"Land of a Thousand Dances" by Chris Kenner [Who Needs Words]

               Hello and welcome back to Additive Noise, the official Spectator source for music and music reviews. It's an exciting week here- In celebration of homecoming, we've selected our favorite dance song to review this week.
                Have you ever heard one of those songs that has a chorus of non-words, like “sha-la-la’s” or “na-na-na’s”? It’s amazing how well those songs get stuck in your head and don’t go away. What better way to reach people with music than to review a song like this, that everyone has had stuck in their head at one point or another? Case in point, “Land of a Thousand Dances”.

                If you’re not familiar with the song right off the top of your head, I recommend you take a moment to look it up. “Land of a Thousand Dances” was first recorded in 1962 by Chris Kenner, a gospel singer from Louisiana, but it didn’t stay with him long. The song was almost immediately swept up by the 1960’s rock-and-roll wave, where it morphed into what we all know today. The famous “na-na-na” style chorus didn’t become part of the song until a live show by Cannibal & the Headhunters in 1965, where their lead singer forgot to words and had to improvise. His mixup became genius, and every artist since then has included it as the most well-known part of the song.

                Though it is the title of the song, the words “land of a thousand dances” never appear in the lyrics of most of today’s versions. It was drawn from an original introduction to the song, recorded by Kenner, saying "Children, go where I send you / (How will you send me?) / I'm gon' send you to that land / the land of a thousand dances." This section was trimmed from the final recording to accommodate radio airplay, and never returned. However, the song includes the titles of several well-known dances like the Pony, the Mashed Potato, and the Twist to name a few. It’s been covered by over 45 artists, in multiple languages, and it was even featured in one of the most memorable films of the 1990’s, FernGully: The Last Rainforest.

                Unlike most of the songs we review here at Additive Noise, this song doesn’t have any ‘deep’ lyrics that require analysis. On the contrary, what makes this song special is that you don’t have to think to get it. The music is upbeat and simple, with the rhythm of the drums leading it all. The Land of a Thousand Dances is a place where everyone can come to have a good time, and you don’t have to know the words. There’s a dance for everyone, the song is universal. What better song to celebrate homecoming?

                 This has been Additive Noise. Check back here next week for another review of the music you know and love! And remember: [Listen Out]

"Running Up That Hill" by Track and Field [Keep Moving On]

Good morning my dears. Today, I'm going to spend a little time letting you into my soul. I hope that's alright with you.
As I'm sure you've imagined, I, as a music blogger, take a lot of my inspiration for life from music. Every now and then, I find a song that really touches me to the core and has the power to influence my feelings, actions, and decisions. My selection for today is one of the songs that has touched me the most in the last year. It's both a classic and not a classic at the same time. What song? "Running Up That Hill", by Track and Field.

Before you get freaked out: YES, this song is a cover of a song originally written and performed by Kate Bush in 1985. YES it is one of the most popularly covered songs in the world. NO, I am not trying to ruin the artistic integrity of the original song. So now that we're all on the same page, let's get started.

Some fun facts:
"Running Up That Hill" was originally writted and performed in 1985 by British songwriter/singer Kate Bush. It was an instant hit, sweeping the globe and topping charts worldwide. It was originally titled "A Deal With God", but the title was changed for fear of blacklisting in some anti-Christian or non-religious nations. It was re-released in 2012, and was even used as the track for a crucial section of the closing ceremonies for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. Since its record-breaking beginning, the song has been covered by many, many artists. The most famous cover versions released so far are those by Placebo, Track and Field, and Within Temptation. My personal favorite is the version I'm working with today.

Track and Field covered "Running Up That Hill" in 2011 for the season 3 two-part finale episode of popular SyFy original series Warehouse 13. The band itself is half-existent and non-traceable, so it's quite likely that the song was created specifically for the television series. That's where I discovered it, as a big fan of Warehouse 13.

SPOILER ALERT: WAREHOUSE 13 WATCHERS, READ NO FURTHER UNLESS PAST SEASON 3.

In the series, "Running Up That Hill" is used as a track to cover a scene featuring the death of a beloved character. The heartbreaking piano externalizes the grief felt by the characters, in particular the deceased man's partner. The simplicity of it is what makes the song beautiful. There isn't so much instrumentation as to overshadow the meaning of the song.

Speaking of the meaning of the song, there's some debate to that. According to interviews with Kate Bush, her original intent of the song was to demonstrate the differences and difficulty of understanding between men and women. However, the song has been to her mind 'misinterpreted' for years. Personally I'm of the opinion that interpretation is not possibly. It is like an opinion, everyone has their own. Beauty is in the eye- or ear -of the beholder.

For me, the song will always reflect the ideas of life, death, and grief. It is rare that I don't listen to this song without fighting tears. The clear, striking piano notes that support the lyrics almost seem to reach straight into my heart. They ask questions. If you only could, would you make a deal with God, and get him to swap our places? It's a difficult question, one that not many can answer truthfully. When the steady-beating percussion comes in toward the end of the song, you can almost feel a deadline approaching. When the drums stop, it's too late. Ten seconds to decide. Are you going to make a deal with the devil....or with God?

For a song that holds such magnitude, the lyrics are remarkably simple.

And if I only could,
Make a deal with God,
And get him to swap our places,
Be running up that road,
Be running up that hill,
Be running up that building.
If I only could, oh...

The verses vary a bit, but the chorus remains the same. Some might call it repetitive, but to me, the question can never be asked enough times. It's too important to dismiss as repetitive or redundant. I could listen to this song for days and not once get tired of hearing it.

Are there any songs like that in your life? Something you could just sit there and soak in forever?

Readers, I challenge you this week to think about the important things. In these troubled times, we never know what might happen. Are you ready to make the hard decisions if you need to?

Check back here next week for more tunes, and remember...

[Listen Out]

"It's Not You", by Halestorm [Bringing the House Down]

"It's Not You", by Halestorm

Readers, I've brought you something special this week. Very special indeed.

How many times have you heard a song as downright blunt as this one? Within the first two lines, you know exactly what the entire song is about. It's clear, and to the point. I'm in love with somebody, and it's not you.

Now this is probably the worst approach in the world to someone who actually cares about you, but ladies, have you ever felt like telling a guy just to back off beacuse you really aren't in love with him? I know I for one sometimes feel like people think they can buy my love with favors and kindnesses. Sometimes I just want to scream, because I just don't care!

Read my finger, whatcha gonna do?

Read these lips, they're all done talkin' to you

I don't mean to bruise your ego,

but I've had you nailed down for so long.

I don't see your name on my tattoo

One thing's for sure, Lzzy Hale has a bone to pick with someone. Yes, I spelled her name right! Lzzy Hale is the frontwoman and creative mind for Halestorm, an American rock band from Pennsylvania. Her brother Arejay is the drummer for the band, and the two of them have been a hardcore musical pair since they were 10 years old. Guitarist Joe Hottinger and bassist Josh Smith complete the band, which is almost always on tour. They managed to become record-breakers with their debut self-titled album, which released in 2009, and have been touring it almost constantly. Their second album was only just released this year. During the time between albums, Halestorm hit the road with a multitude of rock and metal artists, including Chevelle, Seether, Staind, Papa Roach, Trapt, Three Days Grace, Theory of a Deadman, Buckcherry, Disturbed, Shinedown, Avenged Sevenfold, Hellyeah, and Heaven & Hell (according to Wikipedia). Most recently they participated in the Rockstar energy drink-sponsored "Welcome to Rockville" tour.

This song, "It's Not You", speaks to me a lot. Lzzy stands out as a firecracker performer. She can sing, play guitar, bass and keytar, and does all of those things exquisitely. Her music simply exudes feeling, but not in the whiny, pathetic way some bands like to use. She's not poetic, she says it like it is! If she thinks you need to get out of her face, you'll know it pretty quick.

Want to know a little secret?

You don't actually have to feel the feelings described in the song to have a hell of a lot of fun singing it at the top of your lungs. I do it when I'm driving in the car, just to let out energy.

One of my other favorite parts of this song is the music video, which I linked above. By featuring the underground sport of roller derby, they make a point to highlight powerful women. As Lzzy sings her heart out and declares her sovreignty as woman, the girls around her establish themselves as forces to be reckoned with. If you don't believe it, watch the movie "Whip It" and see for yourself. Roller derby is hardcore.

This is the epitome of "feeling empowered" songs. Say what you mean, mean what you say, and don't feel bad for doing it! If someone's getting on your nerves, don't keep it to yourself- say it! Maybe you shouldn't be quite as in-your-face as Lzzy Hale- face it, we're not all rockstars who can do whatever the heck we want -but definitely don't let it eat you up from the inside. Or maybe just use this song or something like it to let out all that negative energy before addressing your problems! Get rid of the roughness so the rest of your life can keep floating smoothly.

And if you see a crazy girl in a white hybrid screaming at the top of her lungs at a red light.....I'm sure there are plenty of people who do that, make no assumptions :P

Hope you enjoyed this week's selection, loves! Tune in next week for more ADDITIVE NOISE, and remember....

[Listen Out]

"Young", by Nickel Creek [Welcome Back]

Good day, ladies and gentlemen of Valdosta State University, and welcome back to ADDITIVE NOISE! Those of you who don't know me, my name is Rebecka McAleer, Web Editor for Additive Noise's host independent newspaper, The Spectator. Every Thursday when the Spectator comes out, make sure you check here for a new music review. I do everything from oldie tunes to the current top 40, and I do my best to bring a little something for everyone to the table.

Today, as a "welcome" present for this year's freshmen, I'm introducing a song from 2002 by the indie-bluegrass group Nickel Creek. The band played from 1989 until it disbanded in 2007, and was chiefly composed of the brother/sister pair Sean and Sara Watkins, and their fellow music students/partners Chris Thile and Dennis Caplinger. Though the band started out with a simple, traditional bluegrass theme, as they progressed in their music, they began drifting more toward putting a bluegrass spin on the indie and rock of the day. They play mandolin, guitar, and fiddle on a regular basis, and sometimes feature hand percussion and string bass.

I selected the song "Young" (click for lyrics) because I think it provides a great message for the beginning of college, or for a new semester for us old hats. In the first verse alone, the singer admits to having feelings for another person, but isn't quite sure where to go with it. He says, "Prove you're over my head", and "Help me climb out", which I take to be less depressing than it originally sounds. To me, it sounds like he feels attached and wants to pursue it properly. Almost like a "don't let me fall in over my head but I want to do this right" kind of deal. Have you ever felt like that? Sometimes in the pursuit of fun we get thrown into something we don't understand, but just as often the fear of striking out keeps us from playing the game. Thoughts like "what if I do it wrong?" keep us from actively pursuing the connections and even romances that we want to accent our lives.

The chorus is a bit more hesitant, but still positive.

"Hey what did I do?
I've spoken too soon
Listen to this tune
Forget the words
Wait until someday
'Cause when I know what to say
I'll say it in the best way you've ever heard."

 

It sounds like he's not embarassed by his supposed mess-up, and is much more interested in doing the whole 'love' thing in the proper way. Wait for me to do it right, and I'll blow your mind, he says. I think this is wonderfully practical advice for college students of all ages. Just because you might be one of those people who go crazy in your first few semesters doesn't automatically make you a bad person, but there are a few mistakes you might want to avoid. Don't fall for the first real college guy to hold a door open for you, don't make the first person to buy you a beer your bestie for life, don't flip out over your first "not an A" grade. If you slow down for a moment and realize that you won't do everything right from the get-go, you might be more likely to put in the forethought that leads to some of the best decisions of your life.

I especially love the last verse.

"Young and with no clue
I still wanna love you
Give credit where it's due
I've got good taste
It's not like I wanna get married
I never asked you to kiss me
Just don't want you to be sorry you didn't try."

Don't be sorry you didn't try. You and I, and all of the people around us, are young and we may have no clue. But if we approach life with the slow-but-optimistic attitude presented here, we have a much better chance of being happy.

Musically speaking, I have a passionate love for Nickel Creek. The combination of guitar, mandolin and fiddle creates a sound rarely heard outside of the southern/central United States. Jazz may be the first "real American music", but bluegrass is a big part of our country's roots. It can be smooth or upbeat, like jazz, but with the laid-back and comfortable quality of a good country song. The simple riffs that keep "Young" moving are very back-porch-acoustic feeling, and the twining of at least three voices around each other are simply beautiful.

Nickel Creek's vocals are something that make them very special. Each of their singers is highly talented alone, but they sound glorious together as well. The best part, if you ask me, is the fact that they drift in and out of group singing, choosing to focus on one voice prominently and use the others to accent. Some songs are a definite showcase for Sara Watkins, others for her brother or Chris Thiles, but the use of three voices keeps the harmonies in a good balance. Not too much solo, not too much individual- just right on both sides.

I'm hoping all of you out there listen to the song (which I've linked above), and if you don't like my review, please send me your opinions! I'd love to know how everyone feels about the music that surrounds us every day.

This has been Rebecka McAleer with Additive Noise. Check back for more next week, and remember to [Listen Out].

A Twist of Instrumental [What's Your Time Capsule?]

I was listening to this song the other day...it's one most of my crowd doesn't really like, but a lot of people in the world do like it. Truly, I'm not a big fan of the franchise it goes with, but I'm too big of an instrumental music nerd to let it pass. Someone sent a snippet of that song to me as a ringtone several years ago, and because of the time and place in which I used that ringtone, it's been infused with a vision. A feeling. Like when I listen to this song, I'm back in that place completely.

It was like waking up inside the sun. The walls of the room were basic beige, and so was the carpet. The wooden furniture was all a warm, light-stained wood that reflected the warm orangey sunlight that poured in the window. His favorite color was orange, so many of the accessories and things around the room were orange or red.

His sheets were red. They were soft, and you could tell it was because they were high-quality and well-worn. It was always warm in that bed, mostly because he was one of those people I call "space heaters". These are my favorite kind of people, because they keep cold-natured near-reptiles like me warm.

When he was there, I was always warm and comfortable. I never wanted to leave that bed. I remember waking up there on lazy Saturday and Sunday afternoons, lazing about in bed instead of getting up to be productive. Why bother? It was nice there. It smelled nice, because we were the kind of people who took showers at night before we went to bed. We didn't have sex, so there was no lingering scent of sweat or anything. Just the nice, clean smell of whatever body wash he used. It was strong, but after it had faded, it was one of the most pleasant scents in the world.

Of course we would eventually get up and go places, do things, all of that grown-up stuff. But for some reason, that sleepy, comfortable waking up memory is permanently etched in my mind.
I know exactly why. When I first got that song snippet as a ringtone, I never used it. The first and most permanent time I've ever used it was during those months I lived with him, and I used it as a weekend alarm-clock. Most days I go for more loud, obnoxious things that will wake me up, but those days, I needed that quiet, slow waking.

Despite the fact that the relationship went badly (my fault), I still have that one memory as one of the most pleasant memories I have. I could wake up in that place, with that feeling, any time. I don't want to now, of course. I love Severus, and I would never wish that I hadn't been here, right now. But don't you ever have those moments, those memories that just catch you where you are and keep you there?

This is mine.

NOW THAT YOU'VE HEARD MORE THAN YOU EVER WANTED TO ABOUT MY PERSONAL LIFE....

This post really isn't about this song. If you're a Twilight-hater, or not a big fan of instrumental music, that's fine. I'm not trying to press this song on you here and now. I just want to know, does anyone else out there capture moments with music?
Like for example, whenever I listen to Nickel Creek's "The Fox", I remember being in my big brother's truck, driving through dead-still traffic in Washington DC, singing folk songs to keep ourselves entertained. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe soundtrack feels like the waterfalls and quaint homes of Helen, Georgia, where my family went on vacation one year. April Sixth's "Dear Angel" feels like my junior year of high school, being backstage during the school musical.

Music is powerful. Not only can it transfer, explain, or intensify emotions, it can also be a time capsule. Songs are as memorable as the events in our lives, and vice-versa. I can't help but just stare in wonder whenever I run into songs like these.

I'd like to know if anyone else uses music for this kind of memory preservation. If you've ever heard something like this, felt this way, or wondered about the moments you remember- tell us?
You can email me with your answers at rmmcaleer@valdosta.edu.

Question of the week- what's your time capsule?

[Listen Out]

Artist Profile: Paul McCoy [More Famous Than You Think]

Welcome back to Additive Noise.

First things first, a survey! Raise your hand if you've ever heard of Paul McCoy before. Anyone? Anyone at all?

Oh yes you have. You just don't know it yet. Never fear, boys and girls, that's what I'm here for!

Paul McCoy is the lead vocalist for a little-known Christian band called 12 Stones. I discovered them recently while I was listening to Pandora, and decided to do a little research. To put it lightly, I was amazed at what I found.

12 Stones is a four-man band out of a small suburb near New Orleans, and boy did they get lucky. Within fifteen months of forming, they were signed by record label Wind-Up Records (home of major players Seether, Creed, Evanescence, and Finger Eleven to start). Today, they have four studio albums and many many singles, most of which are very good.

Now for the things you may not know.

- The single "Photograph" was used for the movie soundtrack for Elektra in 2005.
- The single "Shadows" was used for one of the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest trailers in 2006.
- Milwaukee Brewers fans, "Anthem for the Underdog" is Corey Hart's walk-up batter song.

And my personal favorite....

How many of us have listened to Evanescence's "Bring Me to Life" at least once a week since its record-breaking performance in 2004?
Well those Grammy-award-winning male lead vocals certainly aren't Ben Moody! That's right- the Linkin Park-esque rap alternations in the chorus belong to the talented Paul McCoy.
Bravo to you, Paul. Your words have penetrated the very heart of the rock scene for years, and most of your poor fans don't even know your name.

12 Stones has a bit of a different sound than Evanescence- they're a bit closer to Seether in their rougher vocals. Just from a bit of listening I hear less bass than Seether- almost as if they went Green-Day-punk in a hard-rock genre. The electric guitar solos are sweet, and McCoy's beautiful voice reminds me very much of Adam Gontier of Three Days Grace, or John Cooper of Skillet. It's almost as if all of my favorite bands got together and made a whole new hybrid!

For those of you interested in getting into 12 Stones, I highly recommend the songs "Bulletproof", "Lie to Me" and "Hey Love", as well as "We Are One", which I linked at the beginning of today's post.

So get out there and help me spread the word of this excellent group. They deserve more fame than they get!

Please leave questions or comments here- tell me what you want to have me review! I live for the people. You can also email me at rmmcaleer@valdosta.edu if you want to.

This has been your weekly session of Additive Noise...

[Listen Out]

"Hips Don't Lie" - Shakira feat. Wyclef Jean [Groovin' It Up]

Good day my musical darlings! Are you ready to kick it up a bit this week?
So far we've covered a bit of rock and a bit of country, so this week we're going for some exciting dance tunes!

As it came out in 2006 and was a major chart-topper for several years, I'm going to assume that most of you have heard Shakira's "Hips Don't Lie" before. Promise not to think less of me for having not really stopped to listen to it until recently? That very fact is what makes me want to blog about it. I love the fact that a song is prevalent enough for me to make me drag it out of the woodwork and feature it six years later! How many songs can claim to have such an impact?

It's truly the cultural influences that make this song what it is. Shakira brings her Colombian heritage and her Arabic dance interests, plus Haitian rapper Wyclef Jean- this song is a real schmorgasbord of culture. Shakira herself is a cultural craze! Did you know she speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese fluently, plus bits of Arabic, French, Catalan, and Italian? If only I were that good! I'm barely keeping up with college French!

Choreography is really Shakira's strong suit. Her voice is unique and beautiful, but her body is her most-used instrument. I've seen Moroccan belly-dancers who don't manage to captivate me as much as this woman does! She manages to take something as ethnically significant as belly-dancing and twist it to incorporate her Spanish costuming and hip-hop interest. She has excellent control over muscle isolation- the ability to move a singular part of one's body without moving others. Go ahead and try it. Hold up your hand and try to curl one finger into a full fist position without moving any other muscles. Hard? Stand up and try moving your hips from side to side without moving your torso at all. It's crazy how hard muscle isolation is! But Shakira is a master.

Not only can the lady dance, she can sing as well. Her strong vibrato is what sets her apart from other musicians. She puts emotion into her voice, but doesn't overdo it. Have you ever heard someone try to be emotional and hit sixteen notes without taking a breath OR changing their syllable? Some folks like that, but for me, it's a bit of a pet peeve. I love artists like Shakira who can add even more feeling to their music without driving me away by overdoing it.

Of course, madame Shakira isn't the only talented one here. In this song, her lovely voice is balanced with the smooth operations of Haitian rapper Wyclef Jean. Having not heard most of his music before, I can't say much about his overall talent, but I can definitely say that he did a good job with this one. Just look at the list of things he says during the song! He brings in a "gangster" opening like any American rap star, but also manages to throw in his Haitian accent and even pick up bits and pieces of the Spanish influence when he calls Shakira "senorita", among a few other Spanish words. All of this in addition to the African drums- that part speaks to me personally, since I actually do play world hand drums in my spare time. I love hearing ethnic drumming! Most of us feel and sound out of place when we're not in our own comfort zone culture. Wyclef Jean and Shakira both get ten stars for their ability to just flow from feel to feel without a thought. That's what makes their music appeal to all of us.

If you're not busy, you should also watch the "Bamboo" version of the song used for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Linked here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=op3XAETs9Io
It's a tad bit different, but equally as amazing in quality. From the very sound of the audience's voices echoing from around the world, you can tell taht this song reaches everyone. I can't stress enough how amazing that is.

Ladies, can I give you a tip? Next time you're cleaning, put on a skirt and let this song play in the background. Sing along, don't be afraid to dance around while you do it. It's a great way to exercise, and it's just plain fun. Don't we all need some of that sometimes?
I know, I know, I sound like a crazy person. Just try it. You might be surprised by how much fun you have!

Well, time for this web editor to step away from the keyboard and  try out her dancing skills!

Tune in next week for your fix of Additive Noise!

[Listen Out]

"Need You Now" - Lady Antebellum [For The Ones Who Need It]

Welcome back to Additive Noise.

Boys and girls, this one's one of my favorites. I honestly don't listen to a lot of Lady Antebellum, but someone recommended this song to me because I needed it, and it's proved to be one of those songs that just helps me through. Sure, it makes me miserable, but sometimes you need a good cry, you know? It's in the title. Need You Now.

First things first, the lyrics make this song. They're quite simple, very direct. You don't have to think about what this or that means, or translating symbolism. No questions. No sitting there thinking about why or how, it's just a feeling. I need you now. That's easy enough for everyone to understand.

The song's theme is equally simple and universal. Everyone gets hurt, and everyone copes differently, but we all feel the same sometimes. The song itself proves that. As two vocalists, one male and one female, sing the same choruses, you get to hear two sides to the story. She waits by the phone and looks at old pictures, he tries to move on with alcohol.

The chorus is particularly memorable. "It's quarter after one, I'm all alone and I need you now". Does anyone else get depressed easily at wee hours of the morning? Personally I find that I get upset far more often late at night than during the day. "Said I wouldn't call, but I lost all control and I need you now." I've fallen asleep clutching my phone before, hovering on his number, unwilling to press the send button. Sometimes you just have to fight with yourself. "And I don't know how I can do without- I just need you now." It doesn't make sense, there's no reason to it- it's just the basic human emotion. Need. I need you. Almost as if I don't feel the same without you, something's wrong and you don't know what.

This song resonates within every one of us at some point.

Music-wise, the song is...well, it definitely strikes a chord. While there may be many instruments, the entire song is carried on eight simple piano notes. They appear at the beginning and end of the song, isolated, clear. The mix of six major "good" notes and two minor "bad" ones captures the bittersweet essence of the song, and I don't know about anyone else, but those piano notes sound like teardrops to me.

The quiet but rhythmic guitar in the background keeps things going, and the slight electric guitar solo keeps a sad melody line moving throughout the piece. It keeps the mood where it's supposed to be, restricting the song from becoming something it's not.

Trivia fact: Lady Antebellum, though consisting of only three members, used nince performers to officially produce the track.

Call it a guilty pleasure song, but this song speaks to people. Even if you're not a huge fan of country music, this one's for you. Having won eleven out of sixteen American music awards in the past two years, plus having broken several significant award-holding records...well, I'll just let that speak for itself.

So next time you need it, when you feel like making a late-night phone call you'll regret in the morning- know that we've all been there and the music industry has proved it.

Speaking of needing things, I believe I need lunch.

Tune in next week for more Additive Noise!

[Listen Out]

"Tonight" - Seether [Let's Get This Started]

Well hello there my lovely readers. Welcome to today's episode of Additive Noise. It took me a while to decide what song I was going to use to start off my music blog, and I really think I've found the perfect song. My choice? "Tonight", by Seether.

Now for those of you who don't know anything about the band, I beg you not to wander off believing that you couldn't possibly like a hard rock band. Even if you've never joined the rock scene before, this is a good song to start with. But first, some background!

One of the things most people don't know about Seether as a band is that they are from Pretoria, South Africa. But do they sound any different than most American rock bands? In essence, no. They've managed to bridge a cultural gap with amazing finesse. However, I firmly believe that their history influences their music more than we realize. They grew together doing club and university venue concerts, and supporting more well-known artists such as Evanescence, even after their first release. Many of their songs such as "Fur Cue" and "Fake It" are very bitter, a reflection of the negativity that surrounds them. However, when I first heard "Tonight", I replayed it ten times, just to hear that even a group like Seether can have a happy moment.

The song begins with a very important verse: "I'm not gonna waste this, this opportunity's mine- I'm sick of complaining about a beautiful life". This is excellent. Don't we all need to hear that now and then? Or at least be reminded that there is a positive light if we choose to view it? All of our lives are beautiful, and to waste such a gift would be terrible. Now and then, everyone's got to just roll their windows down and blast music as loud as they want. Sing like no one can hear you, dance like there's no one watching. Live life to the fullest!

"I feel so alive tonight, you got me feelin' sublime- I wanna yell it from the rooftops down".

Yell. Yell it from the rooftops, tell the world how you feel! Remind yourself that you are truly alive, and don't let anyone forget it!

Of course, even a leading rock band knows that it's not always hunky-dory out there in the real world. The comparison of sugar and cyanide, wondering 'how did we get here' and 'do we pretend everything's alright'- these lyrical cues tell us one thing clearly. You can do it. No matter what, no matter if you feel like you're just pretending, your sugar and cyanide are gonna collide. Life is a roller coaster, but you'll learn to just yell it from the rooftops and not let it overcome you.

Now about that literal music....

The real driving force behind this song is the powerhouse rhythm guitar. The lead guitar's tense melody keeps things edgy, but the constant and quick-paced rhythm guitar keeps the listeners...well, listening. It's strong, steady, and the music itself holds up the 'keep going' theme. The drums work well with it, providing a steady bass for support as well as some lighter deviation (just to keep it interesting).
Shaun Morgan's vocals are a bit weak at first, but the minute he hits the chorus, you can tell he knows what he's singing in his soul. That's one of Morgan's strong points. If nothing else, he really can feel his music. Seether is one of those groups that isn't quite as good live as they are in the studio, but Morgan's magic voice just makes the performance anyway.

So there you have it, kids. Add this one to your "bad day" playlist, and keep it handy for those moments when you need something to keep you going. Remember, sugar and cyanide are gonna collide, but don't let that get in the way of your opportunity for a beautiful life.

YELL IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS DOWN!

This is Rebecka McAleer with Additive Noise, signing off.

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