Today's artist spotlight is the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The man needs little introduction, seeing as most people have been immersed in the innerworkings of his personal life since he was less than 10 years old. We've witnessed his maturation, pigmentation, financial irresponsibility and sexual proclivity over the years. We've also witnessed his music.
From his introduction by Diana Ross and the rise of the Jackson 5 to his peak in the early 80s, then his inevitable downfall throughout the 90s, MJ brought us hit after hit after hit. In fact, the hardest part about making this list was trying not to just make it his #1s. Just look at the track list of Thriller, there isn't a deep cut on it. What I wanted to accomplish with this list was to try and encompass his career, while trying not to be too obvious, and use some of my favorite tracks.
Originally this week's genre tour was going to not be the second part of the Soul list, just to build a little tension. But, I couldn't decide on genre for this week in time, so here we go. Commence with the soul!!!
Alright druggies, today is your day. Set up your black lights. It's time to expand your minds.
I'll never claim to be an expert on psychedelics, but on this day in 1943, Dr. Albert Hofmann first discovered the psychedelic effects of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD). For this day I've assembled a list of songs that will either mellow you out or blow your mind, depending on what type of trip you're having. Enjoy, man.
Greetings All! This week's Wildcard has a bunch of good songs (in my opinion, of course). I hope you enjoy it. For those new to the blog, the schedule/format can be found here. And old Wildcards can be found here.
On this day in 1972, Charlie Chaplin returned to the United States after a nearly 20-year exile on account of McCarthy-era Red Scare politics. Mr. Chaplin (who is best known for his silent-era comedies and physical humor) was labeled a Communist and, after leaving the country in 1952, wasn't allowed return. So he stayed away until the Academy offered him an honorary Oscar in '72.
Originally, I wanted to make a list of songs that effectively use silence. It sounds cool in theory, but I honestly don't know enough about music to make such a list. I'm sure if I had a staff of people it would be a great collaboration.
Instead, I've made a list of instrumental songs. Chaplin made great movies without talking, so I thought a cool tribute would be a list of songs without talking. Granted some of these tracks have a little bit of talking in them, but they are, for the most part, strictly instrumental.
I wanted to have a broad spectrum of musical styles here; and I think I succeeded. There's really a sampling of nearly every genre imaginable. I hope you enjoy! This list would also probably be great for studying (I know I have trouble focusing when there are lyrics going on in the background).
On this day in 1917, the Original Dixieland Jass Band recorded the first ever jazz record. In honor of this momentous occasion, I've put together some of my favorite jazz numbers. There are some genres of music that I feel I know a lot about. And some I know next to nothing. Jazz would definitely fall in the latter. But, I know what I like, and this list reflects my interest more than standard jazz appreciation. I hope you can groove to it.
Wildcard time!!!
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