Just Another Opinion on Music

018 Breathless

2008-12-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

Artist: Corinne Bailey Rae
Song: Breathless
Album: Corinne Bailey Rae

Seems like everyone else has a love just for them,
I don't mind, we have such a good time,
My best friend, but sometimes, well,
I wish we could be more than friends,
Tell me do you know?
Tell me do you know?
Oh..

I get so breathless, when you call my name,
I've often wondered, do you feel the same?
There's a chemistry, energy, a synchronicity
When we're all alone,
So don't tell me
You can't see
What I'm thinking of.

I can understand that you don't want to cross the line,
And you know i can't promise you things,
Will turn out fine,
But i have to be honest, I want you to be mine
Tell me do you know?
Tell me do you know?
Oh...

I get so breathless, when you call my name,
I've often wondered, do you feel the same?
There's a chemistry, energy, a synchronicity
When we're all alone,
So don't tell me
You can't see
Oh!

'Cause I've tried to do this right in your own time
I've been telling with my eyes, my heart's on fire,
Why don't you realise?
Tell me do you know?
Tell me do you know?
I get so breathless...

~~~

Let's not even dive into the lyrics of the song because it's so blatant and simple that it would be quite impossible not to understand what it's about. The gist of it - girl likes best friend - wonders if he feels the same - wouldn't believe it if he doesn't know something's going on.

What impresses me most is how an artist (truly an artist, in this sense) is able to turn such simple feelings in a simple story into something so much deeper and appealing than it would have been if you tried to complicate it unnecessarily. I can now truly say I appreciate the simplicity in lyrics the moment the last word of the last song in this album was played.

Of course with simplicity of lyrics comes the risk of boring listeners with the same ol' shiat. Corinne however sidesteps this with the help of her soulful voice and the brilliant use of jazzy instruments to satisfy those with a more sophisticated pallate in music. Not unlike Jamie Cullum, a listen to any of Corinne's songs is almost the equivalent of peering into their souls, feeling their feelings along with them and knowing that they mean every single word and note they use.

I don't actually have much to say about this song in particular, but I was convinced to do so after listening to the album which just makes you inspired by its beauty. Consistent throughout, with no fillers (songs that are marginally 'album material' and were thrown in just to sell more records). If you were to ask me to recommend songs from this album, I'd tell you to listen to Like A Star, Enchantment, Put Your Records On, Till It Happens to You, Trouble Sleeping, Call Me When You Get This, Choux Pastry Heart, Breathless, I'd Like To, Butterfly, and Seasons Change. Which if you were smart enough to guess, is every song in the album =)

I truly appreciate how real she is in her music.

Lyrics: 4.6
Tune: 4.5
Instruments: 5
Vocals: 5

017 St. Patrick's Day

2008-11-06T06:04:00.000-08:00

Artist: John Mayer
Song: St. Patrick's Day
Album: Room for Squares

Here comes the cold
Break out the winter clothes
And find a love to call your own
You - enter you
Your cheeks a shade of pink
And the rest of you in powder blue

Who knows what will be
But I'll make you this guarantee

No way November will see our goodbye
When it comes to December it's obvious why
No one wants to be alone at Christmas time

In the dark, on the phone
You tell me the names of your brothers
And your favorite colors
I'm learning you
And when it snows again
We'll take a walk outside
And search the sky
Like children do

No way November will see our goodbye
When it comes to December it's obvious why
No one wants to be alone at Christmas time
And come January we're frozen inside
Making new resolutions a hundred times
February, won't you be my valentine?

And we'll both be safe 'til St. Patrrick's Day

We should take a ride tonight around the town
and look around at all the beautiful houses
something in the way that blue lights on a black night
can make you feel more
everybody, it seems to me, just wants to be
just like you and me

No one wants to be alone at Christmas time
Come January we're frozen inside
Making new resolutions a hundred times
February, won't you be my valentine?

And if our always is all that we gave
And we someday take that away
I'll be alright if it was just 'til St. Patrick's Day

~~~

At first glance this just seems to be another mainstream love song with a great tune and nothing more to offer. That of course almost never applies to John Mayer's songs, and we realize this when we look into the lyrics.

I'm slightly biased because I'm a big fan of this kind of thing. Depressing stories and lost causes explained in a tone that's somewhat 'helpless, but has a tinge of optimism' (think Panic at the Disco lyrics). I think the song is about a relationship that's inevitably heading for an end. The messed up thing is that because nobody wants to be alone during the festive season, the couple just remains to act as though nothing's wrong, going through the few months of Christmas (December), New Year (January), Valentines (February), and lastly, St. Patrick's Day (March) and when there's nothing exciting in sight anymore, when there's nothing to celebrate, it all crumbles - as was foreseen.

"We should take a ride tonight around the town
and look around at all the beautiful houses
something in the way that blue lights on a black night
can make you feel more
everybody, it seems to me, just wants to be
just like you and me"

indicates that things will go as normal on the outside, so much so that people who are alone at this time would be envious of them; yet they don't realize how fragile their relationship actually is.

"We'll be safe 'til St. Patrick's Day"

indicates that their relationship will stay solid because none of them will bear to leave the other during this season, afraid of being alone. But what would actually happen after that is uncertain and the songwriter refuses to promise anything.

"And if our always is all that we gave
And we someday take that away
I'll be alright if it was just 'til St. Patrick's Day"

indicates that he'll be fine if everything they've gone through and all the sacrifices they've made just don't pay off and it all ends, as long as it was just until St. Patrick's Day.

Now that we've set aside that these lyrics are brilliant and John Mayer is still one of the best songwriters in the world, let's move on to the tune and instruments.

It's disgusting. Disgusting that Mayer has this amazing talent to write a song with lyrics this good and create a tune with his guitar so beautiful that it becomes one perfect package. The song is 5 minutes and 21 seconds long, yet it's possible to listen to it a million times without getting bored because it's not repetitive, there are fresh bits here and there, and there's just so much change in rhythm throughout, that it's literally exciting to keep listening to the same song.

Last criterion, vocals? All I can say is these are one of the songs you just CAN'T sing if you don't have an amazing voice because:
a) You'll spoil the song, and it's practically disrespecting the artist.
b) It has such a wide range of ups and downs that your voice has to be brilliant to even attempt to it.
And John Mayer does it perfectly well.

Lyrics: 5
Tune: 5
Instruments: 5
Vocals: 5

What can I say. This is probably one of the most close-to-perfect songs I've heard in my life. =)

I would kill to see this performed live. I really would. Just hand me a blunt knife and someone to kill.

016 Selalu Denganmu

2008-10-23T13:35:00.001-07:00

Artist: Atilia
Song: Selalu Denganmu
Album: Sangkar

Adakah waktu yang tak berbatas
Untukku merasa bahagia
Saat saat aku jatuh cinta
Saatku terbang jauh ke sana

Selalu denganmu
Kasihku selamanya
Selalu denganmu
Cintaku bersama
Kaulah matahari
Dalam hidupku
Dan kaulah cahaya bulan
Dimalamku
Hadirmu selalu akan ku tunggu
Cintamu selalu akan ku rindu
Dan tiada lagi batas ruang waktu

Tahukah kau diriku tak sanggup hidup
Bilaku jauh darimu ku ingin dipelukanmu
Ohh Tuhan tetapkan rasa cintaku ini
Hanya untukmu selalu setia
selama-lamanya ooohhhh

Kaulah matahari
Dalam hidupku
Dan kaulah cahaya bulan
Dimalamku
Hadirmu selalu akan ku tunggu
Cintamu selalu akan ku rindu
Dan tiada lagi batas ruang waktu

ohhhh

Tahu kah kau diriku tak sanggup hidup
Bilaku jauh darimu ku ingin dipelukanmu selalu
Ohh Tuhan tetapkan rasa cintaku ini
Hanya untukmu selalu setia
selama-lamanya ohhhh

Tahukah kau diriku tak sanggup hidup
Bilaku jauh darimu ku ingin dipelukan mu
Ohh Tuhan tetapkan rasa cintaku ini
Hanya untukmu selalu setia
selama-lamanya ohhhh

I want to comment about something else for a change. Let us be fair and for once or a few times, we'll make music reviews about non-English songs. As music is universal in nature, and it will only be fair that this blog is exposed to other forms of language. Here, I'll be touching on my native language - Bahasa Malaysia.

I like this singer because she did a really good job in a genre which is not that famous back home - jazz. Okay, not that jazz, as there are also a hint of pop into it. Like most Malay songs, it revolves around romance. However, this is not the typical romance shit I've been listening to.

I love the way she sings the song - it makes me feel cheerful on a cold autumn night. The vocals, the beat, the instruments blend in so well in this song. Kudos to the songwriter and composer of the song. The lyrics are not deep but put it this way. Listen to the song and you'll understand why the lyrics aren't deep; the song has that lounge feel, to chill and to make people feel relaxed - put it bluntly, these are the type of songs that you'll hear in official dinners.

If you decide to check it out, I'd also recommend Duyong. Cheers mates!

Lyrics: 3
Tune: 5
Instruments: 5
Vocals: 5

015 Teenage Love Affair

2008-10-23T08:32:00.000-07:00

Artist: Alicia Keys
Song: Teenage Love Affair
Album: As I Am

Can't wait to get home
Baby dial your number
Can u pick up the phone
Cause I wanna holla
Daydreaming about you all day
In school can't concentrate
Want have your voice in my ear
'Till ma comes and says its too late
When the lights are on outside
Could you find somewhere to hide
Cause I just don't want to say goodbye
Cause you are my baby baby

Nothing really matters
I don't really care
What nobody tell me
I'm gunna be here
It's a matter of extreme importance
My first teenage love affair

Another secret meeting
On the 5th floor stair case
I'm wanna give you this letter
Of all the things I cant say
Want you to be my first my last my ending and beginning
I wrote your name in my book
You last name my first
I'm your Mrs.

When the lights are on outside
Could you find somewhere to hide
Cause I just don't want to say goodbye
Cause you are my baby baby

Nothing really matters
I don't really care
What nobody tell me
I'm gunna be here
It's a matter of extreme importance
My first teenage love affair

Hey boy
You know I really like being with u right?
Just hanging out with you is fun

So maybe we can go to first base
Because I feel you
Second base
Want you to feel me too
Third base
Better pump the breaks
Well baby slow down
I gotta go home now

Cause the lights are on outside
Wish there was somewhere to hide
Cause I just don't want to say goodbye
Cause you are my baby baby

Nothing really matters
I don't really care
What nobody tell me
I'm gunna be here
It's a matter of extreme importance
my first teenage love affair

My baby baby
Nothing really matters
I don't really care
What nobody tell me
I'm gunna be here
It's a matter of extreme importance
My first teenage love affair

~~~

Time for my first mixed review.

Instruments and tune are unique, slightly pop-ish, but not too mainstream (despite of it being that popular in charts). High amount of energy, which was very well brought out by an artist who just has that flair with these styles of songs, Alicia Keys.

The ONLY thing that this song lacks is substance in terms of lyrics. Of course at a glance, this song would sound like something I'd definitely be listening to and singing along to in the future a lot, because it's catchy and it's full of energy. But this is me. The moment I see lyrics that just don't fulfill that little quota of 'substantial lyrics', I can't progress from there.

The thing that troubles me so much is that to me, there was so much potential in this song to be something SO much greater, just with slightly better songwriting. No doubt Alicia Keys does appeal to people of all age, but targeting a younger age group using this song was a huge mistake. Yes she is recognized in a huge field, but why not reach for a bigger area while you have a weapon this strong (the song) at your disposal? You are Alicia Keys, for the love of God, the woman who sang powerful, memorable songs like "Superwoman", "No One" and "If I Ain't Got You"! You've proven how good you can be, keep it at that!

I don't know, maybe it just relates more to Alicia Keys / the other songwriters, but I just feel that the full potential just wasn't reached.

Beautiful voice, beautiful song, tainted by mediocre / below average lyrics.

PS: She looks freaking gorgeous in the video clip.

Lyrics: 3.2
Tune: 4.9
Instruments: 4.7
Vocals: 5

014 Details in the Fabric

2008-08-21T07:42:00.000-07:00

Artist: Jason Mraz feat. James Morrison
Song: Details in the Fabric
Album: We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things

Calm down
Deep breaths
And get yourself dressed instead
Of running around
And pulling all your threads and
Breaking yourself up

If it's a broken part, replace it
If it’s a broken arm then brace it
If it's a broken heart then face it

And hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
Hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way

And everything will be fine

Hang on
Help is on the way
Stay strong
I'm doing everything

Hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
Hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way

And everything
Everything will be fine
Everything

Are the details in the fabric
Are the things that make you panic
Are your thoughts results of static cling?

Are the things that make you blow
Hell, no reason, go on and scream
If you're shocked it's just the fault
Of faulty manufacturing.

Everything will be fine
Everything in no time at all
Everything

Hold your own
And know your name
Go your own way

Are the details in the fabric (Hold your own)
Are the things that make you panic (Know your name)
Are your thoughts results of static cling? (Go your own way)

Hold your own
Know your name
Go your own way.

Are the details in the fabric (Hold your own)
Are the things that make you panic (Know your name)
Is it Mother Nature's sewing machine? (Go your own way)
Are the things that make you blow (Hold your own)
Hell no reason go on and scream (Know your name)
If you’re shocked it's just the fault (Go your own way)
Of faulty manufacturing

Everything will be fine
Everything in no time at all
Hearts will hold

~~~

This song was actually written by Jason Mraz for one of his friends who was going through some problem, which pretty much explains what the phone message at the beginning of the song (before the song was written) and the message at the end (after he heard the song) was about.

In terms of vocals, there's nothing to dispute. Jason Mraz and James Morrison both have wonderful voices that complement each other, and they both made great choices in working with each other.

When attempting to dissect the song the first time I heard it, the lyrics seemed bland and uninspired. But after a while, it catches on and the beauty of its simplicity was really brought out. I would say the same goes to the general tune of the song which was slightly repetitive and seemed like a song that would get boring real quick. That was then.

I had a change of heart.

A strong part of this song for me were the lyrics "Are the details in the fabric, Are the things that make you panic, Are your thoughts results of static cling?" To me, Jason Mraz was probably trying to put things in perspective for his friend and give a simple piece of advice - not to worry too much about the problems he was going through. Simple advice, simplifying problems, hence simple tune and lyrics.

It's as clear as that, I have nothing more to add.

~~~

The reason I chose to talk about this song is that it's one of the very few songs that got me excited. The quality in the album fluctuated a little for me, because I thought "Lucky (feat. Colbie Caillat)", "Love for a Child", "Details in the Fabric" and of course "I'm Yours" were the only ones that got me really excited. The rest of the album felt a little like fillers and random stuff, which was disappointing because I have loved Jason Mraz's previous albums in ANY genre he tries. It's hard to believe the same artist produced both "Geek in the Pink" (pop with elements of hip hop) and "Did You Get My Message" (a duet with Rachael Yamagata) in the same album, "Mr. A-Z".

My expectations were slightly higher for an artist with this much versatility, but I guess I can't be too harsh because this album did have its moments and has me hooked to it for the next couple of weeks.

Lyrics: 4.5
Tune: 4.5
Instruments: 4.5
Vocals: 5

PS: Can't wait for James Morrison's new album ;)

013 Take a Bow

2008-06-21T07:27:00.001-07:00

Artist: Rihanna
Song: Take a Bow
Album: Good Girl Gone Bad

How bout a round of applause?
Standin ovation...
Ooooh
Yeah yeah yeah yeah

You look so dumb right now
Standin' outside my house
Tryin' to apologize
You're so ugly when you cry
(Please)
Just cut it out

Don't tell me you're sorry cuz you're not
Baby when I know you're only sorry you got caught

But you put on quite a show
You really had me goin'
But now it's time to go
Curtains finally closin'
That was quite a show
Very entertainin'
But it's over now
Go on and take a bow

Grab your clothes and get gone
(You better hurry up)
Before the sprinklers come on
Talkin' bout "Girl, I love you you're the one..."
This just looks like a re-run
(Please)
What else is on?

And don't tell me you're sorry cuz you're not
Baby when I know you're only sorry you got caught

But you put on quite a show
You really had me goin'
But now it's time to go
Curtains finally closin'
That was quite a show
Very entertainin'
But it's over now
Go on and take a bow

ohhhhhh And the award for the best liar goes to you
For makin' me believe
That you could be
Faithful to me
Let's hear your speech
oh...

How bout a round of applause?{laugh}
Standin' ovation.......

But you put on quite a show
You really had me goin'
Now it's time to go
Curtains finally closin'
That was quite a show
Very entertaining' eyeahhhhh
But it's over now
Go on and take a bow

But it's over now...

~~~

Artists simply need to know their place. Different artists were meant to excel at their individual genres, and being good at just one is quite sufficient to boost you to stardom. Although Rihanna isn't exactly my 'cup of tea', let alone 'cup of steaming hot faeces', and although I feel like ending my life the moment I hear one note of any of her songs, I have to give her credit for doing well at her genre (whatever that may be).

Until this.

I feel this is one of the biggest pitfalls of many artists today. In trying to succeed in a more gentle or 'meaningful' genre, the artist loses all its appeal (if there was any to begin with). The only people who would even stop to think about these sort of songs are ones who are so far up Rihanna's ass that they can't hear a single note of what she was 'singing'.

This song was slightly tricky in the sense that it sounds alright if you just listen to a particular segment of it. But when you follow through the journey of her horrendous, almost pitch-less singing, you start to wonder why you ever gave the song a shot.

The lyrics, at the very least, I suppose were used well to tell a story. In a straightforward, boring, all-my-teenager-fans-no-matter-how-stupid-they-are-will-understand-it manner. Which I suppose is fine in the sense that it's a smart way to capitalize on retards and make a truckload of money. But fucking unforgivable in the sense that you can still call it music after doing something as despicable as that.

I think what irks me the most is how people still swallow up these records and look up to her like she's a brilliant musician. Look, I'm all for everyone having their own opinion and all that but just as it would hurt me to see people pour their heart and soul into something arising out of false hope, I feel the exact same way about people who are deluded enough to consider this sort of thing a song.

Also there are people who are in the opinion that Rihanna's songs are rather catchy. Yes, I do admit that to a certain extent, they have infectious tunes that play in your head over and over when you're trying to get some bloody sleep. But really, that's not a good thing. I give no credit to her or her producers for such a thing because the memory of a bad thing is worse than a memory of nothing at all. It sticks to the walls of your brain like bad food sticks to your palate, constantly reminding you of what garbage you've put in your mouth / let in your ears.

I know I say this a lot, but I've never meant it this much about anything else when I say, if John Lennon was resurrected from the dead, he'd just shoot himself after listening to this.

Lyrics: 1.5
Tune: 0.1 (for having a tune as opposed to just reading words)
Instruments: Instru-whats?
Vocals: 0.2 (0.1 for actually having vocals, and 0.1 for providing a voice that would admittedly be slightly better than listening to a tone-deaf person sing)

012 Viva La Vida

2008-06-19T10:31:00.000-07:00

Artist: Coldplay

Song: Viva La Vida

Album: Viva La Vida or Death to All His Friends

One day, I was browsing the internet for guitar tabs and I stumbled upon this on the top 100 tabs. I decided to check it out and to my surprise; the song barely had guitar plays in it. However, it sounds less “Coldplay-ish”. As we all know, Coldplay have this reputation of playing songs which are almost similar to each other, so this song was a big contrast to their usual stuff. If I’m not wrong, this band wanted to make this album ‘different’ than their other albums but I doubt it since their other songs still have this “Coldplay-ish” aura.

Okay, to the song. I love their intro, which they have this organ/keyboard intro which makes me go,”Hey, I should listen to this”. The song is a harmonious one with all the instruments are at the right place at the right time. As for vocals, I’ve heard that Martin (the singer) actually reduced his vocals a pitch lower but if you ask me, I still think it’s still the same. But his vocals are good and not those crappy vocalists, so I’m not complaining :P

Lyrics: For the first time, I actually understand what the song is trying to convey its message. This song is about the rise and fall of a leader/conqueror/king/emperor/someone in a civilisation. The best part is that I can actually relate the lyrics to history. I’ll show you:

I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own

This part reminds me of China’s last Emperor, Pu Yi who lost his throne during the Revolution of 1912. He died later being no-one in the 1960’s.

And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt, and pillars of sand

This one reminds me of salt being a valuable commodity in the past. Civilisations flourish because of it.

It was the wicked and wild win
Blew down the doors to let me in
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People couldn't believe what I'd become

Revolutionaries wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string (Ooooh)
Ah, who would ever want to be king?

This, reminds me of the French and Russian Revolution. People are not happy with their Kings, so off with their heads. Louis XVI was beheaded by the guillotine. Tsar Nicholas and his family was shot, burned and disfigured by the Bolsheviks. Oh, Charles I got beheaded because he made things that made Parliament and the people angry.

Damn, I feel like a geek now XD

My favourite line is this: "Now the old king is dead, long live the king!"

Conclusion, have a go at this song whether you are a Coldplay fan or not. I’m not a Coldplay fan myself but I enjoyed myself listening to this song.

Score

Lyrics: 5
Tune: 5
Instruments: 4
Vocals: 4

011 Thats What You Get

2008-05-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

Artist: Paramore

Song: Thats What You Get

Album: Riot!

After a three-month hiatus, I’ve decided to start to blog about songs again. Hopefully, other contributors would start doing the same thing too.

Ok, don’t screw me up just because I’m listening to mainstream music, this band is an exceptional one. I started to listen to this band about a year ago, and I still like to listen to them. The vocalist has a good voice and she could pull off high pitches, though their songs are teenager-ish.

You know, as always I’m not good in evaluating lyrics. But I suppose it is about blame, pain and hurt.

I like their intro, with the fast drum beats and nice guitar play. Again, I like the part in between the chorus and the verse. There it scores high on my tune value.

Vocals were great, she utilised her voice to the highest pitch. Imagine doing the same thing she did. I know I can’t do it; I’ll just end up having a sore throat. I think she could sing live too. If you bother to look out for the live versions, I’d recommend listening to their acoustics. It’s awesome.

I just have the urge to post this because I really think this band is good. Do listen to this album and their previous album, "All We Know Is Falling". Collectively, both their albums are great to listen to. Who cares about teenager image when they sound good?

Score

Lyrics: 4
Tune: 4
Instruments: 3
Vocals: 5

010 All the Same

2008-02-11T05:09:00.000-08:00

Artist: Sick Puppies

Song: All the Same

Album: Dressed Up as Life

This Aussie band is AWESOME. The vocals you hear from the album is exactly the same with their live performances. Not many bands nowadays have good vocalists. In a world where horrible-vocalists altered by some computer gizmos dominate the music scene, this band looks as if they’re an oasis in a desert. We have come to a time where good vocals do not count for being a good artist in the music industry, giving crappy songs which are over-played in the radio and simply over-rated. I just don’t understand why good, decent bands are not recognised? I’ll give you a simple question: the famous bands we hear today are their vocals up to the standards of Elvis? Beatles? Queen? Answer to that: Rarely.

I liked some their songs and decided that I should just buy their album. Went to Tower Records and Rock Corner, I came back home disappointed.

Ok, enough whining for me and now we talk about the song. Basically, the first half of the song plays in acoustic, which I’d say are lovely. Halfway through the song, it goes overdrive, not too much as into annoying people’s ears.

Honestly speaking, I don’t really know what the song is trying to say, but I think it revolves something with “main kayu tiga” (love triangle, I suppose if I translate this into English). This song is more to the sad part of a relationship, like you love someone only to find out that the person you love goes with another person. Then when the other person got dumped, he/she goes back to you.

Go ahead and tell me you'll leave again
You'll just come back running
Holding your scarred heart in hand
It's all the same
And I'll take you for who you are
If you take me for everything
And do it all over again
It's all the same

Hours slide and days go by
Till you decide to come
But in-between it always seems too long
Suddenly
But I have the skill, yeah
I have the will, to breath you in while I can
However long you stay is all that I am

The lyrics are kind of repetitive but heck, the song sounds good. Actually, I have nothing much to say about this song. But trust me; you’ll probably like this song the moment you listen to it.

Score

Lyrics: 3
Tune: 4
Instruments: 4
Vocals: 5

009 Archangel

2008-02-07T12:10:00.000-08:00

Artist : Burial
Song : Archangel
Album: Untrue

Holding you,
good at being alone, good at being alone, good at being alone
Loving you,
could it be alone, could it be alone, could it be alone
Kissing you

Holding you,
good at being alone, good at being alone, good at being alone
Loving you,
good at being alone, good at being alone, good at being alone
Kissing you,
tell me how can you,tell me I belong, tell me I belong

Holding you,
could it be alone, could it be alone, could it be alone
Loving you,
good at being alone, good at being alone, good at being alone
Kissing you,
tell me how can you,tell me I belong, tell me I belong

Holding you,
good at being alone, good at being alone, good at being alone
Loving you,
good at being alone, good at being alone, good at being alone
Kissing you,
tell me how can you,tell me I belong, tell me I belong

Holding you,
good at being alone, good at being alone, good at being alone
Loving you,
good at being alone, good at being alone, good at being alone
Kissing you,
tell me how can you,tell me I belong, tell me I belong

Holding you,
good at being alone, good at being alone, good at being alone
Loving you,
good at being alone, good at being alone, good at being alone
Kissing you,
tell me how can you,tell me I belong, tell me belong

Its not why i trust you, not why I trust you, not why I trust you,
not why I trust you,
Its not why i trust you, not why I trust you, not why I trust you,
not why I trust you,

Tell me, how can you...
Holding you,
good at being alone, good at being alone, good at being alone
Loving you,
good at being alone, good at being alone, good at being alone
Kissing you

*************************************************************************************

This So here we have Burial. The Dubstep musician who shot into fame after working on his
Song record using a Digital Audio Editor called 'Sound Forge', in the comfort of his home. I
Is wonder how pissed off other artists were when they heard about Burial. Damn it, they worked
Not til their ass practically fell off way before they hit the market, sweating their balls off,
What promoting themselves by performing for free gigs, travelled tirelessly across the whole
You States and all of a sudden, some unknown artist with the name BURIAL, popped out of
Think nowhere, Voila, his album was deemed the best album for the year 2007. And also a
It critically acclaimed album, noted by endless critics. And he's working at home!
Is. I admire Burial, honestly. Simply because artists like him give a damn about music, and music
'Untrue' alone. Why, you might ask? Have you ever heard of an Artist raking millions with his
Was music and yet, only 5 people know that he makes tunes? Yeah, that was exactly how Burial

The put it in an interview. 'Only 5 people know that i make tunes', Burial said proudly. Well, he

No.1 has a reason to be proud off, of course. Goddamn it, you're fucking no.1 and making millions,
Album and ONLY FIVE PEOPLE know about you? gawd, i'd practically spam the whole internet
For 'telling everyone about how great i am. Anyway, enough of Burial. Let's talk about 'Archangel
The Mind you, i will not be surprised at all if anyone thought the song sounded like a music
Year cassette got stuck while playing or some retarded kids started singing while hitting
2007, frantically on the turntable. OR some horny Djs happened to cum on the fucking vinyl
Rated while recording thus resulting in that particular 'sound' he has. But oh well, welcome to
By Dubstep - The current soundwave hitting the clubs in the UK. But hey, before you start
Metacritics.com swearing at the song or banging your head at your keyboard while laughing,
Burial do yourself a favor (and ME and BURIAL), by reading the lyrics. Find out what it is about.
Is The music is DARK, of course, for a reason. And if you're on the right track, you'd picture
The an unfortunate lover in a brightly litten room, shaking his head real hard hoping that it will
Fucking break off soon enough, hitting his head against the wall again and again, attacking his
Bomb. body time and time again causing serious physical damage, staring at the light bulb with
Burial his eyes wide open hoping that he will go blind.. And picture this whole scenario as a
Spins movie. And everything is moving real fast. Jumping one scene to another scene. From
Better hitting himself against the wall to the scene where he jammed his eyes to the light bulb
Than then to the scene where he's shaking his head mindlessly. You get what i mean, right?
Fucking Unrequited love. It hurts like mad, you bet. Nevertheless, welcome to
Malaysian Burial's Archangel.
OU's
Echo Park
Shitty
DJ.

And this blog is not what you think it is either.

Enjoy.

008 Gunslinger

2008-02-01T11:37:00.000-08:00

Artist : Avenged Sevenfold
Song : Gunslinger
Album : Avenged Sevenfold

Well, here goes. I wanted to at least contribute a bit on Gemynd’s pet project and well, here’s my part.

First and foremost, I’m not the person who has the talent of analysing lyrics like other contributors. I’ll like the song when I have that “good” feeling listening to them. Since most of the songs posted here are more alternative-lyrics type, I'd like to post something different.

Ok, the song starts with a country-style intro together with the slow rocker vocals, which actually makes me really hooked with. Then, the song goes overdrive into metal-mode. Warning: This part may annoy the hell out of some people's ears.

The best part will be the pre-solo part of the song, where the lyric goes:

I've always been true
I've waited so long just to come hold you
I'm making it through
It's been far too long, we've proven our
love over time's so strong, in all that we do
The stars in the night, they lend me their light
to bring me closer to heaven with you...

(Solo)

That really matches with the solo, which really makes me “high” listening to it. The solo may not have the best, fastest or longest but I can safely say this solo really make my ears pay attention to it. Hoped the solo was longer though. Haha (lame).

I think this is a good song to listen if you want to listen to songs which are heavy and instrumentally inclined for a change.

Score
Lyrics: 4
Tune: 4
Instruments: 5
Vocals: 3

007 I Will Follow You Into The Dark

2008-01-20T08:13:00.000-08:00

Artist: Death Cab For Cutie
Song: I Will Follow You Into The Dark
Album: Plans

Love of mine, some day you will die
But I'll be close behind
I'll follow you into the dark

No blinding light or tunnels to gates of white
Just our hands clasped so tight
Waiting for the hint of a spark
If Heaven and Hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the NOs on their vacancy signs

If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark

In Catholic school as vicious as Roman rule
I got my knuckles bruised by a lady in black
And I held my tongue as she told me
"Son, fear is the heart of love"
So I never went back

If Heaven and Hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the NOs on their vacancy signs

If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark

You and me have seen everything to see
From Bangkok to Calgary
And the soles of your shoes are all worn down
The time for sleep is now
It's nothing to cry about
Cause we'll hold each other soon
In the blackest of rooms

If Heaven and Hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the NOs on their vacancy signs

If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark
Then I'll follow you into the dark

~~~

So I started talking to Gemynd a while ago, and I agreed to help him with this project, which I'll admit, is a pretty cool idea. [/end blatant ass-kissing] What I didn't realize however, was that me agreeing over Facebook to contribute on this blog was a binding contract of some sort enabling him to harass me on an hourly basis with no possibility of legal relief for me.

Okay. I kid. It's really just once a day.

I told him I would choose a good first song, and this proved to be much harder than I thought. I had a couple in mind, all poignant, beautiful, moving, and...about break ups. NOW BEFORE ANYONE PANICS (or gets excited, in Gemynd's case anyway), my boyfriend and I are fine and not contemplating breaking up, etc. It's just that most music is best written when writers are depressed. It's just a fact.

I'll be the first to admit that SUPER HAPPY ZOMGZZZ songs are a guilty pleasure of mine, but surely not something this blog needs. We're supposed to be refined anyway. (Sidetrack sikit: Chewah, Gemynd, I couldn't have thought of a cooler, more elitist name). So I decided to stick to a happy medium - a love song in a darker stream.

Death Cab For Cutie is one of the most popular, lesser known bands - an oxymoron if any. Their songs and music styles are a breath of fresh air when compared to the recycled techno-pop and angsty I-hate-the-world music that grace our radio waves nowadays. Don't get me wrong though - I love Britney, Soulja Boy and Linkin Park as much as the next person - but there are times when I think the world needs to be able to sit and think about music rather than learn how to Superman a ho.

I Will Follow You Into the Dark is as the title suggests - a lover's promise to follow the one he loves, even to death. If that isn't the most darkly romantic thing you've ever heard, I don't know what is. The singer doesn't know what awaits his love when she passes - he even suggests the idea that neither Heaven nor Hell is a possible end. Yet, he chooses to remain by her side, even if that means going literally into a dark place - with no end in sight.

Of interest is the second verse pertaining to Catholic school, where the singer makes known his dislike of his education there. He was taught that "fear is the heart of love", or that from fear comes love, and not agreeing, chooses to leave the school, and possibly the faith. I believe the verse is just another way to show the singer's idea of death includes neither Heaven nor Hell, and is to him, simply darkness.

I guess, in a way, you could say that this song's central theme isn't about death per se - rather it is the use of death to define life. The singer tells his lover he is willing to follow her to death, meaning he is willing to stay with her until then. He wants to grow old with her, and be by her side for as long as he can. He is willing to follow her into uncertainty, even if that uncertainty means death, or in this case, darkness. It's not uncommon to hear of old couples who have lived and loved together for many, many years to grow extremely close. Often, when one passes, the other soon follows, and this might be the message the song is trying to convey.

On a lighter note, the song also speaks of a sort of eternal, everlasting love - one that lasts forever. The singer opens up the possibility that maybe there isn't a Heaven or a Hell in the end - just a place for him and his love to remain - happy, intact, in love and together.

And that ends my little college-version of music analysis. Even if you don't download (via iTunes, or Limewire, teehee) Plans, try and get a hold of this piece. It truly is a beautiful song, one of those that you probably wouldn't mind keeping on repeat. Acoustic and simple, it has an optimistic feel and a dash of not sadness - rather - melancholy, enough to keep you hooked. While the vocals certainly aren't Whintey Houston/Kelly Clarkson-esque, its simplicity fits the song perfectly, and makes I Will Follow You Into the Dark a complete and beautiful package.

Overall, a wonderful piece in a wonderful album.

Score
Lyrics: 5
Tune: 4.5
Instruments: 4
Vocals: 4

p.s. Boyfriend - I'll follow YOU into the dark. :P I love you. :)

006 Collie Herb Man

2008-01-18T07:49:00.000-08:00

Artist: Katchafire

Song: Collie Herb Man

Album: Revival

What would you say if a collie man comes for you
What would you do if a collie man comes for you yeah
I’m gonna run and steppa
To this here groove come down to the dance off hall
Grooves tight geta grippa
Come on and dance with me to the rhythm of love

Collie herb man mixed with the sound system
Me got some good karma – it’s good marijuana
Come share it with me yeah
Collie herb man mixed with the sound system
Me got some good karma – it’s good marijuana

~~~

Imagine dreadlocks, imagine taking a drag from a roll that has probably been in the mouths of a dozen people or more, and an Asian boy on the dancefloor doing his 'thang'...

Watching them play live is quite an experience. In a dhingy little room, with a mug of beer in one hand, the smell of stale sweat and weed lingering in the air, sweaty bodies, smelly armpits,a scene not for the faint-hearted. (you should have seen the look on my face!)

This 7 piece band with a pretty spiffy but unfortunately married lead is one to watch.

Whoever wrote this song was most probably 'high' on something, high on life I would like to presume, but I have my doubts, obviously.Though they aren't performing spectacularly well in the lyric writing department, they compensate for this by playing a really tight set each time they perform. With a greying saxaphonist/keyboardist who seems to enjoy flashing his hairy chest to screaming girls, a brother on lead vocals, another on the bongos/bass, and the youngest on drums they really aren't too shabby. Vocals on this aren't fantastic either, but its a voice suited for reggae. Its gruff, not entirely polished, and possibly not one which can do a 5 octave scale.

This song or most of their songs for that matter leans towards the feel good/chill out listen rather than the 'readintothisandfeelmytorturedsoul' kind of music.

Its certainly something, somehow, somewhat of the ordinary.Different from the many 'love' songs which gives you that warm fuzzy feeling inside, this song like many from this genre acts as a natural 'pickmeup' (for me anyway)

Unless you're anywhere near New Zealand, or Asianinfestedland, I really doubt that you'll be able to experience them live anytime soon, but unlike small scale local recordings, theirs isn't too shabby.

So give them a go, if you're out there looking for something different.

Score
Lyrics: 1
Tune: 4
Instruments: 5
Vocals: 3

005 Apologize

2008-01-14T01:30:00.000-08:00

Artist: One Republic feat. Timbaland
Song: Apologize
Album: Dreaming Out Loud (2007)

I'm holding on your rope,
Got me ten feet off the ground
And I'm hearing what you say but I just can't make a sound
You tell me that you need me
Then you go and cut me down, but wait
You tell me that you're sorry
Didn't think I'd turn around, and say...

Chorus
That it's too late to apologize
It's too late
I said it's too late to apologize
It's too late

I'd take another chance, take a fall
Take a shot for you
And I need you like a heart needs a beat
But it's nothing new - yeah
I loved you with the a fire red-

Now it's turning blue, and you say...
"Sorry" like an angel
Heaven let me think was you
But I'm afraid...

Chorus

Whoaa ohhh...

Bridge (guitar/piano)

hey, hey...

It's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, yeah-
I said it's too late to apologize, yeah-
I'm holding on your rope, got me ten feet... off the ground...

~~~

It's been a few months since this song has been out and I ask myself the same question every time I hear it. How is this music?!

There have been songs that made me change my mind after a while, like Justin Timberlake's Sexy Back, and pretty much almost every Black Eyed Peas song; all of which I find annoying and mindless on the first try, but get hooked on the slightly bearable tune.

Nothing has changed here.

I wouldn't even say we're dealing with an overrated song. An overrated song would at least have the essence of an alright song, then gets blown out of proportion to seem like a fantastic song. There's nothing about this song even slightly charming!

The lyrics are horribly corny, but that doesn't get to me as much as the accompaniment of a bunch of talentless high-pitched voices. I'd be subjective and say, even if I did like this song, I'd get tired of it so fast because the tune and the awful sentences they put together that they call 'lyrics' are so repetitive.

Quite simply, this song is infectiously nauseating.

Score
Lyrics: 3
Tune: 0.3
Instruments: 2
Vocals: 3 (I'll go as far as saying that they have decent voices that can reach a good high pitch, but it doesn't make the song any better)

004 Grazed Knees

2008-01-13T11:33:00.000-08:00

Artist: Snow Patrol
Song: Grazed Knees
Album: Final Straw (2004)

I'm trying not to stare, it's too late
The blanket's over there, if you like
I'm broken and I'm colder than hell
I should've said I'd not come back here

Your breakfast will get cold
I really have to go

It's easier to lie and be safe
Time and time again I'm half stalled
One giant leap of faith is easy
When everyone you ask is so sure

Just give a second thought
What if we don't get caught

Just say you love me now
And forget this whole row
Just save your energy
For making up with me

~~~

First post! Hello, all. Forgive me if my evaluations aren't as meaningful as my blog buddy's; I've never gone further than along the lines of "OMG! LOOOVE!" when I blog about music, so it might take a while before I truly master the art of song-dissecting.

I bought this CD after carelessly downloading and falling in love with one of Snow Patrol's biggest hits, "Run", out of plain curiosity. I've never heard of the band prior to that and I didn't know anyone who had, either. It really baffles me why Eyes Open, their 2006 album (the one with that painfully overplayed track, "Chasing Cars") was the album that got them recognition in the Malaysian mainstream. It holds nothing compared to Final Straw, in my opinion.

Anyway, back to the song. When I listened to it the first time, I could imagine a whole scenario going on: A couple in bed one morning, staring straight onto the ceiling, contemplating in remorse over what has happened, what is happening, to them. They were lying down so close to each other, and yet, it felt like there was something - a wall? - keeping them apart.

This song - though more gentle and melancholic - like the rest of the album, contains elements that makes Final Straw one of my favourite albums of all time. The simple yet effective tune embellished by gorgeous instruments and variations, the beautifully-written lyrics, and not forgetting, the powerful, melodic, full-of-emotion vocals by Gary Lightbody.

I truly, truly recommend this album. Especially if you like/have heard of Snow Patrol or you're into the softer alternative rock genre (e.g. Coldplay, Keane), but have never tried this album. You're definitely missing out.

I'm broken and I'm colder than hell
I should've said I'd not come back here

The song, to me, is mainly about one thing: Regret. And it was represented so beautifully, too.

Score
Lyrics: 4.9
Tune: 4.8
Instruments: 5
Vocals: 4.9

003 Wonderful World

2008-01-11T17:28:00.000-08:00

Artist: James Morrison
Song: Wonderful World
Album: Undiscovered (2006)

I've been down so low
People look at me and they know
They can tell something is wrong
Like I don't belong

Staring through a window
Standing outside, they're just too happy to care tonight
I want to be like them
But I'll mess it up again

I tripped on my way in
And got kicked outside, everybody saw...

And I know that it's a wonderful world
But I can't feel it right now
Well I thought that I was doing well
But I just want to cry now
Well I know that it's a wonderful world
From the sky down to the sea
But I can only see it when you're here, here with me

Sometimes I feel so full of love
It just comes spilling out
It's uncomfortable to see
I give it away so easily
But if I had someone I would do anything
I'd never, never, ever let you feel alone
I won't I won't leave you, on your own

But who am I to dream?
Dreams are for fools, they let you down...

And I know that it's a wonderful world
But I can't feel it right now
Well I thought that I was doing well
But I just want to cry now
Well I know that it's a wonderful world
From the sky down to the sea
But I can only see it when you're here, here with me

And I wish that I could make it better
I'd give anything for you to call me, or maybe just a little letter
Oh, we could start again

And I know that it's a wonderful world
But I can't feel it right now
Well I thought that I was doing well
But I just want to cry now
Well I know that it's a wonderful world
From the sky down to the sea
But I can only see it when you're here, here with me

And I know that it's a wonderful world
I can't feel it right now
I got all the right clothes to wear
I just want to cry now
Well I know that it's a wonderful world
From the sky down to the sea
But I can only see it when you're here, here with me

And I know that it's a wonderful world
When you're with me

~~~

I think the lyrics are simple and self explanatory, but beautiful nonetheless. On closer inspection, it doesn't even seem like a typical emo song (I need to stop using that word). He accepts that it is indeed a wonderful world, which proves he's not completely blinded by his sadness, yet can't seem to force himself to appreciate it without that special person.

The lyrics seem to be quite corny if you don't actually know the song, but Morrison makes the song what it is with his amazingly unique voice. In terms of lyrics per se, this is probably the best song in Undiscovered, but in terms of vocals and tune, it is comparable to You Give Me Something, The Pieces Don't Fit Anymore, One Last Chance, Undiscovered, The Letter, This Boy, and The Last Goodbye.

The songs in the album balance each other out pretty well on the whole. Some are slow and easy on the soul and the others are packed with energy, displayed mostly in Morrison's voice. I can't get into much of the specifics of this particular song, just that I would highly recommend this album. It's easy to listen to and would appeal to a lot of people, whether or not you like this kind of genre.

Score
Lyrics: 4.9
Tune: 4.9
Instruments: 4.8
Vocals: 5

PS: I would probably cry if I watched him perform live. Definitely one of my favourite artists of all time.

002 Twenty-twenty Surgery

2008-01-10T04:07:00.000-08:00

Artist: Taking Back Sunday
Song: Twenty-twenty Surgery
Album: Louder Now (2006)

I'll take with me every single luxury.
When I leave you can,
Count on me for that and nothing more.
(Count on me for that and nothing more.)
The view from this side's not what,
The view from this side's not what,
I thought it'd be.
Promise something differently.
Close our eyes and let go of the wheel.

It's not the quality that bothers me.
(No it's not the quality that bothers me.)
No it's not the quality that bothers me...
It's the means.

Twenty-twenty surgery.
Well, twenty-twenty surgery for cheap.
Dollar signs doll up a picture perfect point of view.
Twenty-twenty surgery.
Well, twenty-twenty surgery for cheap.
Dollar signs doll up a picture perfect point of view.

Well all young children listen,
'Cause they've got so much to learn.
(Turn it in, tune out.)
We'll get you home in time to make...
The rent should be for free for being me.

It's not the quantity that bothers me.
(No it's not the quantity that bothers me.)
No it's not the quality that bothers me...
It's the means.

Twenty-twenty surgery.
Well, twenty-twenty surgery for cheap.
Dollar signs doll up a picture perfect point of view.
Twenty-twenty surgery.
Well, twenty-twenty surgery for cheap.
Dollar signs doll up a picture perfect point of view.

I do, I don't need you like you think...
I do, I don't, I don't need you like you think...
I do, I don't, I don't need you like you think...
I do, you don't, you just don't... leave me alone.

Twenty-twenty surgery.
Well, twenty-twenty surgery for cheap.
Dollar signs doll up a picture perfect point of view.
Twenty-twenty surgery.
Well, twenty-twenty surgery for cheap.
Dollar signs doll up a picture perfect point of view.

You're so sensitive.
I am, I am a machine.
You're so sensitive.
I am, I am a machine.
You're so sensitive.
I am, I am a machine.
You're so sensitive.
I am, I am a machine

~~~

Taking Back Sunday generally seems to be in that genre where people label them "some emo kids who are talking about suicide". I have to admit I've succumbed to making that stereotypical judgment before but have completely changed my mind after closer inspection of the lyrics. You could even say I just had 'Twenty-twenty Surgery'.

The lyrics of this particular song are quite controversial and there have been a lot of theories as to what it is about. I'll go with the one I think makes most sense. The phrase 'Twenty-twenty Surgery' itself seems to be a metaphor for having your eyes opened and realizing the truth about something (as in twenty-twenty vision).

In further detail, "The view from this side's not what, I thought it'd be," seems to support this theory. It somewhat shows he had anticipated a certain downfall after an event which he had control over, and was fearing to regret. However, being in that position after letting go, he hadn't regretted the decision and believed it worked out for the best.

For even more specific detail, the song seems to revolve around the end of a relationship, not necessarily a romantic one. I've done some reading about it and apparently it might be a reference to one of their band members leaving to form his own group. I don't think that's what's important, though.

The genre's not for everyone, and some might think it's a bit whiny. But my opinion remains the same. If the general public can listen to stuff like *cough* My Chemical Romance, nothing will be too whiny.

That aside, what's Taking Back Sunday without their signature part of the song, "I do, I don't need you like you think..."? I personally think that those parts of the song are a fantastic way for bands like Taking Back Sunday to exhibit the range of their vocals and prove they aren't just walking stereotypes. And besides, it's catchy as hell.

The song was very well pieced and if you don't want to go beyond a catchy tune, you'd still be satisfied.

Score
Lyrics: 4.9
Tune: 4.8
Instruments: 4.9
Vocals: 4.8

001 Something's Missing

2008-01-08T23:52:00.000-08:00

Artist: John Mayer
Song: Something's Missing
Album: Heavier Things (2003)

I'm not alone, I wish I was
'Cause then I'd know I was down because
I couldn't find a friend around
To love me like they do right now
They do right now

I'm dizzy from the shopping mall
I searched for joy but I bought it all
It doesn't help the hunger pains
And a thirst I'd have to drown first to ever satiate

Something's missing
And I don't know how to fix it
Something's missing
And I don't know what it is
No I don't know what it is
At all

When Autumn comes, it doesn't ask
It just walks in where it left you last
You never know when it starts
Until there's fog inside the glass around your summer heart*

Something's missing
And I don't know how to fix it
Something's missing
And I don't know what it is, no I don't know what it is
At all

I can't be sure that this state of mind
Is not of my own design
I wish there was an over-the-counter test for loneliness
For loneliness like this

Something's missing
And I don't know how to fix it
Something's missing
And I don't know what it is
No I don't know what it is

Something's different
And I don't know what it is
No I don't know what it is

Friends - check
Money - check
Well-slept - check
Opposite sex - check
Guitar - check
Microphone - check
Messages waiting on me when I come home - check

How come everything I think I need
Always comes with batteries?
What do you think it means?
How come everything I think I need...
Always comes with batteries?

~~~

The song itself is simple as hell. The lyrics are straightforward and these are feelings most people can relate to. I'm one of those people who can lie awake for hours before finally getting to sleep because there are things left unsettled, even when I don't know what it is.

I absolutely love the metaphors he uses, like in the forth paragraph, where he talks about the change of seasons. I think it truly reflects how much we can feel this way especially when changes abruptly walk into your life.

The closing, "How come everything I think I need, always comes with batteries?" also just proves what a brilliant songwriter John Mayer is. A simple statement like that to reflect on how materialistic we all are sometimes even when we don't realize it.

In general, the tune is soothing and the voice in which Mayer sings it truly displays a sense of despair and definitely reflects the nature of the song. I can't think of any other artist that would even come close to be able to pull it off like Mayer did.

Score
Lyrics: 4.9
Tune: 4.6
Instruments: 4.8
Vocals: 5