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Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Beat It

Fall Out Boy recently recorded a cover of Michael Jackson's Beat It, which was recorded with the help of guitarist John Mayer (ooh! three for one deal! three artists, one track! o.0 lol). The cover gained huge success both as a single and featured on Fall Out Boy's latest DVD/CD release, ****Live In Phoenix. Today the official music video for Fall Out Boy's cover was released on the Fall Out Boy website, and I have to admit, I was hugely impressed. To honor the release of this brand new Fall Out Boy music video, I thought I'd post about the song on music.is.life.
I'm going to get this out of the way; I've never heard Michael Jackson's recording of this song; the only version of Beat It that I've ever heard is Fall Out Boy's cover. But, I must say that this song is extremely catchy, with a fantastic beat and awesome instrumentals; the guitar solo John Mayer plays in the cover is jaw-dropping! Patrick's vocals in this new release are outstanding, and the lyrics are great. All in all, a really fun track to listen to.
This music video is awesome, and I am very impressed with Fall Out Boy and their abilities to make great videos; but, not only are their videos great, it seems that they have a lot of fun filming them as well. Apparently Beat It's video is full of Michael Jackson references ... I'm not a fan of Michael Jackson and wouldn't recognize the references, so those of you who are fans, pay attention!
Thanks to the glory of YouTube and the speed in which things travel the Internet these days, you can watch this brand new release, right here, on music.is.life. So whether you're a Michael Jackson fan or a Fall Out Boy fan ... enjoy an awesome song!

Fall Out Boy featuring John Mayer - Beat It Music Video



Beat It
Fall Out Boy featuring John Mayer
Originally recorded by Michael Jackson

They told him don't you ever come around here
Don't wanna see your face, you better disappear
The fire's in their eyes and their words are really clear
So beat it, just beat it

You better run, you better do what you can
Don't wanna see no blood, don't be a macho man
You wanna be tough, better do what you can
So beat it, but you wanna be bad

Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it
Just beat it, beat it
Just beat it, beat it
Just beat it, beat it

They're out to get you, better leave while you can
Don't wanna be a boy, you wanna be a man
You wanna stay alive, better do what you can
So beat it, just beat it

You have to show them that you're really not scared
You're playin' with your life, this ain't no truth or dare
They'll kick you, then they beat you,
Then they'll tell you it's fair
So beat it, but you wanna be bad

Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right

Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it

Beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right

Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or who's right

Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right

Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it
Beat it, beat it, beat it

Monday, April 28, 2008

The Bird And The Worm

... wow. This song is awesome.
I admit; the first time I had ever listened to The Used was when they collaborated with My Chemical Romance to do a cover of the older hit, Under Presure. While my first impression of them wasn't an example of their own work, I was instantly impressed by the vocal talents of Bert McCracken; his voice had such a unique, edgy sound to it, and I loved it right away. So, I was excited when I got the chance to listen to this single off of The Used's latest album release, Lies for the Liars (2007). And let me tell you; I was blown away. My first taste of The Used's music was not a dissapointment.
The Bird And The Worm is simply an amazing song. The vocals, I am happy to report, remain edgy in what may be Bert's typical style. The instrumentation and backing vocals are outstanding as well, and the lyrics; wow! Don't even get me started. As a whole, this track had me speechless. One of those where I just had to sit and take it all in for a minute. Then I watched the music video, and I was sold. The video is completelly psychotic; somebody put so much effort into making that video just skitzo enough to leave the viewer totally bewildered ... and begging for more.
Experience this one for yourselves, folks. Truly a stellar piece of musical genious.
Here's The Bird And The Worm by The Used.

The Used - The Bird And The Worm Music Video



The Bird And The Worm
The Used

He wears his heart safety pinned to his backpack
His backpack is all that he knows
Shot down by strangers
Whose glances can cripple
The heart and devour the soul

All alone he turns to stone
While holding his breath half to death
Terrified of what's inside
To save his life
He crawls like a worm from a bird
Crawls like a worm from a bird

Out of his mind
The weight pushes him whispering
Must have been out of his mind
Mid-day delusions
Are pushing this out of his head
Maybe out of his mind
Out of his mind

All alone he turns to stone
While holding his breath half to death
Terrified of whats inside
To save his life
He crawls like a worm
Crawls like a worm from a bird
(Crawls like a worm from a bird)
(Crawls like a worm)
(Crawls like a worm from a bird)

All he knows
If he can't relieve it it grows
And so it grows
He crawls like a worm
Crawls like a worm from a bird

Out of his mind
The weight pushes him whispering
Must have been out of his mind

All alone he turns to stone
While holding his breath half to death
Terrified of whats inside
To save his life
He crawls like a worm from a bird

All alone
He's holding his breath half to death
(Holding his breath half to death)
Terrified
To save his life
He crawls like a worm
Crawls like a worm from a bird
Crawls like a worm from a bird
Crawls like a worm from a bird
Crawls like a worm
Crawls like a worm
Crawls like a worm from a bird

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Nine In The Afternoon

I am madly in love with Panic At The Disco's latest single, from their new release album Pretty. Odd. (2008). This one's called Nine In The Afternoon, and, in my opinion, it is a masterpiece.
First, let me get this out of the way; I deeply mourn the loss of the exclamation point after the "Panic" in Panic! At The Disco, which the group abandoned with the release of Pretty. Odd. . So, in memory of the long-lost punctuation mark, I will continue to call this band Panic! and will refer to it as such in this post, both as a shorthand and as a memoriam. Rest in peace, exclamation point. You will be forever missed.
Now that that random moment of dorky-ness is taken care of, moving on to my review.
Panic! has always been a band that's not afraid to be out of the ordinary. This single is no exception. The instrumentals in this song really caught my attention; Panic! wasn't afraid to bring in brass instruments to give this song a completely unique sound, and, in the end, I don't think this track would be the same without the trumpet in the chorus; it's the hook that makes this song so catchy. The vocals are also extremely well presented, with a certain edgy feel that just works. Panic!'s lead singer, Brendon Urie, definitely has talent for what he does. More catchy hooks include the clapping near the end of the song and the background vocals that sound nearly like a choir. The lyrics, which are usually what stands out the most to me in a song, are not the defining feature of this track, but are not to be left unmentioned. All the quirky, catchy aspects of this song come together to make one heck of a single; perfect in a way only Panic! could pull off.
So, for your listening pleasure, here's Nine In The Afternoon by Panic At The Disco.

Panic At The Disco - Nine In The Afternoon Music Video



Nine In The Afternoon
Panic At The Disco

Back to the street where we began
Feeling as good as lovers can, you know
Yeah we're feeling so good
Picking up things we shouldn't read
It looks like the end of history as we know
It's just the end of the world

Back to the street where we began
Feeling as good as love, you could you can

Into a place, where thoughts can bloom
Into a room where it's nine in the afternoon
And we know that it could be
And we know that it should
And you know that you feel it, too

'Cause it's nine in the afternoon
And your eyes are the size of the moon
You could, 'cause you can, so you do
We're feeling so good
Just the way that we do
When it's nine in the afternoon

Your eyes are the size of the moon
You could, 'cause you can, so you do
We're feeling so good

Back to the street
Down to our feet
Losing the feeling of feeling unique
Do you know what I mean?

Back to the place
Where we used to say
Man it feels good to feel this way
Now I know what I mean

Back to the street, back to the place
Back to the room where it all began
Back to the room where it all began

'Cause it's nine in the afternoon
Your eyes are the size of the moon
You could, 'cause you can, so you do
We're feeling so good
Just the way that we do

When it's nine in the afternoon
Your eyes are the size of the moon
You could, 'cause you can, so you do
We're feeling so good
Just the way that we do
When it's nine in the afternoon

Your eyes are the size of the moon
You could, 'cause you can, so you do
We're feeling so good
Just the way that we do
When it's nine in the afternoon

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

You're Not Alone

Long time, no post. I apologize.
I am an iTunes junkie, in case you couldn't figure that out already. I enjoy making spontaneous purchases based on the thirty-second previews of the songs iTunes provides you with. I've found a lot of amazing music that way ... this is one of those songs that I heard a preview for on iTunes, and those thirty seconds were enough to sell me on the song. I am not a former Saosin fan, so it's not an emotional attachment to the band that has me hooked. No ... it's the music, pure and simple.

This song is just so powerful. The lyrics are remarkable; such a strong message! The title in itself ... You're Not Alone ... that says so much. The melodies and instrumentals are amazing, and the vocals - especially in the chorus - take my breath away. Just such an incredibly strong song, with a powerful message.
The music video ties this all together. It's got a surreal feeling about it, as does the song ... it's a work-of-art type of video, a real masterpiece to watch.

So, here's You're Not Alone by Saosin. I'll definitely be checking out more by these guys.

Saosin - You're Not Alone Music Video



You're Not Alone
Saosin

That's just like him
To wander off in the evergreen park
Slowly searching
For any sign of the ones he used to love
He says he's got nothing left to live for
(He says he's got nothing left)
And this time I think you'll know

You're not alone
There's more to this I know
You can make it out
You will live to tell

She's just like him
Spoiled rotten, confused by the lies she's been fed
She's searching for no one (but herself)
Her eyes turn to green and she seems to be happy that she is here
And this time I think you'll know

You're not alone
There is more to this I know
You can make it out
You will live to tell

You're not alone
There is more to this I know
You can make it out

(There is more to know)

We're not alone
There is more to this I know
You can make it out
You will live to tell

(So tell me)

You're not alone
There is more to this I know
You can make it out
You will live to tell

You're not alone
You're not, you're not alone

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Stitches


It's times likes these when I wish I hadn't blown my entire iTunes giftcard.
I've heard of Haste The Day and recently took it upon myself to look up some lyrics and take a listen to some songs off of their latest album, Pressure The Hinges (2007).
I immediately fell in love to the lyrics of songs like White Collar and Akeldema, and was hugely impressed with their hardcore sound on all their tracks. From a different standpoint, Haste The Day is often considered "Christian metalcore", and that means a lot to me on a personal level. But that's beyond the point of this review.
I'll choose to make the focus of this post about Haste The Day's Stitches for several reasons.
One, the lyrics. Just one example of this group's literary genius, Stitches speaks a powerful message about having the courage to speak up and reach out to someone when it matters most.
Two, the sound of the song. This song is not as hard core as some of Haste The Day's other tracks, but the transitions between the harsher and softer moments of the track are executed flawlessly. The instrumentals are outstanding and the vocals are to be commended.
And, finally, the music video. This video is so incredibly powerful, and speaks the message of the song so well ... I just had to share.

So, here are the music video and lyrics to Haste The Day's Stitches. And you better believe that, as soon as I have more money to spend, I will be purchasing this song, and many others, by what may be a new favorite group of mine.

Haste The Day - Stitches Music Video



Stitches
Haste The Day

Five words, five words is all it would take.
Five words to change your heart and mind.
In the heat of the sun I know you’re the only one.
You still cant’ hold yourself together.
Alone… Alone… All alone you have this conversation to satisfy your most intimate inner thoughts.
Then you bite your lip when it matters most.
A shade of red in sight.
Can you taste the blood?
Taste it on your lips.
Rip the seam.
Then I’ll show you how the strings become the stitches in your mouth.
In your silence we are louder.
When the strings become the stitches in your mouth.
Your growing imagination preparing you for what your heart requires to say.
Then you bit your lip when it matters most.
A shade of red in sight.
Can you taste the blood? Taste it on your lips.
Rip the seam.
Then I’ll show you how the strings become the stitches in your mouth.
In your silence we are louder.
When the strings become the stitches in your mouth.
Five words, repeating over in your head.
That’s all you ever have to do.
Five words, repeating over in your head.
That’s all you ever have to do.
Five words.
Is it really that hard to say you’re worth more that this?
1) You’re
2) worth
3) more
4) than
5) this.
Rip the seam.
Then I’ll show you how the strings become the stitches in your mouth.
In you silence we are louder.
When the strings become the stitches in your mouth.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Thursday - A New Favorite

The other day, I decided to take a listen to some music by Thursday after noticing that my favorite band, My Chemical Romance, had been compared to Thursday several times at the beginning of their career. When I started reading Thursday's lyrics and listening to their songs, it was easy to see how the two could be compared. But, it was also apparent that I had found a new favorite group.
Thursday really is quite good. Their instrumentals are close to being a rock sound, but their lyrics and style are just "out there" enough to fall into the Alternative genre. Speaking of which, Thursday's lyrics, for the most part, are phenomenal, and that's a huge selling point for me. Also a selling point is passion, and Thursday has plenty of that; they pack plenty of emotion into each and every track.
So I recently bought several Thursday tracks off of iTunes. Here's my current Thursday collection ...


Full Collapse (2001)

- Understanding In A Car Crash
- Cross Out The Eyes
- How Long Is The Night?

War All The Time (2003)

- For The Workforce, Drowning

A City By the Light Divided (2007)

- Counting 5-4-3-2-1
- Telegraph Avenue Kiss
- The Lovesong Writer
- Autumn Leaves Revisited

I wish I had more money on my iTunes gift card, because there were several other Thursday tracks I wanted to purchase as well. However, this is all I could buy. I must say, though, I am not disappointed with any of the songs I bought. It may just be impossible for me to chose a favorite out of my collection!
Thursday has a wide range of musical styling, leaving you with a song to suit any mood. While songs like For The Workforce, Drowning and Counting 5-4-3-2-1 set a frantic pace, they can slow it down with songs like Telegraph Avenue Kiss without sacrificing quality. While reading the lyrics to songs like How Long Is The Night? and The Lovesong Writer, you forget they are lyrics and instead interpret them as pure poetry. Thursday can play a song like Autumn Leaves Revisited and nearly move you to tears ... then switch it around with Cross Out The Eyes and make you just want to scream along.

All in all, I don't believe I could chose a favorite Thursday song out of those I've mentioned. But, I will chose to post the music video and lyrics for Cross Out The Eyes, because I love the song and Thursday filmed an extremely interesting concept video for it. My favorite part of the song is the end, when it fades out to just the screaming ... maybe you're not into the whole screamo thing, but I am. I think it takes an extremely talented and dedicated vocalist to pull off the screaming, and Thursday is one of those groups who definitely wears it well.
So, please sit back and enjoy Cross Out The Eyes by Thursday.

Thursday - Cross Out The Eyes Music Video



Cross Out The Eyes
Thursday

Let's call this the quiet city
Where screams are felt as a wave of stoplights
Drive through the streets as gunshots punctuate the night
The sides we take divide us from our faith
And the morning dove gets caught in the telephone wire

Asleep you set the fire in your own house
And the night was a knife that cut
And I'm paralyzed

Cross out the eyes
Blur all the lines
Tearing this canvas from the wall
We crossed out the eyes
Put lines through these cries
We pulled all the leaves from the trees that fall

A silent dance that we did into this hospital bed
Hear voices from another room;
"It happens all the time."
But July in the sand
The leaves falling
And counting down our days to live
Drain the blood from this valentine

"We can rise on the wings of the dove
See blue skies getting caught in the trail of all this smoke
We can rise like candles in the dark - Yours, Always."
And an envelope marked with your new address

Asleep you set the fire in your own house
And the night was a knife that cut
And I'm paralyzed

Cross out the eyes
Blur all the lines
Tearing this canvas from the wall
We crossed out the eyes
Put lines through these cries
We pulled all the leaves from the trees that fall

It was the first time face to face
I'm crossing the line
Talking to the other side of death
Hearing the words that choke memories into flatlines
I'm calling your name hoping for something to wash these dreams of you away
(Can't we die!)

(Memories in flatlines!)

Cross out the eyes with a set of these lines
Cross out the eyes with a set of these lines!

(Cross out the eyes!)
Our fence was blown down in a winter storm and this field
(Cross out the eyes!)
Stretches out of this world into the sound
(A trace of)
What can we do to put a stop to these coming white days
(A love song)
I'm hoping the snow will wash these dreams of you away

(Stretches out of this world,
Let's drive back the dead.
Stretches out of this world.
Stretches out of this world.)

Thursday, April 3, 2008

The Diary Of Jane

Here's another amazing song I discovered through a spontaneous iTunes purchase my sister made.
This song is really, really cool. I'd heard of Breaking Benjamin before, but never taken a listen to any of their work. I've fallen in love with The Diary of Jane! The lyrics are great, but it's the rock sound that's got me hooked. This song is very hard rock in parts, and I like it a lot. I think the drums and bass are what stand out the most in this song; wow! Both instruments are played extremelly well and give this track the edgy feel that makes it so great.
In addition, The melodies are addicting (especially in the chorus!) and the vocals are outstanding. What an awesome song! I'll definantly have to check out more from Breaking Benjamin, because if their other stuff is as good as this, I know I won't be dissapointed.
But, for now, here's The Diary of Jane, by Breaking Benjamin.

Breaking Benjamin - The Diary of Jane Music Video



The Diary of Jane
Breaking Benjamin

If I had to
I would put myself right beside you
So let me ask
Would you like that?
Would you like that?

And I don't mind
If you say this love is the last time
So now I'll ask
Do you like that?
Do you like that?

No!

Something's getting in the way
Something's just about to break
I will try to find my place
In the diary of Jane
So tell me how it should be

Try to find out what makes you tick
As I lie down
Sore and sick
Do you like that?
Do you like that?

There's a fine line between love and hate
And I don't mind
Just let me say that I like that
I like that

Something's getting in the way
Something's just about to break
I will try to find my place
In the diary of Jane
As I burn another page
As I look the other way
I still try to find my place
In the diary of Jane
So tell me how it should be

Desperate, I will crawl
Waiting for so long
No love, there is no love
Die for anyone
What have I become

Something's getting in the way
Something's just about to break
I will try to find my place
In the diary of Jane
As I burn another page
As I look the other way
I still try to find my place
In the diary of Jane