Stitches

It's times likes these when I wish I hadn't blown my entire iTunes giftcard.
I've heard of Haste The Day and recently took it upon myself to look up some lyrics and take a listen to some songs off of their latest album, Pressure The Hinges (2007).
I immediately fell in love to the lyrics of songs like White Collar and Akeldema, and was hugely impressed with their hardcore sound on all their tracks. From a different standpoint, Haste The Day is often considered "Christian metalcore", and that means a lot to me on a personal level. But that's beyond the point of this review.
I'll choose to make the focus of this post about Haste The Day's Stitches for several reasons.
One, the lyrics. Just one example of this group's literary genius, Stitches speaks a powerful message about having the courage to speak up and reach out to someone when it matters most.
Two, the sound of the song. This song is not as hard core as some of Haste The Day's other tracks, but the transitions between the harsher and softer moments of the track are executed flawlessly. The instrumentals are outstanding and the vocals are to be commended.
And, finally, the music video. This video is so incredibly powerful, and speaks the message of the song so well ... I just had to share.

So, here are the music video and lyrics to Haste The Day's Stitches. And you better believe that, as soon as I have more money to spend, I will be purchasing this song, and many others, by what may be a new favorite group of mine.

Haste The Day - Stitches Music Video

Stitches
Haste The Day

Five words, five words is all it would take.
Five words to change your heart and mind.
In the heat of the sun I know you’re the only one.
You still cant’ hold yourself together.
Alone… Alone… All alone you have this conversation to satisfy your most intimate inner thoughts.
Then you bite your lip when it matters most.
A shade of red in sight.
Can you taste the blood?
Taste it on your lips.
Rip the seam.
Then I’ll show you how the strings become the stitches in your mouth.
In your silence we are louder.
When the strings become the stitches in your mouth.
Your growing imagination preparing you for what your heart requires to say.
Then you bit your lip when it matters most.
A shade of red in sight.
Can you taste the blood? Taste it on your lips.
Rip the seam.
Then I’ll show you how the strings become the stitches in your mouth.
In your silence we are louder.
When the strings become the stitches in your mouth.
Five words, repeating over in your head.
That’s all you ever have to do.
Five words, repeating over in your head.
That’s all you ever have to do.
Five words.
Is it really that hard to say you’re worth more that this?
1) You’re
2) worth
3) more
4) than
5) this.
Rip the seam.
Then I’ll show you how the strings become the stitches in your mouth.
In you silence we are louder.
When the strings become the stitches in your mouth.

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.)

The Diary Of Jane

Here's another amazing song I discovered through a spontaneous iTunes purchase my sister made.
This song is really, really cool. I'd heard of Breaking Benjamin before, but never taken a listen to any of their work. I've fallen in love with The Diary of Jane! The lyrics are great, but it's the rock sound that's got me hooked. This song is very hard rock in parts, and I like it a lot. I think the drums and bass are what stand out the most in this song; wow! Both instruments are played extremelly well and give this track the edgy feel that makes it so great.
In addition, The melodies are addicting (especially in the chorus!) and the vocals are outstanding. What an awesome song! I'll definantly have to check out more from Breaking Benjamin, because if their other stuff is as good as this, I know I won't be dissapointed.
But, for now, here's The Diary of Jane, by Breaking Benjamin.

Breaking Benjamin - The Diary of Jane Music Video

The Diary of Jane
Breaking Benjamin

If I had to
I would put myself right beside you
So let me ask
Would you like that?
Would you like that?

And I don't mind
If you say this love is the last time
So now I'll ask
Do you like that?
Do you like that?

No!

Something's getting in the way
Something's just about to break
I will try to find my place
In the diary of Jane
So tell me how it should be

Try to find out what makes you tick
As I lie down
Sore and sick
Do you like that?
Do you like that?

There's a fine line between love and hate
And I don't mind
Just let me say that I like that
I like that

Something's getting in the way
Something's just about to break
I will try to find my place
In the diary of Jane
As I burn another page
As I look the other way
I still try to find my place
In the diary of Jane
So tell me how it should be

Desperate, I will crawl
Waiting for so long
No love, there is no love
Die for anyone
What have I become

Something's getting in the way
Something's just about to break
I will try to find my place
In the diary of Jane
As I burn another page
As I look the other way
I still try to find my place
In the diary of Jane

Hello

In the true and trademark style of Evanescence, Hello is both morbidly melancholy and breathtakingly beautiful.
This track, from the group's debut album Fallen (2004), has special signifigance to Amy Lee, the woman behind Evanescence's haunting vocals. Hello was written by Amy about the death of her little sister. Amy was only six years old the day three-year-old Bonnie Lee died, and the lyrics depict this tragic experience in the eyes of a child.
Even without the sad tale to back it up, this song is no doubt emotionally charged. When you hear a song begin with the lyric Has no one told you she's not breathing?, you know you havn't got a pleasant three minutes ahead of you. But nonetheless, Amy Lee has unparalleled talent when it comes to vocals, and she's backed up by an outstanding group of musicians that complete such a heartwrenching track.

Even though this track is going on four minutes long (mostly consisting of the haunting melodies, a knockout combination of piano and violin sure to leave the listener breathless), it seems much shorter. As Amy is singing about her incredible grief, you get lost in the story until, suddenly, Amy hits that remarkable high note while begging, "Hello, I'm still here ... " And then, the song simply ends, before it seems it has even begun. It leaves you with a hollow feeling, looking for answers, some closure. Just like Amy must have felt the day she was told of her sister's death.
Such a powerful track ... I just can't get enough. Five stars from me, without a doubt.

A note ... while the video posted may appear to be a professional music video, this is not the official music video for Hello. Evanescence has not filmed a video for this track. I found this video on YouTube, and I must say it is quite stunning. Kudos to christinerobson from YouTube for creating such a beautiful video, mixing clips from several official Evanescence music videos. Bravo - a beautiful mix!

Evanescence - Hello Video

Hello
Evanescence

Playground school bell rings again
Rain clouds come to play again
Has no one told you she's not breathing?
Hello, I'm your mind giving you someone to talk to
Hello...

If I smile and don't believe
Soon I know I'll wake from this dream
Don't try to fix me, I'm not broken
Hello, I'm the lie living for you so you can hide
I don´t cry...

Suddenly I know I'm not sleeping
Hello, I'm still here
All that's left of yesterday...

Dizzy

I'd never listened to Jimmy Eat World before I heard Dizzy. My sister bought Dizzy off of iTunes randomly one day ... this is how I get acquainted with several amazing songs, including AFI's Miss Murder, Hellogoodybe's Here (In Your Arms) and an unmentionable amount of Fall Out Boy songs, too. What can I say? My sis has good taste.
So when I saw this new song in our Purchased folder of iTunes, I thought, hey, cool, new song. So I hit "play" ... and wow. I was blown away.

What a powerful song! It opens with a drum beat that immediantly draws your attention; you just know this one is going to be something big. Then the vocals begin, and you're hooked. This track just grows and grows and it kind of swells inside you, makes you feel something so painfully beautiful ... or maybe that's just me. Either way, I'm in love with this track. I can't stop listening to it.
Again, I couldn't find a music video for this song, so you get one of those watch-the-same-graphic-for-four-minutes-straight videos. Arn't you excited? But hey, at least this graphic is remotely interesting.
So, here are the lyrics and a video for one of my new favorite songs; Dizzy by Jimmy Eat World.

Jimmy Eat World - Dizzy Video

Dizzy
Jimmy Eat World

You close your eyes and kiss your hand then you blow it
But it isn't meant for me, and I notice
If the choice was ours alone
Then why'd we both choose letting go?
Does it end like this?

Time never had a chance to heal your heart
Just a number always counting down to a new start
If you always knew the truth
Then the world would spin around you
Are you dizzy yet?

Respectfully, so honestly, I'm calling out
Do you hear the conversation we talk about?
Back away to the safety of a quiet house
If there's half a chance in this moment
When your eyes meet mine, we show it off

All talk and not a lot to think, we were living dreams
And she never crept close to our naked feet
If there's something left to lose
Then don't let me wear out my shoes
I'm still walking.

I tried, but it rang and rang, I called all night
On a payphone, remember those from another life?
If everything I meant to you
You can lick and seal then fold in two
Then I've been so blind

Respectfully, so honestly, I'm calling out
Do you hear the conversation we talk about?
Back away to the safety of a quiet house
If there's half a chance in this moment
When your eyes meet mine, we show it off

Oh, oh take it all back, take the first, the last and only
Oh, oh take it all back, take it all back
Everything you showed me
Oh, oh this must be how it feels when the feeling goes

I told you as I hovered, I never felt this way
You said I have the shot that stops my clock
Baby it's OK
You said you'd never have regrets
Jesus, is there someone yet
Who got their wish; did you get yours, babe?

Respectfully, so honestly, I'm calling out
Do you hear the conversation we talk about?
Back away to the safety of a quiet house
If there's half a chance in this moment
When your eyes meet mine, we show it off

Look After You

This song is really, really pretty.
I first heard it on an episode of CBS' Moonlight - yeah, the same show that introduced me to Celine Dion's Taking Chances. It's amazing, how many good songs you can discover by watching good television. Anyway.
So, like I said, Look After You by The Fray is simply beautiful. I love the drum beat and of course the keyboard, and the vocals are awesome. The chorus is my favorite, how the words all kind of run together. Very legato, for those musicians who know what that means. The lyrics are beautiful, and it's just a great song to listen to, overall. Almost a sad song, but not quite - a really bitter-sweet track.
So, here's Look After You by The Fray. Enjoy! And I'm sorry I have to post another boring video - it's all I got :( It will have to do.

The Fray - Look After You Video

Look After You
The Fray

If I don't say this now, I will surely break
As I'm leaving the one I want to take
Forgive the urgency, but hurry up and wait
My heart has started to separate

Oh, oh
Be my baby
Ohhhhh
Oh, oh
Be my baby
I'll look after you

There now, steady, love, so few come and don't go
Will you won't you, be the one I'll always know
When I'm losing my control, the city spins around
You're the only one who knows, you slow it down

Oh, oh
Be my baby
Ohhhhhh
Oh, oh
Be my baby
I'll look after you
And I'll look after you

If ever there was a doubt
My love she leans into me
This most assuredly counts
She says most assuredly

Oh, oh
Be my baby
I'll look after you
After You
Oh, oh
Be my baby
Ohhhhh

It's always have and never hold
You've begun to feel like home
What's mine is yours to leave or take
What's mine is yours to make your own

Oh, oh
Be my baby
Ohhhhh
Oh, oh
Be my baby
I'll look after you

You are so beautiful to me (repeat)

Breaking The Habit

This song is absolutely amazing.
I heard it for the first time just the other day ... ya, I know, it's one of Linkin Park's older tracks, off their Meteora album of 2003. Even if I was a little behind the times, this track sure took my breath away. Just a really hard-hitting song! The lyrics are absolutely phenomenal ... wow! What a strong message! I don't even think I have words that can describe how amazing I think these lyrics are ... there's something about them that just hit you so hard. That, paired with the catchy, techno melodies and awesome vocals, just make it an irrestistable track.
Linkin Park - this is a five star song, in my opinion. And the music video? Fabulous as well - I might have to buy it and put it on my iPod :p
Keep up the awesome work, boys!

Linkin Park - Breaking The Habit Music Video

Breaking The Habit
Linkin Park

Memories consume
Like opening the wound
I'm picking me apart again
You all assume
I'm safe here in my room
Unless I try to start again

I don't want to be the one
The battles always choose
'Cause inside I realize
That I'm the one confused

I don't know what's worth fighting for
Or why I have to scream
I don't know why I instigate
And say what I don't mean
I don't know how I got this way
I know it's not alright
So I'm breaking the habit
I'm breaking the habit
Tonight

Clutching my cure
I tightly lock the door
I try to catch my breath again
I hurt much more
Than anytime before
I had no options left again

I dont want to be the one
The battles always choose
'Cause inside I realize
That I'm the one confused

I don't know what's worth fighting for
Or why I have to scream
I don't know why I instigate
And say what I don't mean
I don't know how I got this way
I'll never be alright
So, I'm breaking the habit
I'm breaking the habit
Tonight

I'll paint it on the walls
'Cause I'm the one at fault
I'll never fight again
And this is how it ends

I don't know what's worth fighting for
Or why I have to scream
But now I have some clarity
to show you what I mean
I don't know how I got this way
I'll never be alright
So, I'm breaking the habit
I'm breaking the habit
I’m breaking the habit
Tonight

Say

I heard this song for the first time on XM Radio today in the car ...
Wow. What a beautiful song! Amazing lyrics, beautiful melodies, and great vocals tie John Mayer's Say together and make it a great single. I think this track is just fantastic as a whole ... one of those "feel-good" songs with a wonderful message.
Check it out - Say by John Mayer.

John Mayer - Say Music Video

Say
John Mayer

Take out of your wasted honor
Every little past frustration
Take all of your so called problems
Better put them in quotations
Say what you need to say (8x)

Walkin like a one man army
Fightin with the shadows in your head
Living out the same old moment
Knowing you’d be better off instead
If you could only
Say what you need to say (8x)

Have no fear for giving in
Have no fear for giving over
You better know that in the end its better to say too much
Than to never to say what you need to say again

Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open
Why?
Say what you need to say (25x)

Under Pressure

I am so not an eighties music fan. I hear an eighties song, and I do my best to leave the room. I don't know what it is about that musical era, but the eighties and I are not good friends as far as music goes.
But, leave it to me to fall in love with an eighties song as soon as My Chemical Romance & The Used collaborate on its remix. In all honesty, I would have never given this song a chance if my favorite band and their close friends, respectively, hadn't redone it. Sorry, I'm terribly prejudice against eighties music, I know. But I listed to this remix of Under Pressure, and turns out I like the lyrics a lot, and the beat is super catchy, too.
Congrats to MCR and The Used, for recording an awesome cover to what was probably an awesome song to begin with. But I'll let some Queen or David Bowie fans tell you how great the original track was. Me? I'm a little biased.
So, here are the lyrics to Under Pressure, and a video of the bands performing the song together. Usually I don't like posting videos of live performances because, let's face it, no band or artist is as great live as they are in a recording studio, and most of the videos of live performances on YouTube have awful picture or audio quality, or both. But I found this video and it was great quality, and fun to watch to boot. So, I'm making an exception and posting this video of a live performance instead of a video where you sit and stare at a band logo for three and a half minutes. You're welcome.
Enjoy the song!

My Chemical Romance & The Used - Under Pressure (Live)

Under Pressure
My Chemical Romance & The Used (Originally by David Bowie & Queen)

Pressure!

Pushing down on me
Pressing down on you no man ask for
Under pressure
That burns a building down
Splits a family in two
Puts people on streets

Bah bah dah bah bah dah
(Yeah) (Yeah)

That's okay!
It's the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Watching some good friends
Scream "Let me out!"
Pray tomorrow takes me higher
Pressure on people
People on streets

Bah bah dah bah bah dah
Okay!

Chippin' around
Kick my brains round the floor
These are the days
It never rains but it pours
Bah bah dah bah bah dah

People on streets
bah dah dee da day
People on streets
bah dah dee dah dee dah dee dah dee dah

It's the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Watching some good friends
Scream "Let me out!"
Pray tomorrow takes me higher (higher)

Yeah!

Turned away from it all
Like a blind man
Sat on a fence but it don't work
Keep coming up with love
But it's so slashed and torn

Why? Why? Why?
Love (love)! Love (love)! Love (love)!

Insanity laughs under pressure we're cracking
Can't we give ourselves one more chance?
Why can't we give love that one more chance?
Why can't we give love give love give love?
Give love give love give love give love give love?

Cause love's such an old fashioned word
And love dares you to care
For the people on the edge of the night
And love dares you to change our ways
Of caring about ourselves

This is our last dance
This is our last dance
This is ourselves under pressure

Under pressure
Under pressure

Shadow Of The Day

I've listed to most of Linkin Park's popular songs; What I've Done, Numb, In The End ... But of all of their songs that have gone mainstream recently, I have to say Shadow of the Day is probably my favorite.
As with most of Linkin Park's songs, I love the drum beat in this song. All of the melodies and harmonies on this track really work for the mood the band was going for, which is very powerful; this song can be very meaningful to a lot of people. The lyrics in this song are absolutely heartbreaking, but in a good way. It's just one of those songs that you listen to and it completely upsets you, because it's so true ... but then you feel better after listening to it. You feel inspired and awakened.
I don't know. Maybe that's just me.
If this song doesn't inspire you, maybe the music video will. I find it extremelly hard to watch, so be warned; this isn't a feel-good music video. But, in the same strange was that the song seems to inspire at least me, the music video does the same.
Just a great track. Way to go, Linkin Park, for putting out another stellar single.

Linkin Park - Shadow Of The Day Music Video

Shadow Of The Day
Linkin Park

I close both locks below the window
I close both blinds and turn away
Sometimes solutions aren’t so simple
Sometimes goodbye’s the only way, oh

And the sun will set for you
The sun will set for you
And the shadow of the day
Will embrace the world in gray
And the sun will set for you...

In cards and flowers on your window
Your friends all plead for you to stay
Sometimes beginnings aren’t so simple
Sometimes goodbye’s the only way, oh

And the sun will set for you
The sun will set for you
And the shadow of the day
Will embrace the world in gray
And the sun will set for you

And the shadow of the day
Will embrace the world in gray
And the sun will set for you

And the shadow of the day
Will embrace the world in gray
And the sun will set for you

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 Pros And Cons Of Breathing

What can I say? I'm slowly becoming a Fall Out Boy fan.
My sister started it. She was a Fall Out Boy fan first, and she's kinda got me hooked on some of their songs. Of course I was already well-versed in the sounds of Sugar, We're Goin' Down; Dance, Dance; and Thnks Fr Th Mmrs; it was nearly impossible to avoid those ones on mainstream radio when they were first released, and the latter is still fairly popular. However, it was my sister who introduced me to Fall Out Boy's less popular tracks, and I must say they arn't half bad. A little more "pop" then what I usually listen to, but hey, in case you couldn't tell, I listen to just about everything.
So now I have to say my favorite Fall Out Boy songs to date are the following, listed by album ...

Take This To Your Grave (2003)

- Grand Theft Autumn/Where Is Your Boy?
- The Pros And Cons Of Breathing

From Under The Cork Tree (2005)

- Of All The Gin Joints In The World
- Dance, Dance
- Sugar, We're Goin' Down
- I've Got A Dark Alley And A Bad Idea That Says You Should Shut Your Mouth (Summer Song)
- A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More "Touch Me"
- Get Busy Living Or Get Busy Dying (Do Your Part To Save The Scene And Stop Going To Shows)

Infinity On High (2007)

- Thnks Fr Th Mmrs
- This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race
- I've Got All This Ringing In My Ears And None On My Fingers (Truth Hurts Worse)

Yes, I realize that was quite the list, and that this post was meant to be a review for a song rather than a bunch of albums. Therefore, I'm going to move on and get to the point I was trying to make here. Of all the above listed songs, which one is my favorite?
Probably The Pros And Cons Of Breathing. Hence the title of this post. See how that works?
Anyway.
I really love The Pros And Cons Of Breathing, mostly because of the lyrics. Fall Out Boy's bassist and lyricist Pete Wentz writes some really amazing stuff. The melody of this song is great as well; just a really great track overall.

Sadly, Fall Out Boy hasn't filmed a music video for this song and chances are they never will. So, instead, you guys get this random video off YouTube. Incredibly boring, but lets you hear an amazing song.
So here it is; The Pros And Cons Of Breathing by Fall Out Boy.

Fall Out Boy - The Pros And Cons Of Breathing Video

The Pros And Cons Of Breathing
Fall Out Boy

Bury me standing under your window
With this cinder block in hand
Yeah, cause no one will ever feel like this again
And if I could move I’m sure it would only be to crawl back to you
I must have dragged my guts a block
They were gone by the time we…

Whoa, I want to hate you half as much as I hate myself
You know that I could crush you with my voice
Whoa, I want to hate you half as much as I hate myself
You know that I could crush you with my voice

Stood on my roof and tried to see you forgetting about me
Hide the details, I don’t want to know a thing

I hate the way you say my name like it’s something secret
My pen is the barrel of the gun, remind me which side you should be on

Whoa, I want to hate you half as much as I hate myself
You know that could crush you with my voice
Whoa, I want to hate you half as much as I hate myself
You know that I could crush you with my voice

Stood on my roof and tried to see you forgetting about me
Hide the details, I don’t want to know a thing

I wish that I was as invisible as you make me feel
I wish that I was as invisible as you make me feel

Whoa, I want to hate you half as much as I hate my…
Whoa, I want to hate you half as much as I hate my…

Whoa, I want to hate you half as much as I hate myself
You know that I could crush you with my voice
Whoa, I want to hate you half as much as I hate myself
You know that I could crush you with my voice

Here (In Your Arms)

I have to say that I'm madly in love with Hellogoodbye's song Here (In Your Arms).
Like usual, it's the lyrics. Another sweet, honest love song that completely melts my heart. That, matched with the techno/dance beat of this track make it more or less irresistable. An extremelly fun song to listen to that makes you feel good, too.
I encourage fans of this type of music to check out the rest of the Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs! album. Almost all the tracks on that album, which is Hellogoodbye's latest, are very techno style and tons of fun to listen to. However, Here (In Your Arms) is the obvious standout, in my opinion; it has won me over in the same way it has fans of Hellogoodbye and otherwise.
Personally, I think the music video is ridiculous, and extremelly distracting from what I think is the message behind the song. I think Hellogoodbye could have done much better with the video ... but that's just me.
Anyway, here it is; Here (In Your Arms) by Hellogoodbye.

Hellogoodbye - Here (In Your Arms) Music Video

Here (In Your Arms)
Hellogoodbye

I like, where we are
When we drive, in your car
I like, where we are... here

Cause our lips, can touch
And our cheeks, can brush
Our lips can touch... here

Well you are the one, the one that lies close to me
Whispers "Hello, I miss you quite terribly"
I fell in love, in love with you suddenly
Now there's no place else I could be, but here in your arms

I like, where you sleep
When you sleep, next to me
I like, where you sleep... here

Cause our lips, can touch
And our cheeks, can brush
Our lips can touch... here

Well you are the one, the one that lies close to me
Whispers "Hello, I miss you quite terribly"
I fell in love, in love with you suddenly
Now there's no place else I could be, but here in your arms

Our lips, can touch
Our lips, can touch...here

Well you are the one, the one that lies close to me
Whispers "Hello, I miss you quite terribly"
I fell in love, in love with you suddenly
Now there's no place else I could be, but here in your arms

Well you are the one, the one that lies close to me
Whispers "Hello, I miss you quite terribly"
I fell in love, in love with you suddenly
Now there's no place else I could be, but here in your arms

Here in your arms
Here in your arms

Issakar - "The Times"

I have not heard much about Issakar recently. They are a local band (for me, anyway; got their start in Portland, Oregon, USA), and honestly, I probably would have never heard of them if they hadn't played live at my church camp three years ago. That's when my sister won an autographed copy of their album The Times (2005) and I first heard their music.
I think these guys have a lot of potential. The lead singer, Josiah Warneking, has a voice that easily makes the transition from a soft ballad to an edgy rock track. He is also the talent behind the keyboard, which is present throughout the album. The rest of the band is very talented as well; Dustin Erhardt is on lead guitar and backing vocals, Josh Miller plays acoustic guitar and sings accompanyment, Justin Fish plays bass, and Robbie Tice is on drums. Together, these guys create a sound that unique and promising. I always thought with time, Issakar would be great.
I hadn't looked them up in a while, not until I decided today that I wanted to write an album review for The Times on music.is.life. That's when I decided to Google the band, see where they were these days.
Looks like Issakar has only become better. They released a new album, Every Time It Rains, in October of 2007 and I look forward to listening to the tracks on their latest album. As quoted from the band's website, their sophomore album is "a cross between Rascal Flatts and The Fray, but influenced by The Beatles ;-)". Yeah, the smily was on their webiste.
Issakar also has tour dates booked across Oregon and Washinton State, and are traveling to Scottsdale, Arizona in April. Their music is now being featured on radio stations in Spokane, Washington and they hope to expand to other stations soon.
I'm extremelly pleased to hear that this band has come so far; I always thought they had such good potential. Now knowing that they have a new album out, writing a review for their debut seems kind of silly, but it is the only music of theirs I know. As much as I liked The Times, I know Every Time It Rains will not be dissapointing, and I look extremelly forward to listening to it as soon as possible; I may even review it on this site ;)
For now, here's a review for Issakar's The Times (2005).

Issakar - The Times

1. Guilty - A very powerful first track. Issakar sets a tone for their album right off the bat, establishing a religous message in Guilty's lyrics. Even besides the message, this track is very enjoyable, with strong vocals and a good melody to back it up.
2. Come Away - A wonderful example of the vocal diversity of this group. While the first time they sing the chorus is softer, the repeated chorus is sung much deeper, more rock, with excellent backing vocals. A slightly repetitive track, but not so much to bore the listener.
3. Hero - Another good example of vocal diversity. This song has a more original sound, with powerful electric guitar chords making a big impression in the verses. This song has a great melody as well as beautiful, meaningful lyrics.
4. How Great - The keyboard makes its first big influence in what will be a reoccuring theme throughout The Times. Starting off softer and growing into a deep, passionate chorus, this song is great to listen to. Not an overly original track, nor is it one that really stands out on the album, but it can certainly stand on its own.
5. Beach - This track picks up the pace with a catchy melody, backed by a hi-hat on the drums that keeps the tempo going along at a steady pace. The rap bridge is presented well, considering rap is not this group's main style of music. A very fun track to listen to.
6. Dry Bones - Definantly one of my favorites. The lyrics alone were enough to sell me on the song, but the instrumentation and the execution of the vocals are phenominal as well. Again, the keyboard plays a major role in the melody. I just think there's a lot of passion in this song, as well as a great message.
7. One Voice - Not an overly exciting track, but I really do like the message behind the lyrics, which speak of reaching for your goals no matter now tough the circumstances (don't let the sun / set on your dreams / if your voice is a whisper / make it louder than screams ... know that one voice can change the world ). A slower track with a lot of soul.
8. True Identity - Issakar must have brought in a different lead singer for this one; there's no way this is the same person who sang the lead for the other tracks. If I'm correct in my assumption, the guys made a good move; the man who sings this track's lead has an almost operatic voice which suits the song well. Not a stellar track, but I do like the lyrics a lot, and the melody of the chorus.
9. Still - Another track with a big, beautiful keyboard melody. This song has phenomenal lyrics that can be understood in a religious way or otherwise. A lot of passion behind this track; lyrically, it may be one of my favorites, and the melody isn't bad either.
10. Gesthemane - Starts off a little shaky, with lyrics that, in my opinion, are hard to understand. The song gets better as it goes and has a quite appealing chorus, but overall, just not one of my favorites.
11. A Child's Cry - More keyboard melodies and acoustic guitars strum to accompany tragically sad lyrics. A beautiful song about hope in the face of disaster, with a touching religious message if you chose to interprit the lyrics in that way. A lot of passion and soul behind these lyrics, especially right before the chorus. A terribly sad song, but still beautiful.
12. One Million Songs - A plain and simple love song. A keyboard & acoustic melody once again, which suits perfectly. A great vocal rangs for Josiah. The lyrics are sweet and this song is just overall pleasant to hear.
13. Obsession - A very soft, quiet track to wrap up the album. Once again, the keyboard and acoustic come together to create a beautiful background for fantastic lyrics. Another love song, the lyrics for the final track are a bit more passionate than One Million Songs'. Just a beautiful track to listen to, and a great close to the album.

I encourage you to check out this group for yourself, even if you're not big on religious music. They have a very good sound that is appealing to someone of any belief. Issakar may not be big yet, but they can be ... and they're slowly getting there.

Issakar's band website is a great place to learn more about this group and what they're about, as well as tour dates and other information, if you are interested.

Sadly, I could not find any videos on the Internet of Issakar :( So instead of a video, I will post the lyrics to Dry Bones, one of my favorites. I cannot find official lyrics for this on the internet, either (might show how little know Issakar is at the moement...) so I am typing them up on my own. Please bear with me, there are sure to be typos and some of the lyrics may be wrong as well. Hopefully it will give you a feel for the song, and if you know I've written something wrong don't hesitate to leave a comment and correct me!

And if anyone has listened to any or all of Every Time It Rains, please, leave a comment and let me and other music.is.life readers know what you thought of Issakar's latest! It would be very much appreciated!

Dry Bones
Issakar

Her mirror contains no mercy
In what it shows
A broken shattered image
Is all she knows
A bed of wilted roses
Is all she sees
Her satin heart is tearing
She cannot breathe

Her faith has all but faded
Her hope a dream
Her world, it falls around her
It hides her screams

Rejected, tormented
Her mind is ever captive
Darkness is bent on stealing
Her will to live

Breathe life, breathe life
Into these dry and empty bones
Yeah, breathe life
Breathe life
Into these dry and empty bones

Her strength is slowly waiving
From the years of pain
Her visions dark and shaded
From clouds of shame

So jaded, frusterated
She feels she's more than far away
Her soul is reaching out for
The light of day

Breathe life, breathe life
Into these dry and empty bones
Yeah, breathe life
Breathe life
Into these dry and empty bones...

Breathe (2 AM)

I really love this song.
When I was little, I used to listen to Jewel ... anyone know her? My mom had one of her CD's and when I was little I used to put it in and listen to it to put me to sleep ... yeah, even as an eight-year-old I was addicted to music. Of course I was too young to really understand the depth of Jewel's lyrics, but I loved the songs.
Anyway, you're probably thinking, "Okay, girl, where you going with this ... "
I just think Anna Nalick sounds a lot like Jewel, in my opinion. I'm not sure what about them exactly sounds the same ... just some of the inflections in Anna's voice remind me a lot of Jewel, I guess.
Either way, this song is breathtaking. Anna has an amazing voice, and the lyrics of this song are so deep and so pure. Just a really powerful, moving song, with a lot of meaning behind it. The music video is beautiful as well.
Here's Breathe (2 AM) by Anna Nalick.

Anna Nalick - Breathe (2 AM) Music Video

Breathe (2 AM)
Anna Nalick

2 AM and she calls me 'cause I'm still awake
"Can you help me unravel my latest mistake?
I don't love him, winter just wasn't my season."
Yeah we walk through the doors, so accusing their eyes
Like they have any right at all to criticize
Hypocrites, you're all here for the very same reason

'Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable
And life's like an hourglass glued to the table
No one can find the rewind button, girl
So cradle your head in your hands

And breathe... just breathe
Oh breathe, just breathe

May he turned 21 on the base at Fort Bliss
"Just a day" he said down to the flask in his fist,
"Ain't been sober, since maybe October of last year."
Here in town you can tell he's been down for a while
But, my God, it's so beautiful when the boy smiles
Wanna hold him, maybe I'll just sing about it

Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable,
And life's like an hourglass glued to the table
No one can find the rewind button, boys
So cradle your head in your hands

And breathe... just breathe
Oh breathe, just breathe

There's a light at each end of this tunnel
You shout 'cause you're just as far in as you'll ever be out
And these mistakes you've made, you'll just make them again
If you only try turning around.

2 AM and I'm still awake, writing a song
If I get it all down on paper, it's no longer inside of me
Threatening the life it belongs to
And I feel like I'm naked in front of the crowd
Cause these words are my diary, screaming out loud
And I know that you'll use them however you want to

But you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable
And life's like an hourglass glued to the table
No one can find the rewind button now
Sing it if you understand

And breathe, just breathe
Woah breathe, just breathe
Oh breathe, just breathe
Oh breathe, just breathe

Paramore - "Riot!"

While their first album was released in 2005, Paramore's second, Riot! (2007), has definantly put this band on the map.
I'm actually quite impressed with this group, and their newest album. I had never heard of them until Riot! started becoming so popular, and that's when I decided to check them out. I was instantly surprised that the frontman was not a man at all, but a young woman; how stereotypical of me. I truely am ashamed. But really, it seems there are no mainstream groups out there with female vocals leading the songs; almost all the groups in the punk-rock scene are made up of all guys, and any of the girls in this genre seem to record as an individual artist. After the initial shock wore off, I was quite pleased to see a woman heading an alternative group. Good for Hayley Williams!
And boy, once I started listening, I was also impressed by her voice. Hayley sings with a lot of heart, and that shines through in both Paramore's recorded tracks and live shows. Hayley's vocals paired with the rest of the band's talents on guitar and drums make for a really pleasing sound. Put that together with the kind of lyrics this group has come up with, and you've got yourself one heck of an album; and Riot! has proved to be just that, bringing Paramore into the mainstream spotlight and even landing them a 2008 Grammy Nomination for Best New Artist.

Grammy Update, February 13th 2008: Paramore fans will be disapointed to hear that they did not win the Grammy for Best New Artist at the awards on February 10th. Amy Winehouse fans, however, will be delighted to hear that she took the award instead.

Paramore - Riot!

1. For A Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic - A catchy track; a good start to the album. I don't find anything about this track that especially stands out. I think this song gives you a good idea as of what's to come in the album, and the bridge especially gives you a taste for Hayley's vocal talents.
2. That's What You Get - A touch more "pop"-y than the previous track, it's also a more appealing track overall. The lyrics in this one probably mean more to this group's target audience (asking the question, "why do we like to hurt so much?"), and the beat, especially the chorus, is addicting.
3. Hallelujah - A wonderful track. The lyrics to this song are very deep and thoughtful, and the vocals are pure; it seems every note is hit effortlessly. Slightly softer in the beginning, the song picks up a bit after the first chorus and it just grows from there. Whether it has a religious significance to you or not, many people should be able to appreciate this track.
4. Misery Business - The song which may be this group's most popular to date. Probably the most original in sound on the album, this track has you hooked from the opening melody and the driving beat keeps you listening all the way through. The vocals are full of raw emotion, and you feel this song rather than hearing it in most parts.
5. When It Rains - The lyrics to this song absolutely blow me away and make this track one of my favorites on the album. The drum beat and bass line keep this song moving along at a steady pace, and the fading guitar chords add a nice touch. Just a great song overall; softer than the other tracks without sacrificing any of the quality.
6. Let The Flames Begin - Another good, strong track. While the first verse seems soft and you expect another softer track, the chorus proves you wrong. The lyrics in this song are fabulous and are presented with exceptional talent.
7. Miracle! - This song is strong from the opening melody, but if the melody isn't enough to get you hooked, the lyrics will do the trick. Again, these powerful lyrics are presented with enough emotion to really help the listner feel the meaning behind the song. A little different than the others on the album, I really like this track; another of my favorites.
8. Crushcrushcrush - Maybe Paramore's second most popular to date, after Misery Business. The driving beat just makes you want to dance; again, a strong bass and drum line. The chorus is catchy, and I'm in love with the bridge. A track to play nice and loud.
9. We Are Broken - A lovely ballad to quiet things down after the ending of the previous track. The keyboard makes a significant apperance for the first time on the album, and it works wonders for the mood of the track. Throughout the whole first verse, it's as if you're waiting for the song to really begin; but with the first lines of the chorus ... those chords give you chills. Hayley's vocals add a painfully beautiful element that really make this song what it is.
10. Fences - This track picks things up again after We Are Broken. The swing style beat is impossible to ignore; definantly a toe-tapping song. Again, the lyrics are presented exceptionally well, especially at the end of the chorus (this is your night / so smile / 'cause you'll go out in style). This is a fun song to listen to and is another one of my favorites; it gets stuck in my head all the time!
11. Born For This - The echo on the vocals give this track a completelly different feel than the rest of the songs on the album; you can tell the group just had a blast recording this song. Besides the awesome melody and vocals, the lyrics are outstanding as well. A great close to the album.

Paramore sound like a good group? I encourage you to check them out for yourself.

The lyrics for all the songs on the Riot! album as well as Paramore's first album, All We Know Is Falling (2005), plus lyrics for their B-side tracks and more can be found on this website.

And here's the music video for Crushcrushcrush, so you can get a feel for what some of thier songs sound like. Enjoy!

Paramore - Crushcrushcrush Music Video

Hero/Heroine

As a new group, I think Boys Like Girls is off to a great start.
Their first album, Boys Like Girls (2006), has quite a few great tracks. The Great Escape may be their most popular; I'm sure any fan of mainstream rock has heard this one on the radio. Some of the album's other tracks have gained popularity among fans who wanted to hear more of what this band has to offer; Heels Over Head and Five Minutes to Midnight caught the attention of this new group's growning fan base.
My favorite song by Boys Like Girls, however, is Hero/Heroine; specifically, the Tom Lord-Alge Mix. It's a pure, honest song; just kinda makes you feel good. The lyrics are sweet, and the melody and vocals are catchy and present the mood of the song well. And the "newer" version of the music video makes me smile :)
Here are the lyrics and new music video to Hero/Heroine. Keep it up, "Boys"; you've definantly on the right track.

Sorry the video quality isn't great :( Best I could find.

Boys Like Girls - Hero/Heroine Official Music Video

Hero/Heroine
Boys Like Girls

It's too late baby, there's no turning around
I've got my hands in my pocket and my head in a cloud
This is how I do
When I think about you
I never thought that you could break me apart
I keep a sinister smile and a hole in my heart
You want to get inside
Then you need to get in line
But not this time

Cause you caught me off guard
Now I'm running and screaming

I feel like a hero and you are my heroine

I won't try to philosophize
I'll just take a deep breath and I'll look in your eyes
This is how I feel
And its so so real
I got a closet filled up to the brim
With the ghosts of my past and the skeletons
And I don't know why
You'd even try
But I won't lie

You caught me off guard
Now I'm running and screaming

I feel like a hero and you are my heroine
Do you know that your love is the sweetest sin?

And I feel a weakness coming on
Never felt so good to be so wrong
Had my heart on lockdown
And then you turned me around
I'm feeling like a new born child
Every time I get a chance to see you smile
It's not complicated
I was so jaded

And you caught me off guard
Now I'm running and screaming

I feel like a hero and you are my heroine
Do you know that your love is the sweetest sin?

And I feel a weakness coming on
Never felt so good to be so wrong
Had my heart all locked down
And then you turned me around
I'm feeling like a new born child
Every time I get a chance to see you smile
It's not complicated
I was so jaded...

All Fall Down

I think OneRepublic scored big time with this track, All Fall Down, from their album Dreaming Out Loud (2007).
The acoustic opener draws you in, and when the main melody begins, you just get chills; it's simply lovely. I wanna say violin ... but it's not quite right. Maybe a keyboard, set to sound like a violin? The lyrics to this song are fabulous, and the vocals fit the mood of the song so well. Just a really fantastic, beautiful song.
While this track is not one of OneRepublic's well-known songs (they're currently enjoying the attention Apologize, which they recorded alongside artist Timbaland, has recieved from fans of both artists), I think this one is a good example of OneRepublic's talents. While they've yet to find a truely unique sound, there's no doubt these guys are on their way.
While OneRepublic has not created a music video for this song as of now, I found this video on YouTube which somebody made. It lets you hear the song ... kinda boring, though.
So here it is ... All Fall Down by OneRepublic.

OneRepublic - All Fall Down

All Fall Down
OneRepublic

Step out the door and it feels like rain
That's the sound, that's the sound, on your window pane
Take to the streets but you can't ignore
That's the sound, that's the sound, you're waiting for

You feel that your will starts crashing down
Whenever you're will starts crashing down
Whenver your will starts crashing down
That's when you find me

Yeah God love your soul and your aching bones
Take a breath, take a step, maybe down below
Everyone's the same
My fingers to my toes
We just can't get a ride
But we're on the road

If ever your will starts crashing down
Whenever your will starts crashing down
Whenever your will starts crashing down
That's when you find me

Lost 'till you're found
Swim 'till you drown
Know that we all fall down

Love 'till you hate
Jump 'till you break
Know that we all fall down

If ever your will starts crashing down
Whenever your will starts crashing down
If ever your will starts crashing down
That's when you'll find (find) me

Lost 'till you're found
Swim 'till you drown
Know that we all fall down

Love 'till you hate
Jump 'till you break
Know that we all fall down

All fall down, we all fall down, all fall down
We all fall down, all fall down, all fall down

Lost 'till you're found
Swim 'till you drown
Know that we all fall down

Love 'till you hate
Jump 'till you break
Know that we all fall down

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

Ever The Same

This is one of those songs that just strikes a chord somewhere inside of you. Rob Thomas' Ever The Same is simply brilliant.
Maybe it's the melody. The keyboard carries most of this song's lovely melody, but the rhythmic trap set and electric guitar chords keep time and add something to this track.
Maybe it's the lyrics. The lyrics to this song are beautiful ... a classic love story. He's telling her he'll always be there for her ... he'll catch her every time she falls.
Or maybe it's the way these amazing lyrics are presented. Rob Thomas does an outstanding job with this song ... he puts so much emotion into it. Really adds a beautiful element to an already gorgeous song.
So, whatever the reason, this song really gets to me. Mabye it does you, too?
I watched the music video for the first time today, and I must say I was rather impressed. I love the "sketch"-y special effects (reminded me vaguely of Incubus' Drive music video), and the doves. Just a very nice video, I believe.
Anyway. I'm not entirely sure what I love so much about this song, exactly ... just everything together, I suppose. I hope you enjoy it, too.
Here's Ever The Same, by Rob Thomas.

Rob Thomas - Ever The Same Music Video

Ever The Same
Rob Thomas

We were drawn from the weeds
We were brave like soldiers
Falling down under the pale moonlight
You were holding me
Like someone broken
And I couldn't tell you, but I'm telling you now

Just let me hold you while you're falling apart
Just let me hold you and we'll both fall down

Fall on me
Tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you, forever in me
Ever the same

We would stand in the wind
We were free like water
Flowing down
Under the warmth of the sun
Now it's cold and we're scared
And we've both been shaken
Look at us, man
This doesn't need to be the end

Just let me hold you while you're falling apart
Just let me hold you and we'll both fall down

Fall on me
Tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same

Call on me
I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me
Forever it's you
Forever in me
Ever the same

You may need me there
To carry all your weight
But you're no burden, I assure
You tide me over
With a warmth I'll not forget
But I can only
Give you love

Fall on me
Tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same

Call on me
I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me
Forever it's you
Forever in me
Ever the same
Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same

Ever the same...

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

Hey There Delilah

This masterpiece was nominated for Song of the Year for this year's Grammy awards, and with good reason ... the Plain White T's scored big time with this track, double featured in their albums All That We Need (2005) and Every Second Counts (2006). A Song of the Year nomination is based strictly on the songwriters, and it was frontman Tom Higgenson's lyrics that landed the Plain White T's a spot in the Grammy nominations. The painfully sweet lyrics to this song actually came to Tom after meeting & falling for Columbia University steeplechase runner Delilah DiCrescenzo (pictured).
So, in the words of Tom Higgenson, "Delilah, here's to you"; you're the inspiration to what may be a Grammy-award-winning song. The Plain White T's just might "be making history" with a Song of the Year award, and "it's all because of you".
And even if Hey There Delilah falls short of a Grammy title - it does have some tough competition, such as Carrie Underwood's Before He Cheats and Rhianna's Umbrella, featuring Jay-Z -, it's already become a favorite to many Plain White T's fans who also enjoy a good, honest love song.
Here's the music video and could-be award winning lyrics for the song Hey There Delilah, performed by the Plain White T's. Is this track worthy of Song of the Year? You decide for yourself. But either way, the story behind these lyrics should be enough to warm your heart.

Grammy Update, February 13th 2008: I hate to be the bearer of bad news; Hey There Delilah did not win Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards on February 10th. Instead, the award was given to Amy Winehouse's Rehab, which was written and performed by Amy herself.

Plain White T's - Hey There Delilah Music Video

Hey There Delilah
Plain White T's

Hey there Delilah
What's it like in New York City?
I'm a thousand miles away
But girl, tonight you look so pretty
Yes you do
Times Square can't shine as bright as you
I swear it's true

Hey there Delilah
Don't you worry about the distance
I'm right there if you get lonely
Give this song another listen
Close your eyes
Listen to my voice, it's my disguise
I'm by your side

Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
What you do to me

Hey there Delilah
I know times are getting hard
But just believe me, girl
Someday I'll pay the bills with this guitar
We'll have it good
We'll have the life we knew we would
My word is good

Hey there Delilah
I've got so much left to say
If every simple song I wrote to you
Would take your breath away
I'd write it all
Even more in love with me you'd fall
We'd have it all

Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me

A thousand miles seems pretty far
But they've got planes and trains and cars
I'd walk to you if I had no other way
Our friends would all make fun of us
And we'll just laugh along because we know
That none of them have felt this way
Delilah I can promise you
That by the time we get through
The world will never ever be the same
And you're to blame

Hey there Delilah
You be good and don't you miss me
Two more years and you'll be done with school
And I'll be making history like I do
You'll know it's all because of you
We can do whatever we want to
Hey there Delilah here's to you
This one's for you

Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
What you do to me

My Chemical Romance - "The Black Parade"

I know I've already made a post for MCR's song Welcome to the Black Parade, but I made that post before I fell in love with this group's other amazing songs. Later I posted about I Don't Love You after falling in love with the music video. Now that I've purchased almost the entire album off iTunes and become obsessed with almost every track, I feel like writing an album review for My Chemical Romance's latest album, The Black Parade ... otherwise, I may end up writing individual posts for each track, and this just seems much easier.

There really is not a weak track on this album. This group is extremely talented, and it's as if they don't enter the recording studio or set out to film a music video unless they feel strongly about the song and are willing to put in one hundred and ten percent in order to make it the best it can be. And, so far, this passion for their work has produced brilliant songs, albums and music videos time and time again. Not to sound biased or anything (they are my favorite band, after all) ... but I think these guys are simply amazing, and The Black Parade certainly doesn't disappoint. While I enjoy some tracks more than others for personal reasons, I think the album as a whole is simply spectacular.
Another thing I find interesting about this album is that is has a ... "plot", almost. The entire album is basically the story of a man - often referred to as "the patient" - who is dying of a terminal illness. Some songs - such as Cancer and Dead! - are obviously referring to death, but the relevance of others - such as Teenagers and The Sharpest Lives - are less obvious, and you have to think a little harder about how they tie in to the patient's story. I find the fact that this album is all tied together very unique, very creative ... I've never heard of it being done before, and I like it.

My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade

1. The End. - lyrically, this song is absolutely stunning, as are most on the album; some of the vocabulary in these songs make you wonder how many hours these guys spent trying to make the words come out "just right". And boy, they nail it every time, and this song is no exception. A slower track, the vocals and the guitar riffs seem to blend together beautifully. A great start to the album.
2. Dead! - This song is not as lyrically strong as some others, in my opinion, but it's got a strong beat and melody that is maybe more "pop" than the rest of the album ... but still remains darker in true MCR style. A good track overall, but not stellar, in my opinion.
3. This Is How I Disappear - This song is powerful from the opening symbol crash and guitar solo until the last screaming lyrics fade away. Much harsher than the preceding tracks, the band showed the broad range of their talents in this one ... the guitar solos are amazing, as are the vocals; I love how the bridge goes from a spooky, haunted feel into the screaming in the last verses. And, once again, the lyrics are spectacular; not many groups think of using words such as séance in their lyrics.
4. The Sharpest Lives - the minute you hear the dark, staccato guitar at the beginning of this song, you know this track has a dark message. The vocals and the echo of the first verses hold to that eerie tone, and the rhythmic verses hold your attention. When the chorus explodes in electric guitars and symbol crashes, you receive the full effect of this song. Special effects with the vocals and amazing lyrics make this song truly unique. The track ends with the same staccato guitars, and while you know the track has ended, you almost feel as if something was left unsaid.
5. Welcome to the Black Parade - when this song opens with a soft, melancholy keyboard solo, you anticipate a softer track ahead; a break from the dark sounds of the preceding songs. It picks up a bit with a marching band snare, and even when the first verse is repeated - this time, screamed into the microphone - it's not as harsh as the other tracks. It does eventually pick up in intensity, but it never achieves the same dark sound as some other tracks on the album. But, at the same time, the sound of this track suits the lyrics and the emotion behind them.
6. I Don't Love You - the first ballad on the album, this song is truly heartbreaking. This isn't just another break-up song; as the verses and chorus progress, you feel each emotion - denial, regret, and finally, anger - as if you were going through this loss yourself. Each lyric and note is presented beautifully, with the kind of passion in which MCR is undeniably brilliant.
7. House of Wolves - I don't think the lyrics of this song are the strong point. I actually think it's the rhythm of this song that makes this song so unique. A steady tom drum echoes throughout the song, and the electric guitars scream an almost swing-style beat; this song is almost jazzy. The absolutely phenomenal guitar solos in this song set it apart. Not my favorite on the album, but definitely not one to be overlooked.
8. Cancer - the keyboard at the beginning delivers the heart wrenching mood of this song from the first note. As the song goes on, the drum beats pick up, but the song never loses its overwhelmingly sad feel. A bitter sweet, beautiful song, especially if you can relate to the lyrics. As always, the band presents this song with a passion that cannot be ignored.
9. Mama - again, a darker track. The staccato intro gives you an immediate feel for the mood of this song, and the lyrics are presented in similar style. I don't think the style in which they sang this song suits the band as much as some of their other tracks, but at the same time, you can't deny that they pulled it off pretty well. Definitely not my favorite, but you got to give the band credit for branching out in the style of their songs.
10. Sleep - when this song opens in a scratchy tape recording, you know this is a unique track as well. The keyboard joins in shortly after the recording begins, again locking in a mood for the song. Before the first verse, the song picks up as the drums and guitars join in. Once again, this song is extremely strong lyrically. I think the vocals are presented extremely well on this track as well, and the tape recording is a beautiful touch that ties the song together.
11. Teenagers - a very different sound for this band; the melody is definitely one that can get stuck in your head for days. Throughout the verses, a strong base drum keeps time while the rest of the instruments quiet down; the chorus gives the electric guitars a chance to shine, while the vocals are well-presented throughout. A debatable song as far as the lyrics, many people may be turned off by the cursing. But after you understand the message behind the lyrics, you can truly appreciate what this group is trying to tell the world.
12. Disenchanted - an acoustic introduction! A real change from the other tracks on The Black Parade. When the bass and electric join in in the second verse, you get a better feel for the emotion behind the song. More background vocals are featured on this track, which is also a change. This song is full of passion as well; a slower track, but still very powerful, with a shot of reminiscence.
13. Famous Last Words - again, a different sound for MCR. This song is definitely similar in styling to the hard rock heroes of the eighties; one listen to the guitar solos and you'll see what I mean. This song once again opening with a staccato guitar, which by this point in the album listeners may begin to associate with their darker tracks. The powerful lyrics of this track along with the classic rock & roll sound make it a standout.
14. Blood (Hidden Track) - it's a hidden track; of course it's not going to be stellar. Personally, I think recording this track was more for the band's enjoyment rather than trying to make another hit single. Listening to this song reminds you of demon clowns or murder in a chocolate shop ... like it should be on the soundtrack for a musical about an axe murderer. It's got that innocent rhythm with a sinister edge. Quite amusing to listen to, actually; good for a laugh, if nothing else.

Interested in hearing more MCR? I encourage you to find out more about them; they really are an amazing band.

The lyrics for all the songs on all of My Chemical Romance's albums and more can be found on this website.

The songs on MCR's album Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge (2004) are amazing as well. Two I'd recommend looking into are Helena and The Ghost of You.

I'll also post the music video for Famous Last Words so you can listen to one of their darker, harsher tracks. Even if you don't like this song, I'd encourage you to look at My Chemical Romance's other tracks; they are unique in that they are not afraid to try out different styles, and they are talented enough to pull of each one quite nicely. So, please, take a listen, and tell me what you think.

My Chemical Romance - Famous Last Words Music Video



Wow ... that was a hideously long review.
My appologies :)

Rooftops (A Liberation Broadcast)

Reno introduced me to this song, and I really love it.
I believe the message in the lyrics of this song is fairly straight and to-the-point, although I think the lyrics could mean a slightly different thing to everyone who listens to the song. And although the lyrics may be rather repetitive, the band presents this song in a way that keeps the sound from getting old.
I also really enjoy the music video - a lot of emotion in this video, and it really ties in with the song lyrics quite nicely. I think the different scenarios in this video are also an example of how these lyrics could mean something unique to different people.
Here is the music video and lyrics to Rooftops (A Liberation Broadcast) by Lostprophets.

Lostprophets - Rooftops (A Liberation Broadcast) Music Video

Rooftops (A Liberation Broadcast)
Lostprophets

When our time is up
When our lives are done
Will we say we've had our fun?

Will we make a mark this time?
Will we always say we tried?

Standing on the rooftops
Everybody scream your heart out
Standing on the rooftops
Everybody scream your heart out
Standing on the rooftops
Everybody scream your heart out
This is all we got now
Everybody scream your heart out

All the love I've met
I have no regrets
If it all ends now, I'm set

Will we make a mark this time?
Will we always say we tried?

Standing on the rooftops
Everybody scream your heart out
Standing on the rooftops
Everybody scream your heart out
Standing on the rooftops
Everybody scream your heart out
This is all we got now
Everybody scream your heart out

[x2]
Standing on the rooftops
(Wait until the bombs drop)
This is all we got now
(Scream until your heart stops)
Never gonna regret
(Watching every sunset)
We'll listen to your heartbeat
(All the love that we found)

Scream your heart out
Scream your heart out
Scream your heart out
Scream your

Standing on the rooftops
Everybody scream your heart out
Standing on the rooftops
Everybody scream your heart out
Standing on the rooftops
Everybody scream your heart out
This is all we got now
Everybody scream your ...