Jesus for the Jugular by The Veils

This is the closest to metal/screamo you will ever find on my iPod. I am not crazy about that genre of music but while this song definitely has elements of screamo, it still manages to keep that rhythmic melody that I love in music. I happened upon this song by chance while watching a movie called "The Devil's Double." It was a Netflix insta-watch film about one of saddam's hussein's sons and his body double. The movie was very realistic (as real as these things can be to someone who's been raised in suburban America) in its portrayal of the every day life of a sadistic dictator's son and i truly enjoyed it. I think this song is a great representation of the movie because like the song, the main character is supposed to be the son of an army dictator and so he has to present himself as someone who cares about the people and his country, but inside of him is complete chaos. He is constantly doing drugs, bedding women, killing people, and there is even one scene where he rapes a woman on her wedding day and then becomes very nonchalant when she commits suicide due to the shame. I liken the main character to this song (in instrumentation, not lyrics) because the song is also very structured (especially in the beginning), but as it progresses, you start hearing a lot of crazy guitar thrown in that represent chaos but yet is still musical in nature, just as Saddam's son's psychotic nature is chaotic yet wholly human. All in all, i really enjoyed the film and now love this song. Listen, enjoy, and let me know what you think in comments below.

Bones by Hillsong

Quick! who are the last five Hillsong drummers in order of appearance(most recent to latest)? Is it
A) Rolf Wam Fjell, Brandon Gillies, Simon Kobler, Lucas till, Harrison J. Wood.
B) Harrison J. Wood, Simon Kobler, Brandon Gillies, Rolf Wam Fjell, Lucas Till.
C) Lucas Till, Brandon Gillies, Rolf Wam Fjell, Harrison J. Wood, Simon Kobler.
D) Harrison J. Wood, Lucas Till, Bramdon Gillies, Simon Kobler, Rolf Wam Fjell.
If you chose B then you are correct!!
I like to think of myself as a fan of songs rather than bands, I rarely if ever buy a whole album, instead choosing to buy individual songs that I really enjoy. Hillsong is the exception to that rule. I am border-line obsessed with this band and the message they so faithfully propagate. The fact that they are some of the most talented musicians I have ever seen in my life, combined with the fact that they are using that talent to glorify God truly blows my mind. I have a dream/fantasy/wish that captivates me anytime i think about it: That I would be able to live in Norway for a year and be mentored by Rolf Wam Fjell. If you've ever seen me play drums, you'll notice a change in me; I get more focused, I sing along, I don't play but instead, I worship. Before listening to Hillsong, I didn't take my position on drums very seriously, up until my introduction to Hillsong, it had always just been something I did on Sundays, but that all changed the first time I laid eyes on Rolf Wam Fjell on drums. God really used him to inspire me to worship him with my instrument like I had never done before. Ever since then, I've paid attention to every single Hillsong album that has ever came out and my style has been greatly influence by them over the years. And that is how we arrive at Bones by Hillsong. This is off their latest album Aftermath in Miami and it doesn't feature new songs but rather their old songs re-arranged. I am especially in love with Bones because of simple lyrics of the chorus, its simply "oh Jesus, Alive in me" Sounds simple, yet it spans the expanse of my faith. Listen, Enjoy, and tell me what you think in comments below!
P.s. The drummer in the video is Simon Kobler who is also incredibly talented!

P.p.s. I got the chance to meet Brandon Gillies at one of their Concerts in the woodlands! I will say this, He looks completely different in person than he does on stage!

The Girl by City and Color

I can honestly say that this song haunts me when I listen to it. For those out there who have dealt with a heartbreak or two, you know that there are those songs that tend to remind you of 'friends' of old. This song does that for me (she is married now). I usually have a really bad memory when it comes to first encounters with things (or people), but this song is different. I distinctively remember when I first heard this song. I had been up late studying during college and i was starving. One of the great benefits of going to a University in Houston is the incredible amount of ethnically diverse eateries around, i can honestly eat at a different ethnic restaurant every night of the week without driving more than 15mins from my school; Its glorious. So I'm up late and hungry so I decide to hit up my friend who was also up late to see if she wanted to get something to eat too. She said she knew a place and i should meet her downstairs. Now my friend is Hispanic and is probably one of the liveliest people i know, she has one of those personalities that is very open, honest, and cheery, but in certain moments, you could tell that it would take time to completely learn her story. As my friend likes to say, she was a "mystery wrapped in an enigma wrapped in bubble wrap." So me and Bubble wrap girl are driving to this great Mexican joint by our school and something odd happens; You know those times of the night (think 2am) when you're tired and maybe hungry, and its just so late that you just let your guard down? That was exactly our scenario. Bubble Wrap girl puts the City and Colour CD into the drive and when this song comes on, she sort of goes into this dreamy-eyed place and she starts singing and bobbing her head along with the song. When the song was done, she gets this sad look on her face and tells me about how she discovered the song (another 'friend' of old) and then we listened to the song again. Her story was a beautiful one and the song took on a whole new meaning in a manner of seconds. Every time I listen to this song, that's what i think of now.
Listen, enjoy, and let me know what you think in comments below.
P.s. There's a hidden song at the end that is beautiful!

Home by Michael Buble

I know, I know. You're thinking "what the heck Israel, everyone and their grandmother's nursing home assistant knows this song!" and while that may be true (nursing home assistants have really good taste in music), I decided to write a new post on this old song because I have a really good story to go with it so lets get into it. Picture this: Its my good friend's wedding. My best friend is a groomsmen, and we just got to the reception. Everyone is dressed really well, there are single ladies everywhere, and (insert cliche) love is definitely in the air (Touche). Now, my best friend is better than me at a lot of things, strategy, memorizing scripture, life.. but girls are not one of them. But he's single, I'm single, and we're at a wedding filled with single ladies. So we HAVE to talk to someone. Its the law (bro code section C: article 2-5463, amendment #5). so the whole time (independently of each other), we're scanning the crowd, making small talk, etc. so my best friend and I meet up and I ask him if he's noticed anyone. He goes "yeah, look at your eight o'clock," but me being challenged in that area, I look at my six o'clock and I'm like "aww bro, that's disgusti.. oh eight o'clock (turns to eight o'clock)... oh wow. Good eye my friend, good eye" and good eye indeed. My best friend had spotted this gorgeous blond girl who was the epitome of everything my best friend likes in a girl (I won't go into details) (get your mind out of the gutter), but she's with another one of her friends who is also quite beautiful, so we decided that approaching them alone probably wasn't the best idea. So I ask my best friend if he wants me to wing man him on this and he goes "no, I got it" (SHOCKER). So I wish him luck, go back to my table, and continue the night. Literally 10 minutes later, I see my best friend chatting up these two ladies, and not just chatting up, he was getting laughs! LAUGHS! they're walking, they're talking, they're laughing, and just having a great time. After a little while, he invites me over to the table (to wing man), and I get involved in the conversation. 10 minutes later, its time to dance, but I notice something; My best friend is having a harder time with the girl he likes and needs some help. As the wing man, it is your sole responsibility to make sure that you do as much as you can to help your man get the girl (bro code Section A: article 4-104 amendment #87), and it speaks volumes about your wing man-ning credibility if your partner fails (in his quest for her number). So, I decided to split up the group and give my friend some alone time with the girl by taking her friend onto the dance floor. During my wing man-ning antics, I discover that her friend is really cool and we actually have a lot in common. So after about two dances, we go back to my best friend and I can tell its turning into a no go for him; the girl is great but she's pretty shy etc.. For me on the other hand, its turning into a big GO. The girl and I have really hit it off and we're dancing and laughing and its great. So the night goes by fast, and its time for the last dance. Guess which song comes on? that's right kids, Home by Michael Buble (I dont know if you really answered or not, but in the Dora style conversation going on in my head, you definitely did). It was like God was telling me "son, well done. well done." it was the perfect song to end the night with because it was so smooth and I was looking in her eyes and we both loved Michael Buble. Now I won't tell you if I got her number or not (I did) but lets just say that every time I hear Home by Michael Buble, I have a new memory to go along with the song.
Listen, enjoy, and let me know your thoughts in comments below!

Chicken Fried by Zach Brown Band

When I announced on my various social networks that I was going to be writing on a country song for my next post, I got a slew of different reactions. One friend liked my status, another told me not to degrade myself in such a way, and perhaps my favorite of all, I had a friend say to me "@Israel713 Well make it real country. No Taylor, Shania, The Band Perry or Carrie. Or else just call it pop. Keep it up, I like stalking you.." Ladies and Gentlemen, She is single, blonde, and lives in Austin. whats not to love? On to the song. I believe the first time I heard this song, I was in the car back from Galveston with my friend Raymond. He is about the most intimidating guy you could meet, he's over six feet, muscular, plays baseball, and is either always wearing steel toed boots (cowboy boots) or work-out clothes. He likes to communicate in a series of grunts as opposed to actual words and is overall a really manly man. My nick-name for him is Ray-Ray, for you see, as intimidating as my friend may be, he is actually very nice and loves to sing country music out loud in his car (there's a funny story about that - he almost pulled a knife on me once because he thought i was trying to break into his car. I of course, maintain my innocence). So Ray-Ray, some other guys and I are driving back from Galveston and they're all huge fans of country music so the whole car ride we're listening to what i consider to be mind-numbing Country music and I'm just miserable. That is until this song came on. When I first heard the intro guitar riff, my ears perked up and immediately I knew I was going to like this song. The song is incredibly simple, not only in the instrumentation but even in the lyrics. Its about a man being grateful for fried chicken, family, and our troops. I'm not a huge fan of Country Music (I have about 6 country songs on my mp3 player) but this is definitely one country song i can blast in my car and sing out loud to. Listen, enjoy, and tell me what you think!


Scores
First Listen - 7/10 Re-playability - 6/10

What the Water Gave Me by Florence and the Machine

I remember the first time I heard this song, I was in my roommate's car and we were driving either to or from teahouse after getting some bubble tea. He played this song for me and I remember putting the song on repeat over and over again. we probably listened to the song about 15 times in the duration of that car ride and since then, this song has been a staple on my mp3 player. This is one of those songs that makes me want to play along with the band; the drums are so integral in this song that i wish i was the drummer playing! and the Harp. wow. the fact that Florence and the Machine utilize a harp in this song to drive the melody just adds to the flavor of this song. And this song is very rich in flavor; from the Pad/base driven chorus, to the steady 4/4 on drums, to the incredibly sharp and crisp tone of the harp, everything in this song is so well put together that the incredible vocal power of 'Florence' symbolizes the huge cherry on top. Listen, enjoy, and tell me what you think!


Score
First Listen - 8/10 Re-playability - 9/10

Cuckoo by Lissie

Happy Fourth of July everyone! if you're reading this post from the states, then you are quite aware that today is a big deal in American history and there will be a gratuitous amount of fireworks going off today in celebration. For those not reading from the states; *solemn face* Please forgive us for the smoke pollution that the west winds are about to blow your way, we take global warming very seriously and we promise it will only happen again one other time this year (new years eve). Its a warm, sunny, day in Cypress (where i am currently located) and to celebrate this beautiful holiday, i decided to share a great summer song with you all. This is one of those songs that makes you want to drive down to the beach with your sunglasses on and the windows down; the wind blowing in your hair (or for those who are challenged up there, your hair follicles) while you eat outside at your favorite restaurant by the beach with someone really special. its just a great driving, summer song, one that you (if you dare) can sing out loud in your car/truck (its Texas: truck) while road tripping to the beach or wherever else your summer adventures may take you. Listen, Enjoy, and tell me what you think in comments below!


Scores First Listen - 7/10 Re-Playability - 8/10

Una Mattina by Ludivico Einaudi (From the Intouchables)

Today's track comes from a little french movie that came out about a month ago called the Intouchables. Now i am not one to spend my time listening to movie scores/soundtracks because i find it much more enjoyable when there are words involved, words that for me convey passion, pain, and joy. But there are times when you're watching a movie and the score completes the movie so well that you can't help but notice the music! Thats exactly what happened with this track; in the movie, they would always play this track during an especially intense emotional moment between the main characters such as when one of the main characters (who is paralyzed from the neck down) is waiting at a restaurant for the woman he is in love with and has been writing letters to for months. He's been afraid to call or see her because he's afraid she would be turned-off by his quadriplegia. Wait a minute, i want you to read that last sentence, listen to the track, read the last sentence again, and then read the last sentence again while listening to the track. I know that's alot but its such an incredible piece of music and it adds so much to the movie that i had to put it up here. Listen, Enjoy, and tell me what you think!


Score First Listen - 9/10 Re-Playability - 8/10

Domino by Jessie J

I have a treat for you my loyal readers! I am going to include not one but TWO videos with today's blog post so lets get into it. There are certain songs that exist for the sole purpose of making you want to stop what you're doing, throw off all responsibility, and dance forever and ever. That's exactly what Domino does to you. Listening to this song paints in your head the picture of dancing the night away with the one you love or a romantic interest. With this song, Jessie J has really perfected the melodic pseudo-Housemusic-ish sound that Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Pink are all going for nowadays. When i listen to it, i think of this little Mexican restaurant turned dance hall that some friends a i visited once. We were all cramped in this hot, stuffy, small room with about 30 other people while we all danced to Salsa music played live, and everyone was sweating and dancing and laughing and it was just great. This song makes me want to do that again with much intensity. Check out the video below and let me know what you think then read on for the second video!

Score: First Listen - 8/10 Re-Playability - 9/10

And now for the second video! Whenever i find a song that i really like, i always scour YouTube for covers of that song to see if there's anyone who's managed to cover that song well. Well Hellooo Dasha! when i first listened to Dasha's remake of Domino, i wasn't sure what to think, it was so different from the original in progression and instrumentals that i wasn't sure what to do with it, but let's be honest, that piano line is killer! and her vibe! she gives off this Samantha Smith-ish vibe mixed with a voice like Ingrid Michaelson! This cover is so different from the original, so uniquely Dasha, and so good that i had to put it up here. World, please say hello to Dasha!

Score First Listen: 8/10 Re-Playability - 7/10

Plain Gold Ring by Kimbra

wooo Kimbra! This is one seriously talented artist and Plain Gold Ring is her debut performance in my mind. The song starts off very sultry and attention getting. From the very beginning of the song, something tells you that this is not going to be your average song. Her vocals, the Melody, and the progression of the song just make you feel so.. Something! I have no words. My favorite part of this song is the last minute, when the drummer comes in heavy on the snare and she starts SCATTING! I'll repeat that; SHE STARTS SCATTING! who scats anymore outside of Esperanza Spalding?? This girl does! and so begins an intense play of drums, guitar, and vocals that end so abruptly, you almost forget it happened. But it did, and you just have to listen to it again and again and again.. Listen, Enjoy, and Tell me what you think in a comment below! Drummer's note: at the end, the drummer starts playing eighth notes on the kick and then transitions into this groove that's accented by quarter notes on the ride bell and i am just left speechless. that is musical bliss to a drummer and i am a little jealous i wasn't the one that wrote that groove! Score: First Listen - 6/10 Re-Playability - 8/10

The Fear by Ben Howard

One thing that i really love about our modern society is that we have developed a way to literally surround ourselves with music. its everywhere we go, which leads me to this song. I heard this song while watching a Vimeo video of some sharks feasting on a beached whale carcass and this song was playing in the background. Its one of those songs that sort of catches your attention and you're bobbing your head along to it before you know it. Another thing that i really love about this song is the little guitar riff that comes in around 1:08 in the song; its so melodic and stands out so well its like a little treat! this same riff goes on later in the song to build into an explosive chorus and its amazing! I'm really loving this track right now so Listen, Enjoy, and let me know what you think! P.s. - there is girl percussionist in the video and that is probably one of the hottest things on the planet (as a drummer). enjoy! Score: First Listen - 7/10 Re-Playability - 9/10

White Blank Page by Mumford and Sons

I have many friends who will swear by the lyricism of a song. for them, the higher the depth of lyrical content, the higher the pedigree of the song. I don't operate like that, i believe first and foremost that the instruments in the song must work together to first get and keep my attention, then i will listen to the lyrics. This view is most likely influenced by my Nigerian background (Nigerian music is very instrumental in nature, especially when it comes to drums.)This song by the popular folk (ish?) band Mumford and Sons is rare for me in that the Lyricism is gut-wrenching but the Instruments work so well together that the whole song is just straight goodness. Listen, enjoy, and tell me what you think! Score First Listen - 7/10 Re-Playability - 9/10

Skip The Charades by Cold War Kids

I don't remember where i first heard this song but i was hooked on first listen. This is one of those songs that i like to call 'Driven'; Driven by the intensely melodic guitar riff that kicks in as soon as the lead singer says "let's skip the charades.." Driven by the simple yet adequate drum groove with splash on four, and driven by the instruments that you have to really listen for to hear. This is my favorite type of song in that its so rich in Melodic instruments, its hard to get tired of it. I can honestly listen to this track for days. Listen, Enjoy, and comment with what you think! Scores: First Listen - 8/10 Hearts Re-Playability - 9/10 Hearts

Your Song by Ellie Goulding (Elton John cover)

Wow. This is one of those songs that really sneaks up on you. It starts off like your typical piano driven love ballad complete with cello in the background. But then something really interesting happens towards the end of the song; She starts doing this choral sound that sounds like 40 ellie Gouldings all singing along. she only does it once which leaves you wanting more! it really sneaks up on you and it feels great. I look forward to hearing more from her.



Scores:
First Listen - 7/10 Hearts
Re-Playability - 6/10 Hearts

Home by Foxes

I discovered this track while watching one of my favorite television shows (Gossip Girl) (I am not ashamed). This is one of those songs that take you to a sad place or makes you want to cry, the chorus of Home leaves you longing for something unbeknownst to you. The more and more i listen to this song, the more i realize its going to become a staple on my mp3 player. Listen, Enjoy, and tell me what you think. Scores: First Listen rating - 7/10 Hearts Re-playability - 8/10 Hearts