Song Rotation #5

Hello everyone!  I know it’s been a couple of weeks since the last rotation of songs, but there’s good reason.  That being, well… I couldn’t find any great music to share that fit the theme.  I’ve got it now, so yeah.  Wells, this rotation is going to be a bit on the, um, I guess you would say ‘indie’ side, with mostly unknown artists, local acts, or unsigned/independents.  Still good music though, and I figure it’s a nice change of pace.  As usual, the artist and track names are the links to the songs.

1. Craig Jeffrey - Hard to Say
This a beautiful song, too bad there isn’t a full studio version on youtube or myspace.  But you’ll have to do with the live acoustic version.  All the profits from this single goes to Macmillian Cancer Care.  It’s a great cause and Craig is a great artist.

2. Vienna Teng - Gravity (Lake Version)
I’ve shipped this song everywhere, but it never ceases to amaze me how beautiful this arrangement is.  Vienna Teng has a beautiful voice.  This is actually an alternate version of the song Gravity, created because Vienna couldn’t play the studio version live.  Good thing though, because this version is so much better.  The percussion isn’t present in the studio version of this version, but I believe it’s a nice touch.  There’s an extra song at the end of this video as well, just for you.  Vienna Teng is among the artists I need to see live before I die.

3. Jon Foreman - The Cure For Pain
Jon Foreman is best known as the lead singer of Switchfoot.  With hit singles like ‘Dare You To Move’ and ‘Meant To Live,’ you’d think Jon would be satisfied with his career as a lead singer, but he apparently has an acoustic side that needs to be fulfilled as well.  This song comes from his Fall EP, and is the first track on the CD.  Foreman is releasing an EP for every season, and so far Fall and Winter are out.  I personally think Fall is the stronger CD, but then again, it’s all good… so I recommend everyone check it out.

4. Marty Casey - Trees (Acoustic)
This one is rather old, and is a video of the second-place finalist of Rockstar: INXS.  Each contestant had to write an original song, and this was by far the best one of them all.  Featuring Dave Navarro on rhythm guitar.  There is also a full studio version of this song available with Marty’s full band, The Lovehammers.

5. Artist Vs Poet - An Infallible Remedy
I know I had AVP on here last time, but they released a new song and it is quite possibly better than their last.  I got to see them at their very first show live and it’s definitely worth it.  They will be playing South By So What? at the Plano Centre on the 14th along with 40+ other bands.  A must-see.

6. Jason Falkner - Afraid Himself To Be
Another old one, this song verges on more than 10 years old.  I first heard this song at one of my old band rehearsals, where a friend learned the song for his friend’s wedding.  I was taken away by the simple melody and the power of the chorus, and ended up buying Jason’s CD on iTunes.  This is one of the fan myspaces of the man, and the song in question is the last on the player.  All his other songs are great as well, so check’em out while you’re there.

7. Kina Grannis - Strong Enough (Acoustic)
I posted the Hydroponikz remix of this song a few days earlier.  Kina Grannis was the winner of the Doritos Crash The Super Bowl Contest, and this is my favorite song by her.  There’s a full studio version coming out soon, but until then, you can download the acoustic version for free at her website (linked on the youtube page).

8. The New Frontiers - Mirrors
Probably my most listened to song of the past few weeks… this song is quite possibly the most beautiful song ever written.  Forgive the quality and the sci-fi quotes (unless you’re a big sci-fi fan like me) and just focus on the song.  The New Frontiers are native to Dallas and their CD just came out this year… I bought it and it was worth it for sure.

9. Nine Inch Nails - 36 Ghosts IV
Ah, NIN’s instrumental album.  If you visit my xanga enough you already know what this is, so I’ll just say this is the last song of the whole set.  Very beautiful… sounds so tragic with a glimmer of hope.

10. Copeland - Every Breath You Take (The Police Cover)
This cover by Copeland I heard at Hollister a few years ago… and it got me hooked onto Copeland forever.  This song has sentimental value to me and is probably one of the best covers of a song I’ve ever heard.  Copeland’s mix of soft rock and pop is fabulous and a must-listen.

Song Rotation 4

I realize I’m a week late on this rotation, but I honestly didn’t have any new music offerings in that week, so I figured I’d just wait until I got my 10 songs rather than just bullshit it.  Anyways, you know the drill - the artist and title are the links to the video and/or song.  Enjoy!

1. Utada Hikaru - HEART STATION
I can’t say this enough, I’m madly in love with Utada Hikaru.  Just like, wow.  But anyways, her new album is coming out in a month or two, and this is the title track from that album.  Obviously the album is called HEART STATION, and I’m very excited about it.  Check out the track, she really can’t do much wrong.

2. Artist Vs. Poet - Assurance Closure
Artist Vs. Poet is my friend Tarcy’s new music project after Enter The Collector broke up.  The best I can describe the sound of AVP is a mix of pop, electronic, and rock.  It has the catchiness of your standard pop song with the instrumentation and production sense of both electronic and rock combined.  What you get is a very sing-able, near-dance-able rock song.  Don’t think it’s possible?  Their myspace is linked above, and check out the song Assurance Closure.  Definitely one of my favorites of the week.

3. E.S. Posthumus - Nolitus
I didn’t know this, but E.S. Posthumus released a new album at the end of ‘07.  Dre introduced me to them, and their first outing, ‘Unearthed’ is one of my favorite albums of all time.  Having just heard their follow-up ‘Cartographer,’ I’d have to say it’s gonna be pretty hard to top their new stuff.  It’s a double disc of the same tracks, but done in a different style on each CD.  It’s kinda hard to explain, but it makes sense once you’re listening.  Here is the first track off the first CD.  I like their new sounds on this disc, but if you miss the old style, check out the second disc.

4. OneRepublic - Say (All I Need)
Here’s another track Dre introduced me to and is stuck in my head.  Me and him both agree that Tedder’s voice is more suited for Coldplay-esque sounds like on this track.  In particular, Say reminds me of Enya at the beginning.  I’m seeing OneRepublic live next Sunday, I’ll have more on that later.

5. Ingram Hill - With You (Chris Brown Acoustic Cover)
While practicing this exact song for Stephen’s video for Joanne (I’ll post that at a later date), I came across this cover, which I believe to be as good, if not better, than the original.  The band Ingram Hill does a very nice job of converting this R&B hit into an acoustic song, complete with shaker, washboard percussion, and two acoustic guitars.  Definitely a must listen.

6. Saul Williams - WTF!
Saul Williams is a legend of poetry.  Trent Reznor is a legend of music.  Put them together, and you get musical nirvana.  From probably Saul’s best musical offering to date, The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust!, WTF! is one of my favorite songs and incidentally the catchiest.  For those craving more, you can find most of the songs on youtube, along with the cover of U2’s Sunday Bloody Sunday.

7. she - Traveling by night (version)
Pjat Lain’s chiptune music is probably more famous than her remixes (one of which was featured on the second week rotation), and this is no exception.  Literally released this weekend, the video for Traveling by night (version) is a unique and visually stunning look at the nightlife of Japan.  The music definitely adds to the imagery.  For those more interested in this kind of music, all of she’s music is available at shemusic.org

8. Gabe Bondoc - Summertime
Anyone who’s been around me long enough knows I have a soft spot for acoustic guitar (playing one myself), and this song is one of the reasons why.  Gabe mixes 90s R&B vocal styles with rock-esque chords on an acoustic guitar.  This performance is killer, especially the nice use of the loop pedal at the end.

9. Trace Bundy - Pachelbel’s Canon in D
Keeping with my love for acoustic guitar is Trace Bundy’s interpretation of the classical piece Pachelbel’s Canon in D.  This is by far one of my favorite uses of tapping on an acoustic guitar, and is a very good job of translating this orchestra classic into a solo piece on acoustic guitar.  I’ll go on record to say that I prefer this to Canon Rock any day.

10. Sungha Jung - More Than Words
This kid makes me wanna quit playing guitar.  Sungha Jung is 8 - yeah, EIGHT years old - and he plays like a virtuouso.  I can play a bit of More Than Words, but I’m thinking of giving up after this display.  He plays the melody AND the vocal parts on the guitar, and then just to shame the rest of us up-and-coming guitar players, adds some finger-tapping and acoustic-craziness at the end.  Other than that, I think this kid is my new hero.

Song Rotation #3

Week 3 is here. As always, the title is the link to the youtube video. Hope you enjoy this week as much as I did!

1. Evanescence - Hello
This is one of my favorite songs from Evanescence.  It’s from their major label debut, Fallen.  I don’t know what it is about female vocals and piano, but it’s always beautiful.  This is no exception, but it also has a very haunting feel to it.

2. Ken Oak - Loop Pedal Music
I know I’ve already highlighted the Ken Oak Band, but this is just too irresistable to pass up.  It’s Ken Oak from KOB making a really badass instrumental with only a guitar, cello, and a loop pedal.  If you don’t know what a loop pedal is, it basically records and loops parts that you record live, allowing you to technically play as many instruments as you want live.

3. RENT - Seasons of Love
RENT is one of my favorite musicals ever.  It really is amazing, and anyone that hasn’t seen it should listen to this song.  You’re missing out.  And if you have seen RENT, yeah, it’s still amazing, right?

4. John Frusciante - Scratches
Frusciante is the guitarist from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and in addition to being one of the new-age guitar gods, he has a rather huge solo career.  He’s released more records by himself than RHCP has in their whole existence.  This is one of my favorites.  Very minimalistic with passionate vocals.

5. Stone Sour - Zzyzx Rd.
I heard this song on the radio and didn’t believe it was Stone Sour.  I mean, Stone Sour is basically Slipknot but calmer and less screaming, but wow.  Very emotional song.  I love the melody and the message this song brings.

6. David Choi - Love
I know I’m probably late with this song, but I just heard it and it’s pretty good.  I actually don’t know which version I like better, the acoustic or the studio version, but either way, it’s a well-written song.  A nice change of pace from music coming out right now.

7. Linkin Park - Shadow of the Day
Dre, Daniel, Thai, and I were on to this song WAY before anyone else.  I mean, seriously, jamming to this song on the way to work at freakin’ 6 in the morning?  Only us.  And by us I mean me and Dre.  Still a great song though, even with all the success.  It’s like the modern day With or Without You by U2, which makes sense since we all love that song as well.

8. Far*East Movement feat. Ken Oak - Smile
Artists from Song Rotation #1 and 2 combine forces and create a creepy hip-hop song.  Love the cello and the beat.  Probably my favorite song from FM EVER.

9. Red Hot Chili Peppers - My Friends
I can’t mention one member of RHCP without including the other members.  This song had Dave Navarro on guitar rather than Frusciante, as he had quit the band at the time.  I find it strange that fans of RHCP hate this CD, when it was still pretty good.  Not the BEST, but don’t diss Dave Navarro.  He was the obvious choice to replace Frusciante, and proved that even without their guitarist, the band could still write great music.

10. Chester Bennington - Jane Says (Jane’s Addiction Cover)
And to end all repetition of artists in this song rotation, is the lead singer from Linkin Park covering a song by Jane’s Addiction (for which Dave Navarro played guitar for).  I liked this song originally, and really thought I’d hate the cover.  But he does a pretty good job.  Acoustic guitar, slowed down tempo, it makes for an interesting and unique cover.

Song Rotation #2

1. Wu-Tang Clan - The Heart Gently Weeps (Beatles ‘Cover’)
This is a pretty interesting cover of the Beatles classic.  RZA makes a pretty bad-ass beat for it, and John Frusciante plays guitar on it.  RZA even asked for George Harrison’s son’s blessing in order to make the song.

2. Paramore - Crushcrushcrush
Just started getting into Paramore, and they’re pretty catchy.  Daniel made a great point in that female singers in rock bands tend to make interesting dynamics.  I like this song better than Misery Business.  Need to listen to the full album though.  But it gets on the list.

3. Teargas & Plateglass - Plague Burial
Some trippy-ness for ya.  I really like the beat and piano/synth mixes in this song.  You can hear some of this in the X-Men 3 trailer.  Waxploitation is how I heard about this group (Wax is the label of such stars as Danger Mouse, Gnarls Barkley, Tha Alkaholiks, and DangerDoom), and their songs are very interesting.  The videos that come with are even more interesting.

4. Yoko Kanno - Inner Universe (DJ Jinnai Mix)
I heard this song through this exact video, although it was much better quality (youtube isn’t the best quality-wise, I’m sure you can find better versions of this vid somewhere).  DJ Jinnai does mixes of anime music, which is actually pretty badass.  You can check him out at his website, here.

5. Far*East Movement - Round Round
This FM song was included in the soundtrack for The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.  I was scrolling through old music when I stumbled across this.  How did I forget how catchy this song is?  Well, now I remember, and if you don’t remember this one, or have never heard it at all, check it out.  It’ll have you singing along by the end of the song.  Doesn’t help that the music video is amusing as well.

6. HALCALI - Tip Taps Tip (Pjat Lain Mix)
Anything by Pjat Lain aka she turns into instant groove music.  This one is no exception.  A remix of the single by Halcali, it is basically a start and stop mix using about 10 seconds of the song.  But Pjat Lain finds ways to make it interesting.  In an added twist, the music video also gets a ‘remix.’

7. DJ Babyboi - You Are The One (Piano Remix)
Anyone who listened to breaks or trance back in the day will remember this song.  This is a piano cover of the main piano bit from the remix, along with lines from the original song.  It makes for some pretty sound, and definitely holds up on its own.  If only the guy would release sheet music for it!

8. Foo Fighters - Home
The first song that has Dave Grohl playing piano.  And it’s beautiful.  The simple piano part and the sparse arrangement makes for amazing music.  Also make sure to listen to the lyrics.  Some of the most heartfelt I’ve ever heard.  When the orchestra comes in, it’s feels like peace to me.

9. Jason Mraz - Plane (Acoustic)
Jason Mraz has the incredible ability to make any song sound beautiful with just an acoustic guitar.  Originally, the album version of Plane had a lot of piano and orchestra and such.  I like this version better.  He has such passion in his voice.  It translates very welll acoustically.  It doesn’t help that the melody is catchy as hell.  The guitar adds rhythm and texture to the song.  Perfect performance.

10. Soundgarden - Black Hole Sun
For those of you who already know this song, I don’t need to explain anything.  For those of you who don’t know this song, you need to watch this video.  Actually, the video might creep you out, so just listen to the song.  One of the best of the 90s era.

Song Rotation #1

I will be posting 10 songs I’m currently into on this page once a week. There will be links to the songs on youtube (if possible) and descriptions. These are the songs I’ve been listening to this week:

1. Utada Hikaru - Beautiful World
Utada Hikaru is one of my favorite artists. This latest song will appear on her fifth Japanese album, due sometime this spring. Beautiful World is also the theme song for the first ‘Rebuild of Evangelion’ movie. I would best describe this as electronic pop, or just pop. Classifying Utada Hikaru is difficult, as she has ventured into many conventional genres successfully.

Interesting fact for those who don’t know: Utada speaks PERFECT English, as she was born in the U.S.

2. Joanna Wang - People Are Strange (The Doors Cover)
Joanna Wang has a secret life as a superstar in Taiwan, although she doesn’t enjoy it. Fans of her music will be pleasantly surprised to see she has her own youtube account, and the style of music she plays is very different. With a voice fitting of a Golden-age Jazz singer, this 19 year old has impeccable taste in music, as can be seen in the songs she chooses the cover. Her arrangements and vocal style are, in my opinion, best shown in this song.

3. ‘geeterplayr’ - No Diggity (Blackstreet Cover on talkbox
The talkbox is an amazing thing. In layman’s terms, what it does is add vocal effects to whatever instrument you choose to use, be it keyboard or guitar. This is one of the best covers with a talkbox I have ever seen, and the style works perfectly.

4. We Are Scientists - End of the Road (Boyz II Men live cover)
What else needs to be said? The band We Are Scientists have been ending their setlist with a karaoke-esque cover of the classic Boyz II Men song. Everyone gets involved, and it’s actually pretty good. All three members can sing pretty well, and it’s a sight that can only be seen in a fan-recorded video.

5. BBMak - Ghost of You and Me
I’ve always loved this song. If it’s in the book at karaoke, I will sing it. But I just recently found this live performance of the song, and it works pretty well as an acoustic piece. I didn’t know until seeing this video that all three members would sing. The studio recording of it is flawless to the point that it sounds like the same person singing the whole time.

6. INOJ - Time After Time (Cyndi Lauper Cover)
What with Quietdrive’s cover of the song on the airwaves, I remembered there was one cover of the song that I absolutely loved. INOJ has had a career with cover songs. Her most well-known hits were written by other people. For example, ‘Let Me Love You Down.’ But there’s something she brings to it… maybe it’s the way the beats are done (sort of a hip-hop club style, especially in the drums), but there’s a lot of appeal in it. Take a listen.

7. The Starting Line - Best of Me
The Starting Line hit it big with this song a few years ago, and I think it’s still one of the better songs of the ‘pop-rock band’ era. The catchy chorus and lyrics get me every time. It doesn’t help that both videos for this song are hilarious.

8. Backstreet Boys - Helpless When She Smiles
Now I’m not the kind of guy who’ll deny that at one point loved the Backstreet Boys. Admit it, their songs are catchy as hell and if you hear the song in the car with a group of friends, you’re gonna sing along. Well they’ve made their return, and their follow-up to Never Gone is a great one. This song in particular, which is another great one. Although one member shy, the band still has the ability to create amazing harmonies and group vocals.

9. 311 - Lovesong (The Cure cover)
311’s reggae rock feel has always appealed to me. The feeling is so laidback when you listen to them. Songs like Amber and Lovesong are among the highlights of this experience. Lovesong, in particular, is a cover of a song by the Cure. In my opinion, it’s better than the original.

10. Ken Oak Band - Analog Girl
Ken Oak Band consists of two members (there were three at one point, as is shown in this video), with the lead singer playing cello. Yes, he sings and plays cello at the same time, and the choice of instruments lends itself to a very unique sound. Ken’s voice was seemingly made for this kind of music, and Analog Girl, my favorite song by the band, proves this point. Analog Girl is probably the most ‘rock’ song they have, and seeing it live must be a sight to behold. Definitely a band I want to see live when they come back into town. They’ve done over 5 national tours as an indie band and have a cult following. Out of all the songs in this list, this ranks up high as one that must be seen.

That’s all for this week. My next list of songs will be out early next week, possibly MLK Day. Thanks for your time and stay on the look out for the next batch, I guarantee it will be worth it.