Saliva "Under Your Skin"

Saliva has been known to put out some awesome songs. They often had a lot of emotion and heart, even on their first two records on a major label "Every Six Seconds" and "Back Into Your System" which were heavy on the nu-metal/rap-rock style overloading the airwaves at the time, but they survived because it was real. Their best album as a whole was their 2004 release "Survival of the Sickest" which took away most of the rap-rock drudge and was just a great modern southern rock album. The next album was a "Blood Stained Love Story" and had a retread in first single calling all  Ladies and Gentlemen, and the catchy King of the Stereo, but it did have one of my favorite songs to listen to on a Broken Sunday, besides the latter two my only other true favorite was One More Chance (which also was another rap-rock workout), go figure, and the rest were ballads or songs that were just ok. The catchy Twister I fell in wasn't that bad either, but what I'm saying is that as a whole the album was just ok. The last Album "Cinco Diablo"  came closer to the well rounded greatness that SOTS had. My favorites were the machinations of My Own Worst Enemy, the hook that told me I'm Coming Back, Those Southern Girls, and their farewell made So Long ago. The rest were good too, but even with those four great songs I wasn't expecting that much from this next disc.But let me tell you that this record is now their best record as a whole with riffs, hook, and melodies that will make your mouth water. Ha ha Ha! Of course I meant to say that, consider the source. The first song is "Bada**" with it's conviction, and its lyrics that might give a loud mouth a Full Nelson for saying  shizz, and it has a great riff after 2:12. The next song helps me believe that there are even "Better Days" and discs from these guys. The instrumentals and harmonies are so beautiful, Josey Scott's vocals are getting better as he ages, and that breakdown is great after 2:30 minutes. "Nothing" follows better than this muted hip-hop esque beat that leads into a very poppy, and slightly whiney sung chorus; i'm just saying.The song is obviously about that loved one that got away, and now he is lost. You can "Hate Me" which has the beat more prominent in a hip-hop style and could be about haters in general or that girl he hurt. The guitars are real nice, and there is this barrage of drums from 1:04 to 1:09 done in a way that fits well with the track; I like that inclusion of guest vocals after the solo. Here comes another ballad that "Never Should've Let You Go" which is not bad for a ballad, but "Prove Me Wrong" in saying that the pace along with that ringing riff, besides that slightly wispy passage that leads in to the solo in back makes for a good song, and the song that dares the subject to prove that his dream could be attained. "Burn It Up" is really angry rock-rap retread in their Doperide, almost,with some backing heys, a hip-hop beat, and a starting delivery that reminds me of the Beasties. We can guess what "Toxic Suicide" is about as Scott drinks the pain of his unrequited love away which starts real hoverring with a cymbal heavy beginning, has a real nice solo at the end, and real catchy hook. Can you please "Turn The Lights On" my favorite ballad from this record? Maybe a "Spotlight" will help with it's southern-hop sound dedicated to those who live for the stage,and stand behind it. The songs that got under my skin the farthest were: Bada**, Better Days, Nothing, Hate Me, Prove Me Wrong, Toxic Suicide, and Turn The Lights On.                                                                                        

Kid Cudi "Man on the Moon: The End of Day"

Let me tell you that this album should be listened to as a whole for the strongest impact, and best effect; possibly to make the most sense as this stream of unconsciousness goes from dreams back to nighmares. The sound as a whole may be classified as dreamy, and slightly lacksadaisical, but the sound is really strong conceptually and musically. Even though it works best when listened in correct order it is not without it's definite standouts. SUbjects do deal with girls and relationships, but also focus on other themes too: such as his struggles with sleeping, dreams (good and/or bad), and bringing memories from his past and the loss of his father, and its effect on him.The start of the record can only be found "In My Dreams (Cudder Anthem)" which starts in a state of uncosciousness,  with slightly spacey keys and some strings, Cudi sings this track as the sound is something from out of the cosmos, but really laidback;it is a Common introduction to an album such as this. I bet you have thought what songs would be on the "Soundtrack 2 My Life?" First few lines basically shout out to Hova and the song starts with a s lightly rocky riff, the beat is handclap heavy, but the hook and the melody is catchy as can be, but one of my favorites can get stuck in your head the first time; the chance of it happening is as "Simple As..." 1, 2, 3! Ha! The hook is really agressive cause it's so catchy, but it's not abrasive, and the end is a spoken passage by a Common friend of ours who introduces us to the phase in Cudi's dreams where the Night Terrors rise in "Solo Dolo." The latter has an oriental base melody with some violins placed at the most precise, powerful points. It is a good lead in to the song that should be Kid Cudi's anthem because he does have a "Heart of a Lion," and this song is a more laidback version of Industry Groupie, but instead of sleeping with every rap superstar, they might sleep with Eleanor Rigby;  let's also say that this song is no less of an upstart. features Billy Cravens in a dreamy song about how he proclaimes when he was younger that this will be "My World."  Even when it seemed bleak, he still believed, you would think a song of determination would have a little more of intensity, but the arrangement works the way it is. Some of these songs are like "Day 'N' Nite (nightmare)" because some are dreamy and others have more energy. The pace is slower in this one, and not as lively as the Crookers mix which was released as a single, and I can guess why because the pace was too slow, and sound a little too empty to be accepted in the mainstream rap, even though the original version is not something you can easily dismiss. The track seems like it deals with mr. Solo Dolo and possibly a relationship that he is in. The next string of tracks are very upbeat and, at times, energetic in sound, even if sometimes they are from the dark side of unconsciousness. The "Sky Might Fall" on me for saying that, but let me tell you this beat is killer, as well as his verses  flow-ting in the clouds that have us "Enter Galactic (Love Connection Part 1)" in a synthy journey on the cosmic dancefloor that has a more lively and quicker backing instrumentals than those of it's predescessors. Even though it's sound is very upbeat, the lyrics are not as positive: "I once used to dream of peace until I found you/Once upon a time, baby/I once used to dream so sweet until I had a taste of you/Once upon a time, baby" and goes to ask what imgination means to you if you cannot do what you imagine; which is supposed to be more difficult than doing something. Common relays a nice audio sequeway to lead into our next track which makes me feel "Alive (nightmare)"  in one of his more upbeat tracks with the production power of Ratatat and the flow of Cudi which feels as if we move from the cosmic dance floor to that of a cosmic jungle; just listen to the percussion, and the keyboards? Then we enter the "Cudi Zone" which is another fantastic song with lovely strings a soaring rythym section, and quicker more energetic delivery, and a very upbeat sound that hovers over an island with waves of keyboards that "Make Her Say" oh..oh oh oh oh..oh oh oh oh.. to a beat heavy and slowed down reinterpolation of Lady Gaga and her Poker Face with strong, lively, and humurous verses from Common, Kanye, and of course Mr. Mescudi. I am in the "Pursuit of Happiness" and this psychadelicwhirring synth and rythym section  make it easier to think good thoughts even though he mentions his struggles with night terrors/night sweats, and  as he speaks that everything won't always be gold, while doing so in a dreamy sing-song delivery; the solo is a great way to end the track. You will probably have a hard time guessing what "Hyyerr" is about, which is a really nice laidback groover that is a great song to get high to? Just look at the title, and the way that it is spelled.The final track ends the traditional record on a positive note with an island breeze and a sound to take you "Up Up and Away" before Common leads us with a powerful send-off. The title track and first bonus track has some beautiful xylophone and strummed guitar in the back with lyrics of chsanging their self identity, such as wondering if he was an a-hole instead of being nice to girls, or trying to tone down his waves of thought and being simple in the mind. We all say "T.G.I.F" at the end of the work week for those that don't have work on the weekend, and the song is a good one, but isn't one of my favorites.Cudi and Wale ask us "Is There Any Love?" in this beat heavy and soulful-hook ridden track; the lyrics/wordplay is worth checking out, it's not bad. The album is real powerful as a whole, but these are my favorites: Simple As.., Heart Of A Lion, Sky Might Fall, Enter Galactic (Love Connection Part 1), Alive (nightmare), Cudi Zone, Make Her Say, Hyyerr, and Up Up and Away.                                                                                                  

Seether "Holding Onto Strings Better Left To Fray"

For a while I listened to the last Seether record constantly because it was addictive, it had a lot of great songs. My two ultimate favorites were the opening Like Suicide, and the bookend track which was definitely not a Waste of time. Some other favorites included the faux-hop of Walk Away from the Sun, the seven minute scream/hook-ridden No Jesus Christ, the (at times) silly but biting fmlyhm, and a song that can help me Rise Above This, but all the rest were pretty good too. So I had high hopes for this record, and it jumps right into the venom with a “Fur Cue,” so does that mean it’s rabbit season? A very addictive opener, still it’s a great with its screams and rhythm section, but seriously I’ve heard that riff from another post-grunge band somewhere. I guess I’ll find “No Resolution” because I haven’t figured it out yet, anyway this next song is pretty good with it’s light harmonies, airy melodies, and it usual run through the grungy water, but it has an inviting riff that starts it off though. If you love ballads, well you have no further to look than “Here and Now” which is a nice aside, I would call it pretty beautiful, catchy, and as harmonious as a post-grunge band can get. I think it’s a requirement where P-G bands have one “Country Song,” and let me tell you the twang and this addictive beat fit really well with their sound; who can forget the group vocals that just ask for participation, and the song is a little more poppier than previous singles, and would take my vote for one of their best, but they did have some pretty good ones before this. I think I am a “Master of Disaster,” when I write because it’s always a disaster! This song is a little slower and has a brooding bass, and some bells! I hear bells! The way he sings “quick… now…child” reminds me of another song,, but I really like the instrumentals in this one. “Tonight” is also very addictive and poppy; it reminds me of the timw they had a Six Gun Quota, or even of Jimmy Eat World, in fact there’s a Sweetness to this song that stays in my head. The inclusion of the bells and the drum pattern during the breakdown make it pretty cool. This song should be a single partly because of the positivity and punk-pop like energy, and it sounds different from other singles they have released. Hold It ! Did I Call JEW punk-pop? NO! I Did Not! Just let it “Pass Slowly,” and you’ll realize that this song is another winner. The harmonies, the emotion in this song,; just the sound reminds me of what they did with Careless Whisper, yet it’s not a cover, but sounds like a cover of an 80’s throwback which is just as or even more beautiful than the third track. I'll say that the attitude, chorus, harmonies and maybe the fact that when they "Fade Out" to the solo they do so with the tone that QOTSA has. These “Roses” have thorns that are almost Like Suicide, yet not as deadly or addictive, but who wants to be addicted to something that which kills you? The song is another one of my favorites though with its swirling riff toward the end, and just the sound makes it seem larger than it is. I‘m definitely “Down” for this song as it starts off with this garage-rock vibe, and the vocal delivery is slightly different. However, the chorus is real catchy and could easily be found with the best of popsicles, and the solo doesn’t hurt their rock cred. You have a “Desire For Need,” and I just have a desire for good music. This song brings those higher notes Morgan conjured on Eyes of the Devil; oh and he screams like one on this song too, or maybe a banshee. So is that why he is “Forsaken?” I think this song  is a strong finish, but does not have something that Waste had, but it has something else. If I avoided “Holding Onto Strings Better Left To Fray” they would include: Desire For Need. Forsaken has grown on me, and really, everything else was top notch from them.

Sixx AM "This Is Gonna Hurt"

Now let me warn you..."This is Gonna Hurt." Maybe not your ears, but that slightly industrial-intro leading to this hooky synergy and undeniable energy/chorus which may lead you into the moshpit as you listen to pop-metal perfection. Like dead men tell no tales, beautiful people tell no lies, Right? Well, you don't have to hear any "Lies of The Beautiful People" from me because I'm not beautiful, and the I don't like to lie. Don't even get me started on the chorus, or the vocals which are soaring higher thanthe clouds, and the vocals are ready to start a Dark New Day. Is Adam Lambert in this track? What did I say?  Like those ballads that instead of sounding sappy, sound like a question that may be coming from the opposite perspective?"Are You With Me Now?" Many of us wish we could "Live Forever," but what about our loved ones, and what if our better half doesn't? Would we really want to? The vocals are powerful, and the metallic groove is good, but that bass in the bridge, and the bridge itself, after 3:05 alongside the great rythymic synergy finish the song on an even better note. "Sure Feels Right" to say I think of Everclear when listening to this song on the AM Radio, and those lovely violins are Entertaining Angels. The track is a lot more sentimental, laidback, and a lot more positive, bouncy even! It just sounds more like a song to be on a country record, maybe even a Nickelback record more so than this one. Ok, right from the start they kick butt on "Deadlihood" with a short  "whispered" passage leading this huge swirling sound with  quicker drum pattern, and an even more bombastic backing to the chorus, and a song about the living dead in Hollywood. It's 2:00, do you know where your inner rock star is? This song makes me "Smile," but not as much as the previous one. This song is definitely beautiful, and more of a ballad than the other song that sandwhiched the previous track.Just how they switch from something of the previous to a song that could probably be found on a neo-soul record, even with that solo..possibly. The slow moving piano, and the percussion relying more on airier patterns with more hi-hat,cymbals, and such. The next song is a doo-wop metal track with a real hooky guitar riff, that can have you bobbing your head back and forth, or ready to dance. It sounds really positive, and has a lot of energy... "Oh My G*d" the next song is a great ballad if you want to listen to one, and after 2:20 there is a driving beat and fast solo  before it goes back to all that sentuiment, but to those who myust know tyhe next track, well, "Help is On The Way."I hate to say this but, "Goodbye My Friends" which start with some beautiful piano, and then this riff just slithers under sort of causing the piano to bop and rock as the drums pound in a gothic-muse-vaudeville style track that has a killer solo. Well, the rule for a great album is that if you start off with a great track you need to end with one, and this song is it. A powerful finish that is a piano led ballad, but is so much more than that, and it hits home because some people don't give others a chance sometime,s and assume they know the person but they only know their assumptions. Lyrics are powerful as they stress the golden rule, kill them with kindness because, they don't even know you, they are just a------ because theyu assume; and it helps me be a litlle more comfortable in my own "Skin". The song really gets sappy and stringy after 2:15, but is a great finish. If I had to choose the songs where "This is Gonna Hurt" not real bad but they weren't my favorite they would be: Are You With Me Now, Smile, and Oh My G*d.

Atmosphere "The Family Sign"

As I try to place this thing in the keyhole, it starts slow, almost as if it has nowhere to go except somewhere in screen credits, and then I find "My Key" to enter the door almost two minutes ago  and a slug is there to greet me . I probably won't be "The Last To Say," but even though Slug's flow is slow, his words are powerful, and this song tell sad a tale of hand-me down abuse; the wife standing by an abusive husband. The guitar/piano is restricted, but in this case less is more because it puts the focus on the story and lyrics which make for a better song; the instrumentals are just enough, and help strengthen the mood w/ bluesy riff. The beat is more prominent, pace is a little quicker, and sounds really nice with that arpeggiating piano and "You're not the hunted, you're not the aim./You just another dog with hunger pains/I was so afraid that you'd become the game/I forgot to worry about what you became." In the next song, the instrumentals are louder and more in charge, they really work well with the attitude of the song, and vibes, and no, They aren't "Just For Show." The reggae style-riff, solo, and organ-ic keyboard are awesome. I love the lyrics, message, energy, and instrumentals in this next track about Slug's girl, "she want a baby so I gave her one of those/ belly getting big, look at the t*** grow /she want a song so I wrote one and it goes" this is probably one of my favorite lines, but all of them are good, catchy as flip and the instrumentals are as they should. Just tell her "She's Enough," and you'll be able to escape the hood.Well, this next song is about a "Bad Bad Daddy," and his delivery which sounds kind of evil, and it has this recurring riff that just sets the whole tone for the track; and the last half minute is greeted by hand claps and some more keyboard. This "Millenium Dodo" includes spacey key bloops, an upbeat handclap, and some laidback funk, along with some lyrics of "Who I'll Never Be,"which includes an acoustic guitar with a latin vibe, and a beat that goes a little too fast for the guitar; they follow two paces, but it works. The song sounds like it's about the one that got away who writes "Just another sad song to me/And every song you write without me/sound like who I'll never be." The next song is of a slow pace, but the beat is unavoidable and just gives heightens the intensity of the lyrics despite the delivery being the same, they sound angrier, or delivered with more conviction, but "I Don't Need Brighter Days" all the time just some good vibes or songs here and then. The next song's instrumentals have me thinking of Oregon Trail or the Wild West as the beat trots over weeds, and the keyboards create the light twang and accordion? "Ain't Nobody" gonna disagree that. The next song is a biting tribute to one of those people that had big dreams, and was able to achieve them,but they forgot everyone along the way, and now they are trying to reconnect with those they have stepped on"You have yourself a great day /Wait! /What was that?/  What you say? /My phone number? /Nah I don't think so /I only gave it to a handful of close people. /Lets not make this into an issue /But the truth is... /I DON'T MISS YOU! " The piano and guitar in this song please place "Your Name here." HELP!  "If You Can SAVE ME nOW" funky riff, lovely piano, and slapbeat I would appreciate it "Not even sure what caused the crash. /If I had the strength, I would probably laugh. /I'm so relaxed / Warm like blood /Layin' on my back in the sun-dried mud." There is "Something So" beautiful, uplifting, depressing about this song. Looking at "My Notes" I deided to end the disc with a more upbeat, uplifting tune and commentary. As for the best tracks, the whole album is a family and should not be seperated.

Thrice "Major/Minor"

"Yellow Belly" is not afraid to digest tones and energy of earlier records but tries a beat that hops instead of gallops, but I prefer the synergy of these two elements rather than a faster paced track. "Promises" are made and broken, kept, or made to be broken and deceive because "..we promise pretty things/And we pledge with diamond rings/We profess undying love/But does that word hold any weight/When we reserve the right to break/Any vow that draws our blood." The song starts with such a powerful first stanza. I'm "Blinded" by the dust from the galloping beat starting the track because it seems odd placed with the riff, and then hits a nice tempo after that. The underlining bassline syncs well with the beat, and gives way to that same spacey/distrotion Vhiessu-style that first appeared after the minute mark.The song's lyrics deal with being someone struggling with both sides of light; born from the dark, but chosen to defend those on, and of the light. Just check these: "Yeah, you held my eyes to the sun till I could see that/That I was worse than I ever feared I could be

But somehow, I was loved more than I ever dared to believe." I guess I was just suffering from "Cataracts" instead of blindness, which has a real groovy rythym section with a nice bridge.We start out with a great stride in the drum pattern that slowly morphs into another signature, despite its pace leaving the vocals to "Call It in The Air" and a dark riff to create the illusion of fog after the ascension. Then we return to that soaring chorus where "You have to choose/And what you stand to lose you've been putting up all of your life/Call it in my hand..." and then you will see, how the last thirty seconds can be a great finish to start "Treading Paper." The latter starts with a jazzy synergy and groove. The song's lyrics are existential, and really powerful for those who don't believe they have a purpose , just read the last few stanza's. It's also pretty relatable to almost anyone because they have that moment in time,at least once, where they wonder what their purpose is. The next song seems to move in "Blur" with its speed, more so than the pace of some of their other songs that were faster; the energy is reminiscent or earlier albums, yet the musicality has improved. They have been getting better with each release. Of course, there is a slow down period, and the speed is not blistering (but it doesn't need to be) and its not just another quick generic'punk'song. "Words In The Water" come to the shore by the 0:55 and thirty six seconds start with this propulsive backing beat (double-bass?) and a restrained leading beat with a downtempo riff but lighter chorus acompaniment. The lyrics seem pessismistic as a curse has fallen upon our hero, this infinite sadness, this self loathing, and this book whose weight is the cause of it,until someone rips the burden out of the hand and the curse follows suit. starts on a powerful instrumental note, and the rythym section makes it much easier to "Listen Through Me" even "Though we're men of lips unclean/I speak truly/What you only think you've heard Everything." If they had an "Anthology" of their best work it would not be able to fit on one disc without it being an injustice, and the starting riff is celebratory, we can call it poppy, but just sounds slightly different than some of the songs they had written. That short twenty second passage after 2:58 with the building drum and lite riff was real nice. I was "Disarmed"by the beauty of this song with it's soaring harmonies and beautiful instrumentals, and it cut the power of my words off too apparently. Dangit! These SOngs are in the Majors: Yellow Belly, Promises, Blinded, Cataracts, Call It in The Air, Treading Paper, Words in the Water, Anthology Minors: Blur, Listen Through Me, and Disarmed .                       

LMFAO "Sorry For Party Rockin"

You know what they say about sequels; they are not as good as the orginal.This sequel likes to "Rock The Beat II" much! With a silly spoken introduction that starts in an "evil" voice, break character, and is told to just read the script; gets one pumped for some party rock, and a thumping beat that really starts after forty seconds and slows down with this cosmic distortion, laidback keys, and some LMFAO verses that tell you to put those motherf***** hands up. "Sorry For Party Rockin," but this hook was made for twerkin'...I love that word. Twerk Twerk Twerk! Is that moog synth, and this squeeky sound made from new rubber cartoon sneakers just don't seem that apologetic, because "I'm here for when ever the club sippin buzz really drunk and I see a fat booty /Got to have it I'm a grab it cause its a habbit automatic like uzi, with the sick flow" which is backed this slowed down beat, that's a nice change. Ok, with this next song i am bias because I LOVE THIS NEXT SONG!Why? because it's my "Party Rock Anthem!" It has a lot of positive energy in sound and the lyrics want "Everybody just have a good time/And we gonna make you lose your mind" with those hand clap beat, that ringing synth, the fun verses name dropping Led Zep, and saying that hating is bad; It is a great party pump-up! Hey mirror,wazzzup?! Mirror: What in the heck do you think you're doing? Just posin' because "I'm Sexy and I Know It" Mirror: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Do That again and you'll have seven years bad luck! Seriously, Though one cannot deny the power of that funky synth and after 1:30 we have that hi-hat, gradually bagrragin' 808, and then some wigglin' wiggle wigglin, yeah with more ringing synth. Natalia Kills the autotune vocals on this track, and I'm not sure if she's part chipmunk, but she can hit some high notes. The beat may have you "flash your t****** like Mardi Gras," or dance till you sweat. Hopefully this party doesn't stop because of "Champagne Showers." The next song has me going in Blind, at the start, but then I see that all he wants is to spend his time with someone special. This is one of my favorites. Stop with the lazy delivery, and "Put That A$$ to Work!" or "Shake that booty like an etch-a-sketch" my favorite part is after fifty-nine seconds where  there is a good half minute of swag-rock perfection...ok, but is sounds cool!and the last minute  seques nicely into the next song. Ok, let's "Take It To The Hole." It could be dark in there, this everpresent ringing synth can give you a headache, even with that addicive beat, and one of the silliest lines, and yes sexist, but here goes:You see that girl over there she big chested/Let's start my motor boat, face nested/When I do that, she screams all festive/When you do that, she screams, "I'm molested! "/Now you are arrested/While we're in the club being most requested" but once it's past 1:58 we see the light. D*** someone put in cheap batteries! 2:16 it's dark again; oh wait, Busta Rhymes is here,we need no stinkin' batteries.Then we just follow the light for the last half minute. "We Came Here to Party," not to judge others and start a fight, so instead of looking for the negative just enjoy the ride. The sound  of this could be something that moves like Kylie Minogue, and "Reminds Me of You," but I don't know why; could it be that annoying ray gun? That lovely digital flute/keyboard loop? Those autotuned vocals featuring Calvin Harris? More thumoppin bass, but with a softer raygun? Maybe I should figure out who it reminds me of first. If will.i.am, GoonRock, Eva Simmons, this driving synth perfect for fist bumpin' and vocoder assistance, a lot of positive energy, and lyrics that some people wish for :"Oh, I know where this is gonna go/I've seen it in a dream before/I love it when you hold me tight/And then we kiss til the morning light." can make this the "Best Night" in the studio.  The next song has a beat reminiscent of music from the doo-wop era? However, put through drum machine filters, so it sounds updated.The autotune doesn't really bother me in this song, but I don't think I could listen to it "All Night Long." Lisa appears to be a fan of autotune as well, but it's not bad, it's just when everybody uses it; it gets old. I love this song! Tik Tok on the clock blow my speak---Oh wait...Still love this song! It has that funky/disco synth and catchy hook that sound like the clock is ticking  faster "With You," and some more vocoder, but it's all right. I know you can write better than I can, but that doesn't mean you have to be a "Hot Dog."This song is a funky and funny little ditty with some hand claps talking about how he's sexy, he works out, lost 30 pounds, and all he is thinking is about getting a darn "Hot Dog" after they're done with the club. If I had to choose seven party rockers I would choose Rock The Beat II, Party Rock Anthem, One Day, Reminds Me of You,Take it To The Hole, With You, and Hot Dog.

Thrice "Beggars"

Either "All The World is Mad" or am I the only one that had just realized the main riff that starts the song has a misleading time sig that can change to another after repeated listens. The power of the drum-bass synergy is strong, my favorite part is probably the bridge starting around 2:28 and the sliding finish, or is that the beat? pretty quick and on one drumhead until Kensrue proclaims he will never leave the side of his wife, no matter how dangerous the storm or how heavy "The Weight" becomes in carrying this relationship. The vocals in this track sound almost like, Elvis Costello popped in my head, but I think this delivery almost sounded more like that of (Mat) Kearney. There aren't many lyrics in this song, and repeating those lyrics so there is less instrumental passages would only damage and weaken the song, and become an example this song is trying to make because songs don't need choruses, nor do they need repeated verses, and repeating those lyrics again will bring the song in "Circles," and the song will lose its meaning. the next one is  a great piano bar blues track with a great drum pattern, wit this occasional inclusion of this slowed down passage lead by this atmospheric drum line and muted guitar, the pace slows after three minutes, and the solo after four is nice. Two sides! Maybe that's why it's called "Doublespeak"; hey the final guitar in it reminds me of LB when they were Down Another Day. Sometimes I feel I am "In Exile," so I can relate, and I just love the tempo of this song; ok, I love the song in general as it ends in a fine finish. Slightly folk/punk, and again that last minute with the shimmery riff, and cool drum pattern end it on a strong note.This next track starts a little quicker, and then even crosses through the Hazards of Love in some of their riffs that are impatient for Margaret to fall in love in the Taiga; this fact does not make this song any less awesome. The sound of this track is a mixture of old and new thrice, not clearcut, but spread throughout the track, and only "At The Last" few words will I reveal the title. Through the 'Wood and Wire" we  may feel like screaming a little bit because some miss the old Thrice; well, maybe the best way is to start "Talking Through Glass/We Move Like Swing Sets" because we are tired. The track has a little more energy and ferocity that some of the previous tracks were missing, a slight recall to earlier days, and the whole last record was devoid of; that album is really awesome though, they said it that themselves that this record would be filled with more energy than their last few records on an interview."The Great Exchange" took the speed and erocity of earlier records, but changing it for different styles and sounds while keeping elements of past and future with the present. The guitar is dreamy as the bass and drums(really like the beat) move it along. We are all "Beggars" all, and the vocals almost have Kensrue hoarse but not from screaming, but from throwing his heart into the delivery, and the atmosphere, and smoke could also be causing some damage. If I can only choose six "Beggars" to help they woukld be: All The World is Mad, The Weight, Circles, In Exile, At The Last, and Talking Through Glass/We Move Like Swing Sets.

Selena Gomez and the Scene "When The Sun Goes Down"

Selena: "Oh, Justin I 'Love You Like a Love Song.' I love you so much" Justin " I'll 'Never Let You Go' I promise. That funky bass thump is very addictive, and that little breakdown is beautiful I'm almost compelled to say that I love this song more than "Bang Bang Bang" WOAH! watch where you point that thing! The gun is loaded; however, this gun is more likely to have you running to the dancefloor than for cover. Part of the instrumental bed is a bit dirty like the time when she had found someone better; someone that treats her like a person, and instead of trying to hide her, shows her off to all of his friends.I must admit that the third song is one of my favorites because it is so uplifting, and a beautiful song with lovely bouncing violin, and a powerful message that says "Who Says" you cannot be what you aspire to be? Only one person can judge you, and everybody else that says stuff just to say it.Ehh forget em, "We Own The Night" with this very prominent beat that has me walking on lighted squares, some background autotune, and a catchy "Oh-woah oh" backing refrain and visit from Pixie Lott. The vocals and guitar in this song is a nice complement to the beat in this track and works well. "Hit The Lights" is a perfect song for the dance floor with some piano notes to start the song and a driving beat that then gives way to a drum-machine dance beat and somsynth synonymous with the dancefloor and flashing..you know. This next song has some attuitude, and as much swag as a pop song can have with that thumpin bass and that handclap beat; for that I might suffer "Whiplash." I cannot forget her delivery which at times is like "Lickety split/A girl in a bit/As she falls in a pit saying 'hello darling'/Twisted insanity/ Falling humanity/All that I want is some tranquility/Do you hear me?" The next song is perfect for "When The Sun Goes Down," and the dance floor is up and running with that quick and addictive dancebeat the whirring synth, and the dreamy passage that starts at 2:19 and lasts until 2:43 changes the beat for couple seconds, and now back to our regularly scheduled roof-raisin' and fist bumpin'. This next song is like Viva la Vida on pop steroids w/ a shot of dance bass. It's slightly quicker, but replaces the strings w/ synth in several tones and just describing how it sounds similiar, but seems to have a lot more energy has become "My Dilemma." OH! Did I forget to mention that at times she sings/patterns her delivery the way Chris Martin had in their song? This one has a lot of energy, is a quicker paced track, and could possibly be called lite punk, in attitude, mixed w/dance-pop and basically says "That's More Like It" when comparing the current state of the relationship to the preceding state with that video-game synth, bloops, driving beat that either are handclaps, or sounds like drumming witha a piece of folded up paper?. Running like an "Outlaw" the beat seems to dance like a tribe and trot like a horse, but the synth and trance underlining, baby electronic accordion throws me in "Middle of Nowhere," and those sparse ringing bells almost has her singing Hot & Cold wearing her Poker Face as she moves to the beat. Then they have a spanish version of one of my favorite songs on this record :"Dices," but "Who Says" I have to tell you what it means. I would choose to play these songs "When The Sun Goes Down": Who Says, We Own The Night, Whiplash, When The Sun Goes Down, My Dilemma, That's More Like It, and Middle of Nowhere.                                                                   

The Kills "Blood Pressures"

The "Future Starts Slow," but good things come to those who wait. However, This record starts off on a good note with This "Satellite" hovers over the bass with this slow groove that's played like a reggae riff, and drum pattern that hides in sync with the riff, but then drops like five rocks from the sky. The First track almost has you thinking you'll run faster with Pumped Up Kicks, but then you realize that you'd rather just continue at this pace and be able to enjoy the song as it goes. The drum pattern of the next song almost reminds of when Mickey was so fine any girl would say "..you blow my mind..Hey Mickey!" However, the song is not really as elastic as that song; it was just an observation, and it is a slower pace. The distortion and the great riff just recall that the  "Heart is a Beating Drum." Well, this is another "Nail In My Coffin," I mean this song's beat with those handclaps and melodies just scream for help to be recognized as a great pop song, and that real short passage after two minutes just causes the coffin to be inescapable. Wait a second..HELP! "Wild Charms" gives Hince a chance to display his singing chops on this short 1:14 nugget, and somehow open up this dang coffin Phew! I think I'm claustrophobic, and I have asthma (still..possibly) so that wouldn't be good. Ok, now the "Dna" of this song can be traced by this lo-fi and a slightly psychedelic sound that may rival contemporary Ariel Pink? The drum pattern however doesn't seem to completely agree with that observation, but it is catchy.  The vocals of Mossheart in the next track are commanding, but not demanding, and the "Baby Says" she likes the look of the Starlight from this garage. The beat/finger snaps, vocals of Mossheart, the everpresent "dunning" bass, and the shimmering guitar and its accompanying distortion make this song more audible without assistance of a monitor. Figures, "The Last Goodbye" would include a piano, some light strings in back, a semi audible beat that stays for about twenty seconds after the three minute mark and fades out before the song does, and lyrics like this "Can't quite see the end/How can I rely on my heart if I break it with my own two hands?" The piano in this song is more in the old school style; it's not too sappy or tailor made for radio (See: undeniably catchy or poppy), it's heartfelt with just enough emotion to see it's real, but not bombastic. "D*mned If She Do" is a great garage-funk-dance track with a prominent beat, and a whirring riff that slowly sways back and forth, but then comes alive after 1:00 in the morning when she gets to that place. Then goes back to sleep, and comes alive again at 2:02, but this time she stays alive because she has got to because she is on her last legs and needs to make it to the end. Hey! you're in my way!! "You Don't Own The Road," and you don't drive in two lanes! Did you hear the police cars behind ya? OOOPs, guess not. Well, the riff doesn't own the song, but it makes it work, and almost steals the song, but the beat becomes co-owner. So apparently the song is directed toward to someone that stole Moss' heart once, and she is asking it to be stolen again? Possibly? Remember when you used to bang on "Pots and Pans?" Well, they come with a folkie tendency is probably not correct, but there is a guitar note staircase (small one) "You're so good/I ain't joking when I said/You're so good/I can't find enough pots and pans/Let alone knives in my kitchen/To keep you cooking." The songs that I would listen to lower my blood pressure are Wild Charms, You Don't Own The Road, and Pots and Pans.

Earth "Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light 1"

"Old Black" was my dog, he was huge. This song is one of five epic instrumentals. This one reminds me of Sum 41's Intro to their Master of Puppets-style  CHUCK. Which says about as much, or more, than this track does in only forty seconds. I'm not saying this song is bad, I'm just saying that it could be a little shorter. There is a change after five minutes, i see. There is the semi-audible flute or something in back after 6:50; it becomes more audible after 7:50 when it returns. Since we cannot go on lyrics. Let's share feelings; I feel that this is good background music.Goodbye! "Father Midnight" stays out later than his name sake; either eleven minutes if displayed digitally, or eleven seconds when talking about song length. A slower pace than the previous track, or it starts that way. I see like this cloaked individual slowly creeping in the dark outside as it snows waiting for his next victim.What do you see? I would have to say the subtle strings, and other background instrumentals are a real nice touch, the foreground riff is not bad either. The "Descent to the Zenith" is a shorter trip than you would think..7:30? Dang! Are they riding a bullet train to get there? It definitely does not sound like it. I think of slowly descending ropeline with those hardhats. Who knew "H*ll's Winter" could be so cold? Well, I would tell you that this music does have me envision falling snow, but since the place is below ground maybe instead of falling snow, we get ash? The guitar in this song is nice as well as the slow pace, and it is good background music, but does the winter have to last over eleven minutes? Couldn't it say the same thing in half the time considering it's basically the same throughout the whole song. However, didn't they say something about repetition and h*ll on earth? We know how winter can be sometimes, and in h*ll? So it works on a conceptual level, and the it did change later on. The title track is the longest at 20:25. The bass seems more prominent in this one..I don't know, as a whole the record is not bad, and makes for great contemplation music and background music, but not for anything else, and I am not saying they are not musicians, or that they do not put a lot of thought in this music, I am saying that it's not exactly my kind of music, especially if it stays the same for most of the time, and yes the songs are long, but they don't have to be as long as they are.The change in the last five minutes is good.

Beastie Boys "Hot Sauce Committee Part 2"

That is some funky keyboard, I'm thinkin rhodes,but as they walk the streets the beat is hot and so is their conviction, ready to "Make Some Noise." In this beat driven and bass backseater, it sounds like they are performing in a vacant building in the five boroughs than with a "Nonstop Disco Powerpack," but I love this verse"The Emcee Whisperer kinda like a trainer/I take sucker rappers, I put 'em through a strainer/ Like macaroni cause the s*** sound cheesy/Watch how it's done boy, it looks easy." The next track starts with this light hornlike, and then it has this rockin beat and some vocoder assisted vocals "Ok" that's fine it sounds real cool. I loved the original version,soo cool, and it has that fire that was burning for a while since their last record was an instrumental in 2007 Mix-Up, and last trad record was in 2004 "To The Five Boroughs." "Too Many Rappers (New Reactionaries Version)" is still awesome, and who better to assist in pointing out perpetrators than Nas (I'm not calling him perp; it's a compliment). Awesome! The beat is basically the same, but the whirring synth is different, and there is a half-minute intro with just the digitalics. Go ahead and "Say It" This song rocks! with those bloops, keyboards,vocal effects,beat, and a sound that might be found in a hip hop horror movie. Bill Harper must not have collected a lot becuse his collection is only twenty four seconds. "Don't Play A Game That I Can't Win" has a reggae flavor with guest vocals from Santi White, and some killer horns and sirens. "Long Burn The Fire" has some disc-scratching and keyboard distotion, trashcan clapping "Cause MC's got weapons that'll ruin your health/So if you're feeling strong, then reach for yours/My book is my shield and my mic is my sword." They want to bring the funk, instead of the brass, one was for a primate the other for an a--. I  feel....too late this "Funky Donkey" vocal effects, and beat pass. Funny sounds "The Larry Routine"  it's short and sweet, but pretty mean. "Tadlock's Glasses" has more vocal effects and can't say I hate it. "Lee Majors Come Again" is a more punk-rap track with some horns, and at round two it's slowed down and has a rockin breakdown with keyboard effects, back to quicker tempo. "Multilayer Nuclear Disarmament" is a funky little instrumental that decides to speak up at the end,in a robotic voice, maybe because the song was mutated by all that radioactivity. "Here's A Little Something For Ya," they drop some verses and make you dance, with the beat as well movin more than your pants and some "Crazy A** S***" can't stop the beat because the beat is king with the fx m-moren' a fling ha you can top that why can't I stop that i seriously can't rhyme for S--- so tell me i stink instead of deal withit. "The Lisa Lisa/Full Force Routine" is more than just another short interlude, but a great way to end this disc. If I could only pick 8 members for the committee I would choose: Make Some Noise, Nonstop Disco Powerpack,Ok, Too Many Rappers (New Reactionaries Version), Say It,Tadlock's Glasses, Lee Majors Come Again, and Here's A Little Somethin' For Ya. Check The Whole Disc and see for yourself what it's all about!

MC Lars "21 Concepts (But a Hit Aint One)"

Mc Lars has always been known to write music with a big sense of humor, almost like rap's answer to Wierd Al (there have been some comparisons made). It starts with some toy piano and some horn and has a lot of nice verses and Beefy as they write a song about the magic of rap and how it just seem's like "Child's Play." Mixing humor (Chasing money's never funny when you really need to eat/Good thing rap is easy - have you heard this awesome beat?) with things more serious: (My little brother lost his arms, legs toes in Iraq/When he got back I showed him all the magic powers of rap/I'm messing with the physics, I straight up spit out cybernetics/People love the robot parts when he's out shopping for organics). We obviously know where he stands on this "religion" with a title like"Scientology =WTF?" has a lot of interesting commentary,an awesome bass line and then at the last half minute a screamo ending telling you to avoid this line of crock. "Shvensen Fitzlogic" featuring HardNox is a funny, and maybe a little unsettling, song about a guy who goes to college just to spend time with the young hot freshman"Fake ID's? They don't matter to me, you've got some tig ol' bitties and some nice white teeth/...Hey mom, please send me more money, it's my eighth year in college digging freshman honeys." The backing music helps the eerieness, as well as the whispered/screamed delivery as he sings the refrain. Have you ever known what it feels like to be "Single and Famous?" Me neither, but MC Lars and K Flay have as they leave a message for this girl that sounds like a rude and selfish girl in this song with a catchy hand clap beat and a nice backing riff which helps me see a Solar Flare and a solo. "Reaping Beauty" seems like it want you to Sing in the beginning, but then digresses, and goes into this organic synth, this catchy beat and piano with great verses featuring Beefy, Random, Tina Root, and SMP in a song that mentions videogames. "The Lint Song" is a real cute song about lint with a nice fast beat and catchy synth, after it goes into a short story of Gloria Jonson whose intestine became infected by lint;they have this short solo. This is a cute song, evrybody sing along Fun!Fun!Fun! Fun! We all heard about Rudolph, but what about "Gary The Green Nosed Reindeer?" which has the handclap beat upfront, and this riff audible that keeps the song moving along, but not the focus; it is a really cute christmas song for those who like their X-mas music non-traditional,.Listen to the story too, it'sccute especially the stair climbing riffaround two minutes."My Biochemical Terrorist Romance" is about a middle-eastern girlfriend has rocked his world, with a little mideastinfluence. "Everyone's a Little Bit Gay" is another cute song with a nice looping piano and beat,as well as the lyrics which are pretty funny ("Footballs that's gay/Milonakis had it right/Guys shower in the locker room and put on pads and tights/They dance around with balls and slap each other's butts") and sentimental ("We try to hide it try to put it away/Confusing feelings don't mean they're wrong/So just sit back listen to my song /Everyone's a little bit gay.") Here's a fact that most of us cannot deny "Hot Girls Make Guys Do Really Stupid Things," why would I lie? Just check out the lyrics which can be pretty hilarious.We don't even need to describe the next song which is about "Lolita" in this sentimental song about an underage lover, yes, it's unsettling, the sound is spacey and the harmonies are nice, kind of makes you feel bad for him the way it's written and arranged; maybe. It has been said that the only thing that is constant is change, and "Buddhism is for Dummies" is a song about impermenance which has a siren, beat in front and organ fading in and out quotes Heraclitus"Yelling 'Earthquake!', to cope with the stress/Using comedy, like I still do today/20 years later nightmares haven't gone away," this distorted voiceover doesn't help either. "Be the beat/don't just stand there! (Call 911)/Push hard and fast (where?)/in the center of the chest ("That's CPR") that starts with heartbeat monitor, and has this catchy riff, discscratching, where have I heard this riff? voiceover, than some nice backing synth, and a song of value. This song is for all the geeks and having pride in being yourself because "Johnny Quarterback's glory days would never last/He got his girl pregnant and now he's pumping gas!/While the kid he once dissed hung out in his garage/Now he runs Macintosh and his name is Steve Jobs"; it's time to get "Geeked Out." Ashley Jade is featured on "The Bonus Track For Japan." Really, it's dedicated for all japanese fans and japan, and is slightly funky and pretty cute, but Iknow why it's a bonus track."Something Wicca This Way Comes" is about finding a lover who practices wicca; hey I think this vocal effect chorus and hook has put a spell on me.The next song says "It's a Latin Thing," and sounds like a slower and more laidback reggaeton song. The next song addresses the ills of the media and that it will do anything to make a buck, as well as addressing bias in media as it mentions Elizabeth Smart and Laci Peterson (who we know) and two african american missing girls Tamika Huston or LaToyia Figueroa (who might not have been heard of until now). With more serious verses and not as upbeat instrumentals it makes you listen and tries to help you avoid "Missing White Girl Syndrome." The next song is a very catchy and dancy song that makes me feel like a "Rock Star." Acoustic guitar asks us not to "Cry Tonight(Acoustic)," oh that's why. A lot of passion and someblood-curdling screams at the end. Today we are having a funeral "Why?" because "Nerdcore Died." How could I say that,I didn't, Lars did,but checkout this awesome song,it cannot still be dead then can it? "If this is what you call Nerdcore you ignorant dumb---." If I had to cut off five concepts I would choose: Shvensen Fitzlogic, My Biochemical Terrorist Romance, The Bonus Track For Japan, Something Wicca This Way Comes, and It's a Latin Thing.                                                       

Crash Coordinates "EchoTheory"

The First song is a nice intro to this band which lets people know they can rock with nice singalong harmonies that ask if you are going to spend all your life trying to figure life out as it passes you down the street, don't give up because you're "On Your Way." The next track starts off with a killer riff and amped up singalong harmonies, the drumming here is real nice, and so is the breakdown it has "All That You Want" in a number one hit. "You Really Got Me" has this nice sing-along harmony and solo, and a song that every guy(or girl) can relate to. The next song may have you "Counting Down The Days" until they come to your city with this driving beat and and a passion and fire that just airs out through the guitar playing and the delivery, and watch out for that solo which picks up the pace followed by short drum pound marathon. This song reminds me when I was In The Cold by Acceptance. It cannot last "Forever," but this songs sentiment,vocals, and instrumentals are filled with heart and passion. The whole ep is great, but check out: All That You Want, and Counting Down the Days.                                                                                  

Los Lonely Boys "Rockpango"

"American Idle" is not only a nice play on words, but a real rocking  and upbeat song with this insanely catchy groove and the horrible truth that everybody has to make a dollar to get along as well as more biting commentary. Why don't they just "Fly Away" from it all? Another love song, which I'm not sure what the best part is, but the those harmonies and instrumentals soar. It starts with this catchy handdrum percussion and this funky/latin groove and What am I bleeding? Holy s***what is that? It's "Love in My Veins." I got your love, baby/deep in my veins/you're my prescription you heal my pain." So first we're happy, then we're plagued by strings and sadness, metaphor of car as vehicle and luck as tenor, and it looks like describing this song is a "Road To Nowhere." Maybe a solo night drive will cure that problem; if you hink about it this lite-Fm adult alternative sound can be something played by a boyfriend who messed up, and now is driving home all sad and depressed, but trying to hold it in, until..here they come.. maybe these "16 Monkeys" can cheer you up. They play a mean funky bass and a nice nice double beat as the cymball tap and the other hand drums another, we'll call it floating.Wait! they took hold of the car..wait? Who's driving? "My spaceship's flyin' I'm an astroboy/The cow jump over the moon, he said play me a song/but the notes were wrong and out of tune/ I guess the coca puffs fell off of my spoon" were some of my favorite lyrics, but they did say they were stoned, and tried to save Gotham city like "BATMAAAAN;" they sing that really short. "Rockpango" is a drum heavytrack that has this addictive time-sig that is gallops, but is not neccesarily free, and seems to sound different once the solo joins the rock party. Did the harpischord arrive, or was it here the whole time just standing in the back?  The song makes me "Smile" with those strings and sentimental message of the love in her smile; there are strings following the beat, and some in the background. You sure know how to hit that..bass, and those drums are outta sight; the guitars will rock your world. Oh "Baby Girl" you make for a great inspiration, and If this song is your audio equal you must be pretty special. We can't "Change the World" with a song, as said by Neil Young, but we can relay a message, and hope that convinces others to follow suit and try to change things that are not working.It doesn't sound like it but it stresses that the Man in the Mirror needs to make a change before bigger changes can be made. Get ready to strip because this little scratching and a cutnpaste voiceover is a song about a..."Porn Star" that also features a little verse in there short and sweet. I "Believe" in love, so they do, and that a good song can often make a bad mood better. This track is drum heavy, as the groovin guitars are there just not as loud until the solo comes in. If i could only choose 5 songs to enjoy at a spanglish party where we celebrate the power of rock I would choose: American Idle, Love In My Veins, 16 Monkeys, Rockpango, and Baby Girl.

The Decemberists "The King Is Dead"

Harmonica,"Don't Carry It All," let somebody else carry something. Some harmonica and Meloy's voice starts this track, strings come to help as well as Gilian Welch and David Rawlings helping on vocals and Peter Buck on mandolin,."Calamity Song" is a little bit faster which features tambo by Tucker Martine, and 12 string by David Rawlings. "Rise To Me" has Meloy and Welch on a beautiful duet with lovely piano and viola in a countryflavored  song that sings "this distance, between us can seem a mountain size/but boy, you are gonna stand your ground//they rise to you you'll blow them down..." before the harmonica comes forward."Rox in The Box" is a real rocking song compared to some of the other selections with some steady strumming, and a quicker catchy beat ; the violin has a solo, and seems to have more attitude than on previous songs. Awesome! The lyrics are fun and catchy too; like an elder version of 1,2 buckle my shoe, 3..4...out the door..."January Hymn" oh how those words hid within, if only I could have said what I felt before she walked away,oh why, oh why, has my mouth betrayed me?! The latter is a soft and minimal song focusing on the vocals of meloy and..."Maybe I should just “let it be”/And maybe it will all come back to me." Let's take a walk "Down By The Water," maybe play some more bluesy harmonica,or just stop playing that riff, it may be this song's Downfall even as "The summer swells anon/So knock me down, tear me up/But I would bear it all broken just to fill my cup" "All Arise!" features prominent violin by Tornfelt that reminds me of a country song "where the whiskey roam..and ohhhh," and vocals by Welch that seem to be about a thief who just can't stop his habit, and may have stolen someone's heart."June Hymn" includes a nice steady strum and backup vocals by Rawlings, a solo fit for the harmonica. "This Is Why We Fight" is a powerful anthem that sounds like a song that Springsteen may write, if he has not already done so. It has this mad catchy bass, and upbeat hoppy percussion; the harmonica strengthens it's power, not weakens it, and there is a short quiet passage at the end. "Dear Avery" I hope you like a more country-like song and plenty a violin, "Headstrong, you and your long arms/Listing lazily on the cusp of your tease/But you were my Avery and when you needed saving" I couldn't reach you. If I needed to find six superlative successors I would choose: Don't Carry It All, Rise To Me, Rox in the Box, All Arise!, This is Why We Fight, and Dear Avery.

My Morning Jacket "Circuital"

"Should I close my eyes and prophesize" someday soon a "Victory Dance" will come? This slow burner really starts nice with some horns, and then slowly builds until 4:35 where there is something coming when those background vocals come in and the guitar riff until the attack of drums and other noise. You know when your ear rings? Well, they sort of end it like that. The title track is another slow burner, but after two minutes it has some rocking guitar and piano follows later after four minutes; I'm thinkin' Petty thoughts. I notice Jim James does sound like Neil Young. The whisper of James,that gets a little louder and the restrained percussion of the Hallahan work real well with the light country flavor. "The Day is Coming" has real lovely backing harmonies, some nice hornfades ; we can even say that the song is "Wonderful (The Way I Feel)," which was supposed to be a Muppets song, and I can see why, but don't think the song is bad,oh no, on the contrary ; it's a beautiful acoustic guitar led that has flossing strings, and dang..now I'm thinking of Kermit playing his guitar and singing this. I had to get the negativity "Outta My System," which  recalls a drug-troubled past, and starts real downbeat, but once the hihtap and twang, cute piano, and  change of beat is up, it sounds a lot more positive."The luster of youth versus married security/I’m glad I’m here now, but just between you and me." First Light" has some classic horn and funk going on; you may want to bring out that air guitar, or maybe some dancing shoes. "You Wanna Freak Out"which has this twangy reverb and that rock  that when a song is finishing up they do hard strums,a little bit. The rhythm section is one of those hovering instances, it sounds kinda high. Float-Ing- Float-ing, shouldn't have smoked that much. I'm part cra-zy now that the stuff's a crutch.We now present a "Slow Slow Tune," which has some nice guitar and picks up in the second half. It's time to be "Movin Away" in this sentimental piano number, or at leats take partr in a slow dance. Another superb album, but if i could only choose 5 would choose: Victory Dance, The Day is Coming, Holdin' On To Black Metal, First Light, and You Wanna Freak Out.

Lower Than Atlantis "World Record"

"(Motor) Way of Life" starts with a full tank, and ambition to rock on the road while blasting Siamese Dream. It sort of reminded me of FOB for a second with that opening. "Beech Like The Tree" starts with an addicitive swirling riff, and nice drumming, slow, fast, slow, fast, cool lil' solo, and is about a band who has helped them get their start, and they are greatful,but would like to be as famous as them, and hope that band wishes the same because "Two wishes are better than one, dude." "High At Five" is about life, growing up, worried where the future will take us, and if it will be what we want, being so tired one thinks they're crazy and "It's too much when there's not enough/In the glass that appears to be half full, but I can't fill it up." "Uni 9MM" is another really good track with a  catchy hook, and great instrumentals, inncluding a nice breakdown, and a question asking if we are wasting their time doing what they're doing. Like we needed "Another Sad Song," but there is something about this song that sounds better than others, it could be the vocals or just the instrumentals and solo or lyrics like this" Don't cry, we all make mistakes from time to time/Unfortunately for me, being me was... mine." A faster/shorter song that goes to a tree house called "Marilyn's Mansion." A metaphor for a relationship is in the "Deadliest Catch," and that cliche-ridden, but true statement that there are plenty more fish in the sea; this song has me hooked. This next track is a short, fast paced rocker with gang vocals, that is dedicated to a girlfriend that is really starting to "Bug" him as he sings "I’m not sure if I’d like to hug, kiss or fight you./Being lead on was such a turn off." let's just say that this song does not bother me at all; more please. This habit either will cease to exist, or will continue until he dies in a song about smoking addiction.The song is a pretty mid-tempo pace but never fizzes out with the passion, and the feeliong of hopelessness when it comes to struggling financially and supporting a habit that iss bad for your health; in fact intead of the song going "Up in Smoke" it gets better after that breakdown.  "Would You?Could You?" asks several more questions than that, but is about a friend's new girl that he doesn't like so much with a good moderately catchy arrangement ."Minimum wage is a maximum pain/But it often typically comes with the trade/Labouring is a drag but gives me the skills/To tour in the van, but to still pay my bills./If you graft through the valley of the shadow of s***/You'll be amazed what you can get if you work hard for it" in this song about "Working For The Man By Day, Sticking it To the Man By Night." The  "R.O.I." stands for something that I don't know, but it seems to be "A song about a boy of Irish descent." There is something alluring about this song, and the lyrics create a metaphor of relationship and t.v. shows which is real interesting on "Live By The Remote, Die By The Remote." I am simply "Beside Myself" with this song; what is it with the riff that sounds so familiar? Maybe it reminded me of a tv show that was on the last song; I like the backing harmonies and the percussion in this song as well, almost as if it's a rock answer to a motown question The next song is well "Grounded" with the percussion and vocals, but his subject is grounded for lying and stealing. "Far Q" sounds real angry and has the lower bass, driving percussion, angry breakdown,with the biting letter to his father delivered with conviction and emotion "Dear Dad, I think about you every now and then/I hope to God that I don't turn out like you as I grip this pen/ Every time you cross my mind/I cross my heart and hope to die/That I won't ever let myself become a disappointment to my mum." They must be angry and "B.O.R.E.D," even though it's nothing special with all of its screaming and same pace; the lyrics are what makes this song. "Taping Songs off the Radio" is self explanatory, and is a real cute and endearing song that every music fan can relate to and makes you think; what if I lost all my favorite music?!!OHNO!! Worst things have happened and can,but that would stink. "I'm Not Bulimic (I Just Wanted to See How Far I Could Shove My Fingers Down My Throat" just is a song about current ills and stuff that bother young adults in the POV of one.His vocals remind me of Alexisonfire, and this song has a really nice slowed down gang-vocal second half. It has this ringing riff, screamed vocals, this short breakdown and great percussion, that may have someone hungry, but "Eating is Cheating," and "Fat slags are dressed to kill/With their short skirts barely covering arse cheeks making me ill/It's student night, I can get in wearing trainers and it's a pound a pint/I drank a hella lotta Stella/When I left my mates, and now I'm ready for a f*** or a fight." There are "No Belts" to prevent this song from falling up, and the lyrics are about their love of the music, but the hard truth that it's not just about money money money,but that it doesn't come like that. Their van is broken, and they're hopin it makes it to the gig "We've got debt up to our eyeballs and we won't be told/The game we play is a dangerous game/We're playing our lives away." This song should have them though considering the pace and furiosity that is unleashed in this song. Ah, a lying fake must deserve a"Face Full of Scars,"which is a grungy, bass groovy screamer about a friend who is changing his tune and trying to be hardcore and clever with a slow crawling pace. The bass, vocals, and guest vocals are a little better in "A/S/L," and the song is about the effect that facebook/myspace/and twitter have on the aspect of friendships/relationships and how we try to communicate with someone we may never meet,but would love to. I think this is something many young adults can relate to: he likes a singer,never met her and only communicates by computer, or a cute girlgut, whatever. "And I feel s******when her Twitter status tweets @some dude/And when she posts a blog I give her kudos based on her mood/ www.iloveyou.com/ willyousendmesomen00dz?" The next song may be "Down With The Kids" and ask "YO Music Scene, What Happened?" which are both about the current state of the scene and the lyrcs in the latter ring true as he screams"I know my lyrics aren't the best you've ever heard/But I say what I mean, and I mean every f****** word/I'm sick of listening to narrow-minded p****/Bumming third rate bands, they've all got s*** on their d****/ When you try to get posh, the meaning gets lost/So I'm thinking inside the box"as this angry riff and catchy rythym section answer the question.The former track relays heavy emotion of feeling hopeless that kids can relate too, and when they cannot scream they will; there is also that breakdown too. "Mike Duce's Symphony in D Minor"" starts with nice instrumentals and a less vicious attitude,but gets mad at the end...so close,but it is a good song. "EXTRA!EXTRA! Read All About It" this review is done, ends on a goodnote,while the writing on my part is worse than ever. Clever? no. If I had to choose the best songs on this record i would choose: Beech Like The Tree, Uni 9MM, Another Sad Song, Deadliest Catch, Bug, Working For The Man By Day, Sticking It To The Man By Night, Live By The Remote Die By The Remote, Grounded, Far Q, Taping Songs off The Radio, I'm Not Bulimic (I Just  Wanted To See How Far I Could Stick My Fingers Down My Throat), Face Full of Scars, A/S/L/, Yo Music  Scene What Happened? Mike Duce's Symphony No. 11 in D Minor, and EXTRA! EXTRA! Read All About It.

Beady Eye "Same Gear, Still Speeding"

 "Sleepwalk away the life if that turns you on/It's only a moment, look away and it's gone/It's about time that your mind took a holiday/You're all grown up, don't you ever wanna play?" starts this song of time passing by as well as guitar that only sounds like horns in this punchy guitar and strings. A midtempo "Millionaire" once said he would like some acoustic guitar and a country-like song; just to remind him of his early days,for nostalgic purposes. "The Roller" is a more piano enveloped song that has the sound of rock post-90s. Liam Gallagher what are your two favorite bands? "Beatles and Stones" This is an even groovier song with bopping piano and handclaps, quicker pace,and a passbyriff. "Wind Up Dream" has a nice harmonica solo as well as a twangy riff and a sound that suggests to "Bring the Light" as they speed up the piano,no not that fast, but it sounds more like piano rock in thre veins of Little Richie, not as much soul , but it does have some nice backing vocals and handclaps."For Anyone" who believes in love, and perseveres "I'm never giving up/until the dream is real," Oh! and maybe that riff may please beatle fans. "Life’s too short not to forgive/ You can carry regrets, but they won’t let you live" on a slower song on "Kill For A Dream," but do you even know the dream that well to commit homiocide? Really? "Standing On The Edge of the Noise" has one of the longeststitles on this disc, but is one of the shortest rocking songs that could be about this band? Bro not listen, and father doesn't know what missin? "Wigwam" could be about poker as it mentions chips are down and in game but "win or lose,you feel the same" or drinking sick of life's demands bottle in hands.  This "Three Ring Circus" has this album's first cowbell, the everpresent violin, and drums(INaSOng?). oh how "The Beat Goes On" in this slow piano and violin led song of how the world will eventually sing his song and the will to continue the biz goes on. "The Morning Son" has risen in this piano song of idols that had a guitar bring something back from india,and the drums which rely on a lot of cymbal crashes, and speed up toward the last minute. If I Had to choose 6 gears Iwould choose: Four Letter Word, The Roller, Beatles and Stones, Wind Up Dream, Bring The Light, ond Standing on the Edge of Noise or Wigwam.

Theory of a Deadman "The Truth Is..."

Do Post-Gruge bands have a sense of humor? Most do not, but here is a band that does, and you wanna know why? Because they start with the anthem for the "Lowlife' that has a catchy riff and great percussion, and confessional lyrics like these"'Cause I'm a lowlife and I'm lovin it/I got the whole d*** world in the palm of my hand/I'm a lowlife/So f***** deal with it/No you can't change somethin that you don't understand," and then takes it a step further with a re-interpolation of Harry S. Miller's "The Cat Came back" entitled the "B**** Came Back" which is a real cool rendition of this comedic classic with some horns added in,which sound a little different for them. This "Hurricane" is really cool and starts with a thunderstorm coming in that leads into those epic strings and prominent beat. Tyler Connolly's voice sounds better than ever as he sings " never thought it would end/You'll never understand/How we learn in the end/Like this." I-I-I-I-I- can't get this chorus "Out Of My Head," and you can probably guess that the hook hurts when you try to pull it your of your head. "Gentleman" has the record continuing this great music streak in this horn-laden rock song, with a nice solo I might add, that relays the sad truth that most girls would go for the bad boys first "used to be a nice guy/But that don't get you anywhere/So no one cares/You piece of s***, idiot/Who's to stupid to care," and then says it would be better to tick her off and take your time if you want to be able to do her. The next song is a hand-raising blues rocker that proclaims "Love is H***" and has him prefer geting hit with a truck,or in jail without bail than getting f'd over. "The Truth Is...(I Lied About Everything)" and I hate this song and every song that preceded it, but if you want to know something that I say is true, it's that I was just kidding and I lied to you. It has a lot of great instrumentation it almost starts like a little reggae strumming in the beginning, and a lot of interesting dirty little secrets. "Drag Me To H*ll" starts as a quicker paced, bass heavy rocker, and slows down in the chorus,only to speed up again and finish with a nice last minute. "What Was I Thinking" is a slow country-twang flavored song that has him catching an epiphany in his dirty hotel room on the bed that he had recently..on. This song...it's "Easy To Love You" and the best part of being with you is to know you are with me." It is a nice sappy sentimental song with nice instrumentation. "We Were Men" is a slow brooding tribute to our brave soldiers overseas in this powerful song"I close my eyes to hide their faces haunt me/My faith is hard to find/Your picture calms me down/I can't cope with the pain/These pills don't work/They just leave me the same/I feel so weak today/You made me strong/So why did you take it away?/I'm trapped inside the afraid." This record was a lot better than I thought it would be I didn't mind using the "Gasoline" and thought that the "Scars and SOuvenirs" were okay but "The Truth Is..." I cannot choose all the songs I love, so I will choose the others when i'm Out of My Head; Oh! What Was I Thinking.

Five Finger Death Punch "War is the Answer"

"Dying Breed" starts as a Slipknot track, and then has that melodic voice "All I wanted was your honesty/ Something more than this, something more than me/Death can take me if I can't be free/I'm not like you, I'm a dying breed." Why is it so "Hard To See" someone else's side when they won't see yours? This track is very melodic and catchy with that swagging and grooving rythym section, and maybe some screaming , and a killer solo,because the person is too stubborn to listen to someone's gentle vocals .They are "Bulletproof" in this awesomely catchy track about playing music for the love  and say what you want but "You can take the money/You can take the ride/You can take it all but never get inside/You can't take my HONOR/You can't take my SOUL/You can't take the fact YOU'LL NEVER HAVE CONTROL!" in this drum heavy and speeding track. In this track "No One Gets Left Behind" as it is about the war in Iraq and how they are p****footing with getting them out of there "Politicians bathing in their greed/No idea on how to be all they can be...../Play your war games with other people's lives/It should be you on the frontline." He's pretty ticked isn't he and those group screams say "HOO-RAH!" as the instrumentals and those venmous vocals declare unity for the cause of making a powerful statement."Crossing Over" sounds with a nice laidback riff reminiscent of Love and War, but the track is much more melodic as well as the voice more pleasing to the ear, sentiment was strong in that song, and this one just as strong, if not more, as it is about a friend who had a bad relationship with her father, and he had died. Now she is confused with her emotions,but he assures her he will be there soon and to move on with her life. A song addressed to one of those a------ that assume they know him by what he does and who he hangs out with, all screams, and a prominent solo; let's "Burn It Down"."Far From Home" is definitely one of my favorite songs in this disc, starting with an acoustic strum and Moody's beautiful vocals which seems like a toxic relationship of how this person is only there to be negative, then it goes into this bombastic chorus and awesome solo. He must be "Falling in Hate" with the person he's talking about which is a groovy screamer about a person who he helped out,who he would do anything for, and they threw him aside like nothing. I can't stop Going Under into "My Own H*ll," which at the first note sounds like it definately and has some screams, and machinegun drumming, but it has like a hip-hop breakdown as he sings "Fit me for a straight jacket/Put me in a padded cell/I'm a danger to you all/And I'm a danger to myself."  If only I could just "Walk Away" which has the higher notes being called on vocals and a slow grooving riff, and it's about a relationship the meesenger is trying to get out of. "Canto 34" starts off really cool, and is a really great instrumental. Oh No, we've got "Bad Company," which starts with a poppy riff and wonderul vocal "I was Born/with a hot gun in my hands," and then this double slam on drums, then going into a groove (short), he proclaims he is bad company until he dies, and the solo is bad company too. What causes more deaths on both sides in a struggle than an attempt at peaceful reform? The final track is very angry with a lot of swearing and screaming, as well as a quick pace that slows down as venom is spat and a screaming solo. If I had to describe war in 8 ways using these songs I would use: Dying Breed, Hard To See, Bulletproof, No One Gets Left Behind, Burn It Down, Far From Home, Canto 34, and Bad Company.

Arcade Fire "The Suburbs:Deluxe"

Let’s take a horse-drawn carriage ride through “The Suburbs.” This boppin piano seems to have the carriage slightly off balance, and there are light horn flourishes in back, other than that it is quiet. Before the damage is done, Win would like daughter one, to be able to hold her hand and show her the beauty of what could be still, if most care for more than number one. “Ready to Start?” I am, and this driving beat with that little key splash amidst the piano has the mind open wide and… “Modern Man” waiting in line for a number that seems out of place, makes no sense, and interrupts the slumber because of some silly number that has no meaning ‘til it’s too late to find out. “Rococo” has this strumming in the back that waits for keys and drums to coax the strings to finally speak up. This song just sounds so picturesque. What? Visions of valleys or scenic routes. Fast violin, quick paced beat, low bass, and feelings of loneliness, but the discovery of one’s true self:  “But when I’m by myself/ I can be myself.” The hopelessness that “City With No Children” has in it is balanced by the driving notes of “Half Light I” and it’s promise: “Strange how the half light/ can make some place new/ you can’t recognize me/ and I can’t recognize you.” There is a driving beat to the next song along with synth, but the lyrics are not as positive as a “Suburban War” is coming upon us. It opens with a nice guitar riff, and the lyrics, do they make a reference to West Side Story? “And my old friends, we were so different then/Before your war against the suburbs began/Before it began/ And now the music divides/Us into tribes.” Around 3:25 is where the beat changes as well as the backing riff, and it sounds as if it slowly building but does not really bother. “Month of May” is about the making of this record as he says he mentions “2009,2010/ wanted to make a record how I felt back then/ When we stood outside in the month of may/And watched the violent wind blow the tires away.” It has this old school punk attitude delivered by way of guitar and drums; or maybe not. “Wasted Hours (A Life that We Can Live)” is a song contemplating what could have happened if those hours wasted just sitting on the couch were put to more productive use, and how time or lack of it controls us; in more ways than one. The driving piano and synth only get better in “Deep Blue,” especially towards the end, and don’t forget the nice guitar riff too. “We Used To Wait” to do things until the last minute, and it worked out for a while, but then it just started to fail. The lyrics are nice in this song, and it just states how things have changed epecially  once you’ve grown a certain age there are things one would like to do, but cannot anymore, or they do not have time to do. “Sprawl I (Flatland)” is another contemplation number with depressing lyrics of things that once were, now gone or unrecognizable. With nothing but the voice of Butler, and some muted background instrumentals the focus is on the lyrics and message. “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)” seems much more positive and downright dancy with the synth, dancing piano, lovely female vocals, two step drums, handclaps, organs in the middle end, which then changes the songs landscape a little bit. “The Suburbs (continued)” is a short 1:31 song that has Butler singing “If I could have it back/All the time that we wasted/I’d only waste it again/If I could only have it back/You know I’d love to waste it again/ waste it again and again and again.” The next song is also one that speaks of the generation gap and how times have changed, and silly things have caused a rupture in unity and even progress in “Culture War” These are different times that we're living in/These are different times/Now the kids are growing up so fast/They're paying for our crimes/You left while I was sleeping/You said it's damning/Oh, I've read a little Bible/You see what you want to see/Oh, we know the culture war/We don't know what it's for/But we've lived your southern strategy/We know it's never going to last…” If am not understood it must be because I am “Speaking In Tongues;” the title of the last track which features David Byrne and... i'm Ready To Start, Modern Man, Empty Room, Suburban War, Month of May, Deep Blue, We Used to Wait,  and Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains).

Em "Recovery"

Voracious, p*ssed , cathartic, and controversial Em just spits venom ready to kill within ten seconds. It’s probably best that he gets rid of some of that before he gets to working on bettering himself. The “Cold Wind Blows” an undeniable bass and beat that serve as a simple but effective support system. The next song I can completely connect with, and is easily one of my favorites, because there have been many times that I have been “Talking To Myself,” because it feels like the only person that will completely accept me for me is myself. It has this awesome riff and great vocals from Kobe, Oh he was so mad he almost attacked Weezy and Kanyeezy, but realized that jealousy is what urged him to think of that, but it was their inspiration that put him “On Fire” with a powerful beat, and a cinematic choral background with this looped muted strumming. I “Won’t Back Down” is a stubborn mule’s anthem that has this addictive beat and hook, this guitar riff that has you looking at the fire in your eyes, ok, maybe not. But this song is a great fist pumper, swag-starter, and one that can give inborn persistence a run for its money, and serve as a nice substitute. It is also great that the volume turns down for a second and it just heightens the effect that this poignant hate-spitting wordsmith has when on the mic. We take a break and go to a “W.T.P” You can probably figure that out, I know you’re smarter than that. This song has a nice beat and hook, but is more of a party song. “Going Through Changes” has a nice sentimental beginning with vocals that sound like Ozzy, was that a sample? This beautiful piano and guitar riff in this sentimental, heartfelt, and song of remorse, introspection, and the prospect of hope for a better future even after losing a best friend, and apologizes to Hailie and how the relationship did not work, but that he still loves her mother. “Not Afraid” was one of the biggest hits of 2010, and there is no need to explain why, as it is an amazing anthem for those who need some reassurance and a warm-up. “There's a seven disc cd changer in her car, and I'm in every single slot, and you're not. Aww. I'm the logo on the dallas cowboy helmet. The star, and I'm not about to and just keep rhymin one syllable.” I know there are so many amazing verses in this disc, but I thought I would just put one like this to be jarring I know, can’t even do that right! “Seduction” is another Great song that goes into the next which features Lil Wayne, and borrows Haddaway’s What Is Love? It has this ominous horn and occasional inclusion of riff, that is basically about how bullies get “No Love.” “Where the f*** is Kanye when you need him?/Snatch the mic from him, b**** I'mma let you finish in a minute/Yeah that rap was tight/But I'm 'bout to spit the greatest verse of all time/So you might want to go back to the lab tonight and um/Scribble out them rhymes you were going to spit/And start over from scratch and write new ones/But I'm afraid that it ain't gonna make no difference/When I rip this stage and tear it in half tonight.” The next track has us “Space Bound” with an acoustic strumming and this ringing key that sounds spacey, as well as female vocals directing you toward the black hole. A slow and genuine verse tale of lost love. I love the hook, vocals, and beat in this song; it just kicks butt as well, and you cannot help but want to sing along with this “Cinderella Man” and his tendency to “Raise h*** from h***he came,/but didn't come to bore you with the cinderella story/Nor did he come to do the same/He can't afford to be a label in this day in age/And at this stage of the game/Mediocrity cannot be allowed to fly/So say bye/To the O H I/To the new case of rock.” With no choice or hope of parole, “25 to Life” can be pretty bleek. It has this catchy hook, great synth inclusion, and recalls the feeling of worthlessness that Em felt before he was famous, and how her tone had changed, as well as his bittersweet marriage to the game. Em is “So Bad” that is why he is only wearing his pajamas as his posse plays this funky horn. I could have sworn I was “Almost Famous,” once. The female vocals sound so perfect for this song and the horn screech intro says it’s time to get ready to prove you have what it f****n’ takes, Biyatch!! It almost made me think of  the time I Made It from Kevin Rudolf, Jay Sean, and last but not least, Weezy, motherf‘r! “Love the Way You Lie” is so undeniably catchy and was a single played even more than its predecessor for reasons obvious to state. “You’re Never Over” is a singing percussive drum-machine laden track. The final song has no title, but it does have this funky horn/beat duet with this catchy hook,and a great way to end it “Cuz it will turn into a gremlin and run over kids women & men/ Vrrrrrn vrrrn! motor so big you can fit a midget in its engine/B**** gimme them digits while your cringin'/Not by the hair on my chinny-chin-chin/Will I spen-spend even ten cents on you/Since when do you think it's gonna cost me a pretty penny/S*** if I think a penny's pretty/Just image how beautiful, a quarter is to me” If I had to choose these songs to recover from I would choose: W.T.P, Seduction, and a song that is So Bad (ok,not that bad)