Soundtrack to my life

                                                              Soundtrack to my life

Planet Caravan- (Pantera Cover) This is one of my favorite songs. It reminds me of my high school days. I remember being really lost within myself and looking for answers in all of the wrong places. This song was one of my searchlights that guided me towards a better direction. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWChhdIgT6Q&ob=av2e

Life’s Toll- (Silcox&Cariglio) This was the first song that I wrote with my friend Jordan. I was 19 and just discovered music. It was after I wrote this song that I discovered my passion for music and my drive to be a songwriter. http://www.myspace.com/frankandjordan

Hoard- (Silcox&Cariglio) This song was very important to me at the time. I was going through a lot of personal problems and this song allowed me to express myself and to help get those negative feelings off of my chest. http://www.myspace.com/frankandjordan

Entry Way- (Silcox&Cariglio) When I wrote this song Jordan and I were in the middle of recording our album. Everything that could have gone wrong did. There was a time when I thought that the album was not going to be made and I fell into a momentary depression. In that depression I wrote this song. It is a clear representation of my feelings at the time. http://www.myspace.com/frankandjordan

Run around Sue- (Dion and the Belmont’s) This is one of my favorite feel good songs of all time. This song represents my all the good times I have experienced over the years with all my friends. When every life brings me down I listen to this song and all the bad vibes just disappear. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11RampGmkI0

Opinionator 2

                                                                  Opinionator 2

                                   Occupy Oakland Fallout May Echo Beyond Downtown

            It always seems that with protesting, whether the cause is justifiable or not, there are always consequences for its actions. In this particular issue the problem arises for the businesses that are in downtown Oakland that claim to be suffering from the protests that are taking place. This issue walks a very fine line between what could be deemed as right or wrong. I believe the cause that the protesters are fighting for is definitely a just one but at the same time I do not believe it is fair for businesses to be paying for something that they have no part in. Three events planned for Oakland’s Historic Rotunda Hall had to be cancelled for the month of November. Coffee shops around the area have claimed that customers have been reluctant to come to their shops. Merchants in downtown Oakland including Oaksterdam’s Marijuana Empire has been claiming that business has been down.

            As Occupy Oakland enters its fifth week the main concern that the city faces is Oakland’s image as a place to shop, eat or run a business. Some business owners are claiming the decline of business to the sights and smells of the 180 tent encampment.  Protesters have said that it is the overblown media coverage and the fear of police brutality that have been hurting businesses. In my personal opinion and taking a neutral standpoint I completely see both sides prospective in the matter. I don’t believe it is fair that the businesses suffer for the protesters actions yet on the other hand true justice comes at a price. Maybe if all parties work together they could find a reasonable solution and work together for a future that will work for everybody. 

5 random songs (moods)

                                                           5 Moods (Random Songs)

Sad- (Tori Amos) - I can’t see New York. When I’m feeling bummed out for some reason I am always drawn to this song. The overall feel and tone of the song always seems to fit my mood when I’m feeling sad.

Energetic- (Pantera) - 5 minutes alone. When I’m in a really hype mood I listen to Pantera. This particular song is energetic and crazy. When I listen to this song I just want to cut loose and rock out like there is no tomorrow.

Introspective- (William Ackerman) - The Wheel. William Ackerman has a very specific feel to his music. His songs have the ability to make me feel like I am actually able to take flight. When I’m feeling a lot of love this is a song that I find myself listening to regularly.

Happy- (Brian Wilson) - Wonderful. This song has such a happy vibe to it I can’t imagine not being happy while they are listening to it. This is definitely one of my favorite songs.

All around- (Alice in Chains) – Nutshell. There is so much feeling and emotion in this song. Every time I listen to this song it always puts things into perspective for me. Great song!

Opinionator 1

                                                              Opinionator #1

                                Prosecution Rests in Jackson Case

For this blog I chose to discuss the Case against Michael Jackson’s doctor. The prosecution is trying to convict Dr. Conrad Murray with involuntary man slaughter charges. Throughout the course of the trial audio recordings have been played showcasing Jacksons so called, “addictions” to prescription drugs. Jackson stated, “I never had a childhood” and “I need my milk”, which he was referring to the drug propofol, (which is a powerful anesthetic) that was given to him by Murray to help him sleep. Over the course of the trial the prosecution has called several witness including concert promoters and medical experts. One of the witnesses was Dr. Steven Shafer who told the jury, “By Dr. Murray prescribing such a strong dose of propofol that he was acting more like an employee rather than a doctor.” He also stated that, “We are in a Pharmaceutical never-never land, something that has only been done to Michael Jackson and no one else in history,” referring to the combination of drugs that Murray prescribed to Jackson. Prosecutors also claimed that Murray was more concerned about his salary than with his patient.

            Although I feel that the prosecution has a leg to stand on with this case, I am not sure that I can agree fully with the charges. Although the prosecutions accusations might be accurate, I don’t feel that Dr. Murray should go to prison for them. I feel that a lot of doctors are more concerned with money rather than their patients. “Let he who is perfect cast the first stone.” We should all learn from this situation, especially doctors. Michael Jackson’s death is a sad tragedy but I don’t feel that his doctor should go to prison for Jackson’s decisions. In my opinion he was a grown man and was accountable for his own actions. I feel we need to let go of the past and honor Jackson by enjoying the wonderful music that he left behind. 

Music Memories 1

                                                                Music Memories

Looking back at my music taste in the past was interesting. What I listen to in my youth and the reasoning behind my taste has completely changed from my taste now. When I was five I really did not listen to music. The only music that I can remember listening to was the theme songs to my favorite shows and cartoons. To this day I can still recall the theme songs to Fragile Rock, Duck Tales and most of my favorite cartoon shows. It’s interesting, when I watch those old cartoon shows now and hear those songs I feel like I get transported back to my youth. I literally feel like I am 5 years old again.

            When I reached 10 I really was not into music. I usually just listened to what my parents were listening to at the time. Once again when I hear those particular songs it reminds me of that particular point in time. When I was 15 my taste in music changed dramatically. It was at this age that I started playing the piano and would discover my favorite music of all, classical. I really appreciated the mastery behind Mozart, Bach and Beethoven’s works.

            It was around the age of 19 when I started listening to music in an entirely different way. I realized that music had the ability to make a difference in people’s lives, especially my own. I noticed that I started listening to music as a source of healing rather than as a source of entertainment. My musical tastes have changed tremendously over the years as well. Although I still appreciate many of the bands that I listened to in the past I have noticed now that I am very more particular in my taste and what I choose to listen to. Music has become my therapy rather than just a way to entertain myself. 

5 songs I like

                                                                5 Songs I like

Rush:  Afterimage = There are many reasons why I enjoy and appreciate this song. For one I really appreciate the music itself. The members of Rush are very accomplished musicians and this song definitely showcases their abilities. My favorite aspect of this song though is the message. This song is about losing a loved one and the feelings that you experience after. The lyrics describe specific images that the drummer was experiencing after his loved one had passed. I remember listening to this song after my father had died and the feelings I felt. This song hits very close to home for me.

Alice in Chains: Down in a Hole = I really appreciate this song because I am able to relate to the message. This song is about feeling so down and out and beaten up by life that you feel that you want to give up. I think everyone has felt these feelings at least once in their lives and I appreciate the fact that this band had the courage to be so open and express those feelings.

Mozart: Requiem = This piece in my opinion is one of the most powerful pieces of music ever created. When I hear this piece of music I experience a surge of emotions that rush through my body. I can hear the desperateness that Mozart must have been feeling at the time when he wrote this piece.

Bach: Air on the G String = This piece is on the top 5 of my favorite classical pieces of all time. The violin in this song is so beautiful and heartfelt that it almost brings me to tears every time I hear it. For me this has to be one of Bach’s greatest pieces of music.

Silcox&Cariglio: Another Story Told = Out of all the songs that I have written over the years I always seem to come back to this song as one of my favorites. I was going through a rough time in my life when I wrote this song and when I listen to it reminds me of how fortunate I am. I can be in the worst mood and this song has the ability to pull me out of it.

5 songs that mention sex and drugs

                                              5 songs that mention “Sex” and “Drugs”

Jefferson Airplane: White Rabbit = Cannot say whether or not they talk about drugs in a good way or bad way. If I had to choose I would say good way.

Black Sabbath: Sweat Leaf = This entire song is about marijuana and its benefits.

Cream: It’s alright (Cocaine) = This song is about using cocaine and proclaims its acceptance.

Marvin Gays: Let’s get it on = This song is about having sex. I definitely feel this song leans more towards the less romantic approach to love making but I could be wrong.

Red Hot Chili Peppers: Party on your P…y = This song has to be one of the most vulgar songs I have ever heard. They do not hold back with their approach.

5 songs i dislike

                                                                5 Songs I dislike

Adema: The way you like it = This is definitely a song that I have a hard time listening to. The main aspect of this song that I can’t stand is the lyrics. The lyrics are very shallow and are not written very well. It’s probably meant to be like that but for my taste it rubs me the wrong way.

                                                                                              

Jay Z/Linken Park: 99 problems but a bitch aint one = This is one of those songs that I hear and just cannot believe that music this bad exists (In my opinion). Even from a rappers point of view Jay Z’s lyrics are terrible. On top of it they ruin a Linken Park song that did not needed Jay Z to rap over it.

Limp Bizkit: Rollin = I remember when this song first came how bad it was. Listening to it recently was definitely not a point in its favor. The song is as bad now as it was back then. Fred Durst ruins the song with his bad voice and bad lyrics.

Metallic: Invisible Kid = This in my opinion is one of the worst Metallica songs ever. The guitar tone sounds like crud, the vocals sound terrible and overall the song in general is poorly written.

R Kelly: Bridget the Midget = When I first heard this song I could not believe my ears. At first I thought I was watching an SNL skit but when I found out that he was being serious I thought he had lost his mind. The song goes on for over ten min. about Bridget and her lover a midget. The song is absolutely ridiculous. 

Musicians (Happy Music)

                                                5 musicians that play happy music

Brian Wilson: When I hear the Beach Boy’s music it has the ability to always put a smile on my face. I feel what gives it that energy is the careless and innocent lyrics mixed with upbeat and energetic sounding music.

Rush: When I listen to Rush I can just tell by how their music sounds that they put all of their souls into it. Their songs have good energy and lyrics with positive messages.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers: The Peppers have always prided themselves in writing funky music that gets the crowd rocking. Their songs are energetic and are great to listen to when you’re in a bad mood. They have a very care free attitude about life and it shines in their music.

Dave Mathews Band: This band also has the ability to bring me out of the worst of moods. Their sound is so care free and is very honest. You can listen to their music in almost any situation and it will suit the mood just right.

Jamiroqui: This music sounds like 70’s funk music with a modern twist. This band just makes you want to stop what you are doing and dance your heart out. 

Music Memories 2

                                                                Music Memories 2

            For this assignment I chose to interview someone who is very special to me, my mother. Music has always played a huge role in my mother’s life. Even when I was a child she would always be singing all kinds of different songs to my brother and me. My mother said when she was growing up all the way to her teenage years her favorite band was The Beach Boys. She told me about the time when her and my aunt Corrine went to go see them in concert when she was 15. Watching her tell this story was great; the look in her eyes while she was telling it was priceless. Her favorite part of the concert was when after the show she got to touch Dennis Wilson’s hand. In high school she was really into dancing. She recalled hearing bands like Yes being played in the local clubs. I asked her to name some concerts that she has attended in her lifetime. Some of the artists that she mentioned were Roy Orbison, Paublo Cruise, and all kinds of different local concerts. Recently she went to go see Stanley Clarke at Yoshi’s restaurant in Oakland. She stated that over the years her taste in music hasn’t really changed much. She still listens to all the bands that she did when she was growing up. Some new artists that she stated she liked were, The Dave Mathews Band, Josh Grobin and Michael Bubbale. After talking with her I realized that we share a lot of the same characteristics when it comes to music. We both still enjoy listening to the bands we grew up with and both enjoy a lot of modern music. I love my mother; I am definitely a mama’s boy.

Hello

My name is Frank. I am a Creative Arts major. Music is my passion and i am excited to be apart of this class. I appreciate all types of music, classical is my favorite.