TheALTanator

From Nirvana and Radiohead, to The 1975 and Arctic Monkeys, to Neck Deep and Real Friends, as well as Pierce the Veil and Issues. TheALTanator is the place to be in the known of Today's Alternative, Pop Punk, Hardcoe, and Classic Rock'n'Roll. Every week you'll get song/album reviews, weekly playlists, as well as the guide for upcoming concerts.

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Weekly Warped Countdown #3

Ready or not, we are only a couple weeks away from the first date of Vans Warped Tour 2016! If you're still looking to add some names to your list, you can find all of these bands on the Full Sail University stage. This stage will be home to nearly twenty talented and musically diverse artists on Warped this Summer. Be sure to check out a few of the song recommendations and let us know what you think! Who will you be seeing? Avion Roe (6/24-7/21) Hometown: Dallas, TX Genre: Pop/rock Label: Epitaph Records Releases: The Art of Fiction (2011) In Separation (June 17, 2016) Recommended: "Into the Rest (feat. Kellin Quinn)" Bad Seed Rising (6/24-7/27) Hometown: Baltimore, MD Genre: Hard rock Label: Roadrunner Records Releases: A Place Called Home (2015) Recommended: "Hey, Kid" Broadside (6/24-8/13) Hometown: Richmond, VA Genre: Pop punk Label: Victory Records Releases: Old Bones (2015) Recommended: "Playing in Traffic" Cane Hill (6/24-8/13) Hometown: New Orleans, LA Genre: Metal Label: Rise Records Releases: Cane Hill (2015) Smile (July 15, 2016) Recommended: "I'll Take the Blame" Dash Ten (6/24-8/13) Hometown: Louisville, KY Genre: Pop/Alt Rock Label: Dash Ten is a part of the US Army's Musical Outreach Program. Releases: Dash Ten (2015) Recommended: "What You Wanted" Hail the Sun (6/42-7-16) Hometown: Chico, CA Genre: Post-hardcore Label: Equal Vision Records Releases: POW! Right in the Kisser! (2010) Elephantitis (2012) Wake (2014) Culture Scars (June 17, 2026) Recommended: "Paranoia" Like Pacific (6/24-8/13) Hometown: Toronto, Canada Genre: Pop/punk Label: Pure Noise Records Releases: Distant Like You Asked (2016) Recommended: "Distant" More to Monroe (7/28-8/13) Hometown: Frederick, MD Genre: Post-hardcore Label: Roadrunner Records Releases: Appalachia (2015) Recommended: "500 Days" Mother Feather (6/24-8/13) Hometown: Brooklyn, NY Genre: Alternative Rock Label: Metal Blade Records Releases: Mother Feather (2016) Recommended: "Mirror" Old Wounds (6/24-8/13) Hometown: Asbury Park, NJ Genre: Hardcore Label: Good Fight Music Releases: Terror Eyes (2011) From Where We Came Is Where We'll Rest (2013) Split (2013) Death Projection (2014) The Suffering Spirit (2015) Recommended: "Heaven Is A Memory" Palaye Royale (6/24-8/13) Hometown: Las Vegas, NV Genre: Alternative Rock Label: Sumerian Records Releases: The Ends Beginning (2013) Boom Boom Room (June 24, 2016) Recommended: "Get Higher" Reckless Serenade (6/24-8/13) Hometown: Mahopac, NY Genre: Pop/punk/indie Label: Ferver Records Releases: Chasing Lights (2013) Reckless EP (2013) Out Here (2015) Recommended: "Pretty Monster" Safe to Say (6/24-8/13) Hometown: Toronto, ON, Canada Genre: Alternative rock Label: SideOne Dummy Records, New Damage Records Releases: Split (2013) With Everything In Between (2013) Hiding Games EP (2015) Hiding Games LP (2016) Recommended: "Summer Sickness" Say We Can Fly (6/24-8/13) Hometown: Ontario, Canada Genre: Acoustic pop Label: Epitaph Records Releases: Heaven is Hell (2013) Between the Roses (2014) Darling (2015) Recommended: "Darling" Silent Planet (6/24-7/17) Hometown: Los Angeles, CA Genre: Metalcore Label: Solid State Records Releases: The Night God Slept (2014) Everything Was Sound (July 1, 2016) Recommended: "Psychescape" The New Low (7/19-8/13) Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT Genre: Rock Label: Razor & Tie Releases: Continuance (July 22, 2016) Recommended: "Burning Bridges" Wage War (6/24-8/13) Hometown: Ocala, FL Genre: Metalcore Label: Fearless Records Releases: Blueprints (2015) Recommended: "Youngblood" With Confidence (6/24-8/13) Hometown: Sidney, Australia Genre: Alternative rock Label: Hopeless Records Releases: Youth (2013) Distance (2015) Recommended: "We'll Be Okay"

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Weekly Warped Tour Countdown #2

Hi guys! Welcome to another Weekly Warped Tour blog, where every Wednesday we review the bands that are coming together for the concert of the summer,"Vans Warped Tour 2016" ! This week's warped tour review is the Poseidon Stage. This stage contains bands from multiple genres: Pop Punk, Hardcore, Electronic, and even Rap. Emarosa - Emarosa is a post-hardcore band from Lexington, Kentucky and consists of ER White (Guitar), Jordan Stewart (Keyboards), Bradley Walden (Vocals), Marcellus Wallace (Guitar/Vocals). After forming in 2006, they released their EP, "This Is Your Way Out". After going through lineup changes, the band released "Relativity" (2008). Their self-titled album was released in 2010. After touring and lineup changes, the band released "Versus" on 2014. I See Stars - I See Stars is an electronicore band from Michigan, and consists of Brent Allen (Guitar), Andrew Oliver (Vocals/Keyboards/Synthesizers/Sequencer/Programming/Drums/Percussion), Devin Oliver (Vocals), and Jeff Valentine (Bass). After forming in 2005, the band released their album "3-D". Their second album, "The End of the World Party", was released on 2011. The band's third album, "Digital Renegade", was released on 2012. The band's fourth studio album, "New Demons" was released on 2013. The band also released an remixes album of New Demons in 2015. After lineup changes, the band recently announced the released date of their next album in 2016. Knuckle Puck - Knuckle Punckmis a Pop Punk band from Chicago, and consists of Kevin Maida (Guitar)! John Siorek (Drums), Joe Taylor (Vocals), Nick Casasanto (Guitar/Vocals), Ryan Rumchaks (Bass). After forming in 2010, the band released their self-titled EP, followed by their Acoustics EP in 2012. After releasing their Don't Come Home EP in 2012, they toured with Seaway in 2013, and then released The Weight That You Buried. Knuckle Puck made a split EP with Neck Deep in 2014, as well as toured together. They also toured with Man Overboard, Transit, and Forever Came Calling. After doing more touring with Senses Fail, the band released singles that led up to the While I Stay Secluded EP in 2014. The band was also featured in the Punk Goes Pop Vol. 6 album, and was signed to Rise Records. After touring with Neck Deep and The Maine, the band released singles which led to their debut album, Copacetic, which was released in 2015. Knuckle Puck supported the album by heading to the 2015 Warped Tour, and toured with Seaway, Sorority Noise, Neck Deep and State Champs. Masked Intruder - Masked Intruder is a pop punk band from Madison, Wisconsin. The members of the band are Intruder Yellow, Intruder Green, Intruder Red and Intruder Blue. The interesting this about this band is unlike other pop punk bands, they are a gimmick band who wear colored ski masks on stage and never reveal their faces or identities. They first released a demo in 2011, followed by the First Offense EP in 2012. The band made a split EP with The Turkletons, and another one with Dan Vapid and the Cheats, and one with Elway and Sam Russo. Their self-titled debut album was released by Red Scare in 2012 and then re-released by Fat Wreck Chords in 2013. Prof - Jacob "Jake" Anderson (AKA prof), is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter from Minneapolis, Minnesota. He released his first full-length album, Project Gampo, in 2007 and has since released three albums(Recession Music, King Gampo, and Liability), and three EPs (Kaiser Von Powderhorn, Kaiser Von Powderhorn 2, and Kaiser Von Powderhorn 3). ROAM - ROAM is a band from Eastbourne, England, and consist of Alex Costello (Vocals), Matt Roskilly (Bass), Charlie Pearson (Drums), Alex Adam (Guitars/Vocals), and Sam Veness (Guitars). After forming in September 2012, the band independently released two EPs, "No Common Ground" (2012), and "Head Down" (2013). After signing to Hopeless Records in 2014, ROAM released the Viewpoint EP in 2015. The band released its debut album, Backbone, on 2016, through Hopeless. After the release of Backbone, the band supported Sum 41 during the Kerrang! Tour in 2016. SECRETS - SECRETS is an post-hardcore band from San Diego, California, and consists of Michael Sherman (Guitar), Richard Rogers (Clean Vocals/Guitar), Joe English (Drums), and Wade Walters (Bass/ Unclean Vocals). After forming, the band was quickly signed to Velocity Records. While the release of The Ascent (2012), SECRETS promoted the album while touring with Sleeping with Sirens, Attack Attack!, and Escape the Fate. After touring and lineup changes, the band released new singles for their second album, which was released in 2013. SECRETS have toured with Asking Alexandria, The Ghost Inside, Crown The Empire, Dance Gavin Dance, Alive Like Me and Defeat the Low. After touring with The Devil Wears Prada and The Word Alive, and other lineup changes, SECRETS released an acoustic EP,"Renditions" (2015). After another lineup change, the band released their recent album,"Everything That Got Us Here" (2015). That concludes this week's Weekly Warped Tour Countdown! Check back here at TheALTanator where we'll revive the Full Sail Stage! xx

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Review: The Maine - Am I Pretty

How easily our minds can get lost in three little words. While many become hooked on superficial ideas and “fixing” imperfections, The Maine wants you to know that you are pretty. It’s been a little over a year since the Arizona quintet, filled our ears with the sweet sounds of ‘American Candy.’ As of recently they’ve released a music video for ‘Am I Pretty?’ the seventh track on the album, so it seemed fitting to share my thoughts on this important song and video. Remember when I said that our minds can become lost in three words? The first two verses of ‘Am I Pretty?’ explore this idea of desperately trying to fill someone else’s standards of beauty setting aside our own. Lyrics such as “Is there a party? Am I invited?” and “It’s such a pity, no one adores me yet,” are reminiscent of high school. Thoughts of insecurity and uncertainty dance happily within the light poppy groove of the instrumentals. They contradict. But when the bridge of the song comes in there’s a shift in the lyric as the words align with its upbeat instrumentals and creates a powerful moment. The “feel good” moment. The lyric offers reassurance, a pick-me-up, to the previous voice in the chorus. “There’s beauty and grace in the flaws of your face. All candor and style in the crook of your smile,” are repeated in celebration of human “flaws.” The video follows in similar fashion. The first few minutes in black and white, as several people share their stories of life, insecurities, and hardship. From regrets and doubts to weight and height, expectations, abuse, the stories feel very sincere, relatable. The video is simple and raw. No elaborate dance numbers, no acting, actors, crazy locations and backdrops. None of which the band are notorious for or I feel are necessary, as the simplicity and sincerity of the video is powerful enough to support the meaning communicated in the song. The band, all suited in blue play against a white backdrop. Everyone who shared their stories in the beginning and the band face the camera like a mirror, fixing and adjusting themselves. Then there’s a turning point. Remember that feel good moment I was talking about? Adjusting things in the mirror turns into smiling, dancing. Overall the message in the song is something I think we can all find important. Embrace the flaws of being human!

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Weekly Warped Tour Countdown #1

Welcome to the first week of theALTanators’s Weekly Warped Tour Blog. Every Wednesday I’m counting down the weeks of Warped Tour by weekly reviewing each stage and what bands will be performing in that stage.

What is Warped Tour?

Founded by Kevin Lyman, the Vans Warped Tour is a music festival that travels across the US from June till August. From 1994 till present day, Warped Tour brings together alternative rock/punk bands as well as hip hop artists and many other artists together every summer. Throuought the years, Warped Tour increased oversees to Australia, the UK, Japan, and Canada. Bands that performed at Warped Tour were Fall out Boy, Paramore, Pierce the Veil, Neck Deep, etc.

This week I’ll be reviewing the Journeys Right Foot Stage. This stage consists of bands majority in the Pop Punk genre, while some are in the metalcore genre. Personally I’m really excited for this stage the most because I’m a lover for the Pop Punk scene.

3OH!3 (7/21 - 7/31) – 3OH!3 is is a electronic/pop duo from Colorado and consists of Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte. After forming, the due released their self-titled album in 2007. The band released albums including,” Want (2008), Streets of Gold (2010), Omens (2013) and Night Sports (2016). This band is mainly famous for their song “Don’t Trust me”.

   Issues (6/24 - 8/13) – Issues is a Metalcore band currently signed to Rise Records. The band consists of clean Tyler Carter (Vocals), Michael Bohn (Vocals), Skyler Acord (Bass), A.J. Rebollo (Guitar), and Josh Manuel (Drums/Percussions). The band released their EP, “Black Diamonds”, on 2012. After touring with bands such as Of Mice & Men, Beartooth, and Sleeping With Sirens, the band released their debut self-titled album on 2014. The band has recently announced that a new album, "Headspace" will be released in May 2016. 

 Mayday Parade (6/24 - 8/13) – Mayday Parade is a Pop Punk band that currently consists of Derek Sanders (Vocals), Alex Garcia (Guitar), Brooks Betts (Guitar), Jeremy Lenzo (Bass/Vocals), and Jake Bundrick (Drums/Vocals). The band is from Tellahassee, Florida, and is currently signed to Fearless Records. At the start of the band, they released their EP, “Tales Told by Dead Friends” in 2006. After the departure of former singer, Jason Lancaster, the band released their first album “A Lesson in Romantics” in 2007. Due to the success of the album, the band went to the Vans Warped Tour in 07’ and 08’, the Give it a Name festival in the UK, and toured with All Time Low and The Maine. After Lesson in Romantics, Mayday released Anywhere but Here (2009), their Valota EP (2011), their self-titled album (2011), Monsters in the Closet (2013, and most recently Black Lines (2015). The band has recently toured with The Maine and “The American Candy” tour.

 Pepper (6/24 - 6/29, 7/1 - 7/22) – Pepper is a rock band that’s from Hawaii. The band consists of Kaleo Wassman (Gutar/Vocals), Bret Bollinger (Bass/Vocals), and Yesod Williams (Drums). After being formed in 1997, the band released their first album,” Give’n It (1999)” and attended the Vans Warped Tour in 2001. The band also released Kona Town (2002) In with the Old (2004), No Shame (2006), Pink Crustaceans and Good Vibrations (2008), and Pepper (2013), as well as toured with 311, and Vans Warped Tour ’07.

  Real Friends (6/24 - 8/13) – Real Friends is another Pop Punk band that’s currently signed to Fearless Records. The band is Dan Lambton (Vocals), Brian Blake (Drums), Kyle Fasel (Bass), Dave Knox (Guitar), and Eric Haines (Guitar). After the bands’ formation, the band released their EP “This is Honesty” (2011). Later on the band released two more EP’s: Everyone that Dragged you Here, and Put Yourself Back Together. In 2014, the band released their debut album “Maybe This Place is the Same…and We’re Just Changing” and have also released two acoustic albums. And recently, Real Friends announced a new album to be released on May 27th.

 Sleeping With Sirens (6/24 - 8/13) – Sleeping with Sirens is from Orlando, Florida and is currently signed to Epitaph Records. The band is Kellin Quin (Vocals), Gabe Barham (Drums), Justin Hills (Bass), Jack Fowler (Guitar), and Nick Martin (Guitar). After formation, the band first released their debut album,” With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear” in 2010. In 2011, the band released their second album,” Let’s Cheers to this”, followed by an acoustic EP,” If You Were a Movie, This Would Be Your Soundtrack (2012)”. On 2013, SWS released their third album,” Feel” and began touring at the Vans Warped Tour, as well as toured with Memphis May Fire, Issues, and Our Last Night. After touring with Pierce the Veil, the band released their fourth album “Madness (2015)”.  

 State Champs (6/24 - 8/13) – State Champs is another Pop Punk band that’s from Albany New York. The band currently consists of Derek DiScanio (Vocals), Tyler Szalkowski (Lead Guitar), Ryan Scott Graham (Bass), Tony Diaz (Rhythm Guitar), and Evan Ambrosio (Drums). After forming in 2010, the band self-released their EP,” Apparently I’m Nothing (2011)”. After being signed to Pure Noise Records, SC released another EP “Overslept (2012)”. State Champs released their first debut album,”The Finer Things (2013). The band toured with Motion City Soundtrack, Bayside, We Are the In Crowd, ans Set if Off, and went to the UK to tour with The Wonder Years, as well as playing on Warped Tour in 2014. On 2015, the band released an acoustic EP “The Acoustic Things (2015), and released their second album “Around the World and Back (2015)”

 The Maine (6/24 - 8/13) - The Maine is an American rock band from Tempe, Arizona. In 2007, the band released their EP, “Stay Up, Get Down (2007)”. The Maine released their first debut album, “Can't Stop, Won't Stop” 2008. The Maine released their second, “Black & White (2010)”. On 2011, the band released their third album, “Pioneer (2011”. Their fourth album “Forever Halloween (2013)” was released on 2013. Their recent album, "American Candy (2015)” was released on 2015. Throughout the years, the band has toured with fellow acts including We the Kings, Good Charlotte, Taking Back Sunday, Real Friends, and recently Mayday Parade and The Technicolors.

 The Story So Far (6/24 - 8/13) – TSSF is another Pop Punk band that’s signed to Pure Noise Records, and is from Walnut Creek, California. The band consists of Parker Cannon (Vocals) Kelen Capener (Bass), Kevin Geyer (Guitar), Ryan Torf (Drums), and William Levy (Guitar). In 2011, TSSF released their debut album,”Under Soil and Dirt (2011)”. In 2013, the band released “What you Don’t See (2013)”, which had success on the Billboard charts. TSS released their self-titled album in 2015,

 Tonight Alive (6/24 - 8/13) – Tonight Alive is a from Sydney, Australia and currently consists of Jenna McDougall (Vocals), Whakaio Taahi (Guitar), Jake Hardy (Guitar), Cam Adler (Bass), and Matt Best (Drums). After signing to Fearless Records, the band released their first album,” What Are You So Scared Of? (2011)”. In 2013, Tonight Alive released the follow up album,”The Other Side”. The band recently released their third album,” Limitless (2016)” and toured with Set it Off, New Found Glory, The Downtown Fiction, blessthefall, The Word Alive, Motionless in White, Mayday Parade, and the Vans Warped Tour in ’12 and ’13.

 Stay tuned for another week of Weekly Warped Tour Countdown!

xx

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Album Review: Hybrid Theory - Linkin Park (2000)

Hey guys! Back at it again with another blog. 

This week’s blog is an album review of Linkin Park’s Hybrid Theory. A few months ago the album marked it’s 15th anniversary, and it’s one of the biggest rock albums of this decade.

 The Band:

Linkin Park formed in 1996, and is originally from Agoura Hills, California. LP consists of Rob Bourdon, Brad Delson, Mike Shinoda, Dave Farrell, Joe Hahn, and Chester Bennington. The band rose to mainstream fame with Hybrid Theory (2000). The band later on released Meteora (2003). In the following years, Linkin Park released Minutes to Midnight (2007), A Thousand Suns (2010), Living Things (2012), and their most recent album The Hunting Party (2014). The band has also collaborated with Jay-Z in the mashup EP Collision Course. Linkin Park has sold over 65 million albums, won two Grammy Awards, and is ranked No. 19 on Billboard’s Best Artists of the Decade. In 2014, Kerrang declared LP as the Biggest Rock Band in the World Right Now.

The Album:

Hybrid Theory was one of the bestselling albums in the 2000s, and it opened a lot of doors for Linkin Park. The album was certified Diamond in 2005 and peaked at number two on the Billboard 200.

1.         "Papercut" – A very good intro to the album, it sets the listener in stone for the album. It’s also the third single of the album. The song has mostly Shinoda, as he raps during the verse, and then Bennington enters during the chorus. The main chorus of the song is,” It's like I'm paranoid lookin' over my back. It's like a whirlwind inside of my head. It's like I can't stop what I'm hearing within. It's like the face inside is right beneath my skin.” To me, the song is referring to a feeling of anger, and paranoia (that feeling was referred multiple times in the song).

2.         "One Step Closer" – This was the very first single of the album, as well as the very first single of Linkin Park. If you were like everyone else that heard the song, saw the music video, before hearing the album, you would be scared but you would want more in the most addicting way possible. I remember hearing this song when I was 5 and being so in love with the song (True Story). Anyways, the song brings the true definition of anger to the point of explosion. You can literally be so angry while playing this song and not care because that’s what the song is about.

3.         "With You" – One main theme of the song is the feeling of when someone isn’t there physically, however you can still feel his/her presence. It’s hard to tell whether or not it’s about the death of someone and you still feel as if you’re with them, based on this line “You, now I see keeping everything inside. You, now I see even when I close my eyes…” Besides the lyrics, I’m definitely loving the music in this song, as well as when the song goes into the break before the bridge.

4.         "Points of Authority" - I’m definitely getting the vibe of being angry at a family member. I think this would go out to someone that uses any form of abuse (Physical or Emotional) based on the lines “You love the way I look at you, while taking pleasure in the awful things you put me through…” Overall, this song refers to those who get abused by their family members, and it will definitely hit straight to the heart.

5.         "Crawling" – Another favorite song in the album. Bennington says this song is about his alcohol abuse, saying “"Crawling is about feeling like I had no control over myself in terms of drugs and alcohol, hence the line "These wounds they will not heal"..." In the lyrics, you can definitely tell that “Control” is the main meaning of the song, especially with this line “This lack of self-control I fear is never ending, controlling. I can't seem.” Also, the music video blends really well with the song and the theme of self-control.

6.         "Runaway" – This song is another personal favorite song in the album. The music and lyrics blend really well as they are full of anger, heartbreak, and mistrust. Speaking of mistrust, that is the theme of the song, as it’s being repeated in the song as well as the chorus,” I wanna run away, never say goodbye. I wanna know the truth, instead of wondering why. I wanna know the answers, no more lies. I wanna shut the door, and open up my mind.”

7.         "By Myself" - This is a really good song for head banging. I think one of the key messages for this song is “whether or not I should keep going” based on the chorus,” I can’t hold on, to what I want when I’m stretched so thin, it’s all too much to take in. I can’t hold on, to anything watching everything spin, with thoughts of failure sinking in.” I also think the song talks about bullying based on the lines,” What do I do to ignore them behind me? Do I follow my instincts blindly…Do I sit here and try to stand it? Or do I try to catch them red-handed?”

8.         "In the End" - Here it is guys, one of the best songs of the rock era, and the greatest Linkin Park song of all time. Even if you’re not a number one fan of LP, you at least know THIS SONG. This song is well known, what else is left to review about it? Let’s go over the basics: The lyrics are well written. The lyrics are based on the meanings of time, the way people treat others of property and losing trust in others. The main “Climax” of the song is when Bennington sings,” I've put my trust in you, pushed as far as I can go. For all this, there’s only one thing you should know.” I’ve recently saw a video of the band sing In the End live, and the minute the crowd sings this bridge in particular, that’s when the ground shakes. Overall, I’m in love with this song.

9.         "A Place for My Head" – The song starts with a riff that continues through the whole song, with Shinoda rapping in the verses and Bennington singing in the chorus. This song refers to someone who they thought they knew, but now the person is not someone they thought they knew anymore. I think the topic of the song is relatable, I think everyone knows someone that they used to know. Sometimes people are who they don’t appear to be.

10.       "Forgotten" – “From the top to the bottom. Bottom to top I stop. At the core I’ve forgotten. In the middle of my thoughts. Taken far from my safety. The picture is there. The memory won’t escape me. But why should I care.” This is another favorite song in the album. As soon as the song starts, it’s nothing but head anging and angsty lyrics. As always Shinoda and Bennington kill it by doing rapping in the verse, and singing on the chorus (Although both rap at the first part of the chorus).

11.       "Cure for the Itch" – This is basically a long interlude, but its still full of a head banging vibe.

12.       "Pushing Me Away" – The last song of the album. This time, Bennington sings the verses and Shinoda raps the verse. Just like majority of the album, the song has a headbanging/angsty vibe, with lyrics including,” The sacrifice is never knowing. Why I never walked away, why I played myself this way. Now I see you're testing me pushes me away”. Based on the lyrics,the song is about a relationship gone bad, and finding out what’s the point of still trying to hold on.

Hybrid Theory is one of the best albums rock music, and it opened a lot of doors for Linkin Park, as they became one of the biggest bands in rock music. 

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Interstate Love Song (Stone Temple Pilots) – Song Review

This week’s review is on Interstate Love Song from Stone Temple Pilots. This song opened many doors in the Grunge/Alternative genre, and Stone Temple Pilots became royalty to the 90′s Alternative scene

The Band: Stone Temple Bands is another band that rose from the 90′s Grunge scene. The band consists of Robert and Dean DeLeo, Eric Kretz, Scott Weiland, and formed on 1985 in San Diego, California. After signing with Atlantic Records, the band immediately found success after the release of their debut album “Core” and became one of the successful bands of the 90′s. Their second album “Purple” (1994) included songs “Big Empty” and their radio hit “Interstate Love Song”, and went on number one and sold over two million copies after release. After releasing three studio albums: Tiny Music... Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop (1996), No. 4 (1999) and Shangri-La Dee Da (2001), the band went on a hiatus and came back in 2010 with their self-titled album. In 2013, Weiland left the band and was replaced with Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington, and released their EP “High Rise”.

The Song: This song is one of STP’s biggest hits, and spoke of the 90’s generation. Interstate was released in 1994, and became number one at the mainstream rock charts for over 15 weeks. The song also reached number 18 on the Billboard Charts. Weiland states honesty was one of the themes of the song, as well as his addiction with heroin at the time.

The song starts with a guitar solo, and this is honestly my favorite part of the entire song. The song is basically a melody of the chorus but the vibe is nothing but raw. The first verse states “'Waiting on a Sunday afternoon for what I read between the lines, your lies, feelin' like a hand in rusted shame, so do you laugh or does it cry? Reply?" The verse was Weiland’s conversation with his girlfriend stating,” "She'd ask how I was doing, and I'd lie, say I was doing fine," The song goes to the chorus,” Leavin' on a southern train only yesterday you lied. Promises of what I seemed to be only watched the time go by, all of these things you said to me.” It’s clearly obvious that honesty is the main theme of the song, however it’s hard to tell who is the person that’s lying; girlfriend, family member, friend, etc.

The next part is another verse,” breathing is the hardest thing to do with all I've said and all that's dead for you, you lied, good bye.” A verse that was self explanatory, and the answer to our question. Clearly the singer notices that the other person lied, and he’s backing out. Then the song ends with the chorus.

Interstate Love Song is personally one of my favorite songs of the 90s era. With it raw guitar riffs and lyrics, it’s another song that spoke of the 90s Alternative/Grunge scene. I give props to Weiland and the rest of the band for the writing and composition to one of the best songs of the 90′s era.

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Shut Up and Dance (Walk the Moon) – Song Review

This week’s review is on “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon. This song has been one of the songs of the summer, and one of the top songs in the alternative genre. It quickly moved from alternative to top 40 in a matter of months.

The Band: Walk the Moon took the Indie/Alternative scene by storm. They are from Cincinnati, Ohio, and are formed by Nicholas Petricca, Kevin Ray, Sean Waugaman, and Eli Maiman. WTM released their debut album “I Want! I Want!” in 2010, which included their first radio hit “Anna Sun”. After signing with RCA Records, the band released their self-titled album in 2012. In 2014, the band released “Talking is Hard” which includes their recent single “Different Colors” and their mainstream hit “Shut Up and Dance”.

Speaking of which…

The Song: Shut Up and Dance is one of the biggest Alternative songs today, and it’s Walk the Moon’s most popular song. It charted at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number 1 on Billboard's Rock Songs chart as well as Billboard's Alternative Songs chart. The lead singer, Petricca, says the song came from a party he went to and his girlfriend inviting him to dance with her. The music video created the main vibe of the song, as it shows Petricca as an awkward guy as he awkwardly dances with the girl of his dreams (Spoiler alert they get together in the end). Petricca states the meaning of the song as, “Encouraging people to let go of whatever it is that’s bothering you and get into your body and out of your head."

The song starts with guitar and it’s so unique that once you hear it on the radio you’ll already know what song is on. This is another song that starts with the chorus and heads straight to the point, with the verses and everything else as minor points. The chorus starts with "Oh don't you dare look back. Just keep your eyes on me." I said, "You're holding back," She said, "Shut up and dance with me!" This woman is my destiny. She said, "Ooh-ooh-hoo, Shut up and dance with me." The chorus basically sums up the main point of the song. The guy is falling for the girl he’s dancing with and the lady says,” Shut up and dance with me”.

The verses come in after the chorus. Verse one starts with “We were victims of the night, the chemical, physical, kryptonite. Helpless to the bass, and the fading light. We were bound to get together, bound to get together.” This is the start to the story that plays out in the song. The lead singer talks about him and the leading lady and how they were destined to be together. I love how Petricca uses kryptonite as a comparison to his love for his lady in this set of lyrics.

After the verse is the pre chorus which leads back to the chorus and that happens a lot of times in this song. After the chorus is verse two which says,” A backless dress and some beat up sneaks, my discothèque, Juliet teenage dream. I felt it in my chest as she looked at me. I knew we were bound to be together, bound to be together.” This is when we get a clear description of the leading lady, and he uses a Romeo and Juliet comparison to describe her.

 The verse then goes back to the chorus which then goes to a break and this is when you can feel the dance vibe to the song; keyboard, electric guitar, the drums, all of which equals a break you can dance to.  After the break is a tiny bridge that leads to the pre chorus, “Deep in her eyes, I think I see the future. I realize this is my last chance.” This is pretty explanatory, basically our leading man doesn’t have that much time to get the girl of his dreams. And then goes the chorus which closes out the song, and you are sure for a fact that the leading duo are together.

  Shut Up and Dance is one of the songs of the summer, and personally I love it. I love that it’s catchy, the lyrics are unique and you can dance to it (hence the name). WTM has definitely opened their doors to the mainstream and have one of the best alternative songs of 2015.

[thealtanatorx]

My Own Worst Enemy (Lit) – Song Review

Over the past few decades, Rock went from one genre to having many genres. Heavy metal was already making a name for itself thanks to bands like Metallica, AC/DC, and Guns n Roses. Grunge was also increasing popularity thanks to Nirvana, and Pearl Jam. But the 90s was also when Alternative Rock was increasing. In fact, the 90s was the year of the Alternative era as bands from Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Offspring, and Stone Temple Pilots have grew popular in the Era.

Another band that helped increase the Alternative era was Lit. The band formed in 1989, and included Jeremy and A. Jay Popoff, Kevin Baldes, Sean Holland, and Allen Shellenberger. The band released their EP called “New Vibe Revolution” in 1993. After releasing their debut album “Tripping the Light Fantastic”, the band signed to RCA Records in 1998. The band released their second album, ”A Place in the Sun” in 1999, which included songs like, ”Zip-Lock", "Miserable", and their hit single, ”My Own Worst Enemy” . A Place in the Sun went platinum and became the bestselling album for the band. Since APITS, Lit had released “Atomic (2001)” and their self-titled album “Lit (2004)”. Following the release of their self-titled album, Shellenberger passed away due to brain tumor in 2008. In 2012, the band has released “The View from the Bottom” and is currently writing their next album.

  The Song: My Own Worst Enemy was released in 1999 on the band’s second album, “A Place in the Sun”. The song was really successful in mainstream rock in the radio as well as the charts, as it reached number 51 on the Billboard hot 100, and received a Billboard Music Award for the biggest modern song of 1999. My Own Worst Enemy has a very alternative vibe. While other songs spoke for the grunge and/or punk side of 90s rock, this song spoke for the alternative rock side of the 90s.

 The song starts a heavy guitar, and that becomes the main guitar riff as the other instruments combine with the guitar. The lyrics start with,” Can we forget about the things I said when I was drunk? I didn't mean to call you that.  I can't remember what was said or what you threw at me…” The lyrics state a drunken scenario, and you can already sense the alternative vibe. And the drunk scenario continues in the chorus,” Please tell me why my car is in the front yard. And I'm sleeping with my clothes on. I came in through the window last night. And you're gone.”

  The next verse hits another turn with the lines,” It's no surprise to me I am my own worst enemy. Cause every now and then I kick the living shit out of me. The smoke alarm is going off, and there's a cigarette. Still burning…” This set of lyrics is interesting, because you finally see the meaning of the title since it’s in these lines. I think the singer refers to the mistakes he’s made, hence why he kicks the living shit out of him, hence why he’s his own worst enemy. The song then goes back to the chorus, and then it goes to a guitar solo, with the chorus ending the song.

 My Own Worst Enemy is another memorable song from the 90s era. With it’s guitar riffs and rebellious lyrics, the song spoke for the 90’s alternative era, and gave listeners that alternative vibe.

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[thealtanatorx]

Album Review: From Under the Cork Tree – Fall Out Boy (2005)

2015 is the best year in alternative music. It’s the 10 year mark of the albums that we’ve listened to our whole life, the albums that we’ve laughed, cried, and straight up grew up to. This month was the 10 year birthday of From Under the Cork Tree from everyone’s favorite band from Chicago, Fall Out Boy. This album was a pretty big hit for FOB; not only did the album receive double platinum status and sold over 2 million albums worldwide, it sent FOB to mainstream success. From Under the Cork Tree opened many doors for Fall out Boy. 

Track list:

1) Our Lawyer Made Us Change the Name of This Song So We Wouldn’t Get Sued – There’s been a rule that the first song is the grand entrance, and it shows listeners what the band/artist is made of. Case in point: Fall out Boy. This is by far one of the best leading songs in an album, because it shows what the band is made of. “Brothers and sisters put this record down. Take my advice cause we are bad news…” It starts with a bang, gets straight to the point, and badass lyrics. It makes sense why this is the first song of the album.

2) Of All the Gin Joints in All the World – One of my favorite songs in the album, music and lyric wise. Music wise, it’s fast and brings so music energy. Lyrics wise, it feels like it came from the heart, there’s so much truth and energy in the lyrics at the same time. The lyrics and music really blend well bringing energetic music and lyrics together. I give many props to both Pete and Patrick for coming up with music to rock to and lyrics to relate to. This song doesn’t disappoint.

3) Dance, Dance – I’m pretty sure everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, knows this song. Once you hear the drums and the bass line, you know what song this is and you start head banging NONSTOP. Dance is a memorable song from the good old FOB days. And the music video is just as memorable as the song. A freaking high school dance, with Fall Out Boy. 10 years later, and I still laugh when Pete dances at the end.

4) Sugar, We're Goin’ Down – I’m not gonna go into detail about this song, because EVERYONE knows this song. Once the drum comes in, that’s when everyone starts rocking out. But the moment is the first line,” Am I more than you bargained for yet...” Once every one hears that first line, everyone starts rocking out. This song was the very first time almost everyone had seen or heard of FOB. And the music video is unique and definitely an introduction to the band. No one has made a video of a human/deer falling for a human

5) Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner – One of those songs where it’s not one of my favorites, but I’ll still listen to the song when it plays. It has a very punk vibe, the kind that gets you to stop what you’re doing and rock out. The lyrics say a lot about the song as well. Overall, not a bad song.

6) I've Got a Dark Alley and a Bad Idea That Says You Should Shut Your Mouth (Summer Song) – The lyrics say A LOT in this song, it has a really deep meaning and bring a really deep vibe for this song. This song is basically a poem, you can get a poetry vibe out of this song.

7) 7 Minutes in Heaven (Atavan Halen) – This is my MAIN favorite in the album, I love this song for the music and the lyrics. The lyrics in this song have a very punk vibe, while the music has the punk/energetic vibe. Fun Fact: Joe sang as well in this song (Pete and Joe have roles as backup vocals in most of the songs, so here’s to anyone that says it’s ONLY Patrick). Favorite line? “I'm sitting out dances on the wall. Trying to forget everything that isn't you, I'm not going home alone. Cause I don't do too well on my own”

8) Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year – Another favorite song of mine, mainly because the music and lyrics blend really well. I’m in love with the lyrics in this song the lyrics are ones that everyone understands. You can listen to the break, and once you hear the lyrics in that part, you can really understand the song and relate to the song as well.

9) Champagne for My Real Friends, Real Pain for My Sham Friends – Another favorite song of mine in the album. It starts with less than a minute of guitar riffs. It’s a really fast song with lyrics that relate to a lot of listeners. This song in particular is a good example, there are moments where you can rock to the song and other moments where you can listen to the lyrics and relate to them. This song is one of my favorites overall.

10) I Slept With Someone in Fall Out Boy and All I Got Was This Stupid Song Written About Me – This song is another favorite on the album, it’s one of those songs where you do nothing but rock out (many songs like that in this album, obviously). I bet everyone’s favorite part is the break where Pete Wentz gets into scream mode for about a minute till Patrick goes back into the song. Also, when Pete screams into the end, and the ending goes into the next song, no one does it like FOB.

11) A Little Less Sixteen Candles, a Little More “Touch Me” – This song is by far one of my favorites, not only from the album but from the band! Every time I hear this song, you guys are gonna see an excited headbanging girl, just saying. Anyways, this song is so energetic and punk, and EVERYTHING that is Fall Out Boy. And the lyrics have very deep meanings as well, so there’s more to love besides the music. Over all, this song is another favorite song in the album.

12) Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying (Do Your Part to Save the Scene and Stop Going to Shows)- Can’t really count this song as one of my favorites in the album. It has a very dance vibe, and the lyrics mixes really well with the song. It goes from slow to a dance vibe, with a break with the gang.

13) XO – Honestly, I did not think of this song as ending song, but as you listen to the whole song, you can feel the whole album come to full circle. In every ending song, there’s a part where you can feel the album come to full circle, and this is the song. Some songs have that; other songs have every song in the album mixed together. XO is definitely a perfect ending song.

 Overall, from under the cork tree is one of the best songs of the alternative rock era. As stated before, I give a lot of props to both Pete, Patrick, and the rest of FOB for coming up with the music and lyrics for the album. 10 years after FUTCT, it shows the band has come A LONG way, from just being 4 Chicago dudes to being one of the best bands in alternative rock. Personally, I’m extremely proud of the guys, how far the album has come, and I know this is not the last of fall out boy.

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[thealtanatorx]

Song Review: Self Esteem – The Offspring

This week’s song review is on Self Esteem from The Offspring. I’ve been wanted to review Self Esteem for the longest time. Ever heard those songs that get you head banging and on the go? That’s what Self Esteem is to me; fast, energetic, raw, and you’ll gain so much power from the lyrics.

The Band: The Offspring has been known for filling in the shoes of Green Day for gaining success in the 90s rock genre. By releasing more than 36 million records, they’re one of the best punk rock bands of all time. The Offspring is from California, and formed in 1984. Dexter Holland, Kevin Wasserman, Greg K., and Pete Parada, are the members of the band. The band released three albums; The Offspring (1989), Ignition (1992), Smash (1994), which gained major success in the mainstream, selling over 10 million copies. The album, released from Epitaph records, was the first to gain gold and platinum status. Follow ups from Smash included, Ixnay on the Hombre (1997), Americana (1998), Conspiracy of One (2000) and Splinter (2003), which got them gaining multi-platinum, gold, and platinum status. Five years later, the band released Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace (2008), and then Days Go By (2012). The band is currently working on new material for next year.

 It’s no wonder The Offspring is one of the best punk bands of all time: they bring on raw and energetic music to the table they have a “Devil may care” attitude and definitely use that for their music. The Offspring is definitely the pure definition of punk rock.

The Song: Self Esteem is one of the edgiest songs I’ve ever heard in the 90s era. For the first five seconds it brings so much loud and careless attitude. The intro gives a badass vibe, you can already tell the song is going to be raw and energetic. It’s pretty much the vibe of a punk song, since this is a punk song.

 The verse starts with the lines “I wrote her off for the tenth time today. And practiced all the things I would say. But she came over I lost my nerve. I took her back and made her dessert…” At first, I got a “break up” vibe, the singer had a lot to say to his lady friend, but once he saw her he immediately chocked up. The next lines of the verse gave me a different perspective. He says,” Now I know I'm being used. That's okay because I like the abuse. I know she's playing with me. That's okay cause I've got no self-esteem.” He’s saying he knows he’s being abused, yet he likes it at the same time, and it gives him self-esteem. This verse in particular is what starts the song, what starts the story telling, the beginning of everything. The rest of the song goes as if he wants to leave the girl, but he still stays because she makes him feel wanted, and any minute he will tell her he wants to leave.

  The next part is when the song goes to a really fast and energetic, and my favorite part of the song. In this part of the song, the somewhat bridge I think, He finally feels fed up of the way she treats him. He’s fed up that she tells him she wants him and loves him, yet she treats him like shit. The last line of the bridge,” The more you suffer, the more it shows you really care…”

Self-esteem is one of the relatable songs of the 90s. Here’s this guy, in an abusive relationship, he wants to leave, and he has every opportunity to leave. But he only stays because she makes him feel wanted, and she gives him self-esteem. Not only is self-esteem a great song because of the raw and energetic vibe, but because this song is extremely relatable for its message and the lyrics. With its angst lyrics and raw and energetic attitude, Self-esteem is definitely a song that spoke for the 90s alternative/punk genre.

[thealtanatorx]

Album Review: My Chemical Romance - Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge (2004)

This week’s blog is an album review on My Chemical Romance’s “Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge”. This album is one of the best albums of this decade. And the album has impacted many fans of My Chemical Romance. A decade later, the album is still changing lives.

The Band: My Chemical Romance formed in 2001, consisting of Gerard and Mikey Way, Ray Toro, Frank Iero, and Bob Bryar. Gerard wanted to form a band after the attack of 9/11, gaining influence after watching the fall of the twin towers. Along with Matt Pelissier, Way met guitarist Ray Toro, and recruited his brother Mikey as bassist. Once the band met Frank Iero, they started recording on “I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love” (2002). The band toured with Avenge Sevenfold to promote the album. After “Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge” (2004) was released, Pelissier left the band and was replaced with Bob Bryar. The album had major success, due to going platinum after the release. The band opened for Green Day, co-headlined Warped Tour with Fall Out Boy, and co-headlined with Alkaline Trio. The band released 2 albums after: The Black Parade (2006), and Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys (2010). Before the release of Danger Days, the band parted ways with Bryar. The band also released a collection of singles that were recorded before Danger Days. After the release of “Conventional Weapons” in 2013, My Chemical Romance parted ways. Fast forward to 2015, each of the band members are making success, and still impacting lives till this day.

The Album: Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge is the album that opened a lot of doors for My Chemical Romance. They’ve had success in the Billboard charts, as well as going platinum after the release. The album has a mixture of fast/energetic songs, and slow and deep songs.

1. Helena - This is the perfect song to open the album. Even though the song is dark, it still shows so much light in the song. The song goes from fast to slow, however still containing the same message. According to Gerard, the inspiration behind the song was the loss of his and Mikey’s grandmother. The one thing I love about the song is the lyrics. The lyrics give so much emotion, and meaning. You can tell Gerard is giving so much emotion and sadness, because this is a sad song. It’s a song about death and sadness, and saying goodbye.

2. Give 'em hell kid – Even though this is the second song of the album, this is the first song to give the room energy for the rest of the album. When the bass line starts and all the instruments come in, that’s when the energy starts coming in. I think the song is referring to teenage pregnancy, and it had many deep meanings surrounding teen pregnancy (main one being ephedrine).

3. to the end – “Here comes the bride. Here comes the bride…” Every time I see this song in a concert, Gerard starts the song with that saying. This song makes a lot of wedding references, and the music has a wedding vibe. There’s a moment where the song goes into a break, and then back to normal speed. I love the harmonies in this song, especially during the chorus. Overall, this song is another favorite of mine.

4. You know what they do to guys like us in prison – I love this song so much. This is my absolute favorite song in the album. This would be the perfect song for joyriding, or being rebellious, etc. It’s fast, head banging, raw. There are so many reasons why the song is genius. If you need a song you can listen to while you’re driving, running, or even doing homework, this is the perfect song.

5. I'm not okay (I promise) - If you was from the 2005 era, you would know this song very freaking well. I’m not okay was the new Smells Like Teen Spirit. It spoke for the kids who didn’t fit in, the outcasts, and the kids who rebelled against the popular kids. It fits the head banging category, as well as the guitar being raw and edgy. The music videos did success as well. There were two music videos; however the main one was the “Outcasts vs popular kids at a high school” music video.

6. The ghost of you – This is another slow song from the band. It definitely shows the raw emotion of Gerard’s voice. The song surrounds the meaning of loss and letting go. And there’s a moment where the song pauses and it goes back to a part where you can definitely hear Gerard’s raw emotion. And the music video gives the song a World War II vibe, which I really liked a lot.

7. The jetset life is gonna kill you – I heard this combines with “The Ghost of You” and on the “May Death Never Stop You” CD, the song goes into the beginning of The Jetset. So this song has a church vibe in the beginning of the song, which mixes with the drums until the verse starts. Speaking of the verses, the song surrounds drugs and/or the topic of suicide. And just like majority of the other songs, Jetset goes into a break and then resumes back to normal speed. The song gives an energetic vibe, like running off and driving somewhere, etc.

8. Interlude – Slow and simple, nothing but guitar and Gerard’s vocals.

9. Thank you for the venom – Another favorite song in the album. It’s fast and energetic, while having a deep meaning at the same time. I love the guitar solos in this song, and there’s a moment where the song goes into absolute head banging mode and that’s when the guitar solo comes in. And I give props to Ray for the guitar solo in this song.

10. Hang 'em high – Another big favorite song of mine in the album. This song gives a western vibe in the beginning, until it goes to normal MCR mode (Fast, raw, energetic, etc). The song is basically about a man who falls in love with a lady who suddenly dies. The man ends up committing suicide, however he ends up hell while she ends up in heaven. So this song gives a western, “run for your lives” vibe. Ironically, the man is running from demons to be with his lady in the other life, so the song blends really well.

11. it’s not a fashion statement, it’s a fucking death wish – The song gives a rebellious vibe, meaning you get the energy to rebel and do whatever you want and not care about others who are judging, which happens to be the main point of the song. Basically, the man got to the point where he fell really hard, and now he’s at that,”Screw it” point where he’s doing what ever he wants and is basically getting revenge. This line,” This hole that you put me in wasn't deep enough, and I'm climbing out right now. You're running out of places to hide from me…”Meaning, I‘m coming up right now, and there’s nowhere to hide, revenge starts now.

12. Cemetery drive – This is the one song that’s iffy for me. Don’t get me wrong, I love the music and all, and I’m not saying I don’t like the song, it’s just iffy for me. Anyways, I have a feeling this song is referring to Gerard’s lost love, especially with the lines,” I miss you, I miss you so far. And the collision of your kiss that made it so hard…” It’s another song that gives a funeral vibe, and you can really hear Gerard’s raw emotion in this song.

13. I never told you what I do for a living – The last song, a killer finale. It’s another head banging song, and this is when the guitar pops out the most in the song. This song has a major death meaning, especially the line,” "They gave us two shots to the back of the head and we're all dead now…” Ironically, that’s the very last song. So the ending is coincidentally the death of the main character. As of music wise, this also shows Gerard’s vocals and raw emotion, as he sings and screams and does everything in between. Overall, this song is the perfect ending to a perfect album.  

Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, Is one of the best albums of rock today. The album contains slow songs, head banging songs, and songs that contain both. You can rebel, run away, or even sit down with every song in the album. The most important fact, is the fact that this album saved so many lives, so many people never gave up and learned to stay strong thanks to this band. And even though the band broke up 2 years ago, they will forever impact the lives of MILLIONS. Their memory will carry on.

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[thealtanatorx]

Album Review: Nevermind - Nirvana (1993)

 This week I’ll be doing an album review of Never mind from Nirvana. I haven’t done an album review in a while, and now is the perfect time due to the 21st anniversary of the lead singer Kurt Cobain’s passing.

The Band: Nirvana started in Aberdeen, Washington. The band was formed by Lead singer/Guitarist Kurt Cobain, and Bassist Krist Novoselic. The duo met in High School, Cobain wanted to start a band with Novoselic, however he didn’t say yes till 3 years later. The band searched for a drummer, until finding Chad Channing. In 1989, the trio released their first album, Bleach, while under the label sub-pop. The album became a success as it played on college radio stations, as well as the band playing on their national tour in 1989. While preparing for recording, Channing left the band due to disenchantment. In 1990, the band added drummer Dave Grohl, before recording never mind. After the release of never mind, the band was entered in the mainstream. The first single,” Smells like teen spirit” was gaining popularity, due to playing on MTV and radio shows. The album sold 400,000 copies, and it was number 1 on the billboard charts, beating Michael Jackson. In 1993, the band started recording their third album, In Utero. After In Utero was released, the band dealt with success of the album as it sold over 3 million copies, and landed number 1 on the billboard charts. However, Cobain has had struggles with success and fame during the success of In Utero. He felt uncomfortable with his personal life being a main topic of the media, and hated being a role model of the generation. He got into heroine along with his wife, Courtney Love. However he struggled with the addiction, as well as struggled with depression and fame. On April 8th, Kurt Cobain was found dead due to a shotgun wound to the head.  It was one of the biggest deaths of that generation, and of music. After the death of Cobain, Novosolic and Grohl

The Album: Never mind was one of the best albums in the 90s. The album opened many doors for Nirvana in the mainstream. The album also scored number 1 on the billboard charts, beating Michael Jackson. Containing badass guitar riffs and memorable lyrics, this album spoke for the 90s generation. Whether you were born in the 90s, or born in the millennium, you knew about Nevermind, and you knew about Nirvana.

1.      "Smells Like Teen Spirit“– Smells like teen spirit is the perfect album opener, and everyone’s favorite album. It has killer guitar riffs that open the song, and the lyrics are badass,”With the lights out, it’s less dangerous. Here we are now, entertain us…” I give so many props to Cobain and his lyrics. The music video is memorable as well, and one of the best music videos as well.

2.      "In Bloom" – Another favorite song of mine (It’s obvious I love every song in the album). Another guitar riff starts the song, while the verse and chorus come in later on. The lyrics and music blend together very well. They give a deep vibe for a very deep song. The music video says a lot as well. The band performed the song while having a 60s tv show vibe. I love the music video for the creativity, and having the inspiration of the Beatles.

3.      "Come as You Are" – This song is pretty good, and I love the lyrics for the song. Once again, the lyrics blend really well with the music. “Take your time, hurry up. Choice is yours, don’t be late…” Those lyrics have a really deep meaning in the song.

4.      "Breed" – This song is another favorite of mine. It’s raw, aggressive, the guitar solo is badass.

5.      "Lithium" – I love this song so much, this song is my absolute favorite. I love everything about this song, from the beginning guitar riffs, to the lyrics. Its clear Cobain is at his deepest in this song with lyrics like, “I’m so ugly, but that’s okay, cause so are you…”

6.      "Polly" – This song has a raw, acoustic guitar vibe. You can hear the drums echoing in the background, but the song mainly focuses on Kurt and his guitar. The lyrics are about a girl

7.      "Territorial Pissings" – Another song in the album that I love. It’s really fast and raw. I really love Krist’s intro before the song because it has a lot of energy and starts the song strong. And the lyrics are fast and raw and give energy to the song as well.

8.      "Drain You" – One of the songs that is very interesting. The lyrics blend with the music and the guitar licks. The interesting part is when the song goes into a break and slows down, only to go back to the start. It’s a head banging song, which gets fans to love the song from start to finish.

9.      "Lounge Act" – Another song that is very interesting. The song starts with the bass line, which then goes to the verse. The best part about the song is when goes from low to raw in minutes. You can hear the raw and strain from his voice.

10.  "Stay Away" – This song is in the same category as Territorial; it starts with the drums and goes into absolute rock out mode. It gives a bunch of energy, and it’s not hard to rock out to this song.

11.  "On a Plain" – Another fast and raw song. The lyrics are also raw and blend with the song as well. Although there’s a moment where the song slows down for a minute and then goes back to regular tempo. This song is another personal favorite of mine.

12.  "Something in the Way – This song is very deep and raw. Even though it contains the trio, you can mostly here Kurt and his guitar. You can definitely tell the emotion Kurt is bringing in this song.

  Overall, this album is an absolute classic. It’s an album all fans, new and old, can look up to, and for guitarists that need inspiration. I give so many props for Kurt and the rest of Nirvana for writing the music and lyrics, due to the music and lyrics blending so well together. This album is the absolute best of the 90s. Nirvana has not left music history, as so many musicians today look up to the band. And Kurt will never be forgotten, as he is also someone who many people look up to. Nirvana will never be forgotten.

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[thealtanatorx]

This week’s song review is “Centuries” from Fall out Boy. I was really excited when FOB released Centuries. This song is the first of many “Power Anthems”, and centuries did not dissapoint.

The Band:

  Fall out Boy formed in 2001, consisting of Patrick Stump, Pete Wentz, Joe Trohman, and Andy Hurley. The band was created by Pete and Joe, Patrick joining later on. Before Andy, the band released their EP,” Fall out Boy’s Evening out with your Girlfriend.” (2003). When Andy joined FOB, they’ve started recording their first album,” Take This to Your Grave” (2003). With Pete writing lyrics, and Patrick composing music, the band had success in the rock genre. The band has also released, “From Under the Cork Tree” (2205), “Infinity on High” (2007), and “Folie à Deux” (2008). The band also released a greatest hits album, “Believers Never Die” in 2009. FUTCT was the band’s break though album, while IOH was the band’s entrance to the mainstream, as well as landing number 1 in the charts. Around 2009-2012, the band had a hiatus, while coming back in late 2012. By then the band made their comeback by announcing “Save Rock and Roll” (2013). Which had success and after the release. Fast forward to 2015, two years after SR&R, the band headlined their own tour to promote SR&R, headlined with Paramore, a feature in Big Hero 6, announced a summer tour with Wiz Khalifa, and released their recent 6th album, “American Beauty, American Psycho” which also had success after the release.

Fall Out Boy is a band loved by all music listeners, fans that stuck from the beginning, to fans that just started listening to the band. But it’s safe to say everyone in all genres went wild for Centuries.

The Song:  

 Centuries was released on September 2014. The band released Centuries via BBC Radio 1 on September 8th, before releasing the song the next day. Centuries had success after released on iTunes, the Billboard charts, as well as reaching certified platinum.

 The song starts with a sample from, “Tom’s Diner” which is used throughout the entire song. I’ll give props for the band mixing their own versions of songs, for the sake of making the song unique and separating the song from other singles. However, it’s the chorus, which makes the song memorable. This line in particular, “Remember me for centuries “as well as the rest of the chorus starts the song with a bang. Personally, I love songs that start with the chorus; it’s heading straight to the point, and the minor points heading straight after.

The minor points turned out to be the verses. Once again, I give props to Pete for coming up with the lyrics. These are the lyrics that are confusing, but they blend with the music so well, to the point where the music shouldn’t matter. The first few lines are another memorable part of the song,” Mummified my teenage dreams…The kids are all wrong, the story’s all off. Heavy metal broke my heart…” Then the song moves back to the main intro and chorus in the song.

 The second verse was another favorite of mine. I feel the lines,” And I can't stop 'til the whole world knows my name. Cause I was only born inside my dreams…” have so much power in those lines. Those two lines sum up the song pretty well, because this song is a power anthem. Another part of the verse,” And you're a cherry blossom, you're about to bloom. You look so pretty, but you're gone so soon.” Is a good reference, because that’s what cherry blossoms do; they’re pretty but they vanish too soon.                      

  This is the part where everything stops, literally. This bridge is my favorite bridge of all bridges. “We've been here forever, and here's the frozen proof. I could scream forever, we are the poisoned youth.” These lines are powerful, saying we’re here, and not leaving. This very part, as well as others, makes this song very powerful, and sets up the mood for the song perfectly well. And then the song goes back to the chorus for the powerful finale.

 This song is the first of many power anthems. Centuries was played in sport shows, games, as well as commercials. The song sets the move, and gets the listeners pumped up. I give SO MANY props to the dudes of FOB for creating this song. It’s not the last of Fall out Boy.

[thealtanatorx]

Song Review: Korn – Freak on a Leash (1998)

  This week I’m doing a song review on Korn’s Freak on a Leash. I’ve been really hooked on this song for the sake of its guitar riffs, and lyrics. It’s another memorable song of the 90’s Alternative decade.

 The band formed in 1993, consisting members of  Jonathan Davis (Vocals), James Shaffer (guitar), Brian Welch, Reginald Arvizu (bass), and David Silveria (Drums). The band released their albums “Neidermayer’s Mind” (1993), “Life Is Peachy” (1996), “Follow the Leader” (1998), “Issues”(1999) “Untouchables” (2002), “Take a Look in the Mirror” (2003) and “See You on the Other Side” (2005). The band released a Greatest Hits album in 2004, as well as recent albums; “Korn III: Remember Who You Are” (2010), “The Path of Totality” (2011), and “The Paradigm Shift” (2013). After the release of See You on the Other Side in 2005, Silveria announced he was leaving the band, and he was replaced with the band’s current drummer, Ray Luzier.

The Song: Freak on a Leash was in the band’s third album “Follow the Leader”, releasing in 1998. Both the song and the album had success in the mainstream, debuting in the billboard charts as well as MTV’s Total Request Live (TRL). The song itself is memorable due to its guitar riffs and deep lyrics (Something takes a part of me… Feeling like a freak on a leash).

  The guitar is what starts the song (My favorite part) and the riff continues throughout the whole song, as well as other famous riffs. After the guitar riff is the verse. The verse is when the lead vocalist (Davis) talks about a part of him being taken away. I’ll give brownie points to Davis for using the very first line of the song as the very first line of the chorus. Davis goes in to the song explaining the feeling of that a part of him is being taken away, and goes into life being the enemy. Basically saying, a part of him is stolen, and life is the burglar. Well played, Davis.

The pre-chorus is another favorite part of mine. A new guitar riff is being played as well as the lyrics,” Sometimes I cannot take this place. Sometimes it's my life I can't taste. Sometimes I cannot feel my face. You'll never see me fall from grace.” It’s referring to the last few bits of the verse, saying Life is the enemy, but I will not fall from this. The chorus is a memorable part of the song, as it uses the first line of the verse. It goes back to something taking a part of him. In the next verse Davis puts in the song title, “Feeling like a Freak on a Leash”. Davis writes about feeling abused and feeling pain. After the song goes back to the pre-chorus and the chorus, is a very interesting part. The lead vocalist (Davis) does freestyle and uses tiny fragments of words in the bridge, and actually rap words after that. The song ends after using the Chorus one last time.

Overall this song this highly recommended. Either for the kid who’s looking for new guitar riffs to play, or the kid who’s looking for something to relate to. I feel everyone feels like some part of theirs has been taken away thanks to the shitty way of life. Even though we barely hear fro Korn now, this song and band is highly memorable.

(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korn)

[thealtanatorx]

Track-by-Track Review: AM by Arctic Monkeys

 This week I’m doing a Track-by-Track review of the album AM by Arctic Monkeys. 

I was really excited to review this album, it has received nothing but good comments, and there are a few good songs I love from the album as well.

Arctic Monkeys consists of Alex Turner, Jaime Cook, Nick O’Malley, and Matt Helders. The band formed in 2002, released 5 albums, as well won 7 awards and nominated for 3 Grammy’s. They are extremely big in the Alternative rock area.

1.         "Do I wanna know?"  - This song is one of my personal favorites. It’s a song that definitely shows of their guitar riffs. DIWK has a Stoner Rock kind of vibe, and it’s one of those songs what will leave you up at night thinking.

2.         "R U Mine?" – Another personal favorite of mine. Just like the first single, it shows of the bands guitar riffs, and it will leave you head banging on your way to work or classes. Turner said the song makes references to “Tracy Island”. It’s another thinking tune, which is what I also love about Arctic Monkeys.

3.         "One for the Road" – This song is interesting to me. It has the Stoner Rock vibe DIWK has. It’s talking about a girl that is either inspiring or destructive, or weirdly both.                

4.         "Arabella" – This song is iffy for me. I like it but don’t like it at the same time. It’s another song about a girl, in very specific details, and he describes the girl, just like every male singer who writes about a girl. I do give the song brownie points for making the Helter Skelter reference.                      

5.         "I Want It All" – Another self-explanatory song. The song starts by naming all the references and the desires, until in the bridge it’s clear the main desire is the girl. The music gives the song a “Going to the club” vibe.

6.         "No.1 Party Anthem" – Another iffy song for me. The lyrics describe a “Boy meets Girl in a club” vibe, not really a “Party Song”. However, the music is worth listening to. It gets a B-.          

7.         "Mad Sounds" – Another favorite of mine. It has a “Velvet Undergound” vibe. It’s one of those songs that you listen to when you’re feeling down, it really gets you thinking. The lyrics blend with the music as well. ” Love buckles under the strain of those wild nights, Run but you cannot hide.” That’s my favorite line from the song.

8.         "Fireside" – It’s a breakup song. It’s a song that will get you thinking about your past relationship. You can’t help but ask the questions,”What happened?  Didn’t you love me?” when listening to this song.                

9.         "Why'd You Only Call Me When You're high?" – This is another Stoner Rock song. Once again, the music gets you in the sitting alone and thinking mood. And the lyrics help get you in that mood. One of my favorite songs in the album.              

10.       "Snap Out of It" – This song has the same beat and vibe as IWIA. Gets you on the go, as well as the,”Going to the club vibe” IWIA has.    

11.       "Knee Socks" It’s a breakup song. There are rumors that it’s about TV host Alexa Chung. It’s reminiscing about one night with his girl. And then it turns into heartbreak with the lines,”You and me could have been a team. Each had a half of a king and queen seat.” It goes from a Love Song sound to a heartbreak sound.                      

12.       "I Wanna Be yours" – It’s a perfect song to end the album. It’s another Stoner Rock song. The lyrics are a poem written by John Cooper Clarke. The song is really slow, deep, and poetic, and it goes back to the title line,”I Wanna Be Yours”

Overall, I’m really impressed of the album and Arctic Monkeys. Some of the songs have that “Going to the club” vibe (I Wanna Be Yours, I Want It All, Snap Out of It, Arabella, R U Mine?), and some have that “Stoner Rock” vibe “Do I Wanna Know? One for the Road, Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?). And the rest have the deep, breakup song vibe (Knee Socks, Fire Side, Mad Sounds, No.1 Party Anthem), I give the band props for their music and for the fact that their lyrics match the moods of the music. I would definitely recommend this album, and can’t wait to see more of Arctic Monkeys.

 XX

K>�� <

[thealtanatorx]

Song Review: Ain’t It Fun – Paramore

I was extremely happy when I found out Paramore won a Grammy for Best Rock Song at the 2015 Grammy’s on Sunday. I’ve been a personal fan of theirs since 2008. The band started in 2005 with Hayley Williams, Josh and Zac Farro, and Jeremy Davis. The band made 2 albums before Taylor York joined the band. After their 3rd album, Brand New Eyes, the Farro brothers left Paramore. And everyone knows about the controversy/he said-she said drama after the departure of the brothers. Fast forward to 2015, the band- now a trio- released their self-titled album, went on their own headlined tour, then their own cruise, as well as co-headlined with fall out Boy. It’s safe to safe Paramore has accomplished a lot in the past 10 years, and they can cross winning a Grammy out of their Bucket List.

The Song: The song is extremely self-explanatory. You can already tell what the song it’s about without having guesses and playing Sherlock Homes to find out the main point of the song. It’s basically saying that you’re grown up, you’re in the real world, and you’re on your own. Hayley explained the song was a reference to her moving from her hometown in Nashville, to Los Angeles. And she wrote the line, “Don’t go crying, to your mama, cause you’re all alone in the real world…” as a message to herself. This song can be sent to one or many people; people who graduated, people entering college, or people getting their own place and moved out. The song brings a sense of reality in a sarcastic tone. Including lines,”Ain’t it fun living in the real world? Ain’t it good being on your own?” The xylophone joins the guitars, bass and drums. And it ends with a gospel choir. Basically saying, “You’re a grown up, you’re in the real world, get over it.”

This song is an A+ on my book. Ain’t It Fun is a song for the people growing up, and it does successfully. It definitely proves that Paramore has grown up a lot since 2005, and I believe they are going to go further.

[thealtanatorx]

Song Review: Oasis - Wonderwall

   Wonderwall is a personal favorite of mine, mainly because of the lyrics. Don’t get me wrong, I love the music and the guitar riffs, but the lyrics and the one-liners are what make the song stand out. The songwriter of Oasis, Noel Gallagher, explained the song was about having an imaginary friend coming to save you from yourself. I personally think it’s those scenarios that everyone can relate to. Everyone has moments when they need to be saved or rescued (only to find out that only you can save you from yourself).

   Wonderwall has those lyrics that you put on social media as a status or a tweet, but in its beautiful form, meaning there’s no other way the lyrics could’ve been sung. “I don't believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now…” and “You’re my wonderwall” are lines that could be sent towards anybody; A lover, an imaginary friend, or a person in general. It’s those lines that you can never tell who it’s for, but it’s very truthful at the same time. These lyrics are deep but in a very truthful way.

   Wonderwall is still a favorite hit today as it’s played on Pandora, Spotify, and most searched on Youtube.. Even though the band broke up later on, it’s still a memorable 90s song, and will always be a memorable Oasis song.