Billy Corgan is great!

Billy Corgan was one of the most successful songwriters and musician in the nineties. He was lead singer of the band the Smashing Pumpkins which war marginally successful in the US and overseas. Corgan is very well known for his unique voice and ability to range nominally higher than many singers. The band produced a whole array of music types and genres but was mostly labeled as alternative. Some of the most genius songs Corgan put out with the band were a strange mix of heavy metal guitar rifts with alternative type lyrics and style. It was largely accepted by thousands of adoring fans and continues to do so today. The Corgan is sometimes referred to as a control freak and a hard band mate to get along with since he wants to do everything himself…but you have to admit that puts out quality stuff. After the breakup Corgan went on to attempt the life of a solo artist, but really warranted little response as a whole. Thus the pumpkins were put back together and continue to put out the strange mix of their metal, goth, alternative style. Corgan is also a unique individual in that he stepped away from the normal fashion of the many crazy rockstar hairstyles and simply shaved his head. He debuted the look on the bands appearance on SNL in 1995 and has seemingly kept the look ever since. Corgan took his band platinum, was nominated for many Grammys, and forever shaped the music of the nineties and today.

Guitars Can Be Expensive

I never knew how much rock and roll guitars sold for until my friend Ricky pawned his off last week for over $1000. He apparently bought it back in the United States for only $1100 a year ago, and down here in Buenos Aires he sold it after only one day of putting his ad on Craigslist. What is it that makes certain guitars so expensive? I have tried to play guitar before, but I was just learning so I bought a used junker from a local garage sale instead of buying new. What materials go into the construction of a guitar?

There are some fairly significant differences in the construction of acoustic guitars and electric guitars. An acoustic guitar consists of the following components: headstock, nut, machine heads, frets, truss rod, inlays, neck, heel, and body. An electric guitar consists of these components: pickups, electronics, bridge, pickguard, back, soundboard, body sides, soundhole, strings, saddle, and fretboard. I think the electric guitar has to be more complicated simply because of having to connect with electricity for its signature sound. But in terms of craftsmanship, a well-made acoustic guitar is absolutely beautiful. Especially in the hands of a masterful guitarist, where their fingers seem to fly over the strings. The sounds a rock star can coax out of either style are nothing short of absurd.

I would consider myself a relatively coordinated and dexterous person, considering my great skill in the game Guitar Hero and years upon years of playing video games and sports requiring excellent hand-eye coordination. I figured with that kind of background, I would at least be able to pick up a guitar and learn at a decent pace, if not quicker than normal. Unfortunately, reality came to bite me in the ass all too quickly after my first couple of guitar lessons with my friend Ben. I may be an ace Guitar Hero player, but when it comes to the real deal Holyfield, I cannot hang. It might just be because I am lazy and want immediate returns, but I get the feeling that I may not ever be much of a guitar player even if I dedicated myself to it. Video game guitar skills do not directly translate into becoming a rock god.

If I cannot play the guitar, maybe I could take up building them? I was always good at carpentry working with my father and in wood shop class in high school, so apprenticing under a guitar maker would be great fun for me. I really enjoy working with my hands, even though they do not seem to work with strings attached. I know there are plenty of classical guitar builders in my neighborhood here in Buenos Aires, so maybe I could pester one enough into giving me a shot. If I cannot be a rock star, I could at least be in the background, like the Wizard of Oz crafting the guitars of the stars. What do you think, does it sound like I could have a shot at this?

Rise of Techno in America

I am not sure exactly why…but lately I have really, really gotten into techno music. Growing up, I didn’t really even know what techno music was. Sure, I knew a couple songs by Fatboy Slim, but in general I was totally in the dark. I was a total preppy board sport kid throughout my youth so I mostly stuck to punk rock and occasionally ventured into the hip hop waters as well. The first time I really listened to techno was when I went on a snowboarding trip to Durango Colorado my sophomore year in college. I rode in a small Tacoma truck with a good friend of mine and his younger brother. Funny enough it was his younger brother who started banging out Basshunter on his I-pod. At first I thought it was dumb Euro-trash (I am proud to be an American). But after I heard DOTA for the first time I was hooked. Then I went to San Francisco for an internship for six months, so naturally, I was exposed to a high level of techno emanating from the Castro district. I am not exactly sure what it is with Gay people and Techno music, but they certainly do enjoy it quite a bit. Seriously, every gay friend I have ever had has a huge section in their music library devoted to techno remixes to any song you can think of. Basshunter remains my favorite techno artist to this day, but I also enjoy Benny Benassi, Tiesto, Cosmic Gate, and a whole slew of others.

Rock and Roll

Let me get this out of the way in the beginning. I am a huge fan of rock and roll, and as such am usually not accepting of other types of musical genres. So even though I have a sort of built-in bias against the travesty that is the state of modern pop music, I think almost everyone can agree that things have fallen off a bit from the glory days. But it is not all doom and gloom in the musical realm! There are still some acts out there today that are holding it down for those of us with a bit of taste. One of my favorite acts of the last couple of years has been Muse, who I started following back when they were small in the United States around 2004.

My friend Ben introduced me to them, and we were able to catch a show for really cheap in Greensboro owing to their relative obscurity. It was love at first sight when they took the stage. They put on one of the most energetic shows I have ever seen, only to be matched by Daft Punk and another of their own shows 2 years later at Lollapalooza. Their guitar work is one of my favorite aspects of their music, though they also bring in lots of electronic manipulation and keyboards like Radiohead (another one of my favorites!). Muse puts out really innovative music that does not conform to the cookie-cutter models a lot of pop music adheres to, and I respect them for that. I know I sound cranky and out of sorts over this whole thing, but when I see the commercial success of the music put out by the likes of Nickelback I start to see red. No one should be subjected to that swill, it is like aural torture.

I am happy to report that Muse is hard at work on a new album, and it should be out within the next year or so. There may be hope for pop music yet, if acts like Radiohead and Muse can still succeed in this mess. I am not sure if we will ever see something like the glory days of classic rock, where a steady stream of innovative and topical music came about, but at least some bands are pushing the envelope. I am also keeping my eye on some smaller acts that are coming up right now, and hopefully they will be able to step their game up to the point that they compare favorably with Muse or Radiohead. A guy can dream can he not?

I actually tried to learn guitar not too far back, and failed miserably. I did not have aspirations of being a rock star or anything, but I would have liked to chill out and play acoustic once in a while. I think I am going to give it another try soon, if pop music does not make the cut I will have to make my own.

Playing the Acoustic Guitar

My first experience trying to learn to play acoustic guitar started when I was 8 years old. I had just seen my first music videos on MTV, and I wanted to be a rock star. I was never particularly gifted musically, even though my dad met my mom when he was playing the drums in his college band. I figured I would waltz in, pick up a guitar, and be strumming “Stairway to Heaven” by the end of the afternoon. I was in for quite a surprise after my first day of lessons.

My first lesson consisted of the most rudimentary basics: what parts the guitar consisted of, the names of the strings, how to tune the guitar, how to hold a pick when playing, and they tried to teach me a simple song. Unfortunately, my skills were not up to snuff and I could not coax much sound out of my instrument. My rock star dreams were dashed on the rocks of reality once I realized that I would actually have to put a decent amount of work into playing anything at all.

I ended up playing for a year or two, but I eventually realized that without really dedicating myself to it I would never get to where I wanted to be. I tried a couple of other instruments to see if my talents lay elsewhere, but I think listening to music might be more my style than playing it. I have enough skill now to jam on my own, which I use as a sort of catharsis to calm myself down after a particularly long day or frustrating time at work. My friends have tried to get me into a little electric guitar, but it does not hold the same appeal for me as an acoustic does.

The acoustic guitar I associate with the music of my childhood, growing up with James Taylor and other stalwarts on my dad’s CD player. I heard plenty of traditional rock music as well, but I have a very mellow vibe of my own so I always gravitated towards the acoustic guitar. I think playing the acoustic is something all hippies aspire to at some point or another, me included. Electric guitar always conveyed feelings of rebellion or rage, things that were in short supply in my happy household growing up.

Nowadays I am living in a hostel full of guitar players and considering taking up lessons once again. An Argentine friend of mine has offered to teach me how to play in return for English lessons, which I think is a pretty fantastic trade. My dreams of one day playing “Stairway to Heaven” might be rekindled after all those years of neglect and shame. Maybe then I will be able to pick up chicks at parties like all the other guys that always seem to have an acoustic guitar on hand for no apparent reason. Not that I am bitter about that or anything, no sir not me.

Mark Knopfler – the Sultan of Swing

Mark Knopfler is considered as one of the all time guitar greats. He is not only an amazing guitarist but also a great singer and songwriter. He was the vocalist, lead guitarist and songwriter for the group Dire Straits. Dire Straits were formed in 1977. After it disbanded in 1995, Mark Knopfler has continued on his musical journey and produced more music under his own name. Since he’s a pro on the guitar, he’s been invited as a guest artist on many bands. He has even composed music for English films.

Mark Knopfler has popularized the fingerstyle play of guitar. He has even been listed on the Rolling Stone list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time. Some of the songs which he performed as a part of Dire Straits were Sultans of Swing, So far away, and Walk of life. But nothing can beat the popularity of their single - Money for nothing. It’s one of the greatest anthems for all music lovers. It was also the first video to be aired in Britain on MTV. Mark Knopfler has found creative success as a solo artist too. Music geniuses like him are respected by people of all generations

Guitar Playing Problems

Most of the friends I know, who were interested in playing the guitar, gave up very easily when they felt that they couldn’t learn it well quickly. Since they were interested in playing the guitar just to impress others, they didn’t have the patience to learn. If you feel you are taking more time than others in learning the guitar - then remember, there’s nothing to worry about it. You should always learn the guitar with passion. Treat the guitar like a lover; all successful guitarists all over the world treat their guitars like their lovers.

Try to first concentrate on the easier chords. You can first learn E, C, G, A and D. Once you are comfortable with them, proceed to the difficult ones like B and F major. Note the chords which have been mastered by you and then proceed to the other chords where you need more practice. Once you feel you are much better with the difficult chords, continue your guitar practice with all the chords including the easier ones. Regular practice will always help you to overcome any difficulties faced by you. Practice the songs which are your favorites. This will get you more pepped up in your guitar practice.

Bhangra- Good Indian Music

Bhangra is one of those Indian song and dance forms which has always managed to increase its popularity regularly. Originally, it was linked with the Sikh community and used during the celebration of the spring festival. But a large number of innovations by various Bhangra artists have led to its popularity all over the world music scene. Bhangra is also regularly being featured in Bollywood songs in the last few years. The dhol is an important part of the Bhangra music form. Other instruments which form an integral part to traditional Bhangra are the chimta, the iktar and the tumbi.

One of the artists who has successfully fused the Bhangra with Reggae is none other than Apache Indian – a UK artist. Besides India, UK is another country which has welcomed it with open arms. Thus a large number of Punjabi singers today have found success in the UK. Although the Bhangra dance form is essentially for guys, today its popularity has led to most girls too imitating this dance form. Malkit Singh, a popular Bhangra artist has sang the song - Gori Nal Ishq Mitha, one of the most popular Bhangra numbers of all times. The next time you feel like enjoying some punchy music on your music system, try some Bhangra music.

Reggaeton

It’s very important for all music lovers to check new genres of music which gain acceptance in the world, time to time. One such interesting form of music is Reggaeton. Reggaeton has turned out to be a popular form of music recently. It is basically a modified form of Ragga. Ragga in turn is a sub-genre of Reggae. Thus Reggaeton is connected with Reggae. One main reason for Reggaeton’s popularity is the use of confrontational and provoking lyrics sung in the Spanish language. Reggaeton is especially popular with the youth.

Reggaeton first gained its popularity in Panama and Puerto Rico. It then increased its sway in Latin America. Finally it was able to make a mark for itself by storming the US music charts. It was first appreciated by the Latino population found in the US. It is also slowly and steadily gaining popularity in all the Spanish speaking countries. The Spanish music industry right now is heavily involved in promoting Reggaeton.

Although Reggaeton has introduced a large number of singers to the world, artists like Daddy Yankee and Don Omar besides a few others have turned to be its prime contenders all over the world.