Flobots - White Flag Warrior

The Beastie Boys have done it before, but not quite in the same way. Flobots is a band that mixes alternative rock and rap to make something a little different from your usual rap-rock. Along with the Beastie Boys... Linkin Park and Rage Against The Machine could be seen as influences.  All of these bands have, in some way, brought some hip-hop to the distorted rock genre.

I first heard of Flobots when they released their most successful single, "Handlebars".  "Handlebars" received plenty of airplay on both hip-hop and rock radio stations, I hope "White Flag Warrior" is given the same attention.  The band's music is very unique.  The presence of their violist, Mackenzie Roberts, is definitely a strong point.  To have a viola in rock or rap music is unusual.

The track features Tim McIlrath, of the punk band, Rise Against.  His vocals come in during the song's chorus.  As a fan of Rise Against, his vocals on the record are great.  The chorus is very fitting to the rest of "White Flag Warrior".  It's one of the standout moments.

Flobots' sophomore album, Survival Story, just came out this week.  If you liked the band's previous work, then you should definitely check out the album.  The band is bringing something new to the table by breaking the standard genre molds.

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.