3 Of The Week: (4/11/11)

As I contemplated my choices for this week’s 3 of the Week, I found myself disquieted by the prospect of school. So, I decided to create a playlist to offset the dread of Monday morning. A tribute to the baggy-eyed and sloth-like. This week’s 3 of the Week features songs that will, like a strong cup of coffee, prolong the miserable tired feeling that will surely come later.

1. “Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been” – Relient K

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4jRD1o1iGI[/youtube]

While I’ll admit that Christian Rock doesn’t normally find a home on any of my playlists, Relient K has always been an exception. It helps that most of their catalogue doesn’t push a religious doctrine, but “Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been” is so catchy that it could lyrically tell me to screw myself and I would still love it. From the band’s 2004 release Mmhmm, “Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been” is straight pop-punk, but it still manages to be somewhat unpredictable to first-time listeners. Frontman Matt Thiessen’s fast-paced vocal delivery keeps listeners on their toes. Overall, it’s a high-energy gem that never fails to get me on my feet.

2. “33” – Coheed and Cambria

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nv_zPBDsfAk[/youtube]

A big reason for my inclusion of Coheed and Cambria is that I’ll be seeing them this month, and every listen reminds me of the impending greatness that will be their set. I do however take other factors into consideration – “33” is one of the most underrated songs on Coheed’s 2001 debut The Second Stage Turbine Blade, and also has a great up-tempo, driving feel to get you through the day. So what if the song is about a celestial murdering priest? “33” always puts a smile on my face.  As one of the few songs in the band’s recorded catalogue to feature original drummer Nate Kelley, “33” is dynamically unique in the Amory Wars canon. This song does exactly what Jimmy Dean commercials claim their sandwiches do.

3. “Crawl” – Two Tongues

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_7zSc4yamk[/youtube]

The combined tongues of Max Bemis and Chris Conley were destined to make sweet music… and I only partially intend to mean that sexually. Two Tongues’ self-titled, while full of excellent music, begins with perhaps its strongest song. “Crawl” is brooding, but driving and loud enough to force a person awake in the morning. It draws accolades from me for using the same two chord progressions over and over without scratching the surface of boring, and for using the soft-loud-soft dynamic without sounding like a rehashed Nirvana song. “Crawl” is the kind of song that immediately sucks listeners in. If your head is going to be pounding when you wake up, better to do it this way.