Ethan's Playlist 8/6/12 [Covers + Free Download]

Haha, I looked at my playlist on my iPad and pretty much all of it was covers! Topping the charts this week with covers is Tyler Ward and Sam Tsui! And just because I feel like it, I will blog a little bit about them. Free Download is under song #3!

1. [Want U Back] - Tyler Ward

Haha, I really liked Cher Lloyd on the X-Factor, but her latest single is kinda pop-y not rap, so I prefer Tyler's version to hers. His is really awesome! Kind of a rock version of it! "Oops, I was supposed to say him..."

2. [Titanium] - Sam Tsui

I liked Titanium before it became a hit and tried around looking for good covers of it, and 2 really stood out to me, Madilyn Bailey's and Sam Tsui's! I kinda figured out 5 days before the youtube video of Titanium came out that it was coming out because I saw it on iTunes. I was pretty excited and was really happy when it came out!

3. [Chapel] - Lindsey Pavao

Honestly, I have no idea who the original is by, I just know it isn't Lindsey's songs. I think this is the best song off her EP, Lucid. She is currently working on an album and raising support through Kickstarter <---- click here to support! Click on the word Chapel above between the [] to get the free download!

4. [(Kissed You) Goodnight {feat. Chester See}] - Tiffany Alvord

I really liked the original version and this version was pretty good. I really like Chester See's voice a lot. I sometimes like Tiffany's voice. I like it when it is ok for her voice not to have power, sorry not trying to hate on her.

5. [Stay] - Cher Lloyd

CHER! I really liked her on the X-Factor and I really liked this song in particular from the show. Yeah she can rap, but she didn't in this song. I think that's why it stood out to me. (This is not my work, I found this art on google and made it into an album cover)

6. [Some Nights] - Tyler Ward & Alex G

I really really like fun's original of Some Nights, I don't know why but it is really good! This stripped back version is so good as well! Alex's voice and Tyler's accompany each other really well.

7. [Payphone/Telephone] - Sam Tsui

I don't really like Telephone, but I love payphone and this mashup was awesome, I guess I can like this song.

 

8. [I Need My Hip Hop] - Tyler Ward & Kev Jumba

I NEED MY HIP HOP! No, I did not spell KevJumba wrong, Tyler did, unless Chester spelled it wrong on other iTunes stuff, haha. I totally thought that Tyler was kidding when he said he wanted to do a video with KevJumba, but apparently they are good friends... youtube is such a small world. This song is hilarious! 

Ethan's Playlist 6/18/12

This week’s playlist is a bit different, ranging from electronic, to dubstep/violin (How can these 2 go together?), to extreme alternative rock, to singer/songwriter, to hip hop/ rap. It is a very diverse playlist. (I seem to be keeping up reputation)

1. [Titanium (feat. Sia)] – David Guetta

Wow, this song is pretty amazing! I remember first hearing Sia from Wild Ones, I really liked her voice, but I didn’t like the song, so I quickly glanced over the song without approval. Then, hearing her voice (and not to forget power) in this song and seeing how well it actually matched this time, it clicked and worked for me! Her voice is truly remarkable and the electronic beats always fit well for me. (Did I mention this song is catchy?)

2. [Crystallize] – Lindsey Stirling

I remember first seeing Lindsey Stirling in the first blog post I read, and that was my friends! (Shout out to A**** M*!) It was the Lord of the Rings’ Medley, I like the movies, but not an avid follower of them, so yet again I glanced over talent, and I didn’t listen to it. I can say that I found her again in We Found Love, but I didn’t really understand it, so I glanced over it again! (What a big mistake yet again, yet again!) Then I listened to her cover of Starships that she did with Megan Nicole and then I looked at her channel and started to listen to her songs, and they were so good! This was her biggest hit and my favorite by far! I love dubstep and what she did with her violin accompanied the beats so well! For some reason, I just love Lindsey’s! Lindsey Pavao and now Lindsey Sterling!

3. [Every Single Night] – Fiona Apple

 I remembered in Lindsey Pavao’s blind audition, Blake said she sounded like Fiona Apple and then Lindsey cited her as a big influence. So, when I saw that she was getting a new album, I got the first single as well as her big hits. I love her voice, and now I see that Blake knew exactly what he was talking about, because she sounds a lot like Lindsey, just a little more extreme. She is a bit weird, 2 of her albums are titled long titles. One with over 190 words and one with over 20! She is a bit out there, but she is good. This is her lead single from the album!

4. [Wide Awake] – Tiffany Alvord

I love listening to covers! I wasn’t a big cover person back then, but then I was recommended Sam Tsui and Tyler Ward! Then, further pursuing led to Megan Nicolle, Tiffany Alvord, Boyce Avenue, Luke Conard, Alex Goot, Alex G, and more! I like this version of Wide Awake a lot. It is a different take, but it is good.

5. [The Fighter] – Gym Class Heroes 

I really like this song, and the lyrics are really meaningful as well as clean! I don’t remember where I heard this song, but I really like it and I hope it is covered! Ryan Tedder is so good! 

Say Aah for a Part Of Lindsey Pavao from a Heart-Shaped Box who is Somebody That I Used To Know.

So continuing my series about contestants on The Voice. If you couldn't guess by the title, this person is no other than Skrillex hair, indie, Lindsey Pavao. I have so many favorites on this show, and she is one of them.

Lindsey before Skrillex hair!

Unfortunately, I don't have much things to relate with to Lindsey like I did with Mathai... I wish we had more in common, but we just don't can't say I am of pure American descent, or have a half-shaved awesome head, but we do have one thing in common, indie. Alright, I have a confession to make. I am very off pitch, so technically, we don't share indie, but we share our love for indie, there. Whew, spilling the beans feels better. Now everyone will want me to go on The Voice and embarrass myself. Well that is not happening.

So back to Lindsey, Lindsey Pavao is a 22 years old, I really hope I got that right... she is either 22 or 23. I am  pretty positive about that, but to the best of my knowledge she is 22 soon to turn 23. Well she just graduated from CSU, Sacramento, and until recently worked at Zen Sushi.

So during Lindsey's blind audition, She sang "Say Aah" by Trey Songz. For me, this was the best audition of the whole second season. I am a really big fan of new things and just pure genius. Lindsey was both of these things, and her song even charted on Hot Billboard 100 at 80! Only person of the season to get a Billboard slot for the blind auditions!

Lindsey after her Blind Audition

So, I first saw her audition on a preview of the season, at first I thought it was pretty bad. Honestly I did, for 2 big reasons. First, I didn't even know the song, and 2nd she hadn't started :) So as we got to the middle, I was wondering who sang this and when I saw it was Trey Songz, I was really surprised, a rapper for real? So I youtube-d the song, and listened to it, I really liked it, pumped me up. So I went back to the song, and listened to it from the beginning. I was blown away. First, I know that The Voice does not provide special things like that, meaning, they don't know how to play that arrangement, so Lindsey must have done everything by herself! She is so ingenious! Secondly, I was blown away by that hidden power. Mostly on the show, I hear her soft side, but when her moments of power come, it sends me to the edge of my seat to soak in all the lyrics; to me it is just that powerful. I was extremely excited that 3 judges turned around, but was rather saddened that Adam didn't turn around and was even more saddened by the fact that he was surprised 3 turned around, because that must have meant he didn't think she was that good.

Ok, enough of "Say Aah", even though I could talk a little bit longer, but for sake of my sanity, let's keep going down or up the roller coaster. So, battle rounds... I must admit I do not really like the battle rounds all too much because of the fact one has to go home and usually my favorites are paired together. For example, I liked Anthony Evans and Jesse, but would have loved to see Anthony move on as well. I did not really like Lee's audition, but he had a good voice.

"Forever in debt to your priceless advice,iiice"

I didn't know again what the song choice was yet again, I guess I'm a hermit, but they were assigned "Heart-Shaped Box" by Nirvana. I was so happy to hear the amazing talent both of them put on the table! It was legit stuff, even though it was a bit creepy. My all time favorite line is the line that was on the preview, "Forever in debt to your priceless advice." Lindsey sang that very well. I was super glad that it was not really a battle, it was a beautiful duet. I was glad that Christina picked Lindsey.

Then comes her live round show, I was super excited to know that she was singing Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know." I was a little bit saddened at the fact that she didn't bring the power that Gotye brought in the chorus, I felt like she could really bring that well, but I was glad that the staging was good, and creepy. I downloaded the iTunes version and was quickly engaged and was happy to hear that she did bring the power in the studio version. She charted to #23 in iTunes, but she failed to chart in Hot Billboard :( she was #6 on the Bubbling Under The Hot 100. So close!

Creepy and Good coincided!

Last week I was so ready for a S&M/We Found Love Mashup! I felt she could turn it into something so amazing, but she failed to connect with it. I was a little disappointed with her performance with "Part of Me' by Katy Perry. I felt like she wasn't in sync with the band and didn't put it all out. I was happy with her iTunes performance, but I personally thought this was her worst performance of the season.

Bad picture, but best representation

Then I was super upset that she wasn't saved by America and was so nervous for her. I was preparing for the worst. But when Ashley didn't sing too well, I felt a little more optimistic, and when Lindsey started singing Mike Posner's "Please Don't Go", I remember why I loved her voice so much. It was everything I wanted, moving, versatile, special, and her powerful voice. I was totally with Christina and Cee Lo. I thought it was so moving and beautiful, and I was on the verge of ______. What? I didn't say anything! Maybe... For me, that was her best performance on the show yet. I was super excited by it and still am I still listen to it a lot and it is just Lindsey at her best. (Hopefully that means another vulnerable performance next week!) I was a little bit sad that it wasn't going to be on iTunes, but I downloaded it via Realplayer.

I can not wait for her next week! I am so glad Christina save her and she has what it takes to go extremely far. She better sing something so good next week! #PavaoArmy! Fave from TeamXtina! I'll include album covers!

The Voice Episode Recaps with DJ Kwokodile [17&18]

I'm kinda busy, so quick summary.
RaeLynn-She's Country [9/10]: Best performance yet.
Jesse Campbell-Halo [9.5/10] It was his best, because it was a current song.
Jordis Unga-A Little Bit Stronger [9.5/10] It was so good, but not the best, because Alone is the best.
Ashley De La Rosa-Foolish Games [8/10] It was ok, I liked Right Through You better.
Erin Willett-Set Fire to the Rain [5/10] It was not that great, Adele's shoes are a bit too big to fit
Lindsey Pavao- Part of Me [3/10] By far, worst performance yet.
Jermaine Paul- Against All Odds [8/10] One of his better performances, song was a bit bland though.
Chris Mann-Viva La Vida [9/10] He is not that great of an opera singer, but he is a good classical singer.

Instant Eliminations: TeamXtina: Jesse Campbell & TeamBlake: Jordis Unga
I personally did not like Jesse Campbell, he was really arrogant in Battles, and doesn't seem to listen to Christina's advice. He probably would not sell a record very well, yes his voice is amazing, but no buyers.

I would have liked to see Erin Willett go home, I thought she covered Adele pretty badly. Jordis did so much better, but just because she didn't get America's vote last time, she was eliminated this time.

Album Covers!

EK9 with DJ Kwokodile 4/9/12

So this week was my spring break, that is probably the reason why the number of posts skyrocketed. I also went camping this spring break, and right now I am extremely envious of those who had camping, then spring break instead of having spring break, than camping. This is my playlist for this week. It is mainly The Voice based. No new music that really appealed to me except from The Wanted and Karmin.

1. [Chai Tea Latte] - Angel Taylor
This song is the most beautiful song by Angel. Angel recently was a contestant on The Voice. She was extremely talented, but was paired with an unknown powerhouse, Katrina Parker, and was eliminated in the Battle Rounds. This song first caught my attention by the name, Chai Tea. I love all types of Chinese tea, so I wanted to listen to this one first, and was so glad it was extremely good. This is a piano ballad with soft vocals, and Angel is singing about dreamy non-existent love.

2. [Lightning] - The Wanted
This British guy band doesn't seem to fail. Everyone is hyped over One Direction, and I am not. I don't understand why people like them so much! They can only sing, and they sing together. It is like Glee all over again, so I am not a fan of them but of The Wanted, they actually add electronic beats to their music to make it as enjoyable as possible. I like this song because of those reasons.

3. [Wake Up Call] - RaeLynn
I know, I know, I remember when I was furious at Blake for keeping RaeLynn in the competition, but she was actually really good! It surprised me and it was definitely a redemption performance. I did not know it was a Maroon 5 song until Carson, Blake, and Adam talked about it. RaeLynn's performance was so good, I downloaded the original version. It was interesting to see the power of Blake and RaeLynn turning a pop-rock song into a pure full-on country song. It worked, and it definitely paid of for RaeLynn, earning her a spot in the quarterfinals!

4. [Brokenhearted] - Karmin
I first heard of them when I listened to their, "Look at Me Now" cover. That girl can rap, unlike Nicki Minaj, but she can also sing really well! I was so excited to see them release an original! I was then pleasantly surprised to see their song chart on iTunes, and then was shocked to hear them on the radio! I have never heard a group from youtube, chart on iTunes and played on the radio!

5. [Misery Business] - Charlotte Sometimes
I was mixed when I first saw this song on iTunes. I looked up the song and saw it was by Paramore. I was a little mixed about this, but I quickly became excited by the performance. I honestly thought it was one of the best performances of the night! She sang a different style to her tone and I thought it was more than enough to take her to the next round. I was saddened when she didn't make the cut and was eliminated.

6. [Somebody That I Used to Know] - Lindsey Pavao
I have heard so many covers of this song and I must say that this is the best one yet! I think it is better than the original. Lindsey didn't bring enough power in her performance, but she brought it when she recorded for the studio. Her soft soothing voice brings a power of indie so powerful, it is unstoppable. I was ecstatic when her song reached #23 on iTunes! I knew this song would boost her to the quarterfinals.

7. [Paris (Ooh La La) {Live}] - Ashley De La Rosa
In her non-airing blind audition, I was so surprised to see Christina actually turn around. Now, like Adam, I am starting to understand why. Ashley is so versatile and her rock performance showed her true artistry. She was so much better than Brian Fuente when doing this song. She totally just snatched the last spot when she sang it and I am so glad she did get the spot.

8. [Alone] - Jordis Unga
I was extremely saddened how Jordis performed in the Battle Rounds, the same can not be said about her live performance. It was extremely good! Her rock side shined as well as her regular vocals! I think she represented Rock and Roll that night, topping the iTunes Rock Charts! I was a little shocked that she had to earn her spot a second time and was not automatically in. I'm bittersweet that she moved on, because I also wanted Charlotte to move on as well. In the end I am glad that Jordis moved on because Charlotte has a contract and has albums, but I have nothing from Jordis except The Voice and Rockstar.

9. [Livin' On a Prayer] - Jermaine Paul
I was and still am confused about Jermaine's genre of music. Is he R&B? Is he Pop? Is he Rock? He has clearly sung all of those genres. I liked his Bon Jovi cover the best mainly because of the instrumentals. He was good and I don't know if I wanted Jermaine to stay because Charlotte might have stayed if he didn't.


I do apologize for the random number 9, it really is quite a weird number. I hope you enjoy my non-unique playlist for this week! Only 10 more days until my birthday!

EK5 with DJ Kwokodile 3/16/12

Lots of new songs! This is flooded with new songs! I am quite happy, so I will release early!

1. [Heart-Shaped Box] - Lindsey Pavao vs. Lee Koch
This is an amazing song! As Adam Levine puts it, it is delightfully creepy. This Indie/Alternative sounding song is really good. She sings with such passion and amazing-ness it is really shocking. She was pretty neck and neck with Lee Koch in their battle. I thought they complimented each other really well. So sad that only one of them got to go on.

2. [Pumped Up Kicks] - Charlotte Sometimes vs. Lex Land
Another great cover/battle. I think that we saw a new side of Lex that I didn't expect. I didn't think Lex did exceptionally at the blind auditions, but she bloomed pretty well. This really was a battle. Charlotte was so intimidating toward Lex and it didn't get to their heads. Lex did really good, but I felt like Charlotte did better.

3. [Fantastic Baby] - BIGBANG
Had this song stuck in my head all week. I love KPop! This translates into Korean Pop! It is a great genre, but I feel like all the artists dress extremely weird. I can listen to their music, but not the music videos. The music video for this is just creepy. It is a really catchy song and I love it!

4. [Somebody That I Used To Know (A Cappella)] - Sam Tsui
This is so good and hilarious, so many Sam heads! I love the original and this is a great cover, another great cover is the one with 5 people playing 1 guitar! I do like this version, very nice lyrics, and catchy.

5. [Chain of Fools] - Sera Hill vs. Geoff McBride
Chain Chain Chaaain Chain of Foools! Wow this is such an amazing song! Aretha Franklin and R&B all the way! Sera and Geoff did an amazing job covering this song. The chorus will always hit me!


Lovely music today! This is actually not due until tomorrow, but I'll post it early! 3/15/12!

EK10 with DJ Kwokodile 2/13/12

Well, if you haven't noticed yet, I have dropped from 14 to 10. This is due to the fact, I am now introducing album covers, and youtube links, and I have no idea how I'm going to find time for 14, so I'm just doing 10 :)

1. [Say Aah] - Lindsey Pavao
It's a new season of THE VOICE! If you didn't notice, I love the voice and I think that Lindsey is the front-runner for TeamXtina! This is a lovely rendition of Trey Songz's Say Aah! His rendition will also be included in the EK10 this week!

2. [Somebody That I Used to Know (feat. Kimbra)] - Gotye
This song just got on to the EK10 on 2/11/12  so its relatively new.  It is such a simple song, but it sounds so good! I really like how the voices are really melodramatic, but the topic is super serious.

3. [7 x 70] - Chris August
I really really like this song! This makes me feel happy! I think this is a really good song. If you don't already know, this song is about forgiveness! I remember when Caleb taught about forgiveness @ youth group,  he said God looks at our sin stack from a bird's eye view! It's all the same! Aren't we glad our God is so forgiving!

4. [Bleeding Love] - Raquel Castro
I think this song is lovely! I didn't know the Leona Lewis song until after the season was over, so I didn't know the Raquel covered it! Her voice is great and she should have been a semi-finalist! :( I am terribly sorry, but there is no link for Raquel's song, because I cannot find it on youtube. :( I am sorry for any inconvenience.

5. [Say Aah] - Trey Songz
Sorry no image! I do have it, but it is a little inappropriate and I couldn't find an appropriate one... I like this song a lot... a lot a lot! Sounds so good, and it was covered by Lindsey! Nice rap, nice beat! :) Also, not the music video, because I didn't know if it was appropriate or not...

6. [I Don't Want This Night to End] - Luke Bryan

Thanks Lisa for getting me into country and liking this song! Not the Lisa who has the other blog, we call her little lisa, the one I'm talking about is Big Lisa! Well I love this song, me and Big Lisa sing it in her car! It's a great country song and it's so much fun to sing with friends!

7. [Complicated] - Jermaine Paul

I thought this song was really good. I like Avril's version a little, but I don't have it. I don't have any of her songs... I don't have a lot of pop stars on my iTunes... He sings it really well, and it's good. He has a nice voice, but that's obvious being a background singer for Alicia Keys. 

8. [Live Like You Were Dying] - Tim McGraw

I love this song, this is another one of me and Big Lisa's songs. I think its a good sounding song with a great meaning. This song is old, but I still love love love it!

9. [The Last Great Star in Hollywood] - Meg & Dia
I think this is a great song, not the best Meg  & Dia song, but it is pretty good. Their best is Fighting for Nothing, it is not on the EK10 but it is on the EK14! I think Dia's voice is great and in my opinion, the best on Season 1 of THE VOICE!

10. [Someone Like You] - Angel Taylor
Wow! I totally thought this was Adele! Her voice is super good, but she was really nervous. She was smart to pick Adam! I think he can help her the best. It was a very similar rendition to Adele! Great job!








I hope you liked it a lot! This is the first post with youtube links and album covers! Enjoy!