Category Archives: Weekly Song

The Weekly Song category.

Red Snapper – Keeping Pigs Together

April 19, 2017 Axonn Echysttas Leave a comment

Experimentation is the key to progress. Music is also a subject of this simple property of intelligence. Like all forms of intelligent expression, music evolves through time, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. I like to think that this melody belongs to the first category.

It seriously caught my attention when, at around the 2 minutes mark, the song reaches its full speed in what is a panoramic show of force. Indeed, when listening to it, one may feel like being taken on a fast, dizzying flight across a landscape of wild sounds. My only complaint is that I felt like the ending is a bit over-done and might interfere a bit with the atmosphere that the artists have worked hard to create during the song.

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=damFjx6bnX4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=damFjx6bnX4^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/1w4xMh8oVSS5ylNtNYSwZX^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/29376271^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/01270-RedSnapper-OurAimIsToSatisfyRedSnapper.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Red Snapper – Keeping Pigs Together’ desc=’When listening to it, one may feel like being taken on a fast, dizzying flight across a landscape of wild sounds.’]

Vitalic – Under Your Sun

April 15, 2017 Axonn Echysttas Leave a comment

This melody is a fountain of euphoria. It’s also one of those rare dance songs that have beautiful lyrics. Singer France Picoulet conjures a dreamy veil through which the solid-paced rhythm pulsates with vigor. But when she takes off, wow does she fly high!

“I’m on your side to pray
I’m on your side to stay and float
but when you turning to seek
I don’t know who, who you are.

I’m on your side to ride,
I’m on your side to fight
but when you’re turning to seek
I don’t know who, who you are

People say that’s not light, it’s only pain
but it’s under your sun, I want to be.
People say that’s not light, it’s only pain
but it’s under your sun, I want to be.”

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAJPgX_YpYY^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

http://open.spotify.com/track/0wd05Jt02bbFoAFThgy4dQ^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/61043342^

This Weekly Song entry has been brought from the FaceBook archive of Weekly Song^. This exploration was originally started through a FaceBook page, about 13 months prior to launching Mentatul. Slowly but surely, the entire FaceBook archive will be brought here.

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/01599-VitalicRaveAge-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Vitalic – Under Your Sun’ desc=’This melody is a fountain of euphoria. It's also one of those rare dance songs that have beautiful lyrics.’]

Parov Stelar – Charleston Butterfly

April 12, 2017 Axonn Echysttas Leave a comment

Nothing says “sparkling party” better than some high quality electro-swing. And there are very few artists that do electro-swing like Parov Stelar does. The instrumental is adventurous. The singing is all sorts of groovy. So, get up and let the brass loose! Throw all worries out the window and smile, smile, smile. Even though a caterpillar dies in this story, this is quite the uplifting song.

Interestingly enough, the only place where I could find the long version of the song is YouTube. Spotify and Deezer both have shorter versions (they are all complete, but the YouTube version has an extra minute of electro-swing sweetness). Even though Parov Stelar is a contemporary musician, I’m rather disappointed by the lack of DRM-free purchase options for his art.

“As I killed the caterpillar
Fell into a curious thriller
Could not become a butterfly

As I killed the caterpillar
I started to end my life
Fell into a curious thriller

Could not become a butterfly
To choose you now into my life

Wanna be your butterfly
Smile, smile, smile at me

Hold me tight, and I feel free
Smile, smile, smile at me”

YouTube (decent quality, long version):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnBXciglPPk^

For Spotify Users (high quality, short version):

https://open.spotify.com/track/0NaDQi9jqm0f8YXXsBxZwb^

For Deezer Users (high quality, short version):

http://www.deezer.com/track/116676298^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/01554-ParovStelarDaylight-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Parov Stelar – Charleston Butterfly’ desc=’The instrumental is adventurous. The singing is all sorts of groovy. So, get up and let the brass loose!’]

Hocico – About A Dead

April 5, 2017 Axonn Echysttas Leave a comment

Ever heard about a musical genre called aggrotech? No, it has nothing to do with agriculture. It’s an exotic combination between electronica instrumentals and metal music atmosphere and vocals. And it sounds wicked!

After the merciless instrumental kicks off, the banshee singer will soon start its rant against organized religion. Even though the lyrical content is stuck with a rather limited spiritual perspective, I can’t say that I completely disagree with the message.

This song is a gorgeously hideous example of aggrotech. It comes from one of the most renowned bands in this niche genre. I’ve known about the Mexicans of Hocico for many years. Finally, it’s time to bring this shining dark gem to the Weekly Song.

“You said he’s around us
Well, then tell us where
Cause you went back to your place
And there was no one
To help wipe out the disgrace

Hey you, Mr. Priest
If you can speak to God
Tell me, did he offer the kids
Who you raped while you
Prayed for your soul?

God is dead
God is a noise in your head
Can he talk to you?
Not to me
God is dead
God is a waste in your brain
Can he talk to you?
Not to me

You said he’ll bring peace
Well, then tell us when
Do you expect us to live in fear
Of motherfuckers who kill
For a god who’s dead?”

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3tRrQ5jY1s^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/3fJCEXW7VXbtCLZamRps8W^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/52973301^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/01549-HocicoMemoriasAtras-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Hocico – About A Dead’ desc=’After the merciless instrumental kicks off, the banshee singer will soon start its rant against organized religion.’]

Sleepthief – Desire Of Ages (feat. Harland)

March 29, 2017 Axonn Echysttas Leave a comment

A diverse instrumental landscape will delight the listener throughout this meaningful lyrical journey. The song begins with an evocative arrangement that sets the stage for the uplifting message. Without Harland’s voice this would have been “just” a good fusion between acoustic and electronic music. Not only does she deliver, but the lyrics are lovely too.

“I’m not afraid of the distance
The shadow left behind
I’m not ashamed to look my fear in the eye
I will embrace the emotion
Pain will disappear
Holding your face in my hands
I will wipe away your tears

We will find a brighter sun
As our secrets come undone
Now the boundaries of our love need a new heaven, a new earth
Our hearts in the hands of time”

YouTube (rather poor quality sound):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NeumvVwPPs^

For Spotify Users (high quality sound):

https://open.spotify.com/track/7mKQzrdknE6hNt7PN1tu6k^

For Deezer Users (high quality sound):

http://www.deezer.com/track/76600307^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/01544-SleepthiefDawnseeker-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Sleepthief – Desire Of Ages (feat. Harland)’ desc=’A diverse instrumental landscape will delight the listener throughout this meaningful lyrical journey.’]

Filastine & Nova – Gendjer2

March 22, 2017 Axonn Echysttas Leave a comment

Here, help yourself to an exotic listen. It’s quite a challenge to define the exact genre this song belongs to. Yes, it’s electronica with heavy dub-step influences, but then what do we do with the lullaby-style singing or with the tormented violins? For sure though, this is a melody that begs experiencing at least once in a lifetime, if only to get exposed to the mish-mash of styles and sound that somehow manages to sound amazing.

Beware, for some, this song has become an addiction (but then again, any song can become an addiction – it just needs to find that mind with which it can attain perfect artistic magnetism).

You can listen to the melody for free, in good quality, on BandCamp, which is one of the best websites when it comes to supporting artists. You can also purchase the song (or album) from this same location.

https://postworldindustries.bandcamp.com/track/gendjer2^

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaccT5xY_6Y^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/7gfOlRVOKHsNuLZBs6RqbY^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/16600730^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/01539-FilastineLoot-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Filastine & Nova – Gendjer2′ desc=’For sure, this is a melody that begs experiencing at least once in a lifetime, if only to get exposed to the mish-mash of styles and sound that somehow manages to sound amazing.’]

Enigma – Following The Sun

March 15, 2017 Axonn Echysttas Leave a comment

Enigma went all optimistic on this one. The percussion carries the song, at least until the evocative singing pushes the adventure towards uplifting chanting. A wild and happy chase rushes the listener on corridors of sound where acoustic instruments are fused with well-chosen electronic textures.

“Following the sun, to find the one
Who’s giving you the wings to fly
Following the sun, the golden one
Losing sense for space and time”

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TAwU5yKbkM^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/1YVUTtffdIvWmfH7XyJVCb^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/3090626^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/01442-EnigmaVoyageur-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Enigma – Following The Sun’ desc=’A wild and happy chase rushes the listener on corridors of sound where acoustic instruments are fused with well-chosen electronic textures.’]

Devin Townsend – Grace

March 8, 2017 Axonn Echysttas Leave a comment

This is a song of fascinating intensity. It isn’t all that surprising given that it is a progressive metal band’s interpretation of a hymn for love. What is surprising is just how much message Devin Townsend & Co. managed to cram into these six minutes of epic ride. The singing is top notch as for the instrumental side, well, this is Devin Townsend we’re talking about so expect nothing short of sublime, diverse and relentless.

“We know that it’s only human
We know that it’s only love
We know that it’s far too close to home
To see it now

Love all we can before
We learn all we came for
Learn all we can before
The road leads to home

[…]

Never fear love
(High)
Never fear love
(Road)
Never fear love
(Warning)

[…]

I know the way, and you know the way
We all fall down if we fear love”

YouTube (decent quality – LIVE video – AWESOME):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qAouGh5AyA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qAouGh5AyA^

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StSalE00cAA^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/6zic4tNd5P9HQZyLvQDCtR^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/108641926^

Original post:

A strong song with a strong message that I care a great deal about. This is one of those melodies where the lyrics are not only pleasant to read, but they have to be understood and integrated.

The concert recording of this video, available on YouTube, is pretty darned epic.

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/01458-DevinTownsendEpicloud-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Devin Townsend – Grace’ desc=’A progressive metal band's interpretation of a hymn for love. Expect nothing short of sublime, diverse and relentless.’]

KMFDM – The Problem

March 6, 2017 Axonn Echysttas Leave a comment

Groovy and meaningful this melody is. It develops in unexpected ways, switching fast from electronica to a sort of electro-funk. The composition is diverse, offering plenty good moments during its six minutes. Where this piece truly shines though is the lyrics.

“A person with a problem
I believe there’s no such thing
As a person with a problem
If there is a problem it’s a problem with the system
The system of home and family
Of school and community

He is not in this alone
He is not the problem

[…]

The problem
Expel the problem
Make it go away
Expel the problem
Make it go away, make it go away
Make it go away”

One more thing: this song is rather unrepresentative for KMFDM. You have been warned.

https://metropolisrecords.bandcamp.com/track/the-problem^

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaclwduJXoA^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/5A0qnFzPtFOp6KZbKBDIrW^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/34973011^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/01437-KMFDMAngst-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’KMFDM – The Problem’ desc=’The composition is diverse, offering plenty good moments during its six minutes. Where this piece truly shines though is the lyrics.’]

Nervous Testpilot – Triumph

March 1, 2017 Axonn Echysttas Leave a comment

Although it does have its moments of calmness, this is one action-packed song – as it is apparent from the very first seconds. The rather merciless beat going on could break immersion sometimes, but that’s probably the point. The listeners will have to make peace with the beast if they are to enjoy the choirs and climb the ladder towards victory.

Through the use of an uplifting piano segment, the composer managed to evoke the feeling of triumph very well. The song comes from the soundtrack for the game Frozen Synapse^.

http://nervoustestpilot.co.uk/track/triumph^

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB_jczxh7bE^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/6lzxKBHkus630WUxDVTwZf^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/01311-NervousTestpilotFrozenSynapse-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Nervous Testpilot – Triumph’ desc=’Although it does have its moments of calmness, this is one action-packed song – as it is apparent from the very first seconds.’]

Because being informed is just not enough anymore…