Into The Wild

Today I am going to discuss what is probably one my favorite movie soundtracks of all time, and the reason I am talking about it is because it is by Eddie Vedder. Eddie Vedder is not only the lead singer of  the rock band Pearl Jam, but a musical genius himself. 

This is Eddie Vedder.

  The  nonfictional story of the movie revolves around the life choices made by Christopher Mcandless, a man who faced many hardships and decided to leave behind  his whole life, burn all his money, and his disgust of society, led him to surviving in the Alaska wilderness for quite a while. Christopher made a fake name to those who saw him on his way up north which was Alexander Supertramp.  The weather was brutal and cold and his only shelter was an abandoned bus in the middle of the forest. Christopher lived off of whatever meat he could find, until the cold had eventually caused the animals to stray.  Starving to death, out of rice and meat, Christopher is too afraid to cross the river that would lead him right to a small town full of people. With his fear holding him back, he makes the desperate mistake of picking a sweet pea plant and digesting it. The next morning he had trouble breathing and was crying out in pain. The plant was poisonous and he was now alone, left to die because of bad choice and dream to live away from society alone. On his death bed, more like a worn out mattress, he writes that happiness is found with others and never alone. To this day the true story of how he died is still a mystery... 

The story is very disappointing, but the soundtrack is amazing. Every song takes you on this trip, an impossible dream of seeking peace out far alone without anything but the thrill of knowing you are away. I listen to this soundtrack whenever I am out in nature because the lyrics reflect the sun, the wilderness, and what it would be like to be somewhere with "No Ceiling". I especially love the use of a soft acoustic guitar as sometimes its noise seems to slow things down. The song "Tuolumme" is 1 minute of this serenity.  Closing your eyes to the soundtrack allows you to picture a bright yet fading sunset, similar to how our hopes may dim.  The reason I admire this soundtrack is because it is brutal yet soft. the lyrics once you realize what they are saying adjust your perspective on the world around, and the lyrics ''I am falling, safely to the ground'', in the song "Long Nights", many can connect with because staying strong as life messes with us, is a very challenging thing to do. In great contrast, the songs like "Rise'', make you see an exit to the dark forest of life and think although it is faint there are things ahead and to look forward to. 

This movie also lets us get in touch with our wild, and crazy sides we all have at times where things may not be chosen wisely. "The Wolf'', is an example of this craziness, and the howling in it makes you realize how Jurassic the realization you are slowly dying would be.

In conclusion, I love this soundtrack because of the various emotions you get listening to it, and how it takes you away from society and its depression, to being lost in an Alaskan forest.

Coldplay

 Hello guys, this week I am going to be talking about an awesome alternative rock band. Their name is Coldplay.  Since the day they officially formed in 1996, Coldplay has released a number of albums in which individualize themselves because each one reflects a different theme. Coldplay is my second favorite group of musicians, because similar to The Beatles, Coldplay tells a different story in each album. The guitar solos are insane,("Violet Hill"),and if you listen enough you can see the struggles the singer may be facing in life. The albums the have released are,"Viva La Vida", "Parachutes", ''X and Y", "Mylo Xyloto","Ghost Stories","A Rush of Blood to The Head'', "Every Tear Drop is a Waterfall'', "The Blue Room", "LeftrightLeftrightLeft", and soon to come this year, "A Head Full of Dreams."
           The album "X and Y" has a really sad energy within its content. Chris Martin, the singer of this band, would right so many songs for his wife Gwyneth Paltrow, and you can just hear his passion for her in so many songs. The reason "X and Y" was so depressing is because it reflected turbulence in their lives as Gwyneth had lost her father, and came running to Chris in tears.
"What can I do? I am so sorry", cried Chris Martin.
"Fix it." Gwyneth had collapsed whispering.
       This had changed the mood of Chris and the way he acted around his band. His band ended up creating a song called "Fix You'', after the depressing event had happened, and the unfortunate sense that life itself needed fixing. Throughout the album, themes such as something missing in life, sadness, and separation with loved ones was reflected.

This is the cover for X and Y.

   Coldplay released a different album that creates an image of joy in life, and to celebrate, and stay strong no  matter life and its many obstacles. The album was called,"Viva la Vida''. In great contrast to telling a story of loss and challenge, this album surely reflects how to overcome challenge and not let it bring you down. The album is enlightening as songs like "Strawberry Swings'' describe a perfect day of happiness, "Lost" telling how there are still things you can be thankful for despite what may happened to you, and "Lovers in Japan'' showing how love is greater than hate is. 

I love the ways of which Coldplay can make you realize things about your life, and what you have, and if you do not have that much it is still going to be alright. The reason I have such enthusiasm about this band is because the way it pulls perspective on the elements of life. With each coming album, the band has something new to tell the world, and I can not wait for the release of "A Head Full of Dreams'', on December 4th. I will definitely speak to my listeners about that one, but for now have a chill week and never be shy to express yourself.

The Paul Mcartney Conspiracy

  In case I haven't told you, The Beatles are absolutely my favorite group of musicians ever, which probably seems odd, knowing the many artists I admire. However, The Beatles left behind a great deal of mystery, and importance within rock history. Today I'm writing about the Paul Mcartney conspiracy. Believe it or not, many Beatles fans have come to believe that Paul (the lead singer of the band),really died back in the year of 1966, in an unfortunate car accident. He was then replaced by a look alike by the name of Billy Shears.

Referred to as Faul, (false Paul) the replacement as believed is here on the right versus the original on the left.

Billy Shears may seem familiar to you. Perhaps does the name ring a bell? In The Beatles album "Sargent Peppers Lonely Hearts Club", the first song reads,

"the one and only Billy Shears." 

 In addition, on the cover of this album, each member of this musical group chose a number of figures to be on the album. A small, yet visible wreath, was noticeable on the bottom right. The wreath was in the shape of a bass, in which Paul had played, which symbols that the wreath was an honor to him.
   The song in "Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club" called, "A Day in The Life'', refers to a car. Paul was thought to have been killed, as a result of a violent car crash. The first line of the second verse says,"He blew his mind out in a car.'' This line has opened the door of curiosity to many, as it seems to almost exactly reflect the circumstance in the theory. Some listeners have recalled hearing phrases, when playing the track backwards such as "Paul is dead, I miss him'', or "Will Paul be there as superman?". These elements of the theory could just being coincidental, but leave a very grim belief, for The Beatles really would leave these unanswered snippets, in the reverse playing of their music.

                               
                  The yellow wreath on the right bottom is shaped as a bass.
   There are pieces of evidence embedded within another album too, called "Abbey Road''. In "Abbey Road'', Paul was shown barefoot walking among the road as opposed to wearing shoes like his fellow band members. This had shown something was different or in contrast separating Paul, from the band. This is by far the weakest piece of evidence provided, but I decided to include it anyway.
   The Volkswagen Beetle in the picture has a license of LMW 28IF. The album was released at the time Paul Mcartney would of been 28,  which  is in past tense, as many believed he had already passed.

In the album cover, Paul is barefoot, and the Volkswagen Beetle lies to the left.

The final bit of evidence has triggered much discussion and analysis, over its very complex possibilities. There is a song called "Strawberry Fields Forever'', in which is now a place John Lennon now rests peacefully. However, why is this significant in the terms of Paul and whether or not he died? Much like "A Day in The Life'', many songs by The Beatles consist of messages if the tracks are played in reverse. This specific song holds a very melancholy vibe while listening, because John can be heard saying,''I buried Paul.'' An argumentative explanation was formed against this aspect saying John had said,''Cranberry Sauce'', but you will need to hear for yourself.

Today we may never be able to distinguish the pure truth behind this theory, as it may be Billy Shears we hear, not Paul,  or it could all be false. This is up to what you believe reality consists of. The many secrets of this conspiracy will forever be buried within the mysterious Strawberry Fields forever, a place where nothing is real. 

(You can hear the two pieces of evidence, "A Day in The Life'' verse backwards, and "Strawberry Fields Forever,'' below.. do not be afraid to form an opinion on this theory.)

I Buried Paul... Or Cranberry Sauce?

I'm So Tired played backwards

Love And The Bridge Concert

  Many artists do not exactly express their time in the spotlight in the best of ways,or in acts to trigger the lurking eyes of publicity. However, on the contrary, a numerous amount of musicians participate in extraordinary acts for the better, or good nature inside. For example, Jack Johnson, who worked for Kouhua Hawaii Foundation for planting, Pearl Jam who performed for the Global Citizen Festival, Coldplay who supported the War Child program,  and in this case Neil Young, a folk rock musician who each year he holds a concert, to raise money for The Bridge School Foundation.
  The Bridge is a school for children with complex needs and raises money for children to find ways to communicate, identify, or complete, the tasks we do normally, despite their disability. The reason Neil Young does this is to help those in need , also because his son, Ben, has cerebral palsy, a disorder as well.

 Every year in October, a number of artists gather and perform for this cause. Over the years Simon and Garfunkel, Eddie Vedder, Florence and The Machine, Coldplay, and Jimi Hendrix have played, and it is simply amazing to see the children, from this school sitting on stage laughing, smiling, and rocking out to the music.
   This year, actually last weekend I was at the concert this year. I did not know many of the artists, however it expanded the number of artists I have heard. I was so ecstatic about seeing Neil Young as he appeared on stage, with his wife. The whole concert is pretty much relaxed and acoustic, but so empowering, in the sense it makes you reflect on really what is in your life. The concert is  in a pretty large location, with half of the audience on the grass. I loved seeing the children, despite what they may not have, enjoying what they do, as the moon shined upon the cold, dark, grass brightly. Many got up and danced, as others sat with tea and coffee with their loved ones.
  The Bridge Concert, is truly a great experience with so much rich rock history, and I hope that its flow of love never stops.

Vinyl Versus ITunes

Hello to my readers, I am so sorry it has been such a long time since we last spoke. Today I am going to explain why I prefer vinyl, as opposed to downloading music on my iPhone.

This is what a vinyl, or record looks like.

Itunes is great because you can take it on the go and you can pretty much be anywhere, and download a song.  However, I prefer going out and buying records for a number of reasons. 

First of all there,  there is a very distinct scent of old or vintage books, which records also have in common. Old books smell similar to almond, as well as an earthy aroma because of the chemicals used in the process of creation. When you walk into a record store,it has sort of a new car smell I guess, it is hard to describe.

Second, unlike downloading a song you get to go out and have an adventure. Many record stores I have been to, hold all sorts of people who express themselves, in a variety of different forms of music. Records are organized alphabetically and by genre and can take quite a while to look through, but on the way of finding what you want you are exposed to other artists as well. 

I feel refreshed knowing my records are organized, which comes with a very relaxed energy. Personally, organization means a lot and sometimes the music on my phone is all over the place. You are not held back by data when collecting records, as you may find yourself like on your phone, or whatever you open Itunes on. 

Some older artists would hide messages in their records for their fans to listen to. The Beatles would create songs that when played in reverse on a record player, could be heard by those who enjoyed their music. Many of the messages, however, caused curiosity and a theory regarding the band, called The Paul Mccartney Conspiracy to develop. By owning a record player, I can hear these messages for myself. 

The history of where the records come from or are pressed tends to fascinate me. There are stories of records that were illegal because of their covers in the US, that were hidden behind stickers, and when you own a record you can consider the people before you who could have shared the music with their families too. 

Having records requires responsibility and organization, that is, if you want to keep them in good condition. Getting to hold a solid copy of what may have downloaded on a phone is truly great. 

Whether it is the sound of the needle clearing with the beautiful sound of music, or history of its creation,  I love my vinyl. 

For these reasons, I believe owning vinyl is far more valuable than owning songs on Itunes. 

How Big How Blue How Beautiful

 Last night I attended an insane concert. During my last post, I was so excited for a concert however, I did not announce who was performing. An Indie rock band called ''Florence and The Machine" were performing and I had such an amazing time. Led by singer Florence Welch, the performance gave off such a lively energy.

 

This is Florence Welch. Her band along with many others, had formed in London, and has also been together for eight years. Florence is interested in spirituality, and in her music she expresses so much, through her body language and enthusiasm.

 The performance was at the Hollywood Bowl, and I sat across from the left screen. Not many kids were there in fact looking at the people coming, I think I was the youngest, which did not bother me at all. I was not aware of who the opening band was. The second the audience silenced,and the lights of the stadium went down, I had sworn a more modern version of The Beatles were on stage. The stage had rainbow lighting and the singer of this band who was unfamiliar to me, sounded almost eerily close to Paul Mccartney, or John Lennon. Many in the audience stood up and danced, however I sat in curiosity. The band was called Goastt, and the logo was projected on the screens.

After taking a look at the logo I automatically stopped to search the band up. The band has a full name, The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger. People behind me began talking to one another.

"They sound like a futuristic Beatles group'', the old woman behind me said.

"Mom I disagree, the singer sounds too close to Kurt Cobain.'' the man next to the old woman had said. 

While hearing these thoughts I totally thought, there has to be some connection to The Beatles here. I went on Google images and this is what came up.

Looking at the man's face I saw John Lennon. 

The male singer had the name of Sean Lennon. He is the son of Yoko Ono, and John Lennon. I became so excited to be in the same place as the son of such an inspiration to me, John Lennon. 

John Lennon and Yoko Ono. 

The group was very happy to perform in front of such a large audience. Personally, my opinion on the band is that they are decent. The music is repetitive, and there tends to be random guitar sounds, that don't necessarily contribute to the flow of the songs. 

Suddenly, the stage morphed from a rainbow to a bright sun of color. A giant harp and set of wooden tambourines were placed on stage. A tall woman with fiery red hair laughed, as the guitarist got the neck of the guitar comfortable in his hand. I had butterflies in my stomach and was so hyper. Gold dust stretched the depths of the stage and the audience yelled in a charismatic commotion. 

Florence set a calm energy at first with her relaxed voice. 

"Hello Los Angeles!'' a British voice echoed the atmosphere. 

The audience roared in absolute excitement. 

"Let me tell you all something.'' she continued.

''My album was based on this place right here and looking at the sky. I was texting, yes I have a phone not a carrier pigeon. Then I looked up at the sky, and thought ,how big and blue and extraordinarily beautiful the sky is. I took this image of the sky we can see right here all around the world with me and I am giving it back to all of you.'' she smiled brightly. Florence skipped across the stage barefoot and went on.

"Now music is something that can connect all of us. I was hoping you all could be our choir tonight, this is much bigger than the one we have at home.'' 

Florence began with her song" How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful''. 

"Between a crucifix and the Hollywood sign we decided to get hurt.'' she sang out rotating her hands reaching out for the sky line. I just had realized across from the Hollywood bowl was a cross and the Hollywood sign. I understood ''between a crucifix and the Hollywood sign'' as it was the exact location of her album and it's inspiration.

"Bless the childeren Florence!" the guy behind me screamed and I was laughing. 

Further into the performance she got the audience to get up and dance and clap. She flipped her auburn hair wildly and then spun and sang on the stage. She reached for hands in the audience and hugged many. Florence sang songs such as ''What the Water Gave Me'',"Mother'',''Delilah", "Caught", and so many others.

 

Half way through her song she ran off into the audience, and screamed happily providing an energy of amazement and excitement for life grabbing the hands of those to run with her. 

A small stage lit up in the audience and she sang lightly yet spinning her head in circles. A moon rose on the stage as she ran while singing "The Dog Days Are Over''. The lights went down and all you could hear were her laughs, high pitched screams,  and the noises of the beautiful harp. A member on stage gave her a tambourine. Florence sped to the edge of the stage and shook it on different sections of the audience.

"I want you all to get up. People on shoulders, people on chairs, who cares what people think'' she yelled during her song smiling brightly.

"We are going to the rabbit hole!'', she screamed. 

(The Rabbit Hole, was a song she created).

As the night went on, the band went wilder. During the duration of a very high paced song, she told people to take off their shirts like at a Woodstock concert. It was insane, she took off her shirt and waved it like crazy and walked a path through the audience. People can become so enthusiastic in their music.  

However one song reached out to me. 

Florence dramatically reached out while laying on the stage and said ''I want you all to put away your phones. To enjoy a second of your lives with your ears and soul.''

"This song called Third Eye, to me it means we need to take consideration of what we have. On our electronics we are missing out on the world around us. It is not natural in a lifetime to be so active in a different circumstance." Florence stated to the audience.

''Acknowledge one another,'' she said in an announcing voice. 

When the band played and Florence sang it just touched inside and made me realize how much I miss when I am on my phone. The song said ''original lifeline'' as in, it is not natural to live in such absence of the environment we are apart of, and it really made me question. Florence spread out her arms and circled them calmly. The band then quietly skipped off the stage. This is exactly the message I am trying to portray on my blog. Music inspires such a connection inside and with one another. Overall this concert was beyond extraordinary and a chance to really take into depth how music really reflects so many aspects of the world around, and can bring people together.

My Autumn Soundtrack 🍂🌻🍂

  Today I realized life itself should have a soundtrack. Music really reflects our emotion, personal emotions, and at times we are silent, it can yell just how we feel the loudest. Autumn should have a soundtrack, it's such a beautiful and cozy time of the year.(Let me just say it's my favorite season). Unfortunately here in California, the weather always seems hot even now. Luckily, every year I visit this small town in San Diego called Julian, that is very festive for fall. In  addition, the town makes its own cider and has apple orchards everywhere. The three hour night trip, with the stars now visible and air crisp and clean, inspired me to listen to some of my favorite artists. 
 The moon light inspired me to listen to the song "Moonshadow" by folk rock artist Cat Stevens, now named Yusuf Islam. The song has a calm rhythm and really brings perspective on the people around you and how there are so many adventures awaiting. The acoustic guitar has a very distinct role in his album transforming a relaxed vibe. The album is  "Tea For The Tillerman". The song "Moonshadow'' is on a different album, however is still great otherwise. Cat Stevens is an artist I grew up listening to on road trips ,and especially going to Julian.

This is his album Tea For The Tillerman. It consists of songs such as"Wild World" and "Longer Boats". It is one of my favorite albums to listen to in  autumn.

 The next album on this playlist I have developed mentally is by Coldplay,an alternative rock band. Many people are unfamiliar with this band and it's older albums, aside from ''Viva La VIda" or "Mylo Xyloto". The older sound of Coldplay is certainly extraordinary. 

The album I love is called "Parachutes". The album really focuses on showing you how beautiful and ever so delicate life, is even through the consequences that come with our decisions. These seem like pretty soft concepts for a rock band ,am I right? Coldplay does its magic and from "Don't Panic" to " Everything Is Not Lost" you journey through reality and how even with its' downs, things will be okay. The reason I love this album is because I am very passionate about travel ,and the nature of the world which is what this album represents.

This is "Parachutes" by Coldplay. During this month I tend to play it on my record player late at night, light a candle, make some cinnamon tea, and relax to the very soothing sound it has.

The Beatles are my favorite band.  They have such a unique yet odd and classic sound that has caught me for so many years. The Beatles have a brand new sound each album and it is so fascinating, the number of theories and secrets and the sound the make. For these very reasons, the gypsy melody and very philosophical words attract to my taste when it comes to music at different times of the year. I am a strong lover of nature and the album "Rubber Soul has an urban sound that I have listened to in many environments. The weather which is slightly cooler in the evenings encourages me to be outside and listen to this. 

"Rubber Soul" has peaceful songs like "Girl", "Nowhere Man'', "In My Life", as well as "Norwegian Wood". 

To conclude my Autumn playlist,  I will tell a quick  but inspirational story of a man I saw on the streets of Julian. With his old acoustic guitar, the elder man stared off in the distance with bright blues eyes and sang his heart out to ,"Comes A Time''. With my sisters wandering ahead in the cool breeze the enlightening voice grabbed my attention and I turned around. I smiled and realized the man was blind. Music is such a powerful thing. Many people gathered around and enjoyed the fall air as he sang the Neil Young song.  The blind man rocked the guitar and smiled feeling the presence of the listening ears. Because I grew up with his music, and that empowering moment, Neil Young and his" Harvest Moon" is something that reminds me how important the ones you love are, and how music really binds people. Never stop listening to music because it is a language we can all express with.

This album means a lot to me personally because "One Of These Days'' and "Harvest Moon'' are songs that are important to me because I can consider all of these aspects within music.

These are my favorite artists during this time of year. Happy Autumn, stay rocking, and stay consistent because next week I am going to a concert. You will find out the artist next week. Have an amazing week!

The Who Rocks On

 I was so psyched  to see The Who in concert last Monday, unfortunately it was canceled because of a sudden illness for the singer Rodger Daltrey. Much like The Rolling Stones, he may be older but surely he can rock as the band has prepared a huge concert trip throughout North America.
  The concert in Los Angeles was going to be supportive to teen cancer research. This event had upset many fans but with an illness such as viral meningitis we can only wish the best for both this singer and band.

  The reason I am blogging about this is because on my record player I was listening to the "Who Are You" vinyl and thought how close this band really is. Many great rock bands have split apart and gone their own ways over time such as "The Beatles", however the unique sound of The Who has bounded them together since the times of 1964.
 

(Rodger is on the left in the blue, Keith has the band logo on his shirt, and Pete Townshend in the white coat.)

The bands only separation really is the unfortunate situation of death. Rest in peace to both John Entwistle and Keith Moon. (The bass and drum players). Hopefully the singer feels better soon and even though they may be gone, John and Keith still allow The Who to have the exquisite sound many remember today, whether it's the insane guitar solos, or fast pace of their songs. Music lives on.

Seven Nation Electricity

This is my red squire electric guitar. It has such a smooth loud sound and is easy to carry.

Starting out on rock book one, I am an enthusiastic owner of a sick squier electric guitar. I have become so fascinated with the sound of a guitar. In many Coldplay songs I listen to I remember the parts where the guitar has a solo, or leading position, such as in the song "Violet Hill". Anyways I do not want to bore you, let's continue.
  My mom originally wanted me to play acoustic guitar (noise wise) but I was really gravitated towards the electric and now once a day I blast the amplifier in my room and have at it. (Sorry mom)..When I was dropped off at Guitar Center  I came with my father's acoustic guitar but half way through playing it, the guitar became untuned and the strings were all breaking off. My mother looked into the end of the lesson and saw me borrowing a blue electric guitar from the studio. I thought to myself it must have been meant for me.
   I started on a riff, which is a series of notes or numbers for the song "Seven Nation Army", by the amazing rock group the White Stripes. With so much practice, I am now able to follow along the pace of the entire song and have my own electric guitar now!
    My opinion on guitar is that you need to have patience when making it sound right, and be prepared because it does hurt your fingers sometimes while playing chords, or holding down a number of strings.This class is exposing me more into rock culture and I love going to the studio and seeing people my age who share the same expression. The expression of music.
   If you don't know the White Stripes find some time to search them up. I highly suggest the songs,"Seven Nation Army", and "Icky Thump". (Great guitar solos). Anyways enjoy the rest of your day and continue checking for some more intresting stories, information, and more on my experience with this awesome instrument!

Introduction To The Blog

 Welcome to Peace,Love, and Rock music. This blog will talk about many different forms of rock music that I tend to have a passion for, ranging from a variety of artists. Whether it's the alternative vibes of The Red Hot Chili Peppers, or the musical styles of The Beatles,this blog will discuss my experiences in concerts,collecting records, extraordinary causes for singers, playing electric guitar, events,and how love of music has brought together many people world wide. It's so fascinating the many forms of rock there are and the stories the songs have to tell.  Many of my favorite artists were popular in the times of the 1990s such as Smash Mouth and in the 1960-1970 era like Fleetwood Mac. Opinions and the urge it seek love and peace in the world are often organized into these pieces of music hence the title of my blog.
    On my page you will find Alternative, Indie, Hard, and Classic rock. Folk or soft rock is also on this page. Artists such as Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Jack Johnson, Simon and Garfunkel, and Bob Dylan who have a softer tone or  inhabitants of Laurel Canyon at its cultural period, are also of my interest. On the other hand, I often listen to different sounding bands. (Pearl Jam, Joan Jett, The Who, Coldplay, Eddie Vedder... and so many more) I hope my page will be something interesting that inspires you to explore your musical taste and find how music is an amazing aspect of expression!