Then & Now - Green Day

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

Desolation Row

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.

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

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.

You're Gonna Go Far, Kid

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

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

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

You're Gonna Go Far, Kid
The Offspring

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

Pencey Prep - An Old Band, A New Favorite

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!

Stop!

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

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

Stop!
Against Me!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stop! Take some time to think.

Nellie The Elephant

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

Holiday

Our first request on music.is.life!
For the longest time, I thought about creating an email account for the sole purpose of receiving requests from our readers about what songs to post about on music.is.life ... but then I thought, wait. This is supposed to be about Reno and my favorite music ... it's not exactly a critic site so much as our own expression of our favorite songs. Read the subtitle; "a collection of our favorite songs, artists & albums". But I suppose "our" is a rather vague, nondescript term ...
Anyway.
In the future, I might consider starting an email account where people can request songs, but for now ... this site will stay request-free.
With this one exception.


We got this request via comment on one of our other posts, and turns out, I actually like this song; Holiday by Green Day.
This is one of the rare occasions where I like a song purely for the melody. Sure, some of the lyrics in this song are pretty deep (I like hear the sound of the falling rain / coming down like an Armageddon flame and i beg to dream and differ from the hollow lies an awful lot) but as a whole, I don't think this song is stellar as far as a deep, meaningful message.
However, the melody is extremely addictive, and I think it's got some pretty good guitar solos as well.
For me, this is a song for a certain mood ... when I really feel like punching someone out, you'll find this one blaring on my iPod. It's not one I'll turn on just for the sake of it ... I need to feel it.
Anyway. This post was a little different than most. I don't really have much to say about this song except, well, I like it. I just kinda do.

Please note that while I can censor the lyrics to this song, I have no way of censoring the music video. Obviously. Part of me didn't want to post the video, but after talking about how I only liked the song for the melody ... just posting the lyrics seemed silly.
However, I think I'll try and keep this site as clean as possible. So, find the video yourself if you really want to. Besides, I couldn't find one with any decent video quality on YouTube.

So, here's the lyrics. Sorry my better judgement can't bring me to post the video. Hope ya'll will forgive me.

Holiday
Green Day

Say, hey!

Hear the sound of the falling rain
Coming down like an Armageddon flame (Hey!)
The shame
The ones who died without a name

Hear the dogs howling out of key
To a hymn called "Faith and Misery" (Hey!)
And bleed, the company lost the war today

I beg to dream and differ from the hollow lies
This is the dawning of the rest of our lives
On holiday

Hear the drum pounding out of time
Another protester has crossed the line (Hey!)
To find, the money's on the other side

Can I get another Amen? (Amen!)
There's a flag wrapped around a score of men (Hey!)
A gag, a plastic bag on a monument

I beg to dream and differ from the hollow lies
This is the dawning of the rest of our lives
On holiday

(Hey!)
(Say, hey!)

(3,4)

"The representative from California has the floor"

Sieg Heil to the president Gasman
Bombs away is your punishment
Pulverize the Eiffel towers
Who criticize your government
Bang bang goes the broken glass and
Kill all the ***s that don't agree
Trials by fire, setting fire
Is not a way that's meant for me
Just cause, just cause, because we're outlaws yeah!

I beg to dream and differ from the hollow lies
This is the dawning of the rest of our lives
I beg to dream and differ from the hollow lies
This is the dawning of the rest of our lives

This is our lives on holiday