Music Time!

Right, I promised myself that I'd talk about other stuff for at least 3 posts before ploughing into my musical thoughts... And I kept that promise! Now, let's see... where to start...

...Is is just me or do Nickelback not get enough credit? I mean how many of you have actually listened to their new album, Dark Horse? Its dynamics as an album is impressive- Start it off with a few rocking tracks, bring it down for a couple, then bring the riffs right back in through to the end. Their standout track on this album for me is Just To Get High. It's a complete wall of sound, encorporating the typical Nickelback quiet verse/loud chorus vibe... but I'm getting to particular here... BUY THAT ALBUM!!!

I mentioned in a previous post that I may never get to see Breaking Benjamin, due to their singer's fear of flying... Which is quite upsetting, to be honest. Even though I only began listening to them somewhat recently, they grew on me very, very quickly... Plus they formed the majority of the soundtrack to some of the shittest few months ever for me, so they're a special band to me. Get their acoustic version of Diary Of Jane, it's an emotional, melodic gem.

Clutch. My first introduction to them was their song The Mob Goes Wild, which begins with singer Neil Fallon stating: "Please allow me to adjust my pants so that I can dance the good-time dance, and put the onlookers and innocent by-standers into a trance". I thought to myself "That's the best intro... EVER!" Check that song out, and I defy you to find a more attention-catching intro! Not to forget that they have an amazing groove goin' on...

Evanescence... Yeah, Amy Lee's hot. No, they don't make lame music that 16 year old girls listen to. It is much more than that. It's some seriously amazing music, you know... It's so melodic, emotional, special to a surprising number of people for countless different reasons. And I've no problem admitting that the full band version of My Immortal is one of the only songs that made me cry.

Ever heard of Flyleaf? I think I'm the first person in the country to discover them, because no one else has ever heard of them! Think Paramore, only more serious and grungy. Their song Perfect really is a "perfect" example of their style... Loud guitars in the choruses, and verses that sound like they've been ripped right out of a Blondie number. Singer Lacey Mosely really is a unique vocalist, being able to sing very sweetly... but also just as comfortable forcing one hell of a scream. Simply amazing.

Let's see... What's the next song on my playlist? Oh, that...
Ever heard of Firewind? Think Dragonforce, only more ACTUAL metal, less bent, more cheesey, and better melody. They're completely underrated! However, their cover of Michael Sembello's Maniac (better known as flashdance) is pure metal-pop-cheese-80's-hair-keyboards-leather-cheese perfection! In fact, the album that song's on, The Premonition, is quite simply amazing! Cheesey, but amazing!

When I mention Canada, what pops into your head? I can guess- South Park, Bryan Adams, Celine Dion, Avril Lavigne. All of which are nothing in comparison to Finger Eleven, the best band that no one knows. These fine Canadians wrote and performed (remember WWF?) Kane's intro music, Slow Chemical. But they're biggest hit so far has to have been Paralyzer, which is so ridiculously catchy, it has been in my head for six months and counting! And the best part? I'm still not sick of it! ...Blame Canada for great music.

Let this be known- I don't care if Katy Perry kissed a girl. I know that she's both Hot and Cold. But that's not what I'm trying to get across here... Her album One Of The Boys is simply brilliant! It's been a long time since I've picked up an album and just listened to it straight through, with out analyzing the bejaysus out of it... until now. This album is just full of fun songs! Who cares if I'd change the sound of the guitars? The songs are good, she looks good, it's all good!
Download the title track!

Ah yes... the whole Kings Of Leon obsession... Now normally I'd go against the idea of obsessing over an album, but I'll make an exception for this one... Only By The Night is easily one of the best sounding albums to come out in the past 10 years... Mr. Caleb Followill's voice on this album is gold, the guitars are quiet but still big, the drums are constantly driving... There isn't one thig on that album I'd change. Don't be like everyone else and download Sex on Fire though... Download Sex on Fire and Be Somebody, and Use Somebody... Look, just get the album, ok?

I'm not gonna even start to describe Mindless Self Indulgence... Just download their song Bitches and you'll understand. They are indescribable in a good way, though!

When you think Opeth, you think metal, odd-time signatures, ridiculous drums and guttoral screams/growls... Not quiet. However, their song Hours of Wealth is an amazing piece of music... very reminiscent of Zepplin circa IV, thanks to the pipes/ strings etc. But when the vocals come in, you could nearly swear it was a recent pop-like ballad! It's truly something you have to hear to understand.

Ok, ok... I know about the recent obsession with The Script. But I found their song Rusty Halo, and when I first heard it, I thought it was a song by The Police that I haven't heard yet... it's got a driving bassline, the drums are tight yet still somehow loose and singer Danny O'Donoghue could easily be Sting's successor. I am quickly becoming a fan... I still believe that they perform better on their more upbeat songs, but their more ballad-esque numbers are almost as impressive and emotive.

Wow, it's 3 in the morning... I think I'll call it a night...