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 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 quite a few of these suggestions won’t come as much of a surprise as I usually tweet about what music has got me all caught up and catching feelings.

However if people like how this blog post goes then that might come a stop, and The Lion’s Tunes might be a regular blog feature.

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: OctaHate

Artist: Ryn Weaver

Album: Promises (EP)

This 21 year old is expected to make it big this year when her debut album drops and it’s understandable once listening to this particular song from Ryn Weaver’s EP. It can best be described in her own words, that of “Fairy Pop”; which she actually used when tagging her music on SoundCloud. After hearing the song, it makes perfect sense. I really like her sound- in some ways she reminds me of a mix between Taylor Swift and Tove Lo.

“OctaHate” is so catchy and after the first few seconds that I heard this song, I knew I was going to like it. I found myself grooving and bopping my head along. I often think that a chorus can make or break a song. The first time I heard “OctaHate”, I was hoping that the chorus wouldn’t disappoint and I was greatly relieved when it delivered.

Additional Mention: Stay Low.

“Stay Low”, also from her Promises EP, especially shows just how fairy pop her sound is. Initially I didn’t think it was anything spectacular but as I was writing this post I thought I would give it another listen. I’m glad I did because it’s such a really great track. There is something about her voice and the song that works. You aren’t just hearing it but listening. I truly recommend purchasing her EP so you can be cool and say “I knew her before everyone else did”.

http://www.fuse.tv/videos/2014/11/ryn-weaver-interview

http://www.thefader.com/2014/08/08/ryn-weaver-on-life-literary-inspiration-and-how-tinder-got-her-a-record-deal-nothings-an-overnight-success-story

·         Song: The Whisperer

Artist: David Guetta feat. Sia

Album: Listen

I came across this song through the suggestion of someone on twitter, and when I saw that David Guetta had collaborated with Sia again, I will admit that I was a bit resistant to the song without having heard it. I thought “great, another dance music heavy song”, but my goodness, never have I been so happy to be wrong. “The Whisperer” is an oddity and there is something very special about it. It is completely opposite to their previous collaboration efforts of “She Wolf” and the anthemic “Titanium”.

 The melancholic introduction with the piano sets the tone for the rest of the song and naturally the song does build towards a crescendo moment but this piece of music is not something you dance along to. It is a song you reflect on and feel within your soul.  It makes you feel like you should be in the theatre watching the story of the song plays out before your very eyes. Goosebumps.

Additional Mention: Elastic Heart – Sia & The Weekend

Listen, I get that everyone has been obsessed with Sia’s Elastic Heart and I have been too for the last year.  How can that be since the song only really took off recently? Well I was obsessed with it when the song was a duet with The Weekend. He sings the second verse on it and my goodness did their duet just knock my socks off. He brings a very different male energy to the song and you should really give it a listen.

·         Song: I Can’t Even

Artist: The Neighbourhood ft French Montana

The Neighbourhood, who penned such tunes as “Sweater Weather” and “Afraid”, should be commended on their persistence to experiment with their sound. They found their niche with their visual black and white aesthetic, and you can tell that their particular style managed to translate into their music as well and instead of just delivering the expected the band is still willing to do something different.

Lead singer Jess wrote the song in reference to his girlfriend who cheated on him, and the song works so well for the band. The band released a mixtape last year as they try to find what they like and what they don’t. Mixtapes are great way to explore what they like and what they don’t before recoding their sophomore album.  When I heard that the song featured the talents of rapper French Montana I was a bit apprehensive and I won’t deny that it took me a few times of repeating the song to finally recognise that his verse works very well and actually makes the song better for it. I really enjoy the song and if you like their band’s other stuff this then you will enjoy them pushing themselves.

http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6106542/neighbourhood-mixtape-album-jesse-rutherford-interview

·         Song: Close Enough

Artist: KStewart

 Not to be confused with the actress (the K actually stands for Kate) but this performer is expected to make big waves in 2015. I refer to this particular song as mellow EDM... It reminds me of 90’s RnB infused with today’s modern electronic dance music, and while one would think that such an unlikely combination would never work, in fact it works amazingly well together. KStewart’s has that 90’s Mariah Carey feel to it but with her own unique sound.

Additional Mention: Speechless

Another song that contributes to the “90s RnB infused with modern EDM beats”; KStewart has to be commended because her sound is not something you hear often (if ever) and I really enjoyed the style of her music. “Speechless” is the song you’d have in the background as you study, entertaining guests or visiting a jazz lounge or even play on a relaxed Sunday evening. It has that feeling to it but still with enough of beat to it that you can groove along to it if you want.

·         Song: King

Artist: Years & Years

Album: Real (EP)

If you loved their smash hit “Desire” then you will definitely like there great follow up single. Their album is about to drop soon and when it does it will only be a matter of time till this group will be the only thing everyone will be speaking of. When “King” starts off it is like the band’s giving a nod to their song “Desire” because of the similarities; but as soon as the beat for “King” drops you know it’s a different track. It has to be said that their follow up single is really great managing to show another side to their music while still building on their previous success. The group’s music has in many instances been referred to as synthpop in reference to the beats within the music. Lead singer Olly Alexander’s voice reminded me of a young Michael Jackson when I heard the song “King”, but the comparison quickly disappeared as I let the song into my life and kept playing it on repeat.

Additional Mention: Breathe

This British group did a cover of Blu Cantrell’s 2003 hit and boy do these boys amaze. It is such a great cover but so different and they reinterpret the song in their own way. I love it. Give it a listen. Also their other song “Real” (which I have yet to hear) also has the internet a flutter so give it a look.

http://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/years-and-years-real-ep/

http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/music/hot-kids-on-the-block-years--years-interview-10013172.html

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

Calvin Harris ft Haim- Pray To God.

David Guetta ft Emeli Sandé – What I Did For Love.

Jimmy Nevis – 7764

All tracks are available on iTunes. I think.

Theo. Over and Out.