Looking for something different? New Music and Reviews every other Thursday
Here is some Random Video Game Music for you, that I have been listening to on Spotify. Instrumental, and atmospheric. With a Bonus by Poets of the Fall ( because we love them here at the Jukebox), from the game Alan Wake.
Mist in the Mire (Unravel) – Frida Johansson, Henrik Oja Youtube
Crypteque ( Crypt of the Necrodancer) – Danny Baranowsky Youtube
Tired Rynoka (Moonlighter) – David Fenn Youtube
War (Alan Wake) – Poets of the Fall Youtube
Is anyone else feeling twitchy and unsettled? Every year around this time, it feels like I am waking up from a long sleep, and am craving something new, yet,I am still in a half-stupor. So, some instrumentals to wake us up and call us to ACTION! ( The video for the first song is pretty awesome too!)
Då Som Nu För Alltid – Kent Youtube
Unforgiven – Two Steps from Hell Youtube
Smoke on the Water – 2Wei Youtube
So, we popped down the path (get it?) last week with popular music in the seventies. Now, we move on to the reaction. I believe that you can hear the beginnings of Metal in the 60’s, in songs like Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf, and (We ain’t got) Nothin’ yet by the Blues Magoos, however metal didn’t really come into its own until the 70’s. It seems like a reaction to the light and airy pop music, and the bubbly Disco Music that was fomenting at the time. Black Sabbath is said to be the first really metal band, along with Deep Purple and Led Zepplin, but everyone and their brother knows these guys. What about some of the more experimental heavy music? King Crimson is a good example of this, as are the early recordings of Queen. Interestingly, there is still a ethereal quality to the music and vocals in these bands.
Van Halen and KISS also came out in the latter part of the decade, showing us that the heavier, instrument-driven element was gaining traction just as quickly as rock did in the 60’s. It seems like a normal response to me, when you listen to the various genres of the 70’s. Things were changing, and the sheen of the ‘happy go lucky’ 50’s was wearing off. Life was becoming much more real, I think, and the way people responded in their music is telling. Some tried to grab on to the past, keeping the hippie-like sound, light and airy; some went down further, pushing and opening up ideas. Metal music content and topics were much more broad as well. Fantasy elements came up, instead of the more surface level topic of romance, much loved in the 50’s and 60’s. Angst started to show, like the cracks in societial norms and expectation. SO, What can I recommend to you to start you on a dive into the metal of the 70’s and the beginning of an era? One thing you will notice, is how metal quickly changed, adding a new sound to the pop music of the day, and continuing on. I will include the date of release with the list this time, just to illustrate this.
My Fairy King– Queen (1973) Youtube
Megalomania – Black Sabbath (1975) Youtube
You Really Got Me – Van Halen (1978) Youtube
I Was Made For Lovin’ You – KISS (1979) Youtube
Let’s take a dive into the past. I was thinking about how different music genres react and respond to each other, and started to think about the 1970’s. Rock, and more specifically Heavy Metal as we know it, were starting to come really develop in this decade. So I wanted to explore the differences between the Pop music coming out in this decade, and the heavier music. I will do this in two posts, just to emphasize these differences and clarify the genres and reactions I am discussing. I am leaving Disco out, not for any personal reason, but because it is a separate entity.
During the 70’s, the pop music had a distinct sound to my ear, a mellow, kind of ethereal type of music, in some ways. As if the notes themselves do not want to be pinned down. Much like the hippie movement of the time, the pop music often had a transient quality. It is a stark contrast to what else was going on in the music world. The rock was becoming harder, more experimental. Both however, started to focus on less concrete topics. Metaphor and fantasy started to Rise. I will talk more about this in next weeks post.
When is a cover song not a cover song? I really enjoy when the performer takes the song and really makes it their own, through their vocal choices and arrangements. Here are some covers that mix things up a little.
Bohemian Rhapsody – Postscript Youtube
Blinding Lights – Saint Asonia Youtube
Tainted Love – Holy Wars X NOCTURN Youtube
What are some of your favorite covers that really change things up?
So, back at it again! It took me some time to put this post together, as I wanted to be really honest about this next recommendation, so I wanted to listen and digest this album fully before I talked about it, as it really hit me differently.
You have heard me talk about the Poets of the Fall before, so that will not be a surprise. They recently released a new album, a culmination of their latest trilogy, called Ghostlights. And it really does feel like an ending of a sort. Which is what made it difficult to write about. Endings always seem so final to me, and the liminal state that we exist in between an ending and a beginning is uncomfortable. However, as the Poets said themselves, No end, No Beginning. However, at some point, we do long for an end, don’t we? A break, a pause, a rest. The Final Song of this record, Beyond the Horizon, reminds us of this yearning. A life lived. Wanting to moving on.
This album has a very ethereal, and dreamy feeling emphasized by the vocal choices. The high notes lift us up toward the dizzying heights that are alluded to, the lows are warm and calming. Weaver of Dreams sends us back into the realms of sleep. Sounds of Yesterday has us following a great Rise, and yes, a Fall.
So, How in the world do I hit the highlights on such an overall wonderful album?
Ultimately, this album is a goodbye; to what? Only time will tell. I hope to hear more from this wonderful ensemble, as they celebrate their twentieth year in 2023; but this recording was a hell of way to say goodbye to what came before.
Hey all! Found some new music for everyone. It is the soundtrack to a newer game called Wytchwood. It is a calm, intellectual game, with a calm and intellectual score. It fits perfectly in the background of any activity. I found it very soothing. It is mellow and atmospheric. (The game is amazing too. The artwork is especially gorgeous.)
Give it a listen. It has a fairly short run time, so I included the link to the whole playlist.
Wytchwood OST – Youtube
We are back, with a new topic this week: Mashups! If you are unaware, a mashup is when someone takes 2 (or more) songs, and mingles them together to create a new song. It can go by a couple of different names,including Pastiche, or Sound Collage.
I love mashups, just like I love cover songs because of the creativity that can result from the effort. With the right songs, timed just right you can get an all new sound that still contains elements of the original songs, a Frankenstein-like work of art. Wikipedia has a number of articles for those of you who want even more in depth info on the mashup art form.
One thing to remember is that Mashups can be very individual. I have picked a few songs to try to give you some really good examples. This may inspire a Youtube Deep Dive for you, finding other examples that you may like even better. If you do, let us know!
1. Rhianna VS Placebo – Bitter Boy (Sugamotor Mix) Youtube
Well, here we are in the New Year. I have been taking a trip down memory lane again. These songs are some of my favorite to sing along with. I am Robot is one of my absolute favorite songs of all time. You may also notice another entry from the Poets of the Fall, a most excellent Finnish Band that you should check out.
All of these songs are about letting go. Letting go of pain; expectations; guilt. Which makes it particularly cathartic to sing along at the top of your lungs. And fitting to the New Year’s Season. Why make resolutions to better yourself if you are still holding on to what pulls you back? And you can do it, Because your the one, your the Unbreakable Heart.
I am Robot Hear Me Glitch – Nostalghia Youtube
Standstill – Poets of the Fall Youtube
Judith (Renholder Mix) – A Perfect Circle, Renholder Youtube
Free – Mother Mother Youtube
Unbreakable Heart – Three Days Grace Youtube
Ah, it is christmas again, and I feel like I need something that captures the horror, stress, and inappropriate humour of the season. So I would love to introduce you to the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society and their 2 stunning music collections, a Very Scary Solstice, and An Even Scarier Solstice. They have really put their heart and souls (Ha ha!) into these Carols. The Choir is very talented, and the arrangements are wonderfully done.
So, what can I entice you with ?
Carol of the Old Ones Youtube
Awake Ye Scary Great Old Ones Youtube
Here Comes Yog -Sothoth Youtube
There is but a taste of what you are missing! You can buy cd copies or digital copies on their website, so Go, Go Now! Before Yog Sothoth Takes you!
Feeling a bit mellow this week, so the recommendation for you lovely people is orchestral, with a twist. Lucas King has arranged a number of Linkin Park songs for orchestra, and wow are they special. It shows the raw talent of both Linkin Park for writing the original songs, as well as the person who has arranged the pieces. Instead of linking to a few songs today, I will link to the hour long video with whole album, which is also available on Spotify. In the description of the video, it lists the time for each song if you don’t want to listen straight through.
Give it a listen. It is worth your time.
Linkin Park Symphony – Lucas King Youtube
October 21 2021
Popcorn Music! A few rather interesting diversions today.
The first song is by Beat State, and I usually cannot get it out of my head after listening to it. IT was apparently a collaboration with Linkin Park.
Phantasmagoria was a Visual Kei group from Japan that I quite enjoyed. You can find their stuff on youtube, and the genre is quite interesting.
Eisenfunk is just a really fun electronic video, and a tribute to simplicity of the 8-bit games from our past.
1.Change – Beta State Youtube
2. …Lost in Thought – Phantasmagoria YouTube
3. Pong – Eisenfunk Youtube
This week we will dive into Celtic Folk Music. Now there is a lot out there, and it can really vary by region. This is just a little taste of a couple that I enjoy.
It’s Video Game Music Time again!! This time, we are going to talk about the OST’s for Bioshock, one of my favourite games. Bioshock was my introduction into FPS, and it was an amazing introduction at that. A big part of those memories is the atmosphere , which was enhanced by the music. I have included Bioshock 1 and 2 tracks here, and Bioshock Infinite will be its own post at a later time.
With Rapture falling during the Big Band era, most of the music in the game, aside from the score, is all original Big Band songs. You have the upbeat tempos, the Crooners, and all the other trappings from this hedonistic era of Rapture.
So, A few of my favourites include:
How do you feel about Big Band Music? Yay or Nay?
I LOVE a good cover song. Seeing people’s interpretation of an idea has always fascinated me, and music is no exception. Whether is it a faithful rendition of the original, or a complete upending of it, it can sometimes surpass the initial offering. This is a part one of ??? , but give these covers a try, and tell us what you think! Suggestions? Email us at erisianjukebox@gmail.com
Ok, on to the last of our little trilogy, Return of the Guardians. This album combines the characters from the last two stories we talked about. The music combines the atmospheres of In the Wake of the Wind and Quest of the Dream Warrior, with a bit of an eastern flare and more of a low-key feeling that the previous. Our Heroes are worn, but they keep going. This album is definitely good background music for a tabletop campaign, in my opinion, as it provides ambiance without overtaking what is going on around it; there is room for activity in conjunction with the music.
And so, out Trilogy comes to an end. I hope you enjoyed this journey into something a little different, and you can incorporate it into your gaming life, or even your everyday life! What kind of music do you use to set the scene when you are gaming? Let us know in the comments.
This Artist is prolific, so it won’t be the last time we see him in the Jukebox! See you next time!
Well, I think I got all the record in the jukebox in order again! Let’s continue! On to the next stop of our Arkenstone Journey!
Quest of the Dream Warrior is the next album I wanted to talk about. It was centered around a story written by Mercedes Lackey. The story is epic, and it is hard to pick only a few songs to highlight this work.
One way this album is different than the last is that Arkenstone has included some vocals on some tracks. Two of those chosen today have lyrics.
Prelude starts us out on a journey. It is full bore ahead towards adventure.
The Voice has an air of angsty hope about it, as strange as that sounds. The journey is harder than expected, but keep going. New Age, with Electric guitars. Very stirring.
Wings of the Shadow starts slow, and builds to an epic crescendo of victory.
Next time in the Jukebox, the last of the three: Return of the Guardians…
Today I wanted to introduce you to something a little different. This is music that is good for RPG questing (table top or electronic), as well as when you are looking for a little storytelling lean in your music. A number of artists write albums as stories, and David Arkenstone is among them.
David Arkenstone is a extremely prolific World/New Age artist. You may have heard some of his music in World of Warcraft. I wanted to focus on three of his albums (a trilogy from the 90’s), that tell a story; Each album has its own story arc in the music, and they are wonderful for background music for your own experiences. This will be a multi-week theme, so as the give you the best representation of the trilogy. In the Wake of the Wind will be first.
In the Wake of the Wind was released in 1991, follows the story of a youg mantrying to vanquish The Lion’s Breath, a strange wind.
I like the sense of mood created in this album. The songs largely have a hopeful sound, somtimes playful, and a sense of movement toward something. It bring images of Epic Adventures to be had, a there is more than a little nod to the nautical.
To Be Continued…
This week at the Jukebox we have some stunningly atmospheric melodies to inspire you
Bonus: A poem that has always resonated with my little goth heart. What do you think he is talking about? Let me know in the comments!
Nothing – Rene Halkett & David J Youtube
Here are a few songs from some areas of Spotify that you may not have visited before. They also vary in genre, so there is something for everyone! Take a listen and let me know what you think in the comments.
I hope things are looking up in your little corner of life. Spring is coming, things are changing. So many people have had to change what they were doing or how they were doing it, and to me, that means a sense of possibilities opening up, like a tree coming back to life after the winter slumber. So that is the theme of this post. Possibility and Choice. Songs you can sings out loud when you are feeling like you can do anything.
Last week I got nostalgic, and this week won’t be any different. We are moving up to High School.
High School was an important time for me, as it was when I discovered how much I liked Metal, and more importantly Industrial Music. I was searching for something though Junior High, and had tastes of it, (like Marilyn Manson, who can be Hard Rock or Metal, in my opinion), but had not know where to look. Funnily enough, I was really into Dance music at the time, but really liked what I now know skews toward EBM; But I was looking for that harder sound. Then I was introduced to Orgy.
In my group of friends, Orgy was THE THING. They had just released Vapor Transmissions, and we could not get enough of it; or of the previous release, Candyass. You have probably already heard their cover of Blue Monday ( Amazing!), but I thought I would feature some of their other stuff from those years.
Orgy went a little more Punk-ish after this, and it was Ok, but it didn’t have the same impact on me that way the first two did. The guitarists later formed their own project called Julien-K, which is really good, and a post for another time.
How did High School impact your taste in music? Did it change? Expand? Narrow? Let me know in the comments!
Big Shiny Blog Post! Here is some solid, and nostalgic, rock for your ears this week!
There used to be a CD called Big Shiny Tunes put out that featured bands like these (and some of these exact songs!). I remember being in Junior High when the series first came out, and how important it was to own it.
Do you remember those bands you listened to when you were younger? Who were they? Let me know in the comments! Next Stop, High School!
ALERT! ALERT! Awesome Band time!
Poets of the Fall are a rock group out of Finland. I discovered them about 2 years ago, but did not delve into their catalog until this year; and It is extensive (they celebrated their 17th birthday this spring). The music is glorious . The lyrics are meaningful and beautiful, and the accompanying music has depth and atmosphere.
Their first four albums went to number one in the Finnish chart. They are incredibly skillful, and the music shows growth, while still staying true to their own particular style. They have great versatility, and you know I love me some versatility. And their music videos are Art. ❤
They got their start with the song Late Goodbye for Max Payne 2. They also recorded some songs for Alan Wake, under the name The Old Gods of Asgard, and recently My Dark Disquiet can be found in the game Control.
Recently, the band recorded the Alexander Theatre Sessions, acoustic versions of select songs. I have included two of the tracks on this list, and I encourage you to look up the rest because they are masterful.
Because these guys are so amazing, expect to see another post on them, exploring further.
Christmas music is a touchy subject. A lot of people hate the chipper pop sentiments, as well as being forced to listen to it from Canadian Thanksgiving onward. So I thought I would give something a little different. These songs are tinged with a slight gothic feel, and celebrate Winter and the Solstice more that just Christmas.
Nox Arcana is a wonderfully atmospheric artist. They have quite a few Winter/Christmas offerings. I recommend them all.
David Arkenstone is a seasoned World Music artist. He is also known for his songs from World of Warcraft, he has many Christmas albums of various flavours (including some celtic ones)
The sad Jingle Bells song went around social media this year, and the artist said on youtube that they record a version of it every year that is a little different each time. With its classical style, it is definitely worth a listen.
One thing that I really admire in an artist is their versatility. To be able to express themselves outside of their usual sound. To that end, I wanted to showcase some acoustic tracks that have a sound that is separate from the original plugged in track. I love the way the essence of the song can change with the arrangement and type of instruments used. Some artists choose to make it a whole different song that can stand alone. Sometimes the acoustic versions sounds like a watered-down version of the original. These songs stand in their own right.
Usually in my little corner of the world it would be Stampede time this week, if not for Covid. This means rodeos, jeans, beer, and of course, country music. I will not claim to be a country expert, as I really do not dive into the genre very much. However, I do like the sound of Blues Saraceno. They have a country/blues kind of sound that is really classic somehow. The topics for the lyric come right out of a Clint Eastwood movie. I found these guys by accident on youtube, and they are regular contributors on the Dark Country compilations. It may not be strictly country, but it is as country as I get. You may have also heard these songs on various TV Shows as well. Enjoy!
This week I thought I would give you a snapshot of some of the songs I am listening to right now. Now featuring : 100% More Dinosaurs than before!
Sometimes we like our music to speak to us, and inspire us; Fuel our dreams, and passions. However, sometimes, you just want something loud you can sing along with, am I right? I like to think of this as popcorn music. It is comfortable, and you can devour a lot of it in one go. So, I thought I would give us a little popcorn music this week. It is a little harder than the music I have featured before. If you like epic electronic covers, Sybrid is an awesome choice ( Look up ‘All the Good Girls Go To Hell’). They also have a bunch of instrumental albums that are amazing. I love Celldweller, especially for something to sing along to. The last two songs on this list are just fun. Hope you enjoy!
Hello Fair Visitors! It has been a a very long time since my last update. But, that will change in the New Year! I have lists percolating for your listening pleasure. Stay tuned!
The Erisian Jukebox Presents