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 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 :)