The Eagles - Hotel California

Here's a little something that I am certain my fellow studious music-lovers have heard a thousand times over (even if only on the radio!): the ever-popular classic from The Eagles called Hotel California. Whether or not you like it, this song seems to be just around every corner, revered as an epitomizing example of music -- and, if you ask me, rightfully so!

Often, I mention that I study for my college classes by listening to more upbeat, faster electronic music, but I'm afraid that they all lose out to such great rock as Hotel California. This student gives The Eagles an A+ for this one!

Give it a listen, and check for more info on the song after the skip:

Awesome Dubstep Dancing

Check out this awesome video featuring Lenny D'Orlando's Reanimation in Audio-Technica's Audio 911 commercial. The half-robot man dancing to this excellent dubstep beat is Marquese Scott, who is quite popular for having done several commercials, videos, and plenty of shows.

Here's the direct link for those who wish to view this in YouTube: Audio-Technica I Audio 911 I Dubstep

Putin's Russia vs. Pussy Riot & Madonna: Round Three, Fight!

Round One!
Pussy Riot Draws First Blood 

There has been some unrest in Russia lately after the members of a punk band by the classy name of Pussy Riot was arrested on February 21. The three women that make up Pussy Riot made a blitz for the altar of Russia's main cathedral to sing/pray a "punk prayer" to the Virgin Mary for the end of Putin's power in Russia.

Masked people overtaking the state's altar? Seems harmless!

As they rebelled against authority and sang their political views to what I assume were surprised churchgoers, they were arrested by the police and thrown into jail. They await their sentencing, which could be up to three years in prison if prosecutors get their wish.

Round Two!
Russia Strikes Back

Unfortunately, the odds seem to be against Pussy Riot's courageous threesome on the altar of the Virgin Mary. Russian officials, with the support of Putin and the Kremlin, are attempting to push the worst possible sentencing on the three women -- but why?

Skrillex - Bangarang

Skrillex's logo

I know that I have featured Skrillex in the past, but I gotta say that he has made some interesting little pieces during his reign as the modern, de facto king of dubstep, ruler of college parties. Whether it be the combative Santa in Ruffneck or the pedophile being stomped by a shadow in First of the Year, this student gives Skrillex a big thumbs-up.

While certainly not his best (I think that title may be reserved for the popular Scary Monster and Nice Sprites), Bangarang is definitely worth the watch (and the listen!) for all fans of Skrillex. In my personal index, it ranks in this student's Top Five, up there with the songs mentioned in this very post.

If you like Bangarang, then check out some more of Skrillex's catchy dubstep tunes with First of the Year (Equinox) or Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, both of which I'm sure you can find on YouTube with a cursory search.

Check out Bangarang below:

Bloodhound Gang - The Bad Touch

I remember on the radio quite frequently as a child the lyrics, "You and me, baby, ain't nothing but mammals..." I hadn't really thought of it in years, but once I did I had to listen to it again and revisit this silly song, and a radio favorite for a short while (at least, where I am from). Here I am, so many years later in my college years, and I am just remembering it now!

Here is The Bad Touch by the Bloodhound Gang, a quirky, odd group headed by a guy that looks a lot like Elijah Wood  for some reason:

If you thought that was any good, then you might be wondering what the lyrics are (considering the way they put them down so fast and without hesitation). Good luck trying to sing to it for a while; you'll barely be able to catch your breath!

Tool - Vicarious

Check it out, my favorite Tool song: Vicarious. This particular song was on the 10,000 Days album, which was released several years back (and was the most recent album released by the band Tool, unfortunately). Though "Vicarious" was accompanied by other really great songs, I just personally prefer this one. Maybe there will be another album before I'm through with college!

"'Vicarious' is a song by American rock band Tool. The song is the first single released from their fourth full-length studio album 10,000 Days. Debuting on April 17, 2006 on commercial radio, the seven-minute song entered the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart at #2. It received a nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards." ~Wikipedia

Combichrist - Fuckmachine [WARNING: 18+]

Okay, so warning right off the bat: do not listen to this if you are the under of 18 years old. I cannot be held responsible for whatever young ears may fall on this song, as I have warned you beforehand. Continue with caution.

So this song is absolutely excellent, in my opinion. It adds so much depth from multiple genres to make a song that really resonates with each listen. This is the sign of a great song, regardless of the vulgarity or darkness that the song may harbor.

Sure, it is a bit rough and brash, and suuuure, it may not be appropriate even for most adults (imagine showing this song to your parents!) but if you are into more progressive, modern music like most liberal college / university students these days you may find this quite attractive to your aural senses.

It looks like the Grammys will be taking their awards show back to Los Angeles for the tenth year in a row on February 10, 2013, said the organizers. The annual nominations concert will also be set in L.A. for the fifth of December, this year, revealed the Recording Academy.

Lovers of music, be they older and sophisticated or younger university students, can appreciate having the Grammys in Los Angeles once more, as the city practically owns the entertainment industry. No one is surprised to hear the results.

"Both the nominations and the awards - in its 55th edition for 2013 - will take place in the city's Staples Center and be broadcast live on U.S. television network CBS.

Only a handful of the 70-plus categories for the awards are featured in the nominations and awards show, including the top honors of album, record and song of the year.

A week of cultural events and activities take place in the run up to music's biggest night, including producer Clive Davis' pre-Grammy gala the night before the awards which was struck by tragedy this past February after the sudden death of singer Whitney Houston a few hours before the party."

~Yahoo News, Music: Grammys set for 2012 in Los Angeles

Seven Lions - Isis

"Californian producer Seven Lions have given us an exclusive pre-release of their upcoming Polarized EP dropping April 23rd on Beatport.com. The new track is called ‘Iris’ perhaps reference to the goddess of Ancient Egyptians, as feels to have a middle eastern influences coming through." -The Music Ninja

Perhaps this little piece deserves being compared to a goddess, because my ears love it when I listen to Isis by Seven Lions. I found it on r/dubstep (reddit, if you don't already know, is basically a circlejerk for college students and liberals, of which I happily participate), and I have been listening almost non-stop since. Love it, hope you will, too.