Within Temptation

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

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.

The Resistance

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!

Chiodos

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!

The Fratellis

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

Dog Problems

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)

Made Of Bricks

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

Yngwie Malmsteen

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

Sing For Absolution

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

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?

Lacrymosa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy!

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


Mozart Lyrics

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

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


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



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


Evanescence Lyrics

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whispers In The Dark

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy!


Skillet-Whispers In The Dark


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

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

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

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

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

Whispers in the dark

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"We Can Be Heroes, Just For One Day"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy!

Heroes (Live)-David Bowie


Heroes Lyrics (English)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Helden (Cover)-Apocalyptica


German Lyrics-Helden

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

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

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

Dann sind wir Helden

99 Red Balloons

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)

Feeling fine

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

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

Two Weeks In Hawaii

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

Corteo-Cirque du Soleil

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

"Don't Believe Me"-Steven Lufkin

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

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