All My Life in the Ghetto - Jay Rock

3 stars out of 5

I was really vacillating on my opinion of this song. Some parts, I’d listen to it and think, “This is just some wanna-be rapper.” But other times I’d start loving the beat and the rhythm. So it was two-fold.

The rapper Jay Rock caught fire through underground mixtapes. The song “All My Life in the Ghetto” is a biographical tale of Jay Rock’s childhood. One of the aspects of the song that iTunes points out is that “Lil Wayne drops a sick, 16-bar cosign.”

Okay, I don’t know who writes the iTunes reviews, but I doubt it’s a teenager who loves rap. There’s something about saying the word “sick,” which is so colloquial and such a slang word, and incorporating that into the official iTunes review, that just annoys me. As much as they can try to be ghetto, they're just not. Period.

The song starts off sounding like a bunch of machines that are not working the right way and are creating weird tech-y noises. So I started off with a bad impression. And then Jay Rock started singing. Let’s not even go there. But when the drummer finally decided to provide a good beat, I started thinking, “Hey, this is not so bad!” Anyhow, I liked the idea that the song actually had meaning. They weren’t just rapping about “stuff” in general; even though theme is still “ghetto,” I can tell it resonates with the artist. If there was a stronger beat throughout the entire song, not just in certain portions, I’d like it a lot more. The song features Lil Wayne as well as Will.i.am.
To watch the video, go to: http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&q=all%20my%20life%20in%20the%20ghetto%20jay%20rock&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wv

One Day - Juan MacLean

1 star out of 5

This song is so weird. Normally, I’d be fine with new-ish music. But obviously not this one. ITunes said, “This week we’re entangled in the Juan MacLean’s love triangle.” This better be a joke, because I honestly don’t see how this could ever happen.

There is a monotonic electronic bass line and occasional drum fills. It is not the “dance-y house beat” that iTunes describes this as. The music video is unusual, too. It seems kind of futuristic, which seems to fit, because the new album “The Future Will Come” is being released soon. It is very electronic, with the distinctive guitars, along with other instruments. Even if you’re really electronic, I still doubt that you would like this song.
If you don’t believe me, watch the music video: http://www.prefixmag.com/media/the-juan-maclean/one-day-video/27154/

Intro to the Barre – Learn to Play 2000’s Rock

5 stars out of 5

Ever since I first hear the sound of the guitar, I’ve always wished that I could be the one producing the melodious music. (Evidently, that never happened.) For those of you who are having the same plight as I am having, you will love this video. This video is actually free…and it’s 16 minutes and 54 seconds (yeah, I know). So get it.

The video is extremely informative and takes you step by step in order to help you understand the “barre” concept. In order to reach this goal, it explores more advanced left and right hand techniques, but at a basic enough level that you can follow along.

This collection of iVideosongs demonstrates and explains how to play an assortment of songs throughout the genres. Included are “Hanging By a Moment” by Lifehouse, “Suddenly I See” by KT Tunstall, and “Twenty-Four” by Switchfoot. Every note, chord, and technique is thoroughly explained. By describing the finger, the fret, and the string to pluck for each chord, the student can be sure to get a full understanding of how to play the song.

Download it for free from iTunes!

Understanding the Dollhouse – Dollhouse Extras

4 stars out of 5

This would be the kind of thing that you would watch if you are looking for more information about the specifics of the show, rather than a preview like they normally feature. This video is only 3:02, yet it is free, and it is definitely worth it.

“Dollhouse,” the hit TV series, shows each Friday at 9 p.m. on Fox. The Dollhouse Extras take “inside looks” at the making, uncovering more drama, mystery, and intriguing. In this extra, Dollhouse creator Joss Whedon joins an ensemble cast including Eliza Dushku, Olivia Williams, Dichen Lachman, and Fran Kranz for an inside look at the hit TV series.

The cast members describe their relations with the director and their preparation process in order to play the character. They go over everything from what drew them to the script to exactly how doll-y the dollhouse was supposed to be.

The main idea of the science fiction TV series begins with a group of people known as “Dolls.” The Dolls have had their personalities brainwashed, so they can be imprinted with any number of new personas. However, this persona is an amalgam of different, existing personalities. They live in a futuristic dormitory/laboratory, a hidden facility nicknamed “The Dollhouse,” where they plan out how to attack the particular assignments they have been given, whether they are crimes, fantasies, or good deeds. The actors go over how they portrayed such versatile characters, and go into details about the making of the show.

MLB.com Fantasy 411 Season Preview 2009

4 stars out of 5

I’m not surprised that iTunes only gives out the previews for free, rather than the actual video that people would want to see. I understand that it’s a money-maker, but somehow it’s not as satisfying as I would like. But like all other previous previews, it definitely did it’s job.

Obviously (although this took me a while to figure out), MLB stands for Major League Baseball. (Of all the sports out there, baseball is the only sport that I don’t like watching.) The video says that you will “get the 411 on the steals and deals you should look for when drafting your 2009 fantasy baseball team from the MLB.com experts.” And that’s exactly what it does. The only problem is that it’s not very intriguing, yet at the same time it features the highlights of the season.

This preview takes an in-depth look at the players and teams from two perspectives. The preview follows the league, both division-by-division and team-by-team. The Fantasy 411 crew gives you what they call “expert insights” on who to draft and who to ditch for your fantasy baseball team.

Enjoy in the national pastime of baseball! The 30 minute and 8 second video is free on iTunes.

Nora Roberts Collection Preview

5 stars out of 5

“Nora Roberts Lifetime Movies” stars at 9 PM each week beginning Saturday, March 21. The 2009 collection has four new movies: Nora Roberts’ High Noon, Nora Roberts’ Midnight Bayou, Nora Roberts’ Northern Lights, and Nora Roberts’ Tribute. The interview with Nora Roberts is free on iTunes as well.

Since this is only a preview, it definitely highlighted the highest points in the show, which is filled with romance, mystery, and passion. High Noon tells the story of a hostage negotiator who is stalked. Midnight Bayou features a lawyer who is entangled in a mystery after moves in a New Orleans mansion, possibly harming the lives of those he loves. Northern Lights is the tale of a former police officer who is faced with a dilemma when his new girlfriend’s father is found dead. Tribute is the story of a former child star who begins to grow deep affection for her handsome neighbor, yet she is haunted by dreams of her long-lost grandmother. The preview made the collection intriguing, yet subtle, giving away just enough of the plot to interest the audience.

One new movie is available each week on iTunes.

Inside Breaking Bad

3 stars out of 5

“Breaking Bad” is an American television drama series that is broadcast in the United States and Canada on the cable network AMC. It is currently in its second season, and the “Inside Look into Breaking Bad: Season 2” is given out for free on iTunes.

“Breaking Bad” follows Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a struggling high school chemistry teacher with a pregnant wife (Anna Gunn) and a handicapped teenage son (RJ Mitte). When White is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, he succumbs to a life of crime and sets up a meth lab. “Breaking Bad” has won two Emmy Awards.

For CSI fans, you will definitely like this. The plot is easy to follow, and it contains just as much suspense as any other film would. The inside look does its job in that it teases the upcoming season, yet it does not provide much information to comment on, as it is merely the inside look. Check it out and see if you want to follow the season! (Personally, meth labs aren’t my thing, but if they’re yours, enjoy!)

Te Quiero Llevar - Cancion de la Semana

4 stars out of 5

This is the second song that has been featured as “free on iTunes” by the band Cancion de la Semana. The band is devoted to providing traditional Latin music, with the famed pianist Arthur Hanlon raking in the bucks. With the help of iTunes’ feature, the band is rising to success…and with good reason.

The vocalists, Tito Nieves, Arturo Sandoval, and Ana Barbara, have gorgeous voices and lead their tunes eloquently. The backbeat serves to give enough rhythm while not being as upbeat as pop music. Once again, the Spanish lyrics annoy me a bit because I cannot understand the message of the music. If the music was fast, I wouldn’t mind because I usually don’t pay attention to the lyrics. But since the song is slow, I would have liked to understand it. Nevertheless, it deserves 4 stars out of 5 for its beauty and the relaxation it provides.

Electro Movimiento - Calle 13

3 stars out of 5

This song incorporates a fusion of Latin, African, pop, rock, and in this case, retro music. Calle 13 is a five-time Latin Grammy Award and Grammy Award-winning Puerto Rican hip hop and alternative-reggaeton duo. Many people have labeled Calle 13’s music as reggaeton, but the band tries to incorporate parts of various types of music, including jazz, bossa nova, and salsa.

Electro Moviemiento adds a Spanish flare with its cumbia, tango, and electronica sounds. Singer Residente doesn’t want to label the band’s music in a specific genre, just calling it “urban.” The music video is a bit weird. In the beginning, they show lips with lipstick of different colors. People wear masks that make it seem like they’re 80 years old. They all wear flashy, colorful, and peacock-like costumes with a neon pink background. As weird as it is, it’s still really funny. It reminds me of the days I’d watch cartoons on TV.

If you’re looking for a laugh (or maybe just a weird experience), check out the music video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HK68_ebHptk

When It Rains - Eli Young Band

3 stars out of 5

This song makes me want to go to bed. It fits my stereotypical “country” type music style: slow (super slow) beat, complaining lyrics, and a repetitive tune. However, the acoustic guitars add a nice taste to the music. The Eli Young Band is a quartet from music that creates soulful sounds similar to that of Mike Eli or James Young. This song is described by iTunes as a song “suitable for sunsets and long goodbyes.” Well, that is not an understatement, considering that this song could also put me to bed. It makes me tired…oh, well. Don’t get it unless you’re soul-searching or looking for a way to while away your time.

If you’re a lover of slow, slow, country music, then check out the song: http://www.yallwire.com/player/eliyoungbandwhenitrains.html?detect_mediatype=flv&detect_bitrate=_700&big=1

Wild at Heart - Gloriana

5 stars out of 5

I have to say, I love this song. There is a catchy beat and a chorus that sticks in your mind. Gloriana consists of two brothers, Tom and Mike Gossin, Rachel Reinart, and the winner of the 2002 TV show “America’s Most Talented Kid,” Cheyenne Kimball. This is described by iTunes as a “four-piece country pop act,” and it was formed in Nashville last year. They have quickly been assembling their debut album.

The song expresses the fact that despite the aging of people, they are young at heart. In the music video, the members of the band are shown just hanging out in their car, enjoying life, driving around downtown. The lyrics are thoughtful, the song is catchy, and the vocals are beautiful. This song is a pleasant change to the regular scheme of songs that are free on iTunes.

To see the music video, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeNIuDGgi9U&feature=related

The Spleenectomy - Glamour Reel Moments

4 stars out of 5

First of all, let me just say that this is not a song; it’s a short film, but it’s free. So I watched it. (What’s there to lose?)

The short film lasted 11 minutes, yet the plot was simple and easy to follow. The plot line follows a housewife who is trying to be an actor but ends up being a doctor. This follows Shakespeare’s basic principle of a “play within a play” which was used not only in the Spleenectomy but also in the Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The actors performed over the top and over-exaggerated their physical choices, so the comedic elements were enhanced. I actually laughed out loud, which is not common for many short films that don’t have enough time to develop their plots. The Spleenectomy is part of the series called Glamour Reel Moments. Every year, the magazine Glamour asks its readers to submit real-life stories to the magazine. After receiving thousands of entries, three are selected and are directed by some of those in Hollywood.

My Hallelujah Song - Julianne Hough

4 stars out of 5

It’s country. It’s country. It’s country. But it’s still great.

Julianne Hough is a professional dancer who won Dancing with the Stars twice, once with Olympic skater Apollo Anton-Ohno and a second time with Brazilian race-driver Helio Castronavez. Now she’s also a singer…and a good one, too.

She has a beautiful voice, and she’s developed it well. I love the simple guitar melody in the back with a light rhythmic pulse. It’s a great way of putting the themes of hope and faith to a tune. Oh, by the way, I love her song “That Song in My Head,” and judging based on its popularity, so does everyone else. Go to this site to check out the music video for that: http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=that+song+in+my+head&hl=en&emb=0&aq=f And does anyone know who the guy in the music video is? If you do, let me know. :)

Her album also contains so vocals by her brother Derek Hough, who is also a professional dancer and won Dancing with the Stars last season with Brooke Burke. She also sang on the results show of Dancing with the Stars. I guess she was just too danced out.

I’ll admit…when I first heard her songs, I thought they were weird and it didn’t have a tune. But then I listened to it again so I’d have it in my head when writing the review, but then I couldn’t stop listening to it!

Traicion – Cancion de la Semana

3 stars out of 5

Although I don’t understand any Spanish, this song has a smooth, light groove to it that makes everyone’s toes start tapping. The rhythm and beats are as Latin as it will get; it reminds me quite a bit of samba music or something of the sort. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Mario Lopez dancing to this type of song.

Regardless, it’s a nice way to finish off the day, especially if you’re looking to just lounge and relax. Obviously, understanding the song would probably make me like it more. The tune gets a bit repetitive after a while, but it’s catchy nevertheless. If your iPod is filled with all “American” pop music, try spicing it up with this Spanish groove; some culture can’t curt.

To listen to this song, visit: http://www.last.fm/music/makano/Traici%C3%B3n+-+Canci%C3%B3n+de+la+Semana

The Tossers - Siobhan

4 stars out of 5 (for laughs)

Depending on what type of music you enjoy, you might like “The Tossers” by Siobhan. At first, hearing the beat with the banjo (or whatever that instrument is) made me want to start clogging or something. That was the feel of the music. I literally laughed out loud because it reminded me of the multi-cultural days I had in middle school when we had to do different dances from around the world.

Nevertheless, the song “The Tossers,” from their album “AGONY,” is Irish punk (it’s actually more Irish than punk, but hey). It’s got an insane beat that makes you want to keep clapping. Although this is not the kind of song I would listen to in my spare time by any stretch of the imagination, it lightened my day, and I think it will lighten yours as well.

To watch to the music video, go to: http://www.contactmusic.com/videos.nsf/stream/the-tossers-siobhan-album-version

Losing Home - Shawn Smith

3 stars out of 5

This song takes some getting used to, but is not bad at all. Shawn Smith’s vocals sound very crisp, contrary to the exultant bands of the Pacific Northwest that he participated in during the ‘90s. The song has an impassioned groove and, according to iTunes, “some great piano work set to a loose hip-hop beat.”

The song is very moody, but is alright if you are listening purely to relax. Personally, I wish that Smith would sing with more substance to his voice. The placid beat, enhanced by the virtuosic piano, makes it pleasing to listen to (once you get used to it).

I don’t agree with the genre of “rock,” because this is more on the verge of country to me. The pleading voice of the chorus reflects that of old, farm-boy country songs rather than upbeat rock (or even light rock). But that’s just me.

To listen to this song as well as other songs by Shawn Smith, visit: http://www.sscollective.net/audio.

Demon Eyes - The Answer

2 stars out of 5

“Demon Eyes” by “The Answer” is considered rock, but does not meet my expectations. Normally, I’d be pretty psyched about rock bands, but this song brought down my day. “Demon Eyes” literally made me feel like the demon had touched me. The Northern Irish group is built upon a sturdy blues-rock foundation.

Even if you are a rock fan, this is loud, rough, noisy, and to be honest, unbearable. Even iTunes themselves admitted that the song was “dirty, rowdy, and loud, with a vicious guitar solo played by a long-haired guitarist.” For those of you who enjoy songs by Metallica fans, there’s a possibility you might enjoy this song. (Even though I like Metallica yet I still didn’t enjoy this song.) The vocalists’ voices (or should I say screams) did not hold a tune, and the only lasting effect the song had on me was that it led my ears to start ringing. Nevertheless, the song has a strong, unstoppable beat that serves as the underlying foundation for the song.

Long story short, if I were you, I would not download this song.

Here's the URL, in case you want to see just how bad it is: http://http//video.google.com/videosearch?q=demon%20eyes%20the%20answer&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&tab=nv##

Show Me What I'm Looking For - Carolina Liar

4 stars out of 5 (I’m feeling generous)

“Show Me What I’m Looking For” by Carolina Liar is this week’s single of the week on iTunes. Not a bad song, if you ask me. The five-man band, whose members are all Swedish, now lives in South Carolina, playing the guitar and singing in their band together. They play pop-gone-alternative songs and often hit the road, performing acoustic shows. Their recent achievement was playing a couple songs on the show 90210 on February 3.

The song’s catchy beat blended skillfully with the guitarists and the vocalists, especially during the chorus. The guitarists definitely had talent; I’ll say that for sure. (Listen to the instrumental solo in the middle and you’ll know what I mean.) I listened to it once and loved it because of its catchy chorus. The only problem is that they played it up too much; the phrase “show me what I’m looking for” is sung 12 times total. That’s a lot, regardless of whether it is part of the chorus or not. Nevertheless, check it out…it’s probably one of the better free songs you’ll get.

To see the music video, go to http://www.carolinaliar.com/

Welcome!

Hey everybody! We've all been on the ever-so-well-known iTunes, right? They always have those songs at the bottom that are free...are they any good? Here you'll find daily reviews on the songs given out for free on iTunes!