Lynam - "It's All in Your Head"

Lynam. Found these guys completely by accident, flipping through mom and dad's satellite radio channels when I was visiting one weekend. And since then, they never let me down.

The thing I love about this band is they have such a unique sound. It's kind of like reinvented old school rock, and every now and again they mix it up with a hint of bluegrass. Two of my favorite things.

I chose "It's All in Your Head" because I'm in a rocking kind of mood today :-P I love the way this song starts, and true to Lynam fashion, they completely rock that guitar.

There are some songs I listen to and love the lyrics so much that I end up loving the song more. And then there are some songs I listen to and the music trumps the lyrics. The lyrics to this song are somewhat forgettable, not anything thought-inducing, in my own opinion, but the music is just plain awesome that it doesn't even matter.

And speaking of awesome? That guitar. Wait until you're about 2/3 in, and you'll know what I'm talking about. These guys know what they're doing. And if you doubt their guitar playing skills, check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JultSpWdhQc

That kid knows how to play.

I also highly recommend their songs "Save My Soul" and "Just Say Anything".

Check out a live version of "It's All In Your Head" on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5UqJTpHJR0 (caution: explicit language)

Nightwish - "Over the Hills and Far Away"

My little sister doesn't realize I listen to other albums by Nightwish besides their Once album. Just because Once is my favorite, doesn't mean I don't love others.

"Over the Hills and Far Away" is an earlier Nightwish song and it's just plain amazing. One of my favorite things about Nightwish (besides Tarja Turunen) is the fact that their songs, such as this one, tell stories. Their lyrics are really simple stories, but they make such an impact. They take me to a completely different universe, so to say, because their songs/stories have this fantasy, mythical vibe that make you think of heroes and magic and supernatural creatures.

Tarja Turunen, the singer of this song, is no longer a part of Nightwish. She's the lead on most of the albums they have out, but they've since replaced her with Anette Olzon (I think in 2007). Anette is a strong, decent singer, but she doesn't hold a candle to Tarja. Really, not many do. The woman is an incredible vocalist, which you can plainly hear if you listen.

I'm definitely a fan of this symphonic metal stuff, and this song has all the things I like in an epic song: Amazing singing, awesome lyrics, and a powerful chorus. One of the things I love most is a song that's going along and you're interested, you're thinking "Okay, I can get behind this", and all of a sudden you hear the chorus and it blows your socks off.

That's what this song does for me.

My favorite part of this song? 3:24 to 3:38, and you'll know why.

Check out "Over the Hills and Far Away" on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylhrQewk6lI

Blitzen Trapper - "Furr"

I heard Blitzen Trapper's "Furr" watching the TV show "Chuck" one night (watch it, it's awesome). As soon as it started, I knew I was going to be looking for this one.

So how do you describe this band? It's a little different, like mixing Folk music with Rock music. And it's a pretty awesome combination. Not only are the lyrics great, but there's just so much to listen to in this song. And not the overwhelming kind of "so much", we're talking the Goldie Locks "Just right" kind. I mentioned I'm not much of a country fan, but I do love Folk music and I'm a big fan of bluegrass because, if you're good, then you really know how to incorporate the right amount of instruments without sounding like you're trying too hard.

It's a pretty easy going song. They have more upbeat ones, but that's for another day.

Oh, and their harmonizing skills are masterful. They give me chills, it's so awesome.

Check them out on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/blitzentrapper