It depends on your reason for wanting to play music in the first place. What inspires you inside? Younger children needed to be guided in different ways than an adult beginner. Then there's everybody in between.

Tom is an adult who is learning the guitar. Tablature works well for him. I used tablature myself when I wanted to learn certain bluegrass licks on the guitar. There's no timing documented, so you have to know how the song feels, and how long each note is. And how many beats there are to the measure. You have to have heard the song. Tablature is a tool. For me, an ear musician, when I want to learn a new song, I might get a book with words and guitar or piano chords, or I could get a book that had the melodies written out in proper music notation, but I'm usually better off getting a recording.

I am not the only one who gets driven crazy by trying to figure out something from a book. Tablature is free and easy to get on the internet. However, there isn't the same quality control as there is in books. Then again, I've noticed many books where the chords weren't exactly right.
Here's a YouTube video that a friend turned me on to:



It's a short British comedy piece on an easy music book featuring musical guests including Mark Knophler. Enjoy!

What's important to know is, what tools are good for YOU? I like this video as a tool for myself. It makes me laugh and remember that printed materials are not created equal. We all get frustrated one time or another by how we learn something. If someone never gets frustrated, or at least miffed, well, good for you! Are you pushing yourself enough to improve? Playing music is a combination of emotions. You will have a wide range, from frustration to laughter. Music makes you feel good inside!

Here is the most interesting video ever made. I wish I knew the number of idiots who tried to do this at home. It would be worth getting hurt over though. Awesome.

The Karate Kid: You're The Best

From when we were young. Motivational and memorable song.

Top Gun: Danger Zone

Glad to say that I am too young for this movie but our parents loved Top Gun. Call them over to watch this, they'll love it.

Avril Lavigne: My Happy Ending

This song rocks! If you're not much into pop music, don't worry. Avril is a rock star.

If you loved that song, here are the lyrics. Courtesy of Amanda.

Shakira (feat. Wyclef Jean): Hips Don't Lie (Live)

The made for T.V. video was awesome but this live version is spectacular.

Three years later in late 2007 Chasez planned on releasing his second solo album entitled "Kate" until he suddenly split with his record label Jive. There were two songs ready for release "Until Yesterday" and "You Ruined Me".
"Until Yesterday" was written by JC and his former band member Justin Timberlake. It is an edgy song with a heavy beat and a strong chorus. I really like the lyrics to this song:

"Girl I would never hurt you
But if you play with fire then you'll get burned
When will you learn now its your turn
Remember all the lies you sold me
Made me feel so sad and lonely
Now your fairytales unfolding
Nothing left to say cause I loved you all the way until yesterday"
"Damnnnnn well can you help me understand
Why you would keep me while sexin with another man
Was it just a one night stand
Was it something far more than. ..than what we had"

This song tells a story about a girl who cheated on her boyfriend. She became pregnant but it isn't his baby she's carrying. Very well written.
"You Ruined Me" is absolutely exquisite. I absolutely love this song. The moment I heard it I loved it. "You Ruined Me" is one of the best songs I have heard in a long time. The music, melody, and lyrics fit perfectly together. The lyrics are so sensitive to what a person goes through during a break up with a relationship that meant so much to them. Here are some of the lyrics:

"I could be the first to let you know
That nothing means anything
Now I'm standing here outside your door in the pouring rain
And I can't believe
Nothing's supposed to get to me
Now I'm in this misery"
"I can't be with anyone
Since I felt our worlds collide
It's like I almost died
The way you make me feel
I'm changing, got me breaking down inside
Baby can't you see
You ruined me for life"

I cannot wait for this song to be officially released so I can play it in my car. At this time you can put the song on your Myspace or Facebook page, but it isn't available to buy just yet. There were no videos officially released for the songs. On Youtube there are two videos done by a fan using the Sims 2 game format. I look forward to "Until Yesterday" and "You Ruined Me" to be released officially and to see the videos. JC Chasez is very underrated and far better than Timberlake. For some reason he just hasn't been able to get people to take him too seriously. If his work on his upcoming album "Kate" is anything like these two songs it should definitely face monster size success.

"Take a Bow" is cleverly written. The song is about a girl who is dealing with her cheating boyfriend. She has had enough of his cheating ways. She finally lets him go with attitude. I can appreciate the lyrics especially these:

"Don't tell me you're sorry,

Cause you're not,

And baby when I know,

You're only sorry you got caught"

I must admit I haven't been a big fan of Rihanna. I was tired of hearing "Umbrella" way too many times on the radio. I was tired of seeing the same song up for so many awards. Then there came the song "Don't Stop the Music" that I found myself enjoying not knowing who sang it. And now there is "Take a Bow" which is one of her best.

The video to "Take a Bow" is simple and filmed as though it was a movie. It's simplicity of colors and use of only two people throughout made you focus on the characters involved in this relationship she was singing about. She has the ability to connect with her audience, showing them her frustration with her now ex-boyfriend.

I love the movement in this video. I couldn't stop watching and I enjoyed listening to "Take a Bow" as well. I particularly enjoyed the scene where she is driving slowly down her street in her silver convertible. The man she is upset with tries to keep up with her as he trots next to the car trying to convince her to take him back. The direction is smooth and not disruptive. "Take a Bow" is easy to watch and listen to.

For anyone who hasn't seen this video or heard this song yet, I would highly recommend you do. I am sure you will hear it on the radio soon. The video can be seen on youtube, yahoo, and of course the networks that play videos at various times of the day BET, MTV, and VH1.

The music websites that are presented in this article are listed from best to better, and from top to bottom of the page. Yes, in this author's opinion, these are the best free legal music websites on the Internet. So, enjoy the music and jam the day away.

1. Imeem

   If you really dig your music, then you have come to the right place. Imeem is the biggest and most comprehensive music resource on the web to get great music. Join the Imeem community and share your music interests with others or watch music videos if you are not too busy.

2. Last.fm

   Last.fm offers more music than you can shake a stick at. Join the community and make new friends who share the same interests as you do. Last.fm members can play full tracks and customize your playlist according to your own unique tastes.

3. Pandora

   Fall in love again, with the possibility of stumbling across a brand new artist, group or band that have been captured through Music Genome Project and overseen by Pandora, so that the flow of new musical talents don't go unnoticed. If you enjoy sampling the sounds of a creative crop of new and still probably new, undiscovered talented, then you will find a whole new world of sounds to delight your listening pleasures.

4. MOG

   MOG's slogan says it best “Where Music Junkies Get Their Fix”. Listen to millions of full-length songs for free or share your music playlists and opinions with others in your community.

5. Macidol

   Do your own an iPod and want to download new songs and Podcasts from your favorite artists for free? Macidol allows its members to download free music for your iPod legally. You name it - Macidol probably has it.

6. Music.com

   Looking for the hottest popstars and rockstars on earth, then what are you waiting for, because music.com has it going on and a little of that, too. Watch music videos, listen or download the hottest music for free.

7. Jamendo

   Open your ears to a whole new world of music talent at Jamendo. This site offers its members full free albums to download from the emerging new pool of artists and musicians from all four corners of the planet. Wanting something new to listen to, then Jamendo is the place for you.

8. Allmusic

   Get to know your favorite recording artists better than ever before and listen or download some free music at Allmusic. Read the Allmusic blog or watch a music video, but by all means relax and have some fun.

9. Jango

   Jango is a custom radio that plays the music you want for free. Create your own music playlists to store and play on your own radio channel or choose from the stations that Jango provide. Membership is required to participate.

10. Go Video [Codes]

    Give your website, blog, MySpace or any sort of web-based page a booster shot and customize it to the max with free music videos from the hottest music talent in the world. Select the video that you want to retrieve the code for by artist or title, and then you are ready to cut and paste the video code onto your website or web-based page, so that all of your friends and fans can soon enjoy.

From country music to hip-hop and every music genre that has influenced a moment in a person's life, it's no doubt that music has played a major role in the lives of billions throughout the course of human existence. The role that music has served whether from the horrors of the battlefield or to the honors of the grand stage, music that is not taken lightly has the unique power to bring happiness into the grimmest of days.

1. Unsigned Band Web

   There is nothing more satisfying to a music lover, then the day that you discover a new band to rock out to. Unsigned Band Web delivers on the promise that new bands are discovered everyday, because at Unsigned Band Web visitors will be introduce to musical geniuses that have yet been signed to a major recording label and are waiting for their chance to shine before their audiences. Discover the sounds that you have been missing out on, before they were major rock stars.

2. Artist Direct

   Are you ready to rock the house down? Artists Direct is the place to visit when in the mood to listen to the likes of Hip-Hop rapper Lil Wayne to pop queen Britney Spears and everyone left in-between. Download free music or watch free music videos to reserving your concert tickets in advance with the speed and convenience found at Artists Direct each and everyday.

3. Spiral Frog

   Signup at Spiral Frog and get access to over one million songs that you can download legally and free. Discover new artists that you probably haven't ever heard of before or stay with the tired and true recording artists that are known for packing large stadiums of screaming and adoring fans. You must register for a Spiral Frog free membership before you can start downloading your favorite music that you like to jam to.

4. Pandora

   Fall in love again, with the possibility of stumbling across a brand new artist, group or band that have been captured through Music Genome Project and overseen by Pandora, so that the flow of new musical talents don't go unnoticed. If you enjoy sampling the sounds of a creative crop of new and still probably new, undiscovered talented, then you will find a whole new world of sounds to delight your listening pleasures.

5. Y'All Wire

   Looking for a website that offers boot scooting boogie type music, then Y'ALL Wire will hook you up with the hottest country recording stars that are bringing there A-game to the stage with every performance. Download all of your favorite country artists' music or take a load off of your feet and watch a music video, all for free.

6. Roxwel

   Metal rock rules! Get all of your metal rock, rock and roll and indie rock all on one comprehensive website and download load the music that you like for free. Where as metal rock rules, Roxwel rocks!!

7. Blastro

   Bust a beat to your favorite Hip-Hop, R&B, Latin, Pop and Dance music genres where the songs are sassy and the music is free.

8. Digitally Imported

   Get ready to burn up the dance floor to the electrifying electric dance music with highly addictive elements of the unique style that only electronic music can bring. Get free radio channels featuring recording superstars, DJs and the hottest exclusive shows anywhere.

9. Deezer

   Are you ready for a home away from home and listen, download or join a lively community that eats and breaths music from various genres? If so, then Deezer is ready for you. Listen to or download your greatest music icons' masterful works for free or participate in the Deezer online community and make new friends who enjoy the same music as you do.

10. Free Music Zilla

    When you get past the lame name of the site, Freemusiczilla is a free music application that give you the power to download music directly from social music services from places such as: IMEEM, Last.fm, Pandora, Myspace, eSnips, Mog, Digg, Radio.blog.club and almost all social music services. Freemusiczilla supports all web browsers, has no adware or spyware and is super light, micro-sized and resource-friendly. Best of all, it's free to download.

One of my favorites is Ray Charles, we all know he is a legend, but what makes his music all the more powerful is that he is blind, that should inspire just about anybody.

This is week three in this series of articles, and there are definitely some gems of the music world that deserve recognition.

I came across Ray Charles' Georgia On My Mind.

Another excellent blues man is Stevie Ray Vaughan, I mentioned him previously in my article "The Day the Music Died." Stevie lived only a short time but the music he left behind left an indelible mark. Many that came after have tried (and failed) to come close to Stevie's versatility. A sampling of his talent is Texas Flood.

Finally, one that I grew up with is Eric Clapton. The first time I heard "If I saw you in heaven" I was hooked. One thing I love about the "older" music is it actually has quality. A lot of today's "music" just seems to be vanity noise. I touched on that issue in another article not long ago. Dear readers I hope you enjoyed this week's review as usual, more to come and thank you for your time.

- Nas

I love Hip Hop, but I must say that it is dying and while everyone is quick to blame a certain group of people, I blame everyone. You cannot put this blame on anyone person and that's because there are so many factors to consider. My hope is just to put out these concerns and get a dialogue going.

“The lyrics ain't nothing if the beat ain't crackin”

- Dj Quik

Who knew that he was dead serious!!!! Listen to most hip-hop on the radio and you hear nothing but garbage spewing out of your speakers. I mean the lyrics; the music production is something fierce. The reason for this, I feel, is the combination of precedent and flooding the market. Once one artist sets a precedent, others tend to follow suit in order to capitalize and make money. The ones who end up making a killing are the producers and label heads. They're the only constant. You could throw me on 85% of the songs out now and it would still sell because of the beat.

“ SNAP YO FINGERS, TO YOURSELF”

- Lil' Jon

This dance craze that is filing the airwaves right now is infectious. I'll admit I like and listen to a lot of these songs, never bought them though. But the amount of these songs is staggering, and trying to put out a whole album of songs like these is preposterous. Eventually this will go away but how much damage it leaves behind is yet to be seen.

“Killing me softly, with his song”

- The Fugees

I like the Fugees and I think The Score was a fantastic album, but Wyclef is a pioneer of some sort. He came up with the idea to release just that song as a single. It became one of the greatest selling singles ever. Now it seems like that's all that sells. It's all about singles and ringtones. If you really love Hip Hop, you'll know that the last great album was Jay-Z's Blueprint. There hasn't been a great hip-hop album since then. It's all about singles. Thank Wyclef for setting that precedent

The only way to revive hip-hop is for artists to care not only about money but also what they are saying and how they potray themselves. Unfortunately I don't see that happening. The days of listening to a hip-hop record and hearing a story has gone the way of the dodo.

Some aren't all that well known, but they are still greatly talented music artists.

The first of these is my friend Keyboardologist.

If you already have heard his music then spread the word ! I have known Key for a while and both his name and music are synonymous with originality.

Another musician I'd like to recognize is a man named Lucas Speer. I discovered his music the other day during my regular youtube surf.

I have decided to begin doing a regular series of articles recognizing talents I have found noteworthy, I am honored to know some of them through various means.

If you would like to suggest any musicians I haven't listed dear readers, feel free.

Continuing in my music reviews, next we have one that you may all know. He's on the radio and the son of Legendary Maverick, Waylon Jennings. His name is Waylon Albright "Shooter" Jennings, and he really does live up to his name. His songs are a little heavier is subject matter, but that makes them all the better. He really lets raw feeling take the reigns and expresses himself like some of us wish we could. His song "Gone To Carolina" is especially great. 

Hope you all enjoyed the artists I've reviewed, more to come.

Thank You all for your time and God Bless