This Week’s Playlist

1. Before I Forget-Slipknot
2. You Make Me Sick-Egypt Central
3. Silver Lining-Rilo Kiley
4. Phenomena-Yeah Yeah Yeahs
5. Beautiful You-Saving Abel
6. The Kelly Affair-Be Your Own Pet
7. I Will Possess Your Heart-Death Cab for Cutie
8. Inside the Fire-Disturbed
9. Saints of Los Angeles-Motley Crue
10. Home-Bobaflex

Music Video of the Week
That Green Gentleman-Panic at the Disco
I never grow tired of Panic’s offbeat, quirky style. It’s so fun and carefree. This song as well as the video showcases that. Their sophomore album, Pretty. Odd. has gotten many rave reviews, including my own. I absolutely love the folk and 60’s influence of this song and of the video. It’s very Carnivale, but in a good way. I especially loved the final shot of the little porcelain dolls arranged in a ‘Cingular bar’ formation.

Juno soundtrack-indie rock at it's best.

After I saw the cult hit Juno in theaters, I just had to buy the soundtrack. Normally I’m not really into indie rock, but the movie as well as the soundtrack has made me a die-hard fan. With tracks from Sonic Youth, Kimya Dawson, and Antsy Pants, as well as a duet cover of the Moldy Peaches’ Anyone Else But You from Ellen Page and Michael Cera, the Juno soundtrack is a hard one to beat. The fact that Ellen Page got an award at the MTV movie awards makes it even better.

Song of the Week:
Hip-Hop Saved My Life-Lupe Fiasco ft. Nikki Jean
Another of the many underrated musicians in the music industry, rapper Lupe Fiasco really delivers in his newest single. Rather than rap about how he’s ‘The Boss’ or about how he gets all the booty, he chose to tell a story about an aspiring rapper’s rough rise to the top. The lilting vocals in the chorus by Nikki Jean add to the track rather than take away from it. This track, in my opinion, is one of the best rap songs in a while.

Album of the Week:
Black Tide-Light From Above
One listen to this Miami foursome’s debut and you wouldn’t believe me when I told you that only one is old enough to buy cigarettes. Lead singer/guitarist, Gabriel Garcia, is only 14, yet he sings and plays with the power of someone twice his age. He’s a force to be reckoned with right now, so just imagine him at 25. Garcia isn’t the only talented one in the group, rhythm guitarist Alex Nunez, bass guitarist Zachary Sandler, and drummer Steven Spence are equally advanced. Their single Shockwave showcases each instrument, but there’s more than one good song on the whole album. This group will have you rocking for years to come.
Best tracks: Shockwave, Show Me the Way, Let Me, Shout.

This Week’s Playlist
1. A-Punk-Vampire Weekend
2. Let Me-Black Tide
3. I’m Like a Lawyer-FOB
4. The Kelly Affair-Be Your Own Pet
5. Drive There Now-The Almost
6. To Be Loved-Papa Roach
7. Down and Out-Tantric
8. Come to Life-Alter Bridge
9. Breathe Today-Flyleaf
10. Dig-Incubus

Music Video of the Week
Afterlife-Avenged Sevenfold
With the abnormal lighting and dark themes, A7X really hit this one out of the park. It actually had shots of everyone in the band, not just the lead singer. The vid shows guitarist power duo Zacky Vengeance and Synyster Gates rocking out on their signature Schecter guitars. I love when music videos actually show the guitarists soloing. The emotion on Synyster Gates’ face while his fast fingers sail fleetingly up and down the fret board of the guitar is raw and true, not to mention utterly sexy. M. Shadows vocals are searing, and the bass solo in the opening of the song by Johnny Christ is great. Another amazing song turned into an amazing video..this is why I’m a fan.

Against Me!-Wtf?!?!
Okay, so I was watching Fuse this morning and on came the video for Stop. But it wasn’t the one I normally see and fell in love with, but a new more political one, featuring gay marriage and a guy in army drab holding an AK. I’m not bashing either mentioned theme by any means, but seriously, what was wrong with the first video? Why are all of these bands jumping on the political bandwagon all of a sudden? Sure, U2’s been doing it for decades, but it’s kind of their thing. I simply don’t understand why musician’s feel the need to “rock the vote”. If people are looking to their favorite bands to decide who to vote for, then maybe they shouldn’t vote at all.

Song of the Week:
Beat It-Fallout Boy
This cover of Michael Jackson’s hit Beat It really proves FOB’s starpower. With a fantastic solo, it showcases the guitar skills and vocalist Patrick Stump’s singing is almost impeccable. All of the attention wasn’t on Pete Wentz for once. I’ll be honest, I was surprised when I heard this. Don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely a fan of FOB, but I didn’t know they were this good. Wow.

Album of the Week:
The Bravery-The Sun and the Moon Complete
The Bravery really delivers with their new two-disc production The Sun and the Moon Complete. The Moon disc features the same songs as The Sun, but they are redone. Vocalist/guitarist Sam Endicott has a great voice, and he’s backed by equally capable musicians on guitar, bass, keys, and drums. This alternative-pop band really delivers on every song. Their clean, techy guitar sound makes them sound as if it’s a 60’s band you’re listening to, but it’s still very now.
Best tracks: Believe, This Is Not the End, Tragedy Bound