New Music #9

Some More New Luscious Vibes For Your Soul

Some Lacol Indie San Diego Rock! The Soft Pack, formerly called the Muslims have the surfer vibe for your chilling lives.


Mellow Happiness. Love Toy Horses.


AHHHH god why is this kind of music so amazing? Laid Back Lukes got the clubby house style that'd bring down any house.


 Doesn't she look like Jennifer Love Hewitt? Vintage feel and repetitious melody ah great chillaxing song. She & Him!


Self-explanatory. God knows what these people are on. Of Montreal's amazing video.


Yelle is just amazing in every way. Catchy, and French ;) God i love this language. Je Veux Te Voir!


New A.F.I.! These guys always know how to impress. Lite your inner rocker.


Love the smoothness and the beat. Cee-Lo ft. 50 Cent.


Brandon Flowers! You probably recognize him from the Killers. Can't wait for his solo album if its anything like this amazing song.

New Music #8

It's been a LONG time since I've posted anything so here's a few of my recent obsessions:

Not a new song but its always one that inspires that love in the air feeling. Hold on to the ones that you love because 'you don't know what you've got till its gone'.


NEW LINKIN PARK! so stoked for their upcoming album coming out 9/14. Brace yourself for some amazing rock-techno!


Katy Perry's the poppy sex queen with the sweet/bad girl attitude but their were some pretty good songs on the album, this being my favorite.


Some more of my fav, TIESTO! Kaleidscope remix album came out, liked the originals better though.


After hearing Matt & Kim's new song, Camera's, I feel officially obligated to go to their concert (@ HoB on Oct 1 F.Y.I.).


Some Upcoming Albums to look forward to:
King of Lions Come Around Sundown out on October 19th
Weezer's yet to be named album (rumored to be called "Hurley" but those have been disproved)

New Music #7

One of my favorite DJ's. He even played a show on July 3rd in Lebanon. Off DJ Tiesto's new album Kaleidoscope. This songs an amazing techno/trance that will truly Know You Out.
Tiesto - Knock You Out



One of my fav artists of all time. Kid Cudi's mellow vibes and catchy lyrics always make his songs a hit in my book. Musics newest premier stoner has struck again. Erase Me is the first single off the upcoming album The Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager.
Kid Cudi - Erase Me



La Roux caught my attention a couple of months ago and with the release of her new album La Roux shes definitely an amazing upcoming artist. She has a show in San Diego later in July, too bad its 21+. Awesome remix of one of my favorite songs by her.
La Roux - I'm Not a Toy (Jack Beats Remix)



The Airborne Toxic Event have released a new single! Neda is a beautiful song and it still has that ATE vibe of smooth mellow rock with powerful, moving vocals. Funny thing is the only studio version I could find on YouTube had an Arabic translation in it.
Airborne Toxic Event - Neda



Neon Indian's featured as one of 91X's Next Big Things. Their indie/psychadelic sound gives them a distinct flavor that's sure to make its mark in the future. Its the modern vintage vibe.
Neon Indian - Deadbeat Summer

New Pages!

Check out the sidebar...theres a new PAGE gadget featuring a concert link. All concert information can easily be accessed on that page------------------->

Also go to check out the Audiotistic Festival. Definitely looks like a must for its price.

New Music #6

Some great new artists for you to enjoy:

This british group sadly broke up recently, but hey their music still rocks. 90's rock Woo!
SUPERGRASS - Alright

This trancelike psychadelic band has a Radiohead vibe. Definitely digging the sounds that play with your head. Everything always seems to mesh perfectly though, no matter how "strange" it gets.
 Yeasayer - Ambling Alp


One of my indie favorites. Local Natives always bring a melancholy vibe to their melodies that create a nostalgic vintage vibe.
Local Natives - Airplanes


Owe this amazing band to Aaron Abrams. BlakRoc is the baby of a wild orgy between rock-n-roll, hip-hop, rap, and trancy mellow rock. New artists are always featured on the tracks made by BlakRoc. Definitely a great one to add to your library.
BlakRoc - Aint Nothin' Like You


This is definitely my current favorite band. So catchy and upbeat. Their music always seems to make you smile.
Ted Leo & The Pharmacists - Me and Mia

Restart.

Welcome guests, old and new. Beyond the Boombox is a new music blog I have created to replace my previous blog, throughrami. Similar concepts will be kept except I am going to strive to become more reader friendly. Short and sweet so you don't get bored with blundering. Basically there's a few major subjects that I will continuously post about.

1. New Music: A variety of different genres and artists to take you to an unknown frontier.
2. Concert Info: Information on local concerts for you to experience.
3. BTB Breakdowns: My personal interpretations of some of my favorite songs.

Hopefully BTB will grow as I become more skilled at writing and more creative with my ideas. Check back frequently for new posts as we venture beyond typical musical boundaries and as we go Beyond the Boombox.

New Music #5

Some more new music for you guys to indulge in. Definitely some new fav's here. Oh and I've recently been listening to tons of Pink Floyd recently and can't believe I've been missing them all my life. Can't wait to see Roger Waters perform The Wall live!



Thom Yorke
I've always loved Radiohead's  intriguing style and strange yet magnetic sounds. Thom Yorke's style is no different. Although this is his own solo project, his album is absolutely amazing, but definitely has a Radiohead feel [of course it should though, considering he IS the singer].

Hearing Damage by Thom Yorke




The Foxy Shazam
 Probably one of the most instantly lovable bands that I've ever come across. Their live videos are stupendous and their songs are revitalizing and full of energy. Their sprightly alternative feel and overall physical appearance always seems to remind me of Queen, especially the lead singers mustache and somewhat gay gestures [he has a kid though, I'm pretty sure he's straight]. The singer's voice just screams Freddie Mercury to me. Anyway, this is probably my favorite newly discovered band and I definitely want to see them live. There's just something about this band that makes you fall in love with their style and music, so they definitely deserve two songs on this post.


Yes Yes Yes [live] by Foxy Shazam


Oh Lord by Foxy Shazam [Eric, the singer, wrote this for his son, Julian]


 
The Ancestors
 Discovered this band from the reference in the song Superhero by The Flobots [check out the Song Synopsis #2 and you'll know what I'm referring to]. They have this Pink Floyd combined with Radiohead sort of feel that all around has an entrancing effect.

New Love Waltz by The Ancestors




Rogue Wave
 Discovered this band through upcoming San Diego concerts. They're coming to San Diego and definitely have an incredibly attractive sound and just uppity vibe. Entrancing, repeating bridges and just an overall happy feel. Something that could always brighten your day. Such an Indie feel.

 Lake Michigan by Rogue Wave




Fun.
Thanks to Wes, I fell in love with this bands matt & kim feel and just once again overall happy music. Their name truly describes their music. Something I'd turn on to brighten my day and remind me of all the happiest times I've ever experienced.

All the Pretty Girls by Fun.



Hope you found something new. If you have any music that you'd like me to share on the blog just comment or let me know. Thanks a bunch, loves.

BTB Breakdown #2

 The Flobots

DISCLAIMER: Remember, this is how "I" interpret the song. If you disagree or have a different point of view I'd be glad to hear it but don't bag on me for my opinion. For this song I decided to not look online for any help or research. This is purely my personal interpretation of what the song means to me.

 Title: Superhero
Artist: The Flobots
Genre: Hip-Hop, Symphonic Rock
[Song]
 

 Lyrics

We believed in love when love wasn't an option
She wanted to give birth
I wanted adoption
After days and days of conversation
We decided to go with fertilization
Then came baby showers and Lamaze classes
2 AM phone calls 1 Minute contractions
But then they whisked me away like Brigadoon
No domestic partners in the delivery room

But if I was a superhero I would break free
Wouldn't need anyone to come and save me
And you couldn't make me feel like I'm crazy
I would see my baby

If I was a superhero I would break free
And I wouldn't be imprisoned where ever you take me
I would change everyone who's trying to change me
I would see my baby

Life in an occupied land is hard
We pushed harder
Soon to be a mom
Him to be a father
Boys with guns at the checkpoint in Rafah
Wouldn't let me pass
When I said 'I need a doctor!'
I don't know the source of the passport errors
Or how four hours produced a miscarriage
But when it come to populations to disparage
Gaza is on the list right below gay marriage

There's something on my heart
There's someone on my mind
I never would have thought
That I could be so angry
But please give me the patience
Please give me the patience  

Breakdown

  If you hadn't known from previous knowledge, The Flobots are a political-activist group bringing to the public their personal opinions against government actions, on moral issues and laws, and ideas on third-world countries and controversial topics. This particular song addresses two main issues and touches lightly upon a third. 

   Also a little tidbits of not very significant lyrical points. A Lamaze class is just a class on techniques to have an easier birth by having controlled breathing etc. The Brigadoon refers to an album by The Ancestors, which has a Pink Floyd type sound and probably influenced the artist and whisked him away, metaphorically like the doctor. You can check them out here:

           Fertilization & Gay Marriage

  The intro stanza creates a setting of a man and woman deciding on how they would have their child. The mother wants to have a natural birth but the father wants to adopt a child, but they decide on having a child in the traditional fashion, sex [fertilization]. The baby is finally being born and then the father is taken out of the delivery room because he is not allowed to be in the delivery room. 

   Although this is a literal interpretation, I feel as if the Flobots intended to have a stronger impact on social issues through their music, and the last line, saying domestic partners, can alter the meaning of the entire passage. I believe this is more of the message that they were trying to convey:

   The setting is a controversial love between two women, therefore their love not being an option. They've decided that they want to have a child of their own and they have two options: one is to have the more feminine one fertilized and therefore have a birth; the other option is to adopt a child and raise it as if it were their own. The "wife" of the domestic partnership finally gives birth and the other woman is not allowed to view the birth because no one is allowed in the delivery room. 

     This possibly points to two controversial subjects, fertilization through sperm banks and same sex marriage. Being a political activist group, the Flobots therefore have the position to bring up these topics and their beliefs echo in the lines of being a superhero to break free from societal bonds and having and giving the freedom of personal beliefs, lifestyles, and decisions to everyone. They wouldn't be the ones seeming crazy because they would change everyone that's trying to change them. Therefore they would be the one's seeming right-minded against their current oppressors of personal choice. The philistine decision makers of the world would have their bondage on the public broken if he could become a superhero and make the decision for people to have their own decisions. Personally he would be able to change the law against  marital presence in the delivery room and therefore he would get to see his baby. This last line rings with an innocent tone because the power of a superhero would be used by him to not change and corrupt the world or to take control because of personal greed, but rather to just be able to see his newborn baby.

           Gaza 

    This is personally a more empowering and meaningfully significant stanza because it is probably one of the few more mainstream bands that I've ever seen address the topic of Palestine and the inhumanity of the checkpoints and Israeli control of the Gaza strip. Throughout this land there are numerous checkpoints that prevent innocent Palestinians from traversing their homeland. Here they face discrimination, unjustified stops, and inhuman choke-holds on daily passages and necessary traverses. They bring up an actual occurrence, a non-fictional example of the unlawfulness of the checkpoints, in which a pregnant mother was about to give birth and a checkpoint was between her and the nearest hospital. The Israeli soldiers at the checkpoint wouldn't let them pass through the checkpoint because it was against their orders. Perhaps it was their personal lust and hate against the Palestinian people that brought the cruelty upon the nearly new parents. However, more likely is the inhuman laws created by the Israeli government to control and suppress the Palestinian people. The soldiers are just the minions forced to uphold the laws and the real villains are those that created them and caused the death of a firstborn because of a ridiculous oppression of the innocent by the powers. 

   Though I may be biased on the topic, these are real unjustified societal bondages laid upon the people of Gaza and there is plenty of evidence that proves this. I've seen a documentary created by an Israeli woman talking about these actions and it was emotionally moving; the settlements, the laws, the unbelievable ways the people were being discriminated against, all happening in our world right now. Life in an occupied land IS hard, too hard for us, the ones that take daily actions for granted, to truly comprehend. I am guilty of this truly ungrateful occupation that we all have. 

    The fact that the Flobots have the courage and the power to speak out so powerfully about these topics is truly what makes their songs so moving and powerful. The lyrics are more meaningful and more significantly empowering than some of the party music we hear daily. Some momentary dosage of a deeper, darker reality is needed to remind us of how lucky we are and how, if we can't directly help those being suppressed, at least remember what they have to go through daily. If they COULD be superhero's then the suppression, the crimes, the violence, the unlawful actions,  the hatred, the wars, everything that hurts the innocent would all be changed by those who aren't being controlled or changed by others. Ultimately, the reward would be that they would all get to finally see their baby, whatever that baby might be: freedom, personal expression, or personal choice.

     Fin

   The closing stanza expresses the feelings from the perspective of Jamie Laurie, the singer and creator of The Flobots. He is personally angered by all the injustices in the world that need to be changed and acted against. He asks for the patience to wait for change, and for the wrongs to righted. 

This song isn't just a one of a kind song, the entire Flobot's album deserves the deference for its meaning and musical beauty. If you ever have the time listen to the entire compilation on their Myspace [check their album, Survival Story, HERE] or even purchase the album and support the band. Even torrent it, but as long as you listen to their messages. It truly is a meaningful and beautifully empowering compilation. 




Hope you enjoid yet another song synopsis. Hopefully this one was clear because I just wrote as I listened without correcting anything or changing ideas. Also, still have yet to recieve a comment and opinion on ANYTHING. Be a maverick, the first to comment !

With love
-rami

New Music #4

For awhile now I've known this awesome website http://rcrdlbl.com/ . Basically Rcrd Lbl is a site consisting of numerous band profiles and remixes of artist songs, all of which can be listened to and most downloaded for FREE. That's right, FREE, free and legal. Some top artists on the site include Passion Pit, Band of Horses, Asher Roth, and Miike Snow. There's bios, photo galleries, and info on all the artists and there's a plethora of remixes for some amazing songs. mostly this consists of indie type genres, but there's amazing music to be found. Check out the site and maybe you'll find your new favorite band. And remember, you can download the songs for FREE!

P.S. [I noticed it asks for your e-mail from the download button on the players below, you can avoid that by clicking on the artists link or by clicking share this widget then clicking on the song title in the player (which basically takes you to the artists page). Let me know if you have any problems]

Here are a few of my favorite songs that I've found and downloaded off this site:
45 by Ozomatli
Amazing kickback, relaxing, up-beat song. Definitely diggin' it.  Ozomatli's RCRD LBL Link.


Silvia (Roboberget Remix) by Miike Snow
Very trancy and such a sick drop and synth at 2:00. Awesome song for a video. Miike Snow's RCRD LBL Link.


The Worse It Gets (RAC Mix) by Penguin Prison
Incredible feel good song. Turn this up whenever you need to smile. Penguin Prison's RCRD LBL Link.


No One's Gonna Love You by Band of Horses 
Sweet, soft, relaxing song. Perfect for late nights. Band of Horses's RCRD LBL Link. 
 

Hope you found something that you loved. Also, Hopefully going to do a song synopsis tomorrow and I'm thinking of doing either White Flag Warrior or Superman by Flobots. Let me know if you have any other suggestions or comments. Remember you can comment on each post now!

New Music #3

Here's a couple of songs I've been listening to recently that you may not have heard of yet. Not many are actually new songs but they're not really out there. ENJOI:


Probably one of my favorite newly discovered Hip-Hop artists. Some of the freshest beats, smooth flow and amazing lyrics.



Amazing song. Such an amazing voice and the song is incredibly musically catchy.


Synth-filled, trancy voice, catchy guitar all come together in this amazing song.


SUCH an old song, but 311 was amazing and still is. They look so different in this video. One of the catchiest choruses.


Chester French has such a unique sound. Sort of a more poppy, synth type of feel with a Panic! at the Disco underlayer. On the other side of this song is Steve Aoki, one of the greatest remixers out there. He's had collabs with the Bloody Beetroots and even has his own album. He came to the San Diego HoBa couple weeks ago. Definitely some Pounding Beats!


Finally, Here is a little bit of Indie Dosage. An amazingly catchy song and vibe.



 Hope you found something new and enjoi-able. Remember to comment on the comment link below and leave some love.

BTB Breakdown #1

THE FIRST SONG SYNOPSIS. The premiere of the primary purpose of this particular blog. Basically this is how the idea goes: I'll post the lyrics, the video/link for the song, and then go into an elaborate breakdown of what I (KEY WORD "I") believe the song means.

DISCLAIMER: always read fine print because it looks suspicious. Oh and don't forget that this is how "I" interpret the song. If you disagree or have a different point of view I'd be glad to hear it but don't bag on me for my opinion.

Title: Giving Up the Gun
Artist: Vampire Weekend
Genre: Indie
[Official Music Video]
 

Lyrics

Your sword's grown old and rusty, burnt beneath the rising sun
It's locked up like a trophy, forgetting all the things it's done
And though it's been a long time, you're right back where you started from
I see it in your eyes that now you’re giving up the gun

When I was 17, I had wrists like steel and I felt complete
And now my body fades behind a brass charade and I'm obsolete
But if the chance remains to see those better days, I'd cut the cannons down
My ears are blown to bits from all the rifle hits, but still I crave that sound

Your sword's grown old and rusty, burnt beneath the rising sun
It's locked up like a trophy, forgetting all the things it's done
And though it's been a long time, you're right back where you started from
I see it in your eyes that now you’re giving up the gun

I heard you play guitar down at a seedy bar where skinheads used to fight
Your Tokugawa smile and your garbage style used to save the night
You felt the coming wave, told me we'd all be brave, you said you wouldn't flinch
But in the years that passed since I saw you last, you haven't moved an inch

Your sword's grown old and rusty, burnt beneath the rising sun
It's locked up like a trophy, forgetting all the things it's done
And though it's been a long time, you're right back where you started from
I see it in your eyes that now you’re giving up the gun

I see you shine in your way
Go on, go on, go on

Your sword's grown old and rusty, burnt beneath the rising sun
It's locked up like a trophy, forgetting all the things it's done
And though it's been a long time, you're right back where you started from
I see it in your eyes that now you’re giving up the gun

 Time to get down to Business:

The Japanese Background
First off here's some brief background knowledge I will reference: The song's title shares resemblance to the historical analysis of Japan called Giving Up the Gun: Japan's Reversion to the Sword, 1543-1879 by Noel Perrin. The novel elucidates Japan's technological oscillations during around the Tokugawa's Rule. Tokugawa was "Of or relating to a family of shoguns that ruled Japan from 1603 to 1867, a period marked by centralized feudalism, the growth of urban centers, exclusionary policies against the West, and a rise in literacy." Simply stated, this ruling family cut off trade from the West because of its influence on Japan. One of the most significant points is of course the introduction of the gun. In Japan, the rifle was taken by storm and purchased in mass. However, after the weapon was mastered, the country abandoned it and went back to traditional weapons, mainly the notorious sword. If you haven't picked up the connections between the song and these tidbits then please re-listen to the song. If you think this is an obscure relation that happened by chance, the video has Japanese writing in the intro which is another link, so to say. 
 
This Japanese adornment is mainly a backdrop for Giving Up The Gun's more 'between the line' meaning. The main theme is, in a sense, a longing for the past yet content with the future. There's a few ways the song can be taken from perspective wise: the more personal feeling for Ezra and the band, the Japanese connection, and a more general moral. 

Ezra's [VW's Singer] Personal Link
The more personal translation can be seen in the lines 

"When I was 17, I had wrists like steel and I felt complete
And now my body fades behind a brass charade and I'm obsolete
But if the chance remains to see those better days, I'd cut the cannons down
My ears are blown to bits from all the rifle hits, but still I crave that sound"

This has a musical undertone in the point that Ezra is singing how his wrists like steel are linked to playing the guitar, in this case his metaphorical sword. He is now obsolete because of the technological advancements and vast changes in the music industry, especially with all the synths and electronic inventions [noticeable in the different sound of their new album]. His body is fading because his music is being overshadowed by all the new technology and sounds that the modern generation desires. He wishes he could cut down the cannons of the musical technology and return to the old style of music, however although he's been hurt by the new changes in music he still craves the song. In the overall picture, Ezra is pointing towards his personal perspective on the music industry and how it's changing and his "sword's grown old and rusty, burnt beneath the rising sun," the rising sun being the technological changes in music. However, although he dislikes the change he is still content with the future and knows he cannot purely return to his roots of musical sounds. This is linked to the Tokugawa story because the Japanese had became obsessed with the new weapon yet they had always wanted to return to their origins and traditional weapons. They had an aversion for the changes the new weapon brought and although they had to adapt and master it, the masters and shoguns' honor would never let them give in to the gun's power. They stuck with their traditional samurai sword.

The General Message
As a whole this song can be linked to people's lives who have experienced most of the following:
-In the past they had dreams and aspirations for a fantastic future [the rusty sword] and their planned out future was their main goal for their life
-Time has taken over and they have forgotten their dreams and have resulted to more pragmatic careers and lifestyle's to fit their needs for survival
-Looking back they yearn for their past dreams to have came true, yet it is too late now to completely go back and return to their dreams. However, they are content with their lives now for although they didn't accomplish their dreams they have found a way of life that satiate's their past desires.
-After their epiphany, they decide that they can give up their "gun's" for the lives they have now. They can move on and discover their new desires or at least go on living their lives with content for they can't have the past they desired but they have adapted to the future and have implemented as much of the past into their modern lives as they possibly could.

The final verse of the song sums up the overall conclusive epiphany that the 'people' have, in a way, come to accept.

I see you shine in your way
Go on, go on, go on

 They are shining now for they have remembered their past and although they yearn for it they have overcome life's course change and are now going on with the lives that they are content with.

This song's aesthetic sounds and Vampire Weekend's style have such a unique aftertaste for it takes multiple takes to finally begin to piece together what the song is truly saying. That being said, Giving Up the Gun is one of my favorite songs on their new album and my personal perspective makes me take this meaning away from the song:

Hold on to your dreams and desires and work your hardest to reach them, but if life goes on and changes course find satisfaction within yourself for the position you have come to. Remember your desires but don't throw away your current success for a past mirage of aspirations.


Completion! I've finally created my first Song Synopsis and I had a blast looking into the deeper meanings of one of my favorite band's amazing song. I hope my logic was clear and for this next week my next synopsis is up for suggestions! Let me know what you thought about this one and what you'd like my next one to be.

Thanks a bunch for sticking with this blog and finally having the chance to see my idea come to life! With love,
-Rami

New Music #2

I'm definitely not a sucker for cheesy love songs, but today this definitely put me in a smiling mood. More of a sweet, somber, yet also a melancholy yearn sort of mood. I'm not a huge Owl City fan, but this video is incredible the song itself just makes me want to hold someone tight and share a perfect moment with them. Oh and not to mention Shaq's in it, just makes it that much cooler. The landscapes and the snow are just so pure and awe-inspiring. Check out the vid for Vanilla Twilight by Owl City:





On another music note, I've recently been obsessing with Jack White and the Raconteurs music. Something about them is just so soul-driving and mind-blowing altogether. Every song they have, especially the live versions, always seem so emotionally-packed and that's what truly makes a song incredible [well that and Jack White's incredible full-sounding guitar skills]. Also Brendan Benson is an amazing guitarist and singer as well [love his song What I'm Looking For].

Heres a vid of the Reconteurs playing their song Blue Veins live. Something about them as a whole is just so raw and so, well Rock. Songs aren't just songs to them, they play with meaning and passion. Emotions are what drive them to sound great and cause people to have such a strong attraction to their style. Fast forward to about 3min when the song really starts. Jack White's solo is incredible. So pure and flawless.




and this is probably one of Jack White's most emotional songs, even though it is a cover:




As for the Song Synopsis, I'm planning on finishing it tommorow and as of now I will be analyzing Giving Up the Gun  by Vampire Weekend. Hopefully planning to do a Flobots song for the next Song Synopsis. Remember to check back soon!

New Music #1

Today I encountered the new OK-GO video. Catchy lyrics and simply creative videos are basically one of my favorite things about this band. They first achieved major notoriety with their video for Here it Goes Again. Their treadmill idea was purely genius and once again, simplistic yet creative. Now, with their new album out, they're back with yet another genius video. Although their idea isn't totally original, the Rube Goldberg Machine they created for their video was purely one of the most intricate and flawless one's I've ever seen. For some silly reason it always reminds me of Wallace & Gromit and their Goldberg enriched lives. Might I add that the whole video was shot in one continuous take with one camera. That alone is an incredible feat in itself. Now without further ado, feast your eyes upon This Too Shall Pass by OK-GO.



If you can, leave me some comments to bellow to let me know what you think.
On another side note, be expecting my first Song Synopsis this week! I'm excited to begin a project that encompasses my love for music. I'm almost sealed upon analyzing the song Giving up the Gun by Vampire Weekend, however I've been receiving a few requests and am always open for more. If you have a song that you'd like me to break-down, feel more than free to let me know.