Tag: music blog

Music Tag

MarcyB0yLeave a comment

We’ve been nominated again by the lovely Tammy over at https://alittlebitalt.wordpress.com/!
So sorry for the huge delay in posting this, there was no notification informing us of the tag!

These are the rules supplied to us:

  • Write ten songs that come on shuffle (no skipping)
  • Write your favourite lyric from each song.
  • Tag people

So with no further ado, and with some apprehension considering the amount of guilty pleasures in my music collection, here goes… *presses shuffle*

1) Prince – Sometimes it snows in April

Ah, one of my all time favourite songs. Probably one of the most beautiful songs in the world.

Favourite lyric:
“I used to cry for Tracy cause he was my only friend
Those kind of cars don’t pass you every day”

It’s the second line that’s my favourite but the first is needed to show the context. It’s just a beautiful expression. Prince is a bloody nightmare when it comes to sharing his music online! He consistently removes his work from YouTube and Spotify so for now you’ll have to make do with this pleasant but not-as-good-as-the-original live version:

2) John Mayer – Stop This Train

Boy I’m glad this one came up! Probably one of my all time favourite songs lyrically.

Favourite Lyric:
“So scared of getting older
I’m only good at being young”

Captures the fear of adulthood perfectly.

3) Mark Owen – End of Everything

Mark Owen’s solo career is the most underrated thing ever (I like to remind people of this on a regular basis).

Favourite lyric:
“Enter if you can through all the tears of your parade”

Just a lovely poetic lyric which for me emphasises having patience with yourself when times are tough.

4) The 1975 – Chocolate

In my top 3 favourite songs of all time and I never,  ever tire of hearing it.

Favourite lyric:  
“I think about how to think”

I can relate to over-thinking, to the extent you’re thinking about the way you’re thinking!

5) Robbie Williams – Snowblind

I love the vulnerability this track possesses and it’s just stunning. Robbie knows how to create beautiful ballads aching with sincerity.

Favourite Lyric: 
“You stole my heart,
But my madness,
Is taking the man right out of me”

Mr Williams is a genius at playing with phrases and this is a brilliant example.

6) George Michael – White Light

Hmm. Whilst a huge fan of George, there are many songs in his discography better than this, especially lyrically. It’s still brilliant though.

Favourite Lyric:
“And tomorrow is mine”

I like the ‘seize the day’ attitude this line conveys.

7) Michael Jackson – (I like) The Way You Love Me

I LOVE this song. I’m a huge MJ fan although I don’t seem to publicise it as much as I used to. This is a song he recorded in the mid noughties and was remixed for his first posthumous album ‘Michael’. I’m including the original demo version released in his lifetime though because I think it’s better than the remixed version.

Favourite Lyric:
“I was afraid of life and you came in time”

Simple but effective.

8) James Taylor – Something in the way she moves

Lovely song.

Favourite Lyric:
“Every now and then the things I lean on lose their meaning
and I find myself careening in places where I should not let me go.”

I love the way it recognises the more you depend on something, the less meaning it has. Just a beautifully worded lyric.

9) Melanie C & Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes – Never Be The Same Again

What an absolutely brilliant track this was/is.

Favourite Lyric:
“Picturesque is the picture you paint so effortlessly.”

Left Eye’s rap is the best in this song, lyrically. As well as being poetic, it’s just a clever line.

10) Take That – Affirmation

There’s Take That songs I much prefer to this but again, it’s still a great song.

Favourite Lyric:
“We’re not really falling apart, we’re just incomplete.”

It’s a bit like the ‘glass half empty or glass half empty’ analogy. The whole song is lyrically brilliant.

Well I got pretty lucky there considering they were selected through shuffle!

I nominate:
Hannah at https://hannahdonline.wordpress.com/
Phil at http://theperfecttempo.com/

 

FEATURE: Spoken Word Artist ‘Joolz’ Releases Free Single ‘Sky’

MarcyB0yLeave a comment

Joolz performer

Press release:
Internationally renowned spoken word artist ‘Joolz’ has made her latest single ‘Sky’ available as a free download.

Taken from the long awaited album ‘Crow’ set for release this Spring via Attack Attack Records, ‘Sky’ features ‘Joolz’s captivating and beautiful vocal delivery accompanied by music from acclaimed German composer ‘Henning Nugel’. No stranger to successful musical collaborations, Joolz has previously worked with artists such as Jah Wobble (PiL), Justin Sullivan (New Model Army) and Mik Davis (New York Alcoholic Anxiety Attack/Monster Jaw).

With over 30 years professional experience across multiple art forms, Joolz is a prominent and inspiring creative force with recognition and awards as an established poet, illustrator, novelist, educator, artistic director and tattoo artist. The Bradford(UK) based Joolz, has toured with her work across the world; performed at high profile festivals including Glastonbury,Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Leeds/Reading Rock Festival, Bearded Theory etc; and has featured on national media outlets such as BBC Radio One & Four, ITV and BBC 2 as a guest performer and presenter.

‘Sky’ is available to download for free at:  www.soundcloud.com/joolzmusic/sky

FEATURE: Scout Killers Reveal April 2016 UK Tour

MarcyB0yLeave a comment

Scoutkillers Bandshot

UK alternative rock band Scout Killers are to embark on a UK tour in April. Here’s the accompanying press release:

The British connoisseurs of guitar driven alternative rock release news of their forthcoming April 2016 UK tour. Joining the Bath (UK) based Scout Killers on their crusade across English cities are support acts Amongst Thieves and The Loose Cut.

The 5 piece outfit of Scott Cox (Vox), Julien Morrez (Guitar/vox), Beau Stevens (Guitar), Josh Ellis (Bass) and Chris Phillips(Drums) shall head out on tour following the release their latest single ‘Rip Me Apart’ out 28th March 2016. Having made loyal fans through extensive touring and their acclaimed 2014 EP – ‘Stand Your Ground’, Scout Killers are fresh out of the recording studio with new material to unleash during this year. Expect huge sonics, atmospheric guitar work and emotive vocals from the band who effectively know how to create anthemic rock tracks.

Catch Scout Killers on tour April 2016:

3rd April – London – The Black Heart
4th April – Guildford – The Star Inn
5th April – Leeds – The Key Club
6th April – York – Fulford Arms
7th April – Newcastle – Head Of Steam
8th April – Bath – The Nest
9th April – Manchester – Aatma

Visit Scout Killers:
www.facebook.com/scoutkillers
www.twitter.com/scoutkillers
www.scoutkillers.com

Check out this gorgeous performance of ‘Honey’ live:

 

Scout Killers Hi Res April Tour 2016

 

 

Music Monday – Volume Eighty Nine

MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) Panic! At the Disco – Death of a Bachelor

Brilliant brass-infused tune which utilises a range of genres such as jazz, hip hop, EDM, trap and swing impeccably. Front-man Brendon Urie does his best imitation of Frank Sinatra amid hip hop beats, jittery synths and organic brass instruments.

2) The 1975 – Somebody Else

Powerful, emotive and raw song which lyrically tells of dealing with a past over moving onto somebody new. Gentle, tinkling synthesisers evolve into slamming ’80’s-influenced beats on this stunning love song. One of The 1975’s best ever songs.

3) Shura – Touch

Gentle and tentative synthpop track featuring fuzzy synths, pretty piano chords and ethereal vocals from Shura. Gorgeous.

4) Netsky ft Digital Farm Animals – Work It Out

Catchy EDM track with gospel vocals, fierce drum patterns and catchy piano riffs. Much in the same vein as Sigma’s ‘Nobody To Love’ two years ago in terms of repetition, catchiness and the use of piano riffs.

5) Gwen Stefani – Make Me Like You

Gwen Stefani resurrects her solo career with this catchy and funky disco-pop track. Chanelling The Cardigans’ ‘Lovefool’ and elements of Kylie, it’s one of Stefani’s best.

6) Zayn – It’s You

Gorgeous downtempo R&B ballad on which Zayn fully utilises his gorgeous feathery falsetto.

7) MUNA – Winterbreak

Dark electropop track featuring hollow beats, heavily processes vocals and gentle guitar riffs. Absolutely gorgeous.

8) All Tvvins – Unbelievable

Fierce electro-guitar track with a brilliant chorus and reverberating guitar riffs.

9) BJ The Chicago Kid & Kendrick Lamar – The New Cupid

Chilled out, retro inspired R&B/hiphop track with soulful guitar riffs and syrupy smooth vocals.

10) The Knocks & Walk The Moon – Best for Last

Brilliant electronic infused track with catchy bass riffs and Nicholas Petricca’s smooth vocals.

Music Monday – Volume Eighty Seven

MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) Jahmene – Down for Love

Brilliant hip-hop/Gospel fusion from 2012 UK X Factor runner up Jahmene Douglas. This is his first original composition (début album was an amalgamation of cover versions) and is from his forthcoming second album, on which he has reportedly collaborated with a range of established names.

2) Babyface and El Debarge– Walking on Air

Fizzy and uplifting R&B track from hit songwriter Babyface and El Debarge (of Debarge fame). It’s a cheery and catchy with lovely lyrics.

3) Babyface – Our Love

Gorgeous R&B ballad which closes Babyface’s latest album, the brilliant ‘Return of the Tender Lover’ (hence why it’s our album of the week!). Gentle piano arpeggios and Babyface’s silky smooth vocals layered into luscious harmonies remind us of his forte to write brilliant songs, particularly ballads.

4) Rihanna – Kiss It Better

Brilliant down-tempo progressive R&B track abundant with squeaky synths and wailing guitars. Rihanna at her best.

5) Ronan Keating – Breathe

Lovely pop-rock ballad comprised of Keating’s powerful vocals, sweeping strings and acoustic guitars with a gorgeous chorus.

6) Tundran – Still Afraid

Catchy electropop track built of various sounds and instrumentation.

7) Timbaland and Mila J – Don’t Get no Betta

Brilliant and catchy R&B track emphasising what Timbaland does best. Fun and mechanical production elements and punchy percussion compensates for its repetitiveness and simplistic nature.

8) Nothing But Thieves – If I Get High

Stunning and haunting acoustic-based ballad which evolves into an electrifying climax.

9) Jarbird – Iona

Ethereal and dreamy Pop ballad from London-based band Jarbird.

10) BASECAMP – Comfort Zone

Laid-back and minimalistic electropop influenced track. Catchy, funky and an enthralling listen.

Rihanna – Anti Album Review

MarcyB0yLeave a comment

 

Rihanna_-_Anti

Artists are often wary of the potential ‘difficult second album’, being unsure of which musical direction to take and fearing not meeting the public’s expectations. In Rihanna’s case, it was to become the difficult eighth album. Throughout its construction, ‘Anti’ was plagued with issues regarding creative control, during which a great wealth of material was recorded and subsequently scrapped. Three successful singles were released in 2015; none of which are present on the album. Kanye West was once executive producer; Rihanna herself ended up assuming the role. What began as a short hiatus extended into a lengthy break for Rihanna as the release of ‘Anti’ became increasingly delayed and arguably, one of the most highly anticipated albums in years.

The finished product is a significant departure from the club bangers and massive Pop smashes Rihanna has become known for. It’s a moody and sullen affair, (not too dissimilar from 2009’s ‘Rated R‘) more a soundtrack for the aftermath of the party or the early-morning come-down than the party itself. This isn’t a criticism, however, it’s a powerful and compelling listen from start to finish.

Opener ‘Consideration’ is a dub-styled track with lo-fi elements, sparse production and Rihanna’s almost yodel-like vocals. The minimalistic production is a thread which is present throughout the remainder of the album, its simmering, dark tones resulting in a dark but enthralling album. ‘Needed Me’ is much in the same vein, comprised of unstable beats, tremulous synthesisers and eerie vocal samples. Lead single ‘Work’, a collaboration with Drake is a jittery reggae-influenced affair with mumbled, almost incomprehensible vocals whilst ‘Woo’ is abundant with furious distorted electric guitars and auto-tune soaked vocals.

The down-tempo softer moments also work well. ‘James Joint’ is a minute-long melodic soul interlude whilst ‘Yeah I Said It’ is a sulky soul ballad with mesmeric production. The inclusion of “Same Ol’ Mistakes”, an unexpected cover of Australian rock band Tame Impala’s ‘New Person, Same Old Mistakes’ is an unconventional move but one which pays off. It’s a more or less carbon copy of the original both in its delivery and production but is in-fitting with the moody, psychedelic nature of the album.

The second half of the album is reserved for ballads. From the pretty and acoustic-driven ‘Never Ending’ to the Soul infused, waltz-like ‘Love on the Brain’, it’s a peculiar turn in direction but largely works nicely until ‘Higher’, on which Rihanna wails like a banshee in a style not too dissimilar to Sia. Thankfully the track is only two minutes and avoids putting too much strain on the listeners’ ears (and Rihanna’s vocals…)

Whilst ‘Anti’ is certainly a change in direction, elements of Rihanna’s signature sound are still littered throughout. ‘Desperado’ is a classic Rihanna track, dark and broody on which, stuttering beats, moody piano chords and Rihanna’s purred vocals result in an intoxicating R&B hit. Likewise, ‘Kiss it Better’, heavily influenced by progressive R&B and rock elements is one of the album’s highlights.

Closing track ‘Close to You’ is a stunning ballad and a fitting reminder of Rihanna’s impeccable ability to deliver heartfelt R&B ballads. Built of nothing more than gentle piano chords and Rihanna’s syrupy vocals, it’s perhaps her best and most emotive ballad of her career.

Its mixed response from critics and fans alike is justified. It’s a somewhat confused and indecisive album, mirroring its conception. Despite this however, its dark and disturbing tone and eclectic approach makes it a captivating album and one of Rihanna’s best.

  • Rating: 4/5.
  • Highlights: ‘Kiss it Better’, ‘Work’, ‘Desperado’, ‘Same Ol’ Mistakes’ and ‘Close to You’.

‘Anti’ is available now on Roc Nation records.

 

Coldplay – A Head Full of Dreams Album Review

MarcyB0yLeave a comment

AHFOD1000

In an astonishing twenty year career, Coldplay have exceeded all expectations to become one of the UK’s most successful exports. They’ve won eight Brit Awards, five MTV Video Awards, seven Grammy’s and sold over eighty million records worldwide, cementing their place as one of the world’s most successful acts. Once a quirky alternative-rock outfit unafraid of existing outside of the commercial market, Coldplay’s sound has grown with their popularity, becoming increasingly commercialised over the past five years. Fans first feared for the worst back in 2011 upon the release of ‘Mylo Xyloto‘, a concept album which was drenched in electro-elements and met with a mixed reception. Still, fans needn’t have worried for another four years.

‘A Head Full of Dreams‘ is the epitome of Pop music; a lively affair, full of catchy up-tempo tracks mawkishly coated in over-production. Whilst long-term collaborator Rik Sampson is still present, he has been demoted from production duties on this album, passing the baton to Norwegian Pop/R&B production duo Stargate, known for their work with Rihanna and Ne-Yo. Understandably, the result is an exuberant yet somewhat confused album on which Coldplay seemingly attempt to ditch their Rock-roots and transition into a Pop band. It’s the exact antithesis to previous album, the melancholic and ambient-influenced ‘Ghost Stories‘ and arguably, the entire foundation on which Coldplay built their career on.

Diversity is a likely focus on ‘A Head Full of Dreams‘, on which Coldplay attempt to branch out into various genres and sounds. Camp disco-stomper ‘Adventure of a Lifetime’ with its broken vocal samples and squeaky guitar riffs remains one of Coldplay’s best whilst the substantial, Hip-Hop heavy ‘Hymn for The Weekend’ – a duet with Beyonce – is comprised of tinkling piano riffs, hip hop beats and shiny brass instruments. These clever production elements all work nicely until ‘Army of One’, a ballad so bland, even clever production cannot reinvigorate it. Likewise, the track’s hidden feature ‘X Marks The Spot’ is an abortive Hip-Hop jam, best left to Martin’s close friends Jay-Z & Beyonce.

Despite its Pop approach, however, ‘A Head Full of Dreams‘ is still very much a typical Coldplay album. The signature Coldplay elements are still present; the anthemic Chorus’, wailing guitars, sweeping piano arpeggios and Martin’s pining vocals. The opening title track isn’t too far removed from the material on ‘Mylo Xyloto‘ albeit with a disco-funk groove. It’s a catchy opener abundant with the band’s trademark wailing guitars and is classic Coldplay, just with an extra sprinkle of Pop. Likewise ‘Fun’, a pleasant duet with Pop princess Tove Lo is more or less loyal to the band’s sound with distant guitar riffs, acoustic strums and Martin’s vocals warbling between his lowest and highest vocal range. The album’s finale and one of its highlights, ‘Up&Up’ is the band’s ‘Champagne Supernova’, just two minutes shorter. No surprise, then, that Noel Gallagher is guest guitarist on the track.

The hazy and tranquil interlude bridges between tracks – as present on the band’s previous two albums – also remain prevalent, the most enthralling being ‘Kaleidoscope’ which samples an Obama speech and clip of the president singing ‘Amazing Grace’. Furthermore, the dainty piano ballads are ever-enduring. ‘Everglow’ is gentle ballad on which ghost of Christmas past, Martin’s ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow provides vocals on. ‘Amazing Day’ is one far superior, however and is one of the album’s highlights, built from elegant piano arpeggios and soaring melodies.

Whilst it’s far from their best work, ‘A Head Full of Dreams‘ is a compelling and enjoyable album; a reminder of Coldplay’s sustained presence in the music industry.

  • Rating: 4/5.
  • Album Highlights: ‘Hymn For The Weekend’, ‘Adventure of a Lifetime’, ‘Kaleidoscope’, ‘Amazing Day’, ‘Up&Up’.

‘A Head Full of Dreams’ is available now on Parlophone records.

Music Monday – Volume Eighty Four

MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) Rationale – Something for Nothing

Soulful R&B track featuring fluttering synthesisers, jittering guitars, broken samples and funky bass lines.

2) Beachbaby – Sleeperhead

Energetic guitar-driven indie track from four-pieced band Beachbaby. It’s a moody but powerful track, integrating other genres such as shoegazing, Pop and post-punk.

3) Field Music – Disappointed

Low-key indie rock track from Sunderland band Field Music.

4) Walk The Moon – Avalanche

Energetic, catchy Pop-py track from US pop-rock band Walk The Moon. Indie-guitar riffs, synthpop synths and a driving beat makes it particularly reminiscent of the ’80’s and it works beautifully.

5) Travis Mills – Don’t Need Much

Dirty house track featuring little more than club beats, a funky bass lines and Mills’ rap. Incessantly catchy.

6) Craig David & Big Nastie – When The BassLine Drops

Craig David returns to his roots with this huge Garage track, aided by grime artist Big Nastie. It’s reminiscent of his 1999 début ‘Re-Rewind’ and is a welcome return for David after six years away from the music industry.

7) Selena Gomez – Hands to Myself

Saucy, steamy and sultry dance-pop track, reportedly inspired by Prince’s signature sound. Gomez whispers over minimalistic instrumentation comprised of little more than bouncy percussion, hand clips and tribal-pop elements.

8) Reba McEntire – Just Like Them Horses

Sweet piano-led Country ballad by American country music singer Reba McEntire from her twenty seventh album ‘Love Somebody’.

9) Nate Reuss – Take It Back

Gentle waltz-like ballad by Fun. frontman Nate Reuss. Dreamy, reserved with a delicate sprinkle of Reuss’ quirky, idiosyncratic vocals.

10) Walk off The Earth – Hold On (The Break)

Uplifting, inspiring and catchy Pop track from Canadian rock band Walk off the Earth. Ascending bass lines, clinking percussion and gorgeous layered harmonies result in an epic arena anthem.