Lydia - One More Day

For a while, every time I got on my computer my hands would go autopilot, searching for Lydia on my list of music and press play. Lydia is a group of six musicians from Phoenix, Arizona, with a beautiful layer of sound. I really don't think I can do them any justice by describing their music so please just let your mouse wander over to the play button.

--Vivian

Broken Social Scene - Hotel

Broken Social Scene is kind of like the Big Bang of music: a group of random really talented musicians traveling at high speeds crashing into each other, expelling a large amount of energy and creating something complex and beautiful at the same time. Or at least that's how I've always envisioned it.

It was funny how I actually came across BSS. I was in HMV, at one of those booths with a bunch of cds and a set of headphones, and I was looking for some new sound. One of the cds turned out to be pretty good so I found it on the supposed location and bought it. Thanks to the highly competent staff in retail, the cd (you guessed it, BSS) wasn't the same band I had listened to. Although it was a pleasant surprise, and I don't regret it one bit, I would still like to know who it was I was listening to at the booth.

So BSS is a Canadian group composed of x amount of people (this number tends to change randomly), and their sound is kind of experimental rock I'm guessing... I'm really bad at categorizing genres (I could say this is because labeling is bad, but in reality I just don't know my genres very well). Once again, one of those bands where it was really difficult to choose just one song to post. This is a hint to go listen to more of their stuff.

--Vivian

LAX - Big D and the Kids Table

So I owe a little apology. When I mentioned Big D before I thought that they were a new band. Turns out they have been turning out tracks and CDs for around 13 years. They work almost independently, or did until that summer at warped tour where they were picked up by a record company. But the band still hits the road and supports themselves, giving over 200 shows and a new CD every year, these guys are really into their music.
They also live through their fans. It is known that when Big D and his band are traveling through with a tour, they have nothing more then a vehicle to carry them and their instruments. Fans usually open their doors and roll out bed mats for them to spend a night or two. Almost all the money earned at their gigs is used to support their next tour. These guys are really dedicated to their music!
So here I am posting a slightly different song by them today. The last one was very happy, now this one, let's just say a certain word is used very often...

--Jeffrey

Snow Patrol vs. The Police

Usually mash-ups are just a mess of two mediocre songs turned into one big pile of wtf. However, I found this one quite refreshing. To be honest, I have a personal grudge against Snow Patrol, and the only person who really understands this grudge is Eithne, but that's a story for another time. This mash-up made me realize how pretty the song really is.

--Vivian

Rich Fantasy Lives - Lexy & Tony

First of all, this is a cover by two other singers, Lexy and Tony (that's all I know about them), the original artists are Tom Smith and Rob Baulder. I suggest you look up more from Rob Baulder (especially "Still Annoyed" a parody on Still alive from Bowser). He works often with Tom Smith, but Tom was recently hospitalized, so all his tours and songwriting stopped.

Secondly, I couldn't find a good video by the original artists or the cover artists, so I made this myself in windows media maker. I am pretty much computer illiterate, so it is just a picture.

The song itself reminded me too much of myself and my overactive imagination, and I am sure there are many people out there where this song hits too close to home as well. Ir is mostly directed towards us "geeks and nerds" with our dreams of being a princess or space hero, but holds meaning to many, if not all, other people as well. We fanyasize on some level, whether it's dreaming of just being rich, or being a midevil hero with magic powers. It is not weird, crazy, or psycho, it is normal, and we should embrace it. I love letting my imagination go in whatever direction it wants, and I follow it willingly. Without these "daydreams" we would not have creativity, art, or even the music we listen to on this blog. So enjoy it, and enjoy this song.



P.S. the "He wargames through weekends, leads armies and legions" part, is me all to well.

-- Jeffrey

Blink 182 - Feeling This

So lately I've been rekindling this old flame. Blink-182 brings back so many memories; a time when life wasn't so much simpler as the complications were different. I'm sure a lot of you will listen to this and have one of the following reactions: "Oh wow, it's been years since I've heard this... let's go dig up my old blink cd!" or "Ewww I thought they were long gone, why would you dig up old graves?" Regardless of which you chose, they were good at what they did, and inspired so many bands that exist today, even if those bands don't even realize it.

Also interesting, because of the recent plane crash that happened to Travis Barker, the group are now considering reuniting. That's when I realized, you know you're getting old when you start going to reunion tours of your favourite bands from your childhood...

--Vivian

Amy Winehouse - "You Know I'm No Good"

Yes, yes, I know. She's a trainwreck. But hey, if being perfectly mentally balanced and drug-free was a pre-requisite for good music, we'd miss out on some amazing stuff (Kurt Cobain? Elliott Smith? Anthony Kiedis? Thom Yorke? I rest my case).

Amy Winehouse is by far one of the most promising people right now on the pop-jazz scene. And not soft pop jazz like Norah Jones -- whose album (while good) we'll be hearing in romantic restaurants for the next decade. She’s got a strong contralto voice, reminiscent of the old female jazz powerhouses like Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone.

Contrary to the image proposed by her first single “Rehab” (which was massively overplayed, and not even the best song on the album), most of her songs are not about alcoholism and drug use – they mostly centre around love gone wrong (very wrong). But hey, it is jazz -- it’s gotta be sad.

--Eithne

Apocalyptica - Harmagedon

Another band that has recently come into the light is Apocalyptica. They have a rather popular song that has been playing on the radio rather often (I can't recall the name right now). I'm glad that after so many years this band has finally made it. Many people don't know this, but Apocalyptica has been playing for over a decade and a half. Being a band formed of simply cellos, they had quite the unique sound, especially when they make heavy metal. They often make covers from Mettalica songs, they also get the occasional singer who wishes to redo one of their songs with lyrics (such as their latest song on the radio, few people know it's a remix).

Here is a video from ten years ago, Harmagoden. I don't really have the music vocabulary to describe this song, but I would say something along the lines of "Eerily beautiful"

--Jeffrey

Sinisstar - Freak of Nature

I found these guys after watching Heavymetal 2000. I don't know to much about them but they have at least 3 really good songs lol

--Chris

Muse - Time Is Running Out

So basically, in my mind, anyone who doesn't like Muse is a loser (ahem Jeff). They're hardly the cool indie unknown band anymore, but they're still pretty effing awesome. They're like the new Funeral for a Friend, except... well okay they're really not like FFAF but they ARE both British! What's with the British and producing some of the BEST MUSIC EVER anyway?

Okay back on topic, this is one of the best songs by them, it was actually really hard to choose just one song to post. Oh well, you're bound to see more of them here in the future. Enjoy!

--Vivian

Dragonforce - Disciples of Babylon

Thanks to Guitar Hero and this band selling out (it's not always a bad thing) most everyone has heard of Dragonforce and their high BPM.
Here is an older song from them, one of my favourites from the Vally of the Damned CD.
Also, they are coming out with a new CD soon, Ultra Beatdown! (I love these power metal bands trying to give everything an epic name)

--Jeffrey

Ben Folds - "Bitches Ain't Shit"

I love song covers. I love the creativity involved in re-making an already good song into something new and interesting. I love it when the cover takes the song in a completely new direction, a la Matt Weddle's 'Hey Ya', where the boisterous Outkast song is turned into a soulful guitar ballad.

Another thing I love is appropriating so-called 'gangsta' language into my own vocabulary (see below video). People who know me well can often hear be refer to my friends as my 'bitches' or 'hos', as well as bidding adieu with a well placed peace out'.

Ben Folds' cover of Dr.Dre's 'Bitches Ain't Shit' combines both of these things I love. Beyond being an interesting, innovative cover, it has alot of inherent value, and it's a good song. The haunting chord progression and his clear, honest voice really relate the sadness of the song -- a sadness that is lost among the aggressive beats of the original.

(WARNING: If you have any problem with swearing, do not watch this video. It's also not safe to listen to if you're at work, or anywhere else where people will judge you if a stream of soft-sung profanities starts pouring out of your speakers)
(Also, ignore the lame video -- Ben Folds never made an official video, all the live versions are shite, so this is the most non-lame of the lame homemade videos people posted)




(For more on the amazing interplay between white people and hip-hip references see: http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2008/08/18/107-self-aware-hip-hop-references/)
(And for another really interesting rap song cover, check out the cover of Lil Wayne's "Lollipop" by a band called Framing Hanley)

--E-dawg, word up.

Nicole Atkins - "The Way It Is"

My philosophy behind good music is quite simple: if it makes me feel something (be it good, bad, sad, happy, psychotic, etc), it's worth listening to. This has led me to appreciate all kinds of music, finding gems of musical genius in the most unlikely places. It also leaves me listening to songs on repeat for hours, riding high on the waves of emotions that somehow the songwriters have managed to make me feel. Even better is when a song can invoke an entire memory. When I was young, my mom would listen to old Patsy Cline songs when she would make dinner. Since then, her voice automatically throws me back into my childhood, sitting in my room and hearing my mom downstairs, singing along while she fried onions and chopped vegetables. Patsy Cline is considered one of the quintessential figures in classic country music (sorry if I'm treading on your turf here, Karah!). She has a strong, low voice which practically breaks your heart when she sings about love.

However, the main song choice of this post isn't a Patsy Cline song (but I'll post it after the main video for the sake of completeness). I'm posting a song by another singer, Nicole Atkins. Her voice is beautifully low and powerful as well, and she's got a strong sound reminiscent of Patsy Cline. Nicole Atkins gives me a nice hybrid feel, she's got the sound that reminds me of my mom's love of old, classic country, but a more modern feel that places her in our time.





(Check out that tiny waist!!)

--Eithne

Devendra Banhart - Carmensita

This is Devendra Banhart with Carmensita. Watch carefully and yes, that is Natalie Portman playing the princess. So yeah, this music video is a little strange, very strange as a matter of fact. I really can't get sick of it though, I must have watched like 5 times yesterday. It's also a really catchy tune, despite being in Spanish. Aside from this particular song, Devendra's cd itself is worth listening to, with some poppy catchy tunes like this one, and others that are more ambient. Give him a chance, man!

--Vivian

Jason Blaine - My First Car

My first music post ever. Yay! Alright, here it goes... I will mostly be providing country pix as it is my fav music category. Don't hate me, it is actually really amazing. You get used to the twang quick, trust me, then it just becomes about the music! I love country music for a few reasons. Firstly, it reminds me of the simpler life. Life outside of busy city deadlines and social expectations. You know, wild and un-tamable cowboys kind of idea. Secondly, the songs are usually about innocent love and heart break (yes, lots of newer stuff isnt so innocent, but in general, this holds true), it is very rarely about randomly hooking up on the dance floor like other genres seems to only be focused on. And lastly, it definitely makes me want to have true love and faith in my life... it brings me back to being a teenager, when we all were unjaded by the world, and thought that anything and everything was possible, just puts me in a good mood! On that note, my first post, a newly found favourite of mine, Jason Blaine's "My First Car". It is about the memories he had in his first "ol' rust bucket". Now for most of us who can relate with that old friend who is probably now in a junkyard, and the many awesome experiences that we had with it... it takes us back... to the good ol' days :) I hope you enjoy it. ( Go ahead, let yourself like country music.... an amazing choice for a guilty pleasure!!:) )

--Karah

Trooper - Bright White Sports Car (and a little rant)

I've had this song stuck in my head all day, so you get to listen to it too.
Here is one of my favourite classic rock songs, and one of my favourite songs ever! This is a blast, from even my dads past.
But I would also like to take a moment to talk about todays music.
Or at least bands in general. A lot more people are picking up instruments these days. With general interest, or playing to much guitar hero/rock band, we're seeing more garage bands. And with technology today, these small time bands can get their music out there to more than just their mom and the local bar. But this means a few things with the way music is heading as an artform, but most of it good. With more people creating music, we start getting different "sounds", also known as originality. This, in turn, opens up new genres of music. Where once there was just rock, it has seperated into other music types, such as punk, metal, classic, and so on. And even these sub-genres have gotten so big that they have branched off as well: Metal has got Heavy, Power, Progressive, and even "nerd" metal. This goes for all genres. There's light country, rock country, and a few types in between as well.
With new bands turning out new music, listeners are able to find exactly what they want. Sure, a lot of new bands will turn out a little (or a lot of) crap, they are learning, and experimenting, just as you "experiment" when you listen to a new song to see if you like it.I guess this is just a long way of me saying: This is a great age in music, and this form of entertainment will only continue to grow and impress us, whatever it is you listen too.

But back to my original post, some of the old stuff never gets old:

--Jeffrey

Creepy Doll - Jonathan Coulton

Jonathan Coulton graduated from Yale and was a computer progammer. He likes to write songs about science fiction and technology...In other words, he's really a giant nerd who writes awesome songs! I'd recomend RE your brains

--Chris

BEDlight for Blue Eyes - Ephemeral Addictions

This is BEDlight for Blue Eyes, a band that made me believe in rock again. Their sound is so polished, you can hear it even in this song which came from their very first album. The singer of this song has left and been replaced, however, their sound remains pure, so check them out.

--Vivian

Texas F*****t - Back to Mad

Have to apologize for the band name, I bleeped it out for obvious reasons.
But it's not about the name, it's about the music.
That's right, for once the punk contributor is adding a techno song. Don't get used to it, it's probably the only time it'll happen.
Not much to say. I like it because it's high energy and original for once (well, at the time, which was 2000 BTW)
Enjoy:

--Jeffrey

Rise Against - Savior

YEAH My favourite band of all time: Rise Against. So they're pretty mainstream nowadays, they need no introduction. This is from their new album Appeal to Reason. Go pick it up in its beautiful eco-friendly packaging!

--Vivian

Death From Above 1979 - Black History Month

I am guilty of being one of those people with alot of music they never listen to. I was given DFA1979's album by a friend once, but it was lost in the massive uploads of new music onto my iPod. I stumbled across them one day, through a misguided click (I actually meant to select Death Cab, but ended up with DFA). I decided to stick with the mistake and listen to some tracks, and that was definitely a good decision. So here is my favourite, 'Black History Month'



(check out the sweet stache)
(they're CANADIAN!!!)

--Eithne

BSG's Cover - All Along The Watchtower

Ok so this has to be the best cover of Bob Dylan's ( No this song is NOT a Jimmy Hendrix song) All Along the Watchtower ever! What makes it even better is one of my favorite tv shows BSG ( Battlestar Gallactica ) did the cover ^^

--Chris

Me First and the Gimme Gimmes - Phantom of the Opera

I love these guys, they do punk covers of most anything: Classical, '80s and '90s top hits, They got a CD of all showtunes, and another called "Ruin Johnny's Bar Mitzvah" (so you can imagine what that's like).
This is the first song I heard by 'em, and still one of my favorites, but you should check out some of their other stuff, like "I believe I can Fly" and "Rocket Man"

--Jeffrey

Julie London - Sway

Time to do it old school! A little 50's classic shall we? This is Julie London, one of the most beautiful jazz singers imo, goes right up there with Lady Ella. Now, when I was searching for this video, I found in the "related" column that the Pussycat Dolls has done a cover of this. Needless to say I just had to click on it and see what sort of train wreck they made of this song. Don't even get me started; PCD, ladies, let this old classic show you what it means to be sexy.

--Vivian

Metallica - The Unforgiven II

This is one of my favorite Metallica songs and yes it's Unforgiven 2. Metallica has two other songs with that title, Unforgiven 1 and Unforgiven 3, which was just released in their new album Death Magnetic.

--Chris

Meg & Dia - Rebecca

Okay, here comes another one of my favourites. I hope I don't run out! Meg & Dia are a sister duo that got famous via Myspace. So here's the ingenious thing about them: they write their music based on stories and literature. I guess this is what happens when you give nerdy girls a guitar. Brilliant, ain't it? This one in particular is called Rebecca, based on the book by Daphne du Maurier. Enjoy!

--Vivian

Hammerfall - Threshold

I must say that I am surprised Vivian was the first to put up a metal band, between Matt and I being Metal heads ourselves this should gave gone up long ago.
Here's a decent Metal band out of, you guessed it, Northern Europe. Very popular over there, but like most metal bands they don't get much airtime on our radio stations.
Hammerfall has 5 CD's out, each one becoming an improvement over the last. This is the title song from their first CD: Threshold.
Couldn't find any good non-live videos, so this will have to do...

--Jeffrey

Wicked Wisdom - Bleed All Over Me

Alright, so this will be the first and probably not the last time that I post a video because it's such an obscure concept but not the best musically. This is Wicked Wisdom, more commonly known as Jada Pinkett Smith's band. That's right, Will Smith's wife. My mind was slightly shattered at discovering that she's the lead singer of a metal band.
Anyway, once again, I apologize that it might not be the best metal out there, but you gotta check it out regardless.

--Vivian

Big D & the Kids Table - Shining On

Two years ago Vivian and I were at Warped Tour. Many bands were playing but we heard in the distance the faint sound of a trumpet, sax and trombone. We saw this band on stage, just ending their set, I wanted to listen, but they were gone all too soon.
I never heard much from them, and found it difficult to find anything by them, but in the past couple of years they have been coming out with videos and it's easier to find their music.
Here's one of my favorites by them, Shining On. A good song about staying happy even through crap. Enjoy!

--Jeffrey

The Main Drag – A Jagged Gorgeous Winter

Hey team it's Matt, soon-to-be-resident metal head. Pretty much all you'll get out of me are various progressive and power metal, although I do deviate from my usual buffet of power chords and bass pedals at times, and kids, this is one of those times. It snowed in my hometown a few days ago and I was stuck outside; allow me to tell you how fun that was. "Pain in the left ass cheek" comes directly to mind but on with the show. A little electro-indie band out of Boston, The Main Drag gives us A Jagged Gorgeous Winter. I like their stuff and will be defiantly be shelling out my street-corner wages for a copy of their albums, Enjoy children!

--Matt

P.S. Don't mind the fact that this video just looks like someone's Christmas vacation slides, because it probably is.

Mugshot - Eleven Eleven

This band originated out of Barrie Ontario, and are what i consider, a true Canadian treat. They began making music in 1997 and this song is off of their final album "Pause and Reflect". Sadly they broke up shortly after going on tour to promote their new CD in 2007. They are definitely one of my favorite bands, and by far my favorite Canadian band.

--Jocelyn

SKAzini - Switchblade

This band unfortunately broke up before they finished their first CD, and 2 years before I found them too, so it's hard to find their music. The best place to find them is in the Newgrounds.com Audio Portal.
I couldn't find the song that I wanted off of Youtube, this was the best I could get (The game that is being played can be found at: www.jiggmin.com)
As for the song and band itself, I really like punk, and Ska, so when yopu mix the two together and get an angry Ska band, you get SKAzini.
Enjoy

--Jeffrey

Of Montreal - Suffer for Fashion

Well this is in tribute to the tragedy that is Prop 8. Really America? I guess you could only make ONE smart decision per decade. Anyways, Of Montreal is pretty much the shiznit. I originally wanted to post their other song For Our Elegant Caste, but I couldn't find a good quality video for it.

--Vivian

The Narrative - Libra

This band is my current obsession and if I could only find more videos you'd be seeing more of them, although my roommates must be pretty sick of hearing them from my room by now. They're the Narrative, and they're pretty amazing if you ask me. Lyrical in their words, melodies, and harmonies, it's hard not to love them.

--Vivian

Zebrahead - His World

I'll be honest here, I found this through a Video Game CD. It was featured in a Sonic game by a band called Crush 40 (one of my current favorites, you may see stuff by them later). Zebrahead redid the song, and I find it much more energizing.
A note on the video: This song is not done live, the video shows clips of a live performance, but the song is CD quality.

--Jeffrey

Vampire Weekend - Campus

Vampire Weekend is a pretty awesome band, definitely worth listening to. It's got a very chill, old school vibe. They're bound to get more publicity now that they've contributed a song to the Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. Enjoy.

--Vivian

The Spill Canvas - Hush Hush

-- Jocelyn