freeenergy

“Free Energy” is a song that mimics it’s name in every facet possible. The first few lines of the song demonstrate this beautifully: “We’re breakin’ out this time. Makin’ out with the wind. And I’m so disconnected. I’m never gonna check back in.” Adorned with cowbell, this song conveys a carefree attitude, sure to make the youth in us all come out.

Throughout this song, instruments are stacked upon one another until the chorus finally hits you with a bang. It’s so catchy, you can’t help but get this song stuck in your head, whether you like it or not. For some reason, this song is even more satisfying while driving in the car.

So, put the windows down, put your hands in the air and just let go. After all, ” We are young and still alive.”

Love,

OCV

P.S.  Check out the music video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thWJ53kS43U

delta spiritA rock song with a heart of it’s own!  There’s something sinister lurking in the background of this catchy song.  A dark and soulful undertone.   All the same it gets you on your feet with lead singer Matt Vasquez’s impassioned shouts of “If ya feelin’ what I’m feelin’ c’mon! All you soul-searchin’ people c’mon!” 

The saloon-style piano creates and old-timey effect but the song keeps its modern edginess with the guitar.  I simultaneously think of gangsters from the 50’s and old-time westerns whenever I hear this song. 

I think it’s clear from my previous blog posts that I’m a sucker for big finales and Delta Spirit does not disappoint.  The song ends with a discharge of electric awesomeness that flares out of the guitars and which is guaranteed to unleash your inner bad-ass.

I’d really recommend watching the music video.  It’s very artistic, extremely entertaining, and goes with the song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPDcYcjbxFE

 And here’s the link to their myspace:

http://www.myspace.com/deltaspirit

Word,

PRZ

Wolf ParadeIt starts off with a nice steady beat before Spencer Krug’s voice comes in, haunting and otherworldy. The song flows throughout, continuing to entice you within its rhythm. You truly cannot help but be hypnotized by the lyrics.

It’s a song about the dissapointments of, you guessed it, the modern world. As the beginning line is “I’m not in love with the modern world,” the song continues into a sad poem dedicated to the troubles various changes have brought to our world and it ends with Spencer Krug’s crooning, “Modern world I’m not pleased to meet you, you just bring me down”.

When I first heard this song it reminded my of the mysterious city of Atlantis, which was ironically fitting as it was supposed to be an advanced civilization that was lost to the sea. The concept paralles our current poilitcal sorroundings as the song shines spotlight in the direction of the dangerous social and environmental changes that our world is going through. Wolf Parade brings forth a socially relevent concept that resonates the opinions of the unhappy masses that make up this modern world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nMHGyR_i8g

Peace out,
MAM

white rabbits White Rabbits, a six piece act residing in New York, breaks the conventional mold that forms most every band.

White Rabbits has 2 drummers. This is not unheard of in the music industry, yet is not common. This fact carries a lot of weight in White Rabbit’s song titled “Percussion Drum.” From the first few seconds of listening to this song, one can notice the dominance in percussion.

Layer by layer, a compilation of instruments are piled on top one another to create a dynamically sound song. Throughout the song, vocals, guitar, bass and piano come into the mix, making the sound that is White Rabbits.

To get the full effect of the song, watch the music video while listening to it for the first time:

Let me know what you think!

Love,

OCV

Franz FerdinandThis song is a pure rock/dance supermix. It is a mixture of Franz Ferdinand’s unique sound with an added nightclub-dance component to it that you haven’t heard in their previous songs. I originally heard this song on Gossip Girl and it fit the scene it was showcased in so perfectly, that all I could do was get it. Before you shake your head and disregard this whole post, due to my Gossip Girl reference, hear me out. The intricate and constant bass was what sucked me into this song. It may not be the first thing you hear, but if you listen for it, you can pick it out and enjoy the whole song in a new light.  The other thing that attracted me to this song was Alex Kaprano’s voice. I truly believe he is the only one who could’ve sung it. There is a hint of mystery mixed with candid honesty, which makes up his voice, that you can’t find anywhere else. A great oxymoron if you ask me and just the thing to make you curious enough to listen to it.

http://www.myspace.com/franzferdinand

Peace Out,
    MAM

sayhi4

The ruler of great, chillax music, Say Hi (formally known as Say Hi To Your Mom) really shows off it’s stuff with the song Northwestern Girls.  I was originally showed this by MAM and the first time I heard it I loved it.  It’s soft beats and mumbled vocals really exemplify the feeling of coolness.  Unlike many soft songs, it doesn’t get boring or dull to listen to but even picks up with a rise in tempo and emotion near the end that will take you by a storm.  MAM once described it as unworldly which  I think suits it perfectly.  It’s a great song to just be with yourself. 

Check it out!  If you don’t listen to the whole thing I’ll kick you:

http://www.myspace.com/sayhitoyourmom

Word,

PRZ

Ra Ra Riot

Not too many songs begin with a drum & string intro. This song, however, is not like many other songs. One thing that makes this song different, is that the bass is fighting with violin for it’s time in the spotlight… which is not necessarily a bad thing. Throughout the song, the drums build up at about the same pace as the strings, which is why the song caught my attention. The lyrics in this song are very upfront and  yet are phrased in a way that is not frequently used. The singer does a good job of playing with the beats in this song, matching them to the lyrics. If you are in the mood for something refreshing, I would recommend this song:

http://www.myspace.com/rarariot

Love,

OCV

decemberists2This song is one that can touch your heart. Colin Meloy’s (lead singer and band’s songwriter) melancholy voice and poetic words will send you to another world, far away from here, but yet so close. It is a song about love ignored or maybe love forgotten, who knows? That is what is great about “The Crane Wife 3”, its completely open to interpretation and can mean something different to every person. It starts out somewhat slow and around a minute in, a steady drum beat appears and continues throughout the song that keeps with the forlorn feel that the song started out with. The Decemberists are sometimes considered quite folk-rock, so if you’re anti-folk, don’t be scared off  by this song ; though it does have a slight folky element it will also appeal to chill-rock listener.  Overall, this may not be the song you listen to while driving 70 mph on the highway, but it will be a song that you can listen to while you remember times past or are just sitting on the couch letting your imagination take rein of your thoughts.

http://www.myspace.com/thedecemberists

Peace Out,
     MAM

Natalie Portman's Shaved Head Don’t let the band’s unique (and admittedly slightly weird) name throw you off. The constant dance beat mixed with bouncy melodies and rythmic clapping is a perfect musical concoction that will keep your energy going and going.  They’re the type of band that basically makes the music they want to make and if you don’t like it, well too bad! In “Sophisticated Side Ponytail” a girl and a boy are openly flirting with each other with the eccentric and creative questions. My favorite part of the song is probably what I call the Sea World Solo which occurs throughout the whole second verse of the song and ends with a cute musical tune. Though a short song it leaves your wild dancing side satified and your beat cravings satiated. Check them out at:

www.myspace.com/natalieportmansshavedhead

Peace Out,
         MAM

clapyourhandsClap Your Hands Say Yeah is an alternative band occasionally under controversy over the lead singer’s unique vocals.  Some people call it whiney but I find it it not only fits but adds to the music and creates a really cool effect.  The more you listen to it the more you realize the brilliance of it.  “Is This Love?” is my personal favorite with edgy guitar riffs and upbeat drums. Every time I hit the chorus I cant help but roll my head along with it as my friends roll their eyes in embarrassment.  The vocals are warped and broken at times but I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I’d have to say my favorite part is the finale where they unleash a barrage of musical fireworks.  If you haven’t heard it yet you should definitely check it out:

http://www.myspace.com/clapyourhandssayyeah

Word,

PRZ