Entry 135-- "Lights"

Song: "Lights"
Artist: Ellie Goulding
http://youtu.be/0NKUpo_xKyQ
Comments: I heard this song on the radio the other day, and it's been stuck in my head since. It's quite excellent-- danceable if you want, but mellow enough to be easy listening. Well done, Ms. Goulding, well done.

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Entry 135-- "Lights"

Song: "Lights"
Artist: Ellie Goulding
http://youtu.be/0NKUpo_xKyQ
Comments: I heard this song on the radio the other day, and it's been stuck in my head since. It's quite excellent-- danceable if you want, but mellow enough to be easy listening. Well done, Ms. Goulding, well done.

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Entry 134-- "Roxanne" and Site Update

Song: "Roxanne"
Artist: The Police
http://youtu.be/3T1c7GkzRQQ
Comments: Well, this weekend, my laptop encountered some fairly serious issues, so I'm doing this from an unfamiliar computer, so kindly excuse any inconsistencies. By the same token, updates for a week or two might be slightly sporadic, so bear with me.
Today's song is currently stuck in my head, so I figured I'd just post it. It's not exactly new, and most people have heard it before, but I feel it's always worth a listen.

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Entry 134-- "Roxanne" and Site Update

Song: "Roxanne"
Artist: The Police
http://youtu.be/3T1c7GkzRQQ
Comments: Well, this weekend, my laptop encountered some fairly serious issues, so I'm doing this from an unfamiliar computer, so kindly excuse any inconsistencies. By the same token, updates for a week or two might be slightly sporadic, so bear with me.
Today's song is currently stuck in my head, so I figured I'd just post it. It's not exactly new, and most people have heard it before, but I feel it's always worth a listen.

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Entry 133: Break Up Week, Part 4-- "Breakin' Up"

Break Up Week, Part 4
Song: "Breakin' Up"
Artist: Rilo Kiley
http://youtu.be/yGnJYMRC9NE
Comments: Thanks to Amanda for finding this one! This song is a charming mix of electropop and oldies, to my ears. The song is upbeat, catchy, and probably going to end up stuck in my head. I really don't know how to describe this song beyond talking about its style-- it has a truly unique sound. Check it out! Hopefully you enjoy it, and hopefully you enjoyed Break Up Week!

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Entry 133: Break Up Week, Part 4-- "Breakin' Up"

Break Up Week, Part 4
Song: "Breakin' Up"
Artist: Rilo Kiley
http://youtu.be/yGnJYMRC9NE
Comments: Thanks to Amanda for finding this one! This song is a charming mix of electropop and oldies, to my ears. The song is upbeat, catchy, and probably going to end up stuck in my head. I really don't know how to describe this song beyond talking about its style-- it has a truly unique sound. Check it out! Hopefully you enjoy it, and hopefully you enjoyed Break Up Week!

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Entry 132: Break Up Week, Part 3-- "Leave the Pieces"

Break Up Week, Part 3

Song: "Leave the Pieces"

Artist: The Wreckers

http://youtu.be/pHfSuBglk8E
Comments: Hey it’s Miriah again.  Here is the country song for the week.  Of course it’s not too difficult to find a country song about relationships but I think this is one of the better ones.  I had this song in my head all day yesterday and good part is it’s not overly depressing and it has the “you’ll be fine” type of attitude that everyone needs eventually.  This duo did not last long but this is their best-known hit.  Enjoy!

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Entry 131: Break Up Week, Part 2-- "When You Were Young"

Break Up Week, Part 2
Song: "When You Were Young"
Artist: The Killers
http://youtu.be/ff0oWESdmH0
Comments: Apologies for the missed entry yesterday-- it was a really crazy day for me, and I just didn't have time to write it. This song is the other of the two songs that helped me move on after my previous relationship ended. Hopefully anyone reading this finds it helpful, or at the least, enjoys the song. For what it's worth, I haven't had time to watch the video, so someone let me know how it is!

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Entry 131: Break Up Week, Part 2-- "When You Were Young"

Break Up Week, Part 2
Song: "When You Were Young"
Artist: The Killers
http://youtu.be/ff0oWESdmH0
Comments: Apologies for the missed entry yesterday-- it was a really crazy day for me, and I just didn't have time to write it. This song is the other of the two songs that helped me move on after my previous relationship ended. Hopefully anyone reading this finds it helpful, or at the least, enjoys the song. For what it's worth, I haven't had time to watch the video, so someone let me know how it is!

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Entry 130: Break Up Week, Part 1-- "Beautiful Day Without You"

Break Up Week, Part 1
Song: "Beautiful Day Without You"
Artist: Royksopp
http://youtu.be/nww7ywDLzY0
Comments: I don't usually do so many theme weeks so soon, but two dear friends of mine and friends to this blog just split up, and so I'm throwing a week to help them out as best I can. This song is one of the two that helped me move on after my previous relationship ended, and I hope that all the broken hearts out there find it helpful. I can't promise that random butterflies will appear or any of the other fantastical things that happen in the video, but I feel confident in saying that this song might manage to brighten your day. Also, a happy birthday to Amanda!

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Entry 130: Break Up Week, Part 1-- "Beautiful Day Without You"

Break Up Week, Part 1
Song: "Beautiful Day Without You"
Artist: Royksopp
http://youtu.be/nww7ywDLzY0
Comments: I don't usually do so many theme weeks so soon, but two dear friends of mine and friends to this blog just split up, and so I'm throwing a week to help them out as best I can. This song is one of the two that helped me move on after my previous relationship ended, and I hope that all the broken hearts out there find it helpful. I can't promise that random butterflies will appear or any of the other fantastical things that happen in the video, but I feel confident in saying that this song might manage to brighten your day. Also, a happy birthday to Amanda!

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Entry 129-- "99 Luft Balons" / "99 Red Balloons"

Song: "99 Luft Balons" / "99 Red Balloons"
Artist: Nena
http://youtu.be/jQYQTFudrqc (German, Original)
http://youtu.be/TZwhzf8NC4o (German, New)
http://youtu.be/14IRDDnEPR4 (English)
Comments: A study in Cold War art and strangely awesome, "99 Luft Balons / Red Balloons" is/are a(n) awesome song(s). Read that sentence in the singular or the plural as you choose. Anyway. This is the song, and many of you readers have probably heard it. The second video listed has a shiny new (or at least newer) video, and if my ears don't deceive me, the music itself is slightly redone from the original song. I love all three of these, so I won't recommend any of them above the other two. Enjoy!

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Entry 129-- "99 Luft Balons" / "99 Red Balloons"

Song: "99 Luft Balons" / "99 Red Balloons"
Artist: Nena
http://youtu.be/jQYQTFudrqc (German, Original)
http://youtu.be/TZwhzf8NC4o (German, New)
http://youtu.be/14IRDDnEPR4 (English)
Comments: A study in Cold War art and strangely awesome, "99 Luft Balons / Red Balloons" is/are a(n) awesome song(s). Read that sentence in the singular or the plural as you choose. Anyway. This is the song, and many of you readers have probably heard it. The second video listed has a shiny new (or at least newer) video, and if my ears don't deceive me, the music itself is slightly redone from the original song. I love all three of these, so I won't recommend any of them above the other two. Enjoy!

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Entry 128-- "Rasputin"

Song: "Rasputin"
Artist: Boney M.
http://youtu.be/TmjdZKfumEI
Comments: "Ra Ra Rasputin...." Oh, right. Commentary. So, this song is epic. Some of you might know if from the game "Just Dance II." If you encountered this song before and haven't seen the video, watch it. It's hilarious. I already couldn't take this song with a completely strange face, but now I never will be able to again. The video was so hilarious I'm watching it again. Enjoy!

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Entry 128-- "Rasputin"

Song: "Rasputin"
Artist: Boney M.
http://youtu.be/TmjdZKfumEI
Comments: "Ra Ra Rasputin...." Oh, right. Commentary. So, this song is epic. Some of you might know if from the game "Just Dance II." If you encountered this song before and haven't seen the video, watch it. It's hilarious. I already couldn't take this song with a completely strange face, but now I never will be able to again. The video was so hilarious I'm watching it again. Enjoy!

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Entry 127-- "Heartbeat"

Song: "Heartbeat"
Artist: The Fray
http://youtu.be/hp0_2fjPlbM
Comments: Introducing... Miriah!
Hey everyone! Different writer for today.  My name is Miriah and I am helping out with the blog along with Amanda.  Usually I am one for Spanish and country music but today I am not going that direction.  I heard this song last week when I saw the video on VH1 but I heard the song recently and have had the chorus stuck in my head all day.  Also in my searches I found that the band's new album (titled "Scars and Stories") is being released on February 7th.  Enjoy the song!

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Entry 126-- "Black Hole Sun"

Song: "Black Hole Sun"
Artist: Soundgarden
http://youtu.be/3mbBbFH9fAg
Comments: Sorry for another late entry. This song spent much of yesterday stuck in my head, and thus makes its way to today's post based solely on the fact that the chorus was stuck in my head for several hours. I find the video to be odd to the point of creepy-- you are warned.

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Entry 126-- "Black Hole Sun"

Song: "Black Hole Sun"
Artist: Soundgarden
http://youtu.be/3mbBbFH9fAg
Comments: Sorry for another late entry. This song spent much of yesterday stuck in my head, and thus makes its way to today's post based solely on the fact that the chorus was stuck in my head for several hours. I find the video to be odd to the point of creepy-- you are warned.

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Entry 125-- "Unknown Soldier"

Song: "Unknown Soldier"
Artist: Breaking Benjamin
http://youtu.be/E9HoIPCWGsY
Comments: Sorry about the lateness of this post. My schedule just changed, and I'm still working on getting a routine that lets me blog early in the day. Anyway, this song has been stuck in my head for the better part of the afternoon, so I thought I'd pass it on. The lyrics are what really sticks in my head with this song, especially the chorus. Check it out, and see if it sticks with you!

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Entry 125-- "Unknown Soldier"

Song: "Unknown Soldier"
Artist: Breaking Benjamin
http://youtu.be/E9HoIPCWGsY
Comments: Sorry about the lateness of this post. My schedule just changed, and I'm still working on getting a routine that lets me blog early in the day. Anyway, this song has been stuck in my head for the better part of the afternoon, so I thought I'd pass it on. The lyrics are what really sticks in my head with this song, especially the chorus. Check it out, and see if it sticks with you!

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Entry 124: Symphonic Metal Week II-- "Wanderer"

Symphonic Metal Week II, Part V
Song: "Wanderer"
Artist: Ensiferum
http://youtu.be/uKZd4U397M4
Comments: Rounding out the second Symphonic Metal Week, Ensiferum's song "Wanderer." I was originally going to use Kamelot's "Memento Mori," but as I predicted when I wrote Entry 52, I'm seriously regretting using it as filler. Most of the songs by this band don't fall easily into the genre of symphonic metal, but I'd say this one is close enough to count. If pressed, I'd give it a genre of its own called Viking Metal. If pressed harder, I'd toss it into power metal. Most of their songs are also full of screamed vocals and grunts, but this song stands out as being calm, melodic, and beautiful. Bass drum and flute? Sign me up. Enjoy the song, and I hope you enjoyed the week!

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Entry 124: Symphonic Metal Week II-- "Wanderer"

Symphonic Metal Week II, Part V
Song: "Wanderer"
Artist: Ensiferum
http://youtu.be/uKZd4U397M4
Comments: Rounding out the second Symphonic Metal Week, Ensiferum's song "Wanderer." I was originally going to use Kamelot's "Memento Mori," but as I predicted when I wrote Entry 52, I'm seriously regretting using it as filler. Most of the songs by this band don't fall easily into the genre of symphonic metal, but I'd say this one is close enough to count. If pressed, I'd give it a genre of its own called Viking Metal. If pressed harder, I'd toss it into power metal. Most of their songs are also full of screamed vocals and grunts, but this song stands out as being calm, melodic, and beautiful. Bass drum and flute? Sign me up. Enjoy the song, and I hope you enjoyed the week!

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Entry 123: Symphonic Metal Week II-- "Unholy Warcry"

Symphonic Metal Week II, Part IV
Song: "Unholy Warcry"
Artist: Rhapsody of Fire
http://youtu.be/YEMeBTmiX4g
Comments: The first minute of this song is given over to spoken-word story telling, followed by three minutes of a beautiful blend of symphonic and power metal. The voice of the lead singer is distinct, bordering on unforgettable, and the lyrics themselves are closer to a Norse saga than a rock song; at least when they can be clearly understood. If you like this song, please, look up the band-- this song is standard fare for Rhapsody. (A side note-- they used to just be called 'Rhapsody,' before changing their name. Consequently, much of their music is still listed as being done by 'Rhapsody.')

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Entry 123: Symphonic Metal Week II-- "Unholy Warcry"

Symphonic Metal Week II, Part IV
Song: "Unholy Warcry"
Artist: Rhapsody of Fire
http://youtu.be/YEMeBTmiX4g
Comments: The first minute of this song is given over to spoken-word story telling, followed by three minutes of a beautiful blend of symphonic and power metal. The voice of the lead singer is distinct, bordering on unforgettable, and the lyrics themselves are closer to a Norse saga than a rock song; at least when they can be clearly understood. If you like this song, please, look up the band-- this song is standard fare for Rhapsody. (A side note-- they used to just be called 'Rhapsody,' before changing their name. Consequently, much of their music is still listed as being done by 'Rhapsody.')

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Entry 122: Symphonic Metal Week II-- "Frozen"

Symphonic Metal Week II, Part III
Song: “Frozen”
Artist: Delain
http://youtu.be/015aevnIGLU
http://youtu.be/wtngwBUyJkM (Acoustic Version)
Comments: Presenting one of our two new authors on the site, Amanda!
Hey, Amanda here! I’ll be posting here somewhat regularly from now on so I can help out and have some fun of my own :) Anyway, Delain is a symphonic metal band from Finland that I like and listen to frequently. This particular song is one of their best and I can honestly say I’ve had it stuck in my head on more than one occasion. The music video is decent and features some impressive head banging. I myself cannot resist cute female lead singers who have sweet vocals and amazing hair. I will say that if you want to slow things down a bit, take a listen to the acoustic version which is also good. Enjoy!

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Entry 121: Symphonic Metal Week II-- "Senses Capture"

Symphonic Metal Week II, Part II
Song: "Senses Capture"
Artist: Leaves' Eyes
http://youtu.be/pweI8BUawdY
Comments: I first heard this song long ago, when I was first getting into symphonic metal. I never really tracked down more stuff by this band, (something I really need to do,) but I never forgot this song. It feels lighter and more approachable than many songs of the genre, having something to do with the combination of soft vocals and melodic instrumentation. Honestly, the bass drum in the song sounds more 'heavy metal' than the guitars, to me. Enjoy the song!

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Entry 121: Symphonic Metal Week II-- "Senses Capture"

Symphonic Metal Week II, Part II
Song: "Senses Capture"
Artist: Leaves' Eyes
http://youtu.be/pweI8BUawdY
Comments: I first heard this song long ago, when I was first getting into symphonic metal. I never really tracked down more stuff by this band, (something I really need to do,) but I never forgot this song. It feels lighter and more approachable than many songs of the genre, having something to do with the combination of soft vocals and melodic instrumentation. Honestly, the bass drum in the song sounds more 'heavy metal' than the guitars, to me. Enjoy the song!

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Entry 120: Symphonic Metal Week II-- "Storytime"

Symphonic Metal Week II, Part I
Song: "Storytime"
Artist: Nightwish
http://youtu.be/5g8ykQLYnX0
Comments: Here we go again! Welcome to the second Symphonic Metal Week, because one just wasn't enough! To open the week, the first single of Nightwish's new album "Imaginaerum," "Storytime." I have to admit, the video can be a tad creepy, but it's still quite excellent, as is the song. It's fast, and catchy enough to get stuck in my head for most of the day the first time I heard it. If all of "Imaginaerum" sounds like this, I might have to break my rule about buying albums while they're still fresh (and expensive) and go buy it. Enjoy the song!

Labels:

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Entry 120: Symphonic Metal Week II-- "Storytime"

Symphonic Metal Week II, Part I
Song: "Storytime"
Artist: Nightwish
http://youtu.be/5g8ykQLYnX0
Comments: Here we go again! Welcome to the second Symphonic Metal Week, because one just wasn't enough! To open the week, the first single of Nightwish's new album "Imaginaerum," "Storytime." I have to admit, the video can be a tad creepy, but it's still quite excellent, as is the song. It's fast, and catchy enough to get stuck in my head for most of the day the first time I heard it. If all of "Imaginaerum" sounds like this, I might have to break my rule about buying albums while they're still fresh (and expensive) and go buy it. Enjoy the song!

Labels:

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Entry 119-- "Paradise"

Song: "Paradise"
Artist: Coldplay
http://youtu.be/1G4isv_Fylg
Comments: I saw this song (well, video) for the first time yesterday when I caught it on TV-- the first time I've watched a music channel in forever. (Yes, while it's true that MTV doesn't actually play music, VH1 does in the mornings still.) This song is quite excellent-- typically Coldplay with mellow rhythms and calm beats, topped with sprinkles, whipped cream, and a catchy chorus. While it's not "Viva la Vida" in terms of catchy-ness, it's close. I've had "Para / Para / Paradise" stuck in my head all day.

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Entry 119-- "Paradise"

Song: "Paradise"
Artist: Coldplay
http://youtu.be/1G4isv_Fylg
Comments: I saw this song (well, video) for the first time yesterday when I caught it on TV-- the first time I've watched a music channel in forever. (Yes, while it's true that MTV doesn't actually play music, VH1 does in the mornings still.) This song is quite excellent-- typically Coldplay with mellow rhythms and calm beats, topped with sprinkles, whipped cream, and a catchy chorus. While it's not "Viva la Vida" in terms of catchy-ness, it's close. I've had "Para / Para / Paradise" stuck in my head all day.

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Entry 118-- "We Will Fall Together"

Entry 118
Song: "We Will Fall Together"
Artist: Streetlight Manifesto
http://youtu.be/1YUtZ5y13o4 (Live version)
http://youtu.be/tF7e_ukhCSE (Album version with unofficial video)
Comments: This was the first song by Streetlight Manifesto that I heard, and within seconds, I feel in love with it. Like most ska, this song is upbeat and heavy on instrumentation-- brasses and a heavy dose of sax. The vocalist has a unique, interesting sound that's hard to describe, but it fits well with both the band and the song. As for the videos, the first one is the live version, which is slightly faster than the album version. The second video is a music video made a long time ago by a friend of mine that uses the slower, studio-polished album version. Whichever you listen to, enjoy!

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Entry 118-- "We Will Fall Together"

Entry 118
Song: "We Will Fall Together"
Artist: Streetlight Manifesto
http://youtu.be/1YUtZ5y13o4 (Live version)
http://youtu.be/tF7e_ukhCSE (Album version with unofficial video)
Comments: This was the first song by Streetlight Manifesto that I heard, and within seconds, I feel in love with it. Like most ska, this song is upbeat and heavy on instrumentation-- brasses and a heavy dose of sax. The vocalist has a unique, interesting sound that's hard to describe, but it fits well with both the band and the song. As for the videos, the first one is the live version, which is slightly faster than the album version. The second video is a music video made a long time ago by a friend of mine that uses the slower, studio-polished album version. Whichever you listen to, enjoy!

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Entry 117-- "Blackout"

Song: "Blackout"
Artist: Breathe Carolina
http://youtu.be/h2S3RvIHwGs (music video-- mildly NSFW)
http://youtu.be/PBZICTaUmU0 (lyric video)
Comments: A certain wonderful person gave me this song weeks ago, and I've been meaning to put it here since the day I heard it. After hearing it on the radio last night, however, I realized that I needed to hurry up and write about it before it became old news. This song is catchy, and feels like a throwback to 3!0h3, Cobra Starship, Panic! At The Disco, and the other small, electronic-pop bands of the era. It has upbeat, catchy hooks, party-oriented lyrics, and an inability to be taken seriously. Love it!

The video borders on Not Safe For Work-- if you're concerned, click the second link.

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Entry 117-- "Blackout"

Song: "Blackout"
Artist: Breathe Carolina
http://youtu.be/h2S3RvIHwGs (music video-- mildly NSFW)
http://youtu.be/PBZICTaUmU0 (lyric video)
Comments: A certain wonderful person gave me this song weeks ago, and I've been meaning to put it here since the day I heard it. After hearing it on the radio last night, however, I realized that I needed to hurry up and write about it before it became old news. This song is catchy, and feels like a throwback to 3!0h3, Cobra Starship, Panic! At The Disco, and the other small, electronic-pop bands of the era. It has upbeat, catchy hooks, party-oriented lyrics, and an inability to be taken seriously. Love it!

The video borders on Not Safe For Work-- if you're concerned, click the second link.

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Entry 116-- "Raise Your Weapon"

Song: "Raise Your Weapon"
Artist: deadmau5
http://youtu.be/YnwfTHpnGLY
Comments: I'm really not sure why this is listed as just deadmau5. Other tracks off the same album with vocalists (read SOFI and Chris Lake) are written as 'Track Name featuring _____,' but not this one. Both the album and the listing for it on YouTube are just "Raise Your Weapon." The vocalist, according to Wikipedia, is Greta Svabo Bech, not SOFI like several other tracks on the album. This song is the one I play when I need an example of 'good dubstep,' and skip forward to dubstep intro right after the four minute mark. I say 'good dubstep' because the internet is flooded with '*insert pop song* dubstep remix!', most of which are abysmal. Dubstep is easy to do poorly, but deadmau5 does it well here. Enjoy the song!

*edit: Well, after checking the album, it turns out I'm being an idiot again. None of the songs listed have a vocalist listed on them. Acknowledgements are given as appropriate inside the album, however.

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Entry 116-- "Raise Your Weapon"

Song: "Raise Your Weapon"
Artist: deadmau5
http://youtu.be/YnwfTHpnGLY
Comments: I'm really not sure why this is listed as just deadmau5. Other tracks off the same album with vocalists (read SOFI and Chris Lake) are written as 'Track Name featuring _____,' but not this one. Both the album and the listing for it on YouTube are just "Raise Your Weapon." The vocalist, according to Wikipedia, is Greta Svabo Bech, not SOFI like several other tracks on the album. This song is the one I play when I need an example of 'good dubstep,' and skip forward to dubstep intro right after the four minute mark. I say 'good dubstep' because the internet is flooded with '*insert pop song* dubstep remix!', most of which are abysmal. Dubstep is easy to do poorly, but deadmau5 does it well here. Enjoy the song!

*edit: Well, after checking the album, it turns out I'm being an idiot again. None of the songs listed have a vocalist listed on them. Acknowledgements are given as appropriate inside the album, however.

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Entry 115-- "Don't Stop the Party" and New Years Site Update!

Song: "Don't Stop the Party"
Artist: The Black Eyed Peas
http://youtu.be/u9LH_y159sg
Comments: Happy New Year, folks! I am thrilled to announce that, before the end of 2011, we hit 1000 views! In keeping with the traditions of New Years, I have made a resolution, and this song sums it up nicely-- I resolve to never stop the party. To that end, I'm pleased to announce that two additional writers will hopefully be signing on to Stuck In My Skull, to bring you fresh and interesting music (and I have to admit, to make my life a little easier). In the spirit of New Years, I leave you with this song, my awesome audience. Keep the music playing, and never stop the party. Happy New Years!

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Entry 115-- "Don't Stop the Party" and New Years Site Update!

Song: "Don't Stop the Party"
Artist: The Black Eyed Peas
http://youtu.be/u9LH_y159sg
Comments: Happy New Year, folks! I am thrilled to announce that, before the end of 2011, we hit 1000 views! In keeping with the traditions of New Years, I have made a resolution, and this song sums it up nicely-- I resolve to never stop the party. To that end, I'm pleased to announce that two additional writers will hopefully be signing on to Stuck In My Skull, to bring you fresh and interesting music (and I have to admit, to make my life a little easier). In the spirit of New Years, I leave you with this song, my awesome audience. Keep the music playing, and never stop the party. Happy New Years!

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