Saturday 30 April 2011

Taking Back Sunday - Best Places To Be A Mom

Taking Back Sunday - Best Places To Be A Mom by musicforrelief

Today's song is brand new, a preview of what to expect from the forthcominng Taking Back Sunday album - and what it tells you is to expect a lot. A return to form from the second it opens, it provides a cacophony of guitars, drums, and the instantly recognisable vocals. Best Places To Be A Mom is also lyrically triumphant, with some moments of brilliance (And I see you so much clearer/Through the smoke and past the mirrors.) Taking Back Sunday fans will love it, and those who are just being introduced to the band will love it too - now it's just a case of putting it on repeat until the album arrives...

-faithfulradiowhore

Friday 29 April 2011

Howie Day - Collide


Okay, I gave in to Royal Wedding fever at the last minute - how could I not? I did restrain myself from the obvious songs (God Save The Queen, Killer Queen... the list goes on), but I thought it was only appropriate that today's was a love song. Collide is beautiful; there's no better description for it. Beautiful melody, beautiful lyrics, beautiful vocals... it's quite simply a song for people in love. What's probably the best thing about it is that it's not some fairytale notion, it's for real people in love with the good and bad (Even the best fall down sometimes/Even the wrong words seem to rhyme.) How appropriate today. Yes, Collide is the perfect end to today.

-faithfulradiowhore

Thursday 28 April 2011

The Academy Is... - About A Girl


Another sunny day, another summer song - that's how this works. This is the perfect summer tune in every way possible - great melody, great vocals, and refrains that will stick in your head for life (I'm not in love/This is not your song.) From 'Fast Times At Barrington High', which is full of summer playlist songs, this is quite simply a kick ass tune from an incredible band. The lyrics are worth a look too, somewhat underlying the upbeat nature of the melody. So take yourself out into the sunshine and give it a listen.

-faithfulradiowhore

Wednesday 27 April 2011

Placebo - Meds


Making up from the missed day with a little Placebo - an old friend. Meds, featuring the wonderful talents of Alison Mosshart, is a wonderful mix of strange and haunting. Cutting right to the bone, this song is so many different things at once it seems impossible that it should even exist. With a fast paced, addictive melody, vocals that are alternately unique and ridiculously sexy, and simple lyrics that hit you hard (Baby/Did you forget to take your meds?), Meds is utterly timeless. Let yourself go a little, and try some Placebo.

-faithfulradiowhore

Monday 25 April 2011

My Chemical Romance - Vampires Will Never Hurt You


Having spent the day listening to vintage My Chem in my car, it's only fitting that Vampires Will Never Hurt You is my song of the day. From 'I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love,' an album full of gems that are all too often forgotten, it has a harsher edge than the newer music. There's something wonderful about this song, affecting you in a way that music rarely does any more - but that's accompanied by killer riffs and astute lyrics. A fantastic song on an already strong album, Vampires Will Never Hurt You will be with you for a while - embrace it.

-faithfulradiowhore

Saturday 23 April 2011

The White Tie Affair - Scene Change


Oh, I do love a bit of the White Tie Affair. Brilliant, diverse punk-electro-pop which almost forces your finger on to the repeat button. Scene Change is the usual mix of great vocals, upbeat melodies, and seriously witty lyrics. With lines like Wear these clothes/Walk this way/Do exactly what they say/It's your life/But their way, this song is more than just a pretty face. Speaking to the rebellious side of every one of us, Scene Change is the best way to take things up a notch this Saturday night.

-faithfulradiowhore

Friday 22 April 2011

The Pink Spiders - Modern Swinger


There is very little better in this world than a sunny day followed by a late night Pink Spider session. Modern Swinger is retro pop at its finest, a little kickback to the days where it wasn't a dirty word. Vocals and melody intermingle perfectly, giving it hooks and riffs galore. The lyrics to this song are fantastic, definitely worth a second look (a personal highlight being My baby's pretty as a car crash/Sexy as the stinger of the hornet in your arm/Just another modern swinger. ) All in all, the recipe for the best way to start your weekend.

-faithfulradiowhore

Thursday 21 April 2011

The Spill Canvas - Bracelets


More regular readers will know that I'm a massive fan of the Spill Canvas - they consistently turn out beautiful, meaningful music, and Bracelets is no exception. The storytelling element through it is one of the most alluring features of the song (With smiles on both our faces/ We spit their faulty ammo to the ground/ And remind them once again that you can't kill heroes). The melody is equally gorgeous, switching from fast paced to slow and captivating with the greatest ease. The vocals, as always, are perfect, conveying everything the song needs to capture your heart. Bracelets is today's rightful song of the day - trust me.

-faithfulradiowhore

Wednesday 20 April 2011

Kaiser Chiefs - Never Miss A Beat


Back to work, and it's time for a dose of the Kaiser Chiefs. While they have some rightfully famous anthems, this never made the top of the list - and I think that's just wrong. This is hallmark KC, with a great beat, weird lyrics, and choruses designed to get stuck in your brain. An outstanding track from 'Off With Their Heads' (which was unfortunately not the strongest of their albums), Never Miss A Beat is probably one of the most underrated Kaiser Chiefs songs. Get it on your current playlist now - it'll be on there for a while, believe me.

-faithfulradiowhore

Monday 18 April 2011

Santana (feat Everlast) - Put Your Lights On


Having first heard this song on an advert, it quickly obsessed me (speaking of which, anyone know who's version of Embrace's One Big Family is on the KFC ads? Can't find it anywhere). Put Your Lights On is 4 minutes of guitar and vocals merging to create something stunning. Santana is famous for his intricate and emotive guitar work, and the vocals are the perfect match, throaty and compelling. Lyrically, the song is simple but effective - they seem to come straight from the soul, however over dramatic that sounds (Cause there's a monster living under my bed/Whispering in my ear/There's an angel, with a hand on my head/She say I've got nothing to fear.) Listen and fall in love.

-faithfulradiowhore

Sunday 17 April 2011

McFly - Surfer Babe


I'm growing to love guilty pleasure Sundays, and today's song is a tune and a half. From their debut in 2004 (!), Surfer Babe is the perfect summer addition. An excellent piece of pop, with the kick back 50s sound you'd expect from a song with that title, this has a hook to rival the good old Captain. Vocally, McFly are strong, especially for a boy band (and more noticeably in their later work) and while this song isn't going to be winning any prizes for incisive, profound lyrics, it's quirky and fun - what more can you ask?

-faithfulradiowhore

Saturday 16 April 2011

Kids In Glass Houses - Saturday


Wow, it took me a little while to get over being re-tweeted by Alex Band - pretty much the highlight of my life so far - but now I'm back to real life. Today's song is (aptly titled) Saturday by the brilliant Kids In Glass Houses. 'Smart Casual' remains one of my favourite debut albums, and this song is just so damn catchy. It has everything you could ask for - anthemic chorus, upbeat melody, and some absolutely cracking lyrics (Show a little skin you'll make a million/Bare a little soul you'll make a million more). A great way to get your Saturday moving, you'll find yourself putting it on repeat before you know it.

-faithfulradiowhore

Wednesday 13 April 2011

Alex Band - Euphoria


Oh, time for one of my favourite vocalists ever. Alex Band, former lead singer of The Calling, is now operating as a solo artist - and I for one couldn't be happier. Euphoria is like coming home, a soaring love song that he does so very well. The melody is a mixture of acoustic guitars, strings, and drums, lending it both a softness and a power at different points. Yet it's the instantly recognisable vocals that truly make the song, bringing the same mix of techniques as the melody does, accompanied by the emotion which makes the listener truly connect to the song. This is a very welcome return from one of the most talented musicians of the age - and with Euphoria, the title tells you everything you need to know.

-faithfulradiowhore

Monday 11 April 2011

Pink - Mean


As female artists go, Pink really does take some beating. With 5 albums, plus a greatest hits (so far), each consistently great, she's been hard at work for the good of music. Mean is a gorgeous mix of wailing guitars, skilful piano work, and one of the world's most recognisable vocals - and as usual they combine perfectly. Not only that, but the song is lyrically strong too, telling the story of the descent from love into habit (Now do we stick together cause we're scared to be alone/I got so used to this abuse it kinda feels like home) in a way that does it justice. Mean is a shining example of what everyone has come to expect from Pink - music that does exactly what it's supposed to do, touching a chord within you.

-faithfulradiowhore

Sunday 10 April 2011

Kate Hudson - Cinema Italiano


Today's song comes from the soundtrack of fantastic film 'Nine,' and for that reason it's a kind of guilty pleasure. Giving you everything you'd expect from a musical, and surprisingly good vocals from Kate Hudson, this is a highlight in a strong soundtrack. Rocking a sweet drum beat, trumpets, and a great storytelling element, Cinema Italiano is one of those songs that could stand strongly even without the movie association. Give your theatrical side an outing, and enjoy a great little song - or watch the film if you want to see it in context. Both are well worth it.

-faithfulradiowhore


Saturday 9 April 2011

Fall Out Boy - Alpha Dog


Last moment Saturday post, and it's time for a little Fall Out Boy. Now, instead of posting an old school Tell That Mick post, I've gone for Alpha Dog, simply because I've loved it since the CFOB mixtape and always wanted to hear more. The song doesn't disappoint, with clever lyrics and infinite listenability - it's FOB to its core, and that is what's most important. For a band who have always stayed true to what and who they are at the core of every piece of music they've ever made, this is a fitting song to appear on the greatest hits album. Every song is a new reason to fall in love, and this finalisation of a song which had me replaying a thirty second demo clip for weeks on end just makes me happy. Fall Out Boy were always more than just a band - accept it.

-faithfulradiowhore

Friday 8 April 2011

Empires - Valmont


Friday night, and it's time to forget the past week and just relax - and what better way to do so than with a little bit of Empires? Beautifully crafted to sound both languid and upbeat, Valmont can't fail to impress. An addictive melody, strong vocals, and a rather unexpected storytelling ability hidden amongst them (You told me just to breathe/But you stole my breath) are what make this song just that good, almost forcing you to put it on repeat. With seductive vocals and crooning guitars, Valmont is a song that will put that extra shake in your body as you dance; perfect for a Friday night.

-faithfulradiowhore

Thursday 7 April 2011

Evarose - Cough It Up


Another sunny day, another anthem for it. Cough It Up is the new single from Evarose, an explosion of punk pop. With a sometimes chaotic melody which makes anyone listening want to dance like crazy, this is perfect for partying, driving, or just rocking around your garden with your headphones. The vocals are impressive, standing out against the musical riot behind them, and lyrically there is something extremely interesting about this song, the emotion behind it being a driving force. A great accompaniment to life, Evarose will be making my stereo for a long time to come.

-faithfulradiowhore

Tuesday 5 April 2011

The Pretty Reckless - Just Tonight


Fuck it, I'm not ashamed to admit I love The Pretty Reckless. All the hype that goes with it, all the posturing and hipster bullshit you can keep - but the music is fantastic. From debut album 'Light Me Up', Just Tonight is a ballad with bite. Taylor Momsen's voice is incredibly powerful, with a smoky quality which only amps up the emotion, and the alternately wailing and thrashing guitar melody really showcases it. Lyrically it's a realist love song, with love as a form of superficial comfort (Just tonight/I won't leave/And I'll lie and you'll believe), but the execution and polish is that of a band much more experienced. Just Tonight is the perfect example of why you should forget the pasts and the press, and concentrate on what matters - good music.

-faithfulradiowhore

Monday 4 April 2011

Queen of Hearts - Where Are You Now?

Where Are You Now? (Produced by Diamond Cut) by Queen Of Hearts

It's now time for a gorgeous slice of glamour-pop for a Monday, the only thing that can pick me up after the glorious weekend. Queen of Hearts is a personal favourite emerging artist, showing a talent for both addictive songs and vocals, and with Where Are You Now? she's just continuing her winning streak. Proving the little known fact that ballads can actually be enhanced by a dose of synth, this song is simply beautiful. The melody is made to be danced to, and the paradoxically strong yet ethereal vocals are the perfect accompaniment. With yet another skillfully crafted track under her belt, I can't wait to hear more from Queen of Hearts - and after listening to this, you won't be able to either.

-faithfulradiowhore

Friday 1 April 2011

Terra Naomi - Up Here


A little bit of kick-ass chill-out Saturday, the perfect accompaniment being Terra Naomi. With a voice that most female artists would kill for and a stage presence to match, this winning combination translates into amazing music. Up Here is a song that articulates how everyone feels in their strongest, truest moments (Up here I'm making you aware/That if you don't like me, well I don't care), and the simple accompaniment just emphasises the message, as well as the power in the vocals. With emotion infusing every word, this is a song for the days you're winding down, but feeling a little defiant - remember, I love you just as you are.

-faithfulradiowhore

City Reign - Daybreak


What has made music this year so exciting for me is the influx of new, talented guitar rock bands - and I know I'm not alone. City Reign are one such band, and single Daybreak thoroughly deserves the spotlight today. With a talent for riffs to keep you hooked and some deceptively simple solos, the melody is damn near flawless. Equally so are the vocals, combining to give you an idea of what Death Cab for Cutie might have sounded like if they'd embraced Britpop. Yet there's something unique about this sound that has been missing for the music scene for too long. Bring on the new era, and bring on more from City Reign - neither can come soon enough.

-faithfulradiowhore