generalwitchtastemaker - Tumblr blog

[generalwitchtastemaker]

Top 9 songs with better glee cover than original

Glee was a musical comedy-drama which aired from May 19, 2009, to March 20, 2015. It starred a lot of Broadway stars like Lea Michele, Matthew Morrison, Jenna Ushkowitz, Darren Criss and many more. The main cast also included Cory Monteith, Naya Rivera, Dianna Argon, Kevin McHale, Amber Riley, Chris Colfer, Heather Morris, Jane Lynch, Jayma Mays, Harry Shum Jr, Mark Sailing and the cast kept growing. They have guest starring from a lot of big stars like Idina Menzel, Neil Patrick Harris, Kristen Chenoweth, Jonathan Groff and many more. Having all new faces for the show (some of them had had small roles previously but no one was  a big star yet), the show creators were surprised at its popularity. The show tackled a lot of societal issues like teen pregnancy, bullying, hate against LGBTQ+ and issues faced by them, sexuality, race and many more. The show mostly covered songs that were already sung by other songs (well they did take permission of the original people before featuring the song). As is the case, there are some songs which sound better in cover form than the original. So here is a list of glee songs that I think sound better than the original version (THIS IS MY OPINION):

1.Don’t Stop Believing

This song was originally performed by the band Journey in 1981 and is a rock song. It was not a hit at first but now it is considered as one of the signature songs for the band. In glee it is performed by Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Chris Colfer, Kevin McHale, Jenna Ushkowitz and Amber Riley. This song is considered as an anthem song for the show as this was the beginning of an era. The song has been performed a total of six time with the main six being in all of them (Except one performance missing Cory). It was first featured at the end of the pilot episode and well I think the original is good but the glee cover gives it a more crispiness and more energy than the original song. This song is one of my favorites from the show.

2.It’s Not Right but It’s Okay

This song was originally performed by Whitney Houston. I know you must be thinking how could a Whitney Houston cover song be better than the original? Well, it is not better but it is an extremely amazing cover of the song. In glee, it is performed by Darren Criss and the New Direction(the choir group’s name) as background. Darren’s voice gives the song more energy and it sounds bolder in his voice and for some reason, I felt like I was the one who was cheated on rather than Darren’s character whenever I hear this cover (Even though I don’t have a boyfriend). This cover also has a little more upbeat music than the original.

3. Jessie's Girl

This song was originally performed by Rick Springfield in 1981. In glee it is performed by Cory Monteith. According to BTS footage from the studio of the show, Cory thought that it was one of his best performances till that time (he has had a lot of amazing performances since). The background for the song to be featured in the show is that the girl he likes, Rachel (Lea Michele), is with an older boy named Jesse (Jonathan Groff) and there he sings the song for Rachel. It is a sweet performance with a little funny aspect to it as the girl he likes is really Jesse’s girl. As for the song, Cory’s voice in this makes me want to tap my feet and be Jessie’s Girl!

4.Give Up the Funk

This was originally performed by the band Parliament in 1975. In glee, it is performed by all the cast members (the New Direction). The original is not as funky as the cover. The cover is funkier and more energetic than the original. The cover makes me wanna bust a move but the original doesn’t. Plus we get a treat of listening a deep Chris Colfer voice (the raps in the start and end).

5.Teenage Dream

This was originally performed by Katy Perry. In glee, it is performed by Darren Criss and the warblers. It is the first song to feature Darren in the series. I like the glee version of this song because it is acapella and Darren made the song his own. I couldn’t have thought of a better first song for Blaine and I feel in love with him through this song. He performs this song again for Kurt in season 4 on piano which is also very good. (the gif is from the first episode; after a couple of minutes he performs the song, Blaine not Kurt)

 6.Last Christmas 

This was originally performed by Wham! in 1985. In glee, it is performed by Lea Michele and Cory Monteith. Although this song gets covered every Christmas, I like the glee version (and Taylor Swift version). As lea has a soprano vocal range, meaning that she can see similar an opera singer like can carry a note for a longer time than normal, she carries the notes for the song beautifully. And with Cory’s voice mixing with hers, the song seems magical!

7.Total Eclipse of The Heart

This song was originally performed by Bonnie Tyler in 1983. In glee, it is performed by Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Jonathan Groff and Mark Sailling. The original song is not very good, the voice of the singer is not good in the song (I think she had had a throat surgery and started recording the song before complete rest, but I don’t know). All the covers of this song are good but I particularly like the glee version because it has four people singing it and if you listen closely, you can differentiate when which of the boys is singing. Their voices mix very well. Jonathan and lea’s voices, and Cory and lea’s voices mix perfectly. With Mark, it is okayish.  

8.Touch A Touch A

This was originally performed by Susan Sarandon in the movie The Rocky Horror Show in 1975. In glee, it is performed by Jayma Mays. The glee version is more fun to listen as it is more upbeat and the original sounds a little monotonous.

9.We Found Love

This was originally performed by Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris in 2011. In glee, it is performed by the New Direction. As in the official music video for the song, it shows drug addiction and violence. Though, the music video is good, I don’t think anyone would have thought that this song could be used in a proposal of a high school teacher to his girlfriend (guidance counselor) and is sung by a couple of high school kids in a swimming pool! the glee performance gave the song a whole new meaning.

So, hope you do check these songs out see for yourself if I am right!!!

[generalwitchtastemaker]

Top 5 must-visit places around the world

One of the many things we would want to do as soon as the pandemic is over is travel. Honestly, I can’t wait to get out of my house and go on a little adventure. While researching where I would like to go next, I came up with a list. I call it “The Dream List". Well, I would like to share this list with as many people as possible. So here are my top 5 picks:

1. Niagara Falls, Canada

It is said that Canadian people are some of the nicest people in the world. The country offers beautiful views and the same can be said about the falls. One of the most amazing falls around the world, Niagara falls gives the most calming views and sound effects. Niagara falls are made of three falls: Horseshoe Falls (also known as the Canadian Falls), American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. It is said that the falls freeze over the winter season but this is not true, only the surface water freezes. Wow, that would be something to see!!

2. Patagonia, Chile

Patagonia has one of the most beautiful mountain views I have ever seen. These mountains are breathtaking. The mountains are usually covered with an envelope of clouds - which gives an effect of smoke-covered mountains. I mean, that is pretty amazing! Well, now I can’t wait to go there!

3.Lofoten Island, Norway

Lofoten is a traditional district in the county of Nordland, Norway. Lofoten has distinctive scenery with dramatic mountains and peaks, open sea and sheltered bays, beaches, and untouched lands. I heard that the weather there is quite unpredictable and if there is bad weather we should wait for 10 minutes and it will most likely clear out. I would also advise you to visit the place at the earliest as tourism there has suddenly bloomed a lot. It has a lot of outdoor activities (but going hiking during winter is dangerous). I would advise you to visit the place fast before everyone else visits it before you (even if they do, don’t get FOMO).

4.Great Barrier Reef, Australia

If you are into diving, then this is your haven. Located on the Land Down Under, the beautiful under the sea experience in this reef will never let you down. Vibrant colored reefs, corals, and fishes await you in the majestic underwater heaven. It is the largest reef in the world, with great diversity in flora and fauna. You might even see some prehistoric animals! It is not very close to the shore. To reach the reef, you have to take a boat ride of almost 2 hours! It is advised to visit the reef during the winter season. If you love seeing beautiful and diverse species, this is the place for you to visit!

5. Galapagos Island, Ecuador

Nearly untouched by humans, the Galapagos Islands are a glimpse of what a real-life Garden of Eden may look like. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and biosphere reserve is home to a number of exotic creatures not found anywhere else, like the Galapagos tortoise, blue-footed booby, waved albatross, and Charles Darwin’s finches. If you want to see penguins in the northern hemisphere this is the place. You can also swim with turtles!! I mean that will be an awesome experience. As it is close to the equator, you can visit the place any time you want.

Well hope you do check these places out!

[generalwitchtastemaker]

A TRIP TO SOUTH AFRICA

Thinking about where to go after this pandemic is over? Well, worry not! I have a place where you can relax and have fun.I went to South Africa back in 2018 and it was one of the best trips I have ever had. I really enjoyed the beauty of the place. It was a long travel from home to Cape Town but worth it. I have noted down some of the must place to go to if you are visiting South Africa: 

A. TABLE MOUNTAIN 

Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town in South Africa. It is a significant tourist attraction, with many visitors using the cableway or hiking to the top. The cableway has a rotating floor so that we can see everywhere while climbing up (just like a spiral!). The view from the top is mesmerizing and even though it is quite cold and windy on the top, you forget everything and fall in love with the city.

 B. NOON GUN 

The Noon Gun has been a historic time signal in Cape Town since 1806. It consists of a pair of black powder Dutch naval guns, fired alternatingly with one serving as a backup. The guns are situated on Signal Hill, close to the center of the city. The tradition stands that at 12 noon they fire up the canon to let the sailors know that it was 12 p.m.

 C. BO-KAAP  

The Bo-Kaap is an area of Cape Town, South Africa formerly known as the Malay Quarter. It is a former township, situated on the slopes of Signal Hill above the city center and is a historical center of Cape Malay culture in Cape Town. It used to be a slave colony. The slaves didn’t have much good in their lives so to make themselves happy, they painted their houses in beautiful and bright colors. This resulted in their hopes, of freedom, not being crushed.

D. CANGO CAVES AND WILDLIFE RANCH 

Tours are conducted at regular intervals on most days— there is a "Standard Tour" which takes an hour and an "Adventure Tour" which takes an hour and a half. The "Adventure Tour" consists of crawling through narrow passages and climbing up steep rock formations guided by small lights. The caves contain halls and limestone formations (on both tours) as well as small passages on the Adventure Tour. The smallest passage that tourists will have to pass through on the Adventure Tour is just under 15 cm to exit. The Cango Wildlife Ranch is a few kilometers from the caves. The Ranch has a restaurant and safaris. There are a variety of animals there. We can also get our photos clicked with cheetah or leopard in person. Well, of course, they tell you not to take any loose object with you and to keep your hair tied up but it is pretty awesome! 

E. OSTRICH FARM

 Safari Ostrich Farm is a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn, Garden Route, South Africa. This is the only tractor tour on an ostrich farm in South Africa. They have ostrich races and also let us feed the ostrich. But be careful while feeding them. They tend to get a little carried away and can also eat your dangling earrings! 

F. TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK 

Well, I know that it is a difficult name to pronounce but a little tip: T’s are silent. The Tsitsikamma National Park is a protected area on the Garden Route, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape, South Africa. It is a coastal reserve well known for its indigenous forests, dramatic coastline, and the Otter Trail. The Otter Trail starts at the Storms River camp and the South African National Parks has laid out several short trails for day visitors. Set in the Garden Route, the trails lead through coastal and forest scenes, as well as various waterfalls, streams, and rivers. The Waterfall Trail is a short but demanding hike that follows the first 2.65 kilometers (1.65 miles) of the Otter Trail; hikers may not walk beyond the waterfall unless hiking the Otter Trail. These trails are adventurous and the hike is refreshing.

G. BONGANI MOUNTAIN LOGDE 

These lodges are built in the middle of a jungle. They provide basic housing there where we can connect with nature. The food is basic and if we want, we can also get the authentic food of South Africa. There is a local safari offered where a lot of animals like elephants, leopards, rhinoceros, impalas, giraffes, zebras, and wild bore can be seen up close ( I mean as close as one can get without getting eaten!) It is a place where one can relax and tune out the outside world.

H. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

 Kruger National Park is one of the best national parks I have ever visited. The variety of animals there is enormous. When I visited, I saw impalas, red-beaked hornbill, hippopotamus, zebra, crocodile, antelope, and many more animals. I even saw the three most rare animals which are not seen by every visitor: hyena, cheetah, and wild dogs. Having them so near that I could touch them was scary and at the same time amazing.

South Africa is a place for people who love nature and culture!