[Map of the Problematique - Muse] (2006)
Muse is a super famous band, blah blah. This song is slightly less popular than some of their other songs but is still pretty popular, blah blah. Here’s some cool info from Wikipedia regarding this song:
“The title is a reference to the book The Limits to Growth (1972) and the Club of Rome think-tank who would create a ‘map of the problematique’ detailing the ‘global problematique’ - a set of likely challenges the world might face in the near future. In addition, the opening lyric, “fear and panic in the air” may be a reference to Mars, in that the red planet’s two moons are named Phobos and Deimos, who were the Greek gods of Fear and Panic. Such a connection would fit in with numerous references to Mars in the album.”
[Fat Bottomed Girls - Queen] (1978)
There are periods of time where I forget this song exists. And then there are the times I remember and they are oh so good. I don’t quite know why I like it, I guess it might be nostalgic or something, but this tune just makes me feel good, namely the refrain. Nothing to do with the lyrics, just the sound really (as it usually is with me).
[Birthday - Kings of Leon] (2010)
Some people really like Kings of Leon, some people hate the singer’s voice, namely from the song “Use Somebody,” which is probably their one song to really get tons of exposure.
This one, “Birthday,” is a pretty simple song and I’d honestly be surprised if someone found the singer annoying here. Anyway, all I know is that the album this song’s on was praised by critics and did pretty well on the charts so I’m pretty sure I can’t be the only one who likes this song.
[The Poet and the Muse - Poets of the Fall (as Old Gods of Asgard)] (2010)
Poets of the Fall is the name of a rock band from Finland and while they have some popularity in Europe, they really deserve more.
I happened to discover them through this song, which was made for a video game I haven’t played, but really want to: Alan Wake. Within the game, this song is said to be by a band named Old Gods of Asgard and this song acts as a clue. However, without knowing any of this and just hearing the song randomly, I instantly loved it so I’m guessing others can too. I could have chosen a song from their first album, which has many great tracks to choose from, but it might work better to show the one song that made me want to hear more. Enjoy!
[Lucid Dreams - Franz Ferdinand] (2008/2009)
Franz Ferdinand is one of my favorite bands. “You Could Have It So Much Better” is one of those albums I could have on endless repeat probably. But this song isn’t from that album so I probably should quit blabbering on about it.
The song I have for you today is from their last album, “Tonight.” The feel of that album was very different from the previous two. They went from a post-punk sort of sound to a more electronic, perhaps darker sort of sound.
It just so happens that there are two versions of this song that perfectly display this shift in sound! The version of “Lucid Dreams” I put up above is the almost 8-minute one from the album, and almost half of that time is taken up by a synthy jam-out at the end.
The single version (YOUTUBE LINK) is more akin to their old style.
Here’s how Wikipedia describes the differences: “The single differs from the version that appears on Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, which has been described by several reviewers as the highlight of the album.The pre-album bridge now starts the song, the chorus has been revised and the original second verse and ending are omitted, with an almost four minute ‘acid trance’ instrumental taking their place.”
I personally think both versions hold their own. And while I generally prefer their older sound, I have to go with the album version of “Lucid Dreams” as my personal favorite of the two. What’s your opinion? Which one do you prefer; album version or single version?
[Stargazer - Roster McCabe] (2010)
Discovered these guys at Summerfest in Milwaukee two or three years ago. They were on a little Tiki Hut stage but deserved so much more. They describe themselves as “Funky Reggae Dance Rock,” but depending on the song, different elements stand out. Their first studio album was more jazz and reggae oriented while this song from their 2nd studio album is more rock with a hint of reggae. Depending on my mood, I like one sound/style more than the other.
[I Will Possess Your Heart - Death Cab For Cutie] (2008)
This is the album 8:25 version, not the single 4:08 radio version. This song just feels completely different with the long bass intro. Not that I don’t like the single version, I just tend to miss this bass whenever I hear this song without it. The wait for the first few words just adds this level of anticipation that you don’t see in many songs, and it’s great.
[Jars - Chevelle] (2009)
Noticed that I haven’t really been putting much “rougher” music when I really do listen to that kind of stuff sometimes. So, here’s some Chevelle. Is that rough? Is that even the word I should be using? Dark? It’s not metal or hardcore or even quite emo, I don’t think. Just…like…rough, man. Yup.
