Entry 257-- "Spiderwebs"

Song: "Spiderwebs"
Artist: No Doubt

 

 http://youtu.be/6ZktNItwexo

Comments: Hello! Amanda here! Yesterday I was mindlessly meandering around Youtube when I stumbled across a video for the new single "Settle Down" from the American rock band No Doubt. This was incredibly exciting for me as, between a four year hiatus and various solo projects, the group have not put out a record since 2001. However, this is not the track I've posted here. Fellow fans should appreciate that they sound as killer as ever, have held onto their creative vision, and as always are having one heck of a good time. What’s impressive, to me at least, is that over the years, No Doubt has managed to retain a signature style even while fusing and experimenting with different genres. Their energy, ingenuity, and versatility have allowed them continued success for nearly two decades and made them a personal favorite of mine.  Enter “Spiderwebs,” off their 1995 Tragic Kingdom album, a pop rock song with a ska twist. If you’re not familiar with No Doubt, this is a good introduction to the band, a small taste of what they're all about and capable of. Enjoy the song and thanks for reading!

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Entry 256-- "Angel Eyes"

Song: "Angel Eyes"
Artist: "Love and Theft"

http://youtu.be/aOvyymFaFs4

Comments: Hey all, it's Miriah!  Happy Monday.  I am bringing you a song that just started hitting the radio, because the last couple of days I haven't been able to get the song out of my head. This band is relatively new (their first album was released back in '09 and their latest released this year).  While they are categorized as country, I would like to say that they don't have that thick 'twang' and all three of their hits don't have any of the "beers and tears" kind of messages that usually show up in country songs. I listened to this new duo's other two hit songs and they sound good.  I really hope that they get some momentum, because this is one duo that I wanna see make it.  Enjoy!

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Entry 255-- "This Is Love"

Song: "This Is Love"
Artist: will.i.am feat Eva Simons

http://youtu.be/9I9Ar6upx34
Comments: Sorry today's entry is so late, folks-- I completely forgot to write this last night. Anyway, the song. I ran into this song a few weeks ago, and I've kept putting off using it. When I first heard it, I was slightly indecisive about whether or not I really liked the song, but I have to say, that answer is now a firm and unyielding yes. Watching will.i.am progress his career alongside the Black Eyed Peas has been interesting-- he really has a lot of talent. Anyway, happy Friday, enjoy the weekend, and enjoy the song!

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Entry 254-- "Manah Manah"

Song: "Manah Manah"
Artist: The Muppets

http://youtu.be/8N_tupPBtWQ
Comments: No, this is not a joke. This song is stuck in my head, and dedicated to a coworker of mine, whose easy jokes and startlingly clear insights into our jobs makes life so much more tolerable. Anyway, fresh from The Muppet Labs Stuck In My Skull, I present to you, "Manah Manah," as performed by the illustrious... wait, do they even have names?! ...The Muppets!

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Entry 253-- "Blown Away"

Song: "Blown Away"
Artist: Carrie Underwood

http://youtu.be/QOyMbkXzKFc
Comments: Hey everyone! It's Miriah bringing back some country for the week.  I heard this song recently on the radio and I have to say it is excellent. Ms. Underwood has produced yet another song that I have a feeling is going to rise pretty high on the charts. It's got the same musical feel as "Good Girl" her last hit, but the message of this particular song is much more intense.  It reminds me of some older country songs with a similar plot line (see "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia", Reba McEntire).  Anyhow, this is another great song, and I thoroughly approve of the excess amounts of guitarists in the performance.  (Small side note: I like to be able to post a live performance and feel confident that the song still sounds good.)  Enjoy!

Update:  Hey all!  Here's the official video for this song. It was published yesterday, and I have to say that the video is pretty good.  Enjoy!

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Entry 252-- "Mad World"

Song: "Mad World"
Artist: Tears for Fears

http://youtu.be/SFsHSHE-iJQ

Comments: Hello all! Amanda here! When I woke up this morning, I honestly had no idea what I wanted to write about but my love for eighties music pointed me in the right direction. "Mad World" may sound familiar to you. A cover by Gary Jules and Michael Andrews appeared in the cult film Donnie Darko, gaining the song a second wave of popularity. Though released decades apart, both are great in their own way and make an interesting observation about the world we live in. I chose the original because I think it’s significantly less well-known among younger generations. I myself had never heard it before today and couldn’t believe how different it sounds. My own reaction to hearing the synthesizers and strong percussion surprised me. Having heard the Jules version first, which always makes me sad, I didn't expect it to sound so upbeat. The video is odd but good. I don’t know how to describe it except to say it's very eighties. I recommend checking out both versions. Enjoy!

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Entry 251-- "We Run the Night"

Song: "We Run the Night"
Artist: Havana Brown (feat. Pitbull)

http://youtu.be/NenYxo0ko10 (Original, 2011)

http://youtu.be/AP4dnGkZne4 (2012, feat. Pitbull)

Comments: In writing this entry, I couldn't decide which version of this song to use, so I used both. That being said, I have a serious bone to pick with the 'Top 40' (pop) stations in my area. This is not "We Run the Night -- the new Pitbull song." First, it is Havana Brown featuring Pitbull, not the other way around. Second, this was a perfectly good (I'd argue better) song before RedOne had the bright idea to make a new version of it featuring Pitbull. He, and to a lesser extent RedOne, have both begun to annoy me. Having lately seen this image floating around Facebook, I've begun to realize how little Pitbull puts into his songs. Also, he personally annoys me in this song by announcing himself and RedOne, but not Havana Brown, a little-known artist who could greatly benefit from the fame. As to RedOne, I'm beginning to feel as though his songs are a tad over-produced. Anyway, the original by Havana Brown is excellent in its own right. You should definitely give it a listen. And next time your radio tries to tell you that "We Run the Night" is the new Pitbull song, you can smile and think you know more than the DJ. Happy Monday!

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Entry 250: 250 Entries Milestone!-- "She's Country" and "

Song 1: "She's Country"
Artist: Jason Aldean

http://youtu.be/2AZLUohDCGo
Comments: Two songs?! Yep! In case nobody noticed, this week involved the three of us here at Stuck in my Skull switching genres for the week. Honestly, these two entries have to be two of the hardest I've ever written. I am notorious for my dislike of country, and over all, this has been good for me. I've discovered that there exists country music that I don't think sucks-- Emerson Drive was a good start, and here's another one. Honestly, this song is pretty good. Moreover, it reminds me of Miriah. Just sayin'. What did you think of our genre-switched week? Did you notice?

Song 2: "Party in my Head"
Artist: September

http://youtu.be/5Ir99dnctoA
Comments: I've known about this song for about 24 hours at time of writing, and the timing of this discovery is excellent. It describes me wonderfully, I love the song, and I think it fits nicely for our 250th entry. By the way, 250 entries! To call me excited about this is a truly massive understatement. I am shocked at how far we've come, and at the risk of sounding like Taylor Swift, I'm so grateful to all you wonderful fans! Keep reading, enjoy the songs, and have a great weekend! Keep the party going, even if it's only in your head!

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Entry 249-- "Under Your Spell"

Song: "Under Your Spell"
Artist: Cosmic Gate Ft. Aruna

http://youtu.be/KQYzF84xocw
Comments: Hey it's Miriah again.  I'm bringing some Cosmic Gate to Thursday.  I have heard of this band previously, but I haven't listened to a lot of their music.  I did catch this song recently, and it certainly is 'trance'.  I've only heard it a few times and it's already stuck in my head and I have a feeling that it won't be leaving any time soon.  Aruna doesn't have quite the power behind her voice than some others I have been listening to recently, but I love the tone in her voice.  There was another song that I really wanted to share that had a much higher tempo, and an equally good song, but I'll save the surprise for next week. :)  Enjoy!

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Entry 248-- "I Should Be Sleeping"

Song: "I Should Be Sleeping"
Artist: Emerson Drive

http://youtu.be/PfycSxo0E2U
Comments: Ladies and Gentlemen, stop the presses. Chris here... with country?!
Yes. Now stop.
Read that again.
Country.
For what it's worth, Emerson Drive doesn't sound very country most of the time (in my very-limited experience, anyway). More importantly, the lyrics to the opening of this song are hilarious. Even more importantly, this applies to me. Not the 'three days' bit, but a (lack of a) certain someone in my life is becoming a serious pain. Anyway, it's a good song. Check it out!

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Entry 247-- "Tu Me Salvaste"

Artist: Maná
Song: "Tú Me Salvaste"

http://youtu.be/3GBRXOBQbTA

Comments: Hola! Amanda here, bringing some Spanish to the blog this week. I only recently acquired Maná's album "Amar es Combatir" but I've been a fan of theirs for a while now. My AP Spanish professor introduced the class to the band my senior year of high school and it was the first time I'd ever really connected emotionally to non-English language music. It may sound silly, but, music being as central to my life and happiness as it is, this was a pretty profound experience for me at the time. Anyway,  Maná just plain rocks and "Tú Me Salvaste" is the proof to show for it. My Spanish is a little rusty, but the name translates as "You Saved Me,"a rather nice sentiment. Enjoy!

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Entry 246-- "Inside the Fire"

Song: "Inside the Fire"
Artist: Disturbed

http://youtu.be/rxujAPhxlo0
Comments: Hey everyone!  It's Miriah here bringing you some Disturbed. Before I continue let me put a warning out here for this song; unfortunately, it deals with the sensitive issue of suicide and for any of those individuals who feel uncomfortable with it should consider not watching the video (and for those who are at all squeamish).  Now, to the song itself. I remember my father always having this band on while I was in the care and I've come to really enjoy this band. This song has an intro that has gotten itself stuck in my head on numerous occasions.  The bridge of this song is also excellent (I found myself going back to listening to it specifically).  Enjoy!

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Entry 245-- "Fn Pig"

Song: "Fn Pig"
Artist: Deadmau5

http://youtu.be/f926Aw8ozvM
Comments: If the 'free download' in the youtube video turns out to not be free, be a scam, be a hoax, or be anything other than a perfectly legit free download, Stuck in my Skull is *not* responsible. That being said, it worked for me. And on the subject of things that work for me, this song more than works for me, it rocks me. In all fairness, I really think it should be written as "Effin' Pig" or "F'n Pig," but with fame and the ability to create songs comes the ability to name them what you like. This song is Deadmau5 at his finest, and, given the title, I suspect Deadmau5 at his Angry Birds. Enjoy the song, and enjoy the weekend!

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Entry 244-- "Memories"

Song: "Memories"
Artist: Within Temptation

 

 http://youtu.be/PojE1LTswV0

Comments: Hey all! Amanda here! Rather than go looking for new music for today's post I went back through some of the older stuff  I own but haven't listened to in quite some time. Chris introduced me to Within Temptation when I was going through a difficult period awhile back and now they're honestly one of my favorite symphonic metal bands. "Memories" comes off their third album The Silent Force and is decidedly one of Within Temptation's slower, more somber songs but as always the wonderful  Sharon den Adel sings it beautifully. The combination of her vocals and seeing the music video made me fall in love with this song and the band all over again. Both are excellent in my opinion.Enjoy!

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Entry 243-- "Lost in the Echo"

Song: "Lost in the Echo"
Artist: Linkin Park

http://youtu.be/pNv5g_9EliQ
Comments: Well folks, I am ashamed to call myself a Linkin Park fan-- this came out on June 29th, and I'm only now finding out about it. For that matter, the album came out June 20th, and I don't have it yet either. What makes it worse is that this song is excellent, and I never knew it existed. I have to admit, I am a fan of the new sound this band has. If I sat down and compared any track from the last album or two to a track from Hybrid Theory or Meteora, they sound radically different... and I love them both. I liked Linkin Park in their nu metal days (yes, that term exists-- check Wikipedia; Hybrid Theory is the best selling nu metal album of all time), and I love them in their current mode. I'm not even fully sure what to call it. Electronic rock sounds decent, but it doesn't really satisfy me as a descriptor. Do any other long-time LP fans read this blog? Chime in on Facebook or leave a comment-- I'd be curious to see what you think. Enjoy the song?

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Entry 242-- "Vestido Azul"

Song: "Vestido Azul"
Artist: La Oreja de Van Gogh

http://youtu.be/zo5ueP8a9uE
Comments: Hey all! It's Miriah with some more Spanish. I know that this artist was represented on the blog a little while ago, but there is another song of theirs that I have had stuck in my head on more than one occasion and I think it's an excellent song.  What I like about this song (English: Blue Dress) is that although this group sings mainly pop music this song isn't a Jepsen of sorts.  I don't know what else to say about it other than it's good and it's not their usual upbeat, cheery beats.  Enjoy!

Chorus Translation: With the blue dress/you knew one day/that I would leave without knowing/ if you would have kissed me before leaving/I gave you my heart/and you gave it away/I gave all of the love/that I was able to/and you stole it from me.

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Entry 241-- "Extreme Ways (Bourne's Ultimatum)"

Song: "Extreme Ways (Bourne's Ultimatum)"
Artist: Moby

http://youtu.be/JXtuVCgtDSY
Comments: Happy Monday, folks! For those of you (us?) who think that Mondays really suck, have an awesome song to make it suck less! According to Wikipedia, this version of the song "Extreme Ways" has been used in all three of the films (thus far) in the Bourne film trilogy, which you should definitely watch if you haven't already. Also according to Wiki-- and verified by the dedicated team of fact-checking monkeys here at Stuck In My Skull (read, me)-- the chord in the beginning of the song has a history. Before Moby used it in this track, it came from a cover of the song "Everybody's Talkin'" by Hugo Winterhalter, who covered the song (as best as I can tell) from the original by Fred Neil in 1966. So, it turns out the soundtrack for a 2000s action movie was something like 40 years in the making. Sometimes, music has got a crazy history. Anyway, enjoy the song!

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Entry 240-- "Tongue Tied"

Song: "Tongue Tied"
Artist: Grouplove

 

http://youtu.be/1x1wjGKHjBI

Comments:  Hey everyone! Amanda here to wrap up the week. This song has been stuck in my skull for a couple days now and I felt I needed to share it with you all today. Apple featured it in a commercial last year, essentially catapulting the band into mainstream success. And I am definitely a fan. Grouplove (sometimes spelled GROUPLOVE) has a fun, youthful pathos about them that is kind of irresistible and  "Tongue Tied" captures it perfectly. It comes off their debut record and is a fantastic amalgam of rock, pop, electronica, and indie music that makes me want to dance and headbang all at the same time.The music video is also quite entertaining. If you like what you hear, I suggest checking out their entire album. Happy listening and happy Friday!

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Entry 239-- "Torre de Babel"

Song: "Torre de Babel"
Artist: David Bisbal Ft. Wisin y Yandel

http://youtu.be/Y2E-M9Kes_U
Comments: Hola todos!  Hello everyone, it's Miriah.  I have brought today a little bit of Spanish music again. Sr. Bisbal is a favourite of mine and is mainly pop music in Spain, and Wisin y Yandel have more of a hip-hop style, but together they made an amazing song.  The beat itself is excellent (I've had it stuck in my head several times) and admittedly this video has some good dancing. I am sharing the English lyrics with you. I'll admit that this translation that I found is not great, but the point of the song is what I am trying to share not whether or not someone understands every word. I was going to translate just the chorus like last time, but I feel like all of the song should be understood; it's intense, but good. Finally, if you like this song I would recommend looking up both Bisbal and the duet W y Y.  Enjoy!

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Entry 238-- "Hunter's Season"

Song: "Hunter's Season"
Artist: Kamelot

http://youtu.be/eJjwMBgDkX8
Comments: To all our readers from the USA, happy flag-waving patriotic barbeques and fireworks day! To the rest of you... Happy Wednesday! Anyway, song. This song is one of the best songs off the 'Poetry for the Poisoned'' album, in my opinion. I am definitely a fan. Actually, I'm a fan of this entire album, and for that matter, everything Kamelot has created. Anyway, the song is excellent-- check it out!

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Entry 237-- "Somewhere I Belong"

Song: "Somewhere I Belong"
Artist: Linkin Park

http://youtu.be/gcs5PRxEXq4
Comments: Welcome back to middle school, folks! There are some artists I will always like, no matter how bad of an idea it is to admit to it-- I never grew out of Linkin Park, despite most people considering them a 'middle school' band. I will always like Katy Perry. Dubstep will be a (guilty?) pleasure. Anyway, this song. Once upon a time, I knew the words to this entire album by heart, and for that matter, I probably still do. This song was my anthem for years. Looking back, it's still a good song. If you haven't heard it, ignore your preconceptions of the band and check it out. If you have heard it, be like me and consider it a trip down memory lane. Enjoy!

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Entry 236-- "Survival" and 3000 Hits!

Song: "Survival"
Artist: Muse

http://youtu.be/ZYMMnHW85mc
Comments: HOLY 3000 HITS, BATMAN! I am shocked and amazed how quickly this blog has grown. It took something like nine months to reach the last milestone, and it's only been 50 entries for this one. That is unbelievably fast, and has grown incredibly rapidly. I am so proud of all we have done here, and I can't thank my fellow authors enough. What's more, I can't thank our amazing readers and listeners enough. Thank you all!
And now, to get off my Taylor Swift-esque soapbox. Amanda originally dug up this song a few days ago, and I immediately earmarked it for just such a milestone as this. The song-- the official song of the London 2012 Olympics-- fits this occasion nicely. To top it all off, I love this artist. Muse has a unique and incredible sound-- not just Matt Bellamy's trademark falsetto, but their instrumentation and arrangement is unique as well. Unique, and to my ears, excellent. Enjoy the song!

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