Swinging Saturdays #107: Dutch Gothic Angels

Swinging saturdays is a musical meme hosted by Ice Cold Passion, to share our passion for music. The goal is to make a top 5 (or Top 10) for whatever genre or artist you like or get creative and share a theme based music top 5. For example a bookish soundtrack, funny songs, song to listen to on a rainy day top 5.

Swinging Saturdays #106: Black Hearts

Swinging saturdays is a musical meme hosted by Ice Cold Passion, to share our passion for music. The goal is to make a top 5 (or Top 10) for whatever genre or artist you like or get creative and share a theme based music top 5. For example a bookish soundtrack, funny songs, song to listen to on a rainy day top 5.

Swinging Saturdays #105: The Apocalypse is coming

Swinging saturdays is a musical meme hosted by Ice Cold Passion, to share our passion for music. The goal is to make a top 5 (or Top 10) for whatever genre or artist you like or get creative and share a theme based music top 5. For example a bookish soundtrack, funny songs, song to listen to on a rainy day top 5.

Swinging Saturdays #104: Hauntingly beautiful music videos

Swinging saturdays is a musical meme hosted by Ice Cold Passion, to share our passion for music. The goal is to make a top 5 (or Top 10) for whatever genre or artist you like or get creative and share a theme based music top 5. For example a bookish soundtrack, funny songs, song to listen to on a rainy day top 5.

Swinging Saturdays #103: I Am A Mainstream Metal Girl

Swinging saturdays is a musical meme hosted by Ice Cold Passion, to share our passion for music. The goal is to make a top 5 (or Top 10) for whatever genre or artist you like or get creative and share a theme based music top 5. For example a bookish soundtrack, funny songs, song to listen to on a rainy day top 5.

When ever metal comes up in conversation and I get asked what kind of metal do you listen to I always go for the safest answer: mainstream metal. 

Why, for 1 with that I won't insult anyone, and 

two, it makes it clear that I am not the biggest metal head ever lived. My relation with especially death and trash metal is usually something along the lines of this: yes I appreciate the music until the singer/grunter/vocalist opens his or her mouth and then its gone. I am a lover of vocals, and are very picky of what I like or don't like. 

A third reason why I named it mainstream metal is that it ends the discussion about if it is really a metal band quite easily. It shows that I am not a well know around the metal scene as they might think. 

Anyways, I do watch my fair share of metal bands from behind the bar, because well I enjoy the audience that comes to these concerts. They are always so nice, and I can poor beer the entire evening. I enjoy those evenings. Let's get into these mainstream metal bands I like.

Papa Roach ~ Between Angels & Insects

In all honesty, I have never really considered this to be a metal band, but it shows up in many a list of metal, so I am only adding this because of this. If I would have gone with scars for this top 10 I think you might have thought it would be out of place. I actually have a line of the Scars lyrics tattood on my arm, although only a preson that can read runes will be able to read it. I used to listen to Papa Roach a lot when I was younger.

Cradle of Filth ~ Nymphetamine Fix

This is definitely a bit heavier, can I say this is kind of a guilty pleasure two me? I don't know that is how it feels to me. I have a lot of good memories of Cradle of Filth, it is still such an intresting band, very peculiar (male) vocals, one I do appreciate for some strange reason.

Amorphis ~ The Bee

They were the support act to Nightwish I was so surprised I loved there performance it was very impressive. If you like it give them some love will you?

Marilyn Manson ~ The Beautiful People

Oke, Oke, I don't stand for all the things he does, all the accusations nor his relation. However I do enjoy his music, how controversial this may seem. It just has this, thing which atrracks me to it. It is definitly the most talked about artist on this entire list, mostly in the negative.

Disturbed ~ Down With The Sickness

Well if you have been following my blog over the last year, you might have seen him preform his cover of "The Sound of Silence". I still get goose bumps when I hear the song. This remains on of my favorites of his normal reportiore.

Slipknot ~ Duality

This is what every band want, the audience screaming the words to your song back to you. What an awesome video is this. I find that I cannot so easily explain why I like all of these metal bands, sorry for giving you only short commentary today, at least you can spend less time reading and more time listening to these awesome bands.

Korn ~ Thoughtless

And we are back at Rock Am Ring with yet another artist, this time being Korn. They seems to have a lot of good video's floating around on Youtube. Not that I am complaining. I am a huge fan of Korn, from all the bands in this top 10 I think I own the most Korn albums in comparison to the rest. Second runner up would be System of a Down, which will be coming your way shortly as well. I have lived this song, even once done a drawning about this song. I wish that I had picked it up from school, but sadly it might be lost now forever.

System of A Down ~ Aerials

Now were getting to the stuff I listen to more often. I know all the songs of Toxicity by heart. Aerials is definitely one of my favorites. I am not a huge fan of the music video they made for Aerials, it is downright creepy. Again this is a vocal favorite. I am feeling a bit repetetive today sorry for that.

Rammstein ~ Sonne

From our neighbouring country comes one of the biggest names in the metal world. Rammstein. German is kind of a cool language to go with metal, everything in german sounds so much angrier.

Metallica ~ Enter Sandman

Ending this list with certainly not the least, you might have wondered the entire time, will she add a metallica song? Well yes of course I will. I think this is their most iconic song. They have had so many successes of the years, but this one stands out to me.

Are you a mainstream metal boy or girl? Let me know in the comments!

Want to host Swing Saturdays next week? 

Send me an email: icecoldpassions@gmail.com. 

I would love to hear what kind of music you like!

Swinging Saturdays #102: Beautiful Dance videos

Swinging saturdays is a musical meme hosted by Ice Cold Passion, to share our passion for music. The goal is to make a top 5 (or Top 10) for whatever genre or artist you like or get creative and share a theme based music top 5. For example a bookish soundtrack, funny songs, song to listen to on a rainy day top 5.

I can't dance for shit, but I love to see people dance, I watched all the Step Up movies, Dirty Dancing, Save The Last Dance.They are all awesome, I think the allure is to me that I can't even phantom doing something like they do, my body is not made to hold a rythm. Anyways here are some of the most beautiful dance video's I have found over the years.

Muse ~ Dead Inside

You might think well something like Muse is impossible to dance to, rock is not somehting you associate with dancing, and yet the choreography in this video is really amazing. I hope you enjoy it as well.

My Chemical Romance ~ Helena

I don't know I have always loved this video, it might just be the beautiful church but also the beautiful costumes and dancers.

Ed Sheeran ~ Thinking Out Loud

Here is the starting point of artists that dance their own music video's and of course these are found in the realm of pop songs. I fell so much in love with this video the first time I have watched it, it is so mesmerizing so beautiful. I don't even have words for it. Just enjoy oke?

Lady Gaga ~ Bad Romance

Can do beautiful dance video's without adding one of my favorite pop singers. In showmansship she rivals Micheal Jackson. I absolutely love her strange videos, beautiful weird costumes and the time and effort that went into every detail.

Michael Jackson ~ Thriller

You would not think I would leave out the king of pop would you? ofcourse we are ending this list with the one and only master of dance, Michael Jackson! Thriller is an amazing work of art, no doubt about that. And many took inspiration from this music video, through out the years. You will also find some of the elements in the above video from Lady Gaga. This video has aged very well, and even in 2021 it is one of the most impressive video's I have ever seen.

Let me know what you thought of this top 5, and if I should re-attempt something like this again. I know there are many more beautiful dance videos that I haven't mentioned, would you like to see a part 2 to this one? Maybe do a deep dive in various styles of dancing something like that? I would love to know what your thoughts are, feel free to leave a comment here or on my socials.

Want to host Swing Saturdays next week? 

Send me an email: icecoldpassions@gmail.com. 

I would love to hear what kind of music you like!

Swinging Saturdays #101 Band I hope to see live soonish

Swinging saturdays is a musical meme hosted by Ice Cold Passion, to share our passion for music. The goal is to make a top 5 (or Top 10) for whatever genre or artist you like or get creative and share a theme based music top 5. For example a bookish soundtrack, funny songs, song to listen to on a rainy day top 5.

So I know that in Belgium, the UK and other parts of Europe festivals and live music events have proceeded, the Netherlands however, it still in this freaking Covid mess and in all honesty I am getting sick and tired of it. 

The music/event industry is finally uniting and prostesting however the media is like, nooooo we are not going to shed any light on that. In the meantime this weekend there is a large event here in the Netherlands, one of the only wants that is allowed, with full stands, no social distancing, festival camping etc. It doesn't seem fair that non of the music festival are allowed and yet this event can pass without restrictions. Yes it bothers me and we do need to talk about it, as for the last 2 years I, we, the music industry, the event industry held it tongue but now it is time to speak up. 

If you enjoy going to concerts and events and you are dutch, speak up, if you are a proffesional in the industry that has been on it's ass for 2 years speak up! Lets put an end to this double standard of our Dutch government. Only if we do this together something will happen, we might be heard. We can make them listen. Let us have festivals again. There is another protest coming, it is on the 11th of September #unmuteus. I hope it will be succesfull and the right people are finally going to listen. Because don't we all want to go to festivals again? 

So what brought on this episode, well I think Martijn was certainly one of the triggers. When I got home on Friday he was really sad and grumpy, he had seen the footage of the F1, and how it is not in accordance with the social distancing rules, nor was everybody sitting on chairs like is demanded. It breaks my heart that this is allowed and all festivals are being cancelled. And then there is the other reason, I want to start seeing live music again, which is what we are going to talk about it today. There is a long list of bands I still have never seen or I am in desperate need of, because they are the party. I miss going to festivals, concerts, the sweating body's moving to the same rithm of the music, the people, the stories, the bands. Please bring them back to us. I hate having being bound to a chair, not being able to move and even worst not being able to sing along. The entire concept was ruined for me, I need to be able to move, make noise, drink a beer. It has been too long.

Anyways, let's get into which bands I want to see live, when I get the chance. 

Foo Fighters ~ Pretender

I have never seen the Foo Fighters live, it is high on my lists of bands I want to see, but the thing is, this is one of those bands that only hit the big venues like Ziggo Dome, like the Amsterdam Arena. And this is not what I want,this is something I want to watch on a festival, were I will be able to see, were if I want to, will be able to be in the front line. I am not sure if I ever told you but I am only 1.5m generally 80 % of the public at concerts is a lot taller then me, which brings with it the problem of being able to see the band. That is also why enjoy festivals, it is much easier to find a place from were you can enjoy the concert with proper view.

Barns Courtney ~ Sinners

"Fire" was my most listened to song on Spotify in 2020. It is no surprise I would like to experience this live some day. If he every makes it across the pond then I will be fist in line for tickets. I think I have let you listen to Fire before, so here is a different song. This is Sinners.

Rammstein ~ Sonne

I have seen the Rammstein cover band, they play in Hedon, Zwolle once a year, and allthough it is a cover band, something I am a bit conflicted on sometimes. This band in all honest was really good, they are called "Feuerengel" I believe. So now that I have seen there show, I need to see the real deal, the biggest band (in my book) of Germany. It will be one of the most impressive things I will ever see I think.

Franz Ferdinand ~ No You Girls

My love for this band is never ending, I have such a fan for a long time, but never managed to get my hands on any concert tickets. They still sell out every show in the Netherlands, and don't play a lot of festivals, so yeah it is still on the list, and I want to see them, right now would be good, in my back yard? Can we do that? lol. Anyways I just love their sound, eventhough I sometimes forget, but when ever I hear their music, it makes me feel so good.

Blues Pills ~ Little Boy Preacher

My go to singalong band, had to be here of course, because found last year, when there wasn't anything going on, they are not yet confirmed for any thing close by but I am hoping. Please come play in the Netherlands, pretty please!

The Killers ~ Runaway Horses

I think my relation with this band is at least as long as with the music of Franz Ferdinand. Once upon a time, I fell in love with "Mr. Brightside". Then I bought "Hot Fuss" and fell in love with "All These Things I Have Done". A couple of weeks ago I watched together with Martijn the making of the song "When We Were Young". It is from a series on Netflix, about how the songs were made. It is very interesting if you like music and want to learn more about the process of making it. THe one with Hurt from Nine Inch Nails was also very interesting. Anyways when driving to work the other day I heard this new song from The Killers on the radio, it is not the Killers I fell in love with all these year ago, as this is more of a ballad then a rock song. I thought it was really good, so here the new one, what do you think? I think it is beautiful.

Dropkick Murphys ~ Rose Tattoo

Let's bring the party shall we? This would be hard without a mosh pit. This is always on top of the life list, because, is is always a joy, always a party, always a mosh pit. And it got me on stage twice! Yes I have seen the "Afas Live" from the stage. It is lovely, and seems twice as big from the stages point of view! Next time I hope to see them at a festival, that would be fun.

DeWolff ~ Bona Fide

I have mede it a ahbit to go seem DeWollf play live at least once a year, but in all honesty it more often 2 or more that I see them. This is just a band that works live. It is one of those bands were I say go see them live instead of buying an album. Go see them live first. You will be hooked after the your first live performance. Also they make wonderful vinyl, if you are into that. I already have tickets to go see them, but I think this will be in 2022. I am really hoping the venues can openup fully in october, but it is still unsure at this moment.

Devil Electric ~ lady Velvet

Amazing voice, in a male filled part of the genre, called stoner. This is so good, and I am very curious to see this band live.

The Death South ~ In Hell I'll Be In Good Company

This is just hilarious, and its good, also love the music video.

I hope you enjoyed this top 10. What is on your To-Watch-list? 
Let me know in the comments!

Want to host Swing Saturdays next week? 

Send me an email: icecoldpassions@gmail.com. 

I would love to hear what kind of music you like!

Swinging Saturdays #100: Spotify ABC ~ H

Swinging saturdays is a musical meme hosted by Ice Cold Passion, to share our passion for music. The goal is to make a top 5 (or Top 10) for whatever genre or artist you like or get creative and share a theme based music top 5. For example a bookish soundtrack, funny songs, song to listen to on a rainy day top 5.

High time for a new Spotify ABC, this week starring, H. 

So let's see what we have here: Ha Ha Tonka, Häxxan, Heideroosjes, HIM, Hot Hot Heat, The Hot Sprockets, The Howlin, Hozier, Hurts. 

Oh my so many favorites here! However am I going to choose only 5 of these? This is going to be hard, there is a lot of nostalgic bands here for me like HIM, Hot Hot Heat and the Heideroosjes. These are bands I loved for years and years. There is also a mystery here something I don't remember why I am following so I have to give that one a listen. Let's do this!

Häxxan ~ no. 1991

Häxxan sounds like some kind of kick as metal band in my ears, I can tell you, it is definitely not a metal band. It is more a indie rock band. The kind of band I like, it kind of reminds me of Shame, Mozes and The First Born, and Indian Askin. I like their sounds and I remember when I first found them I listened to them for days. It was my new favorite of the moment.

Hurts ~ Somebody

I haven't talked about Hurts for the longest time. I was a big fan of the songs Wonderful Life, Silver Lining, which are both from their 2011 album "Hapiness". I haven't actually listened to anything new yet so I decided to do just that before I wrote this Swinging Saturdays, and I must say I like their new work. Or newish since the newsest I could find was released in 2020. They have taken a bit of a different road with these new ones, it is a bit more cheerful. The album I was just talking about is a little dramatic and sometime a little depressing. So I am going with a newer song, Somebody. If you know Hurts, let me know what you think of this.

Heidenroosjes ~ I'm Not Deaf (I'm Just Ignoring You)

I just bought myself a beautiful album by the Heideroosjes. They are Dutch punk band and they have been arround since the early 90's. The mainly sing in Dutch, but they have also released a couple of albums in English as well. The album I have gotten is a combination of Dutch and English songs, it is a re-release of their first album, on limited edition yellow vinyl. Me and Martijn went shopping last week and I gotten 4 limited edition vinyls in this round and spend way too much money, but hey you only live once right? So yeah the Heideroosjes, what song to pick? Let's go with something I know from the album I just bought, which is I'm Not Deaf (I'm Just Ignoring You). I hope you enjoy.

The Howlin' ~ This Road

So this is a suprise I am not sure how I found this, who it came to be in my Spotify list but, I kind of like it. It sound pretty good! Good thing I am doing this Spotify ABC or else I would have forgotten about it completely!

Hozier (ft. Karen Cowley) ~ In A Week

We are ending this list with one of my favorite singer-songwriters out there, yes of course I am talking about Hozier, his music is just so damn good. I can just lie on the couch with my eyes closed being swept away by his voice. It is dreamy, deep, dark and just what I sometimes want to hear. This is just what I mean the whole setting of the video, perfect!

I hope you enjoyed this top 5 Do you have any suggestion for me? 
Let me know in the comments!

Want to host Swing Saturdays next week? 

Send me an email: icecoldpassions@gmail.com. 

I would love to hear what kind of music you like!

Swinging Saturdays #99: European Championships ~ The Quarter Finals in music

Swinging saturdays is a musical meme hosted by Ice Cold Passion, to share our passion for music. The goal is to make a top 5 (or Top 10) for whatever genre or artist you like or get creative and share a theme based music top 5. For example a bookish soundtrack, funny songs, song to listen to on a rainy day top 5.

 So we are down to the quarterfinals! I thought it would be fun to do a top 8 today, with all the countries that made it into the quarter finals! I thought it would have been I will be sharing 1 song of an artist out of each country, I am not sure how this will go, as I might have to do some research for some of the countries. So lets get into this!

Italy: Måneskin ~ Zitti E Bueni

This will be a first on my blog, I am most definitely not the biggest fan of the Eurovision song festival. Most of the songs are not for me, and usually the songs they pick for our Dutch artist to preform are bad, does any one remember Birds from Anouk? Anyone, it was so bad. Any ways, this I think is actually a great song, very original, lots of guitars, yes please can we have a winnner like this every year, please? Thank you. Sorry Duncan this is more my style.

Denmark: Volbeat ~ For Evigt

I thought I didn't know any bands from Denmark. I was very wrong, almost every week I get confronted with this band.. Because, my sister is a big fan, and well we have a company together, so yeah it gets played at the office. I like this band, but it is not my go to band, I have my favorites for example Sad Man's Tongue and I really do enjoy this song. Only just found out thought that the entire chorus is in Danish... Yeah that is kind of my issue with the singer, I don't always know what he is singing. I love this live version, also like the art from the album btw.

Czech Republic: Airfare ~ Sorry babe

I don't want to talk about the match against the Netherlands OKE..(being overdramatic) Oke, well let's move on, I know 0 music from the Czech Republic, so I did some research and found this band that sounds a bit like Franz Ferdinand but then a bit different. I like this song so this is what we are going with. If you are from the Czech Republic and you have some other great suggestions, leave it in the comments! I will definitely check it out!

Belgium: Bazart ~ Telkens Als Je Gaat

I know, I know, unfortunetly the red devils did not hold up against Italy yesterday, but hey we are discussing the quarter finalists here. Bazart is one of my favorite bands from our neighbouring countries, this just released yesterday on Youtube, so it must be a new song. So yeah, I just check they just released a new album, it is called Onderweg, which reminds of a Dutch song with the same name, from the artist Abel, but that is beside the point. This is a very interesting band to keep your eye on, their music is amazing.

Urkaine: Stoned Jesus ~ I Am The Mountain

So I was talking about doing this top 8 today at work this week and our trainee send me a text now you need to find a song for Ukraine as well as I told him that I didn't know any music from the Chzech Republic. The thing is though I do know bands from the Urkaine. One of Martijn's favorite stoner bands is from the Ukraine, and also one of the symphonic metal bands I listen to is from the Ukraine. So it kind of was an easy one for me. And I am going with Stoned Jesus because of that epic vocals in this song. I just wanted to have an excuse to use this song actually. This song is around 14 minutes but trust me it is worth your time.

England: Arctic Monkeys ~ R U Mine?

From Sheffield England, comes a band I am a huge fan of but I am not sure if I ever used their songs on my blog. Why not? I don't know honestly, but hey now we have a great excuse to do so. R U Mine is by far my favourite, but I also love I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor.

Switserland: Coilguns ~ Earthians

So here is a surprise, I know 0 music from Switserland, not one single thing. It was a bit of a challenge to find anything interesting coming from this country. This band is not a hundred percent my cup of tea, but it was the most interesting band I could find. Their music is pretty expirimental, and ranges from metal screams to mellow rocksongs, and everything in between. This song actually to me sound more like something Martijn would listen to, so Stoner. I think he would appreciate this song. Man this was a hard search.If you know any good other music coming from Switserland please let me know in the comments.

Spain: Las Ketchup ~ The Ketchup Song

I honestly thought I could come up with something different for Spain, but the thing is, all the Spanish language songs that I know, are either from South America or in case of Manu Chao France. So this was a lot harder then expected, this was definitely a hit in the Netherlands, it was a number 1 in the charts for a couple of weeks here. I know it is kind of a funny song but I do appreciated. My other option would have been Penelope Cruz with Volver, from the movie with the same name. It is an authentic Spanish song, and if you would like to watch something foreign langauge Volver is a great movie. It is kind of strange in a way as well but that is oke.


This turned out to be much much harder to do then I anticipated, honestly I thought it would have been easy peasy. If you have any suggestions for music from all the countries mentions feel free to leave a comment, I am always on the lookout for new music so I will definitely check it out.

Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments!

Want to host Swing Saturdays next week? 

Send me an email: icecoldpassions@gmail.com. 

I would love to hear what kind of music you like!

Swinging Saturdays #98: Wanna Learn Dutch?

Swinging saturdays is a musical meme hosted by Ice Cold Passion, to share our passion for music. The goal is to make a top 5 (or Top 10) for whatever genre or artist you like or get creative and share a theme based music top 5. For example a bookish soundtrack, funny songs, song to listen to on a rainy day top 5.

I do not watch a whole lot of soccer, however I always try to watch at least the World Championship and the European Championship. The latter is what is currently happening. The Netherlands will be playing tomorrow and I thought it would be fun to share with you some Dutch songs, so you can my start learning some Dutch? 

I know it much sound very strange to someone who does not speak the language, I hope you enjoy this top 5. On the one hand we have songs that are often played at the parties that happen when we win a match. Some songs actually articulate so well that they would be perfect for learning Dutch. So let's get into this.

Ramses Shaffy ~ Zing, Vecht, Huil, Bid, Lach, werk en Bewonder

This is one of those songs were you can easily learn some Dutch words through the chorus. It is the same as the title and translates to the following: Sing, Fighht, cry, pray, laught work and admire. Which repeats it's self throughout the chorus. Great to practise your pronunciation!

Marco Borsato ~ De Waarheid

This is one of the biggest artists in the Netherlands, with an incredilby long career already. He sings all his songs in Dutch. And if you want to learn some Dutch I think this would be a good start, all his songs are Dutch, except for the one album, that is in Italian. This song is a bit on the dramatic side I know but I kind of like that about it. The title of the song is "The Truth".

Nielson & Miss Montreal ~ Hoe

So for the only woman in this list, I could name a few others thinking of Maaike Ouboter, Famke Louise, Maan, Glennis Grace, Merol, Wies & Eefje de Visser. However none of these artists I really like, it might still be for you, but not really for me. I thought I would at least mention them if you want to look them up. I like Miss Montreal, I always have so I went with this song, because this song is so much fun. It is a happy song. And that is what we need after the first to songs. The title of the song means: "How" it is a love song.

Guus Meeuwis ~ Brabant

Guus Meeuwis in the Netherlands stands for humble folk songs, drinking songs, songs about a train. He is one of those party bands, and songs like these are often played in the pubs across the Netherlands, also after winning matches of soccer. So I couldn't think of a more fitting song for this top 5. Brabant, is an ode to the province with the same name. It is a song that most dutch people will know by heart, even the ones that are not even from Brabant.

Kraantje Pappie ~ De Feesttent

Let's end this with a party song, this is something my sister enjoys, and I thought this would be a fitting song to end with. It is a party song, and since Guus already started the party, Kraatje will finish it for you. This is for the ones looking for a challenge, as this is a very fast song. Kraantje Pappie is incredibly popular in the Netherlands, and knows how to turn every show into a party. This song in English means party tent! A really Dutch thing I think. Every small town has it's own yearly party, usually with some form of live act. These parties are usually in summer and usually take place in a big party tent. Hence the name and theme of the song.

Kennen jullie al een beetje Nederlands? Did you learn a little bit of Dutch today? Let me know in the comments!

Want to host Swing Saturdays next week? 

Send me an email: icecoldpassions@gmail.com. 

I would love to hear what kind of music you like!

Swinging Saturdays #97: Spotify ABC ~ G-oodness

Swinging saturdays is a musical meme hosted by Ice Cold Passion, to share our passion for music. The goal is to make a top 5 (or Top 10) for whatever genre or artist you like or get creative and share a theme based music top 5. For example a bookish soundtrack, funny songs, song to listen to on a rainy day top 5.

So I had planned to finish this last week but was too tired to get it done. The G categorie of my Spotify is relatively small, it was actually a bit of a surprise because I expected this to be a much larger category.  So let's see what is there, we have Gavin Degraw, Gerald Way, Good Charlotte, The Good Hand, The Graveltones, Green Day, Green Hornet, Green Lizzard and Greta Van Fleet. The last one sound very funny if you would pronounce it in Dutch. 

Greta Van Fleet~ High Way Tune

Let start this top 5 with the song that sounds funny in Dutch shall we? This very much reminds me of Led Zepplin and the time they were active in. Trust me when I tell you this is from this era, instead, it was kind of suprising as it sounds much older. Holy crap it sounds as amazing live as it does on cd. Such an incredible voice.

Gavin DeGraw ~ I Don't Wanna Be

Gavin DeGraw's first big hit, was I Don't Wanna Be, that same also Chariot came out, and both were high ranking in the charts. Although I always liked Chariot more. I can't explain why, mabe because it was not as played as frequently by the radio than I Don't Wanna Be, which here in the Neterlands was the most popular from the two. Or maybe it was just my rebelious nature that drove me to the underdog. Who knows. I have been a fan from the the beginning although I never seen him live.

Good Charlotte ~ The Anthem

Let's stick to the early 2000s This is just nostaglic to me I went to see them live pretty recently for the first time and it was still freaking amazing. So much fun hearing the songs me and my sister loved for so long live. It was still an awesome experience. Good Charlotte will always be really special to me, it pulled me through a lot of shit. Sorry for adding an entire set, but hey the first song is The Anthem and it was the only video I could find that had decent audio. Thank you Rock Am Ring, you almost always have decent audio!

The Good Hand ~ What Is RIeal Is Always Alive

This is for me a local band, I have seen the show of which you can find a video online on The Good Hand's own page. But again I felt the video was not the best quality although the concert was really cool. I have a bit of a love/hate affair with the band. On the one hand there are songs that I think are freaking awesome, but then there are does I get bored with easily. It is a mix of the two. Still I have chosen to mention this one as they could most definitely deserve some love. And also I try to cooperate some Dutch music in all my Swinging Saturdays, just because I can, and we really have some great musicians.

Green Day ~ Jesus Of Surburbia

I was actually pretty surprised to find a live performance of this song. For 1 it is the longest Green Day song ever. And usually the songs I like are rarely played live. Or so it goes for a lot of songs. This makes my choices for Swinging Saturdays sometimes somewhat difficult. This is my favourite song from the album American Idiot, an album I have definitely lived. I know all songs by hard. American Idiot also contain my least favorite Green Day song, Give Me Novacaine.

Any new G's I should add? Let me know in the comments!

Want to host Swing Saturdays next week? 

Send me an email: icecoldpassions@gmail.com. 

I would love to hear what kind of music you like!

Swinging Saturdays #96: Folk punk is sort of my thing

Swinging saturdays is a musical meme hosted by Ice Cold Passion, to share our passion for music. The goal is to make a top 5 (or Top 10) for whatever genre or artist you like or get creative and share a theme based music top 5. For example a bookish soundtrack, funny songs, song to listen to on a rainy day top 5.

Things are finally looking up for the music world, venues are already programming for the fall, hoping that everything will go through and we can get back to concerts like before COVID, were you are aloud to move, instead of sitting, and don't have to shut up. Today I am going for a top 10 close to my heart, because folkish punk is kind of my thing. What do all these bands have in common? They all took influences from folk and combined this in a way with punk. There are going to be some names that you might have seen before when you have been around my blog for a while, but I just love this music oke? It makes me very happy and I can't wait to join the mosh pit once more when we finally can. So yeah maybe this is going to be a little ode to live music in a way.

Flogging Molly ~ The Devil's Dance Floor

Swing a little more, yes that has always been the purpose of these Swinging Saturdays, the are here for you to swing to, take you to new place or like to day, to the era of live music. Devil's Dance Floor is definitely a fan favorite and I think this video is a nice compilation of how these concerts go. I got a bit "homesick" for the lack of a better word watching this, we haven't been able to do this for so long!

Skinny Lister ~ This War

Sninny Lister was the support act for the Dropkick Murphy's the first time I went to their concert. I thought it was pretty cool and added it to my list of folk punk. I like that there is also a women in this band, as the rest of the top 10 is going to be a full male round. So enjoy it while you can.

Seán McGowan ~ Never Let Us In

Let slow it down for one song alright, then I will bring back the roudy crowds. Seán sure has a great voice compared with that accent, awesome!

Fiddler's Green ~ Victor and His Demons

Fiddler's Green has been around for a long time, for years they have been playing at De Zwarte Cross in the Netherlands, the tent will fill to max when they are playing. It is certainly aparty when they are around!

Dave Hause ~ Burry Me In Philly

I love this song! The entire album is worth listening to, I was also thinking of Dirty Fucker for this top 10 but then this got stuck in my head. So here it is. I hope you enjoy!

The Real McKenzies ~ Chip

This is one of those artists I know a couple of songs but never really listened to an entire album. It is right up my alley though.

The Rumjacks ~ Uncle Tommy

Actually don't know much about this band other than the played or were scheduled to play in Deventer and I was considering going as it sounded like something I would like. It does sound great so this is going on the list of bands to go to.

Tim Vantol ~ If We Go Down, We Go Together

Not so famous in the Netherlands, but more so in Germany, this was also one of the support acts that stuck. I enjoy all his music and have also seen him live a couple of times. Great music, great shows!

Frank Turner ~ Glory Halleluah

This songs speaks to the rebel in me of course, I think I will always remain a rebel. It is so boring being main stream. I forgot how it is to communicate with people that don't understand my scene, my interests, my taste in music. People sometimes just don't understand. Anyways, here's a bit of a rebelious song for you.

Dropkick Murphys ~ I'm Shipping Up To Boston

Leaving you with another fan favorite, damn... Need I say more?

I hope you enjoyed this top 10? Do you have any suggestion for me? 
Let me know in the comments!

Want to host Swing Saturdays next week? 

Send me an email: icecoldpassions@gmail.com. 

I would love to hear what kind of music you like!

Swinging Saturdays #95 : Amazing covers part 2

Swinging saturdays is a musical meme hosted by Ice Cold Passion, to share our passion for music. The goal is to make a top 5 (or Top 10) for whatever genre or artist you like or get creative and share a theme based music top 5. For example a bookish soundtrack, funny songs, song to listen to on a rainy day top 5.

I took a little blogging break again, the last couple of weeks I didn't have any inspiration for new Swinging Saturdays. I am in the background preparing some new posts, some exciting things.  Today were are doing an amazing covers part 2. If you want to know which songs I discussed in the first part, click on this link. It seems that there are a lot of covers floating around, for example the other day I heard a new cover on the radio of No Diggity. 

Hurt: Nine Inch Nails versus Johnny Cash

Yes I have finally found a legitimate reason to use Hurt on my blog! This is one where I knew the cover before the original and yes I am going to say this, I enjoy the cover more than the original. The fragile voice of Johnny Cash in this song is absolutly beautiful. I will let you decide which version you enjoy. The version from Nine Inch Nails, just feels so different, it is still beautiful, just very different to Johnny Cash's version. Both versions have rather dark videos by the way, so be warned.

The Sound of Silence: Simon and Garfunkel versus Distrubed

So my parents were fan of Simon and Garfunkel, I remeber that I used to steal my fathers best of Simon and Garfunkel cd, to take me on the bike to school. So yes I kind of grew up with Simon & Garfunkel. The video of Disturbed covering the Sound of Silence went trending a couple of years ago and it really touched me deeply. The beautiful voice of David Draiman, proves that even if you usually sing metal, you can still have a beautiful singing voice. This version always gives me goose bumps.

You've Got The Love: The Source (ft Candi Staton) versus Florence + the Machine

I actually don't really know much about The Source however befor Florence released the cover it had been a hit in the 90s. I knew the song, but never thought of it again until I found it on the album of Florence + the Machine. I fell in love with this song. So what did the original sound like? Well find out below!

I Put A Spell On You: Screamin' Jay Hawkins versus Annie Lennox

Diving deep into blues history back to the 1950s. This is an interesting song to start with, and I think both preformances are unique in there own way. Which one do you like the most? Have you ever heard of Sreamin' Jay Hawkins? I can tell you I did not, such a peculiar preformance I can tell you, I hope it doesn't freak you out.

Bridge over Troubled Water: Simon & Garfunkel versus Hozier

Finishing off with the cover that started all this, the song that got me thinking that there are covers worth listening to, and that there are artist out there that can bring those beautiful songs a new live, live up to the history of that particular song. Make it available for the youth of today, which might not be familiar with the original. I leave you with that thought happy listening to these last two editions of Bridge over Troubled Water.

Any notable covers I am forgetting here? 
Let me know in the comments!

Want to host Swing Saturdays next week? 

Send me an email: icecoldpassions@gmail.com. 

I would love to hear what kind of music you like!

Swinging Saturdays #94: Spotify A-B-C: F = Freaking awesome

Swinging saturdays is a musical meme hosted by Ice Cold Passion, to share our passion for music. The goal is to make a top 5 (or Top 10) for whatever genre or artist you like or get creative and share a theme based music top 5. For example a bookish soundtrack, funny songs, song to listen to on a rainy day top 5.

It is that time of the week again where I tell you about the music I love. This week we are diving back in to my Spotify acount looking at which artists I follow in the F category. And boy are there some favorites there! So lets see, Family of the Year, FFS, First Aid Kit, Fleddy Melculy, Flogging Molly, Florence + The Machine, Foals, Foster The People, Frank Turner and Franz Ferdinand. However will I choose? 

 Well let's find out shall we?

Flogging Molly ~ If I Ever Leave THis World Alive

For all the women among my readers, have you ever watched P.S. I Love You? Well then you might have heard this song before. It is on this song that they end the movie, and they could not have picked a better song to end the movie on. Honestly if was the perfect ending of the movie. Sorry this might seem really off topic but trust me if you have seen the movie you will understand. So know you might wonder, did you find the band through the movie, but no sorry I knew the band long before I ever watched the movie. I just really love their sound, the Irish feel the flute (not in this song, go listen Devil's Dance Floor), the violin, the aucoustic guitar, but boy they can also rock your socks of. By the way I also love the lyrics of this song!

Florence + The Machine ~ The Drumming Song

Going on with the favorites, if you hadn't noticed it by my long explanation with the last song. This song is from her debut album, a very very impressive debut if you ask me. It is still my go to album if I want to listen to Florence. She has an incredible voice, that is what makes her such a joy to listen to. This performance at the Royal Albert hall I have watched way to many times, I like that it has an ochestra instead of her band, and it sooths her music so well.

Family Of The Year ~ Diversity

Remember Hero? That was their hit song, and I liked it so I decided to try the rest of the album, and ended up really liking it. It is not a band I listen to often, but that album, damn I forgot how good it actually is. Here is something different for you, not Hero, because we all know that song, here's Diversity for you to listen to.

Franz Ferdinand ~ Jacqueline

Been a fan since there debut album came out, but never seen them live. I just never really got the chance, everytime I was either too late for tickets, or only heard they were playing in the Netherlands afterwards, or on a day that is was impossible for me to go. I really hope that I get a chance to see them live some day. I love their music it is full of energy and it just makes me so happy.

Frank Turner ~ Silent Key

This artist I think needs no introduction, and Maarten, if you are still a reader, thanks you ever so much for sharing this music to me. Frank Turner is by far one of my favorite artists of all time, my go to guy to cheer me up. And he has been around a while. I just bought myself a really cool copy of the album No Man's Land, with white vinyl. I like the idea of the album No Man's Land, which is kind of a tribute to woman, specifically women that meant something to the world. It is a beautiful idea, and Silent Key is on the this album, but I so happend to like the acoustic version that was on the Positive Songs For Negative People Delux album, just a bit more. So yeah no fancy video for this one. Let me know which version you like, the No Man's Land version or this acoustic version? Curious to see were you stand in this.

What do you think, have I covered F well enough here? 
Let me know in the comments!

Want to host Swing Saturdays next week? 

Send me an email: icecoldpassions@gmail.com. 

I would love to hear what kind of music you like!

Swinging Saturdays #93: If you like Beautiful Creatures you might like these songs.

Swinging saturdays is a musical meme hosted by Ice Cold Passion, to share our passion for music. The goal is to make a top 5 (or Top 10) for whatever genre or artist you like or get creative and share a theme based music top 5. For example a bookish soundtrack, funny songs, song to listen to on a rainy day top 5.

So today we are doing something different once more, welcome to if you liked this book you might like these songs. Today we are going with Beautiful Creatures, even though it wasn't my favorite book of all time that gothic setting stuck with me and I want more of it. I still have to finish the series so maybe I will revisited it sometime. The setting of the book is kind of the reason for this top 5. These songs are very atmospheric and fit with the general feel of the book. If you would likt to know more about Beautiful Creatures  you can read my review here. 

The Civil Wars ~ Devil's Backbone

The Civil Wars did a song together with Taylor Swift for the Hunger Games soundtrack. I love that sound of the song and started looking into their music, I loved it, but it always has a bit of a dark undertone, it sometimes get's very dark and I think it will sooth a place like Ravenwood. Also I kind of associate this music with southern America where the story takes place.

Adia Victoria ~ Stuck in the South

I am going to give you the quote to explain this one:

There where only two kinds of people in our town. " The stupid and the stuck," my father had affectionately classified our neighbours. "The ones who are bound to stay or too dumb to go. Everyone else finds a way out."

The Pretty Reckless ~ Miss Nothing

It is kind of insane that I gave this book only 3 stars, I actually remember quite a lot of it. And I remember Link and Ridley, if they would have a band together I think it will sound a lot like this.

Valerie June ~ Workin Woman Blues

This one is for Amma.

Delta Rae ~ Bottom of The River

Let's finish with the song that started all this, the song that has inspired me to write this Swinging Saturdays for you. Ans I a hoping you enjoy the setting the atmosphere I have created for the book, and that you are now inspired to read the story, with in the background these songs playing finding your way to the end of this awesome gothic young adult paranormal romance read. Or if you don't like reading I hope I could give you a bit of Roots music for you to enjoy (except the Pretty Reckless that is). Have a lovely weekend and hooefully we can start enjoying live performance soon! No let's enjoy Delta Rae.

Any good southern gothic music I am missing here? 
Let me know in the comments!

Want to host Swing Saturdays next week? 

Send me an email: icecoldpassions@gmail.com. 

I would love to hear what kind of music you like!

Swinging Saturdays #92: Going Dutch: Singer-songwriters

Swinging saturdays is a musical meme hosted by Ice Cold Passion, to share our passion for music. The goal is to make a top 5 (or Top 10) for whatever genre or artist you like or get creative and share a theme based music top 5. For example a bookish soundtrack, funny songs, song to listen to on a rainy day top 5.

Happy Easter! 

I finally got a couple of days off, so I am going to enjoy my time. So  as you might know I am from the Netherlands, and I am proud of the divers music our country produces, so I want to introduce something new to my Swinging Saturdays, were I take you through our music our artists. Today  let me introduce you to some great dutch singer-songwriters. 

Lucas Hamming ~ Move Like This

Still think this guy is so freaking handsome, sorry, but look at him. Anyways this is about the closest we have to a James Bay, I have seen him live once and it was a great show. I think his music is awesome, here is an acoustic version of Move like This. His biggest hit song in the Netherlands was "Never Let You Down" it is a more upbeat song, but since we are doing a singer songwriter top 10 today I thought "Move Like This" is more fitting.

Dotan ~ Home

Home, it has been played so many times on the radio, that I think that I think all Dutch probably heard it at one time or another. Dotan is also know for his 7 layers sessions, a concert series he did a couple of years ago, where he did not play his self, no it gave singer-songwriters from all over the world an audience. I have been to 2 of these and was pleasantly surprised by the artists presented by no less than Dotan himself.

Nona ~ Sleeptalking

I am not sure were I found this anymore, but her talent just blew me away. Such raw talent. Sleeptalking is one of my favorites. Such a soulfull voice. Keep her in mind, I think she has so much potential! Another great song to check out is "It's Alright"

Douwe Bob ~ Born in a Storm

Well if you watched the Eurovision songfestival you might have heard of him, he has represented the Netherlands in 2016. This song is from his debut album with the same name , I haven't listened to this album in ages, but now that I was looking for a song I gave it a listen and boy it is still has good as I remembered it being. I love "Blindman's Bluff" and "Multicoloured Angels". Anyways without further ado, her is Born in a storm.

Waylon ~ Happy Song

Oke, went back to another debut album, because Waylon has done just so many things that I don't know which is which he has done so many covers that it became a bit of a complicate to find something really by himself. So I dove deep into the archives and found this. I also seen Waylon live and I think this high in my top 10 best concerts ever. His voice is to die for.

Ilse de Lange ~ I'm Not So Tough

A damn, I am realizing that 3 of the 10 artists on this list have been to the Eurovision song festival. Well at least we are sending the best the Netherlands has to offer, allthough they are never my favorite song by the artists. Like for example I am a big fan of Anouk, who also went to the Eurovision songfestival, and I hated the song she wrote for it, hate it still it is the worst song she ever made. Anyways Ilse de Lange, has been around since the early nineties "I'm Not So Tough" was I think her breakthough song.

Danny Vera ~ Roller Coaster

For the first time in years Bohemian Rapsody was beaten from it's throne in the Top 2000. The Top 2000 is a list that is played on Radio 2 here int the Netherlands, from Christmas up to new years eve. It is the lists of all list, and Bohemian Rapsody has been at the top of the list for years. Until Roller Coaster came around, which was number one in 2020. Well deserved because it is such a beautiful song.This version is an ode to all Dutch tv-makers that are not with us anymore.

Mitch Rivers ~ Easy Way Out

Mitch Rivers was the support act for Dewolff once and it stuck, he has some really amazing songs, and I am glad to see he is still around!

Tim Knol ~ The Strangest Spring

Tim Knol has his moments, it wouldn't be my go to artist, but I still appreciate the music he makes. So that is why he is here.

Joe Buck ~ The Way You Take Time

It makes me so happy that there exists Dutch country, you might not think it, but secretly I am a huge country fan, I love Dolly, Johnny Cash, Blake Shelton. I was going to see Joe Buck live, but then Covid happend and I wasn't able to. I am so done with Covid, I want to party my ass off! Not stay at home.

How do you like these Dutch singer-songwriters? 
Let me know in the comments!

Want to host Swing Saturdays next week? 

Send me an email: icecoldpassions@gmail.com. 

I would love to hear what kind of music you like!

Swinging Saturdays #91: We heart radio

Swinging saturdays is a musical meme hosted by Ice Cold Passion, to share our passion for music. The goal is to make a top 5 (or Top 10) for whatever genre or artist you like or get creative and share a theme based music top 5. For example a bookish soundtrack, funny songs, song to listen to on a rainy day top 5.

Al we hear radio ga ga.. . Do you enjoy listening to the radio? Or is radio out of date and are you listening on your devices only? I must admit, I don't listen radio often, a simple reason for this is that there is always too much talking and not enough music, so I enjoy listening to my own music. I know it is sad but when you only listen radio when in the car, and that radio only gives you talking radio dj's or the news bulletin then you get annoyed. 

Artists disagree with me of course and some have written songs about radio. So here some well deserved radio support for you! I hope you will enjoy.

Queen ~ Radio GaGa

Let's start with the obvious and the best of the best, a song everybody knows. Because all we hear is radio ga ga, radio gu gu. And Radio we stil love you.. lol Need I say more? I can go on a rant if you wish.. But I rather you listen to Radio Ga Ga.

Manu Chao ~ Me Gustas Tu

Maybe this one is less obvious, but in the intro and outro it sounds like the radio dj is doing an introduction whatever he is saying. It is like some dj's do when you have a long introduction, or tell a story, until the moment the artist starts singing.
The live version of this song is very different, but I must say I enjoyed this so much that I decided that I would use it.

Blue October ~ Italian Radio

So apparently this is one of those songs, that is one of my favorites, but does not have any proper live performances for you to watch, there is not even a music video, oh well, you will have to just close your eyes and listen to it. It is very special to me, always puts a smile on my face. I had tickets to see them live, but my ex last minute decided that he did not want to go. There was know one who wanted to come, because I was the only one that knew the band. I wish I could tell my past self that it would have been fine to go alone. I am a different person now, now when know one wants to join me, I still go.

Biffy Clyro ~ Spanish Radio

Well look at that, we also have Spanish Radio! Can someone just write a song called "dutch radio"? That would be perfect and I will add it to the list I promise! Yeah I know this song but honestly not my favorite, but hey, very fitting with todays theme right? I am more an Mountains, Black Chandelier, Opposites kind of fan.

Queen Of The Stoneage ~ No One Knows

Oh goddamn it is so freaking good. The guitar, the noise, the amazing fans. Maybe this should go on my, want to watch list for after all this fucking shit is over. I am sick and tired of COVID, I miss going to concerts, restaurants or just simplely go for a drink somewhere, or stores that are open. I think a lot of people are feeling the same by now.

Any music for radio lovers missing? 
Let me know in the comments!

Want to host Swing Saturdays next week? 

Send me an email: icecoldpassions@gmail.com. 

I would love to hear what kind of music you like!

Swinging Saturdays #90 : Tram Sessions

Swinging saturdays is a musical meme hosted by Ice Cold Passion, to share our passion for music. The goal is to make a top 5 (or Top 10) for whatever genre or artist you like or get creative and share a theme based music top 5. For example a bookish soundtrack, funny songs, song to listen to on a rainy day top 5.

So today we are doing Tram Sessions, I have come across these videos many times, mainly because I was looking for live video's of the Pierce Brothers. I thought this is a fun channel, I like the concept of playing on a tram. You can see it move and sometimes the artist playing need to keep themselves upright when taking a turn. Today I show you some of the videos, these will all be artists you might know as they have had international succes. 

Let's go for a ride on the Melbourn tram!

DeWolff ~ Don't Go Up In The Sky

So I had actually planned Will and the People, but for some reason I could not find the video anymore. So I started to search for something I know and found this, I was not even aware that they did this. Interesting to hear this song in this version.

Xavier Rudd ~ Follow The Sun

This song reminds me of summer, I very much enjoy it, I think it got famous here in the Netherlands because it was part of a commercial.

Passenger ~ Heart's On Fire

He only had one hit here in the Netherlands, then he dissapeared. Is he still making music? Yes it turns out, he just released a new album. I will give it a listen soon, I am curious if he changed from what he made back then. I hope you enjoy Heart's On Fire.

Vance Joy ~ Riptide

I know I have used this song on so many an occasion, also got famous due to a commercial, it is still very good. And very addictive.

Pierce Brothers ~ The Tallest Teepee In Town

We are ending this top 5 with my favorite Aussies Pierce Brothers, Jack and Patrick. I love their music, and the energy they bring to the stage is amazing. I hope you enjoy this last song, if you ever have the pleasure, go see them live, it will be worth it!

Have you watch any of the Tram Sessions? Anything I missed I should watch?
Let me know in the comments!

Want to host Swing Saturdays next week? 

Send me an email: icecoldpassions@gmail.com. 

I would love to hear what kind of music you like!