Cranberries, Coheed & Copeland

By Alisha Stamper

tarted out the two weeks with trepidation. I own ALL of Coldplay, including leftrightleftright (thanks for that freebie. You guys ROCK!). Lyrics on their first album fit that time in my life perfectly, and not only left an indelible impression, but have me oohing and aahing anytime something new comes out. And I love it all. I wasn't so worried about Coldplay getting any notice, oh no. I was more worried about Chopin. Is anyone likely to be as rapturously in love with his polonaises like I am? The man is a piano genius. But I digress. Hopefully INCORRECTLY, I assume that I won't be winning listeners for him through this venue. Better to start teaching 6 year olds piano lessons, yes? Well, all the same, onto the main event:

The Cranberries

They are completely right, there IS no need to argue. And not only that, but if everyone else IS doing something, why shouldn't you have a go? They did lose me on To the Faithful Departed, not so much a fan there, but their first two albums deserve monumental recognition. Just fantastic. Buy them both. 90's radio, it's true, but they are just awesome. The first CDs I permanently borrowed from my dad. "Ode to My Family" is probably my favorite.

Coheed and Cambria

White metal voice that I love. Claudio Sanchez, your voice makes me think you'd be a WHOLE lot prettier. Its okay that you're not. Just a little jarring.

• "Three Evils (Embodied in Love and Shadow)" is the best.song.ever. Makes you move. His voice is LOVELY. Even the shout-y metal parts are AWESOME. There is something fulfilling about the idea of "think[ing] of all the things you did before and writ[ing] them in a letter than says REBORN." Seriously, go listen to this song RIGHT NOW.
• "Blood Red Summer"— Also makes you move. AND sing a long. AND clap a long.
• "A Favor House Atlantic"— If I was best friends with a song, it would be this one.
• I haven't gotten into Good Apollo.... They take TIME to really internalize. I just haven't found it.

Copeland

In Motion is my personal soundtrack during October and November. It feels likes a hug after you've come in from the rain on the crappiest day of your life. "Don't Slow Down" should be your first listen. Read the lyrics. They're unbelieveable. Poignant and moving.