Here’s the mixtape for June! 20 songs old and new that we’re loving at The Music Box.
Author: MarcyB0y
I seem to have a lot to say for myself so here I am.
Music Monday – Volume Ninety Six
1. Jessie Ware – Till The End
Gorgeous, gentle and soulful ballad which uses little more than warm acoustic guitar strums, gentle percussion and subtle bass lines. Jessie’s voice is exquisite as always.
2. Shura – What’s It Gonna Be
Shura returns with this brilliant and breezy pop track which practically screams summer. Utilising various detuned synthesisers, gated percussion and Shura’s sugary sweet vocals, it’s a perfect throwback to the ’80’s. One of the best tracks of 2016 so far.
3. Whitney – No Matter Where We Go
Uplifting alternative rock track from Chicago band ‘Whitney’. Definitely has a ’70’s vibe.
4. SG Lewis – Yours
Precarious hip hop beats and shimmering synthesisers with glitchy vocal samples result in a moody downtempo alternative-R&B track with elements of neo-soul and electronica.
5. Justin Bieber – Company
Without a doubt, one of Bieber’s best on his incredible ‘Purpose’ album and a fine choice as a single. It’s a brooding, sultry electropop track with tight production and fierce percussion.
6. Before You Exit – Other Kids
Euphoric pop-rock anthem with glitchy electro samples. A quick listen and this could easily be mistaken for a One Direction track, the vocals at times being uncannily similar, but this is no bad thing.
7. Before You Exit – Radiate
Another euphoric stadium-pop track from the band’s ‘All The Lights’ EP with brilliant production.
8. Cash Cash ft Sofia Reyes – How To Love
Sunny tropical house track which does not particularly break the mould but is an enjoyable listen all the same.
9. DNCE – Toothbrush
Joe Jonas’ band follow up huge smash ‘Cake by the Ocean’ with this brilliantly funky pop track. Much in the same vein as ‘Cake by the Ocean’, ‘Toothbrush’ uses slick production, Chic-esque guitar riffs and a gorgeous falsetto chorus. Catchy as hell.
10. KAYTRANDA & Craig David – GOT IT GOOD
Moody neo-soul influenced electro track from Haitian-Canadian musician Kaytranada with a little help from Craig David on vocals.
Music Monday – Volume Ninety Five
1) All Saints – Fear
Gorgeous, eerie electro-ballad from All Saints’ comeback album. Distant twinkling pianos, tribal percussion and infinitely reverberating vocals all result in a very special, substantial ballad.
2) All Saints – Who Hurt Who
Another gorgeous ballad from the band’s comeback album, although this time it is a pure and raw piano ballad.
3) All Saints – Red Flag
R&B/Hip Hop elements all evolve into a quirky alt-R&B track with a brilliant chorus where giggling synthesisers and thunderous percussion soar.
4) Justin Timberlake – Can’t Stop The Feeling
Utterly brilliant comeback single from JT. Piano chords and finger clicks evolve into a fantastically catchy disco-pop Summer smash. One of the best songs of 2016 so far.
5) Before You Exit – When I’m Gone
Moody and brooding with stuttering percussion, pitch-moderated glitchy vocal samples and crashing synths, resulting in an utterly brilliant Pop track.
6) The 1975 – A Change of Heart
Gentle 808 percussion, jittery synthesisers and monotone vocals result in this brilliantly frank yet emotional 80’s-influenced pop track. Clearly influenced by the likes of The Blue Nile and Madonna’s ‘Crazy For You’, it’s just brilliant, particularly during the breakdown on which Matt Healy sings She said “I’ve been so worried ’bout you lately, you look s**t and you smell a bit”. The intertextuality/references to the band’s previous works ‘Robbers’ and ‘The City’ are also incredibly clever.
7) Liss – Good Enough
Danish teenage band Liss are quickly taking the world by storm, largely propelled in the UK by being championed by Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac. Their music straddles various genres such as synthpop, alt-R&B and neo-soul, often with a very care-free tone. This track is no exception.
8) MUNA – Loudspeaker
Catchy Pop-Rock track with energising guitar riffs and a brilliant chorus.
9) Niki and The Dove – You Want The Sun
Great track with a very retro-vibe.
10) Mic Lowry – Saving All My Love
Smooth and soulful acoustic track by UK vocal group Mic Lowry. Perfect breezy harmonies carry this lovely track.
UK Rockers DeepShade Release ‘Time’ video single
Press release sent to us:
North-West (UK) power house trio ‘Deepshade’ return with their raucous fusion of psyched up alternative/grunge rock with the announcement of their ‘Time’ video single release.
Forming in late 2013 with a mutual appreciation for acts such as Deep Purple, QOTSA, Nirvana, Beck and Alice In Chains, the Wigan based act were soon to make waves with their slick alt -rock creations. Heading straight into the studio with seasoned local producer John Kettle, the threesome rapidly emerged to deliver their debut album ‘Everything Is Popular Is Wrong’ in early 2015. A debut that propelled Deepshade into the national spotlight with acclamation from UK’s Power Play and Classic Rock Magazine along with receiving support from alternative radio stations worldwide.
Opening with a Cobain-esque scream from David Rybka (Vox/Guitar), ‘Time’ continues to assault the human senses with its grunged up guitar hooks and pounding hard rock grooves from Deepshade’s rhythm section of Tom Doherty (Bass) and Paul Barlow (Drums). Its this venomous attack of attention grabbing rock that lands ‘Time’ as the perfect opening track for‘Everything Popular Is Wrong’.
With new material already to be unearthed later in 2016, Deepshade are gearing up to unveil dates soon for their UK live shows and first ever tours of Spain and Portugal in November.
Watch ‘Time’ video single:
Everything Popular Is Wrong’ (Ambicon Records) Out Now!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/everything-popular-is-wrong/id1031749586
Catch DEEPSHADE at:
www.facebook.com/deepshadeuk
www.twitter.com/deepshademusic
We’re back!
You may have noticed we were taking a bit of a break here at The Music Box due to work commitments.
Well, we’re pleased to say we are officially back! Adding content is still going to be tricky as these commitments are ongoing. However, we are finding ways to work around this to make time to update this blog.
Expect more editions of Music Monday & Feel Good Friday, some long overdue blogs about Prince, more reviews and more playlists!
Thanks for sticking with us.
Marc
@themusicbx
Prince – 20 of his Best
1) Raspberry Beret
Brilliant psychadelic pop track from Prince’s 1985 ‘Around The World in a Day’ album. Live instruments such as sweeping strings, acoustic guitar strums and Middle Eastern Cymbals form the backdrop whilst Prince’s almost-spoken vocals perform the narrative. Beck’s live cover is included below due to Prince’s copyright associates re-emerging to make his music impossible to find online once again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JJw9xwdjW4
2) Pop Life
Psychaedlic, funky pop track, also from 1985’s ‘Around The World in a Day’. Eeerie, detuned synthesisers howl over a tinny piano sound, fierce percussion and a tight bass line.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBKikjTHo-g
3) The Most Beautiful Girl in the World
Schmalzty, soulful and superb; Prince at his best. Written for then girlfriend (and future wife) Mayte Garcia, this was to amazingly be his only UK Number One single. His vocals are flawless throughout, mainly performed in a stable falsetto but occasionally drifting into a rich baritone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzmFlr6xRcA
4) Somewhere Here on Earth
Prince’s impeccable falsetto vocals drift over futuristic synthesisers, a saxophone and twinkling pianos on this gorgeous slow-jam-influenced jazz ballad. Prince always possessed the ability to straddle various genres of music and this is a reminder of his impeccable ability to do so successfully.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAluL631Ygk
5) Sometimes it Snows in April
Absolutely stunning ballad which closes his 1986 ‘Parade’ album perfectly. Performed in just one take, it’s beautifully raw – you can hear the squeak of the piano stool, the odd vocal imperfection and the organic sound of a live acoustic guitar and piano. The song has become all the more poignant since his death and is now largely considered by many fans as a eulogy written by the man himself thirty years too early. Lyrically, it covers the death of Christopher Tracey, the main character from Prince’s film ‘Under the Cherry Moon’ and with lyrics such as ‘I used to cry for Tracey cos he was my only friend, those kinda cars don’t pass you everyday’, it truly is beautiful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X0LYVZm5qc
6) Let’s Go Crazy
One of Prince’s signature tracks, the fantastically rousing ‘Let’s Go Crazy’ is the opening track to Prince’s 1984 album and film of the same name ‘Purple Rain’. Growling guitars and signature 80’s synthesiser shimmers drive this piece of pop heaven.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3ebPrVf4go
7) Guitar
Seemingly an attempt to mirror the success of earlier guitar-heavy tracks such as ‘Let’s Go Crazy’, ‘Guitar’ is one of Prince’s more underrated album tracks. Taken from 2007’s ‘Planet Earth’, it features an incredible guitar riff which is prominent most of the way through the track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgPjINdENAk
8) My Computer
Widely criticised by many fans and critics alike, many overlook how clever and ahead of its time this song was. Lyrically documenting a loner browsing online for company, it’s somewhat sad yet its funky R&B track and glitchy computer sounds lifts its spirits. Also features the incredible Kate Bush on backing vocals.
9) Somebody’s Somebody
Prince always had the ability to make the best slow jams. This is one of his most underrated from 1995’s ‘Emancipation’. Released in the midst of great media interest relating to his battle with his record label, his name change and relationship with Mayte, ‘Somebody’s Somebody’ got somewhat lost as a track in Prince’s discography. Despite this, it’s one of his best; a moody R&B ballad which encapsulates the loneliness of 2am perfectly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6zDFBwsXBc
10) When We’re Dancing Close and Slow
Sometimes there is no need for polished production, excessive instruments, multiple chord changes or multi-layered vocals and this track emphasises this. An absolutely stunning ballad from Prince’s self-titled second album, this track utilises only two chords, created by gentle acoustic guitar strums and twinkling pianos. By its finale, eerie synthesiser sounds creep in to make it way ahead of its time, something else Prince always managed to do in his career.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4xrNUxuanw
11) Starfish and Coffee
Not to be taken too seriously, this quirky but brilliantly catchy piano pop track was featured on critically acclaimed “Sign O’ The Times” before being featured in an episode of The Muppets. Simple, sweet and happy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW7Js9I9tRs
12) Gold
Clearly proud of this song upon its release, Prince hailed it as the next ‘Purple Rain’. It did not achieve status as one of Prince’s best known but fared relatively well on the charts. It’s a great Pop track with meaningful lyrics and a catchy refrain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwB6C1BWmqQ
13) She’s Always in My Hair
Whilst never appearing on a Prince album (except for a Greatest Hits compilation), ‘She’s Always in My Hair’ became one of Prince’s best-loved songs. A fierce rock and roll track complete with guitars, staccato organs and a great beat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3Z3c5RmWfI
14) I Would Die 4 U
Another track from both the film and accompanying soundtrack ‘Purple Rain’, this is Prince at his best. Unsettled percussion and multi-layered synthesisers perform its backing track whilst Prince delivers an energetic vocal delivery.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qpOI92q6EU
15) I Wanna Be Your Lover
Infectiously catchy disco-stomper; the epitome of 70’s disco music. Taken from second album ‘For You’, it is one of the first Prince tracks to showcase his brilliant falsetto vocals, a trait which would be featured in many of his latest works.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN6mDCEB6vY
16) Dinner with Delores
Perhaps Prince’s most underrated song, this gentle pop-rock/country-influenced track was the only single from 1996’s ‘Chaos and Disorder’. The album was released simply to fulfil Prince’s contractual obligations with Warner Brothers in the midst of their infamous feud, yet it contains a strong collection of Prince tracks. The track’s instrumentation is gentle and sweet yet upon closer inspection, the lyrics have a darker and more sexualised tone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9_aauED3Ys
17) Anotherloverholenyohead
Another brilliant track from the ‘Parade’ album. An introduction of wailing guitars and impatient percussion evolve into a catchy funk-rock track which is based around a piano chord sequence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KExTY9k_gj4
18) I Wish U Heaven
A joyful and spiritual single from ‘Lovesexy’. In-keeping with the album’s uplifting, religious tones, ‘I Wish U Heaven’ features elements of rock, pop, dance and gospel. Quirky production elements and Prince’s gorgeous falsetto vocals make this one of his best, yet most underrated works.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObzoKryyAi8
19) Diamonds & Pearls
Uplifting rock ballad which features New Power Generation member Rosie Gaines sharing vocals with Prince. Unlike a lot of Prince’s work which focussed on lust and sex, this ballad instead refreshingly explores love itself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZCfu18lSl4
20) Purple Rain
Of course, this playlist would not be complete without Prince’s signature track. And what a song this is. It’s easy to classify songs as huge as this as ‘overrated’ but this gorgeous Rock ballad lives up to its reputation as one of the best ballads of all time. Recorded live at a benefit concert, it was later added to in the studio and became the track loved by all today. It was to become a staple of Prince’s live shows, perhaps its most notable moment was at the Super Bowl XLI’s half time show when it was performed during a downpour.
Prince once explained the meaning of “Purple Rain” is as follows: “When there’s blood in the sky – red and blue= purple… purple rain pertains to the end of the world and being with the one you love and letting your faith/god guide you through the purple rain.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ABd-cCcIxk
R.I.P Prince. We love and miss you.
May Mixtape
Here’s the mixtape for May! 20 songs old and new that we’re loving at The Music Box.
FEATURE: New video single release from Circle Of Reason
Read the press statement issued to us below:
CIRCLE OF REASON UNVEIL COLOURS VIDEO SINGLE
Following the very recent arrival of their ‘Questions’, Southampton’s (UK) Circle Of Reason are now back with their latest video single titled ‘Colours’. Showcasing another metallic and emotive rock track, ‘Colours‘ is an epic anthem taken from the bands forthcoming album ‘Faith Or Theory‘.
For the British quartet Circle Of Reason, the path that led to the creation of their new album Faith Or Theory is one that ultimately saw them start to assess their own relationships, and try to get a handle on their place in the world. Having taken a well-earned break after the release of their 2013 record These Hands And This Mind – which also saw them share stages with the likes of Feed The Rhino, Marmozets, Neck Deep, Mallory Knox, Creeper, Allusondrugs and Fearless Vampire Killers, as well as be featured on Kerrang! TV and Scuzz – the band’s 2015 became all about putting pen to paper and getting in front of crowds, starting with a slot at Takedown Festival. A small line-up change later, and the resultant tracks are short stories that convey with great emotion just how much Circle Of Reason means to its members.
Appealing to fans of Deftones, Funeral For A Friend, Biffy Clyro, Smashing Pumpkins and Mastodon, Circle Of Reason are a band that specialise in carefully planned dynamics, gargantuan guitar riffs and all fused with melodic hooks.
Check out ‘Colours‘ below:
Available Now https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/colours-single/id1103006266
iTunes pre order album: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/faith-or-theory/id1104156711
Facebook: www.facebook.com/circleofreason
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Circleofreason
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CircleOfReasonBand/videos
FEATURE: New Video Release from Come The Spring
Come The Spring have released their official video for latest single ’24’. See the press release supplied to us below.
BRIT ROCKERS COME THE SPRING LAUNCH ’24’ VIDEO SINGLE
Brighton’s (UK) post-punk fuelled alternative rock outfit ‘Come The Spring’ release their official video for their latest single ’24’.
Featuring live footage of the band showcasing their renowned high energy performances, 24 is taken from their REVIVE EP available through UK independent label Engineer Records.
Having formed in late 2012 from the ashes of cult-following UK rock bands, Come The Spring members bring their vast experience and creativity to produce emotionally charged and anthemic songs. Consisting of Sam Craddock (Vox), David Gamage (Guitar), Simon Goodrick (Guitar), Mark Wilkinson (Bass) and Jamie Donbroski (Drums), the allies of uncompromised guitar driven rock have previously shared stages with the likes ofGreen Day, No FX, Texas Is The Reason, Braid and many more.
Check out ’24’ by Come The Spring:
Connect with Come The Spring on Social Media below:
Remembering Prince…
You may have noticed we are taking a little hiatus here at The Music Box. This is due to work commitments and it is hugely difficult to run a blog alone! Bear with us and we’ll have more content up as soon as we have some time to prepare it!
We just wanted to break our silence to express our shock and sadness over the death of Prince. He was nothing short of a musical genius – blurring boundaries between all genres of music, being one of the most underrated guitarists and vocalists of all time. He was a global icon, incredible songwriter and a true artist; one we will never again see in our lifetime. Similarly to Michael Jackson, he was one of a kind whose career spanned over thirty years, hopping from genre to genre and reinvented himself multiple times, remaining ever-relevant.
We plan to upload much more Prince-themed content when we get a moment but we just wanted to respond at the appropriate time.
Sometimes it Snows in April.
RIP Prince.
Thank you for sharing your gift with us and for being the soundtrack to millions of lives all over the world.
the-music-box.co.uk 