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Saturday, August 30, 2008

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - "Don't You Fake It"

I've been meaning to post a review for this album ... forever. I just haven't gotten to it yet. So, finally, here's a review for Red Jumpsuit Apparatus' Don't You Fake It.
Many of the songs on this album are re-released tracks, which made their debut on the band's first self-titled studio effort. However, if you're like me, you hadn't even heard of Red Jumpsuit Apparatus until Face Down made mainstream success two years later.
I've posted about Red Jumpsuit Apparatus' most popular singles from this album, Face Down and Your Guardian Angel previously on this site and, after listening to those two songs, I figured I had a pretty good idea of this band's style. However, when I listened to their second album for the first time, I was completelly shocked. The other tracks on the album were, for the most part, much more in-your-face screamo style; not so much the nondescript rock styles of their mainstream hits. And I liked what they had to offer on the other ten tracks on the album.
Here's a song-by-song review of Don't You Fake It.


Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Don't You Fake It (2006)

1. In Fate's Hands - The band starts off fast and strong with this track. Not much in particular stands out about this song, maybe, except for the echoeing vocals in the second verse. The screaming vocals in this song are a change of pace of anyone who'se only been accustomed to the band's mainstream hits. All in all, a good first track, but not stellar.
2. Waiting - A slightly softer track with more melodic verses and a passionate chorus. The lyrics in this track catch your attention and give you a feel for the emotion behind the song; especially in the bridge. The background vocals in the chorus and plenty of guitar riffs throughout keep the band's rock essence alive.
3. False Pretense - The group picks up the pace again on their third track. Softer verses lead up into a catchy chorus you can't help but tap your toes to. Overall just a nicely executed track; maybe it's the clapping during the guitar solo or the steady symbol crashes, but something about this relativly short track makes it stand out.
4. Face Down - If you listen to the radio, you've heard this song at least once in the past year or so. Steady guitars hold the rhythmn while the lyrics speak of finding strength in an unbearable situation. Again, the combination of lyrics and instrumentals deliver the effect of this song perfectly. There's just enough screaming in the bridge to keep to the band's style while still allowing the song to make mainstream success.
5. Misery Loves Its Company - When this song begins, you think a more acoustic track is to follow. But, as soon as the electric guitar and deep screaming lyrics kick in, you realize differently. Overall, the fifth track is still a softer one, but it definitly still has a hard rock feel. The lyrics in this song are some of the most powerful and heartfelt on the album.
6. Cat And Mouse - A piano ballad! The keys paired with the snare drum in the opening measures immediantly give you a feel for the emotion in the song. Backing vocals are present throughout the duration of the track, and the piano keeps tapping out a melody the whole time. The lyrics are bittersweet and presented beautifully.
7. Damn Regret - The group picks it up again for the seventh track. This song is immediantly fun and catchy, from the very opening guitar parts. The lyrics tell a story of freedom and living life without regrets. This song seems more technical than some of the album's others; taking it down a notch for a softer, more passionate bridge was a good move, as was changing up the style of the last choruses. All in all, definitly a stand out; one of my favorites on the album.
8. Atrophy - The band reverts back to the no-nonsense screamo style for the opening vocals of this song before changing to more melodic verses. The second verse combines both styles of vocals to great effect. The chorus is heavy in symbol crashes and guitar parts. The bridge slows us down again and delivers the desired feel. More technical aspects are added at the end of the song when three different vocal parts are sung at the same time.
9. Seventeen Ain't So Sweet - A bittersweet track with plenty of emotion, this song is another of my favorites. The lyrics are very deep and are delivered well, especially in the chorus. It's a more simple song than the others on the album ... and that's what makes it so appealing. The honesty and passion in the lyrics make this song what it is.
10. Justify - The guitar parts throughout this song are very, very good; my favorite is during the verses. The vocals alternate between a softer style and the punchy screamo this band loves. The chorus flows well and the entire feel of the song is great. Not a stand-out, but a good track nonetheless. I love the bridge.
11. Your Guardian Angel - The band's other mainstream hit. This song opens with acoustic guitar strumming and lyrics that break your heart - in a good way. The backing vocals are amazing; more harmonic than any others on the album. The entire essence of this song is just beautiful, and as the electric guitar and drums break out at the end of the track, you get the full feel for the passion behind it. Just a beautiful way to end the album.
(Hidden Track) Grim Goodbye - Why the band decided to make this a hidden track is beyond me. It is by far one of my favorites on the album. There are so many aspect to this track; the vocals are amazing, as are the guitar and drum parts. I feel this song is so much deeper than any other on the album. Softer at points and then swelling dramatically to harder parts, this song really tells a story.

You've read my review; now form your own opinions.

Check out the band's official website.

The lyrics to all Red Jumpsuit Aparatus' songs can be found at this link.

And don't forget to check out other posts on music.is.life regarding this group.

Finally, I'll leave you with the lyrics and music video for Red Jumpsuit Apparatus' False Pretense. I hope you enjoy!

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - False Pretense Official Music Video



False Pretense
Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Oh, it's time to let it go

The world's got a funny way of turning 'round on you
When a friend tries to stab you right in the face
Losing faith in everything I thought I hoped I knew
Don't sweat it, {it was} set on false pretense

Betrayed but not gonna be willing to change
And it doesn't seem likely to fade
Betrayed but not gonna be willing to change
'Cause you know ...

It's sacrifice
False pretense you'll hurt again
Stop pretending to deny
False pretense you'll hurt again

All along you know you thought you got the best of me
{But} you were wrong and I'm laughing right in your face
I cannot believe you claimed you were my family
Don't sweat it - it's set on false pretense

Betrayed but not gonna be willing to change
And it doesn't seem likely to fade
Betrayed but not gonna be willing to change
'Cause you know ...

It's sacrifice
False pretense you'll hurt again
Stop pretending to deny
False pretense you'll hurt again

[Spoken:]
Guitar ...

Oh, it's time to let it go

I can't seem to understand it how you turned out to be so cold
You tried but were caught red handed, are you happy with your role?
It's funny to me how you've turned into such a joke ...

It's sacrifice
False pretense you'll hurt again
Stop pretending to deny
False pretense you'll hurt again

So play the game until you run out
And play the game into my hand

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Stop!

The very first time you hear the chorus to this song, you just know it's the type that will constantly be getting stuck in your head. What you may or may not realize immediately is the message behind the song.
What got the point across to me was the "Rock the Vote" version of the music video for Against Me!'s Stop!. From the very opening shots, you're drawn to this video by the jumbled political declerations of a bunch of different people. Later, debatable subjects are brought to your attention via a wide range of characters. Throughout the video, you may find yourself rooting for or against what's happening in the video, depending on your own personal opinion on the subject at hand.
And that's the whole point of the song. Stop! dares you to question your opinions - or, maybe to form some in the first place. The chorus of the song really sums up the entire message.
Watch the video. Listen to the lyrics. "Figure out what's important to you."
This is Stop!, by Against Me!.

Against Me! - Stop! Official Music Video ("Rock The Vote" Version)



Stop!
Against Me!

Stop! Take some time to think, figure out what's important to you
Stop! Take some time to think, figure out what's important to you
Stop! Take some time to think, figure out what's important to you
You've got to make a serious decision
[x2]

It could be me up there in stage lights
It could be me on the TV in you living room
It could be me jet setting with my band all across the world
Appearing live in concert one night only, tickets sold out

Stop! Take some time to think, figure out what's important to you
Stop! Take some time to think, figure out what's important to you
Stop! Take some time to think, figure out what's important to you
You've got to make a serious decision

There I am giving candid disclosure to press in interview
There I go on my way through the crowd up to the podium
On behalf of our fans we'd like to accept this award.
Smile for the camera boys, gold record in hand

Stop! Take some time to think, figure out what's important to you
Stop! Take some time to think, figure out what's important to you
Stop! Take some time to think, figure out what's important to you
You've got to make a serious decision

All of our lives in waiting
All of our lives traded for their roses and applause
All of our lives dedicated to shoving it right back in their f***ing face

Stop! Take some time to think, figure out what's important to you
Stop! Take some time to think, figure out what's important to you
Stop! Take some time to think, figure out what's important to you
You've got to make a serious decision
I said you've got to make a serious decision

Stop! Take some time to think.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Disturbia

It's as if Rihanna can do no wrong!
This talented artist has had at least one chart-topping hit on every album she' released! Pon de Replay became an instant dance club hit when it was released on Rihanna's 2005 debut, Music of the Sun. In 2006, A Girl Like Me boasted the ever-popular S.O.S (Rescue Me) as it's opening track. And in 2007, Rihanna's third studio effort, Good Girl Gone Bad, sported three well-loved singles; Umbrella, Don't Stop The Music, and Shut Up And Drive. And now it seems even her remixed versions of old albums are popping up with hits of their own!
Now, after recently remixing her latest album, Rihanna has brought Disturbia back into the spotlight. Mildly popular at the time of its original release, the song has catchy beats and is easy to dance to (would it be Rihanna any other way?). However, the original release was just a little to ordinary to gain huge success. But this remixed track steps it up a notch, giving the song just enough of a unique touch to stick in the heads of listeners everywhere.
But while I think the remixed version of Disturbia is good, I don't like the song well enough to have posted it on this blog. Then why, you may ask, is Disturbia featured on music.is.life?
The music video.
This video is unlike anything we've ever seen from Rihanna. She really pushed the limits as far as what would be "accepted" by her fans and by fans of the genre. I'm sure plenty of Rihanna fans watched this music video for the first time and went "... what happened to Rihanna?!?" The video is, well, disturbed. Rihanna took so many chances with this video, and for that, I commend her.
This is Disturbia, by Rihanna.

Rihanna - Disturbia Official Music Video
Sorry about the ad at the bottom of the video. It was so hard finding a version of the video that could be embedded in this post! I had to settle for this :(



Disturbia
Rihanna

What's wrong with me?
Why do I feel like this?
I'm going crazy now

No more gas in the rig
Can't even get it started
Nothing heard, nothing said
Can't even speak about it
All my life on my head
Don't want to think about it
Feels like I'm going insane, yeah

It's a thief in the night
To come and grab you
It can creep up inside you
And consume you
A disease of the mind
It can control you
It's too close for comfort

Throw on your break lights
We're in the city of wonder
Ain't gonna play nice
Watch out, you might just go under
Better think twice
Your train of thought will be altered
So if you must faulter be wise
Your mind is in

Disturbia
It's like the darkness is the light
Disturbia
Am I scaring you tonight?
Your mind is in
Disturbia
Ain't used to what you like
Disturbia, disturbia ...

Faded pictures on the wall
It's like they talkin' to me
Disconnectin' your call
Your phone don't even ring
I gotta get out
Or figure this s*** out
It's too close for comfort

It's a thief in the night
To come and grab you
It can creep up inside you
And consume you
A disease of the mind
It can control you
I feel like a monster

Throw on your break lights
We're in the city of wonder
Ain't gonna play nice
Watch out, you might just go under
Better think twice
Your train of thought will be altered
So if you must faulter be wise
Your mind is in

Disturbia
It's like the darkness is the light
Disturbia
Am I scaring you tonight?
Your mind is in
Disturbia
Ain't used to what you like
Disturbia, disturbia ...

Release me from this curse I'm in
Trying to maintain
But I'm struggling
You can't go, go, go
I think I'm going to oh, oh, oh

Throw on your break lights
We're in the city of wonder
Ain't gonna play nice
Watch out, you might just go under
Better think twice
Your train of thought will be altered
So if you must faulter be wise
Your mind is in

Disturbia
It's like the darkness is the light
Disturbia
Am I scaring you tonight?
Your mind is in
Disturbia
Ain't used to what you like
Disturbia, disturbia ...

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Jesse Buy Nothing. . .Go To Prom Anyways

I first heard this song early last year when I checked Hellogoodbye's self titles debut EP out from the library (the original, with the Avocado on the cover "Mush Slowly And Guac").
At first I wasn't sure that it actually was Hellogoodbye. The sound was so different, but I LOVED it! It's absolutely hilarious!

This song is done in a slightly screamo style, in a German accent, sung by Jesse Kurvink, not Hellogoodbye's vocalist Forest Kline. The Lyrics were also written by Jesse. This song shows the versatility of Hellogoodbye, who're normally branded as emo-pop and nothing else.

I found the liner notes for this song really funny. In the original EP's sleeve, where the lyrics are printed for all the other songs the phrase "Unintelligible German Screaming" is printed in place of lyrics.

Have Fun and enjoy the song! It'll bring you some giggles!
I wasn't able to find a real music video for the song, but found this fan-made one. It's funny, and adds to the humour of the song. . .anyway Enjoy!

Jesse Buy Nothing. . .Go To Prom Anyways-Hellgoodbye





Prom with Jesse!!!

Prom is coming
It's on the 17th of May
And I've got a message
I want to convey

I'll buy a nice suit
And you can wear a pretty dress
You will watch me dance
And realize I am the best


Will you go to prom with me
And dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance.
Will you go to prom with me
And dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance.

We'll slow dance
And fast dance
And clap, clap, clap our hands (clap, clap, clap)

My moves will be so hot
You'll have to stand under the fan

This dance will be better
Than your favorite ice cream
I cut like a knife
And I dance just like a dream

Will you go to prom with me
And dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance.
Will you go to prom with me
And dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance.

Will you go to prom with me
And dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance.
Will you go to prom with me
And dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance.

Lets go to prom
Ahhh... let's go to prom
Lets go to the prom
Lets go to the prom

I buy nothing
Jessie buy nothing!!!

Will you go to prom with me
And dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance.
Will you go to prom with me
And dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance.

Will you go to prom with me
And dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance.
Will you go to prom with me
And dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance.

Will you go to prom with me
And dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance.
Will you go to prom with me
And dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance.

Will you go to prom with me
And dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance.
Will you go to prom with me
And dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance, and dance.

Prom with Jesse!!!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Hearts Burst Into Fire

Bullet For My Valentine is yet another on my long list of bands I've wanted to look into for the longest time. Finally I heard All These Things I Hate (Revolve Around Me), and I was impressed by this band's sound and style. Later I heard Tears Don't Fall and was blown away by the gorgeous lyrics. Recently, I heard Heart Burst Into Fire for the first time. After hearing there amazing songs by this band, I figured it was time Bullet For My Valentine had a place on music.is.life.
Hearts Burst Into Fire combines lovely, lonely lyrics with an undeniable metal sound to create a song that really challenges you to find the true meaning behind it. If you just listen to the killer guitar riffs and steady drum beats, you fail to realize that the lyrics are written by someone "far away" from home, directed to the one he loves and misses dearly. The softer bridge in the middle of the song help you re-direct your focus from the music to the message, but when the screams chime in at the end of the track, it ends on a steady metal note.
The music video manages to capture both sides of this deep song. Clips of the band members together, watching video of their family, hanging out like a home-away-from-home, delivers the lonely, missing-you aspect of the song, while shots of teeming most pits and dedicated fans capture the essence of this hard rock hit.
Truly a great song by a very talented band. This is Hearts Burst Into Fire, by Bullet For My Valentine.

Bullet For My Valentine - Hearts Burst Into Fire Official Music Video



Hearts Burst Into Fire
Bullet For My Valentine

I'm coming home, I've been gone for far too long
Do you remember me at all?
I'm leaving, hell I've f***ed things up again
I'm dreaming, too much time without you spent,

It hurts, wounds so sore,
Now I'm torn, now I'm sore
I've been far away
When I see your face my
Hearts burst into fire ...

Your not alone, I know I'm far from home
Do you remember me at all?
I'm leaving, do you wait for me again?
I'm Screaming, no more days without you spent

It hurts, wounds so sore,
Now I'm torn, now I'm sore
I've been far away
When I see your face my
Hearts burst into fire ...

My bed so cold so lonely
No arms, just sheets to hold me
Has this world stopped turning?
Are we forever to be apart?
Forever to be apart ...

It hurts, wounds so sore,
Now I'm torn, now I'm sore
I've been far away
When I see your face my
Hearts burst into fire ...

I'm coming home, I've been gone for far too long
I'm coming home, Would you remember me at all?
Do you remember me at all?
I'm leaving, I'm screaming, I'm dreaming, when hearts burst into fire!

Friday, August 15, 2008

Heart Shaped Box-Evanescence

I'm both a Nirvana fan and an Evanescence fan, but I have to say that I'm always wary of covers just because you're taking someone else's song and tailoring it yourself, and more often than not, it doesn't work out as well as you'd hoped. Well I'd heard Evanescence do Korn covers and Metalica covers, and those were wonderful, so I decided to check out their cover of Nirvana's "Heart Shaped Box".

And I must say, that all my expectations were met. Amy Lee's voice is perfect for this song, and she delivers the vocals beautifully, as always. She always puts heart and soul into the songs she sings like I've never heard anyone else do before. This is a great cover!!!

Enjoy!


Heart Shaped Box-Evanescence (Nirvana Cover)


She eyes me like a pisces when I am weak
I've been locked inside your Heart-Shaped box for weeks
I've been drawn into your magnet tar pit trap
I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black

Hey! Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice
Hey! Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice
Your advice

Meat-eating orchids forgive no one just yet
Cut myself on angel hair and baby's breath
Broken hymen of your highness I'm left black
Throw down your umbilical noose so I can climb right back

Hey! Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice
Hey! Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice

Your advice
Your advice
Your advice

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Cocorosie

I found out about this band over the summer when shuffling through a friends i-pod. I didn't listen to a whole song but thought the sound was inventive.

I finally got to checking them out today on youtube.

I was amazed at the range of instruments, and random items used to play the song, the harp, a kazoo, and a few children's toys. . .you'll see what I mean.

Really and truly I can't tell you much of anything about the band, but I can say that you HAVE to watch this video!

The song is quiet and sweet sounding with a gorgeous harp background. I couldn't say what genre this falls into, and I can't describe it to you, but it's worth a listen! It's quite unique, and like nothing I've ever seen before. It's very random!
You really have to listen to this with no prior idea as to what it might be. Haha.

So, have a listen to Cocorosie's "Hairnet Paradise".

Hairnet Paradise-Cocorosie


bad crowd
tea, cake and sweet
sweet tamiga
garden that is sweet
sweet, sweet tamiga

it was a hairnet paradise
i praised in demise
it was a hairnet paradise
burn the blue eyes
burn the blue eyes

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Rescue Me

Hawthorne Heights has had it rough this past year.
In November of 2007, guitarist Casey Calvert was found dead in his bunk on the Hawthorne Heights' tour bus right before sound check of a show. On that average Saturday afternoon, the entire future for this band was put in the balance. Unable to continue their Wintour 2007 lineup, the members of Hawthorne Heights cancelled the rest of the tour and went back home to mourn the loss of their "quirky and awesome" best friend.
At that time, nobody knew whether Hawthorne Heights would be able to come back and continue their career as a band.
...
Now, not even a year later, Hawthorne Heights has released their third album, Fragile Future. Considered the "most anticipated comeback of 2008", the band's third studio release is a huge accomplishment in a lot of ways.
On August 5th, 2008, the band posted the following bulletin on their official band website:

Hey everyone! Today is the day we've all been waiting for; the release of our third album, Fragile Future! We're very proud of this album because we have put a lot of time and emotion into it. Who would have thought the release of any album would be tantamount to the weight of the world being taken off our shoulders? This record represents us becoming a band once again, and uniting as family to endure some of the worst times imaginable.
For the first time we wrote an entire "album", one cohesive piece of art that extends beyond the music to the layout and even a new perspective on life for us as people. This album and the time that it took to write literally changed who we are. Perhaps it will have as much of a powerful affect on you the listener and observer as it did on us as we made it.
...
Thank you all so much for sticking by us and supporting us over the years. Without you, this album would have never come out, let alone been made. This CD,
Fragile Future, represents all the tough times we have went through as a band... and we hope that listening to it means as much to you as it does to us.
Love can change your heart. Stay positive.
Love, Hawthorne Heights

This band has really gone above-and-beyond, finding strength, courage, and hope enough to carry on doing what they do, even after such a tragedy struck them. This band is an inspiration, and they deserve every success they have achieved, whether it be with five members or four.

Not really being a "fan" of the band myself, I only know the one song by Hawthorne Heights. It's off their latest album, and is titled Rescue Me. A beautiful song and a spectacular music video, I believe this song really embodies the hurt and the struggle this band has endured - and the glorious victory that's come out of all of it. Hawthorne Heights is back, and in a huge way.
This is Rescue Me.

Hawthorne Heights - Rescue Me Official Music Video



Rescue Me
Hawthorne Heights

Just Breathe
The midnight air will do you well
Believe
I miss your taste, I miss your smell
The past mistakes that brought you here
I'll break the fall for you my dear
I'll ask the nurse for bandages
And send me on my way

Rescue me, from, everything
I just wanna live, I wish I could breathe

Every other day
I sit and wait for the same bad news
Can you hear me say
I've got nothing left to lose
Someone please start making sense
And beg the Lord for accidents
I've seen the worst case scenario
Slowly letting go

Rescue me, from, everything
I just wanna live, I wish I could breathe ...


Rest In Peace, Casey Calvert

Somehow

Now, I've never been a fan of "Made By T.V." artists, you know what I mean. It just seems that it's always fake, and that the only reason that they make it in the music business is because they've had a career in television. But I really think that Drake Bell is different, and in his case I think that if he hadn't been on T.V. before his music career, he would be getting a ton more credit. Unfortunately though, it seems that he's ignored as an artist due to the stereotype that has developed for actors gone musicians.

I was skeptic at first when I heard he was coming out with a studio album having only heard the "Drake and Josh" theme song (which he wrote and recorded), but we got the CD and I must say I was very pleasantly surprised!

All the songs on his debut album "Telegraph" are worth a listen especially "Telegraph", "In The End", and "Somehow".

Out of those songs the one that really got to me was "Somehow". There is a ton of heart in the lyrics to this song. It has a very melancholy tone throughout it, and the guitar has a bit of a Spanish flair to it, my personal favorite guitar style.
The song has pretty much the same feel to it all throughout, except for the ending. He ended the song in a very Beatles-esque way with "saloon" style piano at a fast pace for only a few seconds.

This is one of my all-time favorite songs, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Somehow-Drake Bell


She stares at the moon
Her ribbons out of tune
The memories of her past
At the bottom of her glass

And resting on her cheek
The imprint of his ring
A symbol of the weak
Commissioned by the king

Did he tie you down?
Did you make a sound?

She falls to her knees
Screaming God please
Make something of me
'Cause I've never wanted anything like what I wanna be right now
An angel again
An angel again somehow

She remembers his old boots
And the shotgun that he shoots
And all that she could take
Lies at the bottom of a lake

So lift you cig and drag
As you figure out a plan
To hide it all away
How could she ever love this man

Did you weigh him down?
Did he make a sound?

She falls to her knees
Screaming God please
Make something of me
'Cause I've never wanted anything like what I wanna be right now
An angel again
An angel again somehow

And when you carry weight in your life
And all the plans you make in your life
The original decision was right

She falls to her knees
Screaming God please
Make something of me
'Cause I've never wanted anything like what I wanna be right now
An angel again
An angel again somehow

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Lions Roar

I've been listening to The Hush Sound ever since my friend Fed introduced me almost four years ago. Long before they were well known, not that they're especially well known now, which is sad because they're a great band. But the people who do listen to them normally rave about the songs with Greta's vocals like "Wine Red" and "You Are The Moon", and sadly overlook Bob's vocals.

Bob Morris has that DecayDance voice that Pete Wentz loves so much. It seems that Pete signs bands that have vocals somewhat like the vocals of his own band, Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy, like Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco, and Bob Morris of The Hush Sound. But Bob's vocals bring something more, and his lyrics are always like a small fairy tale is being told in his songs.

When I first heard Lions Roar a few years back when I bought their Sophomore album "Like Vines" I think I pressed repeat five times! The song caprtures the sound of a circus gone awry. . .it's "Something Wicked This Way Comes"-esque. You feel like you're in the song, and you're watching it all play out.
When Bob Yells "Everybody Stop!", you're given this jolt, and then the song slowly picks back up into a wonderful instrumental ending.

This is a must listen for everyone who misses that little bit of fiction that used to be brought to most songs, and of course a must listen for any Hush Sound fan who hasn't heard it!

Enjoy!

Lions Roar-The Hush Sound


The lions roar and young men soar
The flames all scorch the circus floor
Puppets on strings all dance and sing
Trumpets play sick lullabies

Dellicate dame her fragile face
Was scared away wihtout a trace
Out in the cold, where did she go?
Into unkown a place I'll never. . .

Know and the desperate search began
All across this sea and land
I just knew I'd find you here
I just knew I'd find you here

Elephants rear and young men steer
The audience just claps and cheers
I asked around half empty towns
About a girl nowhere to be found

Oh and the desperate search reran
All across this sea and land
I just knew I'd find you here
I just knew I'd find you here

We did not know, we could not go
The circus songs, just carried on
Out of the crowd three men rushed out
And scream and shout "everybody stop!"

Boring

I first heard Drive By in concert in early April of this year. It was obvious at the show that this was a new band, just getting used to being on tour; their act lacked the presence and energy of a veteran group. However, their music was good, with catchy beats and memorable hooks, and it was apparant that these guys could very well have a future in store for them in the music industry.
That's why I was so excited to see Drive By's debut music video on Fuse yesterday.
The minute the chorus broke out during the video, I remembered hearing Boring at the concert. After I was done reminiscing on the show, I paid close attention to the lyrics, the music, the whole essece of the song. I had never heard a recorded version of Boring; I had just heard the song once live. I was pleased to discover that the song was just as much fun to listen to recorded as it was to hear in concert.
Here's to Drive By; we hope you guys have a stellar career and enjoy many more successes along the way.
This is Boring.

Drive By - Boring Official Music Video



Boring
Drive By

What are you on about
I'm listening to you
And somehow you've stopped making sense again
Honey you're tired
Just go to sleep
Before you fall face down again

You're boring
I'm wide awake and you're snoring
If you're awake it's not working
So what's the point

Of this
How did I find myself with you
I don't love you
You've suddenly stopped making sense again
Another thing your stories
Uninteresting and boring
Eventually they have to end
End right now

You're boring
I'm wide awake and you're snoring
If you're awake it's not working
So what's the point
Struggling through another night with you
You're boring
You're boring
Another word about your friends and you

I was only kidding
Get back into bed
Before it all ends bad again

You're boring
I'm wide awake and you're snoring
If you're awake it's not working
So what's the point
Strugging through another night with you
You're boring
You're boring
Another word about your friends and you

Goodnight
Goodnight

Vanessa Carlton

I've been a Carlton fan ever since my friend Lauren introduced me to her music almost six years ago.

I was less enchanted by her more poppy, and more popular, songs, like "1000 Miles" and "Ordinary Day", and more lured toward her hauntingly gorgeous pieces like "Half A Week Before The Winter", and "Annie", but by far the two songs that stood out to me the most were "Wreckage" and "She Floats".

"She Floats" has an amazing backing piano, very subtle and haunting at first, building as the song goes on. In the middle of the song you hear a chorus break out into theses haunting screams. . .like a chorus of ghosts. The amazing thing about that chorus is that it isn't a chorus at all. It's Vanessa and her producer Stephan Jenkins, and no one else, tracked singing and screaming different notes hundreds of times. The after effect, a ghostly choir.

"Wreckage" just sang to me. . .the piano is amazing. Very classical, but still dark and rock. . .something that to this day I've only found Vanessa to pull off. The lyrics are sad, the song as a whole has the beautiful tragedy feel to it. There's a very poetic side to her lyrics both in this song and in "She Floats". I know I've cried a few times when listening to it. Her vocals are better in this song than in any other of her songs I think. There's a clarity to them that she doesn't bring in other pieces. It's really just an amazing piece!

I'm going to post both songs tonight, 'cause I would never be able to choose between these two wonderful songs. Neither of them have music videos, just pictures of Vanessa.

Enjoy!

She Floats-Vanessa Carlton



Watching puddles gather rain
There's no better place to lay
And she's as fine as dandelions blowin' in the wind
She's not thinkin' 'bout anything
She Floats

She floats
Floats

Wearin' black patent Mary Janes
She steps out into the rain
But she's as dry as clear blue skys swallowing you whole
Got no secrets
though I'm told she floats

She floats
Floats

Mmm
Ah
Mmm
Ah

["Choir"]

'Cause she's as fine as dandelions blowing in the wind
She's not thinkin' she's listening

She floats
She floats
Floats
Floats
She Floats
She Floats
Floats



Wreckage-Vanessa Carlton


Speeding
Into the horizon
Dreaming of the siren
Wishing for her broken glass on the highway
It could be so easy

The rhythm
Rhythm of an engine
Always makes me empty
I see the headlights coming at me
I can't help but wonder

Flying
Flying in slow motion
Wind through my hair
And ripping through the scenery, oh, the wreckage
It is my secret need

Speeding
Into the horizon
Dreaming of the siren
Wishing for her broken glass on the highway
It could be so easy..

Friday, August 8, 2008

Kremlin Dusk

It seems that I've been contributing a lot of dance/electro style music to the site lately, and in realizing that I'm amazed that I haven't shared this song yet, or this artist for that matter.

Utada Hikaru is a multi-national artist, recording both here and in Japan. She was born in New York, and grew up speaking both languages (English and Japanese), thus perfecting both dialects. So when she sings in English it's clear, and when she sings in Japanese it clear. But her pronunciation isn't the only thing that's clear! Her voice is wonderful. She has a clear, full, voice with an amazing range.

She's best known in the US for her contributions to the Kingdom Hearts video games soundtracks. Especially her song Simple and Clean. What many people don't know is that she has released many albums both her and in Japan, the styles of her albums reaching from rock to dance to R&B.

Kremlin Dusk is my favorite of her songs. There's something about how she sings this, her heart goes into it. The melody is soft, starting with a slightly melancholy tone to it. Then it slowly builds into something more forceful.
Her voice soars to this beautiful note as she sings the ends of the phrases.

The lyrics have this longing to them. . .a beautiful longing though.

Enjoy.

Kremlin Dusk-Utada Hikaru


All along I was searching for my Lenore
In the words of Mr. Edgar Allan Poe
Now I'm sober and "Nevermore"
Will the Raven come to bother me at home.

Calling you, calling you home
You. . .calling you, calling you home

By the door you said you had to go
Couldn't help me any anymore
This I saw coming, long before
So I kept on staring out the window

Calling you, calling you home
You. . .calling you, calling you home

I am a natural entertainer, aren't we all
Holding pieces of dying ember
I'm just trying to remember who I can call
Who can I call

Home. . .calling you, calling you

I run a secret propaganda
Aren't we all hiding pieces of broken anger
I'm just trying to remember who I can call
Can I call

Born in a war of opposite attraction
It isn't, or is it a natural conception
Torn by the arms in opposite directions
It isn't, or is it a Modernist reaction

Born in a war of opposite attraction
It isn't, or is it a natural conception
Torn by the arms in opposite directions
It isn't, or is it a Modernist reaction

Is it like this
Is it always the same
When a heartache begins, is it like this
Do you like this
Is it always the same
Will you come back again
Do you like this

Is it always the same
Will you come back again
Do you like this
Oh, do you like this
Is it like this
Is it always the same
If you change your phone number, will you tell me

Is it like this
Is it always the same
When a heartache begins, is it like this
If you like this
Will you remember my name
Will you play it again, if you like this

Thursday, August 7, 2008

9 Crimes

I can't believe I haven't posted about this song yet.
It's simply beautiful. The faint piano melody flowing steadily behind a lovely mix of male and female vocals, singing such powerful, heartfelt lyrics ... And later, the winning combination of keys and violin ...
Everything about this song just gives me shivers. It's so simple, and yet, it has such an impact on the listener. The vocals are delivered with such a passion throughout the piece, and as the instrumental melody crescendos in the final choruses and then suddenly dies off at the end of the song ... So much emotion!
The music video is a real masterpiece.
Here's 9 Crimes, by Damien Rice, featuring Lisa Hannigan.

Damien Rice - 9 Crimes Official Music Video



9 Crimes
Damien Rice feat. Lisa Hannigan

(Female Vocals)
Leave me out with the waste, this is not what I do
It's the wrong kind of place to be thinking of you
It's the wrong, time, for somebody new
It's a small, crime, and I've got no excuse

Is that alright?
Give my gun away when it's loaded
Is that alright?
If you don't shoot it, how am I supposed to hold it?
Is that alright?
Give my gun away when it's loaded
Is that alright, with you?

(Male Vocals)
Leave me out with the waste, this is not what I do
It's the wrong kind of place to be cheating on you
It's the wrong, time, she's pulling me through
It's a small, crime, and I've got no excuse

Is that alright?
Give my gun away when it's loaded
(Is that alright?)*
If you don't shoot it, how am I supposed to hold it?
Is that alright?
Give my gun away when it's loaded
(Is that alright?)*
Is that alright, is that alright with you?

Is that alright, yeah?
Is that alright with you?

No...




*(female vocal echo in chorus)

Saturday, August 2, 2008

My City Screams - Earning Respect The Right Way

This post will be unlike others on music.is.life. This band has no music videos for me to share. I've never heard a complete song by them, so I have no lyrics to share, either. I can't tell you to go out and purchase their album, because they dont have one. What I can share with you, readers of this blog, is a short tale about a guy I met who's just trying to make it work for he and his band.

I was at my local mall yesterday, casually wandering, headed for f.y.e to see what new albums may have come in stores. On my way I got stoppd by a guy I'd never seen before, with white gauges and a Social Distortion tee shirt. He asked me what kind of music I liked, if I listened to local music, and then explained that he was in a local, unsigned band and was going around the mall telling people about the band, trying to hook new listeners and fans. He pulled out an iPod and let me listen to some of their stuff. And I guess you can assume I iked what I heard; why else would I be talking about it on this site?
The guy (named Avery, as I discovered by checking out the band's MySpace the next day) compared their sound to Death Cab for Cutie, but I have to say I liked the sound of his band - My City Screams - much better. A mix of indie, electronic, and acoustics, the whole vibe of the tracks I heard were very, very cool. I could see myself listening to this stuff on a regular basis. I got a chance to listen to their "intro track" and their "single", neither of which I learned the title. I do know that the intro had an almost industrial-metal-meets-techno beat, and that the vocal melodies of their single were beautiful.
Avery explained that My City Screams was in the running against five other unsigned hopefuls to become one of three to open for Panic At The Disco at an upcoming show, and that he was selling My City Screams' first demo at the mall to fund such a gig, should his band be selected to open for Panic!. Regretfully, I didn't have the money on me at the time to purchase the demo. So, since I couldn't support this up-and-coming band with money, I thought the least I could do was spread word-of-mouth about them on my blog.
I'm extremelly happy to see a band actually working for the recognition they desired. In this day and age, it's odd to see something like what Avery was doing; a band actually making an honest effort to get the word out about their music. So many talentless artists these days are getting signed and then just hitching a ride on whatever gig their managers think up - often times drifting away from what they really wanted to do as artists in the first place. I'm proud of Avery for going out of his way to try and make this work for he and his band, and I wish My City Screams the best of luck with getting to open for Panic!. And believe me - that's one show I'd pay to see ;)

So, with no music videos, no lyrics, and no official band websites to share ... the only thing I can offer you, readers, is the link to My City Screams' MySpace. And my own word about this band's talents.



Keep an eye out for these guys; they may be the next great thing.