Pop Punk At An All Time Low

Okay, I didn't do this for a long time... the original reason I started the blog served it's purpose so I gave up on it. I'm REALLY bored right now though and am thinking about trying to get into music journalism for a while or something and this wouldn't be a bad thing to have going to have to show for myself so yeah... You can pretty much disregard every other article i've written...

Musically,at least, so much has changed for me since my last time writing on here. Most of all you may have noticed my previous praise for Paramore, All Time Low and Escape the Fate etc. well Paramore (AKA: The Hayley Williams Experience) have been shown up to pretty much be a cover up for their singer's solo career, now don't get me wrong, their first album is still very memorable for me but the internal politics and workings of the band that has come out recently has made me lose almost all interest in them (the two most talented members Josh and Zac Farro leaving helped too, though). So that's one of my previous favourite bands that have fallen to pieces lately and let's be honest, Brand New Eyes wasn't very good even with Josh and Zac still around.

Now onto All Time Low/90% of pop punk bands around right now, well admittedly i'm quite late on this one but they just aren't very good musically, some of their songs can be nice to listen to now and then and don't get me wrong I still am a huge fan of YouMeAtSix but since starting to play in a band and make my own original music they have become something of an anti-inspiration, I just wouldn't want to make music like that (don't get me wrong... I wouldn't say no to the exposure they get though), without trying to be disrepectful to All Time Low (it's not just them but I notice it most with them, sorry guys), alot of their songs sound the same, that's not what music needs, they're basically the X factor winner of the pop punk scene, all style and image with absolutely zero substance.

I'll keep it brief on Escape the Fate: the new album is terrible, don't even check it out to see if i'm telling the truth, just imagine 3Oh3! mixed with depression. Their first album was amazing and the singer from that album, Ronnie Radke, has a new band called Falling In Reverse now that he's out of jail (something to do with drugs, a fight and a dude dying, I don't know) so look out for them, they'll be better hopefully.

Well obviously something brought all this on and to explain in one word: Muse, someone I know will be telling me 'I told you so' very soon but it's true, they did, I saw Muse at Wembley Stadium in September and they absolutely put on the perfect show, no other band could come close to that (Blink 182 next year could come close). The blend of intensity and intricacy in Matt Bellamy's (guitar and vocals) performance changed my whole perception on what makes a musician great and Muse have it all in both their live shows and their studio work, I did mention before that Origin of Symmetery was my pick of their albums but honestly, listen to them all. Not everyone will love them, I didn't at first, but there is no denying that they are a super talented band and easily one of the most impressive live bands in the world today.

My Band: The 747 Plan

Okay this is going to be a short post but I just wanted to bring to people's attention that I'm now playing guitar in a brand new pop-punk band called The 747 Plan, I would greatly appreciate if you were to head over to the facebook page (link) and 'like' the page or even just check it out. We hope to be getting some music uploaded as soon as possible and if you are into bands like Paramore, YouMeAtSix, All Time Low, Taking Back Sunday etc. then you'll definitely want to keep an eye (and ear out)... Well here's me hoping that it works out for us, thanks for the support.

:D

Why Is The First Album Usually The Best? + Yayness!

Okay people, you all probably already realise that an artists first album is usually their best (exceptions being Muse and erm.... Okay just Muse) but I don't think anyone (including me) knows exactly why.

We can look at Paramore's 'All We Know Is Falling' as a first example and see that six of their top ten best songs (in my opinion, of course) are on this album, the second album (Riot!) was good and did have 'Born For This', 'Misery Business' and 'That's What You Get' which are great, but the album as a whole doesn't really have the same emotion behind as their first record did, this is probably down to the second album was made more out of necessity where the first was made (and largely based around) with the departure of the bands long term friend and bassist halfway through the recording process and it is without doubt that to this day Paramore haven't made a song as impactful as 'My Heart' is on the first album, not to say that they aren't still an awesome band though, 'Brand New Eyes', the third album, has redeemed them mostly.

You Me At Six and Taking Back Sunday faced similar problems when it came to their following albums, with 'Take Off Your Colours' and 'Tell All Your Friends', respectively being far better than anything that has followed so far. You Me At Six seem to have altered their style to reach a wider audience which, while understandable, has resulted in a product that is solid, but not up to the level of 'TOYC', the band has also drifted even further from their original screamo routes which they claim they aim to look to incorporate on the next album which could mean a stronger outing even than their debut. Taking Back Sunday had a different issue than reaching new fans.... their problem was simply that they grew up (akin to Linkin Park's downfall), songs like 'Cute Without the E' and 'Timberwolves At New Jersey' which we're made great due to the angst and passion behind them couldn't ever really be equalled once the band members grew up and didn't really have problems to sing about, which is a shame.

So other than growing up and selling out, bands can sometimes be just rushed to deliver a second album after a promising first which can lead to a huge downfall, as was the case with Bullet For My Valentine who, even by their own admittance, rushed the second album to the point of it being boring, 'Fever' brought them back to higher standards though and who knows, the next album could even be better.

Hmm.. Okay this post doesn't exactly answer the question in the title but it does prove that it certainly is an issue. So Artists of the world, please don't grow up, sell out, or get rushed into making an album and the world will be a better place :)

Oh and Green Day, Taking Back Sunday are rumoured supports for Paramore's November shows.... WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

Six Rock Songs For Summer

Okay, so the weather is getting pretty hot at the moment and the World Cup is almost into the knockout stages, both clear signs that summer is definitely here. I understand that not everyone wants to be listening to screamo right now since it's a time to be cheery and after the Portugal vs. Brazil game (officially the saddest thing to happen since Micheal Jackson died a year ago today, R.I.P MJ) we probably all need a bit of a lift so here are six (more upbeat) rock songs for the summer:


We The Kings - Check Yes Juliet

A super cheery love song from the american pop-rockers with simple but effective guitar lines and a chorus that is impossible not to sing along to once you know it. Great song by a good band that will definitely brighten up an already sunny day. Check it out here

You Me At Six - Save It For The Bedroom

Not so much a love song, this time, more of a **** it, you only live once kind of song. Being a YMA6 song it was going to have upbeat, choppy guitars in conjunction with Josh's bright vocals and that's what has got it on this list, an all round feel good song. Here it is, not the album version but yeah... WOO!


All Time Low - Dear Maria, Count Me In

Okay, not going to try and sugar-coat this... It's a song that was written about a stripper in the lead singer's home town. Ignoring that, however, it's a greatly up beat song with a breakdown halfway through that is infectious, I've played this around people who are more into hip hop/rnb and even they bob their heads to this track. Check it here.

Panic At The Disco! - Nine In The Afternoon

Despite absolutely HATING the album this song is on (WHY DID YOU HAVE TO RUIN IT, THE FIRST ALBUM WAS AWESOME!!!!), this song is so suited for summer that it hurts. Not only is summer the only time you might have an afternoon setting at 9 o'clock, but it is also one of the happiest (and trippy) songs I have on my ipod. Nobody seems to dislike this song, so yeah check it (and it's weird video) here (if you like it, check out everything on their first album 'A Fever You Can't Sweat Out' it's better than anything on the second album).

Hit The Lights - Save Your Breath

While this song doesn't follow the upbeat subject nature of this list, it definitely makes up for it in catchiness, definitely a summer song purely for it's 'I'm moving on' vibe. Sadly though, this is the only song worth keeping that I've heard from Hit The Lights, a shame because on the evidence of this song, they could have been great. Check it here


Forever The Sickest Kids - Whoa Oh (Me vs Everyone)

Ignore the terrible band name and give this song a chance, it's more than worth it. Solid instrumentally and great vocally, the whole song is 'feel good', even the heavy(ish) breakdown. There's a version with Selena Gomez lending her vocals to the band which i think is definitely better but there's no video for it. Check the Gomez-less version here



So there it is, a list of six rock songs that are waiting to be included in the soundtrack to your summer. Happy listening! :D

Paramore: More Than Just Hayley Williams

Now those of you that have heard of Paramore will instantly think something along the lines of: 'Oh yeah, that band with the ginger chick'. Those of you that listen to paramore would find it impossible to argue that they are, in fact, a group of tremendously talented musicians.

Aside from Hayley Williams' incredible vocals, every single member of the band is a master of their instrument and proves this in both their recorded tracks, where every note, riff and drum line is expertly woven into a final sound that is ultimately infectious; and their live performances which are some of the most energetic and engaging experiences available to concert goers of recent times.

From Josh Farro's lead guitar lines that seem to blend in effortlessly with the melody and rhythm of the song to his brother Zac's pulse raising drumming that drives every track forward with a purpose that is unrivalled within the genre. Then we have the raw energy from Jeremy Davis' bass playing (that is just as present on the albums as it is in live shows) that displays his jazz playing roots with much more consistency than most pop punk bands. Last but not least there's Taylor York, the newest addition of the band that was brought into the band (officially, he had played with them live for some time before) in 2009 just before the release of third album 'Brand New Eyes', he integrated into the band effortlessly and his rhythm playing is easily up to the task of keeping up with Josh's lead lines.

One of the best examples of the band's musical talent is in the song that they wrote at 16 (Zac, the drummer, was only 14!!!), Conspiracy; the peaceful atmosphere created by the melodic, clean introduction accompanied by a pounding drum line is interrupted by a mosh-worthy riff that serves also as the chorus. Bearing in mind the age of the band when this was written, this song cannot fail to impress. The band's hit 'Misery Business' is also one that catches the eye (or ear) musically with an all around masterclass from the band from start to end.

I would reccommend an instrumentally impressive song from Brand New Eyes but, to be honest, I can't narrow it down to just one, the entire album displays their talents from start to end, but to give one strong example i would have to say check out the latest single 'Careful'.

So all of this has been said and I haven't even spoken about Hayley's talents (vocally and lyrically). Surely this puts and end to the now boring arguement about whether Paramore really are just Hayley Williams.

Top Ten Albums To Listen To A.S.A.P

Okay, one post isn't enough to get started really, this is just my personal Top Ten albums and why you should listen to them. You'll probably disagree with me, if so, comment, if you do agree.... comment... if you dont care.... COMMENT! :)

By the way, i'm not going to repeat artists or my list would be about 4 artists so if you like the ones I reccommend here then hunt down the others too (except taking back sunday... what they did after 'Louder Now' should just be forgotten about). I'm also going to try to include as many lesser known bands as possible so yeah.. dont expect MTV's top ten to look anything like mine :)

Okay, here goes:

10. Boys Like Girls - Boys Like Girls

The self titled debut from Boys Like Girls is one that I very recently purchased but it really is one of my favourite albums at the moment, I would have given this a higher spot on the list but it might be a case of me getting bored of it soon. It's a more than solid Pop Punk album that is full of catchy hooks, chirpy choruses and brilliantly catchy rhythms.
Songs To Download - 5 Minutes To Midnight, The Great Escape.

9. This Providence - Our Worlds Divorce

Another debut album here (what is it about bands dissapointing after a great debut, looking at you TBS!) from the Seattle based rock group. This is another stand-out pop-punk affair that will have you singing the hooks for weeks, this one was a total suprise as I ordered it for £4 because of it's price having only listened to 'Truth and Reconciliation' and 'Best Wishes' which, i must say, are the stand out tracks but they are justly supported by the rest of the album.

Songs To Download - Best Wishes, Everyday, Truth and Reconciliation.


8. Cape Fear - Your Kingdom

Being a band that I was introduced to by my Mum's friend, I really wasn't expecting much... I was very wrong, this is an album full of potentially classic ballads with extremely strong vocals, consistently brilliant drumlines and OMFG inducing lead guitar lines. I was especially impressed by this album as it's not usually what i would listen to but the sheer brilliance of the guitar work caught my attention, which was defintely held by the vocal and drum performances. A magnificent Hard Rock Album.


Songs To Download - You Thinks She Needs You, Safe From Harm


7. Finch - What It Is To Burn

Now onto some heavier stuff. This is possibly my favourite album on this list vocally (number four puts up a fight) that blends blissfully melodic vocals with some VERY harsh screaming, this album is 80% love related songs, 20% I JUST WANT TO SCREEEAAAAM!!!! but it's 100% worth the purchase.

Songs To Download - New Beginnings, Letters To You, Stay With Me

6. Silverstein - Discovering The Waterfront

The only entry on this list that I can say that the band haven't got a single song better than what's on this album. Another mix of screamed/sung vocals which doesn't really have an agreeable genre, but it is definitely not just another screamo album, the lyrics are from the heart and the vocal performance moreso, the guitar work is also admirable with a consistant drumming show that drives along every track.


Songs To Download - My Heroine, Smile In Your Sleep, Discovering The Waterfront

5. Rise Or Die Trying - Four Year Strong

Expect to become familiar with this bands name soon. This is definitely the 'happiest' album on the list, the band themselves describe their sound as 'happy hardcore' and their music backs it up. Two vocalists that have a great musical chemistry is the highlight of this album but you will definitely fall in love with a few songs, these ones:

Songs To Download - Bada Bing Wit' A Pipe, Your Song.

4. Origin of Symmetry - Muse

Finally a band you've most likely heard of, Muse's sophomore effort is (to me) their greatest, the album encapsulates the listener from the beginning and doesnt even let your attention go even whilst 'Megalomania' is fading out. You WILL want more. Not a single song on this album is weak, the genius that is Matt Bellamy really outdid himself vocally and on guitar (not to detract from the ever-awesome Bass and Drumlines) and will almost certaily amaze throughout the album. The best (but not my favourite) album on the list.

Songs to Download - ALL OF THEM, but Newborn, Citizen Erased, Plug In Baby and Feeling Good will give you a good idea of the album before you buy.


3. A Lesson In Romantics - Mayday Parade

Okay back to the slightly more obscure with this one, its a bit of a soppy, whiney (some would say emo) album... But it does soppy and whiney like nothing else has, every shred of emotion expressed is from the heart, every solo is full of soul and every track is one you'll remember, this is another band on the rise in terms of popularity recently so keep an eye out.

Songs To Download - Miserable at Best, Black Cat and When I Get Home You're So Dead

2. You Me At Six - Take Off Your Colours

This wasn't really not going to be on the list was it? So my second favourite album is from my 1st favourite band; as i've said in my first post, this isn't original, it isn't mindblowing but it is AWESOME! from the opening riff of Truth Is A Terrible Thing this album is catchy, punchy and downright addictive, if your a fan of pop punk this is THE album to get next (deluxe edition, you really dont want to miss Kiss and Tell). Trust me ;)

Songs To Download Take Off Your Colours, Save It For The Bedroom, Jealous Minds Think Alike, Always Attract and If I Were In Your Shoes

1. Taking Back Sunday - Tell All Your Friends

NUMERO UNO goes to a band that ruined themselves in my eyes gradually from here on. This album is lyrically nothing short of poetic genius, instrumentally it all just fits so perfectly and as an album it is pretty easily my favourite album purely for the way that the lyrics were almost impeccably relatable AND at the same time creative enough to not create the generic angsty mood that most relatable lyrics do (yes you Three Days Grace, and you Linkin Park, and you Three Doors Down and you....etc.). So this album is officially my favourite album and I have to say it will be hard to replace it without Muse, You Me At Six, Paramore and Escape The Fate collaborating to create a 50 track album of their greatest material yet.

Songs To Download - Cute Without The E, Timberwolves At New Jersey, Great Romances of the 20th Century, There's No 'I' in Team, Bike Scene and You're So Last Summer.

WHAT?!?! No Paramore OR Escape the Fate? Now they werent overlooked at all, i just think that you should pretty much hear EVERYTHING by them, so i didn't want to narrow it down to one album, I'll do a post on those two bands individually and state their case there.

Thanks for reading :)

Hello World! + Listen to You Me At Six

Okay first things first, my name is Ryan and im 17 years old, my prime passion in life is music and i play guitar (albeit not greatly...yet :D)

With this blog i aim to just spread my opinion on all things musical to whoever will listen. You might end up agreeing with me, you might hate me if i say things like 'I don't like metallica', feel and say what you want about me and my opinions i really dont mind, but i'd love to hear from you in the comments section and i hope that this blog can entertain and maybe even provide insight to those who read it.

Now the first topic I want to discuss (or bring to your attention if you are unaware!) is the awesomeness of a band called You Me At Six, they're from my homeland England and they are absolutely amazing. Now people who have heard of them and aren't fans are probably thinking, well they're just another pop-punk/emo/new found glory rip off etc. band, well you're right. Yep absolutely correct. You Me At Six offer very little in terms of originality but they are still absolutely awesome.

'HOW?!' i hear you scream, well firstly they are great instrumentally with some great lead guitar lines that are so subtle that they don't interfere with the general catchy-ness of the song, but technical enough to garner respect from guitarists. their Drums, Bass and Rhythm guitar are all moulded together perfectly to create a sound that is something you can bob your head or all-out mosh to. Vocally Josh Franchesci is astounding, yes, it sounds a little strained at times and no, it isnt anything reminiscent of Amy Lee but it sure does convey emotion and added to the simple yet smart nature of his lyrics, creates one of THE great bands to see live where you'll see a mixture of head bobbing, moshing and fans absolutely belting out their favourite songs.

I first saw them live supporting Paramore in December last year and they absolutely blew the roof off of wembley arena, just as much as Paramore did. fair to say, i was totally hooked, the next day i bought their first album 'Take Off Your Colours' (deluxe edition) and was treated to my favourite purchase of 2009, they became my favourite band by about January, I saw them headline Brixton Academy in March and i'm seeing them again this september and i'm looking forward to it just as much as (if not more than) seeing Muse and Paramore this year.

So, people of the internet, if you already love YMA6 then your one of my favourite readers. If you don't.... fair enough. If this is the first time hearing of them, order their albums (TOYC first) from somewhere and enjoy :)

Thank you :)

P.S im sure you'll ask at some point but my favourite bands are YouMeAtSix, Escape The Fate, Paramore, Muse and Taking Back Sunday (pre 'Louder Now'). favourite movie is Leon, GO AND BUY IT NOW... THEN WATCH IT!!!! (no piracy promotion here folks) and my favourite football team is Arsenal (who have a great fan blog here: http://le-grove.co.uk/ )

Oh and this is my Youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/blitz679 it's nothing special but there you go.

Thank you :)