Current Obsessions

It's no surprise to those that really know me that I'm a HUGE fan of Jared Leto and have been since the pilot episode of My So-Called Life (still my favorite TV show of all time).  Anywho, onto my point. When I got a hold of 30 Seconds To Mars' (3STM) second album 'A Beautiful Lie', I went into a frenzy.  Easily one of my top 10 favourite albums ever.  My incredible mom then proceeded to get me tickets to their concert and I got to touch Jared Leto.  I know it seems silly to most, but it was one of the happiest moments in my concert going career (the top moment being when Cove Reber of Saosin stopped singing, knelt in front of me and just stared at me, same concert).  So needless to say, my love for 3STM runs deep.  It has been fortified with their latest release 'This Is War'.  This album has been a long time coming and well worth the wait.  The thing that I love most about it is that it's very different from 'A Beautiful Lie' but still very true to their sound.  It also has a message of 'stand and fight', at least that's what I get from it.  It's empowering chant 'this is our call to arms, gather soldiers' instills a desire to fight for what I believe and am passionate about.  Taylor thinks that it has a real 'U2' feel to it, which means he doesn't like it (we're not fans of U2 at all), but despite that I still love it.  'Hurricane' is definitely a stray away from their usual sound, adding a bit of a hip-hop element featuring Kanye West, and yet it's one of my favourite songs on the album.  Anyways, now I'm rambling. Point is, 'This Is War' is a great album.  If you're not super glued to the sound of 'A Beautiful Lie' and are open to a new style and feel, check it out.  I love it when bands branch out and try new styles, it means that they're growing as artists, and honestly...who can argue with that?  
Next on the agenda is Copeland.  A band that I have long since had a love affair with.  There is something so comforting in their music.  For those of you who enjoy a more mellow sound, no screaming, no harsh guitar or anything...Copeland is your band.  Think Coldplay only...softer?  I dunno I don't know really how to explain it.  I was first introduced to them during a talent show a girl in my ward sang an acoustic version of 'California'.  Blew my mind.  So imagine my devastation when I heard that the band was parting ways.  They are having one last huzzah by doing a farewell tour and as an early birthday present Taylor has promised to take me.  I really love their music. There is not one song that I dislike on ANY of their several albums.  Truly good stuff. (Chandale...I'm still reminded of The Alamo)  But if I were to choose my all time favourite Copeland album, it'd be 'Beneath The Medicine Tree', that album is epic for me.  So yeah, check them out.  Like I said, if you want something soothing, mellow, and melodic...pick up some Copleland.  Would I ever steer you wrong?  (Don't answer that)
Moving on...I'm currently reading Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightening Theif.  Not very far into the book but so far so good.  I picked it up as a recommendation from my brilliant sister (in-law) Sierra after seeing the trailer for the film adaptation months ago.  I'll let you know what I think of it later, but for now let's just say that it's fitting for my sense of humor.  It feels good to pick up a book again.  I love reading, I really do, but lately it just seems like everything coming out now is about vampires which I'm ususally all for, but this Twilight explosion has been a killjoy.  
So yeah, I'm done ranting for now.  Hopefully you like my recommendations.  

Concerts (genre: hardcore)

Okay so I just saw that Blessthefall will be playing a show in Vegas on April 14 and Pierce The Veil on May 21.  I can't begin to describe my envy (luckily I look good in green).  I've been dying to see Blessthefall since Craig Mabbitt (now the lead singer for Vegas band Escape The Fate) left and Beau Bokan took over.  Beaus' vocals are AMAZING and I've been itching to see what he can do live. The bands latest album Witness is an amazing follow-up to their debut His Last Walk. Can't believe they're not coming to Utah. Serious let down. 
Thankfully I've seen Pierce The Veil and they haven't had any member changes that make it crucial to see them in May.  However, they're so awesome live that I hate the thought of missing the show.  Vic Fuentes (vocals) is wonderful and is insanely nice.  These guys are visually dynamic in their performance but it doesn't distract you from the music, if anything it enhances it.  Can't wait for their new album (that will hopefully drop later on this year) and to see them on Warped Tour in August!
So, if you have a chance check out both bands.  And if you like what you hear enough to see them live...DO IT! I promise that you will not be disappointed.