Veil of Maya is a progressive metal band from Oak Park, Illinois. Thus far, they've released three full-length albums and a demo. Their albums include: "All Things Set Aside" (2006), "The Common Man's Collapse" (2008), and "[id]" (2010). The band member's include: Brandon Butler (vocals, keys), Marc Okubo (guitar), Sam Applebaum (drums), and Danny Hauser (bass).
I'm going to come right out and say, "All Things Set Aside" is my favorite album, though I haven't heard much of "[id]". They're very talented and definitely a band I would like to see performing live!
I've been getting a little off track in my posts lately, but don't worry, I'll be back to posting my favorite bands again soon.
For now, however, I just wanted to share a web page with you guys, if you haven't already heard about it. There's a link I could use to refer you there for points and whatnot, but I don't even know what those points are good for, but I'll give you this:
As simple as that. Vizzed is full of older video games from systems such as: Atari, Nintendo and Super Nintendo, Sega, Gameboy, etc, etc...
There are a couple minor drawbacks. First, you have to download a plug in for your browser in order to run the games. Also, you'll need to register as a user or you'll be limited to a certain amount of playing time. I don't recall the exact size of the download, but it wasn't very big and it hasn't affected my computer negatively at all.
And, since I'm here, I might as well post a video or two:
I've been listening lately to some rap: namely, Immortal Technique. If you haven't heard of him, you should give it a listen. Most of his lyrics deal with controversial issues in global politics. Listening to him, he actually sounds like a pretty smart person. He states a lot about the American government and corruption and believes in the Illuminati, although he refuses to admit that he believes in conspiracy theories. He refuses record deals left and right (probably for that reason) and has stated during interviews that he makes more money by doing what he's doing now than he would if he signed. He has also stated that he believes the only people who benefit from an artist signing with a company is the company. But, I'm sure this all ties together with his beliefs in the Illuminati.
Immortal Technique has released four full-length albums entitled: "Revolutionary Vol. 1", "Revolutionary Vol. 2", "The 3rd World", and "The Middle Passage". With profits from his third album, "The 3rd World", Immortal Technique traveled to Kabul, Afghanistan and helped with the building of an orphanage with no corporate or external funding. The orphanage was and still is successful.
Now, for some music.
"Cause of Death"
This next song is probably the most horrible, disgusting song which apparently is true. My previous statements about him and this song make it sound like two different people. There is a good message here though, and I would like for you to take a listen.
I don't really have much to say on this subject. I got a couple bands here that do some pretty cool remakes. I also have a song that some of you might not even know was a remade version.
The Devil Wears Prada - "Still Fly" (originally by Big Tymers)
Evergreen Terrace - "Enjoy The Silence" (originally by Depeche Mode)
Evergreen Terrace actually does quite a few remakes. Another pretty good one is "Mad World" by Tears For Fears. I personally prefer the remake by Gary Jules. Some of you might know it as the song from Donnie Darko. The song has a pretty cool music video too. I have a feeling like this version of the song was actually more popular than the original. I know it doesn't quite fit in here, but I like it, so...
Gary Jules - "Mad World" (originally by Tears For Fears)
In Fear And Faith - "Gangsta's Paradise" (originally by Coolio)
I already posted once today, but, oh well. I'm in a posting mood.
Today, I had a comment on one of my posts that made me feel good about my blogging and the material of my blog. The comment said that they would come to my blog regularly to listen to songs I post. I know one comment doesn't say much, but I know, for any blogger out there, it's nice to hear. When you hear from just one person out of the hundreds or thousands of followers you have (I actually am only at around 30) that they really like your post or your blog in general, it makes a difference. I just hope I can soon find many more followers who share the same interests and don't just use me for another follow on their blog. I do understand, however, that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I respect your opinion and I respect the music you listen to. It's all art and every artist deserves some attention, whether it be appraising or critical.
Today, I don't think people understand that music is art. Or they do, but they only consider THEIR music art. They have no respect for anyone else's thoughts or opinions on the subject. And even if they give the person a chance to state their opinion, it would be followed with nothing but criticism. Music is how I display this situation, although it applies to so many more ideas. Music is my thing.
And, with that said, here's some shit I like to listen to:
Casino Madrid - "Running With Scissors"
Isles & Glaciers - "Empty Sighs and Wine"
Attila - "Rage"
A Skylit Drive - "Hey Nightmare, Where Did You Get Them Teeth"
I, The Creation - "Let's Burn The Blankets For Warmth (live)"
Well, after a few recent comments, I realized quite a few people don't enjoy the music I do. And, while I'm not going to change my taste in music or my blog's main point, I will change it up a bit from time to time. Today, I was browsing through different blog's that I follow and I came across two different posts that had to do with nostalgia and that got me thinking: "why not do a nostalgia post myself?" Everyone's got different idea's of what makes them think about old times. One was about video games, another about old cartoons, and I believe there was one to do with a song. This is music that always get's me thinking of old times.
Fist of all, Metallica. I have always been into these guys. This was probably the first Metal band I ever liked. And now you can see how things have changed.
Metallica's "Master of Puppets" (live)
I can't hear Metallica without being brought back to early high school or the first time I picked up a guitar. The first song I learned (not entirely, but bits and pieces) was "One". I used to listen to Metallica and a few others on the bus going to school every morning. Another couple of bands would have to be Guns N' Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Linkin Park, AC/DC, some Sublime for my smoking days, and if you haven't heard Mean Dinosaur, you're missing out.
Mean Dinosaur - "Fly Away"
This song always makes me think of a really good friend who I haven't seen in a few months.
Now, aside from music, here are a few things that get me every time:
The Original Power Rangers (the yellow ranger was an Asian and the black ranger was a black guy, I love it).
Everyday after school.
Before cartoons were so uptight.
Toy Soldiers (not that Eminem song).
Nintendo 64 and any of it's predecessors. Also includes Sega and Atari.
Okay, maybe this one's a little too soon, but come one, we're never buying, renting, or watching these things again. It's only been, what feels like, a few short years and we're already two generations after the VHS tape.
I know I didn't include a whole lot, I could have spent hours upon hours adding and removing things from this, but sadly, I don't have that time. Now, I'd like to hear what makes you nostalgia. So, how about it? What makes you nostalgia fellow bloggers?
The song is "Antithesis" by Jamie's Elsewhere. This is definitely my favorite by them.
And an album version for comparison or whatever.
Sorry for the laziness of today's post. I'm in a hurry. Jamie's Elsewhere is great live and not. I saw them once, but couldn't manage to find any videos of the show I went to. That was a fun one.
