This song of the week selection came as more of a challenge to me. This week I have been listening to a wide variety of music and haven't really had a stand out band or song to put as my pick. So for this pick I thought that I would pick a song that I really enjoyed that until recently, I haven't listened to in a while. In this case, it comes in the form of a band than a song, and this band is called Underoath. I really haven't listened to Underoath in a while and I have really forgotten how skilled they truly are. Even with the departure of their final founding member and drummer/ clean vocalist, Aaron Gillespie, this band has still stayed true to their vision and that's why I'm selecting "You're Ever So Inviting," a song still featuring Gillespie, as my song of the week.
The thing that I love about this song is how rich the music is. When you listen to "You're Ever So Inviting" you are listening to a complete song instead of a bunch of instruments playing on the same track. In order to decipher each instrument, you must listen with a keen ear because of how well each element fits together. Clean vocalist, Gillespie, and screamer, Spencer Chamberlain are a great match for each other, matching Chamberlain's lower pitched screams with Gillespie's higher pitched clean singing style. Underoath is also great at matching up instrumentals with the vocals, offering more ambient sections during lighter vocal parts and heavier parts during choruses or heavier vocal parts. The song as a whole has a lot of ambient sound qualities and is just an overall great Underoath song.
Although Underoath has been through a lot of member changes, no one can argue that this band has lost any steam. I am definitely glad that I am listening to Underoath again because I feel that they have a very unique style to them that separates them from many other bands in the genre. Posted below is the music video for "You're Ever So Inviting" and I hope that you guys tell me what you think of the sound. I'm also a little curious, do you think that bands like Underoath that have none of their original members should change their names? Or do you believe that as long as they keep the same principles as the band members before them that its okay to carry the name on? Feel free to comment below.
You're Ever So Inviting-Underoath
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Song of the Week (3/13-3/19)
My most recent song of the week selection comes from a band that is currently supporting A Day to Remember on the Game Changers Tour. Although I saw these guys at the Warped Tour last year and enjoyed a couple of their songs, I was never really into them until I saw them recently at the Palladium in Massachusetts. At first I felt that their lead singer came across as whiny and they seemed to be trying to hard to create music that was both catchy and heavy at times but ever since I saw them the second time I have began to listen to them a lot more. This band, hailing from San Diego, California, is none other than Pierce the Veil and their song "Bulletproof Love" is my song of the week.
"Bulletproof Love" comes as a weird pick to me at first, not hearing the song until I heard it at the concert a mere week ago, but I instantly fell in love with the song. This is the song that really helped me to understand how great of musicians that Pierce the Veil are and has really gotten me into them. Although not one of the heavier PtV songs, it is still just as enjoyable live as any other song. Lead singer and guitarist, Vic Fuentes, really sings his heart out, communicating the emotions of a breakup with a girlfriend using a variety of metaphors. I also enjoy how they composed the instruments together. Lead guitarist, Tony Perry, really steps up for this song, creating many catchy high-end riffs, to only further enhance the song. The rhythm section of Pierce the Veil is also great, offering a great mid-tempo beat to keep the structure amongst Perry's sometimes offbeat riffs.
"Bulletproof Love," although not Pierce the Veil's strongest song, definitely proved to me how great of musicians they really are, and began to get me hooked on them. Although I have already scene them twice in concert, I definitely can see myself seeing them again and look forward to what next musically for the band. Posted below is the song of the week, feel free to let me know what you think about the song. Also be on the lookout for my concert review of the Game Changers Tour, I should hopefully have it up within a week or so.
Pierce the Veil-Bulletproof Love
"Bulletproof Love" comes as a weird pick to me at first, not hearing the song until I heard it at the concert a mere week ago, but I instantly fell in love with the song. This is the song that really helped me to understand how great of musicians that Pierce the Veil are and has really gotten me into them. Although not one of the heavier PtV songs, it is still just as enjoyable live as any other song. Lead singer and guitarist, Vic Fuentes, really sings his heart out, communicating the emotions of a breakup with a girlfriend using a variety of metaphors. I also enjoy how they composed the instruments together. Lead guitarist, Tony Perry, really steps up for this song, creating many catchy high-end riffs, to only further enhance the song. The rhythm section of Pierce the Veil is also great, offering a great mid-tempo beat to keep the structure amongst Perry's sometimes offbeat riffs.
"Bulletproof Love," although not Pierce the Veil's strongest song, definitely proved to me how great of musicians they really are, and began to get me hooked on them. Although I have already scene them twice in concert, I definitely can see myself seeing them again and look forward to what next musically for the band. Posted below is the song of the week, feel free to let me know what you think about the song. Also be on the lookout for my concert review of the Game Changers Tour, I should hopefully have it up within a week or so.
Pierce the Veil-Bulletproof Love
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Song of the Week (2/27-3/5)
Many of the people who read my blog right now are my friends (not that I'm complaining, I have some of the best friends in the world) and know me as "the kid that likes all the screaming music." And although I do like a lot more than screaming based music, it wasn't always that way. As a child, I heavily enjoyed pop, hip-hop and rap music, which I still like to a degree. But out of all the bands that I listen to, the band that really got me into screaming music was Atreyu. Referred to me by a friend, I immediately became a fan of their mix of clean singing and screaming, mixed with musical elements that I was already beginning to like. But anyways, I have lately been listening to the first CD I ever bought with screamed vocals on it A Deathgrip On Yesterday and am starting to remember why I loved the band in the first place. And that's why I have decided to feature the song "The Theft" as this weeks song of the week.
The funny thing about this week's song is that earlier I was talking about how it was the screaming that really got me into Atreyu in the first place, but "The Theft" is one of the more melodic and almost beautiful songs that Atreyu has made. The thing I like about it this song the most, is the fact that even though it is a very melodic and beautiful song, it still fits in the screaming and heavier elements that I like about Atreyu. Clean vocalist/drummer Brandon Saller and screamer Alex Varkatzas spend most of the song singing back and forth with melodic sounding guitars but during the chorus, Varkatzas utilizes his great scream and really adds a lot to the song. The other noticeable thing about the song is the fact that even though the guitars are being played more cleanly and higher than a normal Atreyu song, they still add that darker, heavier element with down-tuned guitars. The prominent bass line throughout the song also helps to bring down the lighter elements with its low growl.
This song seemed to be a scene from what was to come for Atreyu in later releases, opting out for a lighter and ultimately more commercial sound. Although I still support and like their new sound, I would really love for them to return to the elements that made me love them in the first place. Like I said before, this is by no means a heavy Atreyu song, and this song doesn't mean that you would like any other Atreyu songs, but maybe this song could ease people who aren't accustomed to the elements of screaming in music. Let me know what you think of the song in the comments section below, and if you like it feel free to check out other songs from this great band.
Atreyu-The Theft
The funny thing about this week's song is that earlier I was talking about how it was the screaming that really got me into Atreyu in the first place, but "The Theft" is one of the more melodic and almost beautiful songs that Atreyu has made. The thing I like about it this song the most, is the fact that even though it is a very melodic and beautiful song, it still fits in the screaming and heavier elements that I like about Atreyu. Clean vocalist/drummer Brandon Saller and screamer Alex Varkatzas spend most of the song singing back and forth with melodic sounding guitars but during the chorus, Varkatzas utilizes his great scream and really adds a lot to the song. The other noticeable thing about the song is the fact that even though the guitars are being played more cleanly and higher than a normal Atreyu song, they still add that darker, heavier element with down-tuned guitars. The prominent bass line throughout the song also helps to bring down the lighter elements with its low growl.
This song seemed to be a scene from what was to come for Atreyu in later releases, opting out for a lighter and ultimately more commercial sound. Although I still support and like their new sound, I would really love for them to return to the elements that made me love them in the first place. Like I said before, this is by no means a heavy Atreyu song, and this song doesn't mean that you would like any other Atreyu songs, but maybe this song could ease people who aren't accustomed to the elements of screaming in music. Let me know what you think of the song in the comments section below, and if you like it feel free to check out other songs from this great band.
Atreyu-The Theft
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Top Ten: Favorite Clean Vocalists
This is something I have been thinking about for a long time. I thought it would be fun to rank my favorite band members according to a variety of different things such as guitarists, singers, etc. So this is my first official top ten on this blog. I just want to clarify that this list is my top ten favorite clean singers, no screamers or dual singer/screamers involved. I am not necessarily judging my selections on skill, but just how much I enjoy them. So here is is folks, my top ten favorite clean singers. And if you notice, the singers name will be in a different color. If you want to hear the singer I selected singing just click the name and it will bring you to a link showing off the singers ability.
10. Rob Thomas (Matchbox Twenty, solo work)
I have been a Rob Thomas fan ever since could enjoy music. Matchbox Twenty was one of my first favorite bands as a kid and I loved what he did in Yourself Or Someone Like You. I love how he is a very emotional sounding singer at times, but he also knows how to sound great in a more reserved role. I also enjoy his work in his solo projects, as well as the song "Smooth" that he did with Santana.
9. Kurt Cobain (Nirvana)
Call him raspy, call him grunge, call him whatever you want, but Cobain was more than just a fad. Although Cobain also plays guitar in Nirvana, it is his singing that really gets me into them. Whether he is mumbling or yelling until his vocal chords are about to shred, Cobain arguably has one of the best voices of the grunge movement.
8. Hayley Williams (Paramore)
First off, I just want to give kudos to Ms. Williams for being the only girl to make it on my list. Most would say the world of punk rock is a boys club of sorts, but Hayley does a great job of holding in there. Hayley is one of those front(wo)men that really take command of a song and add that extra kick to it. Hayley is truly one of the great singers of her time, and in my opinion, is still on the incline.
7. John Mayer (John Mayer Trio, solo work)
Mayer has been seducing the women of the world for more than a decade, but has also been seducing mine, since I heard the song "No Such Thing." John Mayer has one of the smoothest voices I have ever heard, and is one of my favorite easy listening artists to listen too. Even as I write this, he is relaxing me with his smooth vocal delivery.
6. Max Bemis (Say Anything, Two Tongues, Max Bemis and the Painful Splits)
Many people might argue with me about this pick. Although he doesn't have the strongest vocals per-say, I am in love with his nasally vocal delivery. He also really knows how to work a live set and an acoustic stage, both things meaning a lot to me. It was Bemis' lyrics and singing that first brought me to Say Anything, which is my favorite band.
5. Chris Cornell (Soundgarden, Audioslave, Temple of the Dog, solo work)
I like Cornell for a lot of the same reasons that I like Cobain. His delivery is more of a raspy style and he knows how to control his voice between mellow singing and yelling. But what makes Cornell such a great singer is the fact that no matter what kind of musical environment he is in, he can strive. In more reserved mellow songs he can take command with his mellower style vocals and be great at it, while during more up beat and aggressive songs he can maintain his more upbeat and yelling style of singing while staying in command of the song.
4. Craig Owens (D.R.U.G.S., Chiodos)
Many people wouldn't know what would happen to Craig Owens when he was released from the band Chiodos. For those of you who guessed make a new band that was as good as his old band, you guessed correctly. Owens has been tearing the scene up with his new band that just released their first CD, and I am really impressed with his singing on the CD. Owens is really good at singing at a higher key, which not all men can say that they are good at.
3. Justin Timberlake (solo work, Nsync)
I know I'm going to get criticism for this choice, but honestly Timberlake was one of the greatest singers to come out of the pop genre. Timberlake has many things admired in a singer; a good voice, range and lack of auto-tunes. I will continue to view Timberlake as an elite singer until someone convinces me otherwise.
2. Tyler Carter (Woe, Is Me and solo work)
The only thing that is currently keeping Tyler Carter from being my number one pick at this moment is his lack of experience. Carter was truly gifted with a great voice and vocal range and I am extremely happy that I stumbled across his band. Carter has a really great range and even with lack of experience, has great control. I am really excited to see what he can do in the future and maybe one day he can become my favorite singer.
1. Jonny Craig (Emarosa, Dance Gavin Dance, solo work)
Regardless of whatever scandals Craig is currently going through, you can't deny the power of his voice. Whether he is singing in a more reserved fashion or absolutely shrilling his vocals out, Jonny Craig does it with poise and command. Currently in enroled in three projects, and that's just what I know of, this man has devoted himself to a life of singing and it really shows in his vocals. Currently only being able to be touched by Tyler Carter, who shares a similar style of singing, Craig will be securely at the top of my list for at least another couple of years.
Well there you have it everybody, my list of favorite clean singers. Now I really want to stress these next points. The first is that you should take the time to really check out these bands or artists if you haven't already, you might find something you really like. Second of all, I would really like some feedback on this one. I would love to know your opinions on this list. Let me know if you think I missed someone, or if you feel someone shouldn't be on the list, or even if you feel someone should be higher or lower. Also remember that this list is for singers that just sing, no screamers or combos. Thank you for reading this and I hope you comment so I can reply back.
10. Rob Thomas (Matchbox Twenty, solo work)
I have been a Rob Thomas fan ever since could enjoy music. Matchbox Twenty was one of my first favorite bands as a kid and I loved what he did in Yourself Or Someone Like You. I love how he is a very emotional sounding singer at times, but he also knows how to sound great in a more reserved role. I also enjoy his work in his solo projects, as well as the song "Smooth" that he did with Santana.
9. Kurt Cobain (Nirvana)
Call him raspy, call him grunge, call him whatever you want, but Cobain was more than just a fad. Although Cobain also plays guitar in Nirvana, it is his singing that really gets me into them. Whether he is mumbling or yelling until his vocal chords are about to shred, Cobain arguably has one of the best voices of the grunge movement.
8. Hayley Williams (Paramore)
First off, I just want to give kudos to Ms. Williams for being the only girl to make it on my list. Most would say the world of punk rock is a boys club of sorts, but Hayley does a great job of holding in there. Hayley is one of those front(wo)men that really take command of a song and add that extra kick to it. Hayley is truly one of the great singers of her time, and in my opinion, is still on the incline.
7. John Mayer (John Mayer Trio, solo work)
Mayer has been seducing the women of the world for more than a decade, but has also been seducing mine, since I heard the song "No Such Thing." John Mayer has one of the smoothest voices I have ever heard, and is one of my favorite easy listening artists to listen too. Even as I write this, he is relaxing me with his smooth vocal delivery.
6. Max Bemis (Say Anything, Two Tongues, Max Bemis and the Painful Splits)
Many people might argue with me about this pick. Although he doesn't have the strongest vocals per-say, I am in love with his nasally vocal delivery. He also really knows how to work a live set and an acoustic stage, both things meaning a lot to me. It was Bemis' lyrics and singing that first brought me to Say Anything, which is my favorite band.
5. Chris Cornell (Soundgarden, Audioslave, Temple of the Dog, solo work)
I like Cornell for a lot of the same reasons that I like Cobain. His delivery is more of a raspy style and he knows how to control his voice between mellow singing and yelling. But what makes Cornell such a great singer is the fact that no matter what kind of musical environment he is in, he can strive. In more reserved mellow songs he can take command with his mellower style vocals and be great at it, while during more up beat and aggressive songs he can maintain his more upbeat and yelling style of singing while staying in command of the song.
4. Craig Owens (D.R.U.G.S., Chiodos)
Many people wouldn't know what would happen to Craig Owens when he was released from the band Chiodos. For those of you who guessed make a new band that was as good as his old band, you guessed correctly. Owens has been tearing the scene up with his new band that just released their first CD, and I am really impressed with his singing on the CD. Owens is really good at singing at a higher key, which not all men can say that they are good at.
3. Justin Timberlake (solo work, Nsync)
I know I'm going to get criticism for this choice, but honestly Timberlake was one of the greatest singers to come out of the pop genre. Timberlake has many things admired in a singer; a good voice, range and lack of auto-tunes. I will continue to view Timberlake as an elite singer until someone convinces me otherwise.
2. Tyler Carter (Woe, Is Me and solo work)
The only thing that is currently keeping Tyler Carter from being my number one pick at this moment is his lack of experience. Carter was truly gifted with a great voice and vocal range and I am extremely happy that I stumbled across his band. Carter has a really great range and even with lack of experience, has great control. I am really excited to see what he can do in the future and maybe one day he can become my favorite singer.
1. Jonny Craig (Emarosa, Dance Gavin Dance, solo work)
Regardless of whatever scandals Craig is currently going through, you can't deny the power of his voice. Whether he is singing in a more reserved fashion or absolutely shrilling his vocals out, Jonny Craig does it with poise and command. Currently in enroled in three projects, and that's just what I know of, this man has devoted himself to a life of singing and it really shows in his vocals. Currently only being able to be touched by Tyler Carter, who shares a similar style of singing, Craig will be securely at the top of my list for at least another couple of years.
Well there you have it everybody, my list of favorite clean singers. Now I really want to stress these next points. The first is that you should take the time to really check out these bands or artists if you haven't already, you might find something you really like. Second of all, I would really like some feedback on this one. I would love to know your opinions on this list. Let me know if you think I missed someone, or if you feel someone shouldn't be on the list, or even if you feel someone should be higher or lower. Also remember that this list is for singers that just sing, no screamers or combos. Thank you for reading this and I hope you comment so I can reply back.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)