Music - Rock Blogs on Artician

PREVIEW Poets of the Fall Temple of Thought by Wackyjax

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 00:35:21 EST

Condensed vlog version: http://youtu.be/EJiqeiImcfU

Life throws you some pretty amazing curveballs. You can prepare yourself as best you can, study and research, buy in bulk, and even build up a tolerance to the pain you know is coming. Yet, every so often, mostly when you're not looking, some things come through and slap you sideways so hard you forget which way is up. And you realize that sometimes fear makes you defend yourself from even the good things.

I've often said life is neither black nor white, nor even gray. It's TV snow. It's black, white and gray and is constantly in motion. You can take the remote in your hand, you can change the channels, but it's up to you to either fill your mind with junk or learn something. It's a balance you have to learn to deal with.

My life, which I am almost certain resembles a psychotic yo-yo with bi-polar disorder, had started 2012 on such a low note that I thought surely there is no way but up. Silly me. I will spare you the details, but I will say that you're never at your highest high, or lowest low while walking in this world. I now know I will always have one more level to climb, one more layer to discover, and I'm learning there's more to it than just up and down.

The morning of March 9th, before I knew what I was in for, I was witness to the strangest sunrise/moonset I've ever seen. The sun hadn't yet made his grand entrance, but the previews were on, so to speak. As I looked outside, bleary from lack of sleep, there was the full moon in all her glory, huge and glowing like the spotlight left on all night for the spirits of stage actors. It was so oddly bright, as though filled with the palest champagne. I imagine she was toasting a good night's performance, and for her, it probably was. She was waiting on one side of the horizon, while the sun was arriving on his side. It seems to me that opposite forces equally wanted my attention that day.

And with this, as I am struck by words like balance and duality, I struggle as I always must when it comes to these guys, for the proper words to describe the music of Poets of the Fall, and their 5th and latest album, Temple of Thought. I have been given a tremendous honor by receiving a copy from the band's management to preview, and I certainly hope to be able to portray my thoughts accurately. It is impossible to do this album justice by painting a review with a two-hair brush. Balance and duality barely tickle the surface. I could add heartache and heartbreak, happy and sad, good and evil, darkness and light. It's all there. By the way, whoever leaked the album early: YOU. SUCK.

For those of you who don't know, Poets of the Fall is an independent alternative rock band formed in 2003 and hails from Finland. As an American, I discovered them in 2004 by playing the game Max Payne II, The Fall of Max Payne. Avid gamers know the power music holds for a game, so I can only feel sorry for those who have yet to learn that magic, which meets and often exceeds the power music holds in filmmaking.

The Poets have come a long way since Max Payne II, but let me first say that the magic I experienced has never left. Their albums have always gone gold and platinum and have won numerous awards. They have earned every single one.

The only reason I have to call their music alternative rock is because I honestly don't know what else to call it. It's rock 'n roll with hints of pop and other genres, but it's wildly beautiful with a deliberate sense of melodrama. They have fashioned themselves a far more fitting title: cinematic rock. They're right. I can't just listen to their music. I can only experience it. It's almost a celestial event unto itself, like a once in a lifetime alignment or a rare eclipse.

With Temple of Thought, you can't prepare yourself. If I were Dorothy, I'd be still stuck in the house suffering from vertigo. Their music took hold of me and whipped me around until I was both upside down and inside out. Suffice to say that after I heard all of the songs, I was an emotional train wreck. I had run through a gauntlet of emotions. Thank God there are still musicians out there that can do that to me. It doesn't happen as often anymore.

I was laughing as I wrote this, after crying, because to be unpredictable and unexpected are actually two staples the Poets have. Their music is all about a sort of harmonious contrast. That may sound like a contradiction, but let me explain. If you expect a song to be slow, it's fast and upbeat. If you call one of their melodies cheerful, the lyrics are likely going to be scorching and dark. And just when you think front man Marko Saaresto's vocal range can't get any more insanehe will prove you wrong. When you think you know their style, they change it all over again. And yet, you know a Poet's song when you hear it. Somehow it all makes perfect sense. I don't know why it works, but I don't have to. It just does.

I call Temple of Thought a master class of presenting a Love story. It's about the many guises of Love, and the beautiful agony of desire and pain that inevitably come with it. It's the raw duality of Human Nature when it comes to the Joy of Love, the excitement of being in love, of desiring a love that perhaps isn't meant to be yours, the tragedy of losing love, finding the love was a lie, or worse, discovering love too late.

The melodies in Temple of Thought are at once familiar and yet unique again. Marko's lyrics are raw, and heartbreakingly, painfully beautiful, even more so than in previous albums. This time around there is a new, brutal honesty that I didn't even realize was missing in older songs. They must be deeply personal, as they always are, but in this album, many, though not all, layers have been stripped. It's as if he's finally baring his soul to the world, saying, "Take it, or leave it. It is what it is."

Now, onto the songs themselves:

Track 1, which is aptly named Running Out of Time, starts us off and running, all right. Marko begins the song panting as though racing right up to me. In my mind's eye I could almost see the whole band beckoning, saying, "Come on; let's go! Give us your hand!" wanting me to join them on a crazy journey. I found myself gulping, saying, "Okay!"

And then, I held my breathand jumped. The song literally starts with a confession, as if Marko is saying, "I have something to tell you. I'm terrified, and it's going to hurt like hell, but I'm going to do it anyway."

It's as fast and exciting as a carnival ride, with an ending that is deliberately abrupt. Time runs outI might've known. It makes sense, but it still drove me nuts, because it was like they suddenly pulled the emergency brake on a runaway train that I was enjoying. I felt a bit like Wile E. Coyote smacking into a wall he doesn't see coming.

Track 2 is the title track Temple of Thought, and it left me gasping for air with its majestic vision, both in the song and lyrics. Some of the best lyrics in the whole album are here. Marko is speaking of a love so deep it borders on worship. The protagonist will do anything for his love, to the point of taking on all his lover's fears and anxieties. He knows it's very possible the love may be doomed, but is willing to suffer through it anyway. The design is unique but is destined to be a classic Poet ballad.

Well, it's built like a rock ballad, with lead guitarist Olli playing loud and clear. However, thanks to keyboard artist and mixer Captain's addition of strings in the background, I could easily hear an entire symphony orchestra play this piece, and it would still work. And ohI really like the ending. Several Markos singing all at onceheaven.

I will only touch upon Track 3, Cradle of Love since it was their first single and is already out there in the universe, paired with a video that is deceptively simple yet has layers many of us watchers are trying to decipher. I'd prefer that you watch it and come to your own conclusions. Suffice to say that it matches its title and is built like a lullaby, serene if melancholic. You could replace the beginning notes with a harp instead of a guitar, and it would still make sense.

Some people wonder why Marko sings this one almost entirely in falsetto. I don't know. I expect that's one of the many mysteries of song-making. Is that just where the melody goes, and you can't help but follow? Or is that where you pulled the song to? We may never know.

So when I got to Kamikaze Love, #4, their first single to debut in Germany, I expected something much harsher. Wrong again. While it is fast and up-tempo, it is surprisingly gentle. Instead of being carpet-bombed, I was soaring up and down again. Then I understood the meaning might be about the part of you that is sacrificed for love, and sadly, often in vain.

I can't say I'm disappointed by the nature of the song, but what I am disappointed by is the booklet that holds the lyrics. Guys, I'm sorry, but I'm a bit of a Grammar Nazi. It's angels! Angels, not Angles! Twice!! However, I was informed in advance that future copies will have some corrections. That had better be one of them, or they will hear from me!

All right, I'm moving along to Track 5, The Lie Eternal. I'll skip over the spelling mishaps (some of which are possibly deliberate) and just go straight in to the song. Ooh, another stinging slap to the ears, but I mean that in a good way. The song is built with a bit of a growl at the start, but Marko croons in this one. Ah, so temptingthat is, until he almost screams during the refrain. This song is a showcase of this talented man's aforementioned insane vocal range. When I heard Marko speak for the first time, I couldn't believe it. The voice coming from what I thought was a powerful tenor was this warm, soothing and melodic baritone. As for the lyrics, it seems to be about obsessive love, and is built as an almost call and response. At least that's what I perceive. There is one voice who is begging to be loved, even demanding to take over the other, and the other recognizes the lie, responding to the temptation anyway. I'm sure there are many relationships based on someone wanting to "fix" the other's problems. It's painful, but a lesson we must learn.

Track 6, Skin, is easily the most intimate and painful song of the album. I almost feel like an intruder listening to a love letter of farewell meant for someone else. I know pain, but I don't think I will ever know this sort of pain. I've had to say farewell to someone I deeply love, someone I imagined spending the rest of my life with. I fell in love with someone I discovered I couldn't have. I regret it didn't work, but I do not regret the love. How can I? It taught me far too much, and I must always respect a good teacher. It ends with a literal sigh, and one, I expect, full of regret.

By the way, I was not expecting the group shot I found in the booklet, even though the work of art has been parodied a million times over. I admit as a Christian, it made me raise my eyebrows before laughing. Subtle, guysreal subtle. Oh, and Captain, it looks like you took your role seriously. I'll say no more.

Track 7, The Distance, sounds like a recovery from a tumultuous love that ended some time ago. The echoes that remain still hurt, however. Speaking of echoes, fans will hear an echo of an earlier well-known Poets song. The song design is an amalgamation of past tunes and futuristic electro-pop overtones. It starts with a screechy guitar but a soothing synth choir joins in almost immediately after, with heavy drums that reminded me of songs I heard in the 80's. I want to say it's almost like glam rock, but it's far too modern. Marko speaks of water, and you can actually hear it especially at the end, like a rolling tide.

Track 8, Show Me This Life, is another energetic, fast-paced song that speaks of a need for intimacy, both physical and otherwise, even if the reason behind it is a shallow one. Marko almost whispers, "Take me home tonight." Aside from the Grammar Nazi rearing her ugly head (it's ecstasy, dammit!!) it's a great description of a love that resembles a terrible and frightening addiction. As for the melodyah, Olli. At last, Olli is finally free and we get to hear what he does best.

#9, Morning Tide, feels like the end of the story, but of course, the journey never really ends, as there is always another beginning. This song echoes an earlier song by the Poets, Dawn, and while the tune starts out very sweetly, it swells; much like the tide does, with a powerful air of anticipation. It's as if the Poets are asking, "What happens next?" Marko seems to sing that everything is all right; the night is over, the day is here. Let's go. I'm very pleased to hear Marko's lower tones in this one, although this song also showcases his impossible range. Personally, I wish he would use lower notes more often, but again, is it because that's where he wants it, or is that just where the song goes? I also love the piano here. Bring your box of tissues for this one, trust me.

After being thoroughly wrung out by Morning Tide, I didn't know quite what to expect with Track 10, The Ballad of Jeremiah Peacekeeper. The tune is melancholic and almost eerie, with a low synth choir reminiscent of the old Spaghetti Westerns and drums that sound like a death march. Parts of it reminded me of the song Hotel California, another fatalistic story. After listening to lyrics that felt so personal, it was more than a little jarring to hear Marko sing in 3rd person. The story is a sad one, seemingly about a warrior, weary, weaponless and battle-scarred, but who remains steadfast, so long as he receives your love. It will make you ask, "Who is this person? Who fights so hard for you, in a place where 'the desert wails a curse of rage and jealousy'?" It certainly makes you think, which I believe is the whole point.

Some may think the very last track, The Happy Song, is just tacked on as an extra bit of fun. While it was created for the game by Remedy called Alan Wake: American Nightmare, it can still fit in with the theme as a love so wrong it can never be right. The Happy Song is the theme for Mr. Scratch, who is Alan Wake's dark and very dangerous reflection.

After watching the clips, I can only conclude Mr. Scratch is nothing short of pure ID, which is base desire. He is not only evil, he revels in his wickedness and enjoys every second of it. The words are few, the tune is heavy, so feel free to start headbanging! You will enjoy it. After so many emotionally heavy songs, I was actually relieved to hear something crazy and lighthearted. Marko somehow makes his voice mutate into a good imitation of Johnathan Davis, lead singer of Korn. It's a romp, and I know you will love it.

And that's the end of this story and my review. Temple of Thought is a wild ride, a masterpiece that will enthrall you like no other. All you can do is hold your breath and hang on. I did, and I know you will, too.

Help Cowboys And Indians Hit The Road by Megarello

Tue, 3 May 2011 21:08:09 EST

Normally I wouldn't be the type to be begging for money, but since it's not for me....all the more reason.

Whether you have $1 or $500, I guarantee this is something that'll be appreciated.

The up-and-coming band Cowboys and Indians has a project going on Kickstarter, to get some funding going for a summer tour. Their goal is $1,000 and so far they're at $575, with only 71 hours left to donate.

This is kind of a friend-of-friends deal [I know quite a few people who know them, and I'm acquainted with the drummer.] That said, they honestly are a really cool, different band. They deserve whatever they get from this, and it'd mean a lot to a lot of people to know others are willing to help 'em out.

If you're one of the willing, check out the donation pool here; http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cowboysnindians/cowboys-and-indians-summer-tour-2011

And the band here;

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/cowboysnindians

http://www.myspace.com/cowboysnindians

Slim K Opens His Heart! (PRESS RELEASE) **New Single by SlimK

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 21:26:35 EST

PRESS RELEASE (Tuesday September 21st, 2010 / 03:00 PM PST)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOURCE: DoubaJen Records (Los Angeles, CA. USA)

LOS ANGELES, Sep. 21 /PRNewswire/POPSugarNews Int. DoubaJen Records is excited to announce the release of Slim K' s first single in over two years (since "Burn The Disco", set for October 12, 2010 - titled: "Open Up Your Heart" (Music Video World Premiere, Oct. 10, 2010 / Midnight). The single showcases Slim K's co-producing skills and songwriting ability. A more mature and serious sounding with a deep-meaning, positive and uplifting lyrics paired with a fresh uptempo driven beat, a bit mellow, a bit melodic, transporting listeners with a rich tone mixed with the immediate charm of pop music.

"Open Up Your Heart" will be available through all major digital music stores: iTunes (USA, Australia/N.Z., Canada, UK/European Union, Japan, Mexico), Rhapsody, Napster, eMusic, IMVU, Amazon MP3, Lala, Shockhound, Amie Street, LimeWire Store, Nokia Music Store on CD on Amazon On Demand.

Open Up Your Heart by Slim K

Release Date: 12-Oct-2010

Label: doubaJen Records

TC# Song ID: TCAAR1068712

UPC: 859704489853

Primary Genre: Pop

Slim K (Slim Khezri) is an international, diverse and well-experienced Artist. A Renaissance man in Music (ASCAP), Film (Screen Actors Guild eligible), Writing, Photography and Design for more than twenty years. Slim of Tunisian origin and dual Citizen (Tunisian- German), was born on Tuesday July 18th, late 20th Century in the Hansestadt Lbeck in Germany. Raised in both Timmendorfer Strand and Lbeck in Nothern Germany and spent seven of his teen years in Tunis and Jendouba in Tunisia (North Africa). Slim currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. USA. Aside from his many talents, Slim is a superb cook and also fluent in German, Arabic, English, French and conversational in Turkish.

Slim K has worked and performed previously w/ Nsync, Fall Out Boy, The Backstreet Boys, Snoop Dogg, Britney Spears, KRS-One, Panic! At The Disco, Michael Jackson and many more. Slim has appeared in countless television productions, theatre and movies in the United States and Europe (Angels & Demons, The Rudi Carrell Show, Article 301, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Beethoven's Fidelio, 1000 Ways to Die, Arabella, Hannah Montana: The Movie, Unlocking Ancient Secrets of the Bible, Nip/Tuck, Verdi's Otello, Kerner, Mission Hollywood, Gong Show, Gene Simmons: Family Jewels, The Sexaholic and many more.)

Detailed Resume/ Info http://resumes.actorsaccess.com/slimkhezri

For more information please contact SLIMKCONTACT@GMAIL.COM

Visit THE OFFICIAL SLIM K WEB.FORUM http://slimk.proboards.com

SOURCE: DoubaJen Records (Los Angeles, CA. USA)

Geç doğduk göremedik Youtube dan izliyoruz by cekic

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:53:50 EST

Ne ahanedir u Ten albm diymi hele bu albm bir konserde hayat bulduysa ve o festivallede rock n roll budur dicein mzisyenler karndaysa evet bizim kuak biraz ge kald onlar bu konserleri verirken bir oumuz 4-5 yalarndaydk insan

- Ulan anam niye beni bu kadar ge dourdu

diye dnmeden alamyor kendisini Esasen le bir yanlmadan olabilir tabiki o dnemde erikin bir insan olsaydk pink pop a gidibilicek ve Pearl jam dnya gzyle izliyebilicek kadar paramz olurmuyudu acaba ciddi pheliyim tabi bunun yan sra lkemizde nsan Yakma larn oldugu bir dnemede tanklk edicektik bunuda unutmamak lazm .

Ama hereye ramen Dnya gzyle u Ten albm kmken insann orada olma istei varki hep bir aznda Black i , jeremy , alive , once binlerce kiiyle aynanda eddie nin gzlerine baka baka sylemek isterdim tabi . Tabi bunu yapsaydm sanrm benim iin HAC gitmek gibi olur ilerleyen zamanda tay ykseltir burnu havalarda hi bir performans beenmeyen bir insan olabilirdim bu ihtimalde vard dorusu ama velakin varsn olsun yahu blesi bir konseri izlemek binlerce insanla ayn arky hep bir aznda sylemek deliler gibi savursak kendimizi ve karmzda o uzun sal siyah ortu ile eddie vedder sylemek varken varsn olsun ekilcekler zntler .

nsann izledike yahu be insan dur lceksin diyor rsmen izlerken bile bizler 19 - 20 yalarnda yuh adama bak derken o adam bunlar yapyordu daha biz el kadar bebek iken evet Ac ama gerek drum bleydi . Ve baka bir ac noktada u ki Kurt yok ama Eddie burda ve Kurt yokken Eddie de tatsz oluyor sanrm buda yazmdaki hznl veda olsun bir anma mahiyetinde de olan.

MTV World Stage Live in Malaysia by adzfar

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:14:38 EST

Deleted.

Hammock: Raising Your Voice… Trying To Stop An Echo by mabufo

Thu, 14 May 2009 22:43:13 EST

[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKbkJmmmd-E]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKbkJmmmd-E[/url]

This is one of those bands that people ought to be aware of. If youre feeling curious, or are madly in love with post-rock, check out their other videos on youtube. I grabbed this song off of a long forgotten music blog a couple years ago and its been with me ever since.

Minha banda [Sounds of Chaos] Cover de Mudvayne tocando Happy by .gaB

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:33:46 EST

Bringing back the music by AnitaO

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 15:30:20 EST

Yay for me, I actually managed to start another blog.

So the topic this time is music. You see in addition to being an artist I also consider myself to be a musician. I can't play any instruments although I did make a pathetic attempt at playing bass once, but I do sing. Mostly at home when I do the dishes, and if I'm really in the mood I'll do a corny dance routine too. Needless to say I make a mess a lot of the time.

Anywhoot, I haven't really been singing lately, at all.. and I miss being in a band or even in a choir. Music used to be my oxygen and I don't really understand how it came to be that it has disappeared from my life as much as it has. music used to make me happy. I remember being a much happier person when I had a band and someone to share my love for music with.

It's hard to be a vocalist though, especially if you're a girl, and especially if you're a girl who wants to be in a rock band. I was never exceptional at the whole singing business, I'm mediochre, but I still love it. And I really hope I can find someone to play with.

Other than that I'm on sick leave for two weeks from work..apparently I'm stressed out and need to take it easy for a while, and should see a shrink. and in addition I have I'm stuck with taking antibiotics for an infection.

I'm telling you, life isn't easy right now