Music Monday – Volume Fifty Nine

1) Mark Ronson – The Giver (Radio 1 Live Lounge Performance)

Radio 1’s live lounge performances present an opportunity for artists to really demonstrate their art through adapting and arranging existing songs by other artists. This is an awesome interpretation of Duke Dumont’s ‘The Giver’. Ronson gives his cover a 90’s vibe with funky guitar riffs, a drum machine loop and whistling synthesisers. It’s a little repetitive but it’s a great version.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An-xqjnHoHc

2) Prides – Messiah

Explosive, synthpop track by Scottish band Prides. It’s a little bit 80’s with a powerful sing-along chorus. Can’t get enough of this right now.

3) Justin Bieber, Skrillex & Diplo – Where Are U Now?

A bit of a guilty pleasure on many levels. A collaboration between two artists which I usually don’t have much time for, there is something both endearing and catchy about this EDM track. Bieber’s vocals are sincere and Skrillex and Diplo’s chaotic production adds an extra dimension to what could otherwise work perfectly well as a gorgeous ballad.

4) Flo Rida & Robin Thicke – I Don’t Like It, I Love it

Another guilty pleasure; I don’t think it is possible to shamelessly admit to enjoying any song with Flo Rida’s involvement. This is irresistibly catchy, however. Funky guitar riffs and bass lines, hand-clap percussion, silky smooth vocals from Thicke and a frighteningly seductive whistle hook, it’s the perfect pop song.

5) Major Lazer, DJ Snake and MO – Lean on

Much of this song’s success is built upon it’s amalgamation of different genres. It draws upon EDM, electropop, trap and moombhaton music, resulting in an utterly irresistible track with bouncy percussion and squeaky synthesisers. SO good.

6) Carly Rae Jepson – I really Like You

Whatever your opinion on Carly Rae Jepson, she sure knows how to write and perform catchy pop music. It is already at risk of becoming as irritating as ‘Call Me Maybe’ but for the moment, it remains the perfect pop song with Jepson’s famous breathy vocals, slamming beats and a repetitive refrain. Catchy as hell.

7) Mark Owen – Giveaway

The entirety of Owen’s solo career is criminally underrated and last album ‘The Art of Doing Nothing’ is no exception. ‘Giveaway’ is the haunting, rousing opening track, building into a catchy electropop song with Owen’s distinctive vocals echoing endlessly into the heavily synthesiser dependent backing track. Awesome song.

8) Oasis – Stand By Me

An often commercially overlooked Oasis track but just as awesome as their other material from the 90’s. Well written as always by Noel Gallagher & Liam’s prominent drool carries the song.

9) Circa Waves – My Love

This song has been a favourite of mine since the release of Circa Waves’ debut album earlier this year. There’s something incredibly beautiful about it despite it not being a ballad. It’s a massive indie track with raw electric guitars, fierce drums, driving bass lines and a passionate vocal performance by frontman Kieran Shudall. The song has been re-recorded for release as a single, an unnecessary move as the album version remains superior but it’s still awesome. I’m so glad it’s the next single.

10) Wolf Alice – Bros

LOVE this. Tinny, manic percussion, gentle vocals, a powerful driving bass line and reverberating guitars with an instantly memorable hook. One of the best songs out there right now.

Music Monday – Volume Forty-Seven

1) Circa Waves – T Shirt Weather

Catchy, summery indie fun. Love this band at the moment and I love this song. Great to listen to in the Spring sunshine.

2) Circa Waves – My Love

Staying loyal to their fun sound, this song is a little more ballad-y and I love the chord progression in this. Probably my favourite from the album. Great tune.

[Only decent version on YouTube at the moment]

3) Circa Waves – Deserve This

Another slightly slower track from the band’s début album. Pretty little song with a gorgeous soft chorus.

[Not available on YouTube]

4) The 1975 – So Far (It’s Alright)

Still an absolute tune. Slightly repetitive, maybe but I love the feel of this track. So catchy.

5) Will Young – Love Revolution

SO glad Will’s back. Wasn’t sure about this at first but it grows on me more with every listen and it’s a great song. Looking forward to the album.

6) The Weeknd – Earned it

I’d heard this a fair but but hadn’t put 2 and 2 together to realise it was this song by The Weeknd that everyone keeps talking about. Dramatic, powerful and a great song. The 50 Shades soundtrack is definitely worth a listen. Awesome selection of music.

7) Brandon Flowers – Can’t deny my love

There’s something rather ambient and 80’s about this with its sweeping synths, tribal drums and squeaky guitars. Good song.

8) Lawson – I Got You

Whilst one of my favourite bands, their new single ‘Roads’ doesn’t do anything for me. After discovering this new song as a live performance on YouTube, my hope and faith in this band was restored, however. Catchy, uplifting and loyal to their sound. Awesome track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMfzCGzN_AM

9) One Direction/Zayn Malik – I Won’t Mind

There is still much confusion on if this is Zayn’s solo material or a demo for one of Zayn’s songs that would have been on One Direction’s ‘Four’ album. Whoever this song belongs to, the demo that has appeared online is stunning. Raw and simplistic as a demo should be, I just really, really love this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YULGc9Gmog

10) The Japanese House – Still

Smooth.