The Seven Song Itch - My Friend Emo

Inadvertently I’ve been a fan of Emo for a long time, I just didn’t know it.  So what is emo?  This genre of music, based off of hard-core punk, originated in the Washington D.C. area in the mid to late eighties where it was known as "emotional hardcore" or "emocore" and pioneered by bands such as Rites of Spring and Embrace.  The next wave of Emo really took off (like a runaway teenager), with bands like Jimmy Eat World and Dashboard Confessional in the early nineties.  Punk rock musicians were finally starting to learn how to play their instruments, not that I mind the raw nature of punk, and were now starting to have a more emotional confessionary lyrical content.  Again, there are a myriad of artists that can fit into this category (though some them would argue that they are not “emo”), so I want to focus on the new millennium pop-punk-emo bands.  I have to thank my friend Crysta for giving me a starting off point and I have included her song selections in the playlist link below.

Playlist for My Friend Emo

1. Jimmy Eat World – “The Middle”(2001)

This has got to be one of my favorite tunes—it’s just so catchy.  The message of this song is summed by a quote from fellow writer’s novel that states, “You don’t have to get it all right, all at once.”  Originally this band had a harder edge but the current lineup, which features Jim Adkins (lead vocalist and guitarist), Tom Linton (guitarist and backing vocalist), Rick Burch (bassist) and Zach Lind (drummer), has a more polished and melodic sound.

2. Good Charlotte – “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous”(2002)

Based off of a syndicated TV show, hosted by Robin Leach and Shari Belafonte, in the early eighties and nineties, this song focuses on an ironic ‘poor-little-rich-kid’ mentality and how pathetic their whining can be.  The band, however, formed in 1996, has released five studio albums and consistently is one of the forerunners of the genre.  This song, written by Benji Madden (guitarist) and Joel Madden (vocalist) is taken from their second studio album “The Young and the Hopeless.”

3. American Hi-Fi – “The Art Of Losing”(2003)

For a tune about losing, this song has found a lot of popularity.  The title song off of their second album has been featured in the movies “Freaky Friday” (2003), “American Wedding” (2003), the movie trailers of “The Perfect Score” (2004), “Fever Pitch” (2005), “Hot Rod” (2007), “Mr. Woodcock” (2007), and “Speed Racer” (2008), and in one episode of the TV show “Malcolm in the Middle.”  I would say that this is a real winning/whining accomplishment.

4. My Chemical Romance - "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)"(2004)

The band, featuring Gerard Way (Vocals), Ray Toro (Guitar), Frank Iero (Guitar), and Mikey Way (Bass), is named for a quote in an Irvine Welsh novel named “Ecstasy: Three Tales of Chemical Romance.”  Way has publicly rejected the term "emo", by describing the genre as "fucking garbage,” however, he has also been quoted as describing the band’s sound as "What-else-ya-got-emo."  This particular song showcases the evolution of emo as it now incorporates stylized screaming into the vocals, which I think is very affective in trying to convey something that is not okay.

5. Fall Out Boy – “Sugar, We're Goin Down”(2005)

Emo escapes from the suburbs and lands right smack dab on the pop charts.  Hailing from Wilmette, Illinois, the band consists of Patrick Stump (vocalist, guitarist and composer), Pete Wentz (bassist and lyricist), Joe Trohman (guitarist), and Andy Hurley (drummer). I love the ironic and other literary aspects of their lyrics as they convey quirky and yet personal stories—it’s quite puny.  Currently on hiatus, all of the band members keep busy with their own side projects, but hopefully they will reunite with renewed vigor and spawn plethora of catchy tunes.  Regardless of genre, they are a good solid group.

Concert Review: BelieversNever Die part Deux: Fall Out Boy.

6. She Wants Revenge – “These Things”(2006)

Though not technically emo, this band epitomizes a lot of the aspects of the genre.  Based in San Fernando Valley, California, the group’s self titled debut (2006) features three distinct singles “Out of control,” “Tear You Apart”, as well as this gem.  The video of this song, directed by Joaquin Phoenix, includes an appearance of Shirley Manson (Garbage) and has a kind of hallucinogenic aspect to it.  Though there are only two lead members Justin Warfield (vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Adam Bravin (bass guitar, keyboards, guitar, drum machine, percussion, programming, vocals) they have a full sound and have toured with a number of artists, which include Depeche Mode and Placebo.

7. A.F.I. – “The Missing Frame” (2007)

This song fires on all cylinders, which is ironic considering that the group’s proper title is A Fire Inside.  It’s big, loud, introspective, and a bunch of emotive descriptive words that I really don’t have time to get into.  There is a major U2 influence (around the time of “The Unforgettable Fire”[1984]) on this track, so it speaks to one of my major influential source bands.  There have been a few line-up changes over the band’s twenty year career, but Davey Havok (lead vocalist) and Adam Carson (drummer and backup vocalist) are the only constant members of the group.  The band enjoyed its first major commercial with their album “Sing the Sorrow”(2003), but it was “Decemberunderground”(2006), which includes this single, that cemented their presence on the music scene.

CD Review: Decemberundreground

Crysta’s Seven Song Itch (My Friend Emo)

1. My Chemical Romance – “I Never Told You What I Do For A Living”

2. Penecy Prep – “19”

3. From First To Last – “Failure By Designer Jeans”

4. Hawthorne Heights – “Ohio Is For Lovers”

5. Good Charlotte – “My Bloody Valentine”

6. Taking Back Sunday – “Cute Without The E”

7. Fall Out Boy – “Grand Theft Autumn / Where Is Your Boy”

List of some EMO Bands:

This is a list that I borrowed from Wikipedia, and I don’t agree with the label for some of these bands, but this is a good start if you want to get in touch with your inner self-deprecating child.

30 Seconds to Mars, The Academy Is..., Acceptance, Ace Troubleshooter, A Day to Remember, AFI, Alesana, Alexisonfire, The All-American Rejects, All Time Low, The Almost, American Football, Anberlin, And Then There Were None, ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, The Anniversary, Amber Pacific, The Appleseed Cast, Armor for Sleep, As Cities Burn, At the Drive-In, Beefeater, Before Their Eyes, Beloved, Benton Falls, Braid, Brand New, Boys Like Girls, Boys Night Out, Capital Lights, Cap'n Jazz, Chasing Victory, Christie Front Drive, City of Caterpillar, The Classic Crime, Coheed and Cambria, Cobra Starship, Cute Is What We Aim For, Dag Nasty, Dashboard Confessional, Dead Poetic, Dear Ephesus, Death Cab for Cutie, The Dismemberment Plan, Dizmas, Drive Like Jehu, , Edison Glass, Eisley, Elliott, Emanuel, Embrace, Emery, Escape the Fate, Ever Stays Red, Every Avenue, Falling Up, Family Force 5, Fall Out Boy, Fireflight, Fire Party, Flyleaf, The Fold, Forever Changed, Forever the Sickest Kids, The Fray, From Autumn to Ashes, Funeral for a Friend, Further Seems Forever, Garden Variety, The Get Up Kids, Gray Matter, Gwen Stacy, Haste the Day, Hawk Nelson, Hawthorne Heights, He Is Legend, Hellogoodbye, Hey Mercedes, Hoover, House of Heroes, I Am Ghost, Ida, Indian Summer, Ivoryline, Jawbreaker, Jimmy Eat World, Joan of Arc, The Juliana Theory, Karate, Kids in the Way, Killswitch Engage, Kingface, Kiros, Kutless, Letter Kills, Life in Your Way, Lifetime, Lostprophets, The Love Letter Refuge, Lunchmeat, Mae, Matchbook Romance, Mayday Parade, Metro Station, Krystal Meyers, Mineral, Moss Icon, The Movielife, My Chemical Romance, Native Nod, New Found Glory , Noise Ratchet, Northstar , Nude , Number One Gun, Once Nothing, OneRepublic, Our Last Night, Owl City, Panic! at the Disco, Paramore, Pg. 99, Philmont, Pierce the Veil, Pillar, Pop Unknown, The Promise Ring, Rainer Maria, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Relient K, Rites of Spring, Rye Coalition, Saetia, Saosin, Saves the Day, Say Anything, Secret and Whisper, Senses Fail, Showbread, Sherwood, The Shyness Clinic, Silverstein, Simple Plan, Something Corporate, The Spill Canvas, Squirrel Bait, The Starting Line, Stavesacre, Story of the Year, Sunny Day Real Estate, Switchfoot, Taking Back Sunday, Ten Second Epic, Texas Is the Reason, This Beautiful Republic, This Providence, There for Tomorrow, Thrice, Tokio Hotel, Thursday, Underoath, The Used, The Van Pelt, Weezer, Watashi Wa, The Wedding, You and, You, Me, and Everyone We Know.

The Seven Song Itch - Peppy Melancholy Music

I’ve had a long standing bet with a friend that I could find this ‘type’ of song and put it into a play list based on the Terry Jacks track listed below. It seems that the seventies were lousy with these types of songs.  The melody is upbeat, but the lyrics have a melancholy aspect to them.  Mostly, these songs are about being in a miserable situation and not knowing the way to get out of it.  I can attest from personal experience that I really relate to some of these songs.  In any case, here they are, all peppy and morose—ready to be enjoyed once again.

Playlist for Peppy MelancholyMusic

1. Paul McCartney – “Another Day”(1971)

This song was recorded during McCartney’s sessions for the album “Ram,” but was not included in the original release.  It appears on the 1993 re-master of the record, though it was actually written and previewed during The Beatles' “Let It Be” sessions in 1969.  This song really breaks my heart in that I’ve worked with a number of ladies that are the epitome of this song.  So sad.

2. Looking Glass – “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)”(1972)

In love it’s tough when you have to compete with another person, but when it’s something like the sea you might as well try to save the Titanic from sinking.  Though I suspect Brandy is a fine girl, it’s sad that she can’t take comfort in the dozens of sailors that she serves.  The success of the band’s one hit created a bit of difficulty in that the song's mellow pop sound was atypical of their somewhat harder-edged style.  I guess the fans of the song tried to understand but were rudely awakened at the Looking Glass’s concerts.

3. Terry Jacks – “Seasons In The Sun”(1973)

Written by Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel with lyrics by American singer-poet Rod McKuen, “Le Moribond”(1961) was a big hit for Canadian singer Terrry Jacks in December of 1973.  The original version focuses on a wife’s infidelity and has a similarity to the Police’s song, “Every Breath You Take.”  Jacks version skims over the whole adultery aspect (with alternate lyrics) but still retains the dying protagonist’s farewell to family and friends.  I love the pipe organ on this song—it’s just so peppy.

4. America – “Sister Golden Hair”(1975)

Gerry Beckley wrote this song for America, and it turned out to be the band’s second number one single originating from their fifth studio album “Hearts.”  Although the song is a message from a man to his lover, explaining that he still loves her despite being not ready for marriage, the title was initially inspired by the mothers of all three members of the group, all of whom were blondes.

5. Bay City Rollers – “Bye Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye)”(1975)

"Bye, Bye, Baby" was written by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio (a member of The Four Seasons), whose version of the song made it to #12 on the U.S. singles charts in 1965. This version, however, has a more upbeat tempo and a guitar solo in the middle of the song.  I’ve always thought that this song takes place after scoring with a Bachelor Party Babe and that he’s saying goodbye to her in the morning, but that’s just me.  It’s probably about meeting your true love after being betrothed to another—Love (or lust) sucks don’t it?

6. The Carpenters – “Please Mr. Postman”(1975)

The Marvelettes debuted this song for the Tamla (Motown) label and is the first Motown song to reach the number-one position on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart in 1961.  Fourteen years later, The Carpenters hit the number one spot on the same chart and in celebration of their success they went to Disney World and made a video for the song.  If you think about it, this song chronicles the loneliness of a person waiting for someone to just write a freaking letter.  Sometimes, you just have to move on.

7. Captain & Tennille – “Lonely Nights (Angel Face)”(1976)

Originally recorded by Neil Sedaka for his album “The Hungry Years”(1975), the Captain & Tenille covered this song the following year and it became their third hit single (out of 14) for the group.  The ironic thing about Toni Tennille is that she sang back up vocals on Pink Floyd’s “The Wall.”  Go on and check the liner notes…I know you don’t believe me.  She also toured with the Beach Boys as an additional keyboardist (courtesy of Daryl Dragon’s afflation with the band) and has since been forever known as The Beach Boys' one and only "Beach Girl.”

Bonus Video:

E.L.O. – “Mr.Blue Sky”(1977)

I always thought this song was some sort of depressing homage to an office worker, but it really is positive.

The Seven Song Itch - Grave Gothic Rock

My Goth friends, no…wait a minute…Goths don’t have friends.  They dwell in a dungeon somewhere living off of moldy cheese and really bad whine.  Okay, sorry for the pun. Now don’t go off moping about how no one understands you—at least you are not Emo right? (I really need to get around to compiling that list). Considering everything that I listen to, I tend to like my music on the dark side, so Goth really hits me where it counts.  For what seems like centuries, I’ve been schooled in the ways of the Goth, though I still consider myself a classic Punk Rocker (West Coast and UK represent).  At one point, someone told me that there were thirteen levels of Goth, but that’s too much hierarchy for me.  In fashion, it’s not always about black.  There is a myriad of levels and styles that include: pink, white, rainbow, and pixie, which sounds like a Care Bears cartoon or a bowl of Lucky Charms.  Most Goth’s that I know are relatively happy people; they just embrace the melancholy of this life as well as their past lives.  The Cure and Siouxsie And The Banshees are typically credited as the gateway to Goth, but there are a lot more groups out there.  As with every style of music, there will always be sub (dungeon) categories, and this one is no exception.  These iconic tunes can send you down the dark and lowly path that is known as Goth Rock.

Playlist for Grave Goth Rock

1. Bauhaus – “Lagartija Nick”(1982)

Bauhaus consisted of Peter Murphy (vocals), Daniel Ash (guitar), Kevin Haskins (drums), and David J (bass guitar).  In 1983 Peter Murphy began a solo career while the other members continued as Tones on Tail and, later, Love and Rockets.  This song is the turning point of this group as they started to evolve from an experimental art band to a more rock sound.  Yes, the pinnacle song for this group is “Bela Lagosi is Dead,” but I like this song better.

2. The Cult – “She Sells Sanctuary”(1985)

Since their earliest form in Bradford during 1981, the band has had various line-ups, and the longest-serving members are Ian Astbury (vocalist) and Billy Duffy (guitarist), the band's two songwriters.  This song is taken off of their breakthrough record, “Love” and has laid the groundwork for their mainstream presence.  Though typically not viewed as Goth, the themes of punk and psychedelic mysticism seem to find a place in this dark genre…and this song just rocks!

3. Fields Of The Nephilim – “Preacher Man”(1987)

I was introduced to this band though a mutual Skinny Puppy fan.  She liked the distorted vocals and I liked the macabre nature of the sound.  The band's name refers to a Biblical race of giants or angel-human hybrids, known as the Nephilim. Although they have not received substantial mainstream success, the band's seminal sound has proved highly influential, especially in the genre of gothic rock.  Lead vocalist Carl McCoy formed the band in 1984 and then reformed it with new members in 1997.  The band had a "dust and death" image, associated with characters from Sergio Leone's Spaghetti Westerns and often wore cowboy dusters with a weather-beaten look during photoshoots.

4. The Sisters of Mercy – “This Corrosion” (1987)

Formed in 1980, the name of the band was influenced by Robert Altman's film “McCabe & Mrs. Miller” (1971), which featured the Leonard Cohen song "Sisters of Mercy."  The group has released three original studio albums, of which the last was released in 1990. Each album was recorded by a different line-up; singer and songwriter Andrew Eldritch and the drum machine called Doktor Avalanche are the only consistent members of the group.  They ceased recording for record labels in 1993 (and have yet to form their own Indy label), but still tour and write songs for their live audience.  This song, in my humble opinion, is the pinnacle Goth anthem, as it features a gospel choir mixed in with some dark and gloomy vocals.  It is almost bouncy and it lasts for what seems like an eternity.

5. The Mission U.K. – “Deliverance”(1990)

In 1986, Wayne Hussey (vocals and guitar), Craig Adams (bassist), Mick Brown (drums), and Simon Hinkler (guitarist) formed a band called The Sisterhood, but changed the name to The Mission (a.k.a. The Mission UK for US audiences) due to the protests of Andrew Eldritch of The Sisters of Mercy.  Aside from Hussey, the line-up has changed several times during the years, but still maintains a kind of romantic renaissance sound that still has a melancholy flavor.  This song, taken from their album, “Carved In Sand,” should really be listened to with the previous track on the record, but then again you really need to listen to the entire record in order to experience The Mission UK at their full brilliance.

6. Concrete Blonde – “Bloodletting (The Vampire Song)”(1990)

There are three stories on how this band got their name.  Labelmate Michael Stipe (REM) suggested the name describing the contrast between their hard rock music and introspective lyrics. A "Concrete Blonde" is also a derogatory term for the heavily hair-sprayed, permed and big haired appearance adopted by "Sunset Strip Metal" bands, such as Poison and Ratt, and during an MTV interview Johnette Napolitano (vocals) stated that it’s just "two words that sound good together." This song is homage to Anne Rice’s novel “Interview With The Vampire”; how much more Goth can you get?

7. Type O Negative – “Black No.1 (Little Miss Scare-All)”(1993)

Also known as the Drab Four, in homage to the Beatles nickname the Fab Four, this band never really felt like they were great, but they were greatly loved.  This track is taken off of their “Bloody Kisses” record and is considered a classic Goth song.   Type O Negative's final lineup prior to Peter Steels’s (vocals) death in 2010 included Kenny Hickey (guitars), Josh Silver (keyboards), and Johnny Kelly (drums). The tongue is firmly planted in the cheek, as lots of Goth’s consider this song somewhat of a parody of the scene, but it’s not really off the mark. 

Bonus Videos:

Siouxsie And The Banshees – “Happy House”

The Cure – “Primary”

 Epilogue: List ‘o’ Goth types (Just for fun) 

The Trad Goth, The Romantic Goth, The Cyber Goth, The Fetish Goth, The Hippy Goth, The J-Goth, The Rivethead, The Perky Goth, The Mopey Goth, The Deathrocker, The Baby Bat, The Corp Goth, The Victorian Goth, The Medieval Goth, The Metalhead, The Emo Goth, The Vampire Goth, The Geek Goth, The Gothabilly, The Cabaret Goth, The Steampunk Goth, The Faerie Goth, and The Tribal Goth.

The Seven Song Itch - Disney Diva Legacies

In the process of compiling a list of Disney Divas, I was struck by the plethora of blood sucking tabloid stories—where dirty laundry is preferential to the talent.  Though some stories are salacious, there is a bit of sadness in the media coverage.  I’m sure that a scandal has slipped into one of my articles, but I aspire to showcase the artistry and not the problem.  These ladies all have the wherewithal to follow their dreams and don’t limit themselves to one aspect of the entertainment industry.  Uncle Walt (Disney) set the stage, but all of these artists have spring boarded into other arenas and continue to make their mark on a generation.  There is inspiration in their stories as well as their music.  Just because it’s a pop song doesn’t mean it’s devoid of substance, as I’m sure you will understand upon listening.

Playlist for Disney DivaLegacies

1. Hilary Duff – “So Yesterday”(2003)

From 2001 to 2004, Hilary Duff played the title character on a show called, “Lizzie McGuire.”  As with so many child actors, it became increasingly difficulty to keep the situation of the comedy intact, as she was growing older in life and on the show.  Hilary was the test case for the Disney-owned Hollywood Records and faired pretty well with a handful of releases.  This song is the second single taken off of her second album “Metamorphosis,” and became her own personal evolution into adulthood.

2. Lindsay Lohan – “Rumors”(2004)

Who could forget the little freckle-faced redhead in the remake of “The Parent Trap?”  After a myriad of family friendly movies she started becoming a regular in the tabloids for her wild and erratic behavior.  This song, taken from her debut release “Speak,” has a bit of irony mixed in with the message.  Sometimes you can get caught up in the Hollywood machine.  Nevertheless, I find myself still rooting for this feisty gal as she continues to hurdle roadblock after roadblock.  There is great talent here, but her antics behind the scenes overshadow her talent in front of the camera.  Don’t count her out yet; she still has a lot to give.

3. Demi Lovato – “La La Land”(2008)

This song is taken from her debut album, “Don’t Forget.”  I love the commentary of the LA scene in this song and find it truer than some of the fiction written in the tabloids.  The lyric, “Well, some may say I need to be afraid Of losing everything, because of where I Had my start and where I made my name,” is a bittersweet epilogue of her own trials in the music industry.  Today she is back and stronger than ever by continuing to delight movie and music fans.

                               

4. Ashley Tisdale – “It's Alright, It's OK”(2009)

Ashley Michelle Tisdale rose to prominence staring in the Disney Channel's “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” and in the “High School Musical” film series.  Based on the success of the film series, she singed with Warner Bros. Records in 2006.  This song is the lead single off of “Guilty Pleasure,” her second album to date.  It has an empowering message of finding the strength to leave a bad relationship.  She continues to build her empire by continually appearing in dozens of television and movies and even has her own production company, “Blondie Girl Production.” In 2011, Tisdale’s production company signed a multi-year deal with Relativity Media to create, develop and executive produce a series.  Not bad for the daughter of a New Jersey construction manager.

5. Miley Cyrus – “The Climb”(2009)

Miley achieved wide fame for her role as Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel’s sitcom “Hannah Montana.”  This song, taken from the motion picture based off of the series, continues to follow the development of that character and in a way, Miley’s own evolution.  I’ve always found this song inspirational and it gives me strength to persevere in an industry that really doesn’t need any more ingénues.  Tearing down the walls of typecasting can be a very difficult task, but she continues to strive to step into the realm of adulthood, as well as building her own media empire.

6. Selena Gomez & The Scene – “Who Says”(2011)

In early 2007, Gomez was cast in the Disney Channel series “Wizards of Waverly Place” as one of the three main characters, Alex Russo. Comparisons to many other Disney Divas became the focus of many articles about this artist, but she still maintains her own identity in the midst of all that scrutiny.  It seems ironic that instead of just using her name as the moniker in her singing career that she went with a group identity by incorporating The Scene.  Anyone who works in this industry knows that no one makes it on their own, but you also have to maintain your personal identity in the process.  This song, the first single taken off of her third album “When the Sun Goes Down,” has a great message of being in touch with your own beauty.  This is a message that I wish that more people would take to heart; don’t settle for someone else's assumptions, be who you are, and in that you are beautiful.

7. Lemonade Mouth (Bridgit Mendler) – “Somebody”(2011)

Bridgit Claire Mendler currently stars as Teddy Duncan on the Disney Channel Original Series “Good Luck Charlie” and had a recurring role on “Wizards of Waverly Place.”  In 2011 she stared in the musical drama “Lemonade Mouth” based on the book by Mark Peter Huges.  Out of that project, she singed with Hollywood Records and plans to release her debut studio album in September 2012.  The lyrics of this song “We're gonna just let go of everything Holdin' Back our dreams And try to make it come alive,” sums up the dreams of all of these Disney Diva’s.  Never be afraid to follow your dream.

Bonus Video:

Britney Spears – “...Baby One More Time”(1998)

I gotta give credit to Britney, she has seen a lot of changes over the course of her career, and continues to electrify fans and critics alike.  This was the beginning of this generation’s Disney Diva’s