If You Thought iPads Were Prohibitive Pieces Of Hardware For Street Musicians To Use, The Video Attached Below Will Come As Surprising.
The girl featured on this video has the distinction of having become the first busker ever who uses an iPad caught on tape.
The video (which is shot in Moscow) may be short, but it just highlights how times change. Gone are the days in which busking was a matter of sheer grit. Provided it is not a publicity stunt, of course.
The launch event for Google Instant
Google unveiled its new search technology two weeks ago. Named “Google Instant”, it lets you see results as you type. This means you don’t have to input a query and hit return any longer. The results materialize automatically at the bottom of the page as you are typing away.
And Google hit the nail on the head when they used Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” to show off this new technology. The ad (embedded below) was featured at the launch event for Google Instant. They couldn’t have found a better song had they tried.
Or could they? Nay-sayers (because people always oppose to changes) and pranksters immediately came up with their own musical protests and parodies. This is one of my favorites, set to Billy Joel’s number one hit “We Didn’t Start The Fire”.
Again – it is a fast paced tune, and it is as suitable as Dylan’s song was for the “official” ad. And in any case, “We Didn’t Start The Fire” must be one of the most parodied songs ever. Just look it up on YouTube and see what crops up – “We Didn’t Start The Star Wars”, “We Didn’t Start The Crisis”, “We Still Didn’t Start The Fire”…
Boy, to think that I gave up playing the guitar because I thought I just didn’t cut it…
Watching these fellows “playing” a cover of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” just makes me think I made a hasty decision back then…
Ismail YK
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to the video that has been the talk of the Internet for the last couple of days notwithstanding the fact that it is in Turkish, and the only words that those among us who don’t speak the language will get are “Facebook” and “Internet” . Well, that is more than we could understand from “Hibi no Neiro”, and we all loved it regardless of that.
This particular clip is named “Cilgin” (“Crazy”), and it is performed by Ismail YK. And if it doesn’t become the Turkish Rick Roll, then I am afraid nothing will.
Enjoy!
UPDATE:
This is an English translation of the lyrics to the song.
I went to internet cafe
Logged in to my Facebook page
I called my self “Crazy” (Cilgin)
I’m a member as of now
I met with a sweetheart
We’ve been writing each other everyday
It’s like a medicine to my heart
I become a loving person
She deserves to be be loved
And has beautiful eyes
It’s hard to find someone like her
Everyone is asking how I found
Facebook Facebook I’ve been seeking everyday
Facebook Facebook where I found her
Facebook Facebook It’s a love at first sight
Facebook Facebook I think I’m falling for her
This post finishes the coverage of social media songs that was started yesterday. Just turn up the volume and enjoy. And share it with your friends, dammit – we are talking about social media! ; )
6– Badges Like Us (The Foursquare Rap)
A service that many of you have just become acquainted with by the introduction of Facebook Places, Foursquare is the king of location-based networks. As such, it has got its own rap.
7– Everybody Tweet
What can be said about Twitter? To many, it was destined to steal Facebook’s thunder. Well, it didn’t. But it did inspire this nice ditty.
Like it or loathe it, social networking has changed the very paradigm in which we become acquainted with others and interact with them. Facebook is the undisputed flagship of the whole social phenomenon – it has over 500 million users and a movie (directed by no other than Steven Soddeberg) that is premiering in a mater of two months.
Time, then, for a little revision of how it all got started and evolved.This is a collection of songs, spoofs and parodies of the world of social networking. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter… everything is mentioned at some point or the other.
I hope you like this selection, and I also hope that you check back tomorrow for part 2 of this feature.
1– My Mom’s On Facebook
This is my personal favorite. This video was actually featured in MusicKO way back in March. It is a hilarious hair metal song by comedy group Back Of The Class that deals with the nightmare of having your mom befriending you on Facebook.
2– Welcome To YouTube
A wry and clever piano number by Bo Burnham:
3– A Social Network For Two: A Modern Love Song
Time for a sweet interlude, now:
The latest sensation to emerge from a “talent” show, pianist Liu Wei has captivated the world with his life story and his determination. He lost both arms when he was 10, and he learned to do everything using his feet. That includes playing the piano.
“I realize I have two choices in life”, he says. “Die now or live a beautiful life”. A very inspiring video, and one that I am immensely pleased to share with you.
The song he plays is “Marriage D’amour”.
“N’importe Comment” is the newest video by French rappers Orelsan and The Toxic Avenger. It pokes fun at all the artifacts of Internet culture – “liking” and “befriending” others, LOLcats… even ChatRoulette is referenced at the end, during the “DanceRoulette” section.
What do you think? Would you have done this video differently? Would you have mentioned anything else? Or does it give anybody a substantial pop culture fix as it is?
Jackie Evancho
Jackie Evancho, a ten-year old soprano from Pittsburgh has become the newest online sensation after a recent performance at the YouTube edition of “America’s Got Talent”. This is the full clip.
What do you think – are we witnessing a new rising star of the caliber of Susan Boyle, or will it all be a passing fad?
A fan favorite, La Blogotheque showcases the works of filmmaker Vincent Moon. The Parisian director shoots clips of bands performing all over his hometown. Unusual settings are always favored: the back of cars, rooftops, the bathrooms of hotels… Very cool – check it out.
Based in New York, The Alternate Side highlights some of the best Indie talent. The station has a full studio where they can recreate their best music to the hilt.
3- SPIN
A bit like MTV’s unplugged, the video channel for SPIN magazine has artists performing in clean spaces. Although it mostly highlights newer bands, established acts are also featured.