POSTED: Thursday, February 24, 2011, 7:00 PM
I set my iPod on shuffle. Here's where it led me Â…
1. Rancid "Time Bomb"
Classic mid-‘90s punk. You can't get much better on
Â…And Out Come the Wolves than this song. Everyone loves the almost incomprehensible voice of Tim Armstrong throughout this album and this song is no exception. And, if you listen really closely without the lyrics just try and figure out if the hat is really white or black. Weird, isn't it?
2. Boys Night Out "The First Time It Shouldn't Taste Like Blood"
Probably the closest thing to a love song this amazing emo/screamo band will ever make, and that's not saying very much. The first line of the chorus "Believe me when I say that I love you angel / because I do," sounds lovely. That is, until we hear about the blood-covered floor reminding this Canadian boy of his old girlfriends. Still, my heart melts for this catchy, upbeat song from the band's first full length album
Make Yourself Sick.
3. Phantom Planet "California"
I know, it was totally overplayed and probably the only song you know by this band, but
The Guest is the perfect SoCal album. Hence the reason it's on my iPod at all; I took a trip to San Diego last year and this was number one on my inflight playlist. Another plus to listening to this relaxing beach tune: Jason Schwartzman (actor and former Phantom Planet drummer is hilarious. Read: "Rushmore").
4. Story of the Year "Anthem of Our Dying Day"
So at this point you've probably guessed that I'm a sucker for pop-punk. I admit it. That's why Story of the Year's
Page Avenue came up next on shuffle. But seriously, if you don't get a little teary eyed thinking about going down to the Jersey Shore and pining over a special someone during this song Â… wait, maybe that's just me. Either way, it's a pop-punk anthem for you emo kids to rock out to.
5. Lady Gaga "The Fame"
There are no words for the fantastic-ness that is Gaga. But this song, that never quite made it as a radio single is off her first album of the same name. Fame is the most prominent word in this song, but we don't need lyrics to enjoy a Lady Gaga song. This one starts with some fun guitar-synth-techno sounds and adds the clapping into it to keep a catchy rhythm throughout.
6. Coheed and Cambria "Neverender"
As one of my top five favorite albums, Coheed's
Second Stage Turbine Blade never disappoints. I won't talk about the lyrics other than to say they're in part with lead singer Claudio Sanchez's graphic novel series (read it!). The guitar leads the beat in this song and makes for great (yet, light) head banging and Sanchez's sweet, calming voice makes me forget all about his obnoxious hair.
7. Lady Gaga "Lovegame"
Normally I would skip an artist repeat on shuffle so close together, but that's not how this game works. In the meantime, I'll happily listen to Lady Gaga's third single off
The Fame. This song, most remembered for Gaga wanting to ride someone's ‘disco stick' is a great club song. Good rhythm, nice techno beats. "Let's have some fun this beat is sick." Yeah, she gets it.
8. Motion City Soundtrack "Autographs and Apologies"
Great guitar solos in between Justin Pierre's powerful voice blend nicely in this song off Motion City's first album,
I Am the Movie. This band is known for fun live performances and talented synthesizer players (they better be, it's used on nearly every song). Motion City doesn't pretend to be anything they're not, just some Minnesota boys making some rockin' music.
9. Emery "Studying Politics"
Another one of my top five favorite albums, Emery holds a special place in my iPod world. Their songs show up several times on my most played list, and for good reason. Their post-hardcore (ie. soft-core) guitar riffs mixed with dominant lyrics, and a voice to go with it, fill each song with glorious music. This song, off the band's
The Question album keeps me going throughout the day.
10. Lil' Wayne feat. Drake "Right Above It"
This song is a pleasant change from my pop-punk-riddled shuffle list so far. I started loving this song when I realized it was Phillies' Jason Werth's at-bat song (and yes, I still love it even though he chose the Nationals over us). Lil' Wayne is a rap-genius these days. He's got Young Money (Drake is part of this hot-right-now crew) by his side and comes through with this hit single off of Wayne's album
I Am Not a Human Being. The brass and string duo start the song in a heavy, uplifting way and keep this energy throughout. And, of course, these two are at the top of the rap charts right now, Jason Werth or not.
