Ninjas, Bocephus, and A New Band To Discover: Rihanna and Coldplay, Dead Sara, Hank Williams Jr.

"PRINCESS OF CHINA"    COLDPLAY and RIHANNA

Rihanna describes her look in this video as "gangsta goth geisha".  This blending of styles and my combination of bands in today's blog show that music is universal and mixing genres sparks unlimited creativity.    Chris Martin of Coldplay calls this collaboration with Rihanna as his favorite track on Mylo Xyloto.   When I first saw the pairing, I was curious about how they would blend.   It's a song that will grow on you during repeated listens.  The video is epic.   Ninjas, Chinese imagery, costumes, and the incredible screen presence of Rihanna is visually stunning.

"SORRY FOR IT ALL"    DEAD SARA

Here's a new band I just discovered with such intense vocals that I want to learn more about them.  Emily Anderson is their lead singer and they've recently released their first full CD.   Dead Sara just made their network TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel this week.   Their lead single, "Weatherman" is powerful and striving for airplay but this post-hardcore ballad has me mesmerized.  

"THAT AIN'T GOOD"    HANK WILLIAMS JR.

Bocephus is back!  "Old School, New Rules" is his latest CD due out in the next few weeks.   Like the CD title, this is the classic Hank Williams Jr sound with a little update.   Rockin' guitars, defiant, tongue-in-cheek lyrics of Southern Pride, and Hank's attitude of speaking his genuine, don't give a damn mind(often times politically-incorrect but we love it!).    He also has a duet with Brad Paisley that will likely put him back on the top of the charts as the follow-up single.

Greatest Song Ever Written?: Coldplay with Michael Stipe, P.O.D., The Jesus and Mary Chain

"IN THE SUN"  (Ft. Michael Stipe)              COLDPLAY

Chris Martin says at the end of the video, "This is the greatest song ever written".   I'm not sure if this song lives up to that hype but this such an uplifting masterpiece.   Captured on TV, Austin City Limits, Coldplay invites R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe onstage to sing this Peter Gabriel classic.   "May God's Love be with you always"......

"YOUTH OF THE NATION"                   P.O.D.

P.O.D. got stuck with the Christian rock band tag and never truly got the respect they deserve.     Sonny Sandoval is one of my favorite vocalists, intense, passionate, 100% believes in his lyrics.    They are the pride of San Diego and Mexico and are currently working on a new 2012 CD.    The band's songs have a spiritual message but you can hear their influences, Rage Against The Machine, Bad Brains, The Police, Bob Marley, among others.   They are INCREDIBLE live!!! 

"APRIL SKIES"                         THE JESUS & MARY CHAIN

A sexy 80's alternative record from a Scottish band that began their career playing 20 minute concerts with their backs turned to the audience.   Rioting, bottles being thrown onstage, and fights in the audience didn't help ticket sales but they did get some publicity.   MTV played "Just Like Honey" (featured in the movie Lost In Translation) and "April Skies" became their first big hit.

I Will Try To Fix You: Coldplay, Neil Young, Dirty Heads

"FIX YOU"                                 COLDPLAY

From 2005, Coldplay's finest piece of work.   "Fix You" was written by Chris for his wife after the death of her dad.    The song is SO inspirational with lyrics like ""Lights will guide you home / And ignite your bones / And I will try to fix you."    The slow build up with the church organs and Chris Martin's falsetto, then the piano, before it all culminates with the electric guitar, drums, and the powerful moving chorus.     The song was even featured at Steve Jobs funeral.    Amazing Song!!!

"BELIEVE"                             DIRTY HEADS

Dirty Heads are one of the post-Sublime surfer/reggae bands out of California.    This song has a positive message about letting the music affect your life, being real, and singing songs you believe in.   They namedrop the Beastie Boys, Sublime, Naughty By Nature, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bob Marley, even B.B. King!   It's laid-back, refreshing, and perfect for a summer jam!

"LIKE A HURRICANE"                     NEIL YOUNG

Such an underrated guitarist, Neil Young, with one of the greatest electric guitar solos of all-time.    "Like A Hurricane" features feedback, punk guitar riffs, EMOTION, over one of the most beautiful set of lyrics ever.


Once I thought I saw you
in a crowded hazy bar,
Dancing on the light
from star to star.
Far across the moonbeam
I know that's who you are,
I saw your brown eyes
turning once to fire.


You are like a hurricane
There's calm in your eye.
And I'm gettin' blown away
To somewhere safer
where the feeling stays.
I want to love you but
I'm getting blown away.


I am just a dreamer,
but you are just a dream,
You could have been
anyone to me.
Before that moment
you touched my lips
That perfect feeling
when time just slips
Away between us
on our foggy trip.