LOL, Mea Culpa. I couldn't even make it to week 2 without missing a day.
Post-Xmas craziness and all that.
Anyway, this is installment number 2 of my weekly music appreciation series.
Our first selection is, of course, of the metallic variety. This time I'm hitting you with a video of a live performance from my favorite metal band, the symphonic metal act originally out of Tampa: Kamelot. This performance is from their stellar live album, One Cold Winter's Night, which is listed among the greatest metal live albums ever on a few music sites. The instrumentals are top notch, the vocals from Roy Khan and Simone Simmons are even better. This song gave me chills the first time I heard it, and converted me into an instant Kamelot fan.
Next up is "Murmurs" by Hundred Waters. I first learned of this band and heard this song when Hundred Waters opened for Interpol in Miami Beach. Not only was I immediately in love with their synthy indie sound, but I was angry at anyone in the crowd who wasn't getting into them. Patiently awaiting their next album. No apologies if this song gets stuck in your head:
And now for some hip-hop of the underground variety. Anyone who enjoys the likes of Aesop Rock or El-P should have no trouble getting into Illogic. His album, Celestial Clockwork, is solid work and accessible despite its artistic impetus. Among the strengths of this song are Illogic's flow, his clever wordplay, and that excellent sample from The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again." This is "1000 Whispers" by Illogic.
No comments on the following video except one--how many fires and robberies were going on in Moscow while all these policemen were singing and dancing?
Lastly we have this fantastic number from the punk band, Fucked Up. When I first heard this song it was played by the local DJ at FSU's college station as part of the morning show. It's not an understatement to say that the opening riff kicked my ass out of bed. The part that really sells it though is when the female vocalist joins in. Just a good, honest effort at a great song. Here's Fucked Up's "Queen of Hearts."
