t help but feel better while listening to this song and you’ll love the upbeat finish.

As great as “I Found Out” is, it was only the beginning. Every song delivers. He makes a startling announcement in the next song song “Son of God” and we all can relate to the feelings expressed on “Breakdown.” “2005 Malaise” should either reaffirm, or make you think long and hard about, what’s really important. The lackadaisical “Plain Fuzzy Sunday” relaxes and sooths. “Mona” just rocks. “Human Condition” is emotional and overflowing with raw honesty.

Ultra smooth vocals throughout, combined with soaring acoustic guitar, deliver a contagious vibe and lyrics to savor. These guys can flat out write music.

These tunes are best served outdoors, beer in hand.

Bottom line, EP or not, it is rare to find albums as complete as “You Are Beautiful.” Solid CD from top to bottom. You’ll never find yourself with your finger on the fast forward.

I’ll be pimping this thing to all my friends and if you get moving, you can be the first to introduce it to yours. You can hear and buy this awesome collection of songs on their MySpace page or CD Baby.

You can never have enough information when it comes to making your good times feel better the next day. That is why I am passing on this little article offering up hangover preventions and remedies.

It received quite a few votes on Digg the other day so there must be something to it. However, I not so sure any of them are quite as foolproof as my 4 simple steps to avoid a hangover. Cheers!