The Waiting Is Over And The Ballots Are In, Well Just 1 Ballot.

Your winner for best song is Hoobastank "Same Direction". After listening to all the choice it came down to Hoobastank and Disturbed "Down With The Sickness".

The lyrics in the song are a testament to the world today. With views on different issues scattered all over the place, most will try to convince you that their thoughts are the way to go ( except in this blog. Listen to what I say and follow). But as the lyrics point out, in the end we all end up in the same direction, demise. Powerful lyrics that match a subsonic blast of music. The way Hoobastank manipulates the song from simplistic single note rhythms to then in your face power chord furry along with harmonic sub rhythms, really knock you back a step when it all comes together. It is refreshing to see a young band thrive in a music scene that is watered down and full of imitators.

Little factoid,on a 2005 co-headlining tour with Velvet Revolver, however, Hoobastank received a chilly reception from some audiences, and rumors of a feud between lead vocalist Douglas Robb and Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland were soon filling Internet message boards. Ironic, Hooba is still around and together.

Whats interesting about them is they self produced their first 3 albums and had moderate success before being signed by Island Records.

Notice I did not post a video. The reason(no pun intended) is because the video would distract from the song because it is pretty good. So I left it out.

So congrats to Veto for her selection, I think most can get on board with this. But I'm sure some will will agree and that's OK because you are allowed to unless I pick a song, then it's like Gospel.

Thank you everyone for submitting your thoughts. I was really happy with the wide array of songs and artists. Also, I am very pleased with the commenting and friendly ( and sometimes not so friendly) banter. It really makes for an interesting read. Keep it up and we will be doing more things like this as well as reading wonderful, insightful post from me.

And The Winner For Best Video Is.....

Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors - Editors

I have to admit, this was a tough one to call. It came down to this one, Royskopp - What else is there, and Outlandish - Look Into My Eyes. I think what pushed this over the edge for me was the little twist at the end of the video with the girl in the boat and how she escapes.

A little history. Editors are a British indie rock band based in Birmingham, who formed in 2002. Previously known as Pilot, The Pride and Snowfield, the band consists of Tom Smith (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano), Chris Urbanowicz (lead guitar and synth), Russell Leetch (bass guitar and live backing vocals) and Ed Lay (drums, percussion and live backing vocals).

Editors' own variation of dark indie guitar rock draws on influences from both older and contemporary bands. Their influences include Echo and the Bunnymen, Joy Division, The Strokes, The Walkmen, R.E.M. and Elbow. The band draw their musical style particularly from the latter two bands' debut albums Murmur and Asleep in the Back. While often compared to Joy Division and Echo and the Bunnymen by the media, the band have indicated that those bands are too old to have a major impact on their musical style. Upon Editors' first appearances in the British music scene, they were also heavily compared to American indie band Interpol; however both bands have strongly played down the associations. I also feel like they are a Coldplay, but with more talent and less feminine lead singer movements. (A little research for you, huh Ratio)

The song writing for this song is very strong and indepth. The really enjoy how the song flows musically. It is a rollercoaster effect. What I mean by that is like a rollercoaster it has sections of anticipation followed by moments of calm and then a huge build up and then the final drop that takes your breath away.

I am very pleased with this selection and give it 5 stars, 10 on a scale of 10, 3 bananas, whatever you use for a scale. I have been looking for a European band that sounds solid and writes good songs. I think I was finally tuned into one that just might fit that void.

Let The Mocking Begin

This decision came down to 2 people because I thought their picks were way to safe. The idea was to come up with something that is different. I did not want bands or songs that I could walk into FYI and see displayed in the What's Hot rack. So without further delay the LOSER is;

ALTER RONNIE

Lets take his picks one at a time.
1. Dave Mathews Band - They used to be a very creative and influential band back in the day. Now they re a band that just spews music to the hippie population because the Grateful Dead was not around. When they first came out, their music had a certain quality to it that was really cool. But over the years, nothing changed. It was just about how we can make Dave's vocals sound a little more muffled.

2. Audioslave - Again, great band,great vocals. They just piss me off because Chris Cornell let his huge ego get in the way and destroy the band. For that I feel it takes away from what they accomplished. Also the last CD was crap. You could tell this band was not continuing. Chris did an interview and when asked how the band was doing he said, what band? Its the Chris Cornell show people come to see. Winner.

3. Oasis - This one was tough. I actually thought of making Rock Rolla the looser because of this band. They have some really good songs and are big in Europe. But as I listened to more non popular songs, I noticed that they just didn't have it. So they are not as solid as I thought. Also the lead singer has a so - so voice even on a CD track. They too just rehash the same sound over and over. I also don't like how they copy the Beatles way to much.

As far as the rest of the ones you posted. Well I said 3 not 4 or more, so I had to discount them. Too bad, you had some great bands on that list. But there has to be a loser and sad to say you are it. You are better than this list shows. You have give me music to consider that was far better than the 3 you gave and that weighed in as well.

Congrats Alter Ronnie!!!

Here is a song from one of his selections though,

Two Step - Dave Matthews Band

Wait, what did he say? Spit the marbles out.

Too Hard To Call

WOW! I am so happy with the responses I got for this post. You guys made this a harder decision than I could imagine. Some of the songs or bands are solid and popular suggestions. Others are songs or bands I have never heard of, but now I am intregued.

So here's the deal. I cant just pick one. I am going to pick 3 winners. One for best song, one for best video, and the worst pick. I will start with the worst pick first. This way I can spend a whole post on how your pick was just terrible. The other two will shortly follow.

I will also look at if anyone has an opinion on anyone elses picks on why they are good or bad.

This is just too exciting. It's like the Oscars, Emmy's and MTV Music Awards all rolled into a big pile of pooh and served with Grays Anatomy.

Time To Rock With The Peanuts

This is an old school dance music video.

Your Opinion Might Matter

I was thinking the other day about how your thoughts on my page really make me think sometimes. Some of them are good, well thought out and entertaining. Some though are, well lets say different.

I thought that I would let you the people decide what song or band I should review next should be. I would like everyone to list 3 songs or bands for me to consider. After everyone has their input in, I will pick a winner and a loser. The winner will be the one that most inspires me. Don't suck up and put what you think I want, you will be mocked. i am looking for unique qualities that I would miss otherwise. The loser will be the band or song thats just plain bad. So you can shoot for the high or low end of the spectrum.

Also, I want everyone to comment on the submissions of the others, the good, bad, or what ever moves you.

Don't Break Up With Kelly Clarkson

My Life Would Suck Without You - Kelly Clarkson

Well, here's Kelly Clarkson's latest "My Life Would Suck Without You". Again we are given yet another relationship song from the former American Idol. The song goes into detail about how both people have major flaws and they can't stand each other, BUT they can't live without each other. I really think Ms. Clarkson needs to either get a good boyfriend or another song writer because I am personally tired of the cookie cutter relationship songs she puts out.

Also, I think they are trying to follow the pattern of the "Breakaway" album. This song sounds just like her other hit "Since You've Been Gone" in certain spots. If anything, even musically it takes a step back. All you have is a couple of chords vomited out and repeated over and over again.

Don't get me wrong, I love Kelly's previous albums. They were filled with relationship songs, but at least there was substance to them. Now it seems like this girl(who is in her mid 20's) has gone through a life of heartache and pain. At this point it really becomes unbelievable to almost everyone. (Kelly, remember the laughter?)

So what we have is a song for all those tweenage girls(girls between 13 & 21) and feminine men, to listen to and cry to because they just broke up with the love of their life after dating for about 4 weeks and can't go on living.

I was hoping Kelly would have tried to branch out a little on this album and maybe find something a little different. Even the video is like "Since You've Been Gone". I guess she has an issue with apartments. In this one they throw each others stuff out the window, in the other video she trashes an apartment. So the lesson here, if you break up with Kelly Clarkson, don't let her in your apartment and get your key back.

So to sum up, weak music, lyrics and video. Not a good combination.

Trapt - "Who's Going Home With You Tonight?"

Who's Going Home With You Tonight? - TRAPT

A little while ago I asked a certain "alter ego" to suggest a band I am not currently listening to who I should be paying some attention to. The first CD he gave me was Trapt "Only Through the Pain" CD. This is the song that I found myself listening to the most, "Who's Going Home With You Tonight?".

Trapt - featuring Simon Ormandy on guitar, Peter Charell on bass, Aaron Montgomery on drums and Chris Brown on vocals and guitar - were born in the quiet San Jose suburb of Los Gatos, California. On their forthcoming self-titled debut, produced by Garth Richardson (Rage Against the Machine), the band blends grinding hard rock with shifting melodies and dense, intricate rhythms that still maintain a pop sensibility.

I really enjoy the breakdown in the the song where drums vacate and your left with a heart pounding, yet subtle club beat. It has a certain effect that allows the song to breathe a little before kicking back up. Chris Browns voice has a certain quality to it. It is a little rasp mixed in with a melodic tone.

The video pretty much follows the song lyrics, boy likes girl, girl and boy go home to bake cookies, girl then brings other boys home to bake cookies as well, original boy questions all the baked cookies.

I must admit, at first I was not thrilled with this band, but then I listened again and found I do like this song. So it just goes to show you, sometimes first impressions are wrong.

Rock?

How To Save A Life - The Fray

This is what Alter ronnie is listening to right now. Oh yea, this rocks. (in case you missed it, that's sarcasm baby)

Weezer - "Perfect Situation"

Well, here we go again. I thought I would review this song by Weezer. I know it's been out for a while but, I don't care, this is my little world and you just visit it once and a while(kind of like Nebraska, does anyone really live there?)

The band Weezer is what I call a "just right band". There music is not very technical, their vocals are not that great, but for some reason they are just right. The song writing is top notch as seen in this example of "Perfect Situation".

Rivers Cuomo(lead singer, who is from CT) has a great ability to create songs that from a first listen are mediocre, but after a few listens they stick like glue. They are thought provoking and catchy at the same time. The hook in the chorus is a simple one, but effective. The music is written in a way that will keep the interest of musicians and thrill the masses. Weezer is truly the kings of geek chic rock.

Even though I used this song, if you listen to any one of their songs, the same applies, they are "JUST RIGHT".

This review is like the band, short, sweet, simple, but yet appealing.