Why does PM Dawn's hip hop hit from 1991 "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss" so capture my imagination? Is it the refreshingly indecisive tone of the lyrics and vocals? Is it the breakbeat that totally funkafies a sample of Spandau Ballet's very un-funky song "True"? There are many things that make it a good song, but for me, what really pushes this one into classic territory is the contrast between the easy listening vibe throughout most of the song, and the awesomely sinister, jangling rhythmic sample it suddenly breaks into at 2:28 and 3:26. Listen:
Just like being set adrift on your own memories, this beat is bittersweet and complex. And that discordant little breakdown turns this one from just a chilled out track into a real headbanger.
Music is, and has always been a huge part of my life, and human life in general. So, to celebrate music, all kinds of music, I have created this blog. I shall throw out into the vastness of the internet, my insignificant thoughts on this very significant subject. But more important than me blathering on about music, I will link to tons of music, maybe some musicians or styles of music you've never heard before. Maybe some musicians and styles of music that might change your life!!! Seriously!!
So to begin, I must warn that my musical taste encompasses a lot of things, including some things that most people might consider to be total crap, or that music snobs might consider anathema. But maybe, just maybe some readers out there, (if anyone ends up reading this blog), might get the same feeling I get when listening to awesome pieces of music like this by Maurice Ravel:
Or even this by Omar Santana and Neophyte:
I'm not yet sure what this blog will be, but I know what it won't be. It won't be a place for me to bitch about whatever musicians I don't like or the often repeated mantra of "oh my god, people have such bad musical taste nowadays blah blah blah", because that's just ridiculous. If people like the music they listen to, I think, by definition, it is good music. If you don't like a piece of music or a certain musician, just don't listen, and certainly don't waste your time complaining or getting into messageboard fights about who's better than who. This blog is just for what I consider to be good music, and also why. Hope it can turn you towards some stuff you enjoy too.
(Postscript: if you love music, in addition to listening to the vast quantities of free music on sites like Youtube, support your musicians by choosing to buy their stuff!!! especially if you have the money for it!!!!)
