Track of the Week: "This is Gospel" by Panic! At the Disco

Hey,
So, like I said last week, Panic! has been releasing some new music, leading up to their new album dropping in October. The second single they released was "This is Gospel." I am totally loving this song because it is a big leap from their old material, but yet, at the same time, the lyrics are very Vices and Virtues, so they are not completely rewriting themselves. It's a smart move, evolving while recognizing the past.
The song starts out slow and minimal with Brendon's vocals filtered through a vocoder and a heartbeat like beat in the background. Then, all the other instruments come in. The guitar lines give it a nice body while the drumming keeps the song moving and flowing. As the song ends, it returns to the minimal set-up , which gives the song a nice rounded feeling. The lyrics are up for debate as I have heard rumors that they are about Brendon’s misgivings with the Mormon church and that they might be able Jon and Ryan leaving the band. They’re ambiguous enough that we’ll never know and perhaps that is the way Brendon intended it to be. Secrecy is a powerful tool and his lyrics masterfully wield it.

If this song is a sign of  what we might be hearing on the new album, I’m excited! It’s nice to see them trying new things without leaving all their previous material completely behind. This should be a good album and I cannot wait to review it.

Until next week,

Bella

Another Edition of "What is Bella Listening To"

Hey,
I'm actually posting on my promised day. Can you believe it? Me either.
So, this week, I have compiled five songs that I have discovered and are so good, I simply have to share them with you. :) It's been a while since I've done something like this, so this should be fun. :)


5. "Wake Up" by AWOLNATION- Yes, this is the man behind "Sail." This track gives "Sail" a run for its money. It's certainly less emotional, but holy crap, not by much. From what I can deduce, the song is about him encouraging people to wake up from a zombie-like sleep and live life, leaving behind the negativity and "haters." Coupled with the steady percussion, simple yet effective chord progression in the chorus, and the background vocals, this song is at the top of my running playlist. Worth checking out.

4. "Colour Fade" by Funeral Suits- This track is technically 2 years old, but I am so obsessed with it, I simply had to include it. This is one of my favorite finds on this list. I love the twinkling guitars, the layered vocals (especially with the falsetto around the 2:00 mark), and the line "I'm a machine/That sends the colour to your head." If you're into complex melodies and slight distortion, this may be the track for you. :)

3. "Carry Me Home" by The Dig- This track leads in with minimalistic piano, gradually adding in the percussion, the guitars, and finally the vocals. The vocalist sounds like a mix of Nate Reuss and the lead singer of the Neighbourhood, resulting in a finely-tuned croon with a rock edge. The lyrics from what I can tell, are not meant to be taken literally; people are not really going to carry him home. Instead, I think he is talking to his girlfriend/significant other who has died and he is trying to get killed one way or another so they can be together once more. Or, they could just be emotionally separated, but based on the line about a river carrying him home, I think he means he wants to die to be reunited with his special person.

2. "Head is Not My Home" by MS MR- Fresh off  of MS MR's debut album, this song is a true standout. The shocking changes in tempo and the move from piano to fortissimo adds to the emotional complexity of this track. The song is about how they feel that their head is not really their own, overrun with thoughts and other people. The chorus, boasting lusty lyrics such as  "my mouth/your lips/your hands/my hips," suggests that their frustrations can be solved by carnal measures. The bold statement is memorable and full of pitiable complexity. Fantastic.

1. "Global Concepts" by Robert Delong- I found this song a few months ago, wrote the name down, lost the paper, and then heard the song on AltNation the other day. Thank goodness. :) This song takes the number one spot, as Robert expertly combines alt-rock with electronica beats, resulting in this strangely addictive song. Instrumentally, Robert is a genius, from what I've read online. He uses computer programs, drum kits, and even video game controllers to make his sounds and he does it all by himself. He truly is a one man band and his music is fantastic, seriously. Instrumental elements aside, his lyrics are simply killer. This song is about how when he dies, he'll be able to assess his life and while he knows that he's made mistakes, he hopes that above all he made people dance with his music, which is the one thing that unites us all, his "global concept." Gorgeous.

Alright, that's it for this week. Be sure to check out those track and come back next week for another review.

Until then,
Bella

Fall Out Boy Saved Rock and Roll

Hey,

Sorry for not posting last Friday, but I had plans. J Anyways, I was going to post a review of Fall Out Boy’s new album last week, so I’ll do it this week instead. Without further ado, my top 5 favorite songs off FOB”s new album “Save Rock and Roll…”

5. “Death Valley”- I am so freaking obsessed with this song; I hope I can put it into words. I have literally listened to this song like a million times since the album came on. Patrick’s incredible vocal range, the kicking drum section, and the guitar lines all come together to make a remarkably sick, genius song. I saw some negative comments online about the section around 2:50, which some fans have dubbed “FallStep.” I dunno, I think it’s kind of cool. FOB has the right to experiment with new styles if they want. It’s a cool track and I have a feeling this song is going to be so much fun performed live.

4. “Just One Yesterday” ft. Foxes- I am a big fan of this track as it switches from heavy to light back to heavy. It’s not just playing on one level, but rather many. My favorite aspect is the lyrics “Letting people down is my thing baby/ Find yourself a new gig/ This town ain't big enough for two of us/I don't have the right name/ Or the right looks/But I have twice the heart.” Dang.

3. “Young Volcanoes”- The third single off the album, it has a kind of bouncy, Cali, almost Train-like vibe to it. I appreciate that FOB is experimenting with some acoustic guitars, especially in this track. This song is probably the “happiest” song on the album, considering most of the other songs have a slightly darker tone, but I like it. Very cool.

2. “The Phoenix”-This is my second favorite on the album, though it really deserves like 1.75^th place, because it is just as good as The Mighty Fall. I like the darker sound, Patrick’s soaring vocals, the dynamic changes, and the song combines rock, alt, and a little pop into one big, super good track. I love to see artists branch out every now and then.

1. “The Mighty Fall” ft. Big Sean- I love how it starts out with the light percussion and then eventually everything else just comes in. Patrick’s vocals + the distortion give this song a nice, hard edge; it kind of combines their older stuff with his own Soul Punk album. I truly believe that chorus is the best thing on the album. It’s rough, raw, and entirely perfect. It’s almost taunting, which fits with the theme of the song. The only thing I don’t like is Big Sean’s part, as I don’t think he’s up to par with FOB, but I suppose it could have been worse. J Overall, though, it is by far, my favorite song on the album. Love it!

I just wanted to say really quickly that people on the internet have been complaining about how FOB is different, their new music sucks, it’s Patrick’s fault, they’ve changed, and so on and so forth. But, I saw this really good comment on YouTube that completely supports how I feel about FOB and other artists who change their style. “In music, we generally become fans of an artist on the basis of how he or she executes our own favorite style of music. When they deviate, we complain. Rather than trying to reorient our taste to keep up with the artist himself, we stick to the past. It exposes how we are not really lovers of music or artistry, but ourselves. Following an iconoclast, i.e.[Fall Out Boy], is a challenge, but doing so allows us to grow with [them] rather than using [them] to fulfill our stale expectations. Listen regardless.” Thanks to shotinthedark90 for that insightful statement. Think on that next time you or a friend starts to complain about artists changing their style.

Anyways, thanks for reading.

Until next week,

Bella

The Good Mad Review

Hey,

Sorry for not posting last week, but I spent the better half of last weekend digging through moving boxes, trying to put my house back together. Anyways, I’m back with another band review.

This week, I’m highlighting The Good Mad. I found them a few months ago, as their lead singer Allie Gonino plays Laurel on the Lying Game, and in one of the episode, she performs with her band. I was intrigued by their sound features ukuleles, violins, and various instruments.  Overall, the trio’s sound is unique, fusing alternative, pop, and folk music seamlessly.

Some of my favorite tracks are:

Baby’s On the Run which is reminiscent of The Civil Wars, featuring a prominent banjo, gorgeous harmonies, and a straight-up folk vibe. Allie’s violin at 1:42 fits perfectly; it is rich and full-bodied, adding to the song.

Follow Your Heart which leads in straight away with a strong strings section, mellows out, and fires back up again. I like the alternating vocals in this one especially. It has a darker tone which I like as it almost contrasts with the lyrics which are about following your heart. Normally, those types of songs are light, poppy and bouncy. This is heavier and I love their choice.

In the Gray is a slower song that really allows the lyrics to take center stage. “I don’t know why/you chose to evade… you should leave me behind/what if it’s true what they say/it’s better to end a love/then to throw it away.” Absolutely beautiful.

Sail on, which might be my favorite song they’ve put out, starts out like a folk song but evolves stylistically by the first verse or so. I like how comfortable they are with genre bouncing; it’s a very brave move that definitely pays off. Allie’s vocals are particularly stunning on this track and the background vocals provide the perfect complement to her already forceful voice. Additionally, “these days it seems like everyone is bidding on love/but it’s not up for sale” is an absolutely genius line.

In conclusion, The Good Mad have the ability to go far. I really admire their artistry and originality. Their songs are similar without being repetitious and by bringing in different instruments, they ensure that they are not just a folk band or a rock band or anything else.

They are one of my favorite new finds and you should totally check them out!

Website: http://www.thegoodmad.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGoodMad

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thegoodmad

Until next week,

Bella

Throwback To Those Not So Good Days

Hey,

I’ve mentioned before that I had a questionable taste in music when I was younger. I wasn’t being facetious. I listened to some really crappy music. So, the other day, I was thinking about the old stuff that I used to think was amazing and how it is the exact same stuff I’m rallying against now. Then, I thought, why not highlight exactly how terrible my choice in music was. This blog is for music: the good, the bad, and the over-processed. Therefore, tonight, I present my Junior High Playlist.

 Brace yourselves, y’all.

“Midnight Romeo” by Push Play- This song makes me laugh simply because it was the first song that introduced me to sexual innuendo of any kind, like “You’ll be the lock/I’ll be the key”  or “Tonight your dinner’s free/what’s in it for me.”  I didn’t pick up on that stuff at first but then later, I was like, “Whoa, did he just say that?” I suppose, if nothing else this song motivated me to make sure I’m going Dutch on dinner dates. Lyrics aside, I’ll give myself credit; this song does actually feature real instruments, including an obnoxious triangle. And it’s catchy enough that I see why I thought it was the coolest thing ever. Yet, that doesn’t excuse the shallow lyrics and lack of musicianship. Silly Bella.

“Thinking Of You” by Katy Perry – The worst song on this list. She’s try so hard on this song…oh my goodness. She sounds like she’s trying to be Dido, Ke$ha, and Jack Johnson all at the same time and it fails…massively. The whole song is about some sick love triangle between the dude she’s dating and how she’s thinking about another guy. Original. I mean, if the song was well-written or at least featured some elevated diction, I could respect her feelings and the song, but it just sounds so “Taylor Swift in a coffee house” that it falls flat. Not to mention, Katy is straining her voice which gives the song a weird feeling, though I suppose I’d take that over the massive auto-tuning she requires now because all her songs are written in the upper registers where her voice cannot reach. Oh, music industry…

“Ain’t No Other Man” by Christina Aguilera - I used to love her stuff back in junior high as it was about the time I started running hardcore and her music was pretty motivating. She has a good voice, I’ll admit that much. Essentially, though, this song is just about how some dude is like the best thing she’s ever had, making her point with poor grammar and clichés (He’s “bad,” guys! Sexy!) Not the worst on the list, but bad enough. J

 “I Can’t Do it Alone” by 3OH!3- 3OH!3 used to be very popular when I was in junior high, with “Don’t Trust Me” (Who could forget that Helen Keller line?) and “Starstrukk.” Now, they’re not really that popular and it’s understandable considering their newest stuff sounds like Skrillex and Adam Levine’s ugly lovechild. (Translation: their new stuff stinks). However, this older song is kind of techno meets pop, but it works. They’re not really trying to be anything other than loud and truthful, I suppose, but the beats are sick and the lyrics are strikingly beautiful , all things considered.

“I Write Sins Not Tragedies” By Panic! At the Disco- Yes! Good job, younger me. I remember the first time I heard this song when I was in early 8^th grade. I was listening to the radio and they were doing a “Blast From the Past” thing and this came on! I had never heard this song but I couldn’t get Brendon’s memorable voice out of my head nor the very unusual violin section’s rhythmic plucking. I was hooked. Still, to do this day, I love this song. It’s not my favorite out of all their music, but it’s in the top 10 for sure. Between the complementary guitar lines, Spencer’s steady drums, and Brendon’s ridiculously glorious vocals, it’s still gives me goosebumps when I listen to it. J  

 That’s it for this week!

Until next Friday,

Bella

Fall Out Boy is Back And Other Songs I'm In Love With

Hey,

So, last week, I wrapped up the series on lyrics. And this week, we’re back to actual music reviews! I know that other series deviated from my typical format, but it’s an issue I’m, obviously, very passionate about.

Without further ado, another installment of “What is Bella Listening To…”

 

My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark by Fall Out Boy- Who else is super excited about these guys getting back together????!!! I guess you can tell I am. J I seriously fell in love with Patrick Stump when I saw him open for Panic! At the Disco last year and I appreciate Fall Out Boy’s stuff a little differently now; I’ve always kind of liked their stuff, but not I really love it. J Anyways, this song starts out with dark distortion, choir-esque vocalizations, and then the down-and-dirty guitar riffs breakthrough and then, it’s Patrick time to shine. (Pardon the cliché) And that chorus!!! Holy crap. It’s just all like KABOOOMMM! That’s the best way I can explain it. It’s wild, yet controlled and just a beautiful explosion of the awesomeness that is Fall Out Boy.

About to Die by Dirty Projectors- I love the strange, African sounding drumbeats at the beginning, delicate plucking noises, and the way everything just trickles in. Some songs start off strong and others just kind of gradually grow. This song hits its peak around 1:18 or so, right before the chorus. Before and after, this song is fantastic.

All These Girls by Atlas Genius- Atlas Genius is one of my favorite discoveries of 2012. They’re Australian, which is totally awesome (I am such a sucker for accents, especially Australian ones J ). This song, like their other tracks, is a mixture of pop meets rock meets alt; and it is totally brilliant. The changing time signatures, varying rhythms, and undulating vocals make for a sweet find. Check them out. J

Running For Cover by Ivan & Aloysha- I like the kind of swaying beat, stripped instrumentation, and the intricately layered vocals. It has kind of a soundtrack feeling, like something that could play in an episode of White Collar or something. That’s cool, in my book. This song is absolutely gorgeous.

I Wanna Be Free by Panic At the Disco- a big throwback, considering this song came out several years ago as a bonus track off their album Vices and Virtues. Nonetheless, the song is easily one of Panic’s best efforts. I love Brendon’s glorious, soaring vocals, Spencer’s steady drumming that, at times, reminds me of Darren King from MuteMath. Love the swift change that occurs around 2:14-ish. I love how they are unafraid to throw something in there like that and it always works. An oldie, but a goodie. J

 

Well, that’s it for this week. Please comment and go to my Contact tab and send me a message or tweet at me. I love to hear from you all!

Until then,

Bella

 

Lyrics Part 4

Hey,

Welcome to the fourth and final installment of my series on lyrics. In the past weeks, I’ve highlighted the good, the bad, and the ugly, but I want to wrap all this up with a small spotlight on Ed Sheeran. Chances are, you’ve heard his song “A Team” or perhaps “Lego House.” Beyond the fact that he has a deliciously smooth yet raw set of vocals, he writes some of the most creative, deep, honestly, best lyrics. I’m willing to peg him as the best songwriter of our generation. I realize I throw out titles like that all too often, but take a few minutes and listen to his lyrics. They are mind-blowing. In a sense, they remind me of Jason Mraz’s old lyrics before he hopped on the hippie train and stopped pushing himself lyrically. Remember “I’m Yours”? Yes, it was kind of soapy ballad on the surface but there was a little something more to the lyrics, if you took the time to pick them apart. That’s kind of how Ed is, save for the fact that his syntax and diction alone win me over, no unpacking necessary. J

Let’s look at his song “U.N.I”

“I found your hairband on my bedroom floor
The only evidence that you've been here before
And I don't get waves of missing you anymore
They're more like tsunami tides in my eyes
Never getting dry so I get high smoke in the day then I sleep with the light on
Weeks pass in the blink of an eye
And I'm still drunk by the end of the night
I don't drink like everybody else
End up forgetting things about myself
I'm stubborn I'm forward head's just blocked
My head's still with you but my hearts just not

So am I close to you anymore if it's over
And there's no chance that we'll work it out
That's why you and I ended over U-N-I
And I said that's fine but you're the only one that knows I lied
You and I ended over U-N-I
And I said that's fine, but you're the only one that knows I lied

Everybody said that we'll be together forever but I know that
I never wanna settle down come around break up the love like Lego now
Never wanna turn into another like you
Sleep with my thoughts dance with my views
Everything's great but everything's short
But you live in your halls and I live in a tour bus
Now I'm in position to be another stalker
And everything I say seems to always sound awkward
Like our last kiss it was perfect but we were nervous
On the surface
And I'm always saying every day that it was worth it
Pain is only relevant if it still hurts
I forget like an elephant or we can use a sedative
And go back to the day we fell in love on first kiss

So am I close to you anymore if it's over
And there's no chance that we'll work it out
Oh you and I ended over U-N-I
And I said that's fine but you're the only one that knows I lied
You and I ended over U-N-I
And I said that's fine but you're the only one that knows I lied

Because if I was gonna go somewhere I'd be there by now
And maybe I can let myself down oh
And thinking I am unaware I keep my feet on the ground
Keep looking around to make sure I'm not the only one to feel low
Because if you want I'll take you in my arms
And keep you sheltered from all that I've done wrong
And I know you'll say that I'm the only one
But I know that god made another one of me
To love you better than I ever will

'Cause you and I ended over U-N-I
And I said that's fine but you're the only one that knows I lied
You and I ended over U-N-I
And I said that's fine but you're the only one that knows I lied.”

The title alone shows Ed’s forthright creativity. “UNI” is slang for university, hence the song takes place/is centered about a university and “U.N.I” can be read like “You and I.” The reason I chose this song is it’s more than just a relationship song. The two have broken up and he is devastated. Rather than taking the Taylor Swift route and calling someone “mean” or telling them they will “never ever be getting back together,” he simply details how is healing and dealing with the cessation of the relationship. He’s obviously unhappy about it and overcome with emotions as demonstrated with the line “I don’t get waves of missing you anymore/ they’re more like tsunami tides in my eyes,” yet, at the same time, he is trying to block the pain with drinking and the amazing line “pain is only relevant if it hurts,” a sad yet understandable maxim that seems to sum up the song quite nicely.

This city never sleeps
I hear the people walk by when it's late
Sirens bleed through my windowsill
I can't close my eyes
Can't control what I'm into
This tower is alive
The lights that blind keep me awake
With my hood up and lace untied
Sleep fills my mind
Can't control what I'm into

London calls me a stranger
A traveler
This is now my home, my home
I'm burning on the back street
Stuck here sitting in the backseat
I'm blazing on the street
What I do isn't up to you
And if the city never sleeps
Then that makes two

The pavement is my friend
And it will take me where I need to go
I find it trips me up
And puts me down
This is not what I'm used to
The shop across the road
Fulfills my needs and gives me company
When I need it
Voices speak through my walls
I don't think I'm gonna make it
Past tomorrow

London calls me a stranger
A traveler
This is now my home, my home
I'm burning on the back street
Stuck here sitting in the backseat
I'm blazing on the street
What I do isn't up to you
And if the city never sleeps
Then that makes two

And my lungs hurt
And my ears bled
With the sound of the city life
Echoed in my head
Do I need this to keep me alive?
The traffic stops and starts
But I need to move along

London calls me a stranger
This is not my home, home
I'm burning on the back street
Stuck here sitting in the backseat
I'm blazing on the street
What I do isn't up to you
And if the city never sleeps
Then that makes two”

The other song I would like to feature is “The City,” a heartfelt masterpiece. Instrumentally, this song leads in with a strong guitar riff, but that’s not really what I want to focus on. J I love how he personifies the city, and then proceeds to identify with it (if the city never sleeps/then that makes two), even though he and London seem to be at odds (London calls me a stranger). The song is about when he went to London as a teen to pursue music, but instead of just laying it flat out there, you have to deduce a little. J One of my favorite lines is “Sirens bleed through my windowsill.” It’s just so creative. It sounds so different, so remarkable, you kind of have to stop and let it seep in. You’re not just hearing sirens from outside your window; they’re bleeding in, which serves as a bold image, like the rest of the lyrics.

That’s it for this week. Next time, it’ll be back to reviewing for a bit and if anyone else enjoyed it, I may do something like this in the future.

Have any comments, questions, or thoughts be sure to comment, e-mail, or tweet at me because I love to talk to y’all and any feedback is appreciated. I know someone out there is reading this and I would love to connect somehow. J

Until then,

Bella

Lyrics Part Three

Hey,

So, in this week's installment of my series on lyrics, I will be breaking down repetition. Repetition is a commonly used literary technique and a fantastic one, at that. However, like everything else in music/literature, a little goes a long ways. Unfortunately for us, most mainstream musicians have yet discover this. On the other hand, alternative musicians utilize repetition as a tool, wielding it to accomplish something, whereas mainstream musicians' songs are 80% repetition.

Here are some examples:

First, let's compare "Scream and Shout" by Will.I.AM ft. Britney Spears with one of Noel Gallgher's High Flying Birds' songs.

"When you hear this in the club
You gotta turn the sh*t up
You gotta turn the sh*t up
You gotta turn the sh*t up
When we up in the club
All eyes on us
All eyes on us
All eyes on us
See the boys in the club
They watching us
They watching us
They watching us
Everybody in the club
All eyes on us
All eyes on us
All eyes on us

I wanna scream and shout, and let it all out
And scream and shout, and let it out
We saying, oh wee oh wee oh wee oh wee oh
We saying, oh wee oh wee oh wee oh wee oh
I wanna scream and shout, and let it all out
And scream and shout, and let it out
We saying, oh wee oh wee oh wee oh wee oh

You are now rocking with Will.i.am and Britney, b-tch

[beat break]

Oh yeah....
Bring the action

Rock and roll, everybody let's lose control
All the bottom we let it go
Going fast, we aint going slow, no
Hear the beat, now let's hit the floor
Drink it up, and then drink some more
Light it up, and let's let it blow
Hey yo, rock it out, rock it now
If you know what we talking 'bout
Turn it up, and burn down the house, hooouse
Hey yo, turn it up, and don't turn it down
Here we go, we gon shake the ground
Cause everywhere that we go we BRING THE ACTION."

I didn't finish copying the rest of the lyrics because they just repeat that turning the music up an oh-we-oh crap (what even is "oh we oh?). Wanna guess how many writers came up with that? If you guessed three, then you win 100 blog points (which are totally useless). Yes, three writers actually wrote this. This song pretty much 100% repetition. They rarely, until they get to that dumb verse about drinking up, say any idea just once. How many times is it necessary to remind the listener that your music must be turned up?

Okay, so that sucks. Now, let's look at a good example of repetition with (Stranded On) the Wrong Beach" by Noel Gallgher's High Flying Birds {one of my favorite bands}.

"Falling, I see you on the way down
I'll meet you on the rebound somewhere in between
Calling out across the airwaves
Faces that you can't say are calling out for me

And oh me, oh my, say so long baby, bye-bye
Pour me one for the road, it's a long journey baby
Where it's gonna take me just depends on the weight of my load
Oh no, depends on the weight of my load

So long, I'll see you in the next one
Cause everybody's been and gone, there's no one here but me

And oh me, oh my, say so long baby, bye-bye
Pour me one for the road, it's a long journey baby
Where it's gonna take me just depends on the weight of my load
Oh no, depends on the weight of my load

And oh me, oh my, say so long baby, bye-bye
Pour me one for the road, it's a long journey baby
Where it's gonna take me just depends on the weight of my load
Oh no, depends on the weight of my load
Oh no, depends on the weight of my load
Oh no, depends on the weight of my load

Dry land sinking in the quicksand
Stranded on the wrong beach, come and rescue me."

Here, the repetition accomplishes something. It is not mindless, like Will.I.Am's song. In that other song, the repetition is filler. It feels like the three writers ran out of material and just decided to repeat everything they had already written. In Noel's song, in which he is the only writer, the more he repeats the "....depends on the weight of my load" you can feel the load getting heavier, referencing a long journey that he is about to undertake, whilst carrying something. Good use. :)

Finally, let's look at another use of poor repetition in One Direction's "Rock Me," a silly stab at sexual lyrics.

"Do you remember summer ‘09
Wanna go back there every night
Just can't lie it was the best time of my life

Lying on the beach as the sun blew out
Playing this guitar by the fire too loud
Oh my my they could never shut us down
I used to think that I was better alone
Why did I ever want to let you go
Under the moonlight as we stared at the sea
The words you whispered I will always believe

I want you to rock me, mmm, rock me, mmm, rock me, yeahh
I want you to rock me, mmm, rock me, mmm, rock me yeah
I want you to hit the pedal heavy metal show me you care
I want you to rock me, mmm, rock me, mmm, rock me yeah

Yeah we were together summer ‘09
Wanna roll back like press and rewind
You were mine and we never said goodbye i-i-i
I used to think that I was better alone

Why did I ever want to let you go?
Under the moonlight as we stared to the sea
The words you whispered I will always believe

I want you to rock me, mmm, rock me, mmm, rock me, yeahh
I want you to rock me, mmm, rock me, mmm, rock me yeah
I want you to hit the pedal heavy metal show me you care
I want you to rock me, mmm, rock me, mmm, rock me yeah

R-O-C-K me again
R-O-C-K me again
R-O-C-K me again yeah
I want you to
R-O-C-K me again
R-O-C-K me again
R-O-C-K me again yeah

I want you to rock me, mmm, rock me, mmm, rock me, yeahh
I want you to rock me, mmm, rock me, mmm, rock me yeah
I want you to hit the pedal heavy metal show me you care
I want you to rock me, mmm, rock me, mmm, rock me yeah

I want you to rock me, mmm, rock me, mmm, rock me, yeahh
I want you to rock me, mmm, rock me, mmm, rock me yeah
I want you to hit the pedal heavy metal show me you care
I want you to rock me, mmm, rock me, mmm, rock me yeah."
Let's play the "guess the number of songwriters game." Ready? 5 writers, yet none of the actual group members. Now, I will admit I see what they did here. :) "Rock me" obviously is referring to sex. I'm not dumb and the repetition is like a rocking motion, happening over and over. However, it's overkill here. You really can have too much of a good thing. They say the phrase "rock me" 23 times. Yeesh. Too much repetition. Cut out a few of  them and take out that awful auto-tune and it could be a half decent song. (I said half!)

Next week, I'll wrap up the lyrics series with a topic TBD. Then, I'll get back to highlighting new music and artists.
Until then,
Bella

Lyrics Part Deux

Hey,
Welcome back to second installment of the new series I'm starting on lyrics! Last week, I compared Mutemath and Katy Perry and the depth of their lyrics and this week, I am going to explore the songwriting phenomenon of good songwriting versus good line writing.

Now, what exactly do I mean by that?

In essence, some songs are well written while others have one stand-out line with a bunch of meaningless lines. I do not, by any means, expect all artists to make every single line of every single song the most amazing things ever. I'm being realistic.

Do you remember a couple of years ago when "Airplanes" by B.O.B ft. Hayley Williams came out? Every single thirteen year old drama queen and her best friend would change their facebook status to "Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky/are like shooting stars/I could really use a wish right now." Yes, I admit that is a pretty creative line; I'm impressed. However, the rest of the song is just about B.O.B whining about trying to be discovered and gain notoriety and blah-blah-blah. It's crap. Especially compared to that one line.

That is a prime example of good line writing.

Next, let's look at an example of good songwriting, "But It's Better If You Do" By Panic! At The Disco. This band is known partially for the fact that all of their songs are freaking amazing and partially because their lyrics kick some major butt. Ryan Ross, who wrote this song and eventually left the band, is a relative lyric genius, maybe one of the great songwriters of the 2000's. Still, Brendon Urie filled his role after he left and is doing a brilliant job. I digress.

"Now I'm of consenting age to be forgetting you in a cabaret
Somewhere downtown where a burlesque queen may even ask my name
As she sheds her skin on stage
I'm seated and sweating to a dance song on the club's P.A.
The strip joint veteran sits two away
Smirking between dignified sips of his dignified peach and lime daiquiri

And isn't this exactly where you'd like me
I'm exactly where you'd like me, you know
Praying for love in a lap dance and paying in naivety
Oh, and isn't this exactly where you'd like me
I'm exactly where you'd like me, you know
Praying for love in a lap dance and paying in naivety

Oh, but I'm afraid that I
Well, I may of faked it
And I wouldn't be caught dead in this place."

Well, it may not take a genius to figure out that this song is about a guy trying to forget about a girl and looks for pleasure in a strip club. It's one of Panic's more risque songs and I was hesitant to use it on here, but it's one of my favorite songs in a lyrical sense. In this song, all of the lines pack a punch of some kind. It's narrative, telling a story of a guy's experience, not just physically and emotionally and mentally. All of lines contribute to the overall tone--regret, remorse, and contemplation. Where B.O.B's track switches between Hayley's wishful tone and his bragging, swaggering, tone, it just does not flow. It's one great line smushed in between the other bad lines. With Panic's, it's a bunch of fantastic lines all put together, so that the song flows, without any unnecessary dissonance. Dissonance is a strong literary device, but B.O.B's song just contradicts.

Another example of fine line-writing is the chorus of Britney Spears' "Gasoline."
"Spark and it's like gasoline
I start burning like a machine
My heart only runs on supreme
So hot, give me your gasoline"

 Terribly sexual in nature, it's honestly just another example of someone being crafty with euphemisms. Anyways, I still see it as "good" because it's rather creative. Not to say if Panic! came out with this song I'd call it good; I'd be pretty disappointed because I know they're better that that. But, this is Britney, the woman who sings about how toxic some dude is and how she's in love with criminals (my butt, you are). So, considering this is Britney (and I don't actually think she wrote this :D), it's passable.
So, this guy is making her cray-cray and she wants his "gasoline." Hmm, whatever could that be? :)

Well, that wraps it up for this week. Next week, I will talk about the use of repetition in lyrics and try to pick some less disturbing songs.

Until then,
Bella

5 Covers That Put the Original Artists To Shame

Hey,

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I'm all for honesty. So, I have to be blunt here. It maybe a new year, but the music industry is still the big, broken machine it was 5 days ago. Sorry, but it's the truth.
Still, I consider myself an optimist, so even though the mainstream stuff is complete garbage and indie acts are still looked down upon and labeled, I believe there is a plethora of beautiful, amazing music waiting to be discovered and appreciated. The stuff on the radio is terrible, but with a little effort, it could be turned into something stunning. Therefore, tonight, I present 5 covers of terrible mainstream music made incredible.

5. "Off to The Races" (Originally by Lana Del Rey) by Drew Tabor- I discovered Drew a little over a year ago and she is one of my favorite female YouTube singers. Her vocals perfectly suit Lana's style, which I love anyways, with her deep, slightly gravely, yet powerful voice. Every cover Drew does makes me appreciate her talent even more. This cover, in particular, is so barebones, allowing her talent to really shine through, that it gives me goosebumps. Check out all her videos here

4. "Cola" (Originally by Lana Del Rey) by Ally Rhodes- I realize that this is the second Lana Del Rey song and the title of the post is "5 Covers That Put The Original Artists To Shame" and I love Lana, but both Ally and Drew bring something to Lana's songs. Where Drew's version is raw and chilling, Ally's stab at Lana is more polished but still absolutely beautiful! Both covers are incredible and it's impossible to choose a better singer of the two, so I pick both. :)

3. "I Knew You Were Trouble" (Originally by Taylor Swift) by Walk Off the Earth ft. KRNFX- Where Taylor's original version reeks of too many writers, a terrible stab at Dubstep (Only Skrillex can really get away with all the wub-wubbing) and comes across as another sloppy pop composition, WOTF's rendition is unique, darker, and the a capella gives the depth that the song was missing. I love Sarah's vocals, which blend nicely with the four other guys'. Crazy good.

2. "99 Problems" (Originally by Jay-Z) by Tonic Sol-Fa- I discovered these super talented guys after my mom saw an ad for their concert and we decided, on a whim, to go. Best. Decision. Ever. Seriously. They made a huge fan out of me. :) TSF is an acapella group-- and I've only mentioned a million times how much I love a capella in general--so it's really no surprise why this song makes the list. Jay-Z's versions oozes with his ridiculous bravado and features the most annoying background music I've heard, but TSF challenges that, giving the song a perfect beat, layered vocals, and making it completely loveable and listenable, unlike the original. You have to check these guys out. Really.

1. "One More Night" (Originally by Maroon 5) by Chester See ft. Alex G- Chester has one the most incredible voices and coupled with Alex's gentle vocals, Chester really shines here. Maroon 5's song has really great lyrics, but buried underneath too much synth, repetitious background noise, and Adam's obviously edited vocals, it's hard to tell. But, with Chester and Alex's expressive voices, and gentle guitar and piano, the true passion of the lyrics really comes out. Once again, Chester has won me over and Alex has made me fall in love with her vocals. Love!

Until next week,
Bella

A Little Alternative Christmas

Hey,

As I’m sure you guys are aware, we have four days until Christmas. At this point, I’m sure we’re all pretty tired of hearing “Jingle Bells” and that screechy Mariah Carey song every radio station seems to over-play. Since I strive to be your musical savior, this week I am highlighting five good renditions of these Christmas songs performed by alternative/indie acts.

Here we go…

5. Auld Lange Syne by Andrew Bird- Granted, this song relates more to New Year, but I’m including it because it’s in the same season and a solid song. Andrew brings a barebones feel to this typically flowing, heavily orchestrated song. I love that violin after the introduction and the light-hearted feel his vocals give the song.

4. Little Saint Nick by She and Him- It wouldn’t really be a Christmas post if I did not highlight these indie darlings who released a fantastic Christmas album last year. Typically, this song gives me a headache, partially due to the fact that this song has absolutely nothing to do with the real meaning of Christmas and partially because the original arrangement is obnoxious and tries too hard to be cute. She and Him specialize in cute, so it works. Zooey’s vocals complement the twinkling strings section in the background and the harmonies are perfect.

3. O Come O Come Emanuel by Surfjan Stevens- Absolutely beautiful interpretation. Between the woodwinds, varying instrumentation, and his gravelly yet smooth vocals, I’m sold. He took a slightly boring Christmas carol and brought some depth and splendor back to it. Amazing.

2. Tonight It’s Christmas by Hey Ocean!- One of the few Christmas songs I can listen to all year. I love the strong, alternating vocals, different percussion lines, and surprising horn lines. Take out the Christmas lyrics and it sounds like your everyday Alternative hit. Love it.

1. Sleigh Ride by fun.- One of my favorite indie-now-gone-mainstream-bands. I hate to be a jerk, but I like to remind everyone when I bring fun. up that I knew “We Are Young” a year before it got big. Alright, hipster antics out of the way, this is probably the best cover I’ve ever heard of this lackluster Christmas song. It opens with a gentle, swaying orchestra section, in a typical fun. fashion, adds in distinctive percussion, sound effects, and eventually adds in Nate’s distinctive voice. This song is always stuck in my head, which means if you listen to it, it will be too. J

Next week, the 28^th, will be the last Friday of 2012, which means it’s time to do a review of my favorite songs from 2012. I could pick the worst songs of the year, but my goal with this blog is to bring some positivity to the music industry, not add more negativity. Yes, I do like to highlight the flaws in the music industry, but my job is not to solely critique. So, that’s why I’m going to do a “best of” list, rather than a “worst of.” If you’re looking for a worst of 2012, click here to listen to one of my favorite guys on YouTube.

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,

Bella

2012 Has Been Amazing!

Hey,

I cannot believe just how incredible this last year has been. One year ago today, I wrote my first blog post, a brief introduction to myself and posted a Saturday Night Live sketch that made me laugh. My intentions were to simply review music, hopefully find some fellow music lovers, and create an outlet for my music-related thoughts. And it has been all I wished for and more! I never expected to have over 1900 views in one year; 1,000 was my two year goal. The highest amount of views I've had on a blog post is 112! 112, guys! It may not seem like much, but to me, that's crazy. And I am so thankful for every single one of those views. Some of my favorite moments from this year came from reviewing amazing bands, such as Beecher's Fault and Get Cubs.

Thank you so much for reading my posts each week, tweeting about them, posting them on facebook, e-mailing me with new ideas, and making my blog a part of your lives. It means so much to me and I can't wait to see what this next year will bring!

So, at this one year point, I thought I would take a minute and introduce myself a little further.

I've signed all of my blogposts as Bella, though I went anonymous for a while, and my full name is indeed Isabella. :) I am, as you might have guessed, a Twilight fan--more Twilight soundtrack reviews coming in the following weeks--though I'm not nearly as whiny as my namesake, nor am I in a love triangle with a vampire and a werewolf. :) I'm 16 and I live in central Iowa, which is a pretty nice place and boasts some incredible concert venues that I like to take advantage of when a good band comes.


So, on Friday, expect a typical blog post from me. I just wanted to take some time and thank every single one of my readers. You guys are the best!

Please e-mail me, tweet at me, and/or comment with your favorite blog post from this year and any suggestions you have for the next year, whether it's a band you want me to review, suggestions for the website itself, or anything along those lines!

Until Friday,
Bella

Lana Del Rey Born to Die: Paradise Edition Review

Hey,

You may have seen this week that Lana Del Rey released a new edition of her first album Born to Die, called the Paradise Edition. It brings us 8 new, previously unreleased songs, showing a different side of Lana Del Rey.

Without further ado…

 

1. Ride- I love the harmonies at the beginning, Lana’s sultry, raspy vocals, beautiful, yet slightly creepy Freudian lyrics (her trademark, really), the melodramatic string section, and the way the melodies all flow into each other, creating a symphony of sorts. It makes me want to “just ride.” 5/5

2. American- Another solid track, American has a very retro sound to it, but at the same time her strong, versatile voice makes it entirely current and modern. I admire her for pushing herself to explore her high, child-like notes; it shows her determination to not just be another female singer who follows the trends. The “oh-oh”’s in the song have a slightly angelic quality, contrasting the very adult lyrics. 5/5

3. Cola- Oh, boy. This song boasts one of the most disgusting, but memorable opening lines: “My p**** takes like Pepsi Cola.” Well, that’s direct; I’ll give her that much. The lyrics are rather self-explanatory, though she makes some interesting references and similes. “Harvey’s in the sky with diamonds” references “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds” by the Beatles, while “I gots a taste for older men” alludes to her other songs “Off to the Races,” “Lolita,” and just about every other unreleased song she has on YouTube. Lyrics aside, the instrumental side of things is incredible! Once I stopped focusing on her less than classy beginning, I fell in love with this song. Around the 2:44 mark, I heard some Michael Jackson influenced vocals and the guitars in the background are reminiscent of the mainstream music of the 1980’s. All in all, one of the best songs on this edition. 5/5

4. Body Electric- I hate to admit it, but the first time I heard this song, I hated it. Now, I’m absolutely obsessed with it. The lyrics—I hate to keep focusing on the same thing—are one of the best elements of this song. The allusions to Elvis, Marilyn Monroe,  Walt Whitman—and the title of this song references his poem “I Sing the Body Electric”—and Monaco, Spain, who serve as her friends, paint her as a rather crazy woman, which one could argue she always tries to come across as less than sane. With anyone else, I would call bull and put them down for pretending to be someone they’re not, but with Lana (or Lizzie, if you  like that better) she embodies this crazy lady thing and makes it sexy, but never lets it overpower the amount of effort she puts into her music. Anyways, the prominent strings and her pleading, powerful vocals really make this song. 5/5

5. Blue Velvet- A cover of The Clover’s wildly popular song from the 1950’s, Lana obviously put her own spin on it, utilizing her velvet-like vocals J, while personifying the musical style of the 1950’s. It feels less like a cover, and more like a tribute track. 5/5

6. Gods and Monsters- A slower track, but still good. I like it, just not quite as much as I like the other tracks. Referencing Jim Morrison after she just made a ton of allusions in Body Electric feels cheap. I do, however, like the keyboard line, the slow drums, her lower, raspier vocals, and self-conscious lyrics “if I get a little prettier/can I be your baby?”. 4/5

7. Best track on the album. A few months ago, I was looking up her unreleased music and stumbled across this gem. I love the drunkenly swaying beat, her lilting, angelic vocals, and the minimalistic instrumentation.  The lyrics are terribly melancholy, exploring a girl who is addicted to cocaine (Yayo is a slang term for coke), living in a trailer park. Lana does sad best. At first, I thought the line “Let me put on a show for you Daddy” referred to her Freudian relationship with her dad, but, after some research, I’ve figured out that line refers to her having to strip to support her coke habit, not that that’s any better, really. Regardless, this song is one of her most emotionally gripping tracks and has the most staying power out of any of the other (still great) songs on the album.

8. Bel Air- the angelic piano and strings at the beginning, playing the melody from Lolita masterfully tie the two albums together. From what I’ve deduced, the song is about Lana’s secretive relationship she had a long time ago with Axl Rose from Guns N Roses. I’m not entirely positive if that’s true, though that does explain the lines “Roses/Bel Air/Take me there” and “Sweet child of mine.” Lyrics aside, her lovely, soaring voice complements the strings in the background. However, the chorus is rather repetitive and ends up grating on my nerves. 4/5

 

So, that’s it for this week. Next week, I’m hoping to do another album review. Cross your fingers. J

Until then,

Bella

Those Who Put Effort Into Their Lyrics Are Rewarded

Hey,

So, I’m sorry I did not get this post up last night, but I’ve been sick all week with strep throat and honestly, I was absolutely miserable last night. I’m trying to be punctual and keep to my promise of a new post every Friday, but I needed one more night to rest. I’m doing better today, still sneezing like crazy, but at least I can think clearly. J

Health issues aside, this week, I’m writing about my favorite lyrics. As a music conisseur, I like to pay as much attention to the lyrics as I do the music. This sometimes ends in disappointment due to the kiddie-pool-depth of most songs, but occasionally, especially in these five instances, I am pleasantly surprised.

Without further ado, I present to you my five favorite songs that boast beautiful lyrics…

Plastic Jungle by Miike Snow- One of my favorite European-alternative bands! This song makes it on my list because I have no idea what the heck they’re talking about. It opens with “I was born into money/and sold down the river.” What? It goes on to say “I was choked by a jailor and f***ed a gorilla.” And I have to hope that’s a metaphor for something J I love the fact that their lyrics are so confusing. I know that’s kind of weird, but it makes you think. It’s different from other groups where their lyrics are simple and you know exactly what they’re trying to say. It is impossible to decode this song without doing some research. And from what I’ve gathered, everyone else is confused too, but a few people have hazarded a guess that the singer is telling his own personal story about how he hates his evil ways. That may be true, but I’m going to keep appreciating these crazy lyrics for what they are: creative.

Cousins by Vampire Weekend- Another song with equally confusing lyrics. Unlike Miike Snow’s song, I think there is an actual meaning to this one. J The song is essentially a slam against critics who are putting Vampire Weekend down because of their wealthy backgrounds. And VW, ironically, showed those critics that just because they’re rich, it doesn’t mean they can’t write amazing songs. Do you think those snot-nosed, hipster critics could write beautiful lyrics like these? Nope, didn’t think so. I chose this song because it’s the ultimate diss track, yet they do it with style and end up looking even better than they did before. Not to mention, it is literally lyrical poetry and that, most definitely, deserves a place on my blog. J

Dance Dance by Fall Out Boy- Oh, Fall Out Boy. While I cannot say that I am a big FOB fan, I do like several of their songs and truly love their lyrics. You may be sitting at home thinking, “Wow, Bella, ‘Dance Dance’ is one of FOB’s most mainstream songs. Why’d you pick that one?’” Well, thanks for asking. I chose it because, in my opinion, it’s one of their best songs, showcasing their lyrical originality and ingenuity, so that’s why I’ve included it on my list. Now, I can make sense of these lyrics, so that’s good. J It’s about a failed relationship, though, like the other two songs, it takes a little bit of digging to discover that. My favorite line is “Why don't you show me/ A little bit of spine/ You've been saving/ For his mattress, love?” It’s a completely squirmy, pervy line, yet, due to their syntax, it comes across as slightly beautiful. I don’t condone using that as a pickup line, but it goes to show why FOB was/is so popular.

Mercenray by Panic! At the Disco- Yes, my favorite scandalous band. This song came off the Batman: Arkham City video game, so, yeah, this song is about Batman. It would have been easy to just write a song like “He’s a superhero/you don’t know his history/his parents are dead/he be fighting the man with bad makeup/yo, he’s Batman.” Instead, Panic! At the Disco rely on bright diction (word choice) such as “collateral damage,” “mercenary,” and “dodge.” Laugh all you want, but I’m including “dodge” because how often do we really use that word in every day conversation? Never. So, diction aside, I love the phrasing as well. “I dodge the blast/and apologize for collateral damage” not only sums up Batman, but it could also fit into any other PATD song because it’s different and unique. My other favorite line is “I can only recall/and spend some time” because it straddles the line of sounding conversational and formal. A truly fantastic track.

Pins and Needles by MuteMath- One of the best alternative bands of our generation! And, understandably, their lyrics are incredible as well. The lyrics are much less confusing compared to “Plastic Jungle,” yet there is a great depth to them. This is hardly a fluffy pop song. At first, the instrumentation caught my attention, but there is more to this song than just Darren’s incredible drumming. The lyrics are quite breathtaking. The song is about facades and how the lead singer, Paul, is tired of people pretending to be someone they’re not and eventually comes to the realization that he is “broken.” I love the brutal honesty and laments contained within these lyrics. More than that, this song makes my list because of the vivid visual imagery. My favorite examples are “facades are a fire on the skin,” which one can easily picture, “I get tired of pin and needles,” a beautiful metaphor, and “paper thin conviction,” which is a very true observation. MuteMath always creates such stunning musical masterpieces and it is so refreshing to find a band, like all the others highlighted on my list, who puts as much emphasis on the lyrics as they do the actual music.

Alright, that’s about it for this week. Next week, I’m hoping to do another edition of “What’s on my Spotify” or something along those lines.

Until then,

Bella

Halloween Songs

Hey,

In honor of Halloween next week, I decided to do a Halloween playlist. Now, I realize all of these songs are Disney-related, save for the last track, but honestly, unless you wanted an Avenged Sevenfold playlist, there’s really not a fantastic selection of Halloween music. So, in an effort to be creative, this is what I’ve come up with. J Enjoy! J

This is Halloween by Panic! At the Disco- The only serious musician(s) on this playlist, TIH is a cover from the Tim Burton movie Nightmare From Halloween that I was honestly too scared to watch until high school. Pathetic, I know. J Anyways, Panic brings the creepiness and makes their cover quite a bit scarier than the original. Brendon’s vocals are strong, tapping into that frightening persona he knows and sometimes we love and the instrumentation in the background complements his voice nicely. A good track to get in the spirit of Halloween, or in my case, get pumped to hear little kids’ jokes and hand out candy. I’m kidding; I love it. Last year, everyone pretty much had the same joke though: “How do you wake up Lady Gaga?...Poke her face.” Creative.

Grim Grinning Ghosts by The Mellomen- This song was scary and still is. I know I sound like a wimp and I’m okay with that. To be honest, I have no problems with excessive violence and movies where a lot of bad stuff happens, but anything that even resembles a horror movie, I freak out. I can’t handle it. I love vampires, werewolves, and lots of sci-fi stuff, but anything with spirits and dead people, count me out. Back to the song…I am rambling really badly tonight. I really hope there aren’t any socializing ghosts anywhere near me…but, the Mellowmen and Betty Taylor’s sounds all meld together nicely, creating a perfect Halloween song that really does take me back to when I was a little kid and trick-or-treating was the highlight of my year. J It also reminds me of this old Disney Land VHS we had and they did this song and I used to torment by easily scared sister with it...those were the days. :)

I Put a Spell On You by Bette Midler from Hocus Pocus-

This movie has been a Halloween tradition in my house for years. We love the off-beat humor, creative story line, and above all else, the music. Bette Midler, for those of you who don’t know, is a pretty famous singer and the filmmakers decided to utilize her talent to create this memorable scene. She, along with Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker, brought her characters to life and made one of the best kid-friendly Halloween movies. J

Heffalumps and Woozles from Pooh Bear- My childhood! Oh, how I miss it. Sorry, nostalgic episode. Granted, this is hardly Halloween, but I remember when I was eight years old and I hated whenever this song came on my super cool VHS tape of the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. As weird as it is, I actually kind of miss VHS tapes; we used to think we were so cool…lol Anyways, considering this is a kid’s horror movie of sorts, at least it felt like that to me at the time, the animators did an incredible job bringing this song to life. I’d be freaked out if I found Heffalumps and Woozles in my house.

Thriller by Michael Jackson- What kind of a Halloween playlist would it be if I didn't include Thriller? It has to be on here! Between the creepy lyrics, fitting music video, and the unforgettable dance, Thriller has become a bit of a Halloween staple. :)

Now, this is not a Halloween song, but I have a great deal of respect for people who put this much time and effort into their lights. We don’t put Halloween lights, though we do Christmas, but my family’s proud if we have a strand of lights and some bush lights; this puts us to shame. Amazing!  

Next week, I’ll get back to actual, new music, but I wanted to do something different.

Have a safe, happy Halloween!

Until next week,

Bella

What is Bella Listening To?

Hey,

It’s time for another installment of “What is Bella Listening To.” No, my playlist may not be super exciting, but I love sharing with ya’ll what’s been trending on my Spotify account. J

Here we gooooooo….

 Damn You by Lana Del Rey- One of Lana’s unreleased, early tracks, this song really stands out above the rest. I love her emotion, the poetic lyrics, and the simple instrumentation. Lana can take a potentially sleep-inducing song and turn it into something memorable. The lyrics detail a failed relationship, and even if you blocked out the words, only listening to her voice, you would easily be able to hear exactly what happened in the relationship. Honestly, the one characteristic is what is lacking in the music industry. Artists today, with several exceptions, do not show emotion in their songs; they’re just autotuned robots. Anyways, Lana’s song is worth checkingout.

Only You by Ellie Goulding- Ellie’s album just dropped this last week, and while it’s not quite as stunning as her debut album, it boasts a few good tracks, one of which is “Only You.” I like the well-developed electronic sound—she’s dating Skrillex and it’s painfully obvious he was a big influence on this album—and her high, light vocals, though it sounds like she’s stretching her voice a little too far, but somehow, she makes it work. This is not something I would typically listen to, but I do respect Ellie for her musical ingenuity and think she may be one of the best female pop artists we have.

Because I Know I Can by Andy Burrows- Andy Burrows may be a familiar name to some, as he was the drummer of Razorlight, switching to We Are Scientists for a while, eventually creating a side project I Am Arrows, and finally settling into this solo venture. I highlighted “Green Grass” by I Am Arrows a few months ago, and I really like Andy’s work. This song is essential alternative rock. It features a prominent, strong drum section, beautiful melodies, varying instrumentation, and Andy’s Simon and Garfunkel-esque vocals. Really good work, Andy.

Starz In Their Eyes by Just Jack- I discovered this guy thanks to Pandora, my faithful musical ally. I like the memorable instrumental beginning, Jack’s mixed singing-rapping vocals, and the tempo changes. He never quite settles on just one style, which is a nice surprise. It’s cool when bands—or artists—play around with a song format. This song is six years old, but honestly, if a popular “band” (I put that in quotation marks to let you know that’s used sarcastically) put this song out, I could see it charting. Oh, well, it’s a well-kept indie secret. J

Cinema (Disparate Youth) by Mike Tompkins - This cover makes it on my list because I have a deep, heartfelt admiration for a capella artists. And, Mike Tompkins embodies everything I love about YouTube. He takes a simple cover, puts his own spin on it, and gets millions of hits. I admire his creativity, truly. Anyone who does a capella, though, automatically gets my respect—assuming their cover doesn’t suck big time…lol. Mike’s cover fuses Benny Benassi’s song “Cinema” with “Disparate Youth” by Santigold. The mash up sounds, at first blush, like it would clash and sound awkward, but oh…it’s stunning. Mike’s incredible talent with the software paired with his soaring vocals and the fact that, using the software, he can recreate the Skrillex sound that we all know and love (or hate, depending on your musical preferences). It’s a beautiful piece of art, really. Check it out here...

Until next week,

Bella