Wildlight Twirl Me

I was recently sent to find the song Wildlight Twirl Me for a musician friend and when I heard it, WOW! What an interesting and magical tune! It’s rare to hear artists that can meld and shape a song with such grace and flow as Wildlight Twirl Me. Every time I hear it I want to get up and move as if floating on a cloud. Hope you have a similar experience.
Wildlight Twirl Me is music producer David Sugalski aka Polish Ambassador and vocalist Ayla Nereo.

Wildlight Twirl Me with Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ

Wildlight Twirl Me Music Video

Wildlight Twirl Me Featuring Ayla Nereo

“Can you fall in love with a sound? Can love itself be expressed in sound? Because if so, this is surely that sound…” ~ Collapse Board

Ayla Nereo’s voice hits straight to the heart. With an array of loop-pedals by her side, she layers vocal melodies into majestic, sweeping harmonies and weaves magical threads of guitar, kalimba, piano, and percussion into each live performance. Her lucid storytelling and lyrical imagery are water for the thirsty soul; sounds embodying the many folds of our own selves. Ayla’s music is both timeless and modern; circle songs and roots music meet folktronica. Crafting an immersive soundscape we can rest in, her gentle intention guides us into a more open and receptive state. Each performance is a journey: an inspired, wondrous experience that holds you by the heart and doesn’t let go. www.aylanereo.com

Wildlight Twirl Me with Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ

Wildlight Twirl Me Featuring The Polish Amassador

For the Polish Ambassador project, born on the richly-colored streets of Chicago and San Francisco, infectious melody is paramount. However, this never overshadows the depth and harmonic complexity that have made the Ambassador a favorite amongst festival curators and beat aficionados worldwide.  Over the course of 6 years, his sound has dipped and swirled through a staggering range of styles, with each album exploring uncharted sonic territory.  Warm, analogue dreamwave; mind-altering glitch; world-infused groove; bass-fueled breaks; sexified down-tempo; electric lullabies; and psy-fi funk are just a few of the genres that have poured from the Ambassador’s soul into earbuds and ghetto-blasters across the galaxy.

Despite the political connotations of his name, the Ambassador is not a political partisan. Rather, he is a diplomat for a new paradigm rooted in creative joy, radical self-expression, and ecological principles.  As part of this mission, the Ambassador has committed to carbon-neutral touring, instigating exploratory dance, and igniting fan participation.

Flanked on the Ambassador’s left is visual artist Liminus, a master of translating dynamic, sonic landscapes into breathtaking video projection.  Liminus’s improvisational abilities are a perfect complement to the Ambassador’s custom-tailored audio transmission, and his presence on stage allows for an audio/visual synergy rarely witnessed in electronic music performance. Together, the duo will take you on a voyage that leaves you drenched in sweat, with a smile slapped on your face, and a heart busted wide open.

The Polish Ambassador

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DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

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Jack Johnson Better Together

With Wedding Season as a Rhode Island Wedding DJ mostly resting until Spring, I wanted to share with you some of the less mainstream songs that made it into Wedding Ceremony, First Dance, Cake Cutting and Last Dance songs at Weddings this past year. This review will feature one of my favorite artists, Jack Johnson Better Together!

Jack Johnson Better Together MP3 Free Stream

      Jack Johnson - Better Together

Jack Johnson Better Together with Rhode Island Wedding DJ - Rhode Island Rock DJ

Jack Johnson Better Together Story

Jack Johnson Better Together is a song written and performed by Jack Johnson. As well as being the first track on Johnson’s album In Between Dreams, which was released in February 2005, “Better Together” was released as a single in January 2006. It charted at #24 in theUnited Kingdom. In the United States, a live version from the En Concert live album was released as a single in 2009, peaking at #23 on the Mediabase Triple A chart. It was also included in a Cuban remix of the song which was included in Rhythms del Mundo. An edited version of Better Together featuring a ukulele was included in the album, The Mango Tree.

The song samples from the Hoagy Carmichael song Heart and Soul. Wikipedia

Jack Johnson Better Together with Rhode Island Wedding DJ - Rhode Island Rock DJ

Jack Johnson Better Together with Jack Johnson Story

Jack Johnson (born May 18, 1975) is an American folk rock singer-songwriter, surfer, filmmaker, musician known for his work in the soft rock and acoustic genres. In 2001, he achieved commercial success after the release of his debut album, Brushfire Fairytales. He has since released five more albums, a number of EPs and surfing movies/soundtracks. He is also known for organizing an annual event, the Kōkua Festival. Notable songs from Johnson’s repertoire include “Upside Down“; “Flake“; “Sitting, Waiting, Wishing“; “If I Had Eyes“; “You and Your Heart“; “Taylor“; and “Better Together

Jack Johnson Better Together with Rhode Island Wedding DJ - Rhode Island Rock DJ

On July 22, 2000, Johnson married his college sweetheart Kim. They have three children, two boys and a girl. Johnson lives on the North Shore of the island of Oahu in Hawaii. In an interview with Johnson, Ann Donahue from Billboard described Johnson’s family life by saying “There is often trouble in balancing the life of an artist, environmentalist, and family man, but Johnson seems to have the niche for such a challenge. This time around, he’s found a pace that agrees with him…bringing his family along so he can spend mornings with them sightseeing.” Both Johnson and his wife refuse to talk about or release any intimate information concerning their children

The song was chosen by Rob Brydon as one of his Desert Island Discs.

Jack Johnson Better Together with Rhode Island Wedding DJ - Rhode Island Rock DJ

In 2008, Johnson and his wife Kim created the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation, a non-profit public charity supporting environmental, art, and music education worldwide. Jack and Kim Johnson also founded the Kokua Hawai’i Foundation in 2003. Johnson and his family work hard every year at festivals and concerts alike, to raise money for causes they feel are most important. Johnson recorded a cover of John Lennon‘s “Imagine” for the 2007 benefit album Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur, which was also included on the 2009 benefit album Rhythms del Mundo Classics. In talking about Johnson and his career choices, Rolling Stone wrote: “It is a typically generous move from Johnson, who has used his multi-platinum success to support causes he cares about.” Although the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation is a non-profit organization that “focuses on environmental, arts and music education,” it has raised more than $750,000 from 2009 to 2010 to give away. Johnson was in OsakaJapan on his To The Sea 2010 World Tour at the time of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan. He was in a hotel with his family when it struck. After having to postpone the rest of his tour, he donated $50,000 to GlobalGiving‘s Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund.

On September 22, 2012 he donated his time to play a few songs at Farm Aid 2012 in Hershey,PA. Later in 2012, Jack donated $50,000 for Hurricane Sandy relief and added links on his website for others to donate:

After years of touring and surfing along the East Coast, I have made so many great friends. It is heartbreaking to see the images and hear their stories. I just made donations to help recover and relief efforts for Hurricane Sandy. Below is a list of groups you can support. If you can’t donate money, you can donate food, supplies or your time. Our East Coast family, friends and neighbors need our help. Aloha- Jack

Jack Johnson Better Together Live Music Video

Jack Johnson Better Together is such beautiful, sweet and peaceful song. Jack Johnson is one of the few acoustic guitarist, signer and songwriters that reaches such a wide audience with soulful lyrics, vocals, guitar and melodies.

Jack Johnson Better Together with Rhode Island Wedding DJ - Rhode Island Rock DJ

What do you like best about Jack Johnson Better Together?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!

Rock & Indie First Dance Songs – Wedding Music

ROCK & INDIE FIRST DANCE SONGS, POSTED BY WEDDING MUSIC ON MAR 8, 2013 IN FIRST DANCE.

For those of you looking for ideas for rock or indie first dance songs – something romantic and heartfelt with some good old fashioned guitars and drums, here is your list of Wedding Music. This is an excellent List of Rock & Indie First Dance Songs & Wedding Music from Wedding Music Ideas.

Rock & Indie First Dance Songs - Wedding Music - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Rock & Indie First Dance Songs – Wedding Music

All My Love (Led Zeppelin)

All My Days (Alexi Murdoch)

My Little Corner of the World (Yo La Tengo)

All the Right Reasons (The Jayhawks)

Better Together (Jack Johnson)

Brighter than Sunshine (Aqualung)

Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Queen)

Crazy Love (Van Morrison)

Do You Realize (Flaming Lips)

Fade Into You (Mazzy Star)

Falling Slowly (Glen Hansard & Martina Iglova)

Finally Forever (Chris Cornell)

First Day of My Life (Bright Eyes)

Forever (Walter Meego)

Forever (Ben Harper)

For You (Sharon Van Etten)

Golden (My Morning Jacket)

Heartbeats – Jose Gonzales (Jose Gonzales)

How Sweet it Is (James Taylor)

I Will Follow You Into the Dark (Death Cab for Cutie)

I Will Keep the Bad Things From You (The Damnwells)

The City of Blinding Lights (U2)

The Luckiest (Ben Folds)

Last Night on Earth (Green Day)

Love Will Keep Us Alive (Eagles)

Love and Some Verses (Iron and Wine)

Luna (Smashing Pumpkins)

Never Tear Us Apart (INXS)

Perfect Day (Lou Reed) (Susan Boyle)

Songbird (Fleetwood Mac) (Glee)

Such Great Heights (Postal Service) (Iron and Wine)

The One I Love (David Gray)

This Sweet Love (James Yuill)

We are Stars (The Pierces)

We’re the Same (Matthew Sweet)

When the Stars Go Blue (Ryan Adams)

Wildflowers (Tom Petty)

Watercolor – Willy Porter (Willy Porter)

Rock & Indie First Dance Songs - Wedding Music - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

via Rock & Indie First Dance Songs – Wedding Music.

Rock & Indie First Dance Songs - Wedding Music - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

What are your favorite Rock & Indie First Dance Songs & Wedding Music?

 

Here are other posts that may be helpful to you Top 50 DJ Wedding Last Dance SongsHow To Hire The Best Wedding DJ,  Popular Garter Toss Songs, Wedding DJ Father-Daughter Dance SongsWedding DJ Mother Son Dance SongsTop 50 Wedding Cake Cutting SongsPopular Bridal Party Introduction Songs for Wedding DJs and Popular Bouquet Toss Songs.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!

Rhode Island Family Reunion DJ

Tomorrow I have the opportunity to perform at one of my favorite gigs as a Family Reunion DJ. One of the great parts of summer for a Party DJ are backyard family reunions. The Mother that is throwing the family reunion is a real nice lady and has worked hard to pull everything together. It should be a really fun day for everybody!

Family Reunion DJ

family reunion is an occasion when many members of an extended family congregate. Sometimes reunions are held regularly, for example on the same date of every year.

A typical family reunion will assemble grandparents, great-grandparents and up for a meal, some recreation and discussion. The older attendees are generally grandparents, parentssiblings or first cousins while the youngest could be second, third or fourth cousins. It is also not uncommon for regular family reunions to be sponsored by family organizations or family associations centered around a more distant common ancestor (often referred to as “ancestral family organizations”) or a commonly shared surname (“single surname family organizations”). Wikipedia

Family Reunion DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Family Reunion DJ Creative Ideas

Some family reunions may be more laid-back. They might be a family gathering where everyone is happy to just eat, catch up with each other and talk about future plans. Maybe talk about grandchildren, and what family members are up to.

But for bigger family reunions where your extended family from all around the country or overseas set aside a few days of the year to travel to the venue and be with the rest of the clan, well-planned and coordinated activities add to the excitement and the memories that will be forever remembered by everyone.

Things to consider when choosing family reunion activities

Generally, activities should match the family reunion theme. For example, a Pirates of the Caribbean themecould include pirate related activities. These would reinforce the theme while also providing enjoyment for everyone (even the spectators). Examples might include:

  • treasure hunting
  • sword fights
  • a sea shanty sing off
  • and a best dressed pirate beauty pageant

Themes shouldn’t stifle your creativity

A theme, however, is only a general guide and should not restrict you from doing other family reunion activities that may not necessarily be in line with the theme but are enjoyed by the family members. If you have an annual bonfire ritual on the last night of the reunion weekend, for example, don’t hesitate to continue with that tradition even if you decided to try an “Under the Sea” theme this year.

Don’t accidentally exclude people

Activities should be age-appropriate and appeal to the widest range of ages and backgrounds as possible. To be on the safe side, always have an option of activities so no one is left behind or feels out of place because he or she is not participating in some way.

Challenging activities are fine for specific groups, but have activities appropriate for the entire family also. My Family Reunion Ideas

Family Reunion DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Pictures and fun stories coming soon from the Family Reunion DJ!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!

Great Night at Hoboken International Film Festival

Last Thursday Night was my fourth year as festival DJ for the Hoboken International Film Festival. It was a very fun night supporting an outstanding film festival. As usual, the Hoboken International Film Festival Awards Gala was filled with celebrities, which always adds to the excitement.

Hoboken International Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

Along with playing a hard-driving set of 80’s Rock Music beforehand, the Hoboken International Film Festival music of choice, I played the music that each presenter and award recipient walked to and from the stage. This year, although present, Robert Loggia did not present any awards, so, the Frank Sinatra I usually play for him was left out of the night’s entertainment. His film roles include An Officer and a GentlemanMercy Mission: The Rescue of Flight 771, based on the Air New Zealand Flight 103 incident, ScarfacePrizzi’s HonorOver The TopIndependence DayNecessary RoughnessReturn to MeArmed and Dangerous, and Big (for which he won a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor).

Robert Loggia at Hoboken International Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

Great Night at Hoboken International Film Festival

Kenneth Del Vecchio, Founder and Chairman of Hoboken International Film Festival  entered the stage to Rush “Limellight”, which was his personal choice. The Hoboken International Film Festival Host, Gilbert Gottfried was brought to the stage by several songs, the first was Joe Walsh “Life’s Been Good”. Joyce DeWitt ran up to present awards with The Beatles “Magical Mystery Tour” echoing through the beautiful, historic Paramount Theatre. She is such an amazing woman and still rocks the stage like few others. Nina Transfeld, a friend and talented, beautiful woman, bounced up to the stage with her lively presence to Queen, “Now I’m Here”. I recalled how much Nina enjoys Queen from festivals past.

Queen at Hoboken international Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

Jeff Davis, lead Producer of the Film and Broadway hit, “Rock of Ages”, entered the stage to Offspring “Self-esteem” smiling from ear-to-ear. Always feels good to get a man who makes shows and films about Rock Music to appreciate your music.  Film Editor Ron Kalish was beaming as Joe Jackson “I’m The Man” filled the theatre. Rachael Robbins, Playboy model, stand-up comedian and actress, lit-up the stage with her strut to Lenny Kravitz version of “American Woman”. She is so much fun and enjoys the spotlight more than most. Michael Rivera, who does not have the same fondness of 80’s Rock Music as the rest of the team, was pumped-up when Run-DMC “Rock Box” was his selection. Robert Bogue, best known as A.C. Mallet on The Guiding Light for 338 episodes, was playing the air guitar to Heart “Barracuda” across the stage, it was hilarious!

Robert Bogue Rocks the Hoboken International Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

 

As the night was closing, Kenneth Del Vecchio was called back to the stage to present the award for Best Narrative Film to his favorite song, another one from years past, Peter Gabriel “Solsbury Hill”. As the theater began to empty to Uncle Kracker “Follow Me”, Joyce DeWitt came to the DJ station with arms wide open offering a hug and these words to complete an amazing night, “Wow! That was the best music at any event I have ever been at! Thank you so much for making this such a great night!”. Trust me, I am one the needing to thank you Joyce for all the laughs and fun you gave me growing-up watching Three’s Company!

Joyce DeWitt star of Three's Company at Hoboken International Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

What a fun night to be the Festival DJ!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147

DJ Classic Rock Mix III

This is the third download in the DJ Classic Rock Mix series, DJ Classic Rock Mix III. This DJ Classic Rock Mix begins with The Kinks, includes The Rolling Stones and a medley by The Who and finishes with The Allman Brothers, and a host of other Classic Rock songs. As all these DJ Mixes have been, so much fun to make and hard to leave-out songs that would work great. My definition of Classic Rock is more expansive than any listed below, but thought you might appreciate some of these.

DJ Classic Rock Mix III

      Classic Rock Mix III - DJ Mystical Michael

Classic Rock. There are usually few people who would deny that this genre has some of the best music ever, especially with legendary bands like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and The Doors.

Definitions of Classic Rock

But one debate about classic rock still lingers on… and that is about the actual definition of classic rock. Some people say it’s a style of sound. Some people say it’s rock music that is older than 25 years old. Its often mentioned on this site, and people often ask my opinion. So I thought I would shed some more light on this long standing debate regarding the definition of classic rock.

To quote Wikipedia, here is their rather too detailed definition of classic rock

Classic rock is a radio format which developed from the album-oriented rock (AOR) format in the 1970s. The first station to broadcast the format full time, and the first station to use the term “classic rock” on the air was KRBE-AM (Houston) in 1983. Program director Paul Christy designed the format to play only early album rock, from the 1960s and early 1970s, without any current music or Top 40 material. In the United States, this rock music format now features a playlist of songs ranging from the 1960s and 1970s. The traditional classic rock genre usually ends in the early 1980s, with mid-80s additions from the hair metal genre only recently being considered “classic rock.” Some stations continue to (wrongly?) include a limited number of current releases.

Unfortunately in my opinion this doesn’t address a few key issues with this definition, which I have attempted to address with my very own definition of classic rock.  From, the Classic Rockers Network

DJ Classic Rock Mix III with DJ Mystical Michael - Rhode Island Rock DJ

A definition of classic rock which helps clarify things

‘Classic rock is a genre of music that combines a particular guitar-driven rock sound with a particular era of time. The classic rock era began in early 1960’s with rock n’ roll based bands like The Beatles and Rolling Stones, diversifying into bands like Led Zeppelin and The Doors.

The classic rock era ended in the early 80s, with the rise of modern pop music. It should not be confused with other rock genres like glam rock (e.g. David Bowie), heavy metal (e.g. Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica) and hair metal (e.g. Poison and Motley Crue). Even though new bands sometimes mimic the classic rock sound (e.g. The Black Crowes), they are not considered a true classic rock band because they are in the wrong era (not early 60s to early 80s). However, classic rock bands from the original era who still produce new music outside of that classic rock era (like The Rolling Stones) are grandfathered in and are still defined as classic rock (as long as their style hasn’t changed).

There is an entertaining debate about what is and what isn’t classic rock on this forum on Classic Rockers Network. Worth reading if you have the time.

If you would like me to send you a CD copy of the DJ Classic Rock Mix III or any of the DJ Classic Rock Mixes, I invite you to send e an email and I will mail it to you free of charge!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147

DJ Classic Rock Mix II

This is the second in the DJ Classic Rock Mix Series, DJ Classic Rock Mix II! It is full of great Classic Rock Songs spanning music from the 60’s to the 80’s. It begins with Supertramp and ends with Simon and Garfinkel. Some of the bands that are included are The Beatles(of course), Peter Gabriel, Elton John and Heart, to name a few.

DJ Classic Rock Mix II – DJ Mystical Michael

      DJ Classic Rock Mix II - DJ Mystical Michael

 

Classic rock music is a musical genre that relies heavily on popular songs that were produced in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Typically, the term is used to refer to radio stations. Most cities in the United States and in many other countries have at least one radio station that is dedicated to playing music from these decades. However, the term “classic rock” can also apply to musical groups in general.

DJ Classic Rock Mix II with U2 at Live Aid - Rhode Island Rock DJ

The earliest form of classic rock music radio station was called album-oriented rock, or AOR. Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, these stations played current music as well as music from the past, but in the mid-1980s, most AOR stations stopped playing new music and began to focus exclusively on playing classic rock. The first radio station to call itself a classic rock music station was Philadelphia’s WYSP, in 1981; by 1984, more than 40 stations in the United States were using this term.

Some of the bands that are commonly associated with classic rock music are the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Jimi HendrixAerosmithAC/DC, Queen, and the Eagles. Though some of the artists played on these stations are still actively recording music, only their earlier hits are represented on the airwaves. Some classic rock stations also include popular hard rock and metal bands from the 1980s, such as Guns ‘n Roses and Metallica. Recently, some stations have also begun to incorporate 1990s bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains into their rotation.

Classic rock music is typically most popular among people who were young when the music first came out. Today, that group includes 50 year olds who listened to the Beatles when they were young, 40 year olds who listened to the Eagles, or even 30 year olds who listened to Nirvana in their teenage years. The audience is primarily male, and so are most of the DJs associated with classic rock radio stations. There are also several magazines devoted to this style of music, such as Relix and Uncut. wiseGeek

 

If you would like me to burn you a CD copy of DJ Classic Rock Mix II, I invite you to send me an email with your address and I will ship it to you free! Let me know what you think of DJ Classic Rock Mix II.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147

DJ Classic Rock Mix I

I am producing a series of DJ Classic Rock Mixes to share with you. It has been fun creating the playlist to choose songs. As has been the case with all the DJ Mixes I have produced, it is so hard to select songs when they are so any incredible Classic Rock Songs to choose from. This particular DJ Classic Rock Mix starts out with Electric Light Orchestra and ends The Eagles. There is some U2, Dusty Springfield and The Beatles mixed in with a bunch of other great music.

DJ Classic Rock Mix

      Classic Rock Mix I - DJ Mystical Michael

 

Classic rock is a radio format which developed from the album-oriented rock (AOR) format in the early 1980s. In the United States, the classic rock format features music ranging generally from the late 1960s to the late 1980s, primarily focusing on hard rock popularized in the 1970s. Although the format appeals mainly to adults, many classic rock acts consistently attract new generations of fans. Some classic rock stations also play a limited number of current releases which are stylistically consistent with the station’s sound, or from established classic rock artists who still produce new albums.

Jimi Hendrix and the DJ Classic Rock Mix from Rhode Island Rock DJ

The classic rock format evolved from AOR radio stations that were attempting to appeal to an older audience by including familiar songs of the past with current hits. In 1980, AOR radio station M105 in ClevelandOhio began billing itself as “Cleveland’s Classic Rock”, playing a mix of rock music from the mid-1960s to the present. In 1982, radio consultant Lee Abrams developed the “Timeless Rock” format which combined contemporary AOR with hits from the 1960s and 1970s. By 1986, the success of the format resulted in oldies accounting for 60–80% of the music played on album rock stations. Although it began as a niche format spun off from AOR, by 2001 classic rock had surpassed album rock in market share nationally.

DJ Classic Rock Mix from Rhode Island Rock DJ

If you would like a CD version of DJ Classic Rock Mix from Rhode Island Rock DJ, please write and I will send you one free. The next DJ Classic Rock Mix from Rhode Island Rock DJ in the series will be released next week!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147

U2 Bad

I was recently working on a project related to Live Aid, and was reminded of the powerful performance of U2 Bad at Wembley Stadium, London on July 13th, 1985. After further research, I was surprised to find out the content of U2 Bad.

U2 Bad at Live Aid with Rhode Island DJ

The U2 Bad Story

“Bad” began with an improvised guitar riff during a jam session at Slane Castle where U2 were recording The Unforgettable Fire.The basic track was completed in three takes. Of its immediate and live nature, U2 guitarist The Edge said “There’s one moment where Larry puts down brushes and takes up the sticks and it creates this pause which has an incredibly dramatic effect.” Producer Brian Eno added the sequencer arpeggios that accompany the song.

The early 1980s recession had led to high number of heroin addicts in inner city Dublin. In concert, lead vocalist Bono frequently introduced the song as a song about Dublin.[4]The Edge and the album’s producers, Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, were focused on the music and less interested in the lyrics. Bono left the song unfinished.

During a July 26, 2011 concert in Pittsburgh, Bono explained before a performance of “Bad” that the song was written for “very special man, who is here in your city, who grew up on Cedarwood Road. We wrote this song about him and we play it for him tonight.”  He was referring to Andy Rowen, whom the song was originally written about in 1984 and who was present at the show. Rowen is brother of Bono’s Lypton Village friend Guggi and Peter Rowen, who is featured on the sleeve artwork for the band’s albums Boy and War.

U2 Bad at Live Aid with Rhode Island DJ

There are other versions of the story from Bono himself. His account from a 1987 concert in Chicago indicate “Bad” is about a friend of his who died of a heroin overdose and also about the conditions that make such events likely repeat themselves. Bono once commented in another concert (in the UK) about people lying in gutters with “needles hangin’ outta their fuckin’ arms while the rich live indifferently to the suffering of the less fortunate.” At Eriksberg, Gothenburg in Sweden 1987, he said: “I wrote the words about a friend of mine, his name was Gareth Spaulding. And on his 21st birthday he and his friends decided to give themselves a present of enough heroin into his veins to kill him. This song is called ‘Bad’.

U2 Bad at Live Aid

U2 participated in the Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium for Ethiopian famine relief on 13 July 1985. They played a 12-minute version of U2 Bad, which was extended by snippets of Lou Reed‘s “Satellite of Love” and “Walk on the Wild Side“, and The Rolling Stones‘ “Ruby Tuesday” and “Sympathy for the Devil“. Bono leaped down off the stage to embrace and dance with a fan, which was captured on the TV broadcast sent around the world. The performance was so long that the band was only able to play two of the three songs in their set, leaving out “Pride (In the Name of Love)“, which was supposed to end the band’s performance. The concert turned out to be a breakthrough moment for the band, showing a television audience of millions the personal connection that Bono could make with audiences. Only a week later he realized that the dance with the fan became a key image of Live Aid. All of U2’s albums re-entered the charts in the UK after their performance. In 1985, Rolling Stone called U2 the “Band of the 80’s,” saying that “for a growing number of rock-and-roll fans, U2 have become the band that matters most, maybe even the only band that matters.”

U2 Bad Original Studio Version

It almost comical to think at that point they felt like they had to introduce themselves, based on the amount of global success U2 has enjoyed since then.

U2 have released 12 studio albums and are among the all-time best-selling music artists, having sold more than 150 million records worldwide. They have won 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other band, and in 2005, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. Rolling Stone ranked U2 at number 22 in its list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time”. Throughout their career, as a band and as individuals, they have campaigned for human rights and philanthropic causes, including Amnesty International, the ONE/DATA campaigns, Product Red, and The Edge’s Music Rising.

U2 Bad at Live Aid with Rhode Island DJ

U2 Bad Lyrics

If you twist and turn away
If you tear yourself in two again
If I could, yes I would
If I could, I would
Let it go
Surrender
Dislocate

If I could throw this
Lifeless lifeline to the wind
Leave this heart of clay
See you walk, walk away
Into the night
And through the rain
Into the half-light
And through the flame

If I could through myself
Set your spirit free
I’d lead your heart away
See you break, break away
Into the light
And to the day

To let it go
And so to fade away
To let it go
And so fade away

I’m wide awake
I’m wide awake
Wide awake
I’m not sleeping
Oh, no, no, no

If you should ask then maybe they’d
Tell you what I would say
True colors fly in blue and black
Bruised silken sky and burning flag
Colors crash, collide in blood shot eyes

If I could, you know I would
If I could, I would
Let it go…

This desparation
Dislocation
Separation
Condemnation
Revelation
In temptation
Isolation
Desolation
Let it go

And so fade away
To let it go
And so fade away
To let it go
And so to fade away

I’m wide awake
I’m wide awake
Wide awake
I’m not sleeping
Oh, no, no, no

U2 Bad is a great song that is part of U2’s live performances worldwide and very popular among their fans. What about U2 Bad is most intriguing and powerful for you?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

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Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song

I love Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song! It is such a unique song with all kinds of fun and curious pieces. Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song was the first single of the Canadian folk-rock group Crash Test Dummies and came from their 1991 debut album The Ghosts That Haunt Me. The single was the group’s first hit, charting in both Canada (#4) and the United States (#56). It was also featured in the pilot of the Canadian TV series Due South and appeared on the first Due South soundtrack album.

The song was covered by Lucy Wainwright Roche, daughter of Loudon Wainwright III and Suzzy Roche of The Roches, on her second EP “8 More.” It also has been covered by Nataly Dawn.

Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song Music Video

Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song Story

Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song is a slow funeral dirge, mournfully telling the story of Clark Kent/Superman, as if he had recently died. The central theme is the death of the selfless hero. The song notes that Superman had the power to commit great evil and bring himself unfathomable riches, but instead chose to use his powers for good, while expecting no payment for his deeds.

The chorus emphasizes this theme:

Superman never made any money
For saving the world from Solomon Grundy
And sometimes I despair the world will never see
Another man like him

Throughout the song, Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song, Brad Roberts contrasts Superman and Tarzan, whom he considers a crude, rough, and uncivilized antihero.

This tribute to the Man of Steel predates his eventual death and his replacement by four new heroes claiming to be the “new” Superman.

Crash Test Dummies Superman's Song with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song Video Story

The music video for the song was directed by Dale Heslip and features the band singing at a funeral for Superman attended by various aging superheroes. Some depicted are a middle aged Wonder Woman-like character, The Green Hornet, and possibly Green Lantern (Alan Scott). It won the MuchMusic Video Award for Best Video in 1991.

There is no mistaking Brad Roberts’ voice. He may look like an average guy, now in his mid- 40s, but then he opens his mouth and his majestic baritone voice immediately conjures fond memories of such Crash Test Dummies hits at “Mmm, Mmm, Mmm, Mmm” and “Superman.” Perhaps best remembered for the acerbic folk rock sound of 1991’s The Ghosts That Haunt Me and 1993’s God Shuffled His Feet, there have nonetheless been enough hits for the band over the years to merit a couple of greatest hits packages. Through it all, the band with Roberts at the helm has touched on funk and soul, folk, electronic music and even Christmas tunes. Yet it is Roberts’ voice and offbeat lyrical sensibility that have been this beloved band’s calling cards since their founding twenty years ago.” Crash Test Dummies Official Site

Where did the Crash Test Dummies get their name?

“Crash Test Dummies was adopted initially as a joke, at the suggestion of a friend in medical school. Apparently through constant use, the name stuck. Among other monikers considered were Skin Graft and the Chemotherapists.”

Crash Test Dummies Superman's Song with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

“I think that when you are dealing with popular music, unless you have a strong melody, sympathetic chords, and a good set of lyrics you ain’t got nothing,” Roberts points out. Foreshadowing the highly entertaining shows for which he is so well known, Roberts adds “I want to have a little room to digress into an anecdote while Stuart strums the guitar, if that’s what I feel like doing.”

I think Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song is such a compelling and interesting tune. Somehow the somber elements contrast so nicely with Roberts Baritone voice and superhero tone and lyrics. It is a fun song for a DJ to play in unique situations.

Crash Test Dummies Superman's Song with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

 

It has been suggested that Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song would also be a fun ad interesting Father-Daughter Dance at a Wedding for a Bride that wants a song about she feels about her father. Most Father-Daughter Dance Songs are typically about how he feels about the daughter. Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song makes for a nice change of pace if you feel moved to do so. I invite you to contact me about other unique Father-Daughter Dance Songs or any special songs you need ideas.

What do you find most compelling about Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

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