Mind Equals Blown

3 Of The Week: (1/16/11)

Continuing from last week’s edition of the 3 Of The Week feature, the three songs up for recommendation this week are numbers four through six from my year-end list. With bands that have my most-anticipated album of 2011, my favorite album from 2010, and one of the most consistent discographies of any, these are three songs that should not be missed. Though slightly less diverse than last week in terms of genre, this set is at the same level of quality and more than worthy of a few repeated listens. So go ahead, take ten minutes and enjoy three more of last year’s best songs.

4. “When Dreaming Gets Drastic” – Go Radio

This song was one of the first two released by the band before their EP Do Overs And Second Chances was announced (at the time, it was titled “Fall Asleep First”), and I immediately fell in love. Though their previous EP was full of well-written songs, they lacked the spark of Jason Lancaster’s previous work in Mayday Parade – a spark that is present from beginning to end here. If you like heartfelt lyrics and great guitar parts, then this is the song for you.

5. “Stay Away From My Friends” – Pierce The Veil

Before the release of Selfish Machines, I was a passive fan of Pierce The Veil. They had a few songs I liked, but nothing that really drew me to listen to them on a consistent basis. Then they went and released my favorite album from last year. Front to back, Selfish Machines is full of great songs, and this is the one that I have to choose as my favorite. Who expects “scene” bands to write ballads like this? Vic Fuentes’s voice drips emotion on this song in the way that, as a singer myself, I could only ever hope to achieve. The honesty of the lyrics and the song’s structure are perfect. Enough said.

6. “The Art Of Living” – The Audition

It was a bit difficult choosing exactly which song from Great Danger that I wanted to include on my year-end list, since the album is a string of gems, with one great track after the next. In the end, “The Art Of Living” won out because of the little things in the background of the song, with string parts and piano bits embellishing the verses to great effect. And man, is that a killer chorus. Danny Stevens gives a brilliant vocal effort, the drums are driving throughout, and there are more than a handful of great guitar parts. All in all, another great song from one of the most consistent pop-punk bands out there.