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!
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
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
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!
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!
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!
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!
Stuck In My Skull 