Been a bit since I put together a playlist so here’s a extended one for June. Hope you find some good tunes to rock out to.
Tag Archives: David Guetta
My thoughts on the GRAMMYs
13 FebAh the GRAMMYs, for one night to have all that talent in one room. I have to say, I did like LL Cool J hosting the awards show, he brought a nice touch to them and did a nice job paying respect to Whitney Houston (as did everyone else). But as much as I love seeing the performances, I have to ask, what happened to all the awards? I feel like there were maybe 10 awards presented on TV and every time someone was introduced it was like “with two new GRAMMYs tonight….,” okay but what did they win for? Want the full list, click here.
Also I have to say I was not a fan of so many musicians getting multiple performances at the awards. I get it, they crossover to different genres but there are plenty of musicians who made an impact in the last year of music who could have also had the grand stage to perform.
Enough rant, on to the performances.
- Bruce Springsteen – “We Take Care of Our Own” – loved the string section, and The Boss looked super calmed, relaxed and what a great way to start off the GRAMMYs. I really do love this song, it sounds like the gold old. Springsteen. Loved seeing Paul McCartney and Chris Martin singing along too.
- Touching tribute to start the GRAMMYs by LL Cool J
- Bruno Mars – Huge fan of his music and his appearance on the big stage confirmed it once again, he’s an electric personality and helping to bring back a style of music that has been missing from the mainstream attention. You couldn’t not be tapping your foot or clapping your hands during this performance.
- Alicia Keys and Bonnie Raitt – “Sunday Kind of Love” I could have listened to that for days, amazing voices.
- Chris Brown – The stage setup reminded me of Qbert, he keeps pushing to overtake Usher.
- Man, Kanye wins a GRAMMY and not present, go figure! Well we got once less random rant
- Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson – If country is your thing…..
- Foo Fighters – As expected, a rocking performance.
- Coldplay and Rihanna – I thought Rihanna did a great job and I loved the way the Staples Center looked during “Every Teardrop is a Waterfall.” I use to only like the remixed versions of that song and now I just love the original.
- Maroon5, Foster The People, Beach Boys – Who doesn’t love the Beach Boys? But I don’t know if it was just me but I was underwhelmed with this performance. I guess I was just expecting more and to be blown away. Plus all I kept thinking when I look at Mark Foster was commercial jingles.
- Paul McCartney, Diana Krall, Joe Walsh – One word, Beautiful.
- The Civil Wars – So proud they got to perform at the GRAMMYs just wish they gave them more air time. At least two GRAMMY wins substantiates why they deserve this.
- Taylor Swift – Great job. My favorite thing about Taylor Swift is she gets so amazed at the crowd reception of her performances. Crazy to think we have basically watched her grow up through these award shows. I can’t wait for ten years from now and what she’s singing about.
- Katy Perry – um no
- Adele – She makes it look so easy and effortless. I love the confidence she showed on that stage and if you weren’t a believer before, you sure must be now. And wow what a reception from the crowd.
- Derek Trucks sighting!
- Glen Campbell, The Band Perry and Blake Shelton – who doesn’t like Rhinestone Cowboy! As a non knowing Country music person, I wonder if The Band Perry are going to be the next big thing.
- Nicki Minaj – next please
- David Guetta, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne + Foo Fighters and Deadmau5 – I was really disappointed in how this appeared on TV, personally I think it was not as big, flashy and what it could have been on the biggest stage to date for EDM.
- Tony Bennett and Carrie Underwood – just another day at the office for the legend.
- Jennifer Hudson – For real? That was incredible.
- Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Joe Walsh, Dave Grohl– how can you not love seeing these legends just jamming to close out the awards.
Coachella 2012 Line-Up & My Initial Thoughts
10 JanAnother year of anticipation has come and gone as the 2012 Coachella line-up was released and while it’s pretty awesome they secured all the acts for back-to-back weekends on April 13-15 and April 20-22 I have to say my initial reaction was meh. Don’t get me wrong, there are a ton of phenomenal musicians slated to play the festival but I personally feel they lacked in the bigger acts category but did a stellar job with the smaller ones.
Headliners: Radiohead, great score and definitely one of the most sought after acts this year, The Black Keys love ‘em but bumping them up one slot from last year into the headline act…., Dre and Snoop, ok I get it and Cali kids will probably love this but is this how you really want to close out three days of music (I’ll probably be eating my words as this may end up being the most talked about performance)?
Also this year has so much more EDM and on the main stages, I know its music of the present but I wonder if/how it will influence and change the dynamic of the festival since it’s thrust to the top. I’m a big fan of EDM and these artists but Swedish House Mafia, David Guetta, Avicii, Kaskade, Afrojack, Justice, Sebastian Ingrosso and Madeon all as “main acts” it could get interesting just look at how many other EDM acts are booked.
Now what really excites me about Coachella:
Friday: M83, Jimmy Cliff & Tim Armstrong (oh wow this is going to be awesome), GIRLS, The Rapture, Madeon, Yuck, Dawes, WU LYF, GIVERS, Wolf Gang, Ximena Sarinana, Band of Skulls, honeyhoney
Saturday: Miike Snow, St. Vincent, Manchester Orchestra, AWOLNATION, Azealia Banks, Kaiser Chiefs, The Head and The Heart, Laura Marling, tUnE yArDs, The Black Lips, Childish Gambino, The Vaccines, Grouplove, Gary Clark Jr., We Are Augustines
Sunday: Beirut, The Weeknd, The Hives, Real Estate, Wild Flag, Fitz & The Tantrums, araabMUZIK, Lissie, Gardens & Villa
Something else that I love and hope is a trend for all the festivals this year is the addition of acts from outside the United States. Bands like WU LYF, Wolf Gang, M83, The Vaccines, The Hives and others that are extremely talented will get introduced to so many new fans.
All in will it be fun, heck yeah but what else will be fun is Coachella East aka Las Vegas. With a week in between you better believe Las Vegas is going to be a mid-week retreat with acts popping up for DJ sets in clubs and concerts peppered all over the Las Vegas Strip.
2010 In Music: Some of My Favorites
29 DecThese are in no particular order (except for the first one with good reason) because there is so much good music and moments to capture and look back on in 2010. I know I have forgotten some and welcome your additions but here are some are of my favorites from the past 365 days.
DoYouHearTheMusic.com – simply because I finally did it and started my own blog. For me it was a huge accomplishment and I only hope that if you are reading this you found some new music to listen to. Looking forward to adding and improving the site next year
Temper Trap – the Australians blew up in the US in 2010, headlining tours, “Sweet Disposition” being remixed into one of the best electronic songs, “Fader” taking off on the charts, etc.
Chiddy Bang – “Opposite of Adults” – what can I say, I dig these guys and I just hope more people give them a listen in 2011
Fitz & The Tantrums – the second half of my 2010 was dedicated to this band. I am in love with their sound and can’t wait to see them live
ImWithTheDJ.com – can always count on my friends’ blog for fun, inspiring and another side of music, posts
Tinie Tempah – not only is he one of the hottest artists across the pond but Tinie Tempah is quickly making his way to the US with his hit song, “Miami 2 Ibiza” ft. Swedish House Mafia
Tinchy Stryder – Another UK hip-hop act who should get some crossover into the US in 2011
Laidback Luke – What can I not say about this guy, he’s incredible. Three songs he remixed in 2010 that stick out to me: Calvin Harris – “You Use To Hold Me,” Robyn – “Indestructible” and of course Wynter Gordon – “Dirty Talk” (hands down one of the BEST songs of the year)
Vampire Weekend – if these guys were big before, Contra made them a global brand
Kings of Leon – I’ve been a fan of KoL for as long as they’ve been a band and Come Around Sundown reminds me of their original works. One of my favorite tracks of the year “Back Down South” I hope gains mainstream airplay
Brandon Flowers – went solo in 2010 and wow did he impress. Much more than I ever imagined he would. Bravo
Trombone Shorty – have you heard “Show Me Something Beautiful”
Dave Matthews Band – after announcing that they were taking 2011 off, I knew I had to see DMB as much as I could in 2010 and to me, they sounded incredible. So good it hurts to know they are taking next year off
LCD Soundsystem – wow, these guys rocketed to the top of the charts in 2010 and to be completely honest, the show I saw at the Pearl at Palms in Las Vegas, one of the best concerts of the year
That two DJ friends of mine have opened sneaker boutiques in Las Vegas- DJ Vice’s CRSVR inside the Cosmopolitan and DJ Ikon’s Feature off Spring Mountain/Jones
Bobby Long – getting set for a big release in 2011 and big things to come. He was one of the big surprises for me during Mile High Music Festival
Pepper at HRH – always guarantee a good time when going to see Pepper Live and once again they rocked the Hard Rock Hotel in Vegas poolside to a HUGE crowd.
“One” – Swedish House Mafia – not much to elaborate on this except the BIGGEST song of the Summer 2010
Wolfgang Gartner – with a half filled nightclub, those who made it out to Vanity at the Hard Rock Hotel this summer were treated to one of the best DJ sets
Mark Ronson – “Bang Bang Bang”
Dave Matthews Band – “Write A Song” Live – this has quickly become one of my top DMB songs and hearing it live cemented its place for good
Taio Cruz – “Dynamite” – this song is club gold. The reactions when this song is played is right up there with “I’ve Got a Feeling,” “Just Dance,” “Since You’ve Been Gone” and the likes where people go absolutely insane for it.
DJ Khaled – “All I Do Is Win”
Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP – “We No Speak Americano” – took some time but gained serious momentum in the second half of 2010
Roger Sanchez – “2gether” – what a remix and breath of fresh air
Edward Maya – “Stereo Love”
Michael Franti – Sound of Sunshine – Love me some Michael frantic but his latest disc was a real surprise for me and I am forever grateful to have had this as a soundtrack to my summer
Kanye West – “Power” – forget how good his whole album is, “Power” is my jam
Lupe Fiasco ft John Legend – “Never Forget You” – what a song and definitely some lyrics you should pay attention to
Jimmy Cliff – seeing the legend perform live at Mile High Music Festival was one of the best musical highlights of my life. Man still has it and I could listen to him perform any day
Miike Snow – wow the surge to stardom keeps rising for these guys
Dr. Luke – this guy produces hit after hit after hit. I mean Katy, Perry, Ke$ha, Eminem, etc. all have top hits because of him
Cee Lo – what can’t he do?
B.o.B. – his debut disc is flat out phenomenal
Biffy Clyro – keep an eye out for these Scottish rockers
Graffiti6 – love love love
Good Shoes – English band you have no excuse not to listen to
Duck Sauce – The team of A-Trak and Armand van Helden make you wonder where the musical boundaries are going to be pushed to next
Pirate Radio on DVD – this is one of my favorite movies of all time and definitely a great music flick
The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main St. rerelease – it still amazes me what they are able to do today with remastering original recordings
Treme – what a great job HBO did with this series. Can’t wait for season two
Gorillaz – Plastic Beach
Yeasayer – “Ambling Alp” one of my favorite tracks of the year
D.W. Brandt – “Some Fantasy” another amazing track this year
Drake – what else can you say about this guy and “Over” with the Dead Prez beat SICK
Wavves
The Crookes
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon because of The Roots as the house band – did you see the performances?
Mumford and Sons – my tip of the hat to CC for the good look before these guys struck it big
Maccabees – just check em out
Aerosmith – finally getting to see these guys live and good thing I did since Steven Tyler broke up the band for American Idol
Reel Big Fish and Goldfinger – one of the most fun concerts I’ve ever attended and well worth $31
Friendly Fires – another band you haven’t heard of
Rehab at Hard Rock Hotel
The music program at Wet Republic – just do a search for the recap of all the artists
The Dirty Dutch invasion – DJ Chuckie crushed it
Afrojack – monster year and now has a Vegas residency
David Gray – never lets you down
Aloe Blacc – How To Make It In America on HBO pushed him to mainstream and “I Need A Dollar” isn’t even his best work (did you catch Kid Cudi the actor?!)
David Guetta and Kid Cudi – “Memories”
Discovering Blue King Brown
John Butler Trio – April Uprising – hands down one of the best albums of the year
The Parties- Coast Garde
Donvavon Frankenreiter – “Glow” – I’ve been a Donavon fan since the first time I saw/heard him opening for G. Love at Hob Sunset Strip and anytime he has new music out, I don’t even have to wonder, I just know it’s good music
Subway Sessions – really really cool concept
Chromeo teaming up with Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend on the track “I Could Be Wrong”
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings – if you haven’t listened to her, you are missing out
The Black Keys – finally hit stardom
Elton John and Leon Russell – The Union
The Gaslight Anthem – back with their third LP, the Jersey rockers killed it again
Calvin Harris
Gyptian – “Hold Yuh” – the original is wonderful but the Major Lazer remix is awesome
Hot Chip
Mile High Music Festival – a great two days with an insane amount of top tier bands to see
Why No Electronic Music In Rolling Stone’s Top 50 Singles Of 2010?
14 DecFor as much as Rolling Stone has given electronic/electro music credit this year, I’m pretty disappointed that their Top 50 Singles of 2010 didn’t include any of the below:
Swedish House Mafia – “One” – arguably the song of the summer and anyone who’s been to a pool party or a nightclub has heard this. The song took off like a wild fire and didn’t get put out.
Afrojack – “Take Over Control” ft. Eva Simons – a late bloomer but still one of the hottest dance tracks of the year. Play this song for anyone and I’d be shocked if they don’t start dancing.
Deadmau5 – “Sofi Needs A Ladder” – for as much as Rolling Stone has a crush on Deadmau5 and for this song not to be included is a shame.
David Guetta – any song off of One Love since it came out in the second half of 2009 and got MAJOR play in 2010
Steve Angello – “KNAS” – another club banger in the summer of 2010
Edward Maya – “Stereo Love” – from late 2009 and undoubtedly blew up in 2010
Steve Aoki – “I’m In The House” ft. will.i.am – for as much electro as the music industry has gone in 2010 and how big the Black Eyed Peas are, this would be borderline consideration at least.
Those are just a handful of songs that deserve their due but we could go on forever with this and artists who are not being recognized (Yolanda Be Cool & DCup, Roger Sanchez, Alex Gaudino, etc.) for their influence on pop culture. Just because they may not have a song full of lyrics or one incredible line that makes you laugh shouldn’t take away from the sheer talent and popularity. I know not everyone is into electronic music and that’s fine but don’t just dance (no pun intended) with the music throughout the year and then throw it to the curb when it’s time to hand out awards and accolades.
Do You Hear The Music? 