Hello all! This week, I'm recommending an emo classic—arguably the emo classic (perhaps besides The Black Parade). However, where The Black Parade indulges soaring rock opera, this one is punk all the way. It's Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge by My Chemical Romance! MCR's blowup second record released in 2004, boasting hits like Helena, I'm Not Okay (I Promise), and The Ghost of You. Fusing catchy pop punk sensibilities with Black Sabbath-ish early metal dissonances, MCR aligns shredding riffs over crushing chords. I'd like to commend the deceptively simple and enthralling blend of guitars and bass, Matt Pelissier's lightning-fast drumming, and Gerard Way's captivating performance and devastating lyricism. While the record delves deep into the macabre, telling of murder, prison, tragic romance, and supernatural revenge, it conceals an uplifting heart about perseverance. My favorite tracks include manic To The End, rebellious and sarcastic Thank You For the Venom, and chilling The Ghost of You. Explosive I'm Not Okay (I Promise) is the obvious anthem of the record. It's Not a Fashion Statement, It's a Deathwish features a fascinating, dramatic arrangement that relies improbably little on repetition for how well each section flows into the next. My favorite of them all, though, is surely Cemetery Drive. The dynamic arrangement, the compelling rhythm, the visceral and tragic lyrics; all make for a climactic track rife with spookiness and despair in equal measure. Go give Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge a listen!
Hiya all! This week, I'm recommending a beautiful record I would not have had the opportunity to enjoy without being specially recommended it myself. It's Foxlore by The Crane Wives! The Michigan indie folk band's 2016 fourth record leans into the territories of alt rock and jazz, effortlessly crossing genre soundscapes to great effect and cohesion. Emilee Petersmark and Kate Pillsbury's voices and guitars are all but conjoined, countering and complimenting one another. I would also like to give credit to Ben Zito's tastefully prominent and intricate bass work, as well as Dan Rickabus's groovy drums. I will not pretend to grasp the many compelling layers Foxlore's lyrics offer. My time with the album has been too brief and too shallow to dissect them. Instead, let any Crane Wives fan assure you: these lyrics will stick with you, and you'll realize new complexities with every listen. My favorite tracks include rebellious and energetic Down the River, manically jazzy hit Curses, striking Turn Out the Lights, heavy Pretty Little Things, anthemic Know How, and gorgeous, moody closing track The Garden (what an outro!). My favorite of them all has to go to Ribs. The build of guitar melodies and textures pairs with artfully written melodies and incredible lyricism to create a beautifully powerful yet spectral track. Go check out Foxlore!
Hiya all! This week, it's time to recommend an album that's special to me in a special way. Despite my enjoyment of this album itself, it's probably been more significant to me in how many people it inspired in their music. Pinkerton by Weezer is a fundamental record in the emo scene, taking Weezer's eponymous blue debut to a grittier sound and markedly exposed confessional lyrics. Despite its initial poor reception, Pinkerton found a greately devoted audience and has since begun to receive the appreciate it deserves. Under the distortion and feedback, Pinkerton hides commendably complex harmonics, coloring the lyrical themes of dealing with emotional loneliness and isolation. My highlights include eclectic El Scorcho, desperately heartfelt Across the Sea, succinct yet meaningful Why Bother?, and everyone's favorite, Pink Triangle. I am compelled to mention that Falling For You randomly finds its way into my head for no reason I've discerned. My favorite track has to be Getchoo. Don't be fooled by the odd name. It's an incredibly rocking song. If you're in the mood for a rock classic, Pinkerton is a great option. Give it a try!
Hello all! This week, I'm recommending a fairly recent album that's also a favorite of mine. It's Cracker Island by Gorillaz! With their ninth studio album releasing in a few months, it's only right to recommend their eighth. Cracker Island balances moody, spacey synth pop with beautiful melodies and plenty of groove as well. The lyrics are at times touching, while other times surreal and sinister, supporting the underpinned themes of conspiracy and the occult on the album. New Gold is among my favorites, which is ridiculously funky, drenched in 70s grooviness and sporting sarcastic lyrics about excess. Baby Queen is soft and wistful, while Skinny Ape builds calmly toward an explosive, anthemic finish. Silent Running feels both climactic and melancholy. However, my very favorite has to be the opening title track Cracker Island, which is nothing short of addictive, owed to the spooky melodies and Thundercat's shredding bass. Give Cracker Island a try now!
Hiya all! This week, it's time for an album I've known since I was very young, yet only properly revisited recently. It's Stronger by Kelly Clarkson! I've always been impressed how she puts a lot of efforts into her albums. Pop has a bit of a reputation for shallow or inferior album tracks, yet some of her deep cuts are her best work. In few places is this more evident than Stronger, which blends notes of her previous R&B and pop rock styles with electronica and alt pop. I notice a few echoes of Imogen Heap's influence, particularly in the catchy staccato leads that layer throughout the record. Despite an on-paper synth-heavy sound, there is something delightfully tactile about Stronger as well. I must commend the strong songwriting and impressive and controlled performances from Kelly Clarkson. My favorite tracks include bolstering hits Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) and Dark Side, heartfelt and inspiring You Can't Win, confrontational Let Me Down, and anthemic bonus track Alone (which absolutely deserved to make the cut for the full album!). The transcendent arrangement and production in Honestly is a highlight of the record. I may actually have to share my favorite between three tracks. 1: You Love Me, excellently executed pop rock at its finest. 2: Hello, a moody and relatable track. 3: I Forgive You, exploding with energy yet underpinned with regret and sacrifice. Add Stronger to your list of evidence that pop can be just as awesome as any other genre, and also to your listening queue, because it is worth it.
Hello all! This week, I'm recommending an album that I wouldn't have expected to appreciate as much as I have. It's NO HANDS by Joey Valence & Brae! The hip hop duo JVB have never taken themselves seriously at all, instead focusing on fun, humor, and hype. I think that approaching NO HANDS with this in mind will let you see the obscured but unmistakable artistry that gives the silliness substance. This album is essentially the lawlessness of the early internet fed through the filter of 90s boom bap, where meme sound bites sit over off-kilter, jazzy beats. There is also a thread of 90s club music woven into the record. I have to praise the evocative performance from Joey Valence and Brae, as well as surprisingly clever (if immature) bars. I enjoy the balance of flexing and self-aware humility. Some highlight tracks include sincere NO HANDS, energetic LIKE A PUNK and OK, and askew yet enticing DOUGHBOY (featuring some highlight bars from Terror Reid). Although OMNITRIX is an epic album closer, it's worth continuing into the deluxe tracks for the likes of laid back, jazzy PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE. My very favorite is JOHN CENA. The synth hook blended with the beat is next-level beautiful. Check out NO HANDS by JVB!
Hiya all! This week, I'm recommending a commendably beloved record. For a hint? It's blue. Yes, I'm talking about Weezer's 1994 self-titled debut! Weezer's sound is defined by its overwhelming simplicity, so simple that it loops right back around to artistic. It takes a good bit of wisdom to make complex Beach Boys harmonies and distorted inverted chords feel straightforward, even expected. The Blue Album just feels comforting. Hits like rocking Buddy Holly, moody Say It Ain't So, and contemplative Undone — The Sweater Song make up the backbone of the record. Surf Wax America is terribly fun, In The Garage is sweet and relatable, and dynamic Holiday leads into the climactic closer Only In Dreams. The one song I've found inescapable is The World Has Turned and Left Me Here. That opening riff is incredible, the melodies are beautiful, and the lyrics are touching. Weezer's music is simple, but not easy. It's trimmed to its best parts for a reason; The Blue Album is worth your time. Go give it a spin!
Alex Kunce
Alex Kunce
I miss you, so far!
Hello all! This week, I'm recommending an emo classic—arguably the emo classic (perhaps besides The Black Parade). However, where The Black Parade indulges soaring rock opera, this one is punk all the way. It's Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge by My Chemical Romance! MCR's blowup second record released in 2004, boasting hits like Helena, I'm Not Okay (I Promise), and The Ghost of You. Fusing catchy pop punk sensibilities with Black Sabbath-ish early metal dissonances, MCR aligns shredding riffs over crushing chords. I'd like to commend the deceptively simple and enthralling blend of guitars and bass, Matt Pelissier's lightning-fast drumming, and Gerard Way's captivating performance and devastating lyricism. While the record delves deep into the macabre, telling of murder, prison, tragic romance, and supernatural revenge, it conceals an uplifting heart about perseverance. My favorite tracks include manic To The End, rebellious and sarcastic Thank You For the Venom, and chilling The Ghost of You. Explosive I'm Not Okay (I Promise) is the obvious anthem of the record. It's Not a Fashion Statement, It's a Deathwish features a fascinating, dramatic arrangement that relies improbably little on repetition for how well each section flows into the next. My favorite of them all, though, is surely Cemetery Drive. The dynamic arrangement, the compelling rhythm, the visceral and tragic lyrics; all make for a climactic track rife with spookiness and despair in equal measure. Go give Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge a listen!
www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
3 days ago | [YT] | 1
View 0 replies
Alex Kunce
Happy Birthday, Amy Lee! We all know she's the best singer ever. Let's show some love for her incredible talent in songwriting and arrangement!
1 week ago | [YT] | 2
View 0 replies
Alex Kunce
Oh, my ugly organs, how lucky we are.
Hiya all! This week, I'm recommending a beautiful record I would not have had the opportunity to enjoy without being specially recommended it myself. It's Foxlore by The Crane Wives! The Michigan indie folk band's 2016 fourth record leans into the territories of alt rock and jazz, effortlessly crossing genre soundscapes to great effect and cohesion. Emilee Petersmark and Kate Pillsbury's voices and guitars are all but conjoined, countering and complimenting one another. I would also like to give credit to Ben Zito's tastefully prominent and intricate bass work, as well as Dan Rickabus's groovy drums. I will not pretend to grasp the many compelling layers Foxlore's lyrics offer. My time with the album has been too brief and too shallow to dissect them. Instead, let any Crane Wives fan assure you: these lyrics will stick with you, and you'll realize new complexities with every listen. My favorite tracks include rebellious and energetic Down the River, manically jazzy hit Curses, striking Turn Out the Lights, heavy Pretty Little Things, anthemic Know How, and gorgeous, moody closing track The Garden (what an outro!). My favorite of them all has to go to Ribs. The build of guitar melodies and textures pairs with artfully written melodies and incredible lyricism to create a beautifully powerful yet spectral track. Go check out Foxlore!
1 week ago | [YT] | 2
View 0 replies
Alex Kunce
Happy Birthday, Imogen Heap! Her contributions have been nothing short of fundamental to modern music.
1 week ago | [YT] | 3
View 0 replies
Alex Kunce
GETCHOO, UH-HUH!
Hiya all! This week, it's time to recommend an album that's special to me in a special way. Despite my enjoyment of this album itself, it's probably been more significant to me in how many people it inspired in their music. Pinkerton by Weezer is a fundamental record in the emo scene, taking Weezer's eponymous blue debut to a grittier sound and markedly exposed confessional lyrics. Despite its initial poor reception, Pinkerton found a greately devoted audience and has since begun to receive the appreciate it deserves. Under the distortion and feedback, Pinkerton hides commendably complex harmonics, coloring the lyrical themes of dealing with emotional loneliness and isolation. My highlights include eclectic El Scorcho, desperately heartfelt Across the Sea, succinct yet meaningful Why Bother?, and everyone's favorite, Pink Triangle. I am compelled to mention that Falling For You randomly finds its way into my head for no reason I've discerned. My favorite track has to be Getchoo. Don't be fooled by the odd name. It's an incredibly rocking song. If you're in the mood for a rock classic, Pinkerton is a great option. Give it a try!
www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 2
View 0 replies
Alex Kunce
Happy Birthday, Tyler Joseph! After the deserved success of Breach, I hope he can enjoy some deserved time off with his family.
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 2
View 0 replies
Alex Kunce
On Cracker Island it was born...
Hello all! This week, I'm recommending a fairly recent album that's also a favorite of mine. It's Cracker Island by Gorillaz! With their ninth studio album releasing in a few months, it's only right to recommend their eighth. Cracker Island balances moody, spacey synth pop with beautiful melodies and plenty of groove as well. The lyrics are at times touching, while other times surreal and sinister, supporting the underpinned themes of conspiracy and the occult on the album. New Gold is among my favorites, which is ridiculously funky, drenched in 70s grooviness and sporting sarcastic lyrics about excess. Baby Queen is soft and wistful, while Skinny Ape builds calmly toward an explosive, anthemic finish. Silent Running feels both climactic and melancholy. However, my very favorite has to be the opening title track Cracker Island, which is nothing short of addictive, owed to the spooky melodies and Thundercat's shredding bass. Give Cracker Island a try now!
www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 2
View 0 replies
Alex Kunce
You can't, you can't win, no...
Hiya all! This week, it's time for an album I've known since I was very young, yet only properly revisited recently. It's Stronger by Kelly Clarkson! I've always been impressed how she puts a lot of efforts into her albums. Pop has a bit of a reputation for shallow or inferior album tracks, yet some of her deep cuts are her best work. In few places is this more evident than Stronger, which blends notes of her previous R&B and pop rock styles with electronica and alt pop. I notice a few echoes of Imogen Heap's influence, particularly in the catchy staccato leads that layer throughout the record. Despite an on-paper synth-heavy sound, there is something delightfully tactile about Stronger as well. I must commend the strong songwriting and impressive and controlled performances from Kelly Clarkson. My favorite tracks include bolstering hits Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) and Dark Side, heartfelt and inspiring You Can't Win, confrontational Let Me Down, and anthemic bonus track Alone (which absolutely deserved to make the cut for the full album!). The transcendent arrangement and production in Honestly is a highlight of the record. I may actually have to share my favorite between three tracks. 1: You Love Me, excellently executed pop rock at its finest. 2: Hello, a moody and relatable track. 3: I Forgive You, exploding with energy yet underpinned with regret and sacrifice. Add Stronger to your list of evidence that pop can be just as awesome as any other genre, and also to your listening queue, because it is worth it.
www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
1 month ago | [YT] | 2
View 0 replies
Alex Kunce
Look mama, NO HANDS!
Hello all! This week, I'm recommending an album that I wouldn't have expected to appreciate as much as I have. It's NO HANDS by Joey Valence & Brae! The hip hop duo JVB have never taken themselves seriously at all, instead focusing on fun, humor, and hype. I think that approaching NO HANDS with this in mind will let you see the obscured but unmistakable artistry that gives the silliness substance. This album is essentially the lawlessness of the early internet fed through the filter of 90s boom bap, where meme sound bites sit over off-kilter, jazzy beats. There is also a thread of 90s club music woven into the record. I have to praise the evocative performance from Joey Valence and Brae, as well as surprisingly clever (if immature) bars. I enjoy the balance of flexing and self-aware humility. Some highlight tracks include sincere NO HANDS, energetic LIKE A PUNK and OK, and askew yet enticing DOUGHBOY (featuring some highlight bars from Terror Reid). Although OMNITRIX is an epic album closer, it's worth continuing into the deluxe tracks for the likes of laid back, jazzy PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE. My very favorite is JOHN CENA. The synth hook blended with the beat is next-level beautiful. Check out NO HANDS by JVB!
www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
1 month ago | [YT] | 2
View 0 replies
Alex Kunce
Say it ain't so!
Hiya all! This week, I'm recommending a commendably beloved record. For a hint? It's blue. Yes, I'm talking about Weezer's 1994 self-titled debut! Weezer's sound is defined by its overwhelming simplicity, so simple that it loops right back around to artistic. It takes a good bit of wisdom to make complex Beach Boys harmonies and distorted inverted chords feel straightforward, even expected. The Blue Album just feels comforting. Hits like rocking Buddy Holly, moody Say It Ain't So, and contemplative Undone — The Sweater Song make up the backbone of the record. Surf Wax America is terribly fun, In The Garage is sweet and relatable, and dynamic Holiday leads into the climactic closer Only In Dreams. The one song I've found inescapable is The World Has Turned and Left Me Here. That opening riff is incredible, the melodies are beautiful, and the lyrics are touching. Weezer's music is simple, but not easy. It's trimmed to its best parts for a reason; The Blue Album is worth your time. Go give it a spin!
www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
1 month ago | [YT] | 2
View 0 replies
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