The Lion's Tunes #8

Welcome to another edition of The Lion’s Tunes.

At the suggestion of a close friend, I decided to put my love of music to good use.

She pointed out to me that since I love music and listen to so much of it, I should share what songs I’m currently jamming to at the moment.

If you follow me on twitter then you’d know I usually tweet about what music has got me all caught up and catching feelings.

I’m by no means a music expert and I won’t pretend to be. Most of what will be written here is information I’ve learned on the net and just my personal opinions on the songs. So have at it...

·         Song: Revelations

Artist: Lakota Silva
Album: Pop The Mixtape

I recently did a album review for this singer, that if the editors like will hopefully appear in one of the publications soon (but I will update everyone about that if it happens. That aside, I really fell in love with this song.I love how anthemic it is - it has a bit of that Santigold vibe and some reggae undertones, but this song is just so awesome.

"Attention, we're doing it well with our hands to the sky

and a story to tell,

Attention, we're doing it well with our hands to the sky."

·         Song: Howling (Ame Remix)

Artist: Howling

This song is not actually new. I came across this song because, honestly this will sound bad, it was on the Taken 3 soundtrack. Judge away. It is really just such a cool song. It might not be the last song that you would want to listen to before you die, but it got to me and I love the mellow vibe.

·         Song: To You (Radio Re-release)

Artist: Jack Ü ft Aluna George

The combo of Skrillex and Diplo has to my mind been a really awesome one. They have crafted really great music together with this project of Jack Ü that they have been working on and in keeping with their electronic music roots, this song is another solid banger. It has recently been released for radio. Their song with Justin Bieber "Where Are Ü Now?" has done really well on the charts, and the remix of a song they did before that which features Missy Elliot no less, while slipping by under the radar, is really one you should go give a listen to.

Additional Mention: Jack Ü - Take Ü There (feat. Kiesza) (Missy Elliott Remix)

·         Song: Runnin' (Lose It All)

Artist: Naughty Boy ft Beyoncé, Arrow Benjamin.

One of the reasons I love this song is Beyoncé. Obviously.
Another reason why I love this is because of the ridiculously amazing music video. I was spellbound. Regardless of the fact that I think Naughty Boy is really great music producer and creates hit music like "La la la" with Sam Smith and "No One's Here To Sleep" with Bastille and etc...
This song is 50 shades of awesome with a inventive music video that makes me love it.

Shout out to Arrow Benjamin, who I have no clue who he is, because his voice on this song if perfection.

·         Song: Woke The Fuck Up

Artist: John Bellion

I came to know about John Bellion when I was researching for new music a couple of months back. I heard his song Luxury and it was really cool. Then when I discovered he collaborated with one of my favourite EDM artists, Zedd on "Beautiful Now", I was really amped. The cool thing about Jon is that he can SING but the dude prefers to rap. He is in the new generation of artists who rap/sing or sing/rap whichever they prefer. That said, this song is really just so honest, and struck a nerve because I know exactly that feeling he is singing about. 

·         Song: Hourglass 

Artist: Disclosure ft Lion Babe

I have been on a Disclosure tip lately, which is understandable given how they have been teasing their album "Caracal" (which is out now) by lately putting out videos for songs on the album. Other than the grooving Omen that they did with Sam Smith, this song with  Lion Babe, whose lead singer is actress-singer Vanessa William's daughter, really delivers. If you are liking what Disclosure are selling then definitely go visit their Youtube channel.



Additional Mention: Magnets ft Lorde.

Fire. Damn Lorde is definitely going for an adultier sound.



Additional Mention: Their "Caracal" minimix

·         Song: Tender 

Artist: Aramour

Another a slow jam goody.

·         Song: Hanging

Artist: Bastille

I love Bastille, and I am eagerly anticipating whatever they have coming up next. That aside, I saw that they released this song called Hanging. All I can say is that this definitely left me hanging like a cliffhanger, for some more Bastille.

·         Song: Thousand Eyes

Artist:  Of Monsters and Men

Of Monsters and Men are just phenomenal, I haven't been able to keep as up to date with the group as I would like given how busy my life gets and that I don't always have time to listen to all the music that I would like to listen to, but I saw this and when I pressed play, I was reminded why I love them. The goosebumps, the lyrics and oh my golly that instrumental that keeps building and building!!! Chils for days. I would very much encourage you to listen to more of their stuff if you can.

·         Song: The Beach
Artist: The Neighbourhood

I love The Neighbourhood. They are just so cool. Much like Of Monsters and Men, it’s been a while since I’ve heard band but boy am I so glad that I did because this song is just so stunning. Jessie’s voice is everything! I love this song. It’s smooth, and casual and just hard hitting.  Their music is something I would suggest you get high on, only because while I have never tried weed, the lead singer of the group is definitely on that tip. So if you're a stoner kid, or want to experience it without actually smoking weed, then the music of The Neighbourhood is for you.

·         Song: Fools

Artist: Troye Sivan

EP: WILD

The South African born-Australian artist released his follow up EP WILD to his first musical effort TRXYE, and WILD is exactly how everyone reacted to the music. I included the first song from his latest EP in the previous music blog, and as part of his "Blue Neighbourhood" trilogy as he calls it, comes the second music video. Blue Neighbourhood is a music video trilogy that came out of Troy realising that three of the songs he wrote for the EP unintentionally fit together in a story narrative. Fools is the second video in that trilogy, and also one of my favourite songs on the EP. I connected with it so much. Also I did include this in my review of his EP here.

·         Song: Hurt Me

Artist: Låpsley

Another random Youtube find, and it gave me chills. There is just something about it I really feel.

·         Song: Writing's On the Wall

Artist: Sam Smith

I am a Sam Smith fan, he recently released his James Bond song for the upcoming movie, Spectre, unfortunately, many people are hating on the song, and his use of falsetto. I assume that is because of the other James Bond songs before and also because usually Sam Smith has a target market for a James Bond movie soundtrack it requires a singer to break out of that. I really like because I know how talented Smith is, I do hope though that given enough time, and the context of the movie, people will realise how good it is.



The Covers:

I came across these covers and I just had to share. I may not always included covers, but these are just so stunning. If you have any other covers that you think I should listen to then please recommend them to me.

·         Song: Let It Go

Artist: James Bae

Covered By: Hailee Steinfeld

In the last music blog post, I covered Hailee's debut single "I Love Me" and recently I came across this cover she did of a superb song. Her cover had me going like, "I need her and James to duet". There is no denying that this girl can sing. I hope she becomes successful because she is just so captivating and have a great voice. Btw...Yes, Hailee is the girl you saw in Pitch Perfect 2, True Grit, the awesome Begin Again, and etc...

·         Song: Drunk In Love

Artist: Beyonce

Duet By: Beyonce and Ed Sheeran

Love this version of it. It is just all kinds of fire. Yonce is definitely all on his mouth like liquor. It starts at the 22 minute mark.

· Song: Where are U Now?

Artist: Jack U ft Justin Bieber
Covered by: Pentatonix

They honestly just win at covers, also because they are a capella, it just makes them 500 times all the more awesome. Here is there recently released one, and also the OMI cheerleader one which is just pure fun!




Additional Mention: Cheerleader

Songs on the radio that I’m currently obsessed with –

1.   A Great Big World - Hold each other 

2.   Nick Jonas - Levels

3.    Nico and Vinz - That's How You Know

4.   Justin Bieber - What Do You Mean? (Acoustic)

 

5. DJ Kent - Don't Let Go

All tracks should be available on iTunes.

If you have any suggestions don’t be scared to let me know in the comments below.

PS - The right song will find you at the right time.

The Lion’s Tunes #2

Welcome to another edition of The Lion’s Tunes.

At the suggestion of a close friend, I decided to put my love of music to good use.

She pointed out to me that since I love music and listen to so much of it, I should share what songs I’m currently jamming to at the moment.

If you follow me on twitter then you’d know I usually tweet about what music has got me all caught up and catching feelings.

If I can sum up this week’s music selection it would be – Soulful, Truth Bombs and Sassy Funk.

I’m by no means a music expert and I won’t pretend to be. Most of what will be written here is information I’ve learned on the net and just my personal opinions on the songs. So have at it...

·         Song: Gold Dust

Artist: Galantis

Album:

Description:

After hearing their hit song “You & I (Runaway)” I knew that I wanted to hear more from this group. There was something about the song that just couldn’t get me to leave it alone. Sometimes with some EDM songs you don’t know whether they a momentary flash in the pans or something you will be able to hear on your playlist without skipping- “You and I (Runaway)” is a song like that for me.

 After a quick search, I discovered their follow up single “Gold Dust” and boy was I not disappointed. Staying in tune with their sound they deliver a track with emotion and beat. I really enjoy this track; it’s quieter but no less potent. I highly recommended it.

Additional Mention: Smile.

Interesting to note that Galantis is a Swedish duo composed of one of the Miike Snow members, Christian “Bloodshy” Karlsson and Linus Eklӧw. If you’ve heard of Miike Snow you’d know their sound is quirky given that it’s within the EDM genre but it works for them. Anyways someone on Twitter suggested I hear their song “Smile”, and as nice as it is, for me I find it somewhat generic. It’s like that song on an album that’s nice but it’ll never stand out for you.  That being said, not every song can be a superb hit so a few duds are to be expected. All in all I’d suggest giving more of their music a listen and find out if you like what they are selling because I certainly do.

·         Song:  Twisted Tongue

Artist: Misterwives

Album: Our Own House

Description:

When I was pondering about this particular song from the band, the words that came to me were “Sassy Jazzy Rock” and in some ways that perfect encapsulates their vibe. I picture myself in a vibey New York City bar, or something like the one in the movie “Going the Distance”, where you just reveal in the sound of a band and groove the night away. The band definitely knows their sound and who can deny it because it works. “Twisted Tongue” has that sass and also there’s a lovely section in the song where they get funky which just works so well. I think “Twisted Tongue” should be playing in movie scenes and credits.

I’m listening to this song now and it made me think of Duffy is some ways. With music it is only common to compare artists and the sound of Misterwives reminds me of Duffy, but I think that is just because of the lead singer’s voice. I wouldn’t automatically dismiss them if you dislike Duffy though. There is something so catchy about the song. You might not hear it on the first listen (I didn’t) but this song is soo funky. I bet you that you’ll be singing the tune or lyrics of “...you just managed to mask what’s now clear as glass, and that is – you’re an ASS-HOLE.”

Additional Mention: Reflections

Their funky side becomes clearer in this song. I really don’t have much further to add other than the above. All I want to do is just stop typing and groove along to the song. Reflections grew on me.

·         Song: Hard Time

Artist: Seinabo Sey

EP: For Madeleine

Description:

This song fits into my own made genre of what I like to call “Truth Bomb EDM”. It's the type of song you dance to in your room at night with your eyes closed and just shutting yourself off from the rest of the world. Having some de-stress alone time. The drum beat gives me that Amazonian Marching Band vibe. Please please please go and give this song a listen because the voice of this Swedish-Gambian singer should be heard.

“Hard time forgiving, even harder forgetting; before you do somethin’, you might regret...”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/who-is-seinabo-sey-introducing-the-swedishgambian-singer-inspired-by-her-dual-identity-9600349.html

Additional Mention: Younger

This song was released before their song “Hard Time”, and I didn’t like it. I thought that the potential was there but the song didn’t really do much. As what often happens with me is that I sometimes judge songs too quickly, and not all songs make a home in your heart immediately. This one grew on me and while I never seek it on my playlist, when it does come on it just makes me stop and I don’t skip it. You feel the hairs on your arm raise because it just has that truth bomb factor. You just have to listen. There is something haunting but thought provoking about the song and it just makes me like it all the more for what it is.

·         Song: Say You Love Me

Artist: Jessie Ware

Album: Tough Love (Delux Edition)

I came across this saying that I just felt was so perfect; it went something to the effect of -“The right song will find you at the right time”. This song happened that way to me. I was on tumblr, browsing someone’s account when suddenly my earphones were playing this song. I immediately fell in love and went to search it. This is a song I became so obsessed with, as I was writing this week’s blog post, I found this and I had to add it.

I love this song for many reasons because it speaks to that moment when all you want from the person you have feelings is just for them to say they love you (see what I did there?). I even used it as a chapter title for my online story; this song is just pure bliss. Don’t mind me while I quote the whole Second Verse and Chorus:

“Just say you love me, just for today.

And don’t give me time, ‘cause that’s not the same

Mmm... want to feel burning flames when you say my name

Want to feel passion flow into my bones like blood through my veins.

Cause I don’t want to fall in love

If you don’t want to try

But all that I’ve been thinking of is maybe that you might

And babe it looks as though we’re running out of words to say and love’s floating away.”

Additional Mention:  Tough Love

I only heard this in the past few days and I get why it’s the title track for the album. More people really need to know about Jessie Ware. Her musicality really shines through, and she knows exactly how to use her voice. Wispy and gentle when it needs to be as witnessed in “Tough Love” and uses the power of her voice when she needs to.

Hot Pick of the Week:

·        Artist: Kwabs

EP: Walk

Soulful. Fresh. Silky.

Those are the three words I’d use describe Kwabs. There is something special about this guy, and when his album gets released in May this year, it will be a must have. As what often happens within the music industry (from my little understanding) is that these artists often release EP’s to give people a taste of their sound and then if people bite these artists are rushed into the studio to produce a full length album.

Do yourself a favour and purchase his EP (a quick Google search confirms that it’s on iTunes) because I promise you won’t be disappointed. The title track, “Walk” has been playlisted on radio stations so I’m certain you’ve heard but still, there are so many gems.  It was released in October last year but my word it’s great. As I’m typing this, I’m currently obsessing over “Into You” *dance breakdown*, getting goosebumps from “Pray For Love” and just treating my soul to some good music with “Saved”, “Last Stand”, “Wrong or Right” and “Spirit Fade”.

If all is right in the world then this talented man from Ghana will hopefully blow up in a huge way.

http://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/nme-exclusive-listen-to-kwabs-stunning-and-soulful-new-ep-walk

The “Oud maar nog nie Koud nie”:

There might not always be this section within future posts but I thought I would add it in this one nonetheless. These songs aren’t new (and may or may not exactly be well known) but yet are still banging. The section title is in Afrikaans which in English means “The old but not yet cold”.

·        Song: Woods

Artist: Bon Iver  

I came across Bon Iver after they won the Grammy actually, famously beating out Justin Bieber in some category or other. I was like well let me go give a listen to their music. I will admit that I’m still not sure if Bon Iver is one person/ duo or group because from my understanding it seems like there is the lead singer and recurring members. Getting back this song however, it gave me chills; haunting and eerie but it works. I loved how the song was describing that feeling of being lost within life by using woods as a metaphor.  We’re all just stumbling through the woods of our lives not knowing where we are going but feeling out way through it.

Additional Mention: Lost in the World (Kanye West’s version/remix of Woods).

When I first heard about this, I thought “great Kanye probably butchered the song” but when I saw the video of Kanye and the lead singer of Bon Iver (Justin Vernon) performing this together at the Coachella music festival, boy did I fall in love with it. Kanye West is one of those artists who can create pure music magic once he lets his ego get out of the way and let music take over- this is such an occasion. When Kanye came on and remixed it, keeping Justin’s vocals and, adding his own hip hop flavour, it just gelled so well together. I sometimes search for this song if I hadn’t heard it in a while because it is just one of those songs you need to hear every so often.

·         Song: No One’s Here To Sleep

Artist: Naughty Boy ft Bastille

If you don’t know of Naughty Boy then where have you been? He did the super catchy “Lala” song featuring Sam Smith on the vocals and also “Home” with Sam Romans. However there is a lesser known and older song from Naughty Boy that actually features the talents of Bastille (who’s lead Singer Dan Smith is actually from South Africa yay!). I came across this song is an episode of one my favourite shows – Teen Wolf (judge away, I know it is bad) but the song just captured my attention. It’s moody and dark but so great.

Additional Mention:  Wonder

This song is one banger. It just gets you grooving and dancing. Also it’s Naughty Boy featuring the talents of Emeli Sandé. I love seat dancing to it.

Extra:

Songs on the radio that I’m currently obsessed with –

1.       Goldfish – Away Game (Deepfish Mix)

2.       TiMo ODV ft Sarah Jackson – Save Me (Radio Edit) ←This song is amazing

3.       Zebra and Giraffe – Goodbye

4.       Kelly Clarkson – Heartbeat Song

All tracks should be available on iTunes.

I’m aware that the tunes aren’t exactly big club dance tracks but I’ll promise to keep an ear out for anything. What usually happens though is that the songs are always picked up by radio stations and killed to death on repeat so I tend to go for the smaller songs here.

If you have any suggestions don’t be scared to let me know in the comments below.

Theo. Over and Out.