Sad Post

Hey,
Here We Go. :(

My sad news comes from patrickstump.com. No, he's not dead. No, Brendon Urie didn't attack him (they toured together). No, Fall Out Boy hasn't magically gotten back together (Would that be sad news? Happy?)

Rather, Patrick has announced that he is taking a break from music. Apparently, critics and supposed-fans have absolutely detested his music. That makes me sad. He was a saving grace in this collapsing music industry. Through his efforts in Fall Out Boy, in the song-writing he did for various artists, and his solo career, Patrick made valiant strides to revolutionize the definition of what can make it on the Top-40 radio stations and what real music sounds like. He mentions in the blog post that Soul Punk (his full-length album) was 90% metaphors. Ask a mainstream artist (I'm thinking someone like Ke$ha) what a metaphor is and they'll probably just stare blankly back at you. The only metaphors they know are slang terms for genitalia. Sorry, but it's the truth.

I discovered Patrick's music through the P!ATD concert fiasco and realized he really was a serious musician. I feel bad for the guy. He said in the blog post that fans had mostly negative things to say about his music and his weight-loss. Fine, attack his music, we are all entitled to our opinions, but leave the weight out of it. You can't walk up to a fat person and be like "I liked you better skinny." That's considered harassment. So, you shouldn't be able to walk up to a once-heavy person and say "I liked you better fat." That's mean and unnecessary. Just because you bought concert tickets does not entitle you to the right to attack Patrick or any other artist. It's rude and I am thoroughly disgusted with whoever did that. You should be ashamed of yourself. I don't care how much of a Fall Out Boy fan you are/were; it doesn't matter. You don't get to parade and tell people (namely Patrick) that his old group was better.  You weren't involved in the band so back off. Remember the golden rule: treat others how you want to be treated. Is that how you would want Patrick to talk to you?

I wish Patrick would reconsider but I will respect his decision. Hopefully, he will change his mind, record again, and come back to Iowa....preferably sans Panic!.
Wishing you the best, Patrick! I loved your music and hope the future has fantastic things in store for you!

Until next week,
Bella

Happy Post

Hey,
I have a surprise, y'all...for the second week in a row you are getting 2 posts!


Top 5 Songs of the Week:
5. Your Ghost by Greg Laswell. I love this song. It was created following, what is arguably, the best recipe for beautiful music. Here it is: 1/2 cup Cover-That's-Better-Than-The-Original-Song (the song was originally recorded by Kristin Hersh back in 1994); 1/4 cup deep baritone, four tablespoons simple percussion; one teaspoon gentle piano; equal parts powerful guitar and strings; one cup perfect guitar accompaniment. Yum.

4. Holdin' on Together by Phoenix. These guys are French. They write nonsense lyrics. I have no idea what they are saying 99% of the time. . They are what I like to call "Genre Bouncers." I have a feeling you know what I'm saying; they rarely/never stay in one genre, electing to be alt/pop/dance/house/indie/mainstream all at the same time. It truly works.

3. Acoustic Kingdom Underground EP by Matt Duke. No, this is not an individual song, but an entire EP. This was released back in 2009, but I think it's still relevant. And you can't tell me differently, because this is my blog. ;) Just kidding. Anyways, this is EP is filled with 6 tracks from his first album that he re-recorded with just his voice, a guitar, and a few other strings here and there. It's beautiful. Some of his "skippable" tracks are made into something goose-bump-inducing.

2. Up Up Up by The Givers. I first heard this song at Younkers one night when I was shopping...good place to find music, quite honestly and made sure to remember this song. It's obnoxious, catchy, and cute all at the same time. Kind of like dogs and some people...haha But, really, this song is worth checking out if you like simple drum-lines, alternating female/male vocals, and songs that repeat words.

1. The Longest Road (Deadmau5 Remix Radio Edit) by Morgan Page ft. Lissie. This track came on my 3OH!3 Pandora station and I stood frozen in my bedroom, just mesmerized by the vocals. Turns out, Lissie is quite the talented lady and has been big for a while. Things I like: the minor key, the thumping bass (just like Dev, I like my bass down low. I'm not serious; I just couldn't resist), and the tinking sound in the back. It reminds me of Ellie Goulding, and lo and behold, Lissie and Ellie toured together.

So, that concludes my weekly playlist. Enjoy and check them out.

Until next week,
Bella