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Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Hey, Soul Sister

Gonna take a short break from my "Then & Now" series to step back into the present, and confess that I am whole-hearted-ly addicted to this track.

...I think it's the ukulele. I'm sort of into that lately. Or maybe it's the reggae styling; sort of been into that lately, too. But I think most of all, as usual, it's the lyrics; it's the soul in the track Hey, Soul Sister that first caught my attention. From the very opening lyric; "Lipstick stains on the front lobe of my left side brains"... that's so good. I love it. I don't know why I love it, I just do.

It gets better from there. "You're the one I have decided is one of my kind"; there's just a sort of open, honest vibe about this track, and I love that. It works so well with the instrumentals, the overall mood of this song. Everything about it ties together so beautifully, and I almost can't describe what it is about this song that has me so honestly addicted; every time I listen to it, I feel happy, and hopeful, and blissfully unaware of anything except complete and irrational optimism. It's brilliant. One hell of a single from the guys in Train; thanks for giving us this sweet little melody.

I'm not a huge fan of the music video. I like the setting; the concept is overdone. Could have done without the lyrics feature... the first time I ever saw it was on Panic at the Disco's music video for their single Northern Downpour, and now it seems that everyone from Nickelback to Green Day - and, apparently, Train - is catching on to the idea. In my opinion, nothing tops Panic's writing on the bathroom mirror and "Hey Moon" bumper stickers... but I digress.

Basically, Train's Hey, Soul Sister is a sweet and honest and soulful track, and has captured my heart completely. Hope this song makes you as happy as it makes me.

Train - Hey, Soul Sister Official Music Video



Hey, Soul Sister
Train

Hey, hey...

Your lipstick stains on the front lobe of my left side brains;
I knew I wouldn't forget you, and so I went and let you blow my mind.
Your sweet moonbeam; the smell of you in every single dream I dream.
I knew when we collided, you're the one I have decided who's one of my kind.

Hey soul sister, ain't the Mr. Mister on the radio, stereo;
The way you move ain't fair, ya know.
Hey soul sister, I don't want to miss a single thing you do tonight.

Hey, hey...

Just in time; I'm so glad you have a one-track mind like me.
You gave my life direction, a game show love connection we can't deny.
I'm so obsessed; my heart is bound to beat right out my untrimmed chest.
I believe in you; like a virgin, you're Madonna, and I'm always gonna wanna blow your mind.

Hey soul sister, ain't the Mr. Mister on the radio, stereo;
The way you move ain't fair, ya know.
Hey soul sister, I don't want to miss a single thing you do tonight.

The way you can cut a rug; watching you's the only drug I need;
So gangsta, I'm so thug, you're the only one I'm dreaming of, you see.
I can be myself now, finally; in fact there's nothing I can't be.
I want the world to see you be with me.

Hey soul sister, ain't the Mr. Mister on the radio, stereo;
The way you move ain't fair, ya know.
Hey soul sister, I don't want to miss a single thing you do tonight.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Then & Now - Haste the Day

Haste the Day
Then ...

I owe a lot to this band, in a way. Haste the Day was the first Christian metal band which I started listening to consistently, and therefore I give them credit for introducing me to my now-favorite genre. When I first introduced this band to the readers of music.is.life, I shared with them the track Stitches, a lovely representation of what this band was made of. I found myself heartbroken by the truth in their lyrics, and at the same time empowered by the strength of their artistry and the passion in their words. This track showcased some of my favorite things about this band while also allowing me my first taste of a fascinating genre.


... & Now.

I didn't realize just how much more this band was capable of until I started exploring more of their work. Stitches was and is still a beautiful track - and is still one of my favorites by this band -, but it is but just a glimpse into Haste the Day's complex and impressive discography. Haste the Day flawlessly combine their worship with their art, wrapping their passionate lyrics in brutal vocals and emotionally charged instrumentals. They deliver a powerful message in each and every track, and offer through their albums a journey for listeners, a fast-paced adventure into our own emotions and experiences. Having the pleasure of having purchased both When Everything Falls (2005) and Pressure the Hinges (2007), I have discovered in Haste the Day traits I admire so much in a band; not only talent, but passion and purpose as well. At the same time, I have also discovered some of my favorite aspects in music, and in doing so allowed myself to form a passion for a genre I was previously unacquainted to.

Haste the Day's latest album, Dreamer, was released in 2008. The band spent most of 2009 on tour all across the world, and are finally slowing down their tour schedule as we begin the new year. The band is scheduled to play on the Van's Warped Tour in Summer 2010.

I'm going to share with you the music video for Man Man, a single off of the album Dreamer. This song definitely showcases the band's strengths; proving that, despite changes that have overcome the band in current years, this band is dedicated and committed to their work and their worship. In order to fully appreciate this track - as well as others by the band - I encourage you to look up their song lyrics; listening to these powerful songs, while gaining the full impact of their beautifully written lyrics, creates as a whole one breathtaking experience.

Hopefully, I'll have my hands on Dreamer in due time, and am looking forward to my chance to see Haste the Day perform in my area sometime soon. Until then, I'll keep my eye on any new releases from this band, as well as walking through the door this band has opened for me and exploring further the realm of Christian metal.

Haste the Day - Mad Man Official Music Video


Haste The Day - Mad Man

Haste The Day | MySpace Music Videos