music.is.life

Within Temptation

2010-07-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

Within Temptation is a female fronted goth/symphonic metal band from the Netherlands. Though the band is often compared to Evanescence having formed only a year after Evanescence formed. However, Within Temptation released their first studio album Enter on a major label the year before Evanescence finished their first self-released EP Evanescence.
But if you really dive into the music all the bands have in common are a female lead with strong vocals and a genre. Within Temptation has a darker, more mature, and less industrial sound. With pounding bass guitar, forceful vocals, and the often accompaniment of operatic chanting in the background which only Evanescence's Whisper sported. However, the most common comparison between the bands would have to be that of Within Temptation's What Have You Done to Evanescence's Bring Me To Life. But again there are really only a few similarities to the songs. The main similarity being the use of a contributing male artist to do "rap-like" backing vocals. But again, Evanescence has it's completely separate and more industrial sound, while Within Temptation sticks with their richer darker vibe.

To date Within Temptation has had five studio albums released, and has another one on it's way later this year.

Discography

Enter
(1997 DSFA Records)

1. Restless
2. Enter
3. Pearls Of Light
4. Deep Within
5. Gatekeeper
6. Grace
7. Blooded
8. Candles

Mother Earth
(2000 DSFA Records)

1. Mother Earth
2. Ice Queen
3. Our Farewell
4. Caged
5. The Promise
6. Never-Ending Story
7. Deceiver Of Fools
8. Intro
9. Dark Wings
10. In Perfect Harmony

The Silent Force
(2004 GUN Records)

1. Intro
2. See Who I Am
3. Jillian (I'd Give My Heart)
4. Stand My Ground
5. Pale
6. Forsaken
7. Angels
8. Memories
9. Aquarius
10. It's The Fear
11. Somewhere

The Heart Of Everything
(2007 Roadrunner Records)

1. The Howling
2. What Have You Done (featuring Keith Caputo)
3. Frozen
4. Our Solemn Hour
5. The Heart Of Everything
6. Hand Of Sorrow
7. The Cross
8. Final Destination
9. All I Need
10. The Truth Beneath The Rose
11. Forgiven

They've also release several live albums. And Have an endless list of b-sides and bonus tracks from various international releases. Check out their Wikipedia page for that info.

There's something about this band that is equally musically pleasing as it is haunting. Sharon den Adel's voice is quite versatile with clear operatic croons, to strong and forceful belting. The use of strings in addition to the usual heavy metal bass guitar adds this gorgeous and Phantom Of The Opera-esque sound to the music. And the occasional latin chanting in songs like Our Solemn Hour "Sanctus Espiritus" or "Holy Ghost" (more literally "holy breath") add this beautiful and haunting feel to their music.

Within Temptation
Our Solemn Hour
(The Heart Of Everything)

Lyrics:

Sanctus Espiritus! redeem us from our solemn hour
Sanctus Espiritus! insanity is all around us
("I speak to you for the first time as Prime Minister in a solemn hour for the life of our country")

Sanctus Espiritus!
Sanctus Espiritus!
Sanctus Espiritus!

In my darkest hours
I could not foresee
That the tide could turn so fast to this degree
Can't believe my eyes
How can you be so blind?
Is the heart of stone, no empathy inside?

Time keeps on slipping away and we haven't learned
So in the end now what have we gained?

Sanctus Espiritus! redeem us from our solemn hour
Sanctus Espiritus! insanity is all around us
Sanctus Espiritus! is this what we deserve?
Can we break free from chains of never-ending agony?

Are they themselves to blame
The misery, the pain?
Didn't we let go?
Allowed it,let it grow
If we can't restrain
The beast which dwells inside
It will find it`s way somehow, somewhere in time

Will we remember all of the suffering
`Cause if we fail it will be in vain

Sanctus Espiritus, redeem us from our solemn hour
Sanctus Espiritus, insanity is all around us
Sanctus Espiritus, is this what we deserve?
Can we break free from chains of never-ending agony?

Sanctus Espiritus!
Sanctus Espiritus!
(" A tremendous battle is raging in France and Flanders. The Germans, by a remarkable combination of air bombing and heavily armored tanks, have broken through the French defenses north of the Maginot Line, and strong columns of their armored vehicles are ravaging the open country, which for the first day or two was without defenders...")

Sanctus Espiritus! redeem us from our solemn hour
Sanctus Espiritus! insanity is all around us
Sanctus Espiritus! is this what we deserve?
Can we break free from chains of never-ending agony? (ending agony!)

Sanctus Espiritus! redeem us from our solemn hour (solemn hour!)
Sanctus Espiritus! insanity is all around us (all around us!)
Sanctus Espiritus! is this what we deserve?
Can we break free from chains of never-ending agony?

Jimmy Eat World

2010-02-23T15:10:00.000-08:00

This band has been on my favorites list since I was in grade school, and that holds up today as well. I've fallen in love with nearly every album they've released, and found great meaning listening to their songs.

Jimmy Eat World is, for me and other central Arizonan's, a local band. They formed in Mesa, AZ in 1993, and are still going strong. Their songs, for the most part are upbeat and have a positive message, but I find their slower more solemn songs to be the ones that stay with me the most. Songs like Hear You Me and Drugs Or Me stick with me. But the band is best known for songs like The Middle, Sweetness, Pain, A Praise Chorus, and Chase This Light.

-------------------------

Discography

Jimmy Eat World (1994)
Static Prevails (1996)
Clarity (1999)
Bleed American* (2001)
Futures (2004)
Chase This Light (2007)

(*bleed american was retitled "jimmy eat world" after 9/11)

(via)

I've been a JEW fan since the third grade when I first heard "The Middle" on Radio Disney. Their knack for catchy pop/rock, and their introducing the world to a new genre of emotionally felt lyrics (later dubbed "emo". yes, jimmy eat world was one of the bands that began the emo genre.) made them a fast hit after their release of "Bleed American". It was hard to walk through a grocery store or mall without hearing "Sweetness" or "The Middle" playing over the loud speaker. They were something new, fresh, and, for the most part, upbeat. Not to mention they were a burst of non-boyband music in a boyband genre dominated era.

"Futures" ushered in a new era for the band. Letting go of some of their more garage/punk sound, and opting for a cleaner more produced studio sound, darker songs, and darker lyrics. "Pain" will always be a favorite of mine, a portrait of JEW at it's hieght.

"Chase This Light" lost me. The sound became more main-stream and produced to the point where they blended with any other song being played on the radio at the time. 2007 was really a year for similarity in the more mainstream alternative music scene. You were hard pressed to find something that didn't sound like something else, and unfortunately that rang true of Jimmy Eat World and "Chase This Light".

--------------------------------------------------

But no matter your view on which songs and albums were most influential, chances are that if you're a ninety's kid you were influenced by JEW in one way or another. You've heard their songs on the radio, I hope that they touched you like they did me.

Below are three of my favorite Jimmy Eat World tracks. Enjoy, and be sure to check out more of their stuff.

Hear You Me-Jimmy Eat World

-Lyrics-

There's no one in town I know
You gave us some place to go.
I never said thank you for that.
I thought I might get one more chance.
What would you think of me now,
so lucky, so strong, so proud?
I never said thank you for that,
now I'll never have a chance.
May angels lead you in.
Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in.
So what would you think of me now,
so lucky, so strong, so proud?
I never said thank you for that,
now I'll never have a chance.
May angels lead you in.
Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in.
May angels lead you in.
May angels lead you in.
And if you were with me tonight,
I'd sing to you just one more time.
A song for a heart so big,
god wouldn't let it live.
May angels lead you in.
Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in.
May angels lead you in.
Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in.
May angels lead you in.

Drugs Or Me-Jimmy Eat World

-Lyrics-

Stay with me
You're the one I need
You make the hardest things
Seem easy

Keep my heart
Somewhere drugs don't go
Where the sunshine slows
Always keep me close

If only you could see
The stranger next to me
You promise you promise that you're done
But i cant tell you from the drugs

Don't let go
Well dig a great big hole
Down an endless hole
We'll both go

You're so blind!
You can't save me this time
Hope comes from inside
And I feel so low tonight

If only you could see
The stranger next to me
You promise you promise that you're done
But I can't tell you from the drugs

I wish you could see
This face in front of me
You're sorry you swear it you're done
But I can't tell you from the drugs

(Ohhhh)
(Ohhhh)

(take me) I need your help
(so far away) To pull me up take the wheel
(take me) Out from me
(so far away) Out from me

(Take me) If only you could see (I need your help)
(So far away) The stranger next to me (To pull me up take the pain)
(Take me) You promise you promise that you're done (Out from me)
(So far away) But I can't tell you from the drugs (Out from me)

(Take me) I wish that you could see (I need your help)
(So far away) This face in front of me (To pull me up take the wheel)
(Take me) You're sorry you swear it you're done (Out from me)
(So far away) But I can't tell you from the drugs (Out from me)

Keep my heart
somewhere drugs don't go
Where the sunshine slows
always keep me close

A Praise Chorus-Jimmy Eat World

-Lyrics-

Are you gonna live your life wonderin' standing in the back lookin' around?
Are you gonna waste your time thinkin' how you've grown up or how you missed out?
Things are never gonna be the way you want.
Where's it gonna get you acting serious?
Things are never gonna be quite what you want.
Or even at 25, you gotta start sometime.
I'm on my feet, I'm on the floor, I'm good to go.
Now all I need is just to hear a song I know.
I wanna always feel like part of this was mine.
I wanna fall in love tonight.
Are you gonna live your life standing in the back looking around?
Are you gonna waste your time?
Gotta make a move or you'll miss out.
Someone's gonna ask you what it's all about.
Stick around nostalgia won't let you down.
Someone's gonna ask you what it's all about.
Whatcha gonna have to say for yourself?
I'm on my feet, I'm on the floor, I'm good to go.
Now all I need is just to hear a song I know.
I wanna always feel like part of this was mine.
I wanna fall in love tonight.
Crimson and clover, over and over.
Crimson and clover, over and over.
Our house in the middle of the street, why did we ever meet?
Started my rock 'n roll fantasy.
Don't don't, don't let's start, why did we ever part?
Kick start my rock 'n rollen heart.
I'm on my feet, I'm on the floor, I'm good to go.
So come on Davey, sing me somethin' that I know.
I wanna always feel like part of this was mine.
I wanna fall in love tonight.
Here tonight.
I wanna always feel like part of this was mine
I wanna fall in love tonight.

Hey, Soul Sister

2010-01-13T10:50:00.000-08:00

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.

Then & Now - Haste the Day

2010-01-02T18:16:00.000-08:00

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

The Resistance

2009-10-17T22:56:00.000-07:00

It's probably a well-known fact if you've even so much as brushed the topic of my music taste with me or anyone I've met that Muse is one of my favorite bands of all time. A favorite adjective among Muse fans is "Epic", and Muse is epic, but the word really only skims the surface of what all is behind their amazing music.

Muse has been expanding the definition of both the word epic and the rock genre of music since they formed in the early '90s. They're always pushing the envelope and stepping up to the next level in their music, adding more synth, more elaborate guitar, stretching the vocals, and using their many musical influences.

You can't pigeonhole Muse. There is no one genre for them to fit into, no one adjective to describe them. They are eccentric, eclectic, classic, and epic. They play glam classical rock symphonies from universes far beyond our own...

"The Resistance" is their latest album, and they spared no wild ideas.
This album is influenced by so many things... George Orwell's 1984, The Apocalypse, Beethoven, and a resistance against an oppressing government to name just a few. Most of these influences come from the mind of Muse's frontman Matt Bellamy who, has a strong love for classical music, and conspiracy theories. In fact he admitted in an interview with Q Magazine that he recently bought 50 cans of baked beans and an axe in case of the apocalypse... but he's an artist so who's to judge?

In addition to their usual electric guitar fueled rock songs, a three movement rock symphony finishes off this album. Heavily influenced by Chopin and Beethoven.

Tracklist:
1. Uprising
2. Resistance
3. Undisclosed Desires
4. United States of Eurasia (+Collateral Damage)
5. Guiding Light
6. Unnatural Selection
7. MK Ultra
8. I Belong to You (+Mon Cœur S’ouvre à ta Voix)
9. Exogenesis : Symphony Part I (Overture)
10. Exogenesis : Symphony Part II (Cross Pollination)
11. Exogenesis : Symphony Part III (Redemption)

It was really hard for me to choose which track to share with you, but I decided on one that included all the elements of this album..."The United States Of Eurasia (+Collateral Damage)" (Note the 1984 reference, Bellamy makes them often throughout this album.)
The song begins in the style of a classical Muse ballad with sweet vocals and a piano back, but soon swells into what can only be described as an Arabian ensemble put on by Gershwin and Queen. The song finishes with a rendition of Chopin's Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2.

It truly is...well, epic.

Enjoy!

-Muse-
-The United States Of Eurasia-

-Lyrics-

You and me are the same
We don't know or care who's to blame
But we know that whoever holds the reins
Nothing will change
Our cause has gone insane

And these wars, they can't be won
And these wars, they can't be won
And do you want them to go on
And on and on
Why split these states
When there can be only one?

And must we do as we're told?
Must we do as we're told?

You and me fall in line
To be punished for unproven crimes!
And we know that there is no one we can trust;
Our ancient heroes, they are turning to dust!

And these wars, they can't be won
Does anyone know or care how they begun?
They just promise to go on
And on and on
But soon we will see
There can be only one

United States!
United States!
Of...

Eurasia!
... sia!
... sia!
... sia!

Eurasia!
... sia!
... sia!
... sia!

Eurasia!
... sia!
... sia!
... sia!

Then & Now - Fall Out Boy

2009-10-17T19:14:00.000-07:00

Fall Out Boy

Then ...

I reminded my sister of the singles, and my sister introduced me to ... well, everything else. I can't say I'm the reason Fall Out Boy is my sister's favorite band, but I do give myself credit for kick-starting her interest in the singles (Dance, Dance; Thnks Fr Th Mmrs ... you know, those ~popular Fall Out Boy tracks that were practically viral a few years back) and, later, her admiration for the band as a whole. My first music.is.life post about Fall Out Boy came sometime after my sister began her research into the band; I remember, out of all the songs she downloaded on iTunes (before running out and buying the CDs soon after), The Pros and Cons of Breathing was the track which stood out to me the most...

... & Now.

...and, to this day, the first Fall Out Boy track I mentioned on music.is.life is still one of my favorite of their songs. Likewise, Take This To Your Grave, the band's 2003 debut full-length and the album the aforementioned track is on, has become one of my two favorite Fall Out Boy albums. The other favorite happens to be, ironically, the band's latest work, Folie à Deux (2008). I never gave this album a proper review on this blog (although I did review an outstanding single from that work) and, quite frankly, I regret that. I can't say enough good things about that album; Fall Out Boy really blew me away with it. As a whole, I must admit, I have an "on again, off again" relationship with the band - especially their "in-between albums", From Under the Cork Tree (2005) and Infinity on High (2007). There are moments on each album which never seize to amaze me, sure; but often times, I tend to disregard Fall Out Boy, forget about their finer moments. Even tracks from Take This To Your Grave - the album I just declared as one of my favorites - often get skipped over when I am casually scrolling through my iPod. However, when I remember to stop and take a listen to some of their songs, I remember just how much some of their tracks mean to me, and my respect for Fall Out Boy and the work they put into their art deepens. More times than not, I find myself saying things like, "Wow ... I forgot just how amazing this song really was." And I feel bad for underestimating this band's work.
In short; are they my favorite band? No. But I should probably start paying a bit closer attention.

...maybe the release of Fall Out Boy's first Best-Of album will help remind me again what it is about this band that I appreciate. Set to be released on November 16th, 2009, this best-of will span the band's entire discography; fifteen tracks of basically every single Fall Out Boy has ever released, from Dead on Arrival to What a Catch, Donnie. In addition, the band will be releasing on this collection a previously unrecorded track, Alpha Dog (which is streaming right now on the Fall Out Boy website; long-time fans may notice something familiar about the layout of the website these days, too), as well as bonus tracks From Now On We Are Enemies, Yule Shoot Your Eye Out, and Growing Up. All in all, it's going to be an impressive release, one which will no doubt be anticipated by fans new and old alike.

Now, I realize I've already made a post about the 2008 single What A Catch, Donnie on this blog ... but, really. I adore that track. That's all there is too it. And, quite frankly, it's the perfect song for a Then & Now post about Fall Out Boy. This song embodies the past, present, and future of this band; an entire existence, wrapped up in a nice little ballad almost five minutes long. There's just so much to be said about this track and within the song itself, and just ... I would really love for anyone who hasn't heard this song yet to take a listen. And for those of you who know the tune ... well, listen again.
Besides, there's a new music video out for the song, a video which wasn't created at the time I posted about the song before. And this video is definitely worth watching; it's as emotionally charged as the single, heartbreaking and at the same time remarkably hopeful. It's a sort of contradiction you feel, even though you can't hardly explain it; and it's the sort of contradiction Fall Out Boy thrives on.
So, here's the video for What A Catch, Donnie, by Fall Out Boy. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.
And let this mark the beginning of my re-introduction to this band as a whole.

Fall Out Boy - What A Catch, Donnie Official Music Video

Fall Out Boy - New Music - More Music Videos

Then & Now - Green Day

2009-07-04T19:35:00.001-07:00

Green Day

Then ...

The first (and only ... to this very day, I believe) post I made on this site about Green Day was a review for their single, Holiday, off their 2004 rock epic, American Idiot. At the time, that was basically all I knew of Green Day; their singles. I remember the year American Idiot came out - around my sixth grade year in school -, everyone in the school hallways had heart grenades ... everywhere. Their backpacks, clothing, notebooks ... I didn't get it. I didn't try to. That wasn't my music scene. The time I posted my review for Holiday was about the same time I really started listening to Green Day.

... & Now.

And I'm so glad I did. I have discovered in Green Day a band I'm most respectful of; a group of men who aren't afraid to speak up about what matters to them, regardless of what popular culture may have to say about it. And, while many people are either fans of the "old" Green Day or the "new" Green Day - pre- and post-American Idiot era, receptively -, I have found something to appreciate about all the work this band has done. I truly and honestly respect Green Day as musicians, and am proud to call myself a fan; not of an album, not of an era; but of a group of men who have worked all their lives for what they love.

Green Day just released their much-anticipated follow-up to American Idiot, after a long and very discrete hiatus. It could be debated about whether anything could top 2004's rock opera phenomenon, and whether 21st Century Breakdown (their newly released album) comes even close. However, if you ask me, Green Day's latest is a success in every way. Did Green Day manage to raise their own bar - again! - after the high standard set by American Idiot? Well, I'm not sure it's even fair to even try and compare these two albums. Without a doubt, both are spectacular and speak true to the mission Green Day has as a band.

This following music video is for the single 21 Guns, from 21st Century Breakdown.
This song really means a lot to me. The first time I ever heard it, I was listening to the album in the car, driving around town. As soon as the acoustic guitar opened out the track, I was hooked ... and my attention never wavered. Billie Joe asked me the question, "Do you know what's worth fighting for, when it's not worth dying for?" And, long story short ... I became really emotional about this entire track. I have loved this song from the moment I heard it for the first time, and the appeal just never dies off. The music video is equally stunning, and I think really showcases Green Day at ... possibly one of their finest, strongest, most vulnerable and yet, most defiant moments.
Please, take a good, honest listen to this remarkable song. Every time I listen to it ... 21 Guns reminds me why I love Green Day so much; then & now.

Green Day - 21 Guns Official Music Video

100 in a 55

2009-07-03T20:12:00.000-07:00

As frequent followers of this blog probably know, I tend to discover a lot of new music via music television, especially Fuse. These days, it seems the channel doesn't play ... as much music at they used to. But this song is the official first song I fell in love with in Summer '09, courtesy my favorite television station.

100 in a 55, to some people, may not seem like a song that has a lot going for it. Pop Evil may sound like just another rock band, and this single may seem to be lacking a lot of creativity. And, while I agree Pop Evil may not have taken many chances with this track ... as I often say, it's the simplicity of of this song that makes it so special.
There's a lot of true, honest emotion in the lyrics of the song and the way those lyrics are presented. The "sweet and simple" styling of the instrumentals bring to mind the days of good, classic rock and roll ... but there's almost a sense of southern influence to this song as well.
As a whole, the first thing I thought when I heard this song was, "...now this is rock n' roll." And a lot of people will probably disagree with me on that, because this song isn't in-your-face, pedal-to-the-metal, all-or-nothing out there like a lot of rock music is today. But, when you think about rock n' roll ... it's more than a genre to so many people. Rock n' roll is a lifestyle for the people who appreciate it, and I think this song portrays that imagery, that persona, perfectly.

Feel free to draw your own conclusions about this track. An overdone concept or a classic style? You decide. But I, personally, feel it's the tried-and-true methods exemplified in this track that were the foundation for what rock has become.

This is 100 in a 55, by Pop Evil.

Pop Evil - 100 in a 55 Official Music Video

100 in a 55
Pop Evil

Turn back on the broken heartache
Some things are just meant to be
I still believe that we got a chance
Still believe that we got a chance to be
Too much is never enough
Andd too little is never enough
Full speed got me looking out my rear view; I can’t go back

Goin’ 100 in a 55 and I don’t know why I’m still alive
But I do what I can but I know I can’t take anymore
I still believe in this rock and roll, and I pray the music gonna save my soul
But 'till then I still believe, some things are just meant to be

It's messed up but I got this mission
Drunk again, won't remember anyway
She said it’s just a game, boy
Don’t be gone, don’t be gone for long
Ten years I’ve been doing this forever
It's all I know, baby please don’t turn away
I know you don’t believe in me
But I do believe in you

I’m still falling away from here
I’m still falling; the wings are falling off
I can’t go back, I’m in too deep

I still believe some things are just meant to be

Chiodos

2009-07-03T20:04:00.000-07:00

Ok, first off let me say that I know I haven't been posting very in depth posts, but that's going to change! *woot* Also, it's been quite awhile since I've posted about any of my more hardcore music faves, that will also change! I'm glad to be back and posting!

...

That said, I am amazed that I haven't posted about Chiodos until now! How could I have forgotten this band?!?

Chiodos, I think I first discovered them while listening to my local Alt Rock radio station. The song playing was "Lexington (Joey Pea-pot With A Monkey Face)", and I loved it! I'm a sucker for classically based rock of all forms. In this case, a screamo/emo/post hardcore/symphonic metal mix. Yeah, it's awesome.

+Band Overview+

Craig Owens (vocals)
Bradley Bell (keyboards)
Pat McManaman (guitar)
Matt Goddard (bass)
Jason Hale (guitar)
Derrick Frost (drums)

Couple that classic "emo guy" voice, and music that's actually good, and you've got Chiodos. Craig Owens has got some pipes on him. This guy can go from that semi-sweet emo voice, to hardcore screamo in a split second.
I don't want to compare them (for Chester Bennington's voice can't be beat), but you do think Chester Bennington when you hear Craig's voice just because of the versatility, and the power, the duality between sweet, and hardcore.

There songs are just about as versatile as Craig's voice, you can go from a beautiful classical piano solo to machine gun bass guitar, and then to a full bodied orchestra. It's all melodic too! Which is a must on my list. It fits together so well, seamless, like it was meant to be. In my opinion symphonicly based rock groups (actually any genre with a symphonic base), are the true evolution of classical music, this is what it was meant to form into at some point, bands like this expand upon the classic, and make it extraordinary. Of course I don't want to turn anyone off by using the words "classical" and "symphonic", this is definitely Rock music, metal almost, and it doesn't sound like classical music.

The lyrics are as good as the music, and yeah it's good.

+Discography+
+(* By Favorite Tracks)+

All's Well That Ends Well [2005]

(Hear The Full Album HERE)

Prelude (Instrumental)*
All Nereids Beware*
One Day Women Will All Become Monsters
Expired In Goreville
Baby, You Wouldn't Last A Minute On The Creek*
The Words "Best Friend" Become Redefined
Interlude pt. 1 (Instrumental)
There's No Penguins In Alaska
Interlude pt. 2 (Instrumental)
We're Gonna Have Us A Champagne Jam
No Hardcore Dancing In The Living Room*
Who's Sandie Jenkins
To Trixie And Reptile, Thanks For Everything

Bone Palace Ballet [2007]

(Hear The Full Album HERE)

Is It Progression If A Cannibal Uses A Fork?*
Lexington (Joey Pea-Pot With A Monkey Face)*
Bulls Make Money, Bears Make Money, Pigs Get Slaughtered
A Letter From Janelle
I Didn't Say I Was Powerful, I Said I Was A Wizard*
Teeth The Size Of Piano Keys*
Life Is A Perception Of Your Own Reality
If I Cut My Hair, Hawaii Will Sink*
Intensity In Ten Cities
The Undertaker's Thirst For Revenge Is Unquenchable (The Final Battle)

Bone Palace Ballet Grand Coda [2008]

(Only The Bonus Tracks From This Disc And Their Track Number Are Listed. This Album Also Has All The Songs That Were Released On "Bone Palace Ballet")

1. Two Birds Stoned At Once*
7. ....And Then The Liver Screamed 'HELP!*
8. We Swam From Albatross, The Day We Lost Kailey Cost
11. Smitten For the Mitten
14. I Didn't Say I Was Powerful, I Said I Was A Wizard (Acoustic)
15. A Letter from Janelle (Acoustic)

+No Hardcore Dancing In The Living Room+

When going through all of the songs Chiodos has to offer it's hard for me to pick just one to leave you guys with, but I decided on leaving you with my favorite, No Hardcore Dancing In The Living Room.

Out of all the songs of theirs that I've heard this is by far my favorite, everything about it makes me like it, the music, the lyrics, all of it.
It starts out with the best instrumental beginning I've heard in a song in a long time, like best instrumental beginning since Queen's Death On Two Legs (be sure to google that when you're through visiting this blog :D). It has just enough screamo, and just enough melody, and I can listen to it over and over, and the lyrics "Don't let this die, we may never fall in love again
It's hard but worth the wait when it's over
...this die, we may never fall in love again
It's hard but worth the wait when it's over" just ring over and over in my head.

A song well worth the listen :D

Enjoy!

[Chiodos: No Hardcore Dancing In The Living Room]
[All's Well That Ends Well][2005]

+Lyrics+

I've resolved upon this course, which has no need of you
Denying this day, didn't stop it from coming
Promise me, that you won't be consumed when you realize
We're screaming at the same moon

Shredded by state lines
Press my face up against the glass
With both eyelids shut and
baby, this won't get any easier
baby, this won't get any easier
baby, this won't get any easier

Don't let this die, we may never fall in love again
It's hard but worth the wait when it's over
...this die, we may never fall in love again
It's hard but worth the wait when it's over

Now open up wide, fist first down your throat
Where no beauty lies, and rip out what should've been mine

Comfort always made the rescue, we always hoped 'for the best'
I'll burn this with torches, and drown in my consideration

I'll burn this with torches, and drown in my consideration

p.s. be sure to keep checking back for cowgirl4christ's "Then & Now" posts! They rock!

Then & Now - My Chemical Romance

2009-06-30T17:46:00.000-07:00

... a qucik introduction about this new "series" of mine ...

So. I know you've all been sitting at the edge of your seats for months now, checking this blog daily - if not twice daily - eagerly awaiting the moment when you'd see on this site my infamous "Then & Now" post.
... okay. maybe not. Some of you are probably wondering ... "What is she talking about? ...what is it I'm about to read, exactly?"

This post is going to be a little unorthodox, compared to most. For one ... it's not going to be one post. This post you're reading now will mark a series of "Then & Now" posts I will write over the course of the following week or so. In these posts, I'm going to shuffle back through the archives, reminiscing on the posts I've made since the beginning of this blog's existence.
... but that's not all.
Along the way, I'll think about my opinions on these bands now. You have probably often seen my type at the bottom of a post, "I'll definitely be looking more into this band"; or, "I can't wait to listen to this band's latest album" ... or something to that effect. The thing is, many of the songs I've posted about on this site have been from bands I didn't know very well at the time ... and, more often than not, I've been surprised by what I've discovered about these bands when I delved deeper into their discographies.
Interesting? I think so. So let's take a look at my favorite bands, then ... and now. We'll start with posts from the very beginning ... and work our way up to the present. Look out for more "Then & Now" posts in the days to come, and for now, enjoy Part 1 of this little mini-series.

And it'd only be appropriate that I start out with ...

My Chemical Romance
You all should have guessed these guys would be in here :3

Then ...

The first post I made on this blog about My Chemical Romance was a review for their ever-popular single, Welcome to the Black Parade. This post ... basically marks my introduction into this band. At the time, this was the only song of theirs I knew; I had just started doing my research on the band. Little did I know ...

...& Now.

... that My Chemical Romance would go on to become the first band I ever called my "favorite". Anyone who's followed this blog since making my post on Welcome to the Black Parade has, in essence, watched me fall in love with this band as a whole. You've been there with me as I discovered everything I love about this band ... and have stuck with me as I shared with you every detail (yes, every one!) In hindsight, I don't think my album review for their 2006 effort, The Black Parade, came anywhere close to doing the album justice ... but it wasn't prejudice, either, which is probably more than I could say if I re-wrote the review now ;) All in all, since first watching the video for Welcome to the Black Parade - a video I "didn't think I was going to like at first" - I have grown to appreciate every effort My Chemical Romance has done. This is the band which really shaped my taste in music, and I love them for it.

Currently, My Chemical Romance is is the studio, working on the follow up to 2006's The Black Parade. The band's website offers frequent updates on the tracking process; band members have said that they're "reaching for the stars with each track", and that the new album will no doubt "wreck people's faces". Well, looks like they have high standards to meet! And you better believe I'll be here, letting you guys all know whether or not they live up to their big talk. ...I have a feeling they will.

A taste of what's to come ...

This performance (live from Hoboken, New Jersey) was featured on My Chemical Romance's second CD/DVD release, The Black Parade Is Dead! (2008). The song they perform in the video below is, as of now, an untitled track which will, more likely than not, be featured as a studio recording on My Chemical Romance's upcoming album.
This song is lovely, and gives me an idea of what the band may be working towards as far as sound for the new album. I've been enjoying this song for the past year, and will continue to do so. I can't wait to hear how it sounds, finalized, on the new album.
I hope you guys enjoy this song as much as I do.

My Chemical Romance - (Untitled) [Live in Hoboken, NJ]

The Fratellis

2009-06-27T13:32:00.000-07:00

It has been more than forever it seems since I've posted here, and I apologise for it! I've missed it greatly, but have had some computer issues over the last few months, but now I'm back!

----------------------

As with most of the music I'm listening to these days, the Fratellis was introduced to me by my wonderful friend Sasha, who is always finding new and interesting bands I've yet to hear of.

But looking back I had heard the Fratellis once, breifly, while watching the movie Hot Fuzz. A few of their songs were in the soundtrack. (oh, and for those of you who haven't seen Hot Fuzz I highly reccomend it! Very funny.)

This band has everything I like in a band. One, they're from Glasgow, and lately that seems to be where music is happening. Three Cheers For Glasgow! And two, they have a very upbeat sound, catchy tunes and lyrics, a perfect summertime playlist band.

They currently have two albums out, their first: Costello Music '06, and their sophomore: Here We Stand '08, both of which are rather good.

Here's a quick overview of the albums:

Costello Music (2006)

Henrietta
Flathead
Cuntry Boys & City Girls
Whistle For The Choir
Chelsea Dagger
For The Girl
Doginabag
Creepin Up The Backstairs
Vince The Loveable Stoner
Everybody Knows You Cried Last Night
Baby Fratelli
Got Ma Nuts From A Hippie
Ole Black 'N' Blue Eyes
--------------------------------------------

Here We Stand (2008)

My Friend John
A Heady Tale
Shameless
Look Out Sunshine!
Stragglers Moon
Mistress Mable
Baby Doll
Tell Me A lie
Acid Jazz Singer
Lupe Brown
Milk and Money

The song I choose to share with you (though I wish I could share them all), is Creepin' Up The Backstairs so far all of the Fratellis fans I've met like this track best, myself included.

The Fratellis-Creepin' Up The Backstairs (Costello Music)

-Lyrics-

She said "I'm Rosie"
I said "I thought you were Lucy"
She said "No Rosie, I told you so"
Was here with your sister
But she's going out the back
I wanna dance and have fun you know
Of all the shitty little places I meet you it's here
And I'm freaking out
I heard you got a brand new name
Selling Es in the dark
But hey it's nothing to shout about

Don't just say yes to tease me
Do your utmost to please me
I don't mean to be sleazy
Being you can't be easy

When you're creepin' up the backstairs
Mother's nightmares
Falling in the front door
My my
Climbing in the window
Get dressed, let's go
Take your brother's car keys
Bye bye

Well I see your yellow fingers
And your crucifix bones
All covered in cellophane
Was there when your best friend said
"Sweetheart, I'm just here to get drunk again"
I wouldn't move if I was you
I wouldn't wanna caught when the lights go out
She said "You think you're so special"
I said "Sunshine I'm just just bored I'm just checkin' out"

Don't just say yes to tease me
Do your utmost to please me
I don't mean to be sleazy
Being you can't be easy

When you're creepin' up the backstairs
Mother's nightmares
Falling in the front door
My my
Climbing in your window
Get dressed, let's go
Take your brother's car keys
Bye bye

Don't just say yes to tease me
Do your utmost to please me
I don't mean to be sleazy
Being you can't be easy

When you're creepin' up the backstairs
Mother's nightmares
Falling in the front door
My my
Climbing in the window
Get dressed let's go
Take your brother's car keys
Bye bye

Ain't No Rest For The Wicked

2009-04-20T21:32:00.000-07:00

I want to quickly apologize for the lack of recent updates to this blog D:
Life has been hectic lately, but I hope I can continue to offer all you loyal readers new and exciting updates.
So now, I'm going to tell you about a song I just discovered this week.

I first heard Ain't No Rest For The Wicked on the local alternative radio station, and while it didn't immediately catch my attention - apart from the unique beats and styling -, after a few listens I was definitely hooked. And how lucky was I to find that iTunes was offering the very track as the free download of the week! xD Needless to say, I downloaded the song immediately. Hurry on over to the iTunes store; maybe the offer is still going on :) If it is, I highly encourage you to click "Download" ... and if they're going to charge you .99 cents; well, I'd have to say, I think it's worth the money.

Cage the Elephant combined a unique sound - think acoustic funk meets southern blues, with a bit of a hip-hop influence for good measure - with powerful, thought-provoking lyrics to create a truly masterful final product. Ain't No Rest For The Wicked is a brilliant, fun song to listen to with the windows rolled down on a warm summer day - but at the same time, if you want to sit and really listen to what the band is trying to say, the message in intriguing.

However, without a doubt, this is one track you have to listen to to fully appreciate.
Please enjoy Ain't No Rest For The Wicked, by Cage the Elephant.

Cage the Elephant - Ain't No Rest For The Wicked Official Music Video

Ain't No Rest For The Wicked
Cage the Elephant

I was walking down the street when out the corner of my eye, I saw a pretty little thing approaching me.
She said, "I never seen a man, who looks so all alone; could you use a little company?
If you pay the right price, your evening will be nice, or you can go and send me on my way."
I said, "You're such a sweet young thing, why'd you do this to yourself?"
She looked at me, and this is what she said;

"There ain't no rest for the wicked; money don't grow on trees;
I got bills to pay, I got mouths to feed; there ain't nothing in this world for free.
I know I can't slow down, I can't hold back; though you know, I wish I could.
There ain't no rest for the wicked, until we close our eyes for good."

Not even fifteen minutes later, after walking down the street, when I saw the shadow of a man creep out of sight.
Then he swept up from behind, put a gun up to my head, he made it clear he wasn't looking for a fight.
He said, "Give me all you've got; I want your money, not your life; but if you try to make a move I won't think twice."
I told him, "You can have my cash, but first you know I've got to ask; what made you want to live this kind of life?"

He said, "There ain't no rest for the wicked; money don't grow on trees;
I got bills to pay, I got mouths to feed; ain't nothing in this world for free.
I know I can't slow down, I can't hold back; though you know, I wish I could.
There ain't no rest for the wicked, until we close our eyes for good."

Now a couple hours past, and I was sitting in my house, the day was winding down and coming to an end.
So I turned on the TV, and flipped it over to the news, and what I saw I almost couldn't comprehend.
I saw a preacher man in cuffs, taking money from the church; he stuffed his bank account with righteous dollar bills.
But even still I can't say much cause I know were all the same; oh yes, we all seek out to satisfy those thrills.

You know there ain't no rest for the wicked; money don't grow on trees;
We got bills to pay, we got mouths to feed; ain't nothing in this world for free.
We can't slow down, we can't hold back; though you know, we wish we could.
There ain't no rest for the wicked, until we close our eyes for good.

Desolation Row

2009-02-28T20:29:00.000-08:00

I cannot say enough good things about this cover.

Anyone who follows this blog is probably well aware that my favorite band is My Chemical Romance. While this band may currently be on break and not recording any new material yet, you can imagine my excitement when I heard that My Chemical Romance was selected to record a cover for an upcoming film.
And not just any film; My Chemical Romance has recorded a cover of Bob Dylan's Desolation Row for the Watchmen movie, scheduled to hit theatres Friday, March 6th.

While My Chemical Romance's version of Desolation Row is clocking in at nearly a quarter the length of the original track (Bob Dylan's recording having been around eleven minutes long, compared to the three minute length of the cover), I was extremely pleased by the way My Chemical Romance presented this song. Vocalist Gerard Way chose between the multiple verses of the original track and picked which he felt best represented the movie - a process he said was extremely difficult. However, in the end, the verses the band ended up incorporating into their cover exemplify not only the graphic-novel-gone-film, but the essence of Bob Dylan's original song almost, too perfectly.
There is plenty to appreciate beyond the lyrics, too. My Chemical Romance took an entirely different approach to this cover - it sounds nothing like the original, and yet, the hardcore punk styling of the track not only showcase the novel and, eventually, the movie, but also a new phase in the life of this band. My Chemical Romance are considering moving away from the theatric, rock-opera style which was apparent on their album The Black Parade (2006) and fall back on the punk rock foundations which supported their first two albums (I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love; 2002; and Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, 2004).
Everything about this cover screams punk-rock, from the raw, unpolished vocals to the rough, dirty guitars and crashing symbols of the drum set. The entire essence of the track is just teeming with pent-up emotion, and the whole thing is hard and heavy enough that, at the end of three minutes, you can't help but keep asking for more. The combination of Bob Dylan's outstanding lyrics and My Chemical Romance's talents in musicianship and presentation is truly a winning mix.

All in all, this cover serves not only to represent Watchmen in the most brilliant of ways, but also My Chemical Romance, and the new direction the band plans to take with their careers.
The video is one hundred percent hardcore and a great watch for anyone - however, it's an especially good treat for those My Chem fans eagerly awaiting the band's return from their break (: And anyone who's actually read Watchmen , as I have, will appreciate every reference made in the video - from the Rorschach banner behind the drum set, to the Pale Horse flyers, to the graffiti on bassist Mikey Way's guitar ("Who Watches The Watchmen") ... it's all there.

Make sure to head out and see Watchmen when it hits theatres this Friday!
Until then, keep on rockin' to My Chemical Romance's cover of Desolation Row!

My Chemical Romance - Desolation Row [Bob Dylan Cover] Official Music Video

Desolation Row
Originally Recorded by Bob Dylan
Covered by My Chemical Romance

They're selling postcards of the hanging, they're painting the passports brown.
The beauty parlor is filled with sailors; the circus is in town.
Here comes the blind commissioner, they've got him in a trance.
One hand is tied to the tight-rope walker, the other's in his pants.
And the riot squad, they're restless; they need somewhere to go
As Lady and I look out tonight from Desolation Row.

Cinderella, she seems so easy; "It takes one to know one," she smiles.
And puts her hands in her back pockets, Bette Davis style.
And in comes Romeo, he's moaning, "You belong to me, I believe."
And someone says," You're in the wrong place, my friend; you better leave."
And the only sound that's left after the ambulances go
Is Cinderella sweeping up on Desolation Row.

...
At midnight all the agents and the superhuman crew
Go out and round up everyone that knows more than they do.
They bring them to the factory, where the heart-attack machine
Is strapped across their shoulders, and then the kerosene
Is brought down from the castles by insurance men who go
Check to see that no one is escaping to Desolation Row.

...
Right now I can't read too good
Don't send me no letters, no.
Not unless you mail them from Desolation Row.

Avenged Sevenfold - "Avenged Sevenfold"

2009-02-17T20:01:00.000-08:00

I can't get enough of this album.
Avenged Sevenfold is a band I was familiar with in the vaguest of ways. I had heard Afterlife and seen the music video, just like anyone else who had their televisions set to Fuse. However, that was the only song I'd heard by them, and didn't go out of my way to listen to anything more.
Once again, my mistake.

However, a friend of mine convinced me to go see Avenged Sevenfold with her when they came to our neck of the woods earlier this month. The show was epic. But, it wouldn't have been half as good if my friend hadn't let me borrow all of Avenged Sevenfold's albums beforehand, to let me "catch up" and maybe not feel like such a poser when they finally came on stage x]
From Sounding the Seventh Trumpet (2001) to City of Evil (2005), I got acquainted with all of the band's work. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Avenged Sevenfold's previous works were much more metal, much more hardcore, than their more recent releases; after hearing the melodic, soulful Afterlife, the full-on screaming in the band's previous albums was a surprise. But, what I noticed is that - no matter which style the band sought for -, with each album, I found something different to appreciate about this band.

In the end, though, it was the band's latest, self-titled album, released in 2007, which caught my attention. There were just so many chances taken on this album - the band really took a different spin on their sound with this one. While some old fans may not appreciate Avenged Sevenfold's drift away from their previous metal sound, I find it impossible to imagine how you couldn't appreciate the lengths this band went to in order to create a truly unique album.

This is an album review for Avenged Sevenfold.

Avenged Sevenfold- Avenged Sevenfold (2007)

1. Critical Acclaim - The band makes an impressive enterance with the first track of this album, declaring their new style and their new sound in almost a defiant manner, pairing organ chords with dramatic guitar melodies that send shivers down the spine. The song picks up shortly, with the drum line stealing the show. As a whole, every aspect of this song is overwhelming, and all you can do is sit back ... and enjoy. The band makes many powerful statements with the lyrics in this song; however, you're almost too drawn up in the sheer brilliance of the track to notice the message the band is making.
2. Almost Easy - The group doesn't even pause for a breath before running headlong into track two. With less elements incorporated than the opening song, it's easier to absorb the message behind this track; the lyrical impact. The hook is definitly one which strikes a nerve, as vocalist M. Shadows declares time and again that, "I'm not insane!". The bridge of this song is a standout, incorporating melodic, flowing backing vocals to really wrap up this track.
3. Scream - From the very beginning of this track all the way through, you just feel ... well, a little naughty listening to track three. The band backs down in intensity slightly, but makes up for it in plain and simple sexual tension. Not exactly a standout track, but not one to be ignored, either.
4. Afterlife - The stand-alone single from the album. As many times as I've heard this song, the strings which start the song off never lose effect; their shrieking high notes, followed immediantly by the guitars, still gives me shivers. Simple, melodic vocals are paired with the heavier guitars, bass and drums to give this track a unique style. Plenty of elements were incorporated into this track to make it the success it ultimately was.
5. Gunslinger - Any hardcore A7X fans were probably mortified to hear the acoustic, almost country-western guitar strumming which began this track. However, when the intensity picks back up after the first chorus, fans were allowed a sigh of relief. The styling of this track is a perfect example of the chances the band took on this album; and, to me, it paid off, in a huge way. The emotion in this track is intoxicating; I can't stop listening. The female backing vocals make their first significant appearance during the guitar solo of this song, and the effect is haunting.
6. Unbound (The Wild Ride) - One of two on the album which really just don't do much for me. I do adore the intricate piano melodies and backing vocals during the verses; however, as a whole, this track just doesn't stand out to me. The lyrics are okay, and, while the guitar parts are impressive ... but all in all? Just "alright". I really do love the bridge of this song ... but, honestly, my attention usually doesn't hold long enough to make it to that point in the track.
7. Brompton Cocktail - The second not-so-interesting track. There are parts of this song that I really enjoy; specifically, the string melodies during the verses. However, the vocal performance is only mediocre, and while the instrumentals are impressive at times, as a whole, the song just doesn't keep my attention.
8. Lost - The band takes another huge chance in track eight ... and, thankfully, it pays off. The guitars completely attack this song, starting off with a beautiful solo before taking off when the vocals begin. However, it's not until the chorus that this song really makes you stop and pay attention. The way they have altered the vocals in the studio, giving them an almost techno style, is a far cry from the band's old sound - and yet, it totally works. All the elements of this track, combined, just make it a unique song that I can't stop listening to!
9. A Little Piece of Heaven - My favorite track on the album, by far. A twisted tale of romance gone wrong, the story the lyrics tell are really only half the reason this song is so great. This song wouldn't be near the same without every element the band incorporated; strings, piano, brass; backing vocals, almost sounding like a choir ... it's almost a rock opera, but not quite. Besides these little "extras", the performance by the band is top-notch. Just a perfectly demented, beautifully skitzophrenic track.
10. Dear God - I was surprised when the band chose to end such a dramatic, complex album with an acoustic track. However, in a way, this was the perfect song to wrap things up. With simple, heartfelt lyrics and passionate performance by the whole band, this song is just beautiful. The acoustic, again, is almost country-western in influence, but not enough so to drastically change the sound - and a two-minute guitar solo at the end of the track reminds us that A7X is just as hardcore as ever.

Although the sound on this album may be quite different than anything the band has ever produced before, I think the changes Avenged Sevenfold took on this album are ultimately what made me respect them as a band. As a new fan, I can't justify an argument about how the band has changed thier sound, how they arn't what they once were ...
But, isn't that what being a band is about? Changing, growing, making something new?
I think Avenged Sevenfold has done just that. Please, check out these links and learn more about this unique band.

The band's website can provide you with all you need to know about Avenged Sevenfold, including tour dates; if you're lucky, maybe you can see this band perform live, as I have.

Lyrics to all the songs on this album and A7X's other releases can be found on this website.

I'm going to share with you the music video for A Little Piece of Heaven. I realize the video is as sick as the song ... but at the same time, it's as unique, as creative, as the album in which I've just reviewed. While maybe some of you cannot see what I see in this video, I hope some of you can appreciate the creative measures the band took in both the video and the song.
So, enjoy A Little Piece of Heaven, by Avenged Sevenfold; but, please, don't ignore the disclaimer ;)

Avenged Sevenfold - A Little Piece of Heaven Official Music Video

Dog Problems

2009-02-03T15:35:00.000-08:00

Ah, The Format. One of my closest friends introduced me to these guys over the summer, and I'm very happy she did.

I hear The Format as a blend of Indie Rock and Broadway Musical, and I consider Dog Problems (off their album of the same name) their most epic sounding song.

The lyrics are fun and witty, and matched with fast paced vocal melodies. You can't help but want to memorize the words and sing along every time you hear the song.

This is definitely a must for everyone's i-pod. The perfect song to add to a "Summertime" or "Happy Songs" playlist. It has most certainly become a part of the soundtrack to my life.

Enjoy!

Dog Problems-The Format (Official Video)

-Lyrics-

Don't.
You.
Dare.

Speak for someone you don't know
They'll feel it in the back of their throat
We know I can't construct a poem
'Cause words like girls get bored and run
C'est la vie
I say "I've got so many better things"
I've got nothing
You should see me
I smoke myself to sleep

And blame postmodern things I can't relate
Like summer camp and coastal states
Like alcohol and coffee beans
Dance floors and magazines
I think its safe to say I've only got myself to blame
But boys in swooping haircuts
Are bringing me down
Taking pictures of themselves
Oh, no

“Boys in swooping haircuts you know who you are”

And so I walk the web in search of love
But always seem to end up stuck
I'm finding flaws in everyone.
I've reached the point where all I want
Is to sleep around in hopes that I will catch back up
We are parallel lines
We’re running in circles
We're never meant to cross

I'm at a loss
You were my tangerine
My pussycat, my trampoline
Now all's I get are wincing cheeks
And dog problems
I signed a lease
Thinking my heart belonged at 93rd and park
Instead I broke a girls heart
And flew back to Phoenix
To finish the year as it started

Can you hear me?
Are you listening?
This is the sound of my heart breaking
And I hope it's entertaining
Cause for me
It's a bitch

Was it worth it?
When you slept with him?
Did you get it all out of your system?

I am a man
Holding it all
I couldn’t breath
Coming across
I didn’t know
I couldn’t get up

B is for believing you'd always be here for me
E is for everything, even when we'd see it though
C, C is for seeing through you,
You are a fake, which brings me to...
A because, because, you always run away

I never finish phrases I misspell
An open arm's a prison cell
When I said, "I hate what I've become"
I lied, I hated who I was
So when you start to wonder
About the pain in my throat,
Well don't you ever, no never ever
Speak for someone
You.
Don't.
Know.

(lyrics found on http://lyricsondemand.com, and video found on youtube)

Sometime Around Midnight

2009-01-22T21:25:00.000-08:00

There's an interesting story behind my introduction to this song.

I heard it on the local alternative radio station in the car ... probably a month or so ago. And I remember being instantly drawn to the song; the simplistic, yet effective, styling of the band and their delivery of the music. I remembered how much I enjoyed listening to the song ... but not what the song itself was titled.
I must have spent weeks desperately trying to remember any significant lyric of the song that I could possibly Google in order to discover the identity of the track; which had come to me on a shady weekday morning and then seemed to have disappeared from my radio station's play list. The only word I could remember was "midnight" ... and that was too vague to look up song lyrics.
Finally, one day, the string solo to my elusive track soared over the radio and, frantically excited, I turned around in the passenger seat and said excitedly to my sister, "This is my 'minutes to midnight' song!"
Why I adopted the title of Linkin Park's 2007 studio album as the unofficial title of this song, I'm not entirely sure. However, I soon learned that the lyric in which I got my "midnight" reference simply stated, "It starts sometime around midnight ..." - and the official title of the song was; well, you know.

Having finally tracked down and added the song to my vast collection of digital music, Sometime Around Midnight has been playing on my iPod nonstop. Each time I listen to the song, I find something new to appreciate about it; the unique vocals, the passionate lyrics, the simple - yet painful - story the song tells. There are no secret meanings behind this track - at least, none that I've come to find. To me, this song is simply about a man seeing an old "friend" at a bar - and all the bittersweet memories that brings back, all the unsatisfied desires of this lonely man.
And yet, that simplicity, that honesty ... is what makes this track so beautiful. In making this song "simple and sweet", the band has managed to create a track that is not only pleasant to listen to, but also easy to relate to - and that's a winning combination.

No matter how many times I listen to this song, though, I have to say my favorite part is the viola solo at the very beginning and very end; it seems to be what brings the entire track together. There's an emotion emitted from the strings that cannot be matched by any other instrument, and this track just wouldn't be complete without the element the viola brings.
Second on my list of favorite things about this song is probably the vocals. This band's lead singer has a unique, memorable, passionate voice that is impossible not to appreciate.

This is The Airborne Toxic Event with Sometime Around Midnight.

The Airborne Toxic Event - Sometime Around Midnight Official Music Video

Sometime Around Midnight
The Airborn Toxic Event

And it starts sometime around midnight;
Or at least that’s when you lose yourself for a minute or two.
As you stand under the bar lights;
And the band plays some song about forgetting yourself for a while.
And the piano’s this melancholy soundtrack to her smile.
And that white dress she’s wearing, you haven’t seen her for a while.

But you know that she’s watching,
She’s laughing, she’s turning, she’s holding her tonic like a cross.
The room’s suddenly spinning, she walks up and asks how you are.
So you can smell her perfume, you can see her lying naked in your arms.

And so there’s a change, in your emotions.
And all these memories come rushing like feral waves to your mind.
Of the curl of your bodies, like two perfect circles entwined.
And you feel hopeless and homeless and lost in the haze of the wine.

Then she leaves, with someone you don’t know.
But she makes sure you saw her; she looks right at you and bolts.
As she walks out the door; your blood boiling, your stomach in ropes.
Oh and when your friends say, “What is it? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Then you walk, under the streetlights.
And you’re too drunk to notice that everyone is staring at you.
You just don’t care what you look like, the world is falling around you.

You just have to see her ...
You know that she’ll break you in two.

Made Of Bricks

2009-01-22T11:55:00.000-08:00

I first found out about Kate Nash when watching MTV at like seven am (about the only time they ever actually play music anymore...). There was a video for "Foundations" playing, and I really liked it. I love her poppy sound and British accent, her playful and catchy lyrics and, lol, her hair xD. She came across to me as a more melodic, less rap-ish, Lilly Allen. Another artist whom I like, and someday will get around to reviewing. She also has the same poppy piano vibe as early Regina Spektor.

Made Of Bricks is a great album, perfect for smiling along to, or listening to while having a picnic...it's just that kind of music.
Also, like Lilly Allen Nash brings a sense of irony to her music. Pairing the happiest melodies and catchiest tunes to some not-so-happy lyrics.

-Track List-

1.Play
2.Foundations
3.Mouthwash
4.D***head
5.Birds
6.We Get On
7.Mariella
8.S*** Song
9.Pumpkin Soup
10.Skeleton Song
11.Nicest Thing
12.Merry Happy

Merry Happy-Kate Nash-Fan Made Video

Lyrics:

Watching me like you never watched no one
Don't tell me that you didn't try to check out my bum
'cause I know that you did 'cause your friend told me that you like it

Gave me those pearls and I thought they were ugly
though you try and tell me that you never loved me
I know that you did 'cause you said it and you wrote it down

Dancing and discos, eating cheese on toast
yeah you make me merry make me very, very happy but you obviously,
you didn't want to stick around
Dancing at discos, eating cheese on toast
yeah you make me merry make me very,
very happy but you obviously, you didn't want to stick around

So I learnt from you, do do do da do do do do do do da do do do
So I learnt from you, do do do da do do do do do do da do do do

I can can be alone, yeah, I can watch a sunset, on my own

Sitting in restaurants, thought we were so grown up
But I know that we were not the people that we turned out to be
Chatting on the phone can't take back these
hourse but I won't regret 'cause I can grow
From where dirt used to be

Dancing at discos, eating cheese on toast
yeah you make me merry make me very,
very happy but you obviously, you didn't want to stick around
Dancing at discos, eating cheese on toast
yeah you make me merry make me very,
very happy but you obviously, you didn't want to stick around

HIM - "And Love Said No: Greatest Hits 1997 - 2004"

2009-01-19T17:36:00.000-08:00

My introduction to HIM (previously and sometimes still referred to as His Infernal Majesty, or shortened to H.I.M) was an introduction similar to many others I've experiences with other bands I've somehow gotten into. HIM was a name I had heard before ... I knew the genre was a melancholy mix of goth rock and metal, and I even knew they hailed not from the US, but Finland. I'd flirted with some of the band's tracks, listening to thirty-second previews on iTunes. I often caught myself staring in awe at some of the band's cover art, for albums such as Razorblade Romance (2000) or Greatest Lovesongs, Volume 666 (1997). However, for whatever reason, nothing could convince me to finally sit down and listen to any extent of the band's music.
But, as fate would have it, I finally had an HIM song thrust upon me; by watching a countdown on Fuse, as often occurs. The new music video for Killing Loneliness was airing, and I couldn't help but pay attention. From the very opening notes of the song - a piano melody, soon accompanied by heavy guitars and a whining keyboard - I was hooked, and as the song progressed, I fell more and more in love with everything about this band.
So, I finally forked over the cash and came home with HIM's greatest hits album, And Love Said No. Released in 2007, the album contains most every major track HIM has released since their first album was put out ten years prior.
And I must say, this album is anything but disappointing. Giving you a taste for every unique aspect of this band, And Love Said No draws you into a fantasy land of love ... and death.
This is an album review for HIM's And Love Said No: Greatest Hits 1997 - 2004.

HIM - And Love Said No: Greatest Hits 1997 - 2004 (2007)

1. And Love Said No - A soft track, the verses are formed mostly around one guitar theme. The choruses, however, pick up with crashing cymbals and powerful vocals. The lyrics in this song take my breath away and make it one of my favorites on the album.
2. Join Me In Death - Track Two embodies everything about H.I.M's obsession with love and death, and the combination of the two. The piano makes its first impact on the album, with the guitars taking a back seat to the drums which carry through the verses. And, as always, Ville Valo's exceptional vocal range creates a haunting mood around the entire track.
3. Buried Alive By Love - Picking up the pace, Track Three starts out strong and doesn't let up. While the volume or the tempo may waver, the intensity of this song never seems to wane. Some of my favorite vocals are on this track; specifically, in the pre-chorus. With powerful, desperate vocals and the strong guitar theme, this song is teeming with adrenaline.
4. Heartache Every Moment - The piano and keyboard open this track up and continue their presence in the choruses, giving this song its haunting presence. Rhythmic guitar and drum lines draw you in, and poetic lyrics tell another tale of love gone wrong. Not a standout, in my opinion, but not to be overlooked.
5. Solitary Man - Strumming guitars back up emotionally charged vocals to deliver another upbeat track. The chorus is definitely the highlight of Track Five, with it's catchy hook and melodies. Valo takes plenty of opportunities to exercises his vocal talents, especially noted before the brief guitar solo after the second chorus.
6. Right Here In My Arms - A lower vocal range during the verses gives this song a different sound from the others. Again, cymbal crashes carry us through the verses, with the guitars picking up right before the choruses and dying down afterwards. With lyrics and vocals both painful in essence, this track is certainly one which draws you in.
7. Funeral of Hearts - The band slows down the tempo without in Track Seven without losing any of the passion or desperation. An acoustic guitar strums in the background as the vocals rise and fall, with the piano and guitars each having their turn in the spotlight. The lyrics fill this track with so much raw emotion ... simply lovely.
8. In Joy And Sorrow - Track Eight keeps things soft and (bitter)sweet. Acoustic guitars and piano melodies take the stage behind another lower, captivating vocal range which tells this tragic love story. Simply a gorgeous track, it's impossible not to be drawn in.
9. Your Sweet 666 - One of the songs which has given HIM the label as a "satanic band". Whatever your opinion of the title or lyrics, this is the kind of song that you get stuck in your head. Personally, I adore this track, and find the lyrics heartbreaking and beautiful. Plenty of chances are taken throughout the band during this track, and it really pays off.
10. Gone With The Sin - Track Ten starts off almost inaudibly low and soft, with the same captivating vocals. When the lyrics are finally paired with acoustic guitars, keyboard, and drums, the passion behind it all is nearly overwhelming. A gorgeous love song and a perfect lullaby, this is definitely one of my album favorites.
11. Wicked Game - The guitars in this track give you an idea why HIM might be classified as any form of metal. As a whole, this track seems to have a lot more elements than the others on the album; the vocal range, from extremely low in the vocals to the high note which opens the chorus, keeps this song interesting throughout, and the background vocals during the chorus are a unique touch. Every chance taken on this track was 110% worth it.
12. The Sacrament - The piano theme of this track gives the entire song an almost fairytale quality. When paired with the strumming guitars, rhythmic drums, empowered vocals, and lovestruck lyrics, this song overflows with an other world-ly feel. A captivating track as a whole, with the piano definitely standing apart.
13. Close To The Flame - Soft, yet strong, this track moves quiet and slow as it tells its story. The keyboard and piano pair up once again to create a passionate, haunting theme. The bass also makes its first obvious appearance and, backing up Valo's voice, creates another beautiful lullaby.
14. Poison Girl - The guitars shine once again in Track Fourteen, with enough venom to make you forget this is a love song. The only truly angry, remorseful track on the album ... and yet, the entire band executes it flawlessly. A track which stands apart from the rest ... and yet, in some strange way, fits in perfectly.
15. Pretending - A few unique twists are added to this track to make it a little more than ordinary. The keyboard makes a conspicuous entrance in the intro and chorus of the song, accompanied by a nearly techno sound effect to give the track just enough "something extra" to make it a little different. Otherwise, not an outstanding track, besides the typically well-written lyrics.
16. When Love And Death Embrace - The keyboard gets one more chance to steal the stage on the final track of the album. The cymbal crashes and bass back up Valo's passionate, broken hearted vocals and lyrics, while the keyboard theme swells and dies during the chorus. A soft, desperate track, this is the perfect way to end such a phenomenal album.

This is just another example of why I should simply take the time to look up these bands I'm interested in, instead of waiting for them to find me. Because, had I done so, I would have been entranced by HIM's music a long, long time ago.
If you're interested in HIM, I encourage you to check out the following links.

HIM's website can keep you updated on the band's news, tour dates, and other information.

Lyrics to all the songs on this album as well as HIM's many other efforts can be found on this website.

I've decided to share with you the music video for The Sacrament. The video in itself is stunning, and the song, breathtaking ... but, together, it seems you can really appreciate the entire story the band is trying to tell.
So, please enjoy The Sacrament, by HIM. And, please, do yourself a favor; check out other music by this extraordinary band.

HIM - The Sacrament Official Music Video

H.I.M. - Sacrament - Omnes

Bodysnatchers 4 Ever (What's A Pulse Got To Do With It?)

2009-01-11T21:16:00.000-08:00

Frank Iero is building up quite the resume.

Coming from humble beginnings in the punk act Pencey Prep and moving into a current and outstanding career in alternative rock band My Chemical Romance, Frank Iero has certainly gotten around in his days as a musician. However, this month marks a milestone for his latest project; the release of LeATHERMOUTH's very first album.

LeATHERMOUTH, another punk act hailing from Jersey and fronted by Iero, has come a long way in a very short amount of time. This is a band which wants to "vent about all the bull***t that I see going on in the world that makes me ill," as Iero put it. He goes on to say; "I try to belabor the topics people want to forget exist. LeATHERMOUTH is where I can vomit out all the aggression that has built up inside."

With their first single off their first album (XO; scheduled release January 27th, 2009), Bodysnatchers 4 Ever does just that. With pure, hardcore adrenaline pumping through the entire song, you can't help but feel any anger or upset inside you fall away while listening. The lyrics - if you can see past the screaming and take them at full value - are powerful, angry; easy to relate to. As a whole, this is music that speaks to people everywhere - of all ages, and of all walks of life. This music brings out in people whatever they're most afraid of, whatever it is they don't want to deal with; LeATHERMOUTH takes that fear and shoves it right in your face. And, after listening, you honestly feel better for it.

Bodysnatchers 4 Ever is a hard-hitting first single from what's sure to be a knockout new band. I encourage you to look up LeATHERMOUTH's other single, Sunsets Are For Muggings, and don't miss your chance to pick up XO on January 27th. I sure know I'll be getting my hands on a copy (:

So, if there's something you've got on your mind, something you need to get off your chest ... prepare for a release.
This is Bodysnatchers 4 Ever, by LeATHERMOUTH.

**EDIT 3.1.09 - LeATHERMOUTH released a music video for this track a while back. I'm sorry I didn't update this post sooner :( However, you can now enjoy the official video for Bodysnatchers 4 Ever. It's pretty much epic. May give certain individuals motion sickness and/or nightmares.
I'm also pleased to report that I purchased XO, and it is simply amazing (: Highly recommended.
After buying the album, I learned that this song actually has a subtitle. This post as been updated accordingly. Sweet deal.

LeATHERMOUTH - Bodysnatchers 4 Ever (What's A Pulse Got To Do With It?) Official Music Video

Bodysnatchers 4 Ever (What's A Pulse Got To Do With It?)
LeATHERMOUTH

a second chance, take a life, another mission.
to steal a kiss from borrowed lips, i taste your prison
it feels like a lifetime, of leaving bodies on the sidelines.

i swear to God, girl, you're never gonna regret this.
close your eyes, this will only take a second.
though these veins are borrowed,
this heart only beats for you.

1,2,3,4!

their shells disposable, oh so expendable.
shut it, shut it, shut it, shut it out
of your pretty mind,
they never cared for you.

here's our shot to insight a revolution.
they don't deserve to live, we are their evolution.
these veins are borrowed, these shells are borrowed.

a new life after death, it's fucking perfect.
don't you fear, they'll never hurt you darling.
these veins are borrowed, these veins are borrowed.

1, 2, 3, 4!

their shells disposable, oh so expendable.
shut it, shut it, shut it, shut it out.
they never cared for you;
how can you shed a tear?

don't worry old girl.
dry the tears from your eyes.
something better is bound to come around sometime ... let's go.

this face means nothing, these hands feel nothing.
these lungs are empty, and these eyes are blind.
this face means nothing, these hands hold nothing.
i'm here, this heart is yours.

our love never dies.

Use Somebody

2009-01-10T11:03:00.001-08:00

Kings of Leon may be a new favorite of mine.

So far, I've only heard two songs by the band; the recently popular, upbeat Sex On Fire, which I have discovered to be the perfect song to turn up in the car when you're driving back roads on a sunny day ...
... and the track I'm going to tell you about in this post.

Use Somebody is a soft, simple track, with so much emotion it's impossible not to be drawn. Everything about this song captivates me; the quiet, straight-forward lyrics, the conspicuous bass line, the strumming of the rhythm guitar, the short guitar solo, not overdone ... and the drums, the crashing symbols, which seems to tie it all together.
However, what truly caught my attention in this song - and Sex On Fire, and probably any other Kings of Leon song I will listen to in the future - is the vocals. Caleb Followill's vocal styling is very unique, and his delivery is flawless. His great lead vocals are made that much more spectacular when they are paired with his backing vocals, which usually consist of alternating higher and lower notes in a range that gives you shivers. It's impossibly not to appreciate the emotion in these Kings of Leon tracks - and others, I'm sure - with Caleb's powerful voice delivering the lyrics.
As a whole, I just adore this track. I can't stop listening to it. Use Somebody is really an example of how you can say so much in so little words.

A final note, which is irrelevant to my opinions on the track, but which I found to be very interesting and just, sweet ...
Kings of Leon is made up of Caleb, Jared, Matthew and Nathan Followill. I would assume the relationships are brothers.
A band of four brothers. How cool is that? I've never seen a band whose members all shared the same last name (:

Anyway.
Use Somebody is simply a lovely track, and I think you'll appreciate it most if you take a listen to it yourself. Watching the video may also help you get a feel for the power behind this simple, quiet song.

This is Use Somebody, by Kings of Leon.

Kings of Leon - Use Somebody Official Music Video

Kings of Leon - Use Somebody

Use Somebody
Kings of Leon

I've been roaming around, always looking down at all I see.
Painted faces, fill the places I can't reach.

You know that I could use somebody ...

Someone like you, and all you know, and how you speak.
Countless lovers, under cover of the street.

You know that I could use somebody ...
Someone like you.

Off in the night, while you live it up, I'm off to sleep.
Waging wars to shape the poet and the beat.
I hope it's gonna make you notice ...

Someone like me;
Someone like me, somebody ...
Someone like you;
Someone like you, somebody ...

I've been roaming around, always looking down at all I see ...

Finally, I'd like to dedicate this review to Steven's Untitled Rock Show which, regretfully, has been cancelled.
I first discovered Use Somebody through Steven's show, and the video was played on the show in the final episodes.
Fuse won't be the same without SURS :(

Yngwie Malmsteen

2009-01-08T13:07:00.000-08:00

The name's a bit of a tongue twister no? Just to get you started here's how you pronounce this guy's name, Ying-Wee Malm-Steen.

Now, who exactly is he?
A metal guitarist with the heart of a classical composer. Think of every variation of metal guitar you've heard to date, and then think even farther, you've got Yngwie and his amazing style.

He was trained classically as a child and went on to perform heavy metal guitar music, but what I'm interested in is his Symphonic Metal. He has composed classical concertos and symphonies for electric guitar and entire orchestras.
This is what classical music has evolved to for him...and it's amazing.

I discovered him when a friend gave me a CD with some of his classical tracks, I fell in love...this stuff is awesome.

I really don't want to say too much though, other than of course that you must listen!
Form your own opinion, I'd love to hear it. This is less a review and more me introducing you to his music and wanting to know what you think of it.

I think it's something else!

Enjoy.

Cavallino Rampante (LIVE)-Yngwie Malmsteen and the Japanese Philharmonic Orchestra

The '59 Sound

2008-12-17T22:47:00.000-08:00

I adore this song.
The first time I ever heard it was on Steven's Untitled Rock Show on Fuse; which, I'm pleased to announce, seems to be airing new and ever-amusing episodes after a scary time in which I thought my favorite show on television may be cancelled.
The video was first aired on the show months ago. Steven, the host of the show (gee, really?) declared this one of his favorite songs from an up-and-coming artist, and seemed to anticipate the song's popularity far before it ever hit the radio stations near me.
These days, it's rare not to hear The '59 Sound over your stereo if you have the radio set on my local alternative station. Being that the alternative station is indeed my favorite, I have heard a lot of this track lately.
And yet, it just never gets old. The Gaslight Anthem have recorded a huge first single. There's so much raw emotion in this track; the vocals and instrumentals are simple and honest. The lyrics, if you take a minute to really listen, will break your heart - they speak a story of memories, good and bad, regrets and thanksgiving that come with our final days in this world. However, despite an upsetting concept, this song has a hopeful, reminiscent overtone. It really is a bittersweet listen, but one that makes you feel better once the final notes fade away.
As a whole, this is one that I just can't seem to get enough of. I look forward to hearing more by this band.
This is The '59 Sound by The Gaslight Anthem. Enjoy :)

The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound Official Music Video

The '59 Sound
The Gaslight Anthem

Well, I wonder which song they're gonna play when we go;
I hope it's something quiet and minor and peaceful and slow.
When we float out into the ether, into the Everlasting Arms
I hope we don't hear Marley's chains we forged in life

'Cause the chains I been hearing now for most of my life ...

Did you hear the '59 sound coming through on Grandmama's radio?
Did you hear the rattling chains in the hospital walls?
Did you hear the old gospel choir when they came to carry you over?
Did you hear your favorite song one last time?

And I wonder, were you scared when the metal hit the glass?
See, I was playing a show down the road when your spirit left your body.
And they told me on the front lawn, "I'm sorry I couldn't go",
But I still know the song and the words and her name and the reasons

And I know 'cause we were kids and we used to hang ...

Did you hear the '59 sound coming through on Grandmama's radio?
Did you hear the rattling chains in the hospital walls?
Did you hear the old gospel choir when they came to carry you over?
Did you hear your favorite song one last time?

Young boys, young girls ...
Ain't supposed to die on a Saturday night ...

Did you hear the '59 sound coming through on Grandmama's radio?
Did you hear the rattling chains in the hospital walls?
Did you hear the old gospel choir when they came to carry you over?
Did you hear your favorite song one last time?

Sing For Absolution

2008-12-11T13:19:00.000-08:00

I love Muse. That without a doubt is very true. They are coming closer and closer to becoming my favorite band...music wise of course (My Chemical Romance and Blue October will always hold incredibly special places in my heart).

So, I was interested in finding some Muse tracks that I hadn't heard, and a few days ago I went on a Muse spree on youtube.
In the process I found one of the most amazing songs I've ever heard. "Sing For Absolution"

I don't know exactly how to describe this song, or how much I love it, and how much it touches me...or even why. There's something hauntingly beautiful about it, about the lyrics and the tune. Matt's voice is amazing. He's got one of those voices that just captivates, that ensnares, and empowers...I get shivers and just an overall "wow" feeling whenever I hear him sing. I totally understand how Stephanie Meyer found this band such an inspiration when writing the Twilight saga, you can't help but think of true love, and loss, fear, and longing when listening to this band. Sing For Absolution completely embodies all of that.

The music video is also something to behold. It's a very sci-fi setting. With great computer animation graphics...kinda remind me of the more epic scenes from the movie Titan A.E.

Anyway, I've found this song just brilliant. Of course...you have to form your own opinion.

Enjoy!

Sing For Absolution-Muse

-Lyrics-

lips are turning blue
a kiss that can't renew
I only dream of you
my beautiful

tiptoe to your room
a starlight in the gloom
I only dream of you
and you never knew

sing for absolution
I will be singing
falling from your grace

there's nowhere left to hide
in no one to confide
the truth runs deep inside
and will never die

lips are turning blue
a kiss that can't renew
I only dream of you
my beautiful

sing for absolution
I will be singing
falling from your grace

sing for absolution
I will be singing
falling from your grace

our wrongs remain unrectified
and our souls won't be exhumed

Nightmare Revisited

2008-12-04T15:31:00.000-08:00

Every few years Tim Burton, Danny Elfman, and team see it fit to re-issue "The Nightmare Before Christmas" soundtrack, and add a bonus CD with covers of all the song by current artists. This year was one of those years!

"The Nightmare Before Christmas" really is a classic. It was a movie that was ahead of it's time in stop motion animation technology. Not to mention it had an amazing score/soundtrack written and composed by master of movie music Danny Elfman.

The music is really what made the movie so magnificent. More than a decade later people still line up yearly to see the movie in theatres (in 3D), and kids (and adults too) sing along with the great songs.

Nightmare Revisited takes today's artists and gives us the songs we loved from the movie, with a twist.

The Track list
Coupled By My Opinion Of Each Song

1.Overture-DeVotchKa
[This track really got me. It's quite the opening. The style is almost Cirque Du Soleil. Very circus. An absolutely wonderful start to the CD!]

2.Opening-Danny Elfman
[This isn't that different than the original which was narrated by actor Patrick Stewart. I do think that Danny's voice has a very neat sound to it though, especially since he did Jack's vocals in the original]

3.This Is Halloween-Marilyn Manson
[Definitely a Manson track. Creepy as ever. Has some techno undertones, but sticks with the goth sound that Marilyn does so well.]

4.Jack's Lament-The All-American Rejects
[This isn't my favorite track, by any means. Tyson's voice seems a bit whiny for the song...not as good as it could have been.]

5.Doctor Finklestien/In The forest-Amiina
[This was really nice. There's a slightly Asian backbone to the song, and I love the deep strings (Bass I think?) that keep the beat. It also has a music box feel.]

6.What's This?-Flyleaf
[One of my favorite tracks on the CD. Flyleaf did an amazing job. The song is quite a bit slower and more melancholy than the original (and definitely more so than Fall Out Boy's cover from the last special edition!). Lacey's voice really shines in this song.]

7.Town Meeting Song-The Polyphonic Spree
[The beginning of this song was really cool, futuristic! Lol. Almost David Bowie's Space Oddity sounding. Actually, the whole song had a Bowie-esque sound to it. I liked how they changed the vocal melody...it's like a completely new song. Towards the middle it gets a bit Broadway sounding. It's really something new.]

8.Jack and Sally Montage-The Vitamin String Quartet
[Exactly the excellence you'd expect of Vitamin. Beautiful strings. I could listen to this over and over.]

9.Jack's Obsession-Sparklehorse
[Falsetto. That really sums it up lol. I will say though that the acoustic guitar is quite beautiful, as well as the vocal melody, which like in The Town Meeting Song was changed. There's the faint hint of something that could be a lullaby, maybe.]

10.Kidnap The Sandy Claws-Korn
[Classic Korn. Creepy, strange vocalizations, the whole nine yards.]

11.Making Christmas-Rise Against
[Love the electric guitar opening! And being a Rise Against fan, I'm kinda biased, but I'll say that I really liked this. Very hard-core. Love it.]

12.Nabbed-Yoshida Brothers
[Done in a very beautiful classical Japanese style, with a techno/dance twist. Really great.]

13.Oogie Boogie's Song-Bordrigo y Gabriella
[Spanish! It has that wonderful acoustic guitar flair you get from Spanish flamenco music.
This is the first track on the CD that takes a song that originally had vocals and made it instrumental.]

14.Sally's Song-Amy Lee
[What can I say other than gorgeous when describing Amy's voice? She just owned this song. It's haunting. I love the extra Goth she added to the song. Absolutely amazing, brilliant, beautiful!]

15.Christmas Eve Montage-Rjd2
[Electro. Fun. Christmas with it's own neat little spin. All I can say is it's way fun to listen to, and you can definitely dance to it!]

16.Poor Jack-Plain White T's
[I liked this one. Tom's voice really complimented the song, it's not very unlike the original Elfman version. This song really shows a side of Tom's voice I've never heard, he has quite a range. This exceeded my expectations. Really a good song.]

17.To The Rescue-Datarock
[More electro, techno, synth-pop, whatever-you-wanna-call-it. I'm also a Datarock fan, and I can say they did quite the job on this instrumental piece. Fun stuff.]

18.Finale/Reprise-Shiny Toy Guns
[I love how it starts with a almost "broken carousel" version of "Here Comes Santa Clause" with the guys in the band creepily whispering "la-la-la-la". Then it goes hard-core on us. They even through in a few "Phantom" style organ chords. Another curve, it turns into a very pretty ballad, with church style organs. Again, vocal melodies have been changed, but it's all for the better. The song is really great.]

19.Closing-Danny Elfman
[Same as opening really. Just the original piece narrated by Elfman instead of Stewart]

20.End Title-The Album Leaf
[A very clam, pretty, instrumental end to the CD. Kinda makes me that warm kind of sleepy when I hear it.]

Anyway, it's a great album with surprises around every corner. Be sure to get a listen! Truly a great album, and definitely the best so-far of the Nightmare remakes.

I'm going to share one of (because there's no possible way to fit all of them!) my favorite tracks, Flyleaf's version of "What's This?.

Enjoy!

What's This?-Flyleaf

Lyrics

What's this? What's this?
There's color everywhere
What's this?
There's white things in the air
What's this?
I can't believe my eyes
I must be dreaming
Wake up, Jack, this isn't fair
What's this?

What's this? What's this?
There's something very wrong
What's this?
There's people singing songs

What's this?
The streets are lined with
Little creatures laughing
Everybody seems so happy
Have I possibly gone daffy?
What is this?
What's this?

There's children throwing snowballs
instead of throwing heads
They're busy building toys
And absolutely no one's dead

There's frost on every window
Oh, I can't believe my eyes
And in my bones I feel the warmth
That's coming from inside

Oh, look
What's this?
They're hanging mistletoe, they kiss
Why that looks so unique, inspired
They're gathering around to hear a story
Roasting chestnuts on a fire
What's this?

What's this?
In here they've got a little tree, how queer
And who would ever think
And why?

They're covering it with tiny little things
They've got electric lights on strings
And there's a smile on everyone
So, now, correct me if I'm wrong
This looks like fun
This looks like fun
Oh, could it be I got my wish?
What's this?

Oh my, what now?
The children are asleep
But look, there's nothing underneath
No ghouls, no witches here to scream and scare them
Or ensnare them, only little cozy things
Secure them in their dreamland...

What's this?

The monsters are all missing
And the nightmares can't be found
And in their place there seems to be
Good feeling all around

Instead of screams, I swear
I can hear music in the air
The smell of cakes and pies
are absolutely everywhere

The sights, the sounds
They're everywhere and all around
I've never felt this good before
This empty place inside of me has been filling up
I simply cannot get enough

I want it, oh, I want it
Oh, I want it for my own
I've got to know
I've got to know
What is this place that I have found?
What is this?

Cath...

2008-12-03T18:56:00.000-08:00

I'm going to get this out there right now; I'm not a huge Death Cab for Cutie fan. I like some of their popular stuff (I Will Follow You Into The Dark, Soul Meets Body ...), but, as a whole? Not my favorite band.
But this song has simply captivated me.

Cath... is lovely in every way. The lyrics describe such an upsetting, bittersweet scenario; it's impossible not to sympathize with the character the song describes and her less-than-desirable situation. And the way this story is told, from a third person perspective, makes you feel as if you're stepping into the story, watching this scene play out - as if you're one of the people in the pews, whispering, "it won't last"; as if you're one of her friends, asking "what became of her".

Besides the powerful and heartbreaking lyrics, the instrumental melodies are quite impressive. The simple, yet effective, guitar which opens the song is probably my favorite part of the entire track, as far as instrumentals. Paired with the ticking symbol, the melody is catchy and keeps you tuned in for just a few bars, before the drums really kick in and you know the song has begun.

The only thing I don't like about this song is how quickly it seems to end. Clocking in at nearly four minutes, the track is not at all short; however, while you're listening, you get so drawn in to the storyline and the way the band presents it that you seem to loose track of time - until the same familiar guitar melody fades into the background of the final seconds of the song.

For a song with such a literal, straight-forward lyrical standpoint, I am surprised to find myself twisting the story in my own mind, discovering new ways to interpret the lyrics in a more figurative way. As a whole, I simple adore this song, and whether you see it from a literal or figurative standpoint, it's really just a one-of-a-kind track.

This is Cath... by Death Cab for Cutie.

Death Cab For Cutie - Cath... Official Music Video

Cath...
Death Cab for Cutie

Cath, she stands with a well-intentioned man
But she can't relax with his hand on the small of her back
And as the flashbulbs burst, she holds a smile
Like someone would hold a crying child

And soon everybody will ask what became of you
'Cause your heart was dying fast, and you didn't know what to do

Cath, it seems that you live in someone else's dream
In a hand-me-down wedding dress
Where the things that could have been all repressed
But you said your vows, and you closed the door
On so many men who would have loved you more

And soon everybody will ask what became of you
'Cause your heart was dying fast, and you didn't know what to do

The whispers that it won't last roll up and down the pews
But if their hearts were dying that fast,
They'd have done the same as you
And I'd have done the same as you.

Lacrymosa

2008-11-21T11:46:00.000-08:00

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.

Whispers In The Dark

2008-11-18T17:47:00.000-08:00

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

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

2008-11-11T16:59:00.000-08:00

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

"We Can Be Heroes, Just For One Day"

2008-11-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

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
KÃ¶nntest Du schwimmen
Wie Delphine
Delphine es tun
Niemand gibt uns eine Chance
Doch kÃ¶nnen wir siegen
FÃ¼r immer und immer
Und wir sind dann Helden
FÃ¼r einen Tag

Ich
Ich bin dann KÃ¶nig
Und Du
Du KÃ¶nigin
Obwohl sie
Unschlagbar scheinen
Werden wir Helden
FÃ¼r einen Tag
Wir sind dann wir
An diesem Tag

Ich
Ich glaub' das zu trÃ¤umen
die Mauer
Im RÃ¼cken war kalt
Die SchÃ¼sse reissen die Luft
Doch wir kÃ¼ssen
Als ob nichts geschieht
Und die Scham fiel auf ihre Seite
Oh, wir kÃ¶nnen sie schlagen
FÃ¼r 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

You're Gonna Go Far, Kid

2008-11-08T22:23:00.001-08:00

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!

What A Catch, Donnie

2008-10-25T22:43:00.001-07:00

Some of the people reading this may be aware of the fact that Fall Out Boy has a new album on the way. The album is titled Folie a Deux and is scheduled to be released worldwide December 15th and 16th of this year. Several singles have already been released from the album, and I have to say my favorite so far is titled What A Catch, Donnie.
This is a lovely ballad that transitions flawlessly between soft, insightful verses to a strong, powerful chorus. The gorgeous lyrics are presented beautifully by lead vocalist Patrick Stump in such a way that makes you feel so much. The entire track has such a lovely, sweet essence to it; but, at the same time, there's a sting of some underlying message behind the words. It's up to you, as the listener, to determine what isn't being said - but rather, delivered by the simplistic instrumentals and phenomenal vocals.
A creative touch was added to the song with the incorporation of a handful of cameo appearances which take the stage at the end of the track. Each guest vocalist sings a snippet of one of Fall Out Boy's other songs. These segments span the entire career of the band; from lyrics off of their debut album Evening Out With Your Girlfriend (2003) to one of their singles from the soon-to-be released Folie a Deux (2008), these "extra" vocals add a certain touch to the song, and are a special treat to those who have been fans of the band from the beginning.
All in all, this track is simply lovely. It looks like Fall Out Boy is back, and in a big way! Make sure to check out the band's other new singles, I Don't Care and Headfirst Slide Into Cooperstown On A Bad Bet, and don't forget to grab your copy of Folie a Deux on December 15th and 16th.
But for now, please enjoy listening to What A Catch, Donnie.

Fall Out Boy - What A Catch, Donnie Video

What A Catch, Donnie
Fall Out Boy

I've got troubled thoughts and the self-esteem to match
What a catch, what a catch

You'll never catch us, so just let me be
Said I'll be fine 'till the hospital, or American Embassy
Miss Flack said I still want you back
Yeah, Miss Flack said I still want you back

I've got troubled thoughts and the self-esteem to match
What a catch, what a catch
And all I can think of is the way I'm the one who charmed the one
Who gave up on you, who gave up on you

They say the captain goes down with the ship
So, when the world ends, will God go down with it?
Miss Flack said I still want you back
Yeah, Miss Flack said I still want you back

I've got troubled thoughts and the self-esteem to match
What a catch, what a catch
And all I can think of is the way I'm the one who charmed the one
Who gave up on you, who gave up on you

[Elvis Costello; "Headfirst Slide Into Cooperstown On A Bad Bet"]
I will never end up like him
Behind my back, I already am
Keep a calendar, this way you will always know ...

I've got troubled thoughts and the self-esteem to match
What a catch, what a catch
And all I can think of is the way I'm the one who charmed the one
Who gave up on you, who gave up on you

[Gabe Saporta; "Grand Theft Autumn/Where Is Your Boy?"]
Where is your boy tonight? I hope he is a gentleman
Maybe he won't find out what I know ...
[Travis McCoy; "Sugar, We're Goin' Down"]
We're going down, down in an earlier round
And sugar, we're goin' down swinging ...
[Brendon Urie; "Dance, Dance"]
Dance, dance, we're falling apart to halftime
Dance, dance, and these are the lives you'd love to lead ...
[Doug Neumann; "This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race"]
This ain't a scene, it's a goddamn arms race
This ain't a scene, it's a goddamn arms race
[Alex DeLeon; "Thnks fr th Mmrs"]
One night, yeah and one more time
Thanks for the memories, even though they weren't so great ...
[William Beckett; "Growing Up"]
Growing up, growing up ...

I've got troubled thoughts and the self-esteem to match
What a catch, what a catch ...

*brackets indicate guest vocalists and the songs in which the lyrics they sing were originally recorded

99 Red Balloons

2008-10-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

I've always loved this song, "99 Luft Balloons". The German song about a few kids who let ninety-nine red balloons fly into the air only to have the government mistake it as a declaration of nuclear war. Air raid alarms go off and family's huddle into bomb shelters...all 'cause of a child having fun. It's always been a favorite of mine, the tune, the story, it's just a great song.

A few years ago I heard it on the radio, but it wasn't the "99 Luft Balloons" I knew, it was a faster paced more punk/ska version of the song in English. After a while of searching I found that it was a cover done by the band Goldfinger, and really, I think I like it more than the original.

The energy they put behind the cover is great, and best of all it didn't sacrifice the tune of the original at all. It's a must hear for anyone who loves the original, and for any punk/ska fans.

So here it is, Goldfinger's cover of "99 Red Balloons".

Goldfinger-99 Red Balloons (cover)

Metro Station - "Metro Station"

2008-10-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

I enjoy listening to Metro Station much more than I would have ever anticipated.
I got a chance to listen to their debut album (Metro Station, released in 2007) for the first time recently and I must say, I am highly impressed. Their songs are made for the dance floor, with an irresistible beat and just the right touch of character. A few passionate lyrics thrown in make the tracks relate-able without losing their memorable charm.
So, maybe Metro Station isn't about making a statement or changing the world. These boys just want to get out and have some fun; and man, they're doing it, in a big way. While they may lack the depth of some other chart-topping artists, this band's free spirit and wild side keep them ahead of the rest.
Here's an album review for Metro Station's first studio effort.

Metro Station - Metro Station (2007)

1. Seventeen Forever - A good, solid track to start off the album. Slower through the verses and picking up in the chorus, this one follows a theme that seems to be a constant through Metro Station's debut; a song about young love and living for the moment ("We won't be seventeen forever, and we can get away with this tonight"). A really pleasant song to listen to; it just has a good vibe about it.
2. Control - The second track starts off with a quiet keyboard part before breaking out into a catchy dance beat. A little faster than the preceding track, this one is sexy and is just begging to be played in a dance club somewhere.
3. Kelsey - Such a soft, sweet track. An ode to one lover from another, it's one of those plain, honest love songs that just makes you feel good. The keyboard dominates this track, but in a simpler form than in others on the album. Everything about this song is just nice; it's simplicity is what makes this song great.
4. Shake It - Everybody's favorite, no? The fourth track on this album hit major mainstream success, topping charts across the country. With such an undeniable beat, it's got people on the dance floor all over the place. This one can't be beat for a bunch of teens - or older, perhaps - who just want to get out and have some fun for a night.
5. Wish We Were Older - Slowing it down a bit for track five, Metro Station puts a little more passion in this track without losing their dance club vibe. Again, seductive lyrics mask a message that may run a little bit deeper. The hook in the chorus makes you want to get up and move, while the bittersweet lyrics and overall vibe of the song keep you digging deeper into this track.
6. Now That We're Done - Again, a softer keyboard supports this track throughout. Like the track previous, Metro Station puts a passionate spin on a catchy dance beat to make a truly interesting listen. The repetitive, techno-style chorus is unforgettable. This track is one of my favorites on the album.
7. True To Me - The guitars pick up to give this track a little more of a pop-rock vibe than the rest of the album. A keyboard, however, still pounds out a catchy theme during the choruses, in which the lyrics and style screams pop. Not the strongest track on the album, but still fun all the same. The lyrics are sweet.
8. Tell Me What To Do - This track opens up strong, with a hook that keeps you tapping your toes all the way through. Again, lover's lyrics flow seamlessly over the staccato beat to produce a song that's really got more to offer than you realize the first time you listen. Another one of my favorites on the album; the bridge may be my favorite part.
9. California - Possibly the weakest track on the album, in my opinion. This song screams "spring break road trip"; not only in the lyrics, but in the pop-y, fast-paced beat and carefree vibe. A fun song to listen to, but definitely not one of my favorites.
10. Disco - Metro Station wraps it up with the third track which I put on my list of album favorites. This track just seems very well composed overall; a perfect use of different instrumental and vocal parts compliment each other beautifully. I like how they break away from the dance beat for a moment in the chorus of this song; it gives the whole track a very special presence. The lyrics tie together a gorgeous song to end the band's debut.

Even though I'm not a huge fan of this style of music, Metro Station has combined the styling of several different genres to create songs - and a debut album! - that really appeals to me. If Metro Station sounds interesting to you, I encourage you to check out the following links.

Check out Metro Station's website to learn more about the band.

The lyrics for all the songs on the debut album and more can be found on this website.

In an effort to broaden your horizons past the ever-popular Shake It, I'm going to post a music video for another of Metro Station's fun, upbeat tracks. I think the video represents the song perfectly, as well as what this band's music really stands for - all the wacky, crazy times Metro Station thrives on.
Here's Control by Metro Station.

Metro Station - Control Official Music Video

Artist Site

Pencey Prep - An Old Band, A New Favorite

2008-10-02T15:22:00.001-07:00

I first looked up Pencey Prep after discovering that it was the band Frank Iero was in before moving on to play guitar for My Chemical Romance. I knew Pencey Prep had broken up many years ago, but I still had a desire to look into what few songs they had managed to put out in their five-odd years together.
Pencey Prep's one-and-only studio effort, Heartbreak In Stero, was released in 2002. The album combines hardcore screamo with softer, acoustic styling, all the while maintaining a true punk-rock vibe. The lyrics scream - literally - about the troubles of life and seem especially relate-able for teens; from broken hearts to schoolyard bullies, Pencey Prep's songs go out to kids around the world.
It's a shame this band has broken up; I think with a bit more refinement and a few more years under their belt, Pencey Prep could have been something big. However, I know at least one member of the band has gone on to have a successful career in the music industry - and while their tracks may be limited, Pencey Prep has left behind one very like-able album.
I encourage you to take a listen to all of the tracks on Heartbreak In Stereo. My personal favorites off the album include PS Don't Write, The Secret Goldfish, Trying To Escape The Inevitable, and Lloyd Dobbler.
For now, I leave you with a video for Trying To Escape The Inevitable. I think this song has the most elements and has the most depth out of all my favorites listed above, while giving you a taste of a lot of the different styles Pencey Prep incorporates into the album. I hope you enjoy! =D

Pencey Prep - Trying To Escape The Inevitable Video

Trying To Escape The Inevitable
Pencey Prep

I have this reoccurring dream
You make it hard for me to breathe
I gave you everything I could
I gave up everything I own

And when you smile, it's not for me
You offer little sympathy
You're grasp so far exceeds your reach
I wake up, this is not a dream

I almost can't believe
That you're the same
Person who can
Straight-faced with a smile
Tell me that you love me

(Crawl!)
And I know I should run, I know I should run (But I don't get too far)
And I know I should run, I know I should ...(I know I should run)
And I know I should run (But I just keep running back)
And I know I should run, I know I should ...

I have this reoccurring dream
You admit that you're not happy
I know that you will never leave
You're here just to torment me

And I almost can't believe (And I know I should run, I know I should run)
That you're the same (And I know I should run, I know I should ...)
Person who can (And I know I should run, I know I should run)
Straight-faced with a smile (And I know I should run, I know I should ...)
Tell me that you love me

[Spoken]
I had a new dream and everything was perfect
The sky is pink, yellow, green, blue, and orange
And all the past has been forgotten
(I don't know how you don't choke on every lie you've ever told me!)
And we fell in love, and we fell in love, and we fell in love
And I fell into your trap!

And I know I should run, and I know I should run (You kept me sick!)
And I know I should run, and I know I should ... (You kept me sick!)
And I know I should run, and I know I should run (You took it all!)
And I know I should run, and I know I should...
(Run!) And I know I should run, and I know I should run (Run!)
And I know I should run, run, run!
(Run!) And I know I should run, and I know I should run (Run!)
And I know I should run, run, run!

You kept me sick
You took it all
You kept me complacent
But not for long!

Run!

Feeling fine

2008-09-23T16:52:00.000-07:00

I started listening to J-Pop and J-Rock when I was about tweleve years old. The sound is so different from what you hear here in the US, actually it's quite different from any music I've heard before.

The rock has a happier sound to it, yet most commonly a harder metal like background. And the lyrics are always more poetic it seems.

I've listened to many Japanese bands over the years. PuffyAmiyumi, Nana Kitade, High and Mighty Color, Gackt, but out of them all L'Arc~en~Ciel (which is french for Rainbow, or more litterally "The Arc In The Sky") is my favorite. Hyde, the frontman and lead singer, has this beautiful and powerful voice, clean and clear. Ken's lyrics always blow me away whether in English or in Japanese (I speak, write and read a bit).

One of my favorite L'Arc song is "Feeling Fine". The tune is catchy and happy, countering the slightly sad lyrics. The song is about breaking up and moving on, but it leaves you with happy thoughts. "Loving you made me happy everyday".

I'd recomend any and all of L'Arc's album's and songs. "Feeling Fine" is off their album "SMILE".

Be sure to also check out their album "AWAKE" though...everything they do is maginificant.

Below is a fan made video for "Feeling Fine" and the lyrics in both Japanese and English. Enjoy!

Feeling Fine-L'Arc~en~Ciel

-Original Japanese Lyrics-

Are you feeling fine?
Nemurenai yoru ni wa kimi no maboroshi ga...
She said, "Loving you made me happy everyday"
Ano koro to onaji sa mukaji na kao de hanashikakenaide

Tsunagatteite mo yokan shiteta kara saisho kara tabun
Tooi kako no koto sa oshietekureta wakare no imi

Itsu ni nareba ito wo tachikiri kimi wo norikoeru?

Are you feeling fine?
Nagai michi no tochuu de sayonara no kawari ni
She said, "Loving you made me happy everyday"
Nanigoto mo nai ka no you sekai wa mawaru boku wo nokoshite

Kagirinaku jiyuu... Tsukaenai kurai jikan wa tsukinai
Harewataru hibi ni tozashiteite mo jiyuu dakedo

Ude wo nobashi DOOR wo hiraite wasurekaketa no ni...

Are you feeling fine?
Nemurenai yoru ni wa kimi no maboroshi ga...
She said, "Loving you made me happy everyday"
Ano koro to onaji sa mukaji na kao de hanashikakenaide

Binetsu karuku doko ka kimi wo...

Imagoro kitto ki ni mo tomezu ni kimi wa yume no naka

Are you feeling fine?
Muda na teikou wa yamete ashita e to mukaou
I said, "Loving you made me happy everyday"
Itsu no ma ni ka nemuri ni togirete kieta egao no mama de

-English Translation-

Are you feeling fine?
On sleepless nights, the illusion of you...
She said, "Loving you made me happy everyday"
Don't talk to me with the innocent face you had back then

Though these feelings must have connected us from the start
I learned what it means to break up a long tim ago

When did the thread get cut and leave you hanging?

Are you feeling fine?
In the middle of the long road, instead of "goodbye"
She said, "Loving you made me happy everyday"
The world keeps turning, leaving me behind as if I were nothing

Unending freedom...Far more time than I have a use for
But at least I'm free to lock those days behind me

I've forgotten how to open the door that leads into my heart...

Are you feeling fine?
On sleepless nights, the illusion of you...
She said, "Loving you made me happy everyday"
Don't talk to me with the innocent face you had back then

You were somewhere in my fever...

Even now, I can't help but knowing you'll be in my dreams

Are you feeling fine?
Stop trying to resist, move on to tomorrow
I said, "Loving you made me happy everyday"
When did I start sleeping without seeing your smile?

Lucky

2008-09-21T22:27:00.000-07:00

Ahh. Once again, the sweet sound of Jason Mraz.

I've found that it's becoming harder and harder for me to get by without listening to this man sing.

His voice is soothing in a way, just soft enough, but with enough power to actually be called a "voice". He also uses that wonderful guitar style I love so much. Soft rock with the occasional bit of Spanish and jazz flare.

When I checked his new album "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things." from the library the first song I really fell in love with was "Lucky", his duet with Colbie Caillat.
The Melody is so sweet, like a lullaby. Colbie's voice compliments Jason's very well.

The lyrics were some of the sweetest I've ever heard. I find myself falling to sleep to this song so often these days.

It's really quite the simple care-free song, and you can't really go into elaborate detail about it, and that's what I find so wonderful and special about it. It's self explanatory, it's real, it's honest, it's not in anyway complicated. It's a song that will just make you happy. Haha as you may have noticed I've been posting a lot of those lately...

Anyway, enjoy the song. Hopefully it will bring you the sweet smile and happy sigh it brought me. I'd do anything to pass that feeling on =]

Lucky (Feat. Colbie Caillat)-Jason Mraz

Do you hear me,
I'm talking to you
Across the water across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky, oh my, baby I'm trying
Boy I hear you in my dreams
I feel your whisper across the sea
I keep you with me in my heart
You make it easier when life gets hard

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Ooohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh

They don't know how long it takes
Waiting for a love like this
Every time we say goodbye
I wish we had one more kiss
I'll wait for you I promise you, I will

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Lucky we're in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday

And so I'm sailing through the sea
To an island where we'll meet
You'll hear the music fill the air
I'll put a flower in your hair
Though the breezes through trees
Move so pretty you're all I see
As the world keeps spinning round
You hold me right here right now

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
I'm lucky we're in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday

Ooohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
Ooooh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh

Tonight, Tonight

2008-09-18T21:00:00.001-07:00

I've been a fan of Panic At The Disco for a pretty long time now, and am just starting to get into the Smashing Pumpkins' music, too. The first song I heard from the Pumpkins was Tonight, Tonight, and I was instantly impressed but the dramatic styling of the song and the beautiful, inspiring lyrics.
When I heard Panic! did a cover of the song, I was speechless. I knew Panic's lead singer, Brendon Urie, had just the theatrical style to pull off the elegant track.
And boy, I was anything but disappointed when I heard the cover for the first time! Brendon and the rest of the band went above and beyond in covering an already spectacular song. Even more astounding is the fact that this cover was never recorded; the only version of it available is a live performance!
Usually I don't post live videos on this site, and I try to keep from posting about the same artist over and over ... but this cover was too perfect to resist sharing. It really stand on it's own; this cover embodies all that is Panic At The Disco, while giving tribute to the timeless band who recorded it first.
This is Tonight, Tonight, originally by the Smashing Pumpkins, covered by Panic At The Disco.

Panic At The Disco - Tonight, Tonight Live Performance

Tonight, Tonight
Panic At The Disco
Originally Recorded by the Smashing Pumpkins

Time is never time at all
You can never ever leave without leaving a piece of youth
And our lives are forever changed
We will never be the same
The more you change the less you feel

Believe, believe in me, believe
Believe that life can change
That you re not stuck in vain
Were not the same, we're different tonight
Tonight, so bright
Tonight

And you know you're never sure
But you're sure you could be right
If you held yourself up to the light
And the embers never fade, in your city by the lake
The place where you were born

Believe, believe in me, believe
Believe in the resolute urgency of now
And if you believe there's not a chance tonight
Tonight, so bright
Tonight

We'll crucify the insincere tonight
We'll make things right, we'll feel it all tonight
We'll find a way to offer up the night, tonight
The indescribable moments of your life, tonight
The impossible is possible tonight
Believe in me as I believe in you, tonight

Two Weeks In Hawaii

2008-09-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

Haha, yes, I'm posting about another Hellogoodbye song.

This song isn't just my favorite Hellogoodbye song, but one of my all-time favorite songs, and has been for years now.

I heard this song for the first time when I bought Hellogoobye's album "Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!" in 2006. It became an instant favorite, and a song I never get tired of hearing.

This varies from HG's consistent techno style, and comes across with a more rock sound. The melody is gorgeous, but what really got me were the lyrics.
I found myself wishing some guy would write a song like this about me lol. The lyrics have this great honest and caring feel to them, and I can never tear myself away from this song. I smile every time I hear the lines:
"I felt so bad when your mom caught us eating ice cream in your room at three in the morning, 'cause I'd hate for her to not want me around her daughter 'cause my heart stops every time."
It's just too honest, from the heart, adorable...I've fallen in love with this song, totally and completely, and hope that you will too.

So take a listen, and read the lyrics, and most of all...enjoy!

Two Weeks In Hawaii-Hellogoodbye

you've got your airplane
and i've got the plain air of here
you're gone and i've gone insane
oh when will you reappear
but i'm just some new kid
who can't get his mind off of you
and i know that it's stupid

'cause you've got hawaii
and i've gotten no letters from you
i should stop whining
'cause it's only been a day or two...
i don't know what you did
but you got me to fall for you
i know that it's stupid

your family's rad and i
wish that they were here today
but they're thousands and thousands of miles away
i felt so bad when your mom
caught us eating ice cream in your
room at three in the morning

'cause i'd hate for her
to not want me around her daughter 'cause my heart stops every time

you've got Polaroid
and you even know how to rhyme
i'd be overjoyed
if we could just hang out sometime
i don't know what you did
but you got me to fall for you
and i know that it's stupid
but you know that i try

your drawing's rad and i
put it on my wall and i made
sure it wouldn't fall 'cause if it did
my straw wrapper might tear
and there would be no knot and i would
feel like i'd been shot right through the heart

and i'd fall apart but i'd remember how
my heart stops every time

you are so special
i just hope that we can be friends
i'll wait forever
but i guess that it all depends
on you and yours
so come on and dance with me
'cause you are so special

i hope this makes you smile
and you might stay that way for a while
'cause you deserve every grin that you get
and you'll get 'em a lot from me
oh oh oh oh

you are so special
i just hope that we can be friends
i'll wait forever
but i guess that it all depends
on you and yours
so come on and dance with me
'cause you are so special

I Don't Care

2008-09-13T11:08:00.000-07:00

The first song I heard from Apocalyptica was I'm Not Jesus, and I was instantly impressed by the band's ability to incorporate classical string instruments with their hard-rock sound.
Just recently, I heard I Don't Care by Apocalyptica, and I must say ... I love this song even more.
This track is gorgeous through-and-through. It opens with the band's trademark cellos, which create a soft, beautiful introduction to what proves to be a desperate, sorrowful collection of verses and chorus. The lyrics are the type that, at face value, are nothing but sad; but if you listen to them long enough and really try to feel what they're saying, you get an almost hopeful vibe from the bleak words.
The cellos really pick up in the bridge, where they swell and crescendo just enough to give you a definite feel for the essence of the track - right before a piano joins in to really take it home. And just when you think the song is over, one more chorus, full of crashing drums and steady guitar, pitches in to make sure you get the message.
And you do. This song is so powerful and so emotional, it's impossible not to be captivated by the whole thing.
And the music video. Oh my. A complete masterpiece. Every aspect of the video blends in perfectly with the message of the song; the dark, hopelessly hopeful feeling. The dancing in the video blows me away, and I love how they really showcased their cellos in several amazing shots.
Overall, I think this song is simply stunning. I commend Apocalyptica on being the only metal band I know to incorporate cellos in their music on a regular basis; and they completely rock it! I look forward to seeing this band on the charts again and again; I can see them becoming one of my new favorites.
This is I Don't Care by Apocalyptica, featuring Adam Gontier.

Apocalyptica - I Don't Care Official Music Video
I used MySpace videos to post this video because I couldn't find an embed-able version on YouTube. I've never tried this before, so ... I hope it works okay o.0

Apocalyptica - I Don't Care Feat. Adam Gontier

I Don't Care
Apocalyptica feat. Adam Gontier

I try to make it through my life, in my way, there's you
I try to make it through these lies, and that's all I do

Just don't deny it
Don't try to fight this
And deal with it, that's just part of it

If you were dead or still alive
I don't care, I don't care
Just go and leave this all behind
'Cause I swear, I don't care

I try to make you see my side
Always trying to stay in line
But your eyes see right through
That's all they do

I'm getting buried in this place
I've got no room, you're in my face
Don't say anything, just go away

If you were dead or still alive
I don't care, I don't care
Just go and leave this all behind
'Cause I swear, I don't care

I'm changing everything, 'cause you won't be there for me ...

If you were dead or still alive
I don't care, I don't care
Just go and leave this all behind
'Cause I swear, I don't care

If you were dead or still alive
I don't care, I don't care
Just go and leave this all behind
I don't care, I don't care, at all ...

Corteo-Cirque du Soleil

2008-09-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

Every since I was young I've appreciated music from different cultures. Growing up learning Greek folk dance and thus listening to the music, and learning Russian character dance and flamenco, and again listening to the music that comes with it.
I however am not sure where my love for French music came from, but I do know that I'm captivated by French gypsy music.

I also adore circus music. Not Barnum & Bailey style "Big Top" music, but classic caravan circus music. Haha more gypsy sounding. Then there's the side of me that loves those gorgeous Celtic and Gaelic sounds...needless to say I love folk music from around the world.

Last Saturday my dance teacher brought in a Cirque du Soleil soundtrack to dance to, and started off the class with the song "Anneaux" from Cirque's show "Corteo". I was immeadiately captivated by the beat, and then the vocalization, oh and then the strings! It had the essence of a good Nightwish song, but with a French twist, and of course a more circus feel.
This weekend I looking through the library for a copy of the CD, and with great luck found one! I've been listening to it ever since. And this CD has all of the sounds I talked about above!

The other song that caught my eye (though really, they all did) was "Klezmer Moment", it starts off a very Gypsy sounding piece sung by a man with a wonderful Spanish sounding voice, and towards the middle gets into even more of that wonderful French Gypsy/Circus sound. The accordian, everything, is perfect.

Really, this whole CD is worth a listen, and I'm planning on going out and buying acctually. It's quite wonderful!

What's quite amazing about the music from this show is that the vocals are performed in a mixture of three different languages, French, Spanish, and Italian. The ensemble is made up of 61 musicians and singers, with a 16 piece choir, and 13 piece string section.
As I said, quite amazing!

Hopefully, one day I'll be able to go to one of these magnificent shows!

Anyway, without futher delay, these two songs that captivated me so!

Anneaux

Klezmer Moment

"Klezmar Moment" Lyrics

Si ca te fait du bien
Si ca te fait du bien
de te sentir un peu plus mal
Sens-toi bien mal
Sens-toi bien mal
pour te sentir un peu mieux
Sens-toi bien mal
Sens-toi bien mal
pour te sentir un peu mieux

Si ca te fait du bien
Si ca te fait du bien
de te sentir un peu plus mal
Sens-toi bien mal
Sens-toi bien mal
pour te sentir un peu mieux
Sens-toi bien mal
Sens-toi bien mal
pour te sentir un peu mieux

Mieux
Sans te sentir mal
Te fait du bien alors sens-toi
bien mal
pour te sentir un peu mieux

Si ca te fait du bien
Si ca te fait du bien
de te sentir un peu plus mal
Sens-toi bien mal
Sens-toi bien mal
pour te sentir un peu mieux
Sens-toi bien mal
Sens-toi bien mal
pour te sentir un peu mieux

Si ca te fait du bien
Si ca te fait du bien
de te sentir un peu plus mal
Sens-toi bien mal
Sens-toi bien mal
pour te sentir un peu mieux
Sens-toi bien mal
Sens-toi bien mal

Only Time

2008-09-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

Listening to music by Enya brings back so many memories for me.
Hearing her music reminds me of my childhood. I can clearly remember popping her album A Day Without Rain (2000) into my boombox - back before iPods and MP3's - at night before I went to sleep, putting the boombox on the bed next to my pillow, plugging my headphones in and letting the soft, beautiful music soothe me to sleep. I listened to this album almost every night when I was seven, eight years old.
Only Time brings back especially strong memories for me. This was one of my favorite songs by Enya at the time.
When I got older, I stopped listening to Enya. The CD was packed away with a lot of the other albums I adored as a child, and I moved on to the style of music I enjoy now.
But, for some odd reason, today I had a strange urge to listen to Enya again. I found the album, and listening to tracks like Only Time made me smile and made me remember how much it meant to me when I was little. I turned on Tempus Vernum - a darker track, only two-and-a-half minutes long - and laughed, remembering how it was the only track on the album I couldn't fall asleep to when I was younger; the chanting vocals scared me! Now, I love the entire style of it. Other songs, like Wild Child and the title track, A Day Without Rain, also put me in a reminiscent mood.
Now I'm pleased to say Enya's eight-year-old album graces the inner workings of my iPod. I can't wait to fall asleep listening to her lovely voice again.
Here's a small taste of the music I loved as a child. This is Only Time by Enya.

Enya - Only Time Official Music Video

Only Time
Enya

Who can say where the road goes? Where the day flows? Only time.
And who can say if your love grows, as your heart chose? Only time.

Who can say why your heart sighs, as your love flies? Only time.
And who can say why your heart cries, when your love lies? Only time.

Who can say when the roads meet, that love might be, in your heart.
And who can say when the day sleeps, if the night keeps, all your heart.
Night keeps all your heart

Who can say if your love grows, as your heart chose? Only time.
And who can say where the road goes? Where the day flows? Only time.

Who knows? Only time . . .

"Don't Believe Me"-Steven Lufkin

2008-09-07T12:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I do have to admit that I am slightly biased when posting this 'cause I know the artist lol.

But really, you have to hear this kid play!
My friend Sasha told me that he was playing in July, and I've been hooked ever since. He's only 15 years old!

Steven is a great musician. He plays a mean guitar, like crazy Jimmy Hendrix style solos, but he also writes beautiful acoustic songs. The amazing thing...he's only been playing guitar for two years!!!

I want to share his song "Don't Believe Me" from last night's show. This is my favorite of his songs...definitely hit single material.
It makes me think of a newer, happier version of My Chem's "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)", not in terms of sound really, but the lyrics and overall feel of the song.

"I'm in the car driving north on the highway
If I was in control I'd have things my way
Don't believe me when I say I'm Okay
Don't Believe me when I say I understand..."

Anyway, check out his myspace. He's got quite a few songs recorded and up on the page. Including the recorded version of "Don't Believe Me".

http://myspace.com/undertheapple

So here's the live video from last night! Haha you can hear the audience (myself included) singing along...sorry 'bout that!

Don't Believe Me (Live @ Village Coffee Roastery)-Steven Lufkin

Banana Pancakes-Jack Johnson

2008-09-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

I've known about Jack Johnson for awhile now, but due to my previous more narrow music tastes I had never bothered to really listen. Lately however, I've been branching out and listening to a lot of different music, and Jack Johnson is one of the artists I looked into.

The melodies to his song are always soft and catchy, and the lyrics sweet and calm. It's perfect music more sitting on the porch with your dog and sipping a lemonade. You get this overwhelming sense of calmness, and carefree when you hear it.

I recently bought his album "In Between Dreams". . .lol and honestly how I chose which Jack Johnson album to get (for as I said, I'm not terribly familiar with him as an artist, but I had decided on buying one of his albums.) was to buy the album with the yellow cover. Haha and that gave me two choices, this album ("In Between Dreams"), or the Curious George soundtrack. Both of which I sampled at the bookstore, and in the end I opted for this one.

All that said I'm very happy to have chosen "In Between Dreams". While I'm sure the Curious George soundtrack is equally wonderful, I've found another favorite song to add to my long list, "Banana Pancakes".

This song really captures the essence of what I feel when I listen to Jack. The carefree attitude, the sense that nothing can go wrong even if you wing it.
The lyrics are all about just enjoying life, relaxing, forgetting about what you have to do for once.

I really enjoyed this song, and still do. . .so have a listen, and let me know what you think! =]

Banana Pancakes-Jack Johnson

Can't you see that it's just raining
There ain't no need to go outside

But baby you hardly even notice
When I try to show you this
Song it's meant to keep you
From doing what you're supposed to
Like waking up too early
Maybe we could sleep in
I'll make you banana pancakes

Pretend like it's the weekend now
And we could pretend it all the time
Can't you see that it's just raining
There ain't no need to go outside

But just maybe, hala ka ukulele
Mama made a baby
I really don't mind the practice
because you're my little lady
Lady, lady love me
Because I love to lay here lazy
We could close the curtains

Pretend like there's no world outside
And we could pretend it all the time
Can't you see that it's just raining
There ain't no need to go outside

Ain't no need, ain't no need
Can't you see, can't you see
Rain all day and I don't mind

Telephone singing, ringing, it's too early
Don't pick it up
We don't need to
We got everything we need right here
And everything we need is enough
It's just so easy
When the whole world fits inside of your arms
Do we really need to pay attention to the alarm
Wake up slow, wake up slow

But baby, you hardly even notice
When I try to show you this
Song it's meant to keep you
From doing what you're supposed to
Like waking up too early
Maybe we could sleep in
I'll make you banana pancakes

Pretend like it's the weekend now
And we could pretend it all the time
Can't you see it's just raining
There ain't no need to go outside

Ain't no need, ain't no need
Rain all day and I really really really don't mind
Can't you see, can't you see
We've got to wake up slow

Jesus Walks

2008-09-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

Hip-hop and rap are some of the few musical genres that typically don't appeal to me. There's just something about the genre that just lacks a lot of depth, in my opinion. I like songs with a message, and that isn't often times found in hip-hop or rap tracks. A lot of artists in these genres aren't so much in it for the music as they are for these fame and fortune. Maybe that's a misconception; maybe that's just how they seem at first glance. But in all honesty, that's how they present themselves, and that representation doesn't make me desire to know any more about them - as people or musicians.
So far, I've found Kanye West to be an exception.
The stuff I've heard from Kanye West - which isn't a lot, granted - seems to have the depth and message that is often times missing from the type of music he sings. And this song of his, titled Jesus Walks, is a perfect example of that. The entire song is about how what he's rapping about - the Lord - isn't something that is typically "accepted" by followers of the genre ("They say you can rap about anything except for Jesus / That means guns, sex, lies, video tapes / But if I talk about God my record won't get played").
The message behind this song is very self explanatory; just take a listen. And really listen. Hear what Kanye's trying to say. The music video is beautiful and also helps get the point of the song across.
I commend Kanye for taking a chance with this song. It's great to see that rappers can sing about more than "guns, sex, lies" ... you know.
This is Jesus Walks by Kanye West.

Kanye West - Jesus Walks Official Music Video

Jesus Walks
Kanye West

Yo, we at war
We at war with terrorism, racism, and most of all we at war with ourselves
(Jesus Walks)
God show me the way because the devil trying to break me down
(Jesus Walks with me) with me, with me, with me ...

You know what the Midwest is?
Young & Restless
Where restless - might snatch your necklace
And next these - might jack your Lexus
Somebody tell these - who Kanye West is
I walk through the valley of the Chi where death is
Top floor the view alone will leave you breathless
Try to catch it, it's kinda hard
Getting choked by the detectives yeah, now check the method
They be asking us questions, harass and arrest us
Saying "We eat pieces of s**t like you for breakfast"
Huh? Ya'll eat pieces of s**t? What's the basis?
We ain't going nowhere but got suits and cases
A trunk full of -, rental car from Avis
My momma used to say only Jesus can save us
Well momma I know I act a fool
But I'll be gone 'til November I got packs to move I hope

(Jesus Walks)
God show me the way because the devil trying to break me down
(Jesus Walks with me)
The only thing that that I pray is that my feet don't fail me now
(Jesus Walks)
And I don't think there is nothing I can do now to right my wrongs
(Jesus Walks with me)
I want to talk to God but I'm afraid because we ain't spoke in so long

To the hustlers, killers, murderers, drug dealers even the strippers
(Jesus walks with them)
To the victims of welfare for we living in hell here, hell yeah
(Jesus walks with them)
Now hear ye, hear ye, want to see Thee more clearly
I know He hears me when my feet get weary
Cause we're the almost nearly extinct
We rappers are role models, we rap, we don't think
I ain't here to argue about his facial features
Or here to convert atheists into believers
I'm just trying to say the way school need teachers
The way Kathie Lee needed Regis, that's the way I need Jesus
So here go my single, dog, radio needs this
They say you can rap about anything except for Jesus
That means guns, sex, lies, video tapes
But if I talk about God my record won't get played, huh?
Well let this take away from my spins
Which will probably take away from my ends
Then I hope this take away from my sins
And bring the day that I'm dreaming about
Next time I'm in the club everybody screaming out

(Jesus Walks)
God show me the way because the devil trying to break me down
(Jesus Walks)
The only thing that that I pray is that my feet don't fail me now
(Jesus Walks)
And I don't thing there's nothing I can do now to right my wrongs
(Jesus walks with me ...)
I want to talk to God but I'm afraid because we ain't spoke in so long

Crawling-Linkin Park

2008-09-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

I've been a Linkin Park fan for years now. I think I started listening when I was thirteen, and I haven't stopped since. It's one of those bands that you don't grow out of, 'cause their music is always appealing.

I personally prefer the songs from their earlier albums, Hybrid Theory, and Meteora. Minutes To Midnight was also a good album, but it didn't give me that great LP vibe.

Anyway, the song I chose today is a favorite of Hybrid Theory, Crawling.
The song is much more melodic than the other songs on this album, but still has Chester's strong vocals, and Mike's emcee.
The lyrics are great too, and have a lot of meaning, and you can take that meaning in a lot of different ways. That's another thing I love about LP, their lyrics. They're always strong, even when they're telling you about how broken they are inside. They always give me some form of courage to go on, take what ever I'm given, and live life, don't let stuff consume me!

Linkin Park is a GREAT band, for many, many reasons (not just 'cause Chester's from Phoenix! Lol), and if you haven't, I suggest you check out all of their stuff. Especially the older albums.

Here you go.

Crawling-Linkin Park

Crawling in my skin
Consuming all I feel
Fear is how I fall
Confusing what is real

There's something inside me that pulls beneath the surface
Consuming/Confusing
This lack of self control I fear is never-ending
Controlling/I can't seem

To find myself again
My walls are closing in
[Without a sense of confidence I'm convinced
It's just too much pressure to take]
I've felt this way before
So insecure

Discomfort, endlessly has pulled itself upon me
Distracting/Reacting
Against my will I stand beside my own reflection
It's haunting how I can' seem...

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

2008-08-30T11:59:00.000-07:00

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

Stop!

2008-08-23T17:39:00.000-07:00

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.

Disturbia

2008-08-22T13:38:00.001-07:00

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 ...

Jesse Buy Nothing. . .Go To Prom Anyways

2008-08-19T18:38:00.000-07:00

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!!!

Hearts Burst Into Fire

2008-08-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

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!

Heart Shaped Box-Evanescence

2008-08-15T18:12:00.000-07:00

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

Cocorosie

2008-08-14T17:06:00.000-07:00

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

Rescue Me

2008-08-13T13:58:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

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

Lions Roar

2008-08-12T18:56:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-12T00:55:00.000-07:00

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..

Kremlin Dusk

2008-08-08T00:33:00.000-07:00

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

9 Crimes

2008-08-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

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)

My City Screams - Earning Respect The Right Way

2008-08-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

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.

http://www.myspace.com/mycityscreamz

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

Ladytron

2008-07-31T14:26:00.000-07:00

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:

Handlebars

2008-07-23T23:15:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

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

Nellie The Elephant

2008-07-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

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

1990s

2008-07-11T15:41:00.000-07:00

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

Freezepop

2008-07-07T16:43:00.000-07:00

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:

Only Son!

2008-07-02T22:34:00.000-07:00

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.

To Bring You Back

2008-07-01T17:23:00.000-07:00

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

Vampire Weekend-Oxford Comma

2008-06-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

I have recently become a huge fan of Vampire Weekend.
Hearing of them for the first time in "Spin" magazine, I promptly listening to them on a Barnes and Noble listening station. I was so happy that I did that. This band is one of those that will bring a little bit of extra joy to your day.
The mixes in styles is great too. There's a bit of pop, punk, ska, a little bit of 50's, all measured together to bring about something new and exciting. Though those genres barely describe the sound you'll hear. You'll love the catchy tunes, and lyrics.
Congrats to these Ivy League grads for pursuing music, you've brought us all a great album! All the songs on their debut, and self titled album will leave you with a bubbly feeling in side (for lack of a better word). I encourage you all to check them out!
I love how the video for the song is so simple, fun, and tells a little story, but simple.

Vampire Weekend's "Oxford Comma":

"Oxford Comma" lyrics:

Who gives a fuck about an Oxford comma?

I've seen those English dramas too
They're cruel
so if there's any other way
To spell a word
It's fine with me, with me

Why would you speak to me that way
Especially when I always said that I
Haven't got the words for you
All your diction dripping with disdain
Through the pain
I always tell the truth

Who gives a fuck about an Oxford comma?
I climbed to Dharamsala too, I did
I met the highest lama
His Accent sounded fine
To me, to me

Check your handbook
It's no trick
Take the chapstick
Put it on your lips
Crack a smile
Adjust my Tie
Know your boyfriend, unlike other guys

Why would you lie about how much coal you have?
Why would you lie about something dumb like that?
Why would you lie about anything at all?
first the window, then it's through the wall
Lil' Jon, he always tells the truth

Check you passport
It's no trick
Take the chapstick
Put it on your lips
Crack a smile
Adjust my tie
Know your butler, unlike other guys

Why would you lie about how much coal you have?
Why would you lie about something dumb like that?
Why would you lie about anything at all?
First the window, then it's through the wall
Why would you tape my conversations?
Show your paintings
At the United Nations
Lil' Jon, he always tells the truth

Muse-Starlight

2008-06-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

I came about this band in a very different way from how I normally discover music, I heard them on the radio, which I don't really listen to all that often. In this case I'm very glad I listened to the radio that day.

I heard "Starlight" for the first time in the car almost two years ago. I didn't know the name of the song, or that of the band, but I had fallen in love. I remember scribbling part of the chorus on a piece of paper so I would have some way of figuring out what the song was. It took me until last year to find it. . .quite a while, but well worth the wait.

When I heard "Starlight" I immediately thought 80's pop-rock. I started wondering if it was an 80's song 'cause I was listening to a "mix" station. It was however too different even for that time, and had sounds that weren't used in that decade, but it did bring back that happy feeling I always get when listening to bands like Tears For Fears and Soft Cell. Though I think Muse has far surpassed that, have widened the sound to encompass so much more.

On their most recent studio album "Black Holes and Revelations" the sounds vary quite greatly. From the light 80's pop sound of "Starlight", to a Hard Techno sound in "Super massive Black Hole", to this brilliant blend of rock, orchestra, pop, and everything else you can think of in "Knights of Cydonia".

All I can say is that Muse is sheer brilliance, and I wish I had heard of them sooner. They are one of my all time favorite bands now, and "Black Holes and Revelations" certainly falls in to the favorite-albums-of-all-time category.

Without further ado, the rock and roll brilliance that is Muse!

"Starlight":

Starlight Lyrics:

Far away
This ship is taking me far away
Far away from the memories
Of the people who care if I live or die

Starlight I will be chasing the starlight
Until the end of my life
I don't know if it's worth it anymore

Hold you in my arms
I just wanted to hold You in my arms

My life
You electrify my life
Let's conspire to re-ignite
All the souls that would die just to feel alive

But I'll never let you go If you promised not to fade away
Never fade away

Our hopes and expectations
Black holes and revelations
Our hopes and expectations
Black holes and revelations

Hold you in my arms
I just wanted to hold You in my arms

Far away
This ship is taking me far away
Far away from the memories
Of the people who care if I live or die

And I'll never let you go If you promise not to fade away
Never fade away

Our hopes and expectations
Black holes and revelations
Our hopes and expectations
Black holes and revelations

Hold you in my arms
I just wanted to holdYou in my arms
I just wanted to hold

The Used - 'Thriving On Friction'

2008-06-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

Until recently, I'd heard of The Used, and listened to a few of their songs here and there ... but I'd never gone out of my way to look into them as a band, to really discover the depths of their music. Now that I have, I'm sure glad I did, and I'm excited to share what I've discovered with the readers of this blog.
From the few songs I'd heard by The Used, I was instantly impressed with the unique sound of Bert McCracken's voice; he could sing a song clear and precise, or he could put an edgy spin on the vocals, giving the track an entirely different feel. Either way, the proper effect was acheived. Plenty of screaming is included to add even more to the songs.
The instrumentals are also noteable. Crashing symbols are present in a lot of The Used songs. Jeph Howard delivers a strong, supportive bass line and Quinn Allman supplies plenty of catchy guitar riffs and solos. Finally, the lyrics, often metaphorical and always a little out-there, deliver the message or story in the song flawlessly.
When all the pieces come together, The Used gives you songs you can't help but enjoy.

So far, my collection of The Used songs consists of the following tracks;

The Used (2002)
- The Taste Of Ink
- Blue And Yellow

In Love And Death (2004)
- Take It Away
- I Caught Fire
- All That I've Got

Lies For The Liars (2007)
-The Bird And The Worm

Collaborations:
- The Used & My Chemical Romance:
- Under Pressure (2005)

Throughout the course of their career, The Used has presented fans with catchy and original tracks time and time again. I look forward to discovering even more songs by this talented group, and I encourage you to learn more about The Used as well.

The Used's website offers plenty of information on the band.

If you're interested in looking up lyrics, this website has the lyrics to all the songs on all three of the band's studio released albums, as well as bonus tracks and other songs by The Used.

You can also check out the posts I've made previously on music.is.life featuring The Used's song The Bird And The Worm and their collaboration with My Chemical Romance in recording Under Pressure.

To get you started, here's the lyrics and music video for what is probably my favorite The Used song to date; The Taste Of Ink. The lyrics speak such a strong message about making the most of your life, no matter what.
Enjoy!

The Used - The Taste Of Ink Official Music Video

The Taste Of Ink
The Used

Is it worth the can you even hear me
Standing with your spotlight on me
Not enough to feed the hungry
I'm tired and I felt it for awhile now
In this sea of lonely
The taste of ink is getting old
It's four o' clock in the f***ing morning
Each day gets more and more like the last day
Still I can see it coming
While I'm standing in the river drowning
This could be my chance to break out
This could be my chance to say goodbye
At last it's finally over
Couldn't take this town much longer
Being half dead wasn't what I planned to be
Now I'm ready to be free

So here I am, it's in my hands
And I'll savor every moment of this
So here I am, alive at last
And I'll savor every moment of this

Won't you think I'm pretty
When I'm standing 'top the bright-lit city
And I'll take your hand and pick you up
And keep you there so you can see it
As long as you're alive and care
I promise I will take you there
We'll drink and dance the night away
We'll drink and dance the night away

So here I am, it's in my hands
And I'll savor every moment of this
So here I am, alive at last
And I'll savor every moment of this
Savor every moment of this

(As long as you're alive, here I am...)

As long as you're alive
Here I am
I promise I will take you there

As long as you're alive
Here I am
I promise I will take you there

Won't you think I'm pretty
When I'm standing 'top the bright-lit city
And I'll take your hand and pick you up
And keep you there so you can see it
So long as you're alive and care
I promise I will take you there
So long as you're alive and care
I promise I will take you there

So here I am, it's in my hands
And I'll savor every moment of this
So here I am, alive at last
And I'll savor every moment of this
Savor every moment of this
Savor every moment of this

Life Is Wonderful

2008-06-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

I first discovered Jason Mraz about five years back. He's always been a favorite of mine. More music that just makes you smile. You fall in love with his charming lyrics, and his happy melodies.
He has this unique style, the way he mixes his fast paced vocals with the slight reggae sound every so often, but the specail thing about "Mr. A-Z" is that he sounds better live than recorded. If you haven't heard a live cut, you haven't heard Jason Mraz. That's very unique, and makes him even more fun.

I heard "Life is Wonderful" for the first time last summer when I borrowed his album "Mr. A-Z" from the library. You'll want to sing along the minute he starts the chorus of "Ahlalalalalala-life is wonderful". What struck me most about the live version I found (recorded originally on T.V. in Korea), is that he and his band-mate play the horn section. . .with their voices! It's amazing. They sound like they're playing instruments! Very cool stuff.

I reccomend that you check out all of his stuff. He is truely a great and unique artist, and will most certainly bring a smile to your face.

His Albums, In Order of Release:
Waiting For My Rocket To Come
Mr. A-Z
We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things

Enjoy!

Life Is Wonderful-Live

Life Is Wonderful Lyrics

It takes a crane to build a crane
It takes two floors to make a story
It takes an egg to make a hen
It takes a hen to make an egg
There is no end to what I'm saying

It takes a thought to make a word
And it takes some words to make an action
It takes some work to make it work
It takes some good to make it hurt
It takes some bad for satisfaction

La la la la la la la life is wonderful
Ah la la la la la la life goes full circle
Ah la la la la la la life is wonderful
Al la la la la

It takes a night to make it dawn
And it takes a day to make you yawn brother
And it takes some old to make you young
It takes some cold to know the sun
It takes the one to have the other

And it takes no time to fall in love
But it takes you years to know what love is
It takes some fears to make you trust
It takes those tears to make it rust
It takes the dust to have it polished

Ha la la la la la la life is wonderful
Ah la la la la la la life goes full circle
Ah la la la la la la life is so full of
Ah la la la la la la life is so rough
Ah la la la la la la life is wonderful
Ah la la la la la la life goes full circle
Ah la la la la la la life is our love
Ah la la la la la

It takes some silence to make sound
It takes a loss before you found it
And it takes a road to go nowhere
It takes a toll to make you care
It takes a hole to make a mountain

Ah la la la la la la life is wonderful
Ah la la la la la la life goes full circle
Ha la la la la la life is wonderful
Ha la la la la la life is meaningful
Ha la la la la la life is wonderful
Ha la la la la la life it is...so... wonderful
It is so meaningful
It is so wonderful
It is meaningful
It is wonderful
It is meaningful
It goes full circle
Wonderful
Meaningful
Full circle
Wonderful

Fake It

2008-06-21T13:20:00.001-07:00

I forgot how much I loved this song until I heard it again a few days ago. After hearing it again for the first time in forever, I just couldn't stop listening; Fake It has been on repeat on my iPod for days now, because I just can't seem to get enough of it.
From the first few seconds of the song, the mood is set. This is another song that makes me wish I was a bass player. Anyway. This song has so much emotion behind it. The way the lyrics are presented have a "get-out-of-my-face" tone about them, but the lyrics themselves have an almost desperate, lost message. The song in general reminds me of the person who puts on a tough act to cover up a world of pain.
The music video also delivers an important message about the music industry and how "fake" it can all be at times.
Here's Fake It by Seether. Enjoy!

Seether - Fake It Official Music Video

Fake It
Seether

Who's to know if your soul will fade at all
The one you sold to fool the world
You lost your self-esteem along the way

Good God, you're coming up with reasons
Good God, you're dragging it out
Good God, it's the changing of the seasons
I feel so raped, so follow me down

And just fake it, if you're out of direction
Fake it, if you don't belong here
Fake it, if you feel like affection
Woah, you're such a f***ing hypocrite

And you should know that the lies won't hide your flaws
No sense in hiding all of yours
You gave up on your dreams along the way
Yeah

Good God, you're coming up with reasons
Good God, you're dragging it out
Good God, it's the changing of the seasons
I feel so raped, so follow me down

And just fake it, if you're out of direction
Fake it, if you don't belong here
Fake it, if you feel like affection
Woah, you're such a f***ing hypocrite

I can fake with the best of anyone
I can fake with the best of 'em all
I can fake with the best of anyone
I can fake it all ...

Who's to know if your soul will fade at all
The one you sold to fool the world
You lost your self-esteem along the way
Yeah

Good God, you're coming up with reasons
Good God, you're dragging it out
Good God, it's the changing of the seasons
I feel so raped, so follow me down

And just fake it, if you're out of direction
Fake it, if you don't belong here
Fake it, if you feel like affection
Woah, you're such a f***ing hypocrite

Fake it if you're out of direction
Fake it if you don't belong here
Fake it if you feel like infection
Woah you're such a f***ing hypocrite

Requiem For A Dream

2008-06-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

I haven't seen the movie, but I heard this song for the very first time Janurary, in a dance class.

Ou jazz teacher chose this music for a dance we were working on. I heard it and immediately thought "Wow. That's amazing."

The way it starts, with faint vocals and a slow sad tune. Soon going into strings. This song is beautifully eerie. It sends chills down the spine, but in a very good way.
The song picks up towards the middle, louder, faster, and then slows again, only to pick up once again.

This soung gets your adrenaline running, along with all of your emotions. "Three Cheers" for Clint Mansel on composing this piece, it's sheer brilliance!

There's not much else I can say about it. You truely have to listen to this to understand the splendor!

Vitamin String Quartet - A New Spin On Old Favorites

2008-06-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

What do AC/DC, Death Cab For Cutie, and Linkin Park all have in common? The Vitamin String Quartet has covered all of their songs - using the violin, viola, and cello!
From the very first time I heard the Vitamin String Quartet cover of My Chemical Romance's Helena, I was hooked. I was instantly drawn in by the talent the Quartet had to not only play the song, but perform it, with just the right amount of emotion to tell the story of the song, without any lyrics to back it up. After hearing the Quartet's My Chemical Romance covers I went on to look up some of their other work, and was surprised and delighted by the sheer volume in which they had recorded. They had covered songs from an unmeasurable amount of artists in seemingly every genre.
But not only had they recorded tributes to individual artists, the Quartet had also recorded themed albums; there was the "Rock N' Roll Wedding Collection", the "String Quartet Baby Shower Collection" ... There were tributes dedicated to specific genres, or the biggest hits of a particular year. And not only were there string covers, but piano covers as well ... I was slightly overwhelmed by the mass amount of recordings, but loved every minute of discovering the Quartet's work. Every once in a while, they'd branch out past the strings or keys and incorporate a different instrument when it would add just the right touch; the Vitamin String Quartet's cover of Guns N' Roses' Don't Cry includes a snare drum roll, and at the end of the cover of My Chemical Romance's Teenagers, an electric violin joins the group, imitating the punk-rock sound of an electric guitar.
All in all, I am blown away by the talent of this Quartet, and have loved listening to their covers of so many amazing songs. I encourage you to check out the Quartet for yourself, because what I post on this blog could never do the group justice. Please, do yourself a favor; go to vitaminrecords.com and see all of the amazing recordings this group has done. You won't be disappointed.
But, for now, check out a few of my favorite Vitamin String Quartet covers in the videos below.
Enjoy!

Vitamin String Quartet - String Tribute to Helena by My Chemical Romance

Vitamin String Quartet - String Tribute to Broken by Seether feat. Amy Lee

Vitamin String Quartet - String Tribute to I Write Sins Not Tragedies by Panic! At The Disco

Yellow

2008-06-18T23:55:00.000-07:00

Hi, Amy here. This is my first post on Music.Is.Life, and I wanted to make it special, so I chose quite possibly my favorite song of all time.

Coldplay's "Yellow":

I have been a Coldplay fan for a while. I remember first hearing them in a movie theater, I think the song playing was "Fix You" off their album "X & Y". I was utterly amazed by Chris Marten's voice. It was so soft, and it had so much emotion behind it.
It took me a few years to stumble across "Parachutes" in a library, but when I did it gave me my first "favorite song". "Yellow".
No matter what mood you're in you can listen to this song and it'll make you happy. No matter what. Try it.
Once again, the emotion behind Chris's vocals, and the perfect and simple melody. It screamed "perfection" to me a million and one times. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.

Yellow:

Yellow Lyrics

Look at the stars,
Look how they shine for you,
And everything you do,
Yeah, they were all yellow.

I came along,
I wrote a song for you,
And all the things you do,
And it was called "Yellow."

So then I took my turn,
Oh what a thing to have done,
And it was all "Yellow."

Your skin
Oh yeah, your skin and bones,
Turn into something beautiful,
You know, you know I love you so,
You know I love you so.

I swam across,
I jumped across for you,
Oh what a thing to do.

Cos you were all "Yellow,"
I drew a line,
I drew a line for you,
Oh what a thing to do,
And it was all "Yellow."

Your skin,
Oh yeah your skin and bones,
Turn into something beautiful,
And you know for you,
I'd bleed myself dry for you,
I'd bleed myself dry.

It's true, look how they shine for you,
Look how they shine for you,
Look how they shine for,
Look how they shine for you,
Look how they shine for you,
Look how they shine.

Look at the stars,
Look how they shine for you,
And all the things that you do.

Introductions

2008-06-18T23:15:00.000-07:00

I'd like to take a brief moment to introduce music.is.life's newest contributor - Amy!
Amy stumbled across music.is.life one day and left a comment on one of my posts, and since then we've become regular visitors to each other's blogs. After noticing that many of the posts on her blog related to music - and loving the music she introduced me to! - I couldn't resist sending her an invitation to contribute to my music blog.
I'm so glad she accepted the invitation, and that music.is.life has a new contributor! I look forward to Amy's first post on this blog, and the influence she will have on this site!
Welcome, Amy! :)

Shut Up And Let Me Go

2008-06-18T11:03:00.001-07:00

What a fun song!
I was introduced to this one while watching the premier of F'N MTV a few days ago. The premier of the show also marked the premier of the music video for this ridiculously catchy song.
The minute the techno melody of the song broke out after a few measures of bass drum pounding, I was beaming; the sound was so unique and catchy, I couldn't help but tap my toes. And as soon as Katie White started singing the lyrics, I was sold; her British accent sounded so good matched with the style of the song. I knew this was one track I would have to have on my iPod, for all those moment when you just want to get up and dance.
Listen to Shut Up And Let Me Go by The Ting Tings at your own risk - it's guaranteed to get stuck in your head for days! Even so, I advise you take a listen; this song is one I just can't get enough of!

I apologize; I can't find a good-quality music video that can be embedded onto my blog :( So, if you want to watch the video, you'll have to follow the link below. The quality of the video linked is much better than any I could post on this page.

The Ting Tings - Shut Up And Let Me Go Music Video

Shut Up And Let Me Go
The Ting Tings

Shut up and let me go
This hurts, I tell you so
For the last time you will kiss my lips
Now shut up and let me go
Your jeans were once so clean
I bet you changed your wardrobe since we met

Now oh so easily you're over me
Gone is love
It's you that ought to be
Holding me, I'm not containable
This turns up
It's not sustainable

I ain't freakin'
I ain't fakin' this
I ain't freakin'
I ain't fakin' this
I ain't freakin'
I ain't fakin' this
Shut up and let me go
Hey!

Shut up and let me go
This hurts, but I can't show
For the last time you had me in bits
Now shut up and let me go!
For fear of leaving in regret
I changed this one when we first met

Now oh so easily your over me
Gone is love
It's me that ought to be
Moving on, you're not adorable
I was something unignorable

I ain't freakin'
I ain't fakin' this
I ain't freakin'
I ain't fakin' this
I ain't freakin'
I ain't fakin' this
Shut up and let me go
Hey!

Oh love, hold this
Hey

Shut up and let me go
This hurts, I told you so
For the last time you will kiss my lips
Now shut up and let me go
Hey!

Broken

2008-06-10T17:57:00.000-07:00

I am so obsessed with this song.
A fan of both Evanescence and Seether, combining the two seemed like a given anyway. But, paired with beautiful, heart-wrenching lyrics and melodies ... no wonder this song has gotten so popular so fast.
This one breaks my heart every time. The emotion Shaun Morgan (of Seether) and Amy Lee (of Evanescence) both put into this song is more than words can describe. Shaun's edgy, classic-rock voice adds the perfect essence of pain and loneliness, and when paired with Amy's powerful, higher range ... it just gives you shivers. The melodies are perfectly presented and the lyrics are simply lovely. My favorite part may be the end, when the chorus is repeated over and over, adding intense guitar riffs as well as an electric violin ... wow.
The music video takes my breath away.
All in all, I just love this song. There's not much else I can say. One of those songs that doesn't even need an explanation ... just take a listen, and you'll know what I mean.
This is Broken, by Seether, featuring Amy Lee.

Seether - Broken Music Video, featuring Amy Lee

Broken
Seether featuring Amy Lee

I wanted you to know I love the way you laugh
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain away
I keep your photograph and I know it serves me well
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain

'Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away

You've gone away, you don't feel me, anymore

The worst is over now and we can breathe again
I wanna hold you high, you steal my pain away
There's so much left to learn, and no one left to fight
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain

'Cause I'm broken when I'm open
And I don't feel like I am strong enough
'Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away

'Cause I'm broken when I'm open
And I don't feel like I am strong enough
'Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away

'Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away

You've gone away
You don't feel me here anymore

Love Me Dead

2008-06-07T11:56:00.001-07:00

I heard this song for the first time watching a collection of music videos on Fuse. I immediately fell in love with the slightly psychotic music video - what can I say? I appreciate an artist or group who can pull off crazy, and Ludo does it very well. Besides the entertaining and kinda skitzo music video, this song is very fun to listen to. The lyrics, directed from a broken heart to an ex-lover and speaking about his mixed feelings about her, use creative word choice and plenty of metaphors to portray the message of the song. The melodic vocals have a cabaret-type essence about them, with a couple of short-lived guitar solos thrown in to give us just enough rock to keep things interesting. All in all, a very enjoyable song to listen to, and the video makes me smile every time.
Here's Love Me Dead by Ludo.

Ludo - Love Me Dead Music Video

Love Me Dead
Ludo

Love me cancerously
Like a salt-sore soaked in the sea
'High-maintenance' means
You're a gluttonous queen
Narcissistic and mean

Kill me romantically
Fill my soul with vomit
Then ask me for a piece of gum
Bitter and dumb
You're my sugarplum
You're awful, I love you!

She moves through moonbeams slowly
She wears me down to bones in bed
Must be the sign on my head
That says, oh...
Love me dead!

You're a faith-healer on T.V.
You're an office park without any trees
Corporate and cold
Gushing for gold
Leave me alone

You suck so passionately
You're a parasitic, psycho, filthy creature
Finger-bangin' my heart
You call me up drunk
Does the fun ever start?
You're hideous and sexy!

She moves through moonbeams slowly
She knows just how to hold me
And when her edges soften
Her body is my coffin
I know she drains me slowly
She wears me down to bones in bed

Must be the sign on my head
That says, oh...
Love me dead!
Love me dead!

Love me cancerously
Brrrot-dot-da-d-da-da!
How's your new boy?
Does he know about me?
You've got the mark of the beast
You're born of a jackal! You're beautiful!

She moves through moonbeams slowly
She knows just how to hold me
And when her edges soften
Her body is my coffin
I know she drains me slowly
She wears me down to bones in bed

Wha' 'bout that sign on my head
That says, oh...
Love me dead!
Love me dead!
Oh, love me dead!