Do-it-Yourself Music -Music in a Box

They are  coming out of the woodworks. Underground artist, producers and studios. Now don't get me wrong, I am a fan of independent artist doing their own things but some things are just out of hand. Is it because there is a onslaught of new artist good or bad so much so they are floating to the surface. I'm a little particular to what I hear on the radio these days.  Where have all the good music gone.  Truth is I hear better music at the local clubs from the stuff on the radio. That being said not anybody with mike and a computer working in their parents basement should be trying blow up.  Don't get me wrong, I'm all for openness and competition in the market place. I love the new technology that's out there now for home recording studio and all. Maybe I'm just particular but I think talent should have something to do with your success. Or is it the world that we live in that's all about marketing and forget skills.

From spoken word, to hip, hop to pop, the days of major labels and distributors are changing when any Tom, Dick and Jane can literally create an album in their pajamas at home. That's not necessarily a good thing. Is it just me?

Nas Untitled - The reviews are in!

Nas album has come in strong and bold. The reviews are in and it's good. Nas has outdone himself is metaphors, prose and delivery. If you haven't gotten yet, what are you waiting for? Still staying true to the core while evolving at the same time. His lyrical prowess come to the forefront in the midst of a diverse full throttle album. The original title had cause some controversy but the full content goes beyond and above the all that. Nas has exceeded critics expectations and that's saying a lot. With track like "hero", "fried chicken" and "black president". If you've never bought a Nas album this is the one to keep in you collection.  It's a keeper.

Beats vs Hooks vs Lyrics vs Flow

There are great lyricist and there are great beats. But what makes a great track? What are the components? Is it something that to nod your head to or does it have to make a statement. How about flow? The cadence, the rhythm and beat can have a profound effect on how we appreciate a piece. From rock to hip-hop, from country to classical, what are you looking for that makes you want to turn that volume up and get absorbed by the music?
What artist embodied the best of some or at least all of these characteristics? What leaves an impression in your ears when you first press play? Is there an artist out there past or present that has mastered the art? Though we can all aggree it's a matter of taste, but I'm convince that there certain fundamental that have to be considered when it comes to good music. So what makes you want set it to repeat 1? What make you say whoa, I got to rewind that or do they just not make music like they use to.

Movies and Music. What Ever Happened to a Good Soundtrack?

Where have all the good movie soundtracks gone? Do you remember the Bodyguard, Saturday Night Fever, The Preacher's Wife, American Gangster and some others that may come to mind. These days good movie soundtracks are few and far between. They just don't make them like they use to at least in my opinion. A good soundtrack not only helps the movie flow better but also leaves a permanent impression in your mind. When was the last good soundtrack you heard? Was it Star Wars, was it the Matrix, or was it Lion King? What was so good about it? I would even go as far to say that a good soundtrack is like another character in the film. When properly done, the film and the music become intertwined and it becomes more than just a movie. It becomes an experience.