Friday, April 13, 2007

and so it continues...

51. Evaline - I listened to "Calm Touching" on their myspace. They put an impressively original spin on your usual rock/pop stuff. I like it a lot. VERDICT: Thumbs way up!

52. Chin Up Chin Up - Cool indie pop. I heard "This Harness Can't Ride Anything." Quite catchy. VERDICT: Thumbs up!

53. The Transit War - I heard "Radar" and was immediately hooked. I really like it - catchy guitar, cool vocals, it's just high quality. VERDICT: Thumbs way up!

54. Envy on the Coast - I really like this too! I recommend "Temper Temper." For some reason I'm fond of songs that repeat words (like "C'mon" by Go Betty Go). This is great! VERDICT: Thumbs way up!

55. Job For a Cowboy - This is some pretty brutal death metal. In fact, too brutal for me. At least the song "Embedded" is. VERDICT: Thumbs down.

56. Bomb The Music Industry! - I heard "I Don't Love You Anymore" and it lives up to their self-proclaimed genre label of ska/happy hardcore/punk. It's quite catchy, with trumpet and piano and it's super good! VERDICT: Thumbs way up!

57. Forward Russia! - Listened to "Don't Be a Doctor," it was pretty sweet atmospheric indie for the first third, then transformed into something... else. Whatever you'd call it, it was good. VERDICT: Thumbs up!

58. Page France - Wow, I listened to "Bush," and it satisfied my current indie/folk craving with something a little different. I love it! VERDICT: Thumbs way up!

59. Fallen From The Sky - The music wouldn't load, will try again later.

60. New Year's Day - They don't have a myspace! Their site though is http://www.newyearsdayrocks.com/ . I heard "I Was Right" and I really like it. Reminiscent of Paramore but mainly in the whole female-lead-vocalist sense. VERDICT: Thumbs way up!

Saturday, March 24, 2007

More of the same...

Continuing AP's 100 bands list...

34. Teddybears - I've heard of this band, and I believe Jeff has a song by them. I recall it being cool. And I know they did a remix on the Snakes on a Plane soundtrack that rocked. In fact, I'm sure Jeff has "Punkrocker" which features Iggy Pop. It's a good song. I also listened to "Different Sound" and it was really catchy and cool. VERDICT: Thumbs up!!

35. Death Ships - As usual, I found them on Myspace and just let whatever decided to play go. I heard "Thelma Lou" and it was a cool acoustic song, very indie folk, which is what I'm really loving right now. Therefore, it is awesome. VERDICT: Thumbs way up!!!

36. The Chalets - I heard "No Style" and it was a super catchy indie pop gem. I highly recommend a listen or two. Also, I listened to "Lovepunch" and I know that I've heard it before... the chorus ("I know you love me but you're fucking crazy") is hard to forget. VERDICT: Thumbs way up!!!

37. Olympia - A word of warning: the correct band is the second listed if you search on Myspace. Anyway, I listened to "Bastogne." It was a pretty good song, but if I'm going to be honest it was not a very original sound. I've heard a lot of bands that sound almost exactly like this. VERDICT: One thumb up, one down.

38. Klaxons - Another band I've already heard of! I feel so ahead of the curve! They're quite interesting, and unique. They describe themselves as psychedelic prog pop, and I would go along with that. I really like the song "Gravity's Rainbow." I listened to "Two Receivers" on their Myspace (they're featured today) and I like it. VERDICT: Thumbs up!

39. The Dear Hunter - I have the song "City Escape" and I really really like it. They're different, electronic stuff. AP says they're like Say Anything, and I don't know how much I agree but as in the awesomeness factor, it's true. I also heard "Black Sandy Beaches" and it was cool too. VERDICT: Thumbs way up!!!

40. Have Heart - I listened to "Armed with a Mind" and all I can say is, why God why are there so many hardcore bands? VERDICT: Thumbs down.

41. The Knife - My friend Zach is into The Knife and therefore I've heard them before. Also, they are said to sound like Royksopp, who I've recently gotten into. So I listened to "Marble House" and it was absolutely awesome. VERDICT: Thumbs way up!!

42. The Human Abstract - What? A band like A7X AND DragonForce? Can this be possible? To find out, I listened to "Mea Culpa." They sound more like A7X to me, but nonetheless they rock. Also they're apparently on Warped Tour this year?! VERDICT: Thumbs up!

43. The Showdown - I listened to "Temptation Come My Way" and I can only say: oh no! Not another Metallica! But I have to admit this band is better. VERDICT: Thumbs somewhat down.

44. Nothington - I heard "Going Home," and it is kind of punk/grunge stuff, and I suppose it's good for that particular genre, which I am not all that fond of. VERDICT: One thumb up, one down.

45. My Latest Novel - Someone, probably Zach, told me about this band but I hadn't heard them before. So I listened to "Pretty in a Panic" and it was pretty much amazing. I do see similarities to Arcade Fire, and very slightly to Sigur Ros. VERDICT: Thumbs way up!!!

46. Behold... the Arctopus - I listened to "PAINcave" and it was some brutal, crazy metal. And I kind of like it. VERDICT: Thumbs sort of up.

47. Boys Like Girls - I listened to/watched the video for "Hero/Heroine" and I like it. It's catchy pop/emo/rock stuff, but it's a little different than everything else... more rock inspired I think. VERDICT: Thumbs quite a bit up!!!

48. Mayday Parade - I was looking this up and thinking 'oh boy another Panic!/FOB sound alike, but this band was a pleasant surprise. "When I Get You Home..." is a pretty catchy, cool song. I also liked "Your Song." VERDICT: Thumbs up!

49. Pistolita - Ooh, I like piano rock! Imagine MCR with a piano and a little less dark. It's good stuff, check out "Beni Accident." VERDICT: Thumbs way up!

50. Drop Dead, Gorgeous - Their somewhat clever name doesn't make up for my anti-hardcore sentiments. But you don't have to take my word for it, you can see them on Warped Tour this summer. VERDICT: Thumbs down.

HEY! I'm halfway through! Come back later for more.

Thursday, March 8, 2007

AP's 100 Bands... post 2.

13. Fucked Up - The label, Jade Tree, has a poor quality video up for downloading of the song "Baiting the Public Knitting Factory." It's hardcore punk, and I don't like it. VERDICT: Thumbs down.

14. Whitey - You can find a video for "Non Stop" at the Dim Mak site. It's pretty cool, and I'm almost certain I've heard it on XM before. I like it! Good indie electronica. VERDICT: Thumbs up!

15. Ludo - Their site, ludorock.com, has lots of media to check out. "Hum Along" is catchy, they sound kind of like Motion City Soundtrack and Sugarcult, like AP says. I like it. VERDICT: Thumbs way up!

16. Busdriver - There's a promo vid on the Epitaph site, and it's so awesome! Great indie/rap/hip-hop stuff. And I am not the biggest fan of rap. But I like it a lot! VERDICT: Thumbs way up!!!

17. Car Bomb - I listened to "His Eyes" on Relapse, which is the same label as Agoraphobic Nosebleed, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and Pig Destroyer. It's kind of crazy, and I like it! VERDICT: Thumbs up!

18. This Moment In Black History - To hear them, go to www.myspace.com/thismomentinblackhistory. I'm not really sure how to describe it... You just need to go listen. VERDICT: One thumb up, one down.

19. Blackpool Lights - I also found this band on Myspace (www.myspace.com/blackpoollights). I heard "Empty Tank," and it was quite cool. I'd call it pop rock. VERDICT: Thumbs up!

20. The Forecast - I have heard this band before, and I like them. I thought I had a song or two, but I was mistaken. Anyway, it's good. VERDICT: Thumbs up!

21. The Drones - It's closest to punk, I'd say... although self-described as psychobilly. I heard "Lady in Red" on their Myspace (www.myspace.com/thedrones). Not my favorite. VERDICT: Thumbs down.

22. 8MM - AP says they sound like Massive Attack... and I dig some Massive Attack. www.myspace.com/8mm has some tracks. I listened to "Liar," and it did not disappoint. VERDICT: Thumbs way up!

23. Holy Roman Empire - Their site is www.myspace.com/holyromanempire. I heard "The Ace" and it is pretty much awesome. Described as indie rock, this band is very promising. VERDICT: Thumbs way up!

24. Cancer Bats - They weren't on the artist list for Abacus, so I feel lied to. I found them at www.myspace.com/cancerbats, and heard "French Immersion." It's some pretty metal stuff. I approve. VERDICT: Thumbs up!

25. Midnight Movies - New Line Records has the song "Patient Eye" up. It's pretty cool, I'm not sure how to classify it - indie rock? Anyway, fairly good. VERDICT: Thumbs up.

26. Heavy Heavy Low Low - On www.myspace.com/heavyheavylowlow you will hear some interesting thrash metal. I listened to "Tell Shannon," and I'm not all that into thrash, sorry. Verdict: Thumbs down.

27. The Confession - I decided at this point to stop going to the label sites that are listed and just use Myspace. So unless otherwise noted, you can search for all these bands on Myspace. Anyway, about this band: they do sound like A7X, and I dig that kind of metal. VERDICT: Thumbs way up!

28. Professor Murder - They describe themselves as 'happy hardcore' which is highly amusing. They're interesting... I think I like it? VERDICT: One thumb up, one wavering.

29. Cold War Kids - Ooh, I have "Hang Me Up to Dry" already, I'm pretty sure I heard it on XM and it is quite amazing. They have a pretty original sound. VERDICT: Thumbs way up!

30. The Kooks - "You Don't Love Me" starts out really dancy and catchy, and stays that way. I really like it! VERDICT: Thumbs way up!

31. The Photo Atlas - Anything compared to ATDI deserves some attention. So I listened to "Handshake Heart Attack" and while it does resemble ATDI a little, it's a little more dancy. I like it! VERDICT: Thumbs way up!

32. Circa Survive - Yes, AP, I know Circa Survive. We are on pretty great terms. VERDICT: Thumbs way up!

33. Totimoshi - I heard "Viva Zapata" and it sounds pretty cool. VERDICT: Thumbs up!

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Join Me on a Magical Journey...

I'm checking out AP's 100 Bands You Need to Know in 2007! This will probably take up a few posts. Remember, these are just preliminary judgments, I won't have heard more than a couple songs by each band.

1. The Mint Chicks - The label's website had a link for a Youtube vid for their song "Welcome to Nowhere." The sound quality was terrible, but it seemed pretty catchy. However, I wasn't all that impressed. The sample for "Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No!" on Purevolume sounded pretty good. They sound like catchy britpop (except they're from New Zealand). Similar to The Killers, The Pink Spiders, and slightly reminiscent of Arctic Monkeys (but probably not as good). VERDICT: One thumb up, one down.

2. Locksley - The band's site, bandoflocksley.com, has some good quality music videos. Apparently their song "Why Not Me" is the theme to some stupid-ass MTV show (did I mention I loathe MTV?). Nevertheless, it's a great, catchy song. I agree with AP, it does remind me of Hot Hot Heat. VERDICT: Thumbs way up!!!

3. Shook Ones - The label site has the song "Pheasant" up, but it wouldn't load. Also, I couldn't find them on Purevolume, though their search feature is godawful. VERDICT: Shrug of shoulders.

4. All Time Low - I've actually heard of this band! I have the song "Break Out! Break Out!" and I am quite fond of it. Catchy pop-punk, sounds like Cartel, etc. VERDICT: Thumbs up!

5. Silversun Pickups - XM has been playing the song "Lazy Eye" obsessively on quite a few stations, so I've heard it a few times. And it is amazing. Great indie stuff! VERDICT: Thumbs way up!!

6. Annuals - Had to go to PV for this one. The song "Brother" is pretty cool, reminds me a little of ...And You Will Know Us... Actually all the songs on there are cool. AP said they're similar to Arcade Fire, I wonder if that's because they too have a whole bunch of members... VERDICT: Thumbs way up!

7. Ad Astra Per Aspera - Listened to "A Fish Would Much Rather Swim" on their label's site, Sonic Unyon. Good stuff! Any band touted to be similar to the Blood Brothers deserves a big high five. Sounds a little like Cursive on The Ugly Organ, too. VERDICT: Thumbs way up!!

8. The Almost - I'm not a huge fan of Underoath, but nevertheless I like them, and was excited to hear Aaron Gillespie's side project. And I am not at all disappointed. Listen to "Say This Sooner" on PV. VERDICT: Thumbs way up!

9. Maylene and the Sons of Disaster - I've got the song "Tough as John Jacobs," and it's a pretty cool song. They're kind of southern rock mixed with a little hardcore and a bit of general metal. As the VP of W&M's metal club, I approve. VERDICT: Thumbs up!

10. Wax On Radio - I was really excited to check out this band because AP said they sounded like Radiohead, Muse, and Arcade Fire. The Downtown Records site had "Today I Become a Realist" up. And I do hear a little of those in there. VERDICT: Thumbs way up!

11. Quietdrive - I love Quietdrive already! I have "Rise From the Ashes," it's really catchy and amazing. Though I have no clue how I got it. My best guess is that it was on an iTunes Back to School Sampler. VERDICT: Thumbs way up!!!

12. As Tall As Lions - They're on the same label that Brand New started out on... and also The Receiving End of Sirens. Doesn't that tell you enough? Right, I also listened to Ghost of York and I am quite impressed. VERDICT: Thumbs way up!!!

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

What I'm into right now.

Well, I just managed to load all my purchased song onto my computer from my iPod, so I now have a lot of tasty new old songs! Here's some stuff I'm really liking right now.

...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead - Worlds Apart
I had forgotten I even owned this album, and in fact I'm not even sure if I ever listened to it. It was one of those things I acquired from my brother, that I never really got into at the time. I haven't really listened to this all together, but nevertheless it's an outstanding album. Notable songs include "Will You Smile Again For Me," "A Classic Art Showcase," "The Rest Will Follow," and "The Summer of '91." Oh, hell, the whole damn album is great. I'm not really sure how to describe this band... you're just going to have to listen to it.

AFI - Decemberunderground
I was given this by my ex who was obsessed with AFI. Until recently it has gone by severely underappreciated by me. But this is an amazing work or art by a band I've always counted on to have poetic lyrics and great music. This is no disappointment, in fact it's the best I've heard from them. Especially check out "The Interview," "Love Like Winter," "The Missing Frame," and "37 MM."

Brand New - The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me
If there was ever a perfect album, this may well be it. The lyrics are out of this world, and though the songs are mostly the depressing, emotional stuff you'd expect for Brand New, I can still listen to this any time in any mood and I will be in awe. Faves: "Jesus," "Limousine (MS Rebridge)," and "The Archers Bows have Broken."

Breaking Benjamin - Phobia
I like Breaking Benjamin. This newest is not particularly different than the other albums, but it's still quite good. Listen to "Evil Angel" and "Topless."

Coldplay - Parachutes
I must admit, I just got this off a friend. My other friend who is a huge Coldplay fan kept telling me how their early stuff was their best, and I finally figured out he was right. Best tracks: "Shiver," "Sparks," and "Trouble."

Cursive - The Ugly Organ
The best band with a cellist I've ever heard. Enough said. Check out "Some Red Handed Sleight of Hand," "Art is Hard," and "Driftwood: A Fairy Tale."

Fall Out Boy - Infinity on High
Okay, so I've only heard a few songs from this, but it's extremely promising. "Hum Hallelujah" and "Thriller" might just give you an idea of what I mean.

Iron & Wine - The Creek Drank The Cradle
Iron & Wine is AMAZING. I never thought I would listen to something you could probably call folk, but there you go. Best tracks: "Lion's Mane," "Bird Stealing Bread," "Upward Over the Mountain," and "Weary Memory."

Regina Spektor - Begin To Hope
My boyfriend introduced me to Regina Spektor, and now I am absolutely in love with her music. She's a Russian singer-songwriter who plays piano, and her songs are extremely personal. All I can say is WOW. My faves are "Better," "Samson," "Fidelity," and "Apres Moi." I also have Eleven Eleven but haven't listened to all of it, and Soviet Kitsch wouldn't work on my comp unfortunately.

Say Anything - ...Is a Real Boy
Just... wow. So sarcastic and just... awesome. You have to kind of get used to Max Bemis' voice, but once you do, you can't stop listening. I play the entire CD on repeat.

And a band in general: Our Lady Peace. I've loved Gravity for a while, and I recently got Spiritual Machines, Happiness Is Not a Fish You Can Catch, and Clumsy from my friend. And it is fantastic.

Tuesday, December 5, 2006

lovesick songs for lovesick fools

Alright, I must admit that my love life is not entirely satisfactory at the moment. To be specific, I really like someone and am waiting for him to make a move and/or for my courage to reboot so I can. And there are several songs that explain it so well!

First off, a classic '90s track: "Wonderwall" by Oasis. The simple guitar combines with the strings to create a haunting, melodic, sweet song. The lyrics are perfect: "I don't believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now... there are many things that I would like to say to you, but I don't know how."

Next, "Will You Please Be There For Me" by Reindeer Section. I just discovered this band, thanks to hype machine. They have a similar sound to Snow Patrol. This song is really short but very heartfelt. It's acoustic, but it's the lyrics that hit straight at the heart:
"If I gave you my heart
would you give yours to me?
If I made a proper start
would you take me seriously?
If I wait for the right moment
would you say yes to me?
If all my friends desert me
would you be there for me?
Would you please be there for me?"

Until I figure these out, these songs can be found by searching Hype Machine.

I saw a sign, and it opened up my eyes.

Basically, I want to make a blog about music because I absolutely love music.
I got the idea from all the blogs I frequent from Hype Machine, but unfortunately right now I don't actually know how to link music. If you do and you're reading this, let me know.