I went for a 3 hour walk with trainers that seemed to shrink the longer I wore them....bad times. I'm sure tomorrow the pain will be even worse. Anywho, it's that that time again: Free For All Friday. Go nuts! Or Don't! You're free to do what you want to do! You've got to live your life, Do what you want to do....
If you don't know the score, here be the rules:
- Try not to get too perverted-this site still needs to basically be "safe for work".
- If somebody starts a controversial subject, try keeping it civil when dealing with it. If things get out of hand please flag the conversation.
- It would be nice if it stuck to music, but it's not a requirement! So talk about news, current events, how you're getting your hair done next time you hit the hairdresser! Whateves, really!
- No nasty comments aimed at other users.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZJIO80Pvx8 The Gif is from this video. Warning: watching it may induce an explosion of glitter and rainbows!
ReplyDeleteAnd for the dog lovers we have this one. It has the added bonus of having the Murder She Wrote theme playing! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg1fJlrIQGU
ReplyDeleteMy cover of Whitney Houston's "I Look To You". I decided to do this in memory of her passing, two years ago; she will forever remain an inspiration to me and I hope that whomever decides to listen enjoys it as much as I did singing it. Thank you.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poPeeOfzs_I&list=UU12a_GcOKbw7oLze2IKvT8Q&feature=c4-overview
any women on this site want to give me a bj?
ReplyDeletewho deleated my post? not cool my nikka! a need cex!!!
ReplyDeletefuck this gay ass website, keep deleatin my comments an shit!!!, this sites full of gay niggas anyway!!!
ReplyDeleteOne of Melissa Etheridge biggest hits and what I would call great live performance. Followed by Dolly Parton's cover. Dolly has a surprising power I think.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRc6ph5yG7M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxCY5sv5V54
I've got a question for the people here. If you had to form your own "vocal trinity", which singers would you choose? I have a hard time deciding, but I guess mine would be (not ordered):
ReplyDeleteChristina Aguilera (Yeah, despite her technique) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAfyFTzZDMM
Demi Lovato http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FopQ3w_iPh4
Amy Lee http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUCe3j9d8Lc
I'd say 2/3's of your taste are rather questionable :P
ReplyDeleteI don't think today's singers are up to standards of singers from 20 years ago...
But right now in the world, based on actual vocal ability instead of potential or "nice tone"; Vanessa Amorosi, SoHyang, Monica Naranjo, Beyonce, Shoshana Bean, Megan Hilty, Lady Gaga. Tarja Turunen, Floor Jansen (Nightwish). Can't mention just 3.
Yeah, I know Christina is highly debatable to say the least. The other 1/3.. TBH I don't really know which one you refer, both of them are questionable as well haha
ReplyDeleteBut I actually meant based on not only (but not excluding, of course) vocal ability, but subjective beauty of the tone and emotional connection. I know it's a subjective matter, but that's I say "your own vocal trinity".
BTW, I think you'll like this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oq7mryVuE4Q&list=UUkQRRG2JI2SdHOLV32Iig1Q&feature=c4-overview
I love your musical tastes by the way Opie. : - D
ReplyDeleteAnother Female artist of whom I adore is Ms. Linda Ronstadt. I think she is an incredible artist, musician & vocalist. I have been listening to her ICONIC 'Simple Dreams' album all day and my, all-time, favorite songs of hers would have be her & Dolly Parton's rendition of "I Never Will Marry". - Gorgeous phrasing & intonation by the both of them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUWcbSWIt94
So in the past it's been Whitney, Celine, and Mariah. Obviously rest in peace Whitney, Celine's golden age is kiiiinda over. But I feel like Mariah still has some fight left in her.
ReplyDeleteSo I would keep Mariah in, still. (Although she's kinda pushing it). And I'll add Beyonce, because she's just up there for me. And probably Pink, she's one to put on good shows with unwavering quality.
For understudies, I'd probably put Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson, Jojo, maybe Jessie J or Jordin Sparks on a good day.
Personally speaking, in Popular music...
ReplyDeleteTraditional (Female):
1) Whitney Houston
2) Barbra Streisand
3) Aretha Franklin
Modern (Female):
1) Beyonce'
2) Kelly Clarkson
3) Jennifer Hudson
Also, let us not forget our incredible "MALE" counterparts; Tenors & Baritones especially. Who would say is yours?
Tamar Braxton
ReplyDeleteSoHyang
Mariah Carey
I have a hard trouble choosing between males because they're what I mostly listen to, but if I was forced to choose I guess it'd be:
ReplyDeletePierre Bouvier, from Simple Plan (Much more because of emotional connection rather than vocals): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp9rpC6Yt1A
Billy Joel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBbo0slWMW4
Alejandro Manzano, from Boyce Avenue http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzC2-GJu1Q8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdcHyldwI6I So. Much. Melisma. Particularly at 1:50. It's inhuman really.
ReplyDeleteThe only songs in which I felt that Mariah demonstrated her use of Melisma in an 'emotional & reasonable manner' would have to be on her songs "Butterfly, Lead The Way, Vision of Love, Make It Happen & Through The Rain". Other than that, her excessive use of it (particularly on this song) just becomes so daunting at times, this song references that in particular. Whenever I listen to her 'Daydream' album, I tend to bypass this song everytime. I have never TRULY considered her runs/riffs to be soulful also, as opposed to Whitney's, Aretha's, Gladys' etc. for some peculiar reason. However, her voice is very loose & flexible and so I don't even think she can actually help it. LOL. She is still, overall, a legendary vocalist though.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stcdNj0SANw
This girl has a voice. Her belts can become shrill though, but dang!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwVwFNUD6eo
I've come to appreciate Aloe Blacc's voice more and more as each day passes. He is a very fine 'Lyric Baritone', though underdeveloped - but knows how to use it accordingly; I like his Folk/Blues- influenced phrasing and tonal quality. He is also a talented multi-instrumentalist. However, is it just me or does he sound like the exact 'Male' counterpart to Tracy Chapman? Their voices are, more or less, interchangeable to say the least.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MiAQVJH0rQ
I have several
ReplyDeleteFemale (no order)
--Jojo
--Tori Kelly
--Tiffany Evans
--Hayley Williams
--Demi Lovato
--Christina Grimmie
--Lorde
--Lana del Ray
--Adele
The Untouchables
--Mariah Carey
--Whitney Houston
--Arethra
Male (just because I can hehe)
--Frank Ocean
--Travis Garland / Miguel
--The Weeknd
I agree with your choices. I only ever tend to listen to Male singers/vocalists and when they're Female, it's only the ones of which I love i.e: Whitney, Mariah, Aretha etc.
ReplyDeleteI love Billy Joel by the way...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJWM5FmZyqU
Now that was an audition !
ReplyDeleteYeah it was! She's improved a lot from starting on YouTube
ReplyDeleteHer voice is still somewhat shrill but her sense of dynamics is amazing
ReplyDeleteOh it's gratuitous. I got used to it though. I think it's emotional imo :).
ReplyDeleteAnd yes her voice is extremely flexible. It works well on this song imo. Just think, she wields her voice effortlessly on this track with all those runs. She is truly "Free" on this song. I wonder if that's why she sang the lyrics with all that melisma.
I have always found Bjork to be a very interesting individual but in the past I was more of a casual fan. Recently I have bought a few of her albums and now I can honestly say I have become a huge fan. Her voice is so powerful and can perfectly convey the message that she is trying to get across with the particular song she is singing. Her artistic vision is so wonderful and her songwriting is quite unique in that it only really works for her. While I do appreciate all the songs on her albums, there are usually a few that stand out to me over the others. The first album of hers that I bought was Volta and the song that speaks to me the most is Wanderlust. The video is stunning but the message behind the song is something I can strangely relate to in an immense way. The idea of leaving the place where you were brought up because you disagree with it's social components and searching for a place that will understand you is very appealing to me as I imagine it would be to many people. Anyone else out there know what I'm saying? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyhMzQXLFEU
ReplyDeleteI agree. If you really want to see someone who understands how to use their voice, check out this girl. Her cover is so refreshing.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s29CTkpbXy4
In response to your 'Male' singers, my choices vary (in no particular order)... :-D
ReplyDelete20th Century:
1) Sammy Davis Jr.
2) Frank Sinatra
3) Billy Eckstine
---
1) Jackie Wilson
2) Peabo Bryson
3) Luther Vandross
Today:
1) Josh Groban
2) John Legend
3) Anthony Hamilton
Thanks Devonte. I guess it's a little less today's divas and a little more Country/Americana than most people here their taste.
ReplyDeleteBut have to admit...I never understood why Linda Rondstadt get's rated so high. So many better singers in Country's history than her imo.
But to be fair, that thought is mostly a result of hearing her sing Blue Bayou live compared to Suzanne Cox.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sbx_X9Ahf_Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDP3lfpr8do
Okay... so Christina Aguilera is coming to my country to perform (WOOTS!) Can't wait. *dying*
ReplyDeleteI've also watched Avril Lavigne live. Mariah and Whitney came when I was a child. DANG!
Why don't you guys share whose shows you went and your thoughts on the concert? (Tour dates or short setlist of songs only; otherwise I don't really think it's a "show")
In no particular order,if i HAD to pick just three ...Patsy Cline, Barbra Streisand, Alison Krauss
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VxyTQnDfDk&index=4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyeP_WnPhyU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ul3fPdeGYw
I can't believe I don't have any Melissa Etheridge on my playlist.
ReplyDeleteAwesome list :D
ReplyDeleteI had to put John Legend, Luther and Sinatra in a league of their own. I've heard a few Sammy songs, but I never knew him too well to actually add him to my list haha. I'm only 15, so I'm not to up to date with old school R&B / music (oxymoron right there), I'm more of a mainstream / last 10-15 years kind of person..unless it comes to Rap. Then I know a TON!
Hard to answer cause I have quite a few depending on what kind of vocal styling or artistic vision I am going for. Here is one of that that revolves around female singers with dynamic voices who aren't afraid to show their more kooky/artistic sides. Those people would be: Bjork
ReplyDeleteMarina Diamandis
Florence Welch
You're welcome. Yes, I see what you mean in regards to Linda Ronstadt. She is extremely OVER-RATED by the music media/industry, primarily by 'Rolling Stone' Magazine etc. and other such sources. I think it's largely to do with her perpetual image/sound changes throughout her career and her artistic versatility of which I respect to an extent. However, I ONLY ever listen to her 1970's output, more or less, and 'Simple Dreams' is a wonderful album to say the least.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, this is my all-time favourite Melissa performance. INCREDIBLE. :-D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuC2YJdiVng
As for males...Frank Sinatra, Darrell Scott, Neil Diamond and Julio Iglesias with an honorary mention of John Denver.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2-vSsHl3JI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wYpVy9W29M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mfEJa7ydCQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KzktQh6wvo
Well, in that case,here's a playlist to start you off :-)
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDA498E79C397DA0F
So, after going back and re-watching some of the Xfactor performances, I finally realized how good Lillie really is. I mean, this woman pretty much has it all (although she can work on her head voice), but her belts are clean and playful and her lows are strong.
ReplyDeleteHer range on the show was D3 - Eb5 - C5, but she definitely can belt higher and sing higher in general than a measly Eb5. Her Summertime performance was amazing.
I whipped this up in a few hours. The F3 in "A House is not a Home" (wink wink Luther Vandross Devonte XD) is so refreshing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6tTOlyZ4JM&feature=youtu.be
Yes, nobody alive who can sing Janis Joplin songs the way Melissa can. :-)
ReplyDeleteI really can get enough of this cover. I wish Cyrus did Lilac Wine as her acoustic cover for the bangerz tour http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFZsunzjDXU
ReplyDeleteOh. Okay, I see where you're coming from now. Well, I'm only 21 however, I can honestly say that I've been exposed to almost every musical genre there is - primarily because of my Dad of whom is a University music teacher & multi-instrumentalist.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I cannot forget the incomparable Freddie.
By the way, speaking of Mr. Mercury - do you actually believe that he was a 'Lyric- Tenor'? I don't as that tends to be the common misconcepion. I know he had a very raspy texture and so, at times, that quality of voice can be bemusing to the ear but the Man often wrote/sang songs within a Baritone's tessitura [a Lyric- Baritones tessitura] and his last, comfortable, full- chest note was always that of a B4; he would mix heavily on anything above that to which he'd peak at D5 - in his prime anyway, pre- 1984. There is a chance he could have been a rare Baritenor though. Thoughts? ;-)
She finds real serenity and gentleness in her lower belts and register. Very, VERY good cover. Sometimes, I wish this miley. I thought a mix of this and the Miley from "Can't Be Tamed" was perfect for me.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks...now you have this cover stuck in my head :P
So far I've seen:
ReplyDelete-Beyonce (Great show, excellent visuals, vocals, and energy. It was truly an experience)
-FUN (Nate was really energetic, and pretty solid vocally. This was a few years before they blew up with "We Are Young")
-Paramore (3x) (Great show, good energy, and I got all of them to sign my cast)
-Lady Gaga (Good show, loads of backtrack use. Her fans were very rude though, one pushed me for "blocking their view" ((I'm 6'2", not much I can do..)) and tried to fight me, while I'm in a cast)
-Relient K (Cute songs, but I wasn't feeling it)
-Kid Cudi (zzzzzz)
-Luke James (Reaaaally shouty, but he has the best headvoice I've heard on a male)
-Tegan and Sara (Really down to earth, really funny moments with the audience)
-Kadawatha (Interesting... MIssed most of his act. He didn't really interact with the crowd, possibly because he was a very new act that was/is virtually unknown)
-New Found Glory (Didn't like the music, but they were super friendly ((met them, got their autographs, they signed my cast, and took some photos)), had great crowd interactions)
=Linkin Park (ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ)
-Sara Bareilles (Great show, great vocals, witty banter, really funny, spitfire girl)
Most of these acts were performing at the same show.
I was particularly impressed with Miley's cover because imo it actually can stand next to what to me is the ultimate rendition of Lilac Wine...
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0RfTsZvk4M
I see Freddie as more of a higher baritone than anything. His lows are definitely baritone like and he's able to keep resonance down to a G2, and even hit a few F2s on occasion and hummed an E2 in an interview. I mean, the man did have a voice, but his highest belt is an F5 which can easily be mixed my any intermediate singer.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing that really gets to me is how he managed to phrase in the sixth octave. Most baritones can't reach the high soprano notes and he was able to phrase there efficiently, and even exhibited a few impromptu whistles..
Considering that he can also belt a B4 without using a heady mix shows tenor like quality. I'm a lyric baritone, and anything above G#4 I really struggle with -- but it wasn't the case with Freddie. Going off his nice lower range and heavy mixing, I would say he's a higher baritone, but I could be wrong. I'm going to go ahead and assume most people in the 70s-80s regarded male singers higher if they could reach female-caliber notes. :P
Yes, definitely. I think we've both come to agree that he was, indefinitely, a Lyric Baritone albeit a Higher set one, intermediate of a Full- Lyric and a Light- Lyric, with an extended top range and falsetto. Also, I agree, his mixing ability was incredible; I'm a Kavalier (Spinto) Baritone and struggle with any above G4 that's not in falseto.
ReplyDeleteI was watching a documentary about Freddie on YouTube and found out that he, too, had nodules but had learnt to sing through them. I think this answers our question of how he was able to balance such a strong mix within the 5th octave and phrase 6th octave notes via. falsetto etc. However, much like Mariah, eventually the nodules worsened/hardened and his vocal decline began to show by the mid/late- 80's. Even Roger Taylor had said that voice has receded so much by the late-80's that he use to cough up blood, at times, when reaching for certain notes.
Have you ever noticed that Freddie often lowered the key of certain songs by, at least, a note & a semitone or so whenever he'd perform them live? His voice was amazing in a very peculiar way.
Yeah. Even though he doesn't have a similar color to his voice as Brendon Urie, they have the same case. Brendon is able to actually belt fifth octave notes without a head dominant mix (see This Is Gospel) but can also reach those A2s/G2s easily live...it's weird.
ReplyDeleteI never knew about the whole nodules case...in fact, embarrasingly, I didn't know MC had nodules herself. Did she get them removed by any chance?
Anyway, back to Mercury. I've read a few articles on line that him, and along with other rockers such as Steven Tyler, coughed up blood because of the amount of pressure they were putting on their voice. Albeit, Tyler was more due to his excessive smoking and Freddie had a health condition, but it could also be because of their high fifth octave belts as well.
Overall, that does sound right. Arguably, Mercury was the male Mariah of the time but alas his health got to the best of him.
I also haven't noticed. Granted, I haven't listened to too many live shows of Queen or Freddie. Is that because he couldn't hit the notes or because he was more comfortable with a lower tessitura?
Yeah, I agree. His voice was something else.
You are talking my language! More often lately, I find myself turning to British musicians lately, old (very old) and newer ones. The Swedish producer invasion of American music is so disheartening, pop music is becoming more formulaic than ever. There's a few good ones here and there but, I'm watching commercialism devour the true purpose and meaning of making music. I know I seem really dramatic here, but, it's really depressing to know that Rebecca Blacks are so easily able to be considered "singers". That's enough depressing crap though. The bright side of this is that I'm discovering more and more music in countless different styles from the UK. Kate Bush is one of my newest favorites, her diversity in vocal styling and incredible ability to write lyrics from so many different perspectives is captivating to me (i.e. an unborn fetus in "Breathing"). Amend her unabashed determination to take on controversial things like incest, homosexual relationships in the Middle East (back in the 70's at that) and a frank openness about sexual pleasures. And I should stop typing, I guess.
ReplyDeleteI think of the male artists you listed Travis Garland is the weakest musically/ lyrically, BUT I do love this song by him: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2-jx2BdBME
ReplyDeleteIt didn't even take much consideration for me, after only hearing one of this woman's songs, I knew she was the best vocalist in the history of the oral language. Everything about her voice is perfect, and even as she is approaching 80 years old, her voice has seemingly never aged. I really do not think anybody can find a fault in her voice. Even still though, the Queen's tenure just barely surpasses hers in show business. By now, you've probably figured out I'm talking about...
ReplyDeleteDame Shirley Veronica Bassey! The one and only
By the way, I'm 17, most people I go to school with have never even heard of her name, and have nothing but indistinguishable rap with the same damn thing for 3-4 minutes and then another song exactly the same on their iPods. Good music is a dying taste, I'm afraid. Why do I always somehow end up in a rant and/or moaning fest?
That's what I always loved about him. Him being a Baritone and to be able to belt that high with the ease despite nodes? That's a testament to his voice and for that I always condier him one of the all time greatest Baritone vocalists.
ReplyDeleteHe definitely is the weakest out of all of them, but still should be in the trinity with them :3. Never heard this song, but I do love Where To Land and Motel Pool -- my favorite songs by him.
ReplyDeleteLyrically, Frank Ocean would have to be number one without a doubt, but Garland takes second.
Alright, so every two weeks or so lately, I've been discovering a new artist and looking up titles that I connect with. This is a relatively new thing, but I really like expanding my playlist. So it started with Kate Bush around New Years after hearing "Babooshka" and getting it stuck in my head. I'm currently at ten KB songs now, but from there it evolved into Björk after seeing that she cited "The Dreaming" as one of her favorite albums. Then I expanded on the electronica feel after searching for Björk's "Crystalline" when I encountered "Crystalline Green" by Goldfrapp. I looked up on a top tens website how people ranked Goldfrapp's best songs. The title "Utopia" struck interest in me and that led into my current trend which remains Goldfrapp. Now, I'm looking to expand to a completely different style of music. As I've said on here before, I'm a musical chameleon and listen to almost any genre imaginable, but I currently am developing an interest in Yma Sumac, yeah, kind of outta nowhere. But ultimately what I am looking for are recommendations, I AM OPEN TO ALL SUGGESTIONS, ANY GENRE IS FINE. Chances are, I probably have some of the suggestions that might be given already, but I'm a curious person and always open to new things, I-ve been waiting for this free for all post all week!
ReplyDeleteReally? I prefer Miguel to Travis Garland. I don't like the weeknd, but I think he's better lyrically as well. I mean he's a bit of a one trick pony though. I wouldn't consider any of them exceptional songwriters, except Frank Ocean. Vocally, I think Travis has Miguel beat. His control is much better, and he's better at executing melisma.
ReplyDeleteAmen
ReplyDeleteI honestly wish you wouldn't have stopped typing haha. I am in complete agreement with everything you said. A lot of my friends are stuck in their same old same old modern music and it is quite sad. I'm 18 but I feel my music tastes span a very wide range from very old stuff to certain new music and every genre you can imagine. Funny thing is that my friends have noted that I listen to a lot of British artists particularly female ones from various decades. I found that observation so humorous that I made a spotify playlist consisting solely of female Brits. Kate Bush is awesome and if only all new artists were more like her and other legendary ones. Luckily there are a few newer artists who have it, they may be small in number but they speak volumes. Hopefully they will be enough to keep music from dying.
ReplyDeleteYou sound a lot like Joshua Rogers, the 1st male winner of Sunday's Best. Similar tone and runs. And you have a beautiful falsetto. You've also got one of the BEST male mixes I've ever heard. It's not super heady, thank god. You've got an amazing voice.
ReplyDeleteI am strongly considering buying Biophilia, I've listened to every standard edition track and I like 7 of the 10 very much, tolerate 2 of them and 'Hollow' is just a dud for me. What do you think? I love the entire concept and commitment Björk made to it, but I also definitely prefer her vocals from Homogenic particularly "Bachelorette", "Jóga", "All Is Full of Love", and "Unravel". Do you think I should wait or just go for it? I'm a relatively new Björk fan.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very good question. I have heard all the songs on Biophilia and there are some I definitely prefer over others. Much of what you said I agree with. Biophilia is funny because Bjork always changes her sound to a certain extent with each of her albums. Biophilia reminds me of Vespertine in that certain songs like Moon recall that sensitive and soft side to her voice. I would say that if you like the majority of the album then go for it. If not you could buy or listen to some of her other works in order to get a sense for her various styles and see which ones you prefer. Like I said before listen to her album Vespertine because it does help Biophilia make more sense, at least it did for me. I would still say buy it though. :)
ReplyDeleteNah it's not dying. It's never been alive amongst 17 year olds in general. It, in most cases, takes time to develop taste.
ReplyDeleteYou were just early. ;-)
Shirley would have been in my list as well, if I didn't had to stick to three. Loved her since first time I heard her as well.
Ten songs is sooooo not enough to know Kate Bush. ;-)
ReplyDeleteIf you are looking for more UK music, you should check out the Transatlantic Sessions videos on youtube. Lots of Gaelic music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToRMTFIVg-M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPlhmYLxMFU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37Sb01tzv5c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJGaRb3WCT4
Speaking of male vocalists, know nothing else about this dude but I absolutely love his voice and this song...
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPsjH321vko
Interesting interpretation
ReplyDeleteFreddy Mercury was absolutely not a baritone. Pure, 100% lyric tenor. From vocal weight to tessitura to timbre.
ReplyDeleteI want to introduce you all to Caterina Valente, one of the greatest female pop vocalists of the 20th century, and one of the biggest pop stars of the 1950's. Here's a vocal range video showing well supported low chest tones as well as full head voice extension and great agility.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6g-wXmQ3aAg
And an incredible scat jazz performance by Caterina Valente that gives the great Ella Fitzgerald a run for her money when it comes to vocal agility. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4gWUMU9e2I
ReplyDeleteAnd a fantastic live performance with the magnificent Mina. This performance is text book definition of vocalist, using the voice with the virtuosity and control of an instrumentalist. Just amazing.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOXwHoMnm-M
Ten songs aren't anywhere near enough to get to know Kate Bush really. ;-)
ReplyDeleteAs for tips for UK music, may I advice checking out the Transatlantic videos on youtube. lot of Gaelic music. here are a few examples of two or three of my favorite voices I learned of through that show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJGaRb3WCT4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPlhmYLxMFU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2UZReQGNVI
Oh Dani, that was simply magical! Her and Lillie McCloud and Kelly were the main reasons why I watched the X Factor. I hate what Demi made of her, that was just horrible. She tried to make a little pop princess out of her, which she's clearly not and that's what makes her so special.
ReplyDeleteOh Freddie, he hummed down to a C#2 and it still didn't sound like pure vocal fry. His highest belt was indeed an F5, I think that's pretty damn good, because he maintained tone and it wasn't as stringy. Now to his whistle, he was able to whistle up to an A6, though the quality of his whistles decreased majorly at around F6. But what I love him for just as much as his voice were his skills on the piano.
ReplyDeleteI really tried not to go into stan mode, Queen is just my absolute most favourite band ever and playing in a musical with only Queen-songs (It's called "We Will Rock You") does not help reduce my idolatrous love for them.
I guessed two of them haha There was no chance that I guessed Patsy Cline, however, since I had never heard of her. Although I'm not a fan of Streisand, she really has an incredible interpretative ability, and I can't help but loving this song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dUaeiCCPAY (Dang, I couldn't find the scene u.u)
ReplyDeleteAbout Allison, you know I really like her tone. One of these days I'll go check her material, when I'm finished checking Foo Fighters' and Billy Joel's. BTW, I think you could like Boyce Avenue's covers. They have a similar feel to Allison's IMO, despite the fact that Alejandro belts a little more sometimes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyG3wkwKXro http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xC7B0pHllUE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SNCkrC2UCU
Oh. I think I understand now. That is the common misconception with Higher set- Tenors who actually do sing within their middle-voice in Popular music; it is quite rare to say the least. The reason why I considered him to be a 'Lyric Baritone', albeit underdeveloped - aside from him having a distinctive Tenoral quality in his upper register, if you watch many of his other live performances, he rarely sings above G#A4 (though that could be a pure stylistic choice. For all we know, he could easily belt out a C5/C#5 or higher) and his lower register does have a Baritonal quality. Thanks Primo. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI love Caterina Valente'. This is my, all-time, favourite performance of hers. Her & Ella together were simply divine and her scatting ability was sensational. Perry Como is a force also, another vocal inspiration of mine.
ReplyDeleteOh, how I adore Jazz/Traditional-Pop music with a passion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sbY2w8pTZ4
Okay Primo, you need to help me out here. The MAGNIFICENT Judy Garland; was she a "Full- Lyric- Contralto", with a metallic edge, or a "Full- Lyric Mezzo Soprano" with a much darker color & cavernous quality as well as a volume output/sound production that was indeed larger than a Lyric Mezzo but not as strong/ample as a Dramatic Mezzo; a "Spinto Mezzo Soprano" perhaps, if a sub-fach ever existed? Her lower register was glorious and she often felt the most comfortable belting between F4 - C5. I know she has a profile here but it's up for debate. Thanks.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYoc8h75KVM
EVANESCENCE!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWioxDzDUpc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJGpsL_XYQI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-07E8_0_6Ps
I want to suggest a little game I used to play in a non-music related forum. I post here a random song, someone listens to it, give his/her opinion on the song and posts another one, and it goes on and on. The idea is to find out new music, so if you are already familiar with the song, avoid posting. Anybody in? I post the first song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EDtnl_MhE0
ReplyDeleteIf you say Alison with two "l"s, I am going to think of another singer named Allison whom I like a lot Leith. it will get confusing.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LudEhqVbEBs
I suppose it wasn't that hard to guess. LOL Though there are a couple of other names which could easily have made my top 3. Because really, I don't have a top 3. more like a top8 or 9.
I mean one of those names could have been interchanged for Maria mcKee or Anouk or Ofra Haza or that Allison with two "l"s etc etc.
I checked out Boyce Avenue and I am afraid the similarity you see with Alison Krauss is not what attracts me in her voice and music. They are definitely not my kind of thing tbh.
Don't know if you saw my male list but I like a very different kind of male singer. :-)
I do too! I love jazz and pop songs from the 40's, 50's and 60's (up to 70's sometimes). One of my long term projects is one day recording an album of covers made famous by the greatest female vocalists of those decades, singing them in a masculine voice but using the range and flexibility they require. It will be very challenging, but perhaps in some years I will get around putting it together.
ReplyDeleteI adore Judy and have several albums by her...My favorites are the OST of "A star is born", "Judy at Carnegie Hall", "Miss Showbusiness, "Judy", "Alone", "Judy in love", etc.
ReplyDeleteI think she was a lyric contralto, though I don't think she ever had much of a range. I know at some point she had a G5 in head voice, but the low notes also were never super heavy, just nicely projected. Her power and best sound were in the middle-low belting, so I would say an alto type voice.
Lately I've also gotten into Liza Minnelli since I got her second and third albums, which were quite Barbra-esque, and her "Liza Minnelli at Carnegie Hall" which is super bombastic.
I love Bjork, Goldfrapp and Yma Sumac :) if you wanna try some awesome progressive rock from the 70's, I recommend the band Renaissance, they are not heavy metal or anything, just awesome traditional rock instruments and synths and the 4 octave styles of their vocalist Annie Haslam. Here's an example, great song, listen to all of it to get their style. Start around 3:00 to get into the vocal acrobatics, some of the most amazing coloratura I've ever heard from them till the end.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi_QCi4rjZM#t=309
Well, G#4 is the passaggio for a high tenor, so, it's an area of the voice that does need to be developed through training, and if someone hasn't developed it, he might not be comfortable singing up there. But the instrument is tenor 100%.
ReplyDeleteNow, there are light tenors that get up there by screaming with a high larynx, but though they are quite popular, they are shit and we should not mention them :P we should concern ourselves only with quality.
LOL. Yes; we should only concern ourselves with quality. I know which Male singers you're talking about and I cannot stand them (HIM) and the constant raising of their larynx when you already have an instrument that's the size of a pubescent Boy's... What justice does it truly do? :-/
ReplyDeleteNatalia has new video for Trouble ! God i love that song and the vid is great, but it has so little views :/ she deserves more appreciation ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hUP43YiyJc
ReplyDeleteI, too, own every single one of those aforementioned albums. I listen to her "Judy at Carnegie Hall" OST, at least, three [full] times a week; her 'Stormy Weather' performance is absolutely stunning. She is one of the few Female- Popular vocalists (as well as Ella. F, Sarah. V, Barbra. S, Caterina. V, Dinah. W, Shirley. B, MINA & Prime- Whitney. H) who genuinely inspire me as a Male vocalist as my prime influences are largely Male Baritones & Lower/Heavier- set Tenors.
ReplyDeleteI mean, seriously? Incredible.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfDAoSDsAS4
Yeah, Demi tends to do that haha. She was doing completely fine with R&B/Classic Rock/Adele-Type songs...when Demi gave her Wrecking Ball they were all shocked. Really? That was a horrible song choice for her!
ReplyDeleteI virtually see them all as self-righteous, with maybe the exception of Ocean. Frank is a pretty standard baritone, but he shines in how he executes his lyrics in his music. channel orange was like a whole different genre. I'm not much of a Weeknd fan, but I decided to add him in anway. Miguel and Garland are similar but I prefer Garland's music to Miguel's for some reason.
ReplyDeleteHe could have been singing in the wrong tessitura, though if he had vocal damage. That or bad technique. I'm inclined to say he's naturally a baritone, but considering the type of music himself and Queen wrote, the lead role was made more for Tenors.
ReplyDeleteThe long awaited video for Dark horse is finally here!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KSOMA3QBU0
I still cannot get over the fact that Tamar didn't even get ONE Grammy award! "Love and War" was like the biggest RnB song and album of 2013! She got robbed... period. Why does the Grammy give Grammies to the people who can barely sing and not to the ones that deserve them?
ReplyDeleteThe entire album sucked if you ask me lol
ReplyDeleteI would actually disagree to an extent. The album, overall was just a taste of Tamar's vocal abilities and power. Her use of melisma may be overbearing but compared to other mainstream music in 2013, it by far outshone most of it's competitors. The album was one of the best RnB albums in 2013 and one I listened to thoroughly and enjoyed. However, I cannot change your opinion and if that's what you think about the album, then so be it.
ReplyDeleteSasuke Uchiha, just listen to these:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Td3HXLf74fY (The usual, I'll play along and I'll kill it at the end with soaring notes).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9owO8uDZwVo (I can sing soft, and I don't have to belt at all times to be considered a great singer. Fifth octave belts here and there are all I need).
She has a fanbase that is just about as big so that she can continue doing music. I'm actually quite happy with the fact that she isn't that known. Not because I have some tacky hipster-issues, but the more popular you get, the worse and more generic your material becomes.
ReplyDeleteI actually prefer Lilac Wine a lot more over Jolene. I just love her voice on calmer stripped tracks. And I'm a sucker for a good female lower register.
ReplyDeleteI liked the muscular men. The rest of the video... well...
ReplyDeleteSince that's the only reason people seem to be able to give to watch the vid I guess I'll just watch porn.
ReplyDelete"Love and War" the song, deserved no grammys.
ReplyDeleteThe whole song was a Keyshia Cole rip off, the entire instrumental, and overall rhythm to the song.
I completely agree. Plus who else could write a song about the melodramatic Bronte book, Wuthering Heights, and make it that awesome. It's such a shame I'm 18 and I'm the only one among people I know who appreciates her, numerous artists from previous decades, and good music i general. Oh well, can't change people's opinions I guess.
ReplyDeleteHmm I have always appreciated Maroon 5 but I have never heard this song before. I must say that I rather enjoy it. This song would rank higher for me than a lot of their more recent material. Well here is the song I am sharing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD0jGkxrzzE
ReplyDeleteWe share similar tastes :) I love vocalists from the 40's, 50's and 60's.
ReplyDeleteAt least Tamar can SANG! Tell me one recipient in the RnB section of the Grammies that deserved the award? Rihanna? Alicia Keys? This is what pisses me off about (My first 'bad' word that I have ever typed) the Grammies! They only give people who don't deserve it! I respect the winners but for real, they can't compare to Tamar, Pink, Christina, even Ariana, and other mainstream Pop/RnB singers. Lorde, although a fun and loving person can barely do her OWN songs justice. Rihanna? She doesn't even sing RnB! I was disappointed (Have been for years) in the Grammies this year because half of the winners in each respective category have someone who do it better then them and it's frustrating.
ReplyDeleteI am kinda glad she is not famous as Rihanna for example, but i am afriad that she will not have enough fans for her to continue doing music :-/
ReplyDeleteis Ocean a baritone? I considered him a lower set tenor, no? The Weeknd and Garland are most definitely self righteous and pretentious, I haven't see that in Miguel yet though. I mean, he's gone on twitter rants and such, but I always thought that he was just frustrated because people were always calling him gay because of the way he dressed.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2NVAKTEbN8 I found a lot of Kellys current hits to be somewhat boring. This however isn't. She even uses her whistle register here.
ReplyDeleteNice to see that you're back Seren! You've seen quite a few artists live. The only concert I've been to was a J. Cole concert. It was a bit ratchet, but I loved it and the crowd was really cool surprisingly. I was about ten feet away from the stage too!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLJdrRVMXZ0
ReplyDeleteKaty Perrry gets booed.... but unfortunately it's not because of her lousy singing :'(
Thanks, that really helps a lot :-) And 'Moon' is my favorite from Biophilia, I am for whatever reason a sucker for the harp. And so far, I've listened to the three singles from Vespertine, "Hidden Place" is my favorite, and the minimalistic, almost nonexistent instrumental of "Cocoon" amazes me, when I hear it on headphones, I always think they're crackling, but then I remember, "oh right". I need to listen to "Pagan Poetry" again, but I wasn't blown away the first time. I'm actually gonna go to Wikipedia and look at the tracks on it again and see which titles I connect with right after I'm done on here. And I love that Björk is actually singing about sexuality from the emotional perspective, and incorporates the physical part secondarily to the former, and she doesn't try being cute, but frank and honest.
ReplyDeleteAlready there, but thanks for replying anyway :-)
ReplyDeleteTheir name sounds familiar and I'll certainly look into them. And thanks :-)
ReplyDeleteI like you, you seem like a very "aware" person of what's good and what isn't. And honestly this entire blog is sooooo therapeutic for me because nobody in my daily life even know who half of the people on my music playlist are. And when I wanna talk about how much I love an artist, nobody, not my mom, my family, friends, even teachers have heard of them! I mean one person I've asked so far, my step-grandmom, has heard of Kate Bush. My 11th Grade English teacher, (the curriculum being Brit Lit) hasn't eleven heard of her and Wuthering Heights is a part of the class.
ReplyDelete"Nobody knows...the trouble I've seen,
Nobody knows but Jesus..."
That is actually my phone's ringtone, best decision I've ever made in my life. I love Louis Armstrong
I had a lot of steam left, I've just learned sometimes if I don't stop myself I've written a book before I know it. On my research paper for Modern US History, I was and have always been the student who writes too much and exceeds the length limit! But if you want, I will just let everything flow in the future. But be warned, mwaaaah haha haha haha ha ha! I've been awake too long, it's 10:30 where I am, been up since 6:30 :-/ and I...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
ReplyDeleteOr can you change them, tee heehee! No, no you can't. I'm becoming so tired right now, I barely know what I'm writing
ReplyDeleteI was happy Lorde won, especially for Song of the Year, the girl's an exceptional writer for her age but by and large, I agree with you, spot on.
ReplyDeleteNo problem. Yeah Vespertine is so striking in that Bjork is talking about her love life while being frank and honest yet serene at the same time. Those songs you mentioned from the album are also some of my favorites. Oddly enough Pagan Poetry is the one that made me hit replay over and over when I first heard it. Something about that song is mesmerizing and the fact that she is talking about being so in love that she wants to hurt herself is so beautiful yet unnerving. The video for it is especially controversial and hard to watch at first but it fits the song so wonderfully. Moon is one of my favorites off Biophilia because I just find it very beautiful and the harp doesn't hurt. ;)
ReplyDeleteWell I could change them it would require my knowledge of the human mind and breaking into one of my university's labs. Hehe
ReplyDeleteGo for it. I am exactly the same way when it comes to writing especially essays because I have so much to say and if I write too little I feel like I am missing something. Plus I just like writing because it has always come naturally to me. Especially now that I write songs, the constant flow of ideas and words is quite beneficial haha.
ReplyDeleteThat's such a cool ringtone to have. Thanks haha and trust me I know how you feel. Growing up my parents would listen to the same things and be stuck in their ways that it just bored me to death. Everything they listened to had the same sound and message so as I grew up I made it my mission to expand my musical horizons and see what I could find. It was the best decision I've made because I have music to listen too for however I am feeling and for any situation possible. To think I have explored so much musical terrain and I have yet to even scratch the surface of what is out there. This blog is so cool because people here know about so many different kinds of music unlike the people know.
ReplyDeleteHey, you won't hear me complain. I lost the right to long time ago. Considering the length of many of my posts have had. :-)
ReplyDeleteLOL. I agree but in all fairness, the song was most definitely one of the more "accomplished" mainstream songs in Contemporary R&B/Urban- Contemporary music today; I was in dyer of a song of that caliber and, vocally speaking, her delivery of the song was powerful - I think just a Grammy nomination would have sufficed.
ReplyDeleteHowever, it did remind me of Keyshia Cole song circa. 2006-2008. The instrumentation of 'Love & War' is virtually interchangeable with any song from her 'Just Like You' LP - 2007.
I saw this video and wanted to share. Beautiful voice and inspirational story
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNHGnwn2qhg
Nice one! My ringtone is
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpaeAPnq-CM
LOL I foresee a lot of "shock". No doubt from a lot of "parents".
ReplyDeleteShe really does know how to get folks all hot and bothered. Obviously one does not "shock" by wild displays of excellent taste. (Though really that , by how little it is seen, ought to be way more shocking. But those are not the ways of this world. )
Forget Gaga and her Madonna derived act, Miley is the true heiress of Madonna. ;-)
Teens need to be exposed to lots of bad taste. Just like children will eat the most disgustingly sweet candy. One needs to be exposed to the bad and the good to be able to develop one's taste. ;-)
ReplyDeleteAlso the way to a teens heart is through the abhorrence of their parents.
Countless "bad boys" through the ages can attest to that one. LOL
I would say "Outside" has a lot of usage of natural sounding melisma without sounding over done and still sends across the message of the lyrics very clearly.
ReplyDeleteI agree on that. Gaga actually has far superior musicianship than Madonna, so for me she was never an heir to Madonna. Madonna made up her career based on scandal, not on musicianship. Gaga has more in common with Mylene Farmer, a taste for the bizarre and macabre as well as the glamorous.
ReplyDeleteit's like she's the born child of Elton John and Cher.
ReplyDelete