Armoured Bearcub- The While Album
Jun. 15th, 2010 12:15 pmWhen I heard Lauren & Matt were teaming up to write songs about many different fandoms, I knew without a moment's hesitation that I would be buying the album. Their Lee Scoresby song released last year was amazing and I am a multi-fandom fangirl.
I ended up buying this album digitally on Amazon.com, something I rarely do. I had $5 in credits in my account there from a promotion and the album wasn't available on iTunes yet. Plus, I already had Nargles in the Mistletoe from Jingle Spells 2, so I only needed to buy the other 7 songs.
The name- The White Album. I love it. You've got a great Beetles reference (and what says fangirl better than the Beetles?) and a reference to the color of the polar bear on the cover.
The cover- That bearcub is SO of the cute! I can't get over the cute. But the pawprint logo is a little dark and hard to see. I would have liked it just slightly lighter.
The track listings- it's not a very long album; it's more of a long EP in length. It feels very light to me; possibly because I bought the songs individually, or possibly because it's just not that substantial as far as songs go for what I think of as an album.

1. In Which Buffy Slays Edward- Awesome. This song pretty much sums up my feelings about the current state of vampire obsession in the world right now (although my arguments would of course contain mentions of some of the other vampire shows of late). It's almost ridiculous to compare a strong character like Buffy to helpless Bella. And it is certainly insane to compare the amazing writing in the show from Joss with Stephenie Meyer's books. The song makes many excellent points and, indeed, I would be happy if Buffy would just go ahead and slay Edward and save Bella (and the rest of us) from seriously unhealthy relationships. This song is upbeat, catchy, fun, and definitely makes me smile.
2. Peeing In a Bottle- Ha-HA! It's a filk/parody but a really well done one. The lyrics are perfect, and the presentation is great. Speaking of presentation, John Green's reaction to the song is priceless! Paper Towns wasn't my favorite of his books, but I did love it muchly and I especially love songs that cover little events specifically. This is so of the silly, and I love it for that.
3. We're On Fire- On a whole, I really love this song. It's my favorite song on the album right now (I've only listened all the way through on repeat 15 times over the past few workdays). The Hunger Games is such a powerful series, though, so a song about it had to at least live up to half of what the story and characters are. Lauren & Matt do a great job in the song of covering emotions and touching on events from Katniss' and Peeta's points of view. The duet format works beautifully for this and the tone is soft and pretty but a little chilling at the same time, which fits the books perfectly. This song makes my heart ache at times, but it's that "We're on fire" line that really made me fall in love with the song. Every time that line comes up I can't help but smile and feel joy rising up inside me. Which is actually where my only criticism of the song comes in. The song is very wordy; and usually I LOVE words. And in order to cover the subject matter the way the song wants to do, you have to say a lot. However, what I REALLY instinctively wanted in this song was a good, strong chorus of just a few lines to break up the long verses... and I wanted that chorus to repeat almost identically to show that bond they have and the fact that, even though they're approaching the games from different angles and with different emotions, they're there together. They are on fire both literally and figuratively. And when I hear that "We're on fire" line (gorgeous choice of music for it, BTW) I get hopeful about that familiar chorus Iwant need, even if there is a slight variation at the end or something. But I don't get one. I do get that single line repeated, but the rest is different words each time. They're awesome words, don't get me wrong. The "Eleven years working up the courage/But no such courage came/Until Effie Trinket called my name" lines are wonderful. And at the end, when they go back and forth with the escalating arguement starting with "It was all for the games, wasn't it" "Peeta, I just saved our lives" I get chills. SO good. It's just that I love the "We're on fire" line lyrically and musically and felt like it should have been expanded. I don't know. I'm not a musician or a songwriter. It's just something I feel when I hear the song. It's still my favorite on the album, though :-)
4. Lee Scoresby's Last Stand- I loved this when I first heard the demo. Then, oddly, I fell out of love with it because it felt like it was lacking something, I think. Maybe it felt too long? I don't remember. When I heard it again on this album, I was right back in love. Lee Scoresby is one of my favorite characters in His Dark Materials and this is a powerful song about his courage and sacrifice. I love the bit about him thinking of Lyra as his daughter. I love the line to Hester about being happy to die here with her. *tears up* The upbeat tune is amazing. And, once again, the composition of this group works SO well here when you get to the chorus and you have Lee & Hester singing together; it blows me away every time. THAT'S the kind of chorus I wanted and it works so well in this bouncy song. It's amazing that a part of the book that had me in tears can be shown in SUCH an uplifting song. OMG He's freakin' dying and it's horrible and sad and, yet, all I can see is his strength and loyalty and what his death made possible (even when the song gets quieter and slower). It's really amazing. THIS is what fandom songs are all about. They let you explore different sides of characters and scenes and themes. This is perfection. Also, the bridge, with "We held them off/We held out/We're helping Lyra" is fantastic. The harmonies, the emotion, the everything. Yeah. I'm seriously in love with it again.
5. The Ballad of Seth and Summer- The OC is one of my guiltiest of guilty pleasures (I really only have a couple, but it's definitely one of them). It's about time for some OC music *EG* The song really captures Seth here; the lyrics are so fitting. Every time I listen to this song and get to the coffee cart bit I grin like an idiot. "I'm not asking you to change the girl you are/I only ask that you be true" *happy sigh* I wish I had a guy in my life right now to say that to me :-) But that's SO something Seth would say/feel, and something it took Summer a damn long time to realize. The emotion in the chorus is epic. But the real brilliance in this song comes from the music itself. It immediately shouts "California!" It's a PERFECT example of what I like most from fandom music-when an artist's style is there, consistent, but the sound of the song is different and fits the subject matter perfectly. Brilliant.
6. Nargles in the Mistletoe- I didn't buy this song again, because I already owned it and the samples online didn't make it sound like it was a different version. I really love the song. It is fun and clever and a hoot to sing along to. The arrangement is great, the lyrics are great, but I already owned it. On an already short album, it was kind of sad to see one fewer song to get to know. I mean, it's fine. And for a band that came together because of Wizard Rock, it makes sense to have at least one Harry Potter song on there to represent the fandom. I guess I would have preferred it to be a new version of an existing song or even "A Heart Can Change." Of course, the last song on this album would have been a little redundant after "A Heart Can Change" so maybe it's just as well. Oh, you know what would have kicked serious arse here? A mash-up of "Nargles in the Mistletoe" and "I Believe in Nargles." Yes. That's my final answer.
7. A Born Again Christian Upon Reading the Da Vinci Code- Hmm. I kind of wish I hadn't bought this one. I was on the fence about it for a while, but in the end I went ahead and bought it because it felt stupid to have EVERY other song on the album and not have this one. I bought it for completion's sake. First off, I'm not a born again Christian. I'm not a Christian of ANY kind. And I didn't particularly like the Da Vinci Code--not because of the "changes" it made to Christian mythology, but because I didn't think it was very good/well-written/mysterious/clever/shocking. And I liked reading Angels & Demons even less, but at least that movie had Ewan. As a song, it's fine. It captures just what the title proposes-someone coming to terms with a fandom's choices, making sense of it--things I can definitely relate to as a fangirl. And I can totally respect the reaffirmation of faith by the end of the song. In fact, that "We are worthy of his love" coupled by the "Hare Krishna" montra bits at the end is my favorite part of the song because it sounds so beautiful. It's a good song, it just doesn't MEAN anything to me in my heart the way the other songs on the album do, because the Bible and the Da Vinci Code are not, well, fandoms of mine. I could have lived without it, personally, but I fully respect the song and its inclusion on the album.
8. Let's Get Our Master's Degrees in Love- Not sure how I feel about this one. It's a totally valid choice to have a song about the Armoured Bearcub members on the first Armoured Bearcub album. But it is a different type of song. I think I would have been completely fine with it being there if the album had more songs on it. But when I get to this part of the album I just want more fandom goodness. Perhaps this is because song number 7 isn't really my kind of thing and song number 6 is old-to-me. I want more fandom awesomeness and what I get is real life. It's good real life, though. Take it from someone who has an "Almost Master's". I finished my coursework, defended my thesis, and then had a mental breakdown and never got my thesis turned in to earn my official degree. I am slowly coming to terms many years later that it just wasn't for me, in the end. Do I regret it? Yeah, a bit. But I'm okay with it. Master's degrees aren't for everyone... and this is a sweet, fun song with great emotion in it. I probably would have preferred an all-fandom album, to be honest, but they chose to put a RL song on there and I can accept that choice. It's a great song, and a great last song on the album. In fact, I hope the NEXT Armoured Bearcub album follows the same pattern of a bunch of fandom songs and ends with one about them; that's a pattern I could definitely get behind.
On a whole, it's a great album and I'm really glad I bought it. I might end up not listening to it as an album in the future, or skipping over the last few songs if I do. But the first 5 songs are more than worth purchasing the album for. Wizard Rock has ruined me--I now EXPECT music now to go with fandoms I love. Lost music? Yep, got that. Feeling in the mood for Doctor Who? There's TRock. Twilight? Well, it exists, but I've never listened to it and don't think I ever want to. But what about other fandoms? That's where Armoured Bearcub comes in. It fills that glaring void and makes me one happy multi-fandom fangirl!
I ended up buying this album digitally on Amazon.com, something I rarely do. I had $5 in credits in my account there from a promotion and the album wasn't available on iTunes yet. Plus, I already had Nargles in the Mistletoe from Jingle Spells 2, so I only needed to buy the other 7 songs.
The name- The White Album. I love it. You've got a great Beetles reference (and what says fangirl better than the Beetles?) and a reference to the color of the polar bear on the cover.
The cover- That bearcub is SO of the cute! I can't get over the cute. But the pawprint logo is a little dark and hard to see. I would have liked it just slightly lighter.
The track listings- it's not a very long album; it's more of a long EP in length. It feels very light to me; possibly because I bought the songs individually, or possibly because it's just not that substantial as far as songs go for what I think of as an album.

1. In Which Buffy Slays Edward- Awesome. This song pretty much sums up my feelings about the current state of vampire obsession in the world right now (although my arguments would of course contain mentions of some of the other vampire shows of late). It's almost ridiculous to compare a strong character like Buffy to helpless Bella. And it is certainly insane to compare the amazing writing in the show from Joss with Stephenie Meyer's books. The song makes many excellent points and, indeed, I would be happy if Buffy would just go ahead and slay Edward and save Bella (and the rest of us) from seriously unhealthy relationships. This song is upbeat, catchy, fun, and definitely makes me smile.
2. Peeing In a Bottle- Ha-HA! It's a filk/parody but a really well done one. The lyrics are perfect, and the presentation is great. Speaking of presentation, John Green's reaction to the song is priceless! Paper Towns wasn't my favorite of his books, but I did love it muchly and I especially love songs that cover little events specifically. This is so of the silly, and I love it for that.
3. We're On Fire- On a whole, I really love this song. It's my favorite song on the album right now (I've only listened all the way through on repeat 15 times over the past few workdays). The Hunger Games is such a powerful series, though, so a song about it had to at least live up to half of what the story and characters are. Lauren & Matt do a great job in the song of covering emotions and touching on events from Katniss' and Peeta's points of view. The duet format works beautifully for this and the tone is soft and pretty but a little chilling at the same time, which fits the books perfectly. This song makes my heart ache at times, but it's that "We're on fire" line that really made me fall in love with the song. Every time that line comes up I can't help but smile and feel joy rising up inside me. Which is actually where my only criticism of the song comes in. The song is very wordy; and usually I LOVE words. And in order to cover the subject matter the way the song wants to do, you have to say a lot. However, what I REALLY instinctively wanted in this song was a good, strong chorus of just a few lines to break up the long verses... and I wanted that chorus to repeat almost identically to show that bond they have and the fact that, even though they're approaching the games from different angles and with different emotions, they're there together. They are on fire both literally and figuratively. And when I hear that "We're on fire" line (gorgeous choice of music for it, BTW) I get hopeful about that familiar chorus I
4. Lee Scoresby's Last Stand- I loved this when I first heard the demo. Then, oddly, I fell out of love with it because it felt like it was lacking something, I think. Maybe it felt too long? I don't remember. When I heard it again on this album, I was right back in love. Lee Scoresby is one of my favorite characters in His Dark Materials and this is a powerful song about his courage and sacrifice. I love the bit about him thinking of Lyra as his daughter. I love the line to Hester about being happy to die here with her. *tears up* The upbeat tune is amazing. And, once again, the composition of this group works SO well here when you get to the chorus and you have Lee & Hester singing together; it blows me away every time. THAT'S the kind of chorus I wanted and it works so well in this bouncy song. It's amazing that a part of the book that had me in tears can be shown in SUCH an uplifting song. OMG He's freakin' dying and it's horrible and sad and, yet, all I can see is his strength and loyalty and what his death made possible (even when the song gets quieter and slower). It's really amazing. THIS is what fandom songs are all about. They let you explore different sides of characters and scenes and themes. This is perfection. Also, the bridge, with "We held them off/We held out/We're helping Lyra" is fantastic. The harmonies, the emotion, the everything. Yeah. I'm seriously in love with it again.
5. The Ballad of Seth and Summer- The OC is one of my guiltiest of guilty pleasures (I really only have a couple, but it's definitely one of them). It's about time for some OC music *EG* The song really captures Seth here; the lyrics are so fitting. Every time I listen to this song and get to the coffee cart bit I grin like an idiot. "I'm not asking you to change the girl you are/I only ask that you be true" *happy sigh* I wish I had a guy in my life right now to say that to me :-) But that's SO something Seth would say/feel, and something it took Summer a damn long time to realize. The emotion in the chorus is epic. But the real brilliance in this song comes from the music itself. It immediately shouts "California!" It's a PERFECT example of what I like most from fandom music-when an artist's style is there, consistent, but the sound of the song is different and fits the subject matter perfectly. Brilliant.
6. Nargles in the Mistletoe- I didn't buy this song again, because I already owned it and the samples online didn't make it sound like it was a different version. I really love the song. It is fun and clever and a hoot to sing along to. The arrangement is great, the lyrics are great, but I already owned it. On an already short album, it was kind of sad to see one fewer song to get to know. I mean, it's fine. And for a band that came together because of Wizard Rock, it makes sense to have at least one Harry Potter song on there to represent the fandom. I guess I would have preferred it to be a new version of an existing song or even "A Heart Can Change." Of course, the last song on this album would have been a little redundant after "A Heart Can Change" so maybe it's just as well. Oh, you know what would have kicked serious arse here? A mash-up of "Nargles in the Mistletoe" and "I Believe in Nargles." Yes. That's my final answer.
7. A Born Again Christian Upon Reading the Da Vinci Code- Hmm. I kind of wish I hadn't bought this one. I was on the fence about it for a while, but in the end I went ahead and bought it because it felt stupid to have EVERY other song on the album and not have this one. I bought it for completion's sake. First off, I'm not a born again Christian. I'm not a Christian of ANY kind. And I didn't particularly like the Da Vinci Code--not because of the "changes" it made to Christian mythology, but because I didn't think it was very good/well-written/mysterious/clever/shocking. And I liked reading Angels & Demons even less, but at least that movie had Ewan. As a song, it's fine. It captures just what the title proposes-someone coming to terms with a fandom's choices, making sense of it--things I can definitely relate to as a fangirl. And I can totally respect the reaffirmation of faith by the end of the song. In fact, that "We are worthy of his love" coupled by the "Hare Krishna" montra bits at the end is my favorite part of the song because it sounds so beautiful. It's a good song, it just doesn't MEAN anything to me in my heart the way the other songs on the album do, because the Bible and the Da Vinci Code are not, well, fandoms of mine. I could have lived without it, personally, but I fully respect the song and its inclusion on the album.
8. Let's Get Our Master's Degrees in Love- Not sure how I feel about this one. It's a totally valid choice to have a song about the Armoured Bearcub members on the first Armoured Bearcub album. But it is a different type of song. I think I would have been completely fine with it being there if the album had more songs on it. But when I get to this part of the album I just want more fandom goodness. Perhaps this is because song number 7 isn't really my kind of thing and song number 6 is old-to-me. I want more fandom awesomeness and what I get is real life. It's good real life, though. Take it from someone who has an "Almost Master's". I finished my coursework, defended my thesis, and then had a mental breakdown and never got my thesis turned in to earn my official degree. I am slowly coming to terms many years later that it just wasn't for me, in the end. Do I regret it? Yeah, a bit. But I'm okay with it. Master's degrees aren't for everyone... and this is a sweet, fun song with great emotion in it. I probably would have preferred an all-fandom album, to be honest, but they chose to put a RL song on there and I can accept that choice. It's a great song, and a great last song on the album. In fact, I hope the NEXT Armoured Bearcub album follows the same pattern of a bunch of fandom songs and ends with one about them; that's a pattern I could definitely get behind.
On a whole, it's a great album and I'm really glad I bought it. I might end up not listening to it as an album in the future, or skipping over the last few songs if I do. But the first 5 songs are more than worth purchasing the album for. Wizard Rock has ruined me--I now EXPECT music now to go with fandoms I love. Lost music? Yep, got that. Feeling in the mood for Doctor Who? There's TRock. Twilight? Well, it exists, but I've never listened to it and don't think I ever want to. But what about other fandoms? That's where Armoured Bearcub comes in. It fills that glaring void and makes me one happy multi-fandom fangirl!
My Top 25 Most Played
Jun. 7th, 2010 04:20 pmRecently, WRockSnob posted a list of his 25 most played Wizard Rock songs, as determined by iTunes play counts. Here's my top 25 (out of 1026, including a few albums of Muggle Wizard Rock):
25. "Every Waking Moment"- Marked as His Equal
24. "Wizard Rock Heart Throb"- The Whomping Willows
23. "Eyes (Severus & Lily)- Nagini with Alastor
22. "Howl at the Moon"- The Moaning Myrtles
21. "Voldemort Killed the Hufflepuff Star"- Kwikspell
20. "House of Awesome Theme Song"- The Whomping Willows
19. "Hey Remus"- The Whomping Willows
18. "I Believe in Nargles"- The Whomping Willows
17. "The Radio"- Tonks and the Aurors
16. "Just a Hufflepuff"- Oliver Boyd and the Remembralls
15. "Snape Vs. Snape"- The Ministry of Magic
14. "Forever Together"- The Ministry of Magic
13. "It Sucks"- The Butterbeer Experience
12. "Dance Time"- The Ministry of Magic
11. "Taking You Back"- Tonks and the Aurors (featuring The Remus Lupins)
10. "Maybe Tomorrow"- The Remus Lupins
9. "Bridge to the Other Side"- Oliver Boyd and the Remembralls
8. "Prefects Are Hot"- The Moaning Myrtles
7. "Marauder's Map"- The Ministry of Magic
6. "Astoria Greengrass and the Pure-Blood Prince"- Swish and Flick
5. "Happiness is a Hippogriff Away"- The Mudbloods
4. "Lovegood"- The Ministry of Magic
3. "The Bravest Man I Ever Knew"- The Ministry of Magic
2. "Potions Yesterday"- The Ministry of Magic
1. "A Phoenix Lament"- The Ministry of Magic
I notice a lot of patterns from this. First, of course, is that MoM is very easy to put on in the background to make me happy while at work. Next is that the Remus Lupin playlist I listen to during May when I'm writing a story a day about Remus is highly popular--as are my Hufflepuff-centric and my Luna Lovegood playlists. And, last, "A Phoenix Lament" claims my most played Wizard Rock song spot... mainly because A-I listened to it on repeat to feel better after re-reading the part in DH where Fred dies and B-I listened to it on repeat when I was writing a 'George copes with Fred's death' fanfic.
25. "Every Waking Moment"- Marked as His Equal
24. "Wizard Rock Heart Throb"- The Whomping Willows
23. "Eyes (Severus & Lily)- Nagini with Alastor
22. "Howl at the Moon"- The Moaning Myrtles
21. "Voldemort Killed the Hufflepuff Star"- Kwikspell
20. "House of Awesome Theme Song"- The Whomping Willows
19. "Hey Remus"- The Whomping Willows
18. "I Believe in Nargles"- The Whomping Willows
17. "The Radio"- Tonks and the Aurors
16. "Just a Hufflepuff"- Oliver Boyd and the Remembralls
15. "Snape Vs. Snape"- The Ministry of Magic
14. "Forever Together"- The Ministry of Magic
13. "It Sucks"- The Butterbeer Experience
12. "Dance Time"- The Ministry of Magic
11. "Taking You Back"- Tonks and the Aurors (featuring The Remus Lupins)
10. "Maybe Tomorrow"- The Remus Lupins
9. "Bridge to the Other Side"- Oliver Boyd and the Remembralls
8. "Prefects Are Hot"- The Moaning Myrtles
7. "Marauder's Map"- The Ministry of Magic
6. "Astoria Greengrass and the Pure-Blood Prince"- Swish and Flick
5. "Happiness is a Hippogriff Away"- The Mudbloods
4. "Lovegood"- The Ministry of Magic
3. "The Bravest Man I Ever Knew"- The Ministry of Magic
2. "Potions Yesterday"- The Ministry of Magic
1. "A Phoenix Lament"- The Ministry of Magic
I notice a lot of patterns from this. First, of course, is that MoM is very easy to put on in the background to make me happy while at work. Next is that the Remus Lupin playlist I listen to during May when I'm writing a story a day about Remus is highly popular--as are my Hufflepuff-centric and my Luna Lovegood playlists. And, last, "A Phoenix Lament" claims my most played Wizard Rock song spot... mainly because A-I listened to it on repeat to feel better after re-reading the part in DH where Fred dies and B-I listened to it on repeat when I was writing a 'George copes with Fred's death' fanfic.
Wizard Rock Squee- Sonorus
May. 29th, 2010 09:42 pmI was in perpetual Squee mode all day today. It was the first ever Northern Virginia Wizard Rock Festival. That's 13 bands all together doing their awesomeness.
Best moment? Well, it was amazing to FINALLY see the Blibbering Humdingers live. I've had their CD for a long time but while listening to one of their songs live, I was in serious tears. SO beautiful and good and spoke right to my heart. I totally didn't expect that (especially since they're a hilarious group and it followed a most awesome song about Snape's underpants LOL). And Snidget reduced me to tears as well for the lullabye for Luna (but that's no surprise; I always tear up at that one as well and Snidget sings it soooo beautifully. I managed to make it through her Colin Creevey song without crying, though). Oh, and seeing R get up and dance to Draco and the Malfoys (okay, so only one of the two Malfoys, but Brian's awesome and played almost all my very favorites) was a highlight. And Swish & Flick playing My Dad is Rich (on a boat) brought down the mother-fucking house!!! Seriously, I would have been SO sad if they hadn't played that. SO awesome. Oh, and the chica from Baltimore and hasn't been able to make it to any of our meetup group meetings came and totally enjoyed her very first taste of Wizard Rock live (though, how could you NOT with the lineup we had?) And one of my friends got Fred and George the Band to draw a sketch of me as a Hufflepuff and she surprised me with it. I'm totally framing it and probably putting it up at work. OMG so squee-worthy. Undesireable #1 sang one of Whompy's new songs before I could even hear Whompy sing it, so that was pretty funny. And I Speak Tree seems like the sort of person I'd want to be if I were a WRocker. I expected a little more from Bella and the le Strangers; they were really great and I'm still glad I bought their CD (I'd have bought it just to own Breakout, honestly), and their costumes were friggin AMAZING, but I wasn't totally blown away by them as I expected to me. After hearing the Dumbledore's Army band I knew immediately I had to have their CD- great songs! And Apparation Nation was fantastic! I wish he'd had a CD; I look forward to seeing much much more out of him in the future. Madame Pince and the Librarians did a parody of Astoria Greengrass that totally rocked my world (and Whoohoo for books!). And Hawthorn and Holly were fantastic- they even gave me a poster when I bought one of their CDs. Yay! I loved when all the WRockers went up on stage to play/dance with them for several songs. I think I have a thing for more than one WRock group at a time. I am a SUCKER for good duets and collabs. Seriously, I expected a few groups (especially the smaller/newer ones) to have lower standards/quality but was pleasantly surprised that every single one of them sounded professional and excellent. Okay, so Undesireable #1's songs were mostly covers, and one was kind of odd, but they were good covers, so I didn't mind. And it was just wonderful to be able to share it with almost all of my Harry Potter-loving friends all day long!
But I still haven't reached the best moment. The bestest best best best favorite bestest moment was during Nagini's set when she freakin PLAYED A SONG FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!! She said, "This song is for my new friend, Kate, and it's the title song to my latest album..." That's right. Nagini played the 'Captain Jack Harkness misses his Ianto' song because I requested it and she remembered!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Live and in person! And I got to introduce myself to her properly (she signed a CD for me at the first Wizard Rock Festival in New York but that was years ago) that morning. Anyway, she sang the Captain Jack Harkness song for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously, I think that made my entire month right there. *loves* I totally teared up, as well. Well, yeah, it's a song about Capitan Jack at the end of COE, so, yeah, obviously I teared up. But the moment was SO great. And she played the Remus & Snape song, which I've actually had in my head a couple of times while writing this month's epic LMOM fic, since it's Snupin-y for the second half of the month.
Did I mention I helped run a charity raffle? It was a joint effort of the DADA and Carpe Futurum. We're giving proceeds to the Harry Potter Alliance and to the National Wildlife Fund to help with the oil spill cleanup. So I got to go on stage and help announce the winners and give out the prizes. That was cool. Yay for great music AND helping animals at the same time!!! We were pretty successfull and maybe we'll even get some new members to join our adventures in the future because of it.
Sonorus was fantastic. Here was the lineup (sorry if this isn't the right order, I didn't write down the changes and I'm too lazy to get my camera out):
The Dumbledore's Army Band* $
Fred and George the Band*
Apparation Nation*
Nagini
Snidget
Undesireable #1*
I Speak Tree*
Madame Pince and the Librarians* $
Bella and the le Strangers* $
The Blibbering Humdingers*
Brian Malfoy
Hawthorn and Holly* $
Swish and Flick
*= first time I've ever seen them live
$=I bought a CD from them today (I bought two from Bella & Trix because, well, it was only an extra $3 for the holiday CD and I had a $10 bill out anyway LOL)
And I got some new pins for my steadily growing WRock pin collection. Please note that the ones who I did not buy CDs from either were not selling CDs today *sad* or I already owned their CDs so I felt no need to buy them a second time. I did try to press upon my friends the importance of buying them though, since they're some of my favorite albums. Sometimes even a Hufflepuff has the urge/craving to listen to Slytherin music, it's true.
Did I mention that Nagini SANG A SONG I REQUESTED?! SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Such a great day. A big thank you to Matt & Grace for organizing it. And thank you to everyone who purchased a raffle ticket. You're helping out lots of people and animals!
Best moment? Well, it was amazing to FINALLY see the Blibbering Humdingers live. I've had their CD for a long time but while listening to one of their songs live, I was in serious tears. SO beautiful and good and spoke right to my heart. I totally didn't expect that (especially since they're a hilarious group and it followed a most awesome song about Snape's underpants LOL). And Snidget reduced me to tears as well for the lullabye for Luna (but that's no surprise; I always tear up at that one as well and Snidget sings it soooo beautifully. I managed to make it through her Colin Creevey song without crying, though). Oh, and seeing R get up and dance to Draco and the Malfoys (okay, so only one of the two Malfoys, but Brian's awesome and played almost all my very favorites) was a highlight. And Swish & Flick playing My Dad is Rich (on a boat) brought down the mother-fucking house!!! Seriously, I would have been SO sad if they hadn't played that. SO awesome. Oh, and the chica from Baltimore and hasn't been able to make it to any of our meetup group meetings came and totally enjoyed her very first taste of Wizard Rock live (though, how could you NOT with the lineup we had?) And one of my friends got Fred and George the Band to draw a sketch of me as a Hufflepuff and she surprised me with it. I'm totally framing it and probably putting it up at work. OMG so squee-worthy. Undesireable #1 sang one of Whompy's new songs before I could even hear Whompy sing it, so that was pretty funny. And I Speak Tree seems like the sort of person I'd want to be if I were a WRocker. I expected a little more from Bella and the le Strangers; they were really great and I'm still glad I bought their CD (I'd have bought it just to own Breakout, honestly), and their costumes were friggin AMAZING, but I wasn't totally blown away by them as I expected to me. After hearing the Dumbledore's Army band I knew immediately I had to have their CD- great songs! And Apparation Nation was fantastic! I wish he'd had a CD; I look forward to seeing much much more out of him in the future. Madame Pince and the Librarians did a parody of Astoria Greengrass that totally rocked my world (and Whoohoo for books!). And Hawthorn and Holly were fantastic- they even gave me a poster when I bought one of their CDs. Yay! I loved when all the WRockers went up on stage to play/dance with them for several songs. I think I have a thing for more than one WRock group at a time. I am a SUCKER for good duets and collabs. Seriously, I expected a few groups (especially the smaller/newer ones) to have lower standards/quality but was pleasantly surprised that every single one of them sounded professional and excellent. Okay, so Undesireable #1's songs were mostly covers, and one was kind of odd, but they were good covers, so I didn't mind. And it was just wonderful to be able to share it with almost all of my Harry Potter-loving friends all day long!
But I still haven't reached the best moment. The bestest best best best favorite bestest moment was during Nagini's set when she freakin PLAYED A SONG FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!! She said, "This song is for my new friend, Kate, and it's the title song to my latest album..." That's right. Nagini played the 'Captain Jack Harkness misses his Ianto' song because I requested it and she remembered!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Live and in person! And I got to introduce myself to her properly (she signed a CD for me at the first Wizard Rock Festival in New York but that was years ago) that morning. Anyway, she sang the Captain Jack Harkness song for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously, I think that made my entire month right there. *loves* I totally teared up, as well. Well, yeah, it's a song about Capitan Jack at the end of COE, so, yeah, obviously I teared up. But the moment was SO great. And she played the Remus & Snape song, which I've actually had in my head a couple of times while writing this month's epic LMOM fic, since it's Snupin-y for the second half of the month.
Did I mention I helped run a charity raffle? It was a joint effort of the DADA and Carpe Futurum. We're giving proceeds to the Harry Potter Alliance and to the National Wildlife Fund to help with the oil spill cleanup. So I got to go on stage and help announce the winners and give out the prizes. That was cool. Yay for great music AND helping animals at the same time!!! We were pretty successfull and maybe we'll even get some new members to join our adventures in the future because of it.
Sonorus was fantastic. Here was the lineup (sorry if this isn't the right order, I didn't write down the changes and I'm too lazy to get my camera out):
The Dumbledore's Army Band* $
Fred and George the Band*
Apparation Nation*
Nagini
Snidget
Undesireable #1*
I Speak Tree*
Madame Pince and the Librarians* $
Bella and the le Strangers* $
The Blibbering Humdingers*
Brian Malfoy
Hawthorn and Holly* $
Swish and Flick
*= first time I've ever seen them live
$=I bought a CD from them today (I bought two from Bella & Trix because, well, it was only an extra $3 for the holiday CD and I had a $10 bill out anyway LOL)
And I got some new pins for my steadily growing WRock pin collection. Please note that the ones who I did not buy CDs from either were not selling CDs today *sad* or I already owned their CDs so I felt no need to buy them a second time. I did try to press upon my friends the importance of buying them though, since they're some of my favorite albums. Sometimes even a Hufflepuff has the urge/craving to listen to Slytherin music, it's true.
Did I mention that Nagini SANG A SONG I REQUESTED?! SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Such a great day. A big thank you to Matt & Grace for organizing it. And thank you to everyone who purchased a raffle ticket. You're helping out lots of people and animals!
The Buttermellows- The Butter Demo II
Mar. 29th, 2010 02:53 pmOne of my 101 goals in 1001 days is to buy albums from 10 non-A-List WRockers I've never bought anything from before. When I mentioned this to the Sweetwater All Stars, she suggested I get this CD. And for $3, how could I possibly resist? Only with We Are Magic have I ever been this incredibly pleased with an almost blind, spur-of-the-moment purchase (I mean, I listened to a few songs on MySpace just to make sure it was music that I'd want to listen to, but that's about it). The five songs on the disc are amazing, the sound is unique in the WRock world and beautiful, and I honestly think these will be songs I come back to time and time again as some of my favorites.
Also, the demo disc came personalized to me--um, how awesome is that?! *hugs it* I just had to scan it in below.
The sound quality isn't perfect (I can hear the white noise in the background at the beginning/end of tracks and a few of the lyrics could be a little easier to make out) but I definitely wouldn't expect it to be (it's a demo). And I must admit I had a VERY hard time understanding the lyrics when I was listening at work, where the sound has to be turned down low so it can't be heard outside my office. But once I got the CD into my car CD player and was able to crank up the volume and really concentrate on what I was listening to. And, thus, I entered the honeymoon stage with the CD (where you just listen to it over and over and over again).
I'm at a loss for words when trying to describe the style. It's low, rich, and soulful. The Buttermellows' sound is so perfectly balanced with exceptional lyrics (I'm a lyrics whore). The two work together so well to create a great collection of songs.

1. Never Been so High- This is a nice first song. It's Metawrock and it's kind of fun to hear about something I can sort of relate to (hanging with HP fans at meetings/cons) and, at the same time, can't relate to at all because I'm a WRock fangirl (TM House of Black) not a WRocker. So it's a neat perspective to hear a song about. And it's a lovely song- fun and simple. And who wouldn't love music & butterbeer? heehee
2. One Last Scar- This might be my top 10 favorite WRock songs ever. It's no secret that Remus Lupin is my favorite Harry Potter character, and this is an amazing song sung to him by Sirius. Okay, so... I'm a self-confessed puppy-shipper. Remus/Sirius was my OTP even before I read the books and knew who the characters were (thanks to fanfiction I read, which was the reason I picked up the Harry Potter books in the first place). So when I get a song sung by Sirius to Remus, talking about Remus' love life/outlook on life/situation, I turn into a whimpering, excited, fangirly puddle of happy. Perhaps the lines "when you'd forgiven me/for the prank I knew/I knew we'd be special" isn't supposed to mean what my puppy-shipping mind likes to believe it means, but I'm allowed to interpret it any way I like; that's the beauty of music/art. And there's just something about Sirius's voice coming back to Remus even in a non-slashy sort of way, telling him to be brave again and live his life and accept the love of someone who wants to love him... telling him that Harry needs him and to ignore the moon & stars (and what he is). Seriously, this is SUCH a beautiful song that expresses exactly what my wishes for book 6 Remus are. And it's packed FULL of fantastic lines about Remus being a prefect amongst the rebels, the Marauders taking care of Remus, of Remus & Sirius not trusting each other (thinking each was the spy/traitor). It's got Marauder goodness, hurt/comfort goodness, romance, and a chorus which is so uplifting and reassuring--I don't know how Remus could possibly listen to this and NOT take the advice. As an aside, I was glad to finally read the lyrics and hear that the line is "live life as stable as you possibly can" instead of "live life as a stable" which doesn't make any sense. LOL
3. Queen of Mean- At a recent DADA meeting, several people identified Bellatrix as their favorite female character in the series. I'm a Hufflepuff so I have a very intense respect of loyalty as a trait. But... I totally can't get on board with respecting or liking Bellatrix. She is cruel and crazy! So this song is definitely on the same page with me. Although I don't know anyone who thinks she's "funny" it's nice to hear a song about evil!Bellatrix that explores her a little while still holding the same opinion I have (she might be a strong female, but I can't agree with or condone her actions, I just can't!). I loved the line about her earning a "T in humanities" :-) And the whole chorus is SO good. It fits in with the Buttermellows' style so very well. "Evil, psycho, baby, you: the queen of being mean"
4. A Foot of Silver- I must admit I had to listen to this one a few times before I could trust that I was interpreting it correctly. Some of the amazing images made it a little difficult to pin down the POV and time/situation of the song at first (I thought it was just me but I had 2 other people listen and they didn't get it after the first listen either). But I'm relatively sure that my first deductions about the song are indeed correct--that it's a song about Harry reacting to Sirius' death (and, as an extension, others who have touched his life who have died). The chorus of this one is amazing, even if I heard it embarrassingly incorrectly at first (it's not bottles of beer! Although that did inspire a ficlet or two in my mind about Neville cleaning off tables & cleaning out bottles at the pub Hannah owns LOL). Anyway, my favorite part of this song is the very last chorus when the guitar is used so incredibly masterfully to express the intense, angry emotions racing through Harry. The hard chords/notes are so strong and loud, and then when the notes drop out completely it's so intense it makes me want to pound something as well. So powerful and emotional and good. *shiver*
5. Hold On- The response I have to this song is very similar to the Mudbloods' Pensieve Full of Unrequited Love. The songs really have a positive, uplifting, beautiful sound & message in them. However, the subject matter makes me cry buckets. I've probably listened to Hold On about 25 times now and not ONCE have I managed to get through it without tearing up (once, I had to stop and break out the tissues and dab at the tear-soaked collar of my shirt LOL). Unlike Pensive, this song is about Lily and James (no Snape featured at all) and (for an especially emotional kicker) Harry. It starts off in Lily's POV and then switches to James'. I love that Lily's attention is drawn to the hair James & Harry have in common and the same goes for James noticing Lily's and Harry's eyes. "In these darkened days when life seems so unfair/Dumbledore had told us to prepare./But if he should ever wake and I'm not there/I don't ever want him to be scared." I'm crying by now, already, but then the music gets even more beautiful and positive/uplifting/comforting, as it goes on to talk about them being with Harry throughout his life, even if they're dead. Which is not only the wish of any loving parent but absolutely what Harry feels. So many times in the books he thinks about his parents and how they're a part of him or how he wishes they were there--there's the mirror and what he hears in his head when dementors are near and his patronus and what comes out of the wands during the graveyard duel and the forest/Hallows-stone (oh Gods, that forest scene! *sob*) not to mention the hundreds of times people say Harry looked like James and/or has Lily's eyes. For characters who were dead throughout the whole book series, they have a very real presence in the stories. Which is why this song isn't just a beautiful bedtime song of Lily & James wishing Harry a good life, and it isn't just an amazing song about how they are fighting the war against evil because they want to make a good world for their son, it's also a touching song that foreshadows emotions and situations that are really at the core of the story and Harry's character. Um, plus I just love James & Lily and first war ANYTHING. This song would be absolutely perfect if not for the use of "lay" instead of "lie" 3 times (but, yeah, I'm a grammar whore. Usually I can ignore it or deal with it in songs, but separate instances within a single song make me cringe a little; I can't stand to listen to that stupid Snow Patrol "Chasing Cars" song for that reason). Anyway, it's just that tiny thing. Otherwise, it is an amazing song and a kicker to end the album with. I love the song as it is, but I wonder how it would sound in a duet. I'm such a sucker for good WRock duets.
I highly recommend this disc to... well, just about everyone!
Also, the demo disc came personalized to me--um, how awesome is that?! *hugs it* I just had to scan it in below.
The sound quality isn't perfect (I can hear the white noise in the background at the beginning/end of tracks and a few of the lyrics could be a little easier to make out) but I definitely wouldn't expect it to be (it's a demo). And I must admit I had a VERY hard time understanding the lyrics when I was listening at work, where the sound has to be turned down low so it can't be heard outside my office. But once I got the CD into my car CD player and was able to crank up the volume and really concentrate on what I was listening to. And, thus, I entered the honeymoon stage with the CD (where you just listen to it over and over and over again).
I'm at a loss for words when trying to describe the style. It's low, rich, and soulful. The Buttermellows' sound is so perfectly balanced with exceptional lyrics (I'm a lyrics whore). The two work together so well to create a great collection of songs.

1. Never Been so High- This is a nice first song. It's Metawrock and it's kind of fun to hear about something I can sort of relate to (hanging with HP fans at meetings/cons) and, at the same time, can't relate to at all because I'm a WRock fangirl (TM House of Black) not a WRocker. So it's a neat perspective to hear a song about. And it's a lovely song- fun and simple. And who wouldn't love music & butterbeer? heehee
2. One Last Scar- This might be my top 10 favorite WRock songs ever. It's no secret that Remus Lupin is my favorite Harry Potter character, and this is an amazing song sung to him by Sirius. Okay, so... I'm a self-confessed puppy-shipper. Remus/Sirius was my OTP even before I read the books and knew who the characters were (thanks to fanfiction I read, which was the reason I picked up the Harry Potter books in the first place). So when I get a song sung by Sirius to Remus, talking about Remus' love life/outlook on life/situation, I turn into a whimpering, excited, fangirly puddle of happy. Perhaps the lines "when you'd forgiven me/for the prank I knew/I knew we'd be special" isn't supposed to mean what my puppy-shipping mind likes to believe it means, but I'm allowed to interpret it any way I like; that's the beauty of music/art. And there's just something about Sirius's voice coming back to Remus even in a non-slashy sort of way, telling him to be brave again and live his life and accept the love of someone who wants to love him... telling him that Harry needs him and to ignore the moon & stars (and what he is). Seriously, this is SUCH a beautiful song that expresses exactly what my wishes for book 6 Remus are. And it's packed FULL of fantastic lines about Remus being a prefect amongst the rebels, the Marauders taking care of Remus, of Remus & Sirius not trusting each other (thinking each was the spy/traitor). It's got Marauder goodness, hurt/comfort goodness, romance, and a chorus which is so uplifting and reassuring--I don't know how Remus could possibly listen to this and NOT take the advice. As an aside, I was glad to finally read the lyrics and hear that the line is "live life as stable as you possibly can" instead of "live life as a stable" which doesn't make any sense. LOL
3. Queen of Mean- At a recent DADA meeting, several people identified Bellatrix as their favorite female character in the series. I'm a Hufflepuff so I have a very intense respect of loyalty as a trait. But... I totally can't get on board with respecting or liking Bellatrix. She is cruel and crazy! So this song is definitely on the same page with me. Although I don't know anyone who thinks she's "funny" it's nice to hear a song about evil!Bellatrix that explores her a little while still holding the same opinion I have (she might be a strong female, but I can't agree with or condone her actions, I just can't!). I loved the line about her earning a "T in humanities" :-) And the whole chorus is SO good. It fits in with the Buttermellows' style so very well. "Evil, psycho, baby, you: the queen of being mean"
4. A Foot of Silver- I must admit I had to listen to this one a few times before I could trust that I was interpreting it correctly. Some of the amazing images made it a little difficult to pin down the POV and time/situation of the song at first (I thought it was just me but I had 2 other people listen and they didn't get it after the first listen either). But I'm relatively sure that my first deductions about the song are indeed correct--that it's a song about Harry reacting to Sirius' death (and, as an extension, others who have touched his life who have died). The chorus of this one is amazing, even if I heard it embarrassingly incorrectly at first (it's not bottles of beer! Although that did inspire a ficlet or two in my mind about Neville cleaning off tables & cleaning out bottles at the pub Hannah owns LOL). Anyway, my favorite part of this song is the very last chorus when the guitar is used so incredibly masterfully to express the intense, angry emotions racing through Harry. The hard chords/notes are so strong and loud, and then when the notes drop out completely it's so intense it makes me want to pound something as well. So powerful and emotional and good. *shiver*
5. Hold On- The response I have to this song is very similar to the Mudbloods' Pensieve Full of Unrequited Love. The songs really have a positive, uplifting, beautiful sound & message in them. However, the subject matter makes me cry buckets. I've probably listened to Hold On about 25 times now and not ONCE have I managed to get through it without tearing up (once, I had to stop and break out the tissues and dab at the tear-soaked collar of my shirt LOL). Unlike Pensive, this song is about Lily and James (no Snape featured at all) and (for an especially emotional kicker) Harry. It starts off in Lily's POV and then switches to James'. I love that Lily's attention is drawn to the hair James & Harry have in common and the same goes for James noticing Lily's and Harry's eyes. "In these darkened days when life seems so unfair/Dumbledore had told us to prepare./But if he should ever wake and I'm not there/I don't ever want him to be scared." I'm crying by now, already, but then the music gets even more beautiful and positive/uplifting/comforting, as it goes on to talk about them being with Harry throughout his life, even if they're dead. Which is not only the wish of any loving parent but absolutely what Harry feels. So many times in the books he thinks about his parents and how they're a part of him or how he wishes they were there--there's the mirror and what he hears in his head when dementors are near and his patronus and what comes out of the wands during the graveyard duel and the forest/Hallows-stone (oh Gods, that forest scene! *sob*) not to mention the hundreds of times people say Harry looked like James and/or has Lily's eyes. For characters who were dead throughout the whole book series, they have a very real presence in the stories. Which is why this song isn't just a beautiful bedtime song of Lily & James wishing Harry a good life, and it isn't just an amazing song about how they are fighting the war against evil because they want to make a good world for their son, it's also a touching song that foreshadows emotions and situations that are really at the core of the story and Harry's character. Um, plus I just love James & Lily and first war ANYTHING. This song would be absolutely perfect if not for the use of "lay" instead of "lie" 3 times (but, yeah, I'm a grammar whore. Usually I can ignore it or deal with it in songs, but separate instances within a single song make me cringe a little; I can't stand to listen to that stupid Snow Patrol "Chasing Cars" song for that reason). Anyway, it's just that tiny thing. Otherwise, it is an amazing song and a kicker to end the album with. I love the song as it is, but I wonder how it would sound in a duet. I'm such a sucker for good WRock duets.
I highly recommend this disc to... well, just about everyone!
Loving Catchlove
Jan. 15th, 2010 02:14 pmI took advantage of Catchlove's holiday sale and bought 3 of his CDs I didn't have: It's Still Snowing, <3, and Where Do We Go From Here? I love the themes of love that pop up throughout all three (quite fitting, actually) even though many of the songs don't avoid the tough themes of battles and the war. Jace's music has a great sound and the songs are well done and polished.

It's Still Snowing
I really love Catchlove's two 'Still Snowing' songs on Jingle Spells 1 & 2 and I was in the mood for more Wrock-themed winter holiday music. So I took a chance on this album. I certainly enjoyed it!
1. One Christmas... (Carol of the Bells)- It's a great collection of songs, starting with 'One Christmas' which is fine, introductory variation on 'Christmas Eve in Sarajevo', one of my favorite Christmas songs.
2. Christmas Wishes- You have to love Christmas at the Burrow, so even though it is simple I really love 'Christmas Wishes'.
3. It's Snowing & 8. It's Still Snowing featuring Danny Dementor- 'It's Snowing' and 'It's Still Snowing' have got to be my favorites. They're just as good here as in Jingle Spells.
4. Tis The Season- wonderfully catchy
5. A Proposition (It's Quite Alright)- good, but doesn't stand out for me amongst the rest for some reason.
6. The Letter (Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies)- makes me laugh because the melding between WRock, the Nutcracker, and Tetris is irresistible
7. The Yule Ball (She Said Yes)- I'm not sure why I like 'The Yule Ball' so much, but it's definitely one of my favorites on the album; I like its fast tempo especially.
9. Luna (A Christmas Song)- of course, no collection of songs is complete without some more Luna-love. 'Luna' is catchy, beautiful, and sweet. I love the instruments and the whole arrangement used in that song.
10. We Wish You a Merry Christmas featuring the Cornish Pixy Choral Delight- I'm not so much a fan of 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' because it stands out from the rest of the songs. But it's silly and that certainly gets marks in my book.

Where Do We Go From Here?
First off, this might be one of my favorite WRock album covers EVER!
1. The Second War Begins- fantastic opening song that really sets the mood and draws me in.
2. The Lonley Life of Sir Nick- after hearing this, I am of the opinion that Nearly Headless Nick deserves more songs! I had heard this song before, thanks to a friend, and it is definitely one of my favorite on the album because it's a great, sensitive, fun look at Nick.
3. I Told You So- I like the multiple tracks/layers of voices and instruments in this one. It really pains a great picture of where Harry was in Order
4. Krum and the Mighty Ocean- I found this one to be a bit strange (kind of came out of nowhere) but I like Krum and this song grew on me.
5. I Found Love in Wizard Rock- Certainly my favorite on the CD. Beautiful song and very sweet on its own.
6. In Which Our Claps Defeat Lord Voldemort- this one is crazy-weird just to listen to (I'm sure it lends itself to a concert/live atmosphere better) but I wish it were so easy to defeat him *claps along*
7. Headed to the Ministry- I just got to re-readingthis part in the 5th book about 10 minutes ago so perhaps I'm a bit swayed, but I really loved this one! I like the feeling of the DA conveyed here, yet it's still a bit soft and a nice combination of unsure & brave
8. Where Do We Go From Here- another great song which paints a nice picture of a specific moment in the series. I love the melody and the repetition of the question
9. Mothers Day (Your Love)- this one was a little too soft for me to really latch onto the lyrics the first few times I listened to the CD.
10. This Will Never Work- heehee I like this one as well, though the lyrics are also a bit soft.
11. Remember the Good Times?- what a great sound this one has. And the beat is fantastic, as if working us up to revolt against Umbridge. Quite catchy and fun to sing along to.
12. Dumbledore (Show Us What You're Made Of)- wow, talk about songs with different sounds! This one is quite unique and powerful. It actually made chills race up & down my spine the first time I heard it
13. Ron, I'm Telling You...- this one reminds me of a combination of a few other songs, which is kind of interesting. But there are also some great variations and the sax is a fantastic addition.
14. It'll Be Ok & bonuses- I like 'It'll Be Ok' and it was nice to see sort of a reprise of the song (in title at least) on <3. It's a great song to end with, full of determination. The bonus songs are great! I like the live version of 'Remember the Good Times?' and the Beatles filk to 'All the Lonely People' is cleverly written & well performed! And then... a House of Awesome cover (aka the House of Awkward) is hilarious and classic. FTW!

<3
Definitely my favorite of the 3 albums. I drove around with this one exclusively on my car stereo for a week. It's not as WRock-centered as Where Do We Go From Here? in that many of the songs aren't specifically Harry Potter-ish and could fit right in on a muggle radio station. But I still like them a lot.
1. Untitled- An interesting, instrumental beginning
2. Students @ Hogwarts- I'd heard Students at Hogwarts before, but this is still a fantastic version. It's unifying and fun and catchy (possibly because it's so familiar).
3. I Found Love- Pulling from 'I Found Love in Wizard Rock' this song is so well done and certainly stands on its own. I had heard the remix on From Beneath These Ashes. But of the three songs, the one here on this album is my favorite.
4. Post-Its (it'll be ok ii)- Definitely my favorite on the album. The melody and lyrics are both wonderful. And it just *sounds* good! The chorus, especially, is fantastic.
5. Every Time...- Another favorite on the album. It's a great look at the relationship and the song is just SO well done.
6. Don't Panic- I love this song! It's upbeat and reassuring :-)
7. So Damn Cute- Awww, there's just something about this song. It's the perfect song to follow 'Don't Panic' because it slows down the pace again. I really like the chorus.
8. It's Really All About Me- this one is fun
9. Dontcha Know- Yep, I ADORE this song. Harry/Ginny might not be convincing to me in the book, but Jace definitely gets me on board with it in this album. Ok... it might be tied for first place with Post-Its
10. Headed Down to Hogwarts- A bit of a change in sound & subject matter but I LOVE this. It's SO much fun to sing along with and the the "Dumbledore was victorious..." parts were great to hear in this song. In fact, there are so many little parts in this song, building up momentum throughout, from "Not my daughter you bitch" to "We've got to fight/We've got to win". It is not possible to hear this song and not sing along to it/get into it! :-)
11. Back Home Where I Belong- Aww, this one is just so sweet and... tender. Can I call a song tender? You know what, I'm going to.
12. Sing to Me- I expect the album to end with track #11 each time I listen, but it's a nice book end of sorts, framing the album along with track 1.

I really love Catchlove's two 'Still Snowing' songs on Jingle Spells 1 & 2 and I was in the mood for more Wrock-themed winter holiday music. So I took a chance on this album. I certainly enjoyed it!
1. One Christmas... (Carol of the Bells)- It's a great collection of songs, starting with 'One Christmas' which is fine, introductory variation on 'Christmas Eve in Sarajevo', one of my favorite Christmas songs.
2. Christmas Wishes- You have to love Christmas at the Burrow, so even though it is simple I really love 'Christmas Wishes'.
3. It's Snowing & 8. It's Still Snowing featuring Danny Dementor- 'It's Snowing' and 'It's Still Snowing' have got to be my favorites. They're just as good here as in Jingle Spells.
4. Tis The Season- wonderfully catchy
5. A Proposition (It's Quite Alright)- good, but doesn't stand out for me amongst the rest for some reason.
6. The Letter (Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies)- makes me laugh because the melding between WRock, the Nutcracker, and Tetris is irresistible
7. The Yule Ball (She Said Yes)- I'm not sure why I like 'The Yule Ball' so much, but it's definitely one of my favorites on the album; I like its fast tempo especially.
9. Luna (A Christmas Song)- of course, no collection of songs is complete without some more Luna-love. 'Luna' is catchy, beautiful, and sweet. I love the instruments and the whole arrangement used in that song.
10. We Wish You a Merry Christmas featuring the Cornish Pixy Choral Delight- I'm not so much a fan of 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' because it stands out from the rest of the songs. But it's silly and that certainly gets marks in my book.

First off, this might be one of my favorite WRock album covers EVER!
1. The Second War Begins- fantastic opening song that really sets the mood and draws me in.
2. The Lonley Life of Sir Nick- after hearing this, I am of the opinion that Nearly Headless Nick deserves more songs! I had heard this song before, thanks to a friend, and it is definitely one of my favorite on the album because it's a great, sensitive, fun look at Nick.
3. I Told You So- I like the multiple tracks/layers of voices and instruments in this one. It really pains a great picture of where Harry was in Order
4. Krum and the Mighty Ocean- I found this one to be a bit strange (kind of came out of nowhere) but I like Krum and this song grew on me.
5. I Found Love in Wizard Rock- Certainly my favorite on the CD. Beautiful song and very sweet on its own.
6. In Which Our Claps Defeat Lord Voldemort- this one is crazy-weird just to listen to (I'm sure it lends itself to a concert/live atmosphere better) but I wish it were so easy to defeat him *claps along*
7. Headed to the Ministry- I just got to re-readingthis part in the 5th book about 10 minutes ago so perhaps I'm a bit swayed, but I really loved this one! I like the feeling of the DA conveyed here, yet it's still a bit soft and a nice combination of unsure & brave
8. Where Do We Go From Here- another great song which paints a nice picture of a specific moment in the series. I love the melody and the repetition of the question
9. Mothers Day (Your Love)- this one was a little too soft for me to really latch onto the lyrics the first few times I listened to the CD.
10. This Will Never Work- heehee I like this one as well, though the lyrics are also a bit soft.
11. Remember the Good Times?- what a great sound this one has. And the beat is fantastic, as if working us up to revolt against Umbridge. Quite catchy and fun to sing along to.
12. Dumbledore (Show Us What You're Made Of)- wow, talk about songs with different sounds! This one is quite unique and powerful. It actually made chills race up & down my spine the first time I heard it
13. Ron, I'm Telling You...- this one reminds me of a combination of a few other songs, which is kind of interesting. But there are also some great variations and the sax is a fantastic addition.
14. It'll Be Ok & bonuses- I like 'It'll Be Ok' and it was nice to see sort of a reprise of the song (in title at least) on <3. It's a great song to end with, full of determination. The bonus songs are great! I like the live version of 'Remember the Good Times?' and the Beatles filk to 'All the Lonely People' is cleverly written & well performed! And then... a House of Awesome cover (aka the House of Awkward) is hilarious and classic. FTW!

Definitely my favorite of the 3 albums. I drove around with this one exclusively on my car stereo for a week. It's not as WRock-centered as Where Do We Go From Here? in that many of the songs aren't specifically Harry Potter-ish and could fit right in on a muggle radio station. But I still like them a lot.
1. Untitled- An interesting, instrumental beginning
2. Students @ Hogwarts- I'd heard Students at Hogwarts before, but this is still a fantastic version. It's unifying and fun and catchy (possibly because it's so familiar).
3. I Found Love- Pulling from 'I Found Love in Wizard Rock' this song is so well done and certainly stands on its own. I had heard the remix on From Beneath These Ashes. But of the three songs, the one here on this album is my favorite.
4. Post-Its (it'll be ok ii)- Definitely my favorite on the album. The melody and lyrics are both wonderful. And it just *sounds* good! The chorus, especially, is fantastic.
5. Every Time...- Another favorite on the album. It's a great look at the relationship and the song is just SO well done.
6. Don't Panic- I love this song! It's upbeat and reassuring :-)
7. So Damn Cute- Awww, there's just something about this song. It's the perfect song to follow 'Don't Panic' because it slows down the pace again. I really like the chorus.
8. It's Really All About Me- this one is fun
9. Dontcha Know- Yep, I ADORE this song. Harry/Ginny might not be convincing to me in the book, but Jace definitely gets me on board with it in this album. Ok... it might be tied for first place with Post-Its
10. Headed Down to Hogwarts- A bit of a change in sound & subject matter but I LOVE this. It's SO much fun to sing along with and the the "Dumbledore was victorious..." parts were great to hear in this song. In fact, there are so many little parts in this song, building up momentum throughout, from "Not my daughter you bitch" to "We've got to fight/We've got to win". It is not possible to hear this song and not sing along to it/get into it! :-)
11. Back Home Where I Belong- Aww, this one is just so sweet and... tender. Can I call a song tender? You know what, I'm going to.
12. Sing to Me- I expect the album to end with track #11 each time I listen, but it's a nice book end of sorts, framing the album along with track 1.
Tonks and the Aurors- We Are Magic
Dec. 1st, 2009 09:06 pmPost-2015 Warning for AC mentioned, as he does vocals on one song.
I must say three things up front:

I love this concept (following a character through a whole book). I admire Draco and the Malfoys for doing it in their EP of the Month and I actually think it worked exceptionally well in this case, even though Tonks isn't in Deathly Hallows very much. The quality of the songs is wonderful; they're layered, polished, and complex instrumentally & vocally.
1. So it Begins- This is the perfect song to begin with. It starts out slow and gets fast and catchy and really gears us up for the fight. It's one of my favorites. I was listening to it at work and on only the 4th listen through, I found myself unconsciously counting 1-2-3-4 out with my fingers; that's when I knew I was truly hooked. The song pulled me right in.
2. A Day In the Life- Not my favorite tune. It's nice, but it's kind of repetitive and I would have liked something a little sweeter melodically when it comes to a song about the wedding. That aside, I really liked this song. It paints a beautiful, detailed picture of their wedding and really touches my heart. I love Remus pacing like a wolf in a cage, him taking her hand, her mother seeing her in her dress, the fact that not everyone is there but they had to do it, etc. Seriously, the way it's described makes me so sad that wasn't in the book. It's canon for me now :-) Well done!
3. The Mission- I'm an idiot. It took me, like, a full minute to figure out this was the 7 Potters scene the first time around. You would think a line like "Seven identical young men" would clue me in, but it still took me far too long. I like this one a lot. Her line about giving her life to protect Ron is fantastic. And I love that the song is addressing Remus; the moment at the end of the song where Remus talks about what he saw and how they lost Mad Eye makes me choke up a little. It's written well and it's sung powerfully.
4. Fallen- Awesome sound to this one; great job. I can't help but think about The Remus Lupin's song about Fleur & Bill's wedding. I like them both quite a lot. Tonks' is strong and I love how she recalls Dumbledore and Mad Eye and plays her role as an Auror so well here amidst the chaos as the government & world fall apart. THAT'S the Tonks I love!
5. Breaking News- I love songs with clever (double entendre) titles. This one is fantastic. Steph did a great job of the moment Tonks tells Remus she's pregnant with his cub, er, child. There's so much said and just as much unsaid. The song is beautiful and the meaning is tragic. I might also mention that during one pass through the album, the tracks were out of order (I don't remember how it sorted) and this song in my playlist came right before the Tonks/Remus wedding. This order made me happy in a "oh, so THAT is why she is getting married!" kind of way.
6. Tonight Tonight- Honestly, I had to re-listen to this one just now because I couldn't remember what it was about when I went to make comments here. It's immensely beautiful and the emotions Tonks puts out there in it- anger, confusion, love, hurt, etc. come through mournfully and forcefully.
7. Taking You Back- My FAVORITE song on the CD! I've listened to the whole album about 10 times through now, but I've listened to this song more than 30 times. I tend to prefer really sweet or really upbeat Wizard Rock songs, this being the latter. It's a great, layered composition and it's got canon cred with Alex from the Remus Lupins joining Tonks in great duet/argument/love song. The chorus makes me SO happy. If it were any other song, and if the lines were taken out of context, I would be furious (because I'd never call my Remus dumb and I don't think Hufflepuffs are doormats by definition): "Remus Lupin you're kinda dumb sometimes/Luckily I knew that when I married you./Yes you know I'm a Hufflepuff because I'm taking you back./But you know you'll be paying for this for a while." LMAO! With lines like "Did you happen to forget that I was pregnant?" and "Harry needed my help." "That's clear from the way you're back here." I could die with the perfection that is this song. It's the perfect range of emotion and does a very believable job of outlining the situation of Remus running out on her (and then coming back with his tail between his legs) and why she took him back. It's funny and loving and rings true to me. And, did I mention that the song is just FUN?! And epic.
8. Remember- Just plain breaks my heart. There's so much tragedy in the Deathly Hallows and this song about Ted Tonks really gets straight to the way Tonks' father influenced her life. She tells us what he meant to her and it touches me. It's so sweet and sad and it's perfectly written from Tonks' perspective.
9. The Radio- This is my second favorite on the album (not surprising; I love the upbeat songs). This song has a fantastic sound to it that I can't get enough of. There hasn't yet been a Potterwatch song that I haven't loved (although I can only think of 4 so the base isn't that big). I think the count of times I've listened to this one is up to 25 or so (compared to 10 for the rest of the album). That "my baby goes by Romulus" line gets me every time. This song really says so much about the period and mood of the time. And it leaves me with this wonderful feeling that we can win the war and Harry will triumph. It's not until the song is over that I, um, remember that the war already took place and Harry did triumph. But just hearing about Tonks listening to her husband & the others on Potterwatch really does fill me with hope for the characters; it's kind of hilarious. I LOVE it! I love hearing this song, I especially love singing along to this song, and I would happily have bought this album just for this song alone. Though I'm glad it came with 12 other spectacular songs.
10. It's True- Ohhh Teddy *sigh* How I love you. This is such a great song. Even though I think it's strange that JKR seems to think all the female characters need to get pregnant, and even though I think the pregnancy came at a very inconvenient time, this song really makes me happy it happened. It really shows me an encouraging, lovely picture of mother!Tonks and warms my heart immensely.
11. Mr. Springsteen- See my point above. It's an awesome song (and I did get the Born to Run reference) and I never skip over it or anything. I'm happy it's there, it just doesn't speak to me quite as much as the others because I don't have the same familiarity with Springsteen.
12. Streets of Hogsmeade- Another favorite of mine. It's also got a great sound to it that fits the tone. The assonance is particularly done well here and gives the lyrics a great sound "The graffiti on the streets of Hogsmeade reads". I've actually teared up several times while listening to this song-- not because it's sad, but because of the way it portrays Dumbledore's Army as rebels who are powerful and fighting for good. They won't give up and they WILL win. It's so full of hope and strength.
13. We Are Magic- A great song to end with. Obviously, we know how Tonks and Remus end up, which makes me sad. But this song still manages to be not only uplifting but inspiring. They're magic, yes, but so are we! So is Wizard Rock and this fandom and the fans. The weapon we have is love and with that we can do anything! Also, this song is so catchy and WRockers need to quit doing this to me. I love when albums end on an upbeat note (I'd have it no other way) but then I go around singing the last song or humming it to myself and people hear me. LOL
Steph did an excellent job at not only covering Tonks' life during all of Deathly Hallows but turning it into an album that works. One or the other would be admirable, but both together is stupendous. The balance of sweet and catchy, the rise and fall, the intense emotion, the details that fill in so many blanks JKR left, the quality & variety of sound-- it's an amazing album and one I look forward to listening to many more times! It makes me want to immediately drop everything and re-read the last book.
I must say three things up front:
- Sadly, I don't have much of a familiarity with Bruce Spingsteen (Sorry). If there are tons of clever references in lyrics or tune throughout, those totally went over my head.
- I wasn't all that familiar with Tonks' previous works when I bought this album (I have since purchased her other albums, of course). I first heard her on Jingle Spells 2 (possibly my favorite song from that album). And I've acquired a few other songs here and there from other compilation albums. I've listened to her EP from the Wizard Rock EP of the month club. But I don't have any of her earlier albums (yet; I plan on buying them now). So I'm looking at We Are Magic with more objective eyes than I usually have (fangirl that I am). Why did I buy it, then? I'm not sure myself. It was a spur of the moment purchase when I saw Tonks mention it. But I am so glad I did (plus my pre-order came with an awesome sticker and button- squee!)
- Remus Lupin is, hands down, my favorite Harry Potter character. So the fact that he crops up so often during the album makes me very happy. In fact, many of these songs are written as if they were being sung to Remus. That makes me so happy. Though when it comes to my Remus, I'm a puppy shipper. I like him best when he's with Sirius. I'll go Snupin if the story's good; actually, I tend to pair him with anyone except for Tonks. However, there's something about these songs that makes even ME fall in line with canon, and that's the highest compliment I can give!

I love this concept (following a character through a whole book). I admire Draco and the Malfoys for doing it in their EP of the Month and I actually think it worked exceptionally well in this case, even though Tonks isn't in Deathly Hallows very much. The quality of the songs is wonderful; they're layered, polished, and complex instrumentally & vocally.
1. So it Begins- This is the perfect song to begin with. It starts out slow and gets fast and catchy and really gears us up for the fight. It's one of my favorites. I was listening to it at work and on only the 4th listen through, I found myself unconsciously counting 1-2-3-4 out with my fingers; that's when I knew I was truly hooked. The song pulled me right in.
2. A Day In the Life- Not my favorite tune. It's nice, but it's kind of repetitive and I would have liked something a little sweeter melodically when it comes to a song about the wedding. That aside, I really liked this song. It paints a beautiful, detailed picture of their wedding and really touches my heart. I love Remus pacing like a wolf in a cage, him taking her hand, her mother seeing her in her dress, the fact that not everyone is there but they had to do it, etc. Seriously, the way it's described makes me so sad that wasn't in the book. It's canon for me now :-) Well done!
3. The Mission- I'm an idiot. It took me, like, a full minute to figure out this was the 7 Potters scene the first time around. You would think a line like "Seven identical young men" would clue me in, but it still took me far too long. I like this one a lot. Her line about giving her life to protect Ron is fantastic. And I love that the song is addressing Remus; the moment at the end of the song where Remus talks about what he saw and how they lost Mad Eye makes me choke up a little. It's written well and it's sung powerfully.
4. Fallen- Awesome sound to this one; great job. I can't help but think about The Remus Lupin's song about Fleur & Bill's wedding. I like them both quite a lot. Tonks' is strong and I love how she recalls Dumbledore and Mad Eye and plays her role as an Auror so well here amidst the chaos as the government & world fall apart. THAT'S the Tonks I love!
5. Breaking News- I love songs with clever (double entendre) titles. This one is fantastic. Steph did a great job of the moment Tonks tells Remus she's pregnant with his cub, er, child. There's so much said and just as much unsaid. The song is beautiful and the meaning is tragic. I might also mention that during one pass through the album, the tracks were out of order (I don't remember how it sorted) and this song in my playlist came right before the Tonks/Remus wedding. This order made me happy in a "oh, so THAT is why she is getting married!" kind of way.
6. Tonight Tonight- Honestly, I had to re-listen to this one just now because I couldn't remember what it was about when I went to make comments here. It's immensely beautiful and the emotions Tonks puts out there in it- anger, confusion, love, hurt, etc. come through mournfully and forcefully.
7. Taking You Back- My FAVORITE song on the CD! I've listened to the whole album about 10 times through now, but I've listened to this song more than 30 times. I tend to prefer really sweet or really upbeat Wizard Rock songs, this being the latter. It's a great, layered composition and it's got canon cred with Alex from the Remus Lupins joining Tonks in great duet/argument/love song. The chorus makes me SO happy. If it were any other song, and if the lines were taken out of context, I would be furious (because I'd never call my Remus dumb and I don't think Hufflepuffs are doormats by definition): "Remus Lupin you're kinda dumb sometimes/Luckily I knew that when I married you./Yes you know I'm a Hufflepuff because I'm taking you back./But you know you'll be paying for this for a while." LMAO! With lines like "Did you happen to forget that I was pregnant?" and "Harry needed my help." "That's clear from the way you're back here." I could die with the perfection that is this song. It's the perfect range of emotion and does a very believable job of outlining the situation of Remus running out on her (and then coming back with his tail between his legs) and why she took him back. It's funny and loving and rings true to me. And, did I mention that the song is just FUN?! And epic.
8. Remember- Just plain breaks my heart. There's so much tragedy in the Deathly Hallows and this song about Ted Tonks really gets straight to the way Tonks' father influenced her life. She tells us what he meant to her and it touches me. It's so sweet and sad and it's perfectly written from Tonks' perspective.
9. The Radio- This is my second favorite on the album (not surprising; I love the upbeat songs). This song has a fantastic sound to it that I can't get enough of. There hasn't yet been a Potterwatch song that I haven't loved (although I can only think of 4 so the base isn't that big). I think the count of times I've listened to this one is up to 25 or so (compared to 10 for the rest of the album). That "my baby goes by Romulus" line gets me every time. This song really says so much about the period and mood of the time. And it leaves me with this wonderful feeling that we can win the war and Harry will triumph. It's not until the song is over that I, um, remember that the war already took place and Harry did triumph. But just hearing about Tonks listening to her husband & the others on Potterwatch really does fill me with hope for the characters; it's kind of hilarious. I LOVE it! I love hearing this song, I especially love singing along to this song, and I would happily have bought this album just for this song alone. Though I'm glad it came with 12 other spectacular songs.
10. It's True- Ohhh Teddy *sigh* How I love you. This is such a great song. Even though I think it's strange that JKR seems to think all the female characters need to get pregnant, and even though I think the pregnancy came at a very inconvenient time, this song really makes me happy it happened. It really shows me an encouraging, lovely picture of mother!Tonks and warms my heart immensely.
11. Mr. Springsteen- See my point above. It's an awesome song (and I did get the Born to Run reference) and I never skip over it or anything. I'm happy it's there, it just doesn't speak to me quite as much as the others because I don't have the same familiarity with Springsteen.
12. Streets of Hogsmeade- Another favorite of mine. It's also got a great sound to it that fits the tone. The assonance is particularly done well here and gives the lyrics a great sound "The graffiti on the streets of Hogsmeade reads". I've actually teared up several times while listening to this song-- not because it's sad, but because of the way it portrays Dumbledore's Army as rebels who are powerful and fighting for good. They won't give up and they WILL win. It's so full of hope and strength.
13. We Are Magic- A great song to end with. Obviously, we know how Tonks and Remus end up, which makes me sad. But this song still manages to be not only uplifting but inspiring. They're magic, yes, but so are we! So is Wizard Rock and this fandom and the fans. The weapon we have is love and with that we can do anything! Also, this song is so catchy and WRockers need to quit doing this to me. I love when albums end on an upbeat note (I'd have it no other way) but then I go around singing the last song or humming it to myself and people hear me. LOL
Steph did an excellent job at not only covering Tonks' life during all of Deathly Hallows but turning it into an album that works. One or the other would be admirable, but both together is stupendous. The balance of sweet and catchy, the rise and fall, the intense emotion, the details that fill in so many blanks JKR left, the quality & variety of sound-- it's an amazing album and one I look forward to listening to many more times! It makes me want to immediately drop everything and re-read the last book.
Kwikspell- Magic 101
Nov. 17th, 2009 10:14 pmAs previously mentioned, I first heard about Kwikspell when I was having breakfast in my room at FaerieCon and watching the PotterTeeVee feed of WrockStock. I really enjoyed the songs I was hearing and got Voldemort Killed the Hufflepuff Star stuck in my head for a good long part of the morning-- so clever and catchy :-)
As soon as I got home, I got her album and immediately entered what
melydia calls the incubation phase of my relationship with it. I listened to it at work, in the car, at home, in the car, at work again, and again and again and again.
To be honest, the first few listens through didn't really count because at work I can't turn the volume up very high. This is usually fine for 98% of what I listen to. But the vocals on Magic 101 are about the same volume as the instrument tracks, so they were very difficult to hear. In fact, I had a hard time understanding every word without turning the volume up REALLY LOUD in the car. I think I still might be missing a word or two here or there but I think I generally have it down now.

Sunshine Daisies Butter Mellow- It's kind of amazing that there are a handful of absolutely excellent Peter Pettigrew songs out there. This is definitely one of my favorites. It's a very clever look at him as both a rat and a man/traitor/bastard. It's a great song to start an album with. It's catchy and upbeat and layered. It's well written and well put together. I ain't giving him sympathy, though I will clap along with the song at the last chorus.
Ode to Umbridge- I don't think I quite understand this song. The tone is unique and specific and it makes me think that it's supposed to be from Umbridge's POV. And it's true, she does go in and mess things up at Hogwarts. But I think likes like "I'm going to be the wrench in your clockwork" works just as well for the way Harry (& fellows) tried to take her down. Maybe the point is that the lines could indeed work for both of them, as they destroy each other's plans/lives. I just don't know and I feel stupid for not knowing. Meep! Help? Either way, I really like the song. It makes me think of proper little nursery rhymes and the emotion behind a lot of the lines, the way they're all delivered, are utterly fantastic. Great style and delivery.
May June July August- Who can resist a love song that includes nargles? Not me! I find myself literally walking around singing the chorus of this song. Seriously. It's beautiful and sweet (even if it's a little sad in a few places). I really like this song.
Buzz Worthy (The Quibbler Song)- The sound effects with the Quibbler pages being turned is a great touch. This song is so hilariously random. Draco with red hair? Secret meetings under the Quidditch pitch? It's so bizarre that it's perfect for a song about the Quibbler! It's kooky but well written- I love when there are slight changes to repeated lines (read it every day vs. three times a day, etc.). Little things like that really impress me in songs.
Je T'aime- This is just gorgeous. And when you get to this point, in the album, you not only get a sense of Kwikspell's sound but also the way she's able to change her sound to fit the subject matter so brilliantly! The Quibbler song SOUNDS like the Quibbler. The Umbridge song sounds like Umbridge! And this song absolutely sounds like Fleur. Makes me think of Veela or French girls dancing (or, you know, a French half-Veela girl dancing)
Ravenclaw Crush- OMG Another Luna song? Seriously, how many Luna songs can the Wizard Rock community produce? Clearly not enough for my taste. I LOVE Luna songs! I've never heard one I didn't love. Seriously. I even have a Luna-only playlist. But this one is especially special. I think it's so beautifully written, playing with both parts of her name like that. Totally makes me fall in love with Luna, as if I weren't already
Green Eyed Monster- So, yes, I love the last song on the album very much. But this one might just be my second favorite. The Sev/Lily relationship is explored in some of my absolute favorite Wizard Rock songs, all of which make me tear up every time without fail (Pensive Full of Unrequited Love and Eyes to name two). I think this is a fantastic take on their relationship and, also, makes me tear up a little bit. The title of the song is what really gets me. I think it's possibly the most clever title of a Wizard Rock song EVER!!! The double-meaning totally blows me away. So I love everything about this song. The chords remind me of the nargles song. But the song is so beautiful and tragically sad at the same time.
It's a Ginger!- Ha HA! I'd never heard of Statutory Snape before, but I definitely checked them out as soon as I listened to this song a few times. They're marvelous. But, more importantly, this song is fantastically funny! It's crazy. And kind of mean (what does a certain WRocker named Jarrod think of it? Maybe he doesn't mind since his name's not Jared?). But it's the kind of silly I like (who doesn't hate awkward male nurses?). Seriously a FUN collaboration. I like when artists don't take things so seriously. Good humor always gets top marks from me.
Voldemort Killed the Hufflepuff Star- One of the best WRock covers out there. Very clever lyrics and a great job done with the song as well. Page 638 broke my heart too, Kwikspell *sniffle* The only bad thing about the song is that it really does stick in your head, especially as it's the last one in the album. This can be rather dangerous when you park your car and run into the grocery for food; fellow customers look at you weird when you're singing it out loud to yourself (or maybe that only happens to me).
You'd better believe I'll be keeping my eye on Kwikspell from now on. Great set of songs. Happy WRocking!
As soon as I got home, I got her album and immediately entered what
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
To be honest, the first few listens through didn't really count because at work I can't turn the volume up very high. This is usually fine for 98% of what I listen to. But the vocals on Magic 101 are about the same volume as the instrument tracks, so they were very difficult to hear. In fact, I had a hard time understanding every word without turning the volume up REALLY LOUD in the car. I think I still might be missing a word or two here or there but I think I generally have it down now.

Sunshine Daisies Butter Mellow- It's kind of amazing that there are a handful of absolutely excellent Peter Pettigrew songs out there. This is definitely one of my favorites. It's a very clever look at him as both a rat and a man/traitor/bastard. It's a great song to start an album with. It's catchy and upbeat and layered. It's well written and well put together. I ain't giving him sympathy, though I will clap along with the song at the last chorus.
Ode to Umbridge- I don't think I quite understand this song. The tone is unique and specific and it makes me think that it's supposed to be from Umbridge's POV. And it's true, she does go in and mess things up at Hogwarts. But I think likes like "I'm going to be the wrench in your clockwork" works just as well for the way Harry (& fellows) tried to take her down. Maybe the point is that the lines could indeed work for both of them, as they destroy each other's plans/lives. I just don't know and I feel stupid for not knowing. Meep! Help? Either way, I really like the song. It makes me think of proper little nursery rhymes and the emotion behind a lot of the lines, the way they're all delivered, are utterly fantastic. Great style and delivery.
May June July August- Who can resist a love song that includes nargles? Not me! I find myself literally walking around singing the chorus of this song. Seriously. It's beautiful and sweet (even if it's a little sad in a few places). I really like this song.
Buzz Worthy (The Quibbler Song)- The sound effects with the Quibbler pages being turned is a great touch. This song is so hilariously random. Draco with red hair? Secret meetings under the Quidditch pitch? It's so bizarre that it's perfect for a song about the Quibbler! It's kooky but well written- I love when there are slight changes to repeated lines (read it every day vs. three times a day, etc.). Little things like that really impress me in songs.
Je T'aime- This is just gorgeous. And when you get to this point, in the album, you not only get a sense of Kwikspell's sound but also the way she's able to change her sound to fit the subject matter so brilliantly! The Quibbler song SOUNDS like the Quibbler. The Umbridge song sounds like Umbridge! And this song absolutely sounds like Fleur. Makes me think of Veela or French girls dancing (or, you know, a French half-Veela girl dancing)
Ravenclaw Crush- OMG Another Luna song? Seriously, how many Luna songs can the Wizard Rock community produce? Clearly not enough for my taste. I LOVE Luna songs! I've never heard one I didn't love. Seriously. I even have a Luna-only playlist. But this one is especially special. I think it's so beautifully written, playing with both parts of her name like that. Totally makes me fall in love with Luna, as if I weren't already
Green Eyed Monster- So, yes, I love the last song on the album very much. But this one might just be my second favorite. The Sev/Lily relationship is explored in some of my absolute favorite Wizard Rock songs, all of which make me tear up every time without fail (Pensive Full of Unrequited Love and Eyes to name two). I think this is a fantastic take on their relationship and, also, makes me tear up a little bit. The title of the song is what really gets me. I think it's possibly the most clever title of a Wizard Rock song EVER!!! The double-meaning totally blows me away. So I love everything about this song. The chords remind me of the nargles song. But the song is so beautiful and tragically sad at the same time.
It's a Ginger!- Ha HA! I'd never heard of Statutory Snape before, but I definitely checked them out as soon as I listened to this song a few times. They're marvelous. But, more importantly, this song is fantastically funny! It's crazy. And kind of mean (what does a certain WRocker named Jarrod think of it? Maybe he doesn't mind since his name's not Jared?). But it's the kind of silly I like (who doesn't hate awkward male nurses?). Seriously a FUN collaboration. I like when artists don't take things so seriously. Good humor always gets top marks from me.
Voldemort Killed the Hufflepuff Star- One of the best WRock covers out there. Very clever lyrics and a great job done with the song as well. Page 638 broke my heart too, Kwikspell *sniffle* The only bad thing about the song is that it really does stick in your head, especially as it's the last one in the album. This can be rather dangerous when you park your car and run into the grocery for food; fellow customers look at you weird when you're singing it out loud to yourself (or maybe that only happens to me).
You'd better believe I'll be keeping my eye on Kwikspell from now on. Great set of songs. Happy WRocking!
Bag Fries of the WRock World
Nov. 16th, 2009 09:16 amI caught Kwikspell (more on that in next post) performing at Wrockstock and consequently had "Voldemort Killed the Hufflepuff Star" stuck in my head for a good portion of the morning (until I got to a FaerieCon panel about Robin Hood during which the panelist sang, but that was just a lucky break). And last week Diagon Alley was a featured WRock band. So this post is going to be about a few of the lesser-known WRockers I've been listening to for the past week.
I also quickly wanted to say YAY! because I thought I'd lost my Danny Dementor EP but I found it Friday night when I was frantically searching for an audio book that should have been somewhere on my desk and wasn't. I didn't find that in time but I did find the Danny Dementor EP tucked inside one of my GPS instruction manuals. I'm relieved now!
Anyway, I listened to all of Diagon Alley's songs on MySpace and really like their sound. It's unique and I really, really like that when it comes to WRock. It reminds me of some muggle (Celtic-y/folk-y) bands I like, which is good. I'm not so in love that I rushed right out and bought their CD. But I'm thinking about it.
Then I went over to Kwikspell's MySpace and discovered her album, Magic 101, was free for download. So I downloaded it. I entered the incubation period with it pretty quickly and that hasn't ended yet. The vocals are a little soft compared with the rest of the instrumentals so I found it difficult to hear the songs when I played them in my normal manner. But once I had a change to really listen to them, I loved them muchly (I'll do an album post later).
One of the songs on Kwikspell's album features Statutory Snape, which is perhaps the best band name on the face of the Earth. They describe themselves as the Bag Fries of the WRock World. Awwww. So I listened to their songs on MySpace and really liked them as well. Not all are from Snape's POV but I especially liked one that was. And, in general, the quality is fantastic and the songs are well-written. I'll definitely keep my eyes on them. I've always loved bag fries-- they're like little bonuses. You think you've had it all and you're done and then, suddenly, some surprising tasty goodness is left for you to enjoy. It's awesome :-)
I also quickly wanted to say YAY! because I thought I'd lost my Danny Dementor EP but I found it Friday night when I was frantically searching for an audio book that should have been somewhere on my desk and wasn't. I didn't find that in time but I did find the Danny Dementor EP tucked inside one of my GPS instruction manuals. I'm relieved now!
Anyway, I listened to all of Diagon Alley's songs on MySpace and really like their sound. It's unique and I really, really like that when it comes to WRock. It reminds me of some muggle (Celtic-y/folk-y) bands I like, which is good. I'm not so in love that I rushed right out and bought their CD. But I'm thinking about it.
Then I went over to Kwikspell's MySpace and discovered her album, Magic 101, was free for download. So I downloaded it. I entered the incubation period with it pretty quickly and that hasn't ended yet. The vocals are a little soft compared with the rest of the instrumentals so I found it difficult to hear the songs when I played them in my normal manner. But once I had a change to really listen to them, I loved them muchly (I'll do an album post later).
One of the songs on Kwikspell's album features Statutory Snape, which is perhaps the best band name on the face of the Earth. They describe themselves as the Bag Fries of the WRock World. Awwww. So I listened to their songs on MySpace and really liked them as well. Not all are from Snape's POV but I especially liked one that was. And, in general, the quality is fantastic and the songs are well-written. I'll definitely keep my eyes on them. I've always loved bag fries-- they're like little bonuses. You think you've had it all and you're done and then, suddenly, some surprising tasty goodness is left for you to enjoy. It's awesome :-)
Farewell to The Mudbloods
Nov. 10th, 2009 01:16 amLast night I stayed up until 2am to watch the Mudbloods' last performance at Wrockstock, streamed thanks to PotterTeeVee. It was worth it to be able to share that moment with others online as I wasn't lucky enough to make the trip to see it in person. There were some down sides to watching the feed- a third of the way through 'A Pensive Full of Unrequited Love' the feed caught up with its lag and we missed out on most of the song, for example (just as I started crying, no less). So we missed out on some of our favorite songs and it was strange to suddenly find yourself tearing up and listening to the new firebolt song. LOL But on a whole, it was great to see something along with others, crying with them and sharing our memories of the Mudbloods together. And their last performance was indeed epic. Though I have to admit it was ironic to play a song with lyrics like "We're Wizard Rocking and we just can't stop" as their second to last song ever.
It's sort of hard to believe that I hadn't even heard of The Mudbloods at this time last year. I was still rather new to the WRock scene (July 2008 was the first concert I went to). But thanks to the Bryn Mawr Yule Ball, I got to see Adam play live. What a treat!


There are songs like 'A Pensive Full of Unrequited Love' and 'Freedom is Only a Hippogryff Away' that I bet I'll still tear up at for a long while to come (I cried at Pensive at the Yule Ball when I first heard it and that line about the eyes always does me in if nothing else does-- what AMAZING lyrics). And there are songs like 'Cho Chang' and 'I Wish You'd be My Witch' that I cannot help but sing along to, even when I should be quiet at work. The lyrics are clever, the songs are well-crafted, and the sound is unique and appealing. It's true that the Mudbloods really haven't put out all that much Wizard Rock music in their years since forming in 1997. But the music they have put out has made a significant and, I hope, lasting impact on the WRock genre.
Whenever I think about the Mudbloods, I think of this:
I feel so lucky to have been able to see them live. I'll treasure all their songs and I wish them well with their futures. From what I've heard of Adam's muggle music, I'm not worried about him :-)
It's sort of hard to believe that I hadn't even heard of The Mudbloods at this time last year. I was still rather new to the WRock scene (July 2008 was the first concert I went to). But thanks to the Bryn Mawr Yule Ball, I got to see Adam play live. What a treat!


There are songs like 'A Pensive Full of Unrequited Love' and 'Freedom is Only a Hippogryff Away' that I bet I'll still tear up at for a long while to come (I cried at Pensive at the Yule Ball when I first heard it and that line about the eyes always does me in if nothing else does-- what AMAZING lyrics). And there are songs like 'Cho Chang' and 'I Wish You'd be My Witch' that I cannot help but sing along to, even when I should be quiet at work. The lyrics are clever, the songs are well-crafted, and the sound is unique and appealing. It's true that the Mudbloods really haven't put out all that much Wizard Rock music in their years since forming in 1997. But the music they have put out has made a significant and, I hope, lasting impact on the WRock genre.
Whenever I think about the Mudbloods, I think of this:
I feel so lucky to have been able to see them live. I'll treasure all their songs and I wish them well with their futures. From what I've heard of Adam's muggle music, I'm not worried about him :-)
I Wish I Were Going!
Nov. 4th, 2009 08:25 amOMG I wish I were going to Wrockstock this weekend!
They manage Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars, Looking for Alaska, and Harry Potter all in one video. East India Trading Ministry? AWESOME! I mean... awful!
Free Toby!
But the good news is, I'll be able to watch a little of the concerts on LiveStream. I should be home from FaerieCon in enough time to catch the Mudbloods' last performance. *crosses fingers*
They manage Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars, Looking for Alaska, and Harry Potter all in one video. East India Trading Ministry? AWESOME! I mean... awful!
Free Toby!
But the good news is, I'll be able to watch a little of the concerts on LiveStream. I should be home from FaerieCon in enough time to catch the Mudbloods' last performance. *crosses fingers*
Dangerous Mudbloods
Nov. 2nd, 2009 10:14 amThere are really two reasons I finally ended up purchasing the Wizard Rock EP of the Month Club subscriptions/CDs. The first is my love for Peeved (great sound, great lyrics-- want!) and the other is The Mudbloods.
But I have discovered several times now that it is dangerous to listen to The Mudbloods at work. I still do, don't get me wrong. But I have had a number of embarrassing moments because of it. Apparently, it is physically impossible for me to listen to "I Wish You'd Be My Witch" without singing along and dancing in my chair. I can sing quietly/silently. But the dancing is manditory. I don't know if this is because the first time I ever heard the song was at the Yule Ball last year and the Pottercast people were in the background dancing and the image just stuck, or what (I'll try to upload a clip later on tonight). But I was dancing along to it the other day and a coworker walked in on me. So TOTALLY embarrassing. The same thing can be said for "Cho Chang". What a catchy song! I find myself just walking around singing it, actually. And I've been told I can't sing so I get strange looks from friends/family/coworkers/total strangers in the store/parking lot. LOL! I guess I do the same for "Happiness is a Hippogriff Away" actually. And I've never made it through "A Pensieve Full of Unrequited Love" without tearing up. This morning I was sitting here at work sniffling and crying and that's not good for work! *facepalm* Seriously, though, I find it impossible not to be moved by these songs and it shows. So totally wonderful, but embarrasing as well!
But I have discovered several times now that it is dangerous to listen to The Mudbloods at work. I still do, don't get me wrong. But I have had a number of embarrassing moments because of it. Apparently, it is physically impossible for me to listen to "I Wish You'd Be My Witch" without singing along and dancing in my chair. I can sing quietly/silently. But the dancing is manditory. I don't know if this is because the first time I ever heard the song was at the Yule Ball last year and the Pottercast people were in the background dancing and the image just stuck, or what (I'll try to upload a clip later on tonight). But I was dancing along to it the other day and a coworker walked in on me. So TOTALLY embarrassing. The same thing can be said for "Cho Chang". What a catchy song! I find myself just walking around singing it, actually. And I've been told I can't sing so I get strange looks from friends/family/coworkers/total strangers in the store/parking lot. LOL! I guess I do the same for "Happiness is a Hippogriff Away" actually. And I've never made it through "A Pensieve Full of Unrequited Love" without tearing up. This morning I was sitting here at work sniffling and crying and that's not good for work! *facepalm* Seriously, though, I find it impossible not to be moved by these songs and it shows. So totally wonderful, but embarrasing as well!
Confession
Oct. 28th, 2009 09:45 pmConfession: I like joining in on the Live Harry Potter Aliiance meetings early and stay late specifically because of the awesome Wizard Rock music they play before and after the meeting. heehee Plus, you get to fangirl with other people about the Wizard Rock music playing! What could be better, apart from a live concert?
They just played the Ballad of Percy Weasley, which is the song that finally convinced me to by the Wizard Rock EP of the month subscription (I am such a fan of Peeved and was tired of listening on YouTube). And now... Ministry of Magic goodness. Accio Love!
Seriously, it's like a guilty pleasure that I don't actually feel guilty about. LOL
They just played the Ballad of Percy Weasley, which is the song that finally convinced me to by the Wizard Rock EP of the month subscription (I am such a fan of Peeved and was tired of listening on YouTube). And now... Ministry of Magic goodness. Accio Love!
Seriously, it's like a guilty pleasure that I don't actually feel guilty about. LOL
Recent Purchases
Oct. 27th, 2009 09:13 pmA list of my purchases within the past week or so:
Acoustiatus by Ministry of Magic- love it! Definitely worth it. Why didn't I buy it earlier?
This Machine Pwns N00bs by Hank Green- pre-ordered. I wasn't sure about this as a lot of these songs are also on I'm So Bad At this: Live! But now that I'm a Nerdfighter, I feel like I have to buy it. And I'm sure I'll love it once I get it (especially the Hogwarts song...... and the Twilight songs- LMAO). Also, it comes with a made-of-awesome poster I plan to hang on my door at work. And it comes with an autographed guitar pick.
Hoggin' All the Covers by Band From TV- I had been eying this for a while, as I love Grunny, but it was on sale at Amazon.com for download for only $1.99 last week, so I snarfed it up then. I honestly haven't listened to it yet because I downloaded it at home and I listen to most of my music at work. I look forward to some of the songs; others aren't really my style. But for less then $2, I'll totally fangirl them. Plus, the band is an awesome idea.
We Are Magic by Tonks and the Aurors- pre-ordered. I don't have much Tonks music... so I really don't know why I pre-ordered this. But what I've heard of hers, I've really liked, and the pre-order price was great. Something magical just make me do it, I suppose. I hope I like it when I get it!
Bare Bones EP by Oliver Boyd and the Remembralls- I only wish it were longer than 7 songs! I love it! I'm still in the mad "honeymoon stage" with it, listening to it on repeat several times a day in the car and at work. I can't get enough of it. The Hufflepuff song makes me smile. And I've nearly got all the words to Flash, Bang Done! down. *shakes fist at Dung!* There are only a few WRockers who I will order everything and anything from. The Ministry of Magic is one. Oliver Boyd is another.
Made in Texas by The Rogues- I bought this at the MD Ren Festival... only to find it's half as expensive on iTunes. But I only slightly regret it, because sometimes it's nice to have that physical CD to look at and enjoy. And it'll be a memory of the festival for me. I first saw The Rogues play at a Highlander Convention, long ago. I have my well-autographed "Live in Canada, Eh?" album to prove it! So it was great to see them again at the Ren Festival this year... where they played my very favorite celtic song ever: Bonny Portmore. I was crying while they played it. And afterwards, I went down and asked the lovely merch lady (married to one of the members of the band) if they had any albums with Bonny Portmore. Apparently, they have 2. So I picked Made in Texas because that version was with a French Horn. And then, a few days later, I discovered they're on iTunes and I purchased the other version (with flute) anyway. It's gorgeous Scottish music done right! Even though it's a recording of a live show, the quality is still great and it's hard to listen to the album quietly! :-)
There are a few other WRock compilation albums I pre-ordered and am waiting on. And I cannot wait for Jingle Spells 3!
Acoustiatus by Ministry of Magic- love it! Definitely worth it. Why didn't I buy it earlier?
This Machine Pwns N00bs by Hank Green- pre-ordered. I wasn't sure about this as a lot of these songs are also on I'm So Bad At this: Live! But now that I'm a Nerdfighter, I feel like I have to buy it. And I'm sure I'll love it once I get it (especially the Hogwarts song...... and the Twilight songs- LMAO). Also, it comes with a made-of-awesome poster I plan to hang on my door at work. And it comes with an autographed guitar pick.
Hoggin' All the Covers by Band From TV- I had been eying this for a while, as I love Grunny, but it was on sale at Amazon.com for download for only $1.99 last week, so I snarfed it up then. I honestly haven't listened to it yet because I downloaded it at home and I listen to most of my music at work. I look forward to some of the songs; others aren't really my style. But for less then $2, I'll totally fangirl them. Plus, the band is an awesome idea.
We Are Magic by Tonks and the Aurors- pre-ordered. I don't have much Tonks music... so I really don't know why I pre-ordered this. But what I've heard of hers, I've really liked, and the pre-order price was great. Something magical just make me do it, I suppose. I hope I like it when I get it!
Bare Bones EP by Oliver Boyd and the Remembralls- I only wish it were longer than 7 songs! I love it! I'm still in the mad "honeymoon stage" with it, listening to it on repeat several times a day in the car and at work. I can't get enough of it. The Hufflepuff song makes me smile. And I've nearly got all the words to Flash, Bang Done! down. *shakes fist at Dung!* There are only a few WRockers who I will order everything and anything from. The Ministry of Magic is one. Oliver Boyd is another.
Made in Texas by The Rogues- I bought this at the MD Ren Festival... only to find it's half as expensive on iTunes. But I only slightly regret it, because sometimes it's nice to have that physical CD to look at and enjoy. And it'll be a memory of the festival for me. I first saw The Rogues play at a Highlander Convention, long ago. I have my well-autographed "Live in Canada, Eh?" album to prove it! So it was great to see them again at the Ren Festival this year... where they played my very favorite celtic song ever: Bonny Portmore. I was crying while they played it. And afterwards, I went down and asked the lovely merch lady (married to one of the members of the band) if they had any albums with Bonny Portmore. Apparently, they have 2. So I picked Made in Texas because that version was with a French Horn. And then, a few days later, I discovered they're on iTunes and I purchased the other version (with flute) anyway. It's gorgeous Scottish music done right! Even though it's a recording of a live show, the quality is still great and it's hard to listen to the album quietly! :-)
There are a few other WRock compilation albums I pre-ordered and am waiting on. And I cannot wait for Jingle Spells 3!
Ministry of Magic- Acoustiatus
Oct. 27th, 2009 12:33 pmUsually I think long and hard for days, weeks, or months before purchasing music. But lately purchases have been a bit more spontaneous, which I think is rather good for me. Today, I was listening to my Ministry of Magic playlist and decided that I really should have every song that my favorite WRock group has put out. Initially, the only song off of their Acoustiatus album that I purchased was Veela Serenada, because it's not on any of their other albums. Plus, I tend to like full, polished songs better than acoustic versions. The occasional accoustic song is great, but a whole album? However, I really loved the Myrtles EP and Oliver Boyd's new CD. And today I decided I just wanted it all. Everything iTunes had to offer me for Ministry of Magic is now mine.
I was not disappointed.The versions of Accio Love, Lovegood, I heart Weasleys, A Phoenix Lament, Ascendio, and the Bravest Man I Ever Knew are brilliantly done. I don't know why I hesitated so long to acquire them!

Accio Love is quiet and sweet. And the "night-eet-eet-eet" makes me feel like I'm at a concert of theirs again *happy sigh*
Lovegood is such a fun song! I love how strong the guitar is here in comparison with the Goodbye Privet Drive version. It feels more heartfelt here instead of bouncy and exciting. And those harmonies and the tambourine... oooohh.
I Heart Weasleys is... just plain different but just as good as what I'm used to! Gotta love the whistling-- that adds such a great element to the song :-)
Veela Serenada- I've had this song for a while, but it now deserves to be with the rest of its album. I love the sound of this song. It reminds me of the sort of French Bohemian movement for some reason. It's slow and beautiful.
A Phoenix Lament is actually one of my top favorite MOM songs. I actually began a fanfic and realized that this song was perfect to quote at the beginning and end (it's not a songfic... I just frame it with a few lines of the song). This version is softer but the words are powerful. And this actually makes it sound more sad and lamentful.
Ascendio has some gorgeous guitar moments. The rise and fall of the song is still done well, even without the full build-up to the chorus that I'm used to. The "witness wonders" part makes the song feel more magical and genuine :-)
The Bravest man I Ever Knew is spectacular. I was so worried because I SO love the other version. Plus, when I clap, there are others clapping in the recording along with me. I think I like the other version better (hard not to like that one) but I wasn't at all disappointed. Heck, they could make a whole CD of different versions of this song and I'd probably love them all! The harmonies and emotions are fantastic.
It just goes to show that MOM might have an incredibly distinctive style to their music and they might be amazing performers, but the songs are so brilliantly crafted and written that they hold up well without the techno and the dancing. In short, this definitely won't be a purchase I regret! :-)
I was not disappointed.The versions of Accio Love, Lovegood, I heart Weasleys, A Phoenix Lament, Ascendio, and the Bravest Man I Ever Knew are brilliantly done. I don't know why I hesitated so long to acquire them!

Accio Love is quiet and sweet. And the "night-eet-eet-eet" makes me feel like I'm at a concert of theirs again *happy sigh*
Lovegood is such a fun song! I love how strong the guitar is here in comparison with the Goodbye Privet Drive version. It feels more heartfelt here instead of bouncy and exciting. And those harmonies and the tambourine... oooohh.
I Heart Weasleys is... just plain different but just as good as what I'm used to! Gotta love the whistling-- that adds such a great element to the song :-)
Veela Serenada- I've had this song for a while, but it now deserves to be with the rest of its album. I love the sound of this song. It reminds me of the sort of French Bohemian movement for some reason. It's slow and beautiful.
A Phoenix Lament is actually one of my top favorite MOM songs. I actually began a fanfic and realized that this song was perfect to quote at the beginning and end (it's not a songfic... I just frame it with a few lines of the song). This version is softer but the words are powerful. And this actually makes it sound more sad and lamentful.
Ascendio has some gorgeous guitar moments. The rise and fall of the song is still done well, even without the full build-up to the chorus that I'm used to. The "witness wonders" part makes the song feel more magical and genuine :-)
The Bravest man I Ever Knew is spectacular. I was so worried because I SO love the other version. Plus, when I clap, there are others clapping in the recording along with me. I think I like the other version better (hard not to like that one) but I wasn't at all disappointed. Heck, they could make a whole CD of different versions of this song and I'd probably love them all! The harmonies and emotions are fantastic.
It just goes to show that MOM might have an incredibly distinctive style to their music and they might be amazing performers, but the songs are so brilliantly crafted and written that they hold up well without the techno and the dancing. In short, this definitely won't be a purchase I regret! :-)