Stone's Artist of the Week: Chvrches #3

#3- Recover

This is getting some satellite radio play and is one of the two songs that really made me a fan.  Just a really good song and one that surprisingly hooked me considering I've never been a huge fan of the genre.

Scott's Metal Track of the Day - Cry of the Black Birds by Amon Amarth

Today's Metal Track comes from our viking friends in Sweden, Amon Amarth. This song comes off of their 2006 album With Oden on Our Side. If it is not obvious, their lyrics all revolve around Norse mythology.

This video demonstrates synchronized head banging at its best. I also hear that listening to Amon Amarth will make your beard grow. So all you baby faced metal heads need to tune in.

Stone's Artist of the Week: Chvrches #4

#4- Lies

Just sit back and feel it.

Scott's Metal Track of the Day - Deliverance by Opeth

Today's Metal Track is brought to you by Opeth. This is the title track off of their 2002 album Deliverance. It is a long song clocking in at almost 14 minutes. I think the last 5 minutes or so of this song are just outstanding, especially the outro. Saw this live a couple of months ago and it absolutely blew me away.

The top comment on youtube for this clip: "When I die, I want my coffin to be slowly lowered into the ground, as the last 2min30sec of this song plays in the background. No better way to go out."

Here is the last 5 minutes or so from their live DVD, Lamentations:


Here is the full song:

Stone's Artist of the Week: Chvrches #5

This week I plunge you into the depths of synthpop with a Scottish band called Chvrches.  Yes, I know what you are thinking... synthpop?? Really??  Yes, really!!  These guys are really good and catchy.  Oh, and then there is Lauren Mayberry.  You're welcome.

#5- Now Is Not the Time

Scott's Metal Track of the Day (Instrumental Mondays) - Song of Solomon by Animals as Leaders

Today's Metal Track is an instrumental track brought to you by Animals as Leaders. Tosin Abasi shows us his technical skills in this video demo of Song of Solomon. This is the closing track on their self titled debut album which was released in 2009.

And no, your eyes are not fooling you, that is an 8 string guitar.

Easy Like Sunday Morning Track- Long As I Can See The Light by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Sunday's are for relaxing and recovering from the weekend's festivities (and for football of course). So every Sunday I will  host a song that is on the softer side. Being on the softer side doesn't mean that it is less worthy than the rest.

This song is a classic by CCR that is smooth and beautiful. While not nearly as popular as their many other hits that still get heavy radio rotation, I think it stands right at the top of their best songs. John Fogerty's vocals in this are absolutely wonderful.

Fridays with Freddie: Unplugged

The Fridays with Freddie entry of the week is '39, a song that you won't hear on heavy rotation radio that may give Queen standards like Bohemian Rhapsody or We Will Rock You a spin. This song is a great example of just how broad the sound of Queen really was. I'm always happily surprised when I hear the stark jump from a futuristic punk inspired song like "Sheer Heart Attack" with absolutely no transition into the soft and melancholy "All Dead, All Dead" on "News of The World"; or in today's case, the transition from the heartfelt pop anthem "You're My Best Friend" into Brian May's string heavy folk song "'39" on "A Night At The Opera". 

While '39 sounds rather folky, it's sci-fi story focuses on a group of space explorers who travel through time as they return home to Earth to find that all of their loved ones have passed away. That's both an extremely sad thought and a really odd story that hangs on this melody in a very contrasting way. What does it all mean? I just think it sounds great. Enjoy, and don't sign up for any experimental space voyages anytime soon. 

Stone's Artist of the Week: Arcade Fire #1

#1- No Cars Go

This is easily my favorite Arcade Fire song.  Of their 2007 album Neon Bible, this track is open to many interpretations.  The way I imagine it is that it is about your personal paradise... somewhere or something that makes you happy and is personal to you.  Not something that everyone can reach by a road or somewhere you can buy a ticket to go to.  Beyond the message, I think the song is excellently written, both lyrically and the emotion in the music.  I love the build-up and the "I don't know where we're going, but let's go!"  It is just a beautiful song all around and probably the track that finally made me a fan.

Introduction to Yacht Rock, The Wrap Up

I'm heading out on vacation for a week at the beach and this is a great time to wrap up my introduction to Yacht Rock. We'll go ahead and come full circle with "Cool Change" by the Little River Band; a song that makes no effort in the mysterious lyrics category as the listener is urged to leave their 9 to 5 and head out on the ocean. My favorite lyrical gem in this song has to be "the albatross and the whales they are my brothers"; deep man, deep like the ocean.  

You're right Mr. Shorrock, it's time for a cool change; I'm off to sit on a beach and listen to some smooth saxophone infused soft rock. 

Extra Credit: I really can't close out this introduction without mentioning "I'm Not In Love" by 10cc, this will also make up for missing yesterday which I'm sure was traumatizing. 

Bonus: 
If you'd like to graduate from an introduction and move into a more advanced knowledge of Yacht Rock, may I suggest: 

Steal Away by Robbie Dupree
This Is It by Kenny Loggins
Keep Forgettin by Michael McDonald
Hold The Line by Toto
You Make My Dreams by Hall & Oates
What A Fool Believes by The Doobie Brothers
Hey Nineteen by Steely Dan
Watching The River Run by Loggins & Messina
Lowdown by Boz Scaggs
Running On Empty by Jackson Browne
I Love A Rainy Night by Eddie Rabbitt
Oh Sherrie by Steve Perry
Easy Lover by Phil Collins 
Easy by The Commodores

Free for All Fridays:

Free for All Fridays!

Based on the comments I get in my previous days posts, I'll use Friday as a viewer choice slot.  You can comment on the blog posts, or on my Facebook wall.  Looking forward to seeing how many people are viewing!

Looks like I'm going to revist our friends from Daft Punk.  I was thinking some older stuff, but instead I decided to take something from the latest album, Random Access Memories.  I feel like this album is different than their previous releases because as a listener I find myself wanting to take in the whole album rather than focus on one or two tracks.  There are definitely the singles that make people who listen to the radio happy, but for people who truly enjoy going on a journey when listening to music, I feel like this album accomplishes that. 

This song is probably not what you'd justify as a single, but I think it does a good job of showing you a little bit about what taking a journey through music is about.  This is Motherboard.

Scott's Metal Track of the Day (Hosted by Stone): Reborn by Stuck Mojo

For Scott Brame's Metal Track of the Day, we go back to a genre that never quite developed past Rage and Limp Bizkit in the mainstream... which is a shame because these guys were the pioneers!! Stuck Mojo from Atlanta won me over the first time I heard this song from their 1999 album, HVY1. My favorite CD came out the following year, Death of a Headhunter, and then they broke up. Rich Ward is now the lead guitarist for Fozzy, but according to the internet, Stuck Mojo is planning on releasing a new CD when Fozzy goes on break. Without further ado... Reborn!

Stone's Artist of the Week: Arcade Fire #2

#2- Ready to Start

This is another great message in song from Arcade Fire as they take on idealism vs. commercialism and not selling out to the music industry.  There is also a cool ode to Jimi Hendrix with the line "business men drink my blood, like the kids in art school said they would."  This one is about fighting the man!  This track just has a really good "feel" to it.

From their 2010 album, The Suburbs

Scott's Metal Track of the Day: Hosted by Stone

Filling in for Scott Brame, today's metal track is from Soilwork's 2010album, The Panic Broadcast. This album also brought the brief return of guitarist and founder Peter Wichers, who also produced the CD. This is a great album from beginning to end with great guitar work and craft vocal melodies. I submit to you the final track from this album, Enter Dog of Pavlov, which starts off with a great melodic intro, then grabs you by the throat, and punches you repeatedly about the face for the final 30 second outro riff. Enjoy!
 

Thrash Thursdays: Saxon - Battalions of Steel

Saxon is a British band considered by many to be at the forefront of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.  Formed in 1976, over their careers the band as a whole have sold over 15 million records and have influenced many of the great thrash bands of the 80's like Metallica and Megadeth.

This track is a more recent track from their 2009 release "Into the Labyrinth" called Battalions of Steel.

Stone's Artist of the Week: Arcade Fire #3

#3- Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)

This is an incredibly well-done track about celebrating individuality using the spread of urban development and buildings that end up all looking alike as the analogy.  Regine Chassagne voices this melody perfectly and  the song opens with a powerful stanza:

"They heard me singing and they told me to stop,
Quit these pretentious things and just punch the clock,
These days, my life, I feel it has no purpose,
But late at night the feelings swim to the surface.
Cause on the surface the city lights shine,
They're calling at me, "come and find your kind."

From their 2010 album, The Suburbs

Scott's Metal Track of the Day - Grinning Mouths by Isis

Today's Metal Track is brought to you by Isis. This is the closing track off of their 2004 album Panopticon. This album's focus is on the proliferation of surveillance technologies throughout modern society and the government's role in that spread. Interesting considering recent NSA leaks.

Many of their lyrics are indecipherable but Aaron Turner explains it this way, "While making an album it also is music first for us and lyrics second." Right on!

'Djent'le Wednesdays: Meshuggah - Rational Gaze

Music is great in that there are so many different genres.  You have Rock, Pop, Techno, Soft Rock, Metal, Classical etc.  But beyond that, each of those genres can be broken into different sub-genres.  Metal is one such genre that has splintered in many different directions.  See the Map of Metal for further research or watch Metal: A Headbanger's Journey by Sam Dunn.

Currently the sub-genre of metal I'm listening to the most these days is a rather controversial one called Djent (pronounced Gent like Gentlemen or Gentle).  The term "djent" is sort of an onomatopoeia for the sound that the guitars make when playing this style of music.  The reason for the controversy is that there are some people that don't believe that Djent is an actual genre of music, or just think of it as a passing fad.  This may very well be true, however there are plenty of bands out there playing this style of music and finding a great deal of success with it. 

Regardless of the thought's on the genre's validity, before I knew about Djent, I knew about Meshuggah.  This band is probably the single biggest influence on the genre as a whole.  There are other bands who are certainly pushing this genre further, but when they point to their biggest influences, it always points back to Meshuggah.

This track is the first track I ever heard from this band and it had me hooked.  The rhythms are infectious and just stick with you.

Introduction to Yacht Rock, Day Whatever, Harmonious Harmonies Edition

Oh sweet Ambrosia, no not the dessert that grandkids love to hate, the band that boaters, and Alan Parsons, love to sing along to. Today we sail away with "You're the Biggest Part of Me", a song that satisfies any Yacht Rocker's need for a cool rhythm on a hot summer day. 

By now your Yacht Rock playlist should be getting pretty respectable and your boat shoes shouldn't be rubbing your heels raw, you're almost ready to set sail. Enjoy Ambrosia's high harmonies in this 1980 hit that crossed over into the soul chart and peaked at number 35. 

An Introduction to Yacht Rock, Soul Powered Tuesday Edition

Do you feel that? It's a not only that soft beat and smooth vocal, but that riff has just enough funk in it to qualify for Adam's Soul Powered Tuesdays. Late 70's soft rockers, Player, doesn't exactly demonstrate that chaotic, heavy sound that I usually like with my funk, but hey, this is over-produced Yacht Rock; you've got to leave some expectations at the door compadre. 

Set sail with me as we drift away with Player's biggest hit and Yacht Rock staple: Baby Come Back. 

Stone's Artist of the Week: Arcade Fire #4

#4- Rebellion (Lies)

This is a great song that builds up to a very catchy and melodic outro that easily gives me a brain worm if it is the last song I hear before getting out of the car.  A very powerful tune from their 2004 debut album, Funeral!

Scott's Metal Track of the Day - Blacken the Cursed Sun by Lamb of God

Today's Metal Track is brought to you by Lamb of God. This is off their 2006 album Sacrament which is the album that really got me into them. I love the drums in this song. Chris Adler is a beast!

Soul Powered Tuesdays: Tower of Power - Soul Vaccination

Soul Powered Tuesdays

Tuesdays will be reserved for bands with a lot of funk, groove, and soul!

I couldn't start this day without probably my favorite funk/soul/r-n-b band of all time, Tower of Power!

TOP have been going strong for over 40 years and are still touring the country today.  Formed back in 1968 in Oakland, California, TOP were one of many bands in the Bay Area that were key in forming what was called the "San Francisco Sound". 

The horn section has recorded with Santana, Phish, Elton John and Aerosmith among other greats and over the course of 40 years, more than 60 musicians have come and gone but yet TOP still keeping going.

This track is called Soul Vaccination off the album Funkland from 1974

Scott's Metal Track of the Day - The Wizard by Black Sabbath

Today's Metal Track is brought to you by Black Sabbath. This song is off of their debut album which was released in the UK on Friday the 13th in February of 1970. This album was the first major album to be credited with the development of the Heavy Metal genre.

This song features Ozzy on harmonica. What more do you need to know?

Stone's Artist of the Week: Arcade Fire #5

I must admit to going about 4-5 years hating Arcade Fire.  I tried really hard to like them and listened to their songs whenever they came on and they never did anything for me.  I don't know what changed or what took so long for me to come around, but they are amazing.  So for this week I will post my 5 favorite Arcade Fire songs starting with #5 and working my way up to #1

#5- Wake Up

If you haven't seen Where The Wild Things Are and didn't feel your heart sink during the scene where this song plays, then you are inhuman.  There is something sentimental that reminds me of my childhood and the silly way we used to play with our friends.  Hearing this song sends me back to being a kid again and I love it!

From their 2004 debut album, Funeral

Honorable Mention- Keep the Car Running

It was really hard to pick a top 5 so this is my way of cheating!

From their 2007 album, Neon Bible

Instrumental Mondays: Intervals - Epiphany

 

Welcome to Instrumental Mondays!

Each Monday I'll be presenting an instrumental track for your listening pleasure. 

This track is called Epiphany by the band Intervals. 

Hailing from Toronto, Canada (who says Canadians don't rock??), this four piece band takes music influences ranging from jazz to fusion, electronic music all the way to the heavy stuff.  This song takes the listener on a journey through a wide range of those influences. 

Let me know your thoughts below!!

An Introduction to Yacht Rock: "That Saxophone is Amazing" edition

The title really says it all. There are three or four songs that urge me to impulsively purchase a saxophone and Gerry Rafferty's Baker Street is at the top of that list. Known for it's impregnating saxophone riff performed by Raphael Ravenscroft, I challenge you to not have this song stuck in your head for the rest of the day. On a side note, urban legend has it that Ravenscroft never received payment for his contribution as the check made out to him from the record company bounced. Is that true? I don't know for sure, but what I do know is that I'm currently searching ebay for a cheap saxophone.

This song has a lot going for it that's necessary to be included as a Yacht Rock staple, but I can't tell you about those details because all I can hear is amazing saxophone and the haunting echo of a seagull, or guitar. 

Introduction to Yacht Rock Three: Christopher Cross

Seeing as how this is an introduction to Yacht Rock we really can't deny Christopher Cross his rightful place on the list. Easy listening has never been more laid back than "Sailing", possibly the only Yacht Rock song to be mandatory on any Time Life compilation box set dedicated to the softer side of rock. I actually overlooked purchasing this album at a yard sale a few months ago and not a night has gone by where I don't stare out the window longingly as I reflect on my regretful mistake. Maybe one day Mr. Cross, until then, slap on some SPF 30 and try not to spill any of that Pina Colada on your khakis while I transport you to the middle of the sunny seas. 

Nothing says "It's the weekend" like some Boy Meets Girl!

I don't know how... as it must have been fate, but I recently rediscovered this gem of a tune.  For some reason I listened to it on repeat 3 times in a row on my way to work.  That is how real men get jacked to make 8!

Interesting side note, this song was first pitched to Whitney Houston but Clive Davis didn't like it.  Belinda Carlisle recorded it but hated the song and wouldn't include it on her 1987 album, Heaven On Earth.  So without a home, this song bounced from artist to artist until this Michael Bolton looking dude in the Everlast sweatshirt who wrote it, decided to record it in 1988.  The song also appeared as the closing track to Three Men and a Little Lady in 1990.  This guy also wrote How Will I Know and I Wanna Dance With Somebody for Whitney Houston and oddly enough, Let's Hear It For The Boy by Deniece Williams.  Tragically, all members of Boy Meets Girl died when their plane crashed head on into another plane in 1991 and were never heard from again.  Nah, just kidding... they're probably all alright.  Not kidding about the never being heard from again part though.  Now listen to 4 minutes and 30 seconds of awesome 80's sounds topped with air-sax solo material.

Introduction to Yacht Rock, Day Two: England Dan & John Ford Coley

Look at these guys! Seriously, just look at them and tell me that you're not already feeling like these guys just got off of their yacht. With a name like England Dan you're basically guaranteed to lay down some smooth rock that will woo the ladies and put babies to sleep. Enjoy that red wine my friend, and enjoy your second edition of the Introduction to Yacht Rock as you step one step closer to buying a captains hat and boat shoes. 

Fridays with Freddie

It's Friday, that's universally known to be amazing. In addition to that, I'm about to introduce you to one of my all time favorite bands to make your Friday even better. It's time for some Queen. I was introduced to Queen as a kid and really loved them from the start. In 6th grade the two Queen greatest hits tapes were two of my first purchases as a young music lover.

This post will mark the first post in the Fridays with Freddie series, as in Freddie Mercury the lead singer of Queen. I can't think of a better band to sing along to in the car or shower, I love failing miserably at hitting those high notes.

This Friday's song comes from the album News Of The World, which you might remember from this episode of Family Guy. I kid you not, I actually had the same reaction to this album cover as a kid; true story. A few weeks ago Valerie and I put this album on the record player (my Dad's original copy that used to scare me) and gave it a listen for the first time. Since then I've listened to it online at work about fifty times. As someone who grew up with Queen, I'm happy and surprised to find so many gems on this album that I'd never heard before, most notably: It's Late. Enjoy!

Who doesn't like Daft Punk??

Seriously people!  Daft Punk are at the forefront of today's electronic music scene.  Before there was DeadMau5 and David Guetta, there was Daft Punk.  This French duo consistently puts out great music and the first song that I ever heard by them was Around the World.  This video is genius with the four groups of people representing the different rhythms found within the track.

Take a listen and comment with your favorite Daft Punk tracks and what makes them so awesome!!

Today's Metal Track - Dead Skin Mask by Slayer

Today's Metal Track is brought to you by Slayer. This song is from their 1990 album Season in the Abyss but this particular version is the live version off of their 1991 Double CD Live album Decade of Aggression. I like this version better probably because I grew up listening to this one more.

"I promise I won't keep you long, I'll keep you FOREVER!!"

RIP Jeff Hanneman

Kyle's Introduction to Yacht Rock

Let's start this blog off in a way that will give you motion sickness from the stark transition. Straight from Scott's Metal Track of the Day and right into my focus for the summer, Yacht Rock. What is Yacht Rock? Click here for all you would ever need to know about this smooth, over-produced genre of the softest rock ever jammed out to, preferably in the early 80's on your yacht while wearing Wayfarers and dancing really awkwardly. 

Today's Yacht Rock Track of the Day is "Lady" by the Little River Band, or LRB as true Yacht Rockers would say. This track is best enjoyed as you sing along loudly to the chorus and possibly point towards that special someone. 

Scott's Metal Track of the Day, Hosted by Adam

Adam is filling in for Scott for a day with the Metal Track of the Day!

Here is a track from Anup Sastry called Discovery. He's the drummer for Jeff Loomis and has played with Skyharbor and Intervals among other bands. He did all of the programming himself and this is just one track from his self produced album "Ghost".