Mélodie du Jour

28 Avril 2013

Painted Bird (youtube)

I'm diving into Dark Wave once again.  Today I give you, Siouxsie and the Banshees -- One of my favourite bands.  I have been heavily influenced mainly by Siouxsie Sioux's fashion, voice, and lyrical style.  I find her fascinating and such a strange, beautiful creature.  'Painted Bird' is off the album, 'A Kiss in the Dreamhouse' which was released in 1982.  I really love the lyrics in this song and how Siouxsie executes them in a desperate call.  There are a few book references in this and I had a lot of fun figuring them out and learning about them.  One source says that the song as a whole was based off the book 'The Painted Bird' (Der bemalte Vogel) by Jerzy Kosinksi.  It is violent, macabre and sexual, reflected in the word choice such as lines:

The peacock screaming eyes show no mercy oh, oh no mercy

Painted bird, it's absurd Just a tainted bird hurting their twisted nerve

Painted bird, it's absurd Just a tainted bird hurting their twisted nerve

The flock will make you choke on this sadistic joke

Also mentioned in this book is the destruction of Klimt's art pieces by the Nazis.  This ties into the album art of 'A Kiss in the Dreamhouse' as it is based off the famous piece called 'The Kiss' by Klimt.  She also references Alfred Hitchcock and must be influenced by the film, 'The Birds'.  

It can be quite symbolic; this song and the book it is named after.  From what I gather, it is about jealous people who destroy beautiful things because of that hatred and envy.  

27 Avril 2013

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings (youtube)

Father John Misty is J. Tillman's new music project.  He was formally of Fleeting Foxes (Seattle, WA) as the drummer.  This is a Folk/Experimental Rock/Psychedelic Rock genre that I am still learning about.  A friend and classmate of mine recommended him to me and this was the song they referred me.  I was instantly hooked by the video, lyrics, and musicality displayed in this song.  

Firstly, the video is centered around Audrey Plaza's character, who seems to be going through hard times as the loss of a friend weighs heavily on her shoulders.  Mental grief and mixed emotions are clearly shown by her erratic behaviour and somber disposition.  Father John Misty's voice croons out lyrics that are so haunting and wise yet innocent in their way.  I love how it romanticises death and funerals.  He finds a way to decipher the perplexing emotions and mental processes that can arise from death.  I believe that part in particular is why I love this song so much.

Please take a listen to this track.  If you like it, please support Father John Misty by buying his music and seeing him live!

15 Avril 2013

We Are the Champions (youtube)

The fab group, Queen is featured today!  I don't think I have to say much about Queen.  Everyone knows them and for good reason: they laid down a diverse musical foundation.  They also had one of the best frontmen of the 21st Century: Freddie Mercury.  If you somehow don't know Queen, educate yourself now.

I chose this song today because I finished my finals and have officially ended my first year at uni (what a fucking relief)!  I am finally able to rest and chill out.  Tomorrow is my birthday and then on the 18th or 19th, I'll be moving out of rez!  I'm so excited to be back home and see everyone for the first time in 2 months since they last brought me back up (visiting over a long weekend back in February).

14 Avril 2013

Domo23 (youtube)

I don't always go for hip hop/rap/r&b etc.  But when I find certain artists in these genres, I will stick to them.  One of my modern faves: Odd Future (OFWGKTA).  To be more specific, this is Tyler, the Creator and this song is off his new album, Wolf (released April 2nd).  My brother got me into Odd Future and the various members of this group a few years ago.  I really liked the songs he played, but wouldn't really go out of my way to find them on my own for a little while.  I finally got my ass in gear a year or so ago and I absolutely love them.  Their lyrical lines can be really witty and sharp -- which I thoroughly enjoy.  In Domo23 in particular, I love the beat.  When I first heard this song, I had it on repeat for some time -- It's quite addictive.  I can't wait to listen to the whole album!  I hope that in due time, I can take my brother to one of their performances.

Hope you guys enjoy this!  As usual, I'm trying to make my blog showcase how diverse I am... So don't worry!  Heavy stuff will be back!  Also, sorry for being absent again.  My finals are on Monday and then I leave for summer break just a few days afterwards so I am busy!  Hopefully after my finals I can get back to a daily cycle for this blog.

4 Avril 2013

Hey guys!  It's been awhile since I've posted on here.  School has been heavy since finals are coming up in the next week.  Anywho, I've been going through music I listened to back in middle school and refound Atreyu.  They are currently on hiatus, but I encourage you all to check them out if you haven't already.

Today's selection is 'Bleeding Mascara'.  I really really like the melodic vocal parts of this song done by Brandon (the drummer who also does vocals).  The song is essentially about this girl who is a heartbreaker that uses the people who claim their love to her.  I like how they describe her as a 'wraith with an angel's body'.  For those unknowing, a Wraith is a ghost or spirit, usually a malicious one.

Other songs by Atreyu I recommend:

Becoming the Bull

Lipgloss and Black

At Least I Know I'm A Sinner

Corseting

Ex's and Oh's

Creature

Bleeding is a Luxury

Hope you guys are still kickin' out there!  I'll have some more diverse posts this week; just you wait!

22 Mars 2013

Fourth Dimension (youtube)

This talented beauty is LIGHTS from Canada.  She is married to Beau Bokan, frontman of Blessthefall.  If you are a Blessthefall fan, you may know they made songs that went together, '40 Days' by Blessthefall & 'And Counting...' by LIGHTS.  She is a very genuine, sweet soul who is multi-talented.  She can sing, play a wide array of instruments, play video games like a boss, and is extremely gifted at drawing and painting.  I first found out about her around 2010.  I absolutely fell in love with her.  What sealed the deal for me was when she did an acoustic cover of Björk's song, Jóga.  Siberia is her most recent album.  She will soon be releasing an acoustic version of Siberia on April 30th.  Fellow musician Owl City is featured on the song, 'Cactus in the Valley' on this album and apparently this song has been released, so go check it out!

I really love this song.  In short, to me one of the things she is discussing is that love is beyond all logic.  It can't be answered with scientific fact... It is a fourth dimension; it's own world and area in our lives.  The electronic tracking is nice space like, with some spooky keyboard work that is subtle in the background.  Her vocals (natural and engineered) really add to the songs complexity.  Siberia as a whole is a wonderful album and is definitely worth listening to.  If you like her, please please please support her!!

Other song by LIGHTS I recommend:

Second Go

Saviour {Adam Young Remix}

White

The Last Thing On Your Mind

Timing is Everything

Everybody Breaks a Glass

Flux and Flow

And Counting...

Toes

21 Mars 2013

Death of Seasons (youtube)

AFI for today!  This is going to be a short post for this song.  It seems that I've been getting back into the punk rock and alternative rock vibe recently.  It seemed only fitting to finally put an AFI song up here.  I originally was introduced to them in 2006 by a friend in middle school.  The first album of theirs I heard was Decemberunderground and absolutely loved it.  So, I back tracked and listened to all their music from 1995 up and to Decemberunderground then adding Crash Love when it was released in 2009.  I like the bass in the beginning and the quick tempo that soon comes into play.  Davey's vocals are amazing and his screaming and clean vocals are lovely.  I also like the synth element they added to this song.

I am adoring Jade and Davey's side project: Blaqk Audio.  If you are into Dark Wave, EBM, Synthpop, Electronic music, definitely take a listen to the duo!!  

Blaqk Audio and AFI songs I recommend:

Say Red

Stiff Kittens

Miss Murder

Summer Shudder

The Days of the Phoenix

Perfect Fit

Open Your Eyes

Kiss and Control

The Last Kiss

20 Mars 2013

If you haven't checked out Bring Me the Horizon's new album... you need to. The future release is entitled, Sempiternal, an old English word meaning everlasting.  I have been a follower of this band for years and I know that some people have a love hate relationship with this band.  I do think that people will change their minds when listening to this album, however.  Bring Me the Horizon continuously evolved album to album and Sempiternal is the big turn around.  It is much more experimental and unique.  The lyrical content is macabre, harsh, raw, and to some, emotionally moving.  The singer, Oliver Sykes actually has clean vocals on this record which sound fantastic.  The electronic work is outstanding, but does not overpower the metal elements from the guitars and drumming.  Sempiternal will be released April 1st-2nd... The band streamed the album on youtube so definitely take a listen to the other tracks!

After listening to the album, I find that 'Can You Feel My Heart' is one of my top favourites off Sempiternal.  The electronics in the beginning are odd and give a feeling of something off about to happen.  Then come in the rest of the instruments, full of power as BMTH does.  Oli's voice through out this whole song sounds strained (in a good way), anxious, yet beautiful.  It's a song about doubting oneself, being dragged into a dark, dangerous abyss -- A feeling and mindset I am all too familiar with. I believe that is why I connect with it so much.  Everyone raves about these lines in particular: 

"I'm scared to get close and I hate being alone

I long for that feeling to not feel at all

The higher I get, the lower I'll sink

I can't drown my demons they know how to swim"

They repeat three times before the guitars descend and make you feel as if you're jumping off a cliff, falling, finally ending it all.  These lines really crept around my negative mind for hours.  The first time I listened to it, I cried because that is how I unfortunately feel a lot of time.  I ruminate on all the bad things about me, my 'demons' if you will.  His words are truth: you can't drown them... They'll just resurface and sometimes they will come back bigger and stronger.  They'll suffocate you and drown you like you tried to do to them, but sometimes they will succeed.  You feel broken inside and really wonder if you can be 'fixed', if you can be sewn back together.  Not everyone will understand this, but for someone like me, I find the lyrics in this song to be quite powerful.

19 Mars 2013

Feel It All Around (youtube)

For the record: Portlandia did not 'bring me here'.  I love that show, but I came by this song around 2010 while going through youtube randomly late one night/early morning.  -- End Hipster Moment -- On to the song!  'Feel It All Around' is by Washed Out, a stage name used by Ernest Greene.  The EP, Life of Leisure was released in 2009; Feel It All Around being the single from this EP.  The beat was taken from the 1983 song 'I Want You' by Gary Low.  I like the New Wave and 'Chillwave' genre of this song.  It definitely was influenced by the 1980s, but the vocals and mixing done to the track make it fresh and new.  I love this song.

Now for a little rant...

Ranting Engaged --> I get thoroughly annoyed when people don't understand sampling (not Washed Out, but the  listeners and mainly youtube commentators).  It's an amazing beat, but it was taken from a song by Gary Low called, I Want You which was released 1983.  Washed Out slowed it down and added to it; making it into a wonderful song that he can call his own.  People: educate yourselves.  You have the internet, use it.  

  I hope you guys like today's installment!  I'm trying to add more diversity to me blog.  Sometimes I find myself stuck in a certain genre for a while which can make it hard to jazz it up on here.

18 Mars 2013

Today, I give you Radiohead.  I had another appointment with a doctor about anti-depressants this morning.  Needless to say, I was not in the best mood.  I was nervous as to what they were going to say.  On top of that, finals are coming around the corner and plans to visit my family over Easter weekend fell through.  The realization of not seeing them till after my birthday started to weigh on me.  I am always a dark, pessimistic person, but this morning was rather unbearable.  On my journey to the dreaded student health services, this song came on.  It took a few seconds, but I soon felt numb to all the previous feelings that were eating at my conscious.  I remembered in that moment why I loved this song so much.  I don't know what element of this song does it, but it puts me at ease for the few minutes it plays.  The distorted instruments create a dream like ambiance that is quite lulling.  Thom York's voice also can be very soft and delicate as shown here in 'All I Need'.  The lyrics are beautiful and for me at least, are very relatable.  At the end, the sounds get louder and more cacophonous, almost as if it's a warning that you're about to enter reality once more.  Songs that can do such a thing prove the power of music.  It proves why music is the number one answer for so many people when they seek comfort.  

15 Mars 2013

Off the Hook (youtube)

I absolutely love this band and I hope some of you do too!  The group is called, CSS, short for Cansei de Ser Sexy (I got tired of being sexy).  They are from Brazil and sing songs in both English and Portuguese!  What I really like about this band is that the original line up had a female majority and now it is a completely female group at the moment.  They are really crazy and high energy.  They are great to dance and party to as well~  I think this is one of my favourite songs off their first album, Cansei de Ser Sexy which was released in 2005.  I remember seeing the video for this a few years ago and absolutely loving the sound and the video (link provided).  Their sound changes a lot, so they don't leave you bored.  My favourite member of the band is the singer, Lovefoxxx.  First off, I love the stage name.  Secondly, she is beautiful (Brazilian and Japanese) with amazing (and frequently odd) fashion choice.  She is super fun and wacky, but not in a way that is cliche or predictable.  She has been featured in many songs including: 'Nightcall' by Kavinksy (Drive soundtrack) and 'Heartbreaker' by Steve Aoki.  

Other songs by CSS I recommend:

Alala

Meeting Paris Hilton

Alcohol

Rat is Dead

Beautiful Song

City Grrrl

Fuck Everything

12 Mars 2013

Doe Deer (youtube)

Alright, Crystal Castles isn't for everyone, but give it a go yeah?  The first song I heard of theirs was 'Not in Love' which featured Robert Smith (The Cure) which is off the same album as 'Doe Deer', (II).  This band is extremely elusive and mysterious, which I kind of like.  All they want to do is be themselves (no matter how weird that may be) and play their goddamn music... Bless them.  I chose this track because I love it's sound.  It is rather short at 1:36, but so much happens in that minute and a half +.  It is slightly cacophonous but in a twisted, pleasing way.  I love Alice's distorted screaming and the muddy bass parts.  The song is almost like something you'd here in a horror Alice in Wonderland or something along those lines.

CC Songs I recommend:

Not in Love

Birds

Suffocation

Empathy

Alice Practice

xxzxcuzx Me

Violent Youth

The madness of this song really spoke to me today, as I started a sample of anti-depressants my doctor gave me last night.  The side effects of nausea, dizziness, and sleeping difficulty came right away.  Doe Deer kind of reflects my current inner chaos... hahaha...   

11 Mars 2013

Intruder + (Oh) Pretty Woman

Van Halen is rocking this blog tonight!  My mother is a big fan, so like some of the other songs on here, I grew up with this.  And I stress I grew up with Van Halen and NOT Van Hagar.  This is a great cover of  'Oh, Pretty Woman' originally by Roy Orbison.  I love the bass in this song and the guitar parts from Eddie Van Halen are simply awesome.  I especially like the versions that contain 'Intruder' as an introduction to 'Oh, Pretty Woman'.  You can't go wrong with some old school metal!  I definitely encourage kids from my generation to look back upon older music.  A lot of artists nowadays take ques (credited or not) from past musicians and it is important to recognize the citations and references.  It irks me to hell when kids think, for example, 'With a little help from my friends' is an original song by One Direction (can't believe that name is gracing my blog) and not by the Beatles.  Seriously, please educate yourself!  You don't have to like it, but at least be well versed!

Okay... I had to rant a little there.  Please enjoy this piece!  Other Van Halen songs I recommend:

Panama

Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love

Jamie's Cryin'

Eruption

You Really Got Me

Dance The Night Way

9 Mars 2013

No No No (youtube)

The band, Yeah Yeah Yeahs hail from NYC and became active in 2000.  They consist of Karen O, Nick Zinner, and Brian Chase.  Fever to Tell was their first debut album released in 2003 and it blew up fast.  This whole album is a treasure.  I love every song off of it, so it was hard for me to choose which song to feature today.  In the end, I chose 'No No No' because I adore the lyrics and blend of genres this song holds within.  There is a punk vibe to it, but at a little piece of it, the guitar has a little ska bit.  The guitars will interchange being heavy and subtle, which accompany Karen O's sporadic singing style.  The song seems to tell a story of heartache, like a break up and the person who was broken up with is in shock and in denial (no no no).  I think my favourite lines are

"It's really not bad not worse than you thought

He'll never come back, he's the man you dropped

He'll never come back, as the man you loved"

(There are a lot of variations on this part of the song for some reason).

My family binged on this album when it first came out and I still do!  Show Your Bones seemed toned down a little from Fever to Tell, but it was fine.  It's Blitz kind of lost me though.  They are releasing their new album, Mosquito on April 16th (my birthday) and have released a new single called, Sacrilege.  It's not like any of the Fever to Tell era, but still good!  I hope I will like Mosquito!!

YYY songs I recommend:

Maps

Man

Date with the Night

Cold Light

Pins

Way Out

Honeybear

7 Mars 2013

An Honest Mistake (youtube)

'An Honest Mistake' was the first single off The Bravery's self-titled album, released in 2005.  I had never heard of this band before, until my parents bought this CD for me as a Christmas gift that same year.  I listened to this album all the way through the first time I played it.  Needless to say, they pulled me into their world.  This song in particular was my favourite, especially with the story behind it.  In an interview the singer, Sam Endicott stated that the song was written about a friend of his that he loved very much.  They were engaged, but he made a mistake and lost her as a lover and friend.  I can't find that youtube video where he says this. If I do, I'll link it in here.  You can hear the frustration, nostalgia, and regret in Sam's voice... I think that is what pulls me into this story and song.  I can just imagine so many scenarios in which a song like this could put it in perspective perfectly.  If you've ever gone through something like this (I have, though I was never engaged), it may hit a strike a chord within you like it did for me.  You start to remember the good things and how it ended badly, resulting in the loss of someone you held so dear.  

If you're not a gushy, sensitive, sentimental person like me, then you'll at least have to appreciate the music video (linked above).  The director, Michael Palmieri directed videos for the Strokes and the Foo Fighters as well.  I won't give anything away, except that it is very clever and makes my head hurt just thinking about how they set it up.

Check out these other songs off this album:

Fearless (awesome video)

Unconditional 

No Brakes

Tyrant

Rites of Spring

Hope you guys liked this post!  Not many people I've talked to know The Bravery, so if any of you do already,  hello~!

5 Mars 2013

Would? (youtube)

Cover by Queens of Dogtown (Zoë Kravitz on Lead Vocals)

Hailing from Seattle, it's about time I broke out some Alice in Chains.  I love this song so much.  I can listen to it on repeat for a very, very, very long time.  Again, I grew up on Alice in Chains and other bands associated with them (Soundgarden, Nirvana, etc).  I can't get enough of the bass line (especially in the Queens of Dogtown cover).  It's just so deep, raw, and out there.  It almost sounds untamed, like Layne Staley's vocals.  The lyrics are intense and the word choice is quite sophisticated -- in a twisted, macabre way.  The subject matter of the song is quite dark if perceived in certain perspectives (ie: drug addiction, which Layne Staley battled with).  

I love rocking out to this song and belting out the chorus.  A cover of this song 'Would?' was done by a band called Queens of Dogtown that I suppose (based on research) originated from the show, Californication.  It is supposedly an all girl band fronted by Zoë Kravitz (love her).  There are some videos of live performances.  I would be excited if they put out a few more songs/covers.  They also covered 'Last Caress' by The Misfits and 'Plush' by Stone Temple Pilots.  Definitely take a listen to these tracks!

This album, Dirt was released in 1992.  A lot of people who were in Seattle at the time of this albums conception and release make guesses as to who the woman on the cover is.  According to my mom and family friends (who were very savvy and involved with this scene at the time), say it is Stormy Borseno, who is a hair stylist (and claim to have known her well or in my mom's case, casually).  There are a lot of debates, so no one really knows except for the woman herself.  Off this album, check out these other songs:

Rooster

Junkhead

Them Bones

Dirt

4 Mars 2013

You Think I Ain't Worth A Dollar, But I Feel Like A Millionaire (youtube)

I give you, Queens of the Stone Age!  Long time listener of QOTSA and I really love this song.  On the way to school (when I was in hs), I would play this in the morning.  The driving bass and guitar really bring up your energy and make you want to move.  It's also a good driving song (just make sure not to speed)!  With Dave Grohl on drums/percussion, there is a great tempo throughout the entire song that makes me want to rock out every single time it's on.  Some may find that the vocals on sound different and you would be correct to assume so.  The bassist, Nick Oliveri actually does lead vocals on this song and a few others on this album.  I really like that about QOTSA.  A lot of people know them because of Josh Homme, his many side projects, and connections with Dave Grohl.  However, the band IS Queens of the Stone Age, not just Josh Homme.  I like that different people can sing and Josh is happy to just lay down instrumental tracks.  You don't see that in bands very often.  This certain quality gives a subtle musical diversity that makes albums much better and more intimate in some ways.  This whole album is amazing.  Definitely listen to the whole thing if you can!!

I hope you guys enjoy this song choice.  Here are a few more QOTSA songs I suggest:

Sick, Sick, Sick

Little Sister

First it Giveth

Go With the Flow

No One Knows

The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret