Lamrocks Little Roses Music

The fifth season of American Idol is underway, and the media is doing what the media does best: simplifying everything, and, thus, making everything stupid. Business as usual. So, one of this year’s standout performers is the charming Kellie Pickler. Last year’s winner, of course, was the very talented Carrie Underwood. Both of these young ladies are blonde, female southerners with a penchant for country tunes, and, all over the web and mainstream media we’re seeing the headlines which draw excessive similarities between these two very different singers.

Strangely enough, it’s really a form of racism and stereotyping, though, I haven’t seen anyone make this argument. Could you imagine, though, for a moment, that these two women were of African American heritage, instead, and all of the comparisons were being made. I guarantee that there would be many a critic crying foul: “You’re all a bunch of narrow minded racists! Just because they’re both black females, they have to be clones of each other?”

But, it’s really just that type of thinking at work. Kellie Pickler and Carrie Underwood are like night and day. And, in my humble opinion, Kellie is preferable in respect to disposition, personality, and, yes, talent. Let’s take a closer look at these two women and perhaps you’ll agree.

As indicated, Carrie is a talented star. There’s no doubt of that: she’s sold over two million copies of her debut effort “Some Hearts.” Underwood is from Checotah, Oklahoma, where she was born and raised on a farm. She attended Northwestern State University; her major was mass communication. And, it came as no surprise to me when I learned that while at Northeastern, Underwood was a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and competing in beauty pageants in her spare time.

Underwood is basically a country singer; though, she admits to have been influenced by pop music also. Her musical talent is vast and includes the guitar, piano, and yodeling. She first entered the public spotlight in early 2005, as she auditioned for the fourth season of Fox’s spectacular hit American Idol. Simon, Paula, and Randy were quite impressed and Carrie went on to roar through the competition to victory.

The viewing audience was treated to Carrie’s performances of “Could’ve Been,” “Piece Of My Heart,” “Because You Love Me,” “When Will I Be Loved,” “Alone,” “Independence Day,” “Hello Young Lovers,” “Love Is A Battlefield,” “MacArthur Park,” “When God Fearin’ Women Get The Blues,” “Trouble,” “Bless The Broken Road,” “Sin Wagon,” “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” “Crying,” “Making Love Out Of Nothing At All,” “Man! I Feel Like A Woman,” “Inside Your Heaven,” “Angels Brought Me Here,” and “Up Where We Belong.” I include the full song list to provide a bit of the Carrie flavor. As mentioned, she’s a southern, country girl.

Much of the American viewing audience was pretty dazzled by Carrie, and, she has the distinction of not once appearing in the bottom three. The votes rolled in, and, her performances were nearly flawless. But, that was also the problem, almost, for some. Something about Carrie seemed a little too mechanical and rehearsed. Her life seemed a little too perfect. She couldn’t help but project a certain snobbish persona. At times, on stage, her nose crinkled-up, she appeared slightly offended, as if someone had just cut the cheese, and the vapors were sullying her pristine air space.

Carrie seemed like an individual who had never been touched by tragedy. The notes were all correct, and the execution was like text book science…but, what about that intangible thing that makes the heart zing? What about that quality that you just can’t name, but, when it’s there, oh, you know it! Soul…what about soul? Sadly, that was always lacking with Carrie, and, many noticed and opted for the deeper, more complex alternative, Bo Bice, who lost the competition by a mere 134 votes!

Do you understand what that means? You see, I didn’t vote at all during the finale. But, had I picked up my cell phone and punched Bo’s number for two hours, he’d currently be wearing the Idol crown! So, although Carrie is the official winner, understand, her majority was thin, and many weren’t taken in by the whole soft-spoken, seemingly naïve, keep-mentioning-Jesus-and-heaven, kiss the flag, fresh apple pie trip. In fact, the Vote For The Worst website was particularly unimpressed, and they dubbed Ms. Underwood Farmbot, which succinctly describes the mechanical, unemotional, vibe which Carrie projects. When Carrie won, I remember my mother commenting on how hard Carrie was struggling to squeeze out a tear.

Now, you may not agree with this Carrie Underwood characterization. However, many people do perceive her in this manner.

Kellie Pickler, in fact, despite the misinformed comparisons being made, stands in wonderful contrast to Carrie Underwood. Kellie, as many know, hasn’t had such an easy time. She was raised in the little town of Albemarle, North Carolina. She lives with her grandfather, because her mother abandoned her when Kellie was only two. Her father’s been mainly in prison her whole life. On the American Idol program, Kellie asks the question which has been haunting her for so long, “Why doesn’t my mother want anything to do with me?” Kellie represents the real world. And, the troubles which haunt her–that emotion!–punches through in each performance.

The world got its first Pickler glimpse on January 24th of this year at her audition in Greensboro. She busted out with Kelly Clarkson’s hit, “Since You Been Gone,” and, immediately, the real-deal emotion, passion, and intensity were evident. And, the judges noticed! And, America noticed! The blogs were buzzing minutes later. Well, this is really what I’m getting at… When Kellie sang the lyrics, “…since you been gone,” whom do you think she was thinking about? I’d speculate she was thinking about her parents: “Since you been gone daddy. Since you been gone mommy.” And, believe it, the raw emotion sliced like a fist through the fog. Read the rest of this entry »

A car horn sound attracts a lot of attention. Designing car horn sounds allows car builders to fit the sound of the horns to that vehicle. The main function of a horn or a siren is to alert the people from any danger. Designing a car horn or a siren thus involves a study between the need to customize the sounds and the necessity of providing appropriate warning signals. For example – a police siren itself alerts people of its arrival. With a particular type of siren itself, you are able to know whether it’s an ambulance or a fire brigade.

A large variety of car horns are available to fit all needs and demands of different models. From a simple electric horn to novelty and musical horns, to air horns, you can find the horn that best fits the need for your car, truck or your motorcycle. These modern horns and sirens are easy to install and come with complete instructions.

Here are some of important types of car horns you can choose from:
Air Horns – there are dual and triple tone air horns, easy to install in minutes and produce a Big-Rig sound. These come in different sizes to fit a car, truck or a motorcycle and complete with all mounting hardware. These real air horns require an air system which is available with the complete locomotive air horn and air system kit or separately. If you want a big powerful sound for your truck horn, you can go for a Powerhouse or for long horns. These deliver big, loud air horn blasts that are twice as powerful as conventional factory horns and are suitable to for all weather conditions.
Musical horns – want to add La Cucaracha or Jingle Bells to your car or a truck? No. of horns are available with any new song you want. Horns are also available that play various sound effects. All musical horns are installed easily in 12-volt vehicles. Easy Instructions included for self installation.
Electric horns – these include electric powered trumpet horns and disc horns. Many horn products are available for applications such as universal replacement horns for cars and trucks. These horns are extra-loud, compact, durable and deliver great performance.
Big Truck horns – If you have a need of an ultra powerful horn, you can choose from this horn category. Various powerful horns are available to give any truck a true train horn sound, or just a traditional, loud blast. Read the rest of this entry »

For those of you not too familiar with what a cello looks like or sounds like, just imagine the sound and image of the violin, and then amplify the size and the sound texture many times over. Although the cello and violin differ quite a bit from each other, they also resemble each other in quite a few ways.

The cello originated in Italy, and this string instrument is a member of the violin family. In terms of size, the cello is larger than the violin while smaller than the bass.

The cello is considered as one of the most complex instruments created. It is made up of various materials, such as wood and also steel, rubber and metal. It has a unique shape, with a wide breadth on the top and bottom and a narrow middle.

This instrument produces a rich alto sound that is beautifully suited for special occasions. However, it is quite difficult to play a cello particularly for beginners. Do not expect to produce a very pleasant sound when first starting out. You need years of expert training and plenty of practice in order to bring out the cello’s rich and melodic sounds.

For those of you who are hesitant about learning to play the cello, or are about to make your first cello purchase, here are a few things to watch out for:

1. Ask the right questions. Is this the right instrument for me? Can I learn it easily? Am I committed to practicing? This is especially true for beginners.

Gauge yourself whether you are a slow or fast learner when it comes to playing the cello. Make sure that you are committed to learn and to practice so that the money spent on your first cello is not wasted.

2. Consult experienced cello players about the most suitable brand to start out with. Ask them for advice on assessing the quality and authenticity of the cello you are looking to buy.

It is important to ask people who are experienced cello players. These people know more than you about the cello instrument.

3. Set a budget. Shop around first and get a better feel about the pricing of cello instruments before you decide on a suitable price range.
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After you decide that you’re going to buy an ocarina, you’ll have to determine which one is your best choice. With so many choices, in different sizes and shapes, some with five holes and others with thirteen, made of wood or clay or plastic… with so many options picking the right one is difficult. Ask the following questions. When you can answer them confidently, you are ready to choose your new ocarina.

1. How far musically speaking do you want to go with your ocarina? Do you mainly want something to entertain you for a week or two? Or do you want a serious instrument that will let you grow to advanced levels? If aspire to go far musically and are willing to put in the practice necessary to there, get an instrument that you will not grow out of… one which will let you grow to virtuosity.

2. What type of music will you play with your ocarina? If you will be playing simple, slow melodies then most ocarinas will work just fine. However, if you want to play technically difficult music, fast tempo, perhaps with ornamentation or decoration for flair, most will not work. Make sure you hear sound samples of the ocarinas you’re considering, and make sure that they can play the type of music that you want to play.

3. Do you like the way it sounds? Have you heard this ocarina in a live performance? Probably not… but do you at least have you recordings to give you an idea of their sound?

4. Where would you like to play your ocarina? Do you expect to play for others? Will you perform publicly? Do you wish to be able to play with other musicians without needing microphone amplification? The majority of ocarinas are quiet and subdued. A few ocarinas have good playing volume and could readily be played in public without needing amplification.

5. How do you like the way it looks? If you think your instrument is beautiful, you will probably carry it more, show it to friends and family more, play it more, progress faster and farther, and enjoy it more.

6. What style of ocarina do I want, transverse or inline? Ocarinas come in two basic styles, inline and transverse. Transverse ocarinas (like the sweet potato) are played like a Boehm flute where the flute is held at a perpendicular angle to the head. Inline ocarinas are played like a recorder or clarinet where you would blow into the length of the flute. I find that the inline style is more comfortable when playing for extended periods of time.

7. Do you want a wood, clay, plastic or metal ocarina? Some thoughts. Clay is can crack or shatter if dropped. A nice hardwoodwood ocarina are beautiful. Metal ocarinas are uncommon, but some are noticeably stunning. There are many cheap plastic ocarinas… toys. Some plastic ocarinas, however, are top quality instruments made of high tech plastics like polycarbonate.
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