Randor's Song of the Week: 10.16.11

"Hold the Line" by Major Lazer from the album Guns Don't Kill People... Lazers Do. 2009.
    Oh man, do I like this group. I had a tough time whittling down which specific tune to feature-- all the songs I've heard have their own distinct kick to make it interesting. "Hold the Line" might define the band best, though, especially when tied to its music video. So sorry, Toto, the title's not in Kansas anymore.
    The reggae dance-hall sound that pulses here paints just one side of the marvelous Lazer fuzzy dice. This humorously titled album rolls a Yahtzee with the thumping "Anything Goes," grooving "Cash Flow," jazzing (and comedic!) "Mary Jane," and finally electropopping "Keep It Goin' Louder." And I don't mean last-turn, 3rd-attempt, 4-dice-saved-up Yahtzee scavenge. I'm talkin' a right-out-the-barrel, still-unused-Chance-slot, double-points bonus Yahtzee game clincher. But who plays Yahtzee anymore? The fact stands that great songs build a great album. Besides, it's about time someone gave the Gorillaz a run for their money.

Randor's Song of the Week: 04.18.10

"The Ugly Truth" by Hanson from the album National Lampoon's Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj Official Motion Picture Soundtrack. 2006.
    Don't be fooled by the movie it's from: this ain't no wild frat-boy drink-along party song. Nor be tricked by the band: there are no prepubescent youngins screeching "Mmmbop bop bop do bop!" until you're compelled to mmmbop someone over the head.

Break Your Heart, Up Top

    This is what I like to see! Some variety in the top spot! Again I will stress that holding the Number One position on Billboard's charts certainly doesn't define the quality of a song, especially since only those of a certain genre ever catch the public eye these days. But there's some reputation to be obtained, and even with the fickle tastes of the population at large, not every popular artist can accomplish the fest. Since it's noteworthy in that sense, why not spread the wealth around? Stay above all else too long and even the best can become a tyrant. Anyhow, the Black Eyed Peas only held it for two weeks before a new champ was named:

Break Your Heart by Taio Cruz.