Let's see...Halestorm is coming to town again! I'm excited about this. This time, they're headlining! This will be my 4th time seeing them live. Adelitas Way will be opening for them, which will be my 5th time for those guys. I'll get to see Since October for the first time that night, too. I think it will be a good night.
But I have bigger news. I was on the Muse website this afternoon, just browsing through the tour dates. Mostly Europe and Australia. A few in California. Then at the end of the list, was a small leg running through the U.S., with one stop in Raleigh, North Carolina. I paused. That's only about 6 hours from here. Hm...I wonder how much the tickets are. I followed some links, clicked on best available, and I froze. The ticket it drew up was floor level, general admission! I couldn't believe it! If I bought one right then, I would be on the FLOOR. At a MUSE concert! Remember my blog about seeing them in March? I said the only thing that could have made it better is if I would have been on the floor. It was pricey. But I checked my balance, saw that I had a little cushion, and I BOUGHT IT. $75 later, I have a ticket to see Muse in Raleigh, NC on October 26th. And I'll be on the freakin' FLOOR.
This week, I've been on another Muse kick. Every few months, I do this. I stop listening to everything except Muse. Finally ordered the Hullabaloo Soundtrack. Discovered tracks "Map of Your Head" and "Shine Acoustic." Absolutely incredible songs.
Oh man, I can't wait to see Muse again. This is going to be incredible. And I actually have a friend who may be going with me this time. If she gets to go, then this will be perfect. My head could quite possibly explode.
Here's "Map of Your Head."
Friday, May 28, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Neutron Star Collision
Today was a good day. Well, it was average for the most part. Took my dog for a walk with my next-door neighbor (and got SOAKED), went to work, trying to make myself get in a little bit of cleaning before I go to bed...
So what perked up my day? Muse released their new single today. Usually, I'm interested when a new single is released, but not really excited about it. This one is special though. It's not on any of their studio albums. So it's 100% brand spankin' new! It's called "Neutron Star Collision (Love Is Forever)." I love it. When I first heard it, I really wasn't sure about the beginning. It's still my least favorite part of the song. But then this galloping drum beat hits (similar to the one heard in "Knights of Cydonia"), and the melody is beautiful. And then there's this guitar solo. Nothing complicated, the guitar just repeats the melody. It's all quite lovely.
The first couple of lines in the song make me giggle a little every time I hear them: "I was searching, you were on a mission/ Then our hearts combined like a neutron star collision." Come on, Matt. I know you love spacey topics, but wow. Not the most common analogy, but I think it really is growing on me. The rest of the lyrics (specifically the chorus) are a bit intense. "Our love is forever/And if we die/We die together." Is it just me or are more and more of Matt's lyrics about love? I think he's happier now. He has said that the lyrics of "Undisclosed Desires" are very personal to him and his girlfriend, and let's face it, I think every girl dreams of a guy who will say to them what Matt says in that song. It's a nice change for him (though sometimes I miss, the darker, conspiratorial lyrics of earlier albums.
"Neutron Star Collision" isn't a complete non-album single. It's the lead single from a film soundtrack...the new Twilight movie, Eclipse. If you check out the comments on youtube videos (which if you never glance through the comments when you watch a youtube video, you're missing out. They tend to be on the funny side), you'll see that a lot of Muse fans are up in arms about them appearing on all three soundtracks of the Twilight films.
It really doesn't bother me. I think it's pretty dumb to shake the foundation of your fandom for a band just because they show up on a soundtrack for a movie you don't like. That doesn't change the music or what it stands for. What a silly thing to get worked up over...
Anyway, that's all I've got for you. Here's the song, of course!
So what perked up my day? Muse released their new single today. Usually, I'm interested when a new single is released, but not really excited about it. This one is special though. It's not on any of their studio albums. So it's 100% brand spankin' new! It's called "Neutron Star Collision (Love Is Forever)." I love it. When I first heard it, I really wasn't sure about the beginning. It's still my least favorite part of the song. But then this galloping drum beat hits (similar to the one heard in "Knights of Cydonia"), and the melody is beautiful. And then there's this guitar solo. Nothing complicated, the guitar just repeats the melody. It's all quite lovely.
The first couple of lines in the song make me giggle a little every time I hear them: "I was searching, you were on a mission/ Then our hearts combined like a neutron star collision." Come on, Matt. I know you love spacey topics, but wow. Not the most common analogy, but I think it really is growing on me. The rest of the lyrics (specifically the chorus) are a bit intense. "Our love is forever/And if we die/We die together." Is it just me or are more and more of Matt's lyrics about love? I think he's happier now. He has said that the lyrics of "Undisclosed Desires" are very personal to him and his girlfriend, and let's face it, I think every girl dreams of a guy who will say to them what Matt says in that song. It's a nice change for him (though sometimes I miss, the darker, conspiratorial lyrics of earlier albums.
"Neutron Star Collision" isn't a complete non-album single. It's the lead single from a film soundtrack...the new Twilight movie, Eclipse. If you check out the comments on youtube videos (which if you never glance through the comments when you watch a youtube video, you're missing out. They tend to be on the funny side), you'll see that a lot of Muse fans are up in arms about them appearing on all three soundtracks of the Twilight films.
It really doesn't bother me. I think it's pretty dumb to shake the foundation of your fandom for a band just because they show up on a soundtrack for a movie you don't like. That doesn't change the music or what it stands for. What a silly thing to get worked up over...
Anyway, that's all I've got for you. Here's the song, of course!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Stunted Growth, Perhaps?
I've had a thought recently, and it's been bugging me. I've always been very supportive of a band's evolution. I've always said that I don't want to hear the band that sounds the same from one album to the next, even if it means that their sound develops in a direction leading away from the sounds I usually like. If I were to hammer out a list right now of my favorite bands, they would all be bands that have a distinct sound from album to album. Except for one.
I really like Chevelle. With their use of heavier guitar riffs, interesting chord structure, melodic choruses, and occasional screaming, they come of as pretty unique (to my ears, anyway). They have found their way into my favorite bands because I'm not just hooked on one or two albums. I own and love four of them (there are five). And while I may not love every single song on each album, there are certainly several on each that I absolutely love. I've seen them live twice (with a possible third time in my future), and they are just as great in person.
So what's been bothering. I was listening to a couple of their albums back to back this weekend, and that got me to thinking. The sound across their albums is really interchangeable. Like I said, all of my favorite bands grow and change over time. If I were to hear a song I didn't know by them (if you could find one), I would be able to tell you what album-era it came from. But Chevelle...probably not. I hear a difference from their first to second album, but after that...it's like they found their sound and were satisfied with that. I mean, it's a good sound. I own and love my copies of albums 2-5. But to not grow as songwriters...
This doesn't make me lose respect for the band or love them any less. I was just a little shocked to notice that hey, whaddaya know, I really do like a band that hasn't evolved in years. It makes me wonder where they would go from here, if they did start moving in one direction or another. Would I like that new sound? Would I wish that they had stuck to the old formula? I don't know...Anyway, I just thought I would share that with you.
Here's "Well Enough Alone" from their fourth album, Vena Sera.
I really like Chevelle. With their use of heavier guitar riffs, interesting chord structure, melodic choruses, and occasional screaming, they come of as pretty unique (to my ears, anyway). They have found their way into my favorite bands because I'm not just hooked on one or two albums. I own and love four of them (there are five). And while I may not love every single song on each album, there are certainly several on each that I absolutely love. I've seen them live twice (with a possible third time in my future), and they are just as great in person.
So what's been bothering. I was listening to a couple of their albums back to back this weekend, and that got me to thinking. The sound across their albums is really interchangeable. Like I said, all of my favorite bands grow and change over time. If I were to hear a song I didn't know by them (if you could find one), I would be able to tell you what album-era it came from. But Chevelle...probably not. I hear a difference from their first to second album, but after that...it's like they found their sound and were satisfied with that. I mean, it's a good sound. I own and love my copies of albums 2-5. But to not grow as songwriters...
This doesn't make me lose respect for the band or love them any less. I was just a little shocked to notice that hey, whaddaya know, I really do like a band that hasn't evolved in years. It makes me wonder where they would go from here, if they did start moving in one direction or another. Would I like that new sound? Would I wish that they had stuck to the old formula? I don't know...Anyway, I just thought I would share that with you.
Here's "Well Enough Alone" from their fourth album, Vena Sera.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Shiney New Toy
Yesterday, I sat down and wrote almost an entire post, and then said screw it and deleted it all. Sometimes I really struggle with this. I'm not a writer. That, I can deal with. Hell, it's not like many people read this. But the topic I had on the docket for yesterday required a bit more translation than I could muster. I have all these thoughts in my head, but sometimes I just can't find the right words to convey what I'm thinking. So in my frustration, I scrapped it all. In case you're wondering, the blog was going to be about Green Day, how they've changed, and where I stand with them now. Blarg...
Today's topic is a little easier for my meager skills. I finally got an iPod today. I had previously used a 2GB Insignia. Let me tell ya...two gigs is not a lot, not when you're a music freak like me. It held about 320-330 songs, which is certainly not enough for my purposes. As soon as I got my shiney new (blue) 16GB iPod Nano going, I went down the list clicking on all the songs that were must haves. I have 887 songs on it, and still 10GB free! Oh, the possibilities.
One of my projects for me and Mr. iPod will be getting to know my albums a little better. Right now, when I get a new album, I pop it into the CD player in my truck and listen while I drive. For some reason, I just can't focus as much on new music when I'm sitting around my apartment. But now, I'll be able to throw an entire album on my iPod and loop it to my heart's content. There may be hope for me and my library just yet.
I know all this probably isn't exciting for anyone else, but I'm as giddy as a school girl about this. That's all I've got for today. Here's a song!
Today's topic is a little easier for my meager skills. I finally got an iPod today. I had previously used a 2GB Insignia. Let me tell ya...two gigs is not a lot, not when you're a music freak like me. It held about 320-330 songs, which is certainly not enough for my purposes. As soon as I got my shiney new (blue) 16GB iPod Nano going, I went down the list clicking on all the songs that were must haves. I have 887 songs on it, and still 10GB free! Oh, the possibilities.
One of my projects for me and Mr. iPod will be getting to know my albums a little better. Right now, when I get a new album, I pop it into the CD player in my truck and listen while I drive. For some reason, I just can't focus as much on new music when I'm sitting around my apartment. But now, I'll be able to throw an entire album on my iPod and loop it to my heart's content. There may be hope for me and my library just yet.
I know all this probably isn't exciting for anyone else, but I'm as giddy as a school girl about this. That's all I've got for today. Here's a song!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Nothing Like a New Discovery!
I've said before that there seems to be simply too much music in the world. I just can't take it all in. I wish I could say I could name every song on every album I own. I wish I could sing along to more albums. I wish I knew more than the choruses of the songs I hear on the radio. I wish I could download it straight into my brain, Matrix-style.
Every now and then, something seems to shine through all the noise, though. Something will stand out as new and unrecognizable. I love listening to my old favorites, and unveiling more music by bands I already know and love, but there is nothing quite like hearing a band for the first time and falling in love. Granted, I've only heard two songs by them, but I'm completely hooked. I've already got their album ordered and on its way. So who is this new discovery? The Temper Trap. They're an Australian alternative rock band signed to an independent label that just released their very first album last June. How did I hear about them? As I've said before, I check the Billboard rock charts. Their debut single, "Sweet Disposition," has been climbing up the Alternative Rock Chart. No radio station around here plays them, so curiousity sent me over to YouTube to check them out.
The more I listen to it, the more I love this song. They've released a second single now, "Fader." It hasn't hit the charts yet, but I love this one, too. I know I could meander through YouTube and listen to the rest of their album, but I prefer to wait until I have it physically in my hands and in my CD player. Why ruin the surprise? I'm really excited for this one to come in. I'm really hoping that I'll love the rest of the album as much as I love those two songs.
In other news, there's another concert coming to town that I really want to go to. It's Shinedown's Carnival of Madness tour. I'm not really a fan of Shinedown, but check out the line-up: Headlining is Shinedown, with the opening bands being Sevendust, Chevelle, Puddle of Mudd, and 10 Years. I'm not a Sevendust fan at all (they just headlined their own show here last week, and I didn't care at all to go), and I only like a couple songs each by Shinedown and Puddle of Mudd, but I love both Chevelle and 10 Years. I've seen them both before, but I would love to see them again. So do I go or not? A) It would be another chunk of change to go, and B) the concert is July 23rd. Should I find a teaching position, and should it be a high school teaching position, that will put it right smack in the middle of a band camp, which could pose another problem. What to do, what to do...
That's all for today. Here's "Sweet Disposition" by The Temper Trap. There are two music videos for it. This is the Australian version, for no other reason than I like its aesthetics a little better.
Every now and then, something seems to shine through all the noise, though. Something will stand out as new and unrecognizable. I love listening to my old favorites, and unveiling more music by bands I already know and love, but there is nothing quite like hearing a band for the first time and falling in love. Granted, I've only heard two songs by them, but I'm completely hooked. I've already got their album ordered and on its way. So who is this new discovery? The Temper Trap. They're an Australian alternative rock band signed to an independent label that just released their very first album last June. How did I hear about them? As I've said before, I check the Billboard rock charts. Their debut single, "Sweet Disposition," has been climbing up the Alternative Rock Chart. No radio station around here plays them, so curiousity sent me over to YouTube to check them out.
The more I listen to it, the more I love this song. They've released a second single now, "Fader." It hasn't hit the charts yet, but I love this one, too. I know I could meander through YouTube and listen to the rest of their album, but I prefer to wait until I have it physically in my hands and in my CD player. Why ruin the surprise? I'm really excited for this one to come in. I'm really hoping that I'll love the rest of the album as much as I love those two songs.
In other news, there's another concert coming to town that I really want to go to. It's Shinedown's Carnival of Madness tour. I'm not really a fan of Shinedown, but check out the line-up: Headlining is Shinedown, with the opening bands being Sevendust, Chevelle, Puddle of Mudd, and 10 Years. I'm not a Sevendust fan at all (they just headlined their own show here last week, and I didn't care at all to go), and I only like a couple songs each by Shinedown and Puddle of Mudd, but I love both Chevelle and 10 Years. I've seen them both before, but I would love to see them again. So do I go or not? A) It would be another chunk of change to go, and B) the concert is July 23rd. Should I find a teaching position, and should it be a high school teaching position, that will put it right smack in the middle of a band camp, which could pose another problem. What to do, what to do...
That's all for today. Here's "Sweet Disposition" by The Temper Trap. There are two music videos for it. This is the Australian version, for no other reason than I like its aesthetics a little better.
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