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Friday, November 21, 2008

Lacrymosa

As I've mentioned a few times in the past my musical taste has stemmed most predominately from my upbringing in a family that loves classical music, and through listening to the classics during my ballet training. So it goes without saying that I lean toward bands and artists with classical backgrounds. I especially lean toward those with symphonic and orchestral sounds. So many of my favorite bands and artists are those like Yngwie Malmsteen, Nightwish, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and of course, Evanescence.

My favorite track of their album "The Open Door" is most definitely "Lacrymosa". The symphonic sound, the chorus in the background, and of course Amy's voice. What many people don't know (though I'm sure die-hard Ev fans, and Mozart fans alike do know)is that the entire backing for this song, not including the electric guitar parts, is Mozart's "Lacrimosa".

"I saw Amadeus when I was nine years old and fell in love with Mozart. The part of Mozart's Requiem called "Lacrimosa" is my favorite piece of music ever. I always wished we could cover it, but with programming and guitars and make it cool. It's our moment to try all the things I wanted to and couldn't, so I started messing with it in Protools. Terry wrote some riffs and turned it into this awesome metal epic." -Amy Lee

And boy is it amazing! I love how well it blended, her vocals and lyrics with Mozart's masterpiece playing in the background. The original Mozart piece has such power in it, yet it's expressed with elegant and mournful notes. It really is quite amazing.

I'd never thought of what would happen if you were to write your own song, but use a classical piece as the basic structure of it. It seemed a bit undo able, that you would butcher the original piece or that it just wouldn't work...covering a classical piece and turning it into something with a metal sound, I knew that would work. It's been done, and done wonderfully, but this was something different all-together, yet it came out utterly perfect.

I really believe this to be Evanescence's best song on an epic scale, and on a scale of sound.

So, To show everyone the bigger picture I'm posting three videos. One, Mozart's original piece "Lacrimosa", two Evanescence's finished song "Lacrymosa", and three and re-mix of Ev's song that is rumoured to be the original version.

Enjoy!

Mozart's "Lacrimosa" (From Requiem)
(The Video Shows The Music For The Vocal Melodies)


Mozart Lyrics

Lacrimosa
Lacrimosa dies illa
Qua resurget ex favilla
Judicandus homo reus.

Huic ergo parce, Deus
Pie Jesu Domine
Dona eis requiem, Amen.


Evanescence's "Lacrymosa"
(Video Is Just Pictures Of Amy Lee and Band)



Evanescence's "Lacrymosa" (Remix)
(This version is rumored to have been written for the opening scene of "The Chronicles Of Narnia" movie, but was not approved because it was not considered "original" because of the use of Mozart's "Lacrimosa")


Evanescence Lyrics

Out on your own,
Cold and alone again.
Can this be what you really wanted, baby?

Blame it on me,
Set your guilt free.
Nothing can hold you back now.

Now that you're gone,
I feel like myself again.
Grieving the things I can't repair and willing...

To let you blame it on me,
And set your guilt free.
I don't want to hold you back now love.

I can't change who I am.
Not this time, I won't lie to keep you near me.
And in this short life, there's no time to waste on giving up.
My love wasn't enough.

And you can blame it on me,
Just set your guilt free, honey.
I don't want to hold you back now love.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Whispers In The Dark

Cowgirl4christ made a post on Skillet's album Comatose awhile back, but didn't really go into the individual songs and focused a bit more on Skillet as a band and on the album. Be sure to read that post!

I'm posting about one of the songs on that album, "whispers in the dark". I first listened to the song a few weeks ago after I downloaded a playlist on Rhapsody.
I immediately fell captive to the back beat and guitar. The song really has an epic feel.

The lead singers voice has this urgency, but a soft reassuring urgency, one of hope. The lyrics are also those of hope. He's telling someone he's there for them, he'll do anything to see them happy and safe.

You get a sense of comfort when hearing this song, not in the sense that it's a mild and quiet song, no it's far from it with the pounding bass and hard core rock sound, but just from the overall feel you can't help but relax.

This song has become one of my all-time favorites, so check it out!

Enjoy!


Skillet-Whispers In The Dark


Despite the lies that you're making
Your love is mine for the taking
My love is just waiting
To turn your tears to roses

Despite the lies that you're making
Your love is mine for the taking
My love is just waiting
To turn your tears to roses

I will be the one that's gonna hold you
I will be the one that you run to
My love is a burning, consuming fire

No, you'll never be alone
When darkness comes
I'll light the night with stars
Hear my whispers in the dark

No, you'll never be alone
When darkness comes
You know I'm never far
Hear my whispers in the dark

Whispers in the dark

You feel so lonely and ragged
You lay here broken and naked
My love is just waiting
To clothe you in crimson roses

I will be the one that's gonna find you
I will be the one that's gonna guide you
My love is a burning, consuming fire

No, you'll never be alone
When darkness comes
I'll light the night with stars
Hear my whispers in the dark

No, you'll never be alone
When darkness comes
You know I'm never far
Hear the whispers in the dark

No, you'll never be alone
When darkness comes
I'll light the night with stars
Hear my whispers in the dark

No, you'll never be alone
When darkness comes
You know I'm never far
Hear the whispers in the dark

Whispers in the dark
Whispers in the dark
Whispers in the dark

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Coldplay - "Viva la Vida or Death And All His Friends"

I never used to be a big fan of Coldplay. I guess, in honesty, I never really gave them a chance. The first song I ever heard by this band was Clocks back when that song was very popular mainstream ... and after that I just never went out of my way to listen to them.
I received the album Viva la Vida or Death And All His Friends (2008; commonly referred to simply as Viva la Vida) for my birthday this year, and over the past few months I have really fallen in love with most of the tracks on the album. The group's unique soft-rock style, which combine lovely vocal harmonies and captivating instrumental melodies, has really captured my attention and gotten me hooked not only on Coldplay's recent work, but on their past efforts as well.
Please enjoy an album review for Coldplay's Viva la Vida or Death And All His Friends.


Coldplay - Viva la Vida or Death And All His Friends (2008)

1. Life in Technicolor - A pleasant, simple melody to start the album off. Two and a half minutes long, the piece starts off slow and beings to incorporate more and more parts, becoming more intricate with every repetition of the original theme. The crescendo lasts until the final seconds of the song, before transitioning seamlessly into Track 2.
2. Cemeteries of London - One of my favorites on the album. A steady strumming of acoustic guitars and rhythmic bass underlie the main melodies of this track, while the vocals flow smoothly along, alternating between short verses and long, legato choruses. The lyrics are beautiful and overall, this track is just lovely to listen to.
3. Lost! - This track starts out with hands clapping a steady pulse. This clapping rhythm continues throughout the track, while the simple-but-sweet lyrics continue in a smooth style. The track remains in simple form until just over half the song is over, when a guitar kicks in to add to the appeal. As backing vocals fade out toward and a keyboard wraps things up, you really get a feel for a certain peaceful, yet powerful essence that this song possesses.
4. 42 - This track picks up almost immediately where the previous one ended. Passionate, soulful vocals start off slowly, accompanied by a gorgeous piano melody in the background. About midway, the tempo picks up with a pleasant medley of guitar, string and bass which are later joined by quicker, more upbeat vocals that are again joined by the piano. I enjoy the "second half" of this song more, when the tempo picks up in a more lively style for the last few verses. Just a very pleasant song overall.
5. Lovers In Japan / Reign of Love - Definitely one of my favorites on the album. The track almost seems to be split into two different songs; hence the two separate titles. The first half of the song is an upbeat track with a shot of intuition. The second half is a slower, more subtle track with lyrics delivered in a bittersweet, reminiscent style. The piano melodies are the key factor in both halves of the song and, as a whole, I just love everything about this track.
6. Yes - A deeper vocal range immediately sets this song apart from the rest on the album. Strings start the track off, giving you the impression that maybe this one will be slower as well; however, when the guitar takes over a few seconds in, an entirely different feel takes over the track. The strings do make a re-appearance later in the track, but the repeating guitar theme is the star of this track. The entire song has a sultry, sexy vibe about it, and as a whole it's just a fun one to listen to. A different sound for the band, and I commend that.
7. Viva la Vida - Probably the most recognizable single off of the album,; the minute the strings start off with their staccato melody, you know exactly what song you're listening to. Track Seven has been playing constantly on the radio, has taken over music television, and has been hitting the top of the charts all over the world. The mass support of this song seems to have died down in the public eye, but the song is no less enjoyable to listen to. Just a beautiful song overall.
8. Violet Hill - Another of my favorites on the album. The lyrics themselves are heartbreakingly beautiful, but they are delivered in a way that isn't upsetting; bittersweet, but at the same time, sort of at peace. I love the guitar melodies in the instrumental bridge and the keyboard melodies in the first and last verses. Overall, there just isn't anything about this track that doesn't appeal to me. Beautiful, beautiful track.
9. Strawberry Swing - A very lovely song. The standout of this track is the guitar melody that begins right off the bat and sustains throughout the entire song. The lyrics are soft and simple, giving you a feeling of peace and security. A steady bass line keeps the tempo going, and when an acoustic guitar begins to strum near the end of the track, you get a full feeling for the track's mood. Just a sweet, sweet song.
10. Death And All His Friends - The final track on the album starts out with a simple keyboard melody, quiet vocals, and the eventual addition of a guitar, plucking a few notes here and there. As the song progresses, the guitar begins to adopt a more intricate melody before the tempo picks up and the bass drum stamps out a steady beat. A portion of the song is simply this hard-and-fast melody, but when the mood settles down again, the vocals return with an absolutely gorgeous chorus-style effect. The last two minutes of the song settle down into another combination of vocal and keyboard melodies which really give you a sense of closure as the album finally ends.

I'm really glad I've had the chance to get to know Coldplay a little bit more. I've discovered that they have created the perfect music to play in the car when you're driving down a sunny highway - or to put on and concentrate with when you just need a minute to think.
If you're interested in the music Coldplay has created, check out these links:

Coldplay's website has everything you need to know about the band, from tour dates and discography to contests and news.

Lyrics to all the songs on this album and Coldplay's other works can be found on this website.

And take a minute to look at the post Amy made for another beautiful Coldplay song, titled Yellow.

I'm going to try and branch out past the always popular Viva la Vida and post a video for another of Coldplay's amazing songs. This video is a fairly new release, and I find very captivating, even if it does make me dizzy ;) The song is also one of my album fav's. This video includes the "first half" of the song.
Here's Lovers In Japan by Coldplay.

Coldplay - Lovers In Japan Official Music Video

Monday, November 10, 2008

"We Can Be Heroes, Just For One Day"

It's been a while since I've made a post on this site, so I decided to post about one of my all-time favorite songs, hands down.

I've been a David Bowie fan for years and years. I was the only eleven-year-old I knew who could sing "Space Oddity" by heart, but out of all his songs the one that will always be my favorite is "Heroes".

A song far ahead of it's time in terms of sound. My dad told me that when it first came out it was nearly unlistenable because of the style, no one had made music like this yet.

Bowie's voice always seems to pour his heart into the songs. He has a yearning sound, one that I've yet to find in any other artist. "Heroes" emphisised that longing and used it to it's betterment. Between the amazing, timeless, melody and the wonderful lyrics, I consider this a masterpiece for rock music.

In addition to sharing Bowie's version of "Heroes" with you I'm going to share something I came across just a month ago. A German cover of the song, "Helden" beautifully performed by Apocalyptica.
They tweak the style ever so slightly to incorperate the metal sound and those amazing cellos. And add deep rough German vocals.

Both versions are amazing, and are must listens. Not just for Bowie fans, but for music lovers the world round.

Enjoy!

Heroes (Live)-David Bowie


Heroes Lyrics (English)

I, I will be king
And you, you will be queen
Though nothing will drive them away
We can beat them just for one day
We can be heroes just for one day

And you, you can be mean
And I, I'll drink all the time
'Cause we're lovers and that is a fact
Yes we're lovers and that is that

Though nothing will keep us together
We could steal time just for one day
We can be heroes for ever and ever
What d'you say?

I, I wish I could swim
Like the dolphins, like dolphins can swim
Though nothing, though nothing will keep us together
We can beat them for ever and ever
Oh, we can be heroes just for one day

I, I will be king
And you, you will be queen
Though nothing will drive them away
We can be heroes just for one day
Oh, we can be heroes just for one day

I, I remember
Standing by the wall
The guns shot above our heads
And we kissed as though nothing could fall
And the shame was on the other side
Oh, we can beat them for ever and ever
Then we can be heroes just for one day
We can be heroes
We can be heroes

We can be heroes
Just for one day
We can be heroes

We're nothing and nothing will help us
Maybe we're lying then you better not stay
But we could be safer just for one day


Helden (Cover)-Apocalyptica


German Lyrics-Helden

Du
Könntest Du schwimmen
Wie Delphine
Delphine es tun
Niemand gibt uns eine Chance
Doch können wir siegen
Für immer und immer
Und wir sind dann Helden
Für einen Tag

Ich
Ich bin dann König
Und Du
Du Königin
Obwohl sie
Unschlagbar scheinen
Werden wir Helden
Für einen Tag
Wir sind dann wir
An diesem Tag

Ich
Ich glaub' das zu träumen
die Mauer
Im Rücken war kalt
Die Schüsse reissen die Luft
Doch wir küssen
Als ob nichts geschieht
Und die Scham fiel auf ihre Seite
Oh, wir können sie schlagen
Für alle Zeiten
Dann sind wir Helden
Nur diesen Tag
Dann sind wir Helden
Dann sind wir Helden
Dann sind wir Helden
Nur diesen Tag

Dann sind wir Helden

Saturday, November 8, 2008

You're Gonna Go Far, Kid

This is a song that I have been absolutely obsessed with lately.
The first song I ever heard by The Offspring was The Kids Aren't Alright. A catchy track, I made a mental note to keep listening for more by the band. The second song of theirs to catch my attention was Hammerhead, and, finally, the track I'm going to review for you today; You're Gonna Go Far, Kid.
There are just so many elements to this song that appeal to me. As a whole, the punk-rock genre of the band caught my attention. This was a group that wasn't afraid to get a little crazy, to be a little "out-there"; to take risks that other bands wouldn't attempt. I love that in my music and The Offspring went all the way with that in this track.
It's impossible not to become drawn into the driving beat that opens the song right off the bat. From there, it's a whirlwind of off-beat cymbals, staccato bass, and killer guitar parts which, combined, create an emotionally driven background for an already powerful track. Add on the lyrics - overflowing with a sense of strength, courage, anger and defiance, all at once - and this is one song that draws you in and keeps you hanging on.
And once it's over, you can't help but hit "repeat" and enjoy it all over again.

This is The Offspring's You're Gonna Go Far, Kid.

The Offspring - You're Gonna Go Far, Kid Official Music Video



You're Gonna Go Far, Kid
The Offspring

Show me how to lie, you’re getting better all the time
And turning all against the one, it's an art that’s hard to teach
Another clever word sets off an unsuspecting herd
And as you step back into line, a mob jumps to their feet

Now dance, fucker, dance
Man, he never had a chance
And no one even knew, it was really only you
And now you steal away
Take him out today
Nice work you did
You’re gonna go far, kid

With a thousand lies and a good disguise
Hit ‘em right between the eyes, hit ‘em right between the eyes
When you walk away, nothing more to say
See the lightning in your eyes
See ‘em running, for their lives

Slowly out of line, and drifting closer in your sights
So play it out I’m wide awake, it’s a scene about me
There’s something in your way and now someone is gonna pay
And if you can’t get what you want, well it’s all because of me

Now dance, fucker, dance
Man, I never had a chance
And no one even knew, it was really only you
And now you’ll lead the way
Show the light of day
Nice work you did
You’re gonna go far, kid
Trust, deceived!

With a thousand lies and a good disguise
Hit ‘em right between the eyes, hit ‘em right between the eyes
When you walk away, nothing more to say
See the lightning in your eyes
See ‘em running, for their lives

Now dance, fucker, dance, he never had a chance
And no one even knew, it was really only you
So dance, fucker, dance, I never had a chance
It was really only you ...

With a thousand lies and a good disguise
Hit ‘em right between the eyes, hit ‘em right between the eyes
When you walk away, nothing more to say
See the lightning in your eyes
See ‘em running, for their lives

Clever alibis, Lord of the flies
Hit ‘em right between the eyes, hit ‘em right between the eyes
When you walk away, nothing more to say
See the lightning in your eyes
See ‘em running, for their lives!