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I would highly recommend searching through the NPR Tiny Desk Concerts. I found this gem a few years back.
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I was able to see Jason Mraz Live when he was fresh to the scene. I loved the chemistry he and Toca had on stage. I followed his career and was so happy when he was recognised and got radio play!
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I worked stocking shelves for the Jewish Community with a company called Atlanta Foods International for many years. I was able to go to a concert with a Jewish friend of mine who was able to get us backstage. All the local A-Town Rabbis came to the concert and they met in a green room backstage and did a really neat prayer circle to get him hype for the show. They did not allow any photography or videography, but it was such an interesting glimpse into that faith's venerated practices. They spoke hebrew and chanted and eventually were all jumping up and down and doing prayer in a chaotic "mosh pit". The concert was AMAZING and this song is so full of metaphors which resonate with my personal faith and belief. Look up the lyrics, listen to some fantastic Reggae, and let me know what you think!
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Karmin is a super fun group. They unfortunately have not succeeded in passing the test of time, but did get some major radio time with a few of their tracks. Their music is catchy and is easily accessed by younger listeners. The thematic qualities are on point and the messages are overall tremendously positive. I highly recommend looking into their early stuff. I loved how the two of them would have sessions in their home studio. They use differentiated instrumentation too and I love the Cajon use!
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"Pumped Up Kicks" – Foster the People
The jaunty tune of "Pumped Up Kicks" can actually be quite misleading. However, if you do listen to the lyrics closely enough, you can tell it's another song written about a school shooting. Lyricist Mark Foster explained that the song came about after he read some shocking statistics regarding the growing trend in teenage mental illness. In writing the song he wanted to get inside the head of a "isolated, psychotic kid" and raise awareness about the issue of gun violence amongst young people. Telltale lyrics: "All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you better run, better run, outrun my gun All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you better run, better run faster than my bullet." |
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"Harder to Breathe" – Maroon 5
It sounds like another song about "Jane" (Adam Levine's ex, who was the muse for Maroon 5's first album), but "Harder to Breathe" was actually penned after the record label put pressure on the band to write more songs. The song is a frustrated retaliation – but hey, it all worked out for the best in the end. Telltale lyrics: "How dare you say that my behaviour is unacceptable So condescending, unnecessarily critical." |
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"Wake Me Up When September Ends" – Green Day
The video for this song made many people believe it had hidden connotations about the war. Actually, however, the song was written in memory of lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong's father, who died when he was a child. Telltale lyrics: "Like my father's come to pass Twenty years has gone so fast Wake me up when September ends." |
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"Closing Time" – Semisonic
It's blared out of many pubs and clubs to signify – you got it – that they're closing, but the song is really about singer Dan Wilson's impending fatherhood. Wilson disguised the real meaning as he knew his bandmates would get sick of playing a song about his children. Telltale lyrics: "Closing time Time for you to go out to the places you will be from Closing time This room won't be open till your brothers or your sisters come." |
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"Every Breath You Take" - The Police
Think this is a classic love song? Think again – essentially the song is about a possessive and controlling stalker. Even Sting himself has called the song "very sinister" and "ugly". Telltale lyrics: "Every breath you take Every move you make Every bond you break Every step you take I'll be watching you." |