Song Crush: Alone (Heart)

Originally published 17/10/09 on http://www.rookiefm.blogspot.com/  

From Bad Animals, Heart's ninth studio album.

 Sister duo Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart generally favour a hard rock sound, but a brief dip into power ballads in the '80s produced this gem. Composed by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly (masterminds behind much-loved classics like True Colours and Eternal Flame) this song endured a short stint on the soundtrack of 1984 CBS sitcom Dreams, before being picked up by girl-fronted, hair-rock band, Heart in 1987, and catapulted into power ballad infamy.
 Bursting at the seams with '80s melodrama, this classic was the groups most successful single in both the U.K. and the U.S., (despite the video being choreographed by a certain Paula Abdul). Beginning with a haunting, reverberant piano melody and hushed vocals, it’s beautiful, but this is supposed to be a power ballad; where’s the drama? Where’s the power? Cue the guitars, exploding pianos and dramatic vocals (and close ups of dramatic hair and dramatic eyeliner) perms never looked so good. Building to an epic instrumental crescendo, Anne belts out the chorus to Nancy’s typical '80s, cock-rock guitar solo.
 Bands like Alice in Chains, R.E.M., and Pearl Jam cite these sisters as a source of inspiration and this song is frequently covered (most recently by Kristin Chenoweth and Matthew Morrison on current FOX hit, Glee; Kristin’s dynamic, country-tinged vocals combine with the introduction of a male part to give it an interesting twist).
 Chock-full of power-riffs and electro-synth, this illustrious love song is perfect for those moments when you fancy a bit of drama, well deserving it’s place on every Best Of The '80s, or Car Karaoke, album it graces.

Listen To It Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxfdDrKO8uM

Heart - Greatest Hits, released 10th July 2000, on EMI is available from online stores: http://hmv.com/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?ctx=280;-1;-1;-1;-1&sku=528732  

Song Crush: Wheels (Foo Fighters)

 Originally published 3/10/09 on http://www.rookiefm.blogspot.com/ 

From the upcoming album, Greatest Hits.

  After announcing in September 2008, that they were going on a long break, the Foo Fighters have kept to their word; warning fans "not to expect anything for a while" (although there are rumours circulating that the band may have cut their hiatus short and be preparing to write a new album – we can hope can't we?).
  They promised to be back in the future, when people "really miss" them, but in the mean time, they’re putting 14 years of stellar hits to use and releasing a long-awaited record of their greatest hits. This upcoming album boasts fan favourites such as All My Life, Monkey Wrench and Breakout, as well as two new, previously unreleased tracks; Wheels and Word Forward.
  First premiered on the lawn of the White House, (during this year’s Independence Day celebrations), Wheels more than lives up to its suitably epic unveiling. I think I can safely say that they made a smart decision skipping the album stage and sticking it straight where it belongs; on the Greatest Hits.
  Rightfully chosen as the single to promote the new album, this soon-to-be classic has a distinctly country feel about it, complementing the Foo’s usual blend of acoustic and hard rock, and exposing the rarely seen softer side of the revered quintet. Kind of a Green Day - meets - Rascal Flatts, if you get what I mean. The result is effortless and understated with bluesy guitars, country ballad melodics, and a rousing, inspirational chorus that shows that (despite taking a break) they clearly have no indication of giving up their Rock God titles and want to remind us why.

Listen To It Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQFvihs_vNI  

Greatest Hits, released November 3rd 2009, on RCA Records is available from online stores: http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/11924640/Greatest-Hits/Product.html   

Song Crush: London Town (William Control)

Originally published 27/09/09 on http://www.rookiefm.blogspot.com/

   From Hate Culture, debut album from William Control, (Aiden singer WiL Francis' side project).

   
  The perfect example of goth-rock, Hate Culture is about a man named William Control and his last night on earth before he kills himself. Yes, it's a little morbid (and a lot emo) but I can't help but love this song. The final track on the record, London Town is quite different to the rest of the leather-clad ,electro-synth-metal, dance tunes; the lyrics perfectly reflect the utter despair and isolation of a man disillusioned with love, the world around him and humanity in general; this is accompanied by a haunting melody to create a beautiful acoustic piece. Whether you're indulging in the grief of rejected love, or just in the mood for something slower, this song is the ideal melancholy accessory for your everso 'deep' and dejected wallowing.

Listen To It Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDV51bKwfk0

Hate Culture released October 28th 2008 on Victory Records is available from the online store: http://www.victoryrecords.com/item/13661/0/William_Control_Hate_Culture