Music: Marilyn Manson- Born Villain

I know, I know. I've only officially done music reviews so far. My excuse? I read too slow to do a book review once a week, and I haven't read anything relatively new in a while. So sit down and shut up.

As for movies, no one wants to see movies with me. I have a few recorded to watch but WHO HAS TIME FO' DAT, REALLY.

Anywho, with an upcoming concert to see this metal mastermind on October 20th, I decided that reviewing his latest album would be appropriate. 

Marilyn.

Manson.

Haters.

Born Villain is Manson's 9th studio album, following 2009's The High End of Low. Under a new record label, and with fresh, raw emotion, Manson is back and better than ever.

Born Villain was released on May 1, 2012.

I hear a lot of people complaining about how the rocker's music isn't what it used to be. I should probably make an 'Annoyances.' post about that remark. That pisses me off more than anything. When an artist creates music that sounds very similar to their past work, people complain that it's all the same. When they try new styles and explore other musical territory, people STILL complain about things being different.

Again, haters.

Marilyn Manson's first album, Portrait of an American Family, was released in 1994. They blew up in '96 when Antichrist Superstar was released, housing the hit single 'The Beautiful People.' 

Since then, they (as a band) have been nominated for 3 Grammys, 3 MTV VMA's (one of which they won: Best Cinematography in a Video for the song 'The Dope Show.'), and won 4 Metal Edge Readers' Choice Awards. He's appeared in multiple movies, such as Lost Highway and Bowling for Columbine. 

In my very important and obviously best opinion, I do hear a lot of different elements (both old and new) in this album. Styles from albums such as 2003's The Golden Age of Grotesque (probably my favorite of his) and 2009's The High End of Low are some of those I can specifically point out. Obviously, Manson has delved into new ground, such as working with other artists for this album. The promo video for the album, featuring the song 'Overneath the Path of Misery,' (my favorite song off the album) was directed by none other than... Shia Lebeauf.

As you can probably tell by the thumbnail, it's Not Safe For Work. But it's artistically brilliant.

Also, Johnny Depp worked with Manson on the last track, a cover of Carly Simon's song 'You're So Vain.'

http://www.boston.com/ae/music/blog/2012/04/marilyn_manson.html

An article including both the song, the original, and Manson's commentary about Depp and the song.

Some of my favorite songs off this album are 'Overneath the Path of Misery,' as I mentioned before, 'Murderers are Getting Prettier Everyday,' and 'Lay Down Your Goddamn Arms.' They're heavy, theatrical, and very 'Grotesque.' 

I'M SO PUNNY.

Ok, I know- It really wasn't that funny.

All-in-all, Marilyn Manson's poetry never fails, for me. That, his music in general, and his shit-not-given attitude just wrap together to form one being of badassery. I highly recommend giving this album a listen, as well as his previous ones. He's made his mark on the world of rock, and I doubt he's going anywhere anytime soon. 

Music: Muse- The 2nd Law

Ok, so the moment I began streaming this album on iTunes, I fell in love. (I'm actually still listening to the rest now, as I write this. I'm just so impatient at this point, these emotions have to be shared.) Muse never disappoints, no matter how much they stray from their sound. Then again, they have so many different sounds, there is no one definitive Muse 'sound.' So many elements are thrown into the mix of this album, that it makes the listener feel ALL THE FEELS.

All of them.

Anyway, back to the perfection that is Muse. The first track on the album, 'Supremacy,' starts everything off with a bang, hitting all the heavy chords, and making the listener immediately soil themselves with excitement.

Soiled it. (Your pants, I mean.)

Muse's The 2nd Law releases on October 2, 2012.

This will be the Grammy award-winners' 6th studio album. 

The English rock band was nominated for 3 Grammy awards in 2011, and their win was "Best Rock Album" for their 5th studio album, The Resistance.

From left to right: Chris Wolstenholme- bassist/keyboards/backing vocals, Matt Bellamy- lead vocals/guitar/piano, Dominic Howard- drums/synthesizers.

The band has always been very theatrical and cinematic in their music, no matter what style they're playing around with. The 2nd Law is no different, yet it's full of completely new sounds. The first single, 'Survival,' was the official song of the 2012 Summer Olympics. 

'Madness,' the second (the video description in Youtube says it's the first, but they lie. LIES.) single off the new album. 

Okay now that my research is pretty much done, my opinion can now take charge. I can hear so many different possible inspirations in their songs, ranging from Radiohead to an older, disco-esque kind of sound. It's hard to explain. Just listen to their amazingness. Take my word for it. Since I'm only streaming this album as of now, and individual songs aren't shown (it's played as one long track), the only individual songs I can really point out are the first three, plus 'Survival,' which I've already heard before. 'Supremacy,' 'Madness,' and 'Panic Station' are part of the first act, and I can say that just by those three, this album is totally different, totally tapping into numerous sounds, and totally Muse.

Like I've said, this band hasn't disappointed me, and they're definitely not stopping that now. 

Muse rocks, period.

Music: 10 Years- Minus the Machine

So my first post-intro-review will be on music. One of my favorite bands has released their new album, and it's by far one of their best. 10 Years is back and better than ever.

10 Years, Minus the Machine. Released August 7, 2012

Machine is the band's 4th studio album since 2005. This album resembles not only hard-hitting music, but also the breaking apart between a band and a label. 10 Years felt bound to the needs of Universal Records, releasing this album on their own independent label, Palehorse Records. With their sound reverting back to the days of The Autumn Effect, the band's first studio album, many of their fans (including me, of course) are pleased. Like I said, 10 Years is back and in the swing of things. They're currently headlining the 'Cutting Like Knives' tour, referring to the track 'Knives' on the new album.

Left to Right: Bassist- Lewis Cosby, Vocals- Jesse Hasek, Drums/Guitar- Brian Vodinh, Guitar/Backing Vocals- Ryan Johnson

Personally, I've liked every album this band has released. I mean, obviously I loved some more than others (2010's Feeding the Wolves wasn't their best, but I still loved a lot of the songs on that album, and 2008's Division was excellent, but The Autumn Effect was the best.), but all of their music is different and still holds true to the band.

Official Music Video for 'Backlash'

With their first single, 'Wasteland,' bursting them onto the rock scene, 10 Years has become a pretty well-known band, touring with big names like Linkin Park, Mudvayne, and Korn.

In conclusion, 10 Years has come far in their career as a band. They started out with a bang and they're certainly holding strong with their newest release. Minus the Machine bursts out with songs like the single 'Backlash,' 'Soma,' 'Knives,' and the leading title track, yet also slows down the beat with 'Forever Fields (Sowing Season).' Every track is great, and the album (as well as the previous ones) is definitely worth checking out.

Intro (Part 3)

This is the conclusion to my introduction trilogy, I swear. I just have to talk a little bit about

eternal happiness.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, aka The Best Book Ever Written, aka The Greatest Conclusion to a Series Ever, is, well, unbeatable in the world of literature. If you disagree, again, well, I didn't ask.

This bound chunk of history follows the famous Harry Potter along his last leg of his journey to defeating Lord Voldemort. If you're lost already, I believe all hope is gone for you. Read the books from the beginning, or at least watch the movies. I beg of you.

Please.

Pleeeease.

Please.

For Emma.

...

Excellent writing, perfect storytelling, and some of the most memorable characters come together for one last fight for the wizarding world, and I can say with confidence that J.K. Rowling couldn't have done a more perfect job. This series is the best I've ever read.

Don't get me wrong, my favorite author is Stephen King, hands down. He's the master of horror literature, and he will be forever a household name. He's who I look up to as a writer, and his stories are timeless. I just can't pick one to rule them all (insert Lord of the Rings joke here. I tried to read the first one... Yeah not happening, but I'm reading The Hobbit now, so hopefully you'll see a review of that in the near future.), so Potter lands the top notch in the bookshelf for me.

As a character, as a series of books, and as a cinematic re-telling that has surely owned up to the story, the Harry Potter franchise has made its mark on the world and will stay for many, many years to come.

PS. If you can't tell, this series is good and you should read them if you haven't.

PPS. This concludes my trilogy of the three most awesome things ever. Soon I'll have more reviews for you, and also be sure to check out my first blog, Annoyances. THANKSBYE

Intro (Part 2)

Okay, I went a little too long with my Halloween review. I just love that movie so much. It's great and STOP JUDGING ME I CAN FEEL IT. STOP. NOW. 

You back with me? Good. Now I'll review the music (so far) from my favorite musical artist (in this case, a band). If you know me already, you know who this is, and if you're rolling your eyes, you're stupid because they're amazing and shut up.

30 Seconds to Mars was formed in 1998, and released their third studio album, This is War, in 2009. The band consists of Tomo Milicevic on bass, Shannon Leto on drums, and his brother Jared Leto, on guitar and lead vocals. If the name sounds familiar, it's because Leto starred in the TV show My So-Called Life, followed by a movie career consisting of titles like Requiem for a Dream and Fight Club.

The band released their first album, which was self-titled, in 2002, but they became more well-known after their second album, A Beautiful Lie, with the hit single The Kill. If you haven't heard it or even heard of the band, crawl out from under your rock already.

This is my favorite song ever. EVER. Bye.

Anyways, their music thus far has definitely grown over the years. They began with a harder rock sound (I don't know musical terms. Why review music then, you ask? Because I can. You don't HAVE to read this, but you SHOULD.), slowly evolving into the energetic, alt-rock band they are now. You've probably heard one of their newer singles on the radio: 

If you haven't, then your rock sucks and should at least have a radio or something.

Mars has graced the world with their music of many styles by appearing in commercials, movies, and even breaking the Guinness world record for 'Longest Concert Tour By A Rock Band,' totaling 306 shows for their latest album. Leto's hard-hitting vocals along with strong, cinematic instrumentals by Shannon and Tomo come together to create a sound that only is Mars. They rock. 

If you disagree, well, I didn't ask. I'm just stating my opinion. (And by opinion, I mean the truth.)

PS. Provehito In Altum.

PPS. Look it up.

Intro (Part 1)

My name's Ryan, if you couldn't tell from the name of this blog.

If you haven't read my first blog, you should. It's called Annoyances. Go check it out.

*This blog does not mean I'll be canceling the other one. I'm just adding another, stop freaking out.*

Anyway, I decided to start posting things more opinion-based on topics other than irksome ones and share with you guys more about things I'm into at the moment that I'd recommend. I guess I'll also be posting about things I wouldn't recommend. This blog will be based on the music, movies, and books I'm interested in. I'll post pictures along with my overall reviews on each, and you'll love it.

Good. Now that we're on the same page, I'll start the introductory post with my favorites in each category. They're nothing recent (well, some more recent than others), but I get to elaborate a little more on some topics I touched upon in my intro to the other blog. (Which I still say you should check out, by the way.)

Let's start off with my favorite movie. If you already know what it is, then I applaud you for either A. Knowing me personally already, or B. Reading my other blog, which you deserve a cookie for.

Knowing you deserve a cookie, you should also know my personality and blatant demeanor, which should tell you that no, you're not getting one. You'd have to get yourself the cookie. You should just be proud that you've accomplished something while reading this blog.

My favorite movie is John Carpenter's Halloween. 

Yeah, the night he came home! And everyone died. The end.

Just kidding- I won't reveal spoilers here. If I do, then I'll warn you beforehand. Or not... I probably will.

OR WILL I!?!?!?

Okay, I'll stop being extremely corny now and get to the chase. 

That picture above this text is John Carpenter's beloved children's character, Michael Myers!

That is, if you consider being a creepy stalker, heavy breather, and occasional murderer is G-Rated. Which it's not. Halloween was both directed and written by Mr. Carpenter himself. He also composed the classic eerie music for the film, which alone makes him a master of horror in my book.

If this isn't frightening just to hear, then you're probably Michael Myers himself, and in that case- can I have your autograph?

Carpenter managed to sew together the basis for all modern slasher films. You've got your slightly (maybe more) nerdy main character, who is in most cases a girl, you've got the best friend, who may or may not be a slut, you've got your definite slut, and you've got your guy characters, who may or may not be important to the story at all. Also, you should have your mixture of helpful adults, hopelessly useless adults, children who are building blocks to the story, and children who annoy the crap out of anyone anytime they open their traps.

Yes, that means you, Lindsey Wallace. You're loud, annoying, and I'll bet Laurie Strode thought once or twice about sacrificing you to the killer, you brat.

(Laurie Strode is Jamie Lee Curtis's character, who plays the first character slot I mentioned. I like to call her the Scream Queen.)

Anyway, I'm not here to summarize the movie for you. Go watch it yourself, lazy- this is cinema gold here, and it should be the number 1 thing on your bucket list. But this movie intertwines utter, terrifying silence, a lack of blood and gore, and a white mask that can be unrecognized by no one. While the theme music to Myers' quiet rampage is bone-chilling, the silence that often entombs him while he stares into your soul is unbeatable.

So, placing itself at the top of my favorite movies of all time list, John Carpenter's Halloween is a masterpiece from all angles. Sure, there are other horror movies that came before it and kick-started the genre, but this movie defined it. 

(I don't like rating things along number lines, because if I rated this out of ten, I'd give it a hundred.)

PS: Yes, I did love Rob Zombie's "re-imagination," and his sequel. They took Carpenter's story and rewound it a little bit to show some backstory. And of course he stamped it with his signature over-the-top blood, gore, and boobs. But for reals, Zombie showed the killer's human side, as well as the monstrosity that wields the oversized kitchen knife.

PPS: This blog was long. I'll continue my intro reviews in a 'part 2' post.