Yeah, you know what...

On, Dec.18th, I had a two second panic attack when someone told me Paramore broke up. After getting confirmation that only two members left and that the band will continue as a trio, I swiftly announced to kick the person who shared the news with me in the shins.

Like every other Paramore fan, I was bummed about the news and I was able to deal with the fact that Josh and Zac were just unhappy and wanted to be with their families. However, some people like to express their feelings. Hence the blog making all the commotion today online. Josh detailed more than necessarily needed to fans about how he felt the band was all about Hayley and continued to rant about how he "felt" the band was a ploy to make Hayley famous. But, I have a few things to say about this, so I'm going to put my Journalistic skills to good use here.

First of all, a lot of fans were content with the blog posted on Paramore.net about the departure of the Farro's. So the uncivil blog was not needed to further hinge the success of the band because it has now caused a fiasco amongst fans taking sides. I know we're just fans, we can't understand the functions of what makes a band amazing. But, we do understand how their lyrics can make us feel like the world and that for once we matter.

I've been a Paramore fan since December 2005, after seeing them on MTV's You hear it first. Since then, their music has continued to make a difference in my life by always being those lyrics and songs that I listen to when the time is needed. Whatever emotion was present eventually dwindled away all thanks to their music.

Everyone knows that for a band to make an impact, there has to be a special element, Paramore is known for their live shows and their togetherness. I've witnessed them twice in concert, last summer when they opened for No Doubt and this summer on the opening night of the Honda Civic Tour.

What I'm trying to say is that none of the fans will be able to fully grasp the reality of what's going on. However, to me as long as I can look forward to more music from Paramore so, that I can share it with people and hopefully maybe in the future with my kids and my grandkids, than I'm fine. Hayley Williams, is an amazing vocalist and always will be. She's a strong staple in a lot of young girls lives and she's developed a fearless personality that I wish I had. Jeremy and Taylor are also two amazing musicians who help balance out the dynamic of the band and I cant' wait to see what the trio has in store with their fourth studio album.

So my message to Hayley, Jeremy, and Taylor is Rock On...you guys are too awesome not to! And Hayley you are the bees knees. 


As far as Josh and his sensational blog...grow up and stop being dramatic. And I hope for the best for you and Zac.

Albums from 2010 that should grace every iPod

*Disclaimer: This is a rough draft, I will be adding more reliable reasons soon. This was spur of the moment.


10.) Treats by Sleigh Bells
It’s rare for an album with heavy bass and what sounds to me a little bit of auto tune to ever grace this list, but Sleigh Bells have bleed into this album and it’s amazing. With their gritty guitar riffs and the mass amount of bass booming from each song, I couldn’t resist. Each song has the ability to verbally punch you in the ear drums.



Songs to download: “Crown on the ground” & “Riot Rhythm”


9.)The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
I love Arcade Fire and this album did not disappoint me. I love how out of the box this band is and how the utilize each member in the band. This album hands down was their best, well at least to me. They have less angst in this album, but they still express their opinions on things going on in the world today.



Songs to download: “The Suburbs” & “Suburban War”



8.) Joy by FeFe Dobson
If you know me, you know I’m a Dobson fan. She tries to redeem herself in her fans eyes with this album, but the poppy sound will completely throw off fans at first. Fans will be able to tell how much Dobson put into this album, especially since it took over 6 years for her to gain her spotlight back. But, the album lacks the hardcore sound that made me fall in love with her. Granted she was 16 when her first album was released, but she still embodies that Joan Jett persona on stage just not in her music now. The album is fair, but I think it could’ve been better.



Songs to download: “I made out with your boyfriend” & “In your touch”


7.) Infinity by Band of Horses
With a wispy voice and honest lyrics, Band of Horses truly shined with this album. This album delivered more than their previous two weren’t able to, even though they were good. Even though some credits slammed some of their lyrics, the album still holds true to my heart, because it was constant replay through my summer.



Songs to download: “Blue Bread” & “Compliment”


6.) The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Soundtrack

The movies are beyond weird, but the one thing that really attracts my attention to the teeny popper series are the amazing soundtracks that accompany each movie. The music supervisor for this movie needs to receive the highest praise because this album had me from start to finish. The selection of indie artist really got me. Bat for Lashes, Florence and The Machine, The Black Keys and Vampire Weekend provide unique songs for this album.



Songs to download: “Let’s get lost” & “Heavy in your arms”

5.)Scott Pilgrim vs. The World Movie Soundtrack
I was amped for this movie and it left me in the mood to play every video game from my child hood. The album makes the movie twenty times better, and I guess I have Beck to thank for that. The album is able to grasp the listener with the variety of a nerd in love songs and the heavy riffs. Along with Beck, are the Black Lips, Metric, and The Rolling Stones. The album is more than likely to show that video games and music go hand in hand sometimes. Some songs on the album have that gritty garage sound.



Songs to download: “It’s getting boring by the Sea” & “Sleazy bed track”


4.)Come Around Sundown by Kings Of Leon
I wasn’t too keen on everybody hopping on the bandwagon of this band after “Use Somebody” but screw them. This album makes me want to kidnap the whole band so they can sing me to sleep every night, hell they can even provide the background music to my life. This album is perfect for a day out at the beach just enjoying the waves. Even with the southern sound, I couldn’t draw myself away from.



Songs to Download: "The Face" & "Mary"


3.) Sigh no more by Mumford & Sons
The bluegrass indie rock band was able to throw off some fans with their music as they illuminate the raspiness of Kings of Leon, the soul of Fleet Foxes and the bluegrass banjo of the Avett Brothers. It’s very rare for a band with a banjo to be certified platinum in the U.K. March 2010. The tracks start out slow, but slowly pick up pace with Mumford’s raspy voice leaving you in a heartbroken trance. The album has a solid acoustic sound, with an old fashion sound. The lyrics are intertwined with the pleadings of a hopeless and sensitive romantic. “Little Lion Man” has gritty vocals and strong instrumental interludes. The powerful vocals are also featured on “I Gave You All” and “Sigh No More” The folk sound the band embodies is thoroughly heard in each song. Much of the album conveys the emotions of love, lost and dealing with the struggles that life throws. The album is defiantly album to grasp a hold of soul.




Songs to download: “Thistle and Weeds” & “ I Gave You All”



2.)Brothers by The Black Keys
The Black Keys never disappoint, especially with this album. The album displays the psychedelic blues-rock bands true sound and it’s a true gem among the albums of 2010. It’s established the band as top sellers landing in the Billboard Top 10 in the first week of release. “Tighten Up” is of the lyrics of a love stricken man vying for affection. Each track on the album is highly infectious with Dan Auerbach’s vocals and Patrick Carney’s drumming abilities.





Songs to download: “Everlasting Light” & “Too Afraid to Love You”


And Drumroll please...



1.)Contra by Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend has established themselves as the indie rock band of this generation. With their fast guitar riffs and out of the box lyrics the band can draw just about anyone to their music. And after seeing them live, there isn’t one doubt in my mind that this album deserves the number one slot. I haven’t gotten sick of this album and it’s been out since January. I love everything about this album; the lyrics, the guitar riffs, the slow tempo in some songs…everything. They top my list of the most unique bands around.



Songs to download: “Taxi Cab” & “I Think UR a Contra” …Actually all of them would suffice.





Honorable mentions:
Catching a Tiger by Lissie 
Broken Bells by Broken Bells
The Sea by Corrine Bailey Rae
Teen Dream by Beach House
Permalight by Rogue Wave
The Winter of Mixed Drinks by Frightened Rabbit

FeFe Dobson...does another poppy song.

FeFe Dobson is beginning to make me not want her new album which is slated for release at the end of November. Her first three singles weren't that bad, but I can see this one annoying me fast.

On the plus side: she looks amazing in the video.

New Paramore video

Paramore just released their new video for, "Playing God"  their 4th single off of "Brand New Eyes". And yes, I've already played the video numerous of times...It's that badass.

‘Pilgrim’ soundtrack reflects movie

“We are Sex Bob-Omb!1, 2, 3, 4…” is the first lyric blaring when the play button is selected for “The Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” Soundtrack.

It’s a very rare occurrence when a movie soundtrack can match the level of greatness the movie personifies.“The Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” Soundtrack is in those high ranks of an ear popping soundtrack.

The soundtrack was release three days before the film on Aug. 10. The album is able to hold on to a true nerd’s attention by having video game influenced music.

With the help of musical brain child Beck, it’s far from being horrible. Along with Beck, are the Black Lips, Metric, and the Rolling Stones. The album is more than likely to show that video games and music go hand in hand sometimes. With the movie following the love life of a geek who’s also a bass guitarist for the band Sex Bob-omb, some songs on the album have that gritty garage sound.

The 19 track album complements the movie precisely and accurately shows each band’s work. Most of the movie’s actors generously helped with the album by providing some of their own vocals on three of the Sex Bob-omb songs.

Actor Michael Cera, who played the lead character in the movie, Scott Pilgrim, provided vocals also. He also played bass guitar in majority of the tracks. The soundtrack is filled with grunge pop / indie rock angst songs including ballads.

Beck helped pen most of the album, along with the movie’s director having a huge part in the song selection. Some songs were made before the movie was even thought off such as, “I heard Ramona sing” by Frank Black.

The L.A. based band Beachwood Sparks covered a song by smooth R&B singer Sade. The song, “By your side” has more of an indie feel to it. The majority of the songs have vocals that are on point along with a fluid string of grunge rock to follow it.

The lyrics serve as a bittersweet memory for the main characters in the movie. Each song has the ability to verbally blast through the headphones and make the grunge sound acceptable.

 The director did a brilliant job with selecting songs for the movie, because it’s easy for the listener to think of what scene the song would go with. Even though the movie did not do so well in the theatres, the soundtrack was able to peak at number two on the Billboard Soundtracks chart.

The soundtrack goes beyond all the expectations of any listener; it has the ability to punch the sound into the headphones perfectly. It’s the mix of the garage punk sound and the smooth rock ballads that keep the ears wanting more.

Here's my favorite song off the album "It's getting boring by the sea" by Blood Red Shoes.

Vampire Weekend dominate the stage in Raleigh

Lead singer of Vampire Weekend, Ezra Koeing strums away on his guitar during the band’s  performance of “California English”from their second studio album, Contra.

The Indie rock band, Vampire Weekend, concluded the North American leg of their world tour on Oct. 17 in Raleigh.

The concert opened up with Baltimore, Md. based band Beach House.

The indie rock duo of Victoria Legrand (vocals and organ) and Alex Scally (guitar and keyboards) formed in 2004.

Beach House took the stage at approximately 7:30 p.m. and played a set list that lasted around 45 minutes.

Their stage design, which included purple tinted lights and a starry night backdrop, was meant to convey the concept of their third full album entitled Teen Dream.

Teen Dream is the band’s first release after signing onto the Sub Pop record label.

The band’s genre of music has been classified as “dream pop” due to their songs slowed down tempo and atmospheric rhythms that come from the band’s sound structure and haunting harmonies provided by the lead and backing vocalists.



Vampire Weekend performs  at the Raleigh Amphitheatre on Oct. 17. The performance marked their last show in America before they embark on their world tour.



This genre of music has remained dormant for years but may be approaching a second generation revival with Beach House currently leading the way.

This was definitely noticeable when the band played the first track off Teen Dream, entitled “Zebra,” which also serves as the inspiration for the design of the album cover. The song has caught on after being used in an episode of the CW’s hit show, Gossip Girl.

It was because of this exposure that many people use this song to get into Beach House and why it was the only song from their set that a substantial number of concert goers recognized and cheered for after only a few notes.

Other than “Zebra,” the band played select songs from all three of their albums, including their first two independent releases, Devotion and their self titled debut.

The band’s blend of ambient sounds and synth pop complemented the headlining act of Vampire Weekend extremely well.

In between sets, the audience was transported to the 90s with bands such as Boys II Men playing on the loud speakers.

Vampire Weekend rushed to the stage with the rap song, “All I do is Win” by Dj Khaled blaring from the speakers.

Vampire Weekend hails from New York City. Each band member attended Columbia University.

The band opened up with “Holiday,” a single from their second album, Contra. Contra has gained high marks in the industry, some even naming it one of the best albums of 2010.

It was also their first album to gain the number one spot on the billboard charts.

The lawn was filled with a subtle dancing mosh pit of fans. The mosh pit was perhaps the most dance synchronized mosh pit ever to appear at a concert.

Vampire Weekend has established themselves as the indie rock band of this generation. With their fast guitar riffs and out of the box lyrics the band can draw just about anyone to their music.

Along with their fast paced riffs, they performed a number of chilled out songs, such as “Taxi Cab” and “Horchata.”

They also performed amost every single from their two studio albums, minus “The Kid Don’t Stand a Chance.”

As a beach ball was being bounced around in the crowd during songs, the band said that this was their first time in Raleigh. “We couldn’t ask for better weather,” lead singer Ezra Koeing said.

Koening also asked the audience to put their hands in the air and wiggle their fingers, “It’s an amazing sea of humanity,” he said.

They played “I think UR a Contra,” from the album Contra. They said it was their last time playing the song in the U.S.

The band contributed a single, “Jonathon Low” to The Twilight Saga: Eclipse soundtrack. The album debuted at number two on the billboard charts in June.

The audience stayed lively and energetic throughout the night, never missing a beat.

They ended the night with three encores, “Horchata,” “Walcott” and “Mansford Roof”.

Kings of Leon backtracks to Southern roots

Kings Of Leon’s previous album, Only by the Night, was the perfect album to sit around to at night with a warm drink and snuggle up to the fireplace.


Come around Sundown is the perfect album to play while sitting on the beach and watching the sunset.

This album cannot disappoint hardcore Kings of Leon fans.

Kings of Leon has redeemed themselves among their loyal fans with their new album Come Around Sundown. The 13 track album was released on Oct. 19 in the U.S. This is their fifth studio album.

The first single “Radioactive,” hasn't been highly received on the charts yet, but the album is sure to top the charts. The remix version of “Radioactive” has a children’s choir singing the chorus towards the end. But, in the album version they are not featured.

The heart wrenching ballad, “The End” is able to tug at the strings of any lonely heart. The lyric, “I just wanna hold you…Take you by your hand…And tell you that you’re good enough,” makes the idea of love seem in reach.

There’s more country and soul in this album, almost like their second album Aha Shake Heartbreak.

Their fourth album, Only by the Night, was a way to make the band more mainstream. Come Around Sundown may have the ability to make the mainstream fans appreciate their sound more.

It also has the ability to make them break away from that mainstream sound.

The album cover art accurately depicts the overall mellow vibe of the album.

Caleb Followill’s voice is the most unique in the rock genre. His ability to match his rugged voice with the Kings Of Leon sound is unbelievable.

The iTunes deluxe version of the album features a new song called “Celebration,” along with the remixed version of “Radioactive.” Another version of the single “Closer” from their previous album is also featured on the deluxe version.

Noticeable songs that are a must buy are “Mary,” “The Face,” and “Beachside.”

The bandmates returned to their true Tennessee Southern roots, which gave the album a more relaxing feel. But, they produced the album in New York City.

The album is easily going to make the top albums of 2010 list.

Every song on the album has the hint of familiarity with the band’s sound, but it’s a new way of the band accepting that they are now mainstream, even if it took Kings Of Leon four albums to make that so.

Song of the week (October 4th)

"Stranger things have happened" by Foo Fighters

Sleigh Bells - Infinity Guitars

Awesome song. Enough said.

Song of the Week September 27

"Ride" by Cary Brothers

Song of the week - September 20th

"Garbage Truck" by Sex Bomb-Omb

Kings of Leon premiere new video

Kings of Leon just premiered the video for their new single "Radioactive". The new album is slated for release in the next month or so. But I have a feeling that due to America strangling their latest album to death, this one probably won't be as good. I don't know but the song isn't bad.

Song of the Week

Since, it's a hassle for me to do a song every single day now. I've decided to do songs of the week. So this week's song is "Portions For Foxes" by Rilo Kiley.

Honda Civic Tour didn't disappoint this time around.

Paramore performed three songs during their acoustic set.

   The Honda Civic Tour kicked off in Raleigh, NC July 23.

   The line-up featured Kadawatha, New Found, Glory, Tegan and Sara and Paramore.

  The blistering summer heat didn’t keep people away as the new Raleigh Amphitheatre located downtown was maxed out to capacity.

   The Swedish band Kadawatha performed first, but the crowd seemed dazed by the heat to even notice the band. They performed a few songs and admitted to the crowd that they were nervous because it was their first U.S. show.

  The punk rock band New Found Glory performed after Kadawatha. New Found Glory was infamous back in the early 2000’s. Granted I haven't listened to their music since the early High School year's, but it was nice going down memory lane.

Lead Guitarist and backing vocalist Chad Gilbert joked about the heat, “We understand the humidity we’re from Florida,” he said.

  The band kept the crowd on their toes by performing a few of their early hits such as, “It’s not your fault”, “Downhill from here”, “Hit or Miss” and “Don’t let her pull you down”. They even played their cover of the widely popular song ‘Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer.

  During the set they invited a fan who held a sign that read “I’m NFG’s # 1 fan” up on stage with them.

Twin Indie Rock duo Tegan and Sara helped mellow the crowd before the headliner’s Paramore stormed the stage.

   They performed songs from their current album, “Sainthood”. They performed an hour and half set.

  When the lights dimmed in the amphitheatre and a large white curtain covered the stage, the crowd went wild in anticipation for Paramore.

  One by one the band members took the stage performing riffs and banging out kick drum beats as lead singer, Hayley Williams ran onto the stage singing the intro to the bands most popular song “Misery Business”.

  I witnessed Paramore in concert last summer, but the set list was blah and their performance was mediocre. This time around they had the ability to remind me why I fell in love with their music in 2006.

  A lucky audience member was selected to come onto stage during “Pressure” and she was able to sing along with Williams.

  Paramore performed a mix of songs from all three of their studio albums, including “Decode” which was featured on the Twilight soundtrack in 2008.

  The band that’s heavily known for the pop rock sound performed their new ballad, “The Only Exception” which had the audience waving their bright cell phones in the air. I was even more estatastic when they performed "My Heart", which is off their debut album All We Know Is Falling.

  Half way during their set, they exited the stage and returned with the lights dimmed. A red couch and two lamps created an intimate and personal setting as the band performed three songs acoustically.

  The band ended the night with two encores, “Let the flames begin” and “Brick by boring brick”.

Paramore Setlist:

1. Misery Business
2. Born For This
3. Ignorance
4. Feeling Sorry
5. That's What You Get
6. crushcrushcrush
7. Pressure
8. Careful
9. The Only Exception
10. When It Rains
11. Where The Lines Overlap
12. Misguided Ghosts
13. Decode
14. Looking Up
15. My Heart

Encore:
16. Let The Flames Begin
17. Brick By Boring Brick

Song of the day (August 29)

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Phenomena"