Underoath - Reinventing Your Exit

Underoath (sometimes written as underOATH or UNDERØATH), is a Christian metalcore/post-hardcore band hailing from Tampa, Flordida. Underoath is a six-piece, grammy-nominated band signed to Solid State Records, and is currently their most popular band.

Underoath's musical style varies from album to album. Originally a deathcore band, Underoath has slowly progressed into varying sounds, including post-hardcore, metalcore, emo, screamo and emo. More recently, Underoath has been consistently post-hardcore and metalcore, but the genre tags do not matter so much as the music does. Give Underoath a listen. If you're into some form of rock, Underoath has you covered.

My Girls - Animal Collective

Merriweather Post Pavillion, Animal Collective's most recent album, gained so much attention from critics and devoted listeners alike that just 20 days into the new year, it was already predicted to be number one on end of the year best album lists. Without losing any of their experimental creativity, Animal Collective made their music more accessible to unfamiliar ears by adding sweet words about not wanting material things, "Woooo!"s, hand claps and catchy electronic beats. Everything that Animal Collective did in the past built up to make Merriweather Post Pavillion the masterpiece that it is. A band that once barely fit into the freak folk genre, now has created a category of its own.

songs to start with:
-"My Girls"
-"Brother Sport"
-"Summertime Clothes"

+ click on the album cover below. it totally looks like it's moving

Mona Lisa - The All-American Rejects

I haven't heard much of The All-American Rejects since Move Along and Dirty Little Secret.  To be honest I never was that into them.  But I'm a sucker for cute acoustic songs i.e. Hey There Delilah.  And I guess it was just a matter of time before AAR released a generic, folky, love song.

Mona Lisa is a über-friendly pop-acoustic song with chill, nonchalant lyrics sure to make thirteen year old girls swoon.  I was surprised to hear lead singer Tyson Ritter take such risky vocal choices.  Personally, I like it when lead singers don't have perfect, processed voices.  Ritter's falsetto quirks with the song's obvious country influenced harmonies prove to not only be original but effective.  Probably my new favorite All-American Rejects song.

Ring of Fire - Social Distortion

Many of you may not enjoy listening to Johnny Cash. No problem. Orange County band Social Distortion covers "Ring of Fire" with a layer of rock and roll sweetness. For you purists out there - chill, covers aren't supposed to sound like the original.

This one just happens to sound better. Enjoy.

Four Year Strong - Bada Bing! Wit' A Pipe!

Far from your typical band, Four Year Strong is a strong blend of powerpop, hardcore, and Pop punk with a small dose of synthesizers. But Don't be too quick to label Four Year Strong, or they'll catch you with one of their surprise hardcore hooks or "Rent"-esque synth vocals. A five-piece band hailing from Massachusetts, FYS claims influences from all over, including Saves the Day, Gorilla Biscuits and New Found Glory.

The song above is Bada Bing! Wit' A Pipe! from FYS's latest album, Rise or Die Trying.

Credits: Itunes store, Wikipedia

Reverie - The Morning Of

Typically I'm not a huge fan of bands with two lead singers.  I find without the single-mindedness of one singer, the overall tone of the song clashes with itself.  The Morning Of is the perfect exception.  Never before have I heard such a flawless synthesis of two distinct voices, male and female I might add.

Reverie is a heart wrenching plea for freedom from the city life with some (not-so) subtle love lyrics.  Both Justin Wiley and Jessica Leplon have surprisingly strong voices.  The band seems to make sure to not overpower their harmonizing voices or the prettyish piano with the bass or the electric guitar.  Haha.  It's pretty.  I like it.