8/14/23 One of my favorite albums! I have it on vinyl. "Tired of Tomorrow" by Nothing. You'd probably like them if you like bands like Smashing Pumpkins or My Bloody Valentine. They manage to have a huge, larger-than-life sound without having extremely complex riffs or anything. My favorite song on the album is "Eaten by Worms." That song in particular has been a big inspiration to what I'm writing for my own band! Here's the Spotify link! https://spotify.link/0ess1aGvgCb
8/15/23 VIOLENT VIRA's discography! I just recently found these guys and they kick ass! They're actually playing a show in Las Vegas on August 19th. I wish I could make it <3 Right now they only have a collection of singles, my favorites being "God Complex" and "Tarantula Girl." I would describe them as having strong nu metal influence, especially with the guitar tone. The way the singer can easily switch back and forth between sweet, bright vocals and harsh screams is insanely impressive. I hope to catch them live sometime in the near future! Spotify link: https://spotify.link/9AECznXkiCb
8/16/23 "Dookie" by Green Day! My first vinyl record I've ever owned, gifted to be by a friend right before I moved from Minnesota to Las Vegas. Green Day is my all time favorite band because I ended up at the Hella Mega concert in Minneapolis by pure chance Weezer and Fall Out Boy were there too, but something about Green Day's performance really genuinely changed my life, and that's when I fell in love with them and realized I wanted to pursue music. I bought my first guitar a month later <3 While American Idiot is my favorite Green Day album, Dookie is what made them initially soar to stardom, and it's one of those albums that are so good that you just can't get away from it (for better or for worse). I definitely consider Dookie to be pop punk, but I would argue it leans slightly more punk than pop than other big pop punk records. It's usually hard for me to pick a favorite song in a good album, but this time it's especially tough because every song is so good for it's own reason. Whether the song is just goofy like "Longview" or "All by Myself," or goes all out with the emotions like in "Burnout" and "She," or something in between like "Having a Blast" or "Pulling Teeth" each song feels like another part of myself. "Basket Case" would be the cheapest shot, seeing as it's the most listened to song on the album. But I think for my personal favorite, I have to go "She" since I feel such a personal connection with the character Billie is singing about. Dookie's 30th anniversary is February 1st, 2024 and I'm looking forward to seeing tomorrow's announcement the band has been teasing on Instagram the past few days! https://spotify.link/seSm0vKXjCb
8/17/23 Diva Bleach! A small band from Arizona who just recently signed their first record deal! Right now they only have singles and EPs released, but every one of them is great. They call themselves "glitter rock" which I would describe as a really cute, girly offshoot of pop punk. They recently released "Out of my Head," which, funnily enough, I haven't been able to get out of my head. I've been lucky enough to see these girls perform a few times, and they're actually about to perform at California is for Lovers on August 26th! I think it's super cool that they get to play the same festival as Touche Amore and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus! My favorite songs of theirs are "Eggshells" and "Crawling." The vocals in the chorus just really hit. I feel the longing and the pain but it manges to keep an upbeat sound at the same time. I could see them opening up for Paramore or something like that. Definitely check them out before they really blow up <3 https://spotify.link/KbLybbCxlCb
8/18/23 "Capsule Losing Contact" by Duster. Usually when I describe the genre "shoegaze" to people, I name the bands Smashing Pumpkins and My Bloody Valentine. But the genre can also be very mellow and soft. One of my favorite fun facts is that the term "shoegaze" originated from the guitarist having so many effects and pedals that they're always looking at their feet. Duster is one of those bands that you either love or hate. I'd describe it as something you'd listen to on a dark, dreary day. Or maybe when you just want to relax. This album specifically covers lots of feelings of distance and being alone. Sometimes in a nice peaceful way, and sometimes in a more somber way. My favorite track is "Four Hours" thanks to that very cool riff between the verses. If a nearly three hour album is too long for you, they also have a shortened version "Moods, Modes" that is less than 30 minutes. I'll link them both here for you! Capsule Losing Contact: https://spotify.link/vGZfCdQhnCb Moods, Modes: https://spotify.link/RfMG70ShnCb
8/19/23 "Bigger Business" by Pure Sport A local Las Vegas band!! I love these guys and I'm so proud of them for winning the locals contest to perform at Life is Beautiful! Pure Sport is an amazing modern twist on a punk rock band, and they have a gimmick that the Las Vegas music scene has fallen in love with. Their whole schtick is that they're corrupt business men and their fans are their employees. Do you like their music? "Welcome to the company," they would say. You can probably spot the three of them in ill-fitting suits and ties grabbing each other's butts, or kissing each other on stage in a proud statement against homophobia. The three of them are just good friends, but what's wrong with bros being bros? My favorite track on this album is One Too Much. The guys said themselves one night live that they were shocked at how much people loved this one. It's so mellow in comparison to their other upbeat or angry songs. But I think that's the reason it stands out. It feels different, but it doesn't feel out of place. It's a break from the madness without a break from the passion. If you feel like fucking shit up tonight, put these boys on 11 <3 https://spotify.link/epKKwOaXoCb
8/20/23 Weezer's "White Album" Currently my favorite Weezer album that's not the standard Blue or Pinkerton! I'm looking forward to seeing them very soon on their current Indie Rock Tour! I've only seen them live once before, on the same day I saw Green Day live for the first time and my life was literally changed. The two year anniversary of that day is actually coming up soon here on August 23rd! It'll be a nice re-visit together. Weezer has a reputation on the internet for being an indicator of "poor music taste," although it's mostly just jokes. The biggest joke is that "no one hates Weezer more than Weezer fans." But in all seriousness, I do adore these guys. I grew up listening to them, long before I even knew about the goofy memes. I don't know why I like this album so much. It's very different than anything I've listed in this thread so far. Most of the songs have a warm, comforting energy to them that I think I'm not usually open to listening to from bands I'm not already familiar with. I usually like heavier guitar tones and more intense vocals. But I just love these guys to death. My favorite track on the album is probably "Thank God for Girls," because of course it is. I'm pretty sure Rivers Cuomo isn't religious, but he does incorporate Christian motifs into his lyrics somewhat often. I'm not religious myself, so I enjoy being able to just hear the story as a story rather than a form of preaching. But I can also understand how it could still resonate with a Christian audience, and I think that's cool too! Feel free to give the album a listen! I linked the deluxe album just for kicks https://spotify.link/BfCkYiTKqCb
8/21/23 "American Idiot" by Green Day It only feels right to kick off the last day of my first tour with my all time favorite album. I always listen to this album when I feel like I'm going through a major event in my life. It makes it mean that much more to me when I decide to listen to it on a normal day. It's become a vault for all my most important memories, which is fitting for what was written as Billie Joe Armstrong's autobiography. I can't relate to every song the same way Billie wrote it. For example, my father is still very much alive, so I can't directly relate to Wake Me Up When September Ends. But I do still resonate with the emotions he sings about in that song. Mostly, I just feel very close to the story of a rebellious teen growing up and leaving their hometown behind in search of something new and exciting. Even creating a little bit of an alter ego along the way. My favorite track on this record, and my favorite song of all time, is "Whatsername." It was written about Billie's ex. The one who got away, you could say. To me, I like to take a more symbolic approach. I don't think about any particular person, but I see it more as a reminder that things constantly change. I hope I have some of the friends I do now forever, but nothing is guaranteed. But there's also no point in having regrets. It's also just an amazing closing track to an album. It wraps up the story for the listener but also implies that it keeps going. It may be one of the biggest albums ever written, but I think it deserves a deeper appreciation than just being some rock opera that came out in '04. Here's the link! https://spotify.link/RYrXIVQksCb
I like this thread! I’d like to add to it. It’s that time of year where I listen to “The Puppet Master” by King Diamond. King is known for concept albums, where the album is one story, and this one is no exception! The story takes place in 18th Budapest, and King tells the story from the view of an “unfortunate man,” who suffers a grim fate in the story. The other characters are Victoria, whose lines are sung by King’s wife Livia Zita, Lazlo the Puppet Master, and the Puppet Master’s wife, Emerencia. The story also takes place across two Christmases. I’ll spare the details of the story, but I will suggest some stand out songs: “The Puppet Master,” “Blood To Walk,” “So Sad,” which is a duet between King and Livia, though Livia has more parts on the album, and “Christmas,” which has an arrangement of “Little Drummer Boy.” The album has had its share of criticism, but I think it’s a solid effort. It also has King’s most consistent lineup so far with longtime guitarist Andy La Rocque, Mike Wead who replaced Michael Denner in Mercyful Fate, the returning Hal Patino on bass, Matt Thompson on drums, and Livia on vocals. If you want to hear it, here’s the Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/album/0G7drliRgUljrZBgQWaeM8?si=S8JGJ6LmSrKXpKg_0Po6Gw
Today I'm listening to New R&B on a curated plainest by Apple. It's mellow background music for working on the computer.
“No one is inside the church but the bell is ringing…” Let’s talk about the landmark King Diamond album, Abigail! Abigail was released back in 1987, long before I discovered metal and long before I discovered King himself. This is the last album with former Mercyful Fate members Michael Denner and Timi Hansen. Denner was replaced on tour with Michael Moon, who was then replaced by Pete Blakk. Timi Hansen left due to his wife threatening to leave him and take their son if he didn’t give up the rock star lifestyle, which she did anyway. For “Them”, Hal Patino stepped in. Abigail is King’s first concept album, a theme he would continue through his solo career. Fatal Portrait was a partial concept, with the main concept wrapping around the other songs. It’s the story of a newlywed couple inheriting a mansion that holds a dark secret that they soon find out after ignoring the warning of a horseman they meet on the way. Abigail has some excellent guitar work from Andy LaRocque and Michael Denner with the masterful drumming of Mikkey Dee. The keyboards that pop up add to the atmosphere as well. There was a video for “The Family Ghost” but King hated it. I’ve linked the video here: If you want to listen to the whole album, here’s the link: https://open.spotify.com/album/7zIqyMrapcp7QWM12NkjaD?si=vDxBSjjZTU6lb3AyVUQauQ
Hey guys I haven't updated this thread in a while!!! I wanted to come back today 2/12/24 to say I've recently found the band Midrift; a Bay-Area shoegaze band I've really fallen in love with! Their latest EP "Leave" has been really nice to have going in the background while I'm sketching or just laying in bed enjoying it straight up It's definitely not happy music, but I like it anyway as a warm blanket of noise. I would love my own guitar to sound like them. Here is the Spotify link!! https://open.spotify.com/track/5IGbMrzCYOSj2g66AVd0fx?si=FiNrAMf3SuC9--NUdIunvA
Got your heart broken on Valentine's Day? Do I have the EP for you!! Love Letter - In Your Arms Again I found a small LA-based band a few months ago through a Spotify-generated playlist and was obsessed with them when they only had two songs! Just a few days ago they released their first EP and it's really good! But if you don't like the kind of music that's a lot of screaming, you probably won't like these guys. They're super angsty and emotional and I really dig it! When I first listened to it the self titled and final track was my favorite, but after several more runthroughs, "Until Death Do Us Part" really started to get me. The lines "You said that you'd stay here. You promised you'd stay here. You lied. You lied," do a remarkable job reflecting the feelings of frustration, sadness, desperation, and anger after a particularly brutal breakup. Especially one that you didn't think would happen. It's gut wrenching. Yes, even women as sexy and amazing as me get their heart broken. This EP has no skips for me and is all around super solid. Give it a listen if you feel inclined <3 UNTIL DEATH DO US PART: YouTube (Full EP): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mCTHKzes5A5KOBh_AYLwW4QSjB7Icr0Nw&si=heMfvnB0PcK4sT73 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6b4ca7Swo88Aab6yl8vt0b?si=uyDQYEg0QD2WK7WV3lQEBw
Exactally how I felt after 25 years of marriage and all of a sudden she wants a divorce without even trying to fix anything. Like 25 years meant nothing.
“I was born in a cemetery Under the sign of the moon Raised from my grave by the dead I was made a mercenary By the legions of hell Now I’m king of pain…I’m insane…” I was listening to this last night at work until my headphones decided to give out. Melissa was the debut album from Mercyful Fate. Released back in 1983, this was truly an ambitious project, and it’s aged nicely. Mercyful Fate is known for amazing guitar work, scary lyrics, and King Diamond’s high shrieking vocals. Hank Shermann and Michael Denner lay down great guitar sounds that might make you believe their instruments were possessed. Solid work by Mercyful Fate. Here’s the Spotify link to this legendary album: https://open.spotify.com/album/1hxG9oE767xQ4MLsEU5u58?si=0bKv_4YRSFqIOwipRi0hRA The video for the song, Evil:
Just remember somewhere out there in this vast world someone is thinking about how much they love you.
I spent the day listening to 90’s Eurodance. Like Wighfield, DJ Bobo, Corona, Double You, Masterboy. it reminds me when I was just a teenager in Brazil and dreaming of hitting the clubs but I was underage. lol
“Upon the cross, he did not die They tortured him but he survived Smuggled across the open sea To southern France…tranquility…” King Diamond - House Of God Anyone who’s followed King Diamond’s career knows he had no love for religion. You need only to listen to the early Mercyful Fate releases, Melissa and Don’t Break The Oath to know this, but he’s also stated in countless interviews on where he stands on it. When I picked up House Of God on the day it released back in 2000, I was a little confused by it, but it’s a new King Diamond album. Let’s let’er rip! King starts off the album with the scariest voice never heard before or since, and it pops up in two other songs. King weaves a twisted tale about a man who is lured to a church he’d never even known existed, and becomes trapped there by a mysterious force. I’d listened to this album many times, but some events in my life later related to the songs. Like the song, “Just A Shadow” where the lyric “if life is so divine, how come I suffer in mine” brought me to a point of clarity. This album saved my life. The church spoke of in the story was highly inspired by Rennes le Chateau, a French community with a magnificent church that had a legend attached to it. According to the legend, a priest happened upon this church and found scrolls suggesting that this church was the final resting place of Jesus Christ. He then took the scrolls to a diocese, then returned with a lot of money and began renovations on the church and built a town around it. When asked, he confessed on his deathbed of what he’d found, and the Catholic Church paid him a huge sum of shush money as if the scrolls ever got out, it would screw up what people had been taught for a millennia. This legend was eventually debunked. King released a solid album despite having the most temporary lineup in the band’s history. Mainstays King on vocals and keyboards and Andy LaRocque on guitar are joined by drummer John Luke Herbert who’d performed on the previous album Voodoo. Glen Drover on guitar and David Harbour on bass would round out the lineup, but Harbour was fired from the band shortly after the tour, and Drover left after the tour as well. It wouldn’t be until the following album, Abigail II: The Revenge that King would have a more consistent lineup. Here’s a link to the album on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4AwgNXrOw1hBYi5jB6u2Mb?si=pVuv408tRQ-lTMVYPz0v-g It’s always a treat to see King perform, and in this video, he performs the song “Help!!!”
