Music Shuffle Monday 10.11.10

1. "Waterfalls" by TLC
A classic from the 90s! I think I was in 5th or 6th grade when this song was popular - I remember watching the music video and not entirely getting some of the parts to it, but I thought the part with TLC dancing on the water and morphing was pretty cool! I've never been too big on R&B, but who didn't like TLC at some point? They're the biggest girl group of all time! Too bad Lisa tragically died while I was in high school, but Chili and T-Boz still make appearances together from time to time - they show bits of a recent performance on Chili's VH1 show this past year and that was pretty cool to see them performing together again, with Lisa on a screen performing her raps.

2. "Could It Be" by Staind
This is another off their 14 Shades of Grey album, which compared to early Staind is A LOT softer and mellower. This album had some decent tracks, but it definitely wasn't one of my favorites! I actually feel like I got duped into buying this album - the first single on it was "Price to Play" which was a bit heavy and reminiscent of the heavier stuff on their previous album "Break the Cycle", however it ended up being the only track like it on the album - everything else had a more acoustic, mellow "chill" feel to it.

3. "Self Esteem" by The Offspring
I didn't get into The Offspring until after "Pretty Fly (for a White Guy)" came out when I was in late Jr. High/early high school, but I gotta admit, they've become one of my favorites. They're definitely rock, their songs are catchy and easy to sing along with too! I think this song is probably their most well-known - walk into any college party and hear this song playing  and you're guaranteed to find people singing along. Even when it comes on the radio, whether you're alone or with friends, you can't help but sing along to it!

4. "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga
I think I've mentioned it before, but Lady Gaga is a bit of a guilty pleasure artist of mine. Funny story though - first time I actually heard this song was during the Pay to Play day that the local rock station was doing in Summer 2009. They were trying to raise money to help a local elementary school next door to the station get a playground and you could stop by and make a $10 donation and they'd play ANY SONG you wanted, regardless of the genre/artist. I was driving to work and this one came on. I discovered later I had Lady Gaga's "Just Dance" song months previously on Dance Factory 92.5 out of Chicago. She is a bit controversial, but her music is catchy, the lyrics are somewhat amusing, and OMG her outfits and videos! From an art perspective, I love her style - her videos make you stop and watch them and whenever she's on TV you have to turn and look and see what crazy thing she's wearing next!

5. "Bled for Days" by Static-X
Off their first album, this one of their heavier tracks. I've mentioned before but I'll say it again - I LOVE Static-X. I don't know what it is, but I really enjoy their industrial metal sound (or "evil disco" as they call it) and it's just catchy and easy to move/rock out to. Need something loud and heavy to blast on your speakers? Throw on some Static-X and you won't be disappointed! I really hope Static-X and Powerman5000 are still kickin' it when Jay's old enough to go to concerts - they both put on great, fun shows and I would LOVE to take him to a rock show someday!