The Hard - Freddie Gibbs feat. Dana Williams

I've mentioned a penchant for Indiana rapper Freddie Gibbs before.  I know I have.  Now I have everything I could ask for in the form of a stellar mixtape.  Baby Face Killa is free, people, so why don't you have it yet?  It's a good mix with a lot of variety, but the best in my eyes is "The Hard" with Dana Williams (daughter of David, I should point out).  It reminds me of an updated (and hella good) Ja Rule-Ashanti duet; that's the best way I can put it, unfortunately.  Freddie's raps are deep and aggressive, perfectly contrasted by Miss Williams' angelic croons.  "The Hard" isn't a club-thumper, but more of that melancholy rap that I enjoy so much (in the vein of Dice Raw, to name one).  It has a subdued beauty to it, and I personally wouldn't have it any other way.  Keep doing what you're doing, Mr. Gibbs, and release an album ASAP.

Kingsfoil - Grapevine Valentine

Yesterday morning, I was catching up on my rcrdlbl downloads when I came across "Grapevine Valentine" by Kingsfoil.  I probably wouldn't have noticed it if it hadn't been pointed out, but it seems the drummer is none other than Frankie Muniz.  I immediately thought of this:

But at the same time, I had to give Kingsfoil a fair chance.  After all, if he's on drums, then I don't have to listen to his squeaky little voice.  I actually made my sister listen to "Grapevine Valentine" before I did, and when she gave it the all-clear, I took the plunge.

What did I find?  I really like lead Jordan Davis' vocals, and the addition of the keyboard gave it a nice airy feel.  My only issue is that it sounds a little Grey's-Anatomy-closer, but "Grapevine Valentine" is fine for listening to on the way to school.  It's not for moshing and it's not going to satisfy my need for gangster rap; it has a specific way to approach.  You listen, and you enjoy.  It's that simple.  Indie's never been sweeter.  After a few more listens, you'll completely forget about the melancholy life is unfair.

Explode - Nelly Furtado

Miss Furtado used to be something different.  Frankly speaking, I'm not a fan of the club-number-pumping thing that exists on the music scene now; it was her arty pop from the early-to-mid 2000's that sung my tune.  Still, I've never been more than a casual fan.  I was actually disappointed when my parents bought me her 2003 album Folklore.  Some it did grow on me, though.  "Try" is good.  "Powerless" isn't too bad.  "Explode," on the other hand, is the sleeper hit of the album.  It's the track that pop suckers won't go for, but it's one that was can all appreciate for its artistry.

"Explode" chronicles the darker side of teenage life (Vera's face burned as a memory of bedroom fun, with a lighter and some hairspray smoking in the girls room and we never thought that we'd get caught up, stuck in the teenage waste).  The lyrics are good, but it's the structure that gets me.  It's planned chaos, with quick verses over looping noise and a chorus and bridge that are swoon-worthy.  It goes to show that even the most commercialized artists still have their folky roots, and sometimes the roots are better than whatever's growing on the surface.

She Did Not Know - Linus Pauling Quartet

I'll make it up to you for yesterday's Lil Wayne, don't you worry.  How about we make today stoner metal Tuesday just for kicks?  It's a genre I haven't been all too familiar with until very recently.  Yes, I've heard of Queens of the Stone Age, but that's about it.  Enter a few weeks into the past, where rcrdlbl offers up five and a half minutes courtesy of Texas' Linus Pauling Quartet.  Stoner metal band...named after a chemist...okay.

Their "She Did Not Know" is a few things.  Gritty, harsh, and surprisingly, a bit psychedelic.  Typically I don't like too much psych in my music, but this song has just the right amount for me to enjoy.  The guitar work is pretty slick too; there's a lot going on at once, but a few solid listens will give you some appreciation for the band.  All in all, "She Did Not Know" is a song I wasn't aware that I could like.  It grew on me quickly, going to show that maybe, just maybe, there is a chance that you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Cashed Out - Lil Wayne

Okay.  I know what you're thinking already.  So go ahead, give me all of the guff you want about featuring a Lil Wayne song.  But you know what?  I don't particularly care.  Just as we're all entitled to our own opinions on just about everything else, I'm allowed to like one song even though the artist is probably the worst rapper to ever grace the genre (grace?).  Lil Wayne might not win any awards for writing lyrics like that pussy's so wet, it turns her gremlin, but there's one thing "Cashed Out" has.  It's just a fun rap song.  A guilty pleasure.  The song you'll hate to love.  And there's nothing wrong with that.  Just do me a favor and don't listen to the rest of his Dedication 4 mixtape.  Now that's what I call garbage.

Top of the gun, there is a scope, I close my eye, I look like a pirate.
Fuck it.

Smooth Criminal

I have a friend who tried for a long time in high school to get me into Michael Jackson, though my knowledge back then never extended beyond "Thriller" and "Billie Jean."  Enter our university years, when I make the four-hour trip to see her one weekend and she insists I burn the soundtrack for This Is It onto my computer.  And ladies and gentlemen, that's why I haven't stopped listening to MJ since.  Funny thing, I had the Alien Ant Farm version of his "Smooth Criminal" long before the original came my way.  I do hate to admit that; my rule is first-come-first-burned.  But there's something about "Smooth Criminal," the original, the AAF cover, and even the Glee cover, that gets the job done.

MJ's original synth-laden track is obviously the winner.  Listening along to Annie are you okay? I'm always compelled to start moonwalking through the apartment (even though I'm on the first floor, who cares if the whole street sees though?).  This is some slick shit, guys.  Anyone who denies that a Michael Jackson song has moved their body is a filthy liar.



Alien Ant Farm's cover is from a while back...2001.  Back then I was reading The Magazine Not For Adults and jamming to Macy Gray on the bus ride home.  But there's something about the frantic alt guitars that provides a fresh update (not needed, but I'll allow it), and vocals courtesy of lead Dryden Mitchell that retain MJ's vision for "Smooth Criminal."  I still think it's danceable, not as much as the original, but some of us can dance to anything.



Finally, there's the version of "Smooth Criminal" done by the cast of Glee, specifically Naya Rivera and Grant Gustin.  Here, we take out any sign of guitars and synths, and welcome the introduction of the cello.  Strings and Michael Jackson?  This is really it.  Yes, I know it's Glee, but they still make some decent covers on the odd rainy day.  Naya is also my fave.  Her voice don't quit, people.

Over It - Colin Munroe

Let's blend genres tonight, shall we?  If you've been following me for a while, you know that it's my bread and butter.  Genres can't exists exclusive to each other, there's bound to be some intermingling in the mix.  Tonight we encounter Canada's own Colin Munroe, who combines gritty pop with electro and soulful vocals.  Now that's how we get it done.  I'm planning to start downloading his Unsung Heroes mixtape as soon as this post is made, but in the meantime, I still have three of his tracks that are stellar on their own.  "The Fight of My Life" and "Invincible" borrow a few heavyweights (Pusha T, for god's sake!), but on his own in "Over It," Mr. Munroe manages genre-crossing just fine.

"Over It" is exactly what you think it's about.  Don't lie.  Had it been released a few months earlier, it probably would have made it onto my Somebody That I Used To Know Playlist.  Though Mr. Munroe's vocal style is minimal, you still hear the power in his croons of that's alright, I'm over it.  Better than some whiny T-Swift number if you ask me.  Colin Munroe is a homegrown pop act all grown up and doing us proud, relaying one important message.  I'm okay but I'm not the same.  Change is the force that drives us all, Mr. Munroe, and change for the better is simply the icing on the cake.  Props to you.

Macy Gray - Relating to a Psychopath

I've been aware of Macy Gray for a long time, long enough for me to feel old when I think back to 2001 and the inclusion of her "I Try" on many compilation records.  What came after the "I Try" era was The Id, an artistically-crafted album that didn't translate well with critics, but shaped my love on obscure music back in my pre-pubescent days.  The first track, "Relating to a Psychopath" sits rightfully on top, rife with jazzy elements intermingled with electronic sounds and beeps.  Think of Macy here as Billie or Ella meets Deadmau5's "The Veldt."  It's probably not a track for anyone, but those who enjoy it will enjoy every facet.  Macy, your music is so good at keeping me company.  Here's to another eleven years of your music.

Last of the Wilds - Nightwish

You know how it is.  If I go too long without posting a Nightwish song, bad things happen.  But today, let's look at something different.  Yes, different.  How about some...instrumental music?  I am a big fan of Anette (we should all know that by now), but if a band isn't strong with the instruments they play, then what's the point of having the best vocalist in the world at your disposal?  "Last of the Wilds" comes from Anette's first release with the group, Dark Passion Play, and exists as one thing.  A masterpiece.

"Last of the Wilds" draws from a lot of Irish and Celtic culture; if you don't hear it, then you're lying.  You're a big liar.  The song is rife with the sounds of whistles, as well as the violin and even the theramin (who knew?).  I like to think of "Last of the Wilds" as Nightwish dabbling with some folk metal.  If you puts some words to this, sure, it might still be symphonic, but it's the folky side that draws you in and invites you to stay.  You'll stay for nearly six minutes here, and you'll always be back for more.

Down In The Woods - Richard Hawley

Lush rock Tuesday alert!  It's an event that sporadically moves throughout the days of the week, but it's a stellar event nonetheless.  Today we take a look at the UK's Richard Hawley and his energetic "Down In The Woods," which I've been waiting for feature for a while but deepened my affection for this week.  Funny thing, it kept coming on my ipod on the long walks to school.  Sometimes it's just meant to be.  The guitars have a surfer tinge to them, the vocals are mellow, but "Down In The Woods" still has a spark to it.  Hey, if you listen hard enough, you'll hear a few psychedelic elements in the mix.  With a plethora of pieces like that, you might worry that it's easy to get lost in this track, but Mr. Hawley will guide you through with ease.  Won't you follow me down?

All I Wanted - Paramore

Thinking of Paramore takes me back a while, to a time where I was a scene/emo wannabe in high school and just about to make the transition from alternative to metal.  Weren't those the days?  Their latest Brand New Eyes did come out fairly recently, when I wasn't exactly the black-head-to-toe-hair-in-the-face rebellious youth, but we should know by now that nostalgia calls my name louder than all of the feels.  It's a good album with a lot of good songs, but there's something about the last track that gets me.  "All I Wanted" gets me.

Hayley Williams works with a good set of pipes, though "All I Wanted" shows off the complete range of her vocals.  The song relies on a gradual build and some amazing rising power.  The repeat of all I wanted was you should explain the song fairly well.  Heartbreak happens, after all, but through heartbreak comes some pretty amazing things.  There will be one instance of those five words that will be different from the others.  When you hear it, you'll know.

LYRICS: Some Place - Nick Waterhouse

Well there's something that I really need
And it's something in on my mind almost constantly
Well it's something I don't expect you to understand
Well people talk to me and I know they can't comprehend

I don't expect you to understand it
Not much time to speak
Well can't help trying to say it again
Am I sounding too oblique?

There's some place where it's not in my mind
But it's somewhere that I've been trying so hard to find
Well it's something, I know it's not quite clear
There is a place I can only say is not right here

I don't expect you to understand it
Not much time to speak
Well can't help trying to say it again
Am I sounding too oblique?

There's something not quite clear
But it's a place I can only say is not right here
It's a place I can only say is not right here

Divico - Eluveitie

I love me some good folk metal, and Eluveitie is one of the best ways to get my fix.  They've recently re-released some of their older work in the form of The Early Years, and thrown into the mix is "Divico."  To my understanding, it was written ages ago but never recorded, so thankfully for us, the band recorded it this year to include on the album.  "Divico" is pure folk metal, and pure Eluveitie.  The Celtic influences are apparent, and the chant of the chorus simply calls you straight into battle.  So now`s the time to do what I always say to do...listen, listen carefully, and enjoy.

This Is Not A Song - Islands

Let's keep it fairly Canadian this afternoon, shall we?  Indie trio Islands brings us something for the slow pace of the day, after a night on the town previously.  Yeah, that's right.  We all know.  "This Is Not A Song" is actually a song, but it's not a lot like the other indie you've heard before.  With the aid of the keyboard and a slow tempo, the boys of Islands keep things rather melancholy, though where there is sadness, there is power.  If the penny rolls away, I will have lost everything, in many certain ways I already don't have anything.  Power can be soft, people.  You don't need to throw your strongest punch to break down a wall.  So sit back, relax, pull up a chair, plug in your headphones, and try to tell me why this is not a song (then why do I find it so hard to move on?)

Master of Art - Laura Stevenson & The Cans

Now and again, through the ups and downs of life, you just need a really good indie song to make everything better.  What makes good indie (if I haven't told you before)?  Acoustic guitar, vocals with life, beautiful lyrics, and that little something special.  That and more comes in the form of "Master of Art" by the collective known as Laura Stevenson and The Cans.  With the flick of the tambourine and some angelic vocals to boot, you've got your really good indie here.  It's a little quirky, but not enough to scare you away.  The right kind of quirky.  Ms. Stevenson sings (one of many good lines) I could lie and say to you that this will soon be over, I could lie and say I knew where you'd be waking up tomorrow, I could make a little shade for us to stay until we have to go away again, it's just a little lookout.  It's a little bit of a charming love song, perfect for a quaint end-of-summer day.  Yeah, I'm pulling the end of summer bit again.  Deal please.

Slaughterhouse - Juggernauts

If you follow the rap scene (which I hope you do, it's gotten pretty high-par lately), then you might have heard of Slaughterhouse already.  Call them a supergroup of the genre, composed of Crooked I, Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden and Royce Da 5'9.  Well, technically speaking I've only heard of Joell Ortiz and Mr. Budden before, but the group is still super.  They've recently released a mixtape and an album.  The mixtape is the one I have right now, On The House, and I have to say I'm big enough of a fan to consider getting the real album.  Highlight so far?  The Eminem-sampling "Juggernauts."

"Juggernauts" samples 50 Cent's "Patiently Waiting," where Eminem's duties on the chorus come from.  Even stacked up against a sample of hip-hop's greatest, the boys of Slaughterhouse still hold their own with the help of sputtering snares, the cry of an electric guitar, and beats that don't quit.  This is another song I want to see remixed; with the right person at the helm it has some strong potential.  Still, on its own, "Juggernauts" dominates the mixtape.  And if this is on the mixtape, who only knows what the album hides...

Harakiri - Serj Tankian

Well here we are.  A bit of time has passed since I featured Serj's masterful "Cornucopia" from his latest Harakiri.  That was the track that first stood out to me, but today we look at something else.  The title track of the album kind of stuck up on me one afternoon.  I think it was during a long car ride, and with my headphones in, I wondered what song is this? and how did I not notice this before?  Blame my short attention span and attraction to peppy numbers like the album opener.  "Harakiri" is the sleeper hit here.

"Harakiri" makes use of something also present in "Cornucopia," which is a slight alternative tinge to Serj's usual experimental-progressive sound.  But I like it.  You've still got the old Serj in there, don't worry.  What sets this apart from the rest of the album is the feels.  You know, the feels.  There's a different kind of emotion in Harakiri with they crowned the sun and they were drowned by the only ones with the help of some backing vocalists.  Sadness?  A little, but it's a little more along the lines of regret.  The whole end-of-time atmosphere of "Harakiri" is what makes it golden.  How golden?  You decide.

Born Whole - Doe Paoro + Kokyo Remix

Self-described woodland gospel artist Doe Paoro maintains the fact that the best American artists come out of New York, and this Brooklyn darling is also shockingly unsigned.  I'm surprised, for one, as her folky-indie (a.k.a woodland) gospel is a breath of fresh air in the indie scene.  Her Slow To Love has been out for a bit, and the track that you need to hear is "Born Whole."

The original "Born Whole" is a piano-tinged anti-ballad that laments the message we're born whole, then become half.  Miss Paoro's smoke vocals are wonderfully atmospheric; I would like to see her perform "Born Whole" live in a Brooklyn indie club.  I found a lot of remixes of the track, but the one that stood out to be was by unknown (to me) Kokyo, which injects "Born Whole" with jazzy beats and almost...almost...makes it club-worthy.  Almost!  I still think the remix is too outsider for most crowds, but we can enjoy it together, can't we?

Snuffel - Equilibrium

Some songs are meant to be enjoyed slowly, some songs are made to make you get off of your feet and move, and others have one purpose...to rock out to.  Enter Germany's Equilibrium, and their own brand of symphonic black folk metal.  They know a thing or two about fast-paced metal; these guitars will shred your face off (though for good face shredding any day, I always recommend some Early Man).  2008's Sagas has all of my favourite Equilibrium songs on it, among them "Snuffel."  The structure of "Snuffel" is nothing short of epic, with rising action even when you think it can't rise any higher.  Helge Stang's got an impressive range of growls too, one I can't help but applaud.  I think I'll still be head-over-heels for the guitars though.  Face shredded.  Enough said.

Yayo - Lana Del Rey

Before Lana Del Rey became the gangster Nancy Sinatra we all know and love, she was a little less-well known and was more familiar with her original name, Lizzy Grant.  Her debut album, Lana Del Rey A.K.A. Lizzy Grant, contains some gems that you might not have expected to come out of the woodwork, including "Yayo," a track originally from her Kill Kill EP. 

"Yayo" is slang for cocaine, and keeping the drug in mind upon your first listen, the track becomes something else.  It's the slow-motion soundtrack to the most intense scene of the movie.  Miss Del Rey's got one haunting voice in this near-six-minute masterpiece.  I'll let it slide if you choose to think it's about fast-paced romance and the whatnot, but I need you like a baby when I hold you has one meaning only.  "Yayo" is tragic, and at the same time, it is nothing short of beautiful.

Don't do drugs, kids.

One Last Show - Flobots

I'm all for a blend of genres.  You know that, I know that...everyone knows that.  But can it be done with anything, for instance: hip-hop and alt-indie?  That's the feel I get from Denver's Flobots, a five-piece complete with emcees and some strings.  Could potential for greatness ever be greater?  No.  Flobots have the formula for success and deliver.  They've got a new album out, rife with greatness, but I quite like "One Last Show."

"One Last Show" combines a lot into the four minutes it runs, including raps, guitars, viola arrangements, and whatever else you might think of (with some limits).  It's catchy to say the very least, and you're going to get one last show for the lonely souls stuck in your head before you can realize what's happening.  Flobots prove that there are hidden gems scattered throughout the music industry; looking for them is half the fun.

Mystery Girl - Romans

You know what I always say...the best music in the United States usually comes out of New York.  Today the state and city brings us "Mystery Girl" by the indie-alt-rock trio Romans.  This is another one of those end-of-summer songs, rife with beachy vocals, surfer-tinged guitars, and the atmosphere that hey, this might be better on the beach.  Who would have thought?  Romans' name makes them a little hard to research, but know that they're worth knowing, you know?  Listen now while you can; school is creeping around the corner.

We Need A Resolution - Aaliyah feat. Timbaland

Aaliyah's self-titled album, her last, was originally mine when I was in the fourth grade (or fifth, I honestly can't remember), until I let an unfortunate frenemy borrow it and never got it back.  This is why I like Value Village, because I know my old CD collection leaks back there as time passes.  A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to stumble upon my old favourite, as well as Jefferson Airplane's The Worst of Jefferson Airplane.  Aaliyah was just as good as I remembered, and my favourite track from more than ten years ago is still the same.

"We Need A Resolution" is a slinky R&B number with Timbaland on guest rapper duties, though Ms. Houghton is still the star of this track.  For the past ten years I've had who should be hurt, who should be blamed looping through my head.  It takes a certain kind of artist to keep that going for that long.  "We Need A Resolution" follows deciding an outcome between two feuding lovers (am I supposed to change, are you supposed to change), but who would ever feud with greatness like this?

Rest in peace, beautiful.

Disturbed - Criminal

You can say what you want about Disturbed.  I used to be their biggest fan back in the day, and their Indestructible is definitely in the top 12 of all of my favourite albums (not on the master Top 10 list from yesterday, unfortunately).  You can make the argument that all of their songs sound the same, and whatever else you've got, but there's one thing you're not taking into account.  Where would nu metal be without these guys?  Nowhere, probably.  Last I checked David and the boys were on a hiatus, but they had a bevy of strong guitars way back when, with undeniable power to boot.  "Criminal" sums them up in one song, their best in my opinion.

"Criminal" comes from an album rife with songs about war and adventure, but stands out from the rest of the pack with a few things.  One, the chorus that will blow your socks off.  Mr. Draiman's voice is solid as he croons deliver me from all of this, I want you to quicken my end.  Two, hard guitars that never cease to stop rocking.  Three, lyrical prowess.  Everything is here that provides perfection, and the boys of Disturbed do wonderful things with it.  Listen to the bridge and tell me that all nu metal is awful.  I dare you.

Laura's Top 10 Albums

Ah, Labor Day.  The official end to summer...though my summer won't technically be over until 10:30 a.m a week from now.  What better way to chase away those beginning-of-school blues than to revisit my ten favourite albums.  Most are oldies, in a sense, but it's the nostalgia in part that makes them brilliant.  I can only feature one song from each, but I encourage you to take a listen to every track on every album.  Why not do it today before you have to get back to your job-slash-school in the coming days?

Bob Marley - "Legend"



Sarah McLachlan - "Afterglow"



Swollen Members - "Monsters in the Closet"



Yellowcard - "Lights and Sounds"



Chevelle - "Sci Fi Crimes"



Protest The Hero - "Kezia"



Fiona Apple - "Extraordinary Machine"



Kanye West - "808s & Heartbreak"



Jason Mraz - "Mr. A-Z"



Nightwish - "Imaginaerum"

Into Giants - Patrick Watson

Yes, it's getting late on a Sunday night, but I still have yet to welcome September in musical fashion, and now is the time to do so.  Tonight, let's look at a song that's waited a long time for its turn on this blog.  From Canadian Patrick Watson and his eponymous band comes "Into Giants" from their recent release Adventures In Your Own Backyard.  It came to me via itunes as a free video of the week, and let me tell you, this is how you capture someone's attention with a music video.  But if we take out the visual, we still have a darling indie track that follows a very lovely love story (starting as lovers, don't know where it's gonna end).  I've tried my best to find the name of the woman responsible for the accompanying female vocals, though I've unfortunately come up short tonight.  So if that doesn't bother you as immensely as it does me, it's time to take a listen to "Into Giants."  Get on it!