Adios to Emo?

Yesterday, in a sudden and somewhat unprecedented fashion, My Chemical Romance announced their departure from the world of music. Far from a convincing end, they did this through a small statement on their official website, and a cryptic Twitter post from lead singer Gerard Way, along with a picture of Houdini.

This may suggest escapism, but certainly doesn't match their previous announcement of an end for the band. It could well be the end of My Chemical Romance as they have previously existed, but for a band in the midst of creating an album it seems hugely unlikely, and somewhat coincidental, that this is a final goodbye.

Although an opinion up for debate, I consider this band to fall into the category of Emo. Lyrics which are harsh, and that certainly do not promote mental well being, have managed to earn them an army of dedicated followers. These fans are understandably upset - something which would certainly change were they to next announce a miraculous re-formation. Cruel, yes. Sneaky, most definitely. But an un-faultable promotional technique? Most certainly.

As much as I love music, I find it necessary that it's a positive element in people's lives - needless to say I am not a fan of the Emo genre. It seems illogical to add sadness to an already troubled world, and I would dearly love to see the demise of bands such as My Chemical Romance. Music for unhappy times is incredibly important, but artists which feed off and influence the emotions of their fans for financial gain and increased popularity seem as far from a positive attribute to the music industry as literally possible.

My Chemical Romance were on of the most popular rock bands of the last 10 years, and for good reason. After releasing The Black Parade, they received phenomenal success, both with dedicated rock fans, and those who had sworn themselves to a life of pop. It was a brilliantly made album, there is no denying that. However, there is also no denying the dark and depressing nature that it, and their previous music, was built upon.

The influence that Emo bands such as this can have of the mindset and emotions of their fans is not always immediately apparent, even to the listener themselves- but the lyrics and opinions of an artist will always have an impact, especially to their dedicated fans.

While this may not really be the end of My Chemical Romance, their break-up has the opportunity to be prompt the beginning of the end of Emo music. If they do undergo a 'miraculous' transformation, then they have the opportunity to release something good into the world, and to their fans. I sincerely hope they do.

What did he expect?

Mike Pedicone, My Chemical Romance's recently sacked drummer, is now trying to defend his actions, after he was caught red-handed stealing from his fellow band members. They were understandably shocked his behaviour, and after confessing to the police, he was immediately asked to leave the band. Guitarist Frank Iero posted on the bands website, saying - "We are heartbroken and sick to our stomachs over the entire situation." They are choosing to not press charges against him, so you would assume he would realise he's gotten off lightly, but no, he is now trying to explain exactly what happened, and why he stole from the people he thought of as friends.
"Almost as soon as I began touring with MCR I ran into problems with a member of the band's crew who i'll not name." - this is part of the statement he recently released, and continues on to explain that he was trying to frame said crew member, as an attempt to resolve the conflict, and did not intend to actually steal from them - "I had no intention of profiting whatsoever...". I cannot understand how someone could expect to be forgiven after doing something like this - regardless of whether it was a greatly misjudged situation or not, he was undeniably in the wrong. I have my suspicions that his version of accounts may be very different to the actual event - it seems all too convenient that his behaviour was 'completely innocent'. I don't think that any decent person would steal from their friends, to bring down an enemy. I completely understand why he has been told to leave the band - behaviour like that destroys any level of trust.

Smile! It might never happen...

"Have you heard the news that you're dead?
No one ever had much nice to say
I think they never liked you anyway
Oh take me from the hospital bed
Wouldn't it be grand? It ain't exactly what you planned.
And wouldn't it be great If we were dead?
Ohh dead."

This is the chorus from Dead! by My Chemical Romance. It's a great song, from an equally great album, but it's hardly chirpy, is it? Now, I'm not saying we should all throw away our MCR albums (i certainly couldn't), and start listening to Cher Lloyd or Tinie Tempah (God forbid!), but I do think that everybody needs a few happy songs, inamongst the sad, angry ones! So, i've compiled a list of positive, upbeat, but still halfway decent songs:

If You Haven't Got Anything To Say - Luke Leighfield
Roshambo - The Network
The Luckiest - Ben Folds
Mr. Brightside -The Killers
Dreaming Of You - The Coral
Chelsea Dagger - The Fratellis
Friday I'm In Love - The Cure
Teenage Dirtbag - Wheatus
Friday Is Forever - We The Kings
Star Song - Bowling For Soup
1234 - Plain White T's
The No No Song - The Sounds
Adelaide - Ben Folds
Don't Stop Believin' - Journey
Surfin' USA - Beach Boys

Here is a playlist of all the songs:http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL86A1E5253140E7A5&feature=mh_lolz

And if you're still not convinced...then stick on some MCR!

Top 10 Songs Ever!

Choosing my 10 favourite songs, was about as easy as getting a degree in Mathematics. Or running a double marathon. Backwards. And incase you're under the illusion that I'm some sort of genius mathematical child prodigy, with the athletic ability to rival Usain Bolt, you could not be more wrong. I have literally no grasp on maths, and have the fitness levels of an asthmatic sloth.

Anyway, after searching through the 135 CD's in my room (yes, I counted), an entire bookcase full of albums downstairs, and the thousands of of songs on my iPod, I managed to cut in down to 10 worthy songs.

1. One Way Or Another - Blondie

I'd love to know how many times I've listened to this song. I love the raw quality it has, the lack of perfection and editing most recent bands rely on, is what makes it so good.

2. Christie Road - Green Day

There's not a lot I can say about this song, other than it's simple, endearingly messy, and utterly brilliant.

3. I Don't Like Mondays - The Boomtown Rats

I was only recently that I discovered the meaning behind this song. Reading more into it, I realised how clever a song it actually was.

4.Waterloo Sunset - The Kinks

I love this song. And I love The Kinks. I read recently that to create the guitar distortion in their song Sunny Afternoon, they slashed their amps with razor blades. It's such a clever thing to think of doing. Their simple but wonderful songs make them without a doubt, one of my favourite bands ever.

5. Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra) - The Vaccines

I fear that my love of The Vaccines is simply because their music sounds old, but I think that's their appeal. I'm listening to each song as I write about it, and I'm finding it increasingly difficult to write this, because i'm so busy 'Ra Ra-ing'! And I think that's all that needs to be said.

6. Speechless - Lady Gaga

I'm aware that I haven't really delved into the world of pop yet, and while generally I prefer rock, or punk, or indie, I will always love Lady Gaga. Speechless is the most listened to song on my iTunes, I know it inside out, and back to front. It's beautiful, heartfelt, and stands out completely from the rest of her songs. My paws are well and truely up, Mother Monster!

7. Basket Case - Green Day

You may now have realised that quite like Green Day. I listen to so many different bands, genres, and styles of music, but Green Day will always be my favourite. Basket Case is the song I listen to, whatever mood I'm in. Happy, sad or angry, it always fits. I honestly don't think it's possible to listen to it while in a bad mood, and still feel the same when it's finished.

8. Nantes - Beirut

Beirut stand out hugely in my record collection. I'm a bit of a music-geek at heart - I love their use of an orchestral section. Their songs are beautiful, and Nantes is particularly great. Zach Condon's voice is so beautifully imperfect, that I can't help but love them.

9. Dead - My Chemical Romance

There are two reasons, and two reasons alone that I love this song. The first is that Gerard Way has an astonishing voice, and the second is the truely awesome guitar sections.

10. Star Girl - McFly

Right. There's no point trying to hide it anymore, so I'll be honest... I love McFly, I've seen them live 4 times, and I've even met them. Although I've grown out of my previous tweenager McFly obsession, I still love them. Star Girl is such an upbeat, unbelievably happy song, that it had to make my Top 10.

So there you have it, my favourite songs. There were sadly some casualties that didn't make the final cut, but I'm sure they'll inevitably make an appearance at some point!