I'll Stay Awake-Twenty One Pilots

I just very recently discovered these guys (like 2 months ago) and I have been obsessed to an almost unhealthy degree. Why? Because I have NEVER EVER EVER heard a sound like Twenty One Pilots. Yes, I know that I don't know anywhere near enough about music and I know that I haven't listened to even 5% of the world's available music, but in my years and in my own short life, I have yet to come across a sound as unique as Twenty One Pilots.

They are made up of two guys, Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun, who I assume are in their mid 20's. There is currently not much information about them because they are a fairly new band (they formed in 2009) and they seem to be very private. They are described as an American pop duo but I dont think their sound has a label it would fit under completely. They have some pop aspects, there is a little rock, and a little hip-hop and rap. Tyler Joseph is the group's vocalist and also plays the piano while Josh Dun is the drummer.

 

I stumbled upon these guys while looking for something new and boy did I get what I was looking for. Their lyrics are unique, clever, different, inspiring, and just plain good. Their songs switch between different genres of music from one second to the other. It can start off with rapping, then it goes into a pop song but has a rock inspired bridge or drum solo. I love that you don't know what to expect and that their songs sound like a few different songs combined into one.

Here is "Ode to Sleep," a perfect example of the combination of different sounds. Enjoy!

Kissing in the Blue Dark-Lana del Rey

 Lana del Rey, whose real name is Elizabeth Grant, is a saucy, little vixen with a soulful, 50's and 60's inspired sound. Her obvious talent is in her song writing with controversial and almost inappropriate lyrics. For the most part, she is pretty underground (being a YouTube sensation and all) but is starting to make a name for herself, especially after her highly criticized SNL performance last year.

What I love about Lana del Rey is that she says what she wants in her lyrics and doesn't really care what people think. She is one of those troubled, free spirits that lives in her own world, much like Amy Winehouse. Although her voice doesn't compare to Amy Winehouse's, there is a sad undertone in her voice that just draws you in. Her range is pretty unique, which in turn makes her whole sound different and refreshing. She sort of emulates what you would expect to see and hear in jazz clubs/lounges back in the 50's and I absolutely love that

She has released 2 albums under the name Lana del Rey and they have both had much success. Her first album, "Born to Die," is one of those albums that you can listen to in its entirety. I could say that I love pretty much every track on there, with my favorites being "Blue Jeans," "Video Games," and "Million Dollar Man."  I pretty much obsessed with this album for months upon months and while I dont think that Lana del Rey will be a household name, I actually really love the fact that she will be a beautiful gem in the world of underground music.

 Listen below to one of her singles and probably my favorite song "Blue Jeans."

The Best Things in Life-Ed Sheeran

Seriously, everyone needs to give this British Ginger Angel a chance. He is a true talent, sings like an angel and writes like a genius. I feel like I am listening to excerpts from his personal diary when listening to some songs. All his songs have such beautiful melodies and his voice is like silk against these melodies. The guy is also really into hip-hop, which is such a change from his music but makes me like him all the more. To top it off, he comes off as down to earth and humble, which makes you root for him because you know he is in it for the music and nothing else.

His album "+" (yes, a plus sign) was recently nominated for several Grammy awards this year, but did not win any. I've had + on repeat for months with "Give Me Love," "This," and "Sunburn" being my favorites. With lyrics like "after my blood is drowning in alcohol" in "Give Me Love" and "I could do without a tan on my left hand, where my forefinger meets my knuckle" in "Wake Me Up," the album was definitely Grammy worthy.

 I've also heard his songs on several TV shows (The Vampire Diaries being a big Ed Sheeran supporter-which makes me love the show more) and movies. I myself have used his lyrics for titles of several posts.


This guy has not yet gotten the recognition he deserves just yet, but I feel like he will soon. Talent like that does not go ignored. I am anticipating his second album and I really think the potential for his success will be comparable to Adele's. Just wait and see...

Here is "Give Me Love," one of the most powerful ballads on his album.

Close My Eyes

Has anyone ever gone back and listened to music they used to love many years back? Back in 1997 or 1998, my favorite album was Butterfly by Mariah Carey. I used to listen to it non-stop in my little portable CD player and, at the time, thought I fully understood each song and had a connection with them. Looking back, it was impossible for a 12 year old to be able to relate to the musings of a then 28 year old Mariah Carey.

I recently went back and re-listened to that entire album and I gotta say that it is truly and incredible album. My reaction to it is completely different from what it was 14 years back. I love this album more than I did before because now I completely understand it. I can truly relate to it, I can picture myself in it, I can envision it, I can include myself in the lyrics. I was not able to do these things back then and being able to do it now, makes all the difference.

While I love the fact that I am able to compare how much I have grown mentally and emotionally through music, I am also saddened at the fact that the amount of music that will withstand the test of time like this album has, is almost non existant. Maybe it's because of the memories listening to this album stirs up or maybe it's because I slowly realizing I am aging and this all makes me nostalgic, but 15 years from now, there will only be a small handful of albums that will be able to evoke the feelings Butterfly has for me. I only hope that the youth now is able to look back years from now and listen to an album and fall in love with it again, like I have.

Going through all the tracks in Butterfly, the one that hit me hardest was "Close My Eyes." If this song had been released in present day, I would swear it was written about me. It completely describes what I feel and think and my reflections of self. I am thoroughly impressed with the fact that whoever wrote this was able to put those kind of feelings into words, since I have tried and have not succeeded.

Below are the lyrics, hopefully others can relate as well:

Close My Eyes



I was wayward child

With the weight of the world
That I held deep inside
Life was a winding road
And I learned many things
Little ones shouldn't know

[Chorus:]

But I closed my eyes

Steadied my feet on the ground

Raised my head to the sky

And though time's rolled by

Still feel like a child

As I look at the moon

Maybe I grew up

A little too soon

Funny how one can learn

To grow numb to the madness

And block it away

I left the worst unsaid

Let it all dissipate

And I try to forget

Nearing the edge

Oblivious I almost

Fell right over

A part of me

Will never be quite able

To feel stable

That woman-child falling inside

Was on the verge of fading

Thankfully I

Woke up in time

Guardian angel I

Sail away on an ocean

With you by my side

Orange clouds roll by

They burn into your image

And you're still alive

(You're always alive)

If You Give Up New York...

I havent been writing as often as I like because I have been busier than usual at work. I have like 4 blog posts started but I have not had a chance to complete, so I am gonna try to complete them now.

As you all know, I went to see Kings of Leon last week. I have been obsessed with their new album "Come Around Sundown" for the past month. One song that really stood out to me was "The Face" particularly because of the following lyric:

"If you give up New York

I"ll give you Tennessee

The only place to be"

I just love the meaning behind this lyric. It is truly a fair proposition. He is asking someone to give up where they are from, a place they love and feel comfortable in, a place they call home. However, in return, he will not let this person feel lost or misplaced, he will give this person his home (Kings of Leon are from Tennessee). He knows that he is asking for so much but he is offering just as much in return. I think this is an ultimate declaration of love on both sides. To give up part of who you are, only to receive part of someone else. The thought is daunting and yet so beautiful. I am so impressed that with this simple lyric, I can feel these emotions.

Another reason this lyric resounds with me is that it makes me really think about the enormity that is New York. There truly is nothing like it in the entire world. I always say that I dont want to spend the rest of my life in New York, and that is true, but this has made me think about what it would feel like when I am finally ready give it up. New York is all I have known. It has been one of the factors in my life that has molded me and shaped me into who I am today.

New York is not an easy place to live in. Its expensive and noisy, it's an all or nothing type of city, dog eat dog, survival of the fittest and not everyone is made for a place like this. But while it has its bad qualities, it is also booming with diversity, culture, lights, sounds, music, people, fashion, cuisine, etc. There are things seen here that you wont see anywhere else and I have finally learned to appreciate the fact that I have had the opportunity to experience this wonderful city. I have also realized that I am not yet ready to give it up....

The Face (HQ) by Kings of Leon (lyrics) - These bloopers are hilarious

Wasting Words in Lower Cases and Capitals

The text on my entire blog is tiny! I never realized it until now.

"Jaws Swimming Theme" by Brand New. I cant get this song out of my head for the past two days. Its so insightful and has so much meaning behind it. I especially love this part:

"But I've seen what happens to the wicked and proud

When they decided to try to take on the throne for the crown"

To me it implies that some people want the title of having power but they do not have the right to have it or they cant handle the power. Like they want the crown to appear as if they are a king or queen but they cant handle the throne. So its like, if you are not meant to be something then it will never work out.

Anyway, I've been listening to their album "Deja Entendu" over and over and its a really great album. I recommend it, if you like that kind of music.

I've got a few things to post but I have to upload some pics from my camera before I make the post. Ill get to that next week since work is slaving me again. Ill just be making bullshit posts in the meantime.

By the way, I've given up bread for lent. Let's see how that goes.....

Lastly, title is lyric from "The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows" by Brand New :)

Envy on the Coast

I went to see Envy on the Coast on Sunday night (Dec 27th). It was in a small theater in Long Island, it kind of looked like a high school auditorium and we were sitting in the fifth row on the side. The stage spun slowly so every side got a front view at some point. And we were so freaking close. It was so cool!

I gotta say that Envy is pretty impressive live. Their performance is better than the album and that says a whole lot. It Their lead singer, Ryan, has so much energy and he has some lung power. Their other singer, Sal, also has a good voice and is really surprising. He was dressed in such a preppy outfit and then he opens his mouth and you are blown away. Also, Brian, who plays guitar and does some vocals doesn't even look like he is in a rock band and hes so mellow and laid back when performing. Its an awesome contrast.

Here are two pics. We were not allowed to take pics in the stadium so I snuck a few and some video too. My friend took a few more :)

Envy on the Coast

Ryan and Brian

Anyway, they played a few songs, including two new ones that sound great. They also did a Paper Rivals cover song as their encore. The opening acts, Vinny from I Am the Avalance was so fucking adorable. He was this shy, timid, soft spoken guy that claimed that he was so nervous he was shaking but when he started to sing, I was blown away with his lung power. I definitely became a fan. As Tall As Lions also opened up and I gotta say that I LOVE this bands style. They came out dressed in button downs and vests and slacks. It looked so nice. They also have a guy who plays the trumpet who I temporarily became infatuated with. I mean how cool is that?

My friend took pics of the opening acts....only because I didnt get the courage to break the law until Envy came out lol ** ;) Thanks Dee**

Vinny :)

As Tall As Lions

I was a little disappointed that Envy didnt play my favorite songs, which are "Starving Your Friends" and "Lapse" but they were so awesome that I couldnt hold it against them. They did do "Artist and Repetoire," "The Gift of Paralysis," and "Tell Them That She's Not Scared" among others, which are incredible songs (actually the whole Lucy Gray album is excellent) but I would have loved to hear my faves.

"Starving Your Friends" and "Lapse" are the songs that made me a fan (so did "Mirrors") because I am a sucker for a good ballad. Also these songs have such exceptional lyrics that you cant help but love them. Its songs like these that make me live for music. Here are my favorite lyrics from these songs:

"Starving Your Friends"
........

Cuz I fall three times as hard
If its for nothing at all
You all seem twice as tall
As I will ever be
And I feel terribly small
When my head works too hard
When you think with your chest

Theres not a thing that you dont see

Im hardly capable of half the damage

That I would like to do

........

So look at me, I pray to God

But curse too much to be considered true

Im just like me, Im just like me

So who the hell are you?

.......

And I borrow phrases from

Dusty faded record sleeves

The story is the same

Ive just personalized the name

.......

"Lapse"

.......

It's not as deep as it seems

And as unfair as it may be

I'm just here to remind you

Remind you not to forget to remember me

.......

I'm predisposed to trust a photograph

To portray the way you used to laugh

........

Now I've dodged your questions so much,

I don't possess the strength

To answer straight

And no, I'm not afraid,

At least not to die

I'm afraid to live, and not remember why

Sweet chemical indifference,

I can't stop, can't change the evident

........

Got Music

I've always listened to music but I didn't 'hear' it until a few years ago...and I get it now. Ever since, music has consumed my life...

I am fascinated by the effect that music can have people. It is incredible how a lyric or a melody,
such intangible things, can be so significant to so many.

I live for those moments when you hear a song and your heart just stops from how good it is or from how much a lyric touched you. I live for when music brings tears to your eyes or when it allows you to escape and get lost in a melody. I especially live for the moments where music makes me literally feel a shift in who I am. That is why I love music with purpose, with meaning behind lyrics, with intentions, with messages, secrets, and details.
 

I love music that is real.

I will talk alot about music in this blog since it is such a huge, huge part of me. It truly changed my life with just a few lyrics. It speaks for me when I don't know what to say. It is a shoulder to lean on when I feel so alone, it knows exactly what I want to...what I need to hear. It represents what I feel when nothing makes sense. It keeps me at the edge of the black abyss

To be continued....