ETC #53 "Runnin' Out of Air"

Song: "Runnin' Out of Air" ~ Artist: Love and Theft

~ http://youtu.be/CDQDh_r9q8Q ~

Comments: HAPPY FRIDAY! Wow, I'm so glad the week is over. Now, to the song. This song is practically brand new in terms of hitting radio. I heard it today and they were still deciding whether or not to recycle it. Funny enough the video hasn't been up to long and I'm disappointed by the lack of views. (It's probably because it's not popular on the radio yet, but still.)  One of the things that I like about this song is that even though this duo is country this song doesn't sound like it. And don't get me wrong I'm all for that twang and down southern song, however, it's nice that occasionally there is a song that I believe people who don't like country music will still like and I think that this is one of them.  As soon as the song came on it had my feet tapping the beat. Okay, so I might be a little overly excited about this song since I'm in a really good mood, but the point here is that it is brand new, shiny, and something that I think a decent group of people will enjoy. And small side benefit is it has an up beat tempo to start off the weekend. Happy listening!

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Stuck In My Skull 377 -- "Silver Cruiser"

Song: "Silver Cruiser" || Artist: Royksopp || http://youtu.be/b8o6uKm91No ||

Comments: Sorry about the lack of me posting this morning, folks. To make up for it, I decided to post this immediately, instead of waiting until tomorrow (Friday) morning to post it. So, this song. This song never singled, and there's nothing terribly smashing or record breaking about it. It's just a really good track form ROyksopp's album Junior, which is fantastic and you should all listen to! This song is a nice, slow, chill number with some jazzy influences. It's a very melodic tune, and I really love it. It puts me in a calm, quiet, relaxed mood that I really enjoy, and can bring a smile to my face. It tends to take whatever mood I'm in and just smooth it over -- if I'm feeling sad, I'll probably be a little less sad. If I'm feeling happy, I'll be a calmer happy. It's a nice song. And the video is pretty relaxing too -- just some planets and such.

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ETC #52 "I Don't Believe You"

Song: "I Don't Believe You" ~ Artist: P!nk

~ http://youtu.be/wyMGerg6rnc ~

Comments: Hey everyone!  This was originally not the song I had planned for today, but in the midst of listening to a new artist I came across to this song by an artist that is not so new. P!nk has been around for a such a long time and is still producing amazing music. I frequently use her on the blog because she has such a unique voice, has power, and a powerful presence on the stage.  This song is one that I haven't heard before, but it is absolutely beautiful. It isn't too often that she puts out a ballad if I can phrase it that way. All of the strings are in this song!  There is a wonderful combination of cello and violin while P!nk and band member hit the acoustics guitars.  The chords are not anything extravagant, but by keeping it simple it gives this lady a chance to show off her vocals.  If I had my guitar this would be a song I would try to learn.  Also, apparently there is an official video for this as well if you'd prefer that. (I personally love listening to her live.)  Happy listening!

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[Secret Sounds] ~ Ben Moon - Majesty feat. Veela

Track: Majesty (feat. Veela)
Artist: Ben Moon
Download: Airborne [Ben Moon] or Veela's soundcloud
To continue the string of young, breakthrough artists, we have Ben Moon. He is known for incorporating orchestral elements into EDM. His arrangements are lush, engaging, and the farthest thing possible from boring. He also has a heart for service, and is currently collecting donations here for a volunteer trip in Ecuador. Alas, he is presently on hiatus while he focuses on finishing high school and getting into college, but he already has plenty of good tunes and remixes queued up.

Majesty is unusual for a Ben Moon song in that it has vocals, but he proves he can arrange both instrumentals and vocals like a maestro. The vocals are performed by Veela, well-known in the EDM world for her purple hair and pristine voice. It was actually a brilliant move on Ben's part to collaborate with Veela and garner some more popularity (admittedly, I clicked on the song because of Veela's name). The tune employs some light strings backing, but the arrangement really shines when Veela becomes a one-woman choir, with complex harmonies and overlapping lines. The lyrics tell the gripping and emotive story of a people overtaken by force and torn by war. Before the vocal line gets complex, the flute line accompanies Veela right into the smoking hot drum and bass. Even the chord progression built on sustained ah's adds great pathos to piece. This collab proves to be meaningful, mysterious, and--of course--majestic. I hope we get to see more of this combo in the future.

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Stuck In My Skull 376 -- "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)"

Song: "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)" || Artist: Fall Out Boy || http://youtu.be/HsfY8iFbYjE ||

Comments: I have to confess that I wasn't really into music when Fall Out Boy happened the first time. That being said, their hiatus happened completely without my noticing, and their return surprised me because I didn't realize they'd ever left... or really ever given much thought to their existence. Setting aside the fact that the band apparently managed to pull of a song and video and schedule a world tour without media attention, this song is surprisingly good. I wasn't expecting much from a middle school punk band, but my preconceptions have gotten the better of me. The vocals are pretty good, and I'm really enjoying the beat beneath it. I'm not really sure how to describe the... is it a keyboard or a synth? in the harmony, but I'm loving it. Check it out!

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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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Stuck In My Skull 375 -- "8 Bit Trip"

Song: "8 Bit Trip" || Artist: Rymdreglage || http://youtu.be/4qsWFFuYZYI ||

Comments: Oh, this song. Actually, this song and video. I don't know how long ago I found this song/video, but it is so fantastic, and I never really shared it. There is nothing I don't love about this song and video -- they are both perfection. If you're into electronic music at all, check this out. If you aren't into electronic music, check this out anyway -- the video is more than strong enough to stand on its own without the song. As the title suggests, it has a very 8 bit feel to it (the song, that is), straddling the border of what I would call chip tunes.
Okay, fine, I was trying to only talk about the song here, but for once, I'm going to devote a decent amount of time to discussing the video. This vid is several things. First and foremost, Rymdreglage have officially won at stop-motion photography. Nobody need ever try again, because it won't be better than this. Second, holy nostalgia, Batman! It is a trip, indeed.
Alright, I'm going to stop talking here. Just go watch it.

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[Secret Sounds] ~ Mr FijiWiji - Farewell

Track: Farewell
Artist: Mr FijiWiji
Download: iTunes Mr FijiWiji, called "The Fij" by his adoring fans, is another young artist on the Monstercat label. Not only is he an accomplished producer at such a young age, but he also volunteers and raises money for charity. He is known for making emotional music that is all his own style, without bending to what is popular. He also loves to title songs after his friends (see Gina and Jason the Breadman's Quest for Redemption) and to give away free music.

His first independent release, Farewell, is no exception. This piece has a beautifully executed ABA form. The first part begins with a great kick that gives way to a plaintive melody, which later stacks on top of a syncopated countermelody. When this fades, a solo piano part rises up from the silence. The Fij's gentle but compelling vocals enter, and though the lyrics may be simple, they capture the perfect sentiment for a departure. The reverb on the vocals (and throughout the piece) adds charge to the emotion. The countermelody from the first section returns, and later the melody comes back after the vocals fade. The two intertwine in a beautiful dance until the return of only the original kick. The outstanding composition of this piece and its emotionally resonant sounds make it a great first independent release for The Fij.

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Stuck In My Skull 374 -- "I Love It"

Song: "I Love It" || Artist: Icona Pop feat. Chari XCX || http://youtu.be/UxxajLWwzqY ||

Comments: Hello everyone, I'm back! I have to say, that week off did me a world of good. And it couldn't have come at a better time, either -- last week was absolutely insane for me. But we're good now, and I'm back in the saddle!
So, this song. First, thanks to Amanda for telling me about it. Second, I believe it made an appearance in an episode of the TV show Girls this season, which is a fantastic show, by the way. Anyway, I love it. (No pun intended.) It reminds me quite a bit of September and Tegan and Sara, especially the shot they have in the video at about 0:51 -- it screams Tegan and Sara to my eyes. And I am definitely into this song. It's been stuck in my head for a few days now, and it's great. I love the intro bass line, and the crazy don't care attitude. It's catchy (if slightly vulgar -- your kids probably shouldn't hear it), and I can't get enough of it. I feel like I'm seeing more and more electropop coming into the scene, especially the small groups and female driven groups, and I'm a huge fan of these developments. I look forward to seeing how Icona Pop's career turns out. Enjoy!

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ETC #50 "Ni Freud Ni Tu Mama"

Song: Ni Freud Ni Tu Mama ~ Artist: Belinda

~ http://youtu.be/xrCtkMuypfU ~

Comments: IT'S FRIDAY! And as celebration of the weekend I have provided a fun and upbeat song for today. This artist is nothing new and in fact, I'm not sure where she stands in her music career. Last time I checked she was on a soap opera. But prior to that she was very popular musically. (Actually, just did a little search and it turns out she has a new album coming out at the end of February. Keep a look out!) Anyhow, this song has both a Spanish and an English version.  I will, however, make note that they do not say the same thing and to be honest I prefer the Spanish version.  The chorus to the Spanish version reads: "It's good-bye/ I can't anymore/ Forgive/ There's no guilt/ It ended. It couldn't be./ There's no guilt. Never."  And if I may date myself a little bit, there is a Raven Symone in the background at the end. And some really cool dancing as well. Happy listening!

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