Stuck In My Skull 426 -- "Beautiful"

Song: "Beautiful" || Artist: P.O.D. || http://youtu.be/fX506PWT0dA ||

Comments: Good morning, everyone! I heard this song yesterday on the radio, and immediately knew that I had to post it here. I haven't heard a P.O.D. song since someone gave me "Youth of the Nation" about a million years ago. At this point, I have to wonder what they've been up to in the mean time, because this song is epic. Seriously, it's the right blend of calm piano and guitar and thrumming riffs. The lyrics are about as uplifiting as you can get without being P!nk's "F***ing Perfect," and I'm not sure how this song could get much better. If you're feeling down, just give this song a listen. Enjoy, and smile, okay?

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ETC #93 "Headstrong"

Song: "Headstrong" ~ Artist: Trapt

~ http://youtu.be/HTvu1Yr3Ohk ~

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!

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ETC #78 "Taking Over Me" and "Fallen"

Song: "Taking Over Me" ~ Artist: Evanescence

~ http://youtu.be/FMkWGoI-GpY ~

Comments: Hi, everyone! Forgive me, but I will be making this a short posting. Back when I was terribly musically ignorant I remember not realizing that this group was metal or even rock of any kind. The only songs that I realized they sang were "Bring Me to Life" and "My Immortal".  Since then I've obtained one of their albums and fell in love with it. This song in particular I really enjoy because it has an amazingly seering electric guitar in the background, quick and strong drums, and in some parts it quiets down just enough to really show off the vocals. 

Song: "Fallen" ~ Artist: Evanescence

~ http://youtu.be/XEJ_4Y4p4EI ~

Comments: This second song really isn't slow per se, but there's something that I like about it. I can't put my finger on it, but there is a relaxing piece to it for me. Perhaps I'm just weird, but I put this on my playlist to fall asleep. The bridge in this song is absolutely amazing. There's nothing better than someone who can rock a guitar solo. The song title is also the title of the album that both of these songs come from and their probably best known hits that I mentioned in the previously. I'm a bit surprised that this wasn't also released as a single or at least had a music video. Either way, happy listening!

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AMANDA--"GEEK U.S.A" by THE SMASHING PUMPKINS

Hey readers. Over break, I had A LOT of free time at my disposal and, as you could probably guess, I spent much of it listening to music. One of the better discoveries I made (apart from anything from the Les Miserables soundtrack) was the Smashing Pumpkins' second album Siamese Dream. I found it in its entirety online and listened to it from beginning to end. The experience was highly enjoyable. As a self-proclaimed Pumpkins' fan, I have no excuse for not seeking out this record before. Anyway, this track caught my attention right away.First of all, I myself have geeky tendencies and many geeks for friends so I appreciated the name. To my ears,  it sounds more metal than some of their other songs, most notably the excellent performances on guitar and drums. The overall progression and pacing are interesting as well. Enjoy!

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AMANDA-- "WELCOME HOME" by COHEED AND CAMBRIA

Hey! My song for today comes from the American rock band Coheed and Cambria. Admittedly, this is the only song of theirs that I know but boy is it an epic one. For the last month or so, not a day has passed that I haven't listened to "Welcome Home," it's that good. Apparently all of the quartet's albums are concept albums based on a science fiction story written by the lead singer, which is pretty cool.What stands out to me most about the song are the guitar riff and lead vocals. The singer has a fantastic fro, a sweet double-neck guitar, and a voice that while memorable doesn't really match appearance or at least what I pictured when I first heard the song. It came out in 2009 and  I'm surprised I haven't heard more about them since their sound is so unique and refreshing. Anyway, I've inserted two links below; the first  is for the official music video and the second for the studio version which is two minutes longer. Check 'em out!

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Stuck In My Skull 322-- "I'll Be Gone"

Song: "I'll Be Gone" || Artist: Linkin Park || http://youtu.be/eG-ja6wpOa0 ||

[youtube http://youtu.be/eG-ja6wpOa0]

Comments: I really don't have much to say -- it's a good song, but I'm too tired to say much. Enjoy.

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Entry 264-- "Parabola"

Song: "Parabola" || Artist: Tool || http://youtu.be/fxiFoYMsIJw || http://youtu.be/_z2O289Jemo* ||

Comments: I was playing this song on Guitar Hero World Tour this afternoon, and let me just say, playing Tool's set really, really hurts your wrist. Totally worth it, though-- I love the songs. After having various bits of Tool stuck in my head for much of the afternoon (interspersed with Ozzy, of all things,) I decided to throw it up as the blog for today. The second link includes the intro instrumental song "Parabol" and has a video that is weird enough to get an honorary NSFW. If your boss doesn't know what it is, they might just have a cow over some of the craziness in there. The song "Parabola" starts (or more appropriately, the important parts of "Parabol" end) at about 4:06, if you want to skip ahead. Enjoy!

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