My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Almost an entire year after taking a beating from fans and the media for his 2009 VMA fiasco, Kanye West wasted no time climbing from rock bottom right back to the top of the charts. With the November 22 2010 release of " My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy", Kanye has proved to fans and foe alike that nothing can stand between him and making great music
This brilliant album features a refreshing variety of sound from bone chilling choral melodies to the well mixed beats and rhythms one would expect of Kanye. Mix in some powerful and somewhat controversial lyrics and some well placed auto tune and ladies and gentlemen we have a chart topping comeback.
Opening up the album is the title track "Dark Fantasy" a spoken word intro followed by captivating choral melodies "can we get much higher... so high" are the words sung as a majestic opening is formed, then like a curtain rising the beat drops and in comes Kanye delivering both powerful and provocative lyrics. The listener can't help but feel a sense of wow at this point as Kanye grips their soul and the journey begins.
Following the grand opening we have "Gorgeous" followed by Track 3 & 4 "All of the lights" with interlude. This is one of my favorites and I personally recommend it to those of you wishing to get a feel for this album. This track features the typical Kanye sound from 2005's "graduation" album mixed with some amazing harmonies and some melodic beats. Soul, Rap and Rock 'n' Roll combine to bring us "All of the lights" a masterpiece and of course one of this albums singles.
The next three tracks Monster, So Appalled and Devil In A New Dress bring the listener back to 2005 and the sounds of "Graduation", all the while mixing in some clever rock riffs and vocal harmonies providing a fresh yet familiar listening experience, a deja vu if you will for the long time fans. Don't forget to factor in the guest appearances by artists like Jay-Z, Pusha T, Da Prince and new comer Rick Ross just to name a few.
This brings us to track 9. "Runaway" starts with an almost erie sounding intro to snap the listener out of the past and back into the new and fresh sounding present. This track featuring Pusha T takes the listeners back into the melodies and tunes we found at the beginning of the album. This song keeps to the powerful lyrics and ramped up beats providing yet another fresh erie soul provoking track.
"Grab my hand and baby we'll live a hell of a life" Just one example of the cocky and provocative lyrics from West in Track 10 " Hell of a life" another one of the albums chart topping singles. This track takes an electronic sounding rap beat and mixes in the controversial lyrics fans have come to expect from Kanye West giving listeners a rush and leaving them with a thirst for more.
In the next track, West heads back to some of the softer melodies we found earlier in the album. Track 11 "Blame Game" mixes a soothing blend of rap beats and R&B style song.
Listeners take an intense journey as track #12 "Lost in the World" Featuring Bon Iver starts up. This song has a dramatic feel about it and features the raw emotion and soul that we saw earlier along with Kanye's rap roots. This new found harmonious and chilling sound leaves the listener emotionally provoked and wowed. The clever use of auto tune provides a truly unique experience for everyone that will allow themselves the opportunity. The album closes out with " Who will survive in America"a short but controversial finish to an all together amazing album.
All in All this album was a thought provoking adventure through the many styles of Kanye West. With critics raving about the album and fans all but doubting his success I encourage everybody to listen to at least one of the songs before condemning this masterpiece.
This album has many gems that are sure to captivate any fan. Three songs in particular grabbed my attention as the heart and soul of the album "Hell of a Life", "Lost in The World"and All of the Lights. If you are going to judge the album without listening to the entire thing be sure to check these songs out.
-Article by Greg Banman of Gbandz Entertainment

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Banman

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Almost an entire year after taking a beating from fans and the media for his 2009 VMA fiasco, Kanye West wasted no time climbing from rock bottom right back to the top of the charts. With the November 22 2010 release of " My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy", Kanye has proved to fans and foe alike that nothing can stand between him and making great music
This brilliant album features a refreshing variety of sound from bone chilling choral melodies to the well mixed beats and rhythms one would expect of Kanye. Mix in some powerful and somewhat controversial lyrics and some well placed auto tune and ladies and gentlemen we have a chart topping comeback.
Opening up the album is the title track "Dark Fantasy" a spoken word intro followed by captivating choral melodies "can we get much higher... so high" are the words sung as a majestic opening is formed, then like a curtain rising the beat drops and in comes Kanye delivering both powerful and provocative lyrics. The listener can't help but feel a sense of wow at this point as Kanye grips their soul and the journey begins.
Following the grand opening we have "Gorgeous" followed by Track 3 & 4 "All of the lights" with interlude. This is one of my favorites and I personally recommend it to those of you wishing to get a feel for this album. This track features the typical Kanye sound from 2005's "graduation" album mixed with some amazing harmonies and some melodic beats. Soul, Rap and Rock 'n' Roll combine to bring us "All of the lights" a masterpiece and of course one of this albums singles.
The next three tracks Monster, So Appalled and Devil In A New Dress bring the listener back to 2005 and the sounds of "Graduation", all the while mixing in some clever rock riffs and vocal harmonies providing a fresh yet familiar listening experience, a deja vu if you will for the long time fans. Don't forget to factor in the guest appearances by artists like Jay-Z, Pusha T, Da Prince and new comer Rick Ross just to name a few.
This brings us to track 9. "Runaway" starts with an almost erie sounding intro to snap the listener out of the past and back into the new and fresh sounding present. This track featuring Pusha T takes the listeners back into the melodies and tunes we found at the beginning of the album. This song keeps to the powerful lyrics and ramped up beats providing yet another fresh erie soul provoking track.
"Grab my hand and baby we'll live a hell of a life" Just one example of the cocky and provocative lyrics from West in Track 10 " Hell of a life" another one of the albums chart topping singles. This track takes an electronic sounding rap beat and mixes in the controversial lyrics fans have come to expect from Kanye West giving listeners a rush and leaving them with a thirst for more.
In the next track, West heads back to some of the softer melodies we found earlier in the album. Track 11 "Blame Game" mixes a soothing blend of rap beats and R&B style song.
Listeners take an intense journey as track #12 "Lost in the World" Featuring Bon Iver starts up. This song has a dramatic feel about it and features the raw emotion and soul that we saw earlier along with Kanye's rap roots. This new found harmonious and chilling sound leaves the listener emotionally provoked and wowed. The clever use of auto tune provides a truly unique experience for everyone that will allow themselves the opportunity. The album closes out with " Who will survive in America"a short but controversial finish to an all together amazing album.
All in All this album was a thought provoking adventure through the many styles of Kanye West. With critics raving about the album and fans all but doubting his success I encourage everybody to listen to at least one of the songs before condemning this masterpiece.
This album has many gems that are sure to captivate any fan. Three songs in particular grabbed my attention as the heart and soul of the album "Hell of a Life", "Lost in The World"and All of the Lights. If you are going to judge the album without listening to the entire thing be sure to check these songs out.
-Article by Greg Banman of Gbandz Entertainment

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Banman

Making Your Music Count

When you discover you have a talent, it's very exhilarating to know you have something to share that will make others feel better. When you make your music count, you make it Memorable, Enjoyable, Worthwhile listening.

Have you ever heard a song, or a piece of music that appealed so strongly to you that you wanted to hear it over again? It hit you somewhere in your heart and soul, and you hit the "replay" button!

You may be really good at telling stories, telling jokes, reading poetry, rapping, rhyming, playing an instrument, singing, dancing, acting, modeling...whatever your gift, it actually begins to "mean something" when you share it with others.

It's important, however, that your self-esteem is intact before you step out into the spotlight. Knowing you are good at what you do is the primary way to make your music count. (When you "feel" it, others will, too!)
There are many ways to build your self-esteem. You don't have to wait for compliments or encouragement from "outside" sources. You can develop your self-confidence without anyone else's help if you have to. Here's how:

Read books about Self-Confidence and how to build it within yourself. Or simply type the words "Self-confidence" into a search engine. You will find hundreds of free articles that you can tap into. So read everything you can on the subject.

Read the Holy Bible. Okay. That's not your "thing." But you'll be amazed at the lessons you can learn from others mistakes and experiences. Take a chance, and read the book. Get a translation that you can understand. Think about what you're reading. I promise. It Will help you.

Finally, ask yourself, who else in your field does what You do? Find out more about that person or persons and what obstacles they encountered to get to the place where they are now. What did that person do to make their music count? Talk to people in your field and ask them how they make their music count.

Believe it or not, a lack of confidence is an "illusion." You have to change your mind about it in order to enhance it. If you tell yourself you are talented long enough, you will eventually believe it and act like you are talented.
Then, go out there and share your talent with the world. The more you do, the better you'll get doing it.

For more positive experiences about making your music count, Go To: www.SaintAndrewProductions.com.

Making Your Music Count

When you discover you have a talent, it's very exhilarating to know you have something to share that will make others feel better. When you make your music count, you make it Memorable, Enjoyable, Worthwhile listening.

Have you ever heard a song, or a piece of music that appealed so strongly to you that you wanted to hear it over again? It hit you somewhere in your heart and soul, and you hit the "replay" button!

You may be really good at telling stories, telling jokes, reading poetry, rapping, rhyming, playing an instrument, singing, dancing, acting, modeling...whatever your gift, it actually begins to "mean something" when you share it with others.

It's important, however, that your self-esteem is intact before you step out into the spotlight. Knowing you are good at what you do is the primary way to make your music count. (When you "feel" it, others will, too!)
There are many ways to build your self-esteem. You don't have to wait for compliments or encouragement from "outside" sources. You can develop your self-confidence without anyone else's help if you have to. Here's how:

Read books about Self-Confidence and how to build it within yourself. Or simply type the words "Self-confidence" into a search engine. You will find hundreds of free articles that you can tap into. So read everything you can on the subject.

Read the Holy Bible. Okay. That's not your "thing." But you'll be amazed at the lessons you can learn from others mistakes and experiences. Take a chance, and read the book. Get a translation that you can understand. Think about what you're reading. I promise. It Will help you.

Finally, ask yourself, who else in your field does what You do? Find out more about that person or persons and what obstacles they encountered to get to the place where they are now. What did that person do to make their music count? Talk to people in your field and ask them how they make their music count.

Believe it or not, a lack of confidence is an "illusion." You have to change your mind about it in order to enhance it. If you tell yourself you are talented long enough, you will eventually believe it and act like you are talented.
Then, go out there and share your talent with the world. The more you do, the better you'll get doing it.

For more positive experiences about making your music count, Go To: www.SaintAndrewProductions.com.

Teaching Children Music- First Steps to Maximize Your Teaching Efforts

Teaching children music can be both fun and rewarding on so many levels. There are many different methods to teach children effectively and maximize your teaching efforts, so that they retain what you teach, enjoy performing for others and gain self-esteem.

It is a known fact that when a child learns to sing a song, or learns to play an instrument, their self-confidence literally “goes through the roof.” That is why is so important to introduce a child to music as early in life as possible.

But did you know that before you can teach a child music, (or anything else for that matter), you have to take some very fundamental First Steps in preparation so that your teaching efforts are effective? Before you can effectively teach a child anything you have to first appeal to their emotions, show them that you care and always treat them with respect.

Case in point: If someone asked you, “What was your first-grade teacher’s name?” would you be able to remember it? You ability or inability to remember his or her name probably has a lot to do with the way that teacher treated you. I can remember my first grade teacher’s name. It was Miss Clarkson. I can remember because I can still “see” her kneeling down to my eye-level and asking about my well-being. She showed me that she cared and I’ll never forget her or the way she wrote perfect alphabets on the chalkboard.

Before, during and even after class, use these 3 techniques for making sure your students succeed and enjoy learning music.

1.       Appeal to their emotions. Smile and be pleasant and easy-going. When they enter the room, SMILE. When they make a mistake, SMILE and say something like, “That’s okay. Let’s try it again.” If they refuse to cooperate or participate, SMILE and go on to the next thing. Never be pushy. Let them be themselves. Remain pleasant and easy-going.

2.       Use their name when you speak to them. If you can’t remember their name, never call them by another title. Just say something like, “What’s your name again? Sorry I keep forgetting it.” They are young and impressionable. They need to know that their name is important to you.

3.       Show them you care. Ask them how was breakfast, how they are feeling, compliment them on their hair, their clothes, their shoes, anything to build their pride.

We all need some reassurance sometimes. But children are special and they need to be reassured that they are special. If you do this, when it’s time to perform in front of others, the child will shine if they have confidence in themselves and know that they are accepted. 

So when teaching children music, you can maximize your teaching efforts so that the child will remember the words to the song, or remember the techniques you taught them for playing the instrument, if YOU remember to always take the time to appeal to their emotions, treat them with respect and show them you truly care. 

Then they will respect YOU and fearlessly share their music with others.

For more information on ways to succeed in music, log onto www.SaintAndrewProductions.com today.

Teaching Children Music- First Steps to Maximize Your Teaching Efforts

Teaching children music can be both fun and rewarding on so many levels. There are many different methods to teach children effectively and maximize your teaching efforts, so that they retain what you teach, enjoy performing for others and gain self-esteem.

It is a known fact that when a child learns to sing a song, or learns to play an instrument, their self-confidence literally “goes through the roof.” That is why is so important to introduce a child to music as early in life as possible.

But did you know that before you can teach a child music, (or anything else for that matter), you have to take some very fundamental First Steps in preparation so that your teaching efforts are effective? Before you can effectively teach a child anything you have to first appeal to their emotions, show them that you care and always treat them with respect.

Case in point: If someone asked you, “What was your first-grade teacher’s name?” would you be able to remember it? You ability or inability to remember his or her name probably has a lot to do with the way that teacher treated you. I can remember my first grade teacher’s name. It was Miss Clarkson. I can remember because I can still “see” her kneeling down to my eye-level and asking about my well-being. She showed me that she cared and I’ll never forget her or the way she wrote perfect alphabets on the chalkboard.

Before, during and even after class, use these 3 techniques for making sure your students succeed and enjoy learning music.

1.       Appeal to their emotions. Smile and be pleasant and easy-going. When they enter the room, SMILE. When they make a mistake, SMILE and say something like, “That’s okay. Let’s try it again.” If they refuse to cooperate or participate, SMILE and go on to the next thing. Never be pushy. Let them be themselves. Remain pleasant and easy-going.

2.       Use their name when you speak to them. If you can’t remember their name, never call them by another title. Just say something like, “What’s your name again? Sorry I keep forgetting it.” They are young and impressionable. They need to know that their name is important to you.

3.       Show them you care. Ask them how was breakfast, how they are feeling, compliment them on their hair, their clothes, their shoes, anything to build their pride.

We all need some reassurance sometimes. But children are special and they need to be reassured that they are special. If you do this, when it’s time to perform in front of others, the child will shine if they have confidence in themselves and know that they are accepted. 

So when teaching children music, you can maximize your teaching efforts so that the child will remember the words to the song, or remember the techniques you taught them for playing the instrument, if YOU remember to always take the time to appeal to their emotions, treat them with respect and show them you truly care. 

Then they will respect YOU and fearlessly share their music with others.

For more information on ways to succeed in music, log onto www.SaintAndrewProductions.com today.

Lamb Curry Recipe

This simple lamb curry recipe shows influence from the Kashmir region of north India but it has been tweaked to make the process less time consuming. So this is a relatively quick recipe but one where I am sure you will find that the final result is still something quite special.



Lamb Curry Recipe

1 tablespoon oil (or butter)

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed

1-2 fresh green chillies, finely sliced (seeds removed for less heat if required)

1-2 teaspoons ground chillies

1 lb (500 grams) boned leg of lamb, cut into cubes (about 1 inch or slightly more)

1 tablespoon vinegar

2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped

2 teaspoons garam masala

Salt, pepper and lemon juice to taste

Optional garnish of 1 tablespoon desiccated coconut



 Heat the oil or butter in a large heavy frying pan and fry the onion, garlic, fresh chillies and ground chillies over a medium heat for a couple of minutes.
Next add the lamb and vinegar with a seasoning of salt and pepper and stir-fry for 2 more minutes. Add tomatoes and give everything a good stir. Cover the pan and simmer for 30-40 minutes.

Check the lamb to see if it is cooked and adjust the amount of liquid (if you need to) with some water or perhaps a little lemon juice - it should not be sticking to the pan. If all is well, add the garam masala and let it all stew together for another 5 minutes before adjusting the final seasoning.

The mixture can then be poured out into an attractive serving dish and scattered with the optional garnish of desiccated coconut before being placed on the table.



This recipe goes very well with Kashmiri pilau rice, where basmati rice is cooked with aromatic spices - cardamoms, cinnamon stick, whole cloves and cumin seeds are lightly fried in ghee or butter until they begin to colour. Pre-washed rice is then stirred into the mixture before water is added and then it is cooked in a covered pan.

Whatever you serve as accompaniments I hope you will agree that this a main dish that looks and tastes great.

This fantastic lamb curry recipe proves that the road to great tasting authentic Indian food does not have to be complex or time consuming if you follow the route set by the Real Curry Secret.