Pop Week II || Song: "Get Lucky" || Artist: Daft Punk feat. Pharell Williams || http://youtu.be/5NV6Rdv1a3I ||
Comments: It is Friday! Congratulations on surviving the week! Just finish out today, and you're in the weekend! To help you through the day, I give you this song. I've seriously been looking forward to today all week just so I could use the song. In fact, this song is the reason I wanted to do Pop Week II in the first place: It reminded me that pop can be good. And seriously, this song is amazing. First, let's talk vocals. Pharell Williams is great. As is my habit when I don't know much about an artist, I go read their Wikipedia page -- he has had quite a career. My first exposure to Pharell Williams was in the track "One (Your Name)" by Swedish House Mafia, in which he provided vocals. Honestly, I wouldn't have recognized him if I hadn't already been aware he was in this track. I know he's got a good vocal range, but he sounds completely different -- he has a completely different style in this track. And what a style it is, flowing perfectly with the funky, guitar-plucking, disco-esque feel of the song. And on that note, this song is something else. Trust Daft Punk to mix it up and go disco. Pharell's vocals dominate most of the song, but Daft Punk's signature vocoder vocals do make an appearance in the last minute. According to the Wikipedia page about the song, "Upon hearing "Get Lucky", Pharrell remarked that the music evoked the sense of being on an exotic island during a "peachy color[ed]" sunrise." I find myself agreeing completely. If you haven't noticed yet, I love this song. Check it out!
Stuck In My Skull 420 -- "Get Lucky" [Pop Week II]
Written By Christopher Audiophile on Friday, May 31, 2013 | 5/31/2013 06:04:00 AM
Stuck In My Skull 419 -- "Come and Get It" [Pop Week II]
Written By Christopher Audiophile on Thursday, May 30, 2013 | 5/30/2013 09:36:00 AM
Pop Week II || Song: "Come and Get It" || Artist: Selena Gomez || http://youtu.be/n-D1EB74Ckg ||
Comments: Happy Thursday, everyone! So, how do you feel about percussion and bass? I love them both, and apparently, so does Selena Gomez. Ms. Gomez is all aboard the 'heavy' bass drops train in this track. I say 'heavy' because it's heavy for pop, mind you. Between and over the synthesized bass line in the background of the track is some very catchy Indian-sounding drums, giving the song an exotic feel to it. It's a little taste of Bollywood, almost. (Apparently I'm not the only one to say this.) Honestly, this song feels like Selena grew up. The fact that the music video has good choreography helps. According to Wikipedia, the music video was directed by Anthony Mandler, who has done quit a bit of work with Rihanna, among others. Oddly enough, the video and choreopgrahy reminds me most strongly of Rihanna's in the video to "Where Have You Been," which Mandler did not work on. While both videos share some Hindu-themed influences, it was honestly the choreography in the shots like the ones at around 1:03 and 4:25 in Selena's video that reminds me most strongly of "Where Have You Been." It's particularly strong at 0:51 or so in Rihanna's video, despite it representing a completely different culture. But enough about the video. The song is great, and there's a reason it's sitting at number 6 on Billboard's Hot 100. Go check it out!
Stuck In My Skull 418 -- "Heart Attack" [Pop Week II]
Written By Christopher Audiophile on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 | 5/29/2013 09:07:00 AM
Pop Week II || Song: "Heart Attack" || Artist: Demi Lovato || http://youtu.be/AByfaYcOm4A ||
Comments: Hello everyone, and welcome to the midpoint of the week! It's all downhill from here. To ease the beginning of your descent into the weekend, how about a ridiculously catchy song? I hear this song all over the radio, and I never switch stations when it comes on. It's just that catchy. Demi Lovato mixes a heavy bassline and D&B-styled cymbals and drums with acoustic guitar and synthesizer, capping it all off with her considerable vocal abilities. That mixture produces the earworm that is "Heart Attack," and I haven't been able to get it out of my head. Enjoy!
Stuck In My Skull 417 -- "I Will Wait" [Pop Week II]
Written By Christopher Audiophile on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 | 5/28/2013 09:36:00 AM
Pop Week II || Song: "I Will Wait" || Artist: Mumford & Sons || http://youtu.be/rGKfrgqWcv0 ||
Comments: Hello, everyone! I wasn't originally going to use this song for this week. In fact, I originally thought this song was overrated. When it was performed live on an awards show I was watching (I thin it was the Grammys...), I found myself dissapointed that the show had used this particular artist for the big performance. And yet, here we are. I have to say, this song really, really grew on me. It holds the dubious honor of being the only song with a prominent banjo that I actually enjoy. And on the subject of that banjo... wow. That banjo is ridiculous. If you just listen to the banjo part, you might be surprised that the banjo player's fingers haven't fallen off. This song is impressively arranged, with instrumentation that fits together beautifully and shakes up the norms for pop music. Looking at the music video, I count and acoustic guitar, a banjo, a keyboard, a stringed instrument I'm going to tentatively peg as a cello, and a kick drum. Just a kick drum. Not a drummer with a drum set, just a kick drum. There's a full drum set in the background behind the artists, but it sits unused. Also, I'm no cellist, but I'm fairly sure those are usually played with a bow, not by picking at the strings. (I went poking around the Wikipedia article about them: There might be a mandolin, and I saw no reference of a cello.) Their vocalists blend wonderfully in both the mastered versions we hear on the radio and the live version they recorded for the music video. While I'm the first to defend the artistic use of auto-tune even I can respect vocal skill in its absence. But I'm getting off topic. Mumford and Sons has managed to make bluegrass and folk into pop and manage to get a song with a prominent banjo stuck in my head. As it's no secret that I generally dislike the sound of banjos, I must doff my hat and say "Well done, Mumford and Sons." Enjoy!
Stuck In My Skull 416 -- "Live It Up" [Pop Week II]
Written By Christopher Audiophile on Monday, May 27, 2013 | 5/27/2013 08:57:00 AM
Pop Week II, Part 1 || Song: "Live It Up" || Artist: Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull || http://youtu.be/BofL1AaiTjo ||
Comments: Good morning, everyone! Today's song opens Pop Week II, where we take a look at the current state of 'pop music.' Don't worry -- I have good taste. (I think...) To open the week, I decided to use this track. Less than a month old, this song confirms my long-held belief that Pitbull is always better as a featured artist. I tend to dislike songs where the canine-inspired rapper is the principle artist is the primary artist, but he sounds great when he is working on another artist's track. Additionally, this song was written by RedOne, that hidden power-behind-the-throne of pop music. As a song, I like it. It's a tad too heavy to be a quintessential 'summer song,' but it works nicely as a dance track, and I foresee this song having a long career in FM radio song rotations. I think its structure is a tad too irregular to be a good club hit -- the several times where the song stops the beat for the Pitbull verses and champagne-popping sound effects really breaks the tempo, in my opinion, which I suspect will prevent it from getting much use on the dance floor. That being said, I'm a fan. I'm not sure that I agree with the Wikipedia entry that calls this a europop or a dance-pop song, but either way it's a good song. I just think more of Cascada or Inna or Edward Maya or Alexandra Stan when someone says europop. The video's not bad either -- a Pitbull song without Pitbull advertising some alcohol? Count me in.
I'm going to be doing five entries this week, so check back every day this week for more!
I'm going to be doing five entries this week, so check back every day this week for more!
AMANDA-- "THE CRYSTAL SHIP" by THE DOORS
Written By amandathepanda on Friday, May 24, 2013 | 5/24/2013 08:36:00 AM
Hey all! Friday is here at last! Today I'm bringing you something different: a little psychedelic rock from the Doors. In their heyday, these California rockers were known for their controversial lyrics and crazy antics on and off the stage. This past week, Doors founder Ray Manzarek passed away from cancer. In his honor, I've chosen to share "The Crystal Ship" with you, a love song written for a former girlfriend of lead singer Jim Morrison. As a song-writer, keyboardist, and occasional singer, Manzarek made many meaningful contributions to the band's unique sound. Here is a case in point. For me, his piano work makes the song so touching and beautiful. RIP Ray! You'll be missed! Happy listening and, as always, thanks for reading!
ETC #93 "Headstrong"
Song: "Headstrong" ~ Artist: Trapt
Comments: HAPPY FRIDAY! While listening to Pandora I came across this song and holy nostalgia Batman. All of a sudden I couldn't pay attention to my studying because I was too busy strumming my air guitar and head banging. The high pitched and forceful electric guitar is probably the most appealing and central part of the instruments (and personally my favourite part). I don't have much to say about this song other than it is a great one to rock out on even though it's a bit of an older song (released back in 2002). They also recently came out with a new album, Reborn, back in January so if you're a fan check it out. I know I will be. Hope you start your weekend headstrong. Sorry, couldn't resist the opportunity. Happy listening!
Stuck In My Skull 415 -- "Gentleman"
Written By Christopher Audiophile on Thursday, May 23, 2013 | 5/23/2013 08:27:00 AM
Song: "Gentleman" || Artist: Psy || http://youtu.be/ASO_zypdnsQ ||
Comments: Good morning everyone, or to those of you in some time zones, good afternoon! Today's song is a strange one. Everybody knows Psy from "Gangnam Style," the hype from which made his next release a very, very big deal. While perhaps nothing will be quite the viral sensation as that song and video was, Psy certainly gave it a try. Musically, this song is a mixture of Korean and English lyrics over a synth-heavy background built for dancing. The more I hear the song, the more I appreciate the instrumentation of it. If you were to ignore the video completely and know none of the lyrics, it would just be an ordinary (if very good) dance track. Ignoring the video, however, is pretty much impossible. This is Psy, after all. And so, I have to comment on it. Psy's dance moves follow in the spirit of those in "Gangnam Style" -- original and hilarious. That being said, his dance moves are the highlight of the video. I know Psy was going out of his way to act immature throughout this video, but sometimes I think it worked too well. On the other hand, that makes the eventual retribution all the funnier and more satisfying. Check it out, and see what you think!
ETC #92 "I'm Moving On"
Song: "I'm Moving On" ~ Artist: Rascal Flatts
Stuck In My Skull 414 -- "Little Talks"
Written By Christopher Audiophile on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 | 5/21/2013 08:36:00 AM
Song: "Little Talks" || Artist: Of Monsters and Men || http://youtu.be/ghb6eDopW8I ||
Comments: Do-doo doo doo doo doooo doooo dooooo! That has been what's stuck in my head lately, and why I decided it's high time I post about this track. Before this song was released, I had never heard of the group Of Monsters and Men. Their sound is fairly unique, and pretty good. I won't spend too much time describing this track since it's all over the radio and you've probably heard it, but I would like to point out how well the vocalists play off each other. Harmonies like that just don't happen very often, and I'm always thrilled to find one. Now if only I could get that tune out of my head...
ETC #91 "That's Where It Is" and "Songs Like This"
Song: "That's Where It Is" ~ Artist: Carrie Underwood
Song: "Songs Like This" ~ Artist: Carrie Underwood
[Secret Sounds] ~ Moto Boy - The Heart is a Rebel
Written By Relinquish on Monday, May 20, 2013 | 5/20/2013 01:26:00 PM
Track: The Heart Is a Rebel
Artist: Moto Boy
Artist: Moto Boy
Moto Boy is Oskar Humlebo, a Swedish indie pop-rocker who has toured with the Cardigans and has several of his own studio albums, the next one to be released in fall of this year. His music has been played on the radio all across the globe.
This track opens with electric guitar arpeggios and the soft but full vocals. The leading tones beautifully guide the melody through the chord progression. The cello enters and adds great texture, supporting the chords opposite the guitar, whilst the mesmerizing ebb and flow of the melody weaves between it. The sustained, lilting strings of the chorus bring even more emotion and shape to the arrangement. As the song winds down, it circles back to the start of electric guitar and vocals, until the fades as well, leaving the vocals to echo poignantly.
Stuck In My Skull 413 -- "Dem Dorfs, Man"
Song: "Dem Dorfs, Man" || Artist: Broken Bit || http://snd.sc/13BD9cP ||
Comments: Happy Monday, everyone! In celebration, have a free download. This song is a bit of 8-bit awesomeness combined with some excellent video game humor -- both the title and the logo of Broken Bit are a reference to the stupifyingly-difficult game "Dwarf Fortress." I've actually played that game, and while it has no soundtrack, this music would definitely be appropriate for it, in my opinion. Best of all, free downloads. Gotta love free. Enjoy!
Comments: Happy Monday, everyone! In celebration, have a free download. This song is a bit of 8-bit awesomeness combined with some excellent video game humor -- both the title and the logo of Broken Bit are a reference to the stupifyingly-difficult game "Dwarf Fortress." I've actually played that game, and while it has no soundtrack, this music would definitely be appropriate for it, in my opinion. Best of all, free downloads. Gotta love free. Enjoy!
AMANDA-- "SHORT SKIRT/LONG JACKET" by CAKE
Written By amandathepanda on Friday, May 17, 2013 | 5/17/2013 07:08:00 AM
Hey all! I'm back! I know I haven't posted in some time as I've been busy graduating and such. From now on, I will do my best to post regularly. That's all I really wanted to say. Here's a classic from alternative rockers Cake. It's catchy, funky, and quirky in the best of ways. Those of you who watch the television series Chuck will recognize it from the theme. There are several music videos of "Short Skirt/Long Jacket" but this is my personal favourite. It shows people listening and reacting to the song. So fantastic. Enjoy!
ETC #90 "Gasolina" Dance Week Pt III
Song: "Gasolina" ~ Artist: Daddy Yankee
Stuck In My Skull 412 -- "Roads Untraveled"
Written By Christopher Audiophile on Thursday, May 16, 2013 | 5/16/2013 09:30:00 AM
Song: "Roads Untraveled" || Artist: "Linkin Park" || http://youtu.be/Hfiy5_DZV80 ||
Comments: Hello everyone, and happy Thursday? Why is it a happy Thursday? Because there's great music coming your way. Taken from their latest album LIVING THINGS, "Roads Untraveled" is perhaps the softest song on the disk. It opens with a record spin-down effect that nicely transitions into it from the previous track ("Victimized"), which is perhaps the hardest and heaviest track on the album. Actually, I think they work great when played in succession -- you should definitely listen to "Victimized" before "Roads Untraveled." The track is a slow and uplifting song that would work perfectly after a breakup, and is absolutely beautiful. If someone played me this song on a really low day, I might cry. Not because it's a low song, but because it would be exactly what I needed. Give this song a listen, and remember it next time you need a friend.
ETC #89 "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" Dance Week Pt II
Song: "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" ~ Artist: Trace Adkins
ETC #88 "Just Dance" and "In My Head" Dance Week Pt I
Written By Anonymous on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 | 5/14/2013 07:00:00 AM
Song: "Just Dance" ~ Artist: Lady Gaga Ft. Colby O' Donis
Song: "In My Head" ~ Artist: Jason Derulo
Stuck In My Skull 411 -- "Space Oddity (Chris Hadfield Cover)"
Song: "Space Oddity" || Artist: David Bowie || Covering Artist: Chris Hadfield || http://youtu.be/KaOC9danxNo ||
Comments: Good morning, everyone! First, a little bit of housekeeping. As I alluded to in Monday's entry, I recently did some travelling. I'm going to do my level best to keep a consistent schedule of posts going up, but unfortunately, I'm in an earlier timezone now. This means my posts might be going up a little later in the day. I'm still going to try to make this a breakfast blog, though. In fact, I'm writing this entry while eating breakfast (leftover lasagna, yummy!).
Right, the song. If it wasn't clear from the video, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield covered the David Bowie song "Space Oddity" and made a video of himself doing it... aboard the International Space Station. Is that not epic? I confess I actually prefer this cover. Perhaps it's just because I heard Chris Hadfield's version before I listened to David Bowie's original, but I definitely prefer the cover over the original. (Yes, I'd never heard the original song before today. Yes, I know. There are some serious holes in my musical education.) Chris Hadfield actually has a pretty nice voice, and his accoustic guitar playing skills definitely appear to be up to snuff. I suppose it's possible that the original track was used and he's just pretending to play guitar in zero-gravity, but I don't think so. I mean, I've seen Chris Hadfield be pretty active in answering questions and doing science experiments (here's a good example: link), so I don't think he'd really be the type to fake it. But I'm getting off track. The song is good and the video is pretty cool too. Check it out!
Random thought: Randall Munroe -- the guy who does the comic xkcd -- determined that by most sane criteria, this is not the most expensive music video produced. His logic is explained here.
Right, the song. If it wasn't clear from the video, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield covered the David Bowie song "Space Oddity" and made a video of himself doing it... aboard the International Space Station. Is that not epic? I confess I actually prefer this cover. Perhaps it's just because I heard Chris Hadfield's version before I listened to David Bowie's original, but I definitely prefer the cover over the original. (Yes, I'd never heard the original song before today. Yes, I know. There are some serious holes in my musical education.) Chris Hadfield actually has a pretty nice voice, and his accoustic guitar playing skills definitely appear to be up to snuff. I suppose it's possible that the original track was used and he's just pretending to play guitar in zero-gravity, but I don't think so. I mean, I've seen Chris Hadfield be pretty active in answering questions and doing science experiments (here's a good example: link), so I don't think he'd really be the type to fake it. But I'm getting off track. The song is good and the video is pretty cool too. Check it out!
Random thought: Randall Munroe -- the guy who does the comic xkcd -- determined that by most sane criteria, this is not the most expensive music video produced. His logic is explained here.
Stuck In My Skull 410 -- "Beyond Monday"
Written By Christopher Audiophile on Monday, May 13, 2013 | 5/13/2013 05:00:00 AM
Song: "Beyond Monday" || Artist: The Glitch Mob || http://youtu.be/WImWuxHbQCw ||
Comments: Hello, everyone, and welcome to "Beyond Monday." Seriously, this song is amazing. This song will make your Monday suck less. I'm writing this the night before I spend most of my day on a plane, and I know for fact that this track will make my travels suck less. It's just that awesome. It starts with crisp, light, chiming notes, then drops the beat in that epic fashion that makes kids who don't know better listen to that filth on youtube. Seriously, this song is amazing. (Yes, I'm aware I've said that before, but it bears repeating.) Also, the video to this song is epic -- a colourful and intriguing interplay between light and sound. Go watch it! Enjoy it! And go beyond your Monday!
ETC #87 "More Than Miles"
Written By Anonymous on Saturday, May 11, 2013 | 5/11/2013 06:17:00 AM
Song: "More Than Miles" ~ Artist: Brantley Gilbert
ETC #86 "Troublemaker"
Written By Anonymous on Thursday, May 9, 2013 | 5/09/2013 05:00:00 AM
Song: "Troublemaker" ~ Artist: Olly Murs Ft. Flo Rida
Stuck In My Skull 409 -- "Irreplaceable"
Written By Christopher Audiophile on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 | 5/07/2013 10:12:00 AM
Song: "Irreplaceable" || Artist: Beyonce || http://youtu.be/2EwViQxSJJQ ||
Comments: Hello, everyone! I have no idea why I have this song in my head, but that breakup classic is very much stuck in my skull today. So, I figured I'd share it. Setting aside the lyrical content -- which is excellent, just completely irrelevant to my life -- the song is wonderful. Nice and mellow, ccalm, and triumphant. Not to mention catchy. Let's face it: Who hasn't heard "to the left / to the left..."? This track is the very essence of Beyonce, and I love it. Enjoy!
ETC #85 "Why'd You Come..." and "Coat of Many Colors"
Song: "Why'd You Come in Here Lookin' Like That" ~ Artist: Dolly Parton
Comments: This is going to be a short entry as I am swamped with things to do today. However, I am glad that there has been the old country ('60s through '90s) back on my local radio. This first song I am sharing with you came on the radio today while I was driving and it made me remember my love not only for old country, but also for the famous Dolly Parton.
Song: "Coat of Many Colors" ~ Artist: Dolly Parton
Stuck In My Skull 408 -- "Don't You Cry"
Written By Christopher Audiophile on Monday, May 6, 2013 | 5/06/2013 08:16:00 AM
Song: "Don't You Cry" || Artist: Kamelot || http://youtu.be/crZ3OMS-fBU ||
Comments: Hello, everyone, and happy Monday! Or at least, try to have a happy Monday, because there's really no sense hating Monday just for the sake of it being Monday. Mondays happen, weekly, and if they didn't, then Tuesday would be the new Monday. Point is, wasting energy hating Monday is well, wasting energy.
Today's song was stuck in my head last night as I was trying to get some work done. I actually ended up listening to the album this track is from -- their fifth album Karma -- on repeat something like six or seven times. It's a great album, if you haven't heard it. It encompasses a well-executed range of tempos and levels of intensity, with some surprisingly pretty and quiet songs such as this one. The song "Ne Pleure Pas" is included on some releases of the album, and as best I can tell, seems to be the same song sung in French. Roy Khan was still the vocalist on this album, and his voice reminds me why I originally fell in love with Kamelot. (The fact the songs "Karma" and "Forever" are on this album also helps; They were among my first Kamelot songs I really listened to.) As far as the album goes, the notes on Wikipedia confirm my suspicions about this song's relation to "Ne Pleure Pas," and are pretty interesting. About the song itself, it's very pretty, and definitely worth a listen. Enjoy!
Today's song was stuck in my head last night as I was trying to get some work done. I actually ended up listening to the album this track is from -- their fifth album Karma -- on repeat something like six or seven times. It's a great album, if you haven't heard it. It encompasses a well-executed range of tempos and levels of intensity, with some surprisingly pretty and quiet songs such as this one. The song "Ne Pleure Pas" is included on some releases of the album, and as best I can tell, seems to be the same song sung in French. Roy Khan was still the vocalist on this album, and his voice reminds me why I originally fell in love with Kamelot. (The fact the songs "Karma" and "Forever" are on this album also helps; They were among my first Kamelot songs I really listened to.) As far as the album goes, the notes on Wikipedia confirm my suspicions about this song's relation to "Ne Pleure Pas," and are pretty interesting. About the song itself, it's very pretty, and definitely worth a listen. Enjoy!
ETC #84 "I'll Think of a Reason Later"
Written By Anonymous on Friday, May 3, 2013 | 5/03/2013 05:00:00 AM
Song: "I'll Think of a Reason Later" ~ Artist: Lee Ann Womack
Comments: Hey, everyone! I'm sorry about the lack of post yesterday. Life has been absolutely crazy around here lately. Anyway, I heard this song the other day and boy did it bring about some nostalgia. It's a great song and matches the weather around here. It's got this sort of confident, you can't mess with me kind of attitude. If you don't recognize this song you would probably know her by the song "I Hope You Dance". I'll be real honest I didn't keep up with her as I grew older so I don't know what she has made of herself. I checked the Wiki and she has keeping up with making music up until very recently. Either way, I hope you enjoy the song. Happy listening!
Stuck In My Skull 407 -- "Can't Hold Us"
Written By Christopher Audiophile on Thursday, May 2, 2013 | 5/02/2013 09:09:00 AM
Song: "Can't Hold Us" || Artist: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton || http://youtu.be/2zNSgSzhBfM (official music video) || http://youtu.be/bgjwAZ9TR3U (live in studio) ||
Comments: Hello, everyone! I do hope you're enjoying your day, wherever you are. Where I am, it's a beautiful day, and I feel amazing. I feel unstoppable. Indestructible. Like nothing can hold me. (Sorry, couldn't resist.) Anyway, this song is fantastic. It's instrumentation is a pleasant blend of piano, strings, and brass, with a drum and/or drum machine laying the beats. The lyrics are upbeat, and put a smile on my face. The vocalizations by Ray Dalton really make this song, I think. Given the choice, I actually prefer the live version recorded in the KEXP studios over the music video, just because I hate having to wait around for the song to start. That being said, the video is thought-provoking and worth a watch. Enjoy!
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