Friday, August 24, 2012

All Time Low - "For Baltimore"


It's always nice looking forward to hearing a new track from All Time Low.  It's even nicer to wake up and it's the first thing you listen to all day - signs of having an awesome day, I hope.  That's right Hustlers, your beloved boys have released their single, "For Baltimore," off of their Don't Panic album today.

At first, it starts off kind of mellow, which I wasn't too stoked about cause I just woke up and wanted to be impressed, but don't worry, the song instantly picks up in tempo, energy, and awesomeness.  I'm currently listening to it as I'm writing this post, and it's getting me pumped up for the day.  I hear similarities with "The Reckless and the Brave," which shows their consistency in sound.  The lyrical content sorta remind me of "This is How We Do," from their So Wrong It's Right album because they talk about drinking to memories and such - that's just me and I'm not complaining.

Although I am thoroughly enjoying the song right now, it doesn't replace my personal favorites from them, but "For Baltimore" is definitely getting me hyped up for the upcoming album this fall.  I already find myself head bopping borderline head banging and also starting to sing along at the chorus.  Not to debunk Jack or Zack's guitar and bass, I have to say that the way Rian's drums and Alex's vocals compliment each other makes me wanna go crazy dancing.  But overall it's still definitely jam worthy, and I want it on my iTunes now.

I cannot wait to see All Time Low when they stop by Texas on their The Rock Show at the End of the World tour.  For you Texas fans, they'll be at both House of Blues in Houston (Tuesday November 6th 2012) and in Dallas (Wednesday November 7th 2012).  They never disappoint because they always put on an awesome show, so can't wait for November to get here!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

I (Really) Can't Believe I Like: Taylor Swift - "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"


I don't think anyone understands how mad I am at myself that I have fallen under the spell of this cursed song by T-Swizzle.  Yes I call her T-Swizzle cause she's my homie, y'all.  See?


If you don't believe me that I didn't like it at first: here is proof (and read the review while you're at it because Luis makes some valid points).

I heard the song once from Luis's blog, and I wasn't a fan of it like I said in my comment.  However, I didn't deny the fact that it was catchy, and I don't know how it happened but I found myself singing the chorus over and over and over and over again.  I had watched several covers of the song by other people, and somehow it just became imprinted on my brain.  It's so damn catchy and easy to learn that it didn't take long for me to learn the chorus by the next time I heard it on the radio - I even got it stuck in my sister's head, and she hates me for it.

It really doesn't surprise me that this song went to number one on iTunes because look, I'm 21 years old and I find myself singing it for no reason, just imagine little teenage girls who actually love T-Swizzle.  Not to mention that I was with some college friends this weekend, and they LOVE this song and blasted it for everyone to sing along to.  Curse you, T-Swizzle, even some of my jock friends love your song.

Even though I don't condone the fact that her source material for a majority of her songs are her real life love drama, it doesn't disregard the honesty and relatable-ness of her songs.  For this particular song, many people have experienced break ups and this addresses the feeling spot on.  For my own curiosity, I really wonder who this song is about.  Maybe the "indie label" lyric can be of some help?

I'm really ashamed that I like this song now.  It hasn't even been a week since I declared my dislike for it, and now look at me.  I wanna play the song right now and dance in my room singing at the top of my lungs.  So, thank you to everyone who contributed to this epic downfall of myself (Bobby Mares, Tyler Ward, and the Bennett Brothers).


PS.  I'm not trying to hate on T-Swizzle.  I am not a fan of her, but I'm not trying to bash her.  Most of the things I wrote in this post are exaggerated, so don't take me TOO seriously.

Hedley


Band number 25 on Siri's "Bands to Listen to" list: Hedley.  I found this pop rock band when I saw them perform at the MMVA's in Canada, and I sorta fell for them!

No music is up on their Facebook page, so I watched two of their most viewed music videos along with their latest single, "Kiss You Inside Out."  Usually for these band profiles I merge all my thoughts and assessments into one general consensus, but each song that I listened to was different, and I can't really do that!

"For Nights I Can't Remember" is a pretty good love ballad, and it's got a unique sound that I don't hear very often.  It's kind of got a soft jazz kind of sound, and I really like it.  Jacob Hoggard's voice is just so incredibly pleasant to listen to, and he croons this song really well.  One of the lines that really stuck out to me is, "Cause if falling for you, girl, is crazy then I'm going out of my mind."  I don't know why, but I just really love that line, maybe it's the way he sings it...it makes me believe him.

"Never Too Late" takes a different turn in terms of sound and content, and it sort of reminds me of a little bit of The Summer Set.  This song's got a beach sound to it, and the music video even takes place among the ocean waters.  It sounds really happy with its upbeat-ness, and you can't help but snap and dance to its beat.  It sounds like Hedley has different dimensions to them - they don't' have just one sound, they're versatile and can play anything and still sound good.

"Kiss You Inside Out" is my personal favorite of the three, mainly because Hoggard's vocals are simply orgasmic.  The song in general has a very infectious beat that's got me bopping in my seat, and the chorus reminds me of Maroon 5 with its catchy "ooo"s and easy-to-learn lyrics.  To me, the song itself and the music video describe an intimate relationship between two lovers, and even though it's more upbeat than usual ballads that describe the same thing, it's still pretty powerful.

One last thing I'd like to point out about Hedley...they seem really interactive with their fans.  They’re holding a contest for the best cover of “Kiss You Inside Out,” and the prize is a Skype date with the band!  On their Facebook page, they allow fans to post pictures of themselves with the "Kiss You Inside Out" lips and there’s a collage of them.  I think that’s awesome how bands get involved with their fans and make them feel close to the band.  I might post a picture just because it looks like fun!

Right now, they have two shows coming up this fall, but unfortunately they'll be in Canada both dates. Sad day for us Americans who are a fan of them.  Their single "Kiss You Inside Out" released this past June and is available on iTunes, so definitely take a listen to it and maybe buy it like me!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Rocky Loves Emily - "Be Mine Tonight" Music Video


I'm going to keep this short and simple because what more can I say about these sweethearts from Michigan?  I'm ecstatic that they're doing well and keep moving on up especially with J-14 magazine supporting them and their new music video.  If you like to dance and jam out to pop rock, then Rocky Loves Emily's "Be Mine Tonight" is for you.  Check it out!

I Can't Believe I Like: Fun. - "Some Nights"


If you know me, every single time fun.'s radio hit "Tonight" invades the music space of any car I'm in, I immediately change the station.  Long story short, I have a love-hate relationship with mainstream radio music.  Although I may like songs that play on the radio, I also can't stand them because they're overplayed all the effing time - so naturally "Tonight" wasn't a hit with me.  Though the music snob side of me comes out whenever this song and band are mentioned, I have to admit that I didn't really give these guys a chance.  If we're being honest, they aren't exactly my general taste in music.

However, one day when I went out to lunch with my sister and some of our friends, a song came on the radio and it fascinated me.  I thought, "Hmm, what an interesting song.  I kinda like it!"  I voiced my thoughts and then the unfortunate soul who is my friend revealed, "Oh this is fun.'s new song.  It's about the Civil War."

Uh. Whut.

So. I basically fell under fun.'s musical spell with "Some Nights" (the title I later learned, thank you Vicci).  What is it that drew me to this song?  I don't know.  It's different.  It has a unique sound to it.  I guess I like the patriot sound it has - hence the subject about the Civil War.  I really enjoy the chant-like vocals and lyrics partnered with the drums which make me want to march and pump my fist to the beat.  

Now, I do like the song, but it doesn't mean I'm jumping for joy for fun. (pun intended)  I promise you I probably won't go see them live...that is unless I hear more songs and unexpectedly like them.  What I can promise you and myself is that I will not change the station if "Some Nights" is on.  I think it makes a good car song...like you could easily jam to this while on a road trip.  That's just me.

But yes, I can't believe I like "Some Nights" by fun.  Who would have guessed?

Monday, August 13, 2012

"Too Young To Love" Playing at the Mall!


Y'all remember Boy Epic's recent single "Too Young To Love" right?  Well here's some awesome news!  Since Wednesday, August 1st 2012 (why am I so late writing this?!), 2Y2L has been playing in mall stores around the entire country!  Don't believe me?  Well these two fools, Matt (Boy Epic, pictured left) and Chris (Cut Down Trees, pictured right), went to H&M in Dallas and they heard it!  This is really exciting cause I'm happy to see that these fellas are making their way to the top!

Currently, Matt has been working on new songs and played another Six Flags show this past weekend!  Him and Chris are busy, busy, busy, and I can't wait to see what else they have to share!  For your entertainment, check out the fan video for "Too Young To Love" Matt released awhile back featuring submitted fan vids and appearances from certain peeps!

Havenside


Band number twenty-four on Siri's "Bands to Listen to" list: Havenside.  These California guys used to follow me on Instagram (sad face) but I'm still here checking out their music!

Overall they'd fit right in with the Houston We Have a Problem festival line up, and their sound is not the usual intense fast-paced heavy feeling.  Their music sort of embodies a slower more breakdown-ish feel.  Not saying that ALL of their songs sound like that.  First thing I want to note is that I hear a slight hint of We Came As Romans - mainly because of the unclean vocals and the way he sounds.  I get a sense of redemption and newly found self-confidence that literally says fuck the world ("Fuck everything" and "fuck everyone" from "Vengeance" lyrics).

They seem like they'd be intense to see live.  They're definitely not the kind of music that conservative parents would want their children to listen to.  From the "Endless Suffering" music video, they seemed really intense and I even got a little scared!  If you watch the video, you will see why.

They currently have no future tour dates up right now, but they do have a couple of shows in California; check them out if you're in the nearby area.  And their Nemesis EP is also out for purchase and download.  Give them a listen!

Monday, August 6, 2012

Delusions


Band number twenty-three on Siri's "Bands to Listen to" list: Delusions.  These guys from New Jersey followed me on Instagram, and now I'm getting the chance to listen to them!

Their sound is heavier than my usual taste for heavy music, but I think I can listen to them more than other bands that I've listened to.  Does that make sense?  They're definitely worthy of the Houston We Have a Problem festival line-up because the intensity of their music is great.  Crowds can easily get rowdy to them and the drums even make me wanna try moshing - though I might break a bone or two or maybe worse.  Mainly the vocals are unclean, but when the clean and unclean sing together simultaneously, I really like it.  I enjoy hearing both of them contrast each other.  At one point in "Right From Wrong" I believe I hear three different vocal layers (unclean, higher pitched unclean, and clean) which I thought was interesting.

These guys are pretty good but unfortunately no shows or tours are coming up right now because they just got off tour with Legend, Dr. Acula, Bermuda, and Adaliah.  I wouldn't mind seeing them live, so maybe one day I can see them rock the stage!

Pierce the Veil ft. Kellin Quinn - "King For a Day" Music Video


This will be the last music video post for today I promise!  Pierce the Veil released their video for "King for a Day" featuring Sleeping With Sirens' Kellin Quinn.  The video narrative embodies the general unhappy worker with tyrant boss scenario in which the worker(s) take action and rebel against the tyrant in order to feel like a king for a day.  Again, I'm not going to give too much away, so you'll have to find out for yourself how they do it and if they succeed.


In other exciting news, Pierce the Veil and Sleeping With Sirens will be touring together this fall for the Collide With the Sky tour.  They'll be in Texas in mid-October, so I will be hoping to go because I saw both of them for the first time at Warped Tour and they rawwwked it!  Check out the tour dates and go see them if they're coming to a city near you!

The After Party - "Waste the Day" Music Video


The After Party also released a music video this weekend - "Waste the Day" - and it's quite cute.  The video cuts away to show four separate narratives of the guys with their girls.  The song is a song you wanna listen to on a Sunday being lazy with your significant other and essentially, as the title suggests, waste the day with them.  It's simple as that!  Take a look and take a listen if you're having an off day cause this will probably put a smile on your face!

The guys have also announced that they will be having a second part to their The Boys of Summer tour, so check the tour dates if you wanna see them with Hollywood Ending, Sandlot Heroes, and Almost Hero!

I See Stars - "Filth Friends Unite" Music Video


I wish I had internet this weekend because I See Stars released their music video for "Filth Friends Unite," their first single from their Digital Renegade album.  Now, I usually like all music videos that I watch, but oh my goodness, I fell in LOVE with this one.  It's not just a music video for entertainment - there's also a direct message going on in the video.

If you all remember the big hullabaloo about the government censoring the internet and social networking sites and blah-di-blah, this video addresses that incident.  I won't give away too much because I want you to watch the video, but the guys of I See Stars take on a V for Vendetta concept and basically challenge the government's big operation of censorship.

This video has me very hyped up especially because they embarked on the Allstars Tour this past weekend, and I'm hoping I can see them and snag an interview!  Be sure to catch them on tour if they're coming to your city!

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

The Endless Summer


Band number twenty-two on Siri's "Bands to Listen to" list: The Endless Summer.  These four guys of alternative pop rock followed me on Twitter, so yes of course I checked them out.

Right off the bat, their sound sort of remind she of the softer side of Mayday Parade with a pinch of A Rocket to the Moon, and we know how much of a sucker I am for that type of sound.  It's so pleasant and it makes me believe more in the concept of love (cheesy and quirky I know but for real).  Nick Bacon's vocals are crisp and smooth sounding and it sounds as if he's serenading to you.  I really like the fact that these guys write songs that serenade to a girl because it's heart warming and a good way to hook fans.  Even the music alone makes you wanna cuddle with that special someone and gaze at the stars (another cheesy sentiment I know, I apologize).

Overall, they've got a good beat that I can easily dance and jump around to, and I would wanna see these guys live so I can do just that in the crowd.  Also, I can't help but envision the same type of performance Disco Curtis used to give when they were still a band - still giving great energy with slower songs.

The Endless Summer sounds like they're on the right track to becoming big, so I wanna see where they go!  If you're not ready to "like" The Endless Summer on Facebook yet, you can go to their Purevolume page to listen to their music.  They released their Daydream EP this past March, and you can download their single, "Satellites," for FREE!  It looks like they don't have any tours planned right now, but they have a show coming up on August 11th in Joplin, MO so go if you can!

Clowns


Band number twenty-one on Siri's "Bands to Listen to" list: Clowns.  I found these guys when they started following me on Instagram, so I decided to add them to the list!

Clowns is a hardcore punk rock band who sound like they know how to rock.  I will admit that I was a little scared because clowns in general scare me and associating that image with a band with a hard rock sound makes me feel uneasy, but their music actually doesn't have that effect on me.  They definitely have a hard roc sound, and I can picture some of their songs in several movie scenes with bad boy characters.

What I love most about Clowns is that just from listening to them I can feel the intense energy.  They've got an infectious beat that makes me wanna rock my head (possibly head bang) and jump around.  I can definitely see a crowd getting rowdy to their music, and they seem like a crazy group of guys that can rock the stage.  I picture them to have similar stage presence as Foxy Shazam except probably not as intense.

They've had an EP out this year that you can go buy, but if you want to listen to them before you purchase, go to their Tumblr page where you can both listen and download some of their songs!  They have scattered shows from August to October, which you can also find more info on their Tumblr, so give them a listen!