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!

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.

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!

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

I've been meaning to post a review for this album ... forever. I just haven't gotten to it yet. So, finally, here's a review for Red Jumpsuit Apparatus' Don't You Fake It.
Many of the songs on this album are re-released tracks, which made their debut on the band's first self-titled studio effort. However, if you're like me, you hadn't even heard of Red Jumpsuit Apparatus until Face Down made mainstream success two years later.
I've posted about Red Jumpsuit Apparatus' most popular singles from this album, Face Down and Your Guardian Angel previously on this site and, after listening to those two songs, I figured I had a pretty good idea of this band's style. However, when I listened to their second album for the first time, I was completelly shocked. The other tracks on the album were, for the most part, much more in-your-face screamo style; not so much the nondescript rock styles of their mainstream hits. And I liked what they had to offer on the other ten tracks on the album.
Here's a song-by-song review of Don't You Fake It.

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Don't You Fake It (2006)

1. In Fate's Hands - The band starts off fast and strong with this track. Not much in particular stands out about this song, maybe, except for the echoeing vocals in the second verse. The screaming vocals in this song are a change of pace of anyone who'se only been accustomed to the band's mainstream hits. All in all, a good first track, but not stellar.
2. Waiting - A slightly softer track with more melodic verses and a passionate chorus. The lyrics in this track catch your attention and give you a feel for the emotion behind the song; especially in the bridge. The background vocals in the chorus and plenty of guitar riffs throughout keep the band's rock essence alive.
3. False Pretense - The group picks up the pace again on their third track. Softer verses lead up into a catchy chorus you can't help but tap your toes to. Overall just a nicely executed track; maybe it's the clapping during the guitar solo or the steady symbol crashes, but something about this relativly short track makes it stand out.
4. Face Down - If you listen to the radio, you've heard this song at least once in the past year or so. Steady guitars hold the rhythmn while the lyrics speak of finding strength in an unbearable situation. Again, the combination of lyrics and instrumentals deliver the effect of this song perfectly. There's just enough screaming in the bridge to keep to the band's style while still allowing the song to make mainstream success.
5. Misery Loves Its Company - When this song begins, you think a more acoustic track is to follow. But, as soon as the electric guitar and deep screaming lyrics kick in, you realize differently. Overall, the fifth track is still a softer one, but it definitly still has a hard rock feel. The lyrics in this song are some of the most powerful and heartfelt on the album.
6. Cat And Mouse - A piano ballad! The keys paired with the snare drum in the opening measures immediantly give you a feel for the emotion in the song. Backing vocals are present throughout the duration of the track, and the piano keeps tapping out a melody the whole time. The lyrics are bittersweet and presented beautifully.
7. Damn Regret - The group picks it up again for the seventh track. This song is immediantly fun and catchy, from the very opening guitar parts. The lyrics tell a story of freedom and living life without regrets. This song seems more technical than some of the album's others; taking it down a notch for a softer, more passionate bridge was a good move, as was changing up the style of the last choruses. All in all, definitly a stand out; one of my favorites on the album.
8. Atrophy - The band reverts back to the no-nonsense screamo style for the opening vocals of this song before changing to more melodic verses. The second verse combines both styles of vocals to great effect. The chorus is heavy in symbol crashes and guitar parts. The bridge slows us down again and delivers the desired feel. More technical aspects are added at the end of the song when three different vocal parts are sung at the same time.
9. Seventeen Ain't So Sweet - A bittersweet track with plenty of emotion, this song is another of my favorites. The lyrics are very deep and are delivered well, especially in the chorus. It's a more simple song than the others on the album ... and that's what makes it so appealing. The honesty and passion in the lyrics make this song what it is.
10. Justify - The guitar parts throughout this song are very, very good; my favorite is during the verses. The vocals alternate between a softer style and the punchy screamo this band loves. The chorus flows well and the entire feel of the song is great. Not a stand-out, but a good track nonetheless. I love the bridge.
11. Your Guardian Angel - The band's other mainstream hit. This song opens with acoustic guitar strumming and lyrics that break your heart - in a good way. The backing vocals are amazing; more harmonic than any others on the album. The entire essence of this song is just beautiful, and as the electric guitar and drums break out at the end of the track, you get the full feel for the passion behind it. Just a beautiful way to end the album.
(Hidden Track) Grim Goodbye - Why the band decided to make this a hidden track is beyond me. It is by far one of my favorites on the album. There are so many aspect to this track; the vocals are amazing, as are the guitar and drum parts. I feel this song is so much deeper than any other on the album. Softer at points and then swelling dramatically to harder parts, this song really tells a story.

You've read my review; now form your own opinions.

Check out the band's official website.

The lyrics to all Red Jumpsuit Aparatus' songs can be found at this link.

And don't forget to check out other posts on music.is.life regarding this group.

Finally, I'll leave you with the lyrics and music video for Red Jumpsuit Apparatus' False Pretense. I hope you enjoy!

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - False Pretense Official Music Video

False Pretense
Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Oh, it's time to let it go

The world's got a funny way of turning 'round on you
When a friend tries to stab you right in the face
Losing faith in everything I thought I hoped I knew
Don't sweat it, {it was} set on false pretense

Betrayed but not gonna be willing to change
And it doesn't seem likely to fade
Betrayed but not gonna be willing to change
'Cause you know ...

It's sacrifice
False pretense you'll hurt again
Stop pretending to deny
False pretense you'll hurt again

All along you know you thought you got the best of me
{But} you were wrong and I'm laughing right in your face
I cannot believe you claimed you were my family
Don't sweat it - it's set on false pretense

Betrayed but not gonna be willing to change
And it doesn't seem likely to fade
Betrayed but not gonna be willing to change
'Cause you know ...

It's sacrifice
False pretense you'll hurt again
Stop pretending to deny
False pretense you'll hurt again

[Spoken:]
Guitar ...

Oh, it's time to let it go

I can't seem to understand it how you turned out to be so cold
You tried but were caught red handed, are you happy with your role?
It's funny to me how you've turned into such a joke ...

It's sacrifice
False pretense you'll hurt again
Stop pretending to deny
False pretense you'll hurt again

So play the game until you run out
And play the game into my hand

The Used - 'Thriving On Friction'

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


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

The Used (2002)

- The Taste Of Ink
- Blue And Yellow

In Love And Death (2004)

- Take It Away
- I Caught Fire
- All That I've Got

Lies For The Liars (2007)

-The Bird And The Worm

Collaborations:
- The Used & My Chemical Romance:

- Under Pressure (2005)

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

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

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

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

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

The Used - The Taste Of Ink Official Music Video

The Taste Of Ink
The Used

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Bird And The Worm

... wow. This song is awesome.
I admit; the first time I had ever listened to The Used was when they collaborated with My Chemical Romance to do a cover of the older hit, Under Presure. While my first impression of them wasn't an example of their own work, I was instantly impressed by the vocal talents of Bert McCracken; his voice had such a unique, edgy sound to it, and I loved it right away. So, I was excited when I got the chance to listen to this single off of The Used's latest album release, Lies for the Liars (2007). And let me tell you; I was blown away. My first taste of The Used's music was not a dissapointment.
The Bird And The Worm is simply an amazing song. The vocals, I am happy to report, remain edgy in what may be Bert's typical style. The instrumentation and backing vocals are outstanding as well, and the lyrics; wow! Don't even get me started. As a whole, this track had me speechless. One of those where I just had to sit and take it all in for a minute. Then I watched the music video, and I was sold. The video is completelly psychotic; somebody put so much effort into making that video just skitzo enough to leave the viewer totally bewildered ... and begging for more.
Experience this one for yourselves, folks. Truly a stellar piece of musical genious.
Here's The Bird And The Worm by The Used.

The Used - The Bird And The Worm Music Video

The Bird And The Worm
The Used

He wears his heart safety pinned to his backpack
His backpack is all that he knows
Shot down by strangers
Whose glances can cripple
The heart and devour the soul

All alone he turns to stone
While holding his breath half to death
Terrified of what's inside
To save his life
He crawls like a worm from a bird
Crawls like a worm from a bird

Out of his mind
The weight pushes him whispering
Must have been out of his mind
Mid-day delusions
Are pushing this out of his head
Maybe out of his mind
Out of his mind

All alone he turns to stone
While holding his breath half to death
Terrified of whats inside
To save his life
He crawls like a worm
Crawls like a worm from a bird
(Crawls like a worm from a bird)
(Crawls like a worm)
(Crawls like a worm from a bird)

All he knows
If he can't relieve it it grows
And so it grows
He crawls like a worm
Crawls like a worm from a bird

Out of his mind
The weight pushes him whispering
Must have been out of his mind

All alone he turns to stone
While holding his breath half to death
Terrified of whats inside
To save his life
He crawls like a worm from a bird

All alone
He's holding his breath half to death
(Holding his breath half to death)
Terrified
To save his life
He crawls like a worm
Crawls like a worm from a bird
Crawls like a worm from a bird
Crawls like a worm from a bird
Crawls like a worm
Crawls like a worm
Crawls like a worm from a bird

Thursday - A New Favorite

The other day, I decided to take a listen to some music by Thursday after noticing that my favorite band, My Chemical Romance, had been compared to Thursday several times at the beginning of their career. When I started reading Thursday's lyrics and listening to their songs, it was easy to see how the two could be compared. But, it was also apparent that I had found a new favorite group.
Thursday really is quite good. Their instrumentals are close to being a rock sound, but their lyrics and style are just "out there" enough to fall into the Alternative genre. Speaking of which, Thursday's lyrics, for the most part, are phenomenal, and that's a huge selling point for me. Also a selling point is passion, and Thursday has plenty of that; they pack plenty of emotion into each and every track.
So I recently bought several Thursday tracks off of iTunes. Here's my current Thursday collection ...

Full Collapse (2001)

- Understanding In A Car Crash
- Cross Out The Eyes
- How Long Is The Night?

War All The Time (2003)

- For The Workforce, Drowning

A City By the Light Divided (2007)

- Counting 5-4-3-2-1
- Telegraph Avenue Kiss
- The Lovesong Writer
- Autumn Leaves Revisited

I wish I had more money on my iTunes gift card, because there were several other Thursday tracks I wanted to purchase as well. However, this is all I could buy. I must say, though, I am not disappointed with any of the songs I bought. It may just be impossible for me to chose a favorite out of my collection!
Thursday has a wide range of musical styling, leaving you with a song to suit any mood. While songs like For The Workforce, Drowning and Counting 5-4-3-2-1 set a frantic pace, they can slow it down with songs like Telegraph Avenue Kiss without sacrificing quality. While reading the lyrics to songs like How Long Is The Night? and The Lovesong Writer, you forget they are lyrics and instead interpret them as pure poetry. Thursday can play a song like Autumn Leaves Revisited and nearly move you to tears ... then switch it around with Cross Out The Eyes and make you just want to scream along.

All in all, I don't believe I could chose a favorite Thursday song out of those I've mentioned. But, I will chose to post the music video and lyrics for Cross Out The Eyes, because I love the song and Thursday filmed an extremely interesting concept video for it. My favorite part of the song is the end, when it fades out to just the screaming ... maybe you're not into the whole screamo thing, but I am. I think it takes an extremely talented and dedicated vocalist to pull off the screaming, and Thursday is one of those groups who definitely wears it well.
So, please sit back and enjoy Cross Out The Eyes by Thursday.

Thursday - Cross Out The Eyes Music Video

Cross Out The Eyes
Thursday

Let's call this the quiet city
Where screams are felt as a wave of stoplights
Drive through the streets as gunshots punctuate the night
The sides we take divide us from our faith
And the morning dove gets caught in the telephone wire

Asleep you set the fire in your own house
And the night was a knife that cut
And I'm paralyzed

Cross out the eyes
Blur all the lines
Tearing this canvas from the wall
We crossed out the eyes
Put lines through these cries
We pulled all the leaves from the trees that fall

A silent dance that we did into this hospital bed
Hear voices from another room;
"It happens all the time."
But July in the sand
The leaves falling
And counting down our days to live
Drain the blood from this valentine

"We can rise on the wings of the dove
See blue skies getting caught in the trail of all this smoke
We can rise like candles in the dark - Yours, Always."
And an envelope marked with your new address

Asleep you set the fire in your own house
And the night was a knife that cut
And I'm paralyzed

Cross out the eyes
Blur all the lines
Tearing this canvas from the wall
We crossed out the eyes
Put lines through these cries
We pulled all the leaves from the trees that fall

It was the first time face to face
I'm crossing the line
Talking to the other side of death
Hearing the words that choke memories into flatlines
I'm calling your name hoping for something to wash these dreams of you away
(Can't we die!)

(Memories in flatlines!)

Cross out the eyes with a set of these lines
Cross out the eyes with a set of these lines!

(Cross out the eyes!)
Our fence was blown down in a winter storm and this field
(Cross out the eyes!)
Stretches out of this world into the sound
(A trace of)
What can we do to put a stop to these coming white days
(A love song)
I'm hoping the snow will wash these dreams of you away

(Stretches out of this world,
Let's drive back the dead.
Stretches out of this world.
Stretches out of this world.)

Miss Murder

I havn't listened to much AFI yet, but they've got me sold on Miss Murder. What an awesome song! The melody is extremely catchy; it's impossible not to tap your foot when you're listening to this one. I'm in love with the bass line, and the guitar solos are amazing. The drumming is very impressive as well. The vocals are outstanding - love the screaming - and the lyrics are great, too. I just can't say enough about this song; I can't stop listening to it!
But what I really love is this song's music video ... wow! Definantly one of my favorites, and without a doubt the best video I've watched in a while. The director's cut of the video also features AFI's song Prelude 12/21 which has a haunting mood about it; another great track from AFI's latest album, DECEMBERUNDERGROUND (2006), on which Miss Murder was also recorded.
I'm looking very forward to doing my research on AFI and finding more great tracks by this group; I'm sure I won't be dissapointed. Any AFI fans out there reading this? If so, feel free to leave a comment and let me know which songs are your favorites.
But for now, here's the full length music video for AFI's Miss Murder. Enjoy!

AFI - Miss Murder Music Video (Director's Cut)

Prelude 12/21
AFI

This is what I brought you
This you can keep
This is what I brought
You may forget me
I promise to depart
just promise one thing
Kiss my eyes
And lay me to sleep

This is what I brought you
This you can keep
This is what I brought
You may forget me
I promise you my heart
Just promise to sing
Kiss my eyes and lay me to sleep
Kiss my eyes and lay me to sleep

This is what I thought
I thought you'd need me
This is what I thought
So think me naive
I'd promise you a heart
You'd promise to keep
Kiss my eyes and lay me to sleep
Kiss my eyes and lay me to sleep
Kiss my eyes and lay me to sleep

Miss Murder
AFI

Hey, Miss Murder, can I?
Hey, Miss Murder, can I?
Make beauty stay if I
Take my life?

Whoa-oh-ohh

With just a look, they shook
And heavens bowed before him
Simply a look, can break, your heart
The stars that pierce the sky
He left them all behind
We’re left to wonder why
He left us all
Behind

Hey, Miss Murder, can I?
Hey, Miss Murder, can I?
Make beauty stay if I
Take my life?
Whoa-oh-ohh
(ohh)

Dreams of his crash, won’t pass
Oh, how they all adored him
Beauty will last when spiraled down
The stars that mystify
He left them all behind
And how his children cried
He left us all
Behind

Hey, Miss Murder, can I?
Hey, Miss Murder, can I?
Make beauty stay if I
Take my life?
Whoa-oh-ohh

What's the hook, the twist
Within this verbose mystery?
I would gladly bet my life upon it
That the ghost you love, your ray of light
Will fizzle out without hope
We're the empty set just floating through, wrapped in skin
Ever searching for what we were promised
Reaching for that golden ring we'd never let go
But who would ever let us put put our filthy hands upon it?

Hey, Miss Murder, can I?
Hey, Miss Murder, can I?
Make beauty stay if I
Take my life?
Whoa-oh-ohh

Hey, Miss Murder, can I?
Hey, Miss Murder, can I?
Make beauty stay if I
Take my life?
Whoa-oh-ohh

UPDATE! February 29th, 2008: I am proud to say that after reviewing DECEMBERUNDERGROUND and falling in love with literaly every track, I now own AFI's latest album. Each and every song on the 2006 release is simply stunning. AFI was even better than I expected and is now on my list of favorite groups. I encourage anyone who enjoyed Miss Murder and Prelude 12/21 to check out some of their other work as well.

The Kill (Bury Me)

I stumbled across 30 Seconds To Mars on accident, as I often do. I was actually trying to remember who sang an entirely different song (100 Years was the track ... for whatever reason, 30 Seconds To Mars popped into my head as the artist. It's actually by Five for Fighting. Cummon; one hundred, thirty, five? Give me a break. There were waaay too many numbers going on in my head. I was bound to get confused). So anyway, I'd never listened to 30 Seconds To Mars before, but after their name popped into my head the other day, I decided to look at their album A Beautiful Lie (2005) ... see if they were any good.
I was actually very impressed. These guys are very good, indeed. Looking first through the album's lyrics (as always) and then sampling the thirty second preview on iTunes (see this? I have a system when it comes to new music), I decided I definantly need to look further into this group. But the song that stands out for me right now is definantly The Kill (Bury Me). Wow! I am still not very familiar with the band, but I think this song would probably be the best representation of their awesome talent ... any Mars fans wanna back me up on that? And if not this song, which is Mars' greatest?
Until I've learned more about them, 30 Seconds To Mars has me sold on the track The Kill (Bury Me), as well as the music video. Any Stephen King fans reading this will recognize several scences from The Shining, especially if you've seen the movie. Even if you can't relate the music video to the movie, it's a beautiful video with enough emotion to give me chills and leave me speechless at the end.
I can't wait to look further into this group and see what else they've come out with. For now, here's The Kill (Bury Me) by 30 Seconds To Mars.

30 Seconds To Mars - The Kill (Bury Me) Music Video

The Kill (Bury Me)
30 Seconds To Mars

What if I wanted to break
Laugh it all off in your face
What would you do? (Oh, oh)
What if I fell to the floor
Couldn't take all this anymore
What would you do, do, do?

Come break me down
Bury me, bury me
I am finished with you

What if I wanted to fight
Beg for the rest of my life
What would you do?
You say you wanted more
What are you waiting for?
I'm not running from you (from you)

Come break me down
Bury me, bury me
I am finished with you
Look in my eyes
You're killing me, killing me
All I wanted was you

I tried to be someone else
But nothing seemed to change
I know now, this is who I really am inside
Finally found myself
Fighting for a chance
I know now, this is who I really am

Ah, ah
Oh, oh
Ah, ah

Come break me down
Bury me, bury me
I am finished with you, you, you
Look in my eyes
You're killing me, killing me
All I wanted was you

Come break me down (bury me, bury me)
Break me down (bury me, bury me)
Break me down (bury me, bury me)

(You say you wanted more)
What if I wanted to break...?
(What are you waiting for?)
Bury me, bury me
(I'm not running from you)
What if I
What if I
What if I
What if I
Bury me, bury me

Face Down

...I love this song.
That's all there is to it. It's just a fantastic song... the lyrics are so powerful and speak of strength and courage in the most unbearable of situations.
I personally like a certain version of this song better... the version with the screaming. I like the screaming... if the vocalist is screaming and pulling it off well, he's obviously got a lot of passion behind what he's saying, and I like that. It really brings a song together and works beautifully with this song. I was dissapointed that the screamo version is so much shorter (2:50 compared to the radio edit which passes the three minute mark), which forced me to sacrifice quality for quanity; better version vs. longer version.
No matter which version you chose, this really is just an amazing song. So, as always, I'll post the music video and lyrics. The video I found on YouTube is yet another version of this song... I think this may be the original, actually. This version includes a screamo bridge, but lacks the screaming at the end of each chorus, like my version has. Still an awesome song and a great video.
Here it is; Face Down by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Face Down Music Video

Face Down
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Hey girl you know you drive me crazy
One walk puts the rhythm in my head
Still I'll never understand why you hang around
I see what's going down

Cover up with make up in the mirror
Tell yourself it's never gonna happen again
You cry alone and then he swears he loves you

Do you feel like a man
When you push her around?
Do you feel better now
As she falls to the ground?
Well I'll tell you my friend
One day this world's going to end
As your lies crumble down
A new life she has found

A pebble in the water makes a ripple effect
Every action in this world will bear a consequence
If you wait around forever you will surely drown
I see what's going down

I see the way you go and say you're right again,
Say you're right again,
Heed my lecture

Do you feel like a man
When you push her around?
Do you feel better now
As she falls to the ground?
Well I'll tell you my friend
One day this world's going to end
As your lies crumble down
A new life she has found

Face down in the dirt, she said
This doesn't hurt, she said
I finally had enough

(Screaming)
One day
She will
Tell you
That she
Had enough
It's coming round again

Do you feel like a man
When you push her around?
Do you feel better now
As she falls to the ground?
Well I'll tell you my friend
One day this world's going to end
As your lies crumble down
A new life she has found

Do you feel like a man
When you push her around?
Do you feel better now
As she falls to the ground?
Well I'll tell you my friend
One day this world's going to end
As your lies crumble down
A new life she has found

Face down in the dirt, she said
This doesn't hurt, she said
I finally had enough