Thank You Jeff Tweedy.

These videos crack me up. It's Jeff Tweedy from Wilco covering The Black Eyed Peas. I like the way he sings the lyrics all monotoned. Laugh with me!

Jeff Tweedy - 'I Gotta Feeling' Cover

Jeff Tweedy - 'Rock that Body' Cover

Buddy Holly Tribute Album - 'Rave On Buddy Holly'

More than 50 years ago Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, and pilot, Roger Peterson died in a terrible plane crash in Iowa. The three musicians were touring through the Midwest and had boarded a prop plane to take them to their next stop. 

This last week on September 7^th, Buddy Holly would have turned 75 years old; he was 22 when he died.

Buddy Holly’s music has been inspiration for many other musicians and is still listened to by all types of people and age groups. Not only was his music inspirational, but it was also ground-breaking for its time. Fortunately, a group of musicians have put together this great tribute album so that we can remember him and his pioneering music

The tribute album is jam packed with great artist such as Paul McCartney, Lou Reed, Julian Casablancas, Modest Mouse, The Black Keys, and way more. The songs that are covered offer a diverse mix and experience, because not only are they Buddy Holly’s wonderful songs, but each artist adds their own flare to the music.

I have a few favorites on the album and if you read my blog on a regular basis, then you know that one obvious favorite is Julian Casablancas. Below is the YouTube clip of Julian Casablancas' version of the title track, 'Rave On.' Like I mentioned before, it has the soul of Buddy Holly's music, but with Casablancas' signature twist.

Julian Casablancas - 'Rave On'

I also really enjoyed She & Him’s ‘Oh Boy’ because Zooey Deschanel makes me smile. Another favorite includes The Black Keys’ cover of ‘Dearest.’ Dan Auerbach’s voice is…amazing. I don’t know what else to say about it, it just makes me so happy when I hear him sing.

If you have not listened to ‘Rave On Buddy Holly’ yet, it is a definite must for everyone, not just Buddy Holly fans.

Here is the full track list for your viewing and listening pleasure:
1. “Dearest” – The Black Keys (2:06)

2. “Every Day” – Fiona Apple & Jon Brion (2:19)

3. “It’s So Easy” – Paul McCartney (4:35)
4. “Not Fade Away – Florence + The Machine” (4:02)

5. “(You’re So Square) Baby, I Don’t Care” – Cee Lo Green (1:31)

6. “Crying, Waiting, Hoping” – Karen Elson (2:25)

7. “Rave On” – Julian Casablancas (1:55)

8. “I’m Gonna Love You Too” – Jenny O. (2:11)

9. “Maybe Baby” – Justin Townes Earle (2:06)

10. “Oh Boy” – She & Him (2:18)
11. “Changing All Those Changes” – Nick Lowe (1:41)
12. “Words Of Love” – Patti Smith (3:20)
13. “True Love Ways” – My Morning Jacket (3:25)
14. “That’ll Be The Day” – Modest Mouse (2:15)
15. “Well…All Right” – Kid Rock (2:09)
16. “Heartbeat” -The Detroit Cobras (2:20)
17. “Peggy Sue” – Lou Reed (3:19)
18. “Peggy Sue Got Married” – John Doe (3:57)
19. “Raining In My Heart” – Graham Nash (3:30)

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Sources:
http://www.mxdwn.com/2011/04/28/news/rave-on-buddy-holly-tribute-to-hollys-75th-birthday-feat-the-black-keys-julian-casablancas-modest-mouse/
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/buddy-holly-remembered-tribute-albums-233269

Selling Out or Making A Living?

Being a talented musician in today’s music industry is not always enough to pay the bills. In addition to licensing music for commercials and movies, many artists have been signing up for sponsored deals.  The most recent story I have come across is Strokes’ frontman, Julian Casablancas, signing on with Azzaro, a French perfume company. He wrote a new song for the advertisement and is also featured in the clip. The commercial for Azzaro’s new perfume Decibel can be seen below or here.

Azzaro ‘Decibel’ Ad

Does this count as selling out in today’s music industry?

If you’ll remember back in 2000 Sting released a new single, “Desert Rose,” which radio stations refused to play, claiming listeners weren’t interested. Sting managed to get his song on a Jaguar advertisement, which regularly ran on TV. Soon people were demanding to hear the song and the radio stations had to give into Sting.

It worked for Sting and many other musicians soon followed suit helping them gain greater exposure. Casablancas’ song, “I Love the Night,” from the clip is catchy and honestly I would like to hear more of it, so hopefully this technique will work for him.

I am undecided on whether I consider this selling out or not. If this was an advertisement that featured a song I already knew and would constantly see ran on TV, I may lean more towards Casablancas selling out. However, this is a brand-new song, written especially for Azzaro’s campaign and will be aired in Europe.

I realize with digital age the music industry has taken a hit and artists need other avenues to earn a living. I just hope that they make smart business decisions and do not lose site of what is important to them, which should be the music.

Go to Spinner for more information on Julian Casablanca’s new Azzaro campaign.
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Sources:
http://www.spinner.com/2011/09/01/strokes-julian-casablancas-perfume-ad/
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/02/26/sunday/main1346174.shtml