CantDrive55Andy
Member
Stuff and things.
Posts: 764
Registered on: April 2014
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Post by CantDrive55Andy on May 22, 2016 15:51:38 GMT
Hey, hey, hey! Just wanted to let everyone know that I've made the month of May my personal Music May Month and have been posting music related writings on my personal Facebook page. Starting Monday May 23rd, I'll be putting out some of (I believe) my best content. I've spent hours upon hours thinking of what to write for some of the songs that mean the most to me. I wrote what's below here on Friday (the 20th) and Mon - Fri I'll be reposting here what I put up for the final week. Thanks and enjoy!
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Do you remember the 1960’s? Well, I certainly DON’T because my own father wasn’t even born yet. Anyways, from what I can gather and have heard over the years, it was pretty influential for its time and in the music of the 70’s and 80’s which is some of my absolute favorite of all time! Speaking of absolute favorites, you’ve just gotta love Tom Petty. He’s such a talented musician and does a wonderful job creating beautiful imagery with his lyrics and guitar playing.
Petty does a GREAT job of paying homage to The Byrds with his cover here. I really relate to this song and it strikes a huge heart string with me. Putting all of your utter love and trust into someone only to have it viciously ripped away really messes with your head. It was quite a while ago, but it’s still in the back of your mind of how things were and how much you really did care about a person. Sadly, they just didn’t feel the same way. These things happen. The pain is there but you just deal with it and move forward. Hell, just as the song itself says, “ I didn’t know you were putting me on, but I’ll probably feel a whole lot better when you’re gone.” Here’s Tom Petty with Feel a Whole Lot Better. Full Moon Fever really is a wonderful album, you should definitely consider giving it a try if you're ever feeling the blues.
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CantDrive55Andy
Member
Stuff and things.
Posts: 764
Registered on: April 2014
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Post by CantDrive55Andy on May 23, 2016 8:03:25 GMT
Man, Stone Temple Pilots is just one of those bands you know? They put out the right music at the right time. The 90’s were a strange time, mostly because I myself was born. However, this was the decade that mostly consisted of grunge rock and a lot, A LOT, of newer music and styles being introduced. What was this decade going to introduce that previous generations of music had not offered yet? ______ Enter Stone Temple Pilots. It’s hard to explain what exact type of music STP embodies. It’s a bit of grunge, some alternative, and some psychedelic rock in there. I can’t say that I’m a huge fan of psychedelics but I sure do love the music! I think the best way I can even attempt to explain STP is by giving you a quote from the now former singer Scott Weiland, “I guess I tend to find the darker sides of life more attractive than the yellows and oranges. I know it’s something that I relate to when I listen to music.” _____ Wow, I TOTALLY can get into this! I like music that is different and challenges the norm. Let’s take what’s made everyone else out there successful and do our own spin and sound on it. Something different. Something that will make people think. Something that will make them question their choices while all the while cranking out some rocking music. Yeah, that is straight up my alley. When I first heard STP at about ten years old, I can tell you that it most definitely changed my life. Here was something that I had never heard before! I couldn’t even quite comprehend the lyrics just then but I knew that there was something special about this band. _____ With six studio albums spread across 18 years, I truly feel that each album possesses its own spirit and style. Some are more psychedelic than others while some have a bit more rock and an alternative or heavy side to them (and even a bit of jazz). As a band progresses, it’s good to see them try to adapt with the times while at the same time doing things their way and putting out quality music. With the unfortunate passing of Scott Weiland (singer of Stone Temple Pilots), will there be a seventh album? Only time will tell. But I can say this: Guys, keep it coming because I’m going all the way with you. You’ve done so much for me throughout my teenage years growing up and I really appreciate it. No matter what, I’ll always Glide with you.
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CantDrive55Andy
Member
Stuff and things.
Posts: 764
Registered on: April 2014
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Post by CantDrive55Andy on May 24, 2016 8:45:21 GMT
Pardon my Portuguese, but I fucking love Depeche Mode. You wouldn’t think that English electronic music with some synthpop and new wave with some gothic tone in it would work, but it’s very pleasing to the ears. Well, to MY ears. Your ears may or may not enjoy it and that’s perfectly fine. DM has managed to captivate some of the most sentimental sounds and make some absolutely wonderful music using instruments such as synthesizers and the piano. Whether they delve into topics such as religion, suicide, boredom, drug abuse, politics, or even sex and fetishes, it almost always has a dark, dreary tone and yet almost always knows how to convey a sense of joy and wonderment.
Depeche Mode have put out thirteen studio albums as of this writing and each is superb in its own way. They’ve even done the arbitrary task of having remixes of some of their most favorite works and it allowed DJs to convert their chart-friendly synth pop into dancefloor music. The 80’s were a different time, you know? In addition to thirteen studio albums, they’ve also spawned two dedicated remix albums, eight compilation albums (basically, “Best Of’s”), and five live albums, the latest of which being released in November of 2014.
I truly do feel that Depeche Mode are one of the most influential bands of the past three decades and have helped shaped the music industry as a whole. If you enjoy books and the above topics I’ve mentioned, you should really consider giving their biography a read. I haven’t even finished it yet and it’s a great read. They continue to survive and thrive Behind The Wheel, answering the Question of Time, always too restlessly creative to Enjoy the Silence. If you’re ever Waiting For The Night, always seek New Life as long as it’s not down the Barrel Of A Gun. Get your kicks on Route 66 and Never Let Me Down Again. One thing is for sure about Depeche Mode… I Just Can’t Get Enough!
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CantDrive55Andy
Member
Stuff and things.
Posts: 764
Registered on: April 2014
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Post by CantDrive55Andy on May 25, 2016 8:55:43 GMT
You know what? I like Phil Collins. Go ahead, hurl a chair in my general direction. Phil really knows how to convey such sadness and empathy in his music. You can just FEEL the heartbreak. I’d like to share a very brief story below.
I don't use specific names because that's rude as fuck. A dear friend of mine that I’ve known since childbirth was going to be married. That’s… That’s crazy. I mean, it is good! It’d be awesome to find someone who would give more than a quarter of a damn about you and be all, “You see this? Yeah, I married the shit out of this person. We’re gonna do the whole forever thing.” That’s not exactly wedding vows, but that’s perhaps the most effective way to explain marriage to the young people nowadays.
My friend was GOING to be married. Going. Sadly, he informed me that things are not working out and he’s moved back home. The constant stress of long working hours and just life in general has taken its toll on him. Him and his lady just weren’t getting along. Hey, I understand about work taking its toll! I definitely relate to that. Things just managed to fall apart. Whether or not they can be mended is up to them. That’s their business and I have no right or intent to interfere. That’s their situation and I can only be there for my friend, should he need me. I mean, that sucks buddy. Building something up only to have it fall down is extremely unsettling and haunting. I definitely know the feeling.
This got me to thinking… Seriously, Doesn’t Anybody Stay Together Anymore? In today’s day and age, why don’t we ACTUALLY TALK to one another instead of staring at our phones? What’s the point of having your heart on your sleeve if your sleeve is rolled up? A simple misunderstanding can change everything. In a society where we are all instantly connected, why do we choose to ignore one another during a difficult time or situation? Work WITH each other, not against. Life can be tiring but it’s important to find the passion that keeps you going and make time for those that you care about. Whether or not part of that can be by being with someone is up to you. I’ve got Phil Collins here with Doesn’t Anybody Stay Together Anymore?
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CantDrive55Andy
Member
Stuff and things.
Posts: 764
Registered on: April 2014
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Post by CantDrive55Andy on May 26, 2016 8:55:24 GMT
For those of you that don’t know, I go by CantDrive55Andy on Playstation, Spotify, and several other platforms. If you’d like to, I’ve written on just exactly why I would call myself such a name. Read on if you like. Am I a safe driver? Sure… Sure I am… Actually, what I drive nowadays sounds like a dog gargling mouthwash (and resembles a zebra eating some of those delicious zebra cake snacks) so I actually do need to watch how fast I’m going. Vacuum leak? Cranking sounds? Blown out speakers? More surface rust than what’s available at your local junkyard? Some strange squeaking sound that I still haven’t been able to figure out after years of ownership? My Blazer has this and MORE to offer! Truly one of a kind!
Hey, if you’re like me and you don’t have a beautiful Trans Am, El Camino, Hummer, or an average reliable mid-size sedan, I say EMBRACE your vehicle that you own. I’ve been driving since age 16 and my rides have been less than reliable, at best. My very first car was a 1993 Pontiac Grand Am for $1000. I was the same age as my first car! My grandfather was nice enough to purchase this for me for my first job. Man, I loved that thing. Remember cassette tapes?! I listened to Quiet Riot a lot back then. I remember that car needed a windshield, radiator, thermostat, heating core, and some other things (I honestly can’t remember, that was six years ago and I’m old now). What was important to me was all the fun times I had in that thing and the experience of driving down the open road with the windows down and the heater blaring with some rocking music going. Experiences include but are not limited to learning how to choke down some fast food burger while trying to put on my seat belt, trying to figure out how to work cruise control whilst finding a clear radio station that isn’t some boring political debate, “what’s this button do,” and managing to plow into some deer and watch them graceful spazz and do some sort of rave dance in the air.
Vehicles I’ve owned throughout my lifetime I’ve managed to purchase myself and that has made all the difference in the world. This is MINE. Sure there might be a big dent there and some sort of scrape here but this is mine and I made it happen. Well, the scrape I don’t know how that bump got there! Maybe one day I’ll be able to attain the finances or a loan for something a lot more reliable and less embarrassing, but I honestly don’t mind. I’m a young person and I don’t need the best of everything. That’s how I’ve always been. What matters is not what I drive but who I’m driving with and the experiences and memories I’m creating. At age 22, I’ve found myself having less and less people coming around to my area or even wanting to just hang in but it comes with time. Life’s busy. I get that. Or maybe it’s just me, I don’t know. I mean, I DO wear deodorant and make sure that I groom myself and wear underpants. When I was 16, I knew I had to start working for money for adult things like wallet chains and motor oil. I don’t live in an area where I can simply just walk wherever I’d like, I’ve got to drive there. Once I started driving, I was finally able to go out and see people instead of dancing in my room with a broom while Def Leppard was blaring. Throughout the years, I’ve had various jobs and various vehicles. But I’ve always been happy to be working AND to be driving!
Even today, when I drive that slow it’s STILL hard to steer! Here’s the song that has defined me throughout the years: I Can’t Drive 55 by Sammy Hagar!
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CantDrive55Andy
Member
Stuff and things.
Posts: 764
Registered on: April 2014
|
Post by CantDrive55Andy on May 27, 2016 8:43:05 GMT
Guys and gals, we’ve reached the end of this month’s music. There is absolutely no better way to end it than by playing some Pink Floyd for you. You will never, I repeat NEVER, understand how much this band has done for me throughout my lifetime. Pink Floyd has absolutely wonderful and joyous music. This is music that gives you a complete and utter out of body experience that can never be duplicated. THAT is what music does for me. Let me even begin to attempt to explain…
Do you know the feeling that a good book gives you? The feeling of when you’re extremely parched and you’re JUST about to take a drink of cold, fresh water? THAT feeling. The feeling of anticipation, wonder, and fulfillment. Pink Floyd somehow manages to create a wide array of these emotions in each of their albums that span from the late 1960’s to TODAY. Five decades of music! That’s INCREDIBLE. The only other bands I can think of that have attained this are The Scorpions, Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones, and ZZ Top. I’m sure there are others, but you get my point.
One day, I’ll be an old Andy. I’ll be looking back on my life. What matters most to me is all the happiness that I’ve managed to create and provide people. Your possessions, while awesome, can (and will) come and go. What’s important is the friendships you’ve created, the experiences you’ve had, and having loved ones to share your life with. People may not remember what exactly you have done but they most definitely will remember how you made them feel. One day, I hope that I’ll be good enough to be remembered as a good person who worked hard and tried his best to bring happiness to those he cared about.
There are several things we experience throughout our lifetime. We go through love, joy, pain, suffering, heartbreak, animosity, lust, and anxiousness just to name a few things. The things that we say and the things that we do… They are, indeed, Louder Than Words. We go through a lot of experiences and life lessons along the way. Some things we go through just can’t even begin to be described. Instead of bitching and fighting throughout our lifetimes, why not sit back and feel the beauty of Pink Floyd? Pink Floyd, and music in general, is always a good life decision. Hey, if you have read this or anything I’ve wrote, I’d like to sincerely thank you. Have a happy life.
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