To The Stars... Demos, Odds, and Ends / Tom DeLonge

The anticipation for Tom DeLonge's solo album came to an end on Monday, April 20 when "To The Stars... Demos, Odds, and Ends" was released through DeLonge's multimedia company titled To The Stars. The album consists of eight songs, some of which DeLonge admitted to be demos for blink-182. Personally, I was nervous to find out what DeLonge had produced, even though I knew I would love it like I love all of his projects. The eight songs are diverse in sound, and I almost feel like the listeners got cheated. Quantity-wise, it isn't much of an album as much as it is a long EP, including one instrumental song and two songs that barely scrape the two minute mark. However, what it lacks in quantity makes up in quality. I hear influences from both of DeLonge's two major bands - blink-182 and Angels & Airwaves. The techno/spacey vibes can be heard in "New World" and the instrumental "Landscapes" while there are heavy blink tones in "Circle-Jerk-Pit" and especially "Golden Showers in the Golden State." I'll be honest and admit this isn't my favorite album that DeLonge has worked on, but this and his reactions towards the situation with blink-182 gave an interesting perspective on his talent and future in the band.

The album begins with the first song DeLonge released around a month ago with a music video titled "New World." The vocals come off as pristine, and I only wish that DeLonge could take the emotion and clarity of his vocals in the studio and bring them to the stage. Like I will mention when I get to "The Invisible Parade," I enjoyed this song more when I wasn't watching the music video. I'm still quite confused on the message DeLonge was trying to get across as he smashed a guitar, drum set and other instruments. The reason I claim to believe this is more of an AvA song is because of the guitar in particular. DeLonge has a different style playing guitar in AvA compared to blink, but I'm not quite sure how to explain it.

"An Endless Summer" is one of my favorite tracks on the album. The intro captures your attention, and the synths carry DeLonge's style of recording. The chorus is easy to catch on to with carefree yet meaningful lyrics. The drums tend to be disguised in the background, and I can't help but to be curious on what Travis Barker could have brought to the table for this song in particular.

"Suburban Kings" is much like a sequel to "Rite of Spring" (one of my favorite AvA songs) on AvA's album "I-Empire." DeLonge refers to himself in third person ("Tommy") in the first and second verses that offered a look into the musician's life. Mother's got a thing for praying, but God is going to hate my band. Tommy wants a life of purpose, Tommy has some dreams to plan. The backing vocals during the pre-chorus are one of my favorite parts because it helps build up the actual chorus which gives the song an anthem quality.

It isn't too often that fans get an acoustic song from DeLonge. "The Invisible Parade" is a song dedicated to DeLonge's brother, a Navy lieutenant who served in Iraq. The song carries heavy lyrics that talk about war beginning and ending and then finally coming home, all told from a soldier's perspective. DeLonge's voice is more subdued, and his unique accent in his vocals are last profound which add to the seriousness of the tune. I find this song the most soothing on the album, and I can probably listen to it for hours. Much like "New World," I would much rather listen to this song by itself than watch DeLonge walk by himself in the street and abandon areas with his broken guitar like he does in the music video.

The deep lyrics and acoustic guitar are ditched for the most punk song on the album - "Circle-Jerk-Pit." It wasn't a favorite to begin with, but it ended up growing on me. There's a shift at the 1:15 mark where the loud, shouting vocals are changed to a more sing-songy tone which then changes back to a loud repetition of Are you ready?! Whatcha gonna do?! As soon as I heard this song, the first thing I thought of was "My First Punk Song" by Box Car Racer (another DeLonge side project in the early 2000s). The guitar and the vocals in the beginning are almost identical - the main feature that distinguishes "Circle-Jerk-Pit" is towards the second half of the song when the tone of the vocals change.

The album once again transitions into something softer with "Landscapes" that reminds me of a beginning or ending to AvA's "Love" albums. There is some talking going on behind the synths and the "space-y" sounds, but it isn't very clear what he is saying. I feel like this is definitely one of the "Odds and Ends" that didn't make an AvA album cut.


From what reviews of the album I have read so far, "Animals" is probably the most underrated out of the eight songs. The song begins with a quiet I can run, but I can't hide spoken lyric. It sounds like DeLonge included a three layers of vocals in the chorus which adds to this misty, light atmosphere the song seems to contain. The synths are also unique in this song, adding some special quality that separates "Animals" from the others.

DeLonge hinting at a new song in March 2013
which turned out to be "Golden Showers in the
Golden State."

The album wouldn't be complete without a song from DeLonge showing his timeless humor. This was without a doubt a song meant for blink. "Golden Showers in the Golden State" features DeLonge's classic jokes, but the chorus is one of the catchiest choruses on the album - especially when DeLonge's vocals peak when he sings CalifORNia. The guitar and drums are fun and upbeat, a great finish to the album. (Fun fact: DeLonge actually posted a sneak peak of the lyrics to this song on his Instagram in March 2013.)







---

I have been living and breathing this album since the second it dropped. I've always admired Tom as a performer and musician. I know there has been a whirlwind of drama with blink, but I hope Tom never stops making music (actually I tweeted something similar to this, which we favorited and made me a very happy person). I'm looking forward to the future and what it holds for Tom and blink-182.


Until next time,
Nikole

The Maine: American Candy

The Maine, a local band from Arizona, released their fifth studio album yesterday titled "American Candy." The guys - John O'Callaghan (vocals), Kennedy Brock (guitar),  Jared Monaco (guitar), Garrett Nickelsen (bass) and Pat Kirch (drums) - spent a month in Joshua Tree, California writing and recording the album. Three singles were released before March 31 including English Girls, Miles Away and Different Suit, Same Tie. The songs suggested something lighter and more relaxed than their darker album, "Forever Halloween." However, the more I listened to the album, the clearer it became that this album is a lot more than what's on the surface. "American Candy" contains ten unique songs that all hold their own special purpose.

Before I get into each song, I want to address the album as a whole. The Maine's music has evolved quite a few times over the last eight years, but this new evolution may be one of my favorites. While the last albums touched on some dark themes, the music said something that isn't as easy to say in words. "American Candy" did that as well, but in a different approach. My first reaction was that it began with some easy going, fun to rock out to tunes, and then it transitioned into some heavier material beginning with the fifth track. Before really taking in the lyrics, I thought of it as being another shorter, slightly lighter version of "Forever Halloween." Surface level, sure, I guess you can still say that. However, this album is truly about hope and progress. I'll expand on that when I delve into the songs, but this album became a million times more important to me when I came to that realization. Every song tells a different moment about having priceless memories with friends, learning, becoming better, not giving up. It encourages you to be you. It's unique and rare to find an album that can have you thinking about the songs and lyrics even when the music isn't playing.

Miles Away
The first song on the album is Miles Away, which is filled with positive vibes that make you want to get up and dance. It's a fun song to sing along to with an easy beat that has you wanting to play it on repeat.

Same Suit, Different Tie
Same Suit, Different Tie is the next song which starts with a pleasing to hear guitar riff that leads into the vocals. This song is great because it makes you feel like a million bucks. Dear you don't need high-priced designs to feel dressed up. It's not about what you wear, it's how you wear it. Just a strut and a little style. It's a great transition into the next song.

My Hair
The first time I saw The Maine was at Warped Tour 2014, and John's hair was really long and he had this Kurt Cobain look about him. When the band left Joshua Tree, John sported a nice clean cut. The reason I'm talking about this is because the third song is called My Hair. It has this great vibe that's saying "I don't care what you think of me or what I should do or what I should look like, because I'm going to be me and that's going to make me happy." It makes me want to drive on PCH with the windows down and shout the lyrics into the wind.

English Girls
English Girls was the first single for the new album, and so far the only one with a music video (although Miles Away does have a pretty cool lyric video). It follows the same feeling as the first three songs - having good times, not caring what anyone thinks. This set such great expectations for the rest of the album. It made me think of their earlier stuff from "Black & White."

24 Floors
This song is the turning point. The happy and fast rhythms are traded in for something softer and has this introspective feeling about it. 24 Floors is about someone contemplating whether or not of jumping off a hotel building. On the surface, it could definitely be just perceived as a sad song. Even beyond the surface, it is still one of the saddest songs on the album, but it is so, so much more than that. After I read the lyrics, I found that it isn't supposed to be a sad song. This is a song about hope, about saving yourself. There's a voice that is talking to the person, calming them down. Every moment's relevant, bittersweet and delicate. Tomorrow may never come again, tonight is all there is. It's an extremely powerful song when you really listen to it.

Diet Soda Society
Just the name, Diet Soda Society, has you interested in this song. The song has a catchy rhythm including some whistles (well, it sounds like whistles) and well placed backing vocals that makes you love it instantly. Personally, I love the word choice in this song. Oblivion, supernova, omnipresent, psyche and the soma, person vs. persona. They aren't words or phrases you hear everyday. There's a lot more I can say on this song, but I was hoping just include a comment or two for each song. Also, I find this song really hard to break down. There are so many aspects to it.

Am I Pretty?
This next one I believe speaks to a lot of people. Am I Pretty? is filled with questions that I find we ask ourselves a lot. I understand that people will have different reasons why they might relate, but I feel like a good majority of us has wondered things like if people like us or not. Even after the efforts of trying to be someone else's definition of "pretty," you may still feel like you're confetti for the gathering. It's the last line in the song that stands out to me most. The more Am I Pretty? is repeated, the more sarcastic I feel it becomes. Then it ends with some murmured comments, and There's beauty and grace in the flaws of your face, all candor and style in the crook of your smile.

(Un)Lost
As soon as this song begins, I get the urge to go outside and just stare up at the stars. Or maybe go on a night drive with no destination in particular. There's a lyric in (Un)Lost that I feel sums up pretty nicely what this song is about: I know I'll take the leap if it is worth the fall. It's that in between area of being lost and being found. A destination isn't important, as long as you keep moving. I loved the piano in the beginning of the song because it is so crucial to the mood of the song. Everything about this one is so well recorded, the emotion is captured perfectly.

American Candy
The title song has been stuck in my head all day. The song is not as cheery as the name may lead you to believe. The same piano vibe that set up the mood in (Un)Lost can be heard in this tune. The vocals are also vital to delivering this song. The chorus has this back-and-forth thing going on that really captures my attention: they've got American candy, (you're sweet and sated, so sedated), for the American kids (you're hooked and baited, annihilated). The American candy is described the same way as I imagine any drug would be.

Another Night on Mars
The second I heard this song, and especially the chorus, I thought of the song We'll All Be from their first album, "Can't Stop, Won't Stop." This song is dedicated to those friends that are there for you through thick and thin, the ones that make you feel comfortable being you. I love in the middle to the end of the song where John cuts into the chorus with his own shouts (What's one more night!? We are here under the stars! I hear you singing!). While I mentioned before that The Maine has gone through quite a few changes over the years, it's obvious that they have stayed grounded. They've grown with their music, but they haven't given up who they are. They are still the same group of friends that sang We'll All Be.

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Daytrotter

On the night of March 30, I got to join The Maine at their album release party at Zia Records in Tempe, AZ. John and Jared played a few acoustic songs and talked with the small crowd for awhile. I got to meet them for the second time ever that night, and they are still the very humble and nice guys that I remember them to be. Also, I had John write inside the album a line from 24 Floors - Every moment's relevant, bittersweet and delicate.

Selfies with The Maine

I also went to the 8123 pop-up store at Tempe Marketplace on March 31. It was beyond chill and I had the greatest time. I picked up The Maine's Daytrotter vinyl which I have never seen before and I'm so psyched to own it now. I talked to some of the guys while they hung out inside the store and then saw them again during the signing. I was so blown away that they actually remembered me from the night before! The moments where I get to watch my favorite bands play live and then meet them (if I'm that lucky) are the moments I live for. After the signing, I watched The Technicolors, This Century and The Maine play some acoustic sets. The Maine did a 24 hour party on Meerkat where they had to stay up for 24 hours. Everything about those 24 hours couldn't have been better.

I am so looking forward to seeing The Maine again on Friday as they kick off the American Candy Tour with Knucklepuck, Real Friends and The Technicolors. "American Candy" is now available on iTunes, Spotify and The Maine's YouTube channel.

Hope you enjoyed my review. :)

Until next time,
Nikole

Legendary // The Summer Set

Two weeks ago, The Summer Set re-released their latest studio album, "Legendary," with some extra b-sides and an alternate version of "Lightning in a Bottle." The first release was debuted on April 13, 2013. Forming in 2007, The Summer Set is an Arizona-native band that features frontman and vocalist Brian Dales, Jess Bowen on drums, John Gomez on piano and guitar, Stephen Gomez on bass, and Joshua Montgomery on guitar. They're a pop band with extremely catchy beats that makes you want to dance and sign along. Starting in September of this year, they announced that they are working on a fourth studio album. I had the pleasure of seeing them during Warped Tour this year and that was the first time I really got into their music. I listened to the album Legendary a few times after that and didn't press play again until this week. I don't think I fully appreciated the album when I first heard it - or maybe it just means more to me right now. Now I can't get the words that make up this great album out of my head.

~

This is the intro to the first song of the album, "Maybe Tonight." I can't recall any memorable album intros that begin like this. I love it. To be honest, this may be my favorite part of the album - or at least one of them. This intro isn't sung, either, it's said. The introduction automatically draws you in. This album is far from some formulaic, autotuned pop album made from greedy "artists." It has a message and the band wants this message told. 

Cause there's gotta be something out there

If I fly high enough I'll find it somewhere

So I'll hold my breath till I float away

Maybe I'll come down someday

(Someday)

One of the slower songs on the album, but it caught my attention. It's hopeful. I won't argue that some of the themes on this album - break ups, make ups, never giving up - is a bit cliche, but that doesn't stop it from being a great song. I really like this song because "it" is never specified. "It" can be whatever you want it to be. Based on the context of the other songs, "it" can be love. Or maybe "it" is adventure, a new opportunity. Maybe "it" means breaking out of an everyday routine so you float away until you find something new to discover. It's really up to the listener to decide what "it" is.

We caffeinate our blood, talk religion and our families

Graduate then separate, throw our caps in the air

(Rescue)

I'll admit it, this songs makes me emotional. It's not that I loved high school - I actually can't wait to get away. But that doesn't erase the fact that in five short months I'm going to be graduating, enjoying my last summer at home, move into my dorm in a city, and begin college. It's a little overwhelming writing that all out, but I'm excited. "Rescue" is more about being there for a friend than the line I pulled from the song. I actually wish this song got more credit because it can be an anthem for any best friends. When you need me I'll be there, a friend in the eye of the storm. 

When I was a kid, I'd fly around and Peter would mention

Don't be afraid to die, 'cause to die would be an awful big adventure

(Legendary)

THIS IS LEGEN - wait for it - DARY. LEGENDARY. Okay, when the chorus is filled with references to "How I Met Your Mother," how can this not be my favorite song from the album? I feel like this song can be taken in a few different ways. Whenever anything mentions Peter Pan, you know there is an element of refusing to grow up. I just need to accept, friends grow up and lovers will lie. Like many of the problems in HIMYM, the song is also about wanting to find your "yellow umbrella" (in other words, finding that special person you eventually want to settle down with). The term 'settle down with' might be a bit strong, but Ted did settle down with his yellow umbrella so... This song can also be simple - everyone wants to be legendary. It's not until the last chorus when he sings, we all wanna be legendary to somebody, that makes you rethink it isn't that simple.  

I wanna fall in love for once

I want to find my place

This big city life ain't the fairy tales I'm told

(One Night)

This is the first bonus song from the deluxe version of the album and it takes quite a turn from the rest of the album. Despite the cheery sounds of the instruments, the lyrics are sad. I know sad is a terrible descriptive word, but I can't think of another word. The lyrics talk about how it only takes one night to mess everything up, yet it also only takes one night to fix things. Then the chorus switches to the scene of friends in the back burning holes in their heads, saying 'This is the good life, wish we were dead." It's ironic, isn't it? If life is good, then why would you wish you were dead? The song suggests that there is more to it than just that. The lyric I quoted above is from the second verse, and the vocals seem to pick up a bit, suggesting some hope. In a way, I can see what it's trying to say. The band went from living in Scottsdale, Arizona to spending most of the time in Los Angeles. Of course the 'big city life' is often overemphasized and many people seem to bite off more than they can chew. Despite the new challenges, it's one foot in front of the other. One night to fix it all.

~

This album proved harder to break down than I thought. It's one thing to listen to the lyrics and try to understand them, and it's a whole other thing to read the lyrics like a poem (something I try to do when I want to figure out what it's trying to say). I feel like I just over-analyzed a great album, but I was dying to blog about something and this album has been on repeat for the last few days. Anyways, after months passed and I picked this album back up along with its new b-sides, I gained a new respect for the album.

It's not all that uncommon to not get attached to an album the first time you here it. Actually, it's probably really common. Sometimes you have to wait for the music to come to you (that sounds cheesy, but just go with me). I think everyone can understand the feeling of hearing an old song and loving the feeling of knowing that you remembered every single word. The rediscovery of an album or artist is almost as great (or maybe even greater) than the first time you pressed play. I can't wait for the deluxe version of Legendary to feature in my amazing roadtrip playlist, it'll fit perfectly.

~

I hate to say it, but I might not blog so much in the next few weeks. In less than 48 hours, I will be picking up my best friend from the airport. The day after Christmas, we roadtrip to California and I know it will be the most amazing vacation ever. Disneyland, Hollywood, Venice, Huntington, San Diego. I can't even explain how much I'm looking forward to this. I'll try to blog, but no promises.

(Side note: I'm still trying to get in the hang of blogging. I like the style I'm using right now, though. Bringing up an album, pulling out some songs and trying my best to explain them. I just hate making something more than it is - it makes me feel like I'm in my AP Lit class - so I'm trying hard not to do that. I know this is far from what you would find in something published, but I don't plan on any of this getting published. Either way, I love that I'm actually putting words to how I feel about some of the music I'm listening to.)

Until next time,

-Nikole xx

The Dream Walker - Angels & Airwaves

It's been three years since we last heard new music from Angels & Airwaves and they have officially broken their silence. AvA released their fourth studio album, "The Dream Walker," today. AvA is most well-known because of frontman Tom DeLonge, who is guitarist/vocalist of Blink 182. The album is only one-fifth of a multimedia project that includes a short film, novel, comic books, and a graphic novel that follows the journeys of a Dream Walker named Poet Anderson. The short film recently won the Best Animated Short Film Award at the Toronto International Short Film Festival and the album is currently #1 in seven countries.

AvA have always been a band driven by spacey synth sounds and DeLonge's recognizable drawl and this album isn't much different. The album opens with a piano and synth introduction in "Teenagers & Rituals." The blur of time and dates, that a drink or 2, or 3 relieve. I'm not sure if I can get into analyzing the lyrics because DeLonge can be a complicated guy. The first time I heard this song (just under 12 hours ago) I was happy and relieved. I didn't want AvA to dive deep into the use of synths that drown out the vocals and guitars (like the singles, "Paralyzed" and "The Wolfpack") and I wasn't disappointed.

"Paralyzed" and "The Wolfpack" were the two singles of the album and, to be honest, they didn't set my expectations very high. I just wasn't a fan of the sound. The lyrics were thoughtful and deep like many AvA songs, but I couldn't hear them because the synths were too overpowering. If I had to pick, I would say "Paralyzed" is my favorite of the two because it has a catchy chorus and beat. The only music video so far is for "The Wolfpack" and it had nothing to do with how I interpreted the song. Full of animal masks and confused looking people, it was just overall hard to follow. The intro definitely emphasizes the spacey feeling. After looking up the lyrics, I gained a greater respect for each song because DeLonge is truly a lyrical genius. I'm not saying that I don't like these songs since you can still find me singing along to every word, they just weren't my favorite.

DeLonge wrote a lengthy interpretation of "Tunnels" on Facebook that greatly helped how I was able to listen and understand the song. He wrote the verses years ago, which explains why the sound resembles something a little older than the rest of the album. DeLonge stated on his Facebook that he wrote the verses based on a paranormal experience where he woke up and felt his late father's presence. Then two years later, he wrote the chorus about how "something beautiful and epic is on the other side." I'd thank God, but then what is he for? Because I left a few calls at his front door, I'll leave more. I love the high guitar motif in the background - it especially stands out when DeLonge takes a breath and transitions into the next verse/chorus. The last few verses that end with "when you die" is kind of chilling, but like DeLonge said, "there is something beautiful and epic" waiting. Bringing in some religious ideas and even mentioning God is a rare moment in the songs DeLonge writes which is how they seem to pack a bigger meaning.

After a one minute intro of synths, DeLonge breaks out into a fast-paced song, "Mercenaries." The vocals are strained differently which makes the song stand out to me. I feel kind of hypocritical because in a way this song resembles the two singles, yet I really I love this song. When you feel alone, here's a little hand, and a thought 'cause you were on my mind. I've watched countless videos of DeLonge perform (from Blink 182 to AvA to Box Car Racer) and I can tell - if AvA decides to tour - that this will be an amazing song live. I have a picture of what it would look like and I hope it becomes reality one day (even though I'm against the idea of DeLonge performing without a guitar like he usually does with AvA - it just doesn't look natural). Another song that shows a different strain of the vocals and a different energy is "Bullets in the Wind" which I also believe will be a great song to see performed live.

I might have saved the best for last. I don't want to say it's my favorite, because all of the songs are great for their own reasons, but this song I did put on repeat for a few times during the day. "Anomaly" is a very rare kind of AvA song and I'm grateful. The only song I can relate to this is the acoustic version of "The Gift" that is at the end of their first album, "I-Empire." The intro also reminds me of the start of Blink 182's "Boxing Day" - it's a very slowed down, quieter version of the same guitar riffs. I never wanted to say how much I liked you, I never wanted to be one of your sad discoveries. Maybe one of the reasons I love this song is because the lyrics seem relatable. It's a love song, nothing more, nothing less. I never wanted to coast, always wanted to be an anomaly. It's such an unexpected sound from this band. There's no synth whatsoever. It's a perfect ending to the album that parallels the ending of 2007's "I-Empire." My girl, I think I'm in love, it's the scariest place to be alive.

I did leave a few songs out, but I wanted to talk about the few that have stood out to me in the 12 hours that this album has been out. I know I'll probably interpret these songs a bit differently after I see the other adaptions of Poet Anderson's story, but I wanted to get my thoughts about just the album down first. This album only confirmed that DeLonge's voice is possible my favorite voice I have ever heard (which is saying something). There's nothing like it. As much as I love AvA and their current success, I hope DeLonge gets back in the studio with Blink 182 again soon.


xx Nikole

Happy Birthday to The Maine's "Pioneer"

Happy 3rd birthday to a very special album by a very special band: The Maine's Pioneer. I've blogged about The Maine a couple of times before, but I haven't fully dedicated a post to them and it's about time I did. The Maine are a local band based in Tempe who have been active since 2007 but have gained more recognition as they toured during Warped Tour. Bassist Garrett Nickelsen and drummer Pat Kirch started the band while they were in high school and later guitarists Kennedy Brock and Jared Monaco along with vocalist John O'Callaghan would join the team. Their first full-length album, Can't Stop, Won't Stop, was released in December of 2007 and was characterized by pop-y guitar riffs and vocals. Their lyrics got a more serious in 2010 with their second album, Black & White. The band is currently in the studio putting together their fifth album.

Three years ago today, The Maine took a giant step in their career and released their third album, Pioneer. This marked a huge change in the direction this band way going. Ditching the pop sounds that were featured in their first album and played a small role in the second, Pioneer showed the seriousness of this band. The Maine transitioned into their alternative rock/indie tone that carries into Forever Halloween (2013). Reaching number 90 in the Billboard 200 and selling 12,000 copies in the first week, the album was no failure. Good Love (Pioneer the B sides) was later released that included 7 more songs. 8123 (an artist collective that includes The Maine) recognized the album's anniversary on instagram and commented that "this album proves that if you want to do something you can make it happen with a little hard work."

I'm not going to go into detail about each song, but I do want to talk about some of them that really stand out to me (from the first released version of the album). So this is just my rough idea of what each song is intended to mean or why it stands out. I'll try to keep them somewhat short, but it's kind of hard for me to stop writing once I've started.

Some things are out of my hands

I'm what time and consequence have made me

Sit back and watch the world explode

3, 2, 1 here come the fireworks, baby

(Identify)

"Identify" introduces the album with a subtle guitar riff and John's vocals softly singing the first verse. Then after "here come the fireworks, baby," the drums enter and the guitar gets louder. That's the pattern for the rest of the song. Gentle verses, then screaming the chorus. It's a song that stands out and describes the band at the time. They're building their identity. It's not worth "standing in line," it's time to "identify." I also need to point out the lyric "I bought the last plane ticket to the end of the world" because it emphasizes that the time to identify is now.

I'm feeling pretty dirty, baby

Forgive my sins.

I got the feeling you can save me honey,

My heroine.

(My Heroine)

This song has a very recognizable opening and the first verse (above) draws you into the song. It's pretty self-explanatory. This girl is his heroine - his drug - something he is addicted to and could never get enough of. I like the double meaning of heroine. While in the song, it is mostly intended to be the drug, but heroine is also defined as a "woman admired for her noble qualities." Both definitions make this heroine an irresistible person.

Some days, they taste like lemonade

Some days can feel like razor blades

I wish I could float away, some days

(Some Days)

A little more cheery sound than the first three songs on the album, however it is serious just like the rest. The chorus (above) is powerful and is definitely packed with a lot of emotion. It says what is true for everyone - some days we feel on top of the world, some days can feel agonizingly painful. Then there are days where you wish you could float away, leave it all behind. The line "I hate to say I told you so" makes me think that he has been trying to make a point and it's finally coming across. 

I am selfless, I am selfish,

I'm anything that I want to be.

This is violent, this is honest, 

It's the anthem for a dying breed.

(Don't You Give Up On "Us")

There's a list of ideas of what this could mean in my head and I think every one has a bit of truth in it. Since there are quotations around "us," it makes me think that this song is meant to have multiple meanings. First, I thought of "us" as in a relationship. He doesn't want to break up and this is his plea for her to stick around. I don't really think that is it, although there are some lines that back that idea up. I also thought it could mean "us" as in the band. The song starts with "I am anything you want me to be" then it transitions into "anything I want to be." The band started off as any other pop band, which is probably what many people wanted. It would definitely be something the radio would play. However, the band realized that they will be what they want to be, even if they won't get the same attention. The dying breed could be the genre of music which is definitely different from the "mainstream" music found on the popular radio stations these days.

Looking for misery, but she found me

Lying naked on the floor

(Stay away, sweet misery)

I was headed insane, the devil told me his name

But he's not welcome here, anymore

(Misery)

Possibly my favorite song on the album for many, many reasons. The first time the lyrics really sunk in for me was when I watched the music video. It left me speechless. There's so much emotion that goes into this song, probably more than any other song on this album. Misery is a very intense emotion - it's something deeper than just being sad. Misery is personified in the song and is able to view the speaker at his lowest. I have a lot of questions about the some of the meanings in this song so it's hard for me to go into detail. For instance, why was he looking for misery? And then once "she" finds him, he tells her to stay away? I have some ideas but too difficult and wordy to type it all out now. I love how with every succeeding chorus, John sings louder until the point where he is desperately calling out to Misery.

Turn it up, it's my song

I can't sing, but I'll sing along

I can feel it in my bones

A little rock, a little roll

(While Listening to Rock & Roll)

Finally a more cheery song. Well, I don't think I would call it cheery, but I love message of the song which is crystal clear - don't stop listening to rock 'n' roll. The guitar reflects the old feeling of real rock n roll (although I don't think you can define "real" rock n roll - it's something you feel in your bones like the song says). It's a song that can be related to as well. I love those songs that you can feel. The lyrics and vocals, the drums, the guitar, the bass, the piano/keyboards - everything fits together and rolls along. I can definitely relate to the line "I can't sing but I'll sing along." I know I can't sing, but that will never stop me from singing along.

Oh my gorgeous Arizona

Here's to gettin' caught with you

I was runnin' with the wolves

I was howlin' at the moon

(Waiting for My Sun to Shine)

I'm not going to go really into this song because, well, there's a lot to say about about a 15 minute song. Right now as I'm writing this I'm enjoying the incredible guitar solo that really picks up at 2:38. I like that this song is at the end of the album. It feels like the final toast. All I know is I'm still waiting for my sun to shine. There's a lull that is broken at about the 8 minute mark. It's soft. It kind of feels like a giant sigh. 

Happy birthday, Pioneer.

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I feel like I haven't updated my blog in a long time. Acdec competitions were all last week and I find out if I make the team on Monday. Then I have to deal with the ACT and finals coming up in the next two weeks. I promise I'll write as often as I can. I really enjoyed writing this post so I'll probably something like this again. :)

Until next time,

Nikole xx