emilyonion.com

2009-03-05T07:08:00.000-08:00

Top 5 Albums of 2008

2008-12-19T13:46:00.000-08:00

Alright, so as the year comes to a close, I’m sure you, as I am, are trying to decide which albums of 2008 were actually worth listening to.

I know, hard isn’t it? It hasn’t quite been a banner year for the music industry, but occasionally you do find a diamond in a coal mine. So check out the top five albums of the year.

1. Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes.

The Seattle quintet turned quite a few heads with their Sun Giant EP released earlier this year. I was very psyched for a full studio album this fall. The folksy pop sound is definitely traceable throughout history, but is still one of the most unique sounds out there today. Magnificent vocals and amazing instrumentals create the prettiest sound in recent memory. And I’m pretty sure they’ll be making even better material in the future, these guys simply have talent falling out their asses. Without a doubt, Fleet Foxes eponymous debut is the most beautiful, as well as the best, album of 2008.

You should check out the song(s):

“White Winter Hymnal”

“Oliver James”

“He Doesn’t Know Why”

www.myspace.com/fleetfoxes

2. Dear Science by TV On The Radio

The experimental rock band had one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the year. Really I mean it, no one seemed to dislike it, including me. I’m actually somewhat new to the group, but I’m definitely hooked. I can’t wait to see what they will be doing with the next effort.

You should check out the song(s)

“Crying”

“Love Dog”

www.myspace.com/tvotr

3. Vampire Weekend by Vampire Weekend

The group released their self-titled debut all the way back in January, and I immediately fell in love with it. The indie pop quartet has a lovely sound and features a bassist on steroids. It’s got an awesome sort of 80’s sound to it. I blame it for kicking off the apparent vampire craze of 2008. Although, on second thought, maybe that wasn’t such a great thing (Twilight meh). Oh well, it’s still brilliant.

You should check out the song(s)

“Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa”

“A-Punk”

“I Stand Corrected”

www.myspace.com/vampireweekend

4. Sugar Mountain: Live At Canterbury House 1968 by Neil Young

Oh my goodness, I cannot describe the beauty of this live show in any human language. The all acoustic live show was recorded soon before the release of Neil Young’s debut album. It transcended all my expectations and was well worth every penny. I’m aware that Neil Young isn’t for everyone, but if you are even a casual fan, you should really check this out.

You should check out the song(s)

“Sugar Mountain”

www.myspace.com/neilyoung

5. Chemistry Of Common Life by Fucked Up

A very great punk album. I really enjoyed listening to this one. It also made it even better due to some world situations, so to speak, in 2008. The female vocals were particularly strong. It’s really like nothing you’ve ever heard before.

You should check out the song(s)

“Son Of The Father”

“Days Of Last”

No official seeming Myspace profile could be found

Hope you all enjoyed reading this, I’ll be on here as a regular contributor from now on!

-Nate

5 Dream Gifts for the Music Lover

2008-12-11T20:35:00.000-08:00

1) Earbuds: We all know how annoying it is to pick up your Ipod, and realize you don't have any headphones to plug in it. Headphones are similar to dogs in the sense that they go missing A LOT. They are not like puppies, in the sense that they don't pee on the floor and bark at door bells on TV.
SPLURGE: Etymotic Research ER6i Isolator In-Ear Earphones 78.99*
Now, although they look slightly like space shuttles, and at first might be a little scary to stick in your ear, They are worth the money. Whether it's for the crowded subway, at school, or just blocking out the general annoyances of your life, they will. Just make sure to use the foam ear tips.
SAVE: Skullcandy INK'D Earbuds 9.95
They might not have the appeal of the first said earbuds, but as earbuds go, they do a wonderful job. The design is also much simpler, and the ratings on amazon.com are virtually the same!

2) Mp3 Players- These are a little trickier. Many people do not like to change their brand of mp3. If you've gone through the terrible library switch, you understand why. It may be in your best interest to ask what kind they use now. Look into that type, and make sure that if you buy them a new player, it is an upgrade of their last one. Seriously, buying someone a 4 gig, is not going to be very appreciated when they already have an 8 gig. Mp3 players can be very tricky, and unless you know the person very well, I would not recommend buying them one.
SPLURGE: Ipod Classic 120 gig 219.95
This ipod is unbeatable (at this current time). This is for the TRUE music fan. 120 gigs is A LOT. Lets think of it this way: I currently have 3,344 songs in my itunes library. That is 16.11 gigs. This ipod has 120 gigs. I write a music blog, and I don't even think that I could come up with enough music to fill this thing. It has 36 hours of battery life, and holds pictures and videos. This is completely unbeatable, and letme be honest, the save option below is NOTHING compared to this one. The extra 110 dollars is well worth your money.
SAVE: 8 gig Creative Zen 109.95
Zen is no ipod, but in my opinion, is second to best. This particular zen plays radio, video, and of course music. It offers a menu to organize tasks such as homework and schedules, and has a voice recorder. While the mp3 player itself is great, the Zen organizer program is not that great. If your gift reciever is used to an itunes library, the Zen is not the choice for them. Also, the 8 gigs in enough for the casual music listener, but for the music LOVER, it is not enough. No one likes to have to swap their music libraries around every month.

3) Headphones- I covered earbids earlier, but headphones are in a league of their own. Not only are they quite fashionable and more comfortable, you do not have to concern yourself with having them ripped out of your ears every second you wear them.
SPLURGE: AKG K240 Semi Open Studio Headphones 99.00
No music lover can deny the beauty of studio sound earphones, and these puppies, are a work of art.
SAVE: Behringer HPX20004 25.00
While they may not be studio sound, they still serve as great headphones. The price tag is nearly 1/4 of the above mentioned headphones, and look and sound great.

5) Guitar-The guitar is the dream instrument of almost everyone. While your gift getter may play the drums, you are still likely to hear a shriek of joy, like that of a child, after opening up a present filled with six string joy. Whether for a beginner or advanced player, these are some very good ideas.
Splurge: Alvarez AD80SSB Acoustic Guitar, Sunburst 469.00
This is my CHILD, and I can account for it being worth every penny you spend. I believe they built this pure beauty out of sunshine and rainbows. I was lucky, coming across it very cheap at a pawn shop in Missouri, but if I would have paid full price for it. It sounds rich, and whether for beginners or advanced guitar players, this guitar is nothing short of amazing.
In the picture to the left, you can see my old guitar to the right, bowing down to its might beauty. I feel like a parent whose kid got on the honor roll. I'm so proud to have such a beautiful and rich sounding guitar. (Notice: My guitar is not actually dwarf sized. While resizing, Alvarez got warped a bit.)
SAVE: Guitar Picks Around .99
As buying a cheap guitar for someone is relatively insulting, do not attempt to 'save' on buying a guitar. Prices are usually reduced along with the guitars quality. If you really want to save money on buying a guitar, take our gift getter pawn shopping, and see if they find any appealing. I mean sometimes, (as in my case), the guitar of their dreams can be sitting on a shelf gathering dust next to wedding rings and guns, with a 100 dollar price tag. As this is not the likest to happen, be safe. Pick a pick. Many online stores allow you to customize your pick. Other places have premade designs that your gift getter would love. Hello Kitty, Dolphins, Peace signs, Pin up girls... whatever your gift getter might be interested in, they have it. Sometimes a guitar pick can do just as good a job of expressing you, as your music does.

*All prices courtesy of Amazon.com.

Download Stat! emilyONION's hot 100!

2008-10-24T15:56:00.000-07:00

These are the songs on constant rotation on my itunes account. They are the few, the proud, the ones that leave you feeling cuddly inside. These are the songs you INVITE to getting stuck in your head. I put in a little stuff for everyone! I highly recommend you listen to some of them, even if the genre is just not your style. This is the emilyONION hot 100 list. So, get your itunes engine running, or limewire, depending on how you roll, and start downloadin'! (BTW NO ORDER)

100) "Winter" Bayside

99) "Summer in B" Amber Pacific

98) "Reinventing the Wheel to Run Myself Over" Fall Out Boy

97) "See These Bones" Nada Surf

96) "One Armed Scissor" At The Drive-In

95) "Blonde on Blonde" Nada Surf

94) "Inside of Love" Nada Surf

93) "London Beckoned Songs About Money Written by Machines" Panic(!) At The Disco

92) "Don't Try This at Home" Punchline

91) "Superman" REM

90) "Show Me Everything You Got" The Rocket Summer

89) "At Your Funeral" Saves The Day

88) " Parachutes (Funeral Song)" Mates Of State

87) "I'll Make The Moves" Scenes and Sirens

86) "Your Call" Secondhand Serenade

85) "Institutionalized" Suicidal Tendencies

84) "Seven Weeks" Gym Class Heroes

83) "Black Mamba" The Academy Is...

82) "Fire Down Below" Alkaline Trio

81) "Dear Maria, Count Me In" All Time Low

80) "Duality" Bayside

79) "Until We Burn In The Sun" Bedouin Soundclash

78) "No Rain" Blind Melon

77) "Foxtrot Uniform Charlie Kilo" Bloodhound Gang

76) "Girl From the North Country" Bob Dylan/Johnny Cash

75) "Bowl of Oranges" Bright Eyes

74) "London Calling" The Clash

73) "Smile For The Paparazzi" Cobra Starship

72) "Art Is Hard" Cursive

71) "As Lovers Go" Dashboard Confessional

70) "California Uber Alles" Dead Kennedys

69) "Someday You Will Be Loved" Death Cab For Cutie

68) "A Movie Script Ending" Death Cab For Cutie

67) "Everything After Bradford" Echoscreen

66) "Not Good Enough For Truth or Cliche" Escape the Fate

65) "I'm Like a Lawyer..." Fall Out Boy

64) "Drunken Lullabies" Flogging Molly

63) "She Doesn't Get It" The Format

62) "Spokesman" Goldfinger

61) "Clothes Off" Gym Class Heroes

60) "Graduation Day" Head Automatica

59) "Insurance?" The Higher

58) "Tick Tick Boom" The Hives

57) "The Pharmacist" Hot Rod Circuit

56) "Wine Red" The Hush Sound

55) "Look What You've Done" Jet

54) "Big Casino" Jimmy Eat World

53) "Ring of Fire" Johnny Cash

52) "Mint Car" The Cure

51) "All These Things I've Done" The Killers

50) "Loose Lips" Kimya Dawson

49) "I Wanna Love You" The Maine

48) "The Nobodies" Marilyn Manson

47) "Won't Go Home Without You" Maroon5

46) "Little Maggots" The Matches

45) "Black Cat" Mayday Parade

44) "Mad World" Michael Andrews

43) "Knew It All Along (Acoustic)" Midtown

42) "Crazy" Mineral

41) "Dashboard" Modest Mouse

40) "Everything Is Alright" Motion City Soundtrack

39) "The Shake" My American Heart

38) "Mouth Like A Magazine" Showbread

37) "Zombies Ate My Neighbors" Single File

36) "1979" Smashing Pumpkins

35) "Creep" Stone Temple Pilots

34) "Last Nite" The Strokes

33) "Take Me Out" Franz Ferdinand

32) "Pillars" Sunny Day Real Estate

31) "In Circles" Sunny Day Real Estate

30) "Do You Know Who You Are?" Texas Is The Reason

29) "Wolf In Sheeps Clothing" This Prividence

28) "The Taste Of Ink" The Used

27) "Bittersweet Symphony" The Verve

26) "Wonderwall" Oasis

25) "Check Yes Juliet" We The Kings

24) "Icky Thump" The White Stripes

23) "Creeps Me Out" Ima Robot

22) "Nth Degree" Morningwood

21) "Suburban Home" The Descendents

20) "Box of Sharp Objects" The Used

19) "Bohemian Rhapsody" Queen

18) "The Sound of Settling" Death Cab For Cutie

17) "About a Girl" The Academy Is...

16) "Guilty Pleasure" Cobra Starship

15) "Makeout Club" Gym Class Heroes

14) "Paper Thin Walls" Modest Mouse

13) "Nine in The Afternoon" Panic At The Disco

12) "Everybody Hurts" REM

11) "The Final Countdown" Europe

10) "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" Wham!

9) "Driftwood" Cursive

8) "Under Pressure" Queen/ David Bowie

7) "The Bird and The Worm" The Used

6) "I'm Not Okay" My Chemical Romance

5) "At the bottom of Everything" Bright Eyes

4) "Attitude" Bad Brains

3) "Haligh Haligh A Lie" Bright Eyes

2) "White Minority" Black Flag

1) "Snakes on a Plane (Bring It)" Cobra Starship

Onion Juice: I thought I would just throw this out there:

2008-09-03T18:48:00.000-07:00

No more bathroom pictures Pete Wentz.
DON'T buy Pete Went'z (uh, I mean Fall Out Boy's) new album.

I'm warning you, if you do... the insanity will continue.

More stupid internet campaigns, more stupid tours, more Pete Wentz...

and we don't need anymore of that.

The only thing we have to thank him for is giving us a whole bunch of crappy bands we didn't want, and global warming!

PETE WENTZ CAUSES GLOBAL WARMING!

This public service announcement was brought to you by Citizens for Our Betterment.. (NOT!)

Thanks,
emilyONION

You Should Listen To: American Gods

2008-06-26T18:50:00.000-07:00

American Gods seems like an unlikely band to be placed on emilyonion.com, surrounded by the bands I myself will admit are just knock offs of bands that are knock offs of bands of knock offs of bands, and so on. I had little hopes of them breaking any molds as I usually assume going to any musician's profile, but I must admit: They wowed me. I have never enjoyed a myspace musicians music enough to listen through their entire music player.

Where you can hear them: http://www.myspace.com/americangodsband

What they sound like: Their music reminds me quite a bit of Sunny Day Real Estate's Diary Album, and Texas is the Reason's "Do You Know Who You Are?", which for me is quite a compliment since they happen to be in my opinion, the most beautiful albums ever made. For kids who have never listened to these two records 1) Get on that and 2) I wouldn't find it COMPLETELY irrelevant to compare American Gods to Pink Floyd, although that is streching it.

You Like? You'll Like: At The Drive In, Sunny Day Real Estate, Cursive, Texas Is The Reason.

Recommended Listening: "When the Sun Hits", "Backseat Dealings"

"Your Perfect Mix Tape" Series

2008-05-03T11:55:00.001-07:00

Similar to the "You Should Listen to" artist blogs, I am starting another series of articles. Each one will have a specific genre, and it will list 18 different essential songs that you need to listen to for each. Also, not all of them will be written by me, so check out the name and link at the bottom of each article to find go to their homepage.
I've realized not everyone enjoys the same type of music. I am not here to shove my music taste down your throat. But I DO want you to hear the best music of your genre of choice, and who knows, maybe you'll just find a new favorite song!

emilyONION
5/3/08

You Should Listen To: The New Diet

2008-03-27T19:07:00.000-07:00

As March started to draw to a close, I became desperate to find a new musician. When such happens, I usually go and look at the bands on another band's top friends. I went and took a look at one of my favorite previous emilyonion.com YSLT bands, Hotel Ahead. This is where I found TheNewDiet. They confirmed my new theory: Chicago musicians rock ten times harder. At first, their music seemed almost like noise. My mouse was on a short journey from the myspace music player, to the red "X" button on my Mozilla Firefox. Then, I listened a little closer. They are somewhat of a diamond in the rough. Their music was much like an unwrapped Christmas present: Slightly disappointing at first, but much more convenient and eco-friendly. Their music reminded me much of "The Academy" from The Academy Is...
their first EP. It lacked the quality and experience, but had a twinkle, that ended up making them a successful.

Myspace: www.myspace.com/thenewdiet

Recommended Listening: "Explanations"

Sounds Like: Death Cab For Cutie, The Academy Is..., Hotel Ahead, Every Avenue.

Aren't Convinced? Even for a day when odd and unique band names are valued possibly more than their actual music, The New Diet takes the cake. (Bad pun intended.) It sounds cute and unique, much like their music.

3/27/08
emilyONION

Onion Juice: Style vs. Music

2008-03-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

Is it just me, or is every band looking the same these days? You know, the American Apparel Flex Fleece Hoodie, and the infamous Nike Dunk, and the much feared tight, tight pants that are destined to leave one or more body parts hanging out. (LOOK ONLY IF YOU DARE!) Not to mention, the very pointless sweat/headband, the obnoxiously long and a-symmetrical hair cut, the American apparel v-neck, glamour kills t-shirt, the fedora,the american eagle striped sweater, and those creepy little vests that self proclaimed "indie" band lead singers insist on wearing. The "style" associated with music these days is more, and more outrageous. Now the question is, how does this effect the music?
"I think it has kind of a negative effect" Angie says. "You base your music off of style and fashion, the music isn't really real anymore." As a concerned music lover, it is only right that I discuss the changes that have occured in music. The number of mediocre, "myspace" bands is steadily growing. "These kids growing up now, they are not going to know what real music is. There are 3,000 of these so called musicians on myspace, and they ALL sound the same." says Alicia from Texas.

As I searched for someone who had a different, and possibly more pleasant view on style in music, I came up empty handed. It is quite clear that fans are not interested in what the band is wearing, but more, what they are doing. "A band needs to spend their money trying to help people, instead of wasting it all on themselves." Alicia says. A growing number of bands have been supporting organizations like To Write Love on Her Arms, and let us not forget the Fall Out Boy team up with Invisible Children.

"I think that if the band is really interested in helping the environment, more power to them and all, but if they're just doing it to seem trendy and appeal to people that are genuinely interested in the future of our planet, then I'd like to insert something sharp into places not usually seen by the general public." Justine says, "Even though, I suppose the motives aren't a big deal as long as something gets done."
We are all left to ask ourselves, what exactly IS a musician's job? Help the world? Start trends? Make money? I think the answer is quite a bit simpler than we imagine:
mu·si·cian [myoo-zish-uhn] –noun

1.	a person who makes music a profession, esp. as a performer of music.

2.	any person, whether professional or not, skilled in music.

(thank you dictionary.com!)
Well, there we have it. The mysteries of musicians revealed!

3/19/08
emilyONION

You Should Listen To: Villains

2008-02-16T07:57:00.000-08:00

The Band/Musician:
Villains

Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/4villains

Recommended Listening:
"Body Canvas" or "Tick Tock"

What it sounds like: The best description I can possibly come up with is as follows: Think, Italian, Jazzy, Panic at The Disco (I'm sorry to offend it is the best well known musical reference I could think of.), sitting in the gutters of Los Angeles, surviving by eating the insides of stray puppies, and religiously reading The Collected Works of Edgar Allan Poe. A little eccentric, yes. But worth taking a listen to.

Why you should take a good hard listen: So, you're bent on finding the most unique, and entertaining new musicians.. well, her is Villains, for your listening pleasure! And I PROMISE it sounds like nothing you have EVER heard before!

You Should Listen To: Shake It!

2008-02-05T17:58:00.000-08:00

The Band: Shake it!

Myspace: www.myspace.com/shakeitband

recommended song: "Don't Flip the Jukebox"

Who should listen to them: Fans of Taking Back Sunday, My American Heart, or Scenes and Sirens.

Why you should listen to them: As I skimmed through hundreds of webpages of mediocre bands clinging on the strings of cheap "myspace style" band names, and adorned in american apparel and glamour kills style clothing, I was surprised to find this gem of a band. Shake it! plays with such strength and expertise that their music seemed to almost taunt me in such a way as saying "can you NOT put us on your blog?" The answer is no. As internet bands get faker and faker, Shake it! proves that musicians can STILL be real. They will rock circles around your current favorite band.

Onion Juice: Ileagally Downloading.

2008-02-03T11:25:00.000-08:00

PIRACY: RIAA WILL KILL YOUR FAMILY.

No one can deny the positive impact that the internet had on music. No longer were bands required to get a record deal to have their music heard. No one would suspect the terrible consequences for musicians, record companies, and the victims who the record companies would release their wrath on, that would occur years later. All caused by "illegal downloading".

Recently, legal action was taken against 36 Virgina Tech Students by the RIAA, or Record Industry Association of America. Student were ordered to pay crazy-expensive fines, some, for only downloading a few songs.

But while it is clear what the record companies think about illegal downloading, the fans opinions vary. "It's wrong." Shannon from Iowa says: "You are stealing a part of their art, it's like chipping a piece off the mona lisa." But others think differently. Like Justine, an accomplished graphic designer: "..It's inevitable, and it helps the band's publicity. Say, someone downloads a slightly-well known band's single off of Limewire and puts it on their iPod. Their friends hear it, and go get on iTunes and pay for their whole CD, they tell their friends, those people tell their friends, and all of a sudden the band is on Fuse and they have dedicated fans buying their album from the stores."

As the RIAA leaves a bloody trail of victims, with an ever growing body count, one is left to wonder how musicians feel about it. I mean, it IS there music getting stolen. We asked Sleep Like Vegas for their opinion:

ONION: Do you believe the internet does more harm or good for musicians?

SLV: Kinda both! it is amazing for getting your name out. But it is risky for getting your music stolen!

ONION: What do you think of the high fines that many people who are caught illegally downloading are forced to pay?

SLV: It's ridiculous. too high!

ONION: Do you believe there is any better way to handle illegal downloading?

SLV: Yeah. Just pay the artist what they charge for the song!

As the debate surrounding illegal downloading grows, along with the fines, there is only one thing we know for sure: The only way to be sure that you will not be caught illegally downloading, is to not do it in the first place. (Almost like an STD.) And maybe, the meanies who work for the RIAA will realize victimizing individuals in such a manner as they are, is not helping. Will a solution ever be found?

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Comment with your opinions.

thanks,
emilyONION

You Should Listen To: Dylan Doetch

2008-01-31T16:59:00.000-08:00

The Musician: Dylan Doetch

Myspace:
www.myspace.com/dylandoetch

Recommended Song:
"You Me"

Why You Should Listen to Him: One word. Talent. OK, so maybe it isn't studio quality sound, but he sounds genuine. He sounds like a real person, versus sounding like a floundering musician, struggling for attention.

Who Should Listen to Him: ATTENTION: fans of John Mayer, who are afraid to admit it, Dylan Doetch is the answer to your prayers.. AND he can play guitar! And I mean PLAY, and not just in a tolerable way. Need proof? PROOF. Better than the original? Very possible. And he REALLY needs the attention.

You Should Listen To: Hotel Ahead

2008-01-27T14:47:00.000-08:00

The Band: Hotel Ahead

Myspace: www.myspace.com/hotelahead

Recommended Song: “Days in The Sun”

Why You Should Listen to Them: Catchy songs, good lyrics, relaxing vocals, and in a couple months, when the soulja boy craze officially comes to a close, EVERYONE will be listening to them anyway. Yeah, their THAT good. They have the makings of an amazing band, and their music will take only minutes to grow on you.

Who should listen to them: Fans of Franz Ferdinand-style guitar playing, and fans of Ben Gibbard, or Death Cab for Cutie in general.

Not Convinced: When they hit it huge in a little while, you can brag to your friends that you listened to them BEFORE they were on MTV, when they only had two thousand friends on myspace!

You Should Listen To: Scenes and Sirens

2008-01-27T12:11:00.000-08:00

HOW DO TWO PEOPLE MAKE THAT MUCH NOISE?

The Band: Scenes and Sirens

Myspace:
www.myspace.com/scenesandsirens

recommended song:
"I'll make the Moves"

Sounds Like: Panic (!) At The Disco,The Rocket Summer, and My American Heart giving birth to a crazy 3 year old kid who likes to play in the toilet.

Why they are on here: Their music is fun, and new. Very possibly the only half decent "electroacoustic" band I have heard of... because I've never heard of any others. "I'll make the Moves" sounds like everything we LOVE, done better, and much fresher.

So your interested? Take a listen to their new EP "The South Will Dance Again" released 3/14/o8

Give Me Talent!

2008-01-26T16:41:00.001-08:00

Hello, welcome to my new blog!
My name is emilyONION and I am here to bring you the best new musicians, artists, designers, and other up-and-coming talents, who deserve much more recognition than they are getting.

As an aspiring musician myself, I understand the difficulty in getting ANYWHERE without the publicity. I'm here to try to turn that upside down.

So, welcome, and I hope you will stop by soon!

emilyONION