God bless America

Irving Berlin possibly plagiarized portions of this preeminent patriotic prayer which has earned millions for the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America.  Six years after his breakthrough success with 'Alexander's Ragtime Band', Russian emigrant Irving Berlin (born Israel Isidore Beilin) was drafted into the army at the onset of World War I.  By that time he had already written hundreds of songs.  He was stationed at Camp Upton in New York where his mission was to write patriotic tunes to inspire the troops.  His all military review  'Yip Yip Yaphank' became a Broadway hit.  One song he wrote for that review was 'God Bless America'; but he decided not to include it.  

Twenty years later, he dusted it off when singer Kate Smith wanted a song for her radio show to celebrate Armistice Day.  The song struck a chord with depression era Americans and very quickly became an unofficial national anthem.  Berlin would recount:    “It was the time of the Munich conference. Democracies were kowtowing to dictators, and one wondered when grasping hands would be stretched farther. When I got back, Kate Smith wanted a song that would sort of wake up America. I sat down and tried to write one. I made several efforts, but everything I wrote was too definite. I had been too close to what had happened, and concrete events are not what I wanted to sing about. Suddenly I remembered the song I had laid aside twenty years before. I got it out and went over it and made a few changes and found it hit the nail on the head. It’s not a patriotic song, but rather an expression of gratitude for what this country has done for its citizens, of what home really means.” 

In 1942, a performance of 'God Bless America' by Smith was featured in the patriotic film 'This is the Army' with Ronald Reagan.  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEJo7x9y3D4




While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.
God bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home
God bless America, My home sweet home.

Berlin's melody has similarities with a novelty song 'When Mose with His Nose Leads the Band' that was popular in 1906 when an eighteen year old Israel Baline was working as a singing waiter at the Pelham Cafe in Chinatown taking familar tunes and reworking the lyrics to amuse the customers.  The lyrics of 'God Bless America' seem to echo those of an older tune 'God Bless America!' by Robert Montgomery Bird from 1834; but Berlin said that his mother would utter the words of the title quite often "not casually, but with emotion which was almost exaltation."

The song remains a resonant favorite all over the country.  It continues to be played at sporting events and whenever someone is feeling sentimental about their American homeland.  Due to his own fervent patriotism, Berlin refused to make a profit off of the song and transfered the royalties of the song to the God Bless America Fund for redistribution to the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the USA.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vmc-pEyUHTs

After September 11, 2001; Celine Dion performed the song on the television special 'America:  A Tribute to Heroes'.  A month later, Dion's version of the song became the centerpiece of the 'God Bless America' charity album which became the first charity album since 'We Are The World' to make it to number one on the album charts.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfcdrUDQ_tc

family affair

Mary J. Blige had her biggest hit with this call for no more drama or hateration and got it crunk up on in the dancery. 'Family Affair' started out as a jam session between Dr. Dre, Mel-Man, Camara Kambon, and Mike Elizondo. Bruce Miller, Asiah The Continent, and Luchi Lodge created the lyrics and melody to the song and Mary added some of her own. Dr. Dre produced the track for her album 'No More Drama'. 'Family Affair' was her first number one on the pop chart, spending six weeks there. It changed dance floor politics and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.







http://www.maryjblige.com/

Let's get it crunk, we gonna' have fun

Up on in this dancery

We got ya open, now ya floatin'

So you gots to dance for me

Don't need no hateration, holleratin'

In this dancery

Let's get it percolatin', while you're waiting

So just dance for me

Come on everybody get on up

Cause you know we gots to get it crunk

Mary J. is in the spot tonight

As I'mma make it feel alright (Make it feel alright)

Come on baby just party with me

Let loose and set your body free

Leave your situations at the door

So when you step inside jump on the floor

Let's get it crunk, we gonna' have fun

Up on in this dancery

We got ya open, now ya floatin'

So you gots to dance for me

Don't need no hateration, holleratin'

In this dancery

Let's get it percolatin', while you're waiting

So just dance for me

It's only gonna be about a matter of time

Before you get loose and start loose your mind

Cop you a drink, go head and rock your ice

Cause we celebrating No More Drama in our life

With a great track pumpin', everybody's jumpin'

Going ahead and twist your back and get your body bumpin'

I told you leave your situations at the door

So grab somebody and get your ass on the dance floor

Let's get it crunk, we gonna' have fun

Up on in this dancery

We got ya open, now ya floatin'

So you gots to dance for me

Don't need no hateration, holleratin'

In this dancery

Let's get it percolatin', while you're waiting

So just dance for me

We don't need, don't need, no haters

Just try to love one another

We just want y'all have a good time

No more drama in your life

Work real hard to make a dime

If you got beef, your problem, not mine

Leave all that BS outside

We're gonna celebrate all night

Let's have fun, tonight, no fights

Turn the Dre track way up high

Making you dance all night and I

Got some real heat for ya this time

Doesn't matter if you're white or black

Let's get crunk cause Mary's back

Let's get it crunk, we gonna' have fun

Up on in this dancery

We got ya open, now ya floatin'

So you gots to dance for me

Don't need no hateration, holleratin'

In this dancery

Let's get it percolatin', while you're waiting

So just dance for me

songs in a minor

Ten years ago this classically-trained pianist and hip-hop diva was on top of the world with the assured and stylish old soul of her debut album. Alicia Keys signed with Columbia Records right out of high school; but had difficulty working with the producers who told her to "just get in the booth and sing". The label rejected the album and dropped her. Clive Davis bought the contract and signed her to Arista; and when that label fired him, he took Keys with him to his new label J Records. He gave her creative control, allowing her to write, produce, and arrange much of the album. She says, "It allowed me to become a better musician because I wasn't stifled." The working title was 'Soul Stories in A Minor' and thirty-two songs were recorded during the sessions which took place over four years at Backroom Studios in Glendale, California; Battery Studios, KrucialKeys Studios, The Hit Factory, Unique Studios (all in New York City); and Doppler Studios and Southside Studios in Atlanta, Georgia with producers Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, Jermaine Dupri, Brian McKnight, Kandi Burruss, Jimmy Cozier, Arden Altino, and Miri Ben-Ari. Keys calls the album a "fusion of my classical training, meshed with what I grew up listening to...things I've been exposed to and drawn from and my life experiences" An appearance on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' doubled advance orders for the album, which debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling more than a quarter of a million copies in its first week. It went on to sell over twelve million copies worldwide. 'Songs in A Minor' also won five Grammy Awards: Song of the Year, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, and Best R&B Song for "Fallin'", Best New Artist, and Best R&B Album.

'Fallin'' contains a sample of James Brown's 'It's a Man's Man's Man's World'. The single peaked at number one in Belgium, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and on the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. It won three Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year, Best R&B Song, and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, and was also nominated for Record of the Year. Alicia says, "I wanted to write a song for someone who was 10 or 12 years old -- like a young Michael Jackson. Even though he was young, he was singing some deep stuff back then. It is about the ins and outs of a relationship. Sometimes, you're completely head-over-heels in love with someone, and sometimes you can't stand that person. You fall in and out, sometimes it goes back and forth, and that's just what relationships are about."

'A Woman's Worth' co-written with Erika Rose. It peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. The video is a continuation of the storyline from the 'Fallin'' video.

"'Cause a real man knows a real woman

When he sees her (when he sees her)

And a real woman knows a real man

Ain't 'fraid to please her (please me)

And a real woman knows a real man

Always comes first (first, baby)

And a real man just can't deny

A woman's worth"

'How Come You Don't Call Me', a cover of Prince's 'How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore?' peaked at number fifty nine on the Billboard Hot 100. The idea to do the song came from her manager, Jeff Robinson and J Records executive Peter Edge. "I had never heard it before," she admits. "They gave me a copy of the song on tape. I played it every day for three weeks. It is so raw and so truthful -- I was just feeling it. It really came out well."

'Girlfriend' was produced by Jermaine Dupri, who wrote the song with Keys and Joshua Thompson. It peaked at number eighty two on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

She wrote 'Troubles' with Kerry Brothers, Jr. She says, "That's when the album started comin' together. Finally, I knew how to structure my feelings into something that made sense, something that can translate to people. That was a changing point. My confidence was up, way up."

is this it

The Strokes invigorated rock and roll with the gritty retro riffs and exuberant power pop punk attitude of their debut album. Their Rough Trade EP 'The Modern Age' made serious waves in the UK and led to sold out tours and bidding wars. After signing with RCA, they recorded 'Is This It' with Gordon Raphael at his Transporterraum basement studio in New York City, where they had recorded their EP. Most of the songs were recorded once, to pursue a raw live sound; and the low-fidelity vocals were produced with a small practice amp. Released first in Australia to capitalize on a recent tour, it peaked at number five there. In the UK, it debuted at number two. The American release was delayed by the attacks of September 11, and the album cover and track listing were changed to avoid controversy. It only made it to number thirty three on the US album chart; but it had a powerful effect on the recording industry, giving alternative guitar bands a new commercial credibility.








http://thestrokes.com/

The sleepy groove of 'Is This It' pokes fun at the hype surrounding the band.

"Can't you see I'm trying

I don't even like it. I just lied to

Get to your apartment, now I'm staying

Here just for a while.

I can't think 'cause I'm just way too tired."

'Hard To Explain' was the first single. It peaked at number twenty seven on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart and at number sixteen in the UK.

"I missed the last bus

I take the next train

I try, but you see

It's hard to explain

I say the right things

But act the wrong way

I like it right here

But I cannot stay

I watch the tv

Forget what I'm told

Well I am too young

And they are too old

The joke is on you

Cos this is a zoo

You're right, it's true"

'Someday' was the third single, peaking at seventeen on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart and number twenty seven in the UK.

"My ex says i'm lacking in depth

I will do my best

You say you want to stay by my side

Darling your head's not right

I see alone we stand, together we fall apart

Yeah I think i'll be alright

I'm working so I won't have to try so hard

Tables they turn sometimes"

'The Modern Age' clearly shows the influence of the Velvet Underground.

"Up on a hill, that's where we begin

This little story, a long time ago.

Start to pretend, stop pretending

It seems this game is simply never-ending

Oh, in the sun, sun having fun

It's in my blood.

I just can't help it,

Don't want you here right now,

Let me go

Let me a go-go-go-go-go-go-go-go."

'Barely Legal' tells a story of first experiences and pregnancy scares.

"And all together it went well

We made pretend we were best friends

And then she said Oh I can wait

They ordered me to make mistakes

Together again like the beginning

It all works somehow in the end

The things we did the things you hide

For the record it's between you and I "

'Last Nite' was the second single and became their biggest song (so far) in the US, peaking at number five on the Modern Rock Tracks chart.

"Last night she said

Oh baby I feel so down

Way to turn me off

When I feel left out

So I, I walked out

Oh baby don't care no more

I know this for sure

I'm walking out that door"

'Is This It' 
full album:


All tracks written by Julian Casablancas.

1. Is This It - 0:00
2. The Modern Age - 2:33
3. Soma - 6:06
4. Barely Legal - 8:44
5. Someday - 12:41
6. Alone, Together - 15:48
7. Last Nite - 19:00
8. Hard to Explain - 22:18
9. New York City Cops - 26:07
10. Trying Your Luck - 29:40
11. Take It or Leave It - 33:09
12. When It Started - 36:24




00:00 - Is This It 
02:32 - The Modern Age
06:00 - Soma
08:33 - Barely Legal
12:28 - Someday
15:32 - Alone, Together
18:40 - Last Nite
21:54 - Hard To Explain
25:39 - New York City Cops
29:12 - Trying Your Luck
32:35 - Take It or Leave It
35:51 - When It Started

yankee hotel foxtrot

Wilco took an album that their label refused to release and streamed it for free on their website. The band had recorded versions of the songs during 2000; but decided to rerecord them after replacing drummer Ken Coomer with Glenn Kotche. Jay Bennett and Chris Brickley engineered the album but had trouble mixing the tracks; so Jeff Tweedy brought in producer Jim O'Rourke to assist with the mixing. In the meantime, Reprise Records president Howie Klein was fired as part of a downsizing of the newly merged AOL Time Warner conglomerate. The new executives put in charge thought the sonic experimentation of the album lacked commercial potential and decided to pass on it. The label eventually gave Wilco the rights to the album, and on September 18, 2001, to counter the low quality pirate downloads that were circulating, they started streaming 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot' on their website, garnishing eight times their usual traffic on that day. After being courted by several labels, Wilco signed a deal with Nonesuch Records to officially release it on April 23, 2002. It became their biggest critical and commercial success, selling over a half a million copies and topping critics polls that year.








http://wilcoworld.net/

'I Am Trying to Break Your Heart' describes a disastrous love affair and alcoholic confusion.

"I am an American aquarium drinker

I assassin down the avenue

I'm hiding out in the big city blinkin'

What was I thinkin' when I let go of you"

'War on War' is about surrender.

"Let's watch the miles flying by

Let's watch the miles flying by

You are not my typewriter

But you could be my demon

Moving forward through flaming doors

You have to lose

You have to learn how to die

If you wanna be alive"

'Jesus, Etc.' describes how love can get us through a world that is crumbling around us. It was written and recorded well before the attacks on September 11, 2001.

"Jesus, don't cry

You can rely on me honey

You can combine anything you want

I'll be around

You were right about the stars

Each one is a setting sun

Tall buildings shake

Voices escape singing sad sad songs

Tuned to chords strung down your cheeks

Bitter melodies turning your orbit around"

'Heavy Metal Drummer' is about a girl who goes for drummers.

"I miss the innocence I've known

Playing KISS covers, beautiful and stoned"

'Reservations' ends the album with a wash of noise like a 747 taking you to some distant emotional destination.

"I've got reservations about so many things; but not about you."

 
'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot' 
full album:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DeMYEsr6Zs





All lyrics written by Jeff Tweedy, all music composed by Jeff Tweedy and Jay Bennett except where noted.


1. "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart "   Tweedy 6:57
2. "Kamera"   3:29
3. "Radio Cure"   5:08
4. "War on War"   3:47
5. "Jesus, Etc."   3:50
6. "Ashes of American Flags"   4:43
7. "Heavy Metal Drummer"   Tweedy 3:08
8. "I'm the Man Who Loves You"   3:55
9. "Pot Kettle Black"   4:00
10. "Poor Places"   5:15
11. "Reservations"   Tweedy 7:22

"love and theft"

Bob Dylan cemented his comeback with the laid-back charm of this instant classic. After the critical and commercial success of 'Time Out Of Mind', Dylan produced this follow-up himself under the pseudonym Jack Frost with his touring band, which included Charlie Sexton, Augie Meyers, and Larry Campbell. He took the title from Eric Lott's book 'Love & Theft: Blackface Minstrelsy and the American Working Class' and dips his toe in various styles of American music from delta blues to country swing to sweet balladry. His new-found bluesy rasp is as assured as his razor-sharp wit; and his characters are vivid and colorful. '"Love and Theft"' hit the top five of the album charts in Australia, the UK, and the US.

'Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum' likens a political race to a drunken Mardi Gras parade competition.

"Well a childish dream is a deathless need

And a noble truth is a sacred dream

My pretty baby, she’s lookin’ around

She’s wearin’ a multi-thousand dollar gown"



Bob Dylan in concert - Tweedle Dee and Tweedle... by kulp11--

'Mississippi' tells the story of a man who risks his safety for love.

"My clothes are wet, tight on my skin

Not as tight as the corner that I painted myself in

I know that fortune is waitin’ to be kind

So give me your hand and say you’ll be mine"

The barn-burning swing blues of 'Summer Days' will get you off your feet.

"Where do you come from? Where do you go?

Sorry that’s nothin’ you would need to know

Well, my back has been to the wall for so long, it seems like it’s stuck

Why don’t you break my heart one more time just for good luck"

'High Water (for Charley Patton)' is an apocalyptic tribute to the king of the delta blues.

"High water risin’, six inches ’bove my head

Coffins droppin’ in the street

Like balloons made out of lead

Water pourin’ into Vicksburg, don’t know what I’m goin' to do

“Don’t reach out for me,” she said

“Can’t you see I’m drownin’ too?”

It’s rough out there

High water everywhere"

'"Love and Theft"' 
full album:

Time Out of Mind/Love and Theft from Bob Dylan on Myspace.



All tracks written by Bob Dylan.

1. "Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum" 4:46
2. "Mississippi" 5:21
3. "Summer Days" 4:52
4. "Bye and Bye" 3:16
5. "Lonesome Day Blues" 6:05
6. "Floater (Too Much to Ask)" 4:59
7. "High Water (For Charley Patton)" 4:04
8. "Moonlight" 3:23
9. "Honest with Me" 5:49
10. "Po' Boy" 3:05
11. "Cry a While" 5:05

12. "Sugar Baby" 6:40