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A Slow Song, Anyone?

Click To Listen To "Stay" By Hurts       

        So usually I'm not the biggest fan of slower love ballads, but it looks like I'm a sucker for "Stay" by Hurts, a pair of British guys in the synthpop genre.  I've gotta be honest...I was a little hesitant when I heard the first verse...but once it got to the chorus, oh man.  Maybe it's just the mood I'm in today, but this song has some great energy that I haven't heard in a slower song in a while.  The song starts out small, then builds and builds with each verse, which keeps it moving along.  I'm also really feeling the contrast between the verses and the chorus...the choir in the chorus definitely gives the word "stay" some emphasis that gives you those chills that come when your emotions run high...youu know the chills I'm talking about.  I feel like this song has something I can't quite put my finger on...a certain fresh feel maybe?  Some might think that the song's a little cheesy...and that honestly might be true.  But who doesn't like a little cheesiness in their life?  It's unavoidable, so you might as well enjoy the cheesiness in the form of a great ballad!

The Day That Marina and the Diamonds Entered My Life

*Click To Listen To Marina and the Diamond's "I Am Not A Robot"*

        I've heard about Marina and the Diamonds for quite some time now, but never really got around to listening to Marina.  I was a little weary because she seems to be so popular, and some of the time I just don't enjoy the normal, poppy music that has so many fans, and I know a lot of other college students that feel the same way.  But that was all before I heard this song, "I Am Not A Robot."  Marina has a hugely unique voice, and this song is definitely different from anything I've ever heard before.  She seems willing to take chances, and I love that in an artist.  This is the kind of pop that I can really get into...enough with Miley Cyrus and similar artists, it's time for some adult pop music!
        I'm also a little amazed with this music video...definitely not what I expected from the stereotypical image I had of a pop star.  It really gets the senses going...sparkles, paint, hair flying everywhere...all the makings of a fairly intense and highly visual music video.  The lyrics aren't just empty words, either.  "I Am Not A Robot" seems to tell the story of someone hanging out with the wrong crowd and portraying a hard exterior when in reality they're lovable just like every other human.  And the voice accompanying this story really makes you feel emotion...something about Marina's voice is so pure and innocent, which I love in female artists.  It's easy enough to play the role of the hot superstar, but from what I can tell Marina is much more than that...she's relatable.  Relatability gets you fans, and today Marina has earned another fan (me...if you didn't get the hint).  Enjoy...I know you will!

Time To Enjoy A Cover

*Listen to "Smokestack Lightning" by The Animals*

        So I really like covers, especially when the artist does the original version of the song justice, while at the same time adding their own style to the tune.  This cover of "Smokestack Lightning" is done by The Animals (an English band from the 1960's), while the original is by Howlin' Wolf, and both are phenomenal in my opinion.  The Animals really made the song a bit livelier and added in some rock elements with the original blues sound that can definitely be seen today (The Black Keys anyone?).  The combination of blues and rock is pretty much my favorite...songs that have those different styles are sure to make you feel something, which is one of the reasons I listen to music in the first place.  The thing I love about this cover is how simple it is...the same tune over and over, with the soulful vocals that penetrate you...just amazing.  This song has been covered probably around a billion times, but this is definitely one of my favorite versions (thank you Pandora for knowing me so well) and I think listening to it might just improve your day.  Scratch that, it will improve your day, so do ittt.

I'm Baaaack.

 

*Click Here: "Dawn of the Dead" by Does It Offend You, Yeah?*

        So I may be a little forgetful.  So forgetful, in fact, that I forgot my password, resulting in no updates to this blog in a week.  Well, all is fixed and it will never happen again (*crossing my fingers*).  Well, on with the show...time for another great song!  "Dawn of the Dead" comes from an electronic British band, Does It Offend You, Yeah? ...who not only have a great band name, but also great music.  My friend actually just introduced me to them a few days ago, lucky for me, and of course I had to share it with you guys.  This song is insanely catchy and for some odd reason it reminds me of zombies (Dawn of the Dead...great movie).  As for the lyrics, I'm not positively sure what this song is about, to be completely honest.  To me it sounds kind of like an argument that a couple might have...getting into a fight, one of them telling the other to just leave...something like that.  I guess I'll just have to keep listening to it to figure out it's true meaning...oh darn, I better get started on that...and you should, too!

PS - Sorry the link I posted isn't the actual music video, it got taken down for copyright ridiculousness, but enjoy anyway.

New Music After A Long Absense

  

 *Click For "Kingdom Of Rust" by The Doves*

        When I first heard "Kingdom of Rust," I'll admit it wasn't my favorite song.  But the more I listened to it, the more it grew on me, and now it's probably one of my most played songs on iTunes.  This could be due to the fact that it's from one of my favorite movies (Zombieland...so excellent), but I think it's mostly due to the fantastic lyrics and the different interpretations you can get from them.  I was having a discussion with one of my friends about the song, and he believes it's a very spiritual song talking about the trust you have to have in your god.  I, on the other hand, believe it has to do with waiting for someone you love to love you back...whether that love is unrequited or just confusing.  Of course, my interpretation might be due to the fact that I'm a college girl, but what are ya gonna do?
        In regards to the music video, it's very strong and provides a whole different look at what the song means.  In the video you see a man going on a journey somewhere...it was my first impression that he was going to meet a lover, however, as the video comes to an end a flashback shows a father and his children looking out into the ocean.  Then, when the flashback is done, the man that traveled so far is seen scattering ashes into the air on a beach.  It seems that the band's take on the video is about the loss of a father...perhaps the "kingdom of rust" representing how we grow older and  are eventually taken away from this world and the ones we love.  Either way you listen to it, the song is very powerful and well done, and I really recommend watching the music video if you can get a chance.  As a college student continuously thinking about the future, I love music videos like this that make you really think about life and what's important in the end.  Bravo, The Doves!

Taking the Day Off For Some Blog Maintenance

    
        Sorry for the lack of posting today guys, but I'm currently trying to make the blog look all nice and pretty for you.  Be patient and posting will return to normal and more great music will head your way!

Sharing My Love For One of My Favorites

*Click For "The Writer"*

*Click for "Starry Eyed"*

     
        Since I mentioned my adoration for Ellie Goulding's music in my last post, I thought it was only proper to elaborate on one of my favorite artists.  Ellie Goulding is a 23-year old singer/guitarist from England with enormous talent.  She has an incredibly unique voice that I could listen to for hours on end (and believe me, I've done it).  The lyrics in her songs actually get me thinking, unlike a lot of artists today, and I love that about Ellie's music.  In regards to "The Writer," I adore this song because it brings out crazy amounts of emotions for me.  I can listen to it no matter what mood I'm in...happy, sad, even stressed.  And every time I listen to it, I notice a different line from the lyrics that somehow pertains to a situation I'm going through, which is pretty fantastic for a song to accomplish.  "The Writer" is just one of those powerful, slower songs that you have to sing along with...so listen to it now, or else!

        The second song by Ellie Goulding that I want to talk about is "Starry Eyed."  This song fits in with the whole electro-pop genre that's becoming very popular, so it's gotten almost eleven million views on Youtube...just wow, good for her.  Though Ellie is going along with this music genre trend, she really makes it her own, in my opinion.  I feel like any song with her voice ends up just being amazing and unique sounding. I love the faster tempo of this track...the beat along with her honest sounding vocals really puts me in a dreamlike state of heavenly music.  The only complaint I really have about the song is that I wish it were longer, because every time I listen to it I'm disappointed when it's over (which is why I tend to replay it a billion times a day...maybe a billion and one).  So whether you're looking for a slower, more meaningful song, or an up-tempo beat, Ellie's your go to artist, and if my recommendation means anything I say listen to Ellie Goulding! 

Good Choice? We'll See!

 *Labrinth's "Let the Sun Shine"*

        So, I just read an article about Simon Cowell signing an artist that didn't come from a TV talent show for the first time in six years to his label, Syco.  I was expecting a new, exciting, never-heard-before kind of artist, but I'm a bit skeptical.  The new artist's name is Labrinth (name reminds me of the great movie starring David Bowie) and he's a 21-year old hip-hop singer from England.  First, I'll start with some of the things I liked about his song, "Let the Sun Shine," then we'll get into some of my criticisms.  It has a great beat that definitely reminds me of something Usher would be involved in.  When the clapping sounds were introduced I admit it got me more into the song...my foot was tapping, for sure.  It's also a really cute, positive song that I might play if I were having a bad day (or if it was gloomy and rainy out, like it is today).  On the other hand, I'm not so sure that Simon Cowell made a great choice for such a big addition to his record label.  The guys got talent, that's for sure, but he's nothing we all haven't heard before.  If this kid wants to make it and break away from the likes of Usher and Chris Brown in the United States, he's going to have to do something completely different.  Labrinth does have somethinggg going for him right now though...he's apparently set up to collaborate with Ellie Goulding, one of my favorite female artists from England.  Ellie Goulding is talented and unique and might be able to help Labrinth break some boundaries in the UK hip-hop scene.  I'll cross my fingers and wish Labrinth the best of luck...as long as he takes my advice (he definitely reads this blog, right?).

A Truly "Special" Song

 *"Ghost Town" by The Specials*

        I am extremely sorry for that ridiculously corny title, but I couldn't resist...forgive me, pretty please?  Now that I've apologized, let's start talking about this great ska tune from 1981.  On The All Time Top 3000 Songs by Acclaimed Music, The Special's "Ghost Town" came in at number 90...which is a crazy achievement.  To make it a little more relevant to today...this was in the soundtrack for Shaun of the Dead...one of my all-time favorite horror comedy movies (you really can't ever go wrong with zombies).  The vocals are haunting, and the superb beat of the song really brings the creepy vibe of the whole tune all together.  I really like that this isn't the normal upbeat kind of ska song that you normally would hear...instead it's quite melancholy, which makes the song seem to have a deeper, darker meaning.  It's rare to find great songs nowadays that are slower and darker that still keep up a great beat like this song.  So listen to "Ghost Town", enjoy, and feel free to share any feedback that you might have!

Who Am I? And What the Heck Is This Blog, Anyway?

         Hey everyone, I'm Sarah! I figure anyone that decides to follow this blog might want to know a little bit about me (and if you don’t, I completely apologize and you’re welcome to skip this post).  I'm a nineteen-year old student from the Northeast currently majoring communications and minoring in political science.  My friends describe me as that girl-next-door who’s nice to everyone she meets and is known to be awkward to a point (but in a good way, or so I've been told). I’m a decently laid back, peace-loving kind of girl (the posters in my dorm kinda give that away), but I have my moments of worry like every other person out there. There are a lot of activities that make up the life of Sarah…some of which include reading (anything from books, to blogs, to magazines), writing (mostly poetry and random thoughts about life), sports (go Yankees!), and movies (my goal is to watch all of the movies on IMDB’s Top 250 list). But if I had to define myself, I would first consider myself a music fanatic.
        When I meet people and they ask me what I do for fun, the first thing I do is talk about music and all the artists that I’m interested in to see if our musical tastes are compatible. I'm open to listening to absolutely anything, whether it's rock, hip-hop, electronic, dubstep, pop, etc. On my campus I can be found walking to and from classes with my headphones in and the music blasting, oblivious to all my surroundings (just ask anyone that’s had to get my attention by tackling me). I treat music as a soundtrack to my life, and without it I don’t even know where I’d be. Previously, I said that I’m open to listening to anything and everything, but that wasn’t always the case. Before I spent some time at my university, I listened to rock, rock, and more rock. No dubstep, no hip-hop, and definitely no rap. Thanks to coming into contact with crazy amounts of unique people in college, I’ve come to realize that all different types of music can be equally awesome. And I can honestly say that there are quite a few amazingly talented rappers out there (my past self would have laughed at that statement…hard).
        You might wonder why I think I’m qualified to write about music at all. I don’t play an instrument, I’m not studying music in college, and though I was in chorus from elementary school to the end of high school, I don’t exactly have the voice of an angel. That might all be true, but what I do have is an extraordinary love of music. My whole life I’ve been surrounded by music…when I got my first CD player and CDs for Christmas (Britney Spears and N*Sync…good times), no one could tear the headphones off my ears. In elementary school the recorder came into my life, and I loved the sounds I could produce with it, though when fourth and fifth grade rolled around I just didn’t have the money to join band, so instead I opted for chorus, which I continued until I graduated high school.
        In high school, my close group of friends started discussing music more and more every time we hung out (especially during the Guitar Hero sessions). My grade was known for being very musically talented, so I just kind of absorbed the mentality that the rest of my grade already had about music and that mentality has yet to fade away. Before I came to college I bought a guitar…I can play a bunch of chords but let’s just say I’m not exactly a guitarist (so what if I can’t play an actual song yet?). I have all this built up passion for music, but I haven’t done much with it…besides finding awesome music daily. I can easily enjoy sitting at my computer for hours on end, searching through millions of artists of all different genres. I can honestly say that it’s one of my true joys in life, and this enthusiasm will never leave me.
    
        I’ve explained why I love music and how it’s a huge part of my life, but you’re probably wondering why I started this blog and what it’s here for. The most basic of answers is that I made this blog so that I could share my love of music with other college students in the United States.  I have a lot of friends that are involved in tons and tons of activities at school, and since I spend most of the day searching for new music they immediately come to me with any updates I have about the musical world.  Basically, people just don't have time to find good music anymore, and I feel that since I do have the time it's my job to spread the wealth to my fellow classmates.  And what better a way than blogging?  We all know those people who hate sharing the great music that they find in fear that it will become mainstream or that “unworthy” people will hear the amazingness.  I, on the other hand, live for sharing my musical finds with people. This might sound super corny, but on Facebook (yes, I am a Facebook addict…help!) I intentionally post lyrics to awesome songs as my status in hopes that someone will listen to the song and love it. I just want others to feel as amazing as I do when I encounter an awesome tune…it’s not fair for me to be greedy and keep such things for myself, is it?
        If you’ve seen my first few posts, you may have noticed that I’m trying to include music of all different genres. This is quite intentional, believe it or not. I want this blog to open students’ minds about music that they normally avoid in hopes that maybe they’ll change like I did when I let different styles of music into my life.  Another question you might have is “Why is the music from the United Kingdom?  Why not Asia, Africa, or the United States…where you’re from?”   Honestly, I just thought it would be an interesting change for all of us that think we’ve heard every band, every rapper, and every other artist in the United States. It’s nice to change things up a little with a different country. Also, I’m mostly English when it comes to my nationality, so I thought, “Why not learn a little about the musical styling of the area where most of my family is originally from?” All in all, I want to clarify that this blog is about discovery of music, not my expert advice on such things. I’m just another music fan that wants to share her opinions with the college world, hoping that it just might change someone’s musical perspective. So let’s get on with the show and bring on the music!  :)

The Results Are In...

         I slept horriblyyy.  Never again am I going to go to bed without listening to music.  Today I've been completely exhausted, practically falling asleep in my classes...which may or may not have to do with my having a cold...but honestly, I just like thinking that I can improve the quality of my sleep by listening to music before bed.  That's my opinion, and I'm stickin' to it!

The Sleep Experiment

 It is getting out of hand with these late nights...I blame music!  Spending all day and all night listening to new tunes is what I do, and I feel that this may somehowww contribute to my ridiculous hours.  Here's the main issue...I cannot ever fall asleep without hearing a song that perfectly fits my mood.  Some days the right song seems to come to me with the snap of my finger, but other days I spend a crazy amount of time trying to first match what genre, then what artist, then what specific song I could fit with my mood.  Well, now that it's one in the morning, I think I mighttt have to go to bed...without hearing a great song!  Let's experiment and see how this affects the amount of time it takes me to fall asleep and the quality of sleep that I get.  Wish me luck, results will follow tomorrow along with some amazing music!

If You're Looking For a Nostalgic Sound, Look No Further

*Click For "1000 Years"*

        Another late night for me...surprise, surprise!  Anyway, if you're into the sound of the 60's, I've got good news.  This song "1000 Years" by The Coral is phenomenal and brings back the style of the 60's while still staying modern.  For anyone that's a fan of bringing back the psychedelic feel, this English band's song is the perfect option.  This tune is completely perfect for me at the moment...so relaxing for such a stressful night full of studying, and great lyrics to boot.  Well, since sleep is a bit necessary for a college student like me, I'm off to bed...stay tuned for some new music discoveries tomorrow!

Midnight Music for the Win

*Listen to "Crystalised" by The xx*

        Got to watch the Yankees win and now an amazing song plays on my iTunes?  Great night, great night.  So, if you haven't heard of The xx you are seriously missing out on a great UK band.  The amazing song that I'm talking about is "Crystalised," and it is beyond mesmerizing.  Beautiful vocals, a nice and simple melody...makes for the perfect song.  It doesn't hurt that the lyrics are equally as amazing.  I've heard some say that the band is too serious and should smile more when they play so people want to see them live, but I don't believe that all bands should conform to this way of thinking.  The xx is a very talented group that seems to put a lot more effort into their actual music than their appearances as a band, which makes me respect them so much more.  Music fans should start to pay more attention to the music they're listening to rather than how a band looks while they play the music.  Well, obviously I love The xx, I hope you love them too.  G'night all :)

Perfect Sunday Song

*Click to Hear "Something Good Can Work"*

I've got quite the love/hate relationship with Sundays. On one hand, its a great day for lazing about, recovering from weekend shenanigans. But on the other hand, I usually end up being bored to the max, which is where music comes in and saves the day. Right now my savior is Two Door Cinema Club, a band from Northern Ireland that I'm pretty much in love with at the moment. I listened to them all summer, but somehow never heard "Something Good Can Work," which is apparently their most well-known song, if you base popularity on Youtube views (and really who doesn't?). Catchy, up-beat, a bit inspiring...it's one of those songs that actually makes me want to *GASP* get my school work done...who would have thought that was possible? So if you're having a bad day or want to liven up a Sunday filled with crazy amounts of boredom, or just want to hear a great song, click the linkkk.

Fairly Amazing.

*Click Here To Listennn*

So I was on my quest for some Saturday night music, and I came across this sick song by Coldcut featuring rapper Roots Manuva called "True Skool." Such an amazing beat, and Roots Manuva is just awesome...something about his voice just lures me in like crazy.  While doing a little bit of research, it seems that Roots Manuva is considered one of the best rappers in the UK, so I'm pretty pumped that I've finally took a listen to some of his work.  For me, his voice adds a sort of reggae tune to an awesome beat by the Coldcuts, which I love.  The only problem I have with the song is that it gets me all pumped up when I listen to it, but it seems to end so quickly.  I think they could have added another verse or so to make the song a bit longer since it feels like it goes by in a second.  But basically, it's such a chill song, I highly recommend checking it out.