If you can rip yourself away from the Kony 2012 video for five minutes, I will share something a sixth of the length and one thousand times better. I've mentioned my love of blending genres. Electro-metal or electro-alternative come in second to electro-indie (why not electro everything?). Haven't you heard Korn's "Get Up" with Skrillex. That was more so-so than another new track from Michigan alternative outfit I See Stars, titled "Filth Friends Unite."
You know it's going to be electrified with the first beep.
I take back what I said before about "NZT48" being different from everything I've heard of I See stars before. This is the new "different from everything and utterly amazing" track. Don't think it's strictly electro though. You still have your growling/clean vocal mix, as well as some lovely heavy guitar action. But it's that electric element that sets "Filth Friends Unite" from what has come before. Sorry, Korn and Skrillex, they've got you beat here.
Thursday, 8 March 2012
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
FKi - Weed & Arizonas
I'm still loving every bit of what FKi has to offer, and that extends to their earlier effort, Zoolandish, that came before the always-wonderful-always-spectacular Transformers N The Hood. It's a little less bass-heavy and a tad more subdued, but just as wondrous. This duo can do no wrong. A few of my favourites include "Red Cup," "Toxic," "X-Man" and today's feature..."Weed & Arizonas."
FKi we on it, on it, really doesn't matter who knows it, knows it.
With a background wind instrument (the best background instrument to include in your rap ditty), FKi weaves their rhymes into a subdued atmosphere, where you're high on life and everything's kosher. It's not a heart-pounding dance number, no, but one of those good old slow-motion-rap songs that has you doing the sway. No need to throw it all around the dancefloor. This is more about the song than making you move. It's about having a good time with the best people. Story of my life.
FKi we on it, on it, really doesn't matter who knows it, knows it.
With a background wind instrument (the best background instrument to include in your rap ditty), FKi weaves their rhymes into a subdued atmosphere, where you're high on life and everything's kosher. It's not a heart-pounding dance number, no, but one of those good old slow-motion-rap songs that has you doing the sway. No need to throw it all around the dancefloor. This is more about the song than making you move. It's about having a good time with the best people. Story of my life.
Monday, 5 March 2012
Christian Mistress - Black To Gold
I wasn't aware that good metal came out of Washington State (read: metal. Anyone who calls Nirvana metal will get a swift kick to the ribs). But as always, someone proves me wrong. In this case, it's a quintet that has me bonking my forehead and restraining the need to say "should have had a v8." It's Christian Mistress, fronted by the lovely Christine Davis. This girl is why more girls should be in metal. Come on, ladies. The more of us there are, the less men there will be. Anyways...I've been listening to "Black To Gold" for almost two weeks now, ever since I got it from rcrdlbl, and I can't see myself getting tired of it anytime soon.
Yes, this is metal, but it's not the thrashing-to-oblivion-wailing-screams-to-Lucifer metal that seems to have taken over the scene well into 2012. This could be called...throwback metal? The way it used to be done, and should still be done to some degree? Yes. The instrumental side of "Black To Gold" is intricate and comes off as ready-to-rock material, while Miss Davis' vocals are the icing on the cake. Even though there is nowhere to go, oh black to gold, some seek, some dissolve, oh black to gold...
Yes, this is metal, but it's not the thrashing-to-oblivion-wailing-screams-to-Lucifer metal that seems to have taken over the scene well into 2012. This could be called...throwback metal? The way it used to be done, and should still be done to some degree? Yes. The instrumental side of "Black To Gold" is intricate and comes off as ready-to-rock material, while Miss Davis' vocals are the icing on the cake. Even though there is nowhere to go, oh black to gold, some seek, some dissolve, oh black to gold...
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Nick Waterhouse - Some Place
Lyrics found here: SOME PLACE
I'm always one for jazzing things up. Forget indie with acoustic guitars and whiny vocals. How about we get more into throwback rock, and infuse some Tom Waits-inspired flair into the mix? Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Nick Waterhouse and his latest "Some Place."
"Some Place" has soul to it. That's the something special that gives Mr. Waterhouse an edge. and I love anything that's a throwback to something else. Well, it's something, it's not quite clear, it's a place I can only say is not quite here. He spends the two and a half minutes pondering over this mysterious place, and by the end you are also anxious to get there, and come back again and again. If only other artists would approach music this way. The world would be a jazzier, more rocking place.
I'm always one for jazzing things up. Forget indie with acoustic guitars and whiny vocals. How about we get more into throwback rock, and infuse some Tom Waits-inspired flair into the mix? Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Nick Waterhouse and his latest "Some Place."
"Some Place" has soul to it. That's the something special that gives Mr. Waterhouse an edge. and I love anything that's a throwback to something else. Well, it's something, it's not quite clear, it's a place I can only say is not quite here. He spends the two and a half minutes pondering over this mysterious place, and by the end you are also anxious to get there, and come back again and again. If only other artists would approach music this way. The world would be a jazzier, more rocking place.
Saturday, 3 March 2012
Iron Maiden's Top 10
I'm trying to convince my entire family to come with me to see Iron Maiden at the Sarnia Bayfest this summer for my birthday. If I only see one concert for my entire life, it will be that. Let's face it, the guys are getting a little old. I'd like them to do what they're doing forever, but I'm realistic when it comes to the future. So I HAVE TO GO. HAVE TO. My excitement over seeing them live has inspired me to go through my music library to find my 10 favourite Iron Maiden songs to share. so here they are, and I hope to see you in Sarnia July 14.
Now, back to writing about Lenin and the revolution!
Now, back to writing about Lenin and the revolution!
Friday, 2 March 2012
Lloyd feat. Andre 3000 - Dedication To My Ex
I wish there were more artists like Atlanta's own Lloyd. He puts some life into a genre struggling to find its place (that's what I think...how often do you hear an R&B song playing in a club?) How does he do this? With a touch of magic, or as we humans know it, jazzy, borderline theatrical elements that make his tracks danceable. What's the best of the best? "Dedication To My Ex," with Andre 3000 on guest rapper duties.
There are female artists who wish they could hit the notes Lloyd does, first of all.
This is a song about heartbreak (where has the loving gone?), but you wouldn't know it from the up-tempo beats. Everything should have this kind of jazz to it. Along with Mr. 3000 hanging around, Lloyd also has the help of a chorus who shine repeating I miss that loving, that loving and oh no near the refrain. Don't worry, Lloyd. You're better off without whoever broke your heart.
There are female artists who wish they could hit the notes Lloyd does, first of all.
This is a song about heartbreak (where has the loving gone?), but you wouldn't know it from the up-tempo beats. Everything should have this kind of jazz to it. Along with Mr. 3000 hanging around, Lloyd also has the help of a chorus who shine repeating I miss that loving, that loving and oh no near the refrain. Don't worry, Lloyd. You're better off without whoever broke your heart.
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Fall Out Boy - XO
The thing about Fall Out Boy is that they aren't very good anymore. Sorry, it's true. I was in the eighth grade when I bought From Under The Cork Tree, a mediocre album, really. I think Infinity On High was their best effort, but their first entry into my CD collection has their best song, and I'll give them that. The band still has potential if they get rid of Pete Wentz and let Patrick Stump shine a little brighter, but that's beside the point. "XO" is something different from the band. It's something...good.
"XO" is a fun, let subtly dark song. The opening is an interesting mix on continual chords and monotonous vocals, though the first verse opens up the true pace of the song. And the melodic chorus? It's been nearly six years, but I still drool each time. I'm a fan of most of the lyrics too, like: I hope you choked and crashed your car, hey tear catcher, that's all that you are, ever were, from the start, I swear I say... "XO" is proof that even bands no longer musically important can still have a gem or two hidden within the bad stuff. Everyone is good at something, right?
To the love, I left my conscience
Pressed between the pages
Of the bible in the drawer
What did it ever do for me, I say?
"XO" is a fun, let subtly dark song. The opening is an interesting mix on continual chords and monotonous vocals, though the first verse opens up the true pace of the song. And the melodic chorus? It's been nearly six years, but I still drool each time. I'm a fan of most of the lyrics too, like: I hope you choked and crashed your car, hey tear catcher, that's all that you are, ever were, from the start, I swear I say... "XO" is proof that even bands no longer musically important can still have a gem or two hidden within the bad stuff. Everyone is good at something, right?
To the love, I left my conscience
Pressed between the pages
Of the bible in the drawer
What did it ever do for me, I say?
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