#686 Music recs II: Finnish
Music recommendations part two: Finnish music.
I was debating on how to divide the remaining mass of bands into different categories and since I didn't come up with anything else, I finally decided I'd go for this. So firstly there are bands/groups/singers that perform in Finnish, and then there are groups that simply happen to come from Finland. A lot of what I listen to is Finnish (and some featured in the previous entry already) so beware, there are many of them! The last, third entry, shall be just random crap thrown together XD
To start this off let's have the Pokémon theme in Finnish, shall we? 8D
First, in Finnish. I am a hopeless addict and as stupid as people think I am, I firmly believe Finnish is the most awesome language in the world XD No, I am not biased in the slightest, what are you talking about? *coughs* Anyhow, most of these might not make sense if you don't speak/understand Finnish, but... give them a try?
JAAKKO TEPPO
I love this man, I really do. He sings in some kind of a mix of the Savonian dialects and because that is where I grew up, it's like a home dialect for me. This is how I speak XD Or almost, at least. The songs rely heavily on lyrics and they are absolutely hilarious. He sings about this little village and all the people in it, everyone has their own personalities and histories and it's a perfect caricature of an average Finnish countryside place. The stories are sometimes (often) so sad you can only laugh, and sometimes they’re just so true, making such sharp observations about the Finnish society and average personality. And I think I am babbling again XD
Mikko-sika Mallorcalla
This is actually a fun song. It's about a pig that escapes to Majorca before Christmas since it doesn't want to be slaughtered and turned into a Christmas ham (traditionally we always eat ham on Christmas) and how the people who are left behind are all very confused while the pig is happy where he is x) La la la la. Mikko is the pig's name. Just so you know.
Other recommended songs;
♥ Pilkillä is an example of a sad song from him and seriously, I cry at this song every single fucking time I listen to it. It works like a dream *laughs* It's about a poor man who can not afford even food and how he is sitting ice-fishing every single day. And right next to him is a rich man who fishes just for fun and gets much more fish. Sounds lame when I explain it XD But I love the song.
JUHA VAINIO
This man was a genius. He made like a million songs and isn't really known for having a good voice or being a spectacular singer, but his talents as a lyricist? He makes the most clever comparisons, uses metaphors, talks about common things in a way no one else does and there hasn't been another like him. I know he's really old school, but I always liked him really much and his lyrics are brilliant. He also did this collection called "the songs for bad boys" and omg those are hilarious XD They are so perverted I am blushing while listening, and hearing those from my childhood hero is kind of traumatizing XD
Albatrossi
I chose one of his beautiful songs as the first one, and this is something that always makes me cry. It tells about a man who feels he wasted his life away since he only took the given route, studied and went to more schools, and then started working and followed the path his parents showed to him. While his childhood friend chose to follow his dreams and go sail the seas, living like the free spirit he is. It has a lot of metaphors and I just love the song.
Other recommended songs;
♥ Kotkan poikii ilman siipii is another one that makes me cry every single damn time *laughs* It's again melancholy and about losing, about crushed hopes and wasted years and it's so sad. It also has a lot of double meanings, even in the title of the song. Why do I like these overly melancholy songs so much? ;_____;
♥ Rajaseudun Rambo, I can promise, is not a sad song XD It's about this hilarious old dude who has his own little shack somewhere in the middle of nowhere and how he has a hidden VHS stack in his shed, so that he can watch all the forbidden movies the government tries to get rid of x)
♥ Käyn ahon laitaa is probably his most famous song and it's something every single Finn probably knows. It's an ultimate summer song, tells about how now that it's summer one can throw away all sorrows and just enjoy the nature and enjoy life to the fullest :D
♥ Panaman konsuli is another hilarious song that tells about a man who lives in a completely imagined world of his own x) He sees things and makes up scenarios and it's just overall fun. And it's one of the most quoted songs for us since it says something like "when you're poor, the only fun thing for you is having a wild imagination".
♥ Kun mä kuolen is one of the greasy, perverted songs x) It's a children's song originally but he changed the lyrics... slightly. I can't believe he did these songs, I can't XD
JUICE LESKINEN
Juice Leskinen is synonymous to a bohemian artist XD He was another ingenious lyricist and while one listens to his songs there are so many references to other songs, to famous novels, movies, persons, historical happenings, just name it. His songs are a bit more rock-ish than Vainio's, but basically I think they're quite similar in what they did. Juice has everything from funny happy songs to these melancholy ones that make one cry and guess twice which ones are my favorites in general? 8D
Elämä on suloista ja haikeaa
The title translates roughly to "life is sweet and melancholy" and I think that most of the things he says about life in general are very, very true. I like the studio version slightly better, but I figured it'd be nice to have an actual video here too. And you get to see how hilarious the man looked XD (In the beginning of the vid he says they've had really fucking fun with the audience and if the audience doesn't agree, it's so not their fault.)
Other recommended songs;
♥ Daisarit is one of his happy songs and literally "daisarit" would translate to "boobies" x) So yes it's a song that's dedicated to boobs *laughs* It's my father's favorite song from Juice and you should see him dancing along in the car XD
♥ Musta aurinko nousee is one of my very favorites and at one point I listened to it in the car nonstop x) The title translates to "the black sun rises" and that's what he sings too, that one day we will realize that a black sun is rising. Otherwise the lyrics are so complex I'm not even gonna try explain them shortly x)
♥ 3.30 is probably my current favorite song. I used to listen to this in the car a lot, too, and it has one part where he sings about someone dying in traffic and it always felt like such a bad omen. I love the mood of the song and how it brings across so much emotion. I think my favorite line is "love me now that everyone else is gone" (sounds better in Finnish XD) and yeah. It's so short ;___;
♥ Pyhä toimitus translates to "the holy sacrament" and he is making really many religious references in the song, comparing the relationship between God and man into a relationship between a man and a woman. It makes me melancholy and makes me want to write sad fic XD
KARI TAPIO
Kari Tapio is my hero. And he passed away only fairly recently, which was a big shock admittedly ;~; I've always liked his songs and his voice, and one of the first CDs I ever owned was a double CD from him (which I got as a present from my little brother XD). I adore his voice. It's deep and nice and wonderful to listen to and this is exactly the kind of voice I easily fall for *laughs* He's like the stereotype of an honest working man, and gets so much respect from me with that. Yeah. As embarrassing as some of my friends think that is, the man is my hero, still XD
Myrskyn jälkeen
Myrskyn jälkeen translates to "after the storm" and he sings how after each storm there will be better weather, basically. The song tells about how life might throw you around, and how you can't always decide your fate yourself, plus how you need other people to support you since struggling forward alone can be so very hard. I think it's pretty true, and I really love the song.
Other recommended songs;
♥ Olen suomalainen translates to "I am a Finn", basically XD And it sums up how Finns are. It does. I can't explain it any better but I think it really is pretty damn accurate!
♥ Elämältä kaiken sain is a beautiful, happier song about getting married and feeling like the happiest man on earth and it always gets me into a good mood :D
♥ Maailman yksinäisin merimies wasn't even on youtube but I had to upload it there since gdi this song makes me cry my eyes out like a baby. It's about losing the one you love, how you didn't notice the signs beforehand and now are left completely alone and already thinking of the song makes me cry ;~; And his voice~♥
KORPIKLAANI
Korpiklaani is ...uhm, folk metal? Something like that. They have violins and accordion and all, and the music is kind of like old folk music but with a slightly heavier approach. I saw them live some time ago (okay, months ago) and it was probably the most fun I've ever had at a live. I mean, we were jumping and bouncing and dancing and laughing and it was just so much fun! They're absolutely charming.
Metsämies
Basically the song is about the life of a man who works all days in the forest and blabla. It's not that important really XD I think the video (along with the lyrics) really show what it's about so I can shut up. And just say that I really, really like the song a hell lot!
Other recommended songs;
♥ Paljon on koskessa kiviä might actually be an old Finnish song and they just did their own version of it but I'm too tired (and lazy) to check. I really enjoy the song though and it's my second favorite from them.
♥ Happy Little Boozer is one of their English songs and it was hilarious live! You can imagine those full grown Finnish men dancing to this barefoot and making the whole audience dance along *laughs* Epic. It even has a live vid to it!
♥ Vodka is an example of how half of their songs are about alcohol XD There's also one called Beer Beer and "let's drink booze" and so on x) But that's Finnish culture for you *coughs* The video is awesome too! I recommend it :D
KOTITEOLLISUUS
Kotiteollisuus is basically these three dudes and they can be so stupidly hilarious it's insane. Their singer is nowadays somewhat of a media person and he's written a couple of books even, and he is really an intelligent man despite the role he has in public. Their lyrics have a lot of references to culture, too, especially to literature. Kotiteollisuus would translate to home industry, but I don't think it's supposed to mean much x) It's this basic rock, and it's just perfect for a certain mood :D
Jos sanon
Do I need to warn you for slight nudity? The video contains naked Finnish men, okay XD You can't see much but you can see they're naked, definitely. There is this statue in Helsinki with three blacksmiths and since the band has three members they decided to imitate the statue (bird poop and all). The song itself is like pure concentrated attitude, all "if _I_ say the sky is black then it goddamnit IS black!" and I just love it.
Other recommended songs;
♥ Minä olen is one of their hit songs and in this the singer already has the long hair he's so famous for x) Oh, and one thing I just thought of, if you want to learn Finnish for some reason, I would recommend listening to Kotiteollisuus. The singer pronounces things really clearly, and that is really correct Finnish too.
♥ Yö päivää keinuttaa is one of my favorite songs despite its slightly disturbed lyrics, and I wanted its studio version (their live versions can be... weird XD) but it isn't on youtube and this was kind of fun. It's the last song they play and they're all "omg we'll miss you so much and we love you byäääh ;____;" and did I mention they're amazingly much fun live? Even if the singer might not hit every note *laughs* I translated the song for a friend and there's this one word that gave me gray hair since it's impossible to translate into English so it sounds good, at least with my limited knowledge.
♥ Syli has actually a video with translated lyrics in English! I didn't watch all of it but it seemed ...alright, by what I saw. The song is an example of their slower, kind of more melancholy songs, and I think it's kind of hypnotizing. Love it~ Especially the chorus.
♥ Perkeleen työtä is again pure attitude and I just enjoy these songs so much!
VIIKATE
Viikate is pretty straightforward Finnish rock, and I really enjoy listening to them. Their songs are always sad, at least I can't come up with a single happy song *laughs* But it's a very Finnish thing again, and I dunno, I just enjoy their music and their style and everything.
Tie
I love how their music videos are like straight rip offs from old Finnish movies! They're so nostalgic and at the same time make allusions and hints at some old movies so it's fun to watch them too. Plus their songs are catchy. You do not want to know what they sing, though, if you want to keep the good mood XD Every single song from them has such melancholy lyrics, it's impossible. But that's how we like 'em. And this is one amazing song.
Other recommended songs;
♥ Viattomien lasten päivä is what my brother recommended for this list and gosh the video is so sad already it's slightly disturbing. The title translates to "the day of innocent children" and maybe the children part in it makes it even extra sad ;~;
♥ Pohjoista viljaa was the first song I ever liked from them! And I remember how dad, my brother and me listened to it in the car, jamming along to it happily. ...or happily is maybe wrong considering this is not exactly a happy song either XD I love the Finnish in it and how it flows in the lyrics.
♥ Ei enkeleitä is literally "no angels" and it's probably my favorite song from them. I just listened to it like three times in a row while making this list XD One doesn't need to listen to many of their songs to get the general idea of how it is, but it at least appeals to me! They're fun guys, too, on their DVDs there's always something special and they do little plays and all.
♥ Aaveissa vainko olet mun is their new(ish) single and it's really a beautiful song if you ask me. Both the lyrics and the melody. And do I need to mention it's sad? It refers to a Finnish classic, too. I have a feeling that half of the Finnish bands make references like mad XD
And then simply Finnish groups, who do not sing in Finnish;
CHARON
Charon is named after the ferryman from Greek mythology and thus it's a pain in the ass to google pictures of them since all I get is skeletons and ferries! \o/ But then again their singer looks kinda scary so well, it kinda fits. I am sad now, I just learned that they are going to disband after the gigs this summer and I didn't even get to see them D: I really like the singer's low voice, and even if they're not my ultimate favorite I really enjoyed their songs. Saaaad~ ;~;
If
If is my favorite song from them, hands down. Don't ask me why *laughs* I just absolutely love it and it's one of these infamous "I listen to it in the car until everyone else hates it" songs. The singer's voice is so nice and low and nice and yes, and there is something inspiring in the lyrics too even though they're really simple.
Other recommended songs;
♥ Colder actually has a video to it! And those very, very typical female backing vocals that Charon liked to use in several songs. Can't say I'm that fond of the female vocals there but did I mention the vocalist himself has a nice deep voice? XD He used to sing in Poisonblack too, but wanted to focus more on Charon and left the band (which was the best thing that ever happened to Poisonblack, nothing against JP XD).
♥ Ride on Tears has a video too! (And female vocals XD) ...the quality sucks though. But they're not exactly known for quality videos so who cares. Listen to the song. It's again one of my favorites (oh god I sound like an idiot, of course it is if it's on the list) and I really enjoy JP's vocals.
♥ In Brief War is a newer favorite for me. I bought one of their albums and while I was listening to it (in the car, lol) I somehow got stuck with this song and couldn't get it off my mind for a good while.
DIABLO
Diablo is a band I often leave to too little attention since they're way better than I tend to give them credit for. They're this honest Finnish guy rock and that's exactly what they're supposed to be. Actually their lyrics are often clever and inspiring, and if I need to find a nice quote or a few lines of song lyrics I almost always go for Diablo. I'm not that fond of their earlier albums but the newest ones are absolutely golden and I wanna see them live so badly.
Read My Scars
READ. MY SCARS. This song is absolutely epic, as is the whole band to be honest *laughs* In Finnish there is a term that fully describes them. It's pure äijämetalli. They're ...hm, redneck is a bad word for it. These tough dudes x) And I chose Read My Scars as the first song since it just is the first one we always quote.
Other recommended songs;
♥ Icaros might be an easier song to approach than Read My Scars and I truly love this song too. You all probably know the story of Icaros who flew too close to the Sun? Well that's basically it and the whole song is about that. The video is pretty basic.
♥ Symbol of Eternity has a bit of an old old Finnish song in the beginning of it and that already makes me love the song *laughs* And although it might seem to be such a huge contrast to the way the rest of the song is, I think it really fits there. (and if I didn't already babble about it enough, I love how every Finnish band collaborates with all the others, basically. you can't read the credits and thanks to an album without finding half a dozen other bands named. and in the same vein, how Finnish bands so often show their respect to the musicians that came before them, to the old stuff from decades ago. I think it's amazing)
FINNTROLL
Finntroll is one of those groups when I think the name tells everything XD Imagine these dirty trolls dancing somewhere in the forest and you've got this group down to a t. They are also special since they sing in Swedish. Or in Finnish Swedish, at least. They were asked about it once and they said that it was such a stupid idea no one else would ever do it, so of course they had to XD And I think Swedish is a good language for music like theirs!
Trollhammaren
I think what I like the most in them is the music, how it's so happy and you can dance to it weirdly without having to make any sense XD The vocals are pretty much growling but then again it's Swedish so I wouldn't understand half of it anyway \o/ I just always want to kinda jump around when I hear their songs so I suppose it's a good thing *laughs*
Other recommended songs;
♥ Eliytres is another good example of how their songs are like and they just get me into a really good mood always. I am also so tired right now that if I don't make any sense it's not my fault! \o/
♥ Asfågelns Död is a song I played to my friend's Swedish boyfriend and halfway through the song he was all "what is this language!?" XD It kind of proves that Swedes aren't that big on Finnish Swedish and how we pronounce it? I don't know, I thought it was fun. And the song is good, completely different from the other two :)
LORDI
I think Lordi is the most famous for their monster costumes and the fact that they won the Eurovision song contest XD I think their costumes are really cool since every single one of them has a story behind it. You know, they have a whole history for a person who lived hundreds of years ago and then somehow turned into the monster they are these days. There are the stories around somewhere but I don't remember them completely. In any case, I think it's a pity the band doesn't get more recognition, I think they're honestly good.
Who's Your Daddy?
It's pretty straightforward rock and without the costumes I don't know if it'd be that different x) But I like how they kind of make the video a parody of some old monster movies and how they don't take themselves entirely seriously. And can you imagine how it feels like to be in a costume like that for hours!? It takes them hours to even put them on. And they're all self made, too! Respect man XD
Other recommended songs;
♥ Hard Rock Hallelujah is the infamous song from the Eurovision song contest when they made whole Europe explode. It was so much fun, and such an unexpected thing too! Everyone said they'd go in and embarrass us (not that we ever were anything but last in the competition) and then they went and won with the biggest amount of points ever! I remember how me and my brother were screaming in surprise, all hyperactive XD And I think the song is honestly good!
♥ Would You Love A Monsterman is their first hit, I think, and it was a big thing when I was in high school x) I thought the song was kind of weird at first but then now I kind of like it, and I think the story is kinda sweet XD I told you the band is mainstream rock, but it doesn't stop me from liking it!
NIGHTWISH
And let me clarify, old Nightwish since I, personally, can not stand the new singer at all. I'm not the hugest fan of the band but occasionally I really enjoy listening to them and I think they're pretty essential when it comes to Finnish bands so they're worth a mention :) I sometimes really enjoy this pompous, theatrical music and I suppose Nightwish fills that void (together with Sonata Arctica and Rhapsody XD). They have some songs I really, really love.
Sleeping Sun
I don't only love the song, I love the video too. It's somehow so inspiring and I've always been a sucker for historical movies/stories and this seems so much like one to me. It's like a mini-story and I would die to have some continuation for it or something. I don't know x) I just think it's really awesome.
Other recommended songs;
♥ Bless the Child is my second favorite (if you count out one song that is 10+ minutes long and I left it out of the list XD) and honestly, I don't like the video *laughs* I imagine all these grand scenarios and historical settings to their songs and having a dude drive a car in the video clashes with that so badly XD
♥ Kuolema tekee taiteilijan is a short song in Finnish from them and it's a rarity since all their other songs are in English. I think it's kind of fun to listen to how the singer pronounces Finnish since she has a classic opera training and she says some vowels specifically kind of ...weirdly. The translation is a bit stiff but I like the song.
POISONBLACK
The current Poisonblack has the same singer as Sentenced had (the one in the red shirt) and maybe that is one reason why I love the band. I absolutely adore that man, especially for his rough voice even if technically he might not be the best singer. To me, he is XD Poisonblack used to have the same singer that Charon has but he left after the first album, and on the first album Poisonblack sounds like mini-Charon so I think it's a good thing. Now with Ville on the vocals the band got a bit more roughness, and personally I enjoy it a lot.
Rush
This was the first song I heard from them after the singer change and I didn't even know that they HAD changed the singer (Ville was in the band originally too, but first only as a guitarist). The TV was on and suddenly I was all "...that voice sounds familiar" and turned to look at the TV and there he was and it was such a shock! I love the song and the video, loved from the first second on. And not only because Ville has absolutely edible thighs 8D (he is like a giant, I don't know how much over 190 cm, and in Sentenced he looked so funny since the others were so much shorter)
Other recommended songs;
♥ Pain Becomes Me I first heard as a short acoustic snippet and I kind of fell in love with it instantly right then and there. There is another live version here but I don't like it that much, it kind of sounds happy and the song isn't supposed to be happy x) But Villeeeee~ ♥
♥ Only You Can Tear Me Apart was a pretty important song for me during a difficult period a while back, and I really just love it. Maybe because it sounds a bit like Sentenced? I think the bands are different, clearly, but sometimes some songs bring the link clearly and this is one of those. To me, it's not a bad thing since I love Sentenced. But whatever it is, this song is one of my ultimate favorites.
♥ Me, Myself and I is more about attitude wherein the previous song was about melancholy. But that's exactly what I like in it, it's just kind of in your face, get out of my way attitude x) It's refreshing. And it sounds good! \o/
♥ Bear the Cross actually has a music video too. It's not bad, even if I hate Ville's mustache thing x) Not good. But I don't watch the video really anyway, I just listen to the song, so I suppose it's alright XD Bear the Cross was a single from their album and they played it in the radio a lot, which kind of finally convinced me that yes I do love this band and I need their albums in my life (it's not so many, even, they only released four, three with Ville singing).
SONATA ARCTICA
Sonata Arctica is kind of a newlyfound love for me. I knew of them for ages but I never paid much attention to them and I never thought I liked them much. Then I don't even remember where I got more of their songs but I did and I started listening to them and right now it's one of the bands I listen to the most *laughs* It's this theatrical power metal with high male vocals and yeah, I like them pretty damn much x) Their singer is cool, too, and my brother always says they are a band everyone loves live (I never saw them live though :().
Paid in Full
I never saw the video to this before now, actually *laughs* It's not that special (I think it's kind of stupid even) but it gives you a look at the band if you want. The singer seems tiny but I don't really know how tall he is, I just always had the impression he's really short XD Their songs are often little stories in themselves and they make me want to write like no tomorrow. This one is no exception and I think it would have potential to be worked into something x) I have the whole album and it's a little heavier than their usual stuff, which might be why I really enjoy it.
Other recommended songs;
♥ White Pearl, Black Oceans is my ultimate favorite song from them but it's 8+ minutes long so I didn't put it as the first impression since it's kind of... long. It tells a long story too and I always wanted a fic out of that, not literally but something along these lines and inspired by the song. Even if it'd make me cry, I'd still want one. Someone write me one XD Or second thoughts, write something inspired by that BUT with a happy ending? (I am delirious, I'm so tired, ignore me) I guess I have a thing for epic songs that tell stories and I can just close my eyes and imagine everything.
♥ Last Drop Falls is another epic story and we've had so much fun listening to the song (especially in the car, lol, it sounds like I live in the car) with pi_ankh and we have our own inside jokes about it and all 8D
♥ Ain't Your Fairytale shows how fast their songs are often *laughs* but I've really liked it ever since I heard it and it has something inspiring in it too. Or then I am just weird and get my inspiration from weird places \o/
♥ Full Moon is one of their hits, I think (I don't really follow those things so much XD) but I think it's also a really nice song and it's very typical for them. ...and I also want a fic inspired by this song. Is that a surprise to anyone? Someone write me fics out of all of their songs, thank you very much *laughs*
TAROT
If you know Nightwish you might recognize the other singer as their bassist. Tarot is an old project, though, it's not like he just recently came up with it randomly to play with XD I like his strong voice and I think it's freaky how both the singers in the band sound so similar! It took me long to learn to tell them apart XD I like their songs though, quite a lot. Tarot is a band that I listen to ...occasionally? I don't know, I like them always but sometimes I have phases when I ignore them completely and then I have days when I listen to both the albums I have and enjoy them a great deal. I love Marco's beard :3 Yes that is vital information for you.
Ashes to the Stars
I quite like the video to the song too, it's not just ugly guys playing metal in a garage like so often, but it has actually something else to it! Also, as I said, I like the singers (both of them) and I think it's very nice background music at least. And I think one song from them is enough, for now. I'm too tired to decide on another (Crows Fly Black, Traitor or Messenger of Gods would work. Or Howl! it's maybe their best).
TURISAS
Their official homepage isn't working so I had to link to wikipedia instead. They're folk metal, I suppose (I am so bad with these), or viking metal or something and I think they sound really nice. I think that you all know my taste in music by now, god these are all so similar now that I think of it XD They are really cool with their stage gear though and they don't have guitar solos but electric violin solos! And their violinist is so proud of that.
To Holmgard and Beyond
I really love the song and it has something like viking feel to it, or something I can't really explain. It's again like a mini-story, brings so much ideas and images in my mind that I can't help but love it. Maybe I am in a weird mood but at least today it works like a dream, give me a song that sounds like it could be from a movie and I am sold XD I should read more. But yes the song. It just has that something that makes me happy.
Other recommended songs;
♥ Rasputin is epic. EPIC. I don't know how many of you know the original by Boney M. (another favorite band of mine ;~; why is my taste in music like this) but the fact that Turisas did a cover of it is epic in so many ways!
PART I (ULTIMATE FAVORITES) AND PART III (ABSOLUTE RANDOMNESS)
And still, if you liked any of this, I can always provide you with more! (There are some uploads here already.)
I was debating on how to divide the remaining mass of bands into different categories and since I didn't come up with anything else, I finally decided I'd go for this. So firstly there are bands/groups/singers that perform in Finnish, and then there are groups that simply happen to come from Finland. A lot of what I listen to is Finnish (and some featured in the previous entry already) so beware, there are many of them! The last, third entry, shall be just random crap thrown together XD
To start this off let's have the Pokémon theme in Finnish, shall we? 8D
Click to viewFirst, in Finnish. I am a hopeless addict and as stupid as people think I am, I firmly believe Finnish is the most awesome language in the world XD No, I am not biased in the slightest, what are you talking about? *coughs* Anyhow, most of these might not make sense if you don't speak/understand Finnish, but... give them a try?
JAAKKO TEPPO
I love this man, I really do. He sings in some kind of a mix of the Savonian dialects and because that is where I grew up, it's like a home dialect for me. This is how I speak XD Or almost, at least. The songs rely heavily on lyrics and they are absolutely hilarious. He sings about this little village and all the people in it, everyone has their own personalities and histories and it's a perfect caricature of an average Finnish countryside place. The stories are sometimes (often) so sad you can only laugh, and sometimes they’re just so true, making such sharp observations about the Finnish society and average personality. And I think I am babbling again XD
Mikko-sika Mallorcalla
This is actually a fun song. It's about a pig that escapes to Majorca before Christmas since it doesn't want to be slaughtered and turned into a Christmas ham (traditionally we always eat ham on Christmas) and how the people who are left behind are all very confused while the pig is happy where he is x) La la la la. Mikko is the pig's name. Just so you know.
Other recommended songs;
♥ Pilkillä is an example of a sad song from him and seriously, I cry at this song every single fucking time I listen to it. It works like a dream *laughs* It's about a poor man who can not afford even food and how he is sitting ice-fishing every single day. And right next to him is a rich man who fishes just for fun and gets much more fish. Sounds lame when I explain it XD But I love the song.
JUHA VAINIO
This man was a genius. He made like a million songs and isn't really known for having a good voice or being a spectacular singer, but his talents as a lyricist? He makes the most clever comparisons, uses metaphors, talks about common things in a way no one else does and there hasn't been another like him. I know he's really old school, but I always liked him really much and his lyrics are brilliant. He also did this collection called "the songs for bad boys" and omg those are hilarious XD They are so perverted I am blushing while listening, and hearing those from my childhood hero is kind of traumatizing XD
Albatrossi
I chose one of his beautiful songs as the first one, and this is something that always makes me cry. It tells about a man who feels he wasted his life away since he only took the given route, studied and went to more schools, and then started working and followed the path his parents showed to him. While his childhood friend chose to follow his dreams and go sail the seas, living like the free spirit he is. It has a lot of metaphors and I just love the song.
Other recommended songs;
♥ Kotkan poikii ilman siipii is another one that makes me cry every single damn time *laughs* It's again melancholy and about losing, about crushed hopes and wasted years and it's so sad. It also has a lot of double meanings, even in the title of the song. Why do I like these overly melancholy songs so much? ;_____;
♥ Rajaseudun Rambo, I can promise, is not a sad song XD It's about this hilarious old dude who has his own little shack somewhere in the middle of nowhere and how he has a hidden VHS stack in his shed, so that he can watch all the forbidden movies the government tries to get rid of x)
♥ Käyn ahon laitaa is probably his most famous song and it's something every single Finn probably knows. It's an ultimate summer song, tells about how now that it's summer one can throw away all sorrows and just enjoy the nature and enjoy life to the fullest :D
♥ Panaman konsuli is another hilarious song that tells about a man who lives in a completely imagined world of his own x) He sees things and makes up scenarios and it's just overall fun. And it's one of the most quoted songs for us since it says something like "when you're poor, the only fun thing for you is having a wild imagination".
♥ Kun mä kuolen is one of the greasy, perverted songs x) It's a children's song originally but he changed the lyrics... slightly. I can't believe he did these songs, I can't XD
JUICE LESKINEN
Juice Leskinen is synonymous to a bohemian artist XD He was another ingenious lyricist and while one listens to his songs there are so many references to other songs, to famous novels, movies, persons, historical happenings, just name it. His songs are a bit more rock-ish than Vainio's, but basically I think they're quite similar in what they did. Juice has everything from funny happy songs to these melancholy ones that make one cry and guess twice which ones are my favorites in general? 8D
Elämä on suloista ja haikeaa
The title translates roughly to "life is sweet and melancholy" and I think that most of the things he says about life in general are very, very true. I like the studio version slightly better, but I figured it'd be nice to have an actual video here too. And you get to see how hilarious the man looked XD (In the beginning of the vid he says they've had really fucking fun with the audience and if the audience doesn't agree, it's so not their fault.)
Other recommended songs;
♥ Daisarit is one of his happy songs and literally "daisarit" would translate to "boobies" x) So yes it's a song that's dedicated to boobs *laughs* It's my father's favorite song from Juice and you should see him dancing along in the car XD
♥ Musta aurinko nousee is one of my very favorites and at one point I listened to it in the car nonstop x) The title translates to "the black sun rises" and that's what he sings too, that one day we will realize that a black sun is rising. Otherwise the lyrics are so complex I'm not even gonna try explain them shortly x)
♥ 3.30 is probably my current favorite song. I used to listen to this in the car a lot, too, and it has one part where he sings about someone dying in traffic and it always felt like such a bad omen. I love the mood of the song and how it brings across so much emotion. I think my favorite line is "love me now that everyone else is gone" (sounds better in Finnish XD) and yeah. It's so short ;___;
♥ Pyhä toimitus translates to "the holy sacrament" and he is making really many religious references in the song, comparing the relationship between God and man into a relationship between a man and a woman. It makes me melancholy and makes me want to write sad fic XD
KARI TAPIO
Kari Tapio is my hero. And he passed away only fairly recently, which was a big shock admittedly ;~; I've always liked his songs and his voice, and one of the first CDs I ever owned was a double CD from him (which I got as a present from my little brother XD). I adore his voice. It's deep and nice and wonderful to listen to and this is exactly the kind of voice I easily fall for *laughs* He's like the stereotype of an honest working man, and gets so much respect from me with that. Yeah. As embarrassing as some of my friends think that is, the man is my hero, still XD
Myrskyn jälkeen
Myrskyn jälkeen translates to "after the storm" and he sings how after each storm there will be better weather, basically. The song tells about how life might throw you around, and how you can't always decide your fate yourself, plus how you need other people to support you since struggling forward alone can be so very hard. I think it's pretty true, and I really love the song.
Other recommended songs;
♥ Olen suomalainen translates to "I am a Finn", basically XD And it sums up how Finns are. It does. I can't explain it any better but I think it really is pretty damn accurate!
♥ Elämältä kaiken sain is a beautiful, happier song about getting married and feeling like the happiest man on earth and it always gets me into a good mood :D
♥ Maailman yksinäisin merimies wasn't even on youtube but I had to upload it there since gdi this song makes me cry my eyes out like a baby. It's about losing the one you love, how you didn't notice the signs beforehand and now are left completely alone and already thinking of the song makes me cry ;~; And his voice~♥
KORPIKLAANI
Korpiklaani is ...uhm, folk metal? Something like that. They have violins and accordion and all, and the music is kind of like old folk music but with a slightly heavier approach. I saw them live some time ago (okay, months ago) and it was probably the most fun I've ever had at a live. I mean, we were jumping and bouncing and dancing and laughing and it was just so much fun! They're absolutely charming.
Metsämies
Basically the song is about the life of a man who works all days in the forest and blabla. It's not that important really XD I think the video (along with the lyrics) really show what it's about so I can shut up. And just say that I really, really like the song a hell lot!
Other recommended songs;
♥ Paljon on koskessa kiviä might actually be an old Finnish song and they just did their own version of it but I'm too tired (and lazy) to check. I really enjoy the song though and it's my second favorite from them.
♥ Happy Little Boozer is one of their English songs and it was hilarious live! You can imagine those full grown Finnish men dancing to this barefoot and making the whole audience dance along *laughs* Epic. It even has a live vid to it!
♥ Vodka is an example of how half of their songs are about alcohol XD There's also one called Beer Beer and "let's drink booze" and so on x) But that's Finnish culture for you *coughs* The video is awesome too! I recommend it :D
KOTITEOLLISUUS
Kotiteollisuus is basically these three dudes and they can be so stupidly hilarious it's insane. Their singer is nowadays somewhat of a media person and he's written a couple of books even, and he is really an intelligent man despite the role he has in public. Their lyrics have a lot of references to culture, too, especially to literature. Kotiteollisuus would translate to home industry, but I don't think it's supposed to mean much x) It's this basic rock, and it's just perfect for a certain mood :D
Jos sanon
Do I need to warn you for slight nudity? The video contains naked Finnish men, okay XD You can't see much but you can see they're naked, definitely. There is this statue in Helsinki with three blacksmiths and since the band has three members they decided to imitate the statue (bird poop and all). The song itself is like pure concentrated attitude, all "if _I_ say the sky is black then it goddamnit IS black!" and I just love it.
Other recommended songs;
♥ Minä olen is one of their hit songs and in this the singer already has the long hair he's so famous for x) Oh, and one thing I just thought of, if you want to learn Finnish for some reason, I would recommend listening to Kotiteollisuus. The singer pronounces things really clearly, and that is really correct Finnish too.
♥ Yö päivää keinuttaa is one of my favorite songs despite its slightly disturbed lyrics, and I wanted its studio version (their live versions can be... weird XD) but it isn't on youtube and this was kind of fun. It's the last song they play and they're all "omg we'll miss you so much and we love you byäääh ;____;" and did I mention they're amazingly much fun live? Even if the singer might not hit every note *laughs* I translated the song for a friend and there's this one word that gave me gray hair since it's impossible to translate into English so it sounds good, at least with my limited knowledge.
♥ Syli has actually a video with translated lyrics in English! I didn't watch all of it but it seemed ...alright, by what I saw. The song is an example of their slower, kind of more melancholy songs, and I think it's kind of hypnotizing. Love it~ Especially the chorus.
♥ Perkeleen työtä is again pure attitude and I just enjoy these songs so much!
VIIKATE
Viikate is pretty straightforward Finnish rock, and I really enjoy listening to them. Their songs are always sad, at least I can't come up with a single happy song *laughs* But it's a very Finnish thing again, and I dunno, I just enjoy their music and their style and everything.
Tie
I love how their music videos are like straight rip offs from old Finnish movies! They're so nostalgic and at the same time make allusions and hints at some old movies so it's fun to watch them too. Plus their songs are catchy. You do not want to know what they sing, though, if you want to keep the good mood XD Every single song from them has such melancholy lyrics, it's impossible. But that's how we like 'em. And this is one amazing song.
Other recommended songs;
♥ Viattomien lasten päivä is what my brother recommended for this list and gosh the video is so sad already it's slightly disturbing. The title translates to "the day of innocent children" and maybe the children part in it makes it even extra sad ;~;
♥ Pohjoista viljaa was the first song I ever liked from them! And I remember how dad, my brother and me listened to it in the car, jamming along to it happily. ...or happily is maybe wrong considering this is not exactly a happy song either XD I love the Finnish in it and how it flows in the lyrics.
♥ Ei enkeleitä is literally "no angels" and it's probably my favorite song from them. I just listened to it like three times in a row while making this list XD One doesn't need to listen to many of their songs to get the general idea of how it is, but it at least appeals to me! They're fun guys, too, on their DVDs there's always something special and they do little plays and all.
♥ Aaveissa vainko olet mun is their new(ish) single and it's really a beautiful song if you ask me. Both the lyrics and the melody. And do I need to mention it's sad? It refers to a Finnish classic, too. I have a feeling that half of the Finnish bands make references like mad XD
And then simply Finnish groups, who do not sing in Finnish;
CHARON
Charon is named after the ferryman from Greek mythology and thus it's a pain in the ass to google pictures of them since all I get is skeletons and ferries! \o/ But then again their singer looks kinda scary so well, it kinda fits. I am sad now, I just learned that they are going to disband after the gigs this summer and I didn't even get to see them D: I really like the singer's low voice, and even if they're not my ultimate favorite I really enjoyed their songs. Saaaad~ ;~;
If
If is my favorite song from them, hands down. Don't ask me why *laughs* I just absolutely love it and it's one of these infamous "I listen to it in the car until everyone else hates it" songs. The singer's voice is so nice and low and nice and yes, and there is something inspiring in the lyrics too even though they're really simple.
Other recommended songs;
♥ Colder actually has a video to it! And those very, very typical female backing vocals that Charon liked to use in several songs. Can't say I'm that fond of the female vocals there but did I mention the vocalist himself has a nice deep voice? XD He used to sing in Poisonblack too, but wanted to focus more on Charon and left the band (which was the best thing that ever happened to Poisonblack, nothing against JP XD).
♥ Ride on Tears has a video too! (And female vocals XD) ...the quality sucks though. But they're not exactly known for quality videos so who cares. Listen to the song. It's again one of my favorites (oh god I sound like an idiot, of course it is if it's on the list) and I really enjoy JP's vocals.
♥ In Brief War is a newer favorite for me. I bought one of their albums and while I was listening to it (in the car, lol) I somehow got stuck with this song and couldn't get it off my mind for a good while.
DIABLO
Diablo is a band I often leave to too little attention since they're way better than I tend to give them credit for. They're this honest Finnish guy rock and that's exactly what they're supposed to be. Actually their lyrics are often clever and inspiring, and if I need to find a nice quote or a few lines of song lyrics I almost always go for Diablo. I'm not that fond of their earlier albums but the newest ones are absolutely golden and I wanna see them live so badly.
Read My Scars
READ. MY SCARS. This song is absolutely epic, as is the whole band to be honest *laughs* In Finnish there is a term that fully describes them. It's pure äijämetalli. They're ...hm, redneck is a bad word for it. These tough dudes x) And I chose Read My Scars as the first song since it just is the first one we always quote.
Other recommended songs;
♥ Icaros might be an easier song to approach than Read My Scars and I truly love this song too. You all probably know the story of Icaros who flew too close to the Sun? Well that's basically it and the whole song is about that. The video is pretty basic.
♥ Symbol of Eternity has a bit of an old old Finnish song in the beginning of it and that already makes me love the song *laughs* And although it might seem to be such a huge contrast to the way the rest of the song is, I think it really fits there. (and if I didn't already babble about it enough, I love how every Finnish band collaborates with all the others, basically. you can't read the credits and thanks to an album without finding half a dozen other bands named. and in the same vein, how Finnish bands so often show their respect to the musicians that came before them, to the old stuff from decades ago. I think it's amazing)
FINNTROLL
Finntroll is one of those groups when I think the name tells everything XD Imagine these dirty trolls dancing somewhere in the forest and you've got this group down to a t. They are also special since they sing in Swedish. Or in Finnish Swedish, at least. They were asked about it once and they said that it was such a stupid idea no one else would ever do it, so of course they had to XD And I think Swedish is a good language for music like theirs!
Trollhammaren
I think what I like the most in them is the music, how it's so happy and you can dance to it weirdly without having to make any sense XD The vocals are pretty much growling but then again it's Swedish so I wouldn't understand half of it anyway \o/ I just always want to kinda jump around when I hear their songs so I suppose it's a good thing *laughs*
Other recommended songs;
♥ Eliytres is another good example of how their songs are like and they just get me into a really good mood always. I am also so tired right now that if I don't make any sense it's not my fault! \o/
♥ Asfågelns Död is a song I played to my friend's Swedish boyfriend and halfway through the song he was all "what is this language!?" XD It kind of proves that Swedes aren't that big on Finnish Swedish and how we pronounce it? I don't know, I thought it was fun. And the song is good, completely different from the other two :)
LORDI
I think Lordi is the most famous for their monster costumes and the fact that they won the Eurovision song contest XD I think their costumes are really cool since every single one of them has a story behind it. You know, they have a whole history for a person who lived hundreds of years ago and then somehow turned into the monster they are these days. There are the stories around somewhere but I don't remember them completely. In any case, I think it's a pity the band doesn't get more recognition, I think they're honestly good.
Who's Your Daddy?
It's pretty straightforward rock and without the costumes I don't know if it'd be that different x) But I like how they kind of make the video a parody of some old monster movies and how they don't take themselves entirely seriously. And can you imagine how it feels like to be in a costume like that for hours!? It takes them hours to even put them on. And they're all self made, too! Respect man XD
Other recommended songs;
♥ Hard Rock Hallelujah is the infamous song from the Eurovision song contest when they made whole Europe explode. It was so much fun, and such an unexpected thing too! Everyone said they'd go in and embarrass us (not that we ever were anything but last in the competition) and then they went and won with the biggest amount of points ever! I remember how me and my brother were screaming in surprise, all hyperactive XD And I think the song is honestly good!
♥ Would You Love A Monsterman is their first hit, I think, and it was a big thing when I was in high school x) I thought the song was kind of weird at first but then now I kind of like it, and I think the story is kinda sweet XD I told you the band is mainstream rock, but it doesn't stop me from liking it!
NIGHTWISH
And let me clarify, old Nightwish since I, personally, can not stand the new singer at all. I'm not the hugest fan of the band but occasionally I really enjoy listening to them and I think they're pretty essential when it comes to Finnish bands so they're worth a mention :) I sometimes really enjoy this pompous, theatrical music and I suppose Nightwish fills that void (together with Sonata Arctica and Rhapsody XD). They have some songs I really, really love.
Sleeping Sun
I don't only love the song, I love the video too. It's somehow so inspiring and I've always been a sucker for historical movies/stories and this seems so much like one to me. It's like a mini-story and I would die to have some continuation for it or something. I don't know x) I just think it's really awesome.
Other recommended songs;
♥ Bless the Child is my second favorite (if you count out one song that is 10+ minutes long and I left it out of the list XD) and honestly, I don't like the video *laughs* I imagine all these grand scenarios and historical settings to their songs and having a dude drive a car in the video clashes with that so badly XD
♥ Kuolema tekee taiteilijan is a short song in Finnish from them and it's a rarity since all their other songs are in English. I think it's kind of fun to listen to how the singer pronounces Finnish since she has a classic opera training and she says some vowels specifically kind of ...weirdly. The translation is a bit stiff but I like the song.
POISONBLACK
The current Poisonblack has the same singer as Sentenced had (the one in the red shirt) and maybe that is one reason why I love the band. I absolutely adore that man, especially for his rough voice even if technically he might not be the best singer. To me, he is XD Poisonblack used to have the same singer that Charon has but he left after the first album, and on the first album Poisonblack sounds like mini-Charon so I think it's a good thing. Now with Ville on the vocals the band got a bit more roughness, and personally I enjoy it a lot.
Rush
This was the first song I heard from them after the singer change and I didn't even know that they HAD changed the singer (Ville was in the band originally too, but first only as a guitarist). The TV was on and suddenly I was all "...that voice sounds familiar" and turned to look at the TV and there he was and it was such a shock! I love the song and the video, loved from the first second on. And not only because Ville has absolutely edible thighs 8D (he is like a giant, I don't know how much over 190 cm, and in Sentenced he looked so funny since the others were so much shorter)
Other recommended songs;
♥ Pain Becomes Me I first heard as a short acoustic snippet and I kind of fell in love with it instantly right then and there. There is another live version here but I don't like it that much, it kind of sounds happy and the song isn't supposed to be happy x) But Villeeeee~ ♥
♥ Only You Can Tear Me Apart was a pretty important song for me during a difficult period a while back, and I really just love it. Maybe because it sounds a bit like Sentenced? I think the bands are different, clearly, but sometimes some songs bring the link clearly and this is one of those. To me, it's not a bad thing since I love Sentenced. But whatever it is, this song is one of my ultimate favorites.
♥ Me, Myself and I is more about attitude wherein the previous song was about melancholy. But that's exactly what I like in it, it's just kind of in your face, get out of my way attitude x) It's refreshing. And it sounds good! \o/
♥ Bear the Cross actually has a music video too. It's not bad, even if I hate Ville's mustache thing x) Not good. But I don't watch the video really anyway, I just listen to the song, so I suppose it's alright XD Bear the Cross was a single from their album and they played it in the radio a lot, which kind of finally convinced me that yes I do love this band and I need their albums in my life (it's not so many, even, they only released four, three with Ville singing).
SONATA ARCTICA
Sonata Arctica is kind of a newlyfound love for me. I knew of them for ages but I never paid much attention to them and I never thought I liked them much. Then I don't even remember where I got more of their songs but I did and I started listening to them and right now it's one of the bands I listen to the most *laughs* It's this theatrical power metal with high male vocals and yeah, I like them pretty damn much x) Their singer is cool, too, and my brother always says they are a band everyone loves live (I never saw them live though :().
Paid in Full
I never saw the video to this before now, actually *laughs* It's not that special (I think it's kind of stupid even) but it gives you a look at the band if you want. The singer seems tiny but I don't really know how tall he is, I just always had the impression he's really short XD Their songs are often little stories in themselves and they make me want to write like no tomorrow. This one is no exception and I think it would have potential to be worked into something x) I have the whole album and it's a little heavier than their usual stuff, which might be why I really enjoy it.
Other recommended songs;
♥ White Pearl, Black Oceans is my ultimate favorite song from them but it's 8+ minutes long so I didn't put it as the first impression since it's kind of... long. It tells a long story too and I always wanted a fic out of that, not literally but something along these lines and inspired by the song. Even if it'd make me cry, I'd still want one. Someone write me one XD Or second thoughts, write something inspired by that BUT with a happy ending? (I am delirious, I'm so tired, ignore me) I guess I have a thing for epic songs that tell stories and I can just close my eyes and imagine everything.
♥ Last Drop Falls is another epic story and we've had so much fun listening to the song (especially in the car, lol, it sounds like I live in the car) with pi_ankh and we have our own inside jokes about it and all 8D
♥ Ain't Your Fairytale shows how fast their songs are often *laughs* but I've really liked it ever since I heard it and it has something inspiring in it too. Or then I am just weird and get my inspiration from weird places \o/
♥ Full Moon is one of their hits, I think (I don't really follow those things so much XD) but I think it's also a really nice song and it's very typical for them. ...and I also want a fic inspired by this song. Is that a surprise to anyone? Someone write me fics out of all of their songs, thank you very much *laughs*
TAROT
If you know Nightwish you might recognize the other singer as their bassist. Tarot is an old project, though, it's not like he just recently came up with it randomly to play with XD I like his strong voice and I think it's freaky how both the singers in the band sound so similar! It took me long to learn to tell them apart XD I like their songs though, quite a lot. Tarot is a band that I listen to ...occasionally? I don't know, I like them always but sometimes I have phases when I ignore them completely and then I have days when I listen to both the albums I have and enjoy them a great deal. I love Marco's beard :3 Yes that is vital information for you.
Ashes to the Stars
I quite like the video to the song too, it's not just ugly guys playing metal in a garage like so often, but it has actually something else to it! Also, as I said, I like the singers (both of them) and I think it's very nice background music at least. And I think one song from them is enough, for now. I'm too tired to decide on another (Crows Fly Black, Traitor or Messenger of Gods would work. Or Howl! it's maybe their best).
TURISAS
Their official homepage isn't working so I had to link to wikipedia instead. They're folk metal, I suppose (I am so bad with these), or viking metal or something and I think they sound really nice. I think that you all know my taste in music by now, god these are all so similar now that I think of it XD They are really cool with their stage gear though and they don't have guitar solos but electric violin solos! And their violinist is so proud of that.
To Holmgard and Beyond
I really love the song and it has something like viking feel to it, or something I can't really explain. It's again like a mini-story, brings so much ideas and images in my mind that I can't help but love it. Maybe I am in a weird mood but at least today it works like a dream, give me a song that sounds like it could be from a movie and I am sold XD I should read more. But yes the song. It just has that something that makes me happy.
Other recommended songs;
♥ Rasputin is epic. EPIC. I don't know how many of you know the original by Boney M. (another favorite band of mine ;~; why is my taste in music like this) but the fact that Turisas did a cover of it is epic in so many ways!
PART I (ULTIMATE FAVORITES) AND PART III (ABSOLUTE RANDOMNESS)
And still, if you liked any of this, I can always provide you with more! (There are some uploads here already.)