1. Marilyn Manson: “Personal Jesus” (Depeche Mode cover)
2. Powerman 5000: “20th Century Boy” (T. Rex cover)
3. HIM: “Wicked Game” (Chris Isaak cover)
new wave
Bands You Should Know: Ward
I found Ward on Instagram, after he left a gracious comment on one of my posts. He then reached out and asked if I would consider his music for this blog.
Based in Los Angeles, Ward is the vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter for a band of the same name. The first song I listened to was “Stand Me,” and I was visited with a Coldplay vibe, mixed with a little Brendon Urie.
Then, I checked out “Crush.” More rock-oriented, this track put me in mind of The Killers and Queens of the Stone Age.
A third song, “Soothe the Soul,” had a touch of The Police.
This is the brilliance of Ward. The music ranges from alternative to rock, from post-punk to new wave to pop, from Panic! at the Disco to Depeche Mode to The Smiths. This expansive dose of creativity is paired with a powerful, passionate voice and beautifully honest lyrics in a combination that isn’t quite like anything out there currently.
Ward is diverse and eclectic. You never know exactly what you’re going to get with each new song, but you can rest assured it will be interesting ear candy that belongs on your playlist. “Crush” is my favorite track that I’ve heard so far. And this year, Ward is donating 100% of the sales of “Crush” to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Visit Ward’s official site, or connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and/or YouTube.
For added fun, listen to Ward’s take on a Rolling Stones classic, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”
Weekly Focus: Death Valley High, Day Seven
Death Valley High — “Warm Bodies,” from the album CVLT AS FVK (2016).
Weekly Focus: Death Valley High, Day Six
Death Valley High — “Ick Switch,” from the album CVLT AS FVK (2016).
Weekly Focus: Death Valley High, Day Five
Death Valley High — “How2Kill,” from the album Positive Euth (2013).
Weekly Focus: Death Valley High, Day Four
Death Valley High — “Batdanse,” from the album Positive Euth (2013).
Let’s Talk Covers (Pt. 38)
1. Shiny Toy Guns: “Stripped” (Depeche Mode cover)
2. 10cc: “Paperback Writer” (The Beatles cover)
3. Rasputina: “Rock and Roll” (Led Zeppelin cover)
Weekly Focus: Death Valley High, Day Three
Death Valley High — “Doomsday in the Disco,” from the Survival Program EP (2012).
Weekly Focus: Death Valley High, Day Two
Death Valley High — “Multiply,” from the album Doom, in Full Bloom (2010).
Weekly Focus: Death Valley High, Day One
Death Valley High — “Vincent Price,” from the album The Similarities of the Loveless and the Undead (2007).
Mostly Music 