Tag: song of the day
August 13, 2021
You might be familiar with Sally Grayson’s name due to her collaborations with The Blamed–lending her vocal cords on their cover of the scaterd-few classic “U” (for their Quarantine Days project), or for her contributions to “Away in a Manger” on 2020’s Christmas album. The scaterd-few cover is where I first became familiar with her work.
Or you might recognize her from her Ted Talk on creativity (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ia2ldxK2rF0), or as a member of post-punk outfit Black Swift. Or perhaps you’ve been lucky enough to catch her on tour with two other femmes de puissance Tess Wiley (solo/Splendora/Phantasmic/ex-Sixpence None the Richer) and Kat Jones.… Continued →
August 11, 2021
Song of the Day: With Shaking Hands - Voice of Change
With Shaking Hands is a Texan electronicore band sounding akin to Aviadora, Aliens Ate My Setlist or mainstream bands Attack Attack or Sky Eats Airplane. The genre incorporates electronics to make metalcore songs sounds poppy lol! This SOTD was released as a signal but be sure to also check out their songs Sons & Daughters and Arma Lucis. Be prepared to dance while headbanging!
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August 9, 2021
Song of the Day: Awake - Carry Me
Awake is the 2nd reincarnation of the heavy metal band Eternal Decision with an alternative rock band Veehr being the third. I looked for this & another called More Like You for years when I ended up having a conversation with one of the band members. The awesome dude sent me the mp3s of the whole album & I was stoked! A Few years later it appears YouTube has finally gained a couple fan made videos of the song listed here today. Anyways check out this one & More Like You which was a really hard choice to come to between the 2.… Continued →
August 7, 2021
Song of the Day: Circle of Dust - Prayers of a Dead Man
Circle of Dust, aka Brainchild, aka Scott Albert, aka Klayton, aka Celldweller, aka a plethora of other names has been around since the early 90s. I have been following Scott’s music career since then & receive emails from him at least bi-weekly. The guy is a mastermind, but a jack of all trades, master of none (if you catch my reference!). Currently he works a lot with FixT records which basically does a lot of “industrial” artists & makes tons of video games soundtracks. This reincarnation was I believe his foray into the secular industry as was using the Brainchild moniker when it was released as the disc titled Mindwarp on R.E.X.… Continued →
August 6, 2021
Song of the Day: L.S. Underground - The Fold
I first heard L.S.U. in about 1991. I had been a pretty staunch metalhead, but a few alternative rock bands were starting to open me up to new colors in my musical palette. While the experimental This is the Healing was the first album I heard from them, The Grape Prophet is a favorite of fans and critics alike.
The album was one of the first and only concept albums, or “rock operas” as band leader Michael Knott liked to call them. The Grape Prophet tells the story of Ellis, an orange picker who works for Col.… Continued →
August 4, 2021
Song of the Day: Blackball-Wither
Blackball is the reincarnation of Precious Death which was a funk alternative grunge band that had a decent following back in the 90’s. Their first LP 1996’s Super Heavy Dreamscape was a very appropriate name for the album as was a lot heavier in tone than their follow-up. Vocalist Chris Scott has a very distinct voice that seemed to crossover from grunge to funk very easily. Hope you like this song as it remains one of my faves to this day. And happy birthday to my sister who is an outstanding wedding photographer!… Continued →
August 3, 2021
August 2, 2021
Song of the Day: Wage War -Grave
Wage War is a newer band in my collection. Disclaimer-They seem to be a quasi-Christian band as has had not too much recognition in the Christian market, but I have seen their videos that hint at the subject. Other bands that fall in the quasi category are Memphis May Fire, The Devil Wears Prada, Gideon, etc… Anyways, this song is so darn catchy & just happens to be one I can relate to. Just know that in Jesus, anyone can change if they let the Holy Sprit lead.… Continued →
July 31, 2021
Song of the Day: Fireflight - What I've Become
Fireflight is one of the bands that each cd they have come out out with, there is always one that stands out the most to me. Dawn Michell’s voice is just so Today’s SOTD is just that coming from 2009’s For Those Who Wait. Also, check out the original version of Serenity The Call, You Decide, Stay Close, We Are Alive. I have not heard much of their latest so I will be checking it out soon. This song is literally the one on my Facebook page it is so good.… Continued →
July 30, 2021
Song of the Day: Velour 100 - Toledo
I’m a sucker for all things shoegaze, including music that often falls under the wider umbrella of dream pop, madchester/baggy, indie pop and some forms of Britpop and space rock. While shoegaze had a limited representation amongst Christian artists, there were a few who really excelled in the genre. Ypsilanti, Michigan’s Velour 100 was one such artist.
Led by Trey Many (who had honed his skills in the mainstream His Name is Alive and Liquorice; also a member of indie rock supergroup Lo-Tom), and rounded out by vocalist Amon Krist (daughter of renowned folk artist Jan Krist) on the debut, the band employed a trio of lead vocalists for their more accessible and also edgier sophomore effort Of Color Bright.… Continued →
July 28, 2021
Song of the Day: The Call - All About You
I never did listen to this band when they were around, but caught up to them much later sad to say. This song has an awesome groove & is basically a worship song as shown by the lyrics below. The band got some mainstream success ban in the day when their song I Still Believe (which was also covered by Russ Taff) was in the vampire movie The Lost Boys Listed also is a live version just because 80s live videos are always a treat!
I was never too wild about big shots
I was never too calm about pain
I was never too cool about the heat
But I’m [burning again?]… Continued →
July 27, 2021
July 26, 2021
Song of the Day: Dimestore Prophets - Hitler's Girlfriend
I remember seeing this band in Missouri I believe back in 1994 era. The band signed my t-shirt which was the Love Is Against The Grain cd cover. The band released a few songs on Christian modern rock radio back in the 90’s, but today’s SOTD stood out for obvious reasons.
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July 24, 2021
Song of the Day: These 5 Down: Hymn
These 5 Down was an amazing nu-metal band that sounded akin to Korn. Their first cd was played so many times when I was stationed in the military. I even ran into a guy one time wearing the band’s t-shirt & we have been friends ever since. For like 20 some years now. The band members have stories to on their coming to Jesus so be sure to do a search on it sometime. This song Hymn was chosen simply because of its music & lyrical content as “All in the name of Jesus I bind you up” you don’t find everyday.… Continued →
July 23, 2021
Song of the Day: Besieged - The Years Between
How often have you gone back to listen to an album that was more than 10 years old, only to find it didn’t hold up as well as you thought it would? A sloppy guitar part here, or a bad mixing job there, or even just song ideas that didn’t really work as well in hindsight?
I first heard Atlantis in 2007 when I was asked to review it for Uprise Zine (if you remember that publication, give me a shout!) While I definitely remember liking it, I was pleasantly surprised at how good it sounds 14 years after its release.… Continued →
July 21, 2021
Song of the Day: Vengeance Rising - Bishop of Souls
Today’s SOTD recollects a simpler time when the Christian metal industry were not overrun with way to many artists to find the time to listen to. I think I bought Released Upon The Earth & Tourniquet’s Pathogenic Ocular Dissonance & Galactic Cowboys’ Space In Your Face the same day at a used record store in my hometown. I have heard of the band’s breakup & all the stories about Roger Martinez & I was one of the one whom he contacted with his play script that he wrote that was very unchristian, but this SOTD lyrics read like a worship song which is what we need to hear.… Continued →
July 19, 2021
Song of the Day: Secret & Whisper - XOXOXO
Formed from the ashes of another Canadian band, Stutterfly, this band released 2 LPs that anyone who is into modern rock should own. Point blank. This band separates itself from the myriad of a modern rock band due its guitar tones & vocalist Charles Finn vocal stylings. Every single song they have done I like so don’t miss this way too short-lived band.
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July 17, 2021
Song of the Day: Between Thieves - The Spring
A rock song about baptism is what this SOTD is referencing. And you can’t go wrong with that. Between Thieves were on the same record label as Common Children. It was hard to choose between this one & Kindle so hope you like this one.
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July 14, 2021
Song of the Day: Love Coma - Astronaut
Chris Taylor is a mainstay in the music industry. He started off on vocals for this band that also consisted of Matt Slocum who would go on to work with Sixpence None The Richer. Texan Love Coma was indeed an alternative rock band when the term meant something. They released 2 LPs (Soul Rash & Language Of Fools) in the 90s before Chris went solo. They ended up releasing another back last year in 2020, but I did not see much recognition from the release. If you like this song check out my other faves Heart Wide Open & Entertainment Tonight.… Continued →
July 13, 2021
July 12, 2021
Song of the Day: X-Sinner - Living On The Edge
This is one of my favorite rock songs of the 80s. X-Sinner’s sound was akin to ACDC or Def Leppard soundalike, but that doesn’t mean they were a clone of either mainstream band. They had an area rock sound w/ a blues twist. Check out others by them that are a must have for any classic Christian rock playlist: Medicine, Walking Evil, Don’t Go, Lift Him Up or Accountable. TBH I did not care much for their later stuff after their first 2 LPs. To me this somber SOTD hits with a punch & probably always will.… Continued →
July 10, 2021
Song of the Day: Number One Gun - Forest
California’s Number One Gun started as a full band, but over the years became a solo project for vocalist Jeff Schneeweis. I remember their songs On & On & You Fail Sometimes back in the day & knew this was good music. Bands like Anberlin & Project 86 ruled the Christian “radio” waves back then. Jeff also does some catchy solo stuff so check him out. This song is so darn catchy & reminds me of a yearning to get back right. Also added a live version.… Continued →
July 7, 2021
Song of the Day: Fever Fever - Aftermath
Catchy indie rock is what this band is all about and they hail from Columbus, Ohio which is the home of many amazing artists.. Another great one from them is Hypnotized which has a music video so be sure to check it out. They haven’t released anything since 2014 , but their website is still up & running. Here’s to hearing new stuff from this band.
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July 6, 2021
July 5, 2021
Song of the Day: Last Day Rising - Leave It All Behind
Last Day Rising is an actual rock band from LA whose 4 band members released one S/T EP back in 2015. This SOTD is very catchy & IU had the chance to communicate with one of the band members on social media right when this song was released. The lyrics below remind me of a person’s desperate cry to God for help to change from sin & their need for YHWH’s help. Very encouraging at least to me.
I’ve fallen apart
I’m out of control and I wonder
How I lost my mind
Feel all of my scars
From battles forgotten
I am falling down
I’ve been here once or twice
Or maybe a thousand times before
I’m tired of all your lies
It’s time to set on fire
What’s left of this wasted life
And let the fire burn bright
I’m no longer blind
I’ll open up my eyes and see the light
And let it take me away
I’m not gonna wait until tomorrow
I can leave it all behind
And this time around
I’m hoping I’m not too far gone
Cause I’m barely holding on
Buried into the ground
Trying to escape the
Thoughts that hold me down
I’ve come to realize
There’s nothing left for me
Here to carry on
And I’m tired of all your lies
It’s time to set on fire
What’s left of this wasted life
And let the fire burn bright
I’m no longer blind
I’ll open up my eyes and see the light
And let it take me away
I’m not gonna wait until tomorrow
I can leave it all behind
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July 2, 2021
Song of the Day: Starflyer 59 - Life in Bed
First things first: I must apologize for missing a couple of weeks on my Song of the Day features. We’ve been in the middle of an international move. Yes, after 13 years of life in the UK, my family and I have returned to the United States! And we’ve been living out of suitcases while we finalize our housing. So do please forgive me for missing a few posts. However, I hope a new song from Starflyer 59 this week can make up for it.
The first thing I noticed from the track was the eerie new wave keyboard sounds and quasi-goth guitar leads.… Continued →
June 30, 2021
Song of the Day: Cloud Merchants - Shout Out Loud
Cloud Merchants fall in the same 90s alternative art rock category fare along with bands suck as Choo Choo Pye, Midnight Oil, The Ocean Blue, etc… The band hails from San Diego, Cali & appears to have done 2 LPS. It was hard to narrow down between this catchy SOTD & another called It’s Dark Outside. Chose this one as YouTube did not have this one uploaded & due to feeling frustrated sometimes just like we all do & wanting to shout out loud.
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June 29, 2021
June 28, 2021
Song of the Day: FM Static - Definitely Maybe
FM Static was a pop punk side project of Canadian Thousand Foot Krutch. The SOTD has made a lasting impact on me & falls within a category of songs that I am planning a writeup on. Its fun music contains lyrics that entail a very depressing subject of a guy who does not practice monogamy.
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June 19, 2021
Song of the Day: Witness Protection Program - Piledriver
Pennsylvania’s Witness Protection Program bring to mind music that falls between the space where arena & modern rock meet. There a few bands with the same name, but the obscure 2003 release Fire Ready Aim is chalk full of hard rocking songs & is the reason why I wanted to write for IVM in the first place. Christian bands that have come & gone & not left much of a trace as one cannot easily find a lot of music in my collection. Today’s SOTD lyrics speak of being humble.… Continued →