Hearts a Mess

Once again I find myself eternally grateful for having started this blog as I did, so that all of my random music and video suggestions might fall upon the ears of those who are looking for something new to listen to.

Song: Hearts a Mess 

Artist: Gotye

Although I only listened to this song a couple times before I went to bed, I awoke with the chorus dancing around my brain. It's the kind of song that in its alternative nature, it's very hard to let go of. Gotye's vocals are spot-on and filled with so much emotion that they completely draw you into his song. The minimalistic instrumental backing additionally sets such a powerful mood, carrying the song through to its end, whereupon you might feel strongly inclined to hit the "repeat" button.

As regards the video itself, it's strange, but the abstract quality of the animation perfectly compliments the feel of the actual song. It's difficult to explain it, and there's certainly a good chance you won't agree with me, but either way it's an interesting video to watch that's for sure. In a way, some of the animation reminded me of the game Limbo in its silhouette-like style. 

As a bonus, it turns out this song was in the movie "The Great Gatsby," so if you are familiar with that story at all, the lyrics do take on additional layer of meaning. 

Phoenix

Last night I was reminded of why I created this blog in the first place. As I was looking up an album I was interested in, I stumbled across another I had never heard of before, and one listen absolutely took my breath away, pushing me to desperately want to share it with anyone who would listen.

Album: Phoenix

Artist: The Classic Crime

I know very little about The Classic Crime and their style—honestly, yesterday was the first time I'd even heard their name. However, I'd say that this album certainly leans towards the alternative side of the rock genre, with a few samples drawn from the indie and pop/punk elements. Personally, I found this album to embody a slice of everything I love about rock music. The lyrics are heartfelt and uniquely inspiring, the vocals are beautiful and easy to get lost in, and the instrumental backings set a perfect and intriguing tone for each individual track. I've been cycling through the album for a few hours now, and each time through I notice something new about every song that makes me fall more in love with the record, if that's even possible. 

Some standout tracks include;

• You and Me Both

• The Precipice

• Glass Houses

• Beautiful Darkside
• City of Orphans

Although those songs do stand out in my mind, to put it simply, I'd recommend you listen to this album in its entirety, regardless of where on the spectrum your musical tastes lie. There's so much to love about it, and the fact that it was independently released and funded through Kickstarter speaks to just how much effort and dedication The Classic Crime put into crafting it.