L is for Lo Fi

Lo-fi refers to the way music is recorded and produced rather than to a specific type of music. The following is stolen from Wikipedia.

Lo-fi (from the term "low fidelity") is lower quality of sound recordings than the usual standard for modern music. The qualities of lo-fi are usually achieved by either degrading the quality of the recorded audio, or using certain equipment. Recent uses of the phrase have led to it becoming a genre, although it still remains as an aesthetic in music recording practice. Many lo-fi artists use inexpensive cassette tape recorders. The term was adopted by WFMU DJ William Berger who dedicated a half hour segment of his program to home recorded music throughout the late '80s under the name lo-fi.

I love to support independent artists, and thus, am a fan of lo-fi music in its many genres. The above tracks have a gentle, soothing quality overall. However, much underground metal could be considered lo-fi, and tends to be loud and aggressive.

~DJ Tempest~

K is for Krakowiak

Krakowiak is both a style of joyful, fast-paced folk music and a style of dance which originated in Krakow, Poland. If I attempted it, it would also be the sound that was made as I stepped on my partner's foot. 

It has nothing on the Lithuanian towel-snapping dance. Yes, that's a thing!

Just messing with my blogging teammates, several of whom are Polacks. 

I may be getting my trouble-starting Lithuanian ass towel-snapped in the not too distant future!

~DJ Cheesy~

J is for Jazz

Jazz originated in the late nineteenth century. The style was created by black musicians of the time. It combined African and European forms to create a new style of music. Early jazz drew heavily from the spirited gospel style of music from black churches.

These days, there are a myriad of jazz subtypes. If you're in the mood for jazz while going about your day, the above mix may be just what the doctor ordered!

~DJ Gunnar~

I is for Industrial

This is a new find. I love it! Check it out, you might too.

The description comes from Wikipedia.

Industrial music is a style of experimental music that draws on transgressive and provocative themes. The term was coined in the mid-1970s with the founding of Industrial Records by the band Throbbing Gristle, and the creation of the slogan "industrial music for industrial people". In general, the style is harsh and challenging. Allmusic defines industrial as the "most abrasive and aggressive fusion of rock and electronic music"; "initially a blend of avant-garde electronics experiments (tape music, musique concrète, white noise, synthesizers, sequencers, etc.) and punk provocation".

The following text is mine.

There are subgenres of industrial music, such as industrial rock, industrial metal, and industrial hip-hop. Favorite industrial bands of mine include Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, and Skinny Puppy.

To forestall any upset, in case anyone heard and believed these rumors, Skinny Puppy never included footage from a snuff film in any of their videos. The footage used was from a Japanese horror film series called Guinea Pig.

Enjoy the above music, and, if you're new to the Industrial sound, be sure to check out the bands mentioned above. You're sure to find hours of listening pleasure!

~DJ Adam~

Morrissey: He Knows I'd Love to See Him

It's not part of the A to Z, I just want to play some Morrissey!

~DJ Helena~

H is for Harmony

The Yale Whim n' Rhythm chorus demonstrates harmony (and A Capella) perfectly with this number.

The ghost of Amy Winehouse is tapping her toes in time!

~DJ Tempest~

G is for Glam Rock

Glam rock or glitter rock originated in the United Kingdom in the early 1970's. Outrageous clothing styles including glittery costumes and boots with platform soles were prevalent, and themes revolved around gender-bending and androgynous expression. Male performers wore makeup and heavily styled hair.

Call it glam, call it glitter, call it what you will, it's glorious! The Sweet were kings of glam, and their sound is still sweet as ever as we jump into our Way Back Machine and tune up our FM radios!

~DJ Tempest~