Old Music

Ever since the start of this year I have been super busy with work, school, and friends. I have barely had time for myself, and my room is evidence of that. So, this week I decided to go through my room top to bottom and get rid of things I didn’t want anymore so I would have a fresh start not only at college but also back at home. The first place I hit in my room was my entertainment center. I found stacks upon stacks of dusty old cd’s. I know you are probably thinking “Really, Cd’s? Who listen’s to those anymore?” That’s exactly my point. So, I went through all of my old “mixes” and took lent and ear to listen to my past favorite tunes. I must say it was rather entertaining. I had bands/songs from Hawthorne Heights to R. Kelly to Ludacris and even Enrique. The best part is that the majority of these “mixes” were not only mixes of bands but completely different genres.  I was honestly wondering what the heck I was thinking. I have to admit; listening to all of my “oldies” was fun, and kind of a blast from the past. It brought back a lot of old memories of different songs and bands that my friends and I used to listen to. 

            Listening to my mixes was definitely, a great way to jam out to some good music while cleaning my room. I would encourage everyone to try this. It’s a good way to get some cleaning done, reminisce, and get some oldies put back on your itunes. J

30 Seconds to Mars

This week I wanted to write about the concert that was held on campus yesterday evening.  When I heard that 30 Seconds to Mars was coming for a concert on campus I was indifferent. Honestly, the last time I had ever listened to one of their songs was probably my freshman year of high school.  I heard that the band Neon Trees was playing, and I am familiar with some of their music so a few of my friends and I decided that we would go.

The opening acts for 30 Seconds to Mars were decent, and the weather was fabulous so overall I was having a great time. It was cool to see the MTV played a part in putting the concert on and they were filming there. However, one thing that really annoyed me was the language. When it comes to profanity, I would say that I am pretty tolerant. I don’t care if someone cusses it doesn’t really have any influence over me. However, the band members were just plain ridiculous. Every other word was FFFFFF. Seriously? Not only is that trashy and rude but it is also ANNOYING. I understand that they think they are “super-hot rock stars” but they looked like fools. From what I can remember they don’t use a lot or any profanity for that matter in their music. Yet, when they were on stage that is all that they could say?

As far as the actual music content goes, I think that the concert was good. They played a lot of their older songs, which is cool, because I didn’t know any of their new stuff. A lot of their songs, however, were played acoustic which, in my opinion, really should have been played full instead.

All in all, I think that besides the language issue the concert was a huge success. Good music, nice weather, a fun time with friends, and free reeses  cups(Reeses sponsored the concert). If you went, give me your opinion. What did you think of the opening acts, and the music? Did his repetitive use of FFFFFFFFF annoy you too? Haha:) Here is a picture of me and my friends last night!

Music and School Spirit

This whole week I have been trying to think about what I could write about for my blog. Obviously, I would write about something pertaining to music, but what? I was thinking about critiquing various artists that we constantly hear on the radio that are overplayed, or the latest and most popular song on 9.33flz. However, today’s game against Syracuse definitely sparked an idea and got me brainstorming, once again, on the impact music has on us.

I really don’t think we can even come to realize all that music can do to us, whether the effects are good or bad. It influences our attitudes, moods, perspectives, and our interaction. Music easily alters our mood swings, as I discussed on my previous blog. It also energizes us and feeds our adrenaline.

Today, at our Homecoming game, despite the loss I saw how music brought all of the fans together. With the USF fight song, the Alma Mater, and even the National Anthem, Bulls all around the stadium showed support and pride for not only for our school but also for our country.  Songs such as “All I Do Is Win” that are played just about every five minutes of our football games unite the fans just by letting us goof around and dance like a bunch of idiots around the stadium. I was so pumped with the school spirit at the start of the game; it was a neat picture seeing all of the hands up in the student section flowing to the rhythm of the music. Usually when at the game, you end up sitting next to, or a few people surround you that you may not know. However when USF’s marching band, better known as The Herd of Thunder stampede’s across the field playing “The Bull” your neighbors suddenly become your best friends because of the energy through the music played. Sometimes, you might get along because your neighbor is wicked drunk, but on other occasions the music played is what unites you and brings out your USF Bull’s pride.

Music Surrounds Us

Music lets us express ourselves. Through songs, we are able to relate because of the emotion or message conveyed by the artist. On my worst day I know I can come home and crank up some of my favorite tunes on my stereo, and vent just listening to music. Other times, music gets me pumped and motivated while running or cleaning my room. Music gets us moving and is fun to dance to. On bad days, when I come home from school my only vice is to either come home and listen to rock music to let my stress out or to chill listening to some Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Another time music is a great companion is when you are exercising. I don’t know about you, but I cannot go running without it! If my iPod is left at home, I will definitely opt out of running that day. I feel as if it would be almost impossible to exercise without music. There would be nothing pumping your adrenaline in the background keeping you motivated and at a steady pace.  

Music constantly surrounds us. Whether we are studying at Starbucks, dancing at a club, or just driving down the interstate we are always listening to something. I believe sometimes it can just become the white noise in the background. I find this true at places like Starbucks or Panera, places we often meet to eat, study, and socialize. Walking in these places, there is always music playing, whether we like or even know the bands on the playlist. If you think about it, we never really take a minute to listen to the music being played; it’s just something we have become used to hearing, the white noise. I feel that it would be an awkward or uncomfortable environment if this element were missing.

Music creates an inviting feeling, and at times can make a great companion. Often times, it can be the thing we need to brighten our day. Music empowers us and excites us. It stimulates us and motivates us.