Hi, I call myself Ignatz after Dan Herriman's character in the old "Krazy Kat" comic strip. I'm 44, father of 3, husband to one, crazy about music and books and food and movies and history and martial arts. I've had some wild and crazy times in my life, and I figure I might as well put in some of my perspective.
I promise not to talk down to anyone or make fun,and I promise not to BS anyone. If you're old enough to ask a frank question, you're old enough to get a frank answer. Oh, and if you ask me a question directly, please be patient. I'll get back to you as soon as I can. My life's a bit hectic. :-)
Gender: Male
Location: St. Louis, MO
Occupation: Professional dad
Age: 44
Member Since: October 29, 2007
Answers: 328
Last Update: January 23, 2015
Visitors: 35588
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What are some good ska bands? I'm really into punk, and people are always telling me I've got to check out ska. So... in your opinion, what are the best ska bands, and what are some good songs by them? (link)
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I know this is an old question, but it bears answering. Ska goes back to 1950s Jamaica, as a mix of calypso and American R&B. For a sense of the original sounds, check out Prince Buster, Toots and the Maytals, and The Skatalites.
There was a resurgence in 1970s England, as the kids of Caribbean immigrants started hanging out with working-class whites. Bands like The Specials, Madness, The English Beat and The Bodysnatchers sped up the beats and added big loud punk riffs to the horn sections.
Enough influence got across to the US to spark the ska-punk movement in the 1980s and 1990s. Bands like Fishbone, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and the Toasters got lots of critical acclaim and rabid fans, but not necessarily big label money. Later on, Reel Big Fish, No Doubt and Sublime got big as part of third-wave ska. Some artists like Hepcat and GOGO13 have gone back to the smoother, horn-oriented sound of the 50s and 60s, others keep the punk alive. There's even a Satanic ska band called Mephiskapheles. Long story short, there's a lot to choose from if you're interested. Ska is hardly the U2 of punk; there's a lot of overlap, both stylistically and politically. A lot of ska bands were (and still are) anti-racist, pro-working class and pro-equality.
Songs:
Prince Buster, "Al Capone"
Toots and the Maytals, "Pressure Drop"
Skatalites, "Guns of Navarone"
The Specials, "Message to Rudy"
Madness, "One Step Beyond", "Our House", "Night Boat to Cairo"
Fishbone, "Party at Ground Zero", "A Selection", "U.G.L.Y"
Mighty Mighty Bosstones, "Rascal King", "The Impression That I Get"
This should give you something to start with.
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I'm 18 and I'd like to learn something new, I really love all sorts of music and I'd love to be able to play the guitar. If I were to print out the tabs and music reading guide is it possible to teach myself? Any tips welcomed. (link)
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Also look into guitar tutorials on Youtube. You'll find instruction in all sorts of styles. I particularly recommend videos by Keni Lee Burgess. He's a NYC street musician and teacher, and his videos really break down blues guitar into its basic components. Good luck.
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15/f, if that makes a difference.
Also, this info if it changes anything: I'm also a singer and so I know certain things, such as how to read music, the differences between a minor and major key, how to recognize what key a piece of music is in, etc.
Basically I'm not clueless about music, just about guitar. I'm fortunate enough to have a nice one, but.. I don't know where to start. I don't know what kind of pick I need, what kind of book, I can't afford lessons so please don't suggest that. I don't know any chords, how to play a chord, any of that stuff. I just don't know where to start. :/
Help? (link)
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The classic teach-yourself-guitar resource is Mel Bay. Most music stores will have the books, as will Amazon. YouTube also has a lot of instructional videos. I particularly recommend the ones by Keni Lee Burgess if you're interested in blues or slide guitar; he breaks it down to the absolute basics. Hope this helps.
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our school talent show is coming up... can anyone recommend a good song to sing? (link)
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It's hard to lose with a classic: "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park" by Tom Lehrer will bring the house down, and probably get you a session with the school counselor.
Of course, if you want something more serious, go with "Hallelujah" or "Song of Bernadette" by Leonard Cohen. They're both excellent songs.
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so for school me and my friends have to play instruments, and we know how to play the trumpet, drums,piano and cello. is it possible? and any recommendations on what songs we should play? (link)
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Sounds like you've got the makings of a jazz combo. The cello can serve for bass lines along with the pianist, or if you can get your hands on an upright bass (aka bull fiddle), even better. I'd suggest looking into the early works of Tom Waits, especially "Nighthwaks at the Diner" and "Blue Valentines". If nobody wants to sing, check out "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" by Charles Mingus.
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My orchestra teacher has recommended that I take private lessons.... Money is not a concern for me, but I'm not sure what I want to do. I'm currently a freshman, and I play the violin. In middle school, I was a pretty decent/good violinist, seeing as how I was first chair (not to brag or anything)... The thing is, I'm just so confused with everything I've learned. No offense to my teacher, but in middle school, my teacher honestly didn't teach us that well, or that much at all. Now I'm in high school; it's almost like I don't know anything, but I try to 'go with the flow'. It's only some things that I'm confused or lost on. I'm not a horrible player. But I'm not 'the best' either. Now the thing is, I'm honestly nervous to get a private teacher because I don't take/like criticism well. :\ What's it like having private lessons? I don't want to be criticized badly, or look stupid for not knowing certain things. Would the/my teacher be ok with this and help me learn the things I need to know then? You'd probably expect strings musicians my age to know these things by now. (Which most people in my class do. Though there are probably others who don't.) Don't get me wrong, I'd really like to become a better violinist. This may seem stupid, but I'm really self conscious about this. I don't want to look/seem stupid for not knowing certain things. I also know that constructive criticism is good, but still, I don't know, I get nervous about things. When I play, I don't want to 'suck epically', if you get what I mean lol. -.- I'll just feel really bad about myself. Any advice? (link)
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A private teacher is a good investment if you're serious about learning the instrument. A good teacher will work with your strengths and build up your weaknesses. Interview the teacher before you agree to work with her or him, and be up front about your skill level. Get a sense of what the person is like: if you feel comfortable, then sign up. If not, move on to the next candidate.
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I am 14/f and i love to sing. i cannot describe how much i love it. i play guitar and piano, and also have singing lessons. I think i am good, but i dont want to be the girl with a dream who it never really happened for. i believe i could make it famous, but i want to know what to do next. i have talked with my parents, my mum thinks i could make it. but my dad gave me the whole 'its a tough business' talk. it really put me down because its all i can think about. i dont really talk about it with my friends because most people think its a silly idea and would take the mick. I know that i could do this. if i had the chance.
I am from England by the way, so just wondering if anyone knew about any auditions etc. or places where you can meet other auditions in the south east region. I'll take any chance i can to make it, i love singing. So so much thanks x (link)
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Something to ask yourself: are you wanting to be a big star, or are you wanting to make music? If you're wanting to make music, then make music. Go out on the streets and play for whoever, hit the open-mic nights in your area, make Youtube videos of yourself singing "I'm Walking Backwards for Christmas". Perform as much as you can, for whomever you can. You'll learn a lot and you'll get better. Check out Danielle Eats the Sandwich and Kate Micucci on YouTube.
If you want to become famous, it's chancy. Fame is as much a matter of luck as anything else. All sorts of things have to fall into place for you to become a household name: public opinion, the right agent, the right label, etc. Talent's only a small part of it. The world is full of talented people that never get famous. If that's what you're shooting for, then chances are you'll be disappointed. If you want to make music, then make music. The fame will come if it comes.
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hellllo :)
i'd appreciate it if people could give me some suggestions for music like the styx, duran duran, blue oyster cult, rainbow...etc. basically good 70's/80's music.
thank you (link)
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Hmmm... with Styx you've covered the best American rock & roll band right there. BOC is a good close second. Look into KISS for more '70s Detroit rock as well, and Jethro Tull and Genesis for arty weirdness.
When you start getting into the '80s pop scene, there's a lot of ways to go. Check out Thomas Dolby and Howard Jones for excellent synthpop, Peter Gabriel for brilliant songwriting with African hooks, Talking Heads and Oingo Boingo for goofy weirdness, Kate Bush for the ethereal groove, Squeeze for blue-eyed soul. And for sheer whacked-out redneck anarchy goofball music, the inimitable Skid Roper & Mojo Nixon.
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In one month, I must memorize the alto parts of these four songs I'm singing and I don't know how to play an istrument.
1. "Amavolovolo"- the SATB version arranged by Rudolph de Beer. Hal Leonard, its from the Henry Leck Choral series
2. "Placido E Il Mar"-SATB, Roger Wagner choral series, Alfred Publishing Company
3. "Adiemus" SATB, by Karl Jenkins, Boosey and Hawkes music publishers
4. "If Music Be The Food of Love" SATB, David C. Dickatu, Colla Voice music incorporated, from the Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series
If anybody can find just the alto parts of any or all of these songs played or sung that would be great for helping me teach myself. Even if you find the soprano and alto part it helps. I can't even find a recording of the versions of adiemus or placido e il mar sofar so just hearing the songs would be great for those two. Anything helps, thank you. (link)
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As an old choral geek, the best solution I can give you is to find someone who can play the piano and make recordings of the alto parts Even a low-fi recording done with a phone cam or mp3 player will help.
I used to sing along with recordings of the whole piece (I can barely read music, but I can follow a line if I hear it sung) and that does help some. (It's how I taught myself the baritone arias from "The Messiah".) Having a recording of just your part is ideal.
GOod luck, and I hope this helps.
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the subject pretty much says it all. kthanks. (link)
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Anything by Peaches, especially "F**k the Pain Away"
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My favorite kind of music is the singer/song writer acoustic music. The john mayer, jack johnson, jake coco, ben harper, ben folds, jason mraz, dave barnes.
Question:
Are there any more unknown artists that i can find music like this from? I'm not a fan of the main stream music... and no DMB please. Thanks in advance! (link)
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Definitely check out Seth Augustus Quittner at sethaugustus.com. He's a little weird, but definitely good stuff.
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iv took guitar lessons and my boyfriend has tried to teach me guitar but its still hopeless. i realllllly wana learn its ben two years and i still suck is there anything else a musically challenged kid can do? lol (link)
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Take out some of the strings. Six-string guitars can be difficult to play. Take it down to three strings and play around with it. Mountain dulcimers and the McNally Strumstick both work on this principle, and they're dead easy to play. And if you think a three-string guitar can't rock, check out The Presidents of the United States of America. Three-string guitar, two-string bass.
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i am going to do open mic night at this coffee house ( i play the piano) and i need two or three songs that i can just play solo, i want very light songs, not ridiculously intricate, stuff that i can play by myself that people will recognize or at least enjoy. (link)
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If you want light, funny songs, check out Tom Lehrer. "Poisoniong Pigeons in the Park" is a pretty big crowd pleaser.
"Song of Bernadette" by Leonard Cohen is pretty simple, and very beautiful. The first verse usually grabs people.
An of course, Patsy Cline's "Crazy" is a classic.
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Okay. In YOUR opinion, who are the greatest punk bands EVER created? (link)
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You seek knowledge. This is good. (/cheezyness)
Most people would point to The Sex Pistols and The Clash as the big names in punk. So would I, at least as far as the UK scene goes. But don't miss out on The Damned either. Punk was born in New York City; check out Richard Hell and the Voidoids, The New York Dolls, and The Ramones. California gave us the Dead Kennedys and the Crammps, and we ain't giving them back.
Women were influential in the early formation of punk; check out The Slits, Siouxie and the Banshees, Patti Smith and The Runaways.
If you want to get really deep, proto-punk acts include The Kinks, MC5 (Kick out the Jams!!!), and Iggy & the Stooges.
HOpe this helps.
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I absoloutly LOVE music more than anything! Piano is my favorite hobbie, but I seem to have got caught up with other things and I worry way too much and music is what I depend on...but everyday I listen to it. but I want to PLAY it. Is there anyway I can focus on ONLY my music? (link)
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There's a technique that author Cory Doctorow uses for writing. Every day, he sets aside twenty minutes with no interruptions or distractions to do nothing but write. He doesn't do research or answer e-mail or anything else; he just writes. This is a major thing for him, since he's got a baby daughter and a tech-writing career and all sorts of distractions.
If you want to play, then play. Take twenty minutes and just play. Don't worry about anything else; just play. That will help clear your mind and calm you down.
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ok I looked into Vicente Fernandez, i really liked him (Marioneta, Para Siempre, Sublime Mujer, These are perfect but i couldn't really find too many upbeat songs- now El Chofer is too polka sounding for my taste, so not that) now i liked Lucha Reyes, but with Chavela Vargas i also couldn't find any upbeat. Like that antonio banderas song el mariachi. you know especially that long belty note that they do sometimes at the begining of songs...like Carmen Linares and Carlos Saura...they are more flamenco...but do you know some singers who sing with that upbeat tempo or the same ones you gave me but some upbeat songs? thank you :) (link)
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Well, unfortunately I'm no expert on traditional Mexican music (there are people who get doctorates in the subject), so I can't give you too much guidance as far as individual songs. As far as the history goes, flamenco singing is much older than ranchero. Flamenco is native to southern Spain, and has many similarities to north African and Middle Eastern styles of singing (southern Spain was ruled by north African Muslims for 700 years). Ranchera is a mix of several styles, including flamenco and German/Czech polkas from the Rio Grande region. If you're not up for polkas then there may not be much upbeat stuff to your taste.
Check out a group called Ojos de Brujo if you like flamenco: flamenco vocals over hip-hop beats. Pretty tasty.
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Ok. I sing, I like to learn different styles of singing. The one I am interested in right now is Spanish Mariachi. Specifically kinds like this (sorry they aren't the best songs but they are what I know :P) Antonio Banderas-El Mariachi, EL Cascabel (I don't know who it's by) and the song in happy feet My Way (A Mi Manera) sung by Robin Williams...the style it's sung in. Especially the begining. I really like Cahro as well. In Thumbalina Charo sings a song called On The Road. The begining of the song. that style. Does anyone know any good bands (especially women singers) that I could look into that would help me learn to sing in this style. Thank you so much! (link)
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The style you're referring to is known as 'ranchera', and is originally from the state of Jalisco. The undisputed king of ranchera is Vicente Fernandez, but there are several queens. Chavela Vargas, Maria de Lourdes, and Lucha Reyes are three of the classic ranchera singers, and a good place to start if you're curious.
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I don't know the first thing about playing guitar.. but I've always wanted to learn. I have this cheap acoustic, and no money for lessons... so is there any way I'd be able to learn it easily enough through some sort of website?
One of the first songs I want to learn is "This Boy: by James Morrison. Any tips?
(link)
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The classic source for at-home guitar study is Mel Bay. (www.melbay.com) They have all sorts of guides out there for beginners, in all styles. The books are cheap, and you can usually buy DVDs to go with them. Youtube has a lot of guitar lessons as well.
Hope this helps.
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Hey, so I'm a huge music freak. I'm eclectic, meaning I love all music. The only thing I've noticed is that I don't have a lot of jazz. I thought I did, but I sure don't. So does anyone know any really great (or not so great) jazz artists out there that they'd like to share? (link)
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Hoo boy. You just asked a severely complex question. Jazz has nearly 100 years of history to pick from, any number of sub-genres and styles and variations, so you've got a lot of exploring ahead of you. Here's a list of some essential albums:
Thelonious Monk: Solo Monk
Miles Davis: Kind of Blue
John Coltrane: A Love Supreme
Dave Brubeck: Time Out
Charles Mingus: Mingus Ah Um
Billie Holliday: Lady in Satin
Duke Ellington: Ellington at Newport 1956
Herbie Hancock: Headhunters
Not an essential album, but fun: Red Hot + Cool (early '90s acid jazz stuff. hip-hop, soul & jazz all dropped in a blender.)
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15/F
SO, I've got no talent.
I'm an awful singer, my hands are FAR too small for guitar or piano, and we haven't got the money for lessons anyway.
I always feel pretty depressed about it. Does anyone have any ideas for me?
Any cheapish instrument I could try and ways I could teach myself?
Or maybe some way I could improve my voice? Because frankly, I think it sucks.
I just want a little something to perk me up.
I deeply admire Helen from I Haunt Wizards, Kate Nash, Katy Perry, and Lily Allen.
Just thought I'd throw that out there.
Thanks :] (link)
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A cheap, yet versatile instrument is the ukulele. You can get simple models for as little as $20. The fingerboard is narrower than a standard guitar, and there are fewer strings to mess with. YouTube has a number of tutorial videos available.
Another option is the cigar box guitar; you'd have to build it yourself, but it's really cheap and perfect for someone with small hands. http://washuu.net/Musical/nicotina.htm has step-by-step instructions, including frets for a diatonic scale. (No sharps or flats, and every chord you play sounds good.)
As another commenter has stated, recorders are cheap, at least the little plastic soprano ones are. You'd have to learn to read music, but there are lots of manuals and so forth out there. There may even be a recorder society in your area, which would effectively teach you for free.
And don't let your singing voice bother you. Lou Reed and Bob Dylan both have terrible singing voices, yet they've been successful artists since the 1960s.
Hope this helps.
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