Don't You (Forget About Me) - New Found Glory's Good Cover Song

By Timothy Q. Mason

Don't You (Forget About Me) is one of the defining songs of the 1980s, an era where some of the greatest films and soundtracks have emerged. It was originally recorded by the new wave band Simple Minds for the breakout movie The Breakfast Club. It was probably because of its relevance and brilliance that New Found Glory decided to include it in their From the Screen to Your Stereo Part II album.

It was written by Ketih Forsey and Steve Schiff and originally offered to Billy Idol and Bryan Ferry. The two artists refused to do the song so it was pitched to Simple Minds. The group also didn't want to record it but after some encouragement from their label, the band did record the song. The song turned out to be a major hit.

Used as the theme song for the movie The Breakfast Club, Don't You (Forget About Me) became a huge smash hit. It became the band's only number one hit in the United States. It also reached Top Ten in the UK charts. This became the most famous Simple Minds song to date.

The song's history and haunting effect makes it the perfect cover for a pop-punk band. It would be a great irony to have a band who's used to shouting songs take on a serene, slow-paced up to the point of being haunting song from the 80s.

New Found Glory's version is very much different than the original. It did not have the eerie feel of the original's vocals. It is more hip, youthful, and, obviously, loud. It's not unexpected to hear a louder version of this song since a pop-punk band is meant to sing something loud. The vocals, though, are not impressive since there was more shouting. However, the words were loud and clear.

It was great that the band did not make any major changes with the song's melody. It would be suicide since a lot of people recognize the song. And for a punk band to change the melody of a song as popular as this one, well, I think it would not do the band much good. So hats off to them for keeping the original melody.

In truth, nothing is achieved in recording another version of the song. You can't really see anything new with the new version aside from it being upbeat and more current. There was not much to expect, only loud shouting and growling (which was very audible at the bridge). However, the growl at the latter part of the song was executed nicely, It didn't sound awkward or forced. It felt natural, making the song sound more like a New Found Glory hit.

Though I don't dislike the song, I'm not shouting praises and raves either. You'd think that because of the fun vibe in the song, it was done out of pure fun, which is something a band should really be all about to come up with an effective song whether it's an original or just a cover. - 18780

About the Author:

New Found Glory music has spread rapidly across the US continent for the last ten years. New Found Glory continues to make music today! Their fan favorite songs and great concerts make them an amazing band! Learn more more today!

A Review of 311's Music Album

By Steve Stevenson

311 is a band that had their fair share of ups and downs. When they started in the music scene, they have already experienced some troubles with regards to the band's members and were even on the verge of destitution. But through it all, the band has remained dedicated to their music.

Each one of their albums are by-products of their extensive touring of the United States and other countries as well. They worked hard to promote their songs which ranged from alternative to rap to funk to heavy metal.

Music, their first album was released in 1993. Despite being released more than ten years ago, the album still attracts attention from music fans. The single Do You Right received good airplay. It reached the number 27 spot on the Billboard Modern Rock Charts. But despite this, the album failed to sell as much as it should be.

For most people, a successful song or album is based on how well they do in the sales department or if they constant chart-toppers. Sometimes, it doesn't even have to reach gold or platinum status or receive recognition from different award-giving bodies.

Success of a song or record is relative. It doesn't have to always be at the top of the charts to be truly considered successful. Personally, it doesn't matter if a record rules the airwaves or not, it's the quality of the songs. A perfect example is 311's Music.

This album is a compilation of all their earlier LPs. Songs in this album such as Do You Right, Feels So Good, and Fat Chance have been widely popular. These songs are amazing, and so is the album as a whole. These songs are played widely in the band's shows and almost always bring the house down.

When you listen to the album, you will notice a mix of relaxing tunes and upbeat, loud songs, the kind that will make you want to get up and groove to the music. The album's songs clearly don't disappoint. The band was able to successfully mix different tunes that will appeal even to non-rock fans. Nick Hexum, Tim Mahoney, Chad Sexton, and SA Martinez were great in their respective roles. Their combined efforts gave way to the birth of a very great-sounding record that will surely appeal to all fans and music lovers.

Insert 311's Music in your CD players and don't take it out. You can listen to it for months without getting tired of it. That is how great the CD is. This proves that a record doesn't have to be the hottest thing in the music scene to be considered a success. With the right team of talented musicians, you can. - 18780

About the Author:

311 music is the type of music that you can jam to at any time. They have heavier rock music all the way to laid back smooth music. Read more about 311 today!

Blink 182's Take Off Your Pants and Jacket is Not a Sell Out

By Stevie Sanchez

If you're one of those music lovers who dig fun, funky, feel-good music and likes to have their serving of green humor as well, then you would like Blink 182's Take Off Your Pants and Jacket album.

This is their fourth studio album, released on June 12, 2001. Following the success of Enema of the State and The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show, the American pop-punk band has once again hit gold with this record.

It has spawned hit singles like The Rock Show, First Date, and Stay Together for the Kids. There were about 4.5 million copies sold worldwide and went double platinum in the United States. This was also Blink 182's only album that debuted at the top spot of the Billboard 200 and sold more than 350,000 copies during the first week of release.

In everything that we do, one must always strive for something different, if not better. And this is what Blink 182 has managed to do with this record. Though it still has the same pop-punk sound they were famous for, listeners of the CD will see that the band has exerted more effort to come up with more relevant songs that has more than obscenities in their lyrics. The tracks Stay Together for the Kids, Reckless Abandon, and Shut Up prove this point.

Personally, the band has been able to come out of their shell in this album. The melodies sound good. Each track has very interesting and admirable rifts, and the lyrics have more depth. This is great for a band that has been on the music scene for quite some time. The ability to be able to give your audience something new (and better) will help make you stay longer and keep you interesting.

However, there is always the issue of selling out. For some hard core punk fans, Blink 182 has sold out on their fans with coming up with ballad-type songs, which is really unfair on the band's part. Writing and composing new songs unlike most of their previous works should not be seen as selling out on fans. If anything, it should be seen as an innovation and coming of age.

Take Off Your Pants and Jacket is a testament to the band's musicality. If you take the time to really listen to the tracks, you will see that Blink 182 has not abandoned the type of music that made them likeable and famous. There are still songs that are loaded with obscenities and good-natured humor (Happy Holidays, You Bastard and Mother's Day)-something that original Blink 182 fans will truly enjoy.

Most noticeable in the album are the new songs that talks about relationships and feature interesting musical technicalities and powerful and passionate vocals. Anthem Pt. 2 is a very well-written song, way better than Anthem Pt. 1 from the third album. This goes to show that Blink 182 has the chops to write songs that have depth and meaning. Story of a Lonely Guy will surprise you. Aside from the deep emotion you will hear from Tom's vocals, the lyrics are unlike the band has come up before. - 18780

About the Author:

Blink 182 music is my all time favorite music on this planet! Blink 182 music is back, making music, and they are planning on releasing their all new album by the end of 2009.

Important Facts for How to Play Guitar

By Payo W Perry

The subject of how to play guitar is a very wide ranging question. The first thing to ask yourself is which musical direction do you wish to travel in? Learning rock guitar is obviously very different from flamenco and every style of guitar playing has its own technical and theoretical challenges.

The path you choose to take will probably decide itself naturally based upon what you are most inspired by and what kind of guitar player you aspire to be. The amount of desire you have inside to achieve your goal will directly fuel your motivation and commitment to learn.

If anythings true about how to play guitar its this, youll get absolutely nowhere without consistent and quality practice, years and years of it.

Do your best to find really great guitar lessons. Learning to play guitar is difficult enough without the added disadvantage of learning from poorly taught lessons. In the early stages its important to learn good guitar technique as later on when things get tougher youll be in a stronger position to handle it. Bad playing habits take a lot of work to correct but through good instruction you can stop them from ever forming in the first place.

One further thing has the potential to really surprise students and that is discovering the level of your talent. Due to the fact that you cant know this until you start you could be pleasantly surprised or disappointed!

How you play guitar is actually unique to each person, much the same as your eye colour or the tone of your voice. Each student is going to be different. Often when you experience a natural and powerful desire to learn something its a rough indication that you do have some talent for it so follow it and try!

As a teacher it has always been interesting to see how talent can vary from one student to the next. Its true that life gives you a level of talent which you must accept but its also incredible how powerful consistent practice and perseverance can be. Whatever the outcome, enjoy learning how to play guitar and the challenge of self expression through music. - 18780

About the Author:

The writer is a well respected and very popular guitar teacher. Through his informative website you can find lots of free videos for acoustic guitar lessons for beginners. The method of instruction is called Guitar in a Nutshell and it's a great resource for learning to play acoustic guitar.

Key Notes When Choosing Your Left Handed Guitar

By Zane J Freeman

We would like to provide guitar enthusiasts with a left handed guitar guide to help choose their appropriate left handed guitar. By giving you a well rounded general review of the pros and cons of four popular left handed electric guitars or acoustics, we hope to give you an informative foundation, when you are ready to purchase your next left handed guitar.

Convenience would dictate a right handed instrument for some people. For those that have been lefties all their life, a left handed guitar is a better choice and more comfortable for most. While it is up to the individual as to whether they play backwards or reverse on a right handed guitar, many choose to play a left handed guitar, instead.

Of course, you can always run into logistic problems when playing with other right handers in a jam session or on stage, but a left handed guitar player can be put to the right of center and a right hander to the left of center to look balanced and stay out of each others way. Playing left handed guitar can make you stand out prominently in a crowd, and is well suited to bluegrass.

Left Handed Electric Guitars:

The advantages of a left hand electric guitar is that it come in semi-hollow and solid body models , and there are many others made as remakes of classic look guitars, with perfect features and tonal value than the originals. There is a wide range and variety of brands, styles and models available to choose from on the market. These left hand guitars are typically the instruments that are used for blues, jazz, pop and the popular rock music. Popular models may considerably more expensive than acoustic left hand guitars and in addition to its cost an amplifier is a must.

Steel Guitars, Resonator Guitars and Arch-top Electric Guitars:

Other left handed electric guitar models are steel guitars, arch-top hollow or semi-hollow guitars or resonator guitars. Some of the left handed electric guitars come in twelve string models, but that is mainly reserved for acoustic guitar models. There is a variation on how these left handed guitars are played or a difference in the bridge and sound-hole shapes or body styles. Some are played horizontally, for example, which might not suit some people. For country western, folk and ballads, these are models that are typically chosen.

Left Handed Acoustic Guitars:

Many left hand musicians begin on a hollow bodied acoustic guitar and then progress on to other guitars, like steel guitars and banjos, which are prime choices for western and folk music. Acoustic guitars dont need amplifiers to be played, however an electric pickup can be attached for performing.

Left Handed Bass Guitars:

Left handed bass guitars are typically left handed electric guitars that carry the lower octaves and typically are the rhythm in most music. They are much more simple to learn than other left handed guitars, although, many left handed lead guitarists will tend to play both and not limit themselves to playing one. The disadvantage of bass guitars, whether acoustic or electric bass is that they are not played to carry the melody of the music but rather the rhythm and mainly chords.

Conclusion:

Left handed guitar playing now offers you many choices in brands of instruments and styles for all price ranges. If you are looking for a left hand guitar, www.lefthandedguitarmall.com is a must visit site for all music lovers looking to purchase a left hand guitar or just looking for information. - 18780

About the Author:

Looking for a perfect left handed guitar, be sure to check out Zane Freeman's insightful post on left handed Gibson electric guitars, and his all about left hand guitars websiteLeftHandedGuitarMAll, to learn more about left handed guitars.