Showbiz

For a while, whenever I'd go without writing on this blog for a while it was because I wouldn't know what to write about. However, the reason I haven't written on here in the past number of weeks is because I simply didn't have the time or desire to do the actual writing. To remedy this, I decided to shorten up my posts, so that they're more of a quick blurb rather than a detailed review of sorts. 

Song: Showbiz

Artist: Muse

In Muse's distinct symphonic rock sound, a creatively intricate instrumentation with a strong synthesized feel builds the intensity of the track. Every note played, word sung, and drum hit has a distinct purpose which complements the song's intensity and creates powerful shifts between chaos and order. In terms of form and style, it's definitely atypical, reflecting its creators. This is not the song you would expect to consistently hear on the radio, yet it's remarkably catchy in its unique right, with an overarching motif which transcends through both the vocals and instrumentation. Although the lyrics are somewhat repetitive, they fit perfectly within the song's interesting structure.

I'd recommend listening if you enjoy Muse, alternative music in general, or just something different than the mainstream. In this age where mediocrely constructed songs are the norm, and the main emphasis is creating a radio-hit simply for the potential payout, Muse has provided a breath of fresh air through all of their music, extending back to their 1999 debut album which gave us this song. It's something strange, it's something different, it's something unique, and it's something absolutely amazing.

Song of the Lonely Mountain

For anyone who's seen The Hobbit, this is the song that was playing while the credits rolled at the end. For anyone who hasn't seen The Hobbit, don't stop reading just yet; there's a good chance you'll enjoy this song regardless!

Song: Song of the Lonely Mountain

Artist: Neil Finn

Let me elaborate on my introduction by saying that part of the reason I love this song so much is that I read and fell in love with The Hobbit growing up, and then I definitely enjoyed the movie when I saw it a few days ago. This song was specifically made for the movie and does contain references to The Hobbit, which makes it more meaningful and interesting for those who know the story. However, that does not mean that anyone who doesn't know anything about the story won't appreciate it anyways. Trust me. 

The song contains many parts from J.R.R. Tolkien's poem "Over the Misty Mountains Cold," (that may or may not be the correct title; I'm not sure) but Neil Finn did a beautiful job writing other original lyrics that subtly capture the story as well. 

The track has a very flowing, alternative feel to it. The guitar part brings in hints of some folk influences, as do the intricate percussion rhythms. String arrangements throughout aid the flow of the song, and the vocals add to that with a slightly ethereal feel at times, very muted and beautiful, complete with an intriguing backup "chant" of sorts. Overall, the song is very emotional, capturing the desperate intensity which is present in the story/movie itself. 

There are so many reasons regarding why this song is so captivating. Naturally, fans of The Hobbit will enjoy it more for knowing the story it's based upon, but even those who don't will likely still enjoy it. Although that is something I can't guarantee, this song is so beautifully crafted and performed that I think it would be hard for someone to not like it, especially if he/she has musical interests similar to mine. Seriously, give it a shot. And if you haven't already, go read the book or watch the movie. It's a fantastic story! 

Diamond Eyes

After knowingly wanting to give these guys a listen for months, I was rather excited when I finally got around to listening to them, and even more so when I discovered how amazing their music is.

Song: Diamond Eyes

Artist: Deftones

Although the Deftones have been on the scene since 1988, their song "Diamond Eyes" comes from a record of the same name released in 2010. Classified as being alternative metal, the song clocks in at 3:08 minutes long, and you won't want to forget a single second of it. 

The track adopts a very atmospheric sound, although the instrumentation itself comes off very heavily. The focus is not on an intricate guitar part, but rather Chino Moreno's soaring vocals. On the contrary, the guitars serve to provide a grungy backdropping layer of sound that adds such power to the song. The drums also ramp up the intensity, as does some of the keyboard parts interspersed throughout.

"Diamond Eyes" is nothing if not catchy, but like many of the other songs I've suggested on here, it's in a way quite unlike that of the traditional, overplayed, sellout pop song. Lyrically, the chorus stands out to me, as it's so beautifully worded and sung. Truly, the entire song follows that theme as well.

If you gain anything from reading my posts on here (aside from hopefully interesting music suggestions), it should be that you should listen to any and everything that piques your interest even in the slightest. The Deftones are a simply stunning group, and it took me forever to give them the chance they rightly deserved. 

Four Seconds

It's nice to find a song that's just really fun to listen to. Be it a catchy beat, comical lyrics, or something else entirely that creates such an atmosphere, there's nothing quite like it and it makes for a great listen.

Song: Four Seconds

Artist: Barenaked Ladies

I had heard of this band before, but I had never come across any of their music and had never been inspired to seek it out, probably because that's quite the loaded Google search. 

When I found this track, it only took a few seconds for me to fall in love with it. After finding out what band was responsible for it, I was pleasantly surprised that it was a band I had heard mention of before.

Overall, it's an insanely catchy track. with heavy emphasis on the beat behind it. Not only is it unique, but it's quite involved with a neat guitar part, a driving drum rhythm, and even what sounds like a few baritone saxophone notes near the end. The vocals are also catchy in their own right, and honestly hard to not sing or hum along to. The lyrics are nothing overly profound or cohesive, but that just adds to the intrigue.

This track is definitely worth giving a chance, if for no other reason than that these guys found a way to rhyme with "orange," which is obviously a pretty unique undertaking. Really, it's just an overall enjoyable listen, from the uptempo to the quirky lyrics and everything in between. 

Bones

I had all but forgotten about this gem I stumbled across a few months ago until an ad for it popped up on Youtube and I remembered that I had never talked about it on here.

Song: Bones
Artist: Young Guns

An alternative rock band from Buckinghamshire and London, UK, the Young Guns have made a name for themselves playing the supporting role for a range of high-profile talent, including the Lostprophets, Bon Jovi, Guns N' Roses and Queens of the Stone Age. However, their own talent is something of note as well, not just that of who they've shared a stage with.

"Bones" comes across with a very traditional feel, where the drum/guitar parts are very straightforward and concise. Not to be lost among that beautiful simplicity is the precision of each note strummed or cymbal hit. It adds an open edge to the instrumental backing of the track that lends itself to the haunting ideas presented in the lyrics.

Speaking of the lyrics, I personally find the heart of this track to be in its lyrical content. Word-wise, it has a flow to it unlike anything I've ever heard. Nothing feels forced or out-of-place, and the verses are woven with a sort of deep message that is intricately crafted to a point where it seems as though every individual word was placed quite deliberately as part of the bigger theme-scheme.

Singer Gustav Wood's vocals serve to compliment the lyrics well, being clean enough to comprehend with an extra flavor of passion behind each syllable. As with many other songs I've featured on here over time, these vocals are in that range where they neither too grungy nor too light, finding the middle ground perfect for a song of this type/caliber.

I haven't had the chance to give the rest of the Young Guns' music a listen, but regardless, "Bones" is a strong testament to what a good rock song can, and maybe sometimes should, sound like. Give it a try, and if you're anything like me you'll probably wish you had found it sooner, or in my case not forgotten about it for so long.

Street Spirit (Fade Out)

There are many songs out there that can provoke their fair share of emotional despair, but not many that can do so without any emphasis being on a lyrical story being told.

Song: Street Spirit (Fade Out)
Artist: Radiohead

To quote vocalist and principal songwriter Thom Yorke; "Street Spirit has no resolve. It is the dark tunnel without the light at the end. It represents all tragic emotion that is so hurtful that the sound of that melody is its only definition.... That's why its lyrics are just a bunch of mini-stories or visual images as opposed to a cohesive explanation of its meaning. I used images set to the music that I thought would convey the emotional entirety of the lyric and music working together."

The power behind this track lies in its sound, from its instrumentation to the style of the vocals. It gives off an almost muted, minimalistic, stripped down vibe that can really do a number on your emotions. Honestly it's beautiful is what it is. Hauntingly beautiful.

I've listened to this song upwards of a couple dozen times now, without actually knowing the lyrics, which should be testament enough that it's not a sorrowful lyrical tale that gives this song its desolate feel. In a way, it's almost the lack thereof that lends itself to creating something so emotionally taxing. The individual tales Yorke weaves without any explanation or connection leave the listener without any sense of resolve and thus a heavier heart because of it.

I don't mean it to come across as though you will mire in depression for listening to this, or that you'll break down in tears of sorrow at the melancholy chorus. It's a somber, comfortless song unlike any other I've heard, but it's not distressing in a particularly lasting way.

Really, it's very hard to describe the unique impact of this track with words, so I suggest you go give it a listen and find out for yourself what it can evoke.

I Come Alive

There's something to be said for top ten lists, especially those of the "Top Songs of 2012 (So Far)" variety.

Song: I Come Alive
Artist: The Used

Okay, the list I read was on Loudwire.com, so it was more or less the top rock/metal songs of 2012 (so far). This track came in number 5, and after listening to it, I've come to the conclusion that those four songs that supposedly bested it must be ridiculously amazing in order to beat this gem.

To picture what this song sounds like, imagine if you will, taking the creepiness of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and combining it with a post-hardcore sound, in addition to a little bit of a catchy pop vibe. Oh, and you can't forget the lovely "wubwubwub" of dubstep. I kid you not, there is literally a dubstep beat within this song, used very tastefully as a matter of fact. All of those elements combine to create a very striking piece.

In this song, Bert McCracken's vocal range has found that perfect balance between melodic, desperate and heavy. The outstanding rhythm section follows the trends of the song, through all the various themes of the verses, choruses and the haunting bridge section.

The Used is a very unique band, so it seems only fitting that they were able to compose a track with a number of interesting instrumentation choices that could theoretically please the ears of a diehard rock fan while at the same time also pleasing those of someone with more poppy inclinations.

This is only the first single from their upcoming record Vulnerable which drops on March 27. If this track is any indication of what is to come later, I will be counting down the days to their release with eager anticipation.

System...

After having this song in my head on repeat for a few days now, I felt it was highly deserving of its own post on here. My apologies in advance if like me, you can't keep this out of your head for more than 10 minutes at a time.

Song: System...
Artist: Enter Shikari

I'd been toying with the idea of mentioning this post-hard/metal/electroni core band on here for a while, and when I was exposed to some of the songs off of their recent release, I knew I would be mentioning at least one. Basically, this song is above all others unlike anything I have ever heard. It's only a couple minutes long, but those are two very poignant minutes to say the least.

Whether or not the orchestral tracking is real or just synthesized, it aides extremely well in the creation of a very deep mood that helps to paint a very striking image in your mind. Complemented very well by the range of different vocal techniques and subtle guitar strokes, this song has a building sort of feel to it, and the intensity ratchets up a notch with each note played/sung. Personally, I can't listen to it without being completely drawn in, partially because of the intricate metaphor it, and the rest of the record as well, seems to be based around.

And, for any and all fans of the British accent, Enter Shikari is a British band, and there is a spoken word part in this track. Just letting you know.

Life Is Beautiful

I like to think of this suggestion as a testament to why everyone should listen to Pandora radio.

Song: Life Is Beautiful
Artist: Sixx:A.M.

A couple weeks ago, I listened to this band for the first time. Last night, on Pandora, this song came up and I knew right away it was going to be my next post on here.

Aside from it being an essentially traditional hard rock track, there's something indescribable about it that makes it unique, and I can't quite put my finger on it. At times, it feels like it's in a major key, but sometimes, most notably during the chorus, it seems to slip into a minor tonality. I'm no music major, so I have no clue if that's actually what's going on, but at least to me that's what it kind of sounds like.

Throughout the song the guitars are absolutely exceptional, from acoustic to electric, nicely complimenting Nikki Sixx's haunting vocals. The drums are also perfect: not too overstated but still a very much present backdrop that drives/powers the entire track.

If you take the time to look this song up, once you discover what it's about/what inspired Sixx to write it, it takes on a whole new, more troubling, meaning that stands to describe the mixed emotions the instrumentation and vocalization provokes.

And, if it turns out you feel like I do about this song and can't stop listening to it, you'll be happy to know that there's even a very beautiful acoustic version of it.

Freeze Dry Seal

As with most of the other song suggestions I give, this one is something I just discovered under thirty minutes ago and have already absolutely fallen in love with.

Song: Freeze Dry Seal
Artist: Stone Sour

A bonus track off of Come What(ever) May, it's a song that often gets overlooked by many when exploring Stone Sour's somewhat extensive discography. However, it's far from deserving of that disregarded status.

The lyrics during the chorus convey the message that there's more than meets the eye to people, and just because someone exhibits a certain behavior doesn't mean that's the complete truth. It's pretty powerful, helped along by Taylor's voice and the chord progression put on show by the guitarists. Oh, and it's only 2 minutes and 44 seconds long.

As far as the title goes, I'm not entirely sure why it's called what it is. However, there's more than meets the eye to any song, especially anything Corey Taylor is involved with, so just because it has an awkward title it doesn't mean it's not an amazing song.

If you take this suggestion for what it's worth, come back and reread this post after your mind is blown. You just might be amused by some of the wording I chose.

Driven Under

Although I do have mixed opinions regarding the artist of today's song suggestion, there's nothing mixed about my feelings for this amazing song.

Artist: Seether
Song: Driven Under

This song falls pretty solidly into the category of rock (not too hard to do, it is a rather big category after all) and when all is said and done, it's a pretty grooving track. One of those ones you find yourself involuntarily banging/nodding your head to, even singing along part of the time.

Shaun Morgan's voice adopts a haunting tone throughout the entirety of this track, maintained almost entirely throughout the softer and heavier parts. Towards the end, it gets a bit grungy, but then relapses into his previous style. It absolutely makes this song.

Like I said at the outset, I don't claim to be a huge fan of Seether. However, after having this song on replay for about a half-hour now, that statement is subject to change.

Downtown

Today's suggestion is a song I heard for the first time ever about 18 hours ago. I'm very disappointed that it took me this long to discover it.

Song: Downtown
Artist: Toh Kay

This is actually a cover song, originally having been done by the alternative group MU330. I've listened to both versions, and I must say, I favor this one over its successor, only partly because Toh Kay is actually the singer from Streetlight Manifesto.

This song has perhaps one of the most grooving Latin/gypsy vibes I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing. I suppose there are some more common alternative facets if you look/listen hard enough. The lyrics seem to be some form of slight on the music industry, but that's not really the defining feature of this song.

The guitar is absolutely amazing. It captures that eastern European ambiance, complimented rather splendidly by the drums and vocals throughout. It's so catchy, prompting a likely outrageous number of repeated plays. All I can say is that you've been forewarned.

Lead Sails (And A Paper Anchor)

Today's suggestion is a song I had never even heard of before I gave it a try due to it's interesting title. Now, it's one of my favorites, thus garnering a spot on this humble blog.

Song: Lead Sails (And A Paper Anchor)
Artist: Atreyu

I think it's fair to say that with hearing the name "Atreyu", comes the song in question usually being perceived as heavy, complete with grungy/growled vocals. However, this song pays tribute to the band's "softer" side.

Right from the beginning, the song sounds very country-esque, complete with twangy guitars and an emotional vocal performance. And to be truthful, it never strays too far from that, except you do get a more rock/alternative vibe as the song progresses. Yet that's not what makes this track so remarkable. In fact, it's hard to describe what actually does make it outstanding, but I shall endeavor to do so.

Rarely do I think the chorus is the brightest shining point of a song. Yes, I do love me some good choruses, but usually I tend towards the awesome bridges and ridiculous instrumental sections. In this song, the chorus is what makes it, all the way through.

The best way to put it is that in the chorus, the first part of the phrase is in what sounds like a major key, the final part of which drops down enough to make it minor. When you listen to it, you'll understand, and appreciate just how awesome such a technique really can be. It adds so much to the power of the song. Not to mention the fact that Brandon Saller turns in some epic drum (and vocal, as he seems the be the main vocalist for the song!) performances, especially in the final repeat of the chorus where everything is coming together.

I know that's a lot to take in for just a song, but all these words simply cannot do it the justice it deserves. I might wind up saying this a lot, but if you only take one of my suggestions seriously on here, this just might be the one to do so for.

Catch 22

I'm aware that this is also a ska band out there, one that is actually related to Streetlight Manifesto. However, that is not who/what I'm talking about today.

Song: Catch 22
Artist: Whole Wheat Bread

Some of you might be familiar with this song through the iPod app "Tap Tap Revenge", as am I.

Whole Wheat Bread is clearly a punk band, and this song follows that style very well, sans angry lyrics and drastically contrasting time signatures. But it still stands as a solid punk rock track that you can rock out to without having to sit there wondering what the heck the singer just screamed or whether or not the drummer was just wildly hitting everything in sight. (I'm speaking as a huge fan of the genre, really!) The lyrics are catchy as well, so definitely add this one to your playlist next time you go to listen to something new.

You're Gonna Go Far, Kid

Next up is a solid punk rock song from one of the best-selling punk rock acts of all time.

Song: You're Gonna Go Far, Kid

Artist: The Offspring

For fans of punk rock, this would clearly be a must-listen, seeing as The Offspring are one of the most celebrated bands of the genre. However, it's a more recent track so there are some more "poppy" influences, but it never fully strays from its punk roots, making it the ideal song for anyone who enjoys punk without all the hardcore essences of its early days. 

This song also has the ability to quickly get stuck in your head, but be wary of singing it under your breath when there are young children around, if you know what I mean.