The Lion's Tunes #10

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. 

It's been a while since I posted the last one, because being a working adult is hard, but regardless I have managed to finish another one.

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:  L.A Devotee

         Artist: Panic at the Disco

Panic at the Disco is always a band that I love whenever I hear a song of their but I unfortunately don’t get to spend as much time searching out their stuff. Interesting fact about their latest album is that most of the guys decided to leave but front man, Brendon Urie, wasn’t ready to give up on the PATD, so he didn’t.

While I am not one to give judgement on how good/bad the new album is versus that of their older material. I do love Brendon Urie because he just seems like such a cool and down to earth guy who loves getting shirtless.

“L.A Devotee” didn’t exactly register with me the first time I heard it...after numerous time of listening the song it has grown on me, I really love the upbeat vibe. Also no one can deny that Urie can sing. I thoroughly enjoy the song.

The key change gives me chills...because he is seducing you into it.

“Just another L.A Devotee... 

just another, just another-ru-oh

Just another, just another-ru-oh

Just another, just another-ru-oh

Just another L.A Devotee...”

Bonus: Victorious

This song is actually the latest single from the latest PATD album, it has already been playlisted on a few radio stations in South Africa.

What I love about the song is how theatrically epic and how it has this dirty operatic feel to it...

“My touch is black and poisonous,

And nothing like my punch drunk kiss

I know you need it, do you feel it

Drink the water and drink the wine”

• Song:  Coldplay ft Beyonce

Artist: Hymn for the Weekend

I was always obsessed with the song since the album came out, I haven’t even heard the rest of the album other than what was released, but I came across this song on tumblr. (Thank you Tumblr people for posting new music).

My love for it died down a bit because as much as I loved it, not enough people were talking about it so I just relaxed into enjoying the song on my own.

Thank heavens Coldplay released the song as a single with an amazing music video, because it is just a eye fest of colour and so stunning.

I love how Beyonce and Chris Martin’s voices complement each other. When I first heard the song I thought there was too little Beyonce but I have grown to realise that there is just the right amount of Queen B while still keeping it as a Coldplay song. This is a perfect Hymn for the Weekend...

“I am feeling drunk and high...”

BONUS: Formation  - Beyonce

Regardless of whether you like Beyonce or not, she has gotten everyone talking following the release of her new song (and world tour) by releasing a politically/culturally/historically charged video in Formation

• Song:  Pillowtalk

Artist: Zayn

I feel like we can all agree that we were surprised when former One Direction member Zayn dropped his first ever solo single and it turned out to be as good as it was. He silenced the critics with his talent by producing such a good song, and earning new fans in the process. He might suffer from douche-bag personality syndrome, but that is nothing a good PR team can't fix.

• Song:  Daddy Issues

Artist: The Neighbourhood

My love for The Neighbourhood still persists, I might not love all of their music, but they still keep me coming back for more. The song gives me goosebumps.

It is moody and mellow without being dead. I am grooving along and enjoying it.

I also adore the lyrics that this band writes, and Daddy Issues is no exception. My favourite lyric in the entire song is so dark and beautiful but it is easy to visualise: 

“I tried to write your name in the rain, but the rain never came so I made with the sun...”

It is haunting and the lyrics just have such honesty to it. Also Jesse’s voice on it speaks volumes without him belting it. There is such an emotional depth to the song.

BONUS 

Please be advised that this song is dirty and nasty and wrong, but it is all of these things in the best way possible.

• Song:  Hands to Myself

Artist: Selena Gomez

My love for Selena very song dependent, but damn she is just so sexy and sultry with “Hands to Myself”. I am not sure if my love comes from the music video itself or the song but it is still so much fun. Selena has it going on! 

Bonus: Charlie Puth ft Selena Gomez –

Charlie Puth is winning on his collaborations. What a really groovy and chill tune... 

• Song:  Boys Like You

Artist: Who is Fancy ft Meghan Trainor & Ariana Grande

I love how catchy this song is. Also the great thing about this track is how we now live in a age where a boy singing about loving another boy is not the end of his career. The unashamed use of male pronoun makes me happy. Also it helps that he got two vocal talents to help him out on the song.

• Song:  Heaven

Artist: Troye Sivan ft Betty Who

This song has caused quite a few feelings for me mainly because it tackles that whole "gays are going to hell" rhetoric that has been constantly passed on for generations and constantly comes up whenever anything related to homosexuality is discussed. Props to Troye Sivan for giving a different angle on the song, because he speaks about the thought that maybe I don't want a place who doesn't want me as I am.

• Song:  Jet Black Heart

Artist: 5 Seconds of Summer

Credit has to go to 5 Seconds of Summer for putting this track together because this video is all about acceptance and that is something the world needs more of today. One of the reasons I love this song is because of the music video - which is how I discovered it. It rocks and it sends a pretty awesome message.

• Song:  Wolfs Without Teeth

Artist: Of Monsters and Men

This one of my favourites from the album. I really can't believe that I get to see the band live in March!!!! ARGH! Of monsters and Men are a truly spectacular group whose lyrics make you think and who deliver truly idiosyncratic sounds.



Here is the official music video.

Bonus: Organs

The song is simplistic but still so damn complex and it highlights how lyrics can truly speak volumes. I am proud to say that I know this song off by heart. I almost cried the first time I heard it because I was coming off a break-up and this song spoke perfectly to how I was feeling about it.

Also her is the acoustic version which knocks my socks off. My friend, a fellow OMAM fan, showed me this lovely video:

• Song:  Lightning

Artist: Little Mix

I went on a YouTube spree watching Little Mix perform live and damn! They can SING! Please do yourself a favour and go watch their Capitol FM performance of Black Magic...

Moving along, had to review the deluxe edition of their album for work, and damn! What a awesome pop album. I highly recommend getting it if you haven’t. One of my favourites from the album is “Lightning”. 

The power and the emotion in their voices astound me, what helps makes Little Mix all the more special is their talent for harmonising and how much love their care for each other. Sure it will be a matter of time until they split but hopefully that is still a bit off because they are getting better and better and gaining more acclaim – news which makes me happy.

• Song:  Heading Home

Artist: Gryffin ft Joseph Salvat

Joseph Salvat is a artist that I can't seem to get enough of. There is some engaging about him and his music just really connects to me. Other songs I enjoy more than most, but his voice is interesting and his sound is different too. He sticks to what he likes while not being scared to mix it up, which is how I stumbled across this collaboration he did with a DJ.

• Song:  Keep Your Head Up

Artist: Birdy

If I had not seen that this was Birdy with my own eyes, then I would not have believed someone if they told me this. This is a very unexpected song, but it works so damn well. I love the message behind the song too other than it's infectious beat and groovy sounds.

• Song:  Blackout

Artist: TriTonal

This is one damn catchy song, I heard it first played on the radio I believe. It's completely bonkers, especially when the beat drops.

• Song:  Beggin & Pleadin

Artist: Brandy

A colleague in the office was raving about this song, and I couldn't help but be interested. It comes from Brandy's newest TV show that she is working on, but that aside, this is such a different sound from her and it is something so very different. I was surprised but good on her for experimenting and doing something new.

• Song:  Never Be Like You

Artist: Flume ft Kai

I discovered this on YouTube and it won me over. Damn. Talk about a hot tune! I have been murdering this song repeat for the past three days, and I can't even be bothered because it is just so damn good.

• Song:  Hollow & Let It Go

Artist: Tori Kelly and James Bay (Grammy Performance)

Everyone was raving about their performance at the Grammy's and it is so completely understandable after hearing it. I do apologise because finding a good video for this has been hard as the Grammy's haven't posted the video to their performance so YouTube self-made ones will have to do. 




These are all the songs that I will give to you for now. There is no radio section only because I have been listening to the radio but some of the songs are already mentioned above.

If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to let me know in the comments section below or even post links to it so I can give it a listen! 

I do hope you enjoy even one of these.


Theo. Over and Out.

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 Music #3

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 decided to mix things up this week. 

Don’t worry; it’s only for this edition of The Lion’s Music. I decided to give you a review of the albums I’ve enjoyed over the past year and just share some of them with you.

If I can describe this week’s music selection it would be – Smorgasbord.

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...

Albums:

·         Artist:  Tove Lo

Album: Queen of the Clouds

Description:  

What the actual fuck? This shit is a music orgasm. If you have not heard of Tove Lo then I can’t even with you.  I initially thought it was pronounced Toe-Vee Low but it’s actually Too-Va Loo – who knew.  It’s rare that you find an album that you love from beginning to finish. Especially for someone like me that can be really particular about the songs I like.

I discovered Tove Lo by accident when I opened someone’s tumblr page and I heard the song “Out of Mind” from her EP. It was just that song and I was hooked. I discovered her album was released when Panic at the Disco lead Brendon Urie tweeted about it. I then got the album and months later it’s still one of my favourite albums. Words cannot explain how talented this Swedish export is.

“So you proud to be a good one, but the good one’s always complain

about the stuff they never did.

 Don’t make a thing about the bad kind, cause the bad kind don’t even know

all the hearts they’re messing with.

You can point fingers all you want, I don’t care

I love you anyway...

You can point fingers all you want, I don’t care

I love you anyway...

Yeah I’m falling in love and I hope that you want me

 the way that I am,

Falling in love and I know I can change me,

Do you understand?

Falling in love and I hope that you want me

 the way that I am,

Falling in love and I know I can change me

Do you understand?”

Favourites:

®     The Way I Am

I love both versions of the song, the faster and slower version. It’s just superb.

®     Thousand Miles – “...and that’s when I run, all of these thousand miles to get you back. I’m coming for you babe, I’m coming now.”

®     Run on Love –

Talk about a great dance track. It’s a song she features on but my word is it a goody. It might not be on this album, I could’ve have gotten it somewhere else but still go give it a listen.

®     Got Love

®     Like Em Young – “Hey boy you’re too young for me but I don’t care cause you’re all I need. I like em young, I like em young”

®     Not On Drugs –

Another song that may be on her EP or somewhere else (I have all the music in a folder with just their names which is why I am not sure) but still a great track.

®     Love Ballad

®     Talking Body

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/how-tove-lo-became-swedens-darkest-pop-export-20141015

http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6259186/tove-lo-interview-habits-queen-of-the-clouds-katy-perry

·         Artist: The Script

Album: No Sound Without Silence

Description:

Oddly enough, I didn’t like The Script’s album when I first heard it. (I’m probably going to be hurt severely by my friend Courtney who is a huge fan). I thought all the songs were the same and just didn’t like it. I still kept it on my playlist though and carried on with life.

It took for me to hear these songs individually to really understand and appreciate their worth. The Script is a really talented band; lead singer Danny is definitely a superb songwriter and his voice is not too shabby too. I like the album now, it took me a while but I am really really enjoying it. Their sound for the album is very much The Script but it works for them and so why change a winning recipe.

Favourites:

®     Paint The Town Green –

If asked to explain why of all the song on the album I like this one best? I have no clue. I think this song makes me want to be Irish really. It’s just such a fun tune and very Irish actually. Definitely a song I’m sure was played on Saint Patrick’s Day.

®     No Good In Goodbye – “I can’t take the ache from heartbreak”

®     It’s Not Right For You –

 There is really something so special about the song. I love it because of the lyrical meaning.

®     Superheroes –

The video was filmed here in South Africa and again the meaning and intention behind the music is really what makes this so good.

®     Flares

·         Artist: Taylor Swift

Album: 1989

Description:

I became a Swifty with the album “Red”, and mainly because of my close friend Chelsea. She is a major Taylor Swift fan and she infected me with the T-Swizzle bug with the album. Don’t get her started on how much she loves Taylor Swift; she would literally lose her ability to formulate sentences to explain how awesome Taylor is.

Anyway back on topic, when news of Taylor’s genre change from Country to Pop broke out it had many people curious and some of her dearest fans were not only sceptical but also worried. Once the album broke many had their fears and qualms alleviated because Ms Swift has gone on to deliver one of her most successful albums, actually the most successful album of 2014 according to Billboards.

Her genre change kept what made her stand out in the Country genre yet adding some lovely pop sounds into the mix. Her album is titled “1989” so it should be no surprise that there are some sublet samples from that era. “Shake it Off” actually uses a few of the same chords of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” but you barely notice it.

Her album is really worth the purchase.

Favourites:

®    Wildest Dreams –

When I heard this I thought, clearly being friends with Lorde has been a very good thing for Taylor if such music is a result of said friendship. I am hoping that there will be a remix featuring Lorde because it would take an amazing song to breaking the internet levels. I love this song though. It is sooo good.

®     Blank Space

®     Style

®     Wonderland –

 You’re forgiven for this was sung by Avril Lavigne because on more than one occasion there were times that I thought Taylor was channelling Avril but I digress.  This feels like it should be in the ends credits of a movie or wherever. If she releases this song as a single then expect it to be used in the upcoming Alice in Wonderland sequel which is supposedly coming.

®      Shake It Off

®     You’re In Love –

This song gives me chills because she manages to describe that feeling of being love even for people who have never had it, and the thing is this song makes me jealous of those who are/have been in love. It is a true gem.

®     I Know Places

®     New Romantics –

I think that this is really just such a fun song to have a pillow fight to or something as equally cheesy with your friends. I suggest having a competition to see who can do the most stereotypical “white girl” things because this song just makes your inner white girl wanna come out (if you aren’t white).

®     I Wish You Would

http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6289405/taylor-swift-1989-album-review

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/26/arts/music/taylor-swift-1989-new-album-review.html?_r=0

http://nashvillelifestyles.com/bestof/exclusive-qa-with-taylor-swift

·         Artist: Eminem

Album:  The Marshall Mathers LP2 (Delux Edition)

Description:

I got a hold of this album way after it was released, and even though I was late to the party I discovered that good music doesn’t have an expiry date. This album by Eminem once again has him dipping into his different personas – Slim Shady, Eminem and Marshall Mathers. He delivers the offence, the emotional and the “Berzerk”. Not much else can be said other than Eminem is a “Rap God” and the haterz better recognise.

Favourites:

®     Stronger Than I Was – 

Out of all the songs that are from this album, this is my favourite. I have always been a fan of Eminem’s more emotional songs because I like my music to make me feel, and boy did this track have me catching feelings. He sings the majority of the song, and that is why I love it. He might not have the best voice in the world but Eminem does a superb job and it’s all because he is willing to try something new. I love this song so much.

®     The Monster (ft Rihanna)

®     Rap God – 

Obviously I had to include this because the dude is a motherf*cking Rap God. Go hear this song if you doubt it. See if you can do the “supersonic speed” bit.

®     Berzerk

®     Wicked Ways

Extra Mention: Eminem ft Sia – Guts Over Fear

This song isn’t from the album as it was released late last year. I thought the song was very out of tune and didn’t work melodically when I first heard it but it grew on me.

·         Artist: Chris Brown

Album: X

Description:

I wanted to hate this album I really did. Everyone else was raving about it and I was starting to get fomo so I decided I would give it a listen. Chris Brown’s bad and dodgey behaviour aside, he really delivers one of his best albums to date. I loved this album.  He pushes himself vocally and also you can tell that lyrically there is substance in it which just adds to what makes this album so good.

Maybe it was something in water to make him and Ed Sheeran decided to name their album X but whatever it is worked.  I truly suggest getting it.

Favourites:

®     Drunk Texting – 

What makes this song my favourite is that it is a collar with a female singer who delivers a complementary performance alongside them. I know all the lyrics to this song because it is my favourite.

®     Autumn Leaves –   

I love the honesty and simplicity of this song, if you don’t then no stress.

®     New Flame

®     Add Me In

®     Stereotype

®     Don’t be Gone Too long

®     Don’t Think They Know

·         Artist: Calvin Harris

Album: Motion

Description:

My goodness, what an album. Again, I got a case of fomo and so I was in my zombie voice like - “Must Have”. Calvin Harris delivers a really amazing album. He takes you on a journey from great dance tracks, to wonderful collaborations and right up to those EDM tracks that you feel within your bones. Calvin Harris really put the motion in the EDM ocean (see what I did there, Haha). There is something for everyone on the album, and you would be making a mistake by not getting his album.

Favourites:

®     Love Now (ft. All About She)

This song is really superb. Please even if you don’t get the album, just listen to it.

®     Pray To God (ft. Haim)

®     Dollar Signs (ft Tinashe)

®     It Was You (with Firebeatz)

®     Faith

In recent years, I complained, that he needs to get back to what made his music special and sing. Calvin Harris was becoming anther EDM DJ losing what made him special so you can imagine my happiness that I discovered he sang 2 songs on the album. “Summer” and “Faith”. Both are really great.

®     Outside (ft Ellie Golding)

®     Slow Acid

Extra Mention:  Alesso & Calvin Harris ft Theo Hutchcraft (Hurts) – Under Control.

This isn’t on the album but deserves an honourable mention! So good!

·         Artist: Alex Clare

Album: Three Hearts

Description:

Alex Clare’s first album “The Lateness of the Hour” was amazing. I loved so many of the songs on it like “Sanctuary”, “Tight Rope” and “Hummingbird” – you should definitely go give it a listen because they are amazing. Naturally when I heard he had a second album coming out I was excited. I loved the first single that was released in the lead up to his “Three Hearts” album (which is Holding On). Then the album dropped and I was underwhelmed.

Some of that zest and flare that made Alex Clare great was lost and he became another singer-songwriter who was telling a great personal story with his music, only this time the music wasn’t good enough for me to care about his story.

Maybe the pressure of delivering a great second album was too great but for me his album “Three Hearts” was lacking. Maybe with his third album Mr Clare will astound me and I really hope he does.

Favourites:

®     Holding On

®     Heavy Hands

·         Artist: Grouplove

Album: Spreading Rumours

 Description:

It just took one song, “Shark Attack” for me to become obsessed. Oddly enough I only became obsessed with Shark Attack by Grouplove almost a year after the song was released. It had been playing on the radio for a while but I was so obsessed with other songs that didn’t really notice the epicness.

Once I did, I had to have the album and after a first tentative listen and finding the album “meh” it took a shuffle on my playlist for me to appreciate the epicness of Grouplove.

The album is really fun and idiosyncratic. I like it.

Favourites:

®     Shark Attack

®     Didn’t Have To Go

®     I’m With You

®     Hippy Hill

®     Borderlines and Aliens

·         Artist: Of Monsters and Men

Album: My Head Is an Animal

Description:

This is an old album, but I wanted to include it because the band are about to release their second album, and in my opinion, not enough people know about the eclectic awesomeness that is Of Monsters and Men.  I would explain more but I’ll let the lyrics from one of my favourite songs from the group explain:

“Jumping up and down the floor, my head is an animal.

And once there was an animal, it had a son that mowed the lawn.

The son was an okay guy, they had pet dragonfly,

The dragonfly it ran away,

But it came back with a story to say.”

I mean,  with such lyrics that on surface make absolutely no fucking sense, but yet speaks to deeply to me (and the others who love this group) show they care about their music. Take the time to listen to the song because it carries an individual meaning for whoever hears it. You won’t automatically get but once you do, this song will make a home in your heart.

I discovered Of Monsters and Men because my friend Chelsea who heard of them while studying a semester in the US. She got me onto them, and I won’t lie in the start I was resistant – I kept thinking, what the hell happened in America for you to start like this. Soon enough after multiple times listening to her favourite songs it became my favourites and later I developed my own favourites. You have to be open to the music otherwise listening to it while you couldn’t be bothered about it will only annoy you.

Favourites:

®     Dirty Paws

®     Your Bones

®     Little Talks

®     Yellow Light

®     Love Love Love

Extra Mention: Of Monsters and Men – Crystals.

From their forthcoming second album, this song is just as eclectic and ethereal as their debut album, but yet you can hear a different musicality present. I’ve only heard the song thrice, but it still left an impression on me.  I love the upbeat vibe, but it’s no less Of Monsters and Men.

Also do yourself a favour and Youtube their performance of “Little Talks” in Sweden. It is a complete contrast to the song. Very haunting but so so good.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/of-monsters-and-men-drop-lush-new-single-announce-new-album-20150317

Songs:

While the purpose of this week’s blog post has been to focus on the album; I have songs that I will share. I won’t go into too much detail, if any, so have at it:

1.       Olly Murs – Seasons

It has been interesting to me hearing Olly Murs’ singles off his latest album because it’s been very underrated. His duet with Demi Lovato is so great and the song before that with Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes called “Wrapped up” is also a banger.

2.       Bittereinde – The Ones (Extra)

I love this local tune. Just really really great. I’ve tweeted this before and I will repeat it here but the way that Jaco from Bittereinde starts his verse with that deep tone just makes me want to have sexy time with him. So good. (He favourited my tweet btw so you know what that means *nudge nuge wink wink* – Kidding, he probably had a good chuckle at my thirst).

3.       Rihanna – Towards The Sun

Rihanna confuses me. She sings when she feels like it. That might be an odd thing to say but there are songs of hers that show she isn’t just making music for the sake of it and for the money, but that she actually has something to say. “Russian Roulette” and “Stay” show this for me. I think if she pushes herself more and changes up her sound like she did between her debut album and Good Girl Gone Bad, then it would only be for the better. I need something a little different from her as the “Wild Child from Barbados” routine is getting a little boring. Nonetheless, I love this song.

4.       Mumford and Sons – Believe

Can I just say how happy I am that the band decided to try something new with their sound? When they first debuted, the band was fresh and great but then they just settled. This song is just so good. I hope Kings of Leon are taking notes.

5.       Ariana Grande – One To Love

My liking of Ariana and her music is song dependent. The lady can sing for sure but I’m not 100% sure about her longevity in the music industry. She needs to work on her sound more but she definitely has tons of potential. This song is proof of it.

6.       Mary J Blige – Therapy

Some RnB Soul. This song is superb. Sam Smith can also be heard lending his backing vocals to the track while never detracting away from the amazing Ms Blige. Give this song a listen and I promise that in a matter of seconds you’ll be pressing replay and singing along to “So I can go therapy, two times a day...”

7.       Jason De Rulo – Want To Want Me

8.       Imagine Dragons – Shots

All I can say about this song is that it had a little MGMT vibe to it. I am a fan of Imagine Dragons though so I like the song but it reminded me of MGMT. Not that that is a bad thing, because it is still a banging song.

9.       Florence and the Machine- What kind of Man?

I like the new song from Flo and the Machine.  I don’t love it but I’m more interested to hear what other stuff Flo has in store for us. If anything is clear from her previous efforts it is that she is bound to deliver an amazing tune from the album that will just make you obsess over it. I get that her vibe isn’t for everyone but I like her sound.

10.   Matthew Mole – There is a place

Matthew Mole is the kind of guy who would love you for all of your years and then after you die, he would die a few days later from a broken heart. That may be a weird thing to say but I honestly get that vibe from him because his music makes it so clear how in tune with his emotions he is and he is amazing for it. I really adore it. He is sweetie-pie.

Clearly that not going into any detail was a lie. *sigh*

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.

PS – I shall be at Jazz Fest this coming week working my backside off, and be immersed in the lovely Jazz Fest vibes so as soon as I recover expect a report back on it :)