I Just... I Hate You.

Music.

Remember when music was, good?

Yeah, me neither.



Here are the top ten most downloaded songs on the Canadian iTunes chart for the 7th of November 2009.

1. TiK ToK by Ke$ha
2. Fireflies by Owl City
3. Sexy Bitch by David Guetta
4. Bad Romance by Lady Gaga
5. Party in the U.S.A. by Miley Cyrus
6. 3 by Britney Spears
7. Meet Me Halfway by Black Eyed Peas
8. Russian Roulette by Rihanna
9. Whatcha Say by Jason Derulo
10. I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas


Jesus. Christ.

See this is one of the things that make me think that most people are at the very least, semi-retarded. Of all those songs, "Fireflies," is the closest thing to a rock or metal song... That's just fucking ridiculous.

What ever happened to people listening to bands like, System of a Down, Rage Against the Machine, Tool, or CCR? To be fair, Tool isn't in the iTunes store, but I can almost guarantee that a Madonna or a bullshit Kelly Clarkson song would be higher on the charts than "Schism," or "Prison Sex."
I understand that people are entitled to their opinion. I also realize that their opinion, is inferior to mine. Still though, I am dumbfounded that people have all seem to have reverted to listening to songs with no other meanings than, "you drunk enough to fuck yet?," or "man... fuck, my bling's the shit yo."

Does anyone else miss songs that had good musicianship? One can only take so much synthesized, uninspired crap, until they snap and beat up a nun. Speaking of uninspired, when did it become acceptable to have a number one single that mainly consisted of the words, "Tonight's gonna be a good night..."? Wow, thanks for the protip there, Fergie.
Songs like "Sober," "Chop Suey!," and "Sleep Now in the Fire," actually meant something. Guess what, eventually they were condemned by certain groups because people were being influenced by them, instead of having their minds turned into mush.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not some guy trying to pass himself off as a deep, caring and overly serious person, by saying I wish more songs had a serious message to them. I too listen to songs that are simple. The difference between say, a typically simple Britney Spears song, and a song by Iron Maiden, is that her songs usually have a single beat that gets progressively more annoying throughout. On the other hand, Maiden actually can play their instruments and can create several DIFFERENT riffs and breakdowns.

The biggest problem with music though is how it's marketed. Obviously it would be easier to sell a kid a Jonas Brother's backpack, than it would be to sell them an In Flames backpack. It's also kind of hard to promote a sit-com that stars Serj Tankian and Corey Taylor, I would guess.
The problem is things like those don't revolve the music at all. It's just a public popularity test, that doesn't factor in what they do. Play music.

It seems that so many people in this American Idol age use this tried and true method:

-Make an album.
-Get semi famous.
-Then release another album that sounds the same.
-Get REALLY famous.
-Get their own television show or cologne.
-Market to stupid people.
-???
-Profit.
-Celebrity sextape.
-Comeback tour.
-Second failed sitcom.
-Celebrity rehab.
-Failed marriage.
-???
-Divorce... oh, and profit somehow.
-MORE profit.
-???
-E! True Hollywood Story Special.


It's not only music anymore. It's a culture now.

I don't know about you, but I for one have decided that I will begin bowing to the Chinese. Who knows, if I play my cards right, I could make it as a footstool.


"When you lose small mind, you free your life..." - System of a Down (Aerials)

The Music of 2009

Every year there are a ton of new albums released. This year of course has been no exception. Many new artists have been corporately produced, while some legitimate artists have tried to keep me sane over the year.

I'll keep this as short as I can, by just giving a short review of artists who like, and what they threw into the mix...

"Sci-Fi Crimes" by Chevelle: Amazing new CD. I wasn't really a fan of them until listening to the new album. I had always thought that they were a decent band with a few songs that I like, but had never really thought to dig deeper. Honestly they are probably the most under appreciated bands out there, and are one of the few bands that still know what the meaning of 'rock,' is. My rating: 9/10.

"Billy Talent III" by Billy Talent: To be honest when I first heard this album my first thought was, "shit... they're just another band now." Since then, my opinion has changed... a lot. This CD is way different than their last piece of work, but it's definitely in a good way. They clearly have put more thought int their lyrics and have somehow managed to become more cohesive as a band. My Rating: 9/10.

"Life Starts Now" by Three Days Grace: ... I need more time I think. Three Days Grace used to be my favourite band. Since 2003 when they broke onto the music scene, I've always said they were my favourite, and I meant it. Now though, they've slipped a bit, and are now just behind Slipknot and Chevelle. Don't get me wrong, this new album is good... it's just now what I had hoped it would be. The aggression seems to missing, and it seems like they're going a little more mainstream. As long as they don't try turn into another generic sound, I'll be happy. I still think it's good, but it's not as good as I hoped. My Rating: 8/10.

"Shaka Rock" by JET: Not usually my type of rock sound, but I have to give JET props on their work. Pretty good lyrics and musicianship. Very catchy, but not in a way that would put them in a pop/rock category. Definitely better than their previous two albums (which were pretty good anyways.) My Rating: 8.5/10.

"Innocence & Instinct" by Red: I had never heard of this band until this year. Shit, I'm so glad that did. This is an amazing album by a band I hadn't really expected to be in to. By that, I mean, this band has many Christian inspired undertones, yet they keep the relevant so that even if you don't necessarily look for them, there is still an intelligent message. My Rating: 9/10.

"Dear Agony" by Breaking Benjamin: Since it only came out today, I can't really get my head wrapped around it entirely. With that said however, I think that it's great so far. After hearing the first single about a month ago, I've been stoked. So far the album sounds like it's a second chapter to "Phobia." My Rating: 9/10.

Overall, it's been a decent year.

The Best Five Albums of the Last Ten Years

Everyone has a certain musical artist that they've come to love. Usually we love that artist because of consistency. They're the special musicians who produce amazing work over and over again. While, most bands struggle after their first album, there are a select few who keep it going for years.

With that, I'll share what I personally think are the best five albums of the last ten years.

#5.

Appeal to Reason
Artist: Rise Against
Notable Songs: "From Heads Unworthy" and "Whereabouts Unknown"



Just an overall great listen. Every song is catchy, and transitions seamlessly from track to track. A solid mix of rock and alternative sounds. The band has an amazingly fresh sound. Not one to conform to the hundreds of bands out there, Rise Against show a lot of old school punk sounds in their work, while maintaining a unique modern edge.


#4.

Mezmerize
Artist: System of a Down
Notable Songs: "Radio / Video" and "Question!"

This album is just... well it's simply insane. Sporadic and random. Amazing guitar riffs and drum work. Of course all of this is highlighted by their lead singer, Serj Tankian. Very abstract and influential commentary that deal with issues of both society, and modern politics.


#3.

Iowa
Artist: Slipknot
Notable Songs: "Skin Ticket" and "My Plague"

Probably one of the angriest albums ever created. Unlike most "aggro" albums, Slipknot once again, does not just throw in lyrics that sound catchy. They write lyrics that actually mean something. I know, how strange is that? Filled with great drumming by Joey Jordison and the growling verses spat at you by Corey Taylor, the band manages to punch you right in the face with their sound. At the same time you want to just come back for more. Iowa, is simply put as a sick, disgusting and beautiful sound.






#2.

Overcome
Artist: All That Remains
Notable Songs: "Days Without" and "Do Not Obey"

Everything is amazing. The drumming - flawless. Some of the sickest guitarwork that's been heard work in awhile. And Phil Labonte's mix of vocals is astounding. Every song of the album is catchy, while five or six, could easily be successful singles.


#1.

The Battle of Los Angeles
Artist: Rage Against the Machine
Notable Songs: "Born of a Broken Man" and "Sleep Now In The Fire"

Only very recently has this band become one of my favourites. Although having only listened to the album four or five times, songs like "Born of a Broken Man" have been played in my head by the dozen. A solid mix of hip-hop, rock and funk, every song is a classic that will undoubtedly receive their fair share of playtime on my iPod. Much like the aforementioned "Mezmerize," this album takes upon itself the duty of not only questioning, but influencing our society and political systems. With refined aggression, extraordinary musicianship and a strong lyrical message, "The Battle of Los Angeles" is the best album to be released in the last twenty years.