Monday 28 February 2011

I Blame Coco - Please Rewind


If you haven't heard of I Blame Coco (and if you haven't, where have you been?), today is your lucky day. From debut album 'The Constant', Please Rewind is the perfect little slice of synth rock and roll. With subtly brilliant lyrics (It's like the tick tock of a bomb blockin' my head/ When the beat stops sometimes I think I'm dead), this is the kind of song that sneaks right under your skin to become a firm favourite. Add to that a melody that's a non-stop rush of dirty glamour and you have the formula for the song of the day.

-faithfulradiowhore

Sunday 27 February 2011

Cobra Starship - Pleasure Ryland



Time for a Sunday party song - and who fits this bill better than Cobra Starship? 'Viva La Cobra' is an album filled with songs to make you want to dance, and Pleasure Ryand is no exception. With a kind of sexy synth vibe and equally seductive vocals, this is the kind of song there really can't be enough of in the world. A simple backing - as anyone who has seen this song being set up on stage can testify to - but an irresistible song, Pleasure Ryland will have you dancing like you're auditioning for a strip club... in the good way.

-faithfulradiowhore

Saturday 26 February 2011

You Me At Six - Stay With Me



A soaring anthem from second album 'Hold Me Down,' Stay With Me is today's song of the day. With guitar work that would make you weep, and vocals that live through every lyric of the song, it's just as suitable for a quiet night in with your music as it is for packed out festivals. (Speaking of festivals, Paramore fans our there may remember Hayley Williams dueting on this song at Reading Festival last year.) Josh Franceschi has the most amazing talent for making his words sound biting yet emotive, and in Stay With Me, it's an added bonus in a fantastic track.

-faithfulradiowhore

Friday 25 February 2011

Patrick Stump - Spotlight (Oh Nostaligia)


Okay, as a self-confessed Fall Out Boy fan, I might be a little biased - but Patrick really is distinguishing himself. What stood out from the beginning from this song were the lyrics (Depression is a little bit like happy hour, right/ it's always gotta be happening somewhere on any given night being just one example.) From the just released 'Truant Wave EP', this song mixes a thousand musical genres and the gorgeous vocals that are his trademark. Listen to Spotlight (Oh Nostalgia), tap your foot, learn the words, sing along - and thank me later.

-faithfulradiowhore

Thursday 24 February 2011

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - American Girl


Another day, another 70s song. Fans of Scrubs may recognise this song from the show, but for those who don't, it's a brilliant slice of good old American rock. With arguably the greatest guitar rift any side of the Atlantic, American Girl is the embodiment of its genre. Tom Petty's vocals are sublime, bringing to mind road trips and smoky bars, and the melody furthers this illusion. The lyrics are great too - 'she was an American girl, raised on promises' being the opening line - and it's the kind of song that will be identified with for generations. If you haven't heard this song, this is your warning that you're missing out.

-faithfulradiowhore

Wednesday 23 February 2011

Neon Trees - Sins Of My Youth



Sounding like the Killers minus the synth, Neon Trees are my new addiction. Debut album 'Habits' is a race through rockin' tunes and quietly clever lyrics. Sins Of My Youth is a brilliant example of this, the kind of song that creeps into your head and soul so you find yourself nodding along at inappropriate moments. I must admit the title was a huge draw, but it was well worth taking the chance. A fast paced critique of modern youth, this is a song for anyone who looks back on their past fondly - or is in the middle of enjoying their wayward youth. Watch out world, Neon Trees are coming for you.

-faithfulradiowhore

Tuesday 22 February 2011

Thin Lizzy - Dancing In The Moonlight


Now this truly is an oldie, but so very very worth remembering. Dancing In The Moonlight might not be the most well known Thin Lizzy song, but it's no less amazing for that. In their typical fashion, this is a guitar driven ode to teenage love, with none of the twee faux-romance and sugary coated sweetness of today. Give in - dress like an 70s idol and embrace the Thin Lizzy magic... that's what I'll be doing today.

-faithfulradiowhore

Monday 21 February 2011

The Killers - When You Were Young


Today's is another old one, from modern classic 'Sam's Town.' When You Were Young was the first single from the album, and it was a deserved instant hit with Killer's fans. With it's old school American rock feel tinged with the modernity the Killers bring to every piece of music they make, When You Were Young is truly a song for the ages. It's this kind of sound Brandon Flowers seemed to return to on his solo album, but nothing can ever quite match 'Sam's Town.' The refrain 'He doesn't look a thing like Jesus, but he talks like a gentleman' is known to almost everyone worth knowing, and if you don't know it, welcome to your new addiction.

-faithfulradiowhore

Sunday 20 February 2011

30 Seconds To Mars - Closer To The Edge



Admittedly this is another song chosen primarily on the strength of the video, but as a long time 30STM fan I'm excusing myself. From the latest album 'This Is War', Closer To The Edge is yet another stadium anthem of the kind that 30 Seconds To Mars do so perfectly. The song is uncompromising, infusing the listener with an absolute sense of power over their lives; something that too few songs do. An absolutely breathtaking live band, you can essentially feel the presence and excitement through the screen. Watch out for the part of the video where a girl sums up my attitude perfectly - 'Some people believe in God - I believe in music. Some people pray - I turn up the radio.'

-faithfulradiowhore

Saturday 19 February 2011

The Fray - Heartless (cover)



Oh, I am a sucker for cover versions, especially good ones - and twitter yesterday got me thinking about my favourites. Some of them have already featured on the site, but this one is the most recently discovered. Originally a Kanye West song, The Fray's version of Heartless is an entirely different kind of experience. This version has the most beautiful melancholy feel to it, with an acoustic backing and plaintive vocals. I'm not a massive rap fan, so this version gives a chance to examine some pretty emotive lyrics - but, to be honest, The Fray could make singing the alphabet sound like an instant classic.

-faithfulradiowhore

Friday 18 February 2011

Cute Is What We Aim For - Curse of the Curves


On the drive home today this song came on shuffle, cementing my position that 'shuffle' is the greatest invention ever. From CIWWAF's debut, 'The Same Old Blood Rush With A New Touch', Curse of the Curves is a rock-pop experience not to be missed. Their staple is clever lyrics and catchy tunes, and this song is no different. The video is also pretty amazing too, as videos which tell a story always do. Curse of the Curves is yet another example of what Cure Is What We Aim For do best - don't miss out.

-faithfulradiowhore

Thursday 17 February 2011

The Pierces - To The Grave


Perhaps better known for Secret, which some of you may have seen accompany the 'Pretty Little Liars' ads, The Pierces have a history of fabulous music, and new song To The Grave is no exception. It's a pretty melody, with acoustic accompaniment and what sound like wind chimes (in a good way), totally confounding expectations from the title. The lyrics fit the title, making it my favourite kind of song - a paradoxical one. Listen to the song, then the lyrics, then both together; I swear it'll blow your mind in the best way.

-faithfulradiowhore

Wednesday 16 February 2011

Hayley Williams - Teenagers


Decided that since I've been listening to MCR non-stop since yesterday morning I should really choose a different song of the day... although I couldn't quite manage to shake my addiction totally. (For those who are confused, Teenagers is also the name of a My Chemical Romance song.) Anyway, this version comes from the Jennifer's Body soundtrack, performed by Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams. Biting lyrics combined with an upbeat melody make this song the perfect accompaniment to both the movie and the vocalist. A whirlwind ride of a song, this should definitely make your summer playlists - not that I'm desperate for my summer songs at all...

-faithfulradiowhore

REVIEW: My Chemical Romance, Glasgow SECC, 15/2/11

The curtain was down, the lights were down... it was finally time. After two average support bands, people spotting, and an ice cream, the main event was about to begin. With Look Out Sunshine ringing out across the arena, the first notes of Na Na Na began to play over the top. With no further ado, the curtain dropped and the show was off.

Rioting through an hour and ten minute set (minus encore), the crowd were treated to new favourites and old classics. Personal highlights included Hang 'Em High, I'm Not Okay, Sing, Famous Last Words and of course Cancer, a song that had the crowd singing along - there was literally no other sound coming from them. The wonderful thing about watching MCR (and there truly are so many wonderful things) is that there's never any sense that they'd ever want to do anything else. Their stage movements are so fluid too - there's no awkward moments of vying for attention or unwittingly moving in to each other's space.

There's so much more I could say - the fact that more than once that night I heard someone nearby speaking the heartfelt words 'My Chemical Romance saved my life', the fantastic merch (I am so regretting not buying an 'Art Is The Weapon' tee along with my Better Living Industries (BL/ind) one), or that the crowd were screaming every time a picture of the band flashed up on the screen while we were waiting - but I'll leave you with this: every moment of that gig was a simple reminder of why I adore music. That's how you know a band are truly loved.

-faithfulradiowhore

My Twitter updates for the night:

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Tuesday 15 February 2011

My Chemical Romance - I'm Not Okay


My Chemical Romance gig tonight, and in honour of that, the song of the day has to be I'm Not Okay. What caught my attention for this song first of all was the video - I've never seen anything quite like it, and that appealed to me. It feels like forever ago watching the video back, but it was the start of a life long love affair with the band. I'm Not Okay is a riotous anthem for the outcasts, so say what you want, wear what you want, and be whoever the hell you want. You're not alone.

-faithfulradiowhore

Monday 14 February 2011

Death Cab For Cutie - I Will Follow You Into The Dark


Subscribing a little to Valentine's day, here is one of my favourite atypical love songs. A lament for lost love, yet it's not essentially a sad song. There's something ultimately comforting about it, with acoustic guitars and emotion-filled vocals. One of the greatest things about Death Cab For Cutie is that their songs always seem to tell a story. 'If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks, I'll follow you into the dark.' A sentiment of eternal love if ever there was one.

-faithfulradiowhore

Sunday 13 February 2011

The Cab - One Of THOSE Nights


Today's song is another older one, from one of the best debut albums in recent memory. With vocal cameos from Brendon Urie and Patrick Stump, the song couldn't fail to be outright brilliance, but Alex Deleon more than holds his own. With soaring vocals, memorable lyrics ('Word is I got away and now I must be caught') and guitar fueled pace, it's a song not to be missed.

-faithfulradiowhore

Saturday 12 February 2011

Biffy Clyro - God and Satan


Shuffle on the ipod is one of the world's great inventions - it lets you rediscover excellent songs. On the first hearing of Only Revolutions this was an outstanding song on an already excellent album, and it just keeps getting better on repeat. Building gradually up from acoustic guitars and beautifully simple vocals, God and Satan will have you hooked from the moment it begins. Again, look at the lyrics after you've listened - they'll change your perspective on the song.

-faithfulradiowhore

Friday 11 February 2011

Bruce Springsteen - Chimes of Freedom (cover)


On this day in history, where Egypt has rid itself of Mubarak after 18 days of protest, only a song for freedom is appropriate. Originally a Bob Dylan song, this cover is only fitting for The Boss. A grand, soulful, fitting tribute to freedom and the struggles around the world to find it. Solidarity.

-faithfulradiowhore

Thursday 10 February 2011

The Vaccines - Post Break Up Sex


Recently hailed as the saviors of the music scene, The Vaccines are on a meteoric rise. Unlike some of the recent 'next big things' (and yes, I mean you Jessie J), this tag is well deserved. Post Break Up Sex is the excellent new song from the band, heralding a return to form for the guitar rock scene. Deceptively simple, but layered with emotion and intention - watch out for the debut album, due out March 14th.

-faithfulradiowhore

Wednesday 9 February 2011

Futures - The Boy Who Cried Wolf


Sometimes songs work simply because there's already a winning formula in place - if it ain't broke, don't fix it. The Boy Who Cried Wolf is a perfect example of this, mixing an anthemic chorus with rousing guitar solos to solve the formula for the perfect light-rock song. Simply a song that will have you singing along in no time - so keep your eye out for some clever lyrics hidden amongst the chants.

-faithfulradiowhore

Tuesday 8 February 2011

Twin Atlantic - Human After All


Yes, I'm back with a vengeance. Today's song comes from Glasgow band Twin Atlantic, who some may remember as support act for My Chemical Romance. Infusing their recordings with as much energy and passion as they do their live shows, Human After All is the perfect balance of energetic, fast paced riffs and softly crooned lyrics. Recurring whispers of 'she's human after all, she makes me lust for everything' set the tone of the song - a power hungry riot that will make you crave something strong.

-faithfulradiowhore