FanNation

The Sound of Karma: Range Factor

In the spirit of diversity which is so celebrated in our gloriously accepting culture, I'm bringing you the Sound of Karma: Range Factor edtion. I'll showcase a song I'm currently into from as many genres I can think of/enjoy.

Go.

Alternative: Pixies - Here Comes Your Man

Ahh the Pixies. I've been on a Pixie rampage for about 4 days, and I'm loving it. One of DJ's favorite bands (I think), they have a sound like no other. Their bassist (the girl) rips out lines that are so catchy I want to shoot myself (in a good way, naturally). This song, in particular, has a great, addictive bass/guitar to aid the addictive vocals.

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Emo: Dashboard Confessional - Hands Down

From what should be considered the Led Zeppelin of emo music, Dashboard Confessional has broken and then repaired the hearts of millions of teenage girls, college party addicts, 30 year old businessmen, and newly single mothers alike. One of their greatest successes, "Hands Down", does exactly what Dashboard does best; evoke emotion.

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Popular Rock (Pop): Lifehouse - From Where You Are

Yes, League, we know you hate Lifehouse. Yes, Karma Police, we know you're not general fans of the band either. And while I'm also not usually a huge fan, I really really like this song. I heard it first on the Allstate commercial (where else?) that shows the long line of cars heading for the horizon, symbolizing the annual deaths of teenage auto accidents. The Lifehouse frontman wrote this song because he lost a friend in a car accident when he was younger, and the result came out very well. At least, in my opinion, that is.

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Hip-Hop: Immortal Technique - Dance With the Devil

One of my friends showed me this song a few days ago, the same day Nomar found the song also (coincidence? or destiny?). And holy siht, not only has it given me a brand new respect for hip-hop, but it's scared the living hell out of me like no other song has. Ever blinded, beat, and raped a woman on the street, and then attempted to kill, only to find that it was your ________? 

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Experimental: The Sound of Animals Fighting - Skullflower

This is weird. This band is weird. Everything they do is weird. Hell, you thought The Mars Volta was weird? Well, apparently you've never heard animals fight before. This supergroup-of-sorts vastly departs from their individual alt-punk sounds to combine into...this. There's not much of a description for it, just that it's interesting. Check it out.

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Ska: Less Than Jake - The Science of Selling Yourself Short

Few bands are as fun and electrifying as Less Than Jake. All of their songs, this one included, are so upbeat and happ....wait, what? This song is about self-depreciation and depression? Damn...well, it sounds happy...

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Soundtrack: Kimya Dawson - Tire Swing

Yeah it's from Juno. And yeah, that's where I heard this song first, like everyone else in America. I'm not ashamed; it's a good, fun, calming song. Kimya Dawson's contribution to the Juno soundtrack was as important as anything else in the movie. It essentially made it what it was. This one is maybe the most memorable of her tracks that appeared in the film.

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Classical: Andrea Bocelli - Con Te Partirò (Time to Say Goodbye)

(Andrea's the man. Just want to make that clear. The female singer is just the 2nd part of the duet.) Con Te Partiro is a great classical-style song penned by singer Andrea Bocelli. It has made him famous, being covered by other artists and featured in Blades of Glory. I don't know if you've heard it, but give it a try.

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Techno: Bubbles - Bidibodi Bidibu

Bidibodi Bidibu, besides being possibly the greatest song title in the history of music, is the greatest song in the history of music. It's been known to make a dead men dance like the Six Flags man, and depressed stoners outrun the Energizer Bunny. At the same time, it sounds like it's straight off the happiest horror movie I've ever heard of. Simply put, it's great. I promise it will change your life.

The Sound of Karma -- Volume XXI

Hey, it's 7:52 PM ET, and you know what that means! It's me again, as I've been granted the permission to grace you with my blogmanship. (if that even makes sense) The last post was okay, even though League of Shadows apparently needed a new keyboard after seeing it. I think this one might be a tad better...

1. Supernatural Superserious - R.E.M.

When searching for music by these alternative gods, I first went after Murmur, and then their Greatest Hits. And now, I think it's time to take a look at their most recent release, which may be saving their careers. (or so says Cardsox)

The Sound of Karma: Volume XX

Someone decided I was worthy of blogging privileges. I probably wasn't. But when have I ever backed down from a challenge (excluding my entire life)?

The Genius of Pseudo-Greatness

Seether - Fake It

Sine the death of the 19th century, what has been commercially successful has been what has appealed to the masses (makes sense, right?). From the illumination of the City of Lights, to Henry Ford's assembly line, to the 150 animated Pokémon dreamed up in Ken Sugimori's Tokyo home, the excitement of concrete digestion has reigned supreme.

Unfortunately, as evidenced by the Pokémon craze (see chrono for more information), as life in the modern world becomes more chaotic and driven towards what we call progress, what captivates the physical and mental eye of the people is that which is fed to us like applesauce to a quadriplegic. That is, the attention of the populace lies with what is easy to recognize and understand as entertainment.

Enter music industry.

The Exploiter of Exploiters, the kings of cheap entertainment, the RIAA, often feeds off (and shares with us) some of the most droll and passionless music in human history, in the form of pop, rock, and hip hop. One of the music industry's greatest successes has been a little three man post-grunge band called Seether.

Since the band's mainstream breakout in 2004 (anyone remember "Broken [feat. Amy Lee]"?), Seether has thrived on stereotypically bland grunge vocals, made-for-radio lyrical setups, and pitifully pathetic guitar solos. Since "Broken", they've come out with hit after hit, including 2005's "Remedy", '06's "The Gift", and of course, "Fake It".

"Fake It". The inspiration for this piece. "Fake It". One of the most brilliant songs I've ever seen; a perfectly anti-punk punch thrown at its own listeners. Faking it. The story of Seether's success.

The Sound of Karma: Volume XIX

Well, since everyone else is apparently too cool for this group, guess I'm up for the SOK.

At the Drive-In: One Armed Scissor 

At the Drive-In consists of the members of my favorite band, The Mars Volta, and another good band, Sparta. ATDI still has an avid following, and you can always hear about desperate cries for a reunion tour. With songs like One Armed Scissor, its apparent why.

Cary Brothers- Ride 

Not many people have heard of Cary Brothers, but if you have, you are likely a fan of either Garden State or Zach Braff

(I am.) This is a soft, calm song, with simple guitar riffs, soothing beats on some instrument, and thoughtful lyrics. Plus, the video has Rachel Bilson in it, who is incredibly good- looking

The Arctic Monkey's- Brainstorm 

The  Arctic Monkey's are fast replacing the Shins as the new "it" indie band. Cardsox may hate em, but Brainstorm is a fast paced exciting song thats as fun to listen to as any other song you'll hear. a good listen for anyone that doesn't hate english accents.

Beck- Deadweight 

If you know me, then you know that Beck makes me all hot and heavy. This song is no exception. Appearing in the film A Life Less Ordinary (Pure siht) Beck comes out with his strangest, best video to date, easily better than the film it appears in. And only Beck can pull of a phone solo. You heard right.

Incubus- Anna Molly 

 At their best, Incubus can pump out some of the most memorable songs of our generation (Drive). This is Incubus at its best.Fast paced song with very good lyrics, and instrumentals that complement the singer's voice perfectly.

The Strokes- Heart in a Cage 

Apparently the Strokes are on a temporary (?) hiatus, and thats a shame, because these guys are some of the most talented musicians in the industry. Heart in a Cage was realeased on their last album Impressions, and gives off the usual Iggy Pop-ish vibe the Strokes have perfected and made their own. Could this be the last Strokes single ever?