“Reinventing the Heartbeat”- E for Explosion

Spring Break is here! Which means I finally have a chance to update! Sorry guys, but I’ve either been doing newspaper stuff or exam prep or something else lately and haven’t gotten the chance to get online and update. Now that I’m here, time for a new CD review!

So yeah, it pays to have a co-editor who has access to the latest album releases. It really does. And on that note, here’s “Reinventing the Heartbeat” by E for Explosion. E for Explosion is basically James Covington and some very talented instrumentalists. He does an amazing job of putting everything together. Not to mention he’s with an indie label instead of some major label, which I totally respect. If you need anymore of a reference, he’s a former half of the band JamisonParker. Now, describing the music is kinda hard. It walks the ine between Boys Like Girls-pop and a completely new style altogether. The reason I commented on the instruments before is that Covington brings together these instruments like it’s a science. A science that he’s the supreme overlord of! The blend lets the listener really feel the music. Covington’s meaningful lyrics add to the flowing beat, too. But make no mistake, this isn;t an album of yoga songs. There are some really upbeat songs in here (hence my Boys Like Girls reference)! A couple to look out for: “I Explode” and “Saving Lives.” I know both songs are on Youtube and the band probably has a Myspace (could anyone let me know if they do?). Check them out!

                                                                                                    (Y) and <3

                                                                                                           ~Priya~

“The Compound”- Search/Rescue

Ok, so I know I’ve been gone for…a long time. Lots of studying, newspaper reviews, there are tons of excuses so just pick your favorite. But the break did give me time to get a new CD to review. So without further ado, here’s my review of “The Compound” by Search/Rescue!

I rarely ever do CD reviews, but this is really good! It’s a pop-punk band with a different sound than all the others. Plus the lyrics really mean something! *gapes like a fish out of water* THere’s one particular song, “Holding On”, that really stands out. It shows off the lead singer’s amazing vocals and the band’s great use of their instruments. I also like the way they transition from softer sounds to “poppier” ones. And since they came together from other bands, they’re like a super-group, which shows in their music. My teacher helped me get an exclusive look at this soundtrack, but It’ll be out soon (if it’s not already out). Till next time!

                                                                                                                       ~Priya~

“Decode”- Paramore

Wow. It’s seriously been a while since I’ve written a post. Sorry about that! Blame school.

Anyway, I thought this would be a good time to review since I’m doing a CD review for my school newspaper right now, too. And I’m taking this from the most-about-movie right now: Twilight. And in case you’re wondering what I thought about it, let’s just say that I was…disappointed. On to the review!

Ah, “Decode” by Paramore. The best song in the whole movie as far as I’m concerned. It’s got an awesome beat and AMAZING guitar solos. What more could I have asked for? Plus, the song’s popularity just got boosted thanks to the movie just coming out in theaters. Hayley Williams’ great vocals really get you into the song, which actually goes with the movie pretty well. Plus the transition from slow beat to rock n’ roll paced beats helps turn this into a song to remember. It kinda has an eerie feel to it, too. Don’t believe me? Watch the music video, it’s got a ton of Twilight scenes in it and the video is set in a cool yet ever-so-creepy forest. Check it out, it’s on the site now!

                                                                                               Love and Peace,

                                                                                                         ~Priya~

“Liejacker” album- Thea Gilmore

So here we go. I have to tell you guys right now that I’m not really looking forward to this review. This is a first. It’s a slightly bad review.

I really tried to give this CD a chance. And Thea Gilmore really is a good singer. But I’m sorry, this is too mellow for me. Just not my style. It may or may not be the same for you guys, so I do recommend checking Thea’s songs out. You never know what you like until you try.

“Liejacker” is an album full of peaceful, uplifting songs, mostly because of Thea Gilmore’s lovely voice. The CD does stick with the same style throughout, though. It can sometimes sound a little repetitive. It’s a good CD for when you want to just hear some soothing sounds for a while, but not for parties. So in my case, where school is all I am, my stressed out mind could use this CD. I know some of you can relate. Bottom line: I’m just not into Thea Gilmore’s style in “Liejacker” and probably won’t listen to it quite as much as my other CD’s. But hey, that’s just me.

Love and Peace,

       ~Priya~

“In Her Stead”- Baumer

Ok so I’ve looked for a music vid, or even a clip of this song, everywhere. And by that i mean only on Vodpod. I still couldn’t find it. For anyone who’s interested, it came from a sample CD from Eyeball Records promoting a movement called “To Write Love on Her Arms”. It’s all about fighting depression and suicide and helping each other overcome these obstacles. It’s pretty cool, so check it out at http://www.twloha.com/page.php?id=6. My computer seems to be broken, so I’m pretty limited on what days I can post, but I’m definitely trying here! Anyways, enough excuses, on with the review!!! *trumpet blares*

This isn’t the kind of song that I’d usually listen to, but it’s a really cool rock n’ roll song that I couldn’t help but get really into. It goes with the theme of loneliness, but it also inspires you by making you feel like you really can make a difference, which you can. Not to mention the guitar rhythm is ah-mazing. I’m not really sure why, but it makes me feel like I just popped out of a “super secret agent” movie! Rock n’ roll fans will love it and anyone who’s not really into rock should at least give it a shot, since it almost feels “alternative rock” at some parts. And before I end this review, a shout out to Mr. Ayers, my Latin teacher, who gave me this sampler CD so that I could write a new review. Thanks Mr. Ayers! : ]

“Hot N Cold”- Katy Perry

What’s up, guys? I know, I know. I’ve taken forever to write again. *sigh* Sorry about that…again. School’s a pain, sometimes. Well, I heard this song on the radio and had to write a review on it, so I finished my homework early and rushed to the computer to do it. So here it is! “Hot N Cold” by Katy Perry!! Ta-da!!!

This song is pretty awesome, I must say. We all know Katy Perry’s “I Kissed A Girl”, but this song has a slightly different tone to it. I didn’t even realise that it was Katy Perry at first! Once you get to the chorus, though, it uncontrollably start tapping your feet, bopping up and down, etc. It goes from a sweeter sound to a more hardcore voice, but not too rock and roll. It’s a bit of a new sound for her (not that I’ve heard many of her songs or anything), but it suits her quite well. As you could probably guess from the title, the song is about a person (I’m almost positive that it’s a guy from the “break up, make up” lines) that can’t seem to make up his mind about anything at all. I’m giving you a virtual smack in the head if you didn’t get the whole “opposites” theme here. There’s no music vid for this as far as I know, but I found a YouTube vid with the music and lyrics on it, so you can at least follow along! : ]

Love and Peace,

      ~Priya~

“Closer”- Ne-Yo

Sorry, I haven’t written in a while! It’s my last day of summer today, so I have school tomorrow. I’m partly excited, but that’ll wear off after the first week. Or day. : ) On to the review!

I’ve been meaning to review “Closer” for a while now. Better late than never! First of all, no one could but Ne-Yo could pull of this video. Or this song, for that matter. He’s totally cool, like his music, but is a total gentleman, too. The video has a black-and-white quality to it that goes very well with the beat of the video, but that doesn’t mean that the video is boring or anything. No way. Overall, both the song and the video are classy, but cool, at the same time. Though you still might have to like the genre of the song to fully appreciate it. It’s still definitely worth a try, makes me wish I had fancy footwork like Ne-Yo! The vid’s up and ready for watchin’.

                                                                                              ~Priya~

“American Boy”- Estelle

Oh. My. God. Sorry it took so long for me to post again, but my summer school work has been killing me. Now it’s FINISHED!!! And I’ve been exhausted : D , but I have been thinking about what song to review next. Anyway, here’s “American Boy” by Estelle.

Overall, a pretty good song. Usually I avoid listening to reggae-ish, hip-hoppy song (don’t pull out a dictionary, you won’t find these adjectives in there! XD), but my sister, along with my three favorite radio stations, made me listen to it. I’m not a huge fan, but it’s got a great dancing beat and you can’t help but follow along with Estelle’s especially-amazing voice in this song. Another classic example of an artist perfectly fitting the type of song she’s singing. Plus if you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll probably like it even more. The video is pretty cool, too. It opens with Estelle dressed like she’s at a photoshoot or doing a perfume commercial (really pretty!) and Kanye West dressed up like a regular superstar! Not to mention a few other “american boys” that I just can’t name. It’s a black and white vid, but that just adds to the effect that it has on you. One of the coolest parts is when Estelle is dancing and you can see her shadow on the wall dancing in a completely different way. Definitely a cool video to watch and I’ve already put it up!

Love and Peace,

   ~Priya~

“Breakout”- Miley Cyrus

Yet another Miley Cyrus song to review! Which may or may not be a good thing depending on how much you like her. Me? Well, I’m unbiased. You gotta admit, though, she can sing! Especially in “Breakout”, which is the subject of today’s review. For those of you who care, the genre is pop and she gets very rock and roll-ish (yes, that’s a new word : ] ) if you watch her in concert. The song has an overall upbeat feel to it and the lyrics are classic. It’s basically about “breaking out” from your normal life. School, responsibilties, etc. What kid doesn’t wanna hear about that? Miley’s voice singing it just makes it better. She’s got a unique voice that fits certain types of songs better than others and that definitely works to her advantage here. Bottom line? The songs pretty good, but you probably have to like pop or Miley Cyrus a lot in order to like it. Sorry, no vid for this one, but you can listen to it on youtube or project playlist.

Love and Peace,

  ~Priya~

“Leavin’ “- Jesse McCartney

Wow, it’s really been a while since I’ve written something. I went to Canada a week ago and I’ve been catching up with my summer school work since I’ve been back. Sorry! Well, on to the song!

I wasn’t really into this song until I noticed the cool cellphone beeping noise that makes up the beat of the song! And that’s how small of an attention span I have. : ] Ok, but seriously, the song is really good and apparently people didn’t need me to tell them that because the song has steadily made it’s way to the top of the charts. It shows a new, more adult side of Jesse McCartney that’s actually different from his usual style. The songs that I’ve heard anyway, and that’s not enough to know that this is definitely unique from his usual love songs. The serious adult style is something he should stick to, since it’s gotten him so popular. If you watch the video, you’ll know what I’m talking about. It was surprisingly hotter than I was originally prepared for when watching it. However, there isn’t really a background, which is refreshingly different from most videos. It’s just a boy, a girl, and a bed or chair. It really helps the video’s intended feel. The vid’s already up. Hope you like it!

                                                                                               Love and Peace,

                                                                                                     ~Priya~