Wednesday, July 10, 2013
NEW BLOG!
Hey Everyone,
Just to let you know that I've started a brand new blog for Planet Stereo over on WordPress. Not to say that I don't love Blogger, because I do. This was the first outlet I ever used to start a blog and that really set me off on writing about what I saw/felt.
However, I just find that I can do write quicker, more accessible posts via WordPress.
Please check out the new blog HERE.
Thanks,
Liv
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Fall Out Boy: Save Rock And Roll (Archived Review)
Save Rock and Roll
By Liv Simister
As a longtime fan of Fall Out Boy, I will completely admit that I may be slightly biased, because I honestly jumped for joy when the news first broke that they were returning from their four-year hiatus (for real this time)! Despite the fact that each member ventured out into the realm of side-projects, things have finally come full circle, as they should be. Welcome back to 2003, friends.
Fall Out Boy is the epitome of “emo” rock, though the members have been known to despise the label. The new album, Save Rock and Roll, while the sound of Fall Out Boy is unmistakable, is a new direction for the group. Prior to its release, the album yielded two radio-hit singles; “The Pheonix” and “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light ‘Em Up),” both of which are catchy reintroductions to the band. Patrick Stump’s vocals are still as impressive as they’ve always been, but seem to have taken on a new power. With Andy Hurley’s drumming ability being significantly showcased, larger-than- life choruses, and hair-metal-esque run-ons, there is little to do but love these tracks.
“Alone Together” is a complete separation from what Fall Out Boy was and who they have become. Don’t get me wrong; there is still an unwavering lyrical quality, riddled in angst. The only difference is that there is a much happier tone to the music behind it. Consider this the bittersweet track that will be repeated more than any Taylor Swift song. Miss Swift, read ‘em and weep, because Fall Out Boy can bash people musically better than you could yourself.
“Where Did The Party Go” is a dance anthem to the nth degree, and a nostalgic moment for both fans and the band. Following close behind is “Just One Yesterday (ft. Foxes),” which follows in the same vein of nostalgia and is melodic magic, in all honesty.
“Young Volcanoes” is Fall Out Boy’s fearless way of showing variety on this album. It’s poppy, with lots of clapping and featuring a beautiful acoustic guitar. It sounds nothing like what one would think of when thinking of the pop-punk quartet. But I think that’s what makes it kind of special, truthfully.
“Death Valley” has a classic sound, driven by this animalistic style. The energy has a bounce to it, and there is something almost hypnotic about it. Lyrically, it’s a bit more driven by desire than by duality and the usual lyrical ambiguity that is present in the other songs, as well as in Fall Out Boy’s older material, but it’s the kind of track that you can work out to without thinking about it.
As someone who has no respect for Courtney Love whatsoever, I will be truthful and say I felt a huge disappointment when I heard she would be on Fall Out Boy’s latest album. “Rat A Tat” is pretty good; despite my reluctance to admit it. However, and this is where things get interesting, Courtney Love’s appearance makes no sense to me. Excuse my brash tone, but the song would have been a favorite had she not been on it.
Speaking of guest appearances, the title track of the album features an appearance by Sir Elton John himself, which is amazing! I won’t be shy in admitting that the minute I bought the album, this song was played....oh, about twenty times in one sitting. It’s the anthem for the downtrodden and those of us still fighting to prove that music matters. Anyone who doesn’t fall madly in love with this song doesn’t understand the beauty of it all. For goodness sake, they got Elton John to appear on their album. That alone speaks volumes, but then for the song to be so grand in its presentation, the irony of the sound in regards to the title, it’s a dream. It’s melodic, and a piano-driven, soulful ballad, which is rare in today’s industry where it’s cool to degrade your own gender or to objectify the opposite sex. I understand, they’re catchy, but give me a song that inspires me to stand up for what I believe; I’ll take that over any other kind of song in an instant. “You are what you love, not who loves you,” Elton John belts out along to the piano, taking listeners to the next level of the song, where the music swells and everything inside of you wants to jump up and scream and belt out your own truths alongside the music.
Overall, Save Rock and Roll is a great comeback for the band, especially as it was created without any hype—no one even knew it existed until a month or so prior to its release! Good or bad, my nostalgia for Fall Out Boy would have left me loving the album regardless. Thankfully, they hit the mark again (just no Courtney Love next time, okay boys?). I think I speak for everyone when I say: Welcome back, Fall Out Boy. Welcome back.
A/N: CHECK OUT MY VIDEO REVIEW ADDRESSING ALL YOUR QUESTIONS HERE!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Jessica Ashley Releases New Video For "Neverland"
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
The Unstoppable Tour: The Paramedic and Evelynn
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