Toto - "Africa"

Here's some Toto. Happy Easter.

Ayria - "Horrible Dream" (live)

Ayria is good for an Easter morning, right?

Kap Bambino - "Dead Lazers"

I was kind of in the mood for some electropunk, so this looked good to me. As a matter of fact, it looks completely wild. Then again, from what I understand, this is par for the course for Kap Bambino.

MDFMK - "Now" (live)

And now, here is an old video of the wacky adventures of Sascha, Skold, and Lucia! (Better known as MDFMK.)

The B52's - "Love Shack"

I told you today was going to be "The B52's Day". If you didn't expect this to be the other song, you must have expected a real storyline swerve.

The B52's - "Rock Lobster"

I have hereby declared today to be "The B52's Day" for -- no reason!

Wolfsheim - "Find You're Here" & "Find You're Gone"

Ahh... Wolfsheim. These are two songs that complement each other, and the transition is quite beautiful. Even at over seven minutes, this should capture your attention.

Solar Fake - "More Than This" (live)

I admit there is kind of an oversaturated market for futurepop, so even when people have talent in the genre, it can be underexposed. I feel like there was a bit of a boom and bust in the mid to late-2000s. Anyway, here's one of those bands that I'm sure not everyone has heard of, but does seem soothing to the ears. Enjoy some Solar Fake.

Alice in Videoland - "She's a Machine"

Whoa -- I never knew this music video ever existed. I know that Alice in Videoland rocks, but I never knew they had a video that was like this. Just look at this. If you appreciate animated music videos, you'll love this to pieces.

Kirlian Camera - "Nightglory"

I knew the frontwoman in the last video looked really familiar! That was Elena Fossi of Kirlian Camera! Anyway, since I've come to this revelation, I decided that I'll just devote the afternoon post to her, too, and give you all a Kirlian Camera video. One thing I love about this video is that if you were to just watch the video without sound, and you didn't know anything about the band, you'd expect there was some hard EBM or electro-industrial playing. Once you turn on the music though, it's like -- "Darkwave, really?" At least it's the heavy electro type of darkwave (e.g. The Crüxshadows) as opposed to the feathery, ethereal darkwave (e.g. Claire Voyant).

SPECTRA*Paris - "A Clockwork London"

This is another project I hadn't heard of until today. I must say I'm interested and want to hear more though from this SPECTRA*paris person/people.

Emilie Autumn - "Thank God I'm Pretty"

If you want a good idea of Emilie Autumn's brand of humor, when she's being funny in that ever so sarcastic, biting manner, this is a fantastic example.

The Go-Go's - "We Got the Beat"

I'm just making sure everyone who reads my page feels really old, right now. There's no other reason why I'd post a video of The Go-Go's.

Freezepop - "Parlez-vous Freezepop?"

Even if you don't speak French, the video tells one hell of a story, and is made quite well. If you have any nostalgia at all for those old, cheesy foreign language instructional videos you may have seen in high school if you were a 90s kid in the US, like me, you'll love this. Freezepop hits the mark.

Krystal System - "Nuclear Winter"

Krystal System is basically electro-industrial with significant metal influence, from what I can see. This video makes me think these people might have been fans of The Day After.

Imperative Reaction - "Only In My Mind"

For your Monday morning, I have deemed Imperative Reaction to be what you need. No worry, I know what is best for you than you do. You're welcome.

Peter Murphy - "Cuts You Up"

Does this Peter Murphy song or video really need introduction? Just enjoy it.

Apoptygma Berzerk - "Starsign"

This was may first Apoptygma Berzerk song. I have to say it was also one of the songs that shaped my tastes in my early years in the scene. I still listen to it, even after all these years.

Front Line Assembly - "Mind Phazer"

This is a mix of straight-up sci-fi and the 90s-style hacker culture that I love to bits. This Front Line Assembly video quite iconic, and I think you all need to be exposed to it.

Chaos All Stars - "Autumn Nights"

A good portion of the time, I like my songs to be slow burners. This song isn't particularly danceable, but that's perfectly fine. This is more the kind of song that you find yourself wanting to listen to when you want to decompress after a hard day of work. Also, one thing of note is that Chaos All Stars is a mostly collaborative project. Although they have a couple of core members, they get a lot of their talent from guests who are on a revolving door policy.

Cinderella Effect - "Standing" (live)

This is certainly an interesting rendition of the big, important VNV Nation song. I'm not sure exactly what I think of this Cinderella Effect version, but I do have to give the band props for doing something creative with it.

Front 242 - "Welcome to Paradise" (live)

Here is an old live recording from 1989 of Front 242's "Welcome to Paradise". The old VHS look is charming to me.

Absolute Grrrls Manifesto - Chapter I - Teaser

Alfa Matrix has put out a teaser for their Absolute Grrrls Manifesto compilation. You may need to brace yourselves for the sheer amount of awesome this teaser will bring forth.

Real Life - "Send Me an Angel"

Let's be frank, here. "Send Me an Angel" was Real Life's only important song. But it doesn't mean that this wasn't one awesome song.

Eurythmics - "Here Comes the Rain Again"

I'm going to warn you that I'm getting quite a hankerin' for some 80s again, today. Here is a lovely song by Eurythmics.

Lovelorn Dolls - "No Life"

No need to get personal! My Facebook friends happen to give me lots of love and confidence! I'm just-- Oh, heck with it. I'm a nerd. *cries*

I'm beginning to like Lovelorn Dolls more and more by the day. I really like this song because they're more than willing to get down and dirty with what goes on in the lives of their audience. Hearing commentary about spending all day at one's computer is much more interesting to a number of people than the ten billionth love song.

Ronan Harris in lederhosen

This is a video of Ronan Harris of VNV Nation in lederhosen. Enjoy.

I:Scintilla - "Capsella (Toxin Mix)"

I'm in dire need of a beautiful song, right now. I think this music video from I:Scintilla's old days fits the bill.

So, about that Tying Tiffany concert + Her ReverbNation "Brain for Breakfast" list

There isn't a whole lot I can say here about the Glasslands concert that would be remotely appropriate to gloss over. Although I expected it to rock, I didn't expect to be completely gobsmacked by it. So, instead of trying to oversimplify, I'll just have to tell you to wait for when I get to doing the full report. You're not going to want to miss it.

Also, I know that a lot of people haven't heard Tying Tiffany's Brain for Breakfast album, because it's insanely hard to find. But it is on ReverbNation. So here's the list:

Send Newsletters to your fans from ReverbNation.com

Switchblade Symphony - "Dissolve" (live)

I cannot get enough of Switchblade Symphony. This is what I think of when I think of "old school goth" music.

Joy Division - "Love Will Tear Us Apart"

A few days ago, I showed off other people's reinventions of "Love Will Tear Us Apart", but here is the Joy Division original. This song rocks, by the way.

Ego Likeness - "Treacherous Thing"

Ego Likeness knows how to do some really strange, artsy videos. One thing I really like about that duo is how much appreciation they seem to have in regard to art. Even though this video is fairly simple, it gets the message across. Also, this is quite danceable, which I like.

Tying Tiffany - "Miracle"

Since I'm about to see Tying Tiffany in concert in a few hours, I think it's only fitting that you are subjected to -- er, I show you a Tying Tiffany video. This one was from Peoples Temple. Also, just so you all know, everything at least through tomorrow is going to be a canned post, because I'm going to be gone. You'll get at least a few snippets about my time at the concert on Tuesday though, with a bigger concert write-up at a later date. Check the Facebook page though for short comments!

VNV Nation - "Space and Time" (live)

This is one of my favorite VNV Nation songs, period. I think you should like it, too.

Dead or Alive - "Spin Me Around"

I'm on a big New Wave kick, today. As a result, you get a New Wave song in the afternoon update, too. Enjoy Dead or Alive's "Spin Me Around".

M - "Pop Muzik"

If you really want to dig into the roots of New Wave, "Pop Muzik" by M is a good place to start. It's one of the earliest New Wave songs.

Hindu Pez: Where is he now? + "Song of Protest and Hope"

This was an act from back in my early goth-industrial days. I remember when Gabe was just starting Hindu Pez and was a regular at the goth nights in the Hampton Roads area (like the ones at The Wave, Hartz, and I think he was at The Abyss, too). I'm happy to see that he has been able to achieve at least a little bit of success musically with not only the Hindu Pez project, but also with playing for Red This Ever during their live shows.

Bella Morte - "First Light"

This is Bella Morte's "unofficially released" video for "First Light". Am I the only person who thinks these people would be absurdly successful if they repackaged themselves as a new wave band? Andy Deane totally has the voice for it.

Unter Null - "Broken Heart Cliche" (live)

Wow, Erica looked so -- proper when she was doing her tour for Unter Null's Moving On. I don't really know what to say. I half-expected band to be dressed in suits and ties. I'm certainly not complaining. It's just that you can tell that Erica carries herself with dignity. At least, that's the vibe I'm getting. This isn't just something I'm basing on just one video, either. Here are two other videos of the same song in different tour locations: here and here. Am I crazy here?

Beborn Beton - "Another World" (live)

You all wanted some Beborn Beton this afternoon, right? And if you didn't want it, well, it's a shame, because it's what you're going to get, anyway.

"Love Will Tear Us Apart" covers

This morning, I feel like paying homage to Joy Division for no particularly good reason. Here are three covers of "Love Will Tear Us Apart".

Culutre Kultür:


Apoptygma Berzerk (You'll need to turn up your volume a bit to hear this one.):
Dave Gahan from Depeche Mode:

The Luna Sequence - The Day the Curse Grew Stronger

(Property of The Luna Sequence, used under Fair Use for direct, substantial commentary on product)

A new album by The Luna Sequence is coming out on April 23. From what I understand, "[t]here will be digipaks." For the record, I voted for hoodies when she was asking whether or not we wanted hoodies or digipaks, but I cannot complain, for that was the will of the people. Here is the track listing:

1. After Dreams Isolate
2. End of Empires
3. Whitewash Currents
4. Purpose Beyond Form
5. The Catalyst Passage
6. Visions
7. Pale Heart Purification
8. Shadows From the Watchtower
9. Lacerate
10. Begin Where I End

Axum Lounge - March 2, 2013

So, last Saturday, I drove about four hours to mainly go to see Spider Lilies at Axum Lounge in Washington, DC. I knew there were going to be at least a couple of other bands after Spider Lilies played that would be my style of music, too, but the bands before Spider Lilies were a little out of my realm of interest. Still, for $10, being able to see up to six bands play was quite the bargain.

Axum Lounge is a very small, cozy venue. The downstairs is an Ethiopian restaurant, but the upstairs is kind of a dive bar. I was pleasantly surprised to find the restrooms to be as clean as they were. I usually expect places like that to have restrooms to resemble that of seedy gas stations, but this place was a refreshing boon in that regard. Considering I had to drive not too long after having just gotten there, drinking was totally out of the question for me, so I can't really make any comments about the bar. The bottled water that Stacey Campbell's boyfriend, photographer Daniel Sergei, bought for me didn't seem shady, so I guess that's a plus. My only real complaint with the place was that the volume on the speakers was a bit too high for the size of the room. It was difficult to have any sort of conversation in the venue, regardless of wherever I stood.

Anyway, how were the bands?

The first band that popped on stage was Nila Kay. I did not envy their opening role for this event. It seemed like the crowd wasn't into them, although this band certainly wasn't bad. Their music reminded me of some 90s pop. Des'ree instantly popped into my mind, although some of Nila Kay's songs were a bit more danceable than what Des'ree did. I'm definitely not an expert on this kind of music, so I can't really get into too much detail about my opinions. I do think they might have gotten a more energized crowd though had they been booked for a venue with music more like theirs.

Here was their set list:

1. Tonight
2. Turn It Up
3. Drive
4. No Escape
5. Tongue-Tied
6. Hand Jive
7. Wallflower
8. Soda Pop

Nila Kay had this to say about the concert:

"This was a fun show at Axum, I was happy that there was a sound person there this time. The bartender was just as characteristically unenthusiastic as she was the last time I was there, ha ha. She does not look happy to be there! Although the turn out was bigger at the last show I played here, I still had a good time. The band after us was pretty good and they had a lot of funny drunken friends...I sold a C.D. and a couple people signed my mailing list. 

...Just another night I guess. Onto the next show!"

I'm totally not commenting on that part about the bartender. Those two can duke it out. Heh heh. That being said, let's talk about These Future Saints.

 (Property of These Future Saints, used with explicit permission)

(Property of These Future Saints, used with explicit permission)

These Future Saints played after Nila Kay, and they seemed to be pretty much the cookie cutter definition of indie rock. Again, this was another band that I really didn't feel overly qualified to comment on, since their genre is outside of my interests, but they had a good enough sound, I guess. Nila Kay was quite accurate in mentioning the drunk population during the set though. Many people seemed rather -- energized in the crowd. I think a good number of people too went specifically to see them play and didn't stick around for the rest of the bands.

This is what they played at Axum:

1. Love and Excuses
2. Catch and Release
3. Take Care
4. I Can't Win (The Strokes cover)
5. Come Around
6. Fit for a King
7. Separation
8. Reverie
9. Blackjack


Here is what the band had to say about that night:


"Our set at Axum Lounge was our second official show.  As a band starting out, we're constantly working to improve and perfect our live performances, and with each show we're getting more tighter and comfortable with the audience.  At Axum, the small crowd provided a fun, intimate setting for our set that was well received.  We had a great time, and look forward to providing our audience with the best show we possibly can.

The upstairs at Axum Lounge had a decent setup given the size limitations.  There were some sound issues ranging from a lack of monitors to overbearing PA speakers near the back of the room that really could have been shut off.  Despite these issues everything sounded reasonably well and we easily moved past them and into a good show.  

Overall we did not enjoy the venue, and we will likely not return, which is unfortunate because DC desperately needs more venues that support live original music.  Through setting up and performing this show, it became clear to us that they were not interested in supporting or respecting the musicians that choose to work with them.  The focus was the venue making a quick buck off bands looking for places to play."

I can't really comment on the venue's role in scene politics. I had never been there before this concert, and I don't know the people who run the establishment at all. I do hope this grievance is resolved between the two parties though, because venues do need to have feedback from all stakeholders to get an adequate idea of how to maintain good business.

Now, onto talking about the band that I paid to see, Spider Lilies.

 (Property of Sergei Photography, used with explicit permission)

There is no way I can possibly comment on Spider Lilies in a way that would even pretend to show any level of objectivity. Obviously, I'm going to tell you that they put on a performance that would have given Queen's Live Aid performance a run for its money. So, instead of gushing out hyperbole, especially since I have video footage for you all to see on your own to judge, I'll tell you some interesting details.

For one, Stacey Campbell was just getting over laryngitis. She had gone on an intensive regimen earlier in the week to make sure she could sing by concert day. I think she did a bang-up job getting into the necessary shape. Also, Chad VanPelt wore an I:Scintilla hoodie to the show, and I noticed that right away. Considering how anyone who reads this blog knows just how absurd I am about doting on I:Scintilla, needless to say, I couldn't help myself but to compliment Chad on his choice of apparel. Furthermore, all in all, Stacey, Chad, and Daniel (Stacey's boyfriend) were all incredibly nice, sociable people, and I found them to be totally down-to-earth.

Here's what they played at this event:

1. Metaphor (live footage)
2. Soft Green Eyes (live footage)
3. Follow (live footage)
4. Surgery (live footage)
5. Idolatry (live footage)
6. Within (live footage)
7. Serene (live footage)
8. Mirror in the Dark (live footage)
9. Pay (live footage)

Stacey had this to say about the show:

"It was a fun, intimate little show. The sound wasn't bad, and a bunch of our favorite people were there."

Chad had this to say:

"It’s always great to get out and play live, especially local shows. We’re in the process of working on the new album, so shows like this that pop up are a nice way to keep connected to our local fans and let folks know that we’re still around and still active even if we’re not playing shows all the time right now. Sharing the bill with friends, other local bands, is also a plus."

Wait -- did you just say "new album", good sir? Mr. VanPelt, you must tell me more about this "new album" of which you speak. But anyway, I need to give some article space to the other bands of the night. The next one that came on stage was dharmata 101.

(Property of Sergei Photography, used with explicit permission)

So class, what do you get when you mix Buddhist philosophy with good old-fashioned industrial and EBM? The correct answer to this question is dharmata 101, obviously. At the show, it looked like the band might have been having technical difficulties, so it was a good while, about twenty minutes after scheduled start time, before dharmata was able to start. It was definitely worth the wait though. The second song in their set, "Magnetic Stripe Down", was probably my favorite. It was a cold, slightly uncomfortable explanation of why lusting after money is the root of all evil. I found "Oxygen" to be the most danceable song of the night and would totally recommend it to any DJ who wants a song that will get people moving. Overall, I thought dharmata 101 had a good thing going here, and I would definitely be interested in seeing where they go from here.

This was their set list for the night:

1. Mile One
2. Magnetic Stripe Down
3. Oxygen
4. Emoticon
5. Emancip8
6. Hello Cruel World
7. > I (Dada In Motion)
8. The Five Shackles

JSun Bruner, frontman for dharmata 101, had this to say about the show:

"We think the concert went splendidly, save a couple small technical issues at the beginning of our set. Though short a member (our bass player isn't old enough to perform at a 21+ establishment), we ran through the bulk of the music from our forthcoming concept album 'the five shackles' (the first half of which can be heard at https://soundcloud.com/dharmata-101/the-five-shackles-part-1). We were extraordinarily lucky to have shared the bill with both Spider Lilies and Lenorable, who rounded out a wonderful night for all in attendance."

Chad VanPelt commented on the dharmata 101 performance, too:

"Dharmata 101 keeps evolving his live show and that’s been great to see over the years, adding Ace on keyboards for this incarnation of the band. Jsun’s got new D101 material in the works so getting an ear on some of that in a live setting is cool."

I thought dharmata 101 had an excellent stage presence throughout the whole thing. They didn't have a huge stage to work with, but they knew work really well with what they had.

Unfortunately, I had to leave after this set, but there was one more band who played. After having listened to Lenorable's stuff at home after the show, I really wish I could have stayed, because this is the kind of stuff that's right up my alley. I especially liked the video for "Ligeia".

(Property of Sergei Photography, used with explicit permission)

I didn't get to see the show, so I can't comment directly on their performance. Here is their set list though:

1. The Prince

2. She Waits

3. The Puppet Man

4. Metamorphosis

5. Disconnect

6. Ligeia

7. Charlie Darling

Here is what Ian Graham, Lenorable guitarist, said about their experience at the event:

"We didn't know what exactly to expect at Axum, since we'd neither played there before nor had we worked with their promoter, and a 1:30am set is late for DC shows. We've always considered our music to be at least related to modern gothic rock, since we're so heavily influenced by bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division and Clan of Xymox. When you label yourself with a term like 'goth,' which is so near and dear to so many people, you hope you do it justice. It was cool to see fans of Spider Lilies and Dharmata 101, who both have stronger ties to the DC goth scene than we do, react to us positively."

From what I hear, you all did just fine. Here's what Chad VanPelt had to say about the Lenorable set:

"Lenorable is a relatively new band that I’ve been introduced to and always look forward to seeing. They have a really nice post-punk shoegaze sound that really translates well live. Guitarist Ian Graham’s shoegaze presence is balanced out well by Vocalist Lisa Reed’s energetic movement between verses."

So, there you have it. Five bands in one night in a tiny upstairs room in DC. Overall, I had tons of fun. Obviously, I would have been happy to just see Spider Lilies for ten bucks, so seeing quality shows out of the rest of the bands was an incredible bonus. I would really like to see a five or six-band megashow once again, although I would like there to be more of a cohesive theme next time around. Although Nila Kay and These Future Saints were certainly decent bands on their own, I think both of those bands would have gained a lot more benefit from being in concerts with bands similar to theirs. Likewise, I think Spider Lilies, dharmata 101, and Lenorable would rock if they did another concert, especially if another goth/industrial band or two were to get thrown into the mix. Final verdict: If you didn't go, you really, really missed out.

Colony 5 - "Synchronized Hearts" (live)

I've started to really get into Colony 5 since I heard about them from Unter Null's mention of them on EBM Day. Here's a live performance of "Synchronized Hearts" to get your blood pumping for the day.

Depeche Mode - "People Are People"

This is arguably Depeche Mode's most socially important song, and I think I agree with that sentiment.

Ayria - "Red Shift"

It's a Monday evening, so here's a video someone did of a live performance of Ayria doing "Red Shift" from Debris in Belgium.

Javelynn - "Skip a Heartbeat"

I feel like Yaz has added a little more bite to her music since leaving Ashbury Heights, even if her music is starting to really push heavily into the pop part of the spectrum, barely holding onto the industrial roots. In the end though, I think all that matters to Javelynn, like to most artists, is whether or not the music is good.

Chamber of Echoes - "Esoteric"

I am amazed sometimes by how many different ways artists can explore the pop side of industrial rock. I admit that's probably my sweet spot when it comes to straight-up industrial that doesn't delve into electro-industrial or futurepop. Anyway, just listen to this. I can't quite figure out what this sounds like, but it sounds like a mix between a run-of-the-mill female-fronted rock band and modern industrial rock. This Chamber of Echoes stuff is enjoyable.

Blondie - "Call Me"

Here's some Blondie for your Sunday afternoon.

Client - "Lights Go Out"

I like Client, because it finds a way to relax me in ways that most bands aren't quite able to do for me. The tunes are catchy, but they also make me want to get under the covers and get comfortable with a good book. This love song is no exception to this observation. Also, I really enjoy their aesthetics for their videos.

Tying Tiffany - "One Second"

The new Tying Tiffany "One Second" video is out. It's different from what I expected, but I'm very much not complaining.

The Birthday Massacre - "In The Dark"

This is insanely cheesy. That being said, I like this for some unknown reason. I don't know quite why I like it, but there's something that just makes me unable to look away from this video from The Birthday Massacre. This feels like one of those vids that you like in secret, but you go out of your way to tell everyone else that you weren't impressed. Don't worry. We're in this together. Your secret is safe with me.

Nine Inch Nails - "Head Like A Hole"

If I'm going to subject you to the mashup with "Call Me Maybe" in the background, the least I can do is provide you with the original, too. This will please the almighty Reznor, right?

a-ha - "Take on Me"

For your Friday morning, you get one of the most delightfully cheesy, guilty pleasure new wave songs ever, a-ha's "Take on Me".

You're welcome.

The Dreamside - "Forsaken"

If there is such thing as ethereal industrial that doesn't make a turn for cabaret, I think The Dreamside is a great example of it. "Forsaken" feels like they took what could have been a very fae darkwave song and added metal influences to it. I can't really describe it well, because The Dreamside feels unique. You just have to listen.

"THE HARLEM SHAKE / GOTH Edition"

I could only find one originally choreographed gothic-themed Harlem Shake video on YouTube, so I'll show it to you. There are a number of goth Harlem Shake vids, but the rest of them either just take existing video and simply apply the Harlem Shake music to it, are split screen videos, or are so tangentially goth that it would be a stretch to put them here in good conscience.

Spider Lilies - "Axum Lounge, March 2, 2013" (live)

I got the honor of taping the Spider Lilies set at Axum Lounge this past Saturday. Here is the video, so everyone can see just what they missed if they didn't show up! Also, I will do a write-up about the concert soon, but I'm still waiting to hear from some of the musicians in regard to things I wanted to put in the article. It'll come soon!

Nena - "99 Red Balloons"

Here's another 80s new wave classic. I know a lot of people say the German version is better, but I like the English version because English is the language of which I have fluency. Anyway, here's probably Nena's biggest song.

Tying Tiffany - "Minimal To Video Campaign"

As it gets closer to the Tying Tiffany at Glasslands date (March 17), I intend to give you all more coverage of her. Here is a video she did for Minimal To, a designer clothing company, recently.

Marsheaux - "Promise" (live)

Just so you know, it's never a bad time for Marsheaux. Here's their cover of When in Rome's "The Promise". I have to say that this version softer and feels a bit more like the listener is floating along, which is what I think they intended. I like it.

pomDeter - "Call Me A Hole"

What do you get when you mash up Nine Inch Nails's "Head Like a Hole" and Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe"? You only get the best thing ever in the history of ever! Whoever this pomDeter guy is really outdid himself here!

Psy'Aviah - "Human Garbage" (live)

Here is live footage of my favorite Psy'Aviah song, "Human Garbage". The effects are quite slick, and whoever edited the video was clearly a professional. There is no reason why this video should have so few views.

Lenorable - "Ligeia"

Lenorable is another band that played at Axum on Saturday. I didn't get to see them play, because I had to head back on my somewhat long trip home. But after having listening to their stuff, I really wish I had stayed. They feel like a mix of gothic rock and straight-up electropunk.

Absolute Grrrls Manifesto [chapter 1] (a.k.a. "Let Me Rip Money out of Epic Lightning's Wallet")

(Property of Alfa Matrix, used under Fair Use for direct, substantial commentary on product)

Here is a listing of just the bands that I personally endorse that are going to be on this compilation:

Ayria

Collide

Lovelorn Dolls

Tying Tiffany

Junksista

Alice in Videoland

Psy'Aviah

Marsheaux

I:Scintilla

Stray / Unter Null

Does Alfa Matrix hate me or something? It's like on April 12, Alfa Matrix is going to tell me, "You're going to give us a chunk of change, and there's just nothing you can do about it." This almost feels like a tax or a bill. I have to buy this.

dharmata 101 - "Oxygen"

I watched this band live at Axum Lounge in DC last night, and I have to say that I liked what I saw. Here's their video for what I think is the most danceable song dharmata 101 played. I will warn you that if rapidly blinking things aren't good for you, you may want to consider just listening to the song while covering the page with another tab.

Massiv in Mensch - "Pop Corn"

So, I have a bit of a fixation on that popcorn song. I already showed you Marsheaux's version of it. Now, you get to see the Massiv in Mensch version. It's different and involves fewer Legos than Marsheaux's.

Freezepop - "Freezepop Forever"

This is, by far, my favorite song in which a band introduces itself. Freezepop has always been out in left field, but that's exactly why I like them. This is from their debut album, Freezepop Forever.

Tears for Fears - "Everybody Wants to Rule the World"

This Tears for Fears gem is not only my favorite by the band, but is also fitting for the time period. There are a number of lines in here that some people have interpreted as imagery showing fear of the possibilities of the Cold War. It's no surprise this is a song of choice for the video game, World in Conflict.

Lovelorn Dolls - "Purple"

This video seems interesting, and Lovelorn Dolls seems to have promise. They sound kind of like The Birthday Massacre. I like the general theme of one's outer self cracking under pressure, and the idea of how someone can just not care after a while. Ladyhell really sings the daylights out of this song, too, and that's just what is needed for a song like this, in my opinion.

Siouxsie and the Banshees - "Spellbound"

There is a lot of yellow in this Siouxsie and the Banshees video. A lot. Regardless, this song about being a little kid is the kind of thing that Siouxsie and the Banshees do really well. They know how to make their songs feel powerful and meaningful while giving the listener a sense of personal fulfillment. There is a reason why these people, particularly Siouxsie Sioux, herself, are goth icons.