Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with music

No one move a muscle 'til the dead come home

Lyn Never — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:51:32 -0800

Help me gather the music of my misspent youth? Call it 1989-90, 1993-96, starting with small-town quasi-secretly-gay-dance-club (but definitely barely-post-new-wave and a little wannabe Stark Club, not radio/"dance" pop) through danceable goth/industrial. I put in my hours on the dance floor, and rarely gave up my spot, but I feel like there are huge gaps in the songs I can actually identify. Can you help? The ones that seem obvious to me: Sisters of Mercy, the more-danceable/danceremixed NIN/Tool/Marilyn Manson. Nitzer Ebb, Front 242, a little throwback Depeche Mode. The occasional Cure. And there were the dancefloor-packers: "Nemesis," "Headhunter," "Bela Lugosi's Dead" (god, that song hurt in heels, all that slow motion writhing for 14 minutes).

My personal stomping ground was The Church in Dallas (still there, went a few weeks ago, everything sounded like The Worst of Depeche Mode 2000-2007: Remixed for Elevators; get off my lawn, you damn steampunks), and my Oldies may not be your Oldies, and a lot of the music I wouldn't know unless I heard a snippet, but if you were in close proximity to a lot of eyeliner in the early- to mid-1990s and can remember actual artists and songs, I'll check them out.

Clearly I'm not going to get to hear them in public, so it's going to have to be Lyn's Kitchen Dance Party Playlist. Please hope me.

Make me a comprehensive rap music mixtape, 1986 to 2009.

kensington314 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:37:25 -0800

If you could pick one rap song for every year, what would those songs be? I'll take individuals suggestions or entire lists. I'm looking at 1986 to 2009. A friend wants an "introduction to rap music" sort of mix CD. I was just going to copy a James Brown album for her, but I decided the best survey would be to pick one song for each year, and make sure I got all the regional diversity in there. Mainstream rap, indie rap, whatever.

I've got my ideas but thought you all might have better ones.

Bonus question: what is an iconic rap album cover or other image that you would use for a mixtape cover? Something that really sums up the music in some way.

Help me make a compilation of songs made popular via Youtube.

theButterFly — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:51:00 -0800

I am looking to make a compilation of music that consists of songs that owe their popularity to Youtube. What songs does the hive mind recommend? i want to put together a compilation of musical tracks that owe their popularity to youtube. They could be things of a viral nature like "Chocolate Rain" or songs that gained a following due to youtube like "Here is Goes Again" by OKGO. What songs would you suggest?

I want to watch this video again.

inging — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:11:58 -0800

ForgottenSongTitleAndArtistFilter: the song: bouncy and loud, sung by a solo female. The lyrics equate love with physical abuse. (Like being hit with love, or our hearts beating one another, something like that. It reminds me of the Cardigans "And then You Kissed Me.") the video: a mostly white backdrop, and said female vocalist cavorting around, dancing and shadowboxing. Possibly things are on fire? There is a bed, and pillows, and maybe even streamers. That's all I have. Please help.

It's a free concert from now on

nomisxid — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:40:59 -0800

Name that mid-90's techno/trance/ambient track I half remember-filter. Memory jogged by the U2 thread, I'm trying to remember a song.
The song prominently features a sample of the announcer at Woodstock saying, "It’s a free concert from now on. That doesn’t mean that anything goes. What that means is we're going to put the music up here for free".

TECHNOVIKING doesn't dance to the music, the music dances to TECHNOVIKING

jimfl — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:49:55 -0800

What is the music that Technoviking is dancing to?

What are some notable digital remasters of music over the last few years?

jeremias — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:50:19 -0800

With the recent attention given to the high quality of the recent audio re-masters of the Beatles catalog, I'm wondering if there have been other notable re-masters in the last few years. I realize this is potentially a broad topic, but virtually all the reviews of the Beatles re-masters focused on how they represented a significant update in the listening experience. So I'm interested in any equivalent digital re-issues that are acknowledged as a significant leap in audio quality for the listener.

Acoustic music in New Orleans?

Rain Man — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:23:04 -0800

Suggestions for acoustic music venues in New Orleans? I'll be visiting NOLA in a couple of weeks and would appreciate some advice about likely spots to hear live music. My tastes run to acoustic Americana, a touch of twang okay, bluesy too, and I already have a basic notion of the more touristy Dixieland scene from previous visits (all of them pre-Katrina). As examples of my interests I would mention the Nawlins-based musicians Mary Gauthier and Anders Osborne (or at least his folkier side). Thanks!

Obscure early 90s rave song to identify.

spartacusroosevelt — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:38:52 -0800

Trying to identify an early 90s sorta ravey industrial track I only vaguely remember. I believe the song was called "Yaaa" and the word Yaaaaaaaaa was throughout as sort of a bed. There was a liberal usage of Flavor Flav saying "Bass in your face London." Apparently there was some more recent use of that sample that is messing up my Google-fu. It was played usually later in the evening as the DJ veered off into the Front 242 and Thrill Kill Kult sort of material.

Not a lot to go on, but surely somebody out there has heard this track. The DJ wasn't that adventurous.

Name that 'tchune?

citywolf — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:33:43 -0800

What was this non-techno song I heard in Cambridge, UK dance clubs in 2005? I spent the first six months of 2005 in Cambridge, UK. While I was there I did my share of clubbing (Fez Club, Life, in particular). I've managed to scrap together a playlist of most of the songs that make me nostalgic for my time there, but one song has escaped me. Google has failed me due to my spotty memory and some rather generic lyrics.

Song details:
- Played frequently in dance clubs in Cambridge, UK between January and June 2005
- Fun, upbeat song, frequently sung along to by all in the club
- NOT a techno song (didn't sound like a "dance remix")
- At this point I can't remember exact lyrics except what I believe was "put your hands up," repeated (real helpful, I know)
- Summer / summertime / sunshine may have been involved in the chorus or lyrics of the song.

I know it's a long shot but I've seen miracles worked on MeFi before.

ID a tune on Youtube

derbs — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:33:44 -0800

Can anyone ID the backing track on this youtube clip? You would absolutely make my day if you could find this one.

Discipline the vocce!

yoyoceramic — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:38:05 -0800

Voice instructors in Las Vegas? I'm just a hobbiest... Hi everyone,

Wondering if any MeFites have any good recommendations for someone looking for a voice instructor. Gender and age do not matter to me. I am a male in mid 20's, if that matters.

I'm not looking to be the next American Idol. I took about 2 months worth of voice lessons then moved to a new city (Las Vegas). I'm looking for 45mins - 1 hour per week of instruction. I am interested in classical-type training I suppose (I was working through "The First Book of Tenor Solos"), leaning scales, MAYBE doing a recital etc...

Any thoughts? PM if you have a specific rec.. thanks!

Music-fu to the rescue

notashroom — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:43:44 -0800

PlaylistFilter: I like themed playlists, partly because I have broad taste and they help me link together songs from disparate genres and partly because I can play a playlist or CD that suits a given mood or situation. Help me build a love-themed playlist and find resources for good themed playlists? First, right now I'm looking to build a playlist around a theme of loving acceptance, along the lines of "Just the Way You Are", "My Baby Loves Me (Just the Way That I Am)", and "Close Enough to Perfect". Can you suggest songs that fit this theme, in any genre, of any artist (only or primarily English for vocals, please)?

Second, do you know any good websites featuring themed playlists or with a significant number of them in an easily navigable/searchable format? I remember a post (not sure if it was blue or green, and searching failed me) with a site that was at the time featuring summer-themed playlists, complete with downloadable music and "album" covers. Something like that would be excellent, but just theme, song title, and artist would be enough if the lists were good and navigation usable.

Specific song with whistling in it?

crios — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:27:48 -0800

I'm looking for a specific song with whistling in it. I heard it in a bar so I couldn't catch the lyrics but the song had a singing chorus and then a whistling chorus that it started and ended with (I think). It had had an upbeat tempo and seemed to only consist of drums, a bass line and vocals (as well as the whistling). The singing seemed to be in a monotone style except for the singing chorus. Any ideas?

What is this tune?

[@I][:+:][@I] — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:40:23 -0800

What is this tune? [little snip from a french movie]. Thanks in advance.

Help a newbie DJ!

aceyprime — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:02:41 -0800

I want to start DJing - specifically mixing and mashing songs and learning to scratch. I only want to make mixes for myself but might someday want to play for a house party if my skills improve. I need your input on equipment and how to get started! I love music but have no experience DJing so anything you have to share would be helpful. I spent a bit of time attempting to research it but feel totally overwhelmed by all the options available.

What controller & soundcard (or other equipment) should I consider? I've looked at the Vestax VCI-100, Hercules RMX and M-Audio Xponent so far but have no idea what would be best to get started. I want a controller that will be good for scratching. I'd like to spend less than $700 total.

What should I look at for software? Seems like Traktor and Virtual DJ are popular and support most controllers.

What should I do to learn the basics? Any good DJ forums that are beginner friendly?

usb mix copying help

anya32 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:54:35 -0800

how do i save a mix of songs on a usb stick in order? i'm trying to give someone a mix on a usb stick and when i copy over the songs, they are not in the order i want them to be.

thanks so much!

SWM seeks casual encounters with Piano - you must host!

Lutoslawski — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:49:59 -0800

Where in Portland, OR might I go to practice piano...for free/cheap?? I am a pianist without a piano. I have a decent keyboard, but it's just not the same at all. I'd really like to find somewhere I could practice just a couple times a week on a real piano. Preferably, I'd like to do this for free; though I might be able to scrounge up some pocket change.

I've had access to a piano my entire life (home, college), but now that I have graduated college I find myself piano-less - and I'm poverty poor so I can't afford to buy one; nor do I want to acquire a free one on Craigslist, as most would require a lot of maintenance - and besides, I don't really have anywhere to put a piano at the moment anyway.

Any suggestions? Do universities/community colleges ever offer some sort of "practice room membership" thing? Do you know of any rehearsal spaces with good pianos that aren't too spendy??

Thanks in advance everyone!!

Help with a band name

Astro Zombie — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:30:34 -0800

I want to start an Irish band called the Peter O'Tooles. Might this be a problem? Can Peter O'Toole stop me, since we're just taking his glorious name?

I've seen a million faces

Potomac Avenue — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:27:36 -0800

What are some good songs about being on tour? My band's tour is coming to an end and I'd like to make a goodbye mix for all the crew and other bands we've been rolling with for the past month+.

They could be classic (American band, various zepplin), obscure (humble pie's 30 Days In The Hole [my personal favorite]) or modern (living legends' Creative Differences). They don't have to entirely be about touring as long as at least one verse or so specifically talks about life on the road as a musician.

TIA

Please help me kill this ear worm!

knmr76 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:34:11 -0800

I just caught the end of a Ford commercial and am being driven insane by not being able to figure out what the song is and who sings it (I know it, just can't put my finger on it). Can anyone help? It's a male voice, he's singing "nah nah nah nah nah nah nah" Sounds a little indie rock on the folksy side. Please help me otherwise I'll obsess about it all night long.

Swimming in a sea of wood and strings.

radioamy — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:28:46 -0800

Boyfriendbirthdayfilter: Do you know anything about buying mandolins? Please hope me! My boyfriend is a musician (guitar mostly, dabbles in bass) and has mentioned that he would like a mandolin. His birthday is next week (oops!), and I’m interested in buying one for him. However I know little about buying musical instruments, and nothing about mandolins!

I’m looking to spend about $200. Is that a reasonable amount to pay for a decent quality instrument? Is a mandolin something that I could buy at Guitar Center or do those sound like they came from Toys-R-Us? What should I look for and what should I avoid?

I've looked at two previous questions and through the FAQ at Folk of the Wood but I'm still unsure. There are SO MANY FUCKING OPTIONS! A-style, F-style, A-style with F-holes...halp!

Do you have some advice for me? The more direction the better, because I feel like I'm swimming in a sea of wood and strings!

I live in New Orleans, LA if that's relevant. I'm okay buying online if I need to.

Not your grandma's Schumann records: give me piano bands that will rock my face off.

JaiMahodara — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:37:13 -0800

I'm looking for piano-based rock bands that rock really, really hard. I've seen this question, but I'm specifically looking for bands - not songs - that are led by a badass, hard-rocking pianist, like the Led Zeppelin of piano rock.

I love Ben Folds, Fiona Apple, Brad Mehldau...and suggestions in this genre are certainly welcome as well, but I'd love to find bands leaning more towards punk, heavy metal, hip-hop, or any hard-rocking, unconventional bands that are piano driven.

Bring me audio ecstasy, hive mind.

Leave The Mask On

The Whelk — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:56:52 -0800

Help me find music about sexin' up Superheroes! I'm running an event based on Yoe's "Secret Identity" and I need background music that references a bunch of things and/.or sounds like something The Silk Specter would enjoy. Ideally these songs should be about any or all of these things:

Superheroes/Masked Avengers

Secret Identity/Double Lives

Sex/Kink/Lust/Etc

Music from the 40s-50s greatly preferred but not necessary. I want to mood to bend more toward "wink wink nudge nudge" kinky rather than darker or more aggro sounds.

How can i sync my android?

Iananan — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:21:19 -0800

I'm looking for an effective and hassle free way to sync small amounts of music (less than 6GB but more than 3GB) to my android phone. PC only. I use Mediamonkey for my ipod, and that works fine, but every time i plug my phone in, mediamonkey wants to delete all of my podcasts and ringtones, and i have to uncheck them all by hand, which is more hassle than just dragging and dropping the music, which is my current solution.

the missing sync looks promising, but will rely on windows media player, which i usually avoid like the plague, and either way isn't actually out for a while yet.

Doubletwist has been recommended (by google searching and lifehacker) but is effectively un-usable on windows, (it looks pretty smooth on macs, from videos, but fails to recognise my phone/build an effective library/read simple id3 tags/stay alive more than 3 minutes on windows)

Any suggestions?