#5- Hollywood Undead "Undead"
"Undead" is one of music's guilty pleasures. I listen to the track in awe, fully aware that it has no artistic contribution to the world. The lyrics range from hating on haters, to hating on girlfriends, to hating the game, and hating on hating the hating. However, "Undead" is a fun track when you don't want to invest much thought in your musical selection.
#4- Lionel Neykov "Freeze my Senses"
Lionel Neykov is a relatively unknown artist that I discovered on Youtube a few months ago. I've been listening to "Freeze my Senses" ever since. The track is a sweet little love song that uses almost childlike metaphors to attract listeners. The songs strongest part has got to be the chorus; it's unique, and it showcases the vocal range of Lionel Neykov. Probably not a track that you would expect a "Musical Menace" to listen to...what can I say, I'm just flexible like that.
#3- The Sounds "Hurt You"
You might recognize this song from the 'caveman' line of Geico commercials. I decided to pick up the track after Geico successfully manipulated my subconscious thoughts with subliminal messaging. Geico, so easy a caveman can do it; call now to save a lot of money on car insurance!... what... the... anyhow... back to the song. "Hurt You" is a good song and a fun one to listen to as well; so pick it up (on your way home from a Geico location near you).
#2- Seether "Breakdown"
"Breakdown" is a great new track by Seether that seems to draw inspiration from their previous album. While Seether's first single (from their latest album), "Fake it", was good; it didn't quite have that trademark sound Seether is known for. What sound am I talking about? Well the sound of desperation and emotional discourse, as seen in "Fine Again". Seether's previous tracks have expressed a desperate call for attention that showcased a viable form of pain and recovery through sound. Music is an aid to the soul; and I'm glad to report that "Breakdown" has the fix Seether fans have been waiting for.
#1 Apocalyptica "I Don't Care (feat. Adam Gontier of Three Days Grace)"
Kicking off the mood with Violins, "I Don't Care" sets a reflective pace. The melody begs for attention as it encourages inquiring ears to drop everything to listen. Not only is this the top song on my current list, it's one of my favorite songs in the past 5 years. The desperate mood I discussed for #2 steals the show here. Popular artist and successful songwriter Rob Thomas, in a response to why his music is sad, stated: "If I'm happy, I'm gonna go out and be happy, not write. Music is best expressed when your emotions are tied to it." (not an exact translation, just an expression of the point)
The emotion produced by the chorus of "I Don't Care" is palpable. The lyrics suggest that: "If you were dead or still alive, I don't care, I don't care". However, the tension in the artist's voice suggests that he's lying; that he actually does care. As a listener, I feel like I'm struggling alongside the artist at his weakest point; and that somehow we will both persevere by the songs' conclusion. By persevere I mean continue, rather than the strict literal meaning which is to rise above; to conquer. As a songwriter, I realize how difficult a task catering to the masses can be. One wrong note or word can alienate potential listeners; so, when a song comes along that has the profound ability to bridge genres and attract unlikely listeners; I create a blog about it. Do not pity me, for I am Da Musical Menace.
Look for my next review soon,
Da Menace
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