First: to the producers of Glee, include "Supernova" on your list of covers to do. Have Corey Montieth and Mark Saling as Mr. Hudson and Kanye, respectively. OMG.
Now, to the actual song. English pop artist Mr. Hudson might as well be Kanye's bff. Now, wouldn't I like to be the John Ritter to their Three's Company. "Supernova" comes from all the way back in 2009, around the time Kanye released my personal favourite 808s & Heartbreak. You can hear hints of that album in Kanye's vocals, but what "Supernova" really is would be closer to a mix of genres. Electronic meats hip-hop? I'll drink to that.
Me and my sister have this thing where one of us will put "Supernova" on our computer and seriously look at each other while singing the opening: and I feel like taking off, let me be your supernova, before you make the biggest mistake of your life, just give me the chance to get it right. The difference between this and other "pop" songs of 2009 is that it has the potential to last over the years. It still sounds fresh every time I listen to it, and I know a thing or two about being fresh. Holla.
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Battle Beast - Enter The Metal World
First, on an unrelated note, I made "Game of Thrones Freestyle" my ringtone. And I love it.
Now, back to the music. Let's do something here. Let's take Iron Maiden and let a woman run the helm of the ship. Sorry, Bruce (though you're still a forever fave, I'll be seeing you at Bayfest this summer). That's how I like to think of Finland's Battle Beast, the heavy metal sextet that's opening for Nightwish in Europe this spring. You'll hear it too, don't worry, and swear that Nitte Valo is Bruce Dickenson's long-lost Finnish female counterpart.
"Enter The Metal World" was an easy choice for a feature. This is the way metal sounded when the genre first began, with a modern twist, of course. It's nothing too thrashy or screamo (though, there's nothing wrong with the latter). It was made to rock out to. I might have a new girl crush on Ms. Valo (who looks like metal's Jann Arden, amirite?), which grew as she first sang it's not the sun in the sky that shines on me when I cry, it's not the one we all can see, the one that lives in me... Sorry, former girl crushes. You wish you could hit the notes Nitte nails in the chorus.
Stay awesome, and stay rocking.
Now, back to the music. Let's do something here. Let's take Iron Maiden and let a woman run the helm of the ship. Sorry, Bruce (though you're still a forever fave, I'll be seeing you at Bayfest this summer). That's how I like to think of Finland's Battle Beast, the heavy metal sextet that's opening for Nightwish in Europe this spring. You'll hear it too, don't worry, and swear that Nitte Valo is Bruce Dickenson's long-lost Finnish female counterpart.
"Enter The Metal World" was an easy choice for a feature. This is the way metal sounded when the genre first began, with a modern twist, of course. It's nothing too thrashy or screamo (though, there's nothing wrong with the latter). It was made to rock out to. I might have a new girl crush on Ms. Valo (who looks like metal's Jann Arden, amirite?), which grew as she first sang it's not the sun in the sky that shines on me when I cry, it's not the one we all can see, the one that lives in me... Sorry, former girl crushes. You wish you could hit the notes Nitte nails in the chorus.
Stay awesome, and stay rocking.
Sunday, 26 February 2012
I See Stars - NZT48
Michigan's I See Stars first came onto my radar in the summer, via the radio during a drive home one night. Well...they're back! And with new music! Only a few days ago I saw that the the band had posted a new single on their Facebook page, and they crawled a few more spots into my radar screen. This track, "NZT48" is far different from the song of theirs I featured before...
Let's throw in a few things: a mix of screaming and clean vocals, heavy guitars that haven't quite crossed the line of "metal," and that catchy element. And there you go. "NZT48," perhaps the perfect alternative single. I particularly like the fact that its different from the other I See Stars tracks I've heard. Maybe it's even a little thrashy in a good way. Whatever it is that draws me to the song, I love it, and can't wait to see what the band comes out with next.
Let's throw in a few things: a mix of screaming and clean vocals, heavy guitars that haven't quite crossed the line of "metal," and that catchy element. And there you go. "NZT48," perhaps the perfect alternative single. I particularly like the fact that its different from the other I See Stars tracks I've heard. Maybe it's even a little thrashy in a good way. Whatever it is that draws me to the song, I love it, and can't wait to see what the band comes out with next.
Friday, 24 February 2012
Top 10 of Glee
The third season sucked for the most part, I'll say that, but Glee has something going when it comes to covers. That said, the cream of the crop is (in no particular order): Darren Criss, Chris Colfer, and Lea Michele, though these selections mostly feature Colfer and Michele (just the outcome of the selection process). I am in no way saying that any of these covers are better than the original, but what I enjoy about Glee is that the cast often puts their own spin on things. And Jonathan Groff? fdklshflskhflskh. Enjoy!
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Chevelle - Family System + LYRICS
Oh, I really hope that Chevelle never breaks up or sells out. Even though Hats Off To The Bull was a tad of a disappointment to me, I'll forgive them for that, as they've left a pleasant taste in my ears with the stellar Sci Fi Crimes, Vena Sera and Wonder What's Next. The other two albums...mediocre, but I'll give them points for trying. Today's selection, "Family System" comes from Wonder What's Next, likely the most definitive release for the band. This album put them on the map, and though "Family System" never became too popular of a song, I've always been an avid listener.
This is a lesson in power, children. A subdued beginning to "Family System" leads to an explosion of not-quite-headbanging-more-like-heavy-swaying guitars and vocals with enough emotion to melt your face off. This was the Loeffler brothers at their peak, and though they may not operate as a trio any longer, we still have gems like this to remind us of what once was. So listen to the guitars. Listen to the words. Listen to those damn good vocals. And understand how I can unconditionally love a band this much (such love only rivaled by that for PTH and good ol' D&D).
I'm tired of your open mouth,
Crawling inside my skin,
Endless pain we never quit,
The fight within that pride's begun,
Saying it's too late,
What a man's got he'll learn to hate.
Forget the time I said I would,
Replace that with I never will,
Beyond the facts held in your face,
Ignore the facts beyond your nose,
Saying it's too late,
What a man's got he'll learn to hate.
Grow up
Now without meaning,
No response, no revealing
Just grow up
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
This is a lesson in power, children. A subdued beginning to "Family System" leads to an explosion of not-quite-headbanging-more-like-heavy-swaying guitars and vocals with enough emotion to melt your face off. This was the Loeffler brothers at their peak, and though they may not operate as a trio any longer, we still have gems like this to remind us of what once was. So listen to the guitars. Listen to the words. Listen to those damn good vocals. And understand how I can unconditionally love a band this much (such love only rivaled by that for PTH and good ol' D&D).
I'm tired of your open mouth,
Crawling inside my skin,
Endless pain we never quit,
The fight within that pride's begun,
Saying it's too late,
What a man's got he'll learn to hate.
Forget the time I said I would,
Replace that with I never will,
Beyond the facts held in your face,
Ignore the facts beyond your nose,
Saying it's too late,
What a man's got he'll learn to hate.
Grow up
Now without meaning,
No response, no revealing
Just grow up
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
The Joy Formidable - A Heavy Abacus
Now and again, I crave a lush, borderline orchestral sound to my rock music. Bands these days...but there is hope, and it comes in the hope of the wonderful The Joy Formidable. They're Welsh too. OMG. I first heard of the trio via itunes free single of the week, when their "Whirring" was featured a few months ago. It might have been a little long for me at almost seven minutes, but I found a happy place with "A Heavy Abacus." They've achieved perfection now.
Ritzy Bryan is responsible for the lead vocals and guitar...and this chick can rock. This is how I'll describe "A Heavy Abacus": Metric, less poppy-electronica, more stadium rock. Miss Bryan reminds me a tad of Emily Haines, but as always, she's different enough to avoid labels. Her voice on this track...I think I have another girl crush. Sorry Annette Olzon! "A Heavy Abacus" isn't fast-paced, catchy rock that you can mosh too. It's a little more subdued, with more focus on vocals and keeping the thrash out of here. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Ritzy Bryan is responsible for the lead vocals and guitar...and this chick can rock. This is how I'll describe "A Heavy Abacus": Metric, less poppy-electronica, more stadium rock. Miss Bryan reminds me a tad of Emily Haines, but as always, she's different enough to avoid labels. Her voice on this track...I think I have another girl crush. Sorry Annette Olzon! "A Heavy Abacus" isn't fast-paced, catchy rock that you can mosh too. It's a little more subdued, with more focus on vocals and keeping the thrash out of here. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Ugly Kids Club - My Soul
If there ever was a song to describe this blog and everything it stands for and strives to be, its "My Soul" by Nashville indie duo Ugly Kids Club. Electro indie? They're close enough for me to call this that, and close enough for me to fall hopelessly in love.
Let's think fuzzy indie mixed with indie pop. Yupp, it's right in the middle where electro lies, and it turns out wonderfully. This is a song about music, simply put, and all it does for us. Music is my lover, she's a saint, she's physical, she's the only lover that can save my soul. I wouldn't go that deep about my affair with music, but it's pretty damn close. The electro beats give it that fuzzy-underwater-echo-y feeling. This isn't your older brother's indie. This is something else entirely.
Let's think fuzzy indie mixed with indie pop. Yupp, it's right in the middle where electro lies, and it turns out wonderfully. This is a song about music, simply put, and all it does for us. Music is my lover, she's a saint, she's physical, she's the only lover that can save my soul. I wouldn't go that deep about my affair with music, but it's pretty damn close. The electro beats give it that fuzzy-underwater-echo-y feeling. This isn't your older brother's indie. This is something else entirely.
Monday, 20 February 2012
Saigon - Women Are The New Dogs
Let's make rap beautiful again, shall we? My staunch approach to feminism might have made me a little leery about a track called "Women Are The New Dogs," but I went into it with open ears and a positive impression already made on me by Saigon during a short collaboration with Swollen Members. If Madchild and Prevail approve, I must as well.
What I ended up finding was something beautiful, maybe even a bit delicate. No, it doesn't compare women to actually dogs, but dogs in the sense that they are bigger players than men. Which is right, in this day and age. There's a dash of heartbreak in the piano-heavy chorus, and a great flow to Saigon's verses. He's in the vein of Kanye, but unique enough to stand out in the world of rap, and that's what gets you into my good book. That's how you stay in the good book.
She's mine, even though she's yours
You ain't the only one breaking her off
It don't seem right, but that's how we made her
Women are the new players
She be lyin' when she say where she gone
Tell me be quiet when you call on the phone
I had to question why girl you doin' so wrong
You say, I got it from y'all
Women are the new dogs
What I ended up finding was something beautiful, maybe even a bit delicate. No, it doesn't compare women to actually dogs, but dogs in the sense that they are bigger players than men. Which is right, in this day and age. There's a dash of heartbreak in the piano-heavy chorus, and a great flow to Saigon's verses. He's in the vein of Kanye, but unique enough to stand out in the world of rap, and that's what gets you into my good book. That's how you stay in the good book.
She's mine, even though she's yours
You ain't the only one breaking her off
It don't seem right, but that's how we made her
Women are the new players
She be lyin' when she say where she gone
Tell me be quiet when you call on the phone
I had to question why girl you doin' so wrong
You say, I got it from y'all
Women are the new dogs
Sunday, 19 February 2012
Tapes 'n Tapes - Freak Out
Fun indie time! From Minneapolis comes Tapes n' Tapes, a quartet who seems to know what they're doing with the catchy indie rock tune that is "Freak Out." The guitars are quick, the vocals are infectious, and the lyrics will get you. This is the formula for success if I have never seen it before. These guys are masters of indie rock.
I can hear you breathing
I feel the space
And I, oh I...
I'll be the one you'll never know
The track came to me ages ago, and fell off my radar as more songs came into the library. It happens. With my collection approaching the holy grail that is 5000, it's easy to lose track of things now and again. I'll freak out if I let "Freak Out" slip away again. Let's call it a catchy love song that doesn't come across as much of a love song. Will you look me in the eye, will you run from what you see, will you see me in the light, I hope you do, I hope you stay...and never leave. Never leave, Tapes n' Tapes. Stick around a while, won't you?
I can hear you breathing
I feel the space
And I, oh I...
I'll be the one you'll never know
The track came to me ages ago, and fell off my radar as more songs came into the library. It happens. With my collection approaching the holy grail that is 5000, it's easy to lose track of things now and again. I'll freak out if I let "Freak Out" slip away again. Let's call it a catchy love song that doesn't come across as much of a love song. Will you look me in the eye, will you run from what you see, will you see me in the light, I hope you do, I hope you stay...and never leave. Never leave, Tapes n' Tapes. Stick around a while, won't you?
Saturday, 18 February 2012
Protest The Hero - She Who Mars The Skin Of Gods + LYRICS
It's reading week! You know what that's time for! A week at home where I should be writing about Lenin ("John?" my brother asks), but instead I'll probably be shopping around for a new phone and lying around in pajamas. Yes. But I will blog every day (aside from yesterday), as I am not distracted by class and everything else in the city. Today, I thought, why not revisit a not-so-old favourite? PTH. Obvs. Now for the back story. My love affair with Protest The Hero began when I listened to "Sequoia Throne," a fantastic track included in the now-defunct Big Shiny Tunes series. I immediately went to the nearest Best Buy to acquire the band's first two albums, Kezia and Fortress. From Kezia, a wonderful concept album (if not the best) comes signature PTH, in the form of "She Who Mars The Skin Of Gods."
I will not reference lyrics here; instead include them all at the end of this post. "She Who Mars..." is the perfect combination of shred-your-face-off-guitars and Mr. Walker's wondrous wail of a voice. He can haunt my dreams through song anytime. I, for one, think it's the vocals that really make the track. The variance. The high notes. Everything. This is perfection in song. It's also as catchy as hell, thanks to the guitars. You're going to feel the need to know every second, every word, every note. Why not? So here are the words to this masterpiece. You'll need them.
"Kezia, my darling, please never forget this world's got the substance of a frozen summer silhouette,"
Said my mother through lips that were cracked with love and toil
before she added, "the warmest of blankets is six feet of soil"
She wore perfume called Pride that smelled a lot more like Shame
So when she walked into the room I was sleeping, heard her curse my father's name;
It was our situation, our position, our gender to blame
It was the lonely grey of my father's eyes staring back in the mirror's frame
It was the lonely grey of my father's eyes staring back in the mirror's frame
Mother oh mother, I'm shaking while I write
tonight I'll stay awake and try to breathe away my fright
Mother oh mother, I'm shaking while I write
tonight I'll stay awake and try to breathe away my fright
There's a letter waiting for me, that I have yet to read
There's a letter waiting for me, that I have yet to read
Cuz I know it's not from you
you're the only one I need, you're the only one I need
I'm tired and I'm cold and I want to go to bed
But there's no one here to tuck me in, so the shotgun will instead
I'm tired I'm cold, but this shot gun will instead
(I want to go to bed I want to go to bed) I want to
No one here to tuck me in so this shot gun will
I will not reference lyrics here; instead include them all at the end of this post. "She Who Mars..." is the perfect combination of shred-your-face-off-guitars and Mr. Walker's wondrous wail of a voice. He can haunt my dreams through song anytime. I, for one, think it's the vocals that really make the track. The variance. The high notes. Everything. This is perfection in song. It's also as catchy as hell, thanks to the guitars. You're going to feel the need to know every second, every word, every note. Why not? So here are the words to this masterpiece. You'll need them.
"Kezia, my darling, please never forget this world's got the substance of a frozen summer silhouette,"
Said my mother through lips that were cracked with love and toil
before she added, "the warmest of blankets is six feet of soil"
She wore perfume called Pride that smelled a lot more like Shame
So when she walked into the room I was sleeping, heard her curse my father's name;
It was our situation, our position, our gender to blame
It was the lonely grey of my father's eyes staring back in the mirror's frame
It was the lonely grey of my father's eyes staring back in the mirror's frame
Mother oh mother, I'm shaking while I write
tonight I'll stay awake and try to breathe away my fright
Mother oh mother, I'm shaking while I write
tonight I'll stay awake and try to breathe away my fright
There's a letter waiting for me, that I have yet to read
There's a letter waiting for me, that I have yet to read
Cuz I know it's not from you
you're the only one I need, you're the only one I need
I'm tired and I'm cold and I want to go to bed
But there's no one here to tuck me in, so the shotgun will instead
I'm tired I'm cold, but this shot gun will instead
(I want to go to bed I want to go to bed) I want to
No one here to tuck me in so this shot gun will
Thursday, 16 February 2012
Alkaline Trio - Calling All Skeletons
Sometimes I'm in the mood for punk, even though it's been a long time since the days of Sum 41 and Simple Plan (weren't those wonderful times?). I can't listen to the crappy stuff. Sorry, Pierre Bouvier. I'm not a twelve year old girl anymore. Let's think more contemporary punk, for the older crowd. How about Alkaline Trio, the appropriately named group of three who know a thing or two about lyrics and guitars? I might have grown out of the old punk acts that aren't terribly relevant anymore, but I will never tire of the trio.
"Calling All Skeletons" comes from Agony & Irony (props if you know what the title references), likely my favourite of the group's albums (with other notable mentions in "In Vein," "Over and Out" and "Do You Wanna Know?"). Even the first few second predict wondrousity ahead.
Here it is again, yet it stings like the first time
Seems it never ends, double nickels on your dimes
I thought we were friends, I guess it just depends who you ask
These feelings seem to leave me with a hole in my chest
First four lines? Brilliant? The whole song is brilliant. The band is brilliant. Though punk might be dead (or undead, I guess it just depends who you ask), the good acts will always live on in their discography. Case in point, Alkaline Trio.
"Calling All Skeletons" comes from Agony & Irony (props if you know what the title references), likely my favourite of the group's albums (with other notable mentions in "In Vein," "Over and Out" and "Do You Wanna Know?"). Even the first few second predict wondrousity ahead.
Here it is again, yet it stings like the first time
Seems it never ends, double nickels on your dimes
I thought we were friends, I guess it just depends who you ask
These feelings seem to leave me with a hole in my chest
First four lines? Brilliant? The whole song is brilliant. The band is brilliant. Though punk might be dead (or undead, I guess it just depends who you ask), the good acts will always live on in their discography. Case in point, Alkaline Trio.
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Don McLean - Vincent
Let's make a Simpsons reference, shall we? Have you seen he episode where Lia becomes an amateur astronomer? At the end of the episode, the town watches the Deadly Meteor Shower ("named for its discoverer, Artemus Deadly" who was killed by the shower). It is at this scene that Don McLean's haunting voice appears with an excerpt of "Vincent." This is when I fell in love with Mr. McLean, and kept the song in the back of my head until I picked up his greatest hits compilation at Best Buy.
"Vincent" references a starry, starry night, but is actually a lovely acoustic tale of the artist Vincent Van Gogh. Yeah, you know the painting. Mr. McLean explains now I understand what you tried to say to me, and how you suffered for your sanity, and how they tried to set you free. Surely, you know Mr. Van Gogh cut off his own ear in a frenzy and spent some time institutionalized (I remember the art lesson is grade 7, coloring in the picture of his room several times with several color palettes. If I remember correctly, he drew a picture of that room everyday...or something like that. My art history background doesn't extend far beyond Vermeer and some general knowledge). It is the minimalist qualities that make "Vincent" wondrous, possibly th best of McLean's work. Along with "American Pie," don't worry. I will end this post with the ending lyrics of this song; quite possibly my favourite lyrics in the history of music.
They would not listen
They're not listening still
Perhaps they never will...
"Vincent" references a starry, starry night, but is actually a lovely acoustic tale of the artist Vincent Van Gogh. Yeah, you know the painting. Mr. McLean explains now I understand what you tried to say to me, and how you suffered for your sanity, and how they tried to set you free. Surely, you know Mr. Van Gogh cut off his own ear in a frenzy and spent some time institutionalized (I remember the art lesson is grade 7, coloring in the picture of his room several times with several color palettes. If I remember correctly, he drew a picture of that room everyday...or something like that. My art history background doesn't extend far beyond Vermeer and some general knowledge). It is the minimalist qualities that make "Vincent" wondrous, possibly th best of McLean's work. Along with "American Pie," don't worry. I will end this post with the ending lyrics of this song; quite possibly my favourite lyrics in the history of music.
They would not listen
They're not listening still
Perhaps they never will...
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
The Gaga Mixes
I've been obsessed with mashups of Lady Gaga and various metal bands since late 2011, and because I'm lazy right now and don't feel like featuring a song, I will instead embed two videos of my favourite of these mashups. Why? Because you know I'm partial to two genres coming together in perfect harmony. Odds are the Judas Priest mix will be stuck in your head by the end of the day, with the Behemoth mashup not too far behind.
So happy Valentine's Day! Enjoy every moment!
So happy Valentine's Day! Enjoy every moment!
Sunday, 12 February 2012
Future - Deeper Than The Ocean
Future...the future of rap? This lad hails from Atlanta but is based in Indiana, and I picked up his mixtape Astronaut Status via rcrdlbl. Firstly, this site has become my go-to place for my rap mixtapes. I haven't been disappointed yet. Astronaut Status is a consistent effort that's not really like anything I've heard before. And I love it. Of the stand-out tracks, the change-of-pace "Deeper Than The Ocean," produced by Will-A-Fool, is perhaps the most stand-out of them all.
Blame the cut of a few acoustic notes.
This could be called a mellow rap song. It's not too aggressive or in-your-face, but it still grabs your attention for being so different. Every rapper should do something like "Deeper Than The Ocean" at least once. There's a pang of sadness that stands out in the chorus, and emotion in the verses than I'd like to see more in the rap genre. Yes, Future is the future of rap. I've got my radar on high alert for an album to come my way.
Blame the cut of the electric notes at the end of the song.
Blame the cut of a few acoustic notes.
This could be called a mellow rap song. It's not too aggressive or in-your-face, but it still grabs your attention for being so different. Every rapper should do something like "Deeper Than The Ocean" at least once. There's a pang of sadness that stands out in the chorus, and emotion in the verses than I'd like to see more in the rap genre. Yes, Future is the future of rap. I've got my radar on high alert for an album to come my way.
Blame the cut of the electric notes at the end of the song.
Thursday, 9 February 2012
Tetrafusion - Cloudless
Last week I was elated for Tetrafusion's new EP, Horizons to be released online....and for free. It's the perfect present for the band to give to their favourite cheap Canadian fan, though I would have donated if I could. I like that the EP isn't exactly like Altered State. It's a little heavier and a little more experimental, but all in a good way. They didn't pull a Linkin Park and slaughter a release after an amazing one (ahem, ahem...A Thousand Suns...ahem). Of the eight songs on the EP, I already have a few favourites, perhaps my favourite of those being "Cloudless." You're not hearing any Tool influences here. This is all Tetrafusion.
Even in the first second of guitars, you know this will be unlike any Tetrafusion song you've ever heard (I assume you've heard a lot, naturally). The first verse is spoken, an interesting choice that lets the guitar riffs shine while giving "Cloudless" that atmospheric feeling. But don't fret, the vocals come in with a vengeance, and I love it.
What gives you the right to take life away?
In the dawning of our darkest hour
Who says what's right?
Do me a favour and get your hand on this now. NOW.
Even in the first second of guitars, you know this will be unlike any Tetrafusion song you've ever heard (I assume you've heard a lot, naturally). The first verse is spoken, an interesting choice that lets the guitar riffs shine while giving "Cloudless" that atmospheric feeling. But don't fret, the vocals come in with a vengeance, and I love it.
What gives you the right to take life away?
In the dawning of our darkest hour
Who says what's right?
Do me a favour and get your hand on this now. NOW.
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
Fun. feat. Janelle Monáe - We Are Young
200 posts! Can you believe it? I like to get nostalgic; and now with every hundredth post, I will make a point of sharing something worth sharing (though it all is). The gems. The epics. This is for all of you who read, because without you, this blog would only be read by my sister, brother and friends.
I normally don't like to go mainstream. Blame the hipster in me. Fun.'s "We Are Young" is a rather popular song that I first became aware of through Glee; it wasn't until he video was offered for fee on itunes that I realized what I was missing out on. Who knew something popular could be good (I guess I am a hipster after all...)? "We Are Young" is a song that is exactly what you think it's about: being young, throwing caution to the wind and the many adventures at the bar. And it's done well.
Give me a second, I
Need to get my story straight
My friends are in the bathroom getting higher than the Empire State
My lover, she's waiting for me
Just across the bar
My seat's been taken by some sunglasses asking 'bout a scar
The lyrics. The instruments. The vocals. Janelle Monáe. OMG. I do wish she could have been in "We Are Young" for a little longer, but I'm content with the final product. More than content. And I recommend the video; much so. This is for everyone, merely looking for someone to carry them home tonight. After all, we are young.
I normally don't like to go mainstream. Blame the hipster in me. Fun.'s "We Are Young" is a rather popular song that I first became aware of through Glee; it wasn't until he video was offered for fee on itunes that I realized what I was missing out on. Who knew something popular could be good (I guess I am a hipster after all...)? "We Are Young" is a song that is exactly what you think it's about: being young, throwing caution to the wind and the many adventures at the bar. And it's done well.
Give me a second, I
Need to get my story straight
My friends are in the bathroom getting higher than the Empire State
My lover, she's waiting for me
Just across the bar
My seat's been taken by some sunglasses asking 'bout a scar
The lyrics. The instruments. The vocals. Janelle Monáe. OMG. I do wish she could have been in "We Are Young" for a little longer, but I'm content with the final product. More than content. And I recommend the video; much so. This is for everyone, merely looking for someone to carry them home tonight. After all, we are young.
Monday, 6 February 2012
FKi - Bent Up (Feat. Natasha Mosley)
FKi...these guys are so new that they don't even seem to have a Facebook page yet. Yes, I've already looked for it. I downloaded their mixtape, Transformers N The Hood, via rcrdlbl last week, and have been in love with their throbbing bass, quick rhymes and catchy beats ever since. They've also got electronic god Diplo on their side, which doesn't hurt either. The track that immediately jumped out (the most, really...there are plenty o' good tracks here) was "Bent Up" with the lovely Natasha Mosley.
"Bent Up" begins with the delicate tap of a piano and tell a hoe to lean on me, hit her with the Morgan Freeman, my bitch hella bad, your bitch hella decent. Yes, it's a love song set to fuzzy computer sounds with a few choppy repetitions of bent up, bent up, bent up...and it's wonderful. Don't confuse this track with that softcore rap that can put anyone to sleep. "Bent Up" is just as aggressive as FKi's other selections (which you must listen to, by the way), and is in no way a sweet love ditty. Oh no. Ms. Mosley's chorus is the icing on the proverbial cake here too. So what are you waiting for this Monday evening? Are you watching A&E's Hoarders too? Why not get your hands on the mixtape?
Oh, and what does FKi stand for? Fuckin' Kickin' It.
"Bent Up" begins with the delicate tap of a piano and tell a hoe to lean on me, hit her with the Morgan Freeman, my bitch hella bad, your bitch hella decent. Yes, it's a love song set to fuzzy computer sounds with a few choppy repetitions of bent up, bent up, bent up...and it's wonderful. Don't confuse this track with that softcore rap that can put anyone to sleep. "Bent Up" is just as aggressive as FKi's other selections (which you must listen to, by the way), and is in no way a sweet love ditty. Oh no. Ms. Mosley's chorus is the icing on the proverbial cake here too. So what are you waiting for this Monday evening? Are you watching A&E's Hoarders too? Why not get your hands on the mixtape?
Oh, and what does FKi stand for? Fuckin' Kickin' It.
Sunday, 5 February 2012
Rusko - Somebody To Love
Bass and I have a troubled relationship, but now and again it redeems itself, and is usually in thanks to the collection of DJs and artists that I call "electronic gods." The UK's Rusko is one of these gods, and the only one whose dubstep is something I find listenable. I'm a regular fan of minimal electronic, don't get me wrong, but not and again I like my bass throbbing and deep. Oh, dear. Only an electronic god could give us the jazzy, danceable "Somebody To Love."
With the lyrics looping everybody's looking for that somebody to love, don't wanna be lonely, just looking for someone to love, while being chopped up into little pieces...dubstep cannot possibly be better than this in any other instance. Rusko is a master of bass. The jazzy part comes from the piano-y "verses," but you've got that hard electronic sound during the "chorus." Everything contrasts like it should. Just listen closely; these three minutes will go by too quickly, and before you know it, you'll be hitting the back button.
With the lyrics looping everybody's looking for that somebody to love, don't wanna be lonely, just looking for someone to love, while being chopped up into little pieces...dubstep cannot possibly be better than this in any other instance. Rusko is a master of bass. The jazzy part comes from the piano-y "verses," but you've got that hard electronic sound during the "chorus." Everything contrasts like it should. Just listen closely; these three minutes will go by too quickly, and before you know it, you'll be hitting the back button.
Friday, 3 February 2012
Meek Mill - Lean With It
I was going to try to make February a month I posted everyday...guess that idea is dead only three days into the second month of the year, but I try.
My early love of music began with bubblegum pop, and then began to veer into rap and hip-hop. Though I'm not as exclusive as I was back then, I still enjoy a good rhyme and a good beat together, and have lately found myself enjoying more rap more often. Though I'll always have my old favourites (Swollen Members, Kanye, Miss Minaj, etc), I'm always looking for new and unknown artists. Case in point? Philly's Meek Mill and his danceable "Lean With It."
"Lean With It" is aggressive rap (i.e. the chorus), but some days call for a song that grabs the collar of your shirt and pulls you right in. The lyrics are just as powerful; Meek Mill isn't someone you should be messing with (when I pull up to the club, you shoulda seen your bitch's face). This is what should be playing in every club everywhere; no more Flo Rida or Usher for this girl to sway her hips! Dear Meek Mill, continue to make the rap genre your own. You've got it.
My early love of music began with bubblegum pop, and then began to veer into rap and hip-hop. Though I'm not as exclusive as I was back then, I still enjoy a good rhyme and a good beat together, and have lately found myself enjoying more rap more often. Though I'll always have my old favourites (Swollen Members, Kanye, Miss Minaj, etc), I'm always looking for new and unknown artists. Case in point? Philly's Meek Mill and his danceable "Lean With It."
"Lean With It" is aggressive rap (i.e. the chorus), but some days call for a song that grabs the collar of your shirt and pulls you right in. The lyrics are just as powerful; Meek Mill isn't someone you should be messing with (when I pull up to the club, you shoulda seen your bitch's face). This is what should be playing in every club everywhere; no more Flo Rida or Usher for this girl to sway her hips! Dear Meek Mill, continue to make the rap genre your own. You've got it.
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Dead and Divine - Goodnight, Quiet City
I'm a little late in the evening posting this, I know. Well, if we're talking about the eastern time zone. If you're in Los Angeles right now, ignore this message.
Well now, I suppose the dead of winter is ending sooner than expected. All of the snow here has melted, and it's been a quiet gloomy day in my neck of the woods. What is the perfect music for such a day (or any day, for that matter)? Dead and Divine, of course! And how about something from their early EP, What Really Happened At Lover's Lane? Am I looking for an excuse to feature more D&D? Probably, but this isn't the side of the band you've hopefully seen from my other postings. This is subdued Dead and Divine, though they are still just as fantastic in "Goodnight, Quiet City."
It's acoustic, of course, but don't you dare say this track is selling out. How about the first line, pretty you are, enough to be in magazines, a front-page fuck, for this month. Huh? Maybe it's just unconditional love for a favourite band, but I quite enjoy every facet that they offer in their repertoire. "Goodnight, Quiet City" is what I listen to when I'm in that no-metal mood (it happens!) and just want to chill out a bit. I'm glad my favourite band can help in any way they can. And does it hurt that Mr. Tobin's vocals are delivered beautifully? Not at all.
Well now, I suppose the dead of winter is ending sooner than expected. All of the snow here has melted, and it's been a quiet gloomy day in my neck of the woods. What is the perfect music for such a day (or any day, for that matter)? Dead and Divine, of course! And how about something from their early EP, What Really Happened At Lover's Lane? Am I looking for an excuse to feature more D&D? Probably, but this isn't the side of the band you've hopefully seen from my other postings. This is subdued Dead and Divine, though they are still just as fantastic in "Goodnight, Quiet City."
It's acoustic, of course, but don't you dare say this track is selling out. How about the first line, pretty you are, enough to be in magazines, a front-page fuck, for this month. Huh? Maybe it's just unconditional love for a favourite band, but I quite enjoy every facet that they offer in their repertoire. "Goodnight, Quiet City" is what I listen to when I'm in that no-metal mood (it happens!) and just want to chill out a bit. I'm glad my favourite band can help in any way they can. And does it hurt that Mr. Tobin's vocals are delivered beautifully? Not at all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)