Friday 11 June 2010

B.o.B. feat. Hayley Williams and Eminem - Airplanes.


Yes, B.o.B, Hayley Williams and Eminem. I couldn't think of a weirder combination of artists either, but this seriously works. Hayley Williams' vocals are, as usual, superb, but the surprise newcomer genius of B.o.B and the still noteworthy Eminem maintain the high standard she sets at the beginning of the song. Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars? I could really use a wish right now. This lyric is possibly worthy of being a tattoo - that's probably the highest praise I can give it.

-faithfulradiowhore.

The White Tie Affair - Candle (Sick and Tired).



I have a newfound addiction to The White Tie Affair and their brand of bitchin' pop. This song is an amazing example of how a song and it's lyrics can juxtapose and yet still have the desired effect. This is essentially the story of a failing relationship, where the people involved don't have the necessary fight left within them to save what they had - you're a tragedy, a queen for his majesty, all this blasphemy, your kingdom is crumbling. Yet this moment of giving up is set to a song which will rot the enamel of your brain.

-faithfulradiowhore.

The Cribs - Bastards of Young (cover)



This song, originally by The Replacements, is a fantastic example of eighties riffs mixed with a disillusioned yet completely accurate view of the world. I will admit that the first thing which attracted to me to this song was the following words; 'the ones who love us best are the ones we'll lay to rest, and visit their graves on holidays at best, but the ones who love us least are the ones we'll die to please.' those lyrics cut to the heart of humanity, and the fact that they have a good tune behind them only highlight their poignancy.

-faithfulradiowhore

The Killers - Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine.


This song is a long held favourite of mine, with a dark guitar riff running straight through the heart of the song, brilliantly playing up its dual nature. The lyrics tell of either a failed romance, or possibly a more sinister event. 'There ain't no motive for this crime, jenny was a friend of mine' - is this a metaphorical analysis of a break up, or a literal plea of innocence? The wonderful Killers leave this decision in your hands dear reader.

[On a side note, there are other songs in this tale - Leave The Bourbon On The Shelf (here) precedes Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine, and Midnight Show (here) concludes the story.]

-faithfulradiowhore

Tuesday 30 March 2010

The Spill Canvas - Break A Leg



I have been a huge fan of The Spill Canvas for years, so they had to feature here. They are able to do both acoustic and electric songs equally well, and with three albums under their belt they show no signs of giving up and dropping out like so many other bands do. This song is an example of their non-acoustic work, a vengeful, sexy song which uses both the lyrical and musical aspects to create a decadent and provocative effect. The perfect lust-hate song.

-faithfulradiowhore.

All Time Low - Dear Maria, Count Me In


This is such a catchy song it's almost impossible not to like. It's acoustic, which is always a winner in my opinion, but it doesn't lose it's pace for that like some other songs do. It's an upbeat piece of the classic pop-punk which ATL do so well, with a bridge that changes the tone of the song in a way - it goes from being a song promising devotion to examining the motives and doubts we all hide under the disguise of love. Another example of how All Time Low have embraced their genre.

-faithfulradiowhore.

Robert Pattison - Let Me Sign.


Yes, I can hear either the scoffs or the sighs at this choice already, but this song proves that Robert Pattison is more than just a pretty face. Even if you discount the voice, the melody is simple yet haunting, the strings bringing out something infinitely melancholy. However, the vocals are surprisingly strong, working well with the mood evoked by the melody to showcase a song which speaks of regret and loss. Even if the singer is better known as an actor, the fact remains this is a beautiful piece of music.

-faithfulradiowhore.

The Cab - Disturbia (Cover)


This song has to get a mention, as the Punk Goes... album collection has always held a special place in my heart, with notable contributions such as The Maine's I Wanna Love You (Punk Goes Crunk) and Midtown's Your Love (Punk Goes 80s). This version of Rhianna's Disturbia is (for me) improved by a little bit of The Cab treatment, giving it a definitive poppy edge which contrasts well with the darker tones of the song. Addictive music candy.

-faithfulradiowhore.

You Me At Six - Contagious Chemistry


From their second album Hold Me Down, You Me At Six have shown that pop-punk isn't just for the faint hearted. The second album has an edge to it which lacks the self-consciousness of the first, and this is never better demonstrated than in this song. The melody it has to be said is a YMAS standard, but with a couple of very interesting twists - the end of the bridge for example is what I can only call a 'musical win'. The lyrics remonstrate with an ex-lover for a relationship which seems to have been a game of kiss and tell. 'This love is dirtier than you think,' the song warns, and I'd have to agree with that - Contagious Chemistry paints a picture of love when the rose tinted glasses lie shattered on the ground.

-faithfulradiowhore

Halestorm - I Get Off



Packing a chorus so catchy it should really come with a warning, this debut single from Halestorm promises to run riot around your brain until you're singing along. The melody is a rock affair, all crashing drums and intense guitar riffs, while the lyrics expertly walk that exquisite tightrope between trashy and sexy. A gorgeous song which appeals to the voyeur and the exhibitionist in us all.

-faithfulradiowhore