I actually knew this before fourth year, hearing it often on alternative music station Jam 88.3. It turned out that I heard it again often while Jam is my background while doing schoolwork.
Fitz and The Tantrums is one of those current bands I like. They also sort of taking us "back in time", since most of their music sound like Motown music, and 80's music.
This time, let me share two songs in my soundtrack in one whole post.
I want to let you hear the music, not just read what I wrote about it, because sometimes I find it hard to describe songs, unlike music magazine writers—they do it with ease.
Anyway, the thirteenth and fourteenth songs are, consequently, another indie track and another Beatles hit.
Here are a bunch of guys (including a kid having fun) rocking along in a wide-enough obviously air-conditioned room, into an example of The National's well-known indie rock music and "dark, melancholic" music.
This is the first song I've heard from the band, and I suddenly began to gain interest for their sound. I'm even reminded of post-punk band Joy Division.
I figured out an alternative title after looking into the lyrics: "A Love Letter to Jo".
Please bear with me. This list runs for almost 7 months! I missed updating this 101 songs because—guess what—I'm busy doing what has to be done this 4th year. I told it on my past post.
But speaking of school...We're already down to the top 20 songs of my third year. These songs are pieces and parts of my past school year. These songs were the songs I got to listen to most of the time.
For this part, we have a new band to be featured—a distinctive band in the Philippines named Up Dharma Down. Also expect some Linkin Park, M83, FTP, and James Blake.
Don't know them yet? Know them here.
20."Can you feel the rush rush?"
Davenport|Never The Strangers
At 20 we have a synth-filled, dramatic song of Never The Strangers. I don't really know why this is entitled "Davenport". It is either a place or the type of sofa.
But what I liked in this track is that it speaks of going away and being away, and it is spoken thoroughly.
19."Iindak na lamang ba sa tibok ng puso mo/At aasahan ko/Hindi mo lamang aapakan ang aking mga paa"
Indak|Up Dharma Down
I really like Up Dharma Down. I like their sound and the sweet vocals of Armi Millare, as well as the lyrics that are poetic and impressive.
This one, written in Filipino, amazes me. The piano notes, and that electronically produced beat before the refrain, and those remarkable lyrics. Wow!
For your information, the song tells me of dance, first of all. Then, it speaks of a person's confusion on who to dance with, on who will she choose.
It tells me that this person isn't sure of what her decision will be, but she'll choose. And she'll dance, while someone is watching...While someone is sad.
Since it's "Indak", it'll be nice to be played at prom.
Actually, there's an album version of this song, but the one featured here is the first one I've heard, and I like it better.
18."Nalilito na ako hindi na dapat gan'to"
Sana|Up Dharma Down
Yes. It's UDD again. It's another Filipino song worth hearing.
From the beating intro to the video game-inspired music video, it's awesome. Here, we get to hear Armi's magnificent vocals in a more dynamic level. Also, we hear those heartfelt lines of wishes, somehow emptying to zero.
17."Just waiting! Just waiting!"
Steve Mcqueen|M83
We have another M83 song here, which still comes from their recent album. The first seconds are like an entrance to a story-book world, or a different dimension, like Narnia. Then, synths and beats will burst like whirling matter.
It is a combination of the synthetic and the ambient. Of something from synthpop and something from house music and something from rock.
16."Sana'y nagtanong ka lang kung 'di mo lang alam"
Oo|Up Dharma Down
Back to UDD.
This expressive song focuses on a person's frustration over another and his/her interest. This speaks of a hopeless feeling, or a regret over liking someone. But what I like here is that the lyrics is so clear and direct.
It's another dimension of UDD that is heard here, away from electronica and more of jazz. It's so brilliantly orchestrated.
15."I tie my hands up to a chair so I don’t fall that way"
Helena Beat|Foster The People
FTP impresses us once again with their upbeat, keyboard-filled sounds, together with lyrics with deeper meanings.
"Helena Beat" is a party-perfect song. It tells us of a fall in humans, a fall they don't care about.
The beats that are heard as the song opens are what I think is the 'Helena Beat". It's an "ear-opener" for me.
14."Waiting for the end to come/Wishing I had strength to stand"
Waiting For The End|Linkin Park
I felt this song all throughout, because—really—I waited for the end.
I waited for the end of the school year, the end of every tasks, the end of every hardships, the end of every sorrow.
And so this song hums with me.
13."Is this the way I've always been?"
The Reeling|Passion Pit
The banging and dancing and running of every note and beat makes this Passion Pit single great. Another thing to consider is the additional choir sound care of PS22 Chorus.
Thanks to 99.5 before it became Play FM, I heard this electro-pop piece.
12."Like a waterfall in slow motion"
Limit To Your Love|James Blake
Let's now slow it down.
I found this out from Live From Abbey Road. It was the first time that I heard something classical fused with something modern. The first time I heard a classical piano contained with drum-pad beats, push-button effects, and sounds coming from a Prophet synthesizer that's better than an Autotune.
But also, the emotions and colors that are conveyed in this track makes it good to hear. The lines travel through your consciousness, and somehow you're already in the vibe of the music.
11."It doesn't even matter"
In The End|Linkin Park
LP's songs are really heartfelt and emotion-filled, aside from being distinctively rock.
This one is something that I felt anytime. Doing everything that you could, but having its value lost in the end. Having trust, then losing it when it's all over, even when it's not all over yet.
Do they sound good for you? Let's add one more.
Bonus track:"All of my life/In every season/You are still God"
Desert Song|Hillsong
Of course, contemporary Christian music isn't ignored by this blogger. This is my pick because it fits right into what I've gone through the past school year.
Here I was, barren, dry, baffled...But here's my God, who was—and still is—with me. He has a plan. He knows what's best for me—all of us. So there's still a reason to live...and to depend on God each day.
Get ready for the last 10 songs very soon! In case you've missed the songs before these, you may start here. Thank you so much for hanging out!
Today's music isn't all trash. There is still good music today...
And we're celebrating it here on this 10-part blog I titled as 101 Songs of My Third Year.
We're now on 4 more parts, starting with this one. We're going to know more bands that you might not know yet. But we'll also hear another Foster The People track.
And also we'll get to encounter another pop track you might have known recently. Plus, another local act to unfold as we count down from the fortieth to the thirty-first.
So why don't you try to listen to new sounds and know more artists?
Let's get to listening and reviewing these songs!
40."Though the truth may vary, this ship will carry our bodies safe to shore"
Little Talks|Of Monsters and Men
Commercials/teasers/promotions on TV helped me recognize new songs.
This one was a discovery from both cable and radio. I got my first taste of folk rock in this track. Powerful all around.
Little talks. Like small talk.
39."An eye for an eye and an 'F' for a fight"
Houdini|Foster The People
FTP again! Pounding drum beats. Video-game sounds. Oozing synths. And that alternating sounds after the chorus. Plus a trumpet to play along with all of them!
Here's a live version that is also as energetic(and even more energetic) as the recorded version.
38."You can stay where you are"
Dreamers|Savoir Adore
A very glowing song for the night. Combine those skipping and elevating guitars, those raising synths, and cute vocals; and a lullaby is resembled.
Right from the lyrics, it brings a sweet imagery of dreaming...and sleeping.
As if I dream a lot..I just sleep a lot, though not all the time.
Now, house that has gone pop. Thanks to my former classmate and her cellphone, I found out this energetic composition from DJ David Guetta, blended with Sia's chants.
It has these empowering lyrics that became like a sort of an anthem for me, a firm shoutout that I won't let myself down and will keep myself strong (with God's grace), no matter how many physical and verbal "bullets" will hit me.
It was a declaration I made before: I Am Titanium.
36."Even if we're six feet underground I know that we'll be safe and sound"
Safe and Sound|Capital Cities
Found this out while listening to a radio in a cellphone as I worked on school stuff.
This dynamic duo definitely makes dance-able, upbeat tunes, including this one. The music video even testifies to it.
It is somewhat a love song, and somehow an uplifting song. Just look into the words. Either it tells you whether that when there's a calamity we'll face and rise from it, or that on someone's hands, care, and love you'll be alright.
"Safe and Sound" is a groovy track anytime. And maybe everywhere.
I hope this one will be a song in the dance-themed video game called Just Dance.
35."Is it real now. When two people become one"
Walking On A Dream|Empire of The Sun
This single from another duo, who always wear fantastic costumes, has a mark of the 80s. They sound like 80s synthpop duo The Buggles.
Meanwhile, "Walking On A Dream" is a mark of my third year. It has repeating and enchanting keyboard chords, and simple drum patterns (which reminds me of "Men In Black"), as well as good vocals that I can mimic(except for the chorus..haha!).
It's words are true to heart. We do have dreams, anyway. And we don't just dream them, we walk on them. It's like window shopping, since there are dreams that we hardly grasp near us. So "walking" on them is just fine with us...
This is a nice tune to mix in at prom.
34."Fade away. So many of them may"
Fade Away|Electric Youth
I have known this duo/sweethearts who are largely influenced by the 80s music. I liked them right from when I've heard their cover version of an 80s disco-like song entitled "Faces" (this is the original, by the way).
They're very nice at imparting an 80s blend of synths, electric drums, and a sweet voice from Bronwyn the "voicegirl".
Sadly, I haven't found any lyrics on the Net. But anyway, "Fade Away" sounds like both rockin' rock and poppin' pop. It's not that corny, and I guess teens should take a hearing of this.
It would be great if it's also in Just Dance.
I thought before that they should release an album, since they're great in what they do. And now I'm glad to know that they're working on their debut album. I hope that album will be released here in the Philippines!
Recommended: The Best Thing (also encountered during third year)
33."When the light is out, when the words have gone, let me be the one to try it on"
Lights Out, Words Gone|Bombay Bicycle Club
Have you ever felt that feeling when you're turned down or turned back? And do you hope that someday, when your friend is gloomy and away from his close friends and his joyfulness, you could be that person to be that "light" for him? This song recalls me of those things.
This one is a favorite! Aside from the catchy name of the British band, I like how the song was composed.
It is also nice of them to include a female voice in the name of Lucy Rose.
Both the notes and syllables are sweet and emotional.
This makes me think of my hope that I could help friends and cheer them up or even weep with them when times aren't going well with them.
This is also a good song to play at prom.
And I even want to make a cover of this (if I'm blessed with a band). If I just know how to play instruments!
32."Your life is your life gotta live like it's your life"
Life Is Life|Noah and The Whale
After settling the TV on 2nd Avenue one night, Live From Abbey Roadwas being aired. And there's a band performing a song I didn't know yet, and I found it nice, so I added it on my playlist. (By the way, the show is now on Jack TV)
The notable things here, for me, are the drums—or pads—at the beginning, and this typical vocals that is not much of a rocker or a high-pitched artist. It's just fine and it sounds perfectly well.
The harmony of the band is like a choir, especially at the bridge.
Furthermore, the title is attractive and real. Life is life. And we get to live it on our own unique ways.
Yet for me, following God's way is helpful and better.
31."Kung pwede lang ulitin, ba’t 'di mo simulan"
Bago Mahuli Ang Lahat|Never The Strangers
Another OPM hit from an emerging band with some cool and powerful music to bring out. They're currently known for being featured in a Valentine commercial of Close Up, with their song "Moving Closer"
Remarkable piano sounds, clouded by simple beats, guitars, and of course the powerful voice of Ace Libre.
It's a kind love song about chasing someone and telling what has to be said before it's all over. It's just awesome.
So what can you say? You can leave a comment, if you want to.
I hope you have discovered new music here...and like it.
For the next run of 101 Songs...We're finally down to 30 songs...Linkin Park and Passion Pit comes back...New ones to be featured are good-sounding bands like Stars, Keane, Death Cab for Cutie, and more...
We're finally halfway through the 101 Songs of My Third Year. So many songs that it took a list as long as this.
I hope you'll find something new here to listen and like.
What to expect? Linkin Park. Muse. Indie bands like Two Door Cinema Club and Foster The People. Then local rappers like Loonie and Gloc 9.
But also, with these songs come the words they convey that a teenager like me can relate to.
Just check it out!
50."All I want to do is be more like me and be less like you"
Numb|Linkin Park
Actually, I have heard of Linkin Park since elementary years. My siblings are fans of the band, and I'm becoming one too.
Numb. So true. I can relate to the lyrics directly since I have become tired of the expectations of and the pressures by some people around me. Because I'm who I am, and I want to become more of that.
I felt like I'm screaming this song out. Like I'm shouting it to all the burdens I had.
49."You hid there last time, you know we're gonna find you"
Undercover Martyn|Two Door Cinema Club
Another good song from a band most of you might not know yet, indie for short.
Unearthed from radio from a band that has one of the coolest long names. A good blend of guitars and space-like synths.
Chin Song For The Unsuspecting Hero|Foster The People
Foster The People, at last. This song, from one of the indie bands that helped me appreciate modern music more, is so close to me.
A wonderfully-written song of a gloomy mood. To me, it speaks of yearning, of desperation, of being devastated. I can instantly relate to it because of having slept for long times, wondering that friends "have gone", saying out things to God, and being at the odds.
But again, I could use some cheering up. Hero? Unsuspecting hero? I don't assume to be.
But we can be.
47."You're just crushing me down, crushing me down, crushing me down"
Warrior|Mark Foster, Kimbra, and A-Trak
Here's a collaboration between Foster The People's frontman, singer Kimbra (who made a duet with Gotye for Somebody That I Used To Know), and DJ A-Trak. This one was shared by the blogger in earthingsblog.wordpress.com (the blog is nice anyway, check it out!).
And the song does sound like Foster's band. Splendidly composed, perfectly mixed.
Warrior. I'm thinking/imagining like that. Someone battling life and whatever it throws in. By that I'm reminded that there shouldn't be anything that tries to push and crash me down to stop me. I have to learn to be a warrior(of my own right).
46."Marami pang pagkakataon ang nasa 'yong harapan"
Bakit Hindi|Gloc 9 feat. Billy Crawford
Another inspiring song from one of Pinoy music's finest artists, and also a creative poet, Gloc 9.
Saw it on the music channel, and I found it good to listen to, especially when—again—I'm on the hard times.
But that's true. We aren't perfect. We're working, doing, and sometimes we fail. But that shouldn't stop us. This one is another pat in my back, telling me to keep on dreaming, and believing. Why not?
45."Just some scars from a life that used to trouble me"
Sight of The Sun|fun.
A special track from the power pop band, which was heard—again—on the radio. So simple, yet so brilliant. It seems like it was just dawn, and the sun's just shining.
44."And now I have finally seen the light"
Madness|Muse
Haay. Madness. Most of us may have gone to that, or maybe just few.
But this one's notable. Being aware of the band, and their album, The 2nd Law, I have stumbled upon this electronica-inspired and club-sounding single. There's still rock coming from rocking guitar riffs. And the vocals, I feel like it's close to heart, and coming from it.
43."It's better just to stay in bed. Didn't want to fail myself again"
Save Me|Gotye
Have you ever felt like that? Feeling like you want to stay in your comfort zone, or simply in your bed? Feeling fed up of failing many times? I've felt that way.
Hoping to be saved from all the things that drowning you deep? I felt that way too.
I found out this single from the musician who created one of the songs that you know and maybe sing along, what else but "Somebody That I Used To Know". I found this when I was channel surfing, and I stopped into a Chinese version of Channel [V]. I heard an English voice, plus some rippling tunes, and saw a nice art on the music video.
It appeared to be this.
That just made me think of something, though not much connected to the song, and I want to share it to you.
Jesus saved me, and He can save you too. Save you from being fallen. Just believe and receive.
Hopefully, we'll talk more about that soon.
42."Kung wala ka pang mali wala ka pang nagagawa"
Tao Lang|Loonie feat. Quest
We're going to hip-hop and rap again with this track with realistic lyrics, coming from Loonie, one of the prominent rappers from the famous hip-hop battle here, Fliptop. Also with Quest, who was featured in the previous list.
The lyrics is direct as well as true. Because the truth is we are all human. We have slipped for a lot of times, but we do learn from them. Therefore, we should understand each other, as well as forgive each other.
Also, please, don't pressure us.
41."All along the western front. People line up to receive"
Electric Feel|MGMT
I've spotted this out from another blog. MGMT's mix of psychedelic and synthetic sounds engaged my ears, and it just fit well.
Their sound, their persona, and even their artwork, all in all, are colorful.
For your information, this long list will run with 4 more posts..More to come, more to find out, and more to listen. I hope you like today's list.
