The Singles Guy 10.12.09: Still the Best, More or Less, I Guess?

Posted by Jacob Crogie on 10.12.2009

Check out the latest from Silversun Pickups, George Strait and the Cast of Glee. Add on a little Marianas Trench and this week is a winner!

Slow, slow week. Happy Canadian Thanksgiving everyone! Well...now what?


Hot 100


Glee Cast- "Don't Stop Believin'"

So, I must admit to being behind the times for this latest cultural phenomenon. I listened to this track and honestly can't say that I missed anything. I'm all for novelty covers and everything, but this is campy that I find myself generally turned off. It's like High School Musical meets real music, its also terrible. This coming from a guy who actually likes musicals, but I find this to be a contrived and soulless attempt to cash in on the success of the aforementioned High School Musical franchise. I won't be tuning in, though I can already tell that this is going to make a bajillion dollars. That's right...a bajillion.

The Arbitrary Rating of Goodness: 1/5

Like It? Listen To This: "We're All In This Together"- High School Musical Cast




Rock


Silversun Pickups- "Substitution"

Over the course of this column, a Silversun Pickups song blew me away. That track, "Panic Switch" was miles ahead of this one. I'm finding myself let down after hearing that great track and listening to this Paramore-esque pile of garbage. This song reminds me of Canadian indie darlings Metric, and let me tell you, that is never a good thing. The instrumentation is generic, the lyrics tired and the song in general is just incredibly boring. I have little else to say, for what can I say about a track that simply bored me for almost five minutes?

The Arbitrary Rating of Goodness: 1/5

Like It? Listen To This: "Help, I'm Alive"- Metric




Dance


Morgan Page- "Fight For You (Beltek Mix)"

This week's techno interlude comes from Slovenian DJ and running mate of Tiesto's, Beltek. His work is more towards the trance genre than your standard dance club techno. This track runs about eight minutes long, and to me, is simply too repetitive to suit that length. That is my biggest concern with the entire trance genre, as the songs seem to stretch on forever. There is some nice movement from crescendo and bass power into a softer acoustic guitar driven section. The hook doesn't make me want to sing at the top of my lungs, nor does the track overly make me want to dance. Ergo, this song isn't really what I am looking for in a dance single.

The Arbitrary Rating of Goodness: 2/5

Like It? Listen To This: The entire "In Search of Sunrise" series.




Country


George Strait- "Twang"

Here is the title track off of this country legend's latest album, which featured the phenomenal "Living for the Night". Sadly, this track falls well short of the standard set by the aforementioned lead single. I find George is best when dealing with emotions and ballads, his attempts at upbeat country always seem overdone and generic. This track is merely here, it doesn't stand out or impress me in any way. Average instrumentation and lyrics that are borderline generic are all that this track offers. Worth a single listen, but in the grand scheme of things will not hold up well in comparison to his hits like "Carrying Your Love With Me" and "Check Yes or No".

The Arbitrary Rating of Goodness: 1.5/5

Like It? Listen To This: "Where I Come From" - Alan Jackson




Canadian Content

Marianas Trench- "Beside You"

I just saw these guys in London with The New Cities and Carly Rae Jepsen. Let me tell you, they were phenomenal live, absolutely full of energy and charisma. I was blown away by how well their style of music was able to transition to a live show. This track is pretty good, but I find it is just a step behind some of the better songs off of "Masterpiece Theatre". The vocal harmonies in the beginning are simply phenomenal and Josh Ramsay's lyrics are always poignant and artistic while not being overblown. Great song from a great band...once you get past all the screaming 15-year-old girls.

The Arbitrary Rating of Goodness: 4/5

Like It? Listen To This: "When I'm With You"- Faber Drive




The Jacob Crogie Seal of Awesomeness


Marianas Trench- "Lover Dearest"

Might as well go all out. This track is the single best song off of "Masterpiece Theatre" which I strongly suggest you listen to in its entirety.




So that's it for another week, be sure to tune in same time next week when we get all the latest and the greatest plus all the crap that everyone else likes...

TWITTTTTTER ALERT

Until next week, keep your pimphand strong and your rawkfist in the air!