Keeping It Fresh

Today I thought we could go back in time, relive some of the glorious 80s and get some old school music back on the map. And to start off, I thought it would be cool to take a look at different artists across various genres in the 80s. Think of it like a series dedicated to the age when big hair, punk rock, disco, and new wave all had a spot in the spotlight. The 80s were a time where bands were starting to embrace instruments like synthesizers and keyboards, where rock music was starting to evolve and change to include these “unconventional” instruments. New wave band, Modern English, was no exception.  It’s interesting to note that Modern English is actually an English band – as were many popular bands during the 80s. I think a little background might add some context on why that is a cool tidbit. Let’s start with the genre – new wave. This is a genre which encompasses some pop music styles and punk rock to create a deliciously catchy dossier of sound. New wave was a shift a...

So, rock music for anyone? It has been too long since I last discussed rock music, a shame if I am to be honest. But I thought today and going forward, I can talk about more rock music, whether it be rock n roll or modern rock. Starting today with a band out of Japan, ONE OK ROCK. Now I only recently started listening to their music, and it took me back to my rock roots. I will say ,ONE OK ROCK tends to take a little bit more of a punk sound with this song, but it really works for them. One of the things I really have to appreciate about ONE OK ROCK, is that each album sounds different. The band is not afraid of trying out new sounds and vibes each time they put out an album, and I respect that both as a listener and as a musician. You can also really tell who has influenced the band. Some albums are almost like an homage to ONE OK ROCK's favorite and most inspiring bands, but they are still able to make each album sound like their own. Now the album which this song comes from i...

It has been a couple of days since I last posted, as I've been traveling about. But today I have music for you by a band with a pretty awesome sound called Dirty Heads. Though the band hasn't been on the pop music radar, this song is an underground banger. The overall soundscape is very different from the current evolution we have been hearing from rock bands. A lot of rock bands now are introducing more electronic elements and synthesizers into their tracks. Some bands have completely changed their sound to be more of an electronic-based sound, whereas other bands have integrated those synth sounds into their live instruments. And I can respect both styles! But Dirty Heads does something completely different and explores this rap-rock and trap kind of sound. For the most part, I feel like they have dropped the rock sound in favor of creating this fierce bass boosted track. I love the introduction of the synths and programmed alien-esque sounds. Eventually, this segues into...

Today I have music for you by a more underground band by the name Gossip. This is a track I actually forgot about for a little while, until it started playing off one of my playlists. Naturally, I started to really jam out because, hey, it's been a while! And of course, hearing this song again after so long reminded me about how good this song is. Which leads us to the rest of today's post! There is so much energy in this song, and carries the energy of a rock song. This song goes from being a brooding prowl to being an energetic disco and indie rock song. This is something we could hear from more underground rock scenes, and was especially popular in the UK. There is a very distinct rock sound, one that makes it clear that this is a rock song and not a synth pop or electronic poop song. But at the same time, it has the dance-like qualitites of those kinds of songs. There is a sense of groove to the song that is heightened by the guitar beats and melodies. This song is defini...

Hey everyone! I know it's been a while since I last posted. Lots of things going on, some moving around, trying to get some time to write. And I am starting up again with some music for you from Japan. ONE OK ROCK is a rock band (go figure) out of Tokyo, and was recently on tour. Now I only recently started listening to their music, and it took me back to my rock roots. I will say ,ONE OK ROCK tends to take a little bit more of a punk sound with this song, but it really works for them. One of the things I really have to appreciate about ONE OK ROCK, is that each album sounds different. The band is not afraid of trying out new sounds and vibes each time they put out an album, and I respect that both as a listener and as a musician. You can also really tell who has influenced the band. Some albums are almost like an homage to ONE OK ROCK's favorite and most inspiring bands, but they are still able to make each album sound like their own. Now the album which this song comes from...

Today I have music for you by a band called The Summer Set. This song is like a breath of fresh air in the world of punk rock. This song is a great song to call the vacation anthem or summer anthem. This song is just bursting with energy and a fun feeling to it. I think this song is so appropriate for summer not only because it has that fun  feel  to it, but the lyrics talk about passion and love and freedom and excitement, all things that define how summer and vacationing is. It captures the feeling of driving around town while standing up out of the sun roof of the car. It brings that feeling of basking in the sun and playing in the surf. Now when it comes to the vocals of this song, I think it is brilliant. The vocals are incredible! There is a softness to these vocals that remind me of The Cab's lead singer. When it needs to be rougher and more intense, it can be. But in these instances with a pumped  up  beat and a riveting sound, the softer and higher pitch...

Today is a day of mourning for the music community. We lost an incredible vocalist, musician, and music member last night. Chris Cornell was the lead singer of the bands Soundgarden and Audioslave, and to this day remain one of the most important and pivotal influencers in the music community. The Grammy-nominated singer could be considered one of the fathers of grunge rock music and helped kick start a movement which shook the entire world. He helped define the niche genre that is grunge, taking the best elements of punk and metal to brew something completely unique and edgy. His voice was a force to reckoned with, being able to fluidly transition from a vulnerable howl to a gritty growl, with a range that spanned four octaves. From 1984 to now, Chris Cornell is a powerful presence and overcame much in his life. I pay so much respect and love towards Chris Cornell and his family. His work with music and his influence within rock music have been so transformative for the genre. My ...

Today I have some music for you by a trio of musicians who are an odd mix of electronic dance and rock music. And this rock music is more along the lines of hard rock. Art vs Science is a group out of Sydney, Australia with an intense, lively, and spunky spirit. Art vs Science is one of the oddest groups I have heard, but I absolutely love how unique and fun their music is. This band is one that has received some mixed reviews, with some dismissing their music and others praising them as one of Australia's greatest live acts. I will leave you to decide how to feel about the band, and would love to know what you think! But before we even get to that, let's take a look at a breakdown of this song. For starters, this is such a pumped up and fist-bump worthy song. The energy felt in this song is really reminiscent of The Beastie Boys and The Chemical Brothers for me. There is this very particular kind of sound that comes with musicians like this. I am going to try to put it in wo...

Today I have music for you that is so incredibly unique and weirdly riveting, that I had to share it with you all! This song is by the American gypsy punk band known as Gogol Bordello. Yeah, that's right. Gypsy punk. I can guarantee that this song is going to be on the stranger side of most people's musical taste, yet, it's the kind of music which you can't pull away from. Gogol Bordello is all about making music that intrigues you and leaves you hooked. The entire sound and reputation of Gogol Bordello hinge on this idea of unorthodox instrumentation and melodies. The vocal melody is just so catchy though that you get completely ensnared by the song and have to hear it out through the end. Even for those of you who don't find it to be your cup of tea, you can't deny the intrigue and odd attraction that the song has to the ears The song starts off with the plucking of a guitar in a melody that is clearly influenced by the common chord progression associated wi...

Today I have some music for you that comes from a band that has so much nostalgia attached to it. Last night, Panic! At the Disco played a show in Austin. Now many of you who have been following the blog for a while now, know that I like to report on the concerts I have been to. You probably also know that I frequent a lot of concerts. Keeping those thoughts in mind, I have to say, Panic! At the Disco was one of the most incredible and well-done shows I have ever seen. The lead singer, Brendon Urie, is one the most incredible and talented entertainers of our time. Not only can the man write songs and sing, but he can play multiple instruments and dances incredibly well. To top it all off, the man can perform so many different genres, and it is absolutely fantastic. So when I say that Panic! At the Disco was one of the greatest shows I have ever seen, it isn't a joke. Even before the show started, there was a theatrical aspect to the show. From beginning to end, the concert was rive...

Today I have some music for you by a punk band that is slowly starting to gain traction, but I have a feeling that they may hit the ground running! Death From Above 1979 is a really cool band because it has a history that is unlike most bands today. They broke up for a period of time after being together for five years. Normally when bands break up though, they don't get back together. However, Death From Above 1979 id reform and has released a new album. Today's song is from that new album and it is a pretty sick song! Fun fact, this song was based on a train wreck that did happen before the age of cellphones and other devices like it. What made this the choice wreck was that no one died. Anyway, when it comes to the song, there are a couple of cool things that mesh together which usually wouldn't. For one, this song has a crazy metal undertone with very heavy guitar work going on. We get a lot from both the electric and bass guitars. The bass guitar is harder to hear un...

Today I have some music for you by a band that I haven't heard much of lately. The Cab was one of my favorite bands in high school, but somehow I started to drift away from them. But I recently started listening to them again, and got to hear this gem of a song as if it were the first time again. It has been quite a while since I posted any music by an alternative band like this, and I thought this would be an awesome time for me to not only post music from a rock band, but also post a song that is more of a plot twist in terms of the sound of the song. This song is one that brings punk pop rock to the acoustic guitar and I love that. Alexander DeLeon has one of the best voices I have ever heard. And I am not saying this in any biased way. I mean this guy knows how to use his voice, and can mold it and shape it to sound like whatever will fit the song. In some songs, he has more of a punk voice with the slight jilts and vocal cracks that comes with that. Other times his voice soars...

Today I have music for you by a punk band out of New Jersey called The Gaslight Anthem. In particular, this song has a really sick vibe to it. There are elements of different kinds of rockers and rock bands in this song. I can hear subtle hints of a Springsteen-esque sound as well as a little bit of The Killers. Now this could also be the way the vocals sound. The vocals in this song have this nice grit and rough sound to them which makes this song have a little bit more of a wild sound to it. I am actually a huge fan of a voice like this. Usually, voices like this don't make it into the spotlight which is a total and complete shame because it is very unique. The Gaslight Anthem is another one of those bands that really draws from old-school rock and takes that older style to mold it into their own sound. However, because The Gaslight Anthem does draw a lot from Bruce Springsteen, there is more light being shed on these guys. And I have to say, it is for a good reason. This band do...

Today I have some interesting music for you, in the sense that you may find it a little bit quirky. Today's first song is by the ever incredible band by the name The White Stripes. Now The White Stripes is probably one of the most iconic bands of the late 90's and early 00's. This is a band that everyone seems to know, even if they have never heard a song by them. It is just one of those names that you know, regardless of what kind of music you listen to. What I like about this band is the blending of grunge rock and blues rock to create songs that have some really great bass guitar work in accompaniment with heavy drum work. The White Stripes tends to ditch the dependence on the electric guitar in favor of the lower tones and deep thrum of the bass guitar. This is a song that makes you automatically feel like a badass and a rebel. That is one of the things that The White Stripes can do to  you-make  you feel like the coolest and most suave person in the world. This song ju...

Today I have some music for you by a more  low key  band called Bad Suns. My primary exposure to this band was at The 1975 concert. Bad Suns was the opening act and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Having my first listen be a live one was very interesting because I could form a better opinion about the band, and I was very impressed. The lead singer of this band has some seriously strong vocals that carry through and really fill up the space of sound. There is a full richness to that voice which embodies the soul of rock extremely well, and the tone of his voice is one that I have not heard from a rock band in  some time . Part of me is reminded of bands like The Killers and Linkin Park, and Bastille-trademark voices. This song has some nice vocal harmonization to it and a pinch of angst which rounds the vocals out very nicely. There is really nice guitar work in this song as well. The main melody for the guitar is rather simple, but Bad Suns  messes  with the sound tha...

Today I have some interesting music for you, in the sense that you may find it a little bit quirky. Today's first song is by the ever incredible band by the name The White Stripes. Now The White Stripes is probably one of the most iconic bands of the late 90's and early 00's. This is a band that everyone seems to know, even if they have never heard a song by them. It is just one of those names that you know, regardless of what kind of music you listen to. What I like about this band is the blending of grunge rock and blues rock to create songs that have some really great bass guitar work in accompaniment with heavy drum work. The White Stripes tends to ditch the dependence on the electric guitar in favor of the lower tones and deep thrum of the bass guitar. This is a song that makes you automatically feel like a badass and a rebel. That is one of the things that The White Stripes can do to you-make you feel like the coolest and most suave person in the world. This song just...

Today I have some music for you by the band called Angels and Airwaves. For those of you who don't know, this band is a mix of members from other big rock bands. The lead vocalist is Tom Delonge from Blink 182 and other members of the band include those from Nine Inch Nails, The Offspring, and 30 Seconds To Mars. Angels and Airwaves is a band that I find to be really unique because the members bring styles from their respective bands and combine them together to get Angels and Airwaves. This is a band that does have a rock focus, but a lot of the music is also synth oriented and ambient. This is quite different in comparison to many other rock bands out there because of how synth and electronic driven this group is. This song in particular mixes the rock and snth elements to make a song that is hauntingly dark but still beautiful. There is this great use of reverb to create this grand space of sound that both fills and leaves a lot open, kind of like the universe. This song has a l...

Today I have some music for you by a more low key band called Bad Suns. My primary exposure to this band was at The 1975 concert. Bad Suns was the opening act and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Having my first listen be a live one was very interesting because I could form a better opinion about the band, and I was very impressed. The lead singer of this band has some seriously strong vocals that carry through and really fill up the space of sound. There is a full richness to that voice which embodies the soul of rock extremely well, and the tone of his voice is one that I have not heard from a rock band in sometime. Part of me is reminded of bands like The Killers and Linkin Park, and Bastille-trademark voices. This song has some nice vocal harmonization to it and a pinch of angst which rounds the vocals out very nicely. There is really nice guitar work in this song as well. The main melody for the guitar is rather simple, but Bad Suns messes with the sound that makes it sound really awesome...

Today I have a really cool and slightly weird song for you. Now this is actually a mashup of two songs by Fetty Wap. But, this is a punk and hardcore rock version of the mashup. Which is normally really strange to think about, but Zak Diesal pulls it off so well and honestly I am pretty much in shock at how good this cover is. There is something about that stereotypical punk voice, the kind that borders that metal voice. It is really deep and the vowels are more elongated and I just love the way it sounds, as if they could let out a little bit of a screamo type scream any moment. That could be the inner rocker in me, but man I have to say Zak Diesal has a hell of a voice. I know this is normally not the kind of thing that people listen to, and not the kind of voice most people know and appreciate. But I can definitely tell you that this is a really wicked sound, something that any serious rocker would kind of drool over. Now Zak Diesal does an absolutely incredible job of turning Fetty...

Today I have some interesting music for you by a band whom I never expected to create music like this. The Plain White T's are generally a very sweet sounding band, with more acoustic and guitar oriented music. Their music is more along the lines of contemporary and more of a pop sound. Their most popular radio hits have been romantic ballads accompanied by a guitar and well performed melodies. But this song seems to be much more off the beaten path. Now I guess a precursor to the song is to explain that it was actually created to be a part of the Alice in Wonderland soundtrack. This being said, The Plain White T's had to create a song that was worthy of a Tim Burton film, in other words, something strange and out of the ordinary. And my oh my did they nail it! This song is such a wonderful expression of Tim Burton and his style, making it one of the greatest songs to accompany a movie of this caliber. Alice In Wonderland is a movie about a girl who gets swept into a world of m...