Break it to Justin Bieber Gently...

Burton Cummings
and Youtube

Burton Cummings is the lead singer and keyboardist for The Guess Who. I was cruising youtube one day and a video caught my attention. The video is an interview of him with George Stroumboulopoulos discussing...the youtube phenomenon... Justin Bieber. Yes, I know we hear about him a million times a day, but love or hate him; he is HUGE in pop culture right now. Watch the video below to hear Burton`s opinion and let me know if you agree or disagree with what he has to say.  

 It`s crazy how the internet has changed the way bands are discovered and how we listen to music. It has effected the music industry because instead of buying an entire album, we can download particular song by an artist OR access music on youtube. I only recently discovered my love for listening to music through youtube, and now I`m addicted to it. Archives of music (old and new), live performances, interviews and music videos of any genre are accessible with a click of a button.  

I will leave you with a video of my favourite song by Burton Cummings. Listen to the story in the beginning, as he explains how he wrote the song in minutes...Personally, I agree with Burton Cummings that singer-songerwriters tend to last longer in the industry; however, although Burton Cummings doesn`t think Justin`s fame will last, I wouldn`t have been able to listen to his opinion on the matter if youtube didn`t exist.

Again, let me know your opinion!
Love: Danielle

1978 "Break it to Them Gently``

Note: I found this video on youtube. ;) 

One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain

Bob Marley
Music and Stress Relief

Born: Robert "Nesta" Marley (1945-1981)

It's funny how music can completely switch your mood. Between juggling classes, assignments, work, volunteer work and my "social life" (which I haven't had much time for), I've been stressing myself out. I came home from work tonight exhausted and stressed and decided to throw on a Bob Marley C.D. Honestly, my mood totally turned around and I felt a lot better.

I know many people struggle with stress so I decided to list some tips on how music can help relieve stress. The link is below (if you're interested in reading it), but I will list the main ideas in it.

 http://stress.about.com/od/lowstresslifestyle/a/daily_music.htm

How to use Music for Stress Relief

1) Getting reading the morning- Put on an uplifting song in the morning. It will help set the tone for a 

lower-stress day.

2) During a commute- If you're frustrated waiting in traffic, I'm sorry but realistically there's usually nothing you can do about it. Put on your favourite tunes; you'll feel better.

3) While Cooking/Cleaning- I know you probably come home from a busy day of school or work, and the last thing you want to do is make dinner or clean the house. Throw some tunes on and try to make these tasks less of a chore. 

4) While Eating- Studies show that soothing music can trigger the relaxation response which can lower cortisol levels, making it easier to digest your food.

5) Paying Bills- Lets face it, paying bills is not much fun. If you have to devote time to paying bills, putting music on can reduce financial stress you may be struggling with.  

6) Before Bed- Listening to mellow music before bed can counteract the effects of your stress by taking your mind off what is stressing you, slowing down your breathing, and soothing your mind.

Now that you have reasons to listen to music, go out and find some great songs to listen to.

A Bob Marley song I find very uplifting is "Three Little Birds".

                                                                  "Three Little Birds"

                                                                  Album Exodus- 1977

I'm a big fan of many music styles that are very mellow. Jack Johnson, and Ben Harper are my favourite "newer" artists and both admit their music styles are strongly influenced by Bob Marley. Again, it goes back to the notion of the '60s and '70s being recycled back into the ideas, styles, and music of today.

I will leave you with a performance of Jack Johnson and Ben Harper partnering in a cover of the Bob Marley song, "High Tide and Low Tide". Thanks for reading. If you're stressed out, I hope this helps!

Love: Danielle

“Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality . Wake Up and Live!”- Bob Marley

Joni Mitchell: "I never loved a man as far as I could pitch my shoe."

Joni Mitchell
Recycled Fashion

Joni Mitchell (born Roberta Joan Anderson; November 7, 1943)

With spring around the corner, I couldn't help but pick up a few magazines to check out the "new" 2011 fashion trends. Joni Mitchell is an icon because of her music and fashion sense in the '60s and '70s. I’m going to discuss some of the top fashion trends of the season and show you how they are similar to Joni's clothes from this era.

Trend #1: Bold Colour Blocking

According to Marie Claire magazine, bold colour blocking is used this season by pairing mostly primary colours or complimentary jewel tones. The top photo is taken from Marie Claire magazine, and the picture below is of Joni Mitchell wearing a "colour-blocked" shirt that displays some of the same colours. It is also evident that Joni Mitchell's signature bangs is still a very popular hair style.

     

            

 

Trend #2: 70s Retro Chic

According to Marie Claire, designers are using soft fabrics and exaggerated lines with pieces featuring "statement sleeves, faded denim and flared-legged trousers,” and are influenced by 70's “Swagger".  The first picture is also from Marie Clair magazine displaying the style and the second photo is of Joni... who obviously rocks the hippy chic look.

 

Trend #3: The All-White Ensemble

The all-white ensemble is one of the most popular new trends that I took from Marie Claire magazine. Although the magazine did not mention the look to reflect a style from the 60s and 70s, it is evident in the picture of Joni Mitchell taken from the 70s wearing... an all-white jumper. Also, when I think of a bohemian-style outfit, I often think of a lot of white (or off-white).  

I’m personally a huge fan a lot of the styles taken from the 60s and 70s; therefore, it makes me very happy to see they’ve been recycled back into current fashion trends. Again, going back to the Bob Dylan quote I mention in my "about me", people today are still living off of the table scraps of the 60s, and it is awesome that even after 50 years, the era is still making a huge impact in the fashion world.

Thanks for reading. I'll leave you with a live video of Joni Mitchell playing "Big Yellow Taxi".

Love: Danielle