As a musician, every part of a song stands out to me. The meanings behind the lyrics add to these songs, and create deeper connections with the listener. I love hearing how that, combined with the working parts of the instruments, fit together. I listen to many genres, from slam metal, to hip hop, to indie; but today I’ll be talking about some of my favorite songs that have helped me grow as both a musician, and a listener.
“Snot” – Snot
This self titled song is from the 1997 album “Get Some,” and features my favorite drum solo. As a drummer, I get lots of inspiration from this band, and specifically, this song. I love the mix of hardcore punk and hip hop, as it creates a unique flow and beat. Being the opening song, it serves mostly as just that; an intro. It sets up the rest of the album, as well as the band’s wild, defiant energy and sound.
I got the pleasure of seeing them at Louder Than Life this past year, and I can say with confidence this energy is transferred to their concerts. “Snot” was their most hype song played, and you can tell the band has a deep passion for what they do.
“Brackish” – Kittie
Kittie, as a band, means a lot to me. Being in an all girl heavy metal band, just like them, has brought me great inspiration and motivation. They’ve shown me that it’s possible to have your voice heard, which is very important as a woman. This was the first song my band and I ever covered, which actually got us attention from Kittie. “Brackish” will forever hold a special place in my heart, alongside the fact that it’s an amazing song.
This song comes from their 2000 album “Spit.” The mix of vocals is what stands out to me most. The metal “screaming” vocals mixed with melodic singing creates a very cool contrast. “Brackish” also features a DJ track, and as you may have figured out, I love when different genres work together.
“Alaskan Flounder Basket” – Iwrestledabearonce
Despite the silly name, Iwrestledabearonce is a very heavy metalcore band. “Alaskan flounder Basket” is currently my favorite song, as I enjoy the fast paced blast beats and rhythm of the drums, as well as the mixed melodic and screaming vocals. The shifts in tempo and unusual guitar riffs pair nicely together, making the whole song a very complex, yet put together, masterpiece for its genre. I also personally love female vocalists, and Courtney LaPlante, although not currently with the band, has a beautiful voice that I look forward to in every song.
“So Real” – Jeff Buckley
Taking a curve in the genre, Jeff Buckley is my all time favorite artist. “So real” is off of his 1994 album, “Grace,” the only album to be released before his death. This was the first song I listened to by him, and it changed me and my music taste for the better. His vocals are so unique and beautiful, taking inspiration from artists such as Qawwali singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and soul artist Nina Simone. “So real” in particular is so beautiful due to the showcase of his range; he hits astounding high notes, as well as gracefully singing in his normal range. The lyricism in itself is also breathtaking; a song about the terrifying vulnerability of falling in love, it’s packed with raw emotion. My favorite line in particular, “I love you / but I’m afraid to love you” is whispered in a way that shows such emotional pain and that same vulnerability. Jeff Buckley and his music will always hold a special place in my heart, and he will remain my favorite artist forever.
“Gutless” – Hole
Hole, and their infamous lead vocalist Courtney Love, helped me find love for feminine rock and riot grrrl. “Gutless” is my favorite song on the “Live Through This” album, with Courtney’s signature raw screams and lyrics. She is a very unapologetic woman who is always speaking her mind, which I admire her for. Every word is filled with deep meaning and metaphors, something I love in songs. My favorite lyric in “Gutless” is “i don’t really miss god / but i sure miss santa claus,” as i interpret it as missing the innocence of childhood while living in denial. All in all, Hole is an amazing and powerful band that I love to blast in the car with my mom.
