Sunday, April 4, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Also Sprach "Music Video"
“Walls Fall Down” is the first single of Canadian reggae-rock trio, Bedouin Soundclash’s third studio album. The song is typical of the band’s musical style, an alluring mixture of rock, reggae, and ska. It has a memorable chorus complimented by catchy versus and an excellent rhythm.
For the video, Bedouin Soundclash chose to portray themselves playing the song in a variety of environments, to do this they used the help of director Marc Ricciardelli. The final product depicts the band playing in several places, including: a recording studio, a party and a garage. The video appears to be one shot, and they have chosen not to hide the stagehands that move the set pieces between each set change.
The video works well to promote the bands laidback image, they are shown playing in many places, and in all of they seem relaxed and unaffected by the change. All of the band member, particularly lead singer, Jay Malinowski, and bassist Eon Sinclair appear to be immersed in their music. The video shows, through the various locations, that the band cares about its roots, from practicing in a garage, to playing at a party with their friends. The moving of the walls coincides/contrasts the walls mentioned in the lyrics to the song. Malinowski often mentions overcoming walls in the song, and the walls in the video represent the breaching of this barrier.
The cinematography in the video is exemplary, not only is it a one-er, but the many of the moments and angles captured are superb. The lighting is excellent, only showing a few feet behind the band members even during the set changes. During the chorus there is no set only a dramatic pulsating light, which brings power the simple chorus.
The video is a great accompaniment to the song, with its excellent visual experience and symbolic attachment to the song. “Walls Fall Down” can be considered the band’s breakthrough single, putting them in the number 6 position of the Canadian Hot 100.
For the video, Bedouin Soundclash chose to portray themselves playing the song in a variety of environments, to do this they used the help of director Marc Ricciardelli. The final product depicts the band playing in several places, including: a recording studio, a party and a garage. The video appears to be one shot, and they have chosen not to hide the stagehands that move the set pieces between each set change.
The video works well to promote the bands laidback image, they are shown playing in many places, and in all of they seem relaxed and unaffected by the change. All of the band member, particularly lead singer, Jay Malinowski, and bassist Eon Sinclair appear to be immersed in their music. The video shows, through the various locations, that the band cares about its roots, from practicing in a garage, to playing at a party with their friends. The moving of the walls coincides/contrasts the walls mentioned in the lyrics to the song. Malinowski often mentions overcoming walls in the song, and the walls in the video represent the breaching of this barrier.
The cinematography in the video is exemplary, not only is it a one-er, but the many of the moments and angles captured are superb. The lighting is excellent, only showing a few feet behind the band members even during the set changes. During the chorus there is no set only a dramatic pulsating light, which brings power the simple chorus.
The video is a great accompaniment to the song, with its excellent visual experience and symbolic attachment to the song. “Walls Fall Down” can be considered the band’s breakthrough single, putting them in the number 6 position of the Canadian Hot 100.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
The Music Review
Boston’s ability to create hard rock songs has never been doubted, but one of their first songs, More Than a Feeling, is often seen as their best. It has become an anthem of hard rock, and has inspired many young musicians. The song can be praised for its complicity and unforgettable rhythm.
The song is anchored by the astounding amount of layers created by the Layer wizard: Tom Scholz. Scholz wrote, and performed almost the entire song in his basement recording studio (except vocals and drums) after spending five years creating the sound. Scholz brought science to music, and layered music like math, and is credited as the genius behind Boston. His devotion ultimately paid off. Released on Boston’s debut, self titled album, More Than a Feeling is one of the singles that made the band so memorable.
The rhythmic chime of the guitars is almost unforgettable, making More Than a Feeling Boston’s most popular song. The song opens with an excellent acoustic riff. The acoustic riff gives the impression, at first, that this will be a quiet song; then it builds through the introduction of drums, followed by vocals. It explodes into pre-chorus with the introduction of the electric guitars and bass. Then there is a shift in rhythm to the chorus, which harbours even more energy. The song follows a similar pattern throughout, and eventually flows into solo. The energy of the song is what gives it its power, the combination of instruments, vocals and rhythm are near perfection.
In addition to the masterful guitar, there is an outstanding vocal performance from Brad Delps. Delp was able to hit the notes perfectly, even the highest ones, without the aid of electronics. For many parts of the song there are two or more vocal tracks. Tom Scholz and Brad Delps are the backbone of Boston, and it’s success. The character in the song, is reminded of a love gone by when he hears a song on the radio. This song is attached to a memory of a woman: Maryanne, who is presumably a lover with whom he has lost touch. It is revealed that he uses music as his way to escape from reality.
The acoustic riff gives the impression, at first, that this will be a quiet song The song brings an energetic feeling, and is one of the greatest hard rock songs ever written. The blend of tracks is wonderfully weaved to create an unforgettable song that, in my opinion, was never surpassed by the band at any time during their career. Ironically, Boston’s first album would be their most successful. Although the songs they have written will never be forgotten, especially More Than A Feeling.
As for suggestion, I would say to take a look at Motion City Soundtrack's album My Dinosaur Life specifically the song "Disappear" and to look at the Color Fred, the songs "Hate To See You Go" and "If I Surrender.
Disapear
Hate To See You Go
If I Surrender
The song is anchored by the astounding amount of layers created by the Layer wizard: Tom Scholz. Scholz wrote, and performed almost the entire song in his basement recording studio (except vocals and drums) after spending five years creating the sound. Scholz brought science to music, and layered music like math, and is credited as the genius behind Boston. His devotion ultimately paid off. Released on Boston’s debut, self titled album, More Than a Feeling is one of the singles that made the band so memorable.
The rhythmic chime of the guitars is almost unforgettable, making More Than a Feeling Boston’s most popular song. The song opens with an excellent acoustic riff. The acoustic riff gives the impression, at first, that this will be a quiet song; then it builds through the introduction of drums, followed by vocals. It explodes into pre-chorus with the introduction of the electric guitars and bass. Then there is a shift in rhythm to the chorus, which harbours even more energy. The song follows a similar pattern throughout, and eventually flows into solo. The energy of the song is what gives it its power, the combination of instruments, vocals and rhythm are near perfection.
In addition to the masterful guitar, there is an outstanding vocal performance from Brad Delps. Delp was able to hit the notes perfectly, even the highest ones, without the aid of electronics. For many parts of the song there are two or more vocal tracks. Tom Scholz and Brad Delps are the backbone of Boston, and it’s success. The character in the song, is reminded of a love gone by when he hears a song on the radio. This song is attached to a memory of a woman: Maryanne, who is presumably a lover with whom he has lost touch. It is revealed that he uses music as his way to escape from reality.
The acoustic riff gives the impression, at first, that this will be a quiet song The song brings an energetic feeling, and is one of the greatest hard rock songs ever written. The blend of tracks is wonderfully weaved to create an unforgettable song that, in my opinion, was never surpassed by the band at any time during their career. Ironically, Boston’s first album would be their most successful. Although the songs they have written will never be forgotten, especially More Than A Feeling.
As for suggestion, I would say to take a look at Motion City Soundtrack's album My Dinosaur Life specifically the song "Disappear" and to look at the Color Fred, the songs "Hate To See You Go" and "If I Surrender.
Disapear
Hate To See You Go
If I Surrender
Thursday, February 11, 2010
In The Beginning... There was Blog
This is the blog of truth, I am Steven McDonnell. This blog was created for TGJ4U, or Communication Technology, and as some call it Comm-Tech. Here I will display a variety of assignments for my teacher's viewing. I am a cinematographer, and I have a great interest in film. I am one of the Members of Laughing Stone Media.
I can't even begin to mention my favourite films, there are far to many great movies, but also there are many of a poorer nature. Some movies I have enjoyed are: Star Wars (the original three) Indiana Jones, The Usual Suspects, The Men Who Stare at Goats, Dead Snow, Black Dynamite, Tropic Thunder, The Godfather, Burn After Reading, any Guy Ritchie movie, and many more.
I like various types of music, the artists I like most are: Ace Enders & a Million Different People, Alexisonfire, All Time Low, Artist Vs. Poet, Atreyu, August Burns Red, Blaqk Audio, Bleed The Dream, Blink-182, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Boston, Boys Night Out, Chiodos, Cinematic Sunrise, The Color Fred, David Bowie, A Day To Remember, The Devil Wears Prada, Don McLean, Emery, Ever We Fall, Every Avenue, Forever The Sickest Kids, Funeral For A Friend, Go Radio, Hellogoodbye, K-Os, LoveHateHero, The Maine, Marvin Gaye, Mayday Parade, Motion City Soundtrack, Olympia, Pink Floyd, Queen, Red Car Wire, Rise Against, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, The Secret Handshake, Self Against City, Senses Fail, Silverstein, Sing It Loud, Story of The Year, We the Kings and With Broken Wings. There are many more artists I listen to as well. For the record my Itunes has 4094 items currently, but I do have more songs that aren't imported (way more), and the longest playlist is 534 songs. My two favourite albums would have to be Mayday Parade's A Lesson In Romantics (The second best reviewed album I have seen in a very long time) and All Time Low's So Wrong It's Right. On a final note, I thoroughly enjoy Rock Operas, my favourite one is Boys Night Out's Trainwreck, which tells the story of a man murdering his wife in his sleep, going mad, then cutting off his hands, and getting admitted to an institution.
I can't even begin to mention my favourite films, there are far to many great movies, but also there are many of a poorer nature. Some movies I have enjoyed are: Star Wars (the original three) Indiana Jones, The Usual Suspects, The Men Who Stare at Goats, Dead Snow, Black Dynamite, Tropic Thunder, The Godfather, Burn After Reading, any Guy Ritchie movie, and many more.
I like various types of music, the artists I like most are: Ace Enders & a Million Different People, Alexisonfire, All Time Low, Artist Vs. Poet, Atreyu, August Burns Red, Blaqk Audio, Bleed The Dream, Blink-182, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Boston, Boys Night Out, Chiodos, Cinematic Sunrise, The Color Fred, David Bowie, A Day To Remember, The Devil Wears Prada, Don McLean, Emery, Ever We Fall, Every Avenue, Forever The Sickest Kids, Funeral For A Friend, Go Radio, Hellogoodbye, K-Os, LoveHateHero, The Maine, Marvin Gaye, Mayday Parade, Motion City Soundtrack, Olympia, Pink Floyd, Queen, Red Car Wire, Rise Against, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, The Secret Handshake, Self Against City, Senses Fail, Silverstein, Sing It Loud, Story of The Year, We the Kings and With Broken Wings. There are many more artists I listen to as well. For the record my Itunes has 4094 items currently, but I do have more songs that aren't imported (way more), and the longest playlist is 534 songs. My two favourite albums would have to be Mayday Parade's A Lesson In Romantics (The second best reviewed album I have seen in a very long time) and All Time Low's So Wrong It's Right. On a final note, I thoroughly enjoy Rock Operas, my favourite one is Boys Night Out's Trainwreck, which tells the story of a man murdering his wife in his sleep, going mad, then cutting off his hands, and getting admitted to an institution.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)