it’s not over yet - the klaxons

I could actually consider this the most ‘rock’ song that I actually like. However, the song is filled with a good tune, which seems to stick in my head after playing it. 

(Source: eargasmmusic)

“Saturday Night” - Misfits

I don’t think this song has a “typical” Misfits sound to it, but it’s definitely one of my favorites. It really struck me as being different when I first heard it. I kept feeling like it would fit so well into an 80s movie (maybe it’s the mention of a drive-in during the chorus). The music sounds a little happy at first, almost like something you could dance to with your sweetheart, but when you listen closer to the lyrics, it’s a bit disturbing (much more Misfits-like!) and even bittersweet. My favorite line, because of the how strong the vocals are, is “now I’m watching, watching you die!” What a strange mix of feelings all in one song.

Even though the album this song is from, Famous Monsters, was released in 1999, I think this song has such a classic, old-fashioned sound to it. I love it, and I hope you do too.

“Unlaced” by Emilie Autumn

I originally became infatuated with Emilie Autumn because of her sarcastic lyrics and interest in Victorian society/history in general. It wasn’t until later that I began to appreciate her as a truly talented musician. Autumn unintentionally distracts from her musical prowess because of her elaborate costuming and inclination towards showmanship. It makes it difficult for those who are not open to the goth community to take her seriously. Truly though, beyond what some may see as her oddities, the woman is well-trained and an excellent violinist.

She places these talents on showcase in her two-disc album, Laced/Unlaced. The first disc, Laced, consists of her playing classical pieces. Most of the tracks are by famous composers, though there are a few she has composed herself. The second disc entirely consists of pieces that are of her own making and are recorded on an electric violin. And really, let’s be honest, who doesn’t like the electric violin?

“Unlaced” reflects the rest of the album in that it is interesting to listen to, kinetic, with some sinister undertones. Even without her expressive vocals and snappy lyrics, Autumn is still a presence be recognized on the music scene.

To learn more about Emilie Autumn, go here.

“Bird on Your Grave” by Marissa Nadler

Marissa Nadler is one of those musicians that has remained in obscurity for reasons I cannot fathom. She puts her own spin on the folk music genre, focusing on the American Gothic and other themes of that nature. I suppose she has her devoted niche, but I still feel her music should be shared with and appreciated by the world.

“Bird on Your Grave” is a track that is typical of Nadler. Carrying that theme of melancholy that seems to run through a great deal of her music, she sings about her dead friend in a way that can only be described as eloquent. Her voice is nothing short of haunting, which is perfect for this mournful ballad. I can listen to this song on repeat and just soak in the atmosphere it creates. It may not be the happiest one, but it’s still striking and unique. I thought this was perfect for Autumn.

Learn more about Marissa Nadler here.

“Wonder” by Dan Black.

I had never heard of Dan Black before FIFA 11 came out (sue me if you take fault with any of that), but as this track shows, he’s catchy as all hell. The former lead singer of The Servant, Black fuses more traditional rock ‘n roll sounds (like heavily strummed guitars and handclaps) with the processed sounds of drum machines and synthesizers to create a pretty fantastic sound.

His début album ((UN)) is currently available in the US and UK.

“The Magic Position” - Patrick Wolf

Here’s a song for when you need a happy, upbeat song. I mean, a really happy song. I first discovered Patrick Wolf when he only had his first album Lycanthropy out, and I really enjoyed the melancholy and moody tones of both that and his next one Wind in the Wires. Then, when I heard “The Magic Position,” I kind of rolled my eyes and said, “Oh, goodness, he’s in love,” like that was a bad thing. But it’s really not. I was kidding. It’s a very good thing. This is such cute music and I liked it a lot. I like that he does different things with his music, and if it’s influenced by what kind of mood he’s in, all the better! I feel like his music is very true to how he’s feeling at the time.

Anyway, it’s a very perky and cute tune that you can’t help but clap to - really. I saw him perform a couple of years ago and he made us clap. He refused to play until we all agreed to clap at the appropriate parts of this song (you’ll know which parts I’m talking about).