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Friday, September 28, 2012

Flashback Friday: The Fixx - Deeper And Deeper


"The more I see, the more I fall"

Most people know The Fixx for their one big hit in the US, One Thing Leads To Another. While that track undeniably earns its "hit" status, it's never been one of my favorite 80's songs. I much prefer this track, which I first discovered as part of the soundtrack to the awesome 80's cult movie, Streets Of Fire. To me, it sounds nothing like One Thing. Instead, it's got a real aggressive, beat-heavy sound. When I heard it the first time, I had no idea who the band was, but I was definitely hooked. The production's just outstanding, complimenting the ultra-catchy guitar-riff infused hook perfectly. Also worth noting: the band has a new album out this year!

Deeper and Deeper by The Fixx on Grooveshark

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy their greatest hits here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Muse - Panic Station


"This chaos, it defies imagination"

With Muse, I've gone from loving them to not loving them and back again. Absolution continues to be my favorite of their albums, while the follow-ups have had their moments but failed to completely win me over from beginning to end. With this new one, they've finally gone and modified their sound, opting for a slightly more electronic--even dubstep--influence. It couldn't have happened soon enough. They sound reinvigorated, and even though I haven't had the time to delve in more seriously, on first listen the album sounds stronger than they've released in awhile. I love the record's big, theatrical moments (of which there are many), but it was this funky, surprisingly straightforward little song that got me right off the bat. It's really an example of what a simple melody and production can do if it's this awesome. It's like Muse mixed with Scissor Sisters! (And who would've ever expected that combination??)

Panic Station by MUSE on Grooveshark

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Preorder the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

EXO-K - History


"I need you and you want me"

I find it so cool that PSY's ubiquitous (and honestly, awesome as hell) Gangnam Style could potentially become the first Korean song that hits number one in America. I mean, who ever thought we'd see a situation like this? The song's not even performed in English, which is a huge stumbling block in this country. K-Pop has a big cult following around the world, and rightly so. I'm not gonna pretend I'm an expert on the genre, but I am fascinated with it. I'm fascinated by the obvious polish and particularly the visual ambition of these South Korean groups. PSY's latest EP is definitely worth listening to, if just for the fantastic production alone, but I'm gonna highlight another act today. EXO-K is a Korean boyband, though they also have a Chinese equivalent who perform the same songs/routines (another fascinating idea). Think of them as South Korea's One Direction, though the styling and music couldn't be more different. Anyway, they're pretty damn good. The dramatic Mama, with its awesome video, is worth a look, but it's History that I can't get out of my head. One of its creators just happens to be Thomas Troelsen, of Private fame. That definitely explains a lot. Beyond that, though, the beat is just sick. Really funky. I don't care if I don't understand 95% of it. I love this.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the mini-album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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Monday, September 24, 2012

One Direction - Live While We're Young


"I know we only met, but let's pretend it's love"

Well, it's here. A few days early, but it's here all the same. Those who have been following the blog for awhile know what a huge fan I am of all things X-Factor UK (and AU, to be honest), so naturally that means that I've been following One Direction's career since they were on the show. In fact, I believe I totally called that they were going to be the biggest band in the world way back when they were on the live shows in 2010. I love being right, for once! Anyways, the new single Live While We're Young is basically What Makes You Beautiful: The Sequel, except now we're past the courtship stage and... you know... getting it on. While the track's not as good as WMYB, despite following the exact same template, it's still a wonderful slice of uber-catchy power pop. Some have criticized the group for sticking with the same sound, but I like that they're carving out a niche for themselves and that it just happens to be this cheesy, Swedish-produced pop, rather than the ubiquitous r&b/dance hybrid that's everywhere nowadays.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Preorder the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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