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. 

The Stampede

I had intended to post about this video a while ago and forgot, but trust me, it's definitely worth the wait.

Song: The Stampede

Artist: Biting Elbows

This music video is a little different than your typical music video. And by a little different, I mean it's not like anything you've ever seen before. For a music video, Biting Elbows has infused a level of creativity that's not very common among the mainstream music video scene, and the result is simply amazing.

Musically, the song reminds me a lot of Thrice's early work at times, with that kind of brash punk-rock sound. However, parts of the song have a little more of an electronic, synthesized vibe, which is a very neat twist. The overall track is more based in the power of the raw instrumentation, but the vocals are still very strong and occasionally rather catchy, actually.

The video has little to do with the song. It's more like a mini-movie set to the song, but that just serves to make it more interesting. It's shot with the first-person-point-of-view angle, which gets very intense once the fighting starts. It's hard to describe what makes this video so awesome, so you'll just have to watch it and find out.

I heard about this video from elsewhere on the internet, and knew I had to share it. It's so unique, yet very well done, and I felt compelled to share it. I'd highly recommend not passing this one over, even if the song itself does not sound like it would be to your liking. 

Break

Have you ever gone through one of those phases where for a time you find yourself listening almost exclusively to one band's discography? I've had the pleasure of going through one this summer for a band whom I have known of for a long while and enjoyed, but never given a thorough chance.

Song: Break

Artist: Three Days Grace 

For those of you just tuning in, you wouldn't know that I have a thing for music videos with intriguing plots and more substance than just the band performing their song. Not to say I don't like just general performance-y type videos, but I tend to appreciate ones with more of a movie quality to them.

This suggestion actually comes from somewhere in the middle, where the band is technically performing, but the setting is not quite the traditional stage.

The video involves putting each member of the band into their own separate room that matches the color of their clothing, and finding out what happens if those different colors were to, say, mix. And by mix I of course mean splatter over the contents of the neighboring rooms, as is partially shown in the above picture. Sounds weird, but the result is quite aesthetically pleasing.

Musically, "Break" is a rather well-rounded hard rock song. The guitars are somewhat distorted, the drums are intense, and the vocals are a mix of the clean and the grungy. What else could you ask for, really? It's very straightforward and edgy, becoming of the heavy style Three Days Grace has become known for over the years, but with a slight, somewhat lighter, twist.

Lyrically, according to lead guitarist Barry Stock, the track is about how "if you don't like the situation you're in or what's going on around you, it's entirely up to you to break out of it. That's it. It's pretty much just breaking out and letting loose. You don't have to be stuck in whatever it is you're dealing with. Whether it's good or bad, it's your choice to make a change."


Also, one last note in regards to this blog; I'm going to be experimenting in the future with putting photos in the posts to add a little more color and visual, like I did with this one. No guarantees on how long it will go for, but I'm kind of liking it already, so here's to trying something new!

Astronaut

It figures that after struggling for weeks to come up with a video to post, I can now find one everywhere I look.

Song: Astronaut 
Artist: Simple Plan

This is not the first time a band has used being an astronaut as a metaphor for being alone and forgotten, but out of those that I've heard this one might just have the most powerful imagery and story.

Lyrically, the song tells the tale of an astronaut who left Earth and then is stuck out in space alone because "the world forgot" about him, and all he wants is to find somebody else and be able to come down. The video plays to that plot line, as the majority of it is of an astronaut wandering around alone looking for signs of life until he finally finds somebody else out there at long last.

The song itself is very intense, with whatever chord they played it in fitting so well with the longing and desire such a lonely astronaut would likely feel. And for the most part, it stays true to describing an astronaut left out in space, with only the opening to the chorus signaling the presence of a metaphor with "tonight I'm feeling like an astronaut" after having spent the rest of the song describing what feeling like an astronaut would actually be like. All-in-all, that subtle use of a metaphor makes for a very unique, powerful track.

Personally, watching this video it definitely tugs at my heartstrings something fierce to see someone so lonely. Maybe it's just because I know the feeling, but regardless of why, the way it was filmed to show all that raw emotion was absolutely brilliant and not only sticks with the story but gives it a very definite life.

The song also happens to be ridiculously catchy, which maybe explains why it's been on loop for me for about a week now.

Predictable

So naturally, the day after I give up on finding a music video to spotlight is when I finally remember one of my favorites that I had intended to mention a while back.

Song: Predictable
Artist: Good Charlotte

Before posting this, I searched through this site about a dozen times in utter disbelief that I hadn't already talked about this one. But the results came back that surprisingly I had indeed forgotten about it, so I'm going to make up for that lack.

The video is set in two contrasting scenes. The first, during the verses, is one of singer Joel Madden walking down the street of a seemingly perfect neighborhood, looking entirely out of place. The farther he goes, he starts to pass by vignettes of his band-mates where there's clearly something a little off, such as a lemonade stand that sells "Forgotten Dreams" and "Lost Hopes." Everyone he passes looks at him like he's the one who's odd, and that uncomfortable feeling properly sets the tone for the rest of the video as well as the song.

The second scenery, during the each chorus, is of the entire band performing in a kind of "Dr. Suess-meets-Tim Burton" storybook-esque room, where shadows are abundant and proportions are wacked. Actually, the conceptual art for the video (and the actual art from the intro) was created by guitarist Billy Martin, who drew his inspiration from Tim Burton's works.

In the song itself, there's a string part during the verses that helps to set everything on edge, and the guitar on top of that is borderline mysterious/creepy. Those parts are instrumentally more prominent thanks to the great minimalistic backdrop the drums and bass provide. And of course, Madden's vocals give this track the vibe of an angst-y punk rock-type ballad, complete with a couple of all-out rants even.

Apparently, it was written about Joel and Benji's father, and how he had left them when they were growing up, although it does easily double as describing a typical relationship saga.

Propane Nightmares

Stretching the definition of "alternative," today's suggestion comes from the genre of "drum and bass," with a little bit of a rock vibe to it.

Song: Propane Nightmares
Artist: Pendulum

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPbeEtjo70g

The video is thematically based around a religious cult that apparently closely resembles Heaven's Gate (an American UFO religion). While the band performs at the front of the shack where the cult is meeting, two individuals are more spotlighted than others, and they wind up escaping from the shack during the cult suicide. This begs the question, "Why would you book a band for a mass suicide?"

But although the video is odd to say the least, the song itself is ridiculously catchy. I've never really listened to much electronic rock, but to start I feel this was a great sampling. Complete with a grooving instrument backing, the vocals complement the track as even they've been autotuned to the point of sounding synthesized. However, this is far cry from standard dubstep or techno. There's also a very poignant melody to go with the beat-heavy rhythm.

This Is War

Seeing as I am fond of music videos that play out more like short films, what better band to watch videos from than one whose lead singer also doubles as an actor?

Song: This Is War
Artist: 30 Seconds to Mars

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcps2fJKuAI&feature=related

It's honestly been a while since I have been seriously moved by a music video, and I literally cannot make it through this one without getting chills. I've seen many music videos where the backdrop of war is utilized, so when I say that this is probably the most moving use of such a theme, I kind of have a base I'm coming from.

The filming techniques they used in this video are astounding, and they really add to the overall ambiance of it. There's nothing in particular I want to call out, but you'll hopefully see what I'm talking about if/when you take this suggestion seriously. Also, the addition of real-life footage, such as mini-clips involving JFK and George W. Bush, provide a cultural reference for the meaning of the video, as well as that of the song itself.

Speaking of the actual song, I haven't heard enough of 30 Seconds to Mars' music to formulate an educated opinion on their sound, but I can say that for at least this song Jared Leto's voice is absolutely perfect. Going along with that, the instrumentation behind him also aids in the climax of the pre-chorus into the chorus, which comes off as powerful to say the least.

Although the second half of the video or so strays away from reality, the message it contains still pertains to real life, past and present. Personally, I can't listen to the song itself now without drawing from it the meaning that was derived from this video as it is so compelling.

One

I've never really known Metallica for their music videos, but this one is too extraordinary to pass up.

Song: One

Artist: Metallica

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WM8bTdBs-cw&feature=relmfu

For this music video to make sense, you have to know the back-story of the song itself.

It's based off the 1939 anti-war novel "Johnny Got His Gun" by Dalton Trumbo, which tells the story of Joe Bonham, an American soldier who is wounded World War 1. He lost his arms, legs as well as his ability to hear, speak or smell, but he remains conscious and able to think, so he relives his life through memroies, unable to distinguish whether he is awake or dreaming. Trapped inside his own mind, he finds a unique way to communicate with his doctors that if they're not going to just let him die, he wants to travel around the country as a sort of "freak show" to display the true horrors of war.

What makes the video so powerful is that it combines shots of the band performing with clips from the movie based off of that novel. The balance it creates is pretty chilling, and it makes it that much easier to see the haunting connection between the two.

As for the song itself, it's often hailed as one of Metallica's greatest, which given their impressive discography means a lot. Between the poignant verses, driving choruses and one heck of a transition about 60% of the way through the song, "One" is an amazing blend of Metallica's many styles, and stands as testament to their stunning musicality.

November Rain

Even though where I hail from, we have a forecast of snow, not rain, in the near future, I felt that this video would be appropriate to suggest this month for obvious reasons.

Song: November Rain
Artist: Guns N' Roses

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbUC-UaAxE&ob=av2e

All too often, it seems like people only know Guns N' Roses for "Sweet Child o' Mine" and "Welcome to the Jungle". However, this song is a gem that cannot be overlooked. Clocking in just shy of 9 minutes, this track is the power-ballad of rock. Complete with three guitar solos and one of Axl Rose's best vocal performances, this is not a song for any real fan of rock to say they've never heard.

The video itself is also very emotional, and adds to the overall experience of "November Rain". I can't say too much about it, except that words would not do its glory justice. Sure, it's somewhat lengthy, but every minute is well worth it, trust me. In fact, near the end, Slash has a rather epic solo on the piano that you simply cannot miss. If all I've said is not incentive enough to watch the video, I honestly don't know what is.

Say You'll Haunt Me

In case you haven't noticed, I'm into music videos that are about more than just the band performing their song. Not to say that I don't like music videos where they just perform, I just prefer it when there's more material there.

Song: Say You'll Haunt Me
Artist: Stone Sour

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEn-nTkbEM0&feature=related

I find it a little hard to believe that I haven't mentioned these guys on here yet. Stone Sour has matured into one of the more prominent modern rock bands, and for good reason. Although the singer, Corey Taylor, doubles as the singer for Slipknot, his voice is purely amazing in Stone Sour's music. It's sensitive, yet sometimes very powerful, an awesome combination that compliments the outstanding rhythmical backups.

As for the song mentioned here, it's a perfect example of what Taylor can do, and why he's as famous as he is. In this typical rock-type track, the chorus is extremely catchy, and the lyrics are romantic at their base, springing off from that in a totally unique direction.

The video is confusing to say the least. It's neat to watch, but hard to follow. A lot of computer imaging technology was utilized, on top of the raw footage. I can't really explain what it's about, but I can say that it's a really cool video that does have an interesting plot (even though I'm not quite sure exactly what it is). Also, for having such a strong voice, it's pretty amusing to see just how short Corey Taylor actually is.

Waking the Demon

Happy Halloween! In honor of the creepiest night of the year, I give to you a somewhat macabre music video that seems appropriate for such a day of frights.

Song: Waking the Demon
Artist: Bullet for My Valentine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2I0ulTZWXA

The plot of the video is pretty obvious right from the start, where this borderline "scene" kid is getting repeatedly beat up and bullied by a bunch of jocks. However, what's unknown to the viewer is why he doesn't fight back, and instead simply crosses days off on a calendar. Short of spoiling anything for you, I will say that he's counting down to a specific day (actually, it's not Halloween) and all is resolved on said day.

The song behind this video definitively falls into the hard rock category, even slipping a bit into metalcore at times. It's a powerful song, with shredded chords and thrashing drums that backup the absolutely insane vocals. To anyone who previously knows this song off of Bullet for My Valentine's album Scream Aim Fire, the verses in this version of the song are not screamed/growled. They're pretty clean, all things considered.

As with the other videos I've suggested prior, this one has more of a plot than most of the others out there. That being said, there are also some nifty shots of the band tearin' it up in the middle of the woods. At night. In the fog/mist. Because that's not terribly clichéd or anything, right?

The Ghost Of You

On this rainy Tuesday afternoon, I've had the pleasure of watching many a music video to kill time, and I decided I'd share this one with you.

Song: The Ghost Of You
Artist: My Chemical Romance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCUpvTMis-Y&feature=related

Now I know some of you might hesitate to give this one a try because of the notion that My Chemical Romance is "emo", but hear me out.

This is a beautiful, alternative song that captures so much emotion and intensity that it seems like a video just had to be made for it. Starting out slow, it builds up to a final climax preceded by a passionate instrumental section that, if nothing else, will get your heart racing.

As for the video itself, like the others I've suggested prior, it's almost like a little movie. Those of you who have seen Saving Private Ryan will pick up on the noticeable similarities in some of the scenes. Matching the levels of the track it's based upon, this video is very climactic, and also a little sad.

Since one of the founding principles of punk is wanting to be accepted as being different, I see no reason why you should skim over this suggestion just because you've developed a preexisting bias towards this particular group. Not that I'm saying that you will, or were thinking of doing so, but honestly, set all that aside and just listen to the music. You won't regret it.

Image of the Invisible

Today we'll be revisiting a band previously mentioned on here, but this time, it's a music video in the spotlight instead of an entire album (or two, as the case may be).

Song: Image of the Invisible
Artist: Thrice

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbAjxltPmuI&ob=av2e

The way I like to refer to this video is as a mini-movie. Meaning, there's more of a story/plot to it than a generic performance video. I also like to refer to it as "perfect", because all the parts of the song fit in flawlessly with the scenes being played out. Once you watch it, you'll see/hear what I mean.

The song itself is definitely one from the alternative genre, but some punk/rock influences subtlety shine through. Most of it is in a "call-and-answer" kind of antiphony, making it one to get stuck in your head for days to come.

On a side note, it's actually about invisible children (although it can mean a variety of things depending on your background and standpoint). No, not superheroes.
Here's a site for you to read more if you'd like;
http://www.invisiblechildren.com/
But the video doesn't really have a whole lot to do with that it seems, unless I'm missing something.

Seize The Day

This one is a music video, and one of my favorites to be exact.

Song: Seize The Day
Artist: Avenged Sevenfold

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUkoL9RE72o

Seize The Day is far from the typical music video. It's like an epic mini-movie, essentially telling the story of a man who made a terrible mistake and in turn has his whole life uprooted. The song itself is a ballad-like rock track that's somewhat heavy, but not too much so that it overwhelms the emotion conveyed throughout.

Overall, this is an amazing video that really does make you think about the choices you make. The song is beautiful, and inspires you to seize the day, so you'll never die regretting the time you lost.