David Bowie Where Are We Now?

David Bowie Where Are We Now? “As was the case with Miles Davis in jazz, Bowie has come not just to represent his innovations but to symbolize modern rock as an idiom in which literacy, art, fashion, style, sexual exploration and social commentary can be rolled into one.” Rolling Stone magazine

David Bowie Where Are We Now? Release

On January 8, 2013, quite without fanfare and out of the blue, David Bowie did something nobody really expected.  He released a new single entitled ‘Where Are We Now’ and announced the release of a new album in March.  The album, ‘The Next Day’ is Bowie’s 30th studio album and his first new album in 10 years.

The next chapter has surely been written by this most mysterious and important of artists.

www.davidbowie.com

 

David Bowie Where Are We Now? Music Video

 

David Robert Jones was born in Brixton on January 8, 1947. At age thirteen, inspired by the jazz of the London West End, he picked up the saxophone.  It was not until 1969 that the splash onto the charts would begin, with the legendary Space Oddity (which peaked at No. 5 in the UK). Amidst his musical wanderings in the late 60s, he experimented with mixed media, cinema, mime, Tibetan Buddhism, acting and love. The album, originally titled David Bowie then subsequently Man of Words,Man of Music, pays homage to all the influences of the London artistic scene. It shows the early song-writing talent that was yet to yield some of rock-n-roll’s finest work, even if it would take the rest of the world a few years to catch up with him.

David Bowie Where Are We Now? and Where He Was on 9/11

David was in New York on September 11th, and in the aftermath David showed support for his adopted city by performing a short but emotional set at The Concert for New York City at Madison Square Garden. He opened the show with a raw rendition of the Simon and Garfunkel classic America and followed with an uplifting and barnstorming rendition of his own “Heroes”. All of those whom attended the show and the millions of folk whom saw the show broadcast live on TV can’t help but to have been moved by the sentiments expressed in both of the songs David performed.

David Bowie America at Madison Square Garden After 9/11

Throughout his career he has sold an estimated 140 million albums. In the United Kingdom, he has been awarded 9 Platinum, 11 Gold and 8 Silver albums, and in the United States, 5 Platinum and 7 Gold. In the BBC’s 2002 poll of the 100 Greatest Britons, he was ranked 29. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked him 39th on their list of the 100 Greatest Rock Artists of All Time and the 23rd best singer of all time.

David Bowie Fame Live With John Lennon 1975

David Bowie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Through perpetual reinvention, he has seen his influence continue to broaden and extend: music reviewer Brad Filicky writes that over the decades, “Bowie has become known as a musical chameleon, changing and dictating trends as much as he has altered his style to fit, influencing fashion and pop culture.” Biographer Thomas Forget adds, “Because he has succeeded in so many different styles of music, it is almost impossible to find a popular artist today that has not been influenced by David Bowie.”

David Bowie Heroes at Madison Square Garden After 9/11

David Bowie Where Are We Now?

David Bowie Where Are We Now

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Gerry Rafferty Baker Street

Gerry Rafferty Baker Street was released in 1978, some consider one of the great years for Pop Music. This was three years after the dissolving of his previous band, Stealers Wheel due to contract disputes with the recording company. It reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and stayed there for six weeks. Rafferty was born and raised in Scotland.

Groom Removed Bride Garter at Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJ Gerry Rafferty Baker Street

Gerry Rafferty Baker Street featured saxophonist Raphael Ravenscroft. Ravenscroft was mostly known for his work with Pink Floyd that earned him critical success. There is an urban legend that Ravenscroft was never paid for his session work on Gerry Rafferty Baker Street. This is significant since Gerry Rafferty Baker Street was number 1 in the U.K. and number two in The U.S.A., and the royalties and sales that came with an international hit even in these days. When asked about this, Ravenscroft stated this is not true and that he was paid but there are still many who believe he was just not wanting to shed a bad light on Rafferty after his passing in 2011.

Gerry Rafferty Baker Street Music Video

The single version of Gerry Rafferty Baker Street was recorded with the tape of the album version sped up slightly to raise the tempo to be more radio-friendly. This also had the result of raising the key by a half tone.

Gerry Rafferty Baker Street Lyrics

Winding your way down on Baker Street
Light in your head and dead on your feet
Well another crazy day, you’ll drink the night away
And forget about everything

This city desert makes you feel so cold
It’s got so many people but it’s got no soul
And it’s taken you so long to find out you were wrong
When you thought it held everything

You used to think that it was so easy
You used to say that it was so easy
But you’re tryin’, you’re tryin’ now

Another year and then you’d be happy
Just one more year and then you’d be happy
But you’re cryin’, you’re cryin’ now

Way down the street there’s a lad in his place
He opens the door, he’s got that look on his face
And he asks you where you’ve been, you tell him who you’ve seen
And you talk about anything

He’s got this dream about buyin’ some land
He’s gonna give up the booze and the one night stands
And then he’ll settle down in some quiet little town
And forget about everything

But you know he’ll always keep movin’
You know he’s never gonna stop movin’
Cause he’s rollin’, he’s the rollin’ stone

And when you wake up it’s a new morning
The sun is shining, it’s a new morning
And you’re going, you’re going home

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Rock Party Mix

Another professional DJ music mix to add to the collection. The DJ Rock Party Mix was a mix I created for a festival I could not make it to due to another professional DJ gig, but was requested to provide DJ music. I knew there was one set that needed Party Rock and the DJ Rock Party Mix seemed to do the trick. It was a fundraiser for a non-profit I wanted to support as a professional DJ. Hope you enjoy it!

DJ Rock Party Mix

      party rock mix 4.23.2011 - DJ Mystical Michael

Fun Wedding with DJ Rock Party Mix Rhode Island Wedding DJ

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Non-Traditional Romance Mix (Rock Jams)

I am finding no matter how hard I try, I always seem to have songs that would work perfectly that just don’t fit or make it on these mixes. This time it was the next in the DJ Non-Traditional Romance Mix Series, Rock Jams.

DJ Non-Traditional Romance Mix (Rock Jams)

[m3j track= “Non-Traditional-Romance-Mix.-Rock-Jams.mp3”]

I do not get to play as much Rock Music as I used to and grasp at the opportunity when presented. While compiling the list of DJ Non-Traditional Romantic Mix songs over the last few weeks, it stared at me that there were enough Rock songs to make a mix of just Rock Romance! Of course, like I shared above, the amount of songs that I marked for this mix and what could comfortably fit in a mix below 100MB just didn’t work. No worries, I had fun and I think those of you Rockers out there will have something to enjoy! There may be a DJ Non-Traditional Romance Mix Rock Jams Part II at some point including more female voices than this mix, which only has one female lead vocalist.

Rhode Island Wedding DJ Non-Traditional Romance Mix (Rock Jams)

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Soft Rock Cocktail Hour Mix

I gratefully continue to receive calls from Brides and Grooms requesting their professional Wedding DJ to play Rock Music at the Cocktail Hour and Reception of their Wedding. This makes me happy since Rock Music is not as popular today among younger people as it was before the rise of Hip Hop, Rap and R&B. Of course, just like Hip Hop and Rap, the professional Wedding DJ needs to be mindful of not playing music that is too hyped-up or loud during the Cocktail Hour of Weddings and make sure those who are elderly or want to enjoy conversation and relaxation during the Cocktail Hour, are not overpowered by the music. This is what I created the DJ Soft Rock Cocktail Hour Mix for.

 

It is hard for me as an ‘old school’ professional DJ to make mixes that cut songs short and segue to songs that maybe do not belong together in order to include enough tunes to offer Brides and Grooms a large enough sample of what we can play at their Cocktail Hour or Reception in a mix like this. I even struggle when doing this with Dance mixes but when it comes to Rock, I struggle greater due to the nature of Rock Music and the integrity of the lyrical content and musicians talent. I guess we all have to make some concessions as professional Wedding DJs to serve our Brides and Grooms best and help them decide what music they want at their weddings.

DJ Soft Rock Cocktail Hour Mix

      Soft Rock Cocktail Hour Mix - DJ Mystical Michael

This same mix would also work well as a sample for a Birthday, Anniversary or Reunion Party for those whom would like Rock Music played during Dinner at their event too!

Beautiful Rhode Island Wedding DJ with DJ Soft Rock Cocktail Hour Mix

Let me know what you think.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

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

Hall and Oates You Make My Dreams

I find it fascinating which and when certain 80’s songs like Hall and Oates You Make My Dreams, pop into current music requests again. Recently, I have noticed that many of the Hall & Oates hits are being replayed with enthusiasm. Hall & Oates were sort of their own genre for a little while, often being referred to as ‘Blue Eyed Soul’. This was during the period when musical genre split social and cultural groups to very specific audiences and it was rare for a group like Hall & Oates to reach multiple groups. Another group that had success with this were The Doobie Brothers, especially when Michael MacDonald went solo.

Hall and Oates You Make My Dreams Music Video

This song in particular, Hall and Oates You Make My Dreams, is a great song for a professional DJ since it can be mixed with Pop, Dance, Oldies, R&B and Rock seamlessly. Last Thursday night, Hall and Oates You Make My Dreams worked perfectly with an 80’s Rock set but also on Friday night with some Pop and Dance stuff from the same period.

Fun new Jersey Wedding DJ Hall and Oates You Make My Dreams

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Glitch Mob/The White Stripes Seven Nation Army

The other night I was at an event dancing with some friends and the DJ played this version of Glitch Mob/The White Stripes Seven Nation Army. I had not heard Glitch Mob/The White Stripes Seven Nation Army before and it rocks! It is an exclusive mix for the film G.I. Joe” Retaliation. The funny part is that the DJ is someone I trained as a DJ!  This is one of the beauties of music; it never ends with its constant surprises and inspiration.

Glitch Mob/The White Stripes Seven Nation Army Mp3

      The Glitch Mob - Seven Nation Army Remix (The White Stripes)

I have typically not been a big fan of overplaying remixes and mash-ups but am starting to open my mind lately due to some really fun versions I have heard and moved to in recent weeks, especially, Glitch Mob/The White Stripes Seven Nation Army.

Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJ with Glitch Mob/The White Stripes Seven Nation Army

“Glitch Mob/The White Stripes Seven Nation Army was also featured on the February 1, 2011 broadcast of Democracy Now!, where it was linked to the massive pro-democracy demonstrations then occurring in Egypt.  Speaking with Egyptian journalist Mona Eltahawy, host Amy Goodman said “That music is in your ears and head all the time, you said, Mona,” to which Eltahawy replied:

It’s a loop, Amy, because every time I hear the opening lines—”I’m going to fight them off. A seven-nation army couldn’t hold me back”—it just takes me to Egypt, where people—I’ve never seen anything like it. Literally, nothing can hold them back. Mubarak shuts down the internet, shuts down the train system, shuts down almost the entire country, and still they come. It’s beautiful.”

 

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

 

 

The Beastie Boys (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)

The Beastie Boys (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)is a classic song and The Beastie Boys are legends that have left a legacy across genre and generations.  I remember when I was the professional DJ at a graduation party for a friend of mine. Halfway through the night, my friend Mark came up and handed me a record and said, “Play this”.

 

“What is it?”

 

“Don’t worry, just play it”.

Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJ The Beastie Boys (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)

It was his party so I played it. It was The Beastie Boys (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party). I was hooked. Very few artist have been as experimental and creative with their bold attempts to try few things for themselves and for all musicians simultaneously like The Beastie Boys (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party).

The Beastie Boys (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party) Music Video

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Jeff Buckley Hallelujah

One of my favorite songs of all music, Jeff Buckley Hallelujah.  Jeff Buckley Hallelujah was initially written and recorded by Leonard Cohen, released in 1984 and brought back to fame when K.D.Lang sang her version at the opening ceremonies in Vancouver at the 2004 Winter Olympics Games to an estimated 3 million listeners and viewers.  Every version of this song I have enjoyed but, the Jeff Buckley Hallelujah version moves me in a way few songs can.  Jeff Buckley Hallelujah was ranked #259 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004. Many artists and composers have pointed to Jeff Buckley Hallelujah and have claimed it is the closest to perfection of any song ever.

Jeff Buckley Hallelujah Mp3

      Hallelujah

It did not enjoy any commercial success when Jeff Buckley was alive but many years later. He died in 1997 and Jeff Buckley Hallelujah gained popularity in 2006 and then went viral in 2008 reaching the top of Billboard’s Hot Digital Songs. Jeff Buckley Hallelujah has been featured in many films and TV shows expressing both the joyful and sorrowful aspects of his rendition.

Jeff Buckley Hallelujah Live Music Video

Cohen himself sang different lyrics live than he recorded on the original studio version. He has embraced the various different versions in style and lyrics that have been recorded and performed since by all the artists interpretation of the song creatively alternative to its original.

dancing through the storm with Jeff Buckley Hallelujah Rhode Island Wedding DJ

As a professional DJ, I play Jeff Buckley Hallelujah whenever it makes sense and fits the energy of the event. I like to play this as a closing song, again in situations where it fits.

K.D.Lang Hallelujah Live Performance at Winter Olympics

{embed]http://youtu.be/rVq0L4kkpKM[/embed]

Here are the lyrics to the 1988 version via Leonard Cohen.

Baby, I’ve been here before.
I know this room, I’ve walked this floor.
I used to live alone before I knew you.

Yeah I’ve seen your flag on the marble arch,
But listen, love is not some kind of victory march,
No it’s a cold and it’s a very broken Hallelujah.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, (Hallelujah…)

There was a time you let me know
What’s really going on below,
Ah but now you never show it to me, do you?

Yeah but I remember, yeah when I moved in you,
And the holy dove, she was moving too,
Yes every single breath that we drew was Hallelujah.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.

Maybe there’s a God above,
As for me, all I’ve ever seemed to learn from love
Is how to shoot at someone who outdrew you.

Yeah but it’s not a complaint that you hear tonight,
It’s not the laughter of someone who claims to have seen the light
No it’s a cold and it’s a very lonely Hallelujah.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.

I did my best, it wasn’t much.
I couldn’t feel, so I learned to touch.
I’ve told the truth, I didn’t come all this way to fool you.

Yeah even tough it all went wrong
I’ll stand right here before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my lips but Hallelujah.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Fun. featuring Janelle Monae We Are Young

One of the marvels of the technological age in the music industry is the various ways a song can become a hit. Fun. featuring Janelle Monae We Are Young went from #48 to #3 on Billboard HOT 100 this week, it is the highest ranking yet for the group Fun..  Fun. featuring Janelle Monae We Are Young has been featured on TV shows “Chuck” and “Glee” and was still not a hit. It took a Chevy commercial during the Super Bowl with Fun. featuring Janelle Monae We Are Young for this song to receive the notoriety it deserves.

 

I also find it entertaining that folks insult each other over how they found out about the artist or song. To me, the source is not important. If you like a song or found it increased the enjoyment of a TV show, movie or commercial, good for you! Music has the magic of shifting anything into something special with the right song. This is the job of a good professional DJ. We take traditional occasions and turn them into a lasting memory and an event to talk about with excitement. Music can do that.

Fun Wedding Celebration with Bride and Groom with New jersey Wedding DJ Fun. featuring Janelle Monae We Are Young

Fun. featuring Janelle Monae We Are Young is a fun video and creative in its presentation. I appreciate the unique story they tell in the video, while continuing to hold the energy of the Fun. featuring Janelle Monae We Are Young. Have fun.

Fun. featuring Janelle Monae We Are Young Music Video

Fun. featuring Janelle Monae We Are Young is a song recorded by American band Fun for their second studio album Some Nights (2012). It was released on September 20, 2011 as the lead single from Some Nights. Musically, “We Are Young” is an anthem that incorporates the genres of indie popalternative rock, and power pop. The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, with many noting the song as a breakthrough for the indie genre and praising the song’s catchiness. “We Are Young” has attained commercial success worldwide, reaching number one in several countries.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ