Stuck In My Skull 559 -- "Final Masquerade"

Song: "Final Masquerade" || Artist: Linkin Park || http://youtu.be/i8q8fFs3kTM ||

Comments: Hello, everyone! Not too long ago I was surprised to hear this song on the radio, especially on the station that I think of as the local 'soft rock' station. This song is definitely rock, but I would hardly consider it to be 'soft rock,' though I don't think I necessarily agree with Wikipedia's characterization of the song as 'alternative rock' either. Setting aside labels, this is one of the better tracks I've heard from the newest Linkin Park album The Hunting Party, from which this song is the third single. It's got really compelling vocals from lead vocalist Chester Bennington, but I noticed it seems very light on backing vocalist and rapper Mike Shinoda. I noticed the same thing when I reviewed the previous single from the album, "Until It's Gone." That's not to say that Shinoda doesn't make an appearance on the album -- quite the opposite! -- but that this track really revolves around Bennington. Let me tell you, he makes the most of it. The vocals on this track really shine, and drive the entire song. It's also pretty catchy, and I won't be surprised at all if it gets stuck in my head after listening to it to write this entry. Check it out! Enjoy, and don't forget to like us on Facebook!

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Stuck In My Skull 520 -- "Car Radio"

Song: "Car Radio" || Artist: Twenty One Pilots || http://youtu.be/92XVwY54h5k ||

Comments: Good morning or afternoon, everyone! Today's song is an interesting little number I heard on the radio for the first time yesterday. Created by a Columbus, Ohio-based duo, this song is really hard to apply any sort of labels to -- just look at the labels of this post! Its opening consists of some light instrumentation paired with some really excellent rap. It picks up some additional instrumentation, bridges into a section that reminds me faintly of old Linkin Park, then outtros with opening verses repeated and leaves me really, really intrigued. This duo sounds like nothing else I've heard but liberally blends elements that I love, and leaves me wondering why I haven't heard of them sooner. I looked them up on Wikipedia, and the article about them is informative in the literal sense but doesn't give me much of a feel for who the band really is. They're signed to the Fueled By Ramen record label, so that's probably a mark in their favor. Other artists signed to Fueled By Ramen include Cobra Starship, Fun., Gym Class Heroes, Panic! at the Disco, Paramore, and Travie McCoy, all of whom I like. For that reason, I generally give anything that gets released by an artist I haven't heard of signed to Fueled By Ramen a listen on principle. For what it's worth, I don't generally do that -- I generally don't care a whit about record labels and use them mostly to label and pidgeonhole an artist into a category without having to look them up, but there are a few labels I really enjoy (Ultra, Nuclear Blast, the UKF 'label') and a few more that I actually really respect (Monstercat and some artist-made labels like Deadmau5's Mau5trap, Tiesto's Black Hole and Magik Muzik, etc). Getting back on topic, I've really enjoyed the lyrics so far. I haven't had a chance to sit down and really think about the lyrics yet, but at first glance they strike me as being pretty deep. All in all, I'm pretty happy to have stumbled onto Twenty One Pilots. Give this song a listen and let me know what you think in the comments or on our Facebook page!

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Stuck In My Skull 434 -- "Wine Red"

Song: "Wine Red" || Artist: The Hush Sound || http://youtu.be/1r6MFfMEziE ||

Comments: Good morning, everyone, and happy Monday. I have a small confession to make -- I don't actually have this song stuck in my head. When I woke up this morning and finally shook off the remaining confusion caused by some very weird dreams (What the heck, brain?), I actually had "Sweet Nothing" stuck in my head. By the end of this entry, however, I'll probably have this song replacing it. A friend of mine showed me this song years and years ago, way back when I was first really getting into music. So far back, in fact, that it's in that category of partially-forgotten artists I never really looked up. Not looking this group up is a mistake, pure and simple. Why? Because this song is just that great. At 2:42, the song is a quick little track, but it's perfectly produced. The two primary vocalists -- Greta Salpeter (who now goes by Greta Morgan) and Bob Morris -- play off each other perfectly, complementing each other with all the right notes to produce a unique vocal sound that works wonderfully with the easy-going light rock sound of the instrumentation. "Wine Red" is a catchy little number, and masterfully done.
In a way, I'm glad I forgot about this track for so long. It turns out that the band was on hiatus for many years, and only recently got back together. (Source.) It turns out they released an EP in March, and are working on a new album. Talk about great timing. Enjoy the track, and remember not to let Monday suck just because it's Monday!

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AMANDA-- "SHORT SKIRT/LONG JACKET" by CAKE

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!

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Stuck In My Skull 412 -- "Roads Untraveled"

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.

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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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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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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 #51 "Overjoyed" and "Unwell"

Song: "Overjoyed" ~ Artist: Matchbox Twenty

~ http://youtu.be/qg6r-IeH7ss ~

Comments: Happy Two Timing Tuesday, all. So, I have to admit to a couple of things today: I had no idea what the focus was for this, but I luckily was in the car when this song was on.  Secondly, I told myself I wasn't going to use singles for Tuesdays, but I'm breaking it this time.   It is a new one from Matchbox Twenty of whom I'm a huge fan. This song...it has all the feels for me (and I might have it on loop).  It makes me want to cry both for good and for bad. Once this passed through my ears, I knew that I was using it; there was no other option. This was released back in November, but as far as I'm aware it has just hit radio and I hope that you all enjoy this song as much as I have. The beat follows their typical sound and the rhythm is catchy. This song is off of their new album North and their other single from this new release is "She's So Mean".    

Song: "Unwell" ~ Artist: Matchbox Twenty

~ http://youtu.be/WziA88-n02k ~ 

Comments: This song is an "old" one of theirs and I knew that I loved this song, just didn't realize that these were the guys responsible. Also, I could have sworn that there was a different video that went along with this song, but I suppose I am incorrect this time. I do have to say that the video is trippy and entertainingly so.  This song is back from 2003 on their album More Than You Think You Are. Sometimes I forget that this band started back in the mid-90s. Either way, they are still playing radio and still great. I hope that this brings a little bit of nostalgia into your Tuesday. Happy listening, everyone. :)

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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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ETC #39 Double Feature! 90's Week

As promised here is the double feature for today!

Song: "Mr. Jones"
Artist: Counting Crows
Link: http://youtu.be/-oqAU5VxFWs

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oqAU5VxFWs]

Comments: This first song is something that I had completely forgot about until I was watching VH1 some time ago.  And I forgot how much I enjoyed this song.  The lyrics are a bit crazy, but the tune is catchy and I can't say that I haven't had this song stuck in my head before.   However, I will admit to not being able to remember majority of the words and I'm sure most people have had those songs stuck in the head where they can remember the beat and rhythm, but can only remember maybe a line or two of the words; this is one of those songs for me.

Song: 3 AM
Artist: Matchbox 20
Link: http://youtu.be/C-Naa1HXeDQ

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-Naa1HXeDQ]

Comments: This second song I bring to you because Matchbox 20 has a new single recently which can also be found on the blog.  I just wanted to remind everyone that these guys have been around for a while.  I forget how much I like this group until I listen to them again.  I don't have much to say here, sorry guys I just really wanted to share this song with you.  Happy listening!

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Stuck In My Skull 358: 90s Week, Part 4 — “One Week"

90's Week, Part 4 || Song: "One Week" || Artist: Barenaked Ladies || http://youtu.be/fC_q9KPczAg ||

[youtube http://youtu.be/fC_q9KPczAg]

Comments: Sorry about this post going up so late, everyone. I really did mean to write this last night, but I have a bad habit of misjudging how long I'm actually going to be awake. So, I have to admit to something -- I really don't know 90's music too well. So, I went and looked up hit songs from the 90s. While I wasn't surprised to have never have heard of most of the songs that came up, there were some that really did surprise me. This song, for example, was one of the songs that I thought was far more recent than 1998, so I'm quite glad that it's old enough to use this week. I like the Barenaked Ladies -- they're an upbeat band that can get a point across and make you smile at the same time. Their songs are never depressing, even the ones with a depressing message. I think the first song by them I ever heard was "If I had $1000000", but the first one that ever really got stuck in my head was "Who Needs Sleep?", which is fantastic. Enjoy!

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AMANDA-- "CRIMINAL" by FIONA APPLE

Hey all. The nineties was a remarkable decade for many reasons, not excluding the fact that me and many of my friends were born. It was an especially great time for indie and alternative rockers or at least up until the end. On that note, I bring you the sultry and talented Fiona Apple. When her first album Tidal debuted, the singer-songwriter was only nineteen years old. The nineties saw the likes of many terrific artists- The Cranberries, Foo Fighters, Radiohead and more-all fierce contenders. I chose this song because it and Fiona Apple have had incredible staying power. Criminal" is her biggest song to date and won her the Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. I've known all the lyrics since I was six and years later they still resonate with me. Apple continues to rock into her thirties and sounds amazing as ever. Her music has no doubt matured as she has. At the height of her success, the teenager proved as gifted as her contemporaries but ever so slightly more controversial, probably due to her age. The music video features a barely clothed Apple in some provocative poses seeking absolution for having wronged a man she once loved (serious stuff-hence NSFW ). Enjoy!

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AMANDA-- "ASLEEP" by THE SMITHS

Hey all! I'm writing today's entry rather late and am pretty tired to be honest (so please forgive me if I sound incoherent) That's not the only reason I've chosen this song though. I recently watched the film adaptation of The Perks of Being a Wallflower and "Asleep" was the main character Charlie's favorite song. I haven't put any of their stuff on here before but I adore The Smiths.  The simplicity of the vocals and piano playing  are what's most striking to me about this song; that it's so stripped down is what makes it beautiful and honest in my mind. I frequently have trouble getting to/staying asleep and a couple of my friends are having the same problem.  Maybe this will help them in some small way. Have a great day!

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AMANDA-- "THE ONLY WAY TO MY HEART" by FOXY SHAZAM

Hey all! I apologize sincerely for the lack of post last Thursday. Things are rather hectic around here as it's finals week. Anyway, I'll try to make up for it with this song from Foxy Shazam. First of all, what a name. That has got to be one of the greatest rock-n-roll names ever. It describes the band perfectly. Their sound is so weird and yet so irresistible, combining elements of rock, pop, and soul. Not to mention, Foxy Shazam's exuberant front man and over the top antics  no doubt make for excellent live performances. I only recently took an interest in them and was surprised to learn they're from Cincinnati, Ohio of all places. I'm kind of proud that something so bizarre and awesome came out of my state. I must give thanks to a local DJ for playing this song  and essentially blowing my mind. I was really taken by the vocals, clever wordplay, the use of piano, drums, and trumpet  and overall theatricality. "Only Way to My Heart" is four minutes of sexy, bombastic fun and worth a listen if you like the music of Queen, The Darkness, or Meat Loaf. Enjoy!

[youtube=http://youtu.be/JiN3o5wHO8k]

 

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Stuck In My Skull 348 -- "Jesus of Suburbia"

Song: "Jesus of Suburbia" || Artist: Green Day || http://youtu.be/FNKPYhXmzoE ||

[youtube http://youtu.be/FNKPYhXmzoE]

Comments: If I'm correct on this, I believe the album lists this song as "Jesus of Suburbia: Jesus of Suburbia/City of the Damned/I Don't Care", which is more than a little bit too long. Also, I have to admit that I haven't seen the video to this song, and I really really haven't seen the 'long' version of this song, which apparently is 11 minutes long. But this song came up last night, and I just couldn't resist putting it on the blog. It sounds so crass, but years later, I'm still convinced it's deeper than surface, and still haven't bothered sitting down and thinking about it. I need to. I really do.

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Stuck In My Skull 346 -- "42"

Song: "42" || Artist: Coldplay || http://youtu.be/Z0xfWCDLoCU ||

[youtube http://youtu.be/Z0xfWCDLoCU]

Comments: Yet another late post! I think I'll try and write out a few extra entries over this weekend, so I have a backup plan for when things get crazy. We'll see.

Anyway. This song comes off Coldplay's Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends album. It's a lesser-known track from the album, and nowhere near as popular as "Viva la Vida" or "Violet Hill" or even "Strawberry Swing." I like it, though. The beginning starts off at a nice, slow pace, then picks up into a merry tune. It's catchy, and a nice, relaxing listen. Enjoy, and have a good weekend!

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Stuck In My Skull 345 -- "Give Me Novacaine"

Song: "Give Me Novacaine" || Artist: Green Day || http://youtu.be/ZKAwIwjHwZI ||

[youtube http://youtu.be/ZKAwIwjHwZI]

Comments: Late post, but better than no post. I really do have to apologize for the inconsistent pattern of posts lately. Life has been a little (that's an understatement) crazy lately for all of us. I promise things will get better soon.

Anyway, the song. I haven't listened to this in months, but when I woke up this morning, it was stuck in my head. I And hey, it's not electronic music, the streak is broken! I first ran into Green Day back in middle school, years ago when bashing US President George W Bush was still popular. The album American Idiot was one of the first bands I'd ever gotten into that was at all political, and while it didn't directly or immediately inform my political views, it definitely opened my eyes a bit. I mean, it might be crude, but "Holiday" makes a point. If I recall correctly, it was years later -- after this album fell from popularity -- that I really started to shift my politics, long enough that I feel comfortable saying American Idiot helped, but was not the cause. Oddly enough, the two memories I have of this song/album are completely normal (for me, anyway). I remember playing videogames to this track and "Are We the Waiting", and bringing a portable CD player in the car when I was out with my parents so I could listen to the album. Oh well, enough biographical rambling. Enjoy the song!

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ETC #20 "Feel Again"

Song: "Feel Again"
Artist: OneRepublic
Link: http://youtu.be/2tMKO_9SD1Y

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tMKO_9SD1Y]

Comments: Hey everyone. I've got a great song for you today. I'm sure that many of you have already heard this song, because it has been on the radio frequently, but I wanted to share this video.  This song is the most recent single from their album Native. It is amazing with the amount of the lights that they use and it was very creatively made. I took a look at the Behind the Scenes video and it was interesting. The band, well the singer, in the beginning stumbles upon a new society of sorts where lights are their thing.  This is a beautifully made video to a great song that many people can relate to.  Happy listening!

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ETC #19 "Between the Raindrops"

Song: "Between the Raindrops" Ft. Natasha Bedingfield
Artist: Lifehouse
Link: http://youtu.be/dG6-bU6esKo

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG6-bU6esKo]

Comments: Oh, hello there!  I hope you Monday is going well.  After making a very long drive I heard so many songs that I wanted to use for today, but after I saw that this song only has roughly 140k views I couldn't believe it. It saddens me when such good music isn't getting views on Youtube.  Granted it has only been posted for about a week, but still there are other celebrities who have more than that in a day.  The point is! This is a new and good song that you should have a listen to.  The ones who made this video did an excellent job; those who like pictures of scenery will like the imagery in this video. I haven't heard too much from Ms. Bedingfield recently, but she is this is a good match up of voices in this song.  It has a catchy chorus and it is currently 26 on the Billboard charts. Happy listening!

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