Sunday, November 15, 2015

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.

Sunday, November 8, 2015

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

Sunday, November 1, 2015

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.