Reader Request Playlist: Hot Chelle Rae & The White Tie Affair

"Bleed" from the album "Lovesick Electric" - Hot Chelle Rae
Requested by Andy

Previous to this request, I had heard Hot Chelle Rae's single, "I Like To Dance".  The song, like most of their music, is a synth-filled dance pop party.  The second single from their debut album is completely different from the rest of the record.  It's a ballad that starts off with no more than an acoustic guitar.  It transforms into a full on power ballad towards the end.  "Bleed" reminds me of a Boys Like Girls song, but much better.  I prefer Hot Chelle Rae's vocalist, Ryan Follese, to Boys Like Girls singer, Martin Johnson.  The song's really quite good.  I suggest it if you like young heartfelt ballads that have soaring choruses.  After listening to it, several times mind you, I found the chorus to be stuck in my head.  Any song that has accomplished this achievement has a good melody.  A good melody is what every pop artist strives for, and Hot Chelle Rae has one in "Bleed".
"You Look Better When I'm Drunk" - The White Tie Affair
Requested by Andy

The White Tie Affair is probably known best for their single, "Candle (Sick And Tired)".  The song from their debut album, Walk This Way, received a decent mount of radio play in 2008.  Their new single, which was just released in April, has the perfect beat for radio.  There have been a decent amount of "drunk party" songs lately, with Cobra Starship and Boys Like Girls.  This song is actually very similar to Cobra Starship's style.  If you like The White Tie Affair, then you should check out Cobra.  The hook of the song is a bit repetitive and gets tiring after a while, but in the genre, that's quite common.  While The White Tie Affair have never really been my favorite band, I prefer their previous singles compared to this new release.  Long time fans, however, won't be disappointed.

Thanks to Andy for this weeks requests. Don't forget to submit your choices for a chance in next weeks playlist.

Reader Request Playlist: Piano Pop & Electro Pop

This is a new permanent feature that I'll be writing.  Every week I'll take all of the music requests that I receive, and I'll be featuring them in one post.  It's the "Reader Request Playlist".  Leave a request in the comment section of this post, or here, and I'll feature your songs in the next playlist.

"White Houses" from the album "Harmonium" - Vanessa Carlton

Requested by Amanda

Everyone remember's "A Thousand Miles".  Even today, I still hear that song on the radio.  It's become a pop standard of the 2000's.  When Vanessa released her second album in 2004, I remember hearing the lead single, "White Houses", on the radio.  The album failed in sales terms, but I always thought of this single as a success.  It's more mature than "A Thousand Miles", and it still has a just as memorable piano line and melody.  It's extremely catchy.  In 2007, Vanessa released another album titled, "Heroes & Thieves".  It faired much better than her previous album.  She's currently working on a new album.  While there's no official release date yet, you can expect some solid piano pop.

"Keep Up" - Hyper Crush
Requested by Saved Individual

Prior to this request, I had never heard of Hyper Crush.  After hearing them, I was surprised that I had never heard them on the radio.  Their electro style seems perfect for Top 40 radio stations.  The song's "Spin me like a record..." hook is really similar to "You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)" by Dead Or Alive and "Right Round" by Flo Rida, but only lyrically.  The melody is completely original.  While it's not something that I would listen to constantly, it's a great club song.  The chorus is incredibly memorable.  It's the kind of song that you'll be humming without even noticing.

Remember to submit your requests for next week's playlist in the comment section, or here.

Playlist - Lady Gaga, Imogen Heap, & more

Here's a playlist of some albums I listened to lately.  I've kind of had an overflow of music lately, so I'm getting around to listening to all of it.  They were all released within the last few years, some older than others.  Also, you should check out this remix of "Steady As She Goes" by The Raconteurs and "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga.  It's really cool...

Lady Gaga - The Fame

I just bought this album.  I know, I'm a little late.  Anyways, this album is great.  It's filled with catchy synth-pop songs with the exception of track twelve, Brown Eyes, a piano ballad.  It has all of the radio hits that you already know.  Other highlights include Beautiful, Dirty, Rich, The Fame, Brown Eyes, and Boys Boys Boys.  There really isn't a filler song.

Imogen Heap - Speak For Yourself

This is Imogen's second album.  It contains the unique song, Hide And Seek.  It's a very solid electronic album, but I think I prefer her newest album, Ellipse.  If you're a fan, then you've probably heard this album by now.  If you're new to her music, don't overlook this album.  Highlights include Headlock, Goodnight And Go, Just For Now, and Hide And Seek.

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Don't You Fake It

I've only listened to this album once or twice so far.  It's pretty good, solid pop-punk.  There's a lot more screaming than I expected.  I'm not sure if that's good or not, it depends on your personal taste.  Highlights include False Pretense, Damn Regret, Your Guardian Angel, Face Down, and Grim Goodbye.

Gwen Stefani - Love. Angel. Music. Baby

Very strange.  That's how I feel about a lot of the songs.  It's a very bubbly album.  Songs such as Bubble Pop Electric and Harajuku Girls are... unique.  I really like some of the other songs, though.  It's a hit or miss album in the end.  Highlights include What You Waiting For? and Cool.

Playlist: Weezer, Muse, Rise Against & more

Muse - Absolution

I know it's been out for several years now, about six or seven to be exact, but I just now got around to listening to this album.  This might be my favorite Muse album, out of those that I've heard.  Some of the songs are just genius.  They really flow into each other, in a good way.  Butterflies & Hurricanes is by far my favorite song on the album.  The piano solo is epic.  Actually, the entire album is epic.

Rise Against - Appeal To Reason

This is another album that I just bought even though it has been out for over a year.  I previously had Siren Song Of The Counter Culture, and Appeal To Reason is completely different.  It's more alternative than punk.  "Siren Song" was much heavier.  I'm not sure which one I like more...

Weezer - (If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To

I've actually been listening to the entire Raditude album, but this song is my favorite.  It's pop at it's finest.  I know Weezer has been considered more alt-rock in the past, but this song is pretty poppy.  You can't stop yourself from singing along, or at least I can't.

Here are a few more songs that have been in my head...

The Sounds - No One Sleeps When I'm Awake
Lady GaGa - Monster
La Roux - Tigerlily
Norah Jones - Man Of The Hour
You Me At Six - Gossip
Alicia Keys - Empire State Of Mind (Part II) Broken Down

What songs have you been loving lately?  Leave a comment with your current favorite songs or albums.

Playlist - Alicia Keys, Band Of Skulls

Alicia Keys - The Element Of Freedom

Alicia Keys' fourth album was released this week.  I've been a listener since The Diary Of Alicia Keys, and this album is just as good.  The album includes a duet with Beyoncé and an alternate version of Jay-Z's song Empire State Of Mind, which already featured Keys.  The single, Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart, is one of the standout tracks along with Empire State Of Mind (Part II) Broken Down.  The version that I purchased included two bonus tracks (Through It All, Pray For Forgiveness) and a bonus DVD.

Band Of Skulls - Baby Darling Doll Face Honey

This is the debut album from Band Of Skulls, an upcoming alt-rock band.  It's been out since April of this year, but I'm just now getting around to listening to it.  I already had the songs I Know What I Am and Blood, and now have the complete album.  They're sound is quite similar to The White Stripes, yet it doesn't sound like they're copying them.  Overall, a great album.

Plus a few singles...

Vampire Weekend - Horchata
Paramore - Where The Lines Overlap
Flyleaf - Swept Away

Playlist - Flyleaf, Phoenix, and more

It's been a long time since I've done one of these. If I remember correctly, the last one was all the way back in September. As I promised, another Grammy post is coming, just a little later.

Flyleaf - Memento Mori

I picked up this album on its release day, so I've had some time to listen to it. I bought the deluxe edition which came with a second CD of songs. Definitely get the two-disc version. A very good album, and very different from their debut. The stand out song for me is "Swept Away". It's completely different from anything they've ever done. The intro has full on screaming and the verses are half spoken half sung.

La Roux - Bulletproof

I wrote a post about La Roux here. Catchy dance-pop music pretty much sums it up. I predict they'll be a hit in the States as well as the UK, in which they are already popular.

Phoenix - 1901

Ever since the commercial with this song started coming on, I've been listening to this over and over. This is my first song from them. I felt that they should have been nominated for the Best New Artist Grammy. Oh well...

Tegan and Sara - Hell

If you look at the column to the right of this post, you'll see that I'm playing this on my guitar. I find that every time I play, I play this song first. It's awesomely catchy and upbeat. It should be a hit on Alternative Rock radio.

Playlist - Santigold, MGMT, and more

It's that time again. Last week in my music playlist I talked about Imogen Heap, The Clash, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and more. Check it out here if you missed it. This week will feature another set of great songs. They're all a bit lighter and danceable. I'm not going to feature Muse's new album in the playlist, because I'm going to write a full album review about it. You can look for that sometime during next week. Now remember, this playlist won't have any rock. It's a poppy one. That's about all you need to know, let's get to the playlist.

Santigold - Lights Out
As I said in the introduction, this song has a light feeling. The chorus is especially smooth. Santigold sounds incredibly different from her previous single L.E.S. Artistes.

MGMT - Kids
I actually wasn't fond of this band when I first heard them. Time To Pretend was my first exposure. It still isn't my favorite song. Kids is much better. If you like Kids, then listen to Electric Feel, it's even better.

Kate Earl - When You're Ready
I wrote about Kate Earl earlier this week. I reviewed Melody here. This time it isn't Melody. When You're Ready is another cool pop song.

The Whip - Blackout
Here's an electronic song that's pretty good. I don't usually like long and extended electronic/dance songs, but this one is an exception. Although it clocks in at over six minutes, it doesn't seem to drag on and on as others do.

If you want a couple more songs, then here they are...

Depeche Mode - Wrong
Scissors For Lefty - Lay Down Your Weapons
Chester French - She Loves Everybody

New Playlist

Once again, it's time for another one of my awesome music playlists. In case you didn't see my last few, two to be exact, this is basically just a list of music I'm listening to. But now, I have an official poster for it (look to the left)! Some of it might be new and some may be old. No restrictions at all. Maybe you should try listening to some of it, or all of it. Previous playlists have included artists such as The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Paramore, All Time Low, Bon Iver, Regina Spektor, and the list could go on and on forever. Anyway, that's enough explaining, here's the awesome music playlist.

The Clash - The Singles

Here's an album I picked up about a week ago. It's a compilation album of the Clash's singles. From hits such as London Calling and Rock The Casbah to some songs I had never heard (Hitsville U.K.?). The CD ranges from the punk side to the poppy side of the band. I'm really enjoying White Riot and Clash City Rockers. The album even came in an eco-friendly case, if you care about that sorta thing...

Imogen Heap - Ellipse

I've already been praising this album. If you read my review, you'll know this by now. I'm still listening to it every day. I've found that Tidal and Between Sheets have become some of my favorites on the disc. The thing that really catches my attention is all of the layers in every song. It takes several listens to catch every sound.

Now that I have the albums out of the way, here's some singles...

Yeah Yeah Yeah's - Heads Will Roll
Almost as awesome as Zero. Strange lyrics, though ("Off with your head - Dance 'till you're dead").

IAMX - My Secret Friend (feat. Imogen Heap)
If you enjoyed the Imogen Heap album, then you should check out this song. It's off of IAMX's album Kingdom Of Welcome Addiction. It's a cool song with an awesome beat. Plus, it's featuring Imogen. There's kind of an eerie feeling to it, but in a good way...

She And Him - Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want
This song is from the (500) Days Of Summer soundtrack. I honestly have never seen the movie and have no idea what the movie is about, but the song is good. It's really short and simple. She And Him is a duo made up of actress Zooey Deschanel and musician M. Ward. The song is actually a cover of The Smiths song by the same title.

...and that wraps up another awesome music playlist. Hopefully, you'll like some of the stuff I listed. It's a fairly varied list. It has some punk, electronic, alternative, and uh... whatever She And Him is considered (Maybe indie pop, leave a comment if you know).

Another Playlist

Here's some more awesome music that I've been listening to. It's mostly alternative, but a couple of the songs are a bit different.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Zero

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are a pretty dominant rock group right now. They have some great songs like Gold Lion and Maps, but Zero is a little different. Their newest album, It's Blitz! (which includes Zero), has more of a dance feel. Some people even say it has a touch of disco. That's a decent stretch from their alternative-punk sound.

All Time Low - Weightless

All Time Low is a pop-punk band, they're similar to the other bands in the new wave of pop-punk (Hey Monday, The Maine, Anarbor, etc.). When I say pop-punk, I strongly stress pop. Their previous album has less of a pop sound than their new release, Nothing Personal. Warning to young listeners: explicit content. It's just once, but that's enough for a radio edit.


If you want a couple more songs, then check out this list. I might go into detail about them in another post...

• The Sounds - Dorchester Hotel
• Bon Iver - Skinny Love
• Bayside - No One Understands
• Band Of Skulls - Blood
• Anarbor - Let The Games Begin
• Owl City - Fireflies
• Chiodos - Life is a Perception of Your Own Reality
• TAT - Pessimist
• Regina Spektor - Eet

Remember, some of these are fairly old and not quite brand new. Also, a few of them are kinda way out there in terms of musical styles.

Recent Finds

Here's a list of some music I've been listening to lately. Some of it's fairly new, while others have been out for a quite some time...

Haste The Day - Mad Men

First, let me say that this is a bit heavier than what I tend to listen to. With that put aside, I don't know why this song stands out. This song is from their album Dreamer, which came out last year. It's just an awesome metal song to head bang to.

Metric - Help I'm Alive

This song is from Metric's newest album, Fantasies. The song has a great beat to it. The beat kind of mimics the lyrics, "Help I'm alive. My heart keeps beating like a hammer." Overall the song has a pounding feel to it, which makes me keep coming back to it.

Anberlin - Feel Good Drag

Awesome Song. The verses are very smooth, and then BOOM, the chorus comes in. Feel Good Drag has an unusually catchy guitar riff which pops up through out the song. I had heard of Anberlin previously and was never really interested, but this song is great. It's from their newest album, New Surrender.

Paramore - Ignorance

I'm a huge Paramore fan, and their most recent single does not disappoint. Ignorance is from their upcoming album Brand New Eyes, which is released on Sept. 29, later this year. The song picks up directly where Riot! ended, with angst and emotion. The song is a combination of Fences (the chorus) and Misery Business (the verses), from their previous release.

There you have it, my list of recent finds in music. If you're interested, download a couple. You might even want to pick up an album. Hope you enjoy. If you feel like it, leave a comment with your opinions on the playlist and what your recent discoveries are.