Friday, June 29, 2012
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Synthetica
Metric's new album Synthetica is avaliable a week early from the actual release day on SoundCloud.
http://soundcloud.com/metric-band/sets/synthetica-1
It's an outstanding album that is the same old Metric, but at the same time different. "Artificial Nocturne", the opening piece starts the album with the lyrics "I'm as fucked up as they say", and for this album, it doesn't seem pretentious or faux-angsty at all, but rather is fitting. The entirety of Synthetica seems to explore the world of "what next". It's that place that you get to in life where you have reached an impasse, and don't quite know what to do. Emily Haines sings "Is this my life?" on "Breathing Underwater". Indeed, it seems that the tone of this album shifts to questioning the choices we all make and gives you htat feeling we have when we sometimes find that we no longer really know who we are anymore.
The album seems to somehow be a transgression through out one's life - in the song "Youth Without Youth" sings of lost innocence with stark contrasting images like "playing double dutch with a hand grenade" . It has that spark of teen angst intertwined with rebellion at it's core. From jumping down fire escapes to recounting being arrested, "Youth Without Youth" is a testament to teen rebellion with a stroke of adrenaline-junkie.
"Speed The Collapse" describes heavy despair in life, reaching a point where everything you once knew is gone and something that used to be there is now no longer there. It's empty. "Speed The Collapse" is that destructive relationship that you know is not going anywhere good, but can't leave it.
"Dreams So Real" sings of lost dreams with heavy synth and the days of a forgotten yesterday where everything sings so bright, but the current reality is nothing but a nightmare. With tinged notes of hope, Haines' voice floats, crooning "I'll shut up and carry on, scream becomes a yawn". It's a message of resilience for even when you're at your worst and the darkest that you've ever been at.
"Lost Kitten" is another sickly sweet song on the album that toys with the idea of youth. It taunts and teases, asking for pain and tells of drinking too much, and not being able to live and let go.
The album's namesake song "Synthetica" also doesn't disappoint - the hints of old Metric are most prevalent. "Hey, I'm not Synthetica, I'll keep the life that I've got" Haines proudly proclaims. It's a song of triumph in a world of duplicates.
"The Wanderlust" is also a nice addition in Synthetica , featuring none other than Lou Reed.
"Nothing But Time" is arguably the most haunting offering on Synthetica. It's the retro metric- that dates back to Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?
Synthetica is a spectacular album as a whole that tells and gives lessons living and let die.
http://soundcloud.com/metric-band/sets/synthetica-1
It's an outstanding album that is the same old Metric, but at the same time different. "Artificial Nocturne", the opening piece starts the album with the lyrics "I'm as fucked up as they say", and for this album, it doesn't seem pretentious or faux-angsty at all, but rather is fitting. The entirety of Synthetica seems to explore the world of "what next". It's that place that you get to in life where you have reached an impasse, and don't quite know what to do. Emily Haines sings "Is this my life?" on "Breathing Underwater". Indeed, it seems that the tone of this album shifts to questioning the choices we all make and gives you htat feeling we have when we sometimes find that we no longer really know who we are anymore.
The album seems to somehow be a transgression through out one's life - in the song "Youth Without Youth" sings of lost innocence with stark contrasting images like "playing double dutch with a hand grenade" . It has that spark of teen angst intertwined with rebellion at it's core. From jumping down fire escapes to recounting being arrested, "Youth Without Youth" is a testament to teen rebellion with a stroke of adrenaline-junkie.
"Speed The Collapse" describes heavy despair in life, reaching a point where everything you once knew is gone and something that used to be there is now no longer there. It's empty. "Speed The Collapse" is that destructive relationship that you know is not going anywhere good, but can't leave it.
"Dreams So Real" sings of lost dreams with heavy synth and the days of a forgotten yesterday where everything sings so bright, but the current reality is nothing but a nightmare. With tinged notes of hope, Haines' voice floats, crooning "I'll shut up and carry on, scream becomes a yawn". It's a message of resilience for even when you're at your worst and the darkest that you've ever been at.
"Lost Kitten" is another sickly sweet song on the album that toys with the idea of youth. It taunts and teases, asking for pain and tells of drinking too much, and not being able to live and let go.
The album's namesake song "Synthetica" also doesn't disappoint - the hints of old Metric are most prevalent. "Hey, I'm not Synthetica, I'll keep the life that I've got" Haines proudly proclaims. It's a song of triumph in a world of duplicates.
"The Wanderlust" is also a nice addition in Synthetica , featuring none other than Lou Reed.
"Nothing But Time" is arguably the most haunting offering on Synthetica. It's the retro metric- that dates back to Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?
Synthetica is a spectacular album as a whole that tells and gives lessons living and let die.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Not sure if Blur is worthy of all the praise they get in Britain, but I like them a lot nonetheless. One of the key bands of Britpop, a genre also occupied by Oasis. Made Parklife, an awesome album, although calling it one of the best of the 90s is a bit of a stretch (or maybe not, it's pretty good).
Just listen to that accent in the verse, and that ridiculous (not to mention great) chorus. But I assume most of you think his voice is grating. Or sexy. I have no idea.
And this song beat one of Oasis's singles to #1 on the charts (probably for a good reason. "Roll With It" wasn't a particularly great Oasis song. "Cast No Shadow" anyone?). Many Blur songs are bass driven.
One of the only great Oasis songs post-Be Here Now. Noel kept all of the best later songs for himself.
What an excellent first single by the Jesus and Mary Chain. Play this loudly and sit through the whole thing. I dare you.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Playlist of the week?
Hey y'all,
Recently, I've been listening to a lot more electro than I used to (think dubstep, house, drum and bass, etc.) and because of this, the playlist today should be a little more...diverse. So, here's a playlist of my current music favourites!
"Selkies: the Endless Obsession"- Between the Buried and Me. I absolutely love some of Between the Buried and Me's pieces, but sometimes that growling can be a little bit much for me. This particular piece has a complex instrumental part, which may be somewhat of an understatement, but the thing that made this piece stand out from the other BTBAM (I'm going to start using this acronym now) tracks was the vocals. It's not just a whole lot of growling, which I am pleasantly surprised by.
"Living iPod"-Savant One of my friends recently introduced me to Savant's Vario, and I found most of it nice, but not completely outstanding, but this particular track blew my mind.
"A Rite of Passage"-Dream Theater If you've read my previous blog posts, you would know just how obsessed I am with Dream Theater. Interestingly, I never really paid much attention to their album "Black Clouds and Silver Linings", probably because many of the songs on the album were over 15 minutes... I listened to this one on a whim, and ended up liking it a whole lot more than I thought I would.
"Centipede"-Knife Party The same friend who introduced me to Savant also introduced me to Knife Party's new EP, Rage Valley. This was probably my favourite track out of the four songs included in the EP. I love the riff and the discovery channel sounding sample in the very beginning.
"Esprit de corps"-Robert Jager Eyup...I'm a weirdo, I absolutely love the fast paced 16th note runs in the upper woodwinds and the heavy main melody held in the mid-low brass portions of the band.
"Acid Rain"-Liquid Tension Experiment If you don't have a spotify, I urge you to go install it because its apps are truly a great way to "discover" new music that sounds amazing. Had I not stuck around in the progressive metal room in the soundrop app, I would never have discovered this song. It's amazing. Go listen to it.
"White and Nerdy"-Weird Al "I'm fluent in Javascript as well as Klingon" I'm not big on rap, but the lyrics in this parody make me crack up every single time I listen to it. If you haven't listened to it, again, I highly recommend it for the laughs.
"(Don't Fear) The Reaper"-The Blue Oyster Cult "MOAR COWBELL!" You're probably familiar with the popular Saturday Night Live skit involving the production of this track with "Bruce Dickinson". I actually ended up enjoying the song almost as much as I enjoyed the skit.
"All I Ask of You"-Andrew Lloyd Webber Recently, I have really been enjoying the soundtrack to the "Phantom of the Opera" I'm not all that into opera, but Emily Rossum's voice paired with Patrick Wilson's creates an absolutely heavenly mixture that is pleasing to the ear. This is also the song I wake up to these days, and it puts me in a much better mood than my previous wake up track.
"The Island (Madeon Remix)"-Pendulum I loved both parts I and II of "The Island", especially part II, but I think I might like this remix more. It's quite a creative and fresh take on the original track.
Recently, I've been listening to a lot more electro than I used to (think dubstep, house, drum and bass, etc.) and because of this, the playlist today should be a little more...diverse. So, here's a playlist of my current music favourites!
"Selkies: the Endless Obsession"- Between the Buried and Me. I absolutely love some of Between the Buried and Me's pieces, but sometimes that growling can be a little bit much for me. This particular piece has a complex instrumental part, which may be somewhat of an understatement, but the thing that made this piece stand out from the other BTBAM (I'm going to start using this acronym now) tracks was the vocals. It's not just a whole lot of growling, which I am pleasantly surprised by.
"Living iPod"-Savant One of my friends recently introduced me to Savant's Vario, and I found most of it nice, but not completely outstanding, but this particular track blew my mind.
"A Rite of Passage"-Dream Theater If you've read my previous blog posts, you would know just how obsessed I am with Dream Theater. Interestingly, I never really paid much attention to their album "Black Clouds and Silver Linings", probably because many of the songs on the album were over 15 minutes... I listened to this one on a whim, and ended up liking it a whole lot more than I thought I would.
"Centipede"-Knife Party The same friend who introduced me to Savant also introduced me to Knife Party's new EP, Rage Valley. This was probably my favourite track out of the four songs included in the EP. I love the riff and the discovery channel sounding sample in the very beginning.
"Esprit de corps"-Robert Jager Eyup...I'm a weirdo, I absolutely love the fast paced 16th note runs in the upper woodwinds and the heavy main melody held in the mid-low brass portions of the band.
"Acid Rain"-Liquid Tension Experiment If you don't have a spotify, I urge you to go install it because its apps are truly a great way to "discover" new music that sounds amazing. Had I not stuck around in the progressive metal room in the soundrop app, I would never have discovered this song. It's amazing. Go listen to it.
"White and Nerdy"-Weird Al "I'm fluent in Javascript as well as Klingon" I'm not big on rap, but the lyrics in this parody make me crack up every single time I listen to it. If you haven't listened to it, again, I highly recommend it for the laughs.
"(Don't Fear) The Reaper"-The Blue Oyster Cult "MOAR COWBELL!" You're probably familiar with the popular Saturday Night Live skit involving the production of this track with "Bruce Dickinson". I actually ended up enjoying the song almost as much as I enjoyed the skit.
"All I Ask of You"-Andrew Lloyd Webber Recently, I have really been enjoying the soundtrack to the "Phantom of the Opera" I'm not all that into opera, but Emily Rossum's voice paired with Patrick Wilson's creates an absolutely heavenly mixture that is pleasing to the ear. This is also the song I wake up to these days, and it puts me in a much better mood than my previous wake up track.
"The Island (Madeon Remix)"-Pendulum I loved both parts I and II of "The Island", especially part II, but I think I might like this remix more. It's quite a creative and fresh take on the original track.
Rap
Long time no see?
... Octavius: Last post: 9/4/11
Yeah, I've been... busy. For almost nine months. Top secret ninja missions take time, you know.
And yeah, I'm that "Octavius guy who wrote one lengthy post about a 20-something minute song, and disappeared." Assuming that you read the "About Christie Road" page.
Anyways...
For some reason, I feel like talking about rap today. Yay!
My thoughts on rap:
Many people think that rap sucks and is not music at all, just random speed talking (maybe not even speed talking). That is a misconception. Many other people think that rap is the bane of music's essence and is more badass than Bottom's face after Puck screws around with him. Although I cannot agree with that idea, I also cannot label it as a misconception. Thus, I feel compelled to talk about rap. Like I said earlier...
I'm not too well versed in rap other than random stuff I hear (Rack City, White & Nerdy (assuming you count that as rap), etc.). From what I know about it, rap, as with many musical genres, is best heard live. As the rapper generally doesn't sing or produce somewhat melodic stuff, the real purpose of rap is to incite your inner fire. That is to say, rap is not necessarily a form of musical expression, but rather a method of unleashing the energy of the human spirit. <-- cheesy fluff
Generally, my favorite part of rap... is the backing tracks. As I do enjoy orchestra tracks, many rap songs involve semi-orchestral backgrounds. I also like the combination of genres, and rap somehow becomes a bit of a breeding ground for rap/hip-hop/classical hybrids.
Obviously, another important part of rap is the lyrics. The lyrics are the main method to convey a message to audiences. Contrary to popular belief, rappers don't always rap about doing drugs/having sex/whatever. Often, they contain different messages, like perseverance and recovery.
In a sense, rap is like any other musical genre. Through a certain language (verbal or musical), it conveys its message, its point. I am willing to call it music, although I think that the musical part of rap is just a secondary way to achieve its real goal, which is to appeal to people's emotions through the means of communication that humans can understand best: speaking.
And here's some stuff. I don't know much about rap, so... my selections may be poor. Whatever.
And some other dudes from America's got Talent (kinda cross genres a bit, which is cool)- starts around 1:25
And some Lupe Fiasco:
Rap can also be educational! :3 :3
... Octavius: Last post: 9/4/11
Yeah, I've been... busy. For almost nine months. Top secret ninja missions take time, you know.
And yeah, I'm that "Octavius guy who wrote one lengthy post about a 20-something minute song, and disappeared." Assuming that you read the "About Christie Road" page.
Anyways...
For some reason, I feel like talking about rap today. Yay!
My thoughts on rap:
Many people think that rap sucks and is not music at all, just random speed talking (maybe not even speed talking). That is a misconception. Many other people think that rap is the bane of music's essence and is more badass than Bottom's face after Puck screws around with him. Although I cannot agree with that idea, I also cannot label it as a misconception. Thus, I feel compelled to talk about rap. Like I said earlier...
I'm not too well versed in rap other than random stuff I hear (Rack City, White & Nerdy (assuming you count that as rap), etc.). From what I know about it, rap, as with many musical genres, is best heard live. As the rapper generally doesn't sing or produce somewhat melodic stuff, the real purpose of rap is to incite your inner fire. That is to say, rap is not necessarily a form of musical expression, but rather a method of unleashing the energy of the human spirit. <-- cheesy fluff
Generally, my favorite part of rap... is the backing tracks. As I do enjoy orchestra tracks, many rap songs involve semi-orchestral backgrounds. I also like the combination of genres, and rap somehow becomes a bit of a breeding ground for rap/hip-hop/classical hybrids.
Obviously, another important part of rap is the lyrics. The lyrics are the main method to convey a message to audiences. Contrary to popular belief, rappers don't always rap about doing drugs/having sex/whatever. Often, they contain different messages, like perseverance and recovery.
In a sense, rap is like any other musical genre. Through a certain language (verbal or musical), it conveys its message, its point. I am willing to call it music, although I think that the musical part of rap is just a secondary way to achieve its real goal, which is to appeal to people's emotions through the means of communication that humans can understand best: speaking.
And here's some stuff. I don't know much about rap, so... my selections may be poor. Whatever.
And some other dudes from America's got Talent (kinda cross genres a bit, which is cool)- starts around 1:25
Rap can also be educational! :3 :3
Bloom
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| http://cdn03.cdn.gorillavsbear.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/BEACH-HOUSE-BLOOM1-575x380.jpg |
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| http://cdn.stereogum.com/files/2012/03/beach-house-bloom.jpg |
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| The album title just gave me an excuse to include a pretty flower. |
Beach House released a new album earlier this month titled Bloom, and that's truly what they do in this album. It's like all Beach House albums before but at the same time it's not. The songs on this album are so much more evocative and even more thought provoking than their previous works. Somehow, they just keep getting better and better.
It's both dreamy and troubling at the same time - the album as a whole basically takes you to a moment before a storm - before some trials and walks you all the way through until you reach the other side - until you reach the calm. But unlike other artists who just write full out epics, Beach House uses their unique charm to tell this story. All at the same time, I felt like I was progressing into the future, in the present, and immersed in nostalgia. It has that perfect balance that makes you feel sentimental, confused, and yet somehow still hopeful for what is to come.
This might be my favorite album thus far this year (Franz Ferdinand -you have a lot to live up to.) As usual Victoria Legrand's vocals are the epitome of perfection and Alex Scally's intricate guitar intertwines with the most delicate precision. This album just does so many things right. The album as a whole is stunning and really, there are no dull moments.
In the opener "Myth" - the single released earlier this year, Legrand sings "it's never as it seems" and indeed it isn't. Part of the magic of Bloom comes in it's ability to create a world separate from this one. In the songs of Bloom, you are transformed to another place - somewhere the sky is always bright and you are running around in the sunlight in a field, but then still reminds you of the reality. The mix really creates emotional conflict and causes you to feel really connected with the albums. "Lazuli" the synth toys with your head just a little and is completely tranforming - it's a strong followup to "Wild"."New Year" is probably my favorite song on the album and is exquisite - Legrand truly shines. "On the Sea" is the perfect track for just laying down on the middle of the floor in a room and staring at the ceiling thinking.
Beach House has done it again.
Monday, April 30, 2012
The Power Within
Wow, it's been a long time since I've done a post. Anyhow, I was listening to some stuff on Spotify and I came across the new album by DragonForce called The Power Within. I'm relatively impartial with Dragonforce, I don't actively search out their stuff, but I don't have a problem with listening to it. It tends to be extremely repetitive and a bit too happy for my taste, almost, as my friend Maria so eloquently put it, like video game music. So, without further ado, allow me to talk about this new album.
DragonForce recently acquired a new vocalist named Marc Hudson, this album being his debut album with the band. He's actually part of the reason why I even bothered to listen to the entire album. Those soaring beginning notes in the first minute or two of the first track reminded me a lot of Rob Halford from Judas Priest, whose voice I absolutely adore. Sadly, instead of going all Halford-esque for the rest of the tracks, I feel like Hudson is holding back quite a bit making him more of an average vocalist instead of an incredible one for me. Also sadly, I hoped that the new band member would cause them to explore a new musical structure, however, instead of doing so, I find that the same themes are still repeated in their songs. You could call it their "signature thing" but it just doesn't do it for me. Of course, the guitar solos are technically incredible and the shredding passages are mind blowing as always. So, all in all, if you're looking for a typical DragonForce album with a slight change, this is probably a great album for you. If you expected a radical change, I wouldn't recommend it. Oh, I almost forgot, DragonForce sounds incredibly happy. It's probably some of the happiest metal I have ever listened to, and I have listened to a lot of metal. So again, if you're into that sort of thing, definitely check it out.
DragonForce recently acquired a new vocalist named Marc Hudson, this album being his debut album with the band. He's actually part of the reason why I even bothered to listen to the entire album. Those soaring beginning notes in the first minute or two of the first track reminded me a lot of Rob Halford from Judas Priest, whose voice I absolutely adore. Sadly, instead of going all Halford-esque for the rest of the tracks, I feel like Hudson is holding back quite a bit making him more of an average vocalist instead of an incredible one for me. Also sadly, I hoped that the new band member would cause them to explore a new musical structure, however, instead of doing so, I find that the same themes are still repeated in their songs. You could call it their "signature thing" but it just doesn't do it for me. Of course, the guitar solos are technically incredible and the shredding passages are mind blowing as always. So, all in all, if you're looking for a typical DragonForce album with a slight change, this is probably a great album for you. If you expected a radical change, I wouldn't recommend it. Oh, I almost forgot, DragonForce sounds incredibly happy. It's probably some of the happiest metal I have ever listened to, and I have listened to a lot of metal. So again, if you're into that sort of thing, definitely check it out.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Oberhofer/Kaiser Chiefs/Cold War Kids
Recently, I've been listening to a hodge podge of things...kind of strange because most of the time I listen to same playlists for a month straight or I listen to 2 or 3 albums for an entire month. Anyways, after Coachella I resolved that I needed to start listening to more diverse material...and this week, it seems it's been a non stop back and forth game with Oberhofer, Kaiser Chiefs, and Cold War Kids. With some occasional Chopin Nocturne thrown in and some Debussy for good measure. Don't ask. My erratic playlist this week:
"Nocturne No.2 in Eb Major Op.9,2" - Chopin (Yes, remember this? It's the random nocturne from the middle of the Muse song "United States of Eurasia")
"Addicted to Drugs" - Kaiser Chiefs (Kind of sums up my relationship with life right now...confusion and denial)
"Haus" - Oberhofer ("I want to build a house with you/ a house with you" - I've been walking around humming this all week...)
"Louder Than Ever" - Cold War Kids ("I can hear you/louder than ever/whisper to me/help me remember")
"Sprawl II" - Arcade Fire (yes - this again. Still can't get over Regine de Chassagne's vocals. Love/hate thing...)
"Deux Arabesque: Arabesque No.1 in E Major" - Debussy (The running melody is arguably one of the most calming things ever...makes me think of water.)
"Boxing Champ" - Kaiser Chiefs (Can't seems to forget this...there's something about it that's just so haunting...I think it just makes me feel...so helpless...but that's not always bad, is it? Some perspective.)
"Landline" - Oberhofer (So twinkly. I just can't get over it).
"Everlasting Light" - The Black Keys (It makes me feel something...and I don't know why.)
"Hang Me Up To Dry" - Cold War Kids (One of those songs that you just WANT to dance to.)
"Heat Dies Down" - Kaiser Chiefs (Incredibly catchy.)
"Cruising FDR" - Oberhofer ( There's just so much youth and vitality in this song...It's exploding at the seams with bratty attitude.)
"Audience" - Cold War Kids (Makes me feel so alone...but not in a bad way. Poignant in a strange way.)
"Nocturne No.2 in Eb Major Op.9,2" - Chopin (Yes, remember this? It's the random nocturne from the middle of the Muse song "United States of Eurasia")
"Addicted to Drugs" - Kaiser Chiefs (Kind of sums up my relationship with life right now...confusion and denial)
"Haus" - Oberhofer ("I want to build a house with you/ a house with you" - I've been walking around humming this all week...)
"Louder Than Ever" - Cold War Kids ("I can hear you/louder than ever/whisper to me/help me remember")
"Sprawl II" - Arcade Fire (yes - this again. Still can't get over Regine de Chassagne's vocals. Love/hate thing...)
"Deux Arabesque: Arabesque No.1 in E Major" - Debussy (The running melody is arguably one of the most calming things ever...makes me think of water.)
"Boxing Champ" - Kaiser Chiefs (Can't seems to forget this...there's something about it that's just so haunting...I think it just makes me feel...so helpless...but that's not always bad, is it? Some perspective.)
"Landline" - Oberhofer (So twinkly. I just can't get over it).
"Everlasting Light" - The Black Keys (It makes me feel something...and I don't know why.)
"Hang Me Up To Dry" - Cold War Kids (One of those songs that you just WANT to dance to.)
"Heat Dies Down" - Kaiser Chiefs (Incredibly catchy.)
"Cruising FDR" - Oberhofer ( There's just so much youth and vitality in this song...It's exploding at the seams with bratty attitude.)
"Audience" - Cold War Kids (Makes me feel so alone...but not in a bad way. Poignant in a strange way.)
Friday, April 13, 2012
Pinning for Coachella...
Like the wet noodle that I am, instead of being at Coachella, I spent today streaming it. Lame, I know, but IT WAS FANTASTIC. I managed to stream the Arctic Monkeys and the Black Keys and both were amazing. Tommy also spent the day streaming...(as far as I know). I was a little disappointed that EMA was not available for streaming...
Anyhow, I'm super excited for the Arctic Monkeys encore and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds tomorrow. Also looking forward to Florence + the Machine and Real Estate on Sunday...and of course NEXT WEEKEND - where I get to do this ALL OVER AGAIN.
I love that Coachella is now two consecutive weekends.
Anyhow, I'm super excited for the Arctic Monkeys encore and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds tomorrow. Also looking forward to Florence + the Machine and Real Estate on Sunday...and of course NEXT WEEKEND - where I get to do this ALL OVER AGAIN.
I love that Coachella is now two consecutive weekends.
mixtape
Organized with 3 songs each by 4 of my favorite British bands. Painstakingly made to flow by our top engineers smoothly adhering to the 22 minute limit of sides of vinyl records, with no more than 2 songs by the same artist on a side. Faster upbeat songs on side 1, slower somewhat more CONTEMPLATIVE songs on side 2.
Side 1
Magical Mystery Tour ROLL UP FOR THE MYSTERY TOUR
Stay Young (Faculty Mix) COME WHAT MAY WE'RE UNSTOPPABLE
The Hardest Thing IT NEVER HAPPENS THAT WAY
2+2=5 ALL HAIL TO THE THIEF
Elephant Stone THERE'S A HOLE IN MY DREAMS
Listen Up SAILING DOWN A RIVER ALONE
Side 2
Penny Lane BENEATH THE BLUE SUBURBAN SKIES
Underneath The Sky IT BELONGS TO A FRIEND OF A FRIEND
Bye Bye Badman GOT NO QUESTION GOT NO LOVE
Prove Yourself I'M BETTER OFF DEAD
When I'm Sixty-Four YOU'LL BE OLDER TOO
Exit Music WE HOPE THAT YOU CHOKE
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Drumroll please...
Green Day is releasing a new album!!! To be more specific, THREE ALBUMS!!!
http://www.greenday.com/node/7541
So. Freakishly. Excited.
http://www.greenday.com/node/7541
So. Freakishly. Excited.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Of Monsters and Men
You might of heard of this band by now...and I have fallen in love with their album and sound. Although many call them the new Arcade Fire, I would have to disagree. Whereas my feelings for Arcade Fire are at best lukewarm, the music Of Monsters and Men is like a cataclysmic explosion in comparison. If anything, the way that they utilize vocal harmonies is more reminiscent of The xx. Sunny melodies, sweet harmonies, and catchy riffs with plenty of brass to balance, Of Monsters and Men epitomize everything that an orchestral sounding band should be. Intertwined with catch melodies, there are heavy guitar riffs and copious amounts of distortion that create a perfect atmosphere that has clearly has large ambitions but seems far from ambitious. And of course, there is the band name. The literary geek in me can't help but smile at the allusion to Of Mice and Men, and in a way their music makes me feel like the book did - part heartbreak, part mystery and definite startling beauty.
Some of my favorite tracks from their newest album - My Head Is An Animal.
"Mountain Sound" - Some what reminds me of The Cults - in the best way possible. Bouncy and pop influenced with just the right touch of auxiliary.
"Little Talks" - The cinematic masterpiece of the album that has probably received the most attention, that is more than deserved.
"Six Weeks" - The riff on this song is fantastic and the great vocal harmony doesn't hurt either.
"Love Love Love" - I love love love how Nanna sounds both desolate but hopeful in this song that effortlessly blends heartbreak with moving on. Her voice is exquisite and the roughness and vulnerability is beyond perfect. The soft acoustic guitar with the twinkling of bells is absolutely adorable.
"Your Bones" - Has a sort of Beatles throwback vibe to it and is glowing reminder of years past.
"Yellow Light" - A delicate and beautiful end to an amazing album. It makes me think of walking through a serene forest and just stopping to peer at the cracks of light that filter through the branches.
Some of my favorite tracks from their newest album - My Head Is An Animal.
"Mountain Sound" - Some what reminds me of The Cults - in the best way possible. Bouncy and pop influenced with just the right touch of auxiliary.
"Little Talks" - The cinematic masterpiece of the album that has probably received the most attention, that is more than deserved.
"Six Weeks" - The riff on this song is fantastic and the great vocal harmony doesn't hurt either.
"Love Love Love" - I love love love how Nanna sounds both desolate but hopeful in this song that effortlessly blends heartbreak with moving on. Her voice is exquisite and the roughness and vulnerability is beyond perfect. The soft acoustic guitar with the twinkling of bells is absolutely adorable.
"Your Bones" - Has a sort of Beatles throwback vibe to it and is glowing reminder of years past.
"Yellow Light" - A delicate and beautiful end to an amazing album. It makes me think of walking through a serene forest and just stopping to peer at the cracks of light that filter through the branches.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Look at the Stars/Look How They Shine For You
This is one of those days. You know, those days where you feel ultra contemplative/artsy and super forlorn at the same time? Those days where everything just seems so...wrong...but so right? It's like you hate yourself, but don't know why and you hate the world but the angst is empty. Yeah. It's one of those days where you want to just walk outside, lie on the grass, star at the stars and just never, ever, ever get up. It's like you want to just get lost in the splendor of the world and forget yourself, for now, even if it's just for a little, forget all your problems and just breathe.
I'm having one of those days, where it seems like life just needs a soundtrack and some deep thinking just needs to be done.
Trouble - Coldplay
The Melody of A Fallen Tree - Windsor For The Derby
Until The Day Dims - The Woodlands
Concerto No. 2 Op. 28 in C minor - Rachmaninoff (you need to listen to this at the same time with rainymood.com open. Seriously. Just try it. It is THE best thing ever. Thank Leonard for this one. So relaxing yet hauntingly beautiful.)
Give Me Love - Ed Sheeran
Talk Tonight - Oasis
Northern Downpour - Panic! At The Disco
Soldier's Poem - Muse
Codex - Radiohead
My Evaline - Weezer
Yellow - Coldplay
I'm having one of those days, where it seems like life just needs a soundtrack and some deep thinking just needs to be done.
Trouble - Coldplay
The Melody of A Fallen Tree - Windsor For The Derby
Until The Day Dims - The Woodlands
Concerto No. 2 Op. 28 in C minor - Rachmaninoff (you need to listen to this at the same time with rainymood.com open. Seriously. Just try it. It is THE best thing ever. Thank Leonard for this one. So relaxing yet hauntingly beautiful.)
Give Me Love - Ed Sheeran
Talk Tonight - Oasis
Northern Downpour - Panic! At The Disco
Soldier's Poem - Muse
Codex - Radiohead
My Evaline - Weezer
Yellow - Coldplay
Thursday, March 8, 2012
I've Been Dreaming...
With the help of some dream pop. Lately I've been intoxicated by the heavy pedal and airy sound of dream pop - from Beach House, to Memoryhouse (funny, right? both have "house" in their names, both are on Sub Pop, both are dream pop bands...) to Beach Fossils (Yes, another beach) to Real Estate (Which is an indie band (on Domino), but their sound is definitely dream pop influenced. And yes - more houses).
A playlist for a dreamy afternoon:
1. Shallow - Beach Fossils
2. The Kids Were Wrong - Memoryhouse
3. Master of None - Beach House
4. Out of Tune - Real Estate
5. Bonfire - Memoryhouse
6.Silver Soul - Beach House
7.D.A.R.L.I.N.G. - Beach House
8. It's Real - Real Estate
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
I'm a lazy bum
Hey y'all, here's a playlist for those lazy days that we all share. Most of these are definitely on the mellower side, so if you like that kind of thing, enjoy ^^.
1) "The Spirit Carries On" -Dream Theater
2) "Wait for Sleep"-Dream Theater
3) "The Answer Lies Within"-Dream Theater
4) "How Deep is Your Love"-BeeGees
5) "The Widow"-The Mars Volta
6) "The Masterplan"-Oasis
7) "Sentimental"-Porcupine Tree
8) "Piano Concerto no.2 mvt 2"-Rachmaninov(ff)? There's a hilarious Igudesman and Joo mashup of this piece and Celine Dion's "All by Myself" www.youtube.com/watch?v=b54gIJ5lHAc
9) "Ballade no.4 op.52"-Chopin
10) "Viridian"-Between the Buried and Me
11) "All the Same"-Real Estate
Sunday, February 26, 2012
IT JUST DEPENDS WHAT KIND OF CAR YOU ARE
Noel-sung vinyl only track of (What's the Story) Morning Glory
Don't Look Back in Anger can suck it, compared to this
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
the xx
I've had the xx on replay for I don't even know how many times. Oliver + Romy's vocals are that perfect male/female vocal combo that seem to be so rare and are in such harmony, it reminds me of the Pixies and Black Francis and Kim Deal in the very best way possible. Their debut album xx is one of those rare albums that convey so much emotion and feeling it's at points almost feels like you're intruding into something special. It has a really intimate, melodic quality to it. Lonely guitar rifts coupled with evocative vocals make this arguably the best thing I've listened to in a very, very, very long time.
Listen to:"Islands", "Heart Skipped A Beat" and "Shelter"
Listen to:"Islands", "Heart Skipped A Beat" and "Shelter"
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
St. Vincent...on Gossip Girl
Weird, yes I know. But I saw it. And couldn't resist. It really is true.
Around 20min -ish to the end.
http://cwtv.com/cw-video/gossip-girl/
Episode "Crazy, Cupid, Love". Song is "Cheerleader" off St. Vincent's new album Strange Mercy.
And the episode ends to "Baby Says" by The Kills.
Pretty awesome music for an episode of Gossip Girl
Around 20min -ish to the end.
http://cwtv.com/cw-video/gossip-girl/
Episode "Crazy, Cupid, Love". Song is "Cheerleader" off St. Vincent's new album Strange Mercy.
And the episode ends to "Baby Says" by The Kills.
Pretty awesome music for an episode of Gossip Girl
Thursday, February 2, 2012
St. Vincent.
So lately I've been listening to a little St.Vincent (stage name of Annie Clark). It's this strange, enchanting mix of guitar riffs, airy melodies, and interestingly placed synthesizers. And of course, they're Annie Clark's voice. HER VOICE. It has that perfect balance of strong but vulnerable. She sings with such longing, and such feeling that it leaves your heart hurting from how beautiful it is. It all culminates into that kind of music you can't classify and you don't know WHY you like it, but you just DO. It's infectious. A few standouts from her newest album (Strange Mercy) include "Champagne Year" (refers to the year in which you turn the same age as your birthday) - which is has an interesting balance of empty instrumental sections and powerful, questioning sections that highlight her amazing voice. It seems almost like an ode to midlife crisis with the lines "I make a living telling people what they want to hear" - it captures that feeling we all have, we all know. The feeling of being false to yourself and living in a lie. And of course, there is the title song "Strange Mercy" which is quirky and catchy, with interesting riffs and captivating vocals which border on hazy. It also has another one of those empty instrumental sections which seem pivotal to Clark's work. Another one of my favorites is "Actor Out of Work" from her 2009 album work which borders on pop with bubbly riffs and repetitive lyrics and runs. Similarly pop influenced is "Marrow" off that same album in which she chants "H-E-L-P, help me, help me". St. Vincent seems to simply have something to offer everyone.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Fallen Empires
Snow Patrol's new album Fallen Empires came out last Sunday (or actually to be more precise, THIS Sunday...Jan 22) stateside and I picked it up in store today. It was well worth the extra 3 months of waiting. It's definitely a progression of Snow Patrol's sound, but still retains many elements of the Snow Patrol that we all know and love. There are some really interesting instrumental songs on the album, including "Berlin" and "Broken Bottles Form A Star" - which a perplexing but genius end to a solid album. Of course, There's "Called Out In the Dark", the pop-y and catchy single released from the album and "This Isn't Everything You Are", a breathtakingly beautiful ballad. There are still Snow Patrol's signature ballads - like "New York", another intimate and chilling song. Also provoking is "Those Distant Bells". There are also some songs on the new album such as "The Weight of Love" and "The Garden Rules" which are both reminiscent of earlier Snow Patrol, but also seem to suggest a new direction at the same time. All in all, it's a fantastic album that really showcases Snow Patrol at it's best.
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