Punk Goes Pop 2...They Should've Just Stopped At The First Album.

One word, horrible.

When songs are top charted, they're over-played to begin with. If bands who shouldn't be singing pop songs in the first place cover these hits, it can either be a catastrophe or a masterpiece. Fearless Records proves their fearlessness with the release of Punk Goes Pop Volume 2, this Tuesday.

Silverstein's "Apologize" cover was about the only decent track on the CD. The desperateness of the bands to create something new from the popular songs isn't working. Although separately the bands are good, the cd itself is not. The songs aren't originally redone and aren't good. A screamo version of Justin Timberlake's "What Goes Around..." shouldn't have even been thought of.

Fearless Records has no plans for a third CD so far, but there are always possiblities for a Pop Goes Punk 3 in the future.


Fearless Records Main Website
Preview the album

Kiss A Girl is a Major Hit

"Kiss A Girl,"Keith Urban's new single is a typical country song: about love, feelings and that ever popular first kiss. The song is catchy and can keep any country music fan's attention.

It is the second song released from his newest album, Defying Gravity (the first being Sweet Thing), which is due out March 31, 2009. Urban is excited about the new album, and hopes his fans are too. "Defying Gravity comes from the lyrics of a song on the album, and it just struck me at the time as a phrase that really defined the joyous, optimistic and uplifting spirit that seemed to show itself while making the album."

Urban plans on going on tour (The Escape Together world tour), with accompanists Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, and the Zac Brown Band. Their tour includes almost 60 stops, and starts on May 7th this year.


More Info

"Sugar" is Not So Sweet

Okay what is up with Flo Rida remaking all of these songs for the basis of his new singles?

The first release, Right Round, quite obviously features a chorus with the same music from the original "Right Round" by Dead or Alive, and single, "Sugar" (supposed to be released next week) starts out with Wynter singing an intro almost identical to "I'm Blue" by Eiffel 65 (anyone at Carmel should know exactly how that goes..oh, how our school needs new music during passing periods).

Flo Rida can keep an audience listening to his singles, which is probably his strategy with the revival of all the new songs, but TWO songs from his new album to be remakes? That's just lacking originality. The lyrics aren't exactly heartfelt either. Is this really all Flo Rida and his producers can come up with?

His new album, R.O.O.T.S. (Routes of Overcoming the Struggle) is available for pre-order now, and is expected to be available for purchase on April 7 of this year.


For a sneak peak listen of "Sugar", click here
For more information, click here
To pre-order Flo Rida's new album, R.O.O.T.S., click here

Incredibad Doing Incredigood

The Lonely Island, a band that many people recognize as members of the Saturday Night Live cast, released their debut album, Incredibad, less than a month ago. This comedic album has a four and a half star rating out of five and keeps the audiences laughing through every track.

Along with the funny lyrics, the album features popular artists like Justin Timberlake and T-Pain, and actress Natalie Portman, attracting more fans and downloads.

Although concerts aren't likely, even though there have been shows in the past, but the band plans on continuing their hit tracks and performing them on SNL (they also have a contest out to win two tickets to SNL, click here for more).

More information about the album here

Sometimes New Isn't Always So Improved

When anyone says Christina Aguilera, "Genie in a Bottle" is the first song that comes to mind. Just like any hit song, it plays for a while on the radio and eventually gets washed out by the other new music that other artists bring to the entertainment table.

The classics of rock almost always eventually have covers or remakes of their songs by other artists years after its first release, Aguilera followed her own path, remaking "Genie in a Bottle" on her newest album.

The original is 100 time better. The techno and upbeat sounds of "Genie 2.0" is just not good. The idea of having a remake of one of her best hits is creative, but the music needed more work. It sounded like a bad club remix that no one would end up dancing to in the first place.

Her CD is out for purchase now, but hearing this as the first track sort of ruined my want to listen to or buy it.


for more information

Even Though I Found "A Day Late" A Few Years Late, It Still Remains A Good Song.

It always makes me so happy to know that there are still artists in the music buisness who write lyrics about either what you can't put to words or about something other than sexuality or drugs and alcohol.

Although it is an older song, Anberlin's "A Day Late" was featured on iTunes. Being the music lover I am, my mouse lead me to the song for a double click and 30 second preview. I immediately loved the song. The happy beat and vocals captured my attention first, so i purchased the song to listen to it in its entirety.

Although the music did catch my attention, the lyrics did even more. The song talks about the relationship between two people who secretly loved eachother but said nothing about it while they had the strong feelings they did. After a while, they both exposed their former love, but they also both had significant others, and the feelings had to stop. Many people go through situations like this, and the fact that Amberlin puts it into a song makes it an easy listen and something anyone can listen to.

The band's most recent album, New Surrender, was released in late September of 2008, and they continue on their tour until August of this year.


For:
- tour dates
- lyrics to "A Day Late"
- Anberlin's Myspace

New Green Day Album Expected to Be Released This May

After five years since their latest album, American Idiot, Green Day's leading vocalist, Billy-Joe Armstrong released that a new album is soon to come, titled 21st Century Breakdown.

Although the record won't be available for purchase until May of this year and Green Day isn't planning to go back on tour til after it is released, Rolling Stone's David Frick says “The disc loosely follows a young couple, Christian and Gloria, through the mess and promise of the century so far." The record is split into three parts, “Heroes and Cons,” “Charlatans and Saints” and “Horseshoes and Handgrenades", to help create a story through the music they produced.

There are no singles off of the CD in circulation yet, but during a sneak peak at the album, Rolling Stone reports that these sixteen tracks are "defiant, but also defiantly hopeful, referencing the unsettled political climate as well as more personal and generational turmoils."(for the entire article, click here).

American Idiot, along with many of the other albums from Green Day were ambitious, opinionated, platinum, and award winning. All hopes are that 21st Century Breakdown follows this trend and keeps GD new and fresh in the music world.


More information about the new CD here

Could the Darkness of Chris Brown and Rihanna's Situation Stay Black or Evolve into Something Red Hot?

As most of us know, Chris Brown was arrested a week ago today for domestic violence with Rihanna(Click here for some of his statements about the incident), apparently hospitalizing Rihanna and causing both her and Brown to miss the Grammy Awards, where they were both nominated and put on schedule to perform.

Although this is a terrible incident, it makes me wonder whether or not this will, in fact, improve their upcoming careers as musicians. I'd like to believe that musicians compose their music and lyrics through feeling and life experiences. If this is true, will Brown or Rihanna end up writing a song about this? Although it would be extremely personal for both of them, I have a strong feeling that any single released about the situation would top the billboards without a doubt (especially because they're both extremely popular artists). Even if they don't release a song about the situation, i can already see the press releasing comments like, "Chris Brown's first single since his arrest..." or "Rihanna finally back in the recording studio after her tragic assault...".

Regardless of what is in the future for both artists, I suppose the silver lining could be the potential popularity for both of the artists. All we have left to do is wait for the new music to be released by either one or both of them, and see where that takes their careers.

As Promised...

For the most part, the new Red Jumpsuit Apparatus CD, "Lonely Road" is disappointing. Their first album, "Don't You Fake It" completely blew my mind away, causing extremely high expectations for their new and long awaited album.

My two favorite songs, also the two early released tracks from the album, are "You Better Pray" and "Pen and Paper". They both relate to some of the central themes of the album, to be yourself and not be afraid of what other people think of who that person is, and to do what you want and have fun while you're alive because you can't relive any second of what you've already lived. These two tracks along with "Senioritis" and "Pull Me Back" are more upbeat songs compared to the rest of the album's more low key, slow tempoed vibe.

One thing RJA fans will never have to worry about is the band having mediocre lyrics with little meaning. Although the album is not as impressive as the one before it, the meanings and lyrics to the songs are still as rich as ever. "Believe" talks about changing the world and how we shouldn't give up on people, great message. Another lyrically complex song, "Pull Me Back", thanks God (without completely coming out with it), along with begging to keep them on the right track in life.

My final thought on the album is that it's completely up to your personal choice. Most of the songs on the CD are slower paced, which will appeal to some listeners, and turn off others. On the contrary, there are also some upbeat songs on the album that could hold your attention. The lyrics are still deep, and although some of the vocal stylings have changed, it still sounds like Ronnie Winter. It isn't as good as their first album, which will eventually hurt them as a band, but from interpreting their lyrics I doubt that will bother them too much.

I wish the best for The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, and I still consider them a good band.

For more:
A thorough review on the album click here
For lyrics and other thoughts of the album, as well as other songs they have click here

BLINK 182 BACK TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!

YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Ehem, I guess the more formal way to say that would be how exciting! But I can't contain my excitement.
Almost as exciting as meeting Morgan Freeman's brother a few weeks ago, which I did at a Panera.
Anyways, I thought I'd share my excitement with the rest of the world. Or at least anyone who reads this blog, which is probably only Mrs. Lester (PS I just did this as a bonus, so please only grade the bottom two haha)

OKAY
More Grammy time.
Hope everyone had a good weekend! :)

The Grammy's > Promises...Well At Least This Week They Are

OK I know I said I'd make comments about the new RJA album (which is pretty good), but I'm sitting in on the most comfortable couch in my house, about ten feet away from our TV, trying to keep myself from drooling over Justin Timberlake, so I decided I'd write about what I think about the Grammy's..or at least from what I've seen so far.

First off, I'm not completely satisfied with The Rock, or I guess now he prefers being called by his real name, Dwayne Johnson, being one of the starting speakers. He's OK but they could have done better. Especially because he was introducing Justin Timberlake (aka my future husband, well i actually have a lot of those so i guess he's just one of the lucky men on the list). Oh well, not many people will remember him after the incredible collaboration Timberlake and Al Green just sang.

Also, CONGRATULATIONS JENNIFER HUDSON!!!! I could not be happier for her. After all she's been through this year with her life and her family, she deserves this kind of reward for her hard work. Hudson is someone we should all be looking up to, not bad actresses or singers or both..like Miley Cyrus (you'll eventually catch on to the fact that I'd rather crucify myself than listen to twenty seconds of her music). She's performing later on the show and I'm excited to hear her sing, i always get goosebumps after she performs.

And speaking of performances, Kerry Underwood completely rocked her song. I've watched the idol since the season she competed and I've loved her ever since. She's already won a Grammy tonight for the song that she sang just now, "Last Name", which I happen to adore (the lyrics are hysterical). We'll see if we hear more from her later in the awards show.

There's tons left of the Grammy's tonight, but I'm getting off to enjoy it myself. I'll write about the RJA album next post...and this time I mean it. But hey, it's the Grammy's, there had to be an exception.

Good luck to all the nominees! Check back soon for RJA :)


Anything you'd want to know about the 51st Grammys

NEW RED JUMPSUIT CD!!! - part one

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus's first CD, Don't You Fake It, went platinum with a five star rating. I personally LOVED the CD. The vocals were great and most of the lyrics hit you deep.

Just this Tuesday, February 3rd, the band came out with a new and highly anticipated CD, entitled Lonely Road. In late 2008 and early 2009 the band released two singles from the album ("You Better Pray" and "Pen & Paper"). The singles were highly praised by some and rejected by others. "You Better Pray" is a good song. Although it's not too similar to the other songs from RJA, i still liked the vocals and electric guitar playing the music. "Pen & Paper" is also exceptional. I liked the main singer, Ronnie Winter, here a lot and i think he did a good job of singing it.

With high expectations, the band released the CD. Although so far it only has a rating on iTunes, but we'll see if these ratings increase. Although I haven't heard the CD in its entirety yet, I feel like its one of those CD's that you start to love after you listen to it a lot.

I'll be back tomorrow (after i listen to the whole CD again) with more about the tracks on the new CD!

A Little Bit of Country...

The Rascal Flatts have been one of the top country artists since their first self titled album in 2000. Founded in Columbus, Ohio, these big country music stars have worked their way to the top with songs like "Skin", "What Hurts the Most", and "Fast Cars and Freedom".

Their latest album released, Rascal Flatts: Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 (Remastered), was rated a big five stars on iTunes and won over the hard-core Flatts Fans. Although the remastered songs kept their fans happy, they're soon to come out with a new CD, titled Unstoppable, sometime this year. Their song, "Here Comes Goodbye", from the new album was released on the radio on January 20th of this year, but no other tracks have been officially released from the band.

Their album is highly anticipated and their music is incredibly appreciated in the country music world.

Don't You Feel Good When Local Bands Get All The Way To iTunes? I Do.

The Fastest Kid Alive originated in the Chicagoland area a few years back, and have been playing shows ever since. Their first and only demo album on iTunes, "Listen Up!", released last May with a rating of four and a half stars, and their newest single, a cover of Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" was released last November.

The most popular song on the demo, "Dance With a Match" suprisingly decent. Although the music in the back are a little unoriginal, it's a good start for the potentially famous band. Their other songs have an All Time Low kind of sound to them, and the singer's voice isn't all that bad at all.

Their cover of the ever-famous 1984 classic is also pretty good. It adds an upbeat vibe to it, and BY FAR beats Miley Cyrus' remake of the song. Then again, almost anything could beat something Miley Cyrus sings...Anyway, the remake is pretty popular on iTunes and with the fans (just January 30th they themed their show, Crazy For the 80's Night, after this single) and is played at most of their shows.

With their almost 50,000 friends on Myspace and their 27 upcoming shows in eleven different states, i wouldn't doubt they'll eventually rock their way into more stardom and hopefully more releases on iTunes!

Mark Hoppus Going Solo?

Instead of my ideas on new songs, there is new reported news on Mark Hoppus, former bass guitarist in one of my favorite bands, Blink-182. I found this pretty important, so i decided

In November of last year, Hoppus gave all of the Blink-182 fans enormous hope of a reunion. He stated in his blog that there was a chance the band would come together for a tour coming this year. Personally, hearing this news set an almost permanent smile to my face.

Although the exciting reunion news overwhelmed the fans of this award-winning band, they were recently disappointed when Hoppus stated on an MTV interview that he will be working on a solo album.

Although Hoppus said that the future was open, his album has ten songs that are still in the process of being completed. If Hoppus finishes his album and follows through with his plans, you can count on hearing about it here.

Although there is still a chance that Blink will reunite (cross your fingers!!!), I understand that whole "personal wealth" idea. Hoppus' bass will be welcomed back into the alternative music world and we hope his album the best.


For more information on Hoppus and his potentential CD, click here.

My Live Would Suck Without You? More Like Your New CD Would Suck Less Without This Song.

Kelly Clarkson, being the first American Idol and one of the most successful of the winners on the show, has a pretty impressive voice and has made a decent name for herself in the music industry. We haven't heard much from her in a while (her last single out that i remember was Never Again...an OK song, but to me it sounded like she was trying too hard), and her most recent album, My December, didn't exactly win over the crowds.

Now the Idol is back with a new single that, in my opinion, lacks any musical or lyrical individuality. Every line was easily predictable, and the lyrics were about as deep as the water in a kiddie pool. I probably could have written lyrics similar to or better than this in fifth grade about some boy that i had a crush on that left me for another girl (don't you just love 10 year old drama?).

I knew that the lyrics wouldn't be too up to par when i heard the opening of the song.
"Guess this means you’re sorry
You’re standing at my door
Guess this means you take back
What you said before"

I mean, really? C'mon, Kelly, you're putting all the other Idols to shame! Even Taylor Hicks, who I still haven't heard anything about since his win a few years back, could do better than this.

Sure, the beat is catchy, but that shouldn't be what music is about. Whatever happened to REAL music? What people looked up to and related to? If only the popular songs these days were less about getting "crunk" and being a "player" and more about things that actually matter, and experiences people learn from. How much more would we impact the music of the future? With songs like this, we'll never know...

Anyhow, her new album, Masquerade, is expected in stores on March 17th. I'm hoping that the rest of her new "music" will impress me more than this song has and her lyrics will dig a little deeper than these. I guess we'll find out as the CD is released!


For lyrics and information on the song and the artist's new album, click here

20 Dollar Nose Bleed (Featuring Brendan Urie)

This track, 20 Dollar Nose Bleed, released December 14 2008 along with the rest of Fall Out Boy's album, "Folie a Deux" (meaning a madness shared by two), particularly sparked my interest. Not only does it feature Brendan Urie, the lead singer an also similarly popular band, Panic! At the Disco (another one of the many of bands I follow), but they lyrics and the meanings behind them interested me more than any other song on the album.

Their humorous, yet active and incredibly verbal opinions about the government come through in this album, and particularly in this song. The second verse in the song, "It feels like 14 carats but no clarity/When I look at the man who would be king (The man who would be king)/goes to the desert the same war his dad rehearsed/came back with flags on coffins and said/we won, oh, we won," directly addresses President George W. Bush what they see as his lack of leadership with the war, how he followed his father's footsteps with the war and didn't do much to change anything and his misuse of the power we elected into his hands.

For one thing, I think expressing their ideas about the war and what is going on in the world is admirable. In my opinion, putting your ideas out in the open for people to tear apart and criticize is one of the most courageous things a writer or an artist can do with his or her work. On the other hand, i somewhat disagree with what they said. I admire Fall Out Boy as a band, and I respect their ideas. But c'mon...he didn't sit in his oval office playing Halo 3 or the new Call of Duty both terms of his presidency. I think this President Bush gets less credit than he deserves. He did contribute to our war, but he was put into presidency in one of the worst time in all of America's history, so kudos to the president for that.

Aside from my views on George Bush, I think the song & its lyrics are a creative parallel to the current state of the US. With that said, I, along with the band, support Barack Obama and what he is going to hopefully do to turn our country back around to what it was created to b*e.

Ignoring the meanings of the song, the coming together of Brendan Urie and Patrick Stump is either a hit or miss depending on your taste of music. In my opinion the song is incredibly catchy, and i think Fall Out Boy and Brendan Urie together created music that will help America become aware of what happened, what is happening, and what is to come with the old mistakes and the new opportunities to come for our country. This song was overall a hit for me and I'm anticipating Fall Out Boy's music that's to come after the new changes after or during Obama's term.


*Fall Out Boy is playing at the Presidential Inauguration on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 this year along with Kid Rock and Kanye West. For more information, visit http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1602981/20090117/west_kanye.jhtml


For more opinions and the song lyrics: http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/3530822107858752014/