New Supergroup

Today I heard about a new supergroup. I heard about it twice, and still am in awe of its awesomeness.

It has this guy, who is one of the coolest guys around:



This legendary bass player:



And this Hottie McHotterson:


Yeah, let that sink in.

Dave Grohl, John Paul Jones, and Josh Homme.

They won't have any music out until October, when their CD is due in stores. Cool thing is that they're playing a Lolla aftershow that goes on sale tomorrow. I wish I was going to see Them Crooked Vultures, but I am not that lucky.

Childhood-Related Music 2

When I was a wee one, I used to love this song and video:



Upon adult viewing, it's semi-creepy.

I heard this song on the radio yesterday. I still love the song, and I doubt that even in old age it will change. However, my feelings on the video have definitely changed.

I have been trying to see what I liked about it as a child, and I think I see the appeal. The talking/singing/moving animals. Who doesn't like that as a kid? Most every child has a stuffed animal they treasure (and probably talk to). There's nothing wrong with that. There is, however, something wrong when I look at it now. That moose head is kind of frightening. There's money spitting out from that old Norm Abram-made desk and George doesn't even flinch. I'm pretty sure that Paul got most of the money from the Beatles' tunes, so I would like to think that Mr. Harrison would be thrilled at bills being thrown at him. Maybe Paul was the one throwing? Who knows. (I tried to look closely, but had no luck.)

Let's focus on Harrison himself for a minute. I mean, he strums that guitar and stares DIRECTLY into the camera for about half of the video. He's not smiling, but he's not NOT smiling... Then he does the Tom Cruise "I'm in LOVE!" jump from the chair and does some sort of interpretive dance.

I do, however still love a few things from this said video. That dance may be silly, but I still love it. The mullet is sweet. And that squirrel that plays a pipe for a saxophone is just impressive.

Wow

This song is awesome, and the video is cool too. And, since I've already been rocking out to it all day, you guys need to watch it now. Besides, who doesn't like Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins?

Foo Fighters - New Music - More Music Videos

Something to Smile (Especially for Roxanne!)

Today I think I just needed something to make me smile. Having this song suffle itself onto my iPod was great.

This video has so much I don't know where to start. Some things I love, some I hate. But SLJ is awesome no matter what. Enjoy!

Snakes on a Plane (Bring It)
Uploaded by RavenTV. - See more comedy videos.

Yes, Please!

This video has a lot of my favorite things all in one place. Take a look.

queens of the stone age on SNL

"It's Hotter In The City"

it's hot in my apartment, and I keep wanting to sing this:

Childhood-Related Music

Just the other day, I was thinking of the weird things I liked musically when I was a child. I'm sure this list is incomplete, but take it for what it's worth.

Huey Lewis and the News' "Hip To Be Square"
I owned Fore! on tape. I don't know why I liked this. Someone please inform me.

The video for Aerosmith's "Janie's Got a Gun"
Hey, I have always owned up to the fact that my family has always watched Cops. I think this video ties into that theory. Lots of bright, flashing lights. And scarves.

Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire"
What an awful song when I listen to it now. But when I was a child, I absolutely LOVED it. I had this single on tape for sure.

The video for George Harrison's "Got My Mind Set On You"
Confession: I still love this song. And video. It is just really... animated. A lot of fun to watch. I know at one point in time I actually taped it off MTV to have a copy of it. Lord only knows what happened to it.

Anything Roxette or Debbie Gibson.
I had everything Debbie Gibson: dolls, perfume, music. She had a lot of crap, as did I because she sold it. And Roxette was kinda creepy.

Wham!'s "Wake Me Up (Before You Go Go)"
It's still good. So shut up.

Tag Team's "Whoop (There It Is)"
I have a problem with this. I am in shock that my parents let us listen to it. In fact, there's a tape relating to this song that exists that would be great blackmail if only it could be found... But I'm pretty sure it was taped over long ago. This song is disgusting. Seriously.

The Spin Doctor's "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong"
How great were they? Answer: Very.

Rage's Evil Empire
Also, no one should have let me purchase this CD. But somewhere, someone did. Which is really sweet looking back.

Obviously, with this list, someone should have been keeping an eye on me. Keep in mind this is from birth to 6th grade... perhaps one day I'll think of what I liked in junior high.

What were the peculiar things you liked as a child?

Tears In My Ears

Deciding on the 5 worst country songs is a lot like trying to find the greenest blade of grass. They're all shades of green, and the whole yard just needs to be mowed.

Country "music" is so revolting that it shuts my brain down almost immediately. It is an excellent tactical weapon. Because I don't subject myself to such suffering willingly, I had to really delve into some awful recesses in my mind to determine which "songs" have hurt me the most. I'll be billing Janelle for my therapy.

#5: Ring Of Fire (and everything else by Johnny Cash)

Gimmicky "man in black" stuff just isn't enough to make this tolerable. This guy is like the Bruce Springsteen of country music. No discernable talent, but everyone says he's good, so it must be so. Yeah, I get it... dark, tragic life, rags to riches, blah blah blah. In fact, my great-grandpa's sister used to feed his family in Arkansas in the '30s. Bottom line is, the music sucks. All three chords of it. OK, so he's mostly on key. But to say he has an annoying twang doesn't quite sum it up. If you want to do a good Johnny Cash impression, do your very best to constantly say rrrrrrrr while singing. Think REO Speedwagon does country. "Still I don't remembrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr..."

If you don't believe he sucks, check out what has happened to Joaquin Phoenix since he played JC. He's gone mad.

#4: God Bless The USA

Before you call me anti-American, hear me out. Yes, I'm proud to be American. I wholeheartedly love my country. That is why this song makes my teeth slam together violently, causing skull vibrations to pulverize my brain until it leaks out of my ear leaving me (at least temporarily) a mindless zombie (token zombie reference). Yes, Lee Greenwood has every right to love this country, too, but ever since he transformed that emotion into a horrific country track, people seem to feel obligated to drill it into my eardrums at every conceivable opportunity. It's virtually inescapable, and could possibly be fatal.

#3: Boot Scootin' Boogie

I think the name says it all on this one. First of all, I abhor the segue of boogie into the country genre. It just doesn't fit. Second, this atrocity seems to inspire gaggles of plaid-clad lemmings to go racing together and begin gyrating across the floor in relative synchronicity without any concern for the welfare of my senses. Before this song, I had never seen so many denim snuff can circles wiggling around in one place. And the boots... oh, the boots...

#2: Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer

It's painful enough being aurally accosted by blaring steel guitar at a red light. But when someone thinks it's funny to make a tasteless, jingle-bell-laden country song depicting the unfortunate demise of a drunken matriarch and the subsequent apathy of her family, that's just too far. For some reason, the general public has decided that everyone must love this song, and it is maliciously stirred into nearly every Christmas music mix throughout the season. In fact, I was at a Christmas event this last year, and they played about 6 songs on loop for 2 days straight. This was one of them. My friend was homicidal by the time we left. I was curled up under a tree in the fetal position gnawing on my own knuckles and muttering something about wabbit season.

#1: Achy Breaky Heart

Oh, where do I start? First, there's Billy Ray Cyrus, the mulleted marvel. While I'm sure he's just a spiffy guy, he'll stand before his creator and face judgment for this one. Such a collection of vile, insipid, twangy references to body parts deserves some sort of reciprocity. Perhaps he should be strapped to a mechanical bull and forced to listen to the Macarena on loop for about 5 years. Or Tubthumping. Or MMMBop. Here's a hint, Billy: If half the nation's radio stations are playing your song 20 times a day, chances are it's really, really bad. And this particular batch of sludge seeped out of its country container... crossover. Feel free to torture the country fans with this repugnance, but what did the rest of us do to deserve such torment?

I'll close on this note:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmQwrNXb3m4

Music Debate Number 3

DING! Round number three.

This time, the debate features my cousin Christy. Sadly, she lives in Florida and we rarely get to see each other, but she's super awesome. We communicate daily via the Web, and we learn we are more alike everyday, which is somewhat scary. Christy has a few of her own blogs: one I would consider a regular blog (http://superteetee.blogspot.com/); a really cool blog for her business that you should all check out (http://pointtakeninc.blogspot.com/); and my favorite, a blog compiling all of the funny things her two little girls say (http://dontlickthebook.blogspot.com/).

Because we both really dislike country music, our blog is each of us counting down our top five most hated country songs. Without further ado...

Janelle's Top Five:

5. "Beer Run" by Garth Brooks and George Jones

Look, if I was ever made to listen to country music, Garth Brooks wouldn't be the worst, honestly. Problem is, he wrote so many songs, he ran out of topics. Hence, "Beer Run" was born. No one said abort, and it was sent out to radio stations. Plus, Todd Snider did a song called "Beer Run" that was much better. Why? Because he's a comedian. They're supposed to write songs about stupid things.

4. "Achy Breaky Heart" by Billy Ray Cyrus

I don't really need to say anything. It's old. I'm over it. Billy Ray is a walking joke, and we all know it. If the mullet, this song, and Miley Cyrus weren't enough, he was on Doc.

3. "Trashy Women" by Confederate Railroad

This is just an abomination of all things. Ever. The resemble a five-piece shit storm. They're old, mulleted, and dirty. Then they wrote a song about how they "like their women just a little on the trashy side". Hint: You didn't have to make it big to pick up trash-tastic women. You could have parked the Camaro outside of the trailer park, charged a six-pack of Natty for admission. The trash would have been overflowing, and no garbage man in their right mind would have come by to pick it up.

2. "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy" by Kenny Chesney

No, I don't. REALLY, I don't! Even when Jeff Barnes used to sing it, I didn't think so. WHO WRITES THIS CRAP?! An even better question: who gets turned on by a tractor?? If this is something that excites you, I really don't want to talk to you. Go get help, now.

1. "T-R-O-U-B-L-E" by Travis Tritt

Travis Tritt is just.... the most disgusting human to walk the planet. Have you seen him?! Ridiculousness.

I did try to use a picture I believe we put on love notes sent to random people senior year of high school. Just one more reason senior year was amazing.

Besides Travis being disgusting, he makes terrible music. It makes me want to vomit when I think of the time I actually put this song on a mixed CD. (And, Rachel, you would have to refresh my memory for sure, but wasn't it placed at the end of one of the Cock Rock CDs??) T-R-O-U-B-L-E is just.... yuck.

Thanks to Christy for this great idea for a blog. I'm actually pretty proud of this one.

Also, I promise not to wait so long until the next one. If anyone wants to blog with me, feel free to email/call/text me.

Stuff I'm Diggin'

This one comes with a story, as well.

On the day I tuned 20, Fuel played a show at Pop's. That was back in the day when I used to like Pop's. (BEFORE they kicked me out.) I was stoked to see any good concert on my birthday, let alone a band like Fuel. (Hey, let's face it: Brett Scallion was pretty cute, and they almost had Chris Daughtry as a singer as well...)

Fuel was great that night. But, BONUS! One of the opening bands was great as well. They were a band called Revis. I don't know much about them, except for the fact that the CD they were selling that night, called Places for Breathing is one great album. Their live show was really impressive and I still love to listen to this song; here's the video for you guys.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/sy-13406531/revis_caught_in_the_rain_official_music_video/

Number 1

1. Pearl Jam


Not even a surprise. Plus number one by a pretty big margin. They're just a band that I can always pop in and listen to and not be bored or want to skip to the next song... In my opinion they are pretty much the only great grunge band still standing and making great music still. I want to go into further detail as to what songs/albums are my favorite, but there's going to be a debate on that soon...

Added bonus is that Eddie Vedder is easy to look at. Especially in a plaid suit jacket in Walk Hard.

Number 2

2. Coheed and Cambria


I'm a sucker, what can I say?


I won't say that there's nothing wrong with this band. In fact, I'll say that "Apolo I" is still one of my most hated songs ever, by any artist. Yuck. "Always & Never" also kind of makes me gag a little. (Or a lot.) I also did not like "Wake Up" for a long while.


End things that are wrong with Coheed.


To be honest, the first time I heard the band, I hated Claudio Sanchez's voice. It was entirely too high for my liking. But once I heard "A Favor House Atlantic", I was hooked and could care less about his voice. (Plus the video was pretty funny.)

The albums are written in a series, which tie along with some comic books that progress the story line. Yes, this is completely nerdy and entirely cool all at the same time.

If you're looking into listening to the band, I suggest starting with In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 and ending with Second Stage Turbine Blade which is their first album.

Number 3

3. The Mars Volta/At The Drive-In


For those unaware, these two bands basically are one. Well... they share members anyway. Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Oman Rodriguez-Lopez were in both bands. Paul Hinojos also played in Sparta, which was another spinoff of At The Drive-In. (There are more bands here, like De Facto, but I don't know very much about that.)

So, At The Drive-In was fun. If you don't remember them, they were the band that performed "One Armed Scissor".

The Mars Volta is more fun. Not only do they rock, but they have a certain Latin sound that really, REALLY makes you move your feet. They're Prog-Rock (which by default is my favorite genre of music) and some songs are in Spanish! (Fun, right?)

Anyway, do your research and enjoy.

Number 4

4. Led Zeppelin


You all know I like the classic rock. Probably didn't know that as far as classic rock goes, Zep hits the top. (AKA- the final three bands on my list are not classic rock bands... at least, not by normal standards.)


I dare you to find something wrong with LZ. Because there's nothing wrong.

The. End.

Number 5

5. Radiohead

I do not care what anyone says: Radiohead is awesome. Having them in my top ten surprises even me, because they're a little more laid back than what I normally listen to. But seriously, I do love them. I especially love "Paranoid Android" from OK Computer. Plus, the video was a cartoon!!

I also don't feel well today, so elaborate on Radiohead in your mind. I'm going to wallow in sickness now.

Number 6

6. Nine Inch Nails and Queens of the Stone Age

Hey, I saw them together in concert. Therefore, I am going to let them sit at the same number.

I always say I love NIN beginning to end. This statement is true by default. Pretty Hate Machine and The Downward Spiral are amazing. Of course, after that they released like 4,000 albums. I will not say that all of those were great. I WILL say that during that time, they released "The Perfect Drug" on The Lost Highway soundtrack. This negates every bad album they have/will ever produce, because "The Perfect Drug" is just perfection. In the last few years, they have really put out a few good albums. With Teeth is probably my favorite NIN album. It is really heavy, but I always find myself dancing to "The Hand That Feeds" and "Only". Year Zero is also pretty danceworthy. Plus the bass on that thing sounds great in the Mustang.

Where do I start with QotSA?! I could listen to any of their albums front to back and not want to skip a song. Technically classified as "stoner rock". Not partaking in said acts, I still really enjoy the music. That probably says a lot. Half of the time I listen to them, I can't decide if I would rather dance or start a one-woman most pit. If I were forced to pick a favorite album, it would have to be Era Vulgaris. And if I had to pick a favorite song, I'd say "Sick, Sick, Sick" from that same album. Queens really rock in concert. One thing that helps get them into my top ten is that Josh Homme is pretty drool-worthy. Also, if you like them because you ARE a stoner, I say check out The Desert Sessions. Do your research on this. It's mind boggling.

Number 7

7. Red Hot Chili Peppers

Ten years ago, I would not have put them in my top ten. In fact, I'm unsure if I would have put them in my top twenty. That's why this list is fun- becuase even I am surprised they're in at number seven.

I previously thought RHCP was pretty radio-standard. That's not something I normally like. Then they released Stadium Arcadium. This album changed the face of the Peppers for me. Not only do I really enjoy that album, but I started to re-explore old ones as well. I started out buying the Greatest Hits disc, and it flew from there.

As a sidenote, I should say that when I house sat for a co-worker of my mom, all Dan had in the house was RCHP (or at least, that was the majority). So I really started listening to them at this point in time.

As a sidenote for Roxanne, Dan was the guy that bought me the shot that got me kicked out of Sauget's finest nightclub. Go Dan!

Back to the Peppers.

My official favorite album is One Hot Minute. (And, yeah, maybe the name has something to do with it...) Plus, if you don't know my top five favorite RHCP songs, you should check out the second music debate. It was killer. (Because I won.)

That's all for number seven. And for number six, I may have a tie...

Number 8

I've already changed my number 8 from the list I made two days ago. Told you I'd change my mind.

8. The Who
I'm unsure you can say enough good things about The Who. I mean, every CSI show uses a Who song for the theme. That's pretty freaking cool. I love all Who songs, so finding a place to start is not easy. In fact, there are songs that I didn't even know the Who sang when I really started listening to them. I guess I could say that some of the songs are silly. (Like "Pinball Wizzard". Really?! I mean, it's an okay song. But a bad concept lyrically.)

My favorite Who song?? This is not easy, but I'd go with "Love, Reign O'er Me". It's insanely dramatic and intense. (I like that in my music, not in my life.)

Also, that VH1 Who tribute was just... wow. I mean, EV did make an appearance..........

More tomorrow.

Number 9

9. Reel Big Fish

I love ska. Having to include a ska band in my top ten was easy. Deciding on my favorite was NOT an easy task. For real- I've got the likes of Less Than Jake, Goldfinger, and The Bosstones on the brain, and that's just the beginning. And while LTJ was a very close second choice, I think I like RBF a little more.

Think of the great albums: Turn the Radio Off, Why Do They Rock So Hard?, and Cheer Up!, just to touch the surface. Everyone knows "Sell Out", and it extends so much deeper than that. (Is that what she said?) They've done covers, from Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" to the ever-popular "Take on Me" (from the Basketball soundtrack).

We can dissect this by album. TTRO has hits like "Beer" and "Everything Sucks". And I think "Where Have You Been?" was a radio hit from Cheer Up! (This album also has a lot of really funny and sweet tracks.) But I do have to say that Why Do They Rock So Hard? is by far my favorite. "She's Famous Now" is so dance worthy, it's not funny. Especially with that first line "I've got the measles, she's got the mumps". Other favorites: "Somebody Hates Me", "I Want Your Girlfriend to be My Girlfriend", and "The Kids Don't Like It".

Missing something?

Yes. It's called the best RBF song ever: "The Set Up (You Need This)". Rocks from beginning to end without a doubt. And the lyrics are killer. And if you don't know every line, shame on you.

End transmission 9.

Top Ten

I think I've decided on my top ten favorite bands right now. But I've decided to take my time and count it down, from ten to one, day by day. (Just in case I change my mind? Perhaps.)

10: Boston
Yeah, they made the list. And probably a lot lower than what most of you expected. I love Boston, but to be realistic, they only released one GREAT album. I'm not knocking that album, it's absolutely amazing. However, my other top nine have released way more than just one GREAT album. Hence, Boston comes in at ten.

Back to this album: It's too fun! All eight tracks are fun to sing, play air guitar to, dance to.... you get the picture. Also, I hate to admit this, but I didn't dig Boston until I got to experience the band via Rock Band.

Unfortunately, I have never, nor will I ever, get to see this band live as they were. (Brad Delp, the lead singer, passed a few years back.) However, I do have the next best thing: My dad saw them. I was so excited to hear this. When I asked him how it was, his response was, "I really can't remember, but it was the loudest concert I've ever been to". That's a pretty sweet answer. Funny if you know my dad.

So, there's number ten. Look forward to the rest of the list. I promise it gets much better from here on out.

For humerous purposes only

As I am getting ready for yet another move, I get to go through all of my things and daydream a little. I like doing this because I get rid of a ton of stuff everytime I move, and for the most part I enjoy looking through all of my old stuff.

For those of you unaware, my senior year in high school I wrote for the Kahoki, our school newspaper. As editor of the music page, I got to write reviews plus pick the way the page looked, which was pretty cool. I enjoyed this part of high school the most because it was right up my alley.

Anywho, for the last two editions of the paper that year, I gave a rundown of my top ten favorite bands (and albums). I cannot find the second-to-last newspaper, but today I found the last one, detailing my top five bands/albums. (And for the record, I'm sure numbers 6-10 included The Urge, but other than that I cannot recall.)

So, in an attempt to humor myself, here was my top five favorite bands from 2002:
5. Soundgarden
4. Sublime
3. Cowboy Mouth
2. Live
1. AIC

The attempt was successful, as that I'm now laughing. Granted, I was 18 when I wrote this. I had obviously not been exposed to much other than grunge at this time. I'm not ashamed of this, as I would not have posted it. It is pretty funny though.

Now I just need to figure out what my top ten of today is, so that I can laugh at that list in another ten years.

Random music I'm diggin'

I started the morning out with some Coheed and Cambria, which is my old stand-by. Day by day, however, I lean away towards them and re-discover some music I own.


I had really forgotten how much I really dig Jimmy Eat World. Thing is, I don't really even care for the songs they played on the radio. It's the rest of the album(s) that are really good.


Never officially have I purchased the self-titled album (also previously referred to as Bleed American), but I'll touch on that effort later. I have, however purchased their Futures record. Starts off pretty perfectly with the song "Futures", and then goes into my second-favorite Jimmy song, "Work". All I can say is that the progression is awesome and if you don't have Futures, you should really think about giving it a shot.


As previously stated, I have never purchased Bleed American. There is sound reasoning for this. First of all, I know I should support the band and just buy that morsel of goodness. But, you see, I severly cherish the burned copy I have. My copy was burned for me by my friend Andrea, who now lives too far away from me. The CD itself makes me giggle everytime I see it. It's pretty simple, in the fact that it has the album and band name on it, but on the bottom it has "to: Janelle" and "from: Andrea" and a smiley face. Hence, I smile because of a few things: it reminds me of her, it feels like a love note, and the music itself is awesome.


I will say that when this was originally made for me, I only really listened to the first 5 tracks or so, and that was it. Then came the fall of 2002.


I had a sweeeeet girating mustang and a bad breakup, and a friend in Adam J. September and October of '02 were filled with Jack-in-the-Box drive-thrus in the 'stang, a whole lot of tacos, and some Jimmy on the stereo. I can remember trying to change the CD during "Authority Song" and getting yelled at. I'm pretty sure I fell for that entire CD around that time.


The album title was changed to be self-titled (from Bleed American) because of September 11, 2001. I'm not sad that they changed it, because the first track "Bleed American" did not get removed or changed, and it really fits the ambiance of the CD overall. I absolutely love "A Praise Chorus" for about 100 reasons, and that is my FAVE Jimmy song. "The Middle" is alright, but was a tad bit overplayed for me. "Your House" is just too sweet, and I love that track as well. Plus, you've got "Sweetness", "Hear You Me", and "If You Don't, Don't". Sometimes I wonder if that album could have been any better.

I always end up tying a song, album, or artist with something else in life, whether it be a person, event, place, laugh... whatever. I encourage you to do this as well. I may look like a fool driving down Highway 40 screaming "Cut the Mullet" or serenating no one by saying "And there undressed in the shadows stands my sweet Cherie, hiding from July", but at least there is a gob of memories compressed into that line, right? (Okay, really, I try not to sing Hardline without someone else present if at all possible, but sometimes I cannot help it.)

'Tis all today blogworld.

Music Debate Number Two

It's time for the second installment of the music debates! If you don't know how it works, check the blog from February 1st. (But, all in all, it's self-explainatory.)


Debate topic: Top 5 favorite Red Hot Chili Peppers songs
guest blogger: Ben Muehleisen, aka manfriend.
(On a sidenote, you can check out Ben's blog @ http://todaysawesomeness.blogspot.com/.)


So, here's my (Janelle's) opinion:


There are only two basic compontents that absolutely MAKE a Chili Peppers song: really weird lyrics, and a kickin' bass line. (And I believe that bass line to be the most important part.) I have to note a few things before I begin my top 5.


The first RHCP song I ever heard was "Knock Me Down" (from Mother's Milk maybe?). I forgot exactly how the sampler CD was obtained by myself, but I know I got it for free. It would be a few years until I heard more CP and knew there had to be a connection. From there, the love is endless. Also, "Under the Bridge" is NOT on my list. I know a lot of people enjoy that tune, but for me it's a tad bit overplayed. One more thought: This list was much harder to compile than the first music debate... With that said, on to my list.

5. "Hump de Bump"

from Stadium Arcadium

Listen to Hump de Bump [Album Version] by Red Hot Chili Peppers : http://free.napster.com/player/tracks/16698169

I had to include one of my favorites from Stadium Arcadium. That album is just supurb. I do think that there are better songs on that album overall (can you say "Hard to Concentrate", "Snow", "Readymade", "Dani California", "So Much I", and "Tell Me Baby"?), but "Hump de Bump" is by far most danceworthy, and I like to dance. It's fun to sing as well. The lyrics do not necessarily make a lot of sense, but they're fun. Some days, that's about all you can ask for in a song. Hence, it is kicking off this awesome list.

4. "Soul to Squeeze"

from Blood Sugar Sex Magik

Listen to Soul To Squeeze [Album Version] by Red Hot Chili Peppers : http://free.napster.com/player/tracks/12872251

Sometimes I have no idea why I really like this song. It starts off pretty slow, and stays slower most of the way throught the tune, but I still like it. That's strange for me sometimes, because I prefer the harder RHCP songs. That is why it had to be on my list. While it's slow, I can still dance to it. And when I don't feel like dancing, I can chill out to it as well. It has duel usage, and that's really great in any song. I have yet to see the band in concert, but I would so whip out my lighter during this song and do the "white sway". (Off topic, I learned about how white people dance at concerts by reading Stuff White People Like. I'd offer to lend it to anyone, but my dad has it. He will probably never read it, but also tell me I can't have it back because he's "still reading it".)

3. "Higher Ground"
from Mother's Milk

Listen to Higher Ground (2003 Digital Remaster) by Red Hot Chili Peppers : http://free.napster.com/player/tracks/16102066

Yes, I know this is a cover. Which is why it's on my list. I love Stevie Wonder. And I love cover songs. In my opinion, there are times when you just don't mess with classics. This is one time I'll make an acception. This song is a great cover. Plus, let's think about the impact on music in the 90s as far as this song is concerned. Wonder's version was released in the early/mid 70s (correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe it was '72 or '73), and when the Peppers covered it, most of us youngins had not heard the original anyway. Way to bring back the classics, boys.

"Higher Ground" is also on Guitar Hero, and the credit is given to the Chili Peppers, which I find a little strange. But I didn't make that error, so whatever.

2. "Suck My Kiss"
from Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Listen to Suck My Kiss [Album Version] by Red Hot Chili Peppers : http://free.napster.com/player/tracks/12872255

This song probably gets off to the second best start (see number 1). Again, you have to have that smooth bass line to have a great CP song, and this song has it. Everytime after they finish a chorus, and rip back into the song, that second-long pause just gets you all excited for what's to come, and that's pretty cool as well. This song also makes me want to start a mosh pit, and that's saying a lot for a girl who has gotten semi-crushed in a few pits along the way. (Thank you extra huge guy at a Goldfinger show, crazy people at an Urge show, and hoodlums at Pointfest during Avenged Sevenfold, to name a few.)

1: "Aeroplane"
from: One Hot Minute
Listen to Aeroplane [Album Version] by Red Hot Chili Peppers : http://free.napster.com/player/tracks/16497838 (Not the entire track... darn it!)
This is hard-core, my favorite RHCP song. Really- that opening line? "I like pleasure spiked with pain"? Yes. Just yes. (In my opinion, one of the best lines in any song, really.) Also, this song is way dance worthy. Flea and that bass line are just awesome. The bridge just pushes the song along into that sweeeeet bass solo, and it ends with some children singing. The world is happy. I am as well, every single time I hear this song. No questions asked.

As I said before, this list was way harder than the epic list. I feel the need to list the "honorable mentions", because I know Ben will as well.

Other songs in consideration were:
"Blood Sugar Sex Magik", "Cabron" (dance away, people!), "My Friends", "Walkabout", and the song that would have come in at number six, "Fortune Faded".

Thanks to Ben for the idea of debating the Peppers, being an undeniably awesome other half, and hopefully getting me back on track as far as posting something daily goes. The end.

Ben's Top 5 All-Time Red Hot Chili Peppers Songs

What a task this is. First, RHCP is one of my top 5 all-time bands. The others include (in no particular order): Led Zeppelin, Pearl Jam, and a few others, but that is not what this post is about. This post is about a debate with Janelle of the best Chili songs. I suppose I'll start with #5. I'll also put in some honorable mentions, and I'll touch on their best albums briefly. So, without further ado....

5th best RHCP song of all-time is: Me and My Friends - The Uplift Mofo Party Plan (1987) (By the way, all the links are clickable to listen to the song on Grooveshark)

So, this choice was directly influenced by Janelle, who recently helped get me closer to finishing my Peppers collection (I'm still missing their first, self-titled album and all the greatest hits). TUMPP was the Chili's 3rd effort, and is a great album. It really started to establish them as a major player on the Rock scene, and definitely helped create the rap/rock sub-genre. I highly recommend this album and specifically this song to anyone.

4th best RHCP song of all-time is: Fortunt Faded - Greatest Hits (2003)

This song choice is simpy based on a groove factor. It's got the classic, heavy, awesome bass line, along with a great mix of guitar that personifies the Peppers. Also, one of the most important factors I base my opinions on is of course, singability (I really want to make some kind of graphic like those new Bud Light ads have right here about what "singability" means, but alas, I don't have enough time). Singability is simply how easy is it to sing along with the song.

3rd best RHCP song of all-time is: Hard to Concentrate - Stadium Arcadium (2007)

Now, this is a song that has obviously not stood the test of time, yet. This song is on the list for many of the same reasons as the last song. A great bass line, awesome guitars, and very singable. I really think I love the rhyme scheme of this one, as well as it seems there is a lot of meaning behind the song, which always makes a song better. The interlude about halfway through the song is, in my opinion (like anything in this post isn't my opinion) the classic RHCP guitar sound that made them famous. Enjoy this song and this album.

2nd best RHCP song of all-time is: Universally Speaking - By The Way (2002)

I think that the thing I love so much about this song is the cadence he uses, especially in the chorus. The other thing that is so attractive about this song, and most of the songs on this list, is that they weren't radio hits. That always makes me like a song a lot more, when I "discover" it (more about that in the "honorable mention" category later). Another awesome thing about this song is that it is an atypical Chili song, meaning that all the reasons the other songs are listed aren't necessarily true about this song.

Now, before I get to the epitome of the Peppers, I will talk briefly about some honorable mentions and my favorite albums.

Honorable Mentions (in no particular order):

The Zephyr Song - Just an awesome rhythm, beat and ryhme.
Minor Thing - Also has great cadence and gets back into more of the rap/rock thing.
One Big Mob - One for the fans. Literally, they wrote it for their fans. Also, it features Dave Navarro's kid crying in the middle of it. Definite party song.
Snow (Hey Oh) - I heard, listened repeatedly and knew this song before it was ever played ont he radio. I just love the guitar riff. Fantastic song (great video too).
Knock Me Down - This is a fantastic song on it's own, but the fact that it is written about and dedicated to the memory of their original guitarist, Hillel Slovak, makes it that much better. Apparently, him and Keidis were way too into heroin, and it killed him. Bummer.

Best Albums:

3 - The Uplift Mofo Party Plan

This is simply because the whole album is just rockin. It established them as a major player, and is well worth your time and money.

2 - Blood Sugar Sex Magik

This is one big song broken into 17 tracks. There is no better album to listen to on a great summer day with the windows down and the stereo cranked. None of the individual tracks have been mentioned, some because they are overplayed, and some because its hard to pick just one. You have to own this album, no collection is complete without it.

1 - By The Way

This choice may surprise some people, but if you have noticed, almost half the songs have made the blog. This is just all-around a great album. It was quite a commercial success, but that doesn't take away from its greatness. In an odd side note, I'm pretty sure the band wasn't terribly impressed or happy with the album. The sound does definitely go a different way than you have come to expect from the Chilis, but again, its a great album.

Without any further ado ....

The best Red Hot Chili Peppers song of All-Time is:


Walkabout - One Hot Minute (1995)

This song has it all. Groovin' bass line. Classic guitar. Great vocals, lyrics and rythm. This is simply the most chillin song I have ever heard by anyone. The other thing that Janelle will get upset because I haven't mentioned it until now, is the album placement. Where is comes on the album. It transitions the album from the uber-rockin One Big Mob to the ballad Tearjerker. Song 8, where a lot of bands try to hide the albums best song. Just a great all-around song.

I hope you have enjoyed my opinions, and thank you for reading. Have a uberiffic week!!

mixed cds

i just recently bought a sweet 2001 mustang gt. this car has (almost) everything i've ever wanted in a car. and it came with a bonus: cds!

the first day i had possession of the vehicle, my parents and i drove it around quite a bit. at one point in time, my mom reached into a pocket behind the driver's seat and asked me "hey, did you put some cds in this pocket?". of course, i hadn't even had a chance to do so yet. whomever had owned the car before me put about 30 mixed cds into the pocket.

for the most part, these cds suck. horribly. (although, there was the highlight of "sexy back".)

you see, i believe these cds were produced by younger people. i'm talking probably kids in their teens. i suspect this for a few reasons: one- the songs are all pop and hip-hop/rap, and two- they aren't really mixed cds.

here's a lesson kids:
-when you create a mixed cd, and you have more than one song by the same artist, you have to break said songs up. dont' put a group of five songs mid-mixed cd. it's mixed for a reason.
- mixed cds should have some sort of theme or reason for making the cd. themes include: "hey, i really like you, so here's some lovely songs that remind me of you" or "summer jams!" or "driving", and can span across a wide variety of music.

that's just the tip of the iceburg, but you get the picture. making a great mixed cd requires more precise bullet points, but i won't go into those. because these silly cds don't even fit basic criteria.

don't forget kids: the making of summer jams! 2009 is happening too soon. opinions or requests? hit me up.

sweet little link

it's been a fabulous day for me musically.

today i picked up a few cds at circuit city. in case you live under a rock, they're going out of business and are clearing out stores pretty quickly. (hint: if you need an electronic anything, at least check out the stores...) c-lynch and i dropped on it (we were really there to find a digital camera) and looked at what was left of the music collection. they actually had a decent selection.

i picked up a cd i've been wanting for some time: stevie wonder's #1s. i love stevie, but i have never had any of his music in my itunes... until today. i also picked up an EP by the fray (it's the reason ep). i always wondered what the hype was about, so i took a chance on it because it was pretty cheap. and i freaking love it. i've been in a new music slump for a while, and this definitely picked me back up.

anyway, while trying to catch up on my myspace profile (it doesn't get checked much these days) i ran across a cool remix of a cool song. clown from slipknot remixed co&ca's "welcome home" (aka- the original EPIC and officially an epic on both chris' list, as well as mine). it's not the greatest thing i've ever heard, but it highlights the vocals instead of much else. warning: the awesomeness of the guitar solo is cut short. don't get too mad.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=2744574

let me know what you all think. until later!

zombie music

leave it up to me to post a super romantic music video on valentine's day...

it's been a few days since i've posted, and that makes me pretty sad. been a crazy week with my car. things are now straightened up. because of the craziness i've been getting very little sleep daily. which plays in part with today's post.

on normal days, my television is mostly tuned to sportscenter. last night, however, when i went to bed, my tv was tuned to vh1 classic. and it was 2:30am, which meant that metal mania was playing. for those unfamiliar with metal mania, it's a block of heavier music videos both old and new stuff. i just flipped it on and climbed into bed. and then i got hooked.

the video was grainy and old-ish looking and had ZOMBIES. i LOVE zombies. plus the song was pretty cool. it was certainly pretty hard metal, but i was grooving to it. (sidenote: try to find something i won't dance to.)

please keep in mind that, when first viewing this video, i was hoping the artist wasn't who i thought it was. in the end, it was metallica, which is exactly what i had presumed. darn it.

i don't normally care for metallica. i mean, old metallica is great. then we got to Load and Reload and those things were terrible. then they did St. Anger and said it was an AIC tribute, which pushed me over the edge. but Death Magnetic seems.... not as bad as the other crap they've recently released. that's a good sign i suppose.

the metallica video i got to see last night was entitled "all nightmare long". i do have to admit that the video rocks, and the song didn't make me change the channel. you may think the video starts out slow (or maybe get to be that way somewhere within the first five minutes), but i tag that 4:30-5 minute mark to be where i had initially caught it from, and it starts getting pretty cool. around the six minute mark, the song itself really starts to rock. but seven in, the song gets even better, and there is a headless zombie. by the next minute, you've got a pile of dead bodies. this thing is just over nine minutes long, and it's pretty much a mini-horror movie.

you can take a look at this video here:
http://www.metallica.com/index.asp?item=601688

as a closing thought, though, i just want to clarify that no matter how much metallica doesn't completely suck anymore, i still hate lars ulrich.

stuff that rocks that you probably forgot rocks

i should start a series of these sorts of things, since i have an obscure music collection anyway.


todays stuff that rocks that you probably forgot rocks is silverchair's frogstomp. basically the only track that got radio play from this album was "tomorrow". this thing rocks waaaay harder than the goodness that track brings. "israel's son" is probably the best track on the album, then you've got "your massacre". and that's only four tracks in. (note: this album does not include "freak" which is also a good silverchair song.)

other notable hidden gems of the day:
the love hogs "color me red" (hey, gotta love those local bands)
the verve pipe's "never let you down" (not as rockin', but a good song)

i leave you with some silverchair
Listen to Israel's Son by Silverchair : http://free.napster.com/player/tracks/10012857

also, if anyone else needs to fill me in on stuff i may have forgotten, please send them my way!

great music day

i'm unsure of the last time i had a bad day musically, but today was the exact opposite of a bad music day.

the worship music today at church and at youth group was unbelievable. while the worship music during church always is nice to hear, i will say that i was more impressed by the youth group music. a few past members came today and each played guitar and sang. i'm continuously impressed by anyone who can play a guitar. furthermore, i'm impressed if you can sing and play a guitar simultaneously. these two college boys did just that. it was a great time.

also, today i cannot stop listening to the ben fold's live cd i got yesterday. i'd heard many songs off this disk, but now it's mine and soooo cool. plus, i have always known that the song "the luckiest" was my favorite ben fold's song, but that live version is just.... wow. it makes dashboard's "hand down" sound like a death metal song.

i also picked up additional social d to add to my collection yesterday. i challenge you to find someone who says social d sucks. and if you do, just prove to them they are wrong.

waaaay back

muscially, today is brilliant.

went into slackers today and picked up a few gems, which i love. and the point is playing all 90s stuff. freaking sweet.

question: i had a discussion recently about how it's hard to pick just one influential group from the 90s. there was a lot going on and huge changes. my question is: shouldn't it be okay to break up the early 90s from the late 90s (or even further perhaps: grunge/post-grunge/early alternative)?? just a thought.

spring/summer jamz '09!!

it's getting to be the time again when i begin compiling the spring/summer jamz, 2009 addition. i've got some great ideas for songs so far, but i want to hear from everyone! if you have ideas for bands/songs that you think should be included (or not) let me know! i won't tell anyone exactly what's on them until after i've already burned them, so your opinions are welcome now.

remember- sad/slower songs are reserved for the fall/winter jamz, which will be compiled later in the year, so i don't want to hear about those now.

also, for all of you in chicago/dc/anywhere else in the country (hi friends!): i will mail them to you upon completion. everyone give your opinion!!

TMBG

so, again, this is short and sweet because i have no time today...

if you know me... well, i'm super happy. it probably gets annoying to some people, but i don't care. just gets happy with me! needless to say, i love happy music. but, what i love even more is when happy music is also educational!

so, here's a tune by TMBG (please tell me 90% of you know that stands for they might be giants...)

i always say my kids will listen to this music. and they will.

Listen to Why Does The Sun Shine? (The Sun Is A Mass Of Incandescent Gas) (Live Version) [Live Version] by They Might Be Giants : http://free.napster.com/player/tracks/26543803

sports AND music?!

guess my two blogs may overlap a bit today... but that's a-ok with me.

my team won the superbowl yesterday, and i'm still in celebratory mode. thought i'd post a link to the greatest sports song ever, and hoping that ben roethlisberger sees this blog and it inspires him to do the same thing that the legendary '85 bears team did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJNC3dgreaU

yup. enjoy. and GO STEELERS!!!

music debate number 1

today is an exciting day for one among the fence. it's the first of many music debates, in which a friend and myself debate a topic. neither knows what the other has written, and we post at the same time. so here we go with debate numero uno.

debate topic: top 5 EPIC coheed and cambria songs
guest blogger: chris ham, aka green.

janelle's opinion:

for starters, i think i should cover the things that make an epic coheed song. these things include: length (in my opinion, over 5 minutes); placement/storyline (placement on the album itself and placement within the co & ca storyline); lyrics (needs to have some substance to be an epic, right?); and lastly, some sweet delicious guitar.

5: "the reaping/no world for tomorrow"
from: good apollo, i'm burning star IV, volume 2: no world for tomorrow
combined length: 6:18
Listen to The Reaping by Coheed & Cambria : http://free.napster.com/player/tracks/21760160
Listen to No World For Tomorrow by Coheed & Cambria : http://free.napster.com/player/tracks/21760090

this epic was a slight stretch. no world for tomorrow was barely an epic (in length) without the addition of the reaping. but, hey, this is a progressive band, so deal.
what makes this an epic? ever seen these boys in concert?! they open with NWFT. and it rocks your face off and sets the tone for the remainder of the night. and the reaping doesn't seem like an epic. but just listen to the 8 or so lines it contains. it's an epic. picks up right where the first good apollo left off. and that last line... "or no world....". thanks sanchez. translastion: "get ready, i'm going to rock this place with the next track". BOOM. really, nice opening guitar on NWFT. "wait, there's never been a mess like this". really? you want to know more. then, a smooth chorus telling everyone "there's a world's worth of work, and a need for you". yes, there is! then a march-style guitar/drum. thing is, these two opening tracks pull you in slowly. then, you hit that bridge. remnants of a distorted guitar, sweet lyrics, and a super sweet (be it short) guitar solo. placement in the storyline is interesting. you know claudio (the character, not the dude) is going to rip some stuff up.
epic rating (scale of 1-10): 4.

4: "the willing well IV: the final cut"
from: good apollo, i'm burning star IV, volume 1: from fear through the eyes of madness
length: 7:40
Listen to The Willing Well IV: The Final Cut [Explicit Album Version] by Coheed & Cambria : http://free.napster.com/player/tracks/15691591

placement on this one is supburb as the final track on the album. it starts OFF with a solo. way cool. you really REALLY don't think this is an epic at first. and perhaps, on paper, it really isn't. good tune, super bluesy (YESSSSSS). then you get to the line "you're a selfish little whore, if i had my way i'd shut your face in the door". really? kinda... um... harsh. but that's the glory. this is the place in the storyline where the main character is fed up with everything. when does this turn into a slight epic? when we hit that amazing guitar solo. you know you're going to be tapping your toes. but, as i said before, maybe not an epic on paper. but go watch sanchez play this live. all of the other band members leave him on stage alone. to jam. with that guitar. and, yes, it makes the song about 15 minutes long. but who cares. the man plays this solo WITH HIS TEETH. absolute gold. gotta give it to the man.
epic rating: 5

3: "in keeping secrets of silent earth: 3"
from in keeping secrets of silent earth:3
length: 8:13
Listen to In Keeping Secrets Of Silent Earth: 3 by Coheed & Cambria : http://free.napster.com/player/tracks/13660559

oh, that sweet, sweet orgasmic opening. this guitar is gritty. GRITTY. the drums are happenin'. you're hooked within the first minute: "the restless children sit and mourn the graves of those they've never seen before. will they be buried here among the dead, in the silent secret?" the chorus: "man your own jackhammers, man your battlestations, we'll have you dead pretty soon". once it gets going, this thing does not stop. rocks you as the second track on the album, perfect placement. the bridge- it just sounds evil guitar wise. and talks about "cutting the throats of babies". heavy. then we go back to lighter guitar. gives you time to process what you've just heard, which is really a shock to the ears. and, suddenly, this stuff gets all pretty. guitar- and lyric-wise. it actually calm you down, and you think it's over with "we were one among the fence, one among the fence". BUT IT ISN'T OVER. (that's the best part, can you tell??) back to opening guitar. and enter the ever popular "oh, oh, oh, oh!!!". cool thing about the oh, oh lines is that, when in concert, every single person in the venue sings it. it's a complete comrodity between thousands of fans. best part is the placement of the track. it seriously keeps you rocking all the way through track 10, "a favor house atlantic". after that track, you feel amazing.

2: "welcome home"
from good apollo, i'm burning star IV: volume 1: from fear through the eyes of madness
length: 6:14
Listen to Welcome Home [Explicit Album Version] by Coheed & Cambria : http://free.napster.com/player/tracks/15691622

THE epic? almost! this is the song that sparked epic talk. and, it was top spot... at least for a while. you KNOW this thing is epic when it starts. it's track 3 on the album, and the first two tracks almost put you to sleep. ("always and never"? how about never.) then, the crisp guitar. this thing plays itself out for a minute or so. then, in epic style, a first line for the records: "you could have been all i wanted, but you weren't honest. now, get in the ground!" and, that guitar you heard in the beginning? it doesn't stop. whole song through. lyrics just keep getting better: "you stormed off to scar the armada, like Jesus play matyr, i'll drill through your hands". this song is also, as deemed by me, dance worthy once the tempo picks up a little. aaaaaaand then we get to "please make up your mind, girl, before i hope you die", followed by THE greatest guitar solo ever. EVER. the ending of this also reminds me of IKSSE:3. everyone sings along. makes for happy concert times. added bonus: it kicks right into "ten speed", and i promise that's not a bike. epic rating: 10. and a half. =D

1. "mother superior"
from good apollo, i'm burning star IV, volume 2: no world for tomorrow
length: 6:38
Listen to Mother Superior by Coheed & Cambria : http://free.napster.com/player/tracks/21760165

and, now, we've reached THE EPIC. why, oh, why is this IT? it's hidden. way deep in the middle of the album. and the whole album moves at a steady pace (minus feathers... oh, feathers....) mother superior is sandwiched between the running free (the first single from the album), and gravemakers & gunslingers (which almost got a spot on this epic list at number 5). it is also the song that starts the slowest. this is one that really ends up hitting you right in the face when it's over, and that feeling is amazing. this song literally takes you from being calm and saying "wow, this is pretty" to making you feel overjoyed by the power of music. i think mother superior takes the turn into epicness with the line "oh, they know you're just a boy, so grow up and be a man". then the guitar turns just a little evil. the minor chords really pull it together. the chorus is catchy and beautiful. and, seriously, what put this over the epic scale is that there are STRINGS. how can strings make anything bad? sanchez never even sings the name of the song until (almost) the end. and by then you're overwhelmed with prettiness of violins and lyrics that hit the heart. it's THE epic because you feel it, you don't just hear it. and let's face it, that's what music is all about.
other noteworthy lyrics include: "young fools don't cry anymore"
"mother superior, come catch the rabit, he runs. what have you done?"
"when you're sick to the stomach, just pull out the knife"
and the best, "go fetch your gun".
epic rating: way off the charts.

and, because what's a day in the life of the friendship between green and myself without a good ole' "HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO!!"

chris's opinion:

This is Janelle's blog, not mine, so I'm going to keep my picks short and sweet so as to not overstay my welcome here. :)

It's not very difficult to pick out epic tracks from Coheed & Cambria's discography given that their albums are actually telling the sci-fi saga of two fictional characters (guess their names!), not to mention the larger-than-life album titles like "No World for Tomorrow". The difficult part is narrowing it down to 5 of the best. Here is my attempt (in no particular order):

1. Welcome Home (Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Vol I: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness) - How can any rock song with a string section AND a double neck guitar AND Gregorian-like chanting in it not be epic? The lyrics tell quite the story too: "Well you're just as I presumed, a whore in sheep's clothing" and "You stormed off the scar the armada, like Jesus played martyr, I'll drill through your hands". Ladies, beware... do not cheat on this man. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEsnX4utdyQ]

2. No World for Tomorrow (Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Vol 2: No World for Tomorrow) - Umm... is the name itself really not sufficient? If that's not enough, how about the mind-blowing arpeggiated guitar riffs? No? "So beat me, until the blood and the bone finds our end near." [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI9UUKrbe3U]

3. In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 (In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3) - Man your battle stations, people. It's war, you're going to die soon. But first you're going to need to kill anything, including cutting throats of babies. Tragic? Yes. Epic? Yes. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wp_Now6WDRc]

4. Apollo I: The Writing Writer (Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Vol I: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness) - I chose this one over Ten Speed for one key reason: "So come on bitch, why aren't you laughing now?" Not only is this just plain badass, but this line (and the accompanying riffs) are used fairly often throughout a few other songs. The content of the song itself also lends itself to images of an omniscient presence who can end the world by simply setting down his pen. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDQZtVivCXA]

5. The End Complete III: The End Complete (Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Vol 2: No World for Tomorrow) - The world is ending! EPIC!! [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9tL9DaCJ40]

On a (slightly) more important note: HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO!

thanks to my dear friend green for participating in this. i had way too much fun combing through four albums and picking my top five.

this is my dearest green and i at mitch-a-palooza, which ironically was also pretty epic.

poking fun

everyone who knows me pretty much knows that i love pearl jam/eddie vedder. (in fact, enough to fight one of my best friends, carolyn.) but it's well known that vedder is, at times, inaudible. i needed a quick music post for the day, so here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLd22ha_-VU

also, tomorrow i have something super cool in store for this blog. my friend chris ham and myself are having the first of what promises to be many music debates. tomorrow's music debate topic is the top 5 EPIC coheed and cambria songs. it promises to be funny, cool, and extremely nerdy, so definitely check back for that!

before they were...

...the mars volta, they were at the drive-in.
and they were amazing.

i'm at work and just finished posting on my other blog, at www.jmboulicault.blogspot.com. i was half way falling asleep because the two pots of coffee i've consumed today have worn off. don't get me wrong, i'm super happy, as always. but, still falling asleep.

then BOOM! ipod shuffle hits me with a little "one armed scissor". heck yes!

one of these days i promise to blog a lot more about TMV and at the drive-in, maybe a comparison... who knows.

today, i'll just share the link to "one armed scissor", in case anyone else needs a wake up call!

Listen to One Armed Scissor by At The Drive-In : http://free.napster.com/player/tracks/25855359

is it obvious?

well... it's a slight cave for me to begin publishing another blog. but this blog will center on music, something i know too much about. some of the info is useless, but sometimes i just have to throw my musical insight out to anyone who will listen.

if you have searched and found this blog, perhaps you were doing a coheed search. hence, "one among the fence", a decent 'heed lyric, and cool name for a blog.

i, however, refuse to just focus on one band or genre or whatever. i'm open to many different musical experiences. i prefer not to touch on country, though. if so, keep it short and (hopefully) into the classic country style.

since it's the first day... i'll just start with 'heed to appease. and i'm jumping the gun here by making my cool song link THE epic, but will be appreciated by probably all of you. (especially green, who's probably screaming "EPIC!!" right now.)

why is it an epic? oh, the combination! double neck guitar. AMAZING guitar solo. lines such as "you stormed off to scar the armada, like Jesus play matryr, i'll drill through your hands". a hot chick. a graveyard. a creepy dude. a bleeding keywork (just noticed THAT for the first time today).

not enough? dudes: claudio sanchez has the hair you want. chicks: really, he's hot.

while this video is not the coolest (blood red summer takes that award), the song is one of the best the band has to offer.

here's your link, kids. air guitar is encouraged.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEsnX4utdyQ