Who knew the hot readhead was actually a wizard who would rise above and rattle our bones with a war?

While on one of my late night browsing marathons I discovered one of my favorite songs, was not what I thought it was it was about at all. The song I am speaking of is Alkaline Trio's song titled '97. I have listened to this song quite possibly 10,000 times(that is no exaggeration I assure you.) It's a beautiful song that I thought was about a relationship, specifically about a long distance relationship. The song got me through a few rough patches of my own and it was a song I really related to. Tonight I found out that the song is actually about being on probation, which doesn't really disappoint me at all I can still relate to it, but it was a real shock to me.
LYRICS
I've got it now
A thorn in my side the size of a Cadillac
Drive it through
'cause backin' up now would be next to impossible
I had it all
When I was with you I forgot about everything
Eighteen months
Eighteen months seems like fucking eternity

And you'll be there
To dry my eyes
When I breathe you in
In '97
In '97

I've got it now
Like a thorn in my side the size of a Cadillac
Drive it through
'cause backin' up now would be next to impossible
I had it all
When I was with you I forgot about everything
Eighteen months
I won't breathe for eighteen months

I don't deserve this
I don't deserve this
I don't deserve this
No I don't deserve this
I don't deserve this
No I don't deserve this
I don't deserve this
No I don't deserve this
No I don't deserve this
No I don't deserve this no

Notes from the Author via "Goddamint Redux" CD "I wrote these lyrics on the front steps of an office building in downtown chicago while working as a messenger, I was having some legal difficulties at the time, and as part of a probationary program i was subject to random tests that involved a plastic cup and a sample of my urine. said tests made it difficult for me to partake freely in a certain activity that had a way of making my days as a bicycle courier go by a bit faster."
Alkaline Trio - '97

This is another song from the mix I was given in the previous entry. This was the opening track and I think it was an excellent pick to open a mix with. The first song of a mix has to be killer and grab the listeners attention right away. I usually try to go with a catchy uptempo song or something completely outside the norm. Something that will make the listener want to hear it again right after it's done. Repeatability is an important key for the first few and last few songs of a mix. This song did that, as soon as I heard it I listened to it three more times before moving on to the next. It's got a stripped down, very simple sound. What really impressed me was amazing vocal harmonization and odd song structure.
The Dirty Projectors - Rise Above

The first time I heard this song I was driving on a busy highway in rush hour traffic. I listened to about half of it and I had to turn it off because it increased the intensity tenfold. Saying that The Dillinger Escape Plan is chill is like that ice cream is hot (I can't believe thats the best I could come up with). This song is insane, chaotic, and not something you'd play for your grandma. This song reminds of of riding the worlds oldest roller coaster that shakes you around so bad you think you're going to break every bone in your body. In the middle of the ride a giant evil bird swoops down on you and cuts you into a thousand pieces. The vocals are it's ear drum exploding caw, the guitars are razor sharp talons scratching your soul and the drums are the giant beating wings of death. This is not a song for everyone or the faint of heart. It is worth a listen and has a neat jazz breakdown. No matter how much you hate it don't jump out until the ride is over.
The Dillinger Escape Plan - 43% Burnt (No Longer Available)

Whew! After that I am sure you need something to calm your nerves. So here is a great song by one of my favorite female singers Jenny Lewis. This smokin' hot redhead was the primary vocalist for the band Rilo Kiley. She broke off and started her solo project Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins. I was never a big fan of Rilo Kiley, but I am a huge fan of her solo albums. she has the indie country twang I love and a smooth sounding set of pipes. Fact: Jenny Lewis has a noteable acting career as well. she was in the movie The Wizard. She played the girlfriend of Fred Savage. The film follows three children as they travel to California so the youngest, who has a condition that makes him emotionally withdrawn, can compete in the Nintendo World Video Game Championships. Hmmm...redhead, in a movie about video games, plays music, very beautiful....I'm in love even more than when I first saw The Wizard way back when.
Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue

I found this gem of a song on an old compilation I got with a magazine many years ago. I remember listening to this song on my headphones on the bus ride to school. I thought I was so cool. It was funny and immature, and said the f-word, sort of like high school kids. I didn't know a lot about war other than what I learned in history and I didn't really car about it. Now I'm older and try not to use the f-word, I don't like war, and still find the song funny. Hey 2 out of 3 ain't bad.
The Rugburns - War

The wolves have heartache while returning to their cubicles

If you haven't ever heard of Patrick Wolf you are in for a treat. Mr. Wolf has been around for a whole and is critically acclaimed in the indie scene. This English singer/songwriter mixes electronic synth beats with classical symphony that provides for a refreshing sound. If I had to describe the music I would dramarock. Don't let that dissuade you though there is definitely something here for everyone. His powerful lyricism, incredible composition skill, and emotional sounds will leave you amazed. Patrick has recently released a new album called The Bachelor which is the first of a double disc set titled Battles. I have heard quite a few songs off the new album and let me assure you this is one that will not want to pass up. It will be on many best of lists for the year, it's already number one on my list. The songs make me feel as if I am watching a sci-fi rock opera. I am not going to post any songs from the actual album as I fully expect everyone to go out an buy it. What I will do however is put up this awesome remix that is on everyones music blog and for a damn good reason. I suggest checking out all of his music here .
Patrick Wolf - Who Will? (Buffetlibre Remix)

Looking for work sucks! I have been looking for a job for a while now and it is a frustrating daunting and nagging task. The first month or so it was sort of nice knowing that I didn't have to go to work, but that notion passed a while ago. Now I just wish I had a job for something to do. Don't get me wrong I get out and do things but I always have that little voice that says "You don't have a job and therefore you don't have money to do that." I guess that is a good thing though, I'd rather be frugal than poor. I thank God that I am single and can afford to still pay my bills and keep food in my mouth with a little left over for some fun. I know there are people out there who have it way worse than me. I really hope that they get help before I do, I hate to say that because I really want to get back to normal, but thats the way my mama raised me. I haven't really been lazy with applying to place either, there is just nothing out there and too many qualified applicants. So I am going to post this song by Andrew Jackson Jihad. It's a song that was put on a mix that a friend of mine gave me. She is in a similar situation as I am. I'd like to think that she chose this song to remind me that even though the world will rain a non-stop shit storm on you, you still have to rejoice for the things that you have.
Andrew Jackson Jihad - Rejoice

Many many years back I went to Detroit with a friend of mine to see a tour called Plea For Peace. Plea For Peace is a non-profit organization with a message that is simple: to promote the ideas of peace through the power of music. Before this time I had never been to Detroit without parental supervision and I had no idea where I was going. Once I got to the show which appeared to be much easier than expected I had to find somewhere to park. I was fortunate enough to find a place right across form the venue however I was very hesitant to park there. It was one of those lots where the vehicles are packed in and attended. You had to leave your key so that the attendant could move cars as needed. I wasn't really sure how legit it was but it looked like there were a lot of cars using the service and where else was I going to go. Besides it was right outside. I paid my fee and gave the key to the attendant. He then told me that I had to be back there at 5pm to retrieve my key or else I would be staying the night. The show was an early show and started at 4pm so I told him that would be no problem. I could just run across the street and get my key and return to the show without missing a beat. 5pm came about and I went outside and got my key. When I tried to return to the show I was informed that I had to re-pay to enter, even though I had a ticket. I thought that was total bullshit. However it was only $10 and for a good cause. The show was worth every penny. I got to see this guy play on that tour along with Alkaline Trio, Link 80, Dan Pothast, Lawrence Arms and many others. I have tried and tried to find more about Chris and his beach bum sound but I never was able to. This could be the incorrect title, I lost the tracklist long ago, but I don't see how it could be (you'll understand after you listen to the song)
Chris Murray - Heartache

These are two songs I that I have been meaning to put up since I started this blog. the first is a song by the Brighton(London) post-punk band The Maccabees. The song is a bouncy fun romp with some catchy lyrics that will stick to your brain like glue. The second track is from rapper P.O.S.(which stands for a variety of things, including Product of Society, Piece of Shit, and Promise of Skill). It's a laid back groovy song that features Slug of Atmosphere fame. Both songs are made for repeated listens.
Maccbees - Latchmere

P.O.S. - Bush League Psyche-Out Stuff