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?).