Sunday, January 4, 2009

#1 Jack's Mannequin



My favourite band is Jack's Mannequin. I like their music a lot because of the major role the piano plays in their music. I really enjoy Andrew MacMahon's vocals because his voice is very unique and interesting. I also like the lyrics of the songs and the music video's are very interesting as well. I also really like the mood of the band. The songs are not too heavy or too light and their songs are quite catchy as well.

The song I chose is Dark Blue. I like the piano introduction in this song and how the sound builds to the climax as more instruments are added.

I also think that MacMahon's history is interesting. Right after releasing the album Everything in Transit, MacMahon was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He had a bone marrow transplant and recovered, and now he does a lot of charity work to raise money for fighting cancers.

#2 Within Temptation



My second favourite band is Within Temptation. I like it because it is very powerful, and the singer, Sharon den Adel, is classically trained. She has an very good voice, and all of her songs are interesting. I really enjoy a lot of her music videos because they all have a story. In Within Temptation's song, Frozen, It shows a woman who kills her abusive husband so he cannot hurt her daughter anymore. This video is extremely riveting and interesting.

The song I chose to describe Within Temptation is Memories because it shows how good den Adel is vocally. It also has a really interesting music video.

#3 Anberlin



My third favourite band is Anberlin. I enjoy their music because it is very powerful. The chords and melody make all of their songs very catchy and good to listen to. I also like the message of their lyrics. I also really like the vocals by Stephen Christian, because his voice fits the music very well.

The song I chose by Anberlin is Paperthin Hymn from their album New Surrender. I like the feel and the message of the song, and the chorus is very catchy.

#4 Imogen Heap



I also really like Imogen Heap. Imogen Heap is a very interesting artist. I really enjoy her music because it is musically interesting in many ways. She uses very complex and interesting harmonies, and she does everything herself. Her lyrics are very creative as well, and she has a very different voice.

One of my favourite songs by Imogen Heap is Hide and Seek from her album Speak for Yourself. I like it a lot because of the vocal harmonies, dynamics, and the overall attitude of the song.

I also included a live performance of Just for Now so that everyone sees how she makes her music.

#5 - Josh Groban




One of my favourite artists is Josh Groban. He is a classically trained vocalist and currently has 5 CDs. I love his music because his voice is very beautiful and focused and all of his songs are beautiful. I also really like that his vocals are just as good live, as they are on his recordings. In my opinion he is a very talented musician and I enjoy all of his songs.


The song I would choose best describes his sound, is To Where You Are, from his self-titled album. It showcases his voice and his excellent composing skills. It also shows his excellent vocal range, control, tone, and attention to phrasing.