10/3/15

Music Review #149: "What Hurts The Most"

Today, I will be reviewing "What Hurts The Most" by Rascal Flatts. This song was released in 2006 as part of Rascal Flatts' "Me and My Gang" album. I find it interesting that this song is melancholy. I really like the use of acoustic guitar in this piece. I really like the rhythm in this song. My favorite part of this song is "What hurts the most was being so close and having much to say and watching you walk away. And never knowing what could have been and not seeing that loving you is what I was trying to do." Even though I don't really care for country music, I really like this song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

9/30/15

Music Review #148: "Superstition"

Today, I will be reviewing "Superstition" by The Birthday Massacre. This song was released in 2014 as part of The Birthday Massacre's "Superstition" album. I really like the use of synthesizer and I really like the drumming. I also think that Chibi has a beautiful voice. Rainbow is also a great guitarist. My favorite part of this song is "He says "Intuition is awakening suspicion." He says "My tradition is the art of superstition." I stumbled upon this group earlier this year by accident and I have enjoyed what I have heard. This is a great song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

9/21/15

Music Review #147: "On Top of the World"

Today, I will be reviewing "On Top of the World" by Imagine Dragons. This song was released in 2012 as part of Imagine Dragons' "Night Visions" album. I really like the upbeat sound to this song. I also really like the tempo and rhythm. My favorite part of this song is the part when they sing "And I know it's hard when you're falling down and it's a long way up when you hit the ground. Get up now, get up, get up now." This is one of those songs that you just want to keep playing because it is that good. I really like this song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

9/14/15

Music Review #146: "What Do You Mean?"

Today, I will be reviewing "What Do You Mean?" by Justin Bieber. This song was released as a single of August 28, 2015. Before I get started, I am not a Justin Bieber fan whatsoever. I really like the use of piano in this song. I also like the lower instrumentation in this song because I like the way that it makes the song sound. In a way, I think this song makes you think about your love life now or your love life in the past or future. Also, this song is definitely very catchy. Even though I don't like Justin Bieber, this is still a very solid song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

8/23/15

Music Review #145: "Booyah"

Today, I will be reviewing "Booyah" by We Are Loud and Sonny Wilson. This song was released in 2013 as part of the album "FG Tendances Electro 2014." I really like the use of electric music in this song. I also like how Sonny Wilson has a reggae-sounding voice. I also really like the rhythm and I find this song very catchy. This song was used by the Philadelphia Flyers as their goal song last season and Pittsburgh Pirates' shortstop Jung-ho Kang uses it as his walk up tune. I really enjoy this song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

8/16/15

Music Review #144: "Animal"

Today, I will be reviewing "Animal" by Def Leppard. This song was released in 1987 as part of Def Leppard's "Hysteria" album. I really like the guitar throughout this song. I also like the rhythm. My favorite part of this song is this: "I gotta feel it in my blood whoa oh. I need your touch, don't need your love whoa oh." This is a great song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

8/15/15

Music Review #143: "Macarena"

Today, I will be reviewing "Macarena" by Los del Rio. This song was released in 1994 as part of Los del Rio's "A mi me gusta" album. This is a song that is played at practically every dance and big party. I like the use of electric music in this song. I also think the rhythm makes this song very catchy. There are a few things about this song that I do not like. I think the female's voice is very nasally. I also don't like how this is a song that many children dance to yet there are a multitude of sexual references in this song. Other than that, it is an okay song. I give this song a seven out of ten.

8/14/15

Music Review #142: "Walk Like An Egyptian"

Today, I will be reviewing "Walk Like An Egyptian" by The Bangles. This song was released in 1985 as part of The Bangles' "Different Light" album. I really like the guitar and the rhythm throughout this song. I feel this song is very catchy. I also think that this is another song in which the bass guitar deserves a lot of credit. When I hear this song, it's hard not to listen to it again. This is a pretty good song. I give this song a nine out of ten.

8/11/15

Music Review #141: "Let's Go All The Way"

Today, I will be reviewing "Let' Go All The Way" by Sly Fox. This song was released in 1985 as part of Sly Fox's "Let's Go All The Way" album. I have always thought that this song was very cheesy. Even though it is cheesy, it is still very catchy. I really like the use of electric music and I really like the rhythm in this song. This song is pretty solid. I give this song a nine out of ten.

8/7/15

Music Review #140: "Tiny Dancer"

Today, I will be reviewing "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John. This song was released in 1971 as part of Elton John's "Madman Across the Water" album. I really like the piano throughout the entire song. I also like it when the drums come in because it helps keep a steady beat throughout the song. I think that Elton John has one of the best voices in all of music. This is a great song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

8/3/15

Music Review #139: "Mr. Brightside"

Today, I will be reviewing "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers. This song was released in 2004 as part of The Killers' "Hot Fuss" album. Right off the bat, I really like the guitar riff at the beginning of the song. I also really like the bass guitar and drums throughout the entire song. My favorite part of the song is this: "Jealousy, turning saints into the sea. Swimming through sick lullabies. Choking on your alibis. But it's just the price I pay. Destiny is calling me. Open up my eager eyes cause I'm Mr. Brightside." This is an awesome song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

7/26/15

Music Review #138: "Raise It Up"

Today, I will be reviewing "Raise It Up" by Distant Cousins. This song was released in 2013 as a single. I like the rhythm in this song. I also really like the instrumentation. This song is very catchy and I feel that it is very uplifting as well. All of the voices in this song are pretty good. I really enjoy it when they repeat "Raise it up, raise it up, raise it up." This is a very solid song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

7/25/15

Music Review #137: "Crowd Chant"

Today, I will be reviewing "Crowd Chant" by Joe Satriani. This song was released in 2006 as part of Satriani's "Super Colossal" album. I really like the rhythm in this song. Also, Joe Satriani is really a guitar wizard. He always flies on his guitar and it is an awesome thing to listen to. The multitude of guitar riffs make this song awesome. My favorite part of the song goes from the 1:03 mark till 1:29. This song is frequently played at sporting events and it definitely gets fans excited. This is a solid song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

7/24/15

Music Review #136: "Touch Me I'm Going To Scream Part 2"

Today, I will be reviewing "Touch Me I'm Going To Scream Part 2" by My Morning Jacket. This song was released in 2008 as part of My Morning Jacket's "Evil Urges" album. I really like the use of electric instrumentation in this song. I also really like the bass guitar and I really like the rhythm in this song. I go nuts when this song gets to the end. I saw these guys live last month and it was a great concert. They performed this song before they left the stage and had their encore. It was great live. I really like this song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

7/23/15

Music Review #135: "Rooster"

Today, I will be reviewing "Rooster" by Alice In Chains. This song was released in 1992 as part of Alice In Chains' "Dirt" album. I think it is very interesting how the song has a mysterious sound at the beginning. I really like the opening guitar riff. I have always been a big fan of the duo consisting of Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell. The bass guitar in this song is also great. Compared to other songs by Alice In Chains, this song is relatively mellow. I really like this song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

7/22/15

Music Review #134: "Enter Sandman"

Today, I will be reviewing "Enter Sandman" by Metallica. This song was released in 1991 as part of Metallica's "Metallica" album. I really enjoy the guitar solo at the beginning and I like how the song transitions into heavy. I also think that Lars Ulrich does an awesome job with his drumming in this song. This is a song that is commonly used at sporting events. I have heard this song at numerous Penguins games I have attended. Also, the North Allegheny football team uses this song when they enter the field. I really enjoy this song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

7/21/15

Music Review #133: "I Don't Want To Be Here Anymore"

Today, I will be reviewing "I Don't Want To Be Here Anymore" by Rise Against. This song was released in 2014 as part of Rise Against's "The Black Market" album. I really like the guitar solo at the beginning and I really like the drums throughout the song. I really like the rhythm in this song as well. I also think that Tim McIlrath has a good voice. This song is very solid. I give this song a ten out of ten.

7/20/15

Music Review #132: "Worth It"

Today, I will be reviewing "Worth It" by Fifth Harmony featuring Kid Ink. This song was released this year as part of Fifth Harmony's "Reflection" album. I think this song has a really funky beat to it. I also think that the use of saxophone is interesting. I think that all of the members of Fifth Harmony have great voices. My favorite part of the song is this: "Uh-huh, you see me in the spotlight. Ooh I like your style." This song is also very catchy. Even though I really don't listen to this kind of music, this song is pretty solid. I give this song a ten out of ten.

7/18/15

Music Review #131: "Don't Bring Me Down"

Today, I will be reviewing "Don't Bring Me Down" by Electric Light Orchestra. This song was released in 1979 as part of Electric Light Orchestra's "Discovery" album. Right off the bat, I really enjoy Bev Bevan's drumming. I also really like the guitar in this song. The one part of the song that stands out is the repeat. During this section, I really like the synthesizer and the deep guitar playing. This is a song that can put you out of a bad mood. I have always enjoyed this song and still do to this day. I give this song a ten out of ten.

7/17/15

Music Review #130: "Everybody Talks"

Today, I will be reviewing "Everybody Talks" by Neon Trees. This song was released in 2012 as part of Neon Trees' "Picture Show" album. I really like the guitar and the drums in this song. The bass guitar in this song is also great. I also think that Tyler Glenn has a really good voice. I saw these guys two years ago, and I did not know what to expect. That was a solid show that they put on. This song was really good live. I give this song a ten out of ten.

7/16/15

Music Review #129: "Refugee"

Today, I will be reviewing "Refugee" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. This song was released in 1985 as part of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' "Pack Up the Plantation: Live!" album. I really like the guitar entrance accompanied with the keyboards. My favorite part of the song is the repeat: "You don't have to live like a refugee (Don't have to live like a refugee)." I will admit that I do not like Tom Petty, as I feel that he is very nasally, but this is a song that I really like. I give this song a nine out of ten.

7/14/15

Music Review #128: "Centerfield"

In honor of the Major League Baseball All Star Game tonight, I will be reviewing "Centerfield" by John Fogerty. This song was released in 1985 as part of Fogerty's "Centerfield" album. In all honesty, I have always thought this song is very cheesy. I think the guitar is solid though. This song has been played at some many Pirate games I have attended, especially at Sunday afternoon games. I think this song makes sense for tonight because at one point or another, every American boy wanted to become a Major League Baseball player. Since the All Star Game is tonight, that is the one game that many of these children dream about playing in. This song is okay. I give this song a six out of ten.

7/11/15

Music Review #127: "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough"

Today, I will be reviewing "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" by Michael Jackson. This song was released in 1979 as part of Jackson's "Off The Wall" album. I find this song quite catchy. I also like the beat and I like the instrumentation in this song. I really like the use of bass guitar in this song. I really like the repeat in this song: "Keep on with the force don't, don't stop 'til you get enough." This is a very solid song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

7/10/15

Music Review #126: "The Phantom of the Opera Theme"

Today, I will be reviewing "The Phantom of the Opera Theme" by Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford. This song was released in 1992. I really like the organ and the bass guitar at the beginning of the song. I also like the rhythm. Sarah Brightman has a great voice. I am a big fan of this song's mysterious sound to it. This is a very solid song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

7/9/15

Music Review #125: "Paint It Black"

Today, I will be reviewing "Paint It Black" by The Rolling Stones. This song was released in 1966 as part of The Rolling Stones' "Shine a Light" album. I like the mysterious guitar solo at the beginning and how it transitions right into the drums playing. I also really like the guitar throughout the entire song. I have always thought that this song is rather mysterious. It is still a great song. I always go nuts when I hear "I see a red door and I want it painted black. No colors anymore, I want them to turn black." I give this song a ten out of ten.

7/8/15

Music Review #124: "Basketball"

Today, I will be reviewing "Basketball" by Kurtis Blow. This song was released in 1984 as part of Blow's "Ego Trip" album. Right off the bat, it is very easy to assume that his music video is going to be very cheesy, especially how the women are dressed as cheerleaders. I do, however, find this song very catchy. If you listen to this song just once, you will still get "They're playing basketball. We love that basketball" stuck in your head. I do enjoy this song. I give this song a nine out of ten.

7/7/15

Music Review #123: "Time Of Our Lives"

Today, I will be reviewing "Time Of Our Lives" by Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo This song was released in 2014 as part of Pitbull's "Globalization" album. I really like the use of electric music in this song. I also like the the rhythm, as I find this song very catchy. I definitely think that Ne-Yo is a much better singer than Pitbull. I found an important saying in this song and that is "But everyday above ground is a great day, remember that." This is an important saying because we may have bad days, but we are living and that we should not take that for granted. My favorite part of this song is definitely Ne-Yo's singing. I also really like the chorus. This song is pretty solid. I give it a 9.5 out of 10.

6/26/15

Music Review #122: "Mississippi Queen"

Today, I will be reviewing "Mississippi Queen" by Mountain. This song was released in 1970 as part of Mountain's "Climbing!" album. I really like the cowbell and guitar riffs at the beginning of the song. I also like the drumming throughout the entire song. I always get excited when I hear this song. I have always been a fan of this song and I think that the guitar playing in this song is great. This is such a short song and I feel that if I listen to it, I have to listen to it more than once. I give this song a ten out of ten.

6/25/15

Music Review #121: "Surf Rider"

Today, I will be reviewing "Surf Rider" by The Lively Ones. This song was released in 1963 as part of The Lively Ones' "Surf Rider!" album. I really like the guitar throughout the song. When I hear the guitar, I can imagine being at the beach watching people surf. Even though the guitar is a key piece to this song, the rhythm in this song is phenomenal. The drums and bass guitar are great. My favorite thing about this song is the use of the tenor saxophone. I love the tenor saxophone. The solo in this song is great. I really like this song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

6/23/15

Music Review #120: "Big Money"

Today, I will be reviewing "Big Money" by RUSH. This song was released in 1985 as part of RUSH's "Power Windows" album. I like the synthesizer throughout the song. I also like the heavier use of guitar. I also really like Geddy Lee's vocals in this song song. I also think this song sounds very uplifting. I really enjoy this song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

6/23/15

Rest in Peace, James Horner

As many of you may know, composer James Horner was killed in a plane crash last night. He was 61. He had composed the scores for several great movies. Some of these movies include "Titanic," "A Beautiful Mind," "Field of Dreams," and my favorite movie of all time "Apollo 13." This is an absolutely tragic loss. He was such a great composer. My sympathies go out to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

6/22/15

Music Review #119: "Like A River"

Today, I will be reviewing "Like A River" by My Morning Jacket. This song was released in 2015 as part of My Morning Jacket's "The Waterfall" album. I really like the acoustic guitar in this song. It adds an interesting flare to the song. I also really like Jim James' vocals throughout the song. When I close my eyes, I can actually picture a river flowing and I must say that it is quite a powerful image. Further into the song, the percussion entrance is great. This is one of my favorite songs in this album. I give this song a ten out of ten.

6/21/15

Music Review #118: "Handlebars"

Today, I will be reviewing "Handlebars" by Flobots. This song was released in 2005 as part of Flobots' "Platypus" album. I really like the bass guitar in this song. I also like the addition of the trumpet too. I have always been a fan of this song. I think "I can ride my bike with no handlebars" just sticks in your head when you hear it. I think it's interesting that the song starts out as hip hop then transitions into rock. I really like this song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

6/19/15

Music Review #117: "Seven Nation Army"

Today, I will be reviewing "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes. This song was released in 2004 as part of The White Stripes' "Under Blackpool Lights" album. I really like the bass riff at the beginning of the song. I also like the drums in this song. Even though Jack White's guitar playing is great, I am not wild about his voice. I have never been crazy about this song. I was more into it a few years ago, but since it is overplayed, it has lost its spark. This song to me is just okay. I give this song a six out of ten.

6/18/15

Music Review #116: "Get Back"

In honor of Paul McCartney's 73rd birthday, I will be reviewing "Get Back" by The Beatles. This song was released in 1970 as part of The Beatles' "Let It Be" album. I think the rhythm in this song makes it quite catchy. I also like the guitar in this song. Also, I have always thought that Paul McCartney has a great voice. This song is one of those songs that you should listen to if you are having a bad day. This is a really good song. I give this song a nine out of ten.

6/17/15

Music Review #115: "Beer For My Horses"

Today, I will be reviewing "Beer For My Horses" by Willie Nelson and Toby Keith. This song was released in 2002 as part of Toby Keith's "Unleashed" album. To start things off, I am not a country music fan, however there are a few songs that I don't mind. This is one of them. I like the tempo of the song and I like the drumming throughout the song. I also like the combination of Toby Keith and Willie Nelson, as they are two great musicians. My favorite part of the song is the repeat: "Justice is the one thing you should always find. You got to saddle up your boys. You got to draw a hard line. When the gun smoke settles, we'll sing a victory tune and we'll all meet back at the local saloon. We'll raise up our glasses against evil forces singing whiskey for my men and beer for my horses." This is an awesome song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

6/16/15

Music Review #114: "Solsbury Hill"

Today, I will be reviewing "Solsbury Hill" by Peter Gabriel. This song was released in 1977 as part of Peter Gabriel's "Peter Gabriel" album. I like the flute in this song. I also like the beat. This song is quite mellow. I also think that this song is quite uplifting. This is a song that you might want to listen to if you are in a bad mood or you are having a bad day. This song is pretty good. I give this song a nine out of ten.

6/15/15

Music Review #113: "Take Me to Church"

Today, I will be reviewing "Take Me to Church" by Hozier. This song was released in 2014 as part of Hozier's "Hozier" album. I like the piano in this song. Hozier's voice has an Elton John-type sound to it. I think it's interesting how this song has a melancholy tone to it. The cool thing about this song is that I can picture this song being played in a coffee shop on a Monday morning just like today, dark and rainy. This song isn't bad, but it is not my favorite. I give this song a seven out of ten.

6/14/15

Music Review #112: "Runnin' With the Devil"

Today, I will be reviewing "Runnin' With the Devil" by Van Halen. This song was released in 1978 as part of Van Halen's "Van Halen" album. I really like the guitar in this song. This song always makes me happy and if I hear it on the radio, I have to put my windows down and the sound way up. I also like how the bass guitar keeps a steady beat in this song. The drumming is also pretty awesome. I understand that many people may not like David Lee Roth's voice, but with a lot of other singers, it is an acquired taste. This song is a great one, but I could do with out a ton of the screaming. I give this song a nine out of ten.

6/13/15

Music Review #111: "Flashdance...What a Feeling"

Today, I will be reviewing "Flashdance...What a Feeling" by Irene Cara. This song was released in 1983 as part of Irene Cara's "What a Feelin'" album. It is also a song from the 1983 movie "Flashdance." I like the synthesizer and slower tempo at the beginning of the song. I also really like the percussion entrance. My favorite part of the song is the repeat. "What a feeling, being's believin'. I can have it all, now I'm dancing for my life. Take your passion and make it happen. Pictures come alive, you can dance right through your life." Irene Cara has a great voice. I have always enjoyed this song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

6/12/15

Music Review #110: "The Kids Aren't Alright"

Today, I will be reviewing "The Kids Aren't Alright" by The Offspring. This song was released in 1998 as part of The Offspring's "Americana" album. I really like the guitar entrance at the beginning of the song. I feel that it sets the tone for the rest of the song. I also like the faster pace to the song. I really enjoy the repeat: "Chances thrown. Nothing's free. Looking for what used to be. Still it's hard. Hard to see. Fragile lives. Shattered dreams." I feel that there is an important message in this song. What this song says to mean is that every child has a bright future ahead of them, but when they get into things like drugs, their lives will be ruined. This is really a great song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

6/11/15

Music Review #109: "No Excuses"

Today, I will be reviewing "No Excuses" by Alice in Chains. This song was released in 1996 as part of Alice in Chains' "MTV Unplugged" album. I really like the acoustic guitar throughout the entire song. I also think that the bass guitar needs to get some attention, as I really like the bass line in this song. All of the instrumentation in this song is superb. For the longest time, I have always enjoyed the singing duo of Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell. This is a great song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

6/9/15

Music Review #108: "Hand Cannot Erase"

Today, I will be reviewing "Hand Cannot Erase" by Steven Wilson. This song was released this year as part of Steven Wilson's "Hand. Cannot. Erase." album. I really like the guitar in the beginning of this song. I also really like Steven Wilson's vocals in this song. I like how the song picks up around the 1:00 mark. I really enjoy the bass guitar in this song as well. This song is one of the multiple great songs on this album. I just saw this group a week ago today and this song rocked. I give this song a ten out of ten.

6/7/15

Music Review #107: "Believe"

Today, I will be reviewing "Believe" by My Morning Jacket. This song was released this year as part of My Morning Jacket's "The Waterfall" album. I really like the vocals and the piano at the beginning of the song. I also like the addition of the bass and drums. This song is extremely uplifting and I think it is truly a tremendous song. I got to see these guys in concert on Thursday and they opened with "Believe." It was terrific! Jim James is a great singer. This song is great! I give this song a ten out of ten.

6/2/15

Music Review #106: "Lazarus"

Today, I will be reviewing "Lazarus" by Porcupine Tree. This song was released in 2005 as part of Porcupine Tree's "Deadwing"album. I really like how this song has a soothing and calming tone to it. I also really like the piano. Steven Wilson is an extremely underrated musician. His vocals in this song are phenomenal. My favorite part of this song is the repeat: "Follow me down to the valley below, you know. Moonlight is bleeding from out of your soul." This is truly a great song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

5/26/15

Music Review #105: "Turn Up the Radio"

Today, I will be reviewing "Turn Up the Radio" by Autograph. This song was released in 1984 as part of Autograph's "Sign In Please" album. I really enjoy the use of synthesizer in this song. I also really like the guitar. I am not as a crazy about the vocals, as I feel that the lead singer's voice is a bit weak. I do, however, really enjoy the repeat. It sells the song in my opinion. This song is pretty solid. I give this song a nine out of ten.

5/25/15

Music Review #104: "The Parting Glass"

In honor of Memorial Day, I will be reviewing "The Parting Glass" by The High Kings. This song was released in 2008 as part of The High Kings' "The High Kings" album. I really enjoy Celtic music. The singing in this song is exquisite. I also really like the instrumentation in this song. My favorite part of the song is when these lyrics are repeated: "So fill to me the parting glass and drink a health what'er befalls. Then gently rise and softly call 'Good night and joy be too you all.'" This is really a great song. I give this song a ten out of ten. As a side note, I would like to honor those brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our country and our freedom.

5/24/15

Music Review #103: "That's All"

Today, I will be reviewing "That's All" by Genesis. This song was released in 1983 as part of Genesis's "Genesis" album. I really like the piano in this song. I also like how this song is very catchy. I also really like the repeat. Phil Collins is really a great singer. I really enjoy this song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

5/23/15

Music Review #102: "Elderberry Wine"

Today, I will be reviewing "Elderberry Wine" by Elton John. This song was released in 1973 as part of Elton John's "Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player" album. I really enjoy the piano throughout the song. I also really like the bass guitar in this song. This song is very catchy and is very uplifting. As soon as I hear this song, I get a smile on my face. I really think that the piano sells this song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

5/20/15

Music Review #101: "A Real Hero"

Today, I will be reviewing "A Real Hero" by Electric Youth. This song was released in 2011 as part of Electric Youth's "Drive" album. I am a big fan of electric music. I find this song very catchy as well. I really like the vocals in this song. I heard this song for the first time just a few days ago and I really enjoyed it. I give this song a ten out of ten.