Entry 235-- "Take Care"

Song: "Take Care"
Artist: Drake feat. Rihanna

 

http://youtu.be/-zzP29emgpg

Comments: Hello everyone! It's Amanda again. Today's song was  released back in February but as sometimes happens when I send Chris a new song he forgot about it and  discovered it later on his own .So here I am, talking about one of my favorite songs of 2012 thus far. Admittedly, I had some doubts about Drake in the past but "Take Care" was a real game changer in my book. It features two incredibly successful recording artists in a dynamic duet and reveals a softer side of them both that music fans rarely get to see. The song in itself is a work of art. The lyrical content, the use of piano and drums, and the vocal performances delivered by Drake and Rihanna are astounding. The video lacks a storyline but instead relies heavily on breathtaking visuals to convey raw emotion. All-in-all, it's a sublime collaboration between two talented individuals. Enjoy the song and happy Friday!

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Entry 234-- "Dulce Locura"

Song: "Dulce Locura"
Artist: La Oreja de Van Gogh

http://youtu.be/by2E2m4thNM
Comments: Hey all!  It's Miriah (finally) getting some foreign language in here for ya.  I figured since it's been a while I would do a song from my favourite Spanish band.  This band from Spain (Van Gogh's Ear) has been extremely successful and as I mentioned a favourite of mine.  I'm sending you an older song because their vocalist Amaia Montero has, unfortunately, left them in the last couple of years and I personally think she's the better of the two.  Anyhow, this song is excellent. It's the stuck in my head, writing the lyrics on my notebook instead of anything scholarly type of song for me.  It  also has a very cool video.  Enjoy!
     And the chorus, for the non-Spanish speakers, roughly reads "I understand that you left and now I pay my condemenation/but don't ask me if I want to live/without your moon, without your sun, without your sweet insanity/I'm returning small and petite/the night dreams of you and it mocks/I try to hug you and you shield yourself."

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Entry 233-- "Alley Cat"

Song: "Alley Cat"
Artist: Seventh Wonder

http://youtu.be/4sRDa-xTfwg
Comments: Oh, this song. I found it yesterday (at time of publishing, two days ago), but I feel like I know it already. I found it while I was looking up the band for the vocalist, Tommy Karevik, recently announced as the new vocalist of Kamelot, my favourite band. "Alley Cat" brings me back to the days when classic rock and metal was produced-- the days when MTV actually played music, days before I and many of my friends were even alive. This song has shredding guitars instead of screeching guitars, comprehensible vocals, solos that are worth something, lyrics that are don't make me cringe. The song feels polished and perfected like it's been around for twenty years-- it has just the right mix of vocals, guitars, drums, keyboards. This song feels done. This song feels right. This song feels good. Check it out. I'll definitely be looking for more Seventh Wonder after this, and despite my reservations when Roy Khan left, I can't wait to hear Kamelot with Mr. Karevik singing.
(By the way, if you want, there are videos of Tommy Karevik singing Kamelot songs on youtube-- some [but few] of them even have decent quality.)

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Entry 232-- "Raining on Sunday"

Song: "Raining on Sunday"
Artist: Keith Urban

http://youtu.be/4jG7wNoES8c
Comments: Amanda here! I haven't posted in a little while so I figured I'd talk about something I usually don't on the blog:country music. For most of my childhood and middle school years, I listened to it religiously. This can be chalked up to where I lived and who was around me but I grew to love the genre and do to this day. Although a cover of a song by another country artist, this is one of many great pieces by  Keith Urban and a good representation of his overall performance style. Urban is talented vocally and plays  acoustic, bass, and electric guitar, banjo, drums and more.Many friends of mine tend to write off country music altogether, but I think that upon listening it is easy to find that it isn't so different from other genres. There's just as much great music and variation to found in it as dance or metal. For those interested in the getting into country, Keith Urban would be a good way to cross over into the genre. I should add, the video gets a tad steamy so this may be NSFW. Enjoy!

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Entry 231-- "The Night Out"

Song: "The Night Out"
Artist: Martin Solveig

http://youtu.be/goKeotF-7nA
Comments: This is my first time writing the blog at 3:48 AM, so if this is incoherent, bear with me. I had a lovely weekend with my beloved (see all of last week), but as I write this, we're preparing to leave for the airport, which is very, very saddening. Anyway, you came here for the music, not my love life. So, the music.
The first time I heard this song, I seriously said "this sounds half-way between MGMT and Phoenix." For that matter, I still think it sounds half-way between MGMT (of "Kids" and "Electric Feel" fame) and Phoenix (popular for "1901"). Thankfully, they're both good bands, and sounding half-way between the two isn't a bad thing. I admit, someone had to send me the video for this before I realized who the real artist was. It would have never crossed my mind to guess Martin Solveig, mostly because all I know of him is "Hello" featuring Dragonette. After this, though, I should probably go look up more Martin Solveig. Anyway. I'm going to set this entry to publish at the usual time, and I'll read it later today. Hope this was coherent!

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Entry 230: Heart Week 2, Part 5-- "Your Song"

Heart Week 2, Part 5
Song: "Your Song"
Artist: Elton John

http://youtu.be/mBCVEcjScTQ
Comments: Me being me, I forgot that Elton John was the original artist of this song. I came across the Ellie Goulding cover, and nearly used it, before remembering that this existed. In all honesty, I never really payed much attention to either this song, or Elton John, but after this, I think I'll have to. Sir Elton John sums up my feelings, and this entire week quite nicely. "And you can tell everybody this is your song / It may be quite simply, but now that's it's done / I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind that I put down in words / How wonderful life is you're in the world." I'll see you tonight, gorgeous.

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Entry 229: Heart Week 2, Part 4-- "Addicted to You"

Heart Week 2, Part 4
Song: "Addicted to You"
Artist: Shakira

http://youtu.be/MntbN1DdEP0
Comments: I have to admit, when I first heard this song, I only understood about a third of it. But from what I did understand, I knew that I had to look up the rest, and I'm glad I did. Con este semana, solamente quiero decirte que te amo. (No, I didn't look that up.) "I'm addicted to you / Porque es un vicio tu piel / Baby I'm addicted to you / Quiero que te dejes querer."

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Entry 228: Heart Week 2, Part 3-- "Only This Moment"

Heart Week 2, Part 3
Song: "Only This Moment"
Artist: Royksopp

http://youtu.be/qz-nhcfTfWQ
Comments: I've known about Röyksopp since someone (Kelsey) showed me the video to "Remind Me" about two years ago. I don't know when I found this song, but I liked it, and oddly enough, promptly forgot about it. Most of the Röyksopp I know comes from their album "Junior," whereas this song comes from "The Understanding." Since I forgot about it, it never really crossed my mind to think about the lyrics at all, much less as a love song, but when I stumbled across it preparing for this week, it just sounded perfect. The lyrics are a tad misleading in the first half, and not always the most cheerful, but like any good relationship, it works out by the end. "Only this moment / Holds us together / Close to perfection / Nothing else out there / Always beside her / Trusting my senses / Deep down inside I know love will survive."




Edit 6/20/12: Now with 100% less white highlighting and readable text!
Edit LATER 6/20/12: Now with 100% less spelling errors!

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Entry 227: Heart Week 2, Part 2-- "You Are My Diamond"

Heart Week 2, Part 2
Song: "You Are My Diamond"
Artist: Tiesto feat Kianna

http://youtu.be/b0_DM-rPka4
Comments: When I decided I was going to do Heart Week 2, I went looking for songs I didn't already know to describe my feelings. I don't know why I ended up digging around in a pile of old Tiesto, but I'm glad I did. With the exceptions of a few pronouns that are reversed, this song says everything I want to say. "All my life I've been looking for love / I never thought I'd find it / All my life I've been looking for you / I just didn't know it." Among all the rocks and fake people, you are my shining diamond.

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Entry 226: Heart Week 2, Part 1-- "Girl in the Sea"

Heart Week 2, Part 1
Song: "Girl in the Sea"
Artist: No More Kings

http://youtu.be/Tymfsynpy_c
Comments: Well, there is no better time to do this, so ladies and gentlemen, I am announcing that this week is dedicated to my wonderful, beautiful, amazing girlfriend. Readers, I give you 'Heart Week 2.'
I originally heard this song this spring in New Orleans, and I've been carrying it around since. It's a good song, and I think it fits the occasion wonderfully. "I'm lost in a dream, my heart wants to sing, all for the girl in the sea." She knows who she is. <3

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Entry 225-- "Bangarang"

Song: "Bangarang"
Artist: Skrillex

http://youtu.be/YJVmu6yttiw
Comments: First off, this video has the single weirdest thumbnail of any video I've yet posted. That aside, I'm still not sure what I think of this song. I feel as though I should dislike it, for reasons I won't get into. But in the end, I still like it. This song to me is like James Bond. No, it's not a misogynist dinosaur, but for a whole host of reasons, I really should hate it, but yet, I keep coming back for more. Either way, it's ridiculously catchy. Enjoy!

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Entry 224-- "Kerosene"

Song: "Kerosene"
Artist: Miranda Lambert

http://youtu.be/rB7ONnfIjaI
Comments: Hey all! It's Miriah.  I originally told myself that my next post was going to be foreign because I've gone back to listening to some old (and great) Spanish artists.  However, I have discovered that Miranda Lambert here is going on tour and as a result I have gone through and listened to a lot of her stuff both new and old.  This is a song has been stuck in my head many times, and for those Lambert fans this song is probably familiar.  Back when it was released it reached #61 on the US Billboard Top 100 and #15 on the country billboard. If you haven't heard it now is the time to hear a song about revenge on a cheater boyfriend. Though, I don't recommend setting the town on fire as she does in the video.  Anyhow, enjoy!

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Entry 223-- "Hotel California"

Song: "Hotel California"
Artist: The Eagles

http://youtu.be/NUbTW928sMU
Comments: I ended up quoting this song in conversation this evening (I've started writing these blogs the night before), and it's stuck in my head. So, good morning folks, here's a great classic rock song for you. The Eagles are a classic group, and this is one of their classic hits. I feel fairly confident that most of you have probably heard this song, but for those of you that haven't, enjoy the experience! If you've heard it before, enjoy this sweet little reminder of why classic rock is "classic."
This is fondly dedicated to my dad, a long-time Eagles fan.

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Entry 222-- "We Own The Night"

Song: "We Own The Night"
Artist: Tiesto and Wolfgang Gartner feat. Luciana

http://youtu.be/0LFlw_VX6o4
Comments: Tiesto is moving towards House music, but as long as he sounds like this, I don't mind. This song is pure magic. I admit, I don't have much experience with Wolfgang Gartner-- I've heard this song, and he collaborated with Deadmau5 on the track "Animal Rights," but beyond that, I don't know much of him. After this, I'll have to look him up. I heard this song once on top 40 radio, and haven't heard it since. I'm crossing my fingers that it comes back again. Radio has been getting steadily more dance and electronica friendly, and I'm hoping the trend continues. Enjoy the song!

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Entry 221--"Fear of a Blanket Planet"

Song: "Fear of a Blanket Planet"
Artist: Porcupine Tree
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IsoHNdFUTk

Comments: Amanda here! Today's song comes from the English progressive metal/rock band Porcupine Tree.They formed in the late 80's and have since put out countless albums and EP's.This song is off their ninth record of the same name. It has this dark, kind of melancholy feel that borders on creepy but is also really cool. I discovered Porcupine Tree while listening to  Pandora a while back but failed to follow up on them until now. Their sound is unique and this song is pure awesome. Enjoy!

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Entry 220-- "Never Close Our Eyes"

Song: "Never Close Our Eyes"
Artist: Adam Lambert

http://youtu.be/u3dkVk3F57c
Comments: Hey all it's Miriah  again with some pop music for today.  I was listening to Adam here a couple of days ago when I noticed that he has released a new video as of a week ago.  I did some research and this is the second single from his new album "Trespassing".  I just have to say that I think the song is excellent and so is the video.  Unfortunately, it has not had it's own radio play yet; mainly because the other single Better Than I Know Myself is currently out.  Which is also a great song and both of the new videos are good, but I enjoyed today's song a little bit more because of the dancing.  Final note, if you like these songs I recommend listening to the album. Thanks to Youtube I had the opportunity to listen to it and I am going to invest in it.  Sorry for the long post.  Enjoy!

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Entry 219-- "Dark Side"

Song: "Dark Side"
Artist: Kelly Clarkson

http://youtu.be/H5ArpRWcGe0
Comments: After hearing the trite "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" way too many times, seeing something new out of Kelly Clarkson is a refreshing relief. To my pleasant surprise, I actually enjoyed this song. I say pleasant surprise not because Kelly Clarskon is a bad artist (though I disagree with her on the current state of pop music), but because she and I don't usually see eye to eye on what constitutes a 'good song.' In this instance, I'm quite happy to announce that we both seem to think "Dark Side" is worth a listen. Check it out!
(For what it's worth, I categorized this song as 'pop' only because I don't know what else to call it. Someone suggest a genre?)

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Entry 218-- "Live My Life (Party Rock Remix)"

Song: "Live My Life (Party Rock Remix)"

Artist: Far East Movement  feat. Justin Beiber and Redfoo

http://youtu.be/dnH977xKcz8 (Party Rock Remix)
http://youtu.be/Avx35Mjkkhw (Original Song)
Comments: This song is from the people who brought you the 'classic' "Like A G6," and this song is hot. I'm calling it as top 40 bound. Just because half of LMFAO was involved in the Party Rock Remix, I'm guessing it will get to top 40 before the original, but I could be wrong. Remix or no, this song is excellent, and keeps getting stuck in my head. Make of it what you will, but after listening several times, I can't hear Justin Beiber in it. You should definitely take a listen. Enjoy!

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Entry 217-- "Drunk On You"

Song: "Drunk On You"
Artist: Luke Bryan

http://youtu.be/XAQn3AAfOjk

Comments: Hey everyone, sorry for the late post.  It's Miriah with some country for today.  This is more recent release that has been stuck in my head more than a couple of times.  Unfortunately, there is not an official video, but I'm thinking that there will be one coming.  Enjoy!

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Entry 216-- "Wide Awake"

Song: "Wide Awake"
Artist: Katy Perry

http://youtu.be/-3D5FwwtNVM
Comments: Sorry for the lateness of the post, folks! I first heard this song last week, and then heard it on the radio today. It's a pretty good song, I think. In it, Katy Perry manages to deal with her break-up without sounding sappy or trite, something I respect. It's a new angle on the event, and feels fresh and new. It's a mellow song that'll be stuck in my head all day. Enjoy!

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Entry 215-- Tour Of Techno Week, Part 5: "No Memory From Yesterday" and Update!

Tour of Techno Week, Part 5

Song: "No Memory From Yesterday"

Artist: Tiesto

http://youtu.be/RB2gCAjDBFA

Comments: Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Trance. Trance is a subgenre of techno, "...characterized by a tempo of between 125 and 150 beats per minute, repeating melodic phrases, and a musical form that builds up and down throughout a track..." according to Wikipedia, and it is one of my two pet genres, the other being symphonic metal. Tiesto has long been one of the leading trance producers, and has won the DJ Mag top 100 several times, and is generally amazing. Despite his recent trend towards electro and house, Tiesto's trance tracks are still exceptional pieces of music. The first song ever featured on this blog was a trance remix by Tiesto, in fact. Check this song out, and if you like it, please, go looking for more. Hopefully you enjoyed this week, and with a little luck, you found some new music. Keep an open mind, enjoy the song, and enjoy the weekend!

Update: The update is two-fold. First, I finally caught the fact that only registered users of blogger could comment on this blog. That has now been rectified-- anyone with internet can leave a comment. Secondly, the song featured in Entry 184 ("Burn it Down" by Linkin Park) has gotten an official music video released, seen here: http://youtu.be/dxytyRy-O1k

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