Saturday, January 31, 2009

What My Soul Hungers For

What my soul hungers for...pretty general prompt, no? When my teacher gave me this prompt for an essay, my immediate thought was 'my soul hungers for a more specific prompt.'
It didn't take too long to figure out what kind of yummies my soul tummy was grumbling for. Picking a cliche entree such as 'happiness, truth, or answers' is not and never will be my style. Digging deeper captures attention, so why not grab a shovel and dig in to the soil of the soul?

My soul hungers for the lyrics that may curb the voracious appetite that continues to satiate my curiosity of the past, present, and future. Through music, my soul has always, in a sense, been fed by the words and rhymes of others – others who can put my thoughts and inner workings of my heart into song.
My soul has always found itself intertwined with music, so my essay from henceforth will be lyrics from songs that have connected with me in ways I couldn’t even describe with my own words.
One may believe that my essay is devoid of original thought. However, my soul hungers for so much more than a simple feeling – it remains completely unaware of a singular want. I am full of questions, full of doubt – who can tell me the answers? My soul will never starve from this steady diet of encouragement, commiseration, and hope. Whether it is found in a song, a couplet, or even three words, I find the food to fuel my soul within these words.

I’ve never felt so lost, I’ve never felt so much at home. I fall asleep with my friends around me, the only place I know I feel safe. You have my heart in your hands. To all of my friends, where do I start? You know I’d be dead without you in my heart. You can stand under my umbrella. It’s a bittersweet symphony, this life. What’s wrong baby? Don’t they treat you like they should? They’re just jealous because we’re young and in love. We were just young and restless and bored. I would like to thank you for showing me a part of myself I had never seen. Good times, bad times, you know I’ve had my share. I know the heart of life is good.

What am I supposed to do now? Man the game all messed up. How I suppose to stand out when everyone get dressed up? Dark blue, dark blue have you ever been alone in a crowded room? Sometimes I feel like I don’t have a partner. I can’t do this all on my own…I’m no superman. My yellow in this case is not so mellow/In fact Im trying to say its frigthened like me/And all these emotions of mine keep holding me from/Giving my life to a rainbow. I seen a rainbow yesterday/But too many storms have come and gone/Leavin' a trace of not one God-given ray/Is it because my life is ten shades of gray/I pray all ten fade away/Seldom praise Him for the sunny days.

I’ve always believed in futures. Can I break the spell of the typical? I’ve been waiting all this time to be something I can’t define. I always wanna feel like part of this was mine. We all want something more than just a simple life. I want to live where soul meets body. If you left it up to me everyday would be a holiday from real. I’m looking for something to help me burn out bright. Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same. Just staple it together and call it bad weather.

What are you waiting for? Come as you are. Wanna take a ride; get out of this place while we still have time? Tell you what I’m gonna rock this bitch. I know the game like I’m reffing it. I’m on my feet I’m on the floor I’m good to go. I know you hate it, but I’m doing so good. Just do your best, do everything you can, and don’t you worry what the bitter hearts are gonna say. It’s not about the money we make; it’s about the passions that we ache for.
Heaven’s not a place where you go when you die. It’s that moment in life when you actually feel alive. All you need is love. All we need is just a little patience. She’ll carry on through it all, she’s a waterfall. Whatever tomorrow brings I’ll be there. Believe your voice can mean something. We are eagles; the nest is in our soul. And that’s how you let the beat build.

If you see an artist, lyric, or some lines you like, let me know. Tell me what your life-changing lyrics are!




Thursday, January 29, 2009

Song of the Day


**1/29/09

All Time Low - I Can't Do the One Two Step

---------------I cannot dance for floor seats at a Michael Bolton concert - a.k.a., anything. For All Time Low, honesty is the best policy, and the boys continue to keep our feet moving and skinny-jeaned bootys shaking - even for those who can't. Alex Gasgarth's vocal range is more reserved; rather than reaching to the rafters for high notes the song is a great big punked-out-amped-out head shaker. Get "I Can't Do the One Two Step" from ATL's Party Scene.


Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Song of the Day


**1/28/09

Mausam & Escape - A. R. Rahman

------------------If you haven't seen Slumdog Millionaire, you are missing out on an incredible movie filled with breathtaking life stories, superb acting, heartwarming love, and a rags to riches odyssey. Not only that, but the soundtrack created by A. R. Rahman is provocative, gripping, adventurous, and exotic. "Mausam & Escape" leaves no instrument untouched, from a flowing, lace delicate first movement, going into a frantic synthetic symphony. Get "Mausam & Escape" from the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack.
*no video, just a still shot from the movie

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Song of the Day


**1/27/09

CAKE - Short Skirt/ Long Jacket

--------------------John McCrea is pretty damn sure of what he wants. From smooth liquidations, to the right allocations, and of course, the proper attire. But perhaps he wants to know what everyone thinks of his dreamgirl. So to do this, CAKE set out, let random people listen to it, and give their opinion - all caught on tape. Listen to CAKE, and you might agree with one, two, or all of the opinions given. My hellachill boys from Sacramento, California (my hometown!) will depict the ideal lady in their 2001 album Comfort Eagle.


Sunday, January 25, 2009

Song of the Day


**1/25/09

The Appleseed Cast - Innocent Vigilent Ordinary

---------------Three adjectives that seldom describe a human being, let alone a troupe of post rockers based in Lawrence, Kansas. Born into the southern California hardcore scene with the name "December's Tragic Drive," The Appleseed Cast's sound has evolved from aggressive to impassioned, still keeping the instrumentals a key to unlocking a well-vibed, mainstream friendly sound. Get "Innocent Vigilent Ordinary" from their 2003 album Two Conversations, the first album The Appleseed Cast released on Tiger Style Records.


Thursday, January 22, 2009

Song of the Day


**1/22/09

Jawbreaker - Want

-----------Exploring the deepest contents of my punk library, I found wedged between my Patti Smith and Babyshambles album, some Jawbreaker that I never knew I missed so much. Now, I hail from the Bay area, so Jawbreaker is just another part of the family when it comes to California bands.
"Want" is a particular favorite. The bridge has a little tint of New Found Glory, and singer Blake Schwartzenbach sings with more depth and range than most punk singers of the day. Get "Want" from Jawbreaker's firstborn 1990 album, Unfun.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Song of the Day


**1/21/09

Cavashawn - Out of My Mind

--------------Most of us seem to be going out of it, especially because it's Wednesday night, or Humpday as I like to call it. But have no fear, just dance like a Xanadu to "Out of My Mind", the powerpop Ting-Ting esque single from the Chicago quartet's 2008 album Cavashawn Beat Kitchen Tonight. Cavashawn gets creative with tick-tock tempo and brit-pop guitar licks that would make any music afficionado mistake them for a U.K. group. Get "Out of my Mind" from Cavashawn: Beat Kitchen Tonight.



Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Song of the Day

**1/20/09
A Dream Too Late - Intermission to the Moon
---------------If you only got one chance to do something, to say anything, would you? I know, sounds a little "Lose Yourself," right? Well, it is of the upmost certainty, and A Dream Too Late knows it. "Intermission to the Moon" flies on a Mae-esque piano, drifting synth, and power-packed guitars. On a day of new beginnings like the inaguration, it always helps to get an extra kick from a can-do rock song. Check out A Dream Too Late's debut single from their album, Intermission to the Moon.


Monday, January 19, 2009

Song of the Day

**1/19/09
J Minus - Have a Little Faith in Me
----------------------Strength, hope, clarity, and understanding are always blurry in the fog of tragedy. Cars cheat through it with headlights, some with flashlights. Others have to wait it out, brave on through, and hold onto each other even at the worst moments. The message in the song is evident, transparent, and uplifting enough to shine some light.
Never walk into fog alone. Friends are your crutch, your comforter, and light.

www.myspace.com/jminusband

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Song of the Day

**1/18/09
Whats My Age Again?-Blink 182
-------------Enema of the State, ooh yea. Back in the middle school days before Angels and Airways and Travis Barker's hard rock rendition of Soulja Boy Tell Em'. What's my age again reminds the converse-donning, Britney hating, Hot-Topic shopping rebel in all of us why punk lives on and now matter how old we get, being an obnoxious twerp kicks ass. Enjoy this one. I know I did!

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Fall

My friend's father was murdered yesterday.

He was shot point blank on his way into work, just ready to begin another day and to make an honest living.

Does it make sense? Of course not. You can't label this as an accident. Another victim of a senseless crime. It is an unwonted tragedy. I have yet to cry, I'm shocked, confused, anxious, and grateful it wasn't my family. I ask that you keep my friend's family in your hearts.

The first thing I did after talking to several friends on the phone was play "Self Conclusion" by Spill Canvas. The first song I listened to after hearing this news was "Venice Queen" by Red Hot Chili Peppers. As I write this, I am listening to Something Corporate's North, an album that has willed me through the worst.

What do you listen to in times of tragedy?

Song of the Day


**1/17/09

City and Colour - Confessions

---------------Dallas Green's got a lot to admit, and if he's going to spill his soul out on the table, he does so in the acoustic "Confessions." Illustrated in "Confessions" is the artist's struggle with placing words into lyrics, lyrics to a simple, minor guitar progression, and accepting human imperfection. Green shrugs off each verse with "At least I won't be alone tonight," giving a glimmer of hope after the verdict has been passed. Get "Confessions" off City and Colour's 2008, Bring Me Your Love.


Friday, January 16, 2009

Song of the Day


**1/16/09

AFI - Carcinogen Crush

-----------------Admittedly, I have never shown a particular interest in AFI. My ears were content with Taking Back Sunday and Senses Fail, 30 Seconds to Mars and so on. But as I listened to "Carcinogen Crush", I tilted my head slightly to the left in a moment of clarity, nodded my head and thought 'oh yeah, I've been missing out.'

I'm a sucker for a great progression, and "Carcinogen Crush" gives me just that. Davey Havok's vocals are superb; in this song reminds me of Jimmy Eat World's Jim Adkins. Get "Carcinogen Crush" from AFI's 2007 album, Carcinogen Crush.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Song of the Day


**1/14/09

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Porcelain

---------------It's been a while since I've compiled a brand-spanking new mix, so as I was perusing my library (in reverse order, which, as my sister advised me, is an AWESOME way to discover new songs), I found "Porcelain", an ethereal lullaby tucked in Californication. The lyrics are melancholic, and Anthony Keidis' trades in his loud and proud funk for a soft, soothing whisper. Get "Porcelain" from Red Hot Chili Pepper's Californication.


Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Song of the Day

**1/13/09
Spin Doctors - Two Princes
--------------You may not recognize the title or the artist, but after you listen to the Spin Doctor's "Two Princes," you'll immediately begin bobbing your head to this unforgettable 90's party song. Born of a New York City Jam band, "Two Princes" from 1991's Pocket Full of Kryptonite has a happy-go-lucky rock guitar beat that shines a bountiful beam of sunlight and bikinis on an era filled with flannel plaid and dark, moody grunge. And don't worry: the only lyrics we all know are "If you would like to call me baby/Just go ahead now." - It's all you need.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Song of the Day

**1/12/09
Beyonce - Diva
----------------If there was ever any question as to why Beyonce Knowles took on her fly alter-ego, Sasha Fierce, "Diva" delivers the answer. Webster's definition for "diva" can be seen at the beginning of her music video, but Ms. Fierce has her own definition. "Diva"is defined as "a female version of a hustler," and there's no doubt: the bass heavy, incredibly intimidating beat behind her ryhmes about the benjamins, the boys, and the bitches. With a true swagger like a champion, Beyonce's "Diva" reminds the newer faces of R&B pop who's been in the game so long, she's reffing it. Get "Diva" from her 2008 album, I Am... Sasha Fierce.


Sunday, January 11, 2009

Song of the Day


**1/11/09

Mirah - The Garden------------------

Old world cabaret are the only adjectives that could ever describe this weapon of mass seduction that is known as Mirah's "The Garden." Mirah Yom Tov Zeitlyn was born in Philly, but her sound is from another land. A word of advice as we begin to think about Valentine's Day: if you really want to show someone you care (or you want their smokin' hot bod), spin "The Garden," get a hot little number on, and do your thing. Her lyrics call for a loved one, beg for a chance, and dance through a boom-kack rythem. Get "The Garden" from her album Advisory Committee.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Song of the Day

**1/10/09
At the Drive In - One Armed Scissor
---------------It is rare that a band is ever discovered overnight and launched into inexplicable stardom. At the Drive In is no exception. Founded in 1994 by a gang of punk, hard rock loving teenagers from El Paso, Texas, At the Drive In achieved their national reviews in 2000 with their fourth album, Relationship of Command. One Armed Scissor is blasting from a cannon of ripping, yelling vocals and gunpowder guitars that fuel this single.


Friday, January 9, 2009

Song of the Day


**1/9/09

The Kaiser Chiefs - Remember You're a Girl

------------------The Kaiser Chiefs' new album, Off With Their Heads, is due in five days, and the band is ready to show the world it's fourth round of U.K. pop rock. The retro sound of Remember You're a Girl reminds listeners of the Beatles, with soft, boyish harmonies and lazy guitar slides and strums. Remember You're a Girl is best played after the Chiefs' song "It Always Happens Like That," which recalls the fab four's Hello Goodbye. The Kaiser Chiefs blends a new wave attitude into old school rythems, so this band is the ultimate new original.


Thursday, January 8, 2009

Song of the Day


**1/8/09

Senses Fail - Family Tradition

--------------Senses Fail has been rocking alongside the likes of Taking Back Sunday, Alesena, and Hawthorne Heights for years, and they continued expanding their collection of hard rock, punk-and-panic music in Life is Not A Waiting Room. On this 2008 album, "Family Tradition" is an echo of a father's actions meeting today's consequence - the son Buddy Neilson has become. The gripping guitar and bluntly honest lyrics of "Family Tradition" can be found on Life is Not A Waiting Room.


Here is my own family tradition/
Following footsteps into addiction/
So is there a way that I can find peace/
While still numbing my painIs this my fate?/
Cause your only son still can't seem to find his way


Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Song of the Day


**1/7/09
Better Than Ezra - Desperately Wanting
----------------Remember a time when even CDs weren't the top way to jam to your favorite artists? Better Than Ezra certainly does. A New Orleans band formed in the late 80's, BTE released an EP and the cassette-only album Surprise in 1989. Despite the loss of lead-guitarist Joel Rundell and the coming and going of members, Better Than Ezra produced several albums throughout the 90's, including Friction, Baby in 1996. "Desperately Wanting" sums up the pleading lyrics of Kevin Griffin singing of Joel Rundell's struggles and ultimate suicide. Get "Desperately Wanting" off Friction, Baby.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Q2YrYV_J4I

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Song of the Day


**1/6/09

The Wallflowers -Sleepwalker

-------------The perks of being in The Wallflowers aren't shy and demure. No, The Wallflowers from L.A. have nothing to hide from, especially not their double whammy-Grammy awards back in 1998 for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group. And though they went out to vocalist Jacob Dylan's "One Headlight," "Sleepwalker" sings of the everyday far-from-normalcy of fame, love, and self-identity. "Sleepwalker" is wide awake with lyrics alive with expressive stabs at celebrity:


Maybe I could be the one they adore/
That could be my reputation/
It's where I'm from that lets them think I'm a whore/
I'm an educated virgin


Get "Sleepwalker" from The Wallflower's 2000 album, Breach.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Song of the Day


**1/5/09

The Kooks - Sofa Song

------------Congrats! You made it through the toughest day of the week. How will you celebrate? Perhaps with your comfies, the best drink you have in the fridge/wine cellar/bar cart, and bitching U.K. pop rock. The Kooks have taken their feel good energy worldwide, selling 2 million copies of their album Inside In/Inside Out upon its release in 2006.


"Sofa Song" bursts with high-five guitars and so-cool-its-hot vocals from Luke Pritchard. Describing the positive energy from the band, Pritchard simply asks "'if it doesn't make you feel good, then what's the point?" Pop a squat and listen to "Sofa Song", off The Kook's Inside In/Inside Out.


Sunday, January 4, 2009

What Goes to Rehab and Cries Me a River in the Air

Pop artists are often pinned with accusations of plagiarism, especially when the song that launches their career into a radio, tv, and digital download heaven stood on the platform of a past career. It's been going on for years, but has anyone been upset about artist sampling others and getting away with recycling?

Flip on the radio. For the sake of argument, we'll check into Rihanna's "Rehab." It says so in the title that it is a collaboration with Justin Timberlake, but did you expect to hear two of his older singles embedded in "Rehab"'s beat?

Timbaland produced the beats for both "What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" and the unforgettable post-Britney bash "Cry Me A River." Timbaland also produced "Rehab," and it is odd how all three songs sound eerily similar. So similar in fact, that you can sing portions of each song in unison - a three part harmony of three different hits.

"Apple Bottom jeans/ Boots with the fur..." - the rest you already know of Flo Rida's breakout hit "Low." The Florida rapper also achieved chart success with his follow up, "Air." Now, listen to both chorus' together...yep, that odd similarity is there again.

Maybe the tride and true argument for the recycling of today's Top 20 hits is the mantra "I like the beat and it's fun to dance to." The attention span of anyone in the ipod generation is about that of a paperclip, so these may go unnoticed, or indifferently neglected.

The crime isn't plagiarism, but the lack of creativity that seems to plague the pop albums that are shovelling in money and keeping major record labels afloat in the storm of low CD sales and rise in digital downloads.

Do we want to keep blowing up old tracks just to "pop" them again? True, influences from other artists are flattering and, when studied, innovative tools for music's future. To put it simply, you can follow your parent's teachings, but you don't want to end up exactly like them.

Here's a grammar lesson: "Pop" is both a noun and a verb. Pop songs are adorably catchy, infectious, and memorable. These songs "pop" into the mainstream feed and, after a brief ride on the top, gradually leave us and take a backseat in music history. Pop music has defined moments, years, and generations. By using songs from the past, we have no words, rythems, or ryhmes to define the present.

Song of the Day


**1/4/09

Britney Spears - If You Seek Amy

-------------After getting the legendary Ms. Spear's latest album, Circus, I skipped the radio hits Womanizer and Circus for If You Seek Amy. Intrigued by the title of this vampy bad girl anthem, If You Seek Amy's lyrics epitomize Brit's return to the sexy pop icon from the pre Kfed era. The song has the cabaret swing of Katy Perry's "I Kissed A Girl," telling it like it is and getting everyone dancing. With If You Seek Amy, we're more than happy to welcome her back to the party.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Song of the Day


**1/3/09

Through Porchlight - Hallway Light

-------------------A band from Charlotte, North Carolina is hardly ever categorized as Dutch/French/Canadian pop. But Trough Porchlight has no problem with this self-dubbed genre, and why would they? Their fresh take on indie rock includes the sax stylings of Owen Eddy of the Funkquistadors and the unusual moans of Tyler Bertges. Hallway Light guides a vulnerable listener to the light with a mellow tambourine rythem and cool vocals. Today, Through Porchlight is illuminating the studio, but you can check out their songs on Myspace.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Song of the Day


**1/2/09

Morgan Heritage - Brooklyn and Jamaica

---------------------Families are as common in the music industry as tour buses and instruments. The five members of the Morgan family that make up the legendary hip hop/reggae group, Morgan Heritage, know this all to well, touring the world with their eclectic music influenced by the worlds of New York and Jamaica. Their song Brooklyn and Jamaica combines the two metropolis muses to create a harmonious, five-part reggae beat that belongs on the streets, venues, and your library. Get Brooklyn and Jamaica from Mission in Progress.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Song of the Day


**1/1/09

No Doubt - Rock Steady

--------------Gwen Stefani may have Love, Angels, Music, and even a little Baby, but she'll never forget her sweet tart power in No Doubt, which brought her and her bandmates onto the music scene throughtou the 90s and 2000s with "Hey Baby," "Don't Speak," and "Hella Good." But Rock Steady takes it down slow and sexy with the reggaeton "Rock Steady," giving Gwen's swooning voice plenty of room to pledge forever and have, well, no doubts. Get "Rock Steady" from No Doubt's fourth album, Rock Steady.