Em and Al's Music Blog

Define: Saturday Night

2009-05-24T12:54:00.002+02:00

This post is completely informal. Exams are over. I'm done with school. I had a pretty good night last night, so here! Have a Saturday defining song!

A Fine Mess by Kate Voegele

2009-05-24T09:00:00.000+02:00

[Kate Voegele's Official Site]

Kate Voegele’s new album, A Fine Mess, starts out extremely strong. I may be a little biased because this album could have done no wrong for me as long as it was new music by Kate Voegele. But the majority of the songs are brilliant. The album shines with tracks such as “Inside Out” and "Manhattan From the Sky." Get ready to rock out to this album in the car or in the shower.

Kate Voegele’s talent for writing lyrics shows in “99 Times,” “Who You Are Without Me” and “Forever and Almost Always” and if I'm not careful I'll list every track on this awesome album. The album has a similar feel to Don't Look Away; the lyrics tell much more of a story on this album which makes it flow together brilliantly lyrical wise. This album shines when it comes to its lyrics and the songs have a "bad ass" feel to them that will make you needing to tell someone off by the end of it. Among the highlights this album has to offer is “Angel,” which like most of her songs has both a good sound and good lyrics." Other highlights are "Sweet Silver Lining" and "Manhattan From the Sky." My favorite song on this album is by far "Manhattan From the Sky." The lyrics have a story that everyone can relate to, and one that I like to think about. The feel of the song is also a good one to jam out to in the car. The more I listen to this album the more I enjoy it, the more addicted I get, the more impressed I am and the more I put my own take on each song.

Die hard fans of Kate Voegele will be more than satisfied, although it might not be as big of a hit as Don’t Look Away. Give it time and a few more listens and you'll be enjoying this album even more than her first one. New listeners will be wanting more. This girl is making a name for herself among people such as KT Tunstall, Taylor Swift, Michelle Branch and more. All in all I’d give it a 4 out of 5 stars. This album was worth the wait.

Al's Rating:

Funky Friday

2009-04-24T20:39:00.000+02:00

Hurry up guys, we’ve gotta save the clock tower!

You don’t have to go back very far to find this song. In fact, if you see a kid walking down the street in a vest and don’t immediately assume it has something to do with a long voyage at sea, I’d say we’re still in the right time period. It’s when you start seeing kids on skateboards with no wheels literally sidewalk surfing that we should start worrying.

So go get Biff and the gang, and come on down. Tonight we’re spinning up a movie classic. Got it McFly?

But first, I want you to answer a question. What is something that doesn’t take money, fame, a credit card, is harder than diamonds and steel, will keep you home at night, and is best when played on synth?

The Power Of Love by Huey Lewis & The News, of course.

Check out the hook
~Em

NOTICE

2009-04-24T20:36:00.003+02:00

Currently under construction.

Guess who has an exam tomorrow morning at 8? That's right, yours truly. Know what that means? Got it again! All posts scheduled for today (other than Funky Friday baby) will be postponed until tomorrow. I hope you can handle it.

By the way! This is the part where AL! Our other blogger, might want to step in.

Ciao!

Song Of The Day

2009-04-22T20:33:00.002+02:00

And we're back. Yet another song of the day! They just keep coming!

Genre: Sameish, perkylaxed, nice

So todays song doesn't take us far from where we've already been, but it's definitely a new sound to add to your library. And if your name is Dakota, I bet you'll like it!

But if your name is not Dakota, I'd like to apologize for your bad fortune, but you'll still like this song. If you like good guitar parts and nice harmonies belted by grown up boy bands, then you're in luck. And there's always a plus for you guitar players out there. This song is extremely easy to play, and very catchy! It'll make you want to find a girl named Dakota (or boy for that matter) just so you can sing it to them.

So without further ado, girls and boys, here is A Rocket To The Moon with Dakota

Song Of The Day

2009-04-20T19:11:00.003+02:00

Genre: Rock, Acoustic, Popishly light

Sometimes you just feel like running away. Giving it all up, turning around, and finding yourself somewhere out there. Preferably, make it somewhere that you have never seen before, with absolutely no one you know, or maybe just that special someone.

That says a little bit about our song for today. It's a very catchy song, and not one that I'd be opposed to driving down an open country road with the windows all down. So, for lack of any one message in this song, there is definitely a good hook. So listen to it yourself, ladies and gents

Here's Needtobreathe with We Could Run Away

The hook is waiting. It wants you to check it out.

~Em

Album Of The Week

2009-04-19T09:43:00.001+02:00

Welcome readers, to Album Of The Week! Get your ear buddies ready, because this one's new!

It's been a while since this album came out. If you're three, and an episode of Spongebob is an eternity. Realistically though... this album is wetter behind the ears than Jennifer Anistons latest heartbreak, and hotter than Texas in summer.

I've got somebody I'd like you to meet...

The Bigger Lights with Fiction Fever

So how many of you out there have heard The Maine? Cute Is What We Aim For? Friday Night Boys?

All of you?

Well then you’ve pretty much heard this band. Their new album is a lot like those guys, but it’s always nice to hear someone fresh, right? I suggest you get to listening.

If you like any of the bands mentioned above, you’d definitely like The Bigger Lights too.

Some of my favorites from the album include;

Closer

This song is the typical teen power ballad, sounding a bit like Paramore if Hayley Williams were a boy. And I use the term “boy” loosely. But if you don’t mind boys in girls clothing, then you’re set!

Looking for something a bit more rocky? Try When Did We Lose Ourselves.

Alright, alright, I hear you. Rock… this is Cheez Whiz compared to Kurt Cobain, but we’re talking a 12-17 fanbase, so cool it. And if you are in that age group, then get all over it! I’m sure at least one of the songs from these pups is going to be on your local pop station any second now, so impress your friends by knowing all of the words! And tell them Stewart sent you!

Em’s Album Rating:

Although this album lacks in a lot of places, it makes up for it in heart. So if you’re not looking for depth of meaning, but something to sing along to, then check this album out.

It’s a love hate relationship. Tell me about it. Emmy2615@gmail.com

Check out the hook
~Em

Song Of The Day

2009-04-18T20:01:00.000+02:00

Ready for another heapin' helpin' of tuneage? Well you've got it.

Genre: Retroesque, Peppylicious, Catchy As Heck

That's right, you've seen those genre's before. And I'll admit, there is a lot of indie music surfacing that owes its sound to an earlier day, where ear holes weren't treated as toilet holes with unnamed amounts of crap passing through them every day, once in a while clogging up from the pure girth of shit dropped in them. I'm talking about noise. A lot of it.

So it's safe to say that the throwbacks are quite refreshing once in a while, if you'll give them a listen.

Todays song sounds something akin to the B-52's trying to reduce their carbon footprint by cleaning up all of those glitter bombs they left on highway's and such. They're back alright, and Chrysler no more. Spawn of the B-52's are driving a souped up Smart Car.

So get those ear holes cleaned out, bio-sparkle incoming!

Alphabeat with Fascination

Check out that hook!
~Em

Funky Friday

2009-04-17T15:22:00.000+02:00

Alright Guys and Dolls, time to listen up. Now before I get this record a' spinnin', I'm gonna tell you what's goin' down.

Back in December of 1965 some cool cat's by the name of The Beatles wrote a tune called "We Can Work It Out", and like always it flew off the shelves faster than you can say Bob's your uncle.

Well, give it about 5 years and a man called Stevie Wonder had another go at it. And boy oh boy was it ever a hit. Reaching #13 on the Billboard hot 100, the man got himself his second Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

I'd tell you more, but I can see you chompin' at the bit all the way from yesterday, so get ready to get your groove on.

We Can Work It Out - Stevie Wonder

And Remember, check out the hook

~Em

Song Of The Day

2009-04-16T16:23:00.000+02:00

Look who's back! Man am I glad to see you. You would not believe the song I've got for today!

Genre: Experimental, Accidental, Moving

Ever heard Chris Brown's songs? You know, kind of electronic, very repetative, but somehow catchy?

Want more substance, with less words?

I've got just the thing.

You all should know Bon Iver by now, as he's a pretty big fixture for my music listening. And understandably I was worried when I heard of his new EP. How can such emotional genius be recreated? I mean the man sat up in the woods for a while and out he comes with a cd that'll knock you onto your back, out of your clothes, and throw you a bottle of originality that's about as coincidental as your existence.

But then I listened to it, and as it happens, lightening can strike twice.

Mixing it up for today, I'm going to play a song with 19 words in it. Four sentences. Take it or leave it, but where lyrical substance lacks, technical skill fills in. No potholes in this road, Johnny.

Bon Iver with Woods

Check out the hook
~Em

Song Of The Day

2009-04-14T08:49:00.001+02:00

Hello again, dear listeners! It's a lovely day, isn't it?

And now for a brief announcement from our sponsors:

If you're liking what you see, want to see someone specific on the blog, or would like to burn your eyes and ears off with acid, drop me a line! You can reach me at emmy2615@gmail.com .

On to the post already! You can put your torches and pitch forks down.

Genre: Mellow, Melencholy, Moody

Everybody needs a slow and brooding song once in a while, right? I've got your fix for the week right here.

Chances are you've heard this, but it's a classic. The lyrics in a song like this hit everybody right down to the core. Fear is one of the most permeating and shaking emotions in the human psyche. Even if that fear isn't of monsters or the dark, but of something that happens all too often in the light. Loss and failure. More often than not the scariest monster of them all is yourself.

So here they are, ringing in our second Song Of The Day,

The Arcade Fire with Intervention

Keep checkin' that hook
~Em

Song Of The Day

2009-04-12T10:54:00.000+02:00

Hello all, and welcome to the very first scheduled Song Of The Day blog post! Oh, the expectations! I'll give you a tip; never expect the same thing twice. So if you don't like it today, then give it a day!

To ring in our first Song Of The Day, I'd like to put up something a bit peppy. It is Easter, after all! You should be happily hunting for boiled would be chickens by now, so crank up the tunes and get out your baskets and fake grass, 'cause here it goes!

Genre: Retroesque, Indie, Peppylicious

Ever notice the music on ipod commercials? Well this one's an ear catcher. Who'd have thought Danish isn't always best when associated with a pastry?

So if you've got an ear for the retro, and an eye for the new and shiny, here's your song.

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour with Around The Bend

And remember, check out the hook
~Em

Album Of The Week

2009-04-12T10:52:00.000+02:00

Welcome one and all, ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys, to the first weekly edition of Album Of The Week!

Isn't this Easter Sunday just beautiful? Nice weather, family all around, children running and playing in their best dresses... No? You mean... you're sitting in front of your computer with a bag of cheetos and half a pack of lunch meat because Easter is over rated and there's nothing to do on Sunday? Well golly, you're in the right place!

With holidays, stress is inevitable. The shopping, the endless running around, the screaming children. Especially with the recession making it so that little Tommy doesn't get as many chocolate eggs as he deems himself worthy of, and the ensuing terror as you conduct an impromptu experiment on whether or not peeps are as effective as ear plugs.

Turns out that method leaves you picking yellow and pink colored sugar and other anonymous sticky gems out of your ears for days, so I suggest you put in your ear buds instead. I've got an album that will relax you, rub your back down with lavender oil, and teach little Tommy financial mathematics until his face turns blue with how much of your time and money he's wasting on Pokemon and Batman panties.

Without further ado, I'd like to introduce you to our Album Of The Week. Put your hands together for;

The Acorn with Glory Hope Mountain

If you took The Everly Brothers vocals, mixed them with the musical style of Sigur Ros and Allison Krauss & Union Station, and threw the lyricism of a watered down Bright Eyes, and blended them together until all of the colors meshed into one solid sound, you'd have this album.

The Acorn is no stranger to good music, but we'll save that for a different post. This album is one that has just enough of everything to make nearly anyone enjoy it.

If you close your eyes, you can almost feel the sweet southern breeze blown over from the atlantic as it dances across your face, lacing your nostrils with the smell of lilac and honeysuckle. The words make any problem in life sound so sweet that even death is relaxing.

It's so soothing that finally the drone of amplifiers is left behind in the city where it belongs, and the purity of new, original music can flow freely. I swear you'll forget you have your ipod on.

Some good songs from the album include Crooked Legs, who's video fits the song well. It's somewhat of a mix between nature and animated reality. It's the kind of song that you can hear everywhere, without ever turning a dial.

Or, Glory. A song that ... well... you'll just have to listen. Disclaimer: Quality on this version not as good as it should be.

So if you liked what you heard here, then it only gets better! Give the full album a listen here!

Em's Album Rating:

(Em's Album Rating - Normal five star scale, spun up. Each color, from coldest to hottest, i.e. purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, are used as stars 1-5, and red is saved for the super star. only for those special occasions when an album is an instant classic.)

Ta ta for now folks! Email me anything you want, questions and comments, hate and love, to emmy2615@gmail.com.

Check out the hook

~Em

Notice To All Who Rock

2009-04-09T14:35:00.000+02:00

Alright readers, sit down, buckle up, and hold on. We're back. And this time we've got 100% more thrust behind the scenes

With school nearly out of the way for me, I've got an increasing amount of time falling on me, and guess what that means

You got it. Constructive energy.

So, without further ado, I'd like to announce several new blogs to come. Columns if you will.

First up, we've got our bi-daily (that means every other day my little song birds) Song Of The Day posts. These posts sound pretty generic, and really they are! But there's no better way to find new music than asking one of the two of us. Me and Al? We've got it covered.

Sliding into second base is the next new section,Album Of The Week! Let's face it, most artists come up with songs that are good, but albums that are at best time fillers. Start off your Sundays with an album review of something new, old, in between, or just damn good. After all, any week that begins without a good beat is a lost cause, right?

Next on the conveyor belt of goodness is the Artist Of The Month! You've seen this before in previous posts, but hey, now it's continuous! Look forward to the 24th of each month for a review of someone new and exciting! Why 24th? Thats my birthday... in November :)

If all of this "new" is getting to you, then hang around for Funky Fridays. Every Friday we'll be spinnin' the oldies and goodies your way. If it's not from the 2000's, then you'll find it here. So get on your dancin' shoes and boogie down. If you cut a rug up, don't worry, we live right next to Ikea.

So for all those about to rock, we salute you.

Check out the hook

~Em

Starting Easter Sunday 2009

Some more Youtube

2009-03-17T15:24:00.000+01:00

What happens when one of your favorite people sings a song by your favorite band? A post!

If you haven't already heard about this guy DO.IT.NOW!

Brought to you by Youtube

2009-03-03T19:10:00.001+01:00

I had another plan for this weeks post but then I watched this video and just decided to hold it off to spotlight this guy. There's not much to say about this, you just have to check it out for yourself. And you know, if you like it make sure to check him out on Youtube and subscribe.

Rise, Fall, and Rise of The Killers

2009-02-20T01:51:00.000+01:00

Ever since 2004 with the over-night success of Hot Fuss, The Killers have been watched by a close eye and listened to by millions. With the sensational lyrics of Mr. Brightside, singer/songwriter Brandon Flowers has had a lot to live up to. Hot Fuss had such a feel-good sound to it, causing people on dance floors everywhere to move to it all night long. Hot Fuss was the perfect pop record, selling more than 2,500,000 copies in the first year of its release, and making it one of the more recent albums to be listed as one of the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

With all this early success, one would imagine to expect more good things to come from the band and Flowers. This unfortunately didn’t seem to be the case. With the release of Sam’s Town in 2006, the band showed that they had used up their luck and talent with their first album, which is often the case with young bands. Flowers seemed to be more focused on capturing everything important that led him to where he was at the time. To me, this makes me think of when I go back and read my old xanga’s from when I was 13-16. It’s about as you would imagine: talking about boys, bitching about school and parents, and of course hating the entire world in general. It’s almost painful at times, and other times it’s just laugh out loud comical. Only you’re laughing at it, not with it. Which seems to be how Sam’s Town was received. It was a failed attempt at trying to make a big statement. Downfall? They had nothing to say.

So at this point the band has one stellar album and a not-so-stellar album. What’s their next move? Now they need to produce an album, proving to people they’re the geniuses behind Hot Fuss. They needed to capture music-lovers hearts once again.

The 2008 release of Day & Age was just what the band needed to prove themselves once and for all. The melody and the not-so-whiny lyrics from Hot Fuss (which were both absent in Sam’s Town) are back. The band reconnects with the pop perfection with which Hot Fuss seduced fans. With great, catchy songs such as Human and Spaceman listeners will in no way be disappointed. The Killers use Flowers’ unique voice with their unique sound once again to create something different and undeniable. Fans are going to be listening to this album on their way to work, with their friends, to drown out their parents, or to listen to a contemporary Bowie, Pet Shop Boys and Roxy Music, sound. If you’re a fan of Hot Fuss, or The Killers in general, check out Day & Age and you won’t be disappointed.

Up and Coming

2009-02-10T16:44:00.001+01:00

Youtube is a great place. You can make a fool of yourself, become famous, or just watch the stars be born. We've all seen this happening, thanks to my/Al's obsession with Julia Nunes. But let's face it, JuNu isn't the *only* rising talent out there.

A couple weeks ago, I discovered a kid named Bradley. I actually had to dig to find his real name, and that's all I could find. I'll admit, he's nowhere near as entertaining as Julia is, but he can play the guitar pretty well, and has quite a few original songs. Here, watch these!

Help

Dear Bobbie ~ Yellowcard

I have a sneaking suspicion that, when harnessed with a record label, we'll be seeing more of him.

And the Winner Is...

2009-02-09T04:47:00.000+01:00

So I had a post written for this week, but then decided to change it due to the Grammy's being on TV tonight so I was going to write something about those and then at the Grammy's Blink-182 announced that they are officially BACK. There aren't any details about when the album will be released but I'm going to assume that it will be out this summer since they said they'll officially be back this summer. How could this news get any better? Oh yes, by the fact that the band will be touring. I could not be more excited about this. I'm not even sure I'd be more excited if Green Day announced they were releasing an album sometime soon. I'm pretty sure this is even better.

In other Grammy news (that I was excited about or agreed with):

John Mayer wins wins Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

Best Rock Album is presented by a newly-reunited Blink 182 to Coldplay for Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends.

Coldplay wins Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals for Viva La Vida.

Eagles wins Best Pop Instrumental Performance for I Dreamed There Was No Water.

Best Solo Rock Performance goes to John Mayer for Gravity.

Kings of Leon wins for Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals for Sex On Fire.

Bono's Performance:

Probably my favorite soundtrack/album of the year, the Juno Soundtrack (various artists) wins for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media.

The Dark Knight's score wins for Best Score Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media.

Best Short Form Music Video goes to Weezer for their Pork and Beans video.

Am I the only one that is a little disturbed with Coldplay winning a bunch of awards for Viva La Vida? I don't know, yeah I absolutely loved the album and song, but because in my opinion the song was [obviously] stolen from another band something just doesn't seem right. Leave your opinions in comments.

For the rest of the winners check out the officiall Grammy website.

Relient K - Faking My Own Suicide

2009-02-03T06:03:00.000+01:00

So it's safe to say that the band Relient K is in my top 10 favorite bands. Why? Because I've liked them since I was 15, when their only album out was MMHMM and they're good live. And then to top things off they came out with a stellar second album, Five Score and Seven Years Ago. I'm not even going to get into their third album, The Bird and the Bee Side, in which they completely tanked. What I AM going to get into is their song Faking My Own Suicide.

I can't stand this song. I absolutely hate it. I got this album back when it first came out, so this isn't something I'm just now realizing, it's something I'm just now getting around to blogging about since I've recently been listening to the album again. This song is on their second album, and I refuse to even listen to the song.

Want some Lyrics?

So I've made up my mind
I will pretend
To leave this world behind
And in the end
You'll know I've lied
To get your attention
I'm faking my own suicide

I'm faking my own suicide
Because I know you love me
You just haven't realized
I'm faking my own suicide
They'll hold a double funeral
Because a part of you will die
Along with me

Wish you thought that I was dead
So rather than me
You'd be depressed instead
And before arriving at my grave
You'd come to the conclusion
You've loved me all your days
But it's too late
Too late for you to say

Because I'm faking my own suicide
Because I know you love me
You just haven't realized
I'm faking my own suicide
They'll hold a double funeral

Because a part of you will die
Along with me

I'll write you a letter that
You'll keep
Reminding you your love for me
Is more than six feet deep
You say aloud that you
Would've been my wife
Right about that time
Is when I come back to life
And let you know
I'd let you know (That all along)

I was faking my own suicide
Because I know you loved me
You just never realized
I was faking my own suicide
I'll walk in that room and
See your eyes open so wide
I've been so lost
Because you know
Because you know
You will never leave my side (you will never leave my side)
Until the day that I die for the first time (until I die for the first time)
And we'll laugh, yeah we'll laugh
And we will cry
So overjoyed with the love
that's so alive
Our love is so alive

Okay, so on a CD that has some amazing songs about love this one really sucks. I really hate that a song like this was ever even written. It's a complete load of crap. It takes a very selfish person to fake a suicide in order to get attention from the person they love. And saying a part of them will die is a little cocky, and by little I mean a lot. Pretending to do something like that would never get someone to realize they love you and all of a sudden they want in your pants. It's not going to happen like that.

Maybe I'm reading too much into it. But I hate it enough to the point that when it comes on I change the song. Thoughts?

New goal for the rest of the year: I'll be updating this blog once a week. That's right, you heard me. Once a week. It'll be like a job. I just hate to see this blog go so long without any updates. I've got some things in mind for future updates, so stay tuned friends.

Stop. Blogger Time.

2009-01-30T16:46:00.000+01:00

Is someone actually posting on the music blog?! WOW!

So I recently bought the new P!nk album, and I have several things to say about it. First of all, make NO mistake. I love Pink. She's one of my top 3 favorite singers, so don't feel insulted. I'm not as mean as this is going to sound.

I have to say I'm a bit disappointed.

Pinks albums are all so diverse. She goes from pop, to jazz, to rock and all in between. But they were always different from what was out there. That's part of what she stands for to most people. A girl who doesn't follow the tracks. But for some reason this album sounded like it had been done.

One thing I noticed right off the bat was that you can tell this album was written during a breakup. Every single song on the album is so easily related to the same exact thing that it gets boring. There's nothing that makes any of the songs stand out from the rest.

I also have come to the conclusion that she was struggling for melodies. Considering the entire album sounds a little ... recycled. Here are some things that compare well;

Crystal Ball (Pink) sounds totally like Eye Of The Needle (Brandi Carlile)
One Foot Wrong (Pink) sounds totally like something out of Thankful (Kelly Clarkson)

Its not that I didn't enjoy the album, it just wasnt special. I have two Kelly Clarkson cd's, and I unknowingly came upon another. When I think Pink, I think rebel. I think rock that people like. Easy to understand, fun to sing in you panties in front of the mirror, and not dumb to openly like. But honestly, Funhouse seems more like just a normal house. If you haven't bought it already, don't rush. It'll still be there when you have time.

Happy Birthday Al!

2008-11-25T15:05:00.000+01:00

Happy birthday dudette! Have a fantastical day!

Happy Birthday, Em

2008-11-24T23:08:00.000+01:00

Happy birthday, chica! Hope it's a good one.

2008-11-14T04:08:00.000+01:00

Music To Study To

This was originally going to be "Music To Write To" but since Emmy and I have both dropped out of NaNoWriMo it can also be a good playlist to study to seeing as I'm listening to it now as I study for an upcoming test.

1. Caves- Jack's Mannequin: A good, calm song to listen to.
2. You Make Me Smile- Blue October
3. Maybe I Will- Julia Nunes: Because nothing is complete on this blog without a little JuNu.
4. I Want To Know Your Plans- Say Anything: This is my playlist after all.
5. Sic Transit Gloria...Glory Fades- Brand New: Good beat following the last song.
6. Afraid- Yellowcard: One of the more upbeat songs included in the list.
7. Have You Got It In You?- Imogen Heap: Great to have on in the background.
8. Skin- Breaking Benjamin: Probably not for everyone to study to but I enjoy it.
9. By The Way- Hinder: Winds down after the last song.
10. And The Truth Will End This- Ivoryline
11. Is This How You Feel?- Logan Square: I was immediately hooked on Logan Square and this is one of my favorites by them.
12. This Is Fucking Ecstacy- Say Anything: You just can't have too much SA.
13. Days End- Ivoryline: Has the same feel as #'s 6, 10, and 11.
14. Heaven & Endless- Jupiter Sunrise: I'm not even sure how I ever found this song. I think I got it for free somewhere. It's a good, relaxing song.
15. House of Cards- Madina Lake: Favorite song by them.
16. I'm Not Good- Julia Nunes: A little more Jaaaaaaa.
17. This Is How I Disappear- My Chemical Romance
18. the Beginning of the End- Nine Inch Nails: One of my favorite songs of all time.
19. Time After Time- Quietdrive: Really, really good lyrics.
20. Meant To Live- Switchfoot: I really like the sound of most of Switchfoot's stuff. The lyrics are really good to ths song as well.
21. Shiksa (Girlfriend)- Say Anything: One of my favorite SA songs. Probably not for everyone to study to, but a good one to listen to nonetheless.
22. This Is Our Town- We the Kings: One of WTK's slower songs. Relaxing for a night full of studying.

Enjoy.

Song, For A Change

2008-11-08T15:07:00.001+01:00

Guess who finally found something to blog about! ME! I have for you today, not only the song of the day, but the song of a generation. The song of our lifetime. Why'd I choose this one?

Because I can!

It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation.
Yes we can.
It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail toward freedom.
Yes we can.
It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores and pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness.
Yes we can.
It was the call of workers who organized; women who reached for the ballots; a President who chose the moon as our new frontier; and a King who took us to the mountaintop and pointed the way to the Promised Land.
Yes we can to justice and equality.
Yes we can to opportunity and prosperity.
Yes we can heal this nation.
Yes we can repair this world.
Yes we can.
We know the battle ahead will be long, but always remember that no matter what obstacles stand in our way, nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change. (We want change.)
We have been told we cannot do this by a chorus of cynics…they will only grow louder and more dissonant ……….. We’ve been asked to pause for a reality check. We’ve been warned against offering the people of this nation false hope.
But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.
Now the hopes of the little girl who goes to a crumbling school in Dillon are the same as the dreams of the boy who learns on the streets of LA; we will remember that there is something happening in America; that we are not as divided as our politics suggests; that we are one people; we are one nation; and together, we will begin the next great chapter in the American story with three words that will ring from coast to coast; from sea to shining sea: Yes We Can.

Youtube + Music

2008-10-21T05:55:00.001+02:00

It's no secret that I'm a huge Julia Nunes fan. Neither is it a secret that Emmy is also a Julia Nunes fan. So I figured I'd blog about her amazing new CD that I got in the mail the other day.

Starting off, if you don't know who Julia Nunes is and haven't heard anything from her check her out. It's not hard, just click on that little link I provided. Yep, see? Yes, just click on those little words "Julia Nunes." I did all the hard work, now just use your finger to click that mouse. You won't be disappointed. I wouldn't do that to you. And I would never ever Rick Roll... anyone. Okay so I'll assume we're all caught up now.

The thing that makes Julia Nunes' videos so addicting is that she does this thing called "layering" in which she records herself performing the song several times, each in a different way. Then she edits them and puts them together to make them sounds... just... amazing. And in her second CD titled "I Wrote These" she puts these layering to use and it works. She makes her song Into The Sunshine sound even better than it did on "Left Right Wrong," but using this technique. Everything you hear in her songs is all her, and she makes it sound so good. Which, I feel is putting it vaguely... but I can't think of how else to put it. You just have to listen. So go her youtube page, listen, check it out, buy her CD. It's up to you.

So quick update, but an update none the less. I miss this blog! Emmy, I miss you! I hope all is well with everyone. Hopefully I won't go too long without another update soon.

2008-09-20T15:08:00.000+02:00

Okay it's been long enough. I have to blog about SOMETHING musical!

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Genre: African, Isicathamiya, Fascinating.

Todays blog will take us a little off course. We'll walk off the beaten path, clear out into Africa. South Africa to be exact. This is where we find the origins of Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Lets skip all of the technicalities of the way they were created, or what they were created for, and go straight to their music. If you have any interest whatsoever in culture, then you'll find this music interesting.

Ladysmith uses a musical style so completely different from any mainstream band that in fact, its hard to classify them as a band at all. The way that their voices rise and fall in harmony makes even the listener seperated by thousands of miles feel like a part of the tribe. This musical style, called isicathamiya, was originally from the Zulu people. But, why is it so interesting?

I find this band absolutely fascinating. Their music is soothing, original, and refreshing. And when I say original, I mean that this is the absolute definition of original for so much of the music we listen to today. You can hear their voices and words echoed through cultures all the way from the US to India and beyond.

The power of the words they sing is riveting. Even though a lot of their words are religiously based, they are in no way forceful or demanding like Christian music. You don't need to understand what they are saying to feel the depth of emotion they put into their music run through your entire body.

If you have any interest in history, in culture, or in music, you might want to give this a listen. I wont give you anything specific because I think personal taste needs to be found on its own in this case. Regardless, it will at least relax you, and you might even learn something along the way!

Lyrics Of The Week (4)

2008-09-16T05:35:00.000+02:00

I was having a hard time finding this weeks lyrics of the weeks, and I had all but given up when a song popped into my head. And then it wasn't til a couple hours later that I realized that these would be this weeks lyrics of the week. So for your pleasure I give you Boat On The River by Styx. I'll just let you make what you want from it.

Take me back to my boat on the river
I need to go down, I need to come down
Take me back to my boat on the river
And I wont cry out any more
Time stands still as I gaze in her waters
She eases me down, touching me gently
With the waters that flow past my boat on the river
So I don't cry out anymore

Oh the river is wide
The river it touches my life like the waves on the sand
And all roads lead to tranquility base
Where the frown on my face disappears
Take me down to my boat on the river
And I wont cry out anymore

Oh the river is deep
The river it touches my life like the waves on the sand
And all roads lead to tranquility base
Where the frown on my face disappears
Take me down to my boat on the river
I need to go down, with you let me go down
Take me back to my boat on the river
And I wont cry out anymore
And I wont cry out anymore
And I wont cry out anymore

Until next time...

Lyrics Of The Week (2)

2008-08-22T20:35:00.001+02:00

Cute Is What We Aim For - "Hollywood"

I just like the lyrics to this song because they're true to today's society. I've blogged about it before when I talked about the album, but now I'm featuring the lyrics. I didn't feel like learning much about the song, partially because since it's brand new, there's not much information about it. The song is of CIWWAF's newest album, Rotation. Pick it up in stores today!

The way we're living makes no sense
Take me back to the age of innocence
I wanna go back then
Take me back to the age of innocence
Back to the age of innocence

When clockwork fixed by lights and books
When singers wrote songs instead of hooks
When the value wasn't in the price
When the fight for life was in the civil rights

When we could live life through a screen
When everything you knew was as good as it seems
When the only worry was the concept of sin
When did it begin?

I wonder if I could,
Go back to old Hollywood
When presidents dropped blonde bombshells
Instead of creating the perfect hell

The way we're living makes no sense
Take me back to the age of innocence
I wanna go back then
Take me back to the age of innocence
Back to the age of innocence

When pharmaceuticals were there to make life beautiful
When the way that we were born was more than suitable
When everybody thought they could make a difference
And you couldn't get your pics within an instance

I wonder if I could,
Go back to old Hollywood
When presidents dropped blonde bombshells
Instead of creating the perfect hell

The way we're living makes no sense
Take me back to the age of innocence
I wanna go back then
Take me back to the age of innocence
Back to the age of innocence

I wanna get older, don't fight my age
Take me back to those simpler days
I wonder how it all happened
I wanna get older, don't fight my age
Don't wanna be the shade of a scalpel's blade
So please tell me, please tell me
What ever happened? Happened?

I wonder if I could,
Go back to old Hollywood
When presidents dropped blonde bombshells
Instead of creating their lives to hell

The way we're living makes no sense
Take me back, take me back
To the age of innocence
I wanna go back then
Take me back, take me back
To the age of innocence
Back to the age of innocence

I wanna get older, don't fight my age
Take me back to those simpler days
I wonder how it all happened
I wanna get older, don't fight my age
Don't wanna be the page on the scalpel's blade
So please tell me, please tell me
What ever happened?
Happened?

2008-08-16T16:09:00.000+02:00

GOOD LUCK AL! In honor of you doin' what you're doin', here's a special feel-good playlist. (legal style)

Fool In The Rain - Led Zeplin

Dancing With Myself - Billy Idol

Bad Reputation - Joan Jett

Hit Me With Your Best Shot - Pat Benatar

Walking on Sunshine - Katrina and The Waves

Shout! - The Isley Brothers

And just for kicks;

I'm Too Sexy - Right Said Fred

WOO!

2008-08-16T13:42:00.000+02:00

Hey everybody, guess what?! Frank Turner has a new video out! Review for you on him later, but for now, here's the video.

I Knew Prufrock Before He Got Famous - Frank Turner

Great song.

2008-08-14T22:18:00.000+02:00

Ode To The 90's
Like the back of my hand

Hey hey hey! It's the 90's! Welcome to the Goodburger, home of the Goodburger, can I take your order? That's right! Another 90's playlist! This time by me.

But first! Here are a couple of things I remember from the good ol' days:

Pop Up Video!!! I watched this with mommy and daddy!

Nick at Nite!!! ... look at this shite. This is the crap I grew up on. Wtf. OMG PIZZA ROLLS!!! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMHYUM.... this is making me smile so much. Sears: just after i'd learned to read, I said "daddy, if you took away the S, it would say ears." THIGHMASTER!!!!! ... omg home.

Elliot Smith – Angeles

Spin Doctors – Two Princes

Blues Traveler – Run-Around

Deep Blue Something – Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Del Amitri – Roll To Me

OMC – How Bizarre

Third Eye Blind – Semi-Charmed Life

Goo-Goo Dolls – Iris

Hanson – MmmBop

Hole – Celebrity Skin

So to the people who died before their time, get knocked down but get up again, and kinda like the film Breakfast at Tiffany's... here's to you.

2008-08-14T21:14:00.000+02:00

Here's To The 90's
(Oh, and you too, Kurt)

Here's my playlist for the 90's. Since I grew up in this era the songs that I was listening to as a young kid are included, not so much musical masterpieces even though I like to think so. Enjoy.

Green Day - Time of Your Life

The Wallflowers - One Headlight

Dave Matthews Band - Crash Into Me

Barenaked Ladies - One Week

The Verve Pipe - The Freshmen

Sixpence None The Richer - Kiss Me

Dave Matthews Band - Rapunzel (I had to include two songs by them because how can you choose between those two songs? I can't. Thus having 2.)

Everclear - Father Of Mine

Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit

Cheap Trick - I Want You To Want Me (Ending the mix off with my favorite band of all time.)

Show us what ya got, Em.

Until Next Time...

2008-08-11T01:10:00.000+02:00

Up To Bat
And here's my Top 10 60's Songs.

The Beatles - Hey Jude: No 60's music playlist is complete without The Beatles.

The Rolling Stones - Pain It Black: Can't go wrong with The Rolling Stones.

Marvin Gaye - I Heard It Through The Grapevine: Tap your toes to this one.

Pink Floyd - Another Brick In The Wall: Also, check out KoRn's version of this song.

Jimi Hendrix - Purple Haze: Amazing guitar sounds.

Neil Young - Heart of Gold: Just... listen. You'll know.

Supertramp - The Logical Song: A miracle, oh it was beautiful, magical.

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - Our House: Late 60's, early 70's... oh so good.

Bob Dylan - Like A Rolling Stone: You never turned around to see the frowns on the jugglers and the clowns

Supertramp - Breakfast In America: Supertramp (again) to end off my list, but I aim to please.

Have fun with it, ladies.

2008-08-10T15:41:00.000+02:00

Top Ten from the 60’s!

Themed playlists anyone? Here’s my top ten plus one from the 60’s, in no particular order + *song associations.

Bobby Vee – Take Good Care of My Baby

*completely random

The Shirelles – Will You Still Love Me Tommorow

*My grandma's name is Sherryl

Little Eva – Loco-Motion

*dancing with my cousin

The Dixie Cups – Chapel of Love

*listening to radio with mom

Manfred Mann – Do Wah Diddy Diddy

*driving to see Free Willy, the actual whale with Grandma

The Beach Boys – Help Me Rhonda

*driving with grandpa

The Troggs – Wild Thing

*Played it with my band :P but the amp went out. DAMN IT

Aretha Franklin – Respect

*downstairs at grandma's, watching concert on TV, about 9 years old, drew a picture of Aretha for my 4th grade teacher on cardboard and cut it out. He liked it

The Young Rascals – Groovin’

*The old apartment that my dad had + his giant boom box and me acting out B-52's songs with stuffies

Otis Redding – Sitting on The Dock of The Bay

*again, grandma's. Sitting on the dock at the bay.

Tommy Roe – Dizzy

*the Dentists office

What’cha got Al?

2008-08-01T05:15:00.000+02:00

Mellow At Midnight

Well actually, if you wanna get technical, its 7:58PM, but mellow and midnight makes me feel like I’m in a Mary Pope Osborne book which brings me back to my elementary school days. And that, sir, was definitely in need of some mellow.

The artist in question this evening is Essie Jain. She was born in London, England and is coming up strong on the list of albums released that no one knows about. She has a very smooth sound. One might even venture to fall asleep listening to her.

I’ll admit, she’d get at most a 3.5 star rating out of me, considering that her coffee-shop-esque voice does get tiring after a while. But if you’re in for relaxing, put her in your mix. I’m sure she’ll drop your blood pressure. That, and those cheerios, and it looks like all you high cholesterol patients have got it made!

All events and characters are fictitious. Any real life incidents are purely coincidence.

Album Of The Minute

2008-07-25T06:42:00.000+02:00

Cute Is What We Aim For: Rotation

In CIWWAF’s second album entitled Rotation, the band takes on a different noise compared to their first album, The Same Old Blood Rush With A New Touch. The sound is edgier, and they stray away from the pop slash punk noise that they first aspired to be back in 2005 and go more towards an alternative slash rock sound. The lyrics on Rotation tend to rhyme in certain verses and they all hit home, letting the listeners really connect. In fact, I couldn’t choose one song with my favorite lyrics. In Loser it has lyrics such as “The world has this ability/ to make a life of sin look sweet.” Amen to that. Another one of my favorites is from Do What You Do (“Have you ever been fake for the sake of saving face?”) My favorite song on Rotation is hands down, Navigate Me. The song starts off slow, but quickly picks up to give listeners both catchy lyrics and a tune you can’t help but tap your toes to. Another one of my favorites is Hollywood for the lyrics which attacks todays economy, politics, and other things worth attacking.

The top song on the album has to be Doctor. I have nothing to say about it except for just listen to it yourself.

Compare the two songs from Rotation to Newport Living from their first album.

Also, check out the bands official website here.

Until Next Time...

-A

2008-07-22T18:35:00.000+02:00

Song Of The Second

Leave Like A Ghost - The Juliana Theory

Where oh where could blogger Al-l be, oh where oh where could she beeeee

Well... In the mean time (AL WHERE ARE YOU!?! I haven't talked to you in forever!) here's a song of the second!

Once again, here's the Juliana Theory. We already know a little about them, so let's move on to this song. "Leave Like A Ghost (Drive Away)" is yet another song that could be compared with fishing. The line just sits there under water, but once you get to the hook, you're talking business. This songs catchy chorus is bound to draw you in.

So, on the list of things a good song has:

1. Good melody? : check
2. Good lyrics? : check
3. Universal need to gtfo while having to stay? : check
4. Overly hairy man in spandex crushing a guitar on stage? : unfortunately that is a no.

Leave Like A Ghost: The song that 3 out of 4 dentists approve of!

2008-07-15T20:02:00.000+02:00

Artist In The Spotlight

Billie The Vision & The Dancers

I’ve always heard that procrastination is like masturbation; fun while you’re doing it, until you realize you just screwed yourself. What many people don’t realize is that procrastination is the key to many things! For instance, the key to a wider range of music knowledge.

While procrastinating one day on last.fm, I stumbled across some free music. Here’s how it went:

Me: FREE?!?!?! *pushes download button*

That’s how it went.

My original concern was of course, that it didn’t cost any money, so I didn’t waste any time downloading it. Then I listened, fully expecting what I downloaded to be absolute crap by some garage band in Timbuktu, but what I got was unexpectedly brilliant.

Billie The Vision & The Dancers music, summed up, is soothing, ear catching, and unique. No hard percussion, no loud guitars, no screaming. This is the kind of music I’d fall asleep to… Or possibly climb a mountain and meditate in deep thought to… either way.

The band formed in 2004 in Sweden, when the original member Lars Lindquists felt that his songs were for more than a one man band. He invited 5 others on, and in consequence, an amazing sound was born.

Their lyrics strike absolutely every heart chord imaginable. They consider themselves a “political band” and one of the particular songs I’d like to mention that exemplifies their political grounding is Come On Baby. Sung by a male frontman, “come on Marcus you know I love you so much, joy belongs to you and me and us too, we’re not here to watch the others party, I’m here to dance with you tonight”. The thing about this kind of song is that, I mean, you think “gay man political band” and you think “power acoustic guitar solos, lacking melody, and screaming-for-justice lyrics.” … or is that just lesbians? Regardless, that isn’t what you get with this band. The layered levels of string instruments is never boring, and always fits the lyrics.

This is the type of band that makes you feel good listening to it. Rarely can I say that I like every song on an album, but with these people, each and every song is so different that it’s hard not to find an attachment with them all.

In short; give them a listen. The worst it’ll do is calm you down, but I’d consider lower blood pressure a blessing in most cases.

My Love - Billie The Vision & The Dancers

Blogger of the Second

2008-07-11T20:59:00.000+02:00

Alright, so this is my first post on Emmy and Al's Super Awesome Team Blog. If you're wondering where I came from you can find a link to my blog (Alyson's Association) in the side bar. But before you go anywhere, read on. So anyway...we felt an introduction was necessary. I'm not sure what to say except I'm 18, a fan of music, a fan of writing, and my words turn out better in my head than they do online. So just a fair warning. But if you can keep up then more power to ya.

So now on to why I'm blogging in the first place: The Maine.
In their first full length album entitled Can’t Stop Won’t Stop, The Maine doesn’t disappoint me. They are closer to punk-alternative than rock-alternative which is nice sometimes. John O’Callaghan’s voice isn’t extremely unique but mix his voice with the music and it makes for something that comes in handy late at night in the car. It closely resembles Forever The Sickest Kids and possibly if you want to go as far to say We The Kings. It’s like Forever The Sickest Kids (voice) + We The Kings (music). But anyway, that’s just my opinion. But don’t take my word for it, check it out for yourself, already!

For Something Upbeat: I Must Be Dreaming

For Some Good Lyrics: This Is The End

For Something a Little Slower: Whoever She Is

Or click all three for some free music.

Still Not Happy? How about a picture of me and Emmy to cheer you up?

In other news I found a site for some good free downloads. Free + Music is always a good combo. So check that out here: Super Awesome Free Music.

Until Next Time...

-A

2008-07-10T20:58:00.000+02:00

Song of the Second

Animal I Have Become – Three Days Grace

Anyone ever had a day that they just needed to rock? Stupid question. Of course you have.

Three Days Grace is good for these types of days. Their music isn’t soft by any means, but it’s also not so hard that you have to be angry to listen to it. Enough about them for now though. On to the song.

Animal I Have Become is one of those songs that catches you on the first listen. It’s tame at the start, so it doesn’t automatically blast your ear drums out of any available orifices, but it builds into something that eventually leaves you head banging and singing along.

The song screams, literally, of finding yourself. It’s about a loss of self control, anger, and an aching need to come back from the “Animal” you’ve become. It could be about the doubt that, after having lost yourself so far, you start to wonder if you’ll ever get out. It’s a cry for help, really. This makes complete sense, because this song was written while the lead singer of Three Days Grace was in rehab for an addiction to a pain killer.

To sum it up: listen to this song. You’ll connect, no matter who you are or where you’ve been. You don’t need to have overcome a drug addiction to feel the burning need to escape yourself.

2008-07-06T07:49:00.000+02:00

AMERICAN PRIDE

Patriotism Gone Off the Deep End

You may or may not have heard the song “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue”, but please, before reading this, go and listen to it here. I was uploading a bunch of mix cd’s that my sister has to my computer, and this song was on one.

Now, don’t get me wrong, country music does have its good sides, but Toby Keith has never been on my good side. In my opinion, anything that starts with Toby singing “American girls and American guys” is doomed to be a song that makes my stomach hurt and my chest burn with anger. Having said that, this song more than outdid itself on that little task. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard this song before, but now I’m pissed.

How can someone write lyrics like this? Do people not have a brain? Can’t people see beyond their self-centered, flag waving, over-patriotic noses and witness the fact that there are other countries? With real people? People who live, and breathe, and die every single day just like you and me? Only, I can’t believe that they see opposition in these people. I can’t believe that they see anything but fear. There’s one verse in this song that I’d like to point out in particular;

Now this nation that I love
Has fallen under attack
A mighty sucker punch came flyin' in
From somewhere in the back
Soon as we could see clearly
Through our big black eye
Man, we lit up your world
Like the 4th of July

How can people think like that? You can love your nation. You can even fight for your nation if you want to, but please, please dear god, do not make the sickeningly false assumption that (as it was so quaintly put) lighting someone’s world up like the fourth of July is a good thing. Those are thousands of innocent people you’re talking about. It wasn’t a national decision. And may I ask you, Mr. American, was the war something you wanted, or something that you were told you want?

I can’t believe he makes the gross generalization that “your world” is who wanted the twin towers blown up, which is no doubt what he’s referring to. Do you think that the lady in the burka who was sitting at home, watching her infant son while her husband was at work, had any part in this decision? Well I’m sorry to say, but you’ll never get the chance to ask. You killed her, and her children. It was accidental, of course, because they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. You were trying to blow the “terrorists” up, but oops! You got her instead. Now, not that you would because you don’t seem the type, but what wouldn’t you give to look that woman in the eyes and tell her you’re sorry. How hard would it be to look the hundreds of mothers in the eye, and tell them you’re sorry you killed their sons? Or are you even sorry? Do you still think that it’s worth it? Do you even know what you’re fighting for?

Man, it's gonna be hell
When you hear Mother Freedom
Start ringin' her bell
And it feels like the whole wide world is raining down on you
Brought to you Courtesy of the Red White and Blue

Are you proud of that? Proud of the fact that you cause hell in the eyes and hearts of so many people? Proud that you can wave your flag in the faces of the people you’ve just killed, and then turn around at home with your badge of honor and watch someone’s car get stolen? Hear that little Timmy got stabbed today down by the lake? What are you doing about that? Why can’t you concentrate on the war for life and the feeling of security at home instead of saying that you’re fighting for people so they can sleep safely at night? Really the only thing visible is the increase in production of cheap American flags and the fact that the gas prices have trapped us at in our houses.

Now understand, I am American, and I’m not incredibly proud of what that means to the rest of the world. Nevertheless, it is home and there’s nothing I can do about that. I just wish that people could see that pain is pain. No matter where you’re from or what your religion. I wish that people knew that the decision a government makes has nothing to do with what the people say. They may make you think you decide, but really we’re all just in a plane falling out of the sky into an ocean of mindless decisions and stupidity. I wish there was some way that people could know how it feels to be judged because of what your country is doing and to be excluded because they think you wanted it too. I don’t get it. I wish people would stop hurting each other. Mostly I just wish that people would stop thinking the fact that they’re causing thousands of other people pain is doing something for the better. It’s not a good thing. I wish they could understand that.

Hold a gun to someones head and tell them to sleep safely. I've got no fucking clue what they're thinking.

2008-07-01T22:04:00.000+02:00

Short And Sweet

The Juliana Theory

So, short and sweet. There's not much to say, but The Juliana Theory is definitely a good band. They formed in 1997 and had a whirlwind success leading to a record deal, but they didn't make it very far. The band broke up in 2006, saying that in addition to their dwindling fan base, they had problems with their record label. Oh well! They put out some pretty awesome music while they lasted. If you're ever in the mood for something rockish, give 'em a listen. You won't be wasting your time.

I Love Emmy: [Yes] [No]

2008-07-01T21:25:00.000+02:00

ARTIST IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Beck

Genre: ... I could list them all

Beck, Beck, Beck. Where to start? This is an artist with some serious history.

All the way from his days as an underground artist, Beck has been proving a point. There is nothing sweet, sensitive, or sugar coated about his lyrics or his voice. One might actually venture to call it... well... weird.

It's not just his music that's a little weird though. He started in 1988 by recording a cassette called “Banjo”, just before moving to LA and living in a shed while developing his music.

From the start, he experimented with musical style. In one of his first popular songs, “MTV Makes Me Want To Smoke Crack”, it's pretty easy to hear this experimenting.

I'm glad he didn't stick to jazz.

Moving on to his EP, “Loser”. This 5-song-short album smashed public opinions, pessimism, and an out of the box musical style in to one, and gave Beck the break he'd been waiting for. Notable song from this album? Definitely the title song “Loser”. This is possibly the most random song I've ever heard. At the time, it was regarded as a novelty song, but I'm convinced there's a meaning. I've just yet to draw the parallels between lyrics like “Dog food stalls with the beefcake pantyhose” and “A slab of turkey-neck and it’s hangin’ from a pigeon wing”...

For a while after “Loser”, Beck was considered a one hit wonder, but he killed that myth with his album “Odelay”. His sound is so unique, it can't be classified. This particular set of songs varies so much in style, from “High 5” to “Jack-Ass”, it would only be more diverse if he did classical.

My favorite Beck album is definitely “Guero”. This album is somewhat like a 20 year old; calmed down a little bit but still has that youthful sparkle and the need to party. It has the addictive, Beastie Boy-esque beats that are in all of his previous albums, but there's just something a little more grown up about it. Song to listen to: E-pro and Rental Car

All of this aside, there is one song that really sticks out amongst the rest in my opinion. Lost Cause. This song is so different from the rest of the music he's made. Maybe not a complete 360, but whereas “Loser” is quite possibly complete at face value, this song makes you stop and think. It sucks you into the music, when a lot of his other songs are just fun for the off beat lyrics. If nothing else, you should listen to this song because, if you've ever fought for a lost cause, this song was written for you.

So whether you're feeling down, smoking weed, or just in the mood for something strange yet addictive; turn to Beck. I guarantee that this music is not only good, it's interesting. It'll probably leave you more curious than you started.

Beck - Lost Cause

2008-07-01T12:34:00.000+02:00

Coming up next on Em's Music Blog:

Artist In The Spotlight: Beck

2008-06-30T12:06:00.000+02:00

SONG OF THE SECOND

Livin' On A Prayer - Bon Jovi

Ah, the good old days. Take us back to 1986 when makeup, spandex, and hair with more volume than my mothers meant rock and roll.

This "Song Of The Second" is the second single off of Bon Jovi's album "Slippery When Wet", and you've no doubt heard it. It was number 1 on the billboard charts for nearly 4 weeks in 1987, and even reached number 4 in the UK.

Despite the seemingly lackluster success of this song, (I mean, face it, 4 weeks isn't that long...), the story of Tommy and Gina is still a classic. It takes place in the imaginary period between being a teenager and an adult, where only love matters.

I really only listen to this song for the chorus. It's catchy, powerfully sung, and gives that "keep on truckin'" feeling, and even the sense that maybe not every crappy marriage ruined by two people with dead end jobs will end in a divorce that shatters the life of a young girl... [/flashback]

So if you're looking for a song to boost your spirits, pin you up on a wall, and probably give you an STD, this is for you. Or you could take the alternative and just let it boost your spirits and leave you headbanging. I'd pick the latter.

2008-06-28T18:01:00.001+02:00

ARTIST IN THE SPOTLIGHT

An Horse

Genre: Indie and a bit rockish

So if you like adorable Australians, original music, and getting caught in the rain: An Horse is for you.

This duo out of Brisbane simply popped out of nowhere. Who's to blame? Tegan and Sara. They met while touring in Australia and invited them to come play with them in the US. After that it was history.

Driven by sheer talent, and a bit of procrastination, Kate Cooper and Damon Cox have formed the band An Horse. Their lyrics are surprisingly true and they were obviously written with unrefined emotion.

As for their EP? “Not Really Scared” gives off a little of that “Tegan and Sara” vibe. It seems that the music is driven by the lyrics, which is the way it should be. I like how they concentrate more on the message of the song than on the vocals and “wow” factor of the music. This isn't to say that they completely disregard the instrumental aspect of things though. Their song “Warm Hands” uses drums in combination with a simple guitar melody, and manages to make me like it more every time I listen. That might just be the emotional connection with the lyrics though. “I got so scared that you might be a better me than me”. Sounds like the human need for individuality mixed with the fear of being normal. And the album only gets better.

I can't wait to see where this band goes.

An Horse – Warm Hands + Rearrange Beds

2008-06-28T15:46:00.000+02:00

ARTIST IN THE SPOTLIGHT

BON IVER

GENRE: Indie, Acoustic, .... Amazing

Can you get any cooler? Honestly, this man has taken the meaning of true music, twisted it, turned it, and come out with something so pure that it brings tears to the eye.

After the breakup of his band and the breakup with his girlfriend, the Wisconsin native dropped everything and moved by himself to a cabin in the remote woods of Northwestern Wisconsin, just as winter was setting in. He gave himself to more physical tasks to fill the days. Whether it was splitting wood, lonely walks through the forest, or getting up to the sweet smell of pine and freshly fallen snow to watch the sunrise; it seems that Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) knew the meaning of peace and serenity. And this is exactly what his music brings through.

The record is sung mostly in falsetto. Generally I don't think I'd say I like falsetto, but this is coming from the standpoint where people like Chris Brown and The Backstreet Boys have taken over the falsetto scene with electronically modified frequencies that were previously unknown to the human ear.

To Compare these artists with Bon Iver would be impossible. I listen to a lot of music, and I listen to it often. After a while though, even listening to my favorite songs, my ears get tired. There is simply too much sound packed into the 3 to 5 minutes it takes to listen to a song. It is too loud, too much, and therefore not enough. I've heard the saying “No pain, no gain” but please, keep the “gain” down. I don't think my ears should be involved in the “pain”. And that's exactly what Bon Iver does. I'm happy to announce that his music is in no way painful to listen to, no matter how long you've been listening to it. Dare I say, the sound is... natural.

The sound that Bon Iver creates is amazing. During those three months he spent in the cabin, he fell upon something so original that his style can hardly be compared with any of the popular artists of today. His music is pure. The lyrics that make up his songs are more like poems sung to music, lacking the repetition and simplistic storyline heard in most music now. But not only are the songs themselves what makes this music so pure; it's the way he recorded it. This album was recorded in the months while he was away, using only what he could do by himself. This to me epitomizes what it means to be a true artist. I can do nothing but recommend the artist Bon Iver, and his album “For Emma, Forever Ago”

- Here are a couple of my favorite songs from his album -

Bon Iver - Re: Stacks

Bon Iver - Creature Fear

2008-06-28T15:16:00.000+02:00

PLAY ME IN

For those of you that don't know me: Hi, I'm Emmy. For those of you that do: Hey.

This is my new blog where I post anything and everything about music. I'll have things like artist reviews, song of the week, top 10 songs, and so on and so forth. Why? Because suddenly I decided to be organized and take the music section from my normal blog and put it here... because I can.

A little about my taste in music:

From birth, I've been a music person. And not a main-stream kind of music person. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star? Nah. Not for me. My first cassette was Dolly Parton when I was really little. There was just something about her voice that soothed my baby self, and according to my mom I "wagged my little playskool cassette player around and played [the Dolly cassette] wherever I went". I also liked listening to Patsy Cline, and if I remember correctly, I fell asleep listening to her many a night.

Now I'd say that my tastes have expanded to more than just older country singers. I like (almost) anything and (almost) everything. I've retained my love of old music, and make a point to exclude as little as possible, because music is so much more than just a sound. It's a feeling. It's alive, and it moves and breathes with the world. There's a lot we can learn from music, and at least for me, music is the most meaningful study of all. Every song says something, and damn it, I'm gonna figure it out.

Anyway, enough about me. Let's get to the music.

If anyone has an artist or a song they'd like me to review, just let me know! Comment away.

-Em