MUSICROPOLIS

2009 Review and a look ahead.

tpearson — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 23:08:20 +0000

Well, 2009 was definitely a banner year for new artists letting their freak flags fly, and for familiar ones keepin’ it real and payin’ the bills. To summarize, Adam Lambert made out with *gasp* a DUDE, Kanye West proved why we need to extend the ole’ delay time just a bit, and Lady GaGa hanged from a chandelier with blood pouring from her face…ahh the memories. John Mayer released another possible Grammy contender, Mariah Carey dropped a hit that put Eminem in his place, and Miley Cyrus partied her little heart out in the U.S.A. So the question we’re left with is: what will the 2010 scene bring us? For starters, be on the look out for a huge splash by a sexy axe-slinger from Australia named Orianthi. We got a peek of her in Kenny Ortega’s “This is It” as the late King of Pop’s lead guitarist, and her debut record dropped late in 2009. Not only can the girl shred with the best of the boys, but she presents the coveted triple threat after adding her song-writing and vocals to the mix. CHECK HER OUT! Also, fresh off his “Relapse” release and the extended “Re-fill”, Eminem will follow up with the anticipated sequel, “Relapse 2″. Most likely, this Dr. Dre creation will be the second half of the story covering the rapper’s journey through drug-abuse, sobriety, and his colossal return to the game. I’m out for now, but stay locked in for the latest. -Peace, Tyler.

The New iPod Nano

tpearson — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:08:45 +0000

My beautiful and loving wife blessed me this holiday season with the perfect gift for any music lover: The 16G iPod Nano. The gift came a few weeks early, because neither of us had the patience to wait for the 25th; and I must say, I LOVE IT. The player is certainly a small package that packs a big punch. Aside from the space to store thousands of songs from iTunes, the Nano also has a video camera whose quality kicks the ass of your average cell phone camera. Another priceless feature for the music lover is the ability to pause and “rewind” digital radio in real time: No more “wishing you could hear that guitar solo again!” Bravo Apple, you get my ovation once again.

-Peace, Tyler

Battle Studies

tpearson — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:20:35 +0000

As reported earlier, John Mayer’s latest (Battle Studies) was released today; and in an age of addictive piracy, I fought the urge and bought the album old school. It’s a good thing too; because ladies and gentlemen… it was well worth the 14 bucks. Battle Studies is a mature climb musically from Mayer’s rookie release “No Such Thing”, and a small but definite step to the side from his last project “Continuum”. In 11 tracks, John Mayer takes us on a mellow and honest ride around every twist and turn of the heartache, uncertainty, hate, and apathy associated with love and loss. Songs like “Who Says” expresses what we all think, but are too afraid to say; and Mayer’s devotion to his roots burns bright in his edgy cover of the classic Robert Johnson song, “Crossroads”. Fans may even be surprised buy a guest background vocal appearance from Nashville’s baby sister, Taylor Swift on the song “Half of my Heart”. Ultimately destined to be a classic in John’s album of work; and hopefully a future Grammy contender, “Battle Studies” will no doubt be my personal go to playlist for the rest of 2009 and an old friend I visit frequently for years to come.

John Mayer

tpearson — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:32:16 +0000

John Mayer’s “Battle Studies” drops Tuesday. YES I will be buying it, and YES I will be writing about it- Stay tuned!

CMA’s

tpearson — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:26:39 +0000

The news last night was of course the Country Music Awards on ABC. Singer/Songwriter/(pop-star??) Taylor Swift brought home an armful, topping her glass off with the coveted “Entertainer of the Year” award (insert obligatory Kanye West joke here). There were several noteworthy moments… Sugarland; Chris Daughtry and Vince Gill; Darius Rucker (not Hootie!)…but most impressive, by no comparison, was a cover of Charlie Daniels’ “Devil Went Down To Georgia” by Georgia native- Zac Brown Band. New to the CMA stage, Zac Brown and his boys brought the crowd to their feet with their sizzling performance of the classic hit. The fiddle player did Charlie Daniels proud, and Zac Brown officially joins the ranks with Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, and Vince Gill as another country music guitar-slinger with his lightning fast improvisation. All in all- your typical CMA show with ups, downs, and “George Strait’s still alive?!”

This Is It

tpearson — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:26:45 +0000

The King of Pop lives on in Kenny Ortega’s emotional and fascinating documentary, which chronicles the last days of Michael Jackson’s unbelievable life. This film reminds us why we fell in love with that cute kid from Indiana; why we all practiced the Thriller dance and the moonwalk in the 80′s; why we fainted in the crowds of the Dangerous tour; and why our hearts sank when we heard the tragic news on June 25, 2009. REST IN PEACE MJ. WE WILL MISS YOU.

New Releases

tpearson — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:53:14 +0000

November is an anticipated month for new releases this year. American Idol’s favorite new sons, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert, both release their debut albums the second half of the month (Nov. 17 and 24 respectively). After a sixth-month wait, the top two from season 8 finally show the world what they’ve got in the studio. The only downside (or honor) falling on Kris Allen is the fact that his album drops on the same day as the latest from John Mayer. Hefty company to say the least for the rookie pop crooner. John Mayer’s “Battle Studies” will mark the fourth major studio release for the Grammy veteran, and certainly promises to be an honest and impressive record, both lyrically and musically.

Welcome To Musicropolis

tpearson — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:34:24 +0000

“I Love Music.”- Such a cliche statement when said out loud, but what inspires it? What is inside our souls and minds that crave this ancient art. Does it begin before birth? When our chromosomes sway to the melodies of elevator music- as our mothers walk the super market aisles looking for the pregnancy tests? Does it cut it’s teeth on lullabies and nursery rhymes. Does it find warmth in Christmas carols and birthday wishes? Does it find love in fall dances and first kisses? And do it’s lips sour from the soundtracks of broken hearts? No matter when, where, or how it forms, this love of music burns brighter than the cowboy campfire tunes of the open range or the Broadway lights of the big city. Alive and thriving, it will eternally feast on the energy of the universe.
-Peace and Love, Tyler Pearson

Hello world!

tpearson — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:58:14 +0000

Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!