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Thursday, July 31, 2008

Ladytron

When I was going through my all-Freezepop faze I started looking into similar artists. Bands with synth-pop/techno sounds to them while still keeping a definite rock background. I stumbled across Ladytron in the process, and fell in love with their CD "Witching Hour". Specifically the song "Soft Power".

There's something about their sound, haunting, calming, beautiful. I loved Helen Marnie's vocals from the get-go. Very quiet, yet strong and elegant at the same time.
This album is incredibly easy to listen to, at any time. It's music that can be the background to anything, or can be intently listened to.

There's something about what they've done with the synth/electro genre that transcends genres, making the band simply "Ladytron" and harder to describe in words than just that. You really have to listen to them to get the full effect.

What I found so compelling about "Soft Power" was the whole downplay of the electro sound. It's there, and it's the whole backbone of the song, but it's hard to pinpoint. They've developed this sound that doesn't sound real. Something mythical it's quite great. The song really peaks at Helen's vocalization in the middle. That same calming/haunting sound I described earlier.

Really a wonderful band. Below is Ladytron performing "Soft Power" live in the studio.


Soft Power:

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Handlebars

Time to express my deep and passionate love for this song.
I guess I never really appreciated the meaning behind Handlebars before I watched the music video. As soon as I saw the video, everything about the song made sense - the message behind the song was black-and-white.
When you hear the first verse to this song for the first time, you expect to hear a sweet, innocent track without a lot of depth. But as the song quickly progresses, the message behind the powerful lyrics slowly becomes apparent. Before the song ends, the point the band is trying to get across is painfully obvious, and the way it's presented is the way it's meant to be; it's the blunt-faced truth. The lyrics to this song go from making you laugh to making you sick inside - because you realize how hideously true the lyrics really are.
To me, this song speaks of society, and how an innocent citizen with the best of intentions can become corrupted, taken over by power and the drive to always be better than the next. In the music video, the characters and actions progress in the same way technology and society has, and that helps you really get the point the band is making.
But even beyond the phenomenal lyrics, this track has even more to offer. The addition of the trumpet during the later verses and choruses adds a jazzy feel to the song, a really modern, sophisticated sound; and it totally works for the song. The trumpet solo is amazing. It's a good example of what a real jazz musician should be able to do; how they should be able to play something and make you feel it rather than hear it. Kudos to the trumpet player who played that part; it made all the difference in this track!

Listen to this song. Really listen. Realize the message behind these lyrics, how true this message is. Honestly, I havn't heard a song that had so much to tell the world as Handlebars does in a long time.
Here's Handlebars, by Flobot.

Flobot - Handlebars Official Music Video



Handlebars
Flobot

I can ride my bike with no handlebars, no handlebars, no handlebars
I can ride my bike with no handlebars, no handlebars, no handlebars

Look at me, look at me
Hands in the air like it's good to be
Alive, and I'm a famous rapper
Even when the paths're all crooked-y
I can show you how to do-si-do
I can show you how to scratch a record
I can take apart the remote control
And I can almost put it back together
I can tie a knot in a cherry stem
I can tell you about Leif Ericson
I know all the words to "De Colores"
And "I'm Proud to be an American"
Me and my friend saw a platypus
Me and my friend made a comic book
And guess how long it took
I can do anything that I want 'cause, look

I can keep rhythm with no metronome, no metronome, no metronome
I can see your face on the telephone, on the telephone, on the telephone

Look at me, look at me
Just called to say that it's good to be
Alive, in such a small world
All curled up with a book to read
I can make money, open up a thrift store
I can make a living off a magazine
I can design an engine, sixty four
Miles to a gallon of gasoline
I can make new antibiotics
I can make computers survive aquatic conditions
I know how to run a business
And I can make you wanna buy a product
Movers, shakers, and producers
Me and my friends understand the future
I see the strings that control the systems
I can do anything with no assistance

I can lead a nation with a microphone, with a microphone, with a microphone
I can split the atoms of a molecule, of a molecule, of a molecule

Look at me, look at me
Driving and I won't stop
And it feels so good to be
Alive and on top
My reach is global, my tower secure
My cause is noble, my power is pure
I can hand out a million vaccinations
Or let 'em all die in exasperation
Have 'em all healed of their lacerations
Have 'em all killed by assassination
I can make anybody go to prison
Just because I don't like 'em and
I can do anything with no permission
I have it all under my command

I can guide a missile by satellite, by satellite, by satellite
And I can hit a target through a telescope, through a telescope, through a telescope
And I can end the planet in a holocaust, in a holocaust, in a holocaust ...

I can ride my bike with no handlebars, no handlebars, no handlebars
I can ride my bike with no handlebars, no handlebars, no handlebars

Fall For You

I heard this song for the first time on the radio a few days ago. As soon as the final notes ended, I jumped on the computer and Googled the lyrics to figure out what this beautiful track was titled, and what artist or group was responsible for such a work of art.
Secondhand Serenade had given me Fall For You. All in all, it's a very clean-cut song; not many chances taken. But it's the simplicity, the honesty, the sincerity of this track, that makes it what it is.
I cannot get enough of this song, and I hope you "fall for [it]" too. And believe me - I'll be looking further into this band's work.
This is Fall For You by Secondhand Serenade.

Secondhand Serenade - Fall For You Official Music Video



Fall For You
Secondhand Serenade

The best thing about tonight's that we're not fighting
Could it be that we have been this way before
I know you don't think that I ain't trying
I know you're wearing thin down to the core

But hold your breath
Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you
Over again
Don't make me change my mind
Or I won't live to see another day
I swear it's true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find
You're impossible to find

This is not what I intended
I always swore to you I'd never fall apart
You always thought that I was stronger
I may have failed
But I have loved you from the start
Ohhhh

But hold your breath
Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you
Over again
Don't make me change my mind
Or I won't live to see another day
I swear it's true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find
It's impossible

So breathe in so deep
Breathe me in
I'm yours to keep
And hold onto your words
'Cause talk is cheap
And remember me tonight
When you're asleep

Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you
Over again
Don't make me change my mind
Or I won't live to see another day
I swear it's true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find

Tonight will be the night that I will fall for you
Over again
Don't make me change my mind
Or I won't live to see another day
I swear it's true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find
You're impossible to find

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Nellie The Elephant

I heard this song for the first time two nights ago. I'm amazed that it took me so long to come across such a great song, and a punk classic at that.

I had heard of the Toy Dolls before, through a friend of mine giving me their LP "A Far Out Disc" when I was twelve. I didn't like it, and now, looking back I can't imagine what was going through my brain because these guys ROCK.

When I heard it on the radio I was blown away. It's so much fun. So strange, so childlike, but it totally works! I immediately went home and fished through a stack of old CD's to find "A Far Out Disc" and I'm so glad I did. Turns out I own the song! Hooray!

Anyway, Nellie The Elephant is really just a story being told in song. All about an elephant from a traveling circus. Very cool.

The style is very fast paced 80's punk, meets Ska, and Sharon, Lois & Bram's Elephant Show. Haha.
Check it out!

I was unfortunately unable to find a video with good quality video and audio. But I did find the album cut with the lyrics in the background (and the occasional picture of an elephant.).

Enjoy.

Nellie The Elephant-Toy Dolls

Friday, July 11, 2008

1990s

1990s is band from Glasgow Scotland. Like Franz Ferdinand. In fact they have something more in common with Franz then just their hometown. At one point drummer Paul Thomson (1990s) and the lead singer for Franz (Alex Kapranos) were in another Glasgow band together. Before they joined their separate bands. But that's where most of the similarity's end.

The 1990's are a fun blend of poppy punk, 80's, and straight up fun! From the catchy back beats of Paul's drums, the up beat vocals of Jackie McKeown, and the super fun guitar of Dino Bardot, this band makes for an awesome trio!
I constantly find myself bouncing in my seat a little while listening to them. You just wanna get up and dance!

Check out their debut (and current) album "Cookies". It'll have you laughing, and smiling, and dancing around your living room in record time!

More music that'll just bring a smile to your face! =]

1990s-You Made Me Like It

Monday, July 7, 2008

Freezepop

Most people (including myself) that have heard of Freezepop have heard of them through games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band.
When I first played "Less Talk More Rokk" on guitar hero two (other than thinking about how hard the song was to beat lol) I thought it was one of the happiest poppy songs I'd heard in the longest time, and I really wanted to find more out about Freezepop. So I went to my library, which has every CD imaginable, and yes they had Freezepop!
I immediately checked out "Fancy Ultra Fresh" and "Freezepop Forever", falling even more in love with the up tempo synth-pop. I don't think it's possible to listen to these guys and keep a bad mood.
Liz Enthusiasm's vocals are nice and low-key but add such a sweet sound to the energetic keyboard and synth boards of The Other Sean T. Drinkwater and The Duke Of Candied Apples. Lol yes those are the names the members of Freezepop go by. Fun huh?

I encourage the purchase of any and all of their albums/EPs/re-mixes. They all have their own feel, yet are still distinctly Freezepop.

Freezepop is two parts Synth-pop, one part Popsicle, and all the neon colored soda in the world.

Songs you should check out:
Vacation
Duct Tape My Heart
Tenisu No Boifurendo
Plastic Stars
Bike Thief
I Am Not Your Gameboy

I can assure you that Freezepop will make any day a summer day, and that from the moment you press "play" you'll feel like you're at a beach party with a frozen lemonade.

Enjoy!

Less Talk More Rokk:

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Only Son!

I was introduced to Only Son when I went to a Regina Spektor concert in November of last year. He was the opening act, and I, like most of the crowd, had never heard of him.
From the minute he walked on stage you felt his charm, his presence. And oh my God was he fun! This guy (his name is Jack Dishel) not only has a great ear for melody and lyrics, but knows how to make an audience happy.
He played half of his set with his acoustic guitar, then told us all that since he doesn't have a band that he'd play the rest of his set with his i-pod! It was great! the background would play, and he'd sit there with his guitar and sing. The best part was that his i-pod would talk to him during the show. . .and strike up conversation with the audience. I remember my friend Sasha just talking to Jack from her seat. . .it was really cool. This guy is fun, and has amazing talent!



His songs are mostly of a very fun light rock, or soft rock genre. His voice is so smooth, and carefree. His knack for the perfect catchy melody that you never tire of is unparalleled.
Another thing that caught me was when he came back on stage during Regina's set, and beat boxed the rhythm to her song "Hotel Song" while she sang a capella. It was awesome!

So today I'm going to give you two videos. One, his music video for his song "My Museum", and two, a live take of him beat boxing for Regina's "Hotel Song".
Enjoy and please check out his CD "The Drop To The Top", and his myspace: http://myspace.com/only_son!

Only Son's "My Museum"


Regina Spektor's "Hotel Song" Feat. Only Son (beat boxing)

My Museum Lyrics:

You're in my museum
You're in the biggest room there is
Under the thickest glass there is
Sharing my saddest laugh.

You're in my museum
You're in the biggest room there is
Under the thickest glass there is
Sharing my saddest laugh.

But you remind me of a friend, though
I met him falling out a window
We were both falling real slow
We had some time to talk, you know?
And he's a typical offender
A professional pretender
On a life long bender
He thinks it makes him friendlier.

So.Every day
Feels the same
Fading in a frame.

You're in my museum
Up on the screen repeating lines
Dressed up as everybody else
A different echo every time.

You're in my museum
Up on the screen repeating lines
Collecting accidents like treasures
Buried under time.

But you remind me of a friend, though
I met him falling out a window
We were both falling real slow
We had some time to talk, you know?
And he's a typical offender
A professional pretender
On a life long bender
He says it makes him friendlier.

So.Every day
Feels the same
Fading in a frame.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

To Bring You Back

I heard To Bring You Back for the first time on the radio a few days ago, and was instantly hooked by Paul Alan's remarkably smooth, clean voice. The song itself was borderline pop, but when the chorus picks up, it definitly has a rock essence. But what really blew me away about this song was the passion behind the beautiful vocals; Paul Alan put his heart and soul into this track, and you can feel it as you listen to this lovely song. All in all, this track is absolutely beautiful, and I can't stop listening.
Check it out for yourself; To Bring You Back, by Paul Alan.

Paul Alan - To Bring You Back Slideshow



To Bring You Back
Paul Alan

Are you thirsty, standing in the rain?
Not sure where you are or how you lost your way
Are you drowning
Some bar outside of town?
Searching for something given not found
A crowd of people totally alone
At the front door
Worlds away from home

And light up the night's last regret
Burn your only safety net
Step to the edge it's such a long way down

And I left the ninety-nine to find the one
And you're the one
I walked a thousand miles in this desert sun
Only to bring you back

Are you tired of chasing the wind?
Under water, do you aspire to breathe again?
Are you dying?
Is that the best that you can do?
'Cause you can't find your place in a world that wasn't meant for you

I left the ninety-nine to find the one
And you're the one
I walked a thousand miles in this desert sun
Only to bring you back

Hello, it's me, I couldn't sleep
I was just counting sheep
I'm missing you.
Hello, it's me, I couldn't sleep
I was just counting sheep

I left the ninety-nine to find the one
And you're the one
I walked a thousand miles in this desert sun
Only to bring you back

I left the ninety-nine to find the one
And you're the one
I walked a thousand miles in this desert sun
Only to bring you back