Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Pink Floyd - High Hopes

After Roger Waters left Pink Floyd, the fate of the band was under great debate. Being the creator of such a work as "The Wall", not much was expected from David Gilmour and the rest of the Pink Floyd. Regardless of this monumental departure, Pink Floyd makes a great release with "The Division Bell" - here is one of my favorite tracks off the album, "High Hopes", a beautiful song showcasing David Gilmour's vocals and soothing guitar style.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Anteater Paradise - Cold, Windy Beaches

http://listn.to/ErikRussell/player#t=0&pos=0&s=633967

Title pretty much sums it up - Cold, Windy Beaches. At first, I thought it was pretty terrible; but now that it has looped on my browser 10 times or so, I can't say it's that bad. My friend just started writing music, and while this is his first real attempt, he does a pretty good job at synching up the soft strumming of his guitar to the calm, melodic waves crashing on the beach. Looking forward to hearing more.

Though personally, I only hear one beach.

Check him out on facebook though - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anteater-Paradise/186479251389314?v=app_178091127385

Monday, March 21, 2011

Bright Eyes - Road To Joy

Well shit, this is an awesome song. I got a chance to see Bright Eyes at South by South West earlier this week. While Conor Oberst isn't the youthful boy he used be, he is still writing music - awesome music. He experiments with folk, rock, acoustic, even some country elements. When you've been playing music for 20 years, that's bound to happen. This particular song is one of my favorites of my favorite album, I'm Wide Awake It's Morning, from 2005. If you're new to Bright Eyes, give this album a listen and tell me what you think.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

The Joy Formidable - The Greatest Light Is The Greatest Shade

Alright, so I finally got a chance to see these guys yesterday at SXSW. Their live show blew me away - I had never seen more energy on stage and connection with the crowd. I couldn't help but smile the entire time, it was so amazing. Ritzy Bryan brings some magical quality to the stage that I had never seen before. She literally went crazy on stage. I got a chance to meet the band during their signing session after the show - they were really laid back and nice, willing to listen to me rant about how great they are. Plus, they're from Wales - accents!! Anyway, enough of how much I love them. This is The Greatest Light Is The Greatest Shade, off their debut album - The Big Roar.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Dead Man's Bones - Buried In Water

Well, I had an interesting start to my Spring Break... two speeding tickets in 4 days - Feelsbadman. Anyway, here's some more music... creepy music. Dead Man's Bones was created by Ryan Gosling and Zach Shields, originally intended to be the soundtrack for a horror film. While that never came together, they still put out a great, eerie album. Plus, they used a children's choir - nothing is creepier than kids.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Sepultura - Jasco / Itsari (cover)

While this is a cover (and an excellent one at that), it's an amazing display of a Latin style of guitar seen by the metal band Sepultura. This is done in drop D, with most of the chord sequences being varied alternatives of it. It's really a fun, and challenging song to play with a really unique sound. I totally wish I could play this as well as this guy can though. Enjoy. Oh, and check out the album 'Roots' by Sepultura.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

The Notorious B.I.G. - Gimme The Loot


Probably my favorite hip-hop song of all time (yes I know this is off topic of the usual posts). To me, this song defines what hip hop can be - fluent, cruel, in your face, and even hilarious at times. Biggie could rhyme and criticize better than anyone in history. I cannot describe how much respect I have for his work.

Today also marks his birthday. RIP Biggie Smalls -  lyrical genius... you will be missed.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Queens of the Stone Age - Running Joke

Not my favorite QOTSA album, but definitely one of my favorite songs. Running Joke has a very dark sound to it, putting the listener into a trance. However, if you want some AWESOME(r) shit from Queens of the Stone Age, I recommend you check out "Songs For The Deaf" featuring Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters) on drums or "Rated - R" (my personal favorite).

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Mogwai - Emergency Trap

Awesome instrumental piece by one of my favorite bands. Mogwai is one of the more well known bands in today's prog-rock scene and for good reason; they are one of the best. This music really puts you at peace for 3 and a half minutes. If you like Godspeed You! Black Emperor or This Will Destroy You, I guarantee you'll dig Mogwai.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Bad Brains - Banned in DC

 
CBGB's, one of New York's best underground music venues for hardcore and punk rock. They were home to Ramones, Sex Pistols, Cro-Mags, Sonic Youth, and of course.. Bad Brains. This song is so full of raw and hardcore elements that few bands can replicate today. Plus there is a fat guy dancing on stage - my favorite.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Against Me! - Unprotected Sex With Multiple Partners

I got a chance to see these guys live with Foo Fighters and Jimmy Eat World 4 years ago before they had gotten big. Against Me! has a very raw, emotion filled sound that is very powerful, but catchy at the same time. Their sound has changed throughout the years, however, give them a listen!