2015- A Good Year For Music!

Hey there readers! Last week saw the end of my weekly music challenge, which has been the main theme of Music Mondays since the start of this blog. Now that it's over with, I can move onto talking about other things with regards to music.

In today's post I want to share with you why, for me, 2015 is a good year for music. I've been thinking to myself about this, as in the past month two artists I really like have released new material, plus I've heard of a few comebacks & a re-release.

Let's begin with what's already released & move on from there:

Jack Strify's 'ILLUSION' Re-Release

Towards end of last year, ex-Cinema Bizarre frontman Jack Strify set up an online crowdfund on Pledge Music in order to raise money to make his new album, 'ILLUSION'. Being a fan of his music- both in Cinema Bizarre & as a solo artist- I decided to pledge & received an original copy of the album last December. This copy was only given to those who pledged, & the full album's proper release is set for later this month- possibly in the next week! There isn't a lot of difference between the newer & older versions, apart from there's a new song called 'Face To Face' & the newer version includes Strify's own version of 'My Obsession', a song previously recorded & released with Cinema Bizarre. I'm excited to here these songs & fingers crossed he'll make his way to the UK on tour!

Dope Stars Inc.'s 'TeraPunk'

Released 13th February of this year, TeraPunk is Dope Stars Inc.'s latest release & it is brilliant! It continues with the more cyberpunk theme of 'Ultrawired' rather than the industrial sound of their work before & during '21st Century Slave'. The sound is just amazing & the album has a mix of tempos in the songs, but all of them have a high energy which is what kept me listening! My favourite tracks have to be 'Take It', 'Do It Yourself' & 'Along With You'. A fantastic album, definitely worth listening to, & another band I hope come to the UK!

All Time Low's 'Future Hearts'

These guys just keep getting better! Future Hearts was released earlier this month & it is incredible! I was hooked from the offset- the song 'Satellite' is just brilliant! This album, much like the albums I've previously mentioned, was on a bit of a repeat after it's release- it's just so good! You can definitely tell that All Time Low are getting more adventurous with this album- there's a mix of sounds in amongst their usual pop-punk style, which has matured even more on this album than it did with their last.

Breaking Benjamin's Return & Release of 'Dark Before Dawn'

Although the band have been reformed since last year, I was pleased to read a few weeks ago that they'd be releasing a new album entitled 'Dark Before Dawn'. Having not heard anything from them since 2010, I'm excited to hear their newer material, especially as the band line-up has changed since I last heard them! I've heard a clip from their new song 'Failure' & it sounds great! Fingers crossed this album will be easier to get hold of in the UK than their last! Will have to wait 'til June to find out!

The Return Of Blowsight?

Ever since seeing the band live in Sweden, I've been wondering what their future will be. I'd heard that the show would be the last time Mao, their bassist, would play with the band as he was moving on to work on his new band, Mindshift (which Fabz, the drummer, is also in). No announcements had been made on social media like they had when other band members had left, so I was left curious as to whether I had witnessed the last Blowsight gig. I had heard though that they were coming up with new material, which is why I didn't think the band had fully broken up.

Back in February, Nick posted a comment with regards to a new album, which was great to hear, although he wasn't sure when it would be ready, then in March he said the following in a status:

"New dudes. New band. I like. Get ready."

I'm guessing that means Blowsight will be back soon, hopefully at some point later this year! I'm sure they'll be amazing, as always, upon their return, & bring a whole new range of awesome songs! Looking forward to their return so much!

The Return Of Green Day?

Near the end of last year, Billie Jo Armstrong posted a photo on Instagram of letters & numbers in a hardware store, spelling out 'Green Day 15', with the caption "I'm in a hardware store in queens. and this is on my mind." This was good to hear, however, not a lot was mentioned since, until about a month ago I read they were jamming again, with bassist Mike Dirnt confirming that they're "gearing up to kick ass again". I know they've recently played a set in their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, so I'm hoping that we'll be seeing a new Green Day album (& tour) later this year or even early next! Gotta love Green Day!

That's why I think this year is great for music- especially if Blowsight & Green Day return, I mean, who wouldn't be ecstatic to see their favourite bands come back in the same year? Even more awesome if they ended up playing together. But let's not speculate on that too much!

What makes this year great for your music readers? Are you excited to hear a new album or have heard something amazing you'd like to share? Then why not comment below!

Thank you for reading! :)

Note: Images are not mine & I take no credit for them.

Weekly Music Challenge Day #30- If My Life Was A Movie, What Would The Soundtrack Be?

Hello there readers! First of all, an apology for no posts last week- I was working long shifts from dawn-mid afternoon, with socialising & sleep in between! Now I'm back & after a nice afternoon of retail therapy, I bring you tonight's blog post!

I've come to the end of my music challenge & tonight's final post is the second of my substitutes. To end the challenge, I've decided to take part in a music meme. It's called 'If My Life Was A Movie, What Would The Soundtrack Be?' & here are the rules:

1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)

2. Put it on shuffle

3. Press play

4. For every question below, type the song that’s playing

5. When you go to a new question, press the next button

6. Don’t lie and try to pretend you’re cool …

I'll confess, I have altered this before I started & have a playlist of some of my most played songs to use as opposed to my whole iTunes library as there are some songs on there that I haven't really listened to, so I couldn't imagine how they'd sound if they'd come up. I think that's fair enough, right? Anyway, enough of that, let's get on with this soundtrack, with an added commentary from yours truly:

Opening Credits:

'Jackson' by Johnny Cash

Well this could be misleading- will the audience think I'm going to Jackson, or be wondering why I'm married before the film's even started? Bit of an odd starter, but good song!

First Day At School:

'For Baltimore' by All Time Low

Hmm, I don't think this fits the situation. Not at all.

Falling In Love:

'When The Lights Go Dim' by The Hitchers

Seeing as this song starts with a verse about shooting your friends, I really don't think this is fitting either. Although it could link to someone after the second verse? This person whose friends think they're a pest, but I fall in love with them? Could be interesting...

Breaking Up: 

'In Your Cage' by Cinema Bizarre

So someone's stuck in the comfort zone of their mind, could be me, could be them? Either way this could make for a good montage backing with sad clips. 

Prom:

'Dirty Rotten Bastards' by Green Day

Now this would be an amazing prom song- punk prom! If this had been out & played at my actual prom, this would have been epic! 

Mental Breakdown:

'Tears In Vegas' by Cinema Bizarre

I think this is the most fitting so far. I can imagine I've run to escape life in Vegas & then my breakdown happens accompanied by this. Would be very dramatic.

Flashbacks:

'Play Play Play...' by Blowsight

Could tie in nicely with the last one? Could show all the fun moments before going on a downward spiral in Vegas, then spliced in images of me getting my shit together. Pretty good montage right there!

Getting Back Together:

'Angel Blue' by Green Day

This works well. Looks like the punk(ish?) couple are back together. Am going to assume they're a punky type from the 'Falling In Love' song.

Wedding Scene:

'Fell For You' by Green Day

Quite fitting, even if it is singing more about imagining being with someone that actually marrying them. But it could be the aftermath of all that imagining. Aww!

Final Battle:

'This Pain' by Blowsight

Now this would make a great battle song. Have no idea what I'd be battling, but whatever it is, this song fits like a glove!

Death Scene:

'My Obsession' by Cinema Bizarre

Well this is a bit odd, although the slow tempo & pianos make it kind of fitting? Could be the love of my life singing it to my as I die, that's how I see this one working.

Funeral Song:

'La Generique Fin' by Cinema Bizarre
Seeing as it's a finale song anyway, it kind of works, a bit whimsical for a funeral though.

End Credits:

'Thought Of Bride' by Blowsight
I think this makes a good credits song, gives the audience a chance to rock out after the film. Based on the other songs, fits well!

Finale:

'Man In Black' by Johnny Cash
Oh what a tune! Could be explaining why I wear black a lot? Or not, my reasons aren't as deep as Mr Cash's!

And there we have it folks! The soundtrack of my life plus the end of the music challenge! But not to fear, Music Monday's will continue- I'll just have to find something else to blog about!

Readers, why don't you take this mini challenge? Follow the rules & post your life's soundtrack in the comments below!

Thanks for reading! :D

Weekly Music Challenge Day #26- A Song I Can Play On An Instrument

Thanks for watching- hope you liked it! :)

Weekly Music Challenge Day #23- A Song That I Want To Play At My Wedding

Hello readers! Been a busy week here in the life of Amy Sheppard, hence why you didn't hear from me Friday & why I did a Tune Tuesday last week. This week I am taking the time out to continue my music challenge, with my hardest song choice to date!

A song I want played at my wedding. Not something I've thought of- heck, I've not even decided if I will get married yet! May just live "in sin" as they say & hold a party with a buffet, seeing as that is the best part of a wedding (not to mention it'll cost less!). Or I'll end up being a crazy cat lady...

But who knows? Maybe when I'm older I'll be more inclined to marry. If the event ever does happen, I've decided this would be a good song:

'Last Night On Earth' by Green Day

It's my favourite "love song", so I think this would be appropriate. Contains "nice words" as my Grandad would put it (although I doubt he'd think so about this song, I hasten to add).  Fingers crossed the man I end up with is a Green Day fan... 

So there we have it, a song that I want played at my wedding. Future me, if you do decide to get married, please think back to this post when coming up with a playlist! Readers, if you wish to share a song you want played at your wedding, please feel free to comment below!

Thanks for reading! :)

Weekly Song Challenge Day #19- A Song From My Favourite Album

Hey there readers! Before I crack on with today's post, I'd like to apologise for the lack of post on Friday- had a lot of Uni work to do over the weekend which was due in for today, so that had to be a priority. Just so you know I have my 2nd & 3rd 'Freaky Friday' posts planned, the 2nd is still being written & shall be up this week. I'm thinking that after this month I'll reduce my Friday posts to one every two weeks, or maybe even change the day? But I'll discuss that more at a later date.

Now let's get on with today's post!

This week's Music Monday challenge is to share a song from my favourite album- very easy! Today's song is:

'F.O.D.' by Green Day

Dookie is such a great album- touching on feelings of angst, coming-of-age, love & friendship. This song provides a thoughtful yet final angry burst to the album, which ties it up well. (Until you get to the hidden track, 'All By Myself'.) I like this song, admittedly my mental imagery for it takes the lyrics more literally than it should, but really the lyrics are brilliant metaphors dealing with the end of a relationship, whether or not that's platonic or romantic.

So there's my song for today- feel free to respond with your comments on your songs below!

I'll be back Friday, thanks for reading! :)

Weekly Music Challenge #7- A Song That Reminds Me Of An Event

Good evening readers & welcome to tonight's post. Tonight on my Music Monday challenge I have to find a song that reminds me of an event. So without further ado, I present tonight's song:

'Extraordinary Girl' by Green Day

This song reminds me of the first time I went to see a Green Day tribute band live. I remember when they played this song, they changed some of the lyrics slightly, singing "Somedays I feel like dying," rather than "Somedays he feels like dying," They also substituted the third for first person in other moments in the song & this is something I tend to think of whenever I hear this song, which is why it reminds me of this particular event.

And there we are folks, tonight's song. Do you have any songs that remind you of events? Feel free to comment!

Thanks for reading! :D

Weekly Music Challenge #1- My Favourite Song

Hello readers & welcome to my first Music Monday post! This series of posts begins with the challenge I mentioned in my Intro post, with the first topic being my favourite song.

Now this is an interesting topic to begin with as I don't actually a favourite song- I do in fact have several. Honestly, I can't choose one specific song to be my favourite, as I always end up with different songs stuck in my head that could be deemed favourite for various reasons for the span of the days/weeks etc. they're on loop in my mind.

But that aside, there are songs out there that I do consider to be favourites, therefore in today's post, rather than pick just one song, I'm going to give 5 of my favourite songs, each from a different artist. So in no particular order, let us begin:

1. 'Loss of Control' by Green Day
The reason why this is a favourite of mine is because I relate to it. I'll admit, I'm an introvert, was never popular in secondary school & couldn't really give a damn about the vast majority of my year group & I feel that the lyrics reflect this side of me. Especially the verse that begins with "Hanging out all by myself..."- this is me & my thoughts towards certain people down to a tee.

2. 'Dystopia' by Blowsight
To me, this song is epic- a fantastic ending to an incredible album! (Dystopia Lane) The instrumentals are brilliant & help to create an atmosphere that enables this song to stand out. These plus the power & emotion in Nick's voice are what makes this song so amazing! This song also includes a lyric that I relate to a lot, which is,

"The antidote of pain is the parody of life,"

This is a statement I believe to be true & to me, this lyric means if you can have a laugh & take the mick, it'll reduce the pain of the situation. A statement to live by, if I should say so myself.

3. 'A Gorey Demise' by Creature Feature
Despite the rather morbid subject matter, this song never fails to make me smile. In fact, I'd say it's one of the most cheery & upbeat songs about death I've ever heard & this dark sense of humour really appeals to me. Not to mention a character in the beginning says about it "being a bit dead" before the song actually starts- oh I do love a bit of word play!

4. '21st Century Slave' by Dope Stars Inc.
What I really like about this song is the character built within it. The whole album itself (which shares a title with the song I'm currently talking about) to me speaks of a dystopia, where the people have become drones & slaves to the mega-corporation that's taken over. This song builds on the slave idea, telling us how these kinds of people have been brainwashed & their personalities erased by the powers that be, how even their freedom & rights are being controlled. I like how the character has been built upon through song, with the industrial instrumentals helping to create an angry, dystopian atmosphere.

5. 'The Way We Are' by Cinema Bizarre
This song was my 'favourite song' back when I started college, which was the time when I'd gotten into Cinema Bizarre. One lyric in particular that stands out for me in this song &, I'll admit, is the reason it's a favourite of mine, is this:

"No hiding, no faking, this life can be amazing,"

Much like the lyric in 'Dystopia', this is something I agree with. Be yourself & life will be great. This lyric is sung in a deeper voice than the rest of the song, which enables it to stand out even more & to make, makes it sound that touch more amazing. Has to be one of my favourite parts of the song.

And there we are, 5 of my favourite songs. You'll learn more about my music taste as the weeks progress, although next week I'll be breaking away from the challenge (but you'll find out more about that soon enough!).

What are some of your favourite songs? Feel free to put your answers in the comments!

Thanks for reading! :)