Wednesday, May 25, 2011

A Sad Day...

Well, I signed on to facebook today to find some sad news.  There was a post from Silverchair in my news feed...a farewell post.  Despite having begun work on their sixth studio album, they've split, citing creative differences.  I feel so...sad.  I was never able to see them live.  I said that as soon as they got that new album out and began their tour that I would do whatever it took to get to one of their shows.  And now, that will never happen...

Well, I suppose I can't say "never."  They're not calling this a "break up."  They're opting for the phrase "indefinite hibernation."  The farewell post said that the three of them "won't be working together unless and until it feels right again."  They've been on hiatus before and returned. 

Don't get me wrong, I don't want them to stay together just for us kids.  If this is what they need to do, then it's what they need to do.  But I can still be sad, right?

So I'll just recount how I came to meet and love Silverchair for you, and leave you with a favorite song.  I first heard of Silverchair when I was quite young.  My sister had their first two albums, though I never really listened to any of their music.  It wasn't until I was in middle school (and going through my MTV phase) when they really hit me.  Their third album was on its way out, and "Anthem for the Year 2000" was in rotation.  I fell in love with the song, bought the album, and I wore that sucker out.  And that's how it all started for me.  I went ahead and bought albums 1 and 2 for myself, but it wouldn't be until years later (January 2008 to be exact) that I would re-discover those albums and discover their successive albums for the first time.  But Neon Ballroom has held its place as one of my favorite albums ever since that very first time I heard it in 1999/2000.  Now, their five albums are probably some of my most played in my entire library. 

Well boys, it's been great.  I will miss you.  Thank you for all the years I've been able to spend with your music.  Here's my favorite Silverchair song, "Untitled."  It's a b-side from the Neon Ballroom-era. 

Friday, May 20, 2011

Rockin' to the End of the World

I've got a post in drafts that I've been working on from time to time, and I can never really seem to perfect it.  However, that post is put on hold because a more pressing matter has come up:  the world is ending this Saturday.  That's tomorrow, people!!  That means we need an Apocalypse-appropriate playlist!  And so, with a little digging through my iTunes, I've uncovered a handful of tunes to help you ring in the end in style! 

*Note:  I went with either lyrics or titles that fit, so no lectures about what the songs really mean because you're MISSING THE POINT. :P


1) Everclear - "Santa Monica"
Worried about getting the best seats to watch the end come?  Worry not, my friend!  Everclear has figured that one out for you!  Find yourself an ocean, then you can "swim out past the breakers and watch the world die."

2) Smashing Pumpkins - "The End Is the Beginning Is the End"
The world ends tomorrow?  But what about 2012?  It's confusing, ain't it?  Is this the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end.  Hell, we'll just listen to this one "til the end times begin."

3) Blue Oyster Cult - "Don't Fear the Reaper"
Pretty good advice, ya think?  Do not go gentle into that good night, people!  Grab your cowbells and hold you heads up high!

4) Linkin Park - "Waiting for the End"
If it is the end of the world, not much we can do about it, eh?  Not much to do now except wait.

5) "Last Night of the World" from Miss Saigon (yeah, it's in my iTunes, what's it to ya?)
Grab your significant other and dance like it's the last night of the world, because it just might be.  Preferably dance to a solo saxophone.

6) Lostprophets - "It's Not the End of the World, But I Can See It From Here"
Well, the Lostprophets don't seem to think tomorrow will be it, but they sure do seem to think it's coming soon.  2012, perhaps?

7) Muse - "Apocalypse Please"
Probably the most appropriate song on the list, seeing as how it's the only one whose lyrics actually refer to a biblical apocalypse.  This is the end, this is the end of the world.

8) R.E.M. - "It's the End of the World As We Know It"
And I feel fine.

And that's my playlist for you today!  I could have overlooked some good ones, and I'm sure there are more that I just don't know too well, so by all means, tell me:  what else can you add to the playlist?