My pick-Rivers Cuomo-Lover in the Snow

I’ve always been a fan of Weezer. Their easy going style, simple pop hooks and raucous guitar sound have always been very easy for me to accept. So when I heard Rivers Cuomo had released a solo album of b-sides and demos called, “Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo,” I had to check it out. This song happens to be my favorite on the album. The simple chord progression is easy to jump into on your first listen and the melody is a perfect match, but then everything takes a darker turn. As the verses progresses, the chords grow more dissonant and the tone grows crunchier. Suddenly it all resolves and all seems well. A easy song to get into your head, but it’s not so easy to get out!

Sebastian’s pick-Evisbeats-Mogu Mogu

At first listen I almost thought this was another song. Through some research I realized it was not Peter Bjorn and John’s “Young Folks”, and was indeed a much different musical niblet…thank god. I’m sorry, but just so you know—I was never a fan of the previous. Now onto the song at hand. This song is enjoyable, the “melody”, however minute it might seem, is somewhat varied, which makes for a slightly interesting listen. But the beat and synth is very monotonous, and that never sits well with me. I also can very rarely get into songs with lyrics in a foreign language (one exception being Sigur Ros—check them out), but this is not a knock against the song, simply a personal problem. This probably won’t get a spot in my library just yet.

Dallas’ pick-Tokyo Police Club-Cheer It On

  This might grow on me. I recently grew slightly bored with indie rock, but there is always a place for it in my heart. The keyboard lick in the middle of the song breaks the simple progression of what is to be expected, and variation, as you may have realized, is something I am always for. A little short for my taste, but that might help it seem less plodding and repetitive. I’ll have to give these guys some more listening time to see if I really enjoy them, as it would help when I see them live with Passion Pit in June. I’ll give this pick some more time.

My pick – Evisbeats – 鎮座Dopeness MOGU MOGU (I think)

This is the kinda thing that led me to make a music blog in the first place. This song would remain in obscurity if it wasn’t for some of the other music blogs I surf. Normally I would avoid reposting something I read on another music blog but this song is just awesome. In a feeble attempt to gain knowledge about this song I’ve found this guy(s?) wikipedia page but sadly its all in Japanese and after translating it’s sentences included “At that time AKIRA ([akira]) with OHYA (present Daruma) and also it had been active with the name which is said.” So basically all we are left with is the music, no background story or understanding of the lyrics. I don’t know if this would be in any sort of regular playlist but its definitely awesome. The way the beat flows is soothing and although I’m in complete darkness to the actual meaning of the song it’s still pretty catchy so basically check it out.

Landry’s pick – Rivers Cuomo – Lover in The Snow

Weezer’s lead vocalist and lead guitarist did some solo projects and while doing all that he continues to be in a constant battle with Magnus Ver Magnusson for coolest name in history. Now if that sentence alone doesn’t get you pumped for some great music I don’t know what would. This song is a jam and the simple, almost acoustic feeling, guitar leaves me refreshed. Although this isn’t the most complex song in the world I think the simplicity is what makes it dope. This is the type of song that’s just so generically good I can’t imagine a time when I wouldn’t want to hear it.

Dallas’ pick – Tokyo Police Club – Cheer it on

My pick- Tokyo Police Club- Cheer It On

This song fits into the indie rock sound that we have grown to love. It’s got a very typical dance-y, pop-y drum beat behind some pretty cool musical bits. My favorite part about this song was the weird keyboard break in the middle of it. It wasn’t long, but it added a pretty cool effect to the song. Hailing from Canada, I expected way more “eh-s” and “hosers,” but where it lacked in stereotyping, it made up in overall coolness. The only qualms I have with this song is the singer’s voice kinda gets annoying but overall the band has created a pretty awesome jam. 

Sebastian’s pick- Evisbeats- Mogu Mogu 

This song tells the classic tale of the tropical volcano known as Hajalico. When translated, the seemingly gibberish syllables paint mental pictures of the island village before and after it was struck by the tragic mountain. They only use the phrase “goodtime” because the only relief that the people could have from the volcanic destruction was to escape the village for the neighboring island of Mogu Mogu. The story is actually told from the perspective of the islanders on the neighboring island…I actually made all of that up…This song creates no visions in my head. But it does have some cool chilled out beats and sounds like it could be island themed. All in all, cool song.

Landry’s pick- Rivers Cuomo- Lovers in the Snow

When I was shown this song earlier in the year by Mr. Ayers, the first thing he pointed out to me was the dirty chords that this guy uses that somehow magically resolve back to the original notes. This was accomplished magnificently. Coming from Weezer I already had high expectations for this guy and he met them full on. Using a very simple setup with only a guitar and very simple drum beats for added rhythmic pleasure, this song accomplishes being and awesome song and one of the most simple songs I’ve heard. Definitely checking out more of his stuff.

Dallas’ pick 1/11/10

Landry’s pick 1/11/10

Sebastian’s pick 1/11/10

Sebastian’s pick 1/17/10