Voices
I've always had the greatest respect for anyone with a good set of vocal chords. I have the strengh and the range, but absolutely horrible tonal quality. I'll do spoken word, but never sing. Trust me, I'm doing you a favor by not singing. If I really hated you, I wouldn't just shoot you, I'd tie you up to a chair and tie your hands really tightly so you couldn't cover you ears, then bring out the karoake machine, and sing until your head explodes.
I do shred on the guitar and play a mean bass as well. I got a few ragtime pieces on the piano to share with you as well, but the minute my mouth accidently opens and notes come out of it, you will leave the room. "Oops, got carried away and lost another friend."
Some people can sing though. You all know I love Pavaratti. My favorite singers though are Rob Halford, Freddie Mercury (Queen), and Ronnie James Dio.
Halford (Judas Priest) has a beautiful voice. Yeah, I know he sings heavy metal. But don't just judge him on that. Pavaratti himself once said that Rob Halford has one of the ten best voices in the world. Pavaratti doesn't say things lightly. Next month, the Zombieslayers will be enjoying his voice with the reunited Judas Priest in San Francisco. Looking forward to it.
It makes me smile that Freddie Mercury right now is singing with Ray Charles on the keyboard and Jimi Hendrix and Randy Rhoads trading licks on their guitars. Jaco Pastorius is on the bass. Sorry, no drummers in Heaven though. (For those who've known me for a long time, I don't see eye to eye with drummers).
Ronnie James Dio's always the forgotten one. People will list their favorite singers and totally forget just how good Dio is. The guy has a beautiful voice. He sings mostly heavy stuff, but when they play a ballad, everyone stops and listens. "That's Dio?" Yes, that's Dio.
Well, I'm prejudiced towards the heavy stuff. Who are your favorite singers, living or dead? Anyone out there like Elvis? I think he's cool but before my time.
posted by The Zombieslayer @ 9:18 AM
17 Comments:
Favorite female vocalist: Annie Lenox
Favorite Male Vocalist: Eddie Vedder or Mac Powell.
I've gotta agree with the Freddie Mercury acclaim. He (along with the rest of Queen) is an amazing talent.
Favorite Female Vocalists: Nina Simone and Sade
Close seconds: Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey (when she was all innocent) and all the soul big wigs (Gladys, Aretha, Patti)
Though impartial (I prefer female vocals), My Favorite Male Vocalists: Bob Marley, Gordon Sumner and Michael Stipe and Al Green.
Close Seconds: Andrea Bocelli, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder
Now don't tell me how lame I am..but I really like Josh Groban and get this; I'm not a teeny bopper.;) No matter what your age you have to admit he has talent. He sings in 4 different languages, plays the drums and keyboard and writes some of his own music. Feddie Mercury was awesome! I also like Mary J. Blige and Allison Kraus. And since one of my hobbies is poetry and songwriting, I'm drawn to the lyrical quality of songs. I love Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Don Mclean and Billy Joel, they are master song writers. I can't forget Jimmy Buffet, he's just plain cool. :)
I used to be able to sing until cigarettes ate my vocal chords.
favorite female vocalists - Faith Hill and Stevie Nicks
favorite male vocalists - Steve Perry and Marvin Gaye
I like some of Elvis' songs, but not a huge fan.
Oh, and I like John Mayer - not just for vocals, but for all around musical talent. :-)
I think one of the best voices out there are Chris Cornell of Audioslave. He's #1 in my book
I like Michael McDonald, from his Doobie Brothers days. Burton Cummings of The Guess Who was another goody.
Josh Groban has to be the BEST voice out there. What that kid could do at 17 was miraculous.
I gotta agree about Stevie Nicks and Freddy Mercury.
Therefore you will not want to know my two eldest sons, drummers with over 30 years experience. I received death and lesser threats from neighbors during their early years while practicing in the back shed, mind you they did not endear themselves to me either, fortunately they had day jobs as well.
Oh, and I like John Mayer - not just for vocals, but for all around musical talent. :-)
Whoooooo Hoooooooo!
Another John Meyer fan! Right on sistah! I saw him in concert with Counting Crowes.
I agree with whomever mentioned Elton. His voice is great.
Vest - my hatred towards drummers is a joke between musicians. It wasn't literal. You might remember my string of musician jokes where I pick on drummers. Don't worry, I do have several good friends that are drummers. However, I'll never rely on them to pick me up at the train station. ;)
Sadie - I love Annie. It's too bad she and Dave broke up the band. If I'm not mistaken, she wanted to go more a soul route and he wanted to stir towards metal.
Levi - Brian May is amazing. So is Roger Taylor. Yes, the whole band is good. Night at the Opera still one of my favs.
Cultureshocked - Your taste is closer to Mrs. Zombieslayer's. I've leave it at that. ;)
Moni and Tshsmom - Maybe I'm getting old, but I have no idea whatsoever who Josh Groban is.
Red - you're 24 for Pete's sake! Your voice isn't ruined just yet.
Jen - Stevie Nicks was so gorgeous in the 70s and 80s. Her gypsy lifestyle though has put many hard years on her and it shows. Still love her singing though. As for Steve Perry, Faithfully was one of the songs I played on the piano. If I accidently open my mouth though, people leave the room.
Ben - I wish I could sing like Cornell. I've heard his voice is like a snake charmer's flute with the babes.
Heather - mixed feelings about The Darkness. Maybe they grow on you. Loved the first single and hated the second one. I guess I should give them another chance.
Sadie - Elton John is practically a saint. Wonderful man, good composer, but never really liked his voice. I guess it's just one of those things you either like or you don't. Don't know who John Meyer is.
lol
In my defense, I was listing artists who I thought had good voices. Not necessarily who I would listen to from day to day.
You've been tagged Zombie-Head.
john mayer is a great guitar player, but he can't sing (sorry sadie and jen). he sounds great in the studio, but get him live, and you'll hear how weak his voice becomes.
as far as my favorites:
female: crystal lewis (for her power); norah jones (for her simplicity, subtlety, and humility); alicia keys (for her soul).
male: ray charles (for his soul and pimpness); billy joel (working-man's passion and romance); adam duritz (raw emotion); bono (rock star range); elliot smith and ryan adams (simple and easy on the ears).
that's it.
i expect a bashing from sadie and jen for my john mayer comment (sorry ladies).
Dave, if you'll read the comment that jen wrote, she said she isn't a huge fan of his vocals, but all around talent. I second that. Also, I have seen him live and he was just dandy.
I saw him with the Counting Crowes.
Dave - don't expect to get bashed from me for voicing your opinion. Everyone has their own musical tastes. :-)
Bridget - I don't know one song of Elvis Costello. But as I've said before, Annie Lennox and Pavaratti are cool.
Mokuyobi - Nope, never heard of them. By the way (this will get Dave upset because he likes her), Canada could take Alanis More Upset back. Her voice reminds me of the last days of an old car that needs to be put out of its misery.
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