Final Exam Exemption Blog - Anderson Theater All-State

Hey Readers!

This week I went to see Anderson at their All-State UIL competition in order to exempt the History of Rock final.  My assignment was to take a picture with Mr. Malone, the theater director, in front of the stage, and post it on my blog for you beautiful people to see.  The plays were all phenominal and because we stayed until the awards were given out, I got home at 1:30 in the morning.  But it was worth it to see those kids work so hard.  Anderson theater, you may not have won, but the response that you guys got from the crowd was incredible.  You have my vote.  Anyways, here are the pictures:

I can't believe that this is my last blog post!  I really appreciate all of my readers and I hope to someday continue blogging.  Thank you for reading The Jack Barton Blog and have a nice day!

In Class Listening - Massive Attack

Hey Readers,

This week in class we listened to the album Mezzanine by the group Massive Attack.  Massive Attack are a trip-hop group, originating from the United Kingdom.  They released the album Mezzanine in 1998, way before its time.  I really enjoyed Massive Attack; they were unlike anything that I've heard before.  Trip-hop is totally something that I'll look into now.  It's like mellowed out dub and electronic.  Very cool.  And Massive Attack is one of the most famous and probably best trip-hop groups out there, so it was a very interesting experience to listen to them in class with the lights out and the visualizer on.  I'd say that was an hour well spent.  Anyways, I'll post some of the cool videos to several songs off the album below, along with the entire album, if you really want to hear it.  Enjoy!

Teardrop

Inertia Creeps

Angel

Full Album (If you're up for the listen!)

Massive Attack is a really interesting group and I'm glad Mr. A showed them to us!  Even though it was kind of a long haul listening to the whole album, which is over an hour in length, it was definitely worth it.  Well thank you for reading The Jack Barton Blog and have a nice day!

What I'm Listening To - New Music (Mike Stud, Nick Luebke, Hoodie Allen)

Hey Readers,

This week has given me lots of incredible new music.  Both Mike Stud and Nick Luebke have put out albums in the past week.  I've written blogs about both of these awesome artists, make sure to check those out!  Also, my favorite musician, Hoodie Allen, also put his newest song, Make It Home, on iTunes.  Of course, I'll post links to all the goodies at the end of the blog post, don't you worry!  Please take a listen, these gentlemen are all incredibly talented and way underrated.  Enjoy!

Make It Home

Relief Album Trailer

For some reason, it wouldn't let me find the video for Nick Luebke's new EP, but I promise I'll post all the links below.  Thank you so much for reading The Jack Barton Blog and have a nice day!

Links to awesomeness:

Please download Nick Luebke's new EP entitled "The Search" here:  https://www.facebook.com/NickLuebke/app_189783314508250

Or, if you're feeling very generous, download it on iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-search-ep/id646857410

Download Mike Stud's album "Relief":  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/relief/id647712399

Also, download the great new Hoodie Allen song, Make It Home, here:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/make-it-home-feat.-kina-grannis/id648099849

In Class Listening - ACL Lineup 2013

Hey Readers,

This week in class, we discussed the line up for the Austin City Limits Music Festival.  I have decided, in my personal opinion, that ACL is basically a watered down version of a normal music festival.  Many people are praising this year's line up, but I'm not a fan.  I don't see any stand out groups, or anyone who's performance would be incredibly satisfying.  I'll post the link to the lineup below for you guys to form your own opinions. I'll also post the link to the Bonnaroo lineup for comparison.  The Bonnaroo lineup features greats such as Paul McCartney and The Wu Tang Clan, and even Action Bronson, whom I wrote my other blog about.  But the ACL lineup only has washed up groups like Depeche Mode and Lionel Richie.  I thought this was very disappointing  but that's just my opinion.  Well thank you so much for reading The Jack Barton Blog and have a nice day!


ACL Lineup:  http://www.aclfestival.com/2013-lineup/
Bonnaroo Lineup:  http://lineup.bonnaroo.com/

What I'm Listening To - Action Bronson

Hey Readers,

This week I remembered about my old buddy Action Bronson.  He is a large white rapper, who gained fame for sounding remarkably like the rapper Ghostface Killah of the Wu Tang Clan.  He is of Albanian decent, which I think is pretty cool.  He doesn't go the way of many other white rappers, and if you didn't see him, you would think that he's actually Ghostface Killah.  To me, he looks like a white version of Rick Ross.  Anyways, here is a sampler plate of some of his best songs.  Enjoy!

Shiraz

Bird On A Wire

Brunch

Not Enough Words

The Symbol

Barry Horowitz

So please support Action Bronson, buy his music and spread the word!  He's way too talented to not be very well known.  Well that's this week's blog post, I will post links to fulfill all of your Action Bronson needs!  Thank you so much for reading The Jack Barton Blog and have a nice day!

Website:  http://www.actionbronson.com/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ActionBronson

YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/artist/action-bronson

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ActionBronsonMusic

In Class Listening - The Red Hot Chili Peppers

Hey Readers,

This week in class we listened to The Red Hot Chili Peppers, but more specifically, to their first album entitled "Blood Sugar Sex Magic".  Upon hearing it, it sounded to me like a mix between old school rap, such as the Beastie Boys, mixed with funk.  Of course I've heard them before, but I've never heard the full album.  I'm not sure that people were ready for the full force of its 73 minutes and 55 seconds.  But it perfectly fit our class when we listened to it.  I'll place some of their better songs off this album for your listening pleasure!

Give It Away

Under The Bridge

Suck My Kiss

If You Have To Ask

Breaking The Girl

Hopefully we'll listen to more Red Hot Chili Peppers in the future.  They have a bunch of good songs so I enjoy blogging about them.  Check them out and support them if you can.  Also, congrats to Mr. A on passing his goal of $15,000 on his Kickstarter!  Please keep him going!  Thank you so much for reading The Jack Barton Blog and have a nice day!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1277922887/ken-stringfellow-is-producing-my-solo-album

What I'm Listening To - Make It Home (Hoodie Allen)

Hey Readers,

I'm sorry.  I know I know I know, I keep writing about him.  Stop you say, but I can't.  He's too good.  Who am I talking about?  Hoodie Allen of course!  He recently went on Fuse to debut his new song Make It Home with Kina Grannis.  He also covered the song Anna Sun by Walk The Moon.  I loved it and just had to tell you guys.  I'll post both of the videos below, plus a behind the scenes video for the song Make It Home.  Enjoy!

Make It Home

Make It Home (Behind the Scenes)

Anna Sun

Well that's this week's blog.  I hope you enjoyed it!  Tell your friends about Hoodie and support him!  Also, support Mr. A!  He just passed his goal, keep him going!  Thank you so much for reading The Jack Barton Blog and have a nice day!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1277922887/ken-stringfellow-is-producing-my-solo-album

In Class Listening - Pearl Jam

Hey Readers,

This week in class we listened to a little bit of Pearl Jam.  Pearl Jam is another rock group hailing from Seattle, Washington.  We listen to a lot of great bands in class, but in my opinion, this is not one of them.  I've found that Eddie Vedder's voice makes these songs very difficult for me to listen to.  Even though I'm not a huge fan of them, I'll post below some of the more notable songs off of their first album "Ten", which came out in late August of 1991.  Just because I'm not a huge fan doesn't mean that you shouldn't be!  Listen to these songs below and form your own opinions.  Enjoy!

Jeremy

Even Flow

Alive

Black

Oceans

Well there you go.  That's Pearl Jam's first album, "Ten".  I suppose it's not terrible, but it's certainly not my favorite.  But they must be doing something right, because they have an incredibly large fanbase.  If you enjoyed what I posted, then go pick up some of their music and show them a little support.  Thank you so much for reading The Jack Barton Blog and have a nice day!

What I'm Listening To - Fortune Family

Hey Readers,

This week I have been listening to the group Fortune Family.  This duo comes to us from Philadelphia  Pennsylvania.  It's made up of two very talented young men:  Reef and Hobson.  Reef raps and Hobson produces, but also raps sometimes (like on the song O.E.).  I'm not sure about Hobson, but I know that Reef was a Pike at NYU.  I really enjoy these two, so please check them out and support them.  Below I have posted some of my favorite Fortune Family songs.  Enjoy!

Young Hearts

Dreams (feat. Dylan Owen)

Want more Dylan Owen?  Check out my blog post about him:  http://thejackbartonblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/what-im-listening-to-dylan-owen.html

My Energy

Take Me Away

Lift Off (feat. Hoodie Allen)

O.E.

Spring (feat. Upper West and Melody Noel)

Fortune Family are pretty talented together, and also very talented individually.  If I haven't yet sold you on them, then feel free to check out the links below for some more about them.  Well thank you for reading The Jack Barton Blog and have a nice day!

Website:  http://www.fortunefam.com/home

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FF610

Reef's Twitter:  https://twitter.com/fortunefamily

Dowload their EP "Paradox":  http://www.datpiff.com/Fortune-Family-Paradox-mixtape.199648.html

In Class Listening - Nirvana

Hey Readers,

This week in class we listened to Nirvana's album Nevermind.  I'm not a huge fan of Nirvana, but I actually kind of liked this album.  I was shocked at how many songs on this album are huge hits.  As Mr. A says, "It's like the Thriller of the 90's".  I'd say that statement sums it up right there pretty darn well.  As a side note, I still believe that being the baby on the front of the album (Spencer Elden) would be pretty darn cool.  Just throwing that out there.  Anyways, I'll post some of my favorite Nirvana songs off of the album below for your listening pleasure.

Smells Like Teen Spirit

(A classic)

Come As You Are

In Bloom

Lithium

So those are my thoughts on Nirvana, as well as some lovely listening!  I hope you enjoyed my blog post, and make sure to once again tune in next week for even more awesome posts!  Thank you for reading The Jack Barton Blog and have a nice day!

What I'm Listening To - Matt Easton

Hey Readers,

This week, I've been listening to a fellow named Matt Easton.  Matt is a college student at the University of Kansas, which is evident in his music videos.  I really enjoy his music and think that he should definitely be more famous than he actually is.  Tell people about him, spread the word!  Why should you spread the word?  Well I could tell you, but I'd rather show you.  Please proceed to now watch these groovy cool videos below.  You'll be very glad that you did.

Live Life

Rockchalk

(It's a KU thing)

Kryptonite

Smokin' MCs

Jet Life

Those are some of my favorite songs by Mr. Matt Easton.  He continues to amaze me with each song that he puts out.  I've posted some links below for you to find some more awesome Matt Easton music.  Yeah, you're welcome.  As always, thank you for reading The Jack Barton Blog and have a nice day!

iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/matt-easton/id388314058

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MattEastonMusicFanPage

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MattEastonMusic

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/KU632

Download  Mhttp://www.datpiff.com/Matt-Easton-ME-Musique-mixtape.398463.html

In Class Listening - NWA

Hey Readers,

This week in class we listened to the west coast rap group NWA.  Now don't get me wrong, I love old school rap and hip hop, but I am not a fan of NWA.  I appreciate what they did for the genre of rap music, but I'm not a huge fan of their music.  It seems to me that they were vulgar simply to be vulgar.  When compared to another group of the time, Public Enemy, it seems that the members of NWA are simply using crude lyrics for the heck of it.  However,his group did manage to spawn some of the more successful tycoons of hip hop.  Although DJ Yella and MC Ren aren't very well known, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, and Eazy-E are all very famous and successful rappers who went on to become legends on their own accord.  I'll list below some of the more famous songs that NWA created.  Enjoy!

F*ck Da Police

Straight Outta Compton

Express Yourself

Gangsta Gangsta

Those are the more well known songs by NWA.  And even though I'm not a huge fan, I still am very impressed at their enormous amount of fame and success.  Sometimes these "stick it to the man" kind of songs are just what someone needs.  Well thank you for reading The Jack Barton Blog and have a nice day!

What I'm Listening To - Chris Webby

Hey Readers,

This week I have been listening to a lot of Chris Webby.  I realize I write a lot about the genre of "Frat Rap".  However, Chris Webby is a pioneer of this genre.  He hails from Connecticut and doesn't fail to mention it.  I remember hearing about him probably a year and a half ago or so.  Since then, he has blown up, with more than 114,000 followers on Twitter and over 202,000 likes on Facebook.  His music is very easily recognizable as him, and although he contrasts greatly with my other artist of the week (NWA), he is still very talented.  There are way too many awesome songs of his to post, but I'll try to sum him up with just a few.  Enjoy!

Wait A Minute

I Need a Dollar

I'm Gone

One Song

La La La

Bowser

What I Do

Bars On Me

Chris Webby has really blown up recently thanks to his awesome fanbase.  Make sure to spread the word about him, so that he can get the recognition that he truly deserves!  I've posted some links below for you to find more about Chris Webby.  Thanks for reading The Jack Barton Blog and have a nice day!


Website:  http://listentowebby.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chriswebby
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ChrisWebby
YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/user/ForTheBurbs

In Class Listening - It Might Get Loud

Hey Readers,

This week in class we watched the documentary "It Might Get Loud".  This film features famous guitarists Jimmy Page (of Led Zeppelin and The Yardbirds), The Edge (of U2), and Jack White (of The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, and The Dead Weather).  I have actually seen this documentary before, but sometimes, when you watch something a second time, you can pick up minor details that you didn't recognize the first time through.  My favorite of the three is Jack White, because not only do we share a first name, but he is also very creative and seems like a cool guy to hang out with.  I went through a big White Stripes phase a long time ago, which is over now, but I still enjoy their music.  I'll post the trailer for the movie, as well as some of my favorite scenes below.  Enjoy!

Trailer

Ramble On

Seven Nation Army

Kashmir

If you haven't seen this documentary, I highly recommend it.  If you enjoy rock music or guitar, then this is the perfect movie for you.  And even if you don't enjoy this kind of music, it can definitely help to make you appreciate it.  Well that's all for this week!  Seriously, if you haven't seen it, rent it!  Thank you for reading The Jack Barton Blog and have a nice day!

What I'm Listening To - Hoodie Allen Concert (Round 2) [feat. Aer and Jared Evan]

Hey Readers,

Yes, I know what you're thinking.  Jack, do you only write about Hoodie Allen?  I understand that this is my FOURTH blog post about this talented fellow, but stay with me and you'll know why I continue to write about him.  Last Friday, Hoodie performed for the second time in Austin, so of course I was there!  The line was incredibly long and a single tear came to my eye when I realized how much my boy has grown up.  His openers were Jared Evan and Aer.  I'm not going to lie, Jared Evan was pretty bad.  He was very talented, but didn't get the recognition he deserved because he was keeping the crowds away from the magic that is Aer and Hoodie Allen.  Aer was awesome and really fun to watch.  It was clear that they had a great time up on stage.  And of course, Hoodie killed it.  It was phenomenal   It's hard for me to describe, so I'll post some clips of the show below for your viewing pleasure.  Here you go!

Tour Time!

No Interruption

No Faith In Brooklyn

I had a great time at the concert and even got to meet and take a picture with the guys in Aer!  If you still don't have this music on your music playing device of your choice, get it.  Don't know where to find it?  That's where I come in.  I'll gladly post links to everything you need below.  Well thanks for reading The Jack Barton Blog and have a nice day!

Pick up Hoodie Allen's newest mixtape "Crew Cuts" here :  http://hoodieallen.com/ (Free)
And pick up Aer's new "Strangers EP" right here :  http://www.freshaermovement.com/ (Free)
Also, give some Jared Evan a try:  http://jaredevan.com/blog/ (Lots of free options)

In Class Listening - Graceland

Hello Readers,

In class this week we listened to Paul Simon's Graceland.  It's known as one of the better albums of all time.  I actually really enjoyed this album because it was super happy and conveyed the versatility of Paul Simon.  It blows my mind that he went from the sound of Simon & Garfunkel to this, although I do love pretty much everything he has put out.  Below, I have posted my favorite songs off of Graceland.  I love them and I hope you will too!

Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes

You Can Call Me Al

(Hooray for Chevy Chase!)

Graceland

Homeless

That Was Your Mother

I especially like that last song, because it tells such a great story.  This whole album really fits together well and is incredibly catchy.  I definitely see how it sold a total of over 14 million copies.  Anyways, that's it for this week.  Thank you for reading The Jack Barton Blog and have a nice day!

What I'm Listening To - Dirty Loops

Hello Readers,

This week I decided to write about the group Dirty Loops.  They are a Swedish jazz trio who gained popularity on YouTube for their covers of pop songs.  They might not look like a jazz group, what with their spiked hair and leather jackets, but man can they play.  I was told about them by my bass teacher John Jordan a year or so ago and have continued to love their music ever since then.  I have posted several videos below from their YouTube channel so that you guys can experience the awesomeness that is Dirty Loops.  Enjoy!

Baby

Circus

Rolling In The Deep

Prude Girl

Just Dance

As one can see, Dirty Loops is overflowing with talent.  It would be great to get more people to know about this group, so spread the word if you can!  I have included links down below for your viewing pleasure, in order to better acquaint yourselves with the group.  Well thank you for reading The Jack Barton Blog and have a nice day!  

Website:  http://www.dirty-loops.com/

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/dirtyloops

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/dirtyloopsofficial

SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/dirtyloopsofficial

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DirtyLoops

In Class Listening - Hair Metal Day

Hey Readers,

This week in History of Rock, we had hair metal day.  I'm not going to sugarcoat it for you guys, I don't like hair metal.  And the few songs we listened to that I had previously enjoyed, I freaked out upon seeing the video.  I don't want to be too one sided, so here are some of the more tolerable songs that hair metal produced.  I've lovingly listed them below, for your viewing pleasure.

Jump

We're Not Gonna Take It

I Wanna Rock

Dr. Feelgood

So those are some of the more recognized hair metal songs out there.  Once again, I'm not a huge fan, but some of these songs are incredibly catchy.  Well thank you for reading The Jack Barton Blog and have a nice day!

What I'm Listening To - Florida Georgia Line

Hey Readers,

This week, I have been listening to a lot of the country duo Florida Georgia Line.  One of them is from Florida.  The other one is from Georgia.  Not hard to guess where they got their name.  Anyways, more about the band.  They released their first EP in December of 2010, entitled Anything Like Me.  After that, they released It'z Just What We Do in May of 2012, followed by their most recent and most popular album Here's To The Good Times, which is their first actual album.  This album featured their popular songs "Cruise" and "Get Your Shine On".  I've put the videos of those two songs, as well as some other songs of theirs below.  Enjoy!

Cruise

Get Your Shine On

Dayum Baby

Tell Me How You Like It

So these are some of the songs that I really enjoy from their newest album.  If you haven't heard it, go check it out!  I'll post the link below.  Well thank you for reading The Jack Barton Blog and have a nice day!

Website:  http://www.floridageorgialine.com/

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/floridageorgialine

YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/user/FlaGeorgiaLineVEVO

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/FLAGALine

iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/florida-georgia-line/id399241518

In Class Listening - Disco

Hey Readers,

This week in class, we had a whole day of disco.  Now many people may not enjoy this, but I for one loved it.  My mom absolutely adores disco, so I was practically raised on the stuff.  Also, I love funk, so this day was no problem, because I find the two genres can be very similar, and even overlap in some cases.  Here are some disco songs that we listened to in class that I really enjoy.

Stomp!

Stayin' Alive

September

Celebration

Serpentine Fire

So, to summarize this post, I really enjoy disco.  I know not everyone does, but I do, because it's fun and it's kind of like funk.  Well, those are my thoughts for this week, thanks for reading The Jack Barton Blog and have a nice day!

What I'm Listening To - The Dean's List (The Kings Dead)

Hey Readers,

This week, I have been listening to a lot of The Dean's List, who just recently changed their name to The Kings Dead.  I started listening to them a lot last year because of their song Dear Professor, which samples The Band Perry's song "If I Die Young".  Here are some of their best songs in my opinion.

Dear Professor

La Vie

Burn It All

Everything

No Sleep

All Systems Go

So that's The Dean's List.  I listened to some of their new stuff as The King Is Dead and I'm not a huge fan.  Who knows, maybe I'll have an epiphany and I'll love them tomorrow.  Anyways, you're welcome to check them out, and make sure to check out The Dean's List too.  I've included some links below for your viewing pleasure.  Well thanks for reading The Jack Barton Blog and have a nice day!

Website:  http://itsthedeanslist.com/

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/TheKingsDead

iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-deans-list/id422069158

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/itsthedeanslist