The Official VSU Spectator Music Blog

Rebecka McAleer here, Web Editor for the VSU Spectator. Welcome to my music recommendation blog, Additive Noise! Here I'll be discussing snippets from the music culture that surrounds our lives. From Theory of a Deadman to Rascal Flatts to Pink!, you'll find great music here every week! Ready to get started? Just scroll down, and remember to [Listen Out].


Wednesday, August 29, 2012

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




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]

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