5 Amazing Musical Collaborations

Jack White/ image: Teresa Sedo via Flickr CC

Musical collaborations, although sometimes offbeat and seemingly random, have yielded some of the most highly acclaimed albums. Some critics call them “supergroups” – collaborations between members of already incredibly popular bands. Here are five amazing musical collaborations:

1.   The Raconteurs. Anyone who pays even the slightest bit of attention to contemporary rock music is familiar with Jack White. His first band, The White Stripes, is still ridiculous popular, and fans were beyond excited after he announced the creation of a side project, The Raconteurs. With the help of singer-songwriter Brendan Benson and some members of the Greenhornes, their debut album Broken Boy Soldier was greeted with tremendous acclaim.

Seattle "supergroup" Childbirth/ image: via Seattle Weekly

2.   Mad Season. Mad Season was the collaboration between Alice in Chains singer Layne Staley, Screaming Trees drummer Barrett Martin, and Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready, and resulted in the heavy, grungy, prog-rock awesomeness that was 1995’s Above. Mad Season only released the one album, much to the dismay of fans and grunge rockers everywhere.

3.   Childbirth. Childbirth is a feminist, lo-fi punk rock band made up of musicians from three Seattle-based bands: Bree McKenna of TacocaT, Stacy Peck of Pony Time, and Julia Shapiro from Chastity Belt. Together, the three bring an energetic, pro-woman sound to Seattle’s famous music scene, and their musical chemistry is obvious.

4.   Elvis Costello and Questlove. What seemed like the most unlikely pairing of all time actually turned out to be a phenomenal musical collaboration when Elvis Costello and Questlove recorded Wise Up Ghost together in 2013. Both Costello and Questlove have garnered enormous fame individually, and their mix of rock and hip-hop is an example of a cross-genre collaboration that really works. Wise Up Ghost was met with wide acclaim by fans and critics alike.

5.   Temple of the Dog. Another grunge-driven collaboration that wowed fans is Temple of the Dog, made up of Seattle’s Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. Reportedly, the two bands came together after their mutual musician friend – Andrew Wood of Mother Love Bone – died suddenly of a drug overdose. The band’s dark sound tackled issues surrounding drug abuse, death, and mortality, while simultaneously immortalizing the collaboration as one of the best of all time.

What are your favorite musical collaborations?

Sorry ‘Beliebers’: Your Favorite Pop Star Might Be Getting Deported

Image: NRK P3 via Flickr CC

By now you’ve probably heard about the newest scandal surrounding pop star Justin Bieber. If you’ve been lucky enough to evade the barrage of news reports on the issue, a brief recap: Bieber was arrested in Miami Beach, Florida last week after getting busted for drag racing in the early hours of the morning. The singer was subsequently charged with a DUI, resisting arrest, and having an expired driver’s license, details The Hollywood Reporter. And the latest news? Due to a major petition to deport Bieber, signed by more than 100,000 people, the White House is now reportedly being forced to issue a response.

It seems like it was just yesterday that Justin Bieber emerged on the music scene. You remember, right? The wholesome, young singer with the signature long blond ‘do delighted tweens worldwide, gaining fame as rapidly, and mysteriously, as his entrance into pop stardom. Fast forward to 2014: Bieber joins the brigade of young stars that are caught acting publicly reckless, erratic, and, as many have pointed out, coddled by the limelight. Miley Cyrus, Brittney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and Amanda Bynes have all been part of this media-spun “downward spiral” of young stars. And really, it’s like what they say about car crashes, you just can’t look away.

From a legal standpoint, there just isn’t any chance that Bieber would get deported from the United States for a DUI offense, or any of his other crimes, and as legal analyst Kendall Coffey points out, Bieber’s charges make him both “a lawyer’s dream and a lawyer’s nightmare.” Miami-based Coffey also explains that Bieber’s case will stir up a lot of public scrutiny. “On the one hand, you don’t want to punish him worse than some crazy kid from a local junior college,” Coffey told Steve Malzberg on Newsmax TV. “On the other hand you don’t want the public to think, yeah, the rich people can drive like crazy and get away with it.”

Obviously, the public is already very much invested in the charges against Bieber. More than 100,000 people want the pop star deported, and many more are engulfed in the dramatic media portrayal of the whole mess. According to The Hollywood Reporter, once a signature goal on a petition is met, the White House is required to issue a response, adding another layer to the Bieber drama. The White House (unsurprisingly) has yet to comment. 

Best and Strangest New Artists of Grammys Past

The Grammy Awards, although arguably the most esteemed of all pop musical accolades, aren’t for everyone. Music is such a subjective thing; it holds a deeply personal meaning for everyone who listens to it, and nobody likes every single genre out there. In past years, the Grammys have honored many of the biggest names in pop music, a fact that in and of itself alienates anyone who prefers more alternative bands.

The “Best New Artist” category at the Grammys is particularly polarizing; the awards have a somewhat unusual history of selecting winners for this category that are one-hit wonders, to say the least. Essentially, being the best new artist out there doesn’t ensure a long and fruitful career, which Grammy winners of yesteryear can surely attest to. “But that’s why ‘Best New Artist’ is everybody’s favorite Grammy category,” explains Rolling Stone Magazine, “it’s the one with the most bizarre picks.”

For instance, in 1976, Starland Vocal Band took home the Grammy for “Best New Artist,” presumably for their extremely popular hit single, “Afternoon Delight.” The band ended up being a one-hit wonder though, and vocalist Taffy Danoff famously called winning the “Best New Artist” category the “kiss of death.”  Previously unknown Tracy Chapman was dubbed “Best New Artist” in 1988 after hitting it big with “Fast Car,” but didn’t create another popular album or single until 1996’s “Give Me One Reason.” Other unusual “Best New Artist” winners include Hootie and the Blowfish, Milli Vanilli, and Arrested Development, the latter which completely fell off the radar shortly after their win.

This year, the nominations for the “Best New Artist” category include James Blake, Kendrick Lamar, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Kacey Musgraves, and Ed Sheeran. These artists span multiple genres and so far, there isn’t a clear winner. Here’s to hoping that these talented new musicians all have long and successful careers, not fifteen minutes of fame like “Best New Artist” winner of Grammys past. 

Against Me! Releases ‘Transgender Dysphoria Blues’

Politically charged Florida punk band Against Me! has just released its latest studio album, Transgender Dysphoria Blues. This is the first record the band has released since frontwoman Laura Jane Grace, formerly Tom Gabel, announced that she would be living as a woman back in 2012. Fans may have been initially surprised by Grace’s coming out, but those closest to the musician know that she has been struggling with gender dysphoria for years. 

Transgender Dysphoria Blues is an album that encapsulates the intense emotional experiences that the band has endured throughout Grace’s transition. As Stephen Thompson for NPR explains, Against Me! has been around for nearly two decades, but this record “can’t help but feel like a debut.” It is a coming-out album, one that honors Grace’s identity but also tackles the pain, doubt, rage, fear, as well as relief and joy, that comes with such a remarkable life transition. Many music critics are calling this record the most personal and poignant of her career.

Thompson explains how Laura Jane Grace “still barks her lyrics with fiercely assertive intelligence,” and that Gender Dysphoria Blues “doesn’t let up for 29 brisk minutes, but real tenderness and vulnerability surfaces in the melee,” of the album’s sound. MTV agrees, explaining how in certain moments Gender Dysphoria Blues displays a level of vulnerability that completely separates it from the rest of Against Me!’s work.

Since coming out in 2012, Grace has been under a lot of public scrutiny, but has remained strong, transparent, and ready to move forward. One of the best outcomes of the singer’s transition has been the immense outpouring of support from her bandmates, fans, and loved ones. Though not all of Grace’s relatives have been supportive, her wife Heather has been steadfastly encouraging throughout the transition process. Transgender Dysphoria Blues is Grace’s debut album as a woman; it is unapologetic, raw, and everything that you’d expect from the seasoned frontwoman.

Stream the album and learn more at NPR’s First Listen.

Image: lauragracejane via Instagram

Warm Your Winter Blues With Thoughts of SXSW

Image: sxsw.com

With northern U.S. temperatures dropping to record-low numbers, I know that my thoughts are drifting towards warmer climates. I’ve been daydreaming of Austin, Texas, specifically, a city that will soon play host to one of the largest festivals in the country. South By Southwest (SXSW) was founded in 1987, and has grown in popularity and range of offerings each year since, becoming one of the most beloved of the annual music festivals.

"SXSW’s original goal was to create an event that would act as a tool for creative people and the companies they work with to develop their careers, to bring together people from a wide area to meet and share ideas,” explain the event’s founders. “That continues to be the goal today whether it is music, film, or interactive technologies,” the other components to this massive gathering. Austin has long lived in the literal center of the east and west coast music scenes, and has acted as the perfect meeting place for bands, musicians, artists, filmmakers, and technology innovators from around the world.

Say the SXSW organizers, “The classic problem facing Austin musicians was being isolated from the rest of the world here in the middle of Texas. SXSW was a way to reach out to the rest of the world, and bring them here to do business.” Even back in 1987, when Austin hadn’t yet gained its popularity among both seasoned artists and musical up-and-comers, it became a place that was universally embraced, with an immediate global response. From “cosmic cowboy” to punk, to blues, and experimental, Austin’s is known for embracing all kinds of musical creativity, an attitude that out-of-towners adopt when flocking to the area for SXSW.

Yet another layer of new musical acts has been announced recently, adding to the initial lineup that was revealed in November. Some of the newly released lineup includes: Action Bronson, Charli XCX, Dum Dum Girls, Ryan Hemsworth, Small Black, King Louie, Big Freedia, Twin Shadow, and hundreds more.

For more information about SXSW and the massive lineup of shows and events, visit the official festival website.  

That’s A Wrap: The Year In Music Quotes

Image: M Sullivan via Flickr CC

2013 was an awesome year for music. Punk trends returned with fervor, and pop music experienced nuances and edginess like it hasn’t in years. Newer genres emerged or were solidified in the contemporary music canon, thanks to artists like Big Freedia, Frank Ocean, and Flying Lotus. It’s hard to sum up a year of music in one post, so here to do it for me are some of the biggest names in the industry.

This year, musicians dished on happiness, punk, integrity, and “making it” in music; here is a recap of 2013, in quotes:

“I stand by everything I’ve ever said, apologies included.” ~ Singer/songwriter Fiona Apple

“My idea of punk is not being interested in what other people think of punk.” ~ Bradford Cox of Deerhunter

“In this day and age ‘punk ideals’ are totally irrelevant. Not that it isn’t cool to have them, but times have changed, man.” ~ Kurt Vile

“When you look at the way that people make decisions in their lives, whether they’re in art or music or industry, they forget that being unique is the answer – becoming yourself and finding an idea. People who make a good first record and then make a shitty second record are scared, they want to have money and security. But the people I look up to don’t give a shit about any of that. They just care about the people around them and about searching.” ~ Bon Iver/ Volcano Choir’s Justin Vernon

“If what makes you happy is getting good reviews, or how many people like your music, then you really have no control over your happiness. But if you love writing, recording, and making songs that you really care about, then you’ll always be happy, because it’s in your hands.” ~ Katie Crutchfield of Waxahatchee

“I never understood the theory of moving to New York or L.A. to make it – if you want to be noticed as a drop of water, why would you move to the ocean?” ~ Neko Case

“At their best, record labels are supposed to be about the exploration of music. We felt like that was our responsibility.” ~ Jonathan Poneman, Sub Pop co-founder

Happy New Year everyone! 

My Favorite Holiday Tunes

These days, you’d be hard pressed to walk into a grocery, retail, or drug store and not hear holiday tunes blaring from the rafters. Turn on the radio and it’s you’ll find much of the same – nonstop holiday and Christmas songs playing over and over. Even after Thanksgiving and Black Friday, it never feels quite like the holidays without the perpetual barrage of Christmas tunes. Famous musicians have dedicated entire songs and even albums to the holidays, and there are dozens of beloved American holiday songs that fill our hearts and heads each year.

I’ve made a playlist of some of the greatest holiday tunes, full of nostalgic classics and a few newer songs, with one or two “guilty pleasures.” A handful of these songs might even be more obscure than what you’ll typically find playing at the department store! Use them at your office party, in the car, or while you’re working out, anywhere!

Miss Mayfield’s Holiday Playlist

1. Bing Crosby & David Bowie “The Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth”

      2. John Lennon “Happy Christmas (War is Over)

3    3. The Beach Boys “Little Saint Nick”

4    4. Chuck Berry “Run Rudolph Run”

5    5. Booker T & The MG’s “Jingle Bells”

6    6. Bing Crosby “White Christmas” (Bing Crosby on this list twice? I know, I know, he's just great!)

      7. Jose Feliciano “Feliz Navidad”

8    8. Elvis Presley “Blue Christmas”

      9. Louis Prima “What Will Santa Claus Say (When He Finds Everybody Swingin’)”

     10. U2 “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”

     11. Vince Guaraldi Trio “Christmas Time is Here”

1   12. Andy Williams “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’

1   13. The Ramones “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)”

     14. Ella Fitzgerald “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”

1   15. Frank Sinatra “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”

1   16. Mariah Carey “All I want for Christmas is You”

What are some of your favorite holiday tunes?

Image: Chiot's Run via Flickr CC

Rolling Stone’s Picks for the Best Albums of 2013

Image: vampireweekend.com

As the calendar year nears its end, it’s enjoyable to reflect back on the last twelve months of music. 2013 was a wild year for the music industry; new stars rose, old acts revitalized themselves, and well, Miley did her thing. Rolling Stone Magazine recently released its picks for the “50 Best Albums of 2013,” a diverse list of talent that spans many genres. Here are some of the highlights from the list:

#50: Beck’s Song Reader. Beck was at it again in 2013, this time releasing a decidedly “old school” album of sheet music. Song Reader showcased a collection of folky songs, with quirky twist that only Beck could inject. This album was unexpected, enjoyable, and something we haven’t heard yet from the artist.

Image: MIAMatangi via Instagram

#47: M.I.A.’s Matangi. Radical, dance-beat heavy and powerfully melodic M.I.A. was constantly on the radar in 2013; if not for record label drama, for her outstanding live performances and leaked documentary. Matangi is just what you’d expect from this rebellious musician, and that’s a good thing.

#44: Valerie June’s Pushin’ Against a Stone. This record was definitely deserving of “Best-Of” praise. Rolling Stone describes June as having “mixed blues, soul, country, string-band folk and gospel while the Black Keys’ Dan Auerback added old-school ambience. It’s the sound of a rookie doing her own thing like no retro-soul singer since Amy Winehouse.”

bscbscbsc via Instagram

#35: Best Coast’s Fade Away (EP). It’s pretty remarkable that a seven song EP made the list, but after listening to Fade Away, you’ll understand why. Bethany Cosentino has graduated from surf pop stoner rocker to bona fide songwriter, and this EP is her most mature work yet.

#19: Nine Inch Nails’ Hesitation Marks. The first album from Nine Inch Nails in five years, the magazine calls Hesitation Marks “a dance party at the edge of oblivion.” Trent Reznor combined the band’s iconic sound with newer techniques that elevated the impact of the record while still paying homage to the band’s legacy.

#1: Vampire Weekend’s Modern Vampires of the City. Vampire Weekend snags the number one spot with their 2013 studio effort. It’s catchy, elevated, carries musical depth, and also shows the evolution of a band that garnered early fame for their indie pop sound. Right behind them were Kanye West, Daft Punk, Paul McCartney, and Arcade Fire.

What do you think of these honorees? What surprises do you think 2014 holds for the world of music? 

Experience John Lennon Like Never Before With ‘The Bermuda Tapes’

Only the most diehard fans know about John Lennon’s 1980 sailing trip to Bermuda, and subsequent release of Double Fantasy, an album he created collaboratively with wife Yoko Ono. The music on this album was truly different from his former work; it was for a new kind of generation, and was inspired by Lennon’s travels and his adult life. Sadly, Double Fantasy and its impact were deeply overshadowed by the musician’s murder, which happened only three weeks after the record was released. Now, thirty-three years after John Lennon’s tragic death, fans can celebrate the life and music of the late artist in a whole new way.

John Lennon: The Bermuda Tapes is an interactive music app for iPads and iPhones that chronicles the making of Double Fantasy and the journey that inspired Lennon to record those songs. “Integrating excerpts of Lennon’s demo tapes recorded in Bermuda with innovative game play and intimate documentary storytelling, John Lennon: The Bermuda Tapes is a thrilling, unprecedented experience for music and technology fans alike,” explains the app’s creators.

The app is directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Epstein and digital artist Mark Thompson, and produced by Andrew Banks. It was also made possible with the help of Yoko Ono, who says, “Writing Double Fantasy was a very exciting time creatively for both John and me. I think the album captures the sense of discovery and the artistic dialogue that John and I shared at that time and provides a new way to help us imagine a world without hunger,” of the recording of the original record.  

John Lennon: The Bermuda Tapes is an app that you can feel really good about purchasing, as all net proceeds from the project will go towards the nonprofit WhyHunger and its campaign to end childhood hunger and global poverty. Learn more at lennonbermudatapes.com. 

Exposing the Power of Radical Social Change through Music

MTV isn’t particularly known for producing meaningful television shows, rich with profound experiences and dialogue. In the reality TV era, programming such as “Teen Mom” has edged out other shows like the groundbreaking “True Life” documentary series. Hopefully, that’s all about to change with the addition of “Rebel Music” to MTV’s affiliate network, MTVU.

According to MTV, “Rebel Music is a powerful new six-part series that looks into the lives of young people who are using art and music to ignite change around the world.” Each episode will feature the stories of courageous, “rebellious” youth who are fighting injustices with fervent creativity. The show was designed to expose viewers to the experiences of young people in Egypt, Mali, Israel/Palestine, Afghanistan, Mexico, and India, who are faced with social, cultural, and political injustices that they protest against using art and music. “Rebel Music is a portrait of those risking their lives today in the pursuit of a better tomorrow,” explains the popular television network.

The series is executive produced by graphic and street artist Shepard Fairey, whose rebellious works have received critical acclaim. In this series, young people from many cultures are presented as bold, powerful, and rebellious, as well as passionately involved in the arts. It’s definitely an edgier, more radical take on the lives of young people around the world, and a welcomed departure from the beer-guzzling, intellectually devoid, bratty American youth that MTV seems so fond of portraying.

The first episode aired on November 18^th, but it’s still unclear whether or not “Rebel Music” will be successful, and some critics are incredulous. “As compelling as these stories are, it’s unclear whether MTVU’s audience of 9 million U.S. college students will be ready to receive them,” explains Lydia Dishman of the Fast Company, who is skeptical about the show’s more captivating intent. It’s certainly a far cry from the alcohol-fueled, messy antics of most of the network’s “reality”-based programming; here’s to hoping this the show’s success will inspire MTV to produce more genuine, groundbreaking television for young people.

Go to www.rebelmusic.com to learn more. 

Images: rebelmusicdoc via Instagram