Vampire Weekend-Oxford Comma

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

Vampire Weekend's "Oxford Comma":

"Oxford Comma" lyrics:

Who gives a fuck about an Oxford comma?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Muse-Starlight

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Starlight":

Starlight Lyrics:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Used - 'Thriving On Friction'

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


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

The Used (2002)

- The Taste Of Ink
- Blue And Yellow

In Love And Death (2004)

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

Lies For The Liars (2007)

-The Bird And The Worm

Collaborations:
- The Used & My Chemical Romance:

- Under Pressure (2005)

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

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

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

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

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

The Used - The Taste Of Ink Official Music Video

The Taste Of Ink
The Used

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Life Is Wonderful

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

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

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

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

Enjoy!

Life Is Wonderful-Live


Life Is Wonderful Lyrics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fake It

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

Seether - Fake It Official Music Video

Fake It
Seether

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Requiem For A Dream

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

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

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

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

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

Vitamin String Quartet - A New Spin On Old Favorites

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

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



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



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

Yellow

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



Coldplay's "Yellow":

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

Yellow:

Yellow Lyrics



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Introductions

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

Shut Up And Let Me Go

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

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

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

Shut Up And Let Me Go
The Ting Tings

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oh love, hold this
Hey

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

Broken

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

Seether - Broken Music Video, featuring Amy Lee

Broken
Seether featuring Amy Lee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love Me Dead

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

Ludo - Love Me Dead Music Video

Love Me Dead
Ludo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flyleaf - "Flyleaf"

I purchased Flyleaf's debut, self-titled album yesterday and heard it for the first time just a few hours ago.
... I'm still speechless.
This album was above and beyond what I had expected. I had set out to purchase the album after falling in love with the group's single I'm So Sick, and after hearing that hardcore track, I expected an album with a lot of screaming and not a lot of depth. Boy, was I mistaken! I knew Flyleaf was a Christian crossover band, but the blatant references the lyrics made to Christ surprised and impressed me at the same time. The group's lyrics are not only written extremely well, but they speak a message of hope and courage that one can relate to, no matter their beliefs.
The talent the lead singer of this group has is apparent in every song Flyleaf has recorded. Lacey Mosley heads this band, and this chic can scream! But not only is Lacey powerful in the heavy metal songs, she can come down and sing a beautiful ballad, hitting high notes that give you chills. Lacey's impressive vocal range paired with the band's tasteful combination of complicated guitar riffs and hard-hitting drum lines make for an album full of instant favorites.
So, here's a review for Flyleaf's debut album.

Flyleaf - Flyleaf (2005)

1. I'm So Sick - The song that made me determined to purchase this album in the first place. Lacey had me sold from her blood-curdling scream at the very beginning of the track; from there, the track calms down a bit, becoming more melodic, until the end of the track, when Lacey achieves a truly desperate tone to her voice, hitting high notes that die off as her band mates scream in the background. An angst-filled track that's sure to please.
2. Fully Alive - Sure to get stuck in your head. With lyrics that speak a powerful message, this track moves along at a steady pace, with in-your-face verses and a chorus that immediately catches your attention. A great single, full of impressive vocals as well as instrumentals.
3. Perfect - A very hard-rock track, with crashing symbols and impressive guitar parts. The lyrics - the first on the album which speak an obvious religious message; "I tried to kill you / You tried to save me // You save me...") - are delivered in a punch-y, punk-rock fashion which suits the song while staying within Flyleaf's style.
4. Cassie - Without a doubt Flyleaf's most controversial track to date, it may also be one of their harshest on the album. Often misunderstood as a song about teenage suicide, Cassie's lyrics actually refer to a young woman who was killed because she wasn't afraid to admit that she believed in God ("The question asked in order / To save her life or to take it ..."). This song's deep and painful lyrics are paired with intense guitar parts, crashing drums and plenty of screaming to round off a great track.
5. Sorrow - This track starts out harsher and then softens into an extremely melodic track. Lacey expresses the emotion of this song perfectly, alternating between soft high notes and harsher lower notes in the chorus. This song ends in screaming and impressive guitar parts that wrap up this song of "sorrow" perfectly. A heart wrenching track; simply lovely.
6. I'm Sorry - The album picks up with another fast-paced track with a hard-rock essence. This song starts off strong and doesn't let up, with plenty of high notes on Lacey's part and the fair share of guitar riffs from the band. Not a stand-out track in my opinion, but not a disappointment.
7. All Around Me - This song starts out strong and delivers the whole way through. Another single which is sure to get stuck in your head; the lyrics are powerful, speaking an important message to someone of any belief. A strong drum beat carries the verses and the guitars pick up in the chorus. The emotions in this track are real to the band members, and it makes all the difference in this song.
8. Red Sam - With lyrics that speak of finding comfort in a situation of unbearable pain, this song is emotional and the band delivers it perfectly. Another song with several obvious references to their beliefs; however, on a non-religious aspect, this song's lyrics give hope and courage to the suffering. A beautiful track with such a powerful message, Red Sam is impossible to ignore.
9. There For You - The group really tones down for this soft rock track without compromising any of their talent or passion in their work. Another song packed full of heartbreaking lyrics, the emotion in this track is presented beautifully. This is a fairly simple track - both melodically and lyrically - compare to their others, but it is this song's simplicity that makes it, without a doubt, one of my favorites on the album.
10. Breathe Today - This track opens with more punchy, in-your-face lyrics that lead to a chorus you can't help but headbang to. While you may be too busy rockin' out to this song to notice the lyrics at first, they are for sure not to be ignored. More screaming and a few killer guitar solos keep up the intensity throughout this awesome song.
11. So I Thought - An unbearably powerful final track. The group slows it down again for this one, and it's as if all of the emotion, the passion and the meaning from all the tracks previous are packed into one to make this track what it is. Remorseful, reminiscent lyrics have a painful sting while still radiating hope and courage. Lacey delivers these words beautifully, and when the drums and guitars pick up in the chorus, it nearly breaks your heart. Another of my favorites; I can't imagine a better end to the album.

If you purchase the special addition of this album, as I did, you get all of the above tracks on a CD, plus acoustic recordings of Fully Alive, Red Sam, Cassie, I'm So Sick and All Around Me. All of the acoustic covers are beautiful and worth spending the extra money on the special addition album. The special addition also comes with a DVD with footage of all the acoustic covers, plus the music videos for I'm So Sick, Fully Alive and All Around Me.

I know Flyleaf stands out for me; what about you? Interested in learning more about this group?

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

The lyrics for all the songs on the debut album as well as Flyleaf's newly released Much Like Falling (2007) and more can be found on this website.

It was hard choosing which music video to post here, because I have fallen in love with all of Flyleaf's videos. In the end I decided to post the video I first fell in love with; the video which essentially made me a Flyleaf fan.
Here's I'm So Sick by Flyleaf.

Flyleaf - I'm So Sick Music Video

Panic! At The Disco - A Flair For The Dramatic

I know this is a music blog; but Panic! At The Disco may be recieving most praises from me about their music videos!
Like so many others, I've heard I Write Sins Not Tragedies more times than I could possibly count, thanks to its huge mainstream success. Along with the release of their latest album (Pretty. Odd. - 2008), Panic! has come along with another mainstream hit; I'm sure we've all heard Nine In The Afternoon?
While both these tracks were huge mainstream successes, they were not quite enough to sell me on Panic!'s sound. What was it about these guys, exactly, that had Panic! fans so dedicated? What made these guys so like-able?
That's when I watched the music video for Nine In The Afternoon; the first Panic! video I'd ever seen. I fell in love instantly. Their creativity, their artistry ... Brendon Urie, lead vocalist, has a flair for the dramatic that made this video a total stand-out. After watching the video for I Write Sins Not Tragedies - and being blown away by it as well - I realized that this ability to be unique, to stand out ... this was what made Panic! so well adored. I'm not sure I, myself, would like the group as much as I do if it weren't for their stellar videos!
I have taken it upon myself to watch several Panic! music videos and I must say I have yet to be disappointed; the group's stylistic approach to the videos has left me astonished time and again. Currently I have seen the videos for the above mentioned songs, as well as But It's Better If You Do and That Green Gentleman. However, the one that has left me breathless is the music video for Lying Is The Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Off Her Clothes. Simply beautiful; a true work of creative genius.
I admit it; I'm a Panic! fan in the making. As soon as I get my hands on some of their albums, I'll let you know what I think of their lesser-known tracks. But until then, rest assured; they've got me sold on their music videos.
Here's Lying Is The Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Off Her Clothes, by Panic! At The Disco.

Panic! At The Disco - Lying Is The Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Off Her Clothes Music Video

Lying Is The Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Off Her Clothes
Panic! At The Disco

Is it still me that makes you sweat?
Am I who you think about in bed?
When the lights are dim and your hands are shaking as you're sliding off your dress?
Then think of what you did
And how I hope to God he was worth it
When the lights are dim and your heart is racing as your fingers touch his skin
I've got more wit, a better kiss, a hotter touch, a better f***
Than any boy you'll ever meet, sweetie you had me
Girl I was it, look past the sweat, a better love deserving of
Exchanging body heat in the passenger seat?
No, no, no, you know it will always just be me

Let's get these teen hearts beating, faster, faster
So testosterone boys and harlequin girls
Will you dance to this beat, and hold a lover close?
So testosterone boys and harlequin girls,
Will you dance to this beat, and hold a lover close

So I guess we're back to us, oh cameraman, swing the focus
In case I lost my train of thought, where was it that we last left off?
(Let's pick up, pick up)

Oh now I do recall, we were just getting to the part
Where the shock sets in, and the stomach acid finds a new way to make you get sick
I hope you didn't expect that you'd get all of the attention
Now let's not get selfish
Did you really think I'd let you kill this chorus?

Let's get these teen hearts beating, faster, faster
So testosterone boys and harlequin girls,
Will you dance to this beat, and hold a lover close?
So testosterone boys and harlequin girls,
Will you dance to this beat, and hold a lover close?

Dance to this beat
Dance to this beat
Dance to this beat

Let's get these teen hearts beating, faster, faster
Let's get these teen hearts beating, faster

I've got more wit, a better kiss, a hotter touch, a better f***
Than any boy you'll ever meet, sweetie you had me
Girl I was it, look past the sweat, a better love deserving of
Exchanging body heat in the passenger seat?
No, no, no, you know it will always just be me

Let's get these teen hearts beating, faster, faster
So testosterone boys and harlequin girls,
Will you dance to this beat, and hold a lover close?
So testosterone boys and harlequin girls,
Will you dance to this beat, and hold a lover close?

So testosterone boys and harlequin girls
Dance to this beat
So testosterone boys and harlequin girls
Dance to this beat
And hold a lover close
Let's get these teen hearts beating, faster, faster
Let's get these teen hearts beating, faster

When I'm Gone

Sorry, guys - long time, no post.
I havn't ever really taken a listen to Simple Plan, but, like many other artists, I have always wanted to and never really gotten around to it. Recentlly I heard this track by the group, and I immediantly hooked by the catchy beat and awesome lyrics.
When I'm Gone is really a cool song; like I said, I am not a Simple Plan fan, per se ... so maybe this mix of techno and pop-punk is typical for the group. If so, rock on; these guys pull it off well. If not, and it's something they simply adopted for this track ... hey, that works too. Either way, they've come up with a catchy, upbeat song that's caught my attention, at least.

The song itself may not be one that seems too deep when you first listen to it - it's basically just another breakup song - but if you take a minute to really pay attention, these guys have come up with some pretty great lyrics.
So, here's When I'm Gone by Simple Plan. Enjoy!

Simple Plan - When I'm Gone Music Video

When I'm Gone
Simple Plan

We're doing it

I look around me
But all I seem to see
Is people going no where
Expecting sympathy

It's like we're going through the motions
Of a scripted destiny
Tell me where's our inspiration
If life wont wait
I guess it's up to me

Woah!
No, we're not gonna waste another moment in this town
Woah!
And we won't come back, your world is calling out
Woah!
We'll leave the past in the past
Gonna find the future
If misery loves company, well
So long, you'll miss me when I'm gone

Ooh, ooh, ooh
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
Ooh, ooh, ooh

Procrastination, running circles in my head
While you sit there contemplating
You wound up left for dead (left for dead)
Life is what happens while you're busy making your excuses
Another day, another casualty
And that won't happen to me

Woah!
No, we're not gonna waste another moment in this town
Woah!
And we won't come back, your world is calling out
Woah!
We'll leave the past in the past
Gonna find the future
If misery loves company, well
So long, you'll miss me when I'm gone

Ooh, ooh, ooh
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
Ooh, ooh, ooh
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
When I'm gone-

Let's go!

Won't look back
When I say goodbye
I'm gonna leave this a hole behind me
Gonna take what's mine tonight
Because every wasted day becomes a wasted chance
You're gonna wake up feeling sorry
Because life wont wait
I guess it's up to you

Woah!
No, we're not gonna waste another moment in this town
Woah!
And we won't come back, your world is calling out
Woah!
We'll leave the past in the past
Gonna find the future
If misery loves company, well
So long, you'll miss me when I'm gone

Ooh, ooh, ooh
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
Ooh, ooh, ooh
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
Ooh, ooh, ooh
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
Ooh, ooh, ooh
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone

Beat It

Fall Out Boy recently recorded a cover of Michael Jackson's Beat It, which was recorded with the help of guitarist John Mayer (ooh! three for one deal! three artists, one track! o.0 lol). The cover gained huge success both as a single and featured on Fall Out Boy's latest DVD/CD release, ****Live In Phoenix. Today the official music video for Fall Out Boy's cover was released on the Fall Out Boy website, and I have to admit, I was hugely impressed. To honor the release of this brand new Fall Out Boy music video, I thought I'd post about the song on music.is.life.
I'm going to get this out of the way; I've never heard Michael Jackson's recording of this song; the only version of Beat It that I've ever heard is Fall Out Boy's cover. But, I must say that this song is extremely catchy, with a fantastic beat and awesome instrumentals; the guitar solo John Mayer plays in the cover is jaw-dropping! Patrick's vocals in this new release are outstanding, and the lyrics are great. All in all, a really fun track to listen to.
This music video is awesome, and I am very impressed with Fall Out Boy and their abilities to make great videos; but, not only are their videos great, it seems that they have a lot of fun filming them as well. Apparently Beat It's video is full of Michael Jackson references ... I'm not a fan of Michael Jackson and wouldn't recognize the references, so those of you who are fans, pay attention!
Thanks to the glory of YouTube and the speed in which things travel the Internet these days, you can watch this brand new release, right here, on music.is.life. So whether you're a Michael Jackson fan or a Fall Out Boy fan ... enjoy an awesome song!

Fall Out Boy featuring John Mayer - Beat It Music Video

Beat It
Fall Out Boy featuring John Mayer
Originally recorded by Michael Jackson

They told him don't you ever come around here
Don't wanna see your face, you better disappear
The fire's in their eyes and their words are really clear
So beat it, just beat it

You better run, you better do what you can
Don't wanna see no blood, don't be a macho man
You wanna be tough, better do what you can
So beat it, but you wanna be bad

Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it
Just beat it, beat it
Just beat it, beat it
Just beat it, beat it

They're out to get you, better leave while you can
Don't wanna be a boy, you wanna be a man
You wanna stay alive, better do what you can
So beat it, just beat it

You have to show them that you're really not scared
You're playin' with your life, this ain't no truth or dare
They'll kick you, then they beat you,
Then they'll tell you it's fair
So beat it, but you wanna be bad

Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right

Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it

Beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right

Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or who's right

Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right

Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it
Beat it, beat it, beat it

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

Nine In The Afternoon

I am madly in love with Panic At The Disco's latest single, from their new release album Pretty. Odd. (2008). This one's called Nine In The Afternoon, and, in my opinion, it is a masterpiece.
First, let me get this out of the way; I deeply mourn the loss of the exclamation point after the "Panic" in Panic! At The Disco, which the group abandoned with the release of Pretty. Odd. . So, in memory of the long-lost punctuation mark, I will continue to call this band Panic! and will refer to it as such in this post, both as a shorthand and as a memoriam. Rest in peace, exclamation point. You will be forever missed.
Now that that random moment of dorky-ness is taken care of, moving on to my review.
Panic! has always been a band that's not afraid to be out of the ordinary. This single is no exception. The instrumentals in this song really caught my attention; Panic! wasn't afraid to bring in brass instruments to give this song a completely unique sound, and, in the end, I don't think this track would be the same without the trumpet in the chorus; it's the hook that makes this song so catchy. The vocals are also extremely well presented, with a certain edgy feel that just works. Panic!'s lead singer, Brendon Urie, definitely has talent for what he does. More catchy hooks include the clapping near the end of the song and the background vocals that sound nearly like a choir. The lyrics, which are usually what stands out the most to me in a song, are not the defining feature of this track, but are not to be left unmentioned. All the quirky, catchy aspects of this song come together to make one heck of a single; perfect in a way only Panic! could pull off.
So, for your listening pleasure, here's Nine In The Afternoon by Panic At The Disco.

Panic At The Disco - Nine In The Afternoon Music Video

Nine In The Afternoon
Panic At The Disco

Back to the street where we began
Feeling as good as lovers can, you know
Yeah we're feeling so good
Picking up things we shouldn't read
It looks like the end of history as we know
It's just the end of the world

Back to the street where we began
Feeling as good as love, you could you can

Into a place, where thoughts can bloom
Into a room where it's nine in the afternoon
And we know that it could be
And we know that it should
And you know that you feel it, too

'Cause it's nine in the afternoon
And your eyes are the size of the moon
You could, 'cause you can, so you do
We're feeling so good
Just the way that we do
When it's nine in the afternoon

Your eyes are the size of the moon
You could, 'cause you can, so you do
We're feeling so good

Back to the street
Down to our feet
Losing the feeling of feeling unique
Do you know what I mean?

Back to the place
Where we used to say
Man it feels good to feel this way
Now I know what I mean

Back to the street, back to the place
Back to the room where it all began
Back to the room where it all began

'Cause it's nine in the afternoon
Your eyes are the size of the moon
You could, 'cause you can, so you do
We're feeling so good
Just the way that we do

When it's nine in the afternoon
Your eyes are the size of the moon
You could, 'cause you can, so you do
We're feeling so good
Just the way that we do
When it's nine in the afternoon

Your eyes are the size of the moon
You could, 'cause you can, so you do
We're feeling so good
Just the way that we do
When it's nine in the afternoon

You're Not Alone

Long time, no post. I apologize.
I am an iTunes junkie, in case you couldn't figure that out already. I enjoy making spontaneous purchases based on the thirty-second previews of the songs iTunes provides you with. I've found a lot of amazing music that way ... this is one of those songs that I heard a preview for on iTunes, and those thirty seconds were enough to sell me on the song. I am not a former Saosin fan, so it's not an emotional attachment to the band that has me hooked. No ... it's the music, pure and simple.

This song is just so powerful. The lyrics are remarkable; such a strong message! The title in itself ... You're Not Alone ... that says so much. The melodies and instrumentals are amazing, and the vocals - especially in the chorus - take my breath away. Just such an incredibly strong song, with a powerful message.
The music video ties this all together. It's got a surreal feeling about it, as does the song ... it's a work-of-art type of video, a real masterpiece to watch.

So, here's You're Not Alone by Saosin. I'll definitely be checking out more by these guys.

Saosin - You're Not Alone Music Video

You're Not Alone
Saosin

That's just like him
To wander off in the evergreen park
Slowly searching
For any sign of the ones he used to love
He says he's got nothing left to live for
(He says he's got nothing left)
And this time I think you'll know

You're not alone
There's more to this I know
You can make it out
You will live to tell

She's just like him
Spoiled rotten, confused by the lies she's been fed
She's searching for no one (but herself)
Her eyes turn to green and she seems to be happy that she is here
And this time I think you'll know

You're not alone
There is more to this I know
You can make it out
You will live to tell

You're not alone
There is more to this I know
You can make it out

(There is more to know)

We're not alone
There is more to this I know
You can make it out
You will live to tell

(So tell me)

You're not alone
There is more to this I know
You can make it out
You will live to tell

You're not alone
You're not, you're not alone

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.