Vote for Coheed & Cambria (or your favorite bands, whichever!) in MTV's second-annual Musical March Madness!
Coheed Coheed Coheed!!!
Happy weekend!
Emily Noel
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
In Need of Change (And Some Nicki)
This year has been nothing short of a revolution in my life, starting with July 2010 when I finished writing my second (still unpublished) novel, continuing with a very (socially) wild Fall 2010 semester, and ending with unforeseen good fortune in these first few months of 2011. That being said, I'm cruising for new ideas to spice up this blog. I can't keep reviewing stuff people have already heard, mainly because I don't have enough time or the means to track down new music before it gets released. By the time I review it, it's mostly old news. And besides, just doing a regular review is nothing cool - you could read that in Rock Sound or SPIN or whatever.
I guess I'm saying I need a new angle, somehow. Suggestions are welcome, although I'm really just wondering aloud here. To be honest, I'm kind of over this blog. It was created as 1) a hobby/distraction back in the Summer of '09 and 2) because I thought I wanted to review music for a living, like a columnist or something, but I don't want to do that anymore. But I suppose it's still a good hobby.
Anyway, if I'm gonna keep up with it, I might as well spill my guts about my latest musical crush: Nicki Minaj, the newest pop diva out to shock you with her ingenious (or maybe insane) outfits and hairstyles and - of course - music. You've all heard her featured in songs by other artists like Lil Wayne and Jay Sean, and with her debut album Pink Friday out somewhat recently, she's been the talk of the pop/hip-hop world. My favorite songs are those she is featured in, like "2012" by Jay Sean and "Bottom's Up" by Trey Songz, mainly because Nicki gets to sing the best lines.
But my favorite of Nicki's work actually doesn't come from Pink Friday. It's a song called "Girlfriend," which is hilarious and catchy and often gets blasted in my car and screamed back and forth with some of my best friends. Basically, the song is about your "BFF Girlfriend" (who is rather more than a friend) in which Nicki pulls off the most absurd lyrics, such as my personal favorite: "Would you like some rice with that? / We get a lotta cheese, no mice with that / I mean, I want some ice with that / No soda, where your owner? / Give ya license back, ho!" Does it make any sense? Not really, but it still sounds amazing. And the rather clever lyric: "Get them bottles of Rose, one Long Island Ice-ee Tea / Put my bracelet in the mirror, I see me, icy me - get it?" (And if you don't like it, too bad, it all sounds awesome when you're tipsy, in which case no one cares if it doesn't make any sense!)
I'm really not much of a rap fan except for some classic Eminem, but this chick's got attitude and she'll go far with it, despite the competition of the pop genre with goddesses like Gaga floating around. On the surface, Nicki's songs seem like they're all about partying, fame, and money...but there's a harshness underneath, a certain fiery aggression that I've only seen flauted in female artists like Missy Elliot - but Nicki goes above and beyond with her Gaga-esque flair for flamboyant fashion. Keep an eye on this star - Nicki Minaj isn't done shocking her fans and stirring up the critics, not by a long shot.
Hope you all had a good weekend,
Emily Noel
I guess I'm saying I need a new angle, somehow. Suggestions are welcome, although I'm really just wondering aloud here. To be honest, I'm kind of over this blog. It was created as 1) a hobby/distraction back in the Summer of '09 and 2) because I thought I wanted to review music for a living, like a columnist or something, but I don't want to do that anymore. But I suppose it's still a good hobby.
Anyway, if I'm gonna keep up with it, I might as well spill my guts about my latest musical crush: Nicki Minaj, the newest pop diva out to shock you with her ingenious (or maybe insane) outfits and hairstyles and - of course - music. You've all heard her featured in songs by other artists like Lil Wayne and Jay Sean, and with her debut album Pink Friday out somewhat recently, she's been the talk of the pop/hip-hop world. My favorite songs are those she is featured in, like "2012" by Jay Sean and "Bottom's Up" by Trey Songz, mainly because Nicki gets to sing the best lines.
But my favorite of Nicki's work actually doesn't come from Pink Friday. It's a song called "Girlfriend," which is hilarious and catchy and often gets blasted in my car and screamed back and forth with some of my best friends. Basically, the song is about your "BFF Girlfriend" (who is rather more than a friend) in which Nicki pulls off the most absurd lyrics, such as my personal favorite: "Would you like some rice with that? / We get a lotta cheese, no mice with that / I mean, I want some ice with that / No soda, where your owner? / Give ya license back, ho!" Does it make any sense? Not really, but it still sounds amazing. And the rather clever lyric: "Get them bottles of Rose, one Long Island Ice-ee Tea / Put my bracelet in the mirror, I see me, icy me - get it?" (And if you don't like it, too bad, it all sounds awesome when you're tipsy, in which case no one cares if it doesn't make any sense!)
I'm really not much of a rap fan except for some classic Eminem, but this chick's got attitude and she'll go far with it, despite the competition of the pop genre with goddesses like Gaga floating around. On the surface, Nicki's songs seem like they're all about partying, fame, and money...but there's a harshness underneath, a certain fiery aggression that I've only seen flauted in female artists like Missy Elliot - but Nicki goes above and beyond with her Gaga-esque flair for flamboyant fashion. Keep an eye on this star - Nicki Minaj isn't done shocking her fans and stirring up the critics, not by a long shot.
Hope you all had a good weekend,
Emily Noel
Thursday, March 10, 2011
New Year, New Look
Hey, Music Lovers!
It's been FOREVER since I updated but I've been busy with my final year of college, turning twenty-one, being social, planning my future (ha, what a joke!) and devoting time to other kinds of writing (mainly novels.) So excuse my nearly-year-long hiatus and let's pretend that I'm back online to stay. (Don't bet on it, though.) And also, can I just have a quick round of applause for the new layout? Just kidding. I had to design a blog for my computer class and I learned some new stuff I wasn't aware of when I originally made this blog, so I figure I'd update it a bit.
Anyway, even though I've been MIA, the music world has kept on spinning. Don't think I haven't been listening, though! I want to take a look at all the crazy fabulous music coming on the scene right now - starting with the one and only Lady Gaga and her latest single "Born This Way." If you haven't seen the cinematic, futuristic, attention-grabbing (or attention-seeking, as some critics would say) music video for the single, you can find it here. As all Gaga fans probably already know, her new album Born This Way drops on May 23, 2011. (It's been marked on my calendar since she announced it on New Year's Eve.)
A lot of people were strongly against Gaga's new song because it was too Madonna-esque. (Well, duh, guys, I mean every critic has compared the two of them in every way imaginable!) But just getting this out there right now: GAGA IS NOT MADONNA!!! Yeah, okay, they both love to shock their fans and critics alike; they have a flair for fashion and performance, and their music is basically in the same pop genre. But Gaga is her own person, a unique artist who knows her way around the music industry, and I admire her determination and dedication because she's not here to sell out, be famous, and make a billion bucks. She's here to please her fans and make a statement. And with "Born This Way," that statement is just a repeat of what everyone else has been telling you since you were in kindergarten: be true to yourself, be who you are, and love yourself. (But maybe, since it's Gaga saying it this time, people will actually listen. I wouldn't be surprised.) Gaga sings, "God makes no mistakes, I'm on the right track, baby, I was born this way," to a catchy synth-pop track. And maybe the lyrics are a little cheesy, but so what? Of all people, Lady G can afford to take the risk of being corny, because she's sending an admirable message.
I'll admit, when I first read the leaked lyrics of this song, I was dubious at best. It seemed like the same-old, same-old story about how everyone's a unique snowflake or whatever, and a blatant statement of Gaga's campaign for equality (which, by the way, I fully support.) And yeah, I can also admit that the song is a little cheesy, but I came to love it because it's clear from listening mulitple times, seeing a bunch of performances on live TV, and watching the music video that this is an important message to Gaga herself. It's plain to me that she wants her fans to feel the same freedom she does, to indulge in who they are and enjoy themselves. No matter what stunning mask, insane heels, or flashy outfit she's wearing, Lady Gaga seems to enjoy herself at all times - and hell yeah, I wanna feel that way, too!
So yes, maybe it's corny as hell, and maybe it's all been said and done before, but just remember: everyone was born a certain way for a reason, everything happens for a reason, and even if we all look different, we're really the same at heart. People tend to dismiss that sort of stuff as being too sentimental and idealistic, but it's true. We're just so busy complaining and being prejudiced against those who are different that we tend to overlook the obvious: we're all people, and we all feel the same things, more or less.
So if you haven't already checked out "Born This Way," get on that!
More to come soon! (I hope, if I don't forget the blog again!)
Emily Noel
It's been FOREVER since I updated but I've been busy with my final year of college, turning twenty-one, being social, planning my future (ha, what a joke!) and devoting time to other kinds of writing (mainly novels.) So excuse my nearly-year-long hiatus and let's pretend that I'm back online to stay. (Don't bet on it, though.) And also, can I just have a quick round of applause for the new layout? Just kidding. I had to design a blog for my computer class and I learned some new stuff I wasn't aware of when I originally made this blog, so I figure I'd update it a bit.
Anyway, even though I've been MIA, the music world has kept on spinning. Don't think I haven't been listening, though! I want to take a look at all the crazy fabulous music coming on the scene right now - starting with the one and only Lady Gaga and her latest single "Born This Way." If you haven't seen the cinematic, futuristic, attention-grabbing (or attention-seeking, as some critics would say) music video for the single, you can find it here. As all Gaga fans probably already know, her new album Born This Way drops on May 23, 2011. (It's been marked on my calendar since she announced it on New Year's Eve.)
A lot of people were strongly against Gaga's new song because it was too Madonna-esque. (Well, duh, guys, I mean every critic has compared the two of them in every way imaginable!) But just getting this out there right now: GAGA IS NOT MADONNA!!! Yeah, okay, they both love to shock their fans and critics alike; they have a flair for fashion and performance, and their music is basically in the same pop genre. But Gaga is her own person, a unique artist who knows her way around the music industry, and I admire her determination and dedication because she's not here to sell out, be famous, and make a billion bucks. She's here to please her fans and make a statement. And with "Born This Way," that statement is just a repeat of what everyone else has been telling you since you were in kindergarten: be true to yourself, be who you are, and love yourself. (But maybe, since it's Gaga saying it this time, people will actually listen. I wouldn't be surprised.) Gaga sings, "God makes no mistakes, I'm on the right track, baby, I was born this way," to a catchy synth-pop track. And maybe the lyrics are a little cheesy, but so what? Of all people, Lady G can afford to take the risk of being corny, because she's sending an admirable message.
I'll admit, when I first read the leaked lyrics of this song, I was dubious at best. It seemed like the same-old, same-old story about how everyone's a unique snowflake or whatever, and a blatant statement of Gaga's campaign for equality (which, by the way, I fully support.) And yeah, I can also admit that the song is a little cheesy, but I came to love it because it's clear from listening mulitple times, seeing a bunch of performances on live TV, and watching the music video that this is an important message to Gaga herself. It's plain to me that she wants her fans to feel the same freedom she does, to indulge in who they are and enjoy themselves. No matter what stunning mask, insane heels, or flashy outfit she's wearing, Lady Gaga seems to enjoy herself at all times - and hell yeah, I wanna feel that way, too!
So yes, maybe it's corny as hell, and maybe it's all been said and done before, but just remember: everyone was born a certain way for a reason, everything happens for a reason, and even if we all look different, we're really the same at heart. People tend to dismiss that sort of stuff as being too sentimental and idealistic, but it's true. We're just so busy complaining and being prejudiced against those who are different that we tend to overlook the obvious: we're all people, and we all feel the same things, more or less.
So if you haven't already checked out "Born This Way," get on that!
More to come soon! (I hope, if I don't forget the blog again!)
Emily Noel
Monday, July 26, 2010
Summer Reading - Part I
Alright, so it’s not music reviews, but whatever. I’ve been taking a hiatus from obsessing over music this summer (I know, it’s tragic!) to focus on writing projects and expanding my literary knowledge. Here’s a sampling of my summer reading list so far. (There’s more to come, I just haven’t gotten around to reviewing them yet.)
Year of the Black Rainbow – Claudio Sanchez
Compliments of the deluxe edition of Coheed & Cambria’s fifth studio album, this action-packed sci-fi novel clearly bears the mark of Sanchez’s creative genius. You don’t have to know Coheed’s songs and the back story of the albums to appreciate this novel, although it certainly altered my interpretation of the album of the same name. Altogether a good read if you’re a Coheed fan and/or sci-fi geek.
The Silver Hearted – David McConnell
If you can get past the vague descriptions of everything and make sense of the setting, you’ll enjoy a brief adventure across several unnamed country with an unidentified main character bringing a shipment of silver to some mysterious private investor. Don’t hold your breath, though—half the time I had no idea what was going on, and although the ending was a real twist, it left me wanting to burn the book in a fit of rage for wasting my time. (In short I don’t recommend it, unless you like really, really bizarre stories about intrigue and political...stuff.)
The Host – Stephenie Meyer
Now, keep in mind—I was a Twilight fan about three years ago, but my real interest dissolved as soon as the fan-girls descended on the scene, so I’m not a huge fan of Meyer to begin with. The length of the novel alone was enough to turn me off—it’s unnecessarily drawn out in many parts, and there’s a myriad of extraneous characters. Over all, the novel’s biggest strength is the creepy concept of “hosts” invading the minds of humans and claiming control of their bodies—a mostly-original spin on a sort of post-apocalyptic universe. Not altogether a terrible read—I polished it off in two or three days and it definitely held my interest—but if you’re not one for long-winded dialogue and several pointless scenes where one’s mind tends to wander for a few pages, it’s not the book for you.
Her Fearful Symmetry – Audrey Niffenegger
If you’re a fan of Niffenegger’s debut novel The Time Traveler’s Wife, don’t get overly excited for her sophomore work: it’s a whole different kettle of fish. Nevertheless, Niffenegger does not fail to present us with instantly-lovable characters and a taste of London so rich that you’ll be downing cups of tea and booking your airfare to England in minutes. The story is wonderfully told but falls a little short at the end, almost as if the author’s attention wandered away and gave out suddenly. Despite the disappointing and somewhat depressing ending, you’ll be swept away to England with a mischievous set of twins and the ghost of their dead aunt in the most unexpected plot-twist.
Jumper Cable – Piers Anthony
Another one for the fantasy-lovers—if you’re new to Piers Anthony’s realm of Xanth, you might not enjoy this book. While I found it to be a delightful revisit with some Xanth characters who haven’t surfaced in awhile (I’ve been reading the Xanth novels since I was seven) new readers might not catch all the little repetitive nuances and references that make Xanth so special. Piers Anthony is definitely an acquired taste to say the least, but if you’re going to venture into Xanth for the first time, start with some of his earlier works (Faun & Games, Yon Ill Wind, and Demons Don’t Dream are among my personal favorites) before catching up with the newer novels. For returning Xanthians, jump right into this one—you’ll be surprised who turns up!
More to come when I finally finish reading, reviewing, and organizing my thoughts. This is, to be sure, quite the literary summer for me!
Happy Reading!
Emily Noel
Year of the Black Rainbow – Claudio Sanchez
Compliments of the deluxe edition of Coheed & Cambria’s fifth studio album, this action-packed sci-fi novel clearly bears the mark of Sanchez’s creative genius. You don’t have to know Coheed’s songs and the back story of the albums to appreciate this novel, although it certainly altered my interpretation of the album of the same name. Altogether a good read if you’re a Coheed fan and/or sci-fi geek.
The Silver Hearted – David McConnell
If you can get past the vague descriptions of everything and make sense of the setting, you’ll enjoy a brief adventure across several unnamed country with an unidentified main character bringing a shipment of silver to some mysterious private investor. Don’t hold your breath, though—half the time I had no idea what was going on, and although the ending was a real twist, it left me wanting to burn the book in a fit of rage for wasting my time. (In short I don’t recommend it, unless you like really, really bizarre stories about intrigue and political...stuff.)
The Host – Stephenie Meyer
Now, keep in mind—I was a Twilight fan about three years ago, but my real interest dissolved as soon as the fan-girls descended on the scene, so I’m not a huge fan of Meyer to begin with. The length of the novel alone was enough to turn me off—it’s unnecessarily drawn out in many parts, and there’s a myriad of extraneous characters. Over all, the novel’s biggest strength is the creepy concept of “hosts” invading the minds of humans and claiming control of their bodies—a mostly-original spin on a sort of post-apocalyptic universe. Not altogether a terrible read—I polished it off in two or three days and it definitely held my interest—but if you’re not one for long-winded dialogue and several pointless scenes where one’s mind tends to wander for a few pages, it’s not the book for you.
Her Fearful Symmetry – Audrey Niffenegger
If you’re a fan of Niffenegger’s debut novel The Time Traveler’s Wife, don’t get overly excited for her sophomore work: it’s a whole different kettle of fish. Nevertheless, Niffenegger does not fail to present us with instantly-lovable characters and a taste of London so rich that you’ll be downing cups of tea and booking your airfare to England in minutes. The story is wonderfully told but falls a little short at the end, almost as if the author’s attention wandered away and gave out suddenly. Despite the disappointing and somewhat depressing ending, you’ll be swept away to England with a mischievous set of twins and the ghost of their dead aunt in the most unexpected plot-twist.
Jumper Cable – Piers Anthony
Another one for the fantasy-lovers—if you’re new to Piers Anthony’s realm of Xanth, you might not enjoy this book. While I found it to be a delightful revisit with some Xanth characters who haven’t surfaced in awhile (I’ve been reading the Xanth novels since I was seven) new readers might not catch all the little repetitive nuances and references that make Xanth so special. Piers Anthony is definitely an acquired taste to say the least, but if you’re going to venture into Xanth for the first time, start with some of his earlier works (Faun & Games, Yon Ill Wind, and Demons Don’t Dream are among my personal favorites) before catching up with the newer novels. For returning Xanthians, jump right into this one—you’ll be surprised who turns up!
More to come when I finally finish reading, reviewing, and organizing my thoughts. This is, to be sure, quite the literary summer for me!
Happy Reading!
Emily Noel
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Two Things
Two totally random things:
First, the newest MC Lars music video for the song "Twenty-Three" and his new EP of the same name. I've been a big fan of MC Lars since Fall 2009 and "Twenty-Three" is the song that got me into him. It's a song about the suicide of a friend of his, and now Lars is working with AFSP (the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) and donating his own earnings to the cause, to help prevent suicide, especially among teens. The Twenty-Three EP also features another of my favorites, "Hey There Ophelia" which is a somewhat humorous re-telling of Hamlet (which happens to be my favorite Shakespeare play.) So check out the Twenty-Three EP and the music video - and help the cause!
Another thing that caught my eye was news from Owl City - a new album to be released in July. It's not an Owl City album; it's Adam Young's earlier music. Hope it's as great at the Owl City albums!
Happy Tuesday!
Emily Noel
First, the newest MC Lars music video for the song "Twenty-Three" and his new EP of the same name. I've been a big fan of MC Lars since Fall 2009 and "Twenty-Three" is the song that got me into him. It's a song about the suicide of a friend of his, and now Lars is working with AFSP (the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) and donating his own earnings to the cause, to help prevent suicide, especially among teens. The Twenty-Three EP also features another of my favorites, "Hey There Ophelia" which is a somewhat humorous re-telling of Hamlet (which happens to be my favorite Shakespeare play.) So check out the Twenty-Three EP and the music video - and help the cause!
Another thing that caught my eye was news from Owl City - a new album to be released in July. It's not an Owl City album; it's Adam Young's earlier music. Hope it's as great at the Owl City albums!
Happy Tuesday!
Emily Noel
Friday, June 18, 2010
Most Mismatched Music Video EVER.
So at this point in Summer 2010, I can assume the majority of you have heard Katy Perry's new single "California Gurls." (And if you haven't...well, get on that.) It's a great summer jam in my opinion, but then again I'm biased because I'm in love with Katy Perry.
But the recently-released "California Gurls" music video kind of blows my mind. "Candyfornia"? Let's be real. I mean, as much as I love watching Katy Perry put on half a dozen candy-themed outfits while Snoop Dogg detracts from the quality of the song in the background, I don't really see the correlation between California and a Katy Perry-themed version of the Candyland board game. But even though it seems ridiculous, I couldn't hate it because Katy's got even more pep and sparkle in this video. She may not be a show-stopper like Gaga, but she's got her own look, her own vibe, her own moves. Not to mention the quality - lollipops morphing into snakes, cotton candy clouds, incredible costumes - is pretty impressive. The video is cute, Katy's just as hot as ever, and the song is still a great beach tune for the summer no matter which coast you're on.
Happy Friday!
Emily Noel
But the recently-released "California Gurls" music video kind of blows my mind. "Candyfornia"? Let's be real. I mean, as much as I love watching Katy Perry put on half a dozen candy-themed outfits while Snoop Dogg detracts from the quality of the song in the background, I don't really see the correlation between California and a Katy Perry-themed version of the Candyland board game. But even though it seems ridiculous, I couldn't hate it because Katy's got even more pep and sparkle in this video. She may not be a show-stopper like Gaga, but she's got her own look, her own vibe, her own moves. Not to mention the quality - lollipops morphing into snakes, cotton candy clouds, incredible costumes - is pretty impressive. The video is cute, Katy's just as hot as ever, and the song is still a great beach tune for the summer no matter which coast you're on.
Happy Friday!
Emily Noel
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Well, It's Been Awhile - Happy Summer 2010!
Alright, I admit defeat when it comes to this blog. I haven't given up on it entirely, but my priorities have shifted, for sure. This year taught me a lot, and one thing it taught me is that I don't want to write for a music magazine. At least not right now. Actually, I don't really know what I want to do with my life at all - this year erased all prior notions for some reason - but my point is, I've been focusing more on my fiction writing these past few months, which is why the blog has been so neglected.
Anyway, I'm not doing a full-scale review right now, but I've had a lot of songs rolling around my brain for this last glorious month of this summer, so I figured I'd post a list of what I've been listening to, in case anyone is curious or is just looking for new music. =] Enjoy!
(PS - These are not all new songs that I've discovered, some I've known for a long time, it's just that they're relevant to this summer and what I've been listening to lately.)
My Summer 2010 Playlist (So Far)
"Devil in Jersey City" - Coheed and Cambria
"Constructive Summer" - The Hold Steady
"Be Calm" - Fun.
"Starlett Johansson" - The Teenagers
"Walcott" - Vampire Weekend
"Girls in Their Summer Clothes" - Bruce Springsteen
"At Least I'm Not As Sad (As I Used To Be)" - Fun.
"The End" - John Wesley Harding
"Majoring in Minors" - Sugarcult
"Atlantic City" - Bruce Springsteen
"Horchata" - Vampire Weekend
"Walking the Dog" - Fun.
"Wheel of Fortune" - The Teenagers
"Hey Soul Sister" - Train
"Get Out of My Head" - The Leftovers
"Summerboy" - Lady Gaga
"California Gurls" - Katy Perry
"Run Away" - Skyfox
"Banditos" - Refreshments
And that's about it for now...but hopefully I'll remember the blog a bit more often this summer and do some actual reviews.
Happy Thursday!
Emily Noel
Anyway, I'm not doing a full-scale review right now, but I've had a lot of songs rolling around my brain for this last glorious month of this summer, so I figured I'd post a list of what I've been listening to, in case anyone is curious or is just looking for new music. =] Enjoy!
(PS - These are not all new songs that I've discovered, some I've known for a long time, it's just that they're relevant to this summer and what I've been listening to lately.)
My Summer 2010 Playlist (So Far)
"Devil in Jersey City" - Coheed and Cambria
"Constructive Summer" - The Hold Steady
"Be Calm" - Fun.
"Starlett Johansson" - The Teenagers
"Walcott" - Vampire Weekend
"Girls in Their Summer Clothes" - Bruce Springsteen
"At Least I'm Not As Sad (As I Used To Be)" - Fun.
"The End" - John Wesley Harding
"Majoring in Minors" - Sugarcult
"Atlantic City" - Bruce Springsteen
"Horchata" - Vampire Weekend
"Walking the Dog" - Fun.
"Wheel of Fortune" - The Teenagers
"Hey Soul Sister" - Train
"Get Out of My Head" - The Leftovers
"Summerboy" - Lady Gaga
"California Gurls" - Katy Perry
"Run Away" - Skyfox
"Banditos" - Refreshments
And that's about it for now...but hopefully I'll remember the blog a bit more often this summer and do some actual reviews.
Happy Thursday!
Emily Noel
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Today Is My All-Time Favorite Day!
I woke up to weak sun shining through my window. I blinked, content in the knowledge that I had a day off, until my evening Music & Poetry class, at least.
And then, I started smiling like a five-year-old on Christmas, because I realized today is the day that Coheed's fifth studio album Year of the Black Rainbow comes out. Of course, I pre-ordered the deluxe package months ago, and I was eager to see if it arrived on time, forwarded to my dorm from my house.
First, I finished all my errands and homework like the dedicated college kid I am (no, but really!) and then I all but sprinted to the mail room. To be honest, I didn't expect the package to be there, but when the mail lady showed it to me I think I almost fainted with joy. I kept thanking her and I told her how much I hoped it would come today and she laughed at me good-naturedly. And then I went floating happily back to my dorm, paced around my room in a frenzy for a moment, and finally opened it.
The deluxe package is beautiful. I won't go into detail describing the artwork and all, but it includes a full-color, hardcover lyrics book, a "Making-Of" DVD, the full-length prose novel co-written by Claudio Sanchez, the Black Card pass, and (of course) the album.
That's when the squealing and the excited jumping-for-joy began on my part.
Finally I calmed down enough to load the disc onto my laptop and my iPod, and then I laid down on my bed, closed my eyes, and put my headphones on. I stayed that way for a full hour, just absorbing the songs, occasionally looking at the lyrics book.
I still haven't fully absorbed the album because I only had time for one full listen so far. I was not disappointed with the album on the whole, but it is very different from Coheed's previous work. But hey, it's meant to be a prequel, so of course it's a new style. My two favorite songs off the album right now are "Far" and "Made Out of Nothing (All That I Am)." I'm very pleased with the album; I think it really shows the progress of the band.
And if that weren't proof enough of Coheed's success, today MTV announced that they won MTV's Musical March Madness Trophy! (Of course, I voted for them all the way - and apparently I wasn't the only one!) They beat out My Chemical Romance in the final round. The article can be found on MTV's site here.
Congratulations to Coheed and Cambria - now everyone go buy Year of the Black Rainbow!
Happy Tuesday!
Emily Noel
And then, I started smiling like a five-year-old on Christmas, because I realized today is the day that Coheed's fifth studio album Year of the Black Rainbow comes out. Of course, I pre-ordered the deluxe package months ago, and I was eager to see if it arrived on time, forwarded to my dorm from my house.
First, I finished all my errands and homework like the dedicated college kid I am (no, but really!) and then I all but sprinted to the mail room. To be honest, I didn't expect the package to be there, but when the mail lady showed it to me I think I almost fainted with joy. I kept thanking her and I told her how much I hoped it would come today and she laughed at me good-naturedly. And then I went floating happily back to my dorm, paced around my room in a frenzy for a moment, and finally opened it.
The deluxe package is beautiful. I won't go into detail describing the artwork and all, but it includes a full-color, hardcover lyrics book, a "Making-Of" DVD, the full-length prose novel co-written by Claudio Sanchez, the Black Card pass, and (of course) the album.
That's when the squealing and the excited jumping-for-joy began on my part.
Finally I calmed down enough to load the disc onto my laptop and my iPod, and then I laid down on my bed, closed my eyes, and put my headphones on. I stayed that way for a full hour, just absorbing the songs, occasionally looking at the lyrics book.
I still haven't fully absorbed the album because I only had time for one full listen so far. I was not disappointed with the album on the whole, but it is very different from Coheed's previous work. But hey, it's meant to be a prequel, so of course it's a new style. My two favorite songs off the album right now are "Far" and "Made Out of Nothing (All That I Am)." I'm very pleased with the album; I think it really shows the progress of the band.
And if that weren't proof enough of Coheed's success, today MTV announced that they won MTV's Musical March Madness Trophy! (Of course, I voted for them all the way - and apparently I wasn't the only one!) They beat out My Chemical Romance in the final round. The article can be found on MTV's site here.
Congratulations to Coheed and Cambria - now everyone go buy Year of the Black Rainbow!
Happy Tuesday!
Emily Noel
Friday, March 5, 2010
Another New Coheed Single, Another Amazing Day
"Here We Are Juggernaut" came out yesterday! It is Coheed and Cambria's second single off of Year of the Black Rainbow, and I love it even more than "The Broken." A little more than a month until YotBR! Can't wait!
"Here We Are Juggernaut," like "The Broken," has a new sound to it in comparision to Coheed's last 3 albums. Actually, if anything these are sounding a bit like Second Stage Turbine Blade, their first studio album, but that would make sense because YotBR is a prequel to all the other albums. Even Claudio Sanchez's voice sounds different, less emotionally invested, I guess, but I like that because he's not portraying the same character anymore. (For those who don't know, the other albums centered around a story based on comic books written by Claudio Sanchez. This new album is a prequel to that four-part story, told over their last four studio albums.)
Anyway, I realize I've been falling behind on everything blog-related, but that's because of homework and the fact that I've been working on original fiction writing a lot more lately, which is okay because it means I haven't been slacking in general. Just slacking on the blog. But it'll probably pick back up later in the spring and definitely in the summer.
Happy Friday!
Emily Noel
"Here We Are Juggernaut," like "The Broken," has a new sound to it in comparision to Coheed's last 3 albums. Actually, if anything these are sounding a bit like Second Stage Turbine Blade, their first studio album, but that would make sense because YotBR is a prequel to all the other albums. Even Claudio Sanchez's voice sounds different, less emotionally invested, I guess, but I like that because he's not portraying the same character anymore. (For those who don't know, the other albums centered around a story based on comic books written by Claudio Sanchez. This new album is a prequel to that four-part story, told over their last four studio albums.)
Anyway, I realize I've been falling behind on everything blog-related, but that's because of homework and the fact that I've been working on original fiction writing a lot more lately, which is okay because it means I haven't been slacking in general. Just slacking on the blog. But it'll probably pick back up later in the spring and definitely in the summer.
Happy Friday!
Emily Noel
Monday, February 15, 2010
Coheed's New Single + Top 5 (Round 2)
Seriously, I can't handle the amount of new music I've been overloaded with (primarily because I now have a flock of iTunes gift cards with which to buy copious amounts of new music.) But I was SO EXCITED that I even forgot to update about one of the best things ever: Coheed and Cambria's new single, "The Broken."
Did I stay up until midnight to get it on iTunes? Obvs! (Actually, it was released a bit earlier than that, for some reason.) And...I have mixed feelings about it. It's good, but I guess it's just strange for me to accept something new of theirs after loving the other four current studio albums so much. And I hate judging albums on singles, so I'll just have to wait for Year of the Black Rainbow to be released. Besides, I have to keep reminding myself that this 5th album is a prequel to the others, so of course it's going to be different.
Anyway, I guess I'll post the lyrics from last week.
“Pull the Curtain” – Sum 41
“Something's wrong because I find the glamour in the dark side
In the dark side
(Where'd I go wrong?)
Cheap regrets, can't forget,
Falling victim to the debts
Still unpaid in my mind.
The one and only day has come,
I pay for all the bad things I've done.
It's gonna take me, you don't know tragedy
I've been to hell and back again to tell
Close my eyes and lay me down to sleep
I fear the worst, my beating heart ticks to explode
And my time is up so...
(Why can't I just lie?!)
Living dead awake, the horror show begins
So pull the curtains over me
Bring on the panic
The uncontrolled and manic
It's a free for all, kill them all, every last one of them, I don't care.”
---
Well, that’s cheerful, right? But I love this song because of the rage and pain in his voice. It’s really one of the most depressing songs I’ve ever heard; I can instantly get angry about something when I hear it, or if I’m already angry, I feel instantly justified in it.
“Mr. Brightside” – The Killers
“I'm coming out of my cage
And I've been doing just fine
Gotta, gotta be down
Because I want it all.
It started out with a kissHow did it end up like this?
It was only a kiss, it was only a kiss.
Now I'm falling asleep
And she's calling a cab
While he’s having a smoke
And she's taking a drag
Now they're going to bed
And my stomach is sick
And it's all in my head
But she's touching his chest now
He takes off her dress now
Let me go.
And I just can't look, it's killing me
And taking control.
Jealousy, turning saints into the sea
Swimming through sick lullabies
Choking on your alibis
But it's just the price I pay
Destiny is calling me
Open up my eager eyes
'Cause I'm Mr. Brightside.”
---
This is definitely in my all-time top-five songs of my entire life. It is probably one of the greatest break-up songs ever, and Brandon Flowers just has a way of making you feel the rejection coursing through every verse. It is super depressing and he sounds so resigned in it that by the end of the song I just end up feeling like rejection is fate.
“The Horror of Our Love” – Ludo
“I wake in terrorBlackbirds screaming
Dark cathedrals spilling
Midnight on their alters
I'm your servant
My immortal
Pale and perfect
Such unholy heaving
The statues close their eyes
The room is changing
Break my skin and drain me
Ancient language,
Speak through fingers
The awful edges
Where you end and I begin
Inside your mouth, I cannot see
There's catastrophe in everything I'm touching
As I sweat and crush you
And I hold your beating chambers
Until they beat no more
You die like angels sing.
Oh, the horror of our love
Never so much blood pulled through my veins
Oh, the horror of our love
Never so much blood.”
---
This is actually a really beautiful, haunting song to me, and I can never get over the imagery. I can just picture the darkness and lust taking over from the way he describes it.
“Sometime Around Midnight” – The Airborne Toxic Event
“As you stand...
Under the bar lights
And the band plays some song about forgetting yourself for a while
And the piano's this melancholy sound check to her smile
And that white dress she's wearing,
You haven't seen her for a while.
But you know...
That she's watching.
She's laughing, she's turning
She's holding her tonic like a crux.
The room suddenly spinning,
She walks up and asks how you are
So you can smell her perfume
You can see her lying naked in your arms
And so there's a change...
In your emotions.
And all of these memories come rushing
Like feral waves to your mind
Of the curl of your bodies,
Like two perfect circles, entwined.
And you feel hopeless, and homeless
And lost in the haze of the wine.”
---
This is another really powerfully emotional song, but I also can’t get over the imagery. It just paints such a vivid scene that it feels like I’m watching a film clip of some sort of post-break-up scene in a bar, every time I hear it.
“Higher Power” - Boston
“Let me love you
Take me home to your religion for the night
Let me touch you
Teach me how to see your vision through my eyes
Turn the pages
Tell my story, let me face another day
Safe embraces, I feel it comin' now
My captain's on his way.
Hey, my high power
The world is spinnin', but I'm not afraid
Yeah, give me the power
It's the beginnin', the beginnin' of another day.”
---
This is a really fun, upbeat song in general, but you can still get the message just by reading the lyrics. To me, it’s never really been totally clear if he’s talking about God or a lover, but I like it either way because it still refers to some sort of relationship on a sacred level, and having either one can make you feel invincible.
Happy Monday!
Emily Noel
Did I stay up until midnight to get it on iTunes? Obvs! (Actually, it was released a bit earlier than that, for some reason.) And...I have mixed feelings about it. It's good, but I guess it's just strange for me to accept something new of theirs after loving the other four current studio albums so much. And I hate judging albums on singles, so I'll just have to wait for Year of the Black Rainbow to be released. Besides, I have to keep reminding myself that this 5th album is a prequel to the others, so of course it's going to be different.
Anyway, I guess I'll post the lyrics from last week.
“Pull the Curtain” – Sum 41
“Something's wrong because I find the glamour in the dark side
In the dark side
(Where'd I go wrong?)
Cheap regrets, can't forget,
Falling victim to the debts
Still unpaid in my mind.
The one and only day has come,
I pay for all the bad things I've done.
It's gonna take me, you don't know tragedy
I've been to hell and back again to tell
Close my eyes and lay me down to sleep
I fear the worst, my beating heart ticks to explode
And my time is up so...
(Why can't I just lie?!)
Living dead awake, the horror show begins
So pull the curtains over me
Bring on the panic
The uncontrolled and manic
It's a free for all, kill them all, every last one of them, I don't care.”
---
Well, that’s cheerful, right? But I love this song because of the rage and pain in his voice. It’s really one of the most depressing songs I’ve ever heard; I can instantly get angry about something when I hear it, or if I’m already angry, I feel instantly justified in it.
“Mr. Brightside” – The Killers
“I'm coming out of my cage
And I've been doing just fine
Gotta, gotta be down
Because I want it all.
It started out with a kissHow did it end up like this?
It was only a kiss, it was only a kiss.
Now I'm falling asleep
And she's calling a cab
While he’s having a smoke
And she's taking a drag
Now they're going to bed
And my stomach is sick
And it's all in my head
But she's touching his chest now
He takes off her dress now
Let me go.
And I just can't look, it's killing me
And taking control.
Jealousy, turning saints into the sea
Swimming through sick lullabies
Choking on your alibis
But it's just the price I pay
Destiny is calling me
Open up my eager eyes
'Cause I'm Mr. Brightside.”
---
This is definitely in my all-time top-five songs of my entire life. It is probably one of the greatest break-up songs ever, and Brandon Flowers just has a way of making you feel the rejection coursing through every verse. It is super depressing and he sounds so resigned in it that by the end of the song I just end up feeling like rejection is fate.
“The Horror of Our Love” – Ludo
“I wake in terrorBlackbirds screaming
Dark cathedrals spilling
Midnight on their alters
I'm your servant
My immortal
Pale and perfect
Such unholy heaving
The statues close their eyes
The room is changing
Break my skin and drain me
Ancient language,
Speak through fingers
The awful edges
Where you end and I begin
Inside your mouth, I cannot see
There's catastrophe in everything I'm touching
As I sweat and crush you
And I hold your beating chambers
Until they beat no more
You die like angels sing.
Oh, the horror of our love
Never so much blood pulled through my veins
Oh, the horror of our love
Never so much blood.”
---
This is actually a really beautiful, haunting song to me, and I can never get over the imagery. I can just picture the darkness and lust taking over from the way he describes it.
“Sometime Around Midnight” – The Airborne Toxic Event
“As you stand...
Under the bar lights
And the band plays some song about forgetting yourself for a while
And the piano's this melancholy sound check to her smile
And that white dress she's wearing,
You haven't seen her for a while.
But you know...
That she's watching.
She's laughing, she's turning
She's holding her tonic like a crux.
The room suddenly spinning,
She walks up and asks how you are
So you can smell her perfume
You can see her lying naked in your arms
And so there's a change...
In your emotions.
And all of these memories come rushing
Like feral waves to your mind
Of the curl of your bodies,
Like two perfect circles, entwined.
And you feel hopeless, and homeless
And lost in the haze of the wine.”
---
This is another really powerfully emotional song, but I also can’t get over the imagery. It just paints such a vivid scene that it feels like I’m watching a film clip of some sort of post-break-up scene in a bar, every time I hear it.
“Higher Power” - Boston
“Let me love you
Take me home to your religion for the night
Let me touch you
Teach me how to see your vision through my eyes
Turn the pages
Tell my story, let me face another day
Safe embraces, I feel it comin' now
My captain's on his way.
Hey, my high power
The world is spinnin', but I'm not afraid
Yeah, give me the power
It's the beginnin', the beginnin' of another day.”
---
This is a really fun, upbeat song in general, but you can still get the message just by reading the lyrics. To me, it’s never really been totally clear if he’s talking about God or a lover, but I like it either way because it still refers to some sort of relationship on a sacred level, and having either one can make you feel invincible.
Happy Monday!
Emily Noel
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