The Lion’s Tunes #12

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.

I usually tweet or Facebook about what music has got me all caught up and catching feelings, but putting it into one space really allows me to savour the music.

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:  Life Itself

Artist: Glass Animals

I can’t even remember how I discovered this band, but honestly it was such a awesome moment when I did. I have featured them before on my music blog post series, but recently the band released new music, and as soon as I saw this I got so excited.

To me their music is very psychedelic pop. It is difficult to really explain, but you have to listen to it for yourself to understand. Their new song “Life Itself” has me feeling goosebumps the very first time I heard it. I was like “oooh, what is this!”

I just like their vibe, and there was a comment on the music video that I found so funny, and had to share:

“While Zaba [previous album] was more slipping into the jungle and losing yourself,

this feels more like you’re exploring the jungle and finding yourself ...”

They have been doing the music video story line thing so I am going to post 3 here also. If you want to find the others then you can find them on the YouTube.

·         Song:  Fake It

Artist: Bastille

The first single for Bastille's fortcoming album, "Good Grief", did nothing for me. I was a bit worried that after their time away, my love and appreciation for the band had dulled. I was scared that I would  fall out of love with them, and when the first track dropped, it was a scary sign that maybe I was right.

Thankfully I wasn't because I am fucking in love with their latest single "Fake It". It is the Bastille I love, and also allows me to really enjoy the vocals of Dan. There is something so wonderful about this song.

I have been murdering the song on repeat. I also noticed that they did a live version of it, and I always love listening to the live versions because it is very telling how much of the artist/band is produced versus talent.

·         Song:  CTRL+ALT+DEL

Artist: Jimmy Nevis, Opposite the Other

My love for songs that come out of those collaboration shows vary. Sometimes I love it, while other time I don't. This song came out of one of those shows where two artists from contrasting genres get together and create a song. It is often done with the purpose of seeing where the process takes them and what sound they come up.

There is a lot more to the story but that doesn't matter as what came out of the process was this really really amazing song that I am loving.

·         Song:  Consideration

Artist: Rihanna ft SZA

While ANTI was released a few weeks before Lemonade, I only got around to listening to the album after.

I had been a little dissuaded by other people’s reviews of the album, and besides I had never really been a big Rihanna fan. I liked her music, but outside of the music, I was not really caught up in her vibe.

Anyway, I finally got around to listening to the album, and while I do feel like Rihanna is due for a break from the music industry, this album is pretty great. She delivered what felt to me like her best vocal performance to date. No one can deny that she put effort and pushed her vocally because that is what she did.

Everyone assumed that because of “Work” she was just going through the motions, but then we all found out that it was actually paying homage to Jamaica and her roots with the pronunciation, and it all made us look at the song differently.

Consideration, is one of my favourites.

·         Song:  Fall Together

Artist: The Temper Trap

Can I just say how happy I am that The Temper Trap released this song??

Over the past year, I have come to realise just how much I actually loved the band. They were the group whose music I always enjoyed, but I just never realised that I was singing along to their music. It took for their previous single “Sweet Disposition” for me to realise how dumb I was being, and I was really dumb because that had been the last single for quite some time from the band.

I was so relieved when I heard on a new music show that they have put out a new song.

The first time I heard it, was the first time I loved it. I have subsequently added it to my favourites and love listening to it in the mornings on the bus to work.

Bonus: This man live is a pitch perfect rendition of the studio track

·         Song:  Particles 

Artist: Ólafur Arnalds ft. Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir

My dear friend Chelsea and I love the band Of Monsters and Men. Going to their concert in Cape Town was honestly one of the best experiences of my life because I don't think I ever felt so uncontrollably happy. It was a truly special moment.

So my friend Chelsea really really just loves Nanna,who is the lead singer of OMAM. The band looks to all have returned back to Iceland and enjoying some downtime. While back home, Nanna collaborated with a fellow artist. Chelsea introduced me to the song, and I am grateful she did because it gives me goosebumps.

·         Song:  Cool Girl

Artist:  Tove Lo

I was really worried that her new single from her forthcoming album wouldn't be good. The first listen of "Cool Girl" had me on the fence but now I am murdering the new Tove Lo track. She is a artist who sings about the fun and naughty stuff in life that I don't always relate to, but I get who she is and her commitment to her music. That is why I really like her stuff.

Looking forward to her album "Lady Wood" in October.

·         Song:  The Whip

Artist:  PHFAT & Mikhaela Faye

PHFAT is a South African music producer/rapper and his love for Hip-hop has always been clear in his music. I particularly became increasingly aware of the rapper after a collaboration he did with a folk pop South African band. I had previously included it on “The Lion’s Tunes”.

This new song is not usually my kind of thing, but it got to me and I really like it. Good music is good music, and this is definitely it.

·         Song:  Poetic (Norde Remix)

Artist: Seinabo Sey

I heard the original, and thought it was pretty cool. The lyrics were definitely highlighted, and it had a distinct spoken word vibe to it. With the remix, I really like the new direction the song took, giving it different spin, and energy that the original lacked for me.

Seinabo Sey is really talented, and you should go check out her other stuff to get a deeper understanding of her music.

·         Song:  Couldn’t Believe

Artist: Broods

I like this duo. They are increasingly growing on me after being introduced to them by Troye Sivan.  There is something that soothes about this particular song, especially when listening to it at 10PM in bed. It just has a calming effect. There first single “Free” was more upbeat, and I thoroughly liked it, but I also like how different this song is to that.

·         Song:  Take a Chance

Artist: Flume ft Little Dragon

I love how the song isn’t what you think it is. It starts out slow, but it buildings and when it gets into the drop, it took the building and upped the ante of the song. It is a great song to groove to and even to use as a 5 minute track to add to your gym regime if you want to have a song that builds into a sprint and then eases you out to a walk.

I have liked what Flume has been putting out ever since discovering “Never Be Like You”. His other song with Tove Lo (who I adore) is great too if you want to go give it a listen.

Bonus: Innocence ft AlunaGeorge

·         Song:  Into You remix

Artist: Ariana Grande

I first heard this song by one of the interns in the office who said that Ariana’s album is worth a listen, and that this was one of his favourites on it. She also released a music video for it.

The thing that caught me about this song was that there was a difference when listening to it with earphones/headphones and just laying it on speakers. I find that you hear more of the song with earphones/headphones as opposed to it just blaring through the speakers.

I really like the different beat added in to the remix of the song.

Bonus: Side to Side ft Nicki Minaj

·         Song:  Nikes

Artist:  Frank Ocean

By now everyone is aware that Frank Ocean has FINALLY released new music. He was trending for the last month on a regular basis with everyone patiently waiting (nagging) him to get his shit together and release this damn album.

Count us surprised when he not only drops a visual album, ENDLESS, he goes and drops, "Blonde" too and a graphic novel. Safe to say after he id done touring this, we won't see Frank until 2030...

Bonus: Pink+White

He did collab with a Beyonce that had everyone just falling in love with the song, but it is okay if after the first listen you go, "Where was Beyonce on it though?" because that was literally me. I only figured on the second listening that Queen Bey was doing some melodic phrasing and runs on the song.

Frank Ocean is probably one of the few people who could get Beyonce to back him up on a track with no singing.

[No good quality audio video could be found to embed]

·         Song: I Need A Firest Fire ft Bon Iver

Artist: James Blake

James Blake has released a new album, “The Colour in Anything” and I was scrolling down YouTube listening to a few songs and stumbled across a review. It was interesting watching it because it pointed out the transition that has happened with Blake.

He is still doing individualist things with his music, but he has also found more mainstream appeal in recent years. I heard of James Blake a few years back because of a university friend, where I fell in love with his sound "Life Round Here". His stuff was very hipster and fringe, but now it still is still hipster, but mainstream hipster.

He had a few writing credits on Beyonce’s Lemonade even having a collab on her album “Forward” where he featured on the track more than Beyonce. If Beyonce practically gives you a track on her own album, you know that you must be slaying.

I Need A Forest Fire with Bon Iver is my number 1 favourites, but I also love Modern Soul, Radio Silence, Choose Me and Two Men Down.

Bonus: Bon Ive - 22

Theo. Over and Out

Bonus - Throwback James Blake

The Lion’s Tunes #11

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:  Dance Off

Artist: Macklemore, Ryan Lewis ft Idris Elba & Anderson Paak

This song is peculiar, but in the best way.

I love the fact that Macklemore can rap about serious subject matter that a majority of rapper shy away from while also not afraid to go silly and rap about something that has you scratching your head.

The song is catchy and funky and the more I hear this song, the more it grows on me. It rocks.

Also, I love that he got Idris Elba on the track, as in Idris Elba the actor. I was like “whhaaaattt?” But it works, and also points out how sexy the actor’s voice is. Interestingly, Idris does also release music but it is not something most people know the talented actor for.

• Bonus: White Privilege

Again, Macklemore raps about stuff that most rappers wouldn’t and he does an excellent job while navigating the hot button issue of white privilege. Do give it a listen and decide what you think of the song. 

• Song:  Close
Artist: Nick Jonas Ft Tove Lo

I saw Nick Jonas promoting the fact the he realsed a new song. Naturally my interest was piqued because Nick Jonas has managed to prove that he has the talent and capability to make really good music. Another reason why I wanted to hear this was because of Tove Lo. I have always had a special place for her after discovering her song "Out of Mind". She is just so cool and really talented.

Went to search for the song and found the music video. Damn. I love how the song speaks about when in relationship someone says "I need space".  In the song they sing:

"Space was just a word that was made up by someone who's afraid of getting close"

Also this music video too legit! Love it.

• Song:  Dangerous Woman

Artist: Ariana Grande

My opinion on Ariana Grande hasn’t changed much. I still think that some of her songs are a hit and miss which is perfectly fine. She needs to find her own sound that works for her. She can sing that much is absolutely guaranteed. No one can deny her talent, but she has to find a groove that isn’t a Mariah Carey mini-me or just a fluffy pop star.

One of her newest songs does it for me because it is sultry and mature, but still keeps who Ariana is. What helps is that she expertly utilises her voice – knowing when to hold back and when to unleash that mammoth voice from her petite body.

I am obsessed with this song:



So just discovered the Acapella, and damn, this girl got a voice, while also not taking herself too seriously. She is funny:

Bonus: Be Alright

If “Dangerous Woman” isn’t for you then this might be more for you. This song is fun and cool and more upbeat, but I still prefer Dangerous Woman.

• Song:  Devil Side

Artist: Foxes

I have heard a few songs by her, after being introduced to her after her banging collaboration with EDM DJ Zedd. There is something very earth-child about her music and it works for her.

But what makes Foxes interesting to me is that she really has quite the voice. Her music doesn’t always work for me but regardless, she is making waves. If you dig what she is about, definitely give more of her stuff a listen. 

There is something in her acoustic version that is missing from the studio track. I prefer this version.

• Song:  No

Artist: Meghan Trianor

There is something very 2000’s about the newest song from Meghan Trainor.

The singer has dyed her hair and is now a brunette, assuming the forthcoming release of her second studio album.

I like it, very sassy and again highlighting ladies have every right to say no to a guy they are not interested in. I am also singing along to this song, despite the fact that no one is interested in me, but I digress.

This song is what Stacy Orrico should have released because if she did way back then, then maybe she would still have had a music career today and not just be a one hit/two-hit wonder.

• Song:  Someone Who Can Dance

Artist: Icona Pop

I have always had a fondness so Icona Pop ever since their famed “I don’t care” which was a song that me and my friends were obsessed with for a while because it was just on fire.

Their tune is electric and not just in the sense that they make electronic music (see what I did there? Yeah, I will show myself out now).

Their song “Someone Who Can Dance” is a total banger for me. It also speaks back to that sometimes you just someone for a little fun and not to be serious with all the time. Hence why they are singing about wanting “someone who can dance, not someone I can talk to”.

So cool. 

• Song:  Team
Artist: Iggy Azalea    

Iggy Azalea get's a lot of flak for not being a rapper. A lot this comes from rumours of ghost writers who write all of her songs and etc. Whether that is true or not, i don't know but what I do know is that while even her record company was hatting on this song, she released it any way.

That probably got her into a whole lot of trouble. but regardless, I really like thew tune and the beat.

Also the dancers are murdering this! They have the personality and the moves. 

• Song:  Please Try

Artist: Ryki ft Aewon Wolf

When I first heard this song, I had no clue that it was a local tune. Meaning it is a South Africa original. There is just something very special about this song.  I immediately wanted everyone to hear this song, and force them to listen to it! My love for it increases every time I hear it.

I don’t know much about this artist but to my knowledge Ryki comes out of Durban, which is where a lot of hot local music is coming out of. I heard that Sketchy Bongo may have produced the beats for the song, whose also making a lot of waves in the local music industry.

• Song:  Crybaby

Artist: Melanie Martinez

I loved her first single “Soap” which was an absolutely fun banger and creative way.

When I first heard of Melanie Martinez, I didn’t realise that she was a contestant on the American version of “The Voice”. I was surprised because as unfortunately as if the case, not too many of the people on The Voice have a career that exceed the borders of America. Sure the same can be said for American Idol contestants but they have at the least have had some global success with their music.

Anyway, Melanie Martinez has won me over with her originality. There is something so idiosyncratic about her, and in a saturated music landscape, that is always a good thing. I hope she goes on to bigger and better things. 

This song connected with me because I used to be “Crybaby” or at the least called one when I was in primary school. I was a very sensitive kid and so I cried fairly often. Everyone kept telling me to toughen up, which I did but all I still have that younger kid somewhere within the adult version of who I have become.

#Rocking

• Song:  All Time Low

Artist: Jon Bellion

I find Jon Bellion to be a really talented guy, he has really good rap skills, but he can also sing.

He has such a sultry voice. His style might be a bit too rough for me but he is talented and I definitely enjoy the music he puts out. Maybe I just need to watch more interview of him to really get what he is about, but for now he falls in the Miley Cyrus category for me – makes good music, but not a fan of their image.

• Song:  Work From Home

Artist: Fifth Harmony

Super catchy!! I have been rooting for Fifth Harmony ever since seeing them on XFactor in America. They were just such lovely girls who wanted to do their best. It has been cool that they have gone on to surpass the show and make it in the music industry. 

Kudos to Simon Cowell, who seems to have the magic touch when it comes to putting music groups together.

I hope that they don’t implode (like One Direction) before really hitting it big because if they are able to endure for long enough they can become the next Destiny’s Child.

Their song is really cool. It is pop music (which has become very lazy to write meaningful or even understandable song lyrics) but the song is totally fun.

• Song:  AftershockArtist: Cash Cash

This music video really delivers a haunting and intense take on the song. But boy does it deliver the message. There is something very emotive and just really special about it. Please watch it for yourself, but be prepared to be hit in the feels.

• Song: Audio Symphony (original mix)

Artist: Freshgang

Found this thumping track after hearing it on a local radio station, and I couldn't get the infectious drop and beat out of my head. I just wanna dance to it. Such a great song to lift up the mood to or even add to your gym playlist if you are looking for a great cardio song.

• Song:  Take Off

Artist: Dirty Audio & WAO

Stumbled across this one after the one above. In the suggestions. That is all.

• Song:  Grapevine 

Artist: Locnville

After spending 6 months in Los Angeles getting to know the music industry that side, and working under a new record deal that they signed, the twins Brian and Andrew Chaplin are back with a new song. They are back under the moniker “Locnville” after initially shortening to “LCNVL” which in all honesty is something that I am really glad for.

Anyway, they are back and in an interview, they recently said that their new single, much like most of their forthcoming album, is them returning to their roots but incorporating what they have learned over the years.

I am glad to hear that because as good as their later stuff was, it was their initial music which held something special for them to launch their career off of. 

• Song:  Ngud' 

Artist: Kwesta ft Casper Nyovest.

This currently is the hottest track in the country, sampling a song with a really great beat but adding a local twist to it. There is something truly undeniably good and wonderful about the song. I haven’t gotten around to asking what the song means and is exactly about, but the music video does give some insight into that.

• Remixes: Miguel ft Kasey Musgraves – “Waves”

Miguel’s song “Waves” was really massive and it was just so soulful.

This remix is just so cool. I love what Kasey Musgraves bring to this track and it totally changes the song but in a really awesome way! More people should hear this!

Additional: Years & Years ft Tove Lo – “Desire”

It was impossible to have not heard the tune “Desire” from Years & Years. It was everywhere.

I was a little surprised when I saw that a remix had been released featuring the lovely Tove Lo, who I adore, but after pressing play, I really liked what she brought to the song. It isn’t as different as what Kasey Musgraves brought to “Waves” but Tove Lo does her thing and adds a feminine perspective the song. It is still a hot tune!!

Theo. Over and Out

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 #9

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.

I was expecting this to be up sooner, especially given how very active I was over the October month. I had no idea where all of those emotions and opinions came from but hey, clearly I felt inspired and writing was the best way to get it out.

Anyway, getting back to the matter at hand. I have come across a lot of music while I will share below so I hope you enjoy.

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.

I have been listening to a lot of local radio so today's is a mix of radio songs and tunes that I have discovered across the interweb.

So have at it...

·         Song: Soap

Artist: Melanie Martinez

This song is just fucking awesome. I love how fun, badass and so full of eccentric attitude that it is. I heard this first on local radio before I searched for it on youtube. It is just super cool. I groove for days on this song...and my grooving gets very grimey and nasty ;)



In all seriousness though, what I love about this is just how it also speaks back to parent's washing out your mouth with soap when you said something wrong (not that that happened to me because the weapon of choice when I misbehaved happen to be a belt). This song is just so cool.

What I love even more is that she sounds nearly identical to the record when performed live. Yassss.



I have no clue why I said "Yassss" I actually hate the word, but that is another blogpost for another day.

·         Song: WTF (Where They From)

Artist: Missy Elliot ft Pharrell Williams

She is back, and showing why we fell in love with her all those year ago. It is so nice to finally have another black female MC back on the scene. Nicki Minaj has been killing it but Missy is just that awesome and it feels awesome to have her back. Also this music video is fire! Excuse me while I'll try learning the words to this jam.

·         Song: Till I Found

Artist: Josef Salvat

I  came across Josef Salvat after hearing his vocals on the Tourist "Holding On" song. His voice captured me and I wanted to discover if his other music was just as good. I went throguh some of his songs on youtube but couldn't help but become obsessed with "Till I Found You". Given that I am a romantic at heart, I love romance songs but there is something haunting about this song that just gives me chills. Also, it hurt that he is gorgeous to look at. Yummy.

·         Song: Talk Me Down

Artist: Troye Sivan
Album: Blue Neighbourhood

It was to be expected that I would include the final song in the "Blue Neighbourhood" music video trilogy from Troye Sivan given that I have covered it before. What should be noted is that while the first two songs in the trilogy are from his "Wild" EP, the final song in the music video trilogy, "Talk Me Down" is actually the first single of his forthcoming album in December.




I have Youtube'd some of his live performance of songs from the forthcoming album, and boy does his album sound like it is goes to be a banger.

·         Song: Never Forget You

Artist: Zara Larrson ft MNEK

This is the song that has my mother annoyed. It has her annoyed because it is the only damn song that whenever it plays, I sing it as loud as possible. I am just so  OBSESSED. I dance and dance and dance and just let the sick beat crash over me.

Firstly, the vocals of this song are on point.
Secondly, the beat is a monster.
Thirdly, If you aren't dancing to this then you must be dead.
Fourthly, the message is something I connected with deeply. We all have that one person we will never forget.



Also, another pair that when performed lived, just absolutely destroy it. #ThankTheMusicGods. Though I was bit worried when she first started, the worry turned out to be for nought.

·         Song: Novocaine (Remix / Audio)

Artist: Fall Out Boy ft Uzi

I like Fall Out Boy, they are not on the list of groups that I obsess about, but they are just so awesome. They also are willing to mess around with their sound and let it be changed to make it work for other genres. No better example can be given than this version of their song Novocaine.

·         Song: Dance Again

Artist: Black Coffee ft Nakhane Toure
Album: Pieces of Me

DJ Black Coffee recent won the ‘Breakthrough In Association with Mixcloud Award at the 2015 Ibiza DJ Awards which is a pretty big, but cooler than that, he also released one fucking amazing song from his new album "Pieces of Me". It is currently the biggest song in South Africa at the moment and once you hear it, you will understand why. It is just a really really great song.

·         Song: In My Head

Artist: Galantis

I have been a fan of Galantis following the release of their song Runaway (You & I). While their song "Peanut Jelly" is currently soaring up the charts, I don't like it as much. However, regardless of that I still like their originality and how peculiar they are. Their latest offering "In my Head" is definitely proof of their craziness but also how they just love making music.

·         Song: When We Were Young

Artist: Break D Law ft Matthew Gold  

Love love love this tune. Matthew Gold has always had a very unique voice and one distinct enough that you can pick it out when it plays on the radio. He just supplied his vocals to Break D Law for this track and I'm glad because it delivered quite the banger. This is a local track and it is doing very well on the 5FM charts. While initially I wasn't captured by the song, the more I heard it, the more I liked it.

·         Song: Tripswitch

Artist: Nothing But Thieves

I love this song. I love the rocker vibe to it, it has a bit of that Muse thing going on which is hardly a bad thing. That aside, I just love the whole video of the song...also who doesn't love a guy pole dancing naked?? (it must have hurt quite a bit though). That aside, it is groovy and makes me want to air guitar which is a horrific sight to say the least.

·         Song: Automatic

Artist: Zhu ft AlunaGeorge

I have been liking the stuff that Zhu has been putting out. He has a cool vibe about his stuff. I am not the biggest EDM fan but I really really love a good beat that I can dance to.



Additional Mention:

Song: To Ü 
Artist: Jack Ü ft AlunaGeorge

I seem to be on a AlunaGeorge vibe of sorts. Hahaha. Also I do love me some Jack Ü because I am all about that Skrillex and Diplo making love with their music :P

·         Song: BURNITUP!

Artist: Janet Jackson ft Missy Elliot

My reaction to Ms Jackson's comeback has been varied. What I love about this next song is that it also features an artist I love, Miss Elliot. She was just pure awesome-sauce and I am really glad that she is also returning to music. I am really excited.

· Song: Stressed Out

Artist: Twenty One Pilots

I am all about that Twenty One Pilots vibe. They are hip hop but doing it on their own terms. It really is just them doing what they want and I love the deeper meaning that can be found in their lyrics. It's all about substance and you can hear it in every song that has such a clear message.

Additional Mention: Lane Boy

BONUS:

Florence + The Machine covers Skrillex and Diplo's "Where Are Ü Now"

I am including this cover by Florence and the Machine because she is just damn amazing. Some people may not like her style of singing but regardless I love it.

Theo.  Over and Out.


PS - Hope you enjoyed it. I didn't include a radio section because this was such a mix for me so yeah...