Gaslight Anthem - Wherefore Art Thou, Elvis?

It’s been a long time since I’ve posted on here. Far too long! So I’m coming back with a wonderful song that I only discovered last night. I’ve been a massive Gaslight Anthem fan for about 2 years now, and have had their EP,  Senor and the Queen, as long as all their other albums, but never thought to actually give it a listen. What a stupid idea that was, because upon first listen I was hooked, just like with all their other material. 

The sound is obviously a lot less polished, a lot more raw, than their full length albums, but those famous, anthem like choruses and verses are here in abundance. In my opinion, it’s a lot less focused on Brian Fallon’s vocals, letting the other instruments shine. That is not to say on their later releases they are just ‘Brian Fallon & band’.

I’ve chosen this song to post, because I adore the varying in instrument lines. Each instrument has it’s own time to shine, even including a very interesting bass line in the bridge. 

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.

“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).

“Our Window” by Noah & the Whale

Noah & the Whale is a British folk band I stumbled upon quite accidentally. Intending to download the Iron & Wine discography, I instead downloaded a torrent filled with a sampling of different kinds of music. Noah & the Whale was included in this group. I was initially attracted to the soft, subtle expression of emotion that the band delivered through the song “The First Days of Spring.” However, I never thought to download more than the one track I had until a friend of mine reminded me of their existence yesterday. Upon downloading The First Days of Spring in its entirety, I have discovered that they have more than just one good song to brag about.

“Our Window” is a quiet song that looks at the subject of breaking up, as much of The First Days of Spring does. There is something about the almost flat sound of Charlie Fink’s voice combined with the lyrics that makes it sound so sincere. You can almost picture Fink at this window he describes, musing about his dying love with female vocalist and former band member Laura Marling. This song and this entire album offers an intimate look at the pain of falling apart and the hope of putting the pieces back together again.

To learn more about Noah & the Whale go here.