Category: Vinyl Recommends
10 Best Soundtracks of All Time
The perfect soundtrack can elevate any movie from average to spectacular. The task of choosing songs is not easy, but it has to be done correctly in order to match the plot and setting of a film. With the recent success of Frozen, it’s apparent that soundtracks aren’t a thing of the past. The success of soundtracks thrived in earlier decades, but they still hold a portion of music sales today. Here are our top 10 favorite soundtracks of all time:
10. 8 Mile
Of all the musician-turned-actors that have appeared over the last couple of decades, Eminem was one of the last expected to participate. In the pseudo-biography 8 Mile, he made his empowering song “Lose Yourself” one of the most popular rap songs of all time. The album sold over 4 million copies in the U.S. alone.
9. Juno
Juno brought one of the best indie soundtracks in more recent years. The soundtrack contains multiple songs by Kimya Dawson of The Moldy Peaches and many others. One of the most notable songs on the album is a cover of “Anyone Else But You” by The Moldy Peaches that features the two main characters of the film, played by Ellen Page and Michael Cera.
8. Dirty Dancing
The soundtrack for Dirty Dancing achieved so much success with its original release that two subsequent albums were released from it in 1988 and 2003. From the iconic “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes to “She’s Like the Wind” by Patrick Swayze, the album appealed to everyone who had a liking for everything from rock to R&B.
7. The Bodyguard
One of the best-selling albums of all time is the soundtrack to the early ‘90s film The Bodyguard. The first half contains songs by Whitney Houston, who assumed the role of executive producer on the album. With this title, she had full reign over the song selections and led the album to worldwide success.
6. Footloose
The original version of Footloose collected some of the best music of the ‘80s. What good is a dance movie without good music? Of the nine songs on the album, six reached the Top 40 the year of its release. The soundtrack was also certified platinum nine times in the U.S.
5. Pretty In Pink
The ‘80s were notorious for great music that still holds influence today, as were movies produced during the decade. Pretty In Pink has been noted by Rolling Stone and The Huffington Post for its stellar soundtrack. Like many other John Hughes films, the soundtrack contains songs from the more pop/new wave aspect of the ‘80s. Every film by the director has placed heavy emphasis on incorporating music into the plot.
4. Garden State
Zach Braff, popular for his acting on the TV show Scrubs and other films, wrote and directed the 2004 groundbreaking film Garden State. Another role of his was choosing the soundtrack. Because the film directly related to his life, selecting the songs was more personal to him. As a result, the album won a Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Pictures, Television, or Other Visual Media.
3. Pulp Fiction
What iconic ‘90s movie would be complete without capturing the changing rock genre at the time? Pulp Fiction managed to encapsulate the emerging and returning rock sounds during the early ‘90s, emphasizing the surf rock genre. The soundtrack has sold over two million copies since its release in 1994.
2. Saturday Night Fever
While John Travolta showed off his vocal abilities in Grease, his performance in Saturday Night Fever was purely acting. The true stars of this soundtrack were the Bee Gees, who lifted the album to critical acclaim. The soundtrack is the only disco album to earn a Grammy for Album of the Year.
1. O, Brother, Where Art Thou
The soundtrack to O, Brother, Where Art Thou proved the importance of music’s role in appropriating the setting. The film is set in Mississippi during the Great Depression, and the soundtrack effectively captures the time through the use of folk, country, and bluegrass music. There was so much emphasis placed on the music that the album was compiled before filming even began.
15 Songs Essential to Your Workout Playlist
The perfect song can elevate your mood to a whole new level. There is a reason Zumba and other dance aerobics classes are successful. Music has the effect of reducing how much you think about exercising and the ability to increase your endurance. For those who don’t exactly enjoy making a trip to the gym, music can offer some assistance. While there are different genres better suited for specific exercise methods, this playlist offers a collection suited for anyone. Listen below!
15. Fall Out Boy – “Centuries”
Fall Out Boy’s latest release, “Centuries,” has to be included in any workout. The beat is driving, and the lyrics are inspiring.
14. Bleachers – “I Wanna Get Better”
Newcomers to the alternative scene, Bleachers released one of the best songs of the year called “I Wanna Get Better.” It’s incredibly motivating without being slow or boring.
13. New Politics – “Harlem”
“Harlem” is one of New Politics biggest hits. It must have been made specifically for gym-goers (probably not).
12. The Beastie Boys – “Sabotage”
The Beastie Boys created some of the best rap music of all time. “Sabotage” is one of their most iconic and definite to increase your motivation.
11. M.I.A. – “Paper Planes”
“Paper Planes” by M.I.A. is one of the best hip-hop songs of all time and definitely fun to exercise to. Just be careful not to make the hand signals while working out, as to avoid falling off a machine.
10. The White Stripes – “Icky Thump” and “Seven Nation Army”
The White Stripes are famous for their rocking guitar riffs and thumping drum kicks, so it’s no secret their music is perfect for exercise. I would recommend their entire discography, but ultimately, their hit singles like “Seven Nation Army” and “Icky Thump” are ideal.
9. The Ting Tings – “Shut Up and Let Me Go”
A forgotten gem from years past is “Shut Up and Let Me Go” by The Ting Tings. If listened to one too many times, it can be extremely obnoxious. But just the right amount and you’ll fall in love.
8. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – “Can’t Hold Us”
“Can’t Hold Us” is one of the many hits by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. I would recommend the entire Heist album to exercise to, but if you don’t have the patience, this is the best.
7. Eminem – “Till I Collapse”
Eminem is notorious for his powerful and mostly inspirational lyrics. “’Till I Collapse” is one of many that can be used for motivation.
6. Drake – “0-100”
Although Drake’s latest single “0-100/The Catch-Up” was released in July, it’s now beginning to climb up the charts. The single contains the classic elements of a rap song and offers a less emotional feel, as opposed to many of the artist’s songs.
5. OneRepublic – “Love Runs Out”
OneRepublic is making a comeback with their pop-infused alternative. Their latest release “Love Runs Out” is catchy and fun, providing a nice break from their breakthrough slower hits.
4. Queen – “Don’t Stop Me Now”
Another classic that can’t be forgotten is “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen. Really any song by Queen is motivation to exercise, but this hit is perfect for a workout playlist.
3. Bruce Springsteen – “Born to Run”
“Born to Run” is a classic, guaranteed to induce nostalgia and distract from the effort put into your workout. With the heavy instrumentals, the song is incredibly powerful and inspiring.
2. Imagine Dragons – “Radioactive – Grouplove and Captain Cuts Remix”
The remix for Imagine Dragon’s most popular song “Radioactive” offers a change of pace for those tired of the original. The remix features an enthusiastic verse by Kendrick Lamar, which is sure to transform your most likely unenthusiastic attitude.
1. Taylor Swift – “Shake It Off”
“Shake It Off” is essential to a good workout. One of the biggest songs of the year, it contains a sick. beat. that can make anyone get up off the couch and onto the treadmill.
Top 10 Country Covers of Rock Songs
Anyone can recreate a popular song. It takes a courageous artist to take on another’s work, especially an artist in an entirely different genre. Covers aren’t made necessarily to be better than the original, just to take that original to a new level or interpret them in a new way. Country artists are famous for venturing into the rock genre to recreate famous songs in their own image. We’ve compiled a list of our top 10 favorite country covers of rock songs.
10. Johnny Cash – “Hurt”
“Hurt” was a song belonging to Nine Inch Nails until Johnny Cash covered it as one of the last releases before his death in 2003. With the music video consisting of images from Cash’s life, it is one of the most moving and powerful covers of all time.
9. The Dixie Chicks – “Landslide”
The Dixie Chicks’ entire career was built on venturing to new heights country artists rarely visited. “Landslide” was originally performed by Fleetwood Mac, but the country trio took this five-part song and transformed it into something just as powerful with fewer members.
8. Faith Hill – “Piece of My Heart”
It’s not easy to cover a rock legend such as Janis Joplin, but Faith Hill took a swing at “Piece of My Heart.” Her version gives the song a softer, more fun-loving tone.
7. Garth Brooks – “To Make You Feel My Love”
Many artists have covered Bob Dylan songs, but few have been able to capture the raw emotion his songs encapsulate. Garth Brooks covered Dylan’s “To Make You Feel My Love.” Brooks’ emotion is easily heard through the chords of this famous song.
6. Travis Tritt – “Take It Easy”
Travis Tritt took on the Eagles’ “Take It Easy” for a tribute album honoring the band. He released the song as a single, which favored well among the country music charts.
5. Dolly Parton – “Stairway to Heaven”
Led Zeppelin is not a band country artists would regularly cover; even some rock bands shy away from the high standards the band has set. Dolly Parton covered one of the most iconic songs of all time, “Stairway to Heaven.” Parton’s version involves an acoustic take, her voice haunting listeners with each powerful note. Robert Plant, lead singer of Led Zeppelin, even expressed his praise for her version of the song.
4. Conway Twitty – “Slow Hand”
Conway Twitty is one of the most iconic artists in country music, constantly being referenced even in modern country songs. It is no surprise he would be capable of covering a female song and completely revamping it in order to relate to another gender. The Pointer Sisters made “Slow Hand” famous in 1981. Twitty covered the song a year later and topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles.
3. Tim McGraw- “Tiny Dancer”
It may be difficult to imagine Tim McGraw taking on a song by the infamous Elton John. Upon hearing the beginning of McGraw’s cover of “Tiny Dancer”, it is clear this song is capable of sounding beautiful in any genre, even McGraw’s falsetto at the chorus is spot on.
2. Dwight Yoakam – “Little Sister”
Dwight Yoakam has been making music since the early ‘80s. With his many accomplishments, Yoakam felt brave enough to cover Elvis Presley’s “Little Sister.” While Presley can be appreciated across many genres, Yoakam is usually only associated with country music. Despite him and Presley sharing some of the same dance moves, Yoakam adds his own flair and signature voice.
1. Justin Moore – “Home Sweet Home”
A Mötley Crüe tribute album was created this year, featuring country artists putting their own spin on songs made famous by the band. Justin Moore took on the song “Home Sweet Home” and even released it as a single. With the help of Mötley Crüe’s lead vocalist, Moore recreates the powerful song with his southern twang. The cover works to his advantage, being one of the few on the album to have a considerable number of positive reviews.
The 10 Best Albums of 2014 (So Far)
This year has brought some of the best, most unique music heard in a while. Across all genres, new and established artists have devoted themselves wholeheartedly to their craft. Many are making a return to music after a break of multiple years. For many artists, it has paid off as 2014 has been a year for some of the best albums of the 2000’s. There have also been many brand new artists who’ve achieved substantial popularity and No. 1 singles with their debut albums
10. Hozier – Hozier
A newcomer to music, Hozier released his debut album this year. His self-titled album is incredibly intimate and personal, filled with emotional depth. The album is everything an artist’s debut could hope to achieve.
9. Conor Oberst – Upside Down Mountain
This year produced some of the best in songwriting, apparent on Conor Oberst’s Upside Down Mountain. The Bright Eyes front man is still fairly new to the solo scene, but has no problem finding his niche, even though his last album was released two years ago.
8. Miranda Lambert – Platinum
Miranda Lambert released the album Platinum this year, titled for her expectation of its success. Containing some of the best songs of her career, the album emphasizes how honest her songs can be. From sassy songs like “Little Red Wagon” to nostalgia-filled “Automatic,” the concepts on her album are vast and relatable.
7. The Black Keys – Turn Blue
Returning from a three-year break between albums, The Black Keys decided to explore their psychedelic side with their eighth album Turn Blue. While the sound of this album strays from their well-established hard rock, bluesy style, the change of pace was generally welcomed among fans. Critics have even noted the album as the duo’s best yet.
6. Mac DeMarco – Salad Days
Mac DeMarco graced us with another album this year, just his second to date. Salad Days favored well among the rock and independent charts, as well as the Billboard 200. The album contains somewhat odd beats and lyrics that are weirdly calming and interesting.
5. Eric Church – The Outsiders
The Outsiders has proved to be Eric Church’s most experimental album to date. The country artist opts for more rock-influenced music, instead of the incessant “hick-hop” that has proven popular over the past year.
4. Jack White – Lazaretto
There is never enough music by Jack White. His second solo album Lazaretto was released earlier this year, nearly two years after his first solo release. Despite his ever-present role in the music industry, his music is just as enthusiastic and creative as when he got his start in 1990.
3. Hurray for the Riff Raff – Small Town Heroes
The trend of simplicity reached the album Small Town Heroes by Hurray for the Riff Raff. The album shows how acoustic sounds can prove beneficial in an age of technology-ridden music. Hurray for Riff Raff sets simple lyrics to simple music and the result is a much more appreciated style of music.
2. Beck – Morning Phase
This year welcomed Beck back with open arms. He released the mystical Morning Phase, his first album since 2008. The lyrics are saturated with truth and simplicity. The album itself is incredibly personal and well worth the wait.
1. St. Vincent – St. Vincent
One of the most talked about albums of the year belongs to St. Vincent. Her self-titled album was her fourth solo album and has topped nearly every chart available in the music industry. Rolling Stone claims her album is “her best set of songs to date, with wry, twisty beats pushing her lovable ornery melodies toward grueling revelations.”
10 Best White Stripes Songs of All Time
The White Stripes was one of the most successful duos of all time. Jack and Meg White were married before their combined musical career took off and stayed together until 2010. The duo attracted listeners of alternative, blues, classic rock, and everything in between. With their mind-blowing instrumental capabilities, they created the music of a multi-person band with only two people. With the addition of their unique lyrics, the songs they created were contagious and are remembered as some of the best songs of all time. Everything they touched was gold until their break-up in 2011. Even though the duo is not currently active in the music industry, the mention of their name can still spark a conversation.
On August 25th, XL Recordings released Pay Close Attention, a compilation album and box set documenting the label’s 25 year history, which features TWS’s hit “Seven Nation Army.” XL has also launched an interactive website with a timeline, photos, videos, and interviews from their archives, including three video interviews of Michel Gondry discussing “Fell In Love With A Girl” and “The Hardest Button to Button.”
In honor of this awesome website that we’ve been stalking, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best White Stripes songs of all time. Enjoy.
1. “Seven Nation Army”
“Seven Nation Army” off of Elephant is an automatic choice for one of the White Stripes best songs. With a Grammy and a spot on Rolling Stone’s Greatest Songs of All Time list, this is the duo’s biggest hit.
2. “The Denial Twist”
The 2005 album Get Behind Me Satan introduced piano melodies to the duo’s music, providing a new take on their previously punk-infused sound. “The Denial Twist” is one of the many notable songs from this album. The song highlights how being unfaithful can go deeper than just outward actions.
3. “Apple Blossom”
De Stijl‘s “Apple Blossom” has been praised for its simplicity, which is especially valid as it was recorded in the lead vocalist’s living room. Jack sings “Lots of girls walk around in tears/But that’s not for you/You’ve been looking all around for years/For someone to tell your troubles to.”
4. “In the Cold, Cold Night”
There are very few White Stripes songs that feature Meg on vocals. “In the Cold, Cold Night” off of 2003’s Elephant is one of these songs, and it’s a wonder why she didn’t sing more often. Her voices tranquility shines through especially in this song while only being accompanied by a guitar.
5. “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground”
“Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground” off of 2001’s White Blood Cells offers a raw, garage rock sound that sets the premise for the duo’s third album. This was the first album of theirs which featured all original material and no covers.
6. “The Big Three Killed My Baby”
A lesser known song, “The Big Three Killed My Baby” off of their debut self-titled studio album, is one of the most underrated White Stripes songs and only one of two political songs the duo ever released. In true punk fashion, the song takes a rebellious stance against Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors.
7. “We’re Going to be Friends”
Upon hearing “We’re Going to be Friends” from White Blood Cells, listeners were surprised at the mellow feel of the song that contained no electric guitar. The song has been featured on numerous soundtracks and is one of the duo’s most meaningful.
8. “You Don’t Know What Love Is (You Just Do as You’re Told)”
The White Stripes’ final studio album, Icky Thump, offered a return to their heavy rock style. “You Don’t Know What Love Is (You Just Do as You’re Told)” was one of the singles released off the album. The song encapsulates the deep meaning of Jack’s authentic lyrics and shows off both members’ musical talents.
9. “Fell in Love With a Girl”
“Fell in Love With a Girl” is one of the duo’s top hits. While the title may lead to the assumption of a romantic ballad, the song itself offers something completely different. Instead of sappy lyrics, Jack chants, “Fell in love with a girl/I fell in love once and almost completely/She’s in love with the world/Sometimes these feelings can be so misleading.”
10. “Icky Thump”
“Icky Thump” was the title track and first single released from their final studio album. This song is the second of the only two political songs the duo released. The song revolves around immigration policy and won a Grammy in 2008 for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
Weekly Playlist: Best of the Web
In an age where the Internet reigns supreme, musicians are getting more and more comfortable garnering success via views and followers. When I think about online artists, one thing comes to mind: YouTube. YouTube musicians are in a league of their own, holding some of the biggest and most passionate followings in the music community. This playlist gathers up the best of the web, musicians and artists from YouTube who are using their view counts to make it big. These artists range in age from teen to full blown adult, and range in genre from rap to a cappella. Check out the best of the web and see why YouTube musicians are the next big thing in music, and hopefully you’ll find a new favorite.
Weekly Playlist: The Only Single Person at the Wedding
The Only Single Person at the Wedding
You know it’s coming. You love your friend and (hopefully) their long-term partner. You – along with the rest of Facebook – saw the engagement ring photos, which will remain on the top of your feed for the next month while every single person they know insists on posting a comment of heart emojis. You avoid your mailbox like the plague, but there’s no denying it. Sooner or later, you are going to have to open your invitation and send back an RSVP with the plus one box unchecked.
Whether you’ve just ended a relationship or have been splendidly single for a while now, there’s just something about weddings that magnify everyone’s relationship status, and being single at one is like having the plague. Here’s the playlist to help you circumvent the wave of pity that’s coming your way. Let’s just hope you don’t get seated at the kid’s table.
Weekly Playlist: Fourth of July
Fourth of July Playlist
In middle school, I remember learning about the founding fathers and the Revolutionary War and thinking, “wow, this is completely irrelevant to my life.” These men shaped the America we have today and all, but I could probably recite the chapters of those American History textbooks by heart. Sure, I understand the obvious implications of their existence, and I am thankful for my oh-so American freedoms, but I never quite understood why the education system felt the need to drill that information into my head year after year. However, on sweltering Georgia days like today, I am thankful for the great American holiday at my patriotic fingertips, the Fourth of July.
Thankfully, the World Cup has re-instilled within we humble Americans a sense of patriotism that was previously buried below the tricky political landscape of the US. Enjoy our rare and predictably short-lived camaraderie this week, and go hard for the Fourth.
Here’s to barbecues, beach days, and the family and friend time that comes with the holiday that has for so long marked the mid-point of summertime life. We’ve created a playlist that will let you unwind, as well as celebrate the little things in life.
Take this playlist to the beach, to the BBQ, or to your cozy dark room and bask in your American independence. And if you’re not American, well, we’ll let it slide this time.
Weekly Playlist: Payday
Payday Playlist
That holiest of holy days is here. After days, weeks even, of six-hour longs shifts full of bratty kids, picky customers and the constant smell of grease, you finally have that thin white envelope that keeps your lights on, the water running and hopefully buys you a couple of cans of cheap beer at Flicker Bar.
This recyclable holy grail for service industry workers (or workers at any other job that involves customer service…or pretty much any job…ever) brings such joy, it deserves it’s own playlist.
Now you better cash that check before your boss realizes that you haven’t washed out the tea dispenser in over a month.