Summer Playlist Pt. 2

This is one of my favorite mixes of all time. I have a very similar CD that I put in almost every time I'm in the car  - my poor family. Anyway, I hope y'all like it!

Happy weekend!

Love,
Scout

Artist Spotlight: Buddy Holly

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Buddy Holly, born Charles Holley, was a performer since childhood. His official musical career began in 1965, when he was signed to Decca, but was cut short when he died 3 years later, in 1959. Though he was only around for a short time, he was a catalyst in the rock music genre - even being the innovator of the traditional rock band set up of two guitarists, a bassist, and a drummer. He also started the tradition of rock artists writing and performing their own music (The Beatles were another band that helped solidify this as a rock standard). 

Buddy Holly died on February 3, 1959, a day known as "the day the music died". He had been on a winter tour and decided to rent a plane with some other musicians because of the miserable bus conditions. Unfortunately, the plane crashed, killing the pilot and three passengers - Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens. You can read more about it here.

Don McLean's album American Pie - and the song itself - are a dedication to Buddy Holly.

Several artists have paid tribute to Buddy Holly, including  M. Ward, The Rolling Stones, Don McClean, The Beatles, who covered Words of Love, and John Lennon, who covered Peggy Sue - and supposedly began wearing glasses as a tribute to Buddy Holly. Another interesting tidbit: Paul McCartney owns the rights to Buddy Holly's songs.

Love,

Scout

Artist Spotlight: Don McLean

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I've always loved McLean's American Pie, but it wasn't until I got the American Pie vinyl a couple weeks ago that I really listened to him. I feel like he's one of those one hit wonder artists - he has so much great music, but no one ever talks about him unless they're talking about American Pie. His style is folky, sometimes mixed with old style rock (like Buddy Holly type rock), and a lot of his songs have a sort of mournful tone to them. Anyway, here are some of his songs that I really like.

This is quite possibly my favorite.

This one just makes me laugh.

Now, if you haven't heard his song American Pie...well, shame on you. You need to listen to it right now. There's so much musical history in this song, not to mention it's simply amazing. Anyway, it starts off with Buddy Holly's death in February, 1953. Y'all should really look it up. He even dedicated the American Pie album to Buddy Holly!

Check out his website.

Love,

Scout

Artist Spotlight: The Rolling Stones

It wasn't until this year that I realized I actually really like The Rolling Stones. I always figured they were like AC/DC or Aerosmith, which are generally too loud for my taste, but then I randomly decided to listen to my father's vinyls and absolutely loved them.

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I feel like most people have probably listened to The Rolling Stones, as they've been around for 50 years, so you all know what they sound like. If that's not the case, I'll do my best to explain. The Rolling Stones are a rock band that started in 1962, which means they are rock, but not as hard as what our generation is used to. Isn't it strange how rock has changed? Starting with Elvis and The Beatles and going from there...Anyway.

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The Rolling Stones' front man is [Sir!] Mick Jagger, although the band was actually started by the lesser known Brian Jones. They quickly became popular, especially in the United States. In 1964, two years after their first gig, The Rolling Stones dethroned The Beatles when their first LP made it to #1 on the charts. Another interesting tidbit: The Rolling Stones album Out of Our Heads quickly made it to #1 in the United States, but in the UK was second to one other album - The Sound of Music soundtrack! 

My favorite song of their's is Ruby Tuesday. I put it first on the playlist to make it easy for you to find.

Fun fact: The Rolling Stones' Keith Richards played Johnny Depp/Jack Sparrow's father in Pirates of the Caribbean. 

And speaking of Moves Like Jagger...

Can you spot the Blonde Willy Wonka/Berries and Cream guy?

Check out their website.

Love,

Scout

Artist Spotlight: The Ramones

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I've always loved The Ramones' song Bitzkrieg Bop (Jimmy Neutron, anyone?). I never really listened to anymore of their music, though, until recently. I've decided that I really like them! They remind me of an 80s Beach Boys. They are also awesome enough to be referenced by Homestar Runner (click for info or clip). Anyway, the first song makes me laugh. 

What do you think of them?

Love,
Scout

Artist Spotlight: Guns N Roses

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Guns N Roses is a rock band that originated in California in 1985, with Axl Rose as lead singer and the legendary Slash as lead guitarist. Apparently the band is still active (though Axl is the only original member), but I haven't heard anything new about them...well, ever. 

Anyway, they have some pretty cool music. Theirs is probably the hardest music that I've listened to and actually enjoyed. Axl Rose has this incredible screamy voice that I really can't describe, but love. They are also responsible for my favorite song of all time, Sweet Child O Mine.

Here's a taste of some of their other music. 

Check out their website.

Love,
Scout

Artist Spotlight: Tom Petty

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Tom Petty is one of my favorite classic rock singers. He is the lead singer in the band Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (who'da thunk it). He has a very distinctive voice that, once you hear it, you can recognize almost anywhere. I'm fairly certain he's one of the first classic rock artists that I loved, excepting the Beatles, of course. He can look a little scary at times, though.

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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers started in 1976 and have been together ever since, even releasing a new album in 2010. They are known for songs like Free Fallin' and Mary Jane's Last Dance.

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In the late 80s and early 90s, Tom Petty was part of a side group called The Traveling Wilburys, which also included Bob Dylan and George Harrison, among other stars.

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In 1991, Tom Petty released the song Into the Great Wide Open, which starred Johnny Depp in the music video. This particular version cuts off a bit short, but it was clearer than the other. 

If you want to see the full version in lesser quality, click here. 

Here are some of my favorite Tom Petty songs.

Check out his website.

Love,

Scout