MONIQUE TWO CENTS...
The weather has officially changed, and everyone is starting to be a little nicer to each other. With this in mind, my music selections have gotten a little more pop. Who says we can’t listen to happy songs when the skies are gray? This month’s extended play brings you some songs that will make you wind down the car windows, despite the chance of flurries.
Hidden in Plain View – “Circles”
I’ve always been a fan of HIPV, but when I heard rumors about a break-up I wasn’t very much affected. Fast forward a few months, “Resolution” releases and I sadly realize I’ll never see these songs live. This CD is absolutely breath-taking, there are so many quality songs and it seems like HIPV finally accomplished everything they had been trying to do for so many years; bittersweet. “Circles” is simply about life on tour but written in a way that anyone could relate. It’s about how life is such a whirlwind and sometimes you are just going through the motions and want to give up, but all you need are a few simplicities to know that everything is going to be ok. If and when you are ever feeling like that, this song is very comforting.
Line of choice: “Feels like heaven, baby”
At least they went out with a bang – “Resolution”
Other Notable tracks: “Bendy”, “Heavy Breathing” & “Like an Ocean”
We The Kings – “Check Yes Juliet”
You may want to file We The Kings under, “just like everyone else” but first try to give them an unbiased chance. I had the pleasure of seeing this band before ever hearing a song and I must say their live show alone is reason enough to buy the album. If you only hear one We The Kings song make it “Check Yes Juliet”. I was initially attracted to the claps, ah ohs, and overall brightness, but once the bridge hit I was sold on We The Kings. They have a rockability that is majorly lacking with the “everybody else” category. “Check Yes Juliet” is the song to play just before going on when you’re in that “let’s have fun and be young” mood. However, beware this one is beyond catchy and will stay in your mind long after it’s played.
Line of choice: “Now they can change the locks, don’t let them change your mind”
Not just another LP from the pop rock cookie cutter – “We The Kings”
Other Notable tracks: “Skyway Avenue”, “Whoa”, & “The Quiet”
Just Surrender – “If I Wanted to Cuddle I’d Buy a Teddy Bear”
Not going to lie, the title made me want to like this song. After hearing it, I was ecstatic to say that even if it were a rose by any other name it’d still smell just as sweet. Yes that was a Romeo & Juliet reference… “If I Wanted to Cuddle I’d Buy a Teddy Bear” is about exactly what you think it’s about, sex. The darker notes mixed with a rock feel somehow combines to sound dirty and slightly raunchy, making the story of the song that much better. The song describes a night after a few drinks and the sex that shouldn’t have happen. Someone should send this over to MTV cause I picture it coming on during a club/bar scene of Real World; yeah one of those nights.
Line of choice: “I'm a mess now drippin’ with regret from the worst damn night I've spent with you”
The edge you’re looking for – “In Like Sin”
Other Notable tracks: “We’re In Like Sin”, “You’d be in Great Shape if you Ran Like Your Mouth”, “Body Language And Bad Habits”, & “Your Life And Mine”
The Fold – “Medicine”
“Medicine” has a spark it charges you up and makes you want to move. If you ever stop dancing and actually listen to the lyrics, you will see that the song is about forgetting about the bad news by cranking your favorite song and dancing; therapy after my own heart. “Medicine” could actually be the song you play when you want to forget the past. Remember to include this as the newest addition to that “Feel Better” Mix-Tape. “Medicine” is composed of chants, whoa ohs, and a groove/funk break down. Just when you think its losing steam and slowing down the song picks right back up. If you’ve never experienced The Fold this is the track to lose that virginity; unfortunately, it’s also the first track, so you may never experience anything else by The Fold.
Line of choice: “I’ve seen you laugh and cry, now I want to see you dance”
They are New to You – “Secrets Keep You Sick”
Other Notable tracks: “Younger Than our Years”, “Catastrophe! (Prepare to Defibrillate)” & “New Skeptic”