ETC #71 "Sure Be Cool If You Did"

Song: "Sure Be Cool If You Did" ~ Artist: Blake Shelton

~ http://youtu.be/AMvsw-3DcpI ~

Comments: Hey, folks. I have to apologize for not posting yesterday. I haven't been feeling well recently. Anyhow, the song for today is the current single from Mr. Blake Shelton's new album Based on a True Story... He's someone I'm sure all you country fans know and love. It's no secret that he's one of my favourite country artists. His most recent release is a subtle, acoustic, and claps in the background that pace the soothing rhythm that makes you want to find someone to lean in next to. As he says in his song "...you're standing in the neon, looking like a high I wanna be on." This song isn't the high beat or rowdy, actually looking at his discography with the exception of "Honey Bee" all of his last few singles have been this type of slow and easing tempo. He has one more single coming out from this album, "Boys Round Here" and it sounds...interesting. All I'll say is he talks about doing the Dougey in the lyrics. I'll let you decide your opinion on that one. Happy listening!

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Stuck In My Skull 397 -- "Mercy"

Song: "Mercy" || Artist: Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz || http://youtu.be/7Dqgr0wNyPo ||

Comments: Oh, this song. The video is SFW, but the lyrics aren't -- heads up on that one. Musically, the song is pretty interesting. I'm definitely a fan of the minimalist construction of the beat and instrumentation. The intro and bridge vocals are sampled from someone named "Fuzzy Jones" who I've never heard of, but will probably start looking for. I think using that sample in the intro actually works really well, and sets the tone of the song. The video is pretty interesting. The black and white colorization gives the video a touch of class, and the constantly moving camera and the constantly-reappearing artists gives it a touch of class. I'm not a fan of the lyrics -- braggadocio really does nothing for me -- but the song is still pretty good. I'm always entertained how tracks like this generally feature rappers bragging about their foreign-made items -- Swiss watches and foreign cars seem to be a favourite. Enjoy!

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AMANDA-- "HOLD ON"

Hey readers. Every now and then when I'm feelin' down, the universe presents me with a song, artist, etc and my day seems to get a little brighter. Often it comes from the most random places and when I least expect it. This is precisely what happened with "Hold On," which I came across in an episode of AMC's The Walking Dead yesterday. This is the first Tom Waits' song I've ever listened to and if it's remotely indicative of his musical style I need to raid his discography. He has one of the most distinctive voices of any musician I've heard, which has been described as sounding "like it was soaked in a vat of bourbon, left hanging in the smokehouse for a few months and then taken outside and run over with a car." Who can compete with that? Apparently he has quite the cult following. Interesting fact: some believe Heath Ledger drew inspiration for his rendition of the Joker from Waits. Anyway, I can't exactly put my finger on what I like so much about this song. Maybe I just needed to hear those words.  I hope you enjoy it too. Happy listening.

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ETC #70 "Si Te Vas" and "Escondite Ingles"

Song: "Si Te Vas" ~ Artist: Shakira

~ http://youtu.be/xZ1PoPRIuGk ~

Comments: Hey, everyone. I apologize for the lack of posting on Friday. Things have been crazy for me. And I apologize for any lack of posting this week in advance even though I'm not planning on missing any. I figured I would bring to you some songs by a popular artist, but some of her old music that you may not have heard before. This first song ("If You Leave") is a favourite of mine of Sra. Shakira off her album Donde estan los ladrones. It has an upbeat tempo to lyrics that are not so happy, and it just makes me want to get up and dance. The tune is one that I remember being stuck in my head for days at a time. And furthermore, this live performance, especially at the end, shows off her voice and the power that she really has. Her singing is actually comparable to what she sounds like on the album unlike some other artists who sound absolutely terrible live of who I will not name here. 

Song: "Escondite Ingles" ~ Artist: Shakira

~ http://youtu.be/AQhhFNVu5Xk ~

Comments: The second song "English Hide and Seek" from her album Fijacion Oral is one that starts out slow, but quickly speeds up and the entire way it doesn't necessarily show off the range of her voice, but it certainly does show the power and control she has by quickly switching between sweet and soft to deep and powerful. Unfortunately, neither of these songs have English versions. Usually on Tuesdays I pick songs that aren't in the spotlight for artists and usually the ones that have English versions for Shakira are her singles and that isn't even always true.  Either way, I hope that you all enjoy having a little bit of Shakira to shake up your Tuesday morning and I highly encourage you to listen to some of her late 90s music because it is just as good  and as much pop as her current stuff just more Spanish.  Happy listening!

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Stuck In My Skull 396 -- "The Human Stain"

Song: "The Human Stain" || Artist: Kamelot || http://youtu.be/4n3LobCY5HE ||

Comments: It's been awhile since I've posted anything by Kamelot, so I figured it would be a good day to come back to one of my favourite bands of all time. This song is excellent, one of the most prototypic examples of symphonic/prog metal I've yet encountered. The chugging guitars of the opening contrasts wonderfully with the delicate piano that follows, quickly blending into a blood-pumping, adrenaline-surging, head-banging cacophony of awesome. For some reason, I always confuse this track (which is from the Ghost Opera album) with "The Great Pandemonium", which is taken from the Poetry for the Poisoned album, and I'm really not sure why. Maybe I'll have to cover that song soon -- it's just as epic. Enjoy!

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AMANDA-- "LIES (ZED'S DEAD REMIX)"

Happy Friday all! Today I've got an awesome drum and bass dupstep remix for you. When I got up this morning I knew I wanted to use a song from Marina and the Diamonds, one of my favorite bands that has yet to appear on the blog. In my quest, I came across this Zed's Dead remix of the Diamonds' "Lies." It kinda sorta blew my mind. I actually had to go back and listen to the original, which, while good, seems slightly lackluster in comparison.The track takes the Welsh artist's beautiful vocals and melodic elements and  gives them what I can only describe as a certain power and edginess. It's wicked cool. Zed's Dead, who take their name from Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction, don't have an official record label but you can download much of their music for free on Soundcloud, including this remix. Check 'em out! Happy listening!

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Stuck In My Skull 395 -- "Bohemian Rhapsody"

Song: "Bohemian Rhapsody" || Artist: Queen || http://youtu.be/k-ARuoSFflc ||

Comments: For once, I have a very, very good excuse for my post going up late -- my hard drive is completely shot. In all fairness, I think I usually have a good reason, but the point is, this is an undeniable good excuse. 100% data loss. I'm currently using a borrowed laptop while I see about getting mine repaired (thankfully it's still under warranty), but for the moment, everything is crazy.
Anyway, the song. I was shocked that nobody has yet used this iconic classic on the blog. I mean, let's face it. Queen is classic, and "Bohemian Rhapsody" is classic Queen. This is one of the most iconic songs in modern American musical history, and it definitely deserves its title. Everybody knows this song, and nobody can do it as well as Freddie Mercury -- I'm not aware of an artist today with a voice like that. Despite incorporating several audibly distinct sections, this song flows like none I've ever seen, between tempos and keys and varying instrumentation. It is, quite simply, amazing, and it's stuck in my skull. Enjoy!

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ETC #69 "Bleeding Out"

Song: "Bleeding Out" ~ Artist: Imagine Dragons

~ http://youtu.be/gJEoxeW7JvQ ~

Comments: Hey, guys!  So, I am bringing a new favourite song of mine to the blog today from the album Night Visions that was released late last year. I recently had a friend give me a bunch of Imagine Dragons and I have had the songs on repeat for the last couple of hours because it's that good!  This song has a certain kind of wonderful mixture.  The guitar in this song makes me feel the rock, the lyrics and vocals have a pop vibe to them, and the clapping (?) in the background reminds me of something that I would hear in a country or choral song and it all combines into one amazing song. I didn't realize what a unique sound this group has. From what I've listened to all of their songs have this relaxing, yet up beat feel to them that makes me want to sing, rock out, and chill out all at the same time. I hope that you all enjoy this song as much as I did. Happy listening!

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AMANDA-- "ONE DAY MORE"

Hey readers! Today I'm sharing a song that is near and dear to my heart, "One Day More" from the  recent film adaption of  Les Miserables. Anyone who knows me knows I am batsh*t crazy for musicals, romance, and period dramas, making Les Mis a dream come true for me. It intertwines stories of love, loss, friendship, religion, law, and revolution and has an epic, universal quality  to it which I think everyone can appreciate. There are many movie and stage versions of "One Day More" out there and I have yet to hear one I haven't liked. The song incorporates themes from earlier tracks and draws on the talents of the main cast members, giving them a chance to shine on their own and then come together as a group. If someone asked me to summarize Les Miserables, I would advise them to listen to this rather than me babble. The dvd comes out on Friday, so if you're interested check it out! Enjoy!

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Stuck In My Skull 394 -- "What Else Is There?"

Song: "What Else Is There?" || Artist: Royksopp || http://youtu.be/ADBKdSCbmiM ||

Comments: Happy Tuesday, folks! I thought I'd change the pace up a bit with a slower song today. This song is from Royksopp's album "The Understanding," featuring vocals by Karin Dreijer Andersson. Her vocals are emotive and expressive, and give a slightly dark feeling to this otherwise mellow song. It's a slower end of electronica, never meant to be dance-able, but rather built to relax and tell a story. Royksopp are masters of their craft. Enjoy!

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ETC #69 "Heartlines" and "Leave My Body"

Song: "Heartlines" ~ Artist: Florence + The Machine

~ http://youtu.be/aTHgbmKNUr8 ~

Comments: Happy Tuesday, all! So I'm bringing a little Florence into your Tuesday. I have had the album Ceremonials on loop for the last couple of days. I didn't realize that there were six singles off of this CD.  The most famous one you all are probably familiar with is "Shake It Out" which is a great inspirational song (and an interesting yet visually striking video).  I fell in love with several of the songs.  This album has been out a while and even though there are several singles I have to admit only hearing one of them so far on the radio which is really disappointing because they're all very good. This song in particular shows of some of the range that Florence has and I especially love that she can sing well live! She not only has a beautiful range, but she has power behind her vocals.

Song: "Leave My Body" ~ Artist: Florence + The Machine

~ http://youtu.be/BM9QJIIMTcs ~

Comments: Again, half of the songs on the album so many of my favourites were already taken as I'm trying to not provide singles from the artist featured on Tuesdays. This second song has a mild tempo, yet is soothing and relaxing. Some parts of the words in here were a bit hard to understand so here are the lyrics in case you need them.  All I have left to say (and repeat) is that I just absolutely love this album and Ms. Welch's voice. It is one of the best ones I've heard come on the radio in a long time (not to say that there aren't other great ones of course) and it's something that could rock me to sleep. Happy listening!

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Stuck In My Skull 393 -- "Cykloid"

Song: "Cykloid" || Artist: ROM || http://youtu.be/EZhPDmswEeU ||

Comments: Good morning and happy Monday, folks. To be quite honest, I had "Thrift Shop" stuck in my head when I woke up, but this song is just as awesome. It's a funky, excellent techno track that I ran into on the soundtrack to the game "Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2." Honestly, that game has one of the best soundtracks I've heard. I love, love, love that soundtrack. It's mostly rock, but there are a few EDM tracks on there. I've never heard of ROM, actually, but I'm going to go look them up after this. Enjoy the track!

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AMANDA--"HALL OF FAME FEAT WILL.I.AM."

Hello! Today I've got some music that will hopefully motivate and move you. I've heard this song countless times and even learned some fun choreography for it this week. It's kind of cheesy but has an inspiring message/video. For whatever reason (and I feel silly about it) I didn't recognize the artists. It is good to know the Script is not only still making music but doing creative collaborations with talented musicians. "Hall of Fame" testifies to this and is one of those feel good songs that sticks with you after its over. Enjoy!

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ETC #68 "21 Guns"

Song: "21 Guns" ~ Artist: Green Day [Original Broadway Cast]

~ http://youtu.be/q1RKr4pWOqs ~

Comments: Yay, it's Friday! Happy weekend, all. I came across this song a while back and I fell in love with this version of the song. The original as you have probably heard is performed by Green Day, but this version has many vocalists involved. It begins slow with some beautiful instrumental by the strings and a few soloist and then at the peak of the song the power can be heard by the chorus. I definitely like the guitar and the harder feel of the original version, but I feel that the lyrics come more to life when the tempo is slowed down and it almost forces you to listen to the words more closely or at least it does for me because I'm not as wrapped up in the beat of this one.  Happy listening!

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Stuck In My Skull 392 -- "In My City"

Song: "In My City" || Artist: Priyanka Chopra feat. will.i.am || http://youtu.be/Zjgq6-5uDtY ||

Comments: Happy Thursday, folks! Today, I'd like to present to you a song you've probably never heard before, and will probably get sick of hearing once it hits radio (which I predict it will). "In My City" is by an artist that hasn't yet broken in the United States named Priyanka Chopra. For a US debut song, she's bringing some serious star power along -- the song features vocals by will.i.am, and has RedOne in it. Nobody really knows who RedOne is, but allow me to point you in the right direction. In "Just Dance," Lady Gaga says his name, not "red wine." Allow me to post a sentence from the Wikipedia article on him: "As a producer and songwriter, he has worked with many other high profile recording artists, including Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, One Direction, Enrique Iglesias, Cher, MIKA, Nicki Minaj,Backstreet Boys and Cali & El Dandee." Any of those names sound familiar? I thought so. In short, RedOne is a big deal, and Ms. Chopra is probably headed for stardom.
So, what about the song itself? Coming from a very, very jaded blogger and radio host whose 'business' it is to know pop music (and be cynical about it) -- it's a very decent initial track. The percussion is fantastic, and was obviously intended for dancing. All in all, well done, Ms. Chopra -- we can't wait to see your album.
Speaking of things I can't wait to see -- I can't wait to see where this site called 'Melodic Music Project' is going. Melodic Music Project was started by a friend of mine from back home, and they've asked me to write a guest entry. Even if they hadn't, I'd still be really excited for this. Bookmark this page, folks -- you'll want to keep up with them.

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ETC #67 "Scars"

Song: "Scars" ~ Artist: Papa Roach

~ http://youtu.be/eHbNU9WuVgw ~

Comments: Hey, guys. Happy Thursday. It's hard to believe that the week is almost over already.  I came across this song years ago just as I'm sure many of you all also did. However, hearing it recently brought about a couple of things: 1) a lot of nostalgia and 2) a new respect for the song and the lyrics after seeing the video. The music video does an interesting twist by showing the girl as the alcoholic instead of the male. After listening to this song again I have a new take on the lyrics and I find that this epiphany of sorts is to be expected with more age and experience and I'm sure that I'm not the only one who has had this experience before. This song also provides a nice mix of pop and rock music for me. It's a happy medium between the two with a easy pop beginning and chorus with some inserts of harder guitar (see the bridge at 2:30). I have to say it leans a little more pop than the latter (at least for this song), but I still like to think of it as a nice combo.  And after doing some reading I didn't realize that these guys have recently (within the year) still been producing music. I might have to take a stroll through a new CD...Happy listening!

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AMANDA-- "A CHANGE IS GONNA COME"

Hey y'all! I'm currently in the city of Selma, Alabama where I'm spending my Spring Break. We're on a pretty tight schedule and I didn't think I'd have time to post but thankfully that isn't the case. I've been here for not even three days and in that time have seen many things- some of which has made me feel happy and joyful and some sad and angry. This song, written and performed by the wonderful Sam Cooke, is soulful and inspiring. I knew it prior to coming here but in the last few days I've heard it on more than one occasion. I think that the love and despair I've found here in Selma is conveyed perfectly in the song. Even without being here yourselves,  I hope you'll find it as moving and powerful as I do. Thanks for reading and enjoy!

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ETC #66 "Gettin' Over You" and "2Nite"

Song: "Gettin' Over You" ~ Artist: David Guetta and Chris Willis Ft. Fergie and LMFAO

~ http://youtu.be/x98sYaPDc6g ~

Comments: Hey, everyone!  I'm sorry for the lateness of this post. I have been hitting up Vegas on vacation and with the time change I've been exhausted and this slipped my mind. Being over here I have heard lots of new songs in the genre of techno, dance, electronic, etc. and so I'm bringing you a couple of those today. Usually I provide the same artist on Tuesdays, but instead I'm just showing a couple of new things I've heard. This song I heard and instantly fell in love with it. It includes some fantastic artists and the beat is infectious. The lyrics aren't anything fantastic, but what it lacks in lyrics it makes up for in its rhythm.

Song: "2Nite" ~ Artist: Felguk

~ http://youtu.be/rgt7Q5a_npo ~

Comments: This second song is one that has caught my attention and gotten stuck in my head.  I have never of this Brazilian duo, but the song is pretty good. I am curious to hear some of their other stuff. I might be sharing more of them.  If you want to read up more on them here's the wiki. Unfortunatley, I don't have much to say about these guys, but happy listening!

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Stuck In My Skull 391 -- "Amazing"

Song: "Amazing" || Artist: Kanye West feat. Young Jeezy || http://youtu.be/PH4JPgVD2SM ||

Comments: If you asked me a year or two ago, I would have told you with a straight face that I don't like Kanye West or his music, period, with maybe possibly a single exception for his mix of the Daft Punk song "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" -- because that's how I would have described the song "Stronger" at the time. I certainly wouldn't have many nice things to say about Young Jeezy, if I even knew who he was. Now, I've had a bit of a turnaround. 808s & Heartbreak might be one of my favourite albums of all time (though I'm still fuzzy on Young Jeezy). "Amazing" is the third single of 808s & Heartbreak, and according to Wikipedia, it actually charted before being released as a single. I'm not surprised, though -- the song is certainly catchy enough. It has a reflective tone that I don't usually associate with Kanye, and I don't really see in him outside of this album. Also, I really enjoy the tribal-sounding percussion in this song, and throughout the album as a whole. Apparently, Hype Williams directed the music video released for this song, which did surprise me. I associate Hype Williams with flash, colour, and in-your-face effects -- see the video to "All of the Lights" (epilepsy warning!) for a good example of this. Perhaps I should look him up, since he seems to be here for the long haul. (After reading up on him, I realize I need to pay more attention. He directed the video to "Viva la Vida"! Apparently he's up there with RedOne -- always there, not always mentioned...)

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[Secret Sounds] ~ Temporal - No Story feat. Veela

Track: No Story feat. Veela
Artist: Temporal
Download: FREE (soundcloud)
Temporal is a young Canadian producer who specializes in chill vibes, with bass so low you'll wonder how you can even hear it. He also records a lot of the sounds that he uses in his tracks himself. He enjoys photography as well and has an eye for landscapes. And we also have Veela performing on this track, the purple-haired wondervoice from Vancouver, or the fictional character Mama Cat.

No Story, is all about atmosphere, and Temporal immediately creates a gripping and ethereal one with the echoing sounds and music played backwards, creating a mysterious and eerie feel. The wobbling bass in the chorus adds to this unsettling, foggy atmosphere, as though the foundation is trembling. As the percussion and bass rest, Temporal's acoustic guitar accompanies Veela's emotive vocals, almost singing along with her. The lyrics are curious and leave you imagining, forming a story in your head without knowing where it's going. And, perhaps most importantly, this song asks what we all ask: "Are you really my friend? Are you real? I don't know how I feel about you." This collaboration is amazing piece of work that displays astounding attention to detail.

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Stuck In My Skull 390 -- "Cracks (Flux Pavilion Remix)"

Song: "Cracks" || Artist: Freestylers feat. Belle Humble || Remixed by: Flux Pavilion || http://youtu.be/S-UlX5peJBc ||

Comments: Hey everyone, happy Monday. This song has been rattling around in my head for a few days now, so I decided it was high time to share it with everyone. I don't remember how I found it originally, I suspect I was just clicking recommended links on YouTube or something. Of all the artists involved in this song, I confess the only one I've heard of is Flux Pavilion, the remixing artist. The original artists -- Freestylers and Belle Humble -- I've never heard of, but I'll be looking up later today. I think the beat on this song is incredibly catchy, and I love the subtle use of (what sounds like a) marimba or a xylophone around the 40 second mark, then subtly through the rest of the song. There's a shorter version of this song here, and the original can be found here, though I confess I actually prefer the remix. Whichever one you listen to, enjoy!
A quick note -- my entries will probably be going up in the afternoons this week, as opposed to mornings. I'll be back on a regular(-ish) schedule next week.

Edit 06/13/2014: Apparently the link to this song broke at some point -- fixed!

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AMANDA-- "MAD MEN THEME SONG...WITH A TWIST"

Hey readers! I apologize for my lateness but it's officially Spring Break for most of us here at Ohio Wesleyan University. Today I bring you a fabulous mash-up of Nat King Cole's "Nature Boy" and "A Beautiful Mine," the theme song from AMC's Mad Men.  I came across this a while back but had no idea the singer was actress Allison Williams, who currently stars as Marnie on HBO's Girls. MIND BLOWN. Who knew she had such a lovely singing voice. Anyway, I've got packing to do so that's all I'll say. Enjoy and happy Friday!

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ETC #65 "Time of Dying"

Song: "Time of Dying" ~ Artist: Three Days Grace

~ http://youtu.be/xfDLE2DDFek ~

Comments: Heeeey there! Happy Friday, all! So...knowing me. I went on another binge. I have been able to listen to my typical genres recently for personal reasons and so I've been listening to a lot of rock music to serve my musical needs. This time it has been bands such as Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin, Linkin Park, etc.  I have to admit that I don't have too much knowledge of these bands, but it has been awesome getting to know some of their songs that weren't on the radio.  This song is one that I have come across that apparently was not a single of theirs and what I like most about it most is it's bridge (1:58 - 2:13). The song as a whole is similar to a few of their other songs, but like I said the guitars in that part of the song stand out to me. I'm sorry I don't have too much to say about this. I just happen to think it's a bit of nostalgia for your day. I'm gonna stop rambling now....happy listening!

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ETC #64 "Dust on the Bottle"

Song: "Dust on the Bottle" ~ Artist: David Lee Murphy

~ http://youtu.be/uNkF_ZpQ4eg ~

Comments: Hey everyone. Like I said previously I've been swamped recently so I will be keeping this brief.  If any of you know are into country music you probably recognize this song. It is quite old, but I used to love this song. It's got an up beat tempo, the bridge has some cheerful electric, ad the tune is catchy. I can't help but to get this stuck in my head sometimes. Admittedly, I don't think Mr. Murphy had too many other lasting hits other than this one. I can't say whether or not he was popular back in the day, but as for the songs that lasted into the current time period this song is probably his most well known. Happy listening!

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[Secret Sounds] MMM ~ Awkward Relations

Track: Awkward Relations
Artist: MMM
Download: FREE (facebook)
To continue this week's theme of German prog house, we have this fresh duo. Their debut original track, Awkward Relations, starts up gentle patters, and then enters the feel-good melody. This builds up to the drop, which features descending gliss bass and the bouncy melody. Though the tune is simple in composition, it is very catchy and well-produced, making for a solid debut track.

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AMANDA-- "ALL MY BEST FRIENDS ARE METALHEADS"

Hey readers. It's finals week and I've got loads of studying to do so I'm going to keep this short and sweet. Of late, whenever I've needed  music to do homework to that won't distract me Less Than Jake has come to my rescue. For whatever reason, I don't own any of their albums but what I've heard I've really enjoyed so far.This song comes from their third record Hello Rockview and has some pretty excellent lyrics. Apparently it is featured on the soundtrack for Digimon: the Movie which is kind of cool. I'm not very familiar with ska punk or even ska for that matter but I think Less Than Jake is awesome and look forward to checking out more of their stuff. Enjoy!

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ETC #63 "Sail" and "Jump on My Shoulders"

Song: "Sail" ~ Artist: Awolnation

~ http://youtu.be/gH2efAcmBQM ~

Comments: Hey, guys! Sorry for the delay today. Things have been crazy and I haven't had sufficient time to write this until now. So, the story goes: I was out at a club, heard this song, and thought about how much I needed to look up this group. They have a different sound than I'm used to. They have a rock sound, but mixed with a bit of electronic and this song in particular reminds me of dub step. (Though I'm not sure that it would fall into that category. That would be a question for fellow writer, Christopher.)  I love that this song comes full circle, by starting and stopping with a slow, tapped tempo, but then continues to really bring out the electronic side of this group. I listened to many of their other songs and this is still by far one of my favourites. 

Song: "Jump On My Shoulders" ~ Artist: Awolnation

~ http://youtu.be/cE-kc2-jtBc ~

Comments:  While listening going on an Awolnation binge I came across some weird songs, some slower songs, and this one in particular that caught my ear. It has more of a pop feel with a little less techno feel, but it still has this upbeat tempo that makes me smile. The lyrics really are not the happiest thing, but you wouldn't know that by the beat. I don't know how else to describe this song. While listening to this live version, I'm not sure that this lead singer should maintain in his higher register for any extended period of time, but still good song. Happy listening!

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Stuck In My Skull 389 -- "Wanted Dead or Alive"

Song: "Wanted Dead or Alive" || Artist: Bon Jovi || http://youtu.be/SRvCvsRp5ho ||

Comments: What can you say about this song -- it's a classic! More recently, it's been used as the show opener to Deadliest Catch on the Discovery Channel, a role that it feels oddly suited to. This song is just awesome. Its slow intro very quickly gives way to a classic rock feel. The guitars are neither too soft nor loud, and come in at just the right times without being overbearing, as do the drums when they crescendo. I feel confident saying that most of you readers have probably heard this song, but listen one more time, just to get a good tune stuck in your head. Enjoy!

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[Secret Sounds] Teqq ~ 3

Track: 3
Artist: Teqq
Download: FREE
First, I must apologize for my absence last week. With upgrading my computer, it was a bit unstable for a while. But this week I bring you German progressive house week!

Teqq is a young producer who specializes in prog house but also dabbles in other genres. To me, prog house is a difficult genre to produce well because of its propensity for repetitiveness and chord stagnancy. However, Teqq's tracks (say that 3 times fast) are well structured and never even border on boring. He keeps interesting with piano solos and sometimes vocal lines, which are always well-written (musically and lyrically) in addition to well-performed. In fact, it was difficult for me to select a song of his to feature since they're all worthy.

I decided to go with 3, which doesn't feature vocals, as Teqq has got it covered all on his own. (He also has a great mashup of the track versus Swedish House Mafia's Don't You Worry Child.) A piano melody dances in from the distance, momentarily fades, and then becomes a lush piano solo, with some sustained strings entering later. The synth comes back and the melody builds up to the huge drop. The melody circles, staying interesting with some syncopation. The piano returns to mingle with the synth, and then the two alternate the iteration of the melody. In the final repeat, the hard bass drum kick brings it home. In the quiet coda, there's a bit of musical trickery, as the chord progression repeats there's almost a sort of pedal point, but not sustained. Despite the repetitive nature of house, this piece by Teqq remains interesting, full, and lush.

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Stuck In My Skull 388 -- "Maths"

Song: "Maths" || Artist: deadmau5 || http://youtu.be/wk-iScJwuCA ||

Comments: Ooooops... Late post. I'm sorry, everyone! Tomorrow's post will be on time, I promise!
This track is off deadmau5's latest album, >Album Title Goes Here<, and I absolutely love it. It's beat is in that perfect middle ground where you can either dance to it or relax to it, and the hook is so catchy! I don't know how deadmau5 manages to come up with such catchy songs, but I am very, very impressed. This song  is actually the first single from the album, joined later by "The Veldt" and "Professional Griefers," both of which are also excellent. Enjoy!

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AMANDA-- "I WAS A FOOL"

Hey readers! I discovered Canadian indie rockers and identical twin sisters Tegan and Sara in high school and have kept up with their music ever since. I was pleasantly surprised then to hear the first single "Closer" of their latest album Heartthrob, which signals a new direction for the band. If I had never heard them before, I might not have recognized the artist as Tegan and Sara.The thirty-three year olds wanted to change things up on their seventh record and boy did they. The quality of the singing and song-writing we've come to expect from them is there but in a shiny, new, synth package. The duo tackle classic themes of young love, lust, and heartbreak with a level of skill and maturity only experienced musicians can. This track, "I Was a Fool," has been stuck in my cranium for days now. It has a beat that you can dance or tap your foot to, a beautiful melody on piano, and excellent vocal harmonization. Tegan and Sara take turns singing but when their two voices merge and become one it's magic. The entire album is fun, playful, and thoughtful. I hope you'll check it out. Enjoy and have a great weekend!

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ETC #62 "Alive"

Song: "Alive" ~ Artist: Krewella

~ http://youtu.be/J-gYJBsln-w ~

Comments: TGIF! I don't know about you all, but it surely has been a long week for me and this song I heard on the radio for the first time. The song was actually released back in 2012, but this is the first I've known about it. I hadn't even been listening for 30 seconds before it had me dancing in my car.  It only has 3 million or so views on Youtube and I'm not okay with that. The drums in the background make me want to stomp to this beat and has a strong electronic beat. This group is relatively new and I'm hoping that they put out more songs like this one. I hope this song pumps you up for the weekend. Happy listening!

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