Music Monday – Volume Fifty Two

May 11, 2015October 28, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) Usher – I don’t mind

God-damn awful lyrics aside, I love this. Slick, smooth and simple: the characteristics of the perfect pop song! Just don’t pay too much information to the lyric content and try and block out Juicy J’s completely useless rap!

2) Gary Barlow – Offer My Peace

B-Side from the Japanese release of the wonderful ‘So Help Me Girl’. It’s classic 90’s schmaltz complete with bongo-type percussion and an electric piano but that’s a lot of what makes it so endearing! Wait for that key change 😉 Lovely little song.

3) Iggy Azalea & Jennifer Hudson – Trouble

Despite my best efforts not to like any of Iggy’s music, I always seem to get drawn in eventually… Despite some of her others which I won’t readily admit to enjoying, I will openly admit that I absolutely love this! Effortlessly catchy, simple, jazzy and just SO damn great. Completely forgot what an incredible voice J-Hud has. She makes it what it is, of course but there’s the perfect balance of rap and singing on it.

4) Longfellow – Where I Belong

Heard this on the radio and completely fell in love with it. It’s not ground-breakingly original but it’s a powerful song. Gorgeous falsetto on that chorus and love the piano too!

5) Janet Jackson – Let’s Wait Awhile

Critics would argue that this is classic 80’s cheese and yes it does have a particular element of that to it. Despite that, the message is still relevant today. It’s such an important song to multiple generations and utterly irresistible. Janet was an incredibly proficient artist in using her music as a means of raising awareness on many important issues back in the 80’s. This song is a part of that movement. The song’s producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis also do a sterling job on this beautiful song.

6) Janet Jackson – Nothing

Beautiful simple song by Miss Jackson. The resemblance to Michael is uncanny in some places…

7) George Michael – Please Send Me Someone to Love (Anselmo’s Song)

Lovely track from George’s last album ‘Patience’. Chilled out and obviously very personal (Anselmo was George’s lover who died from AIDS related illness back in the mid-90’s) it’s George at his best.

8) John Mayer & Katy Perry – Who You Love

Yes it may be a little cheesy but it’s such a beautiful song. Love how the lyrics come from two different perspectives by the couple and it’s lovely to hear Katy’s raw, organic vocals without any of the usual processing it receives. I love this couple so much – two of my favourite artists together.

9) JLS – Close to You

Not exactly innovative but a lovely R&B love song all the same. Really love this.

10) Usher -Burn

An often forgotten gem from eleven (was it really that long ago?!) years ago. Usher does heartbreak R&B ballads like no other. Such a beautiful song.

Music Monday – Volume Forty Nine

April 20, 2015October 28, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) Shayne Ward – My Heart Would Take You Back

Bit of a guilty pleasure, this… but I was pleasantly surprised! It’s an easy option, making an old-school styled track to win the public back over and the video’s pretty poor but it’s a nice song.

2) Kylie Minogue – Confide In Me

There’s something very eerie about this track with its sweeping strings, heavy percussion and haunting melody. Great song.

3) The Blue Nile – Saturday Night

I LOVE this band. ‘Hats’, the album this is taken from is a dream – a psychedelic, night time album and this is one of my favourites. Smooth, simple and beautiful.

4) Michael Jackson – Can’t Let Her Get Away

One of the best New Jack Swing songs from the 90’s, from MJ’s ‘Dangerous’ album. So catchy.

5) Jaki Graham – Round and Around

A piece of ’80’s music perfection. So, so good.

6) Nick Jonas – Jealous

I’m a little bit behind on this one and only checked it out because of its chart position and all of the hype. Great song though. What it lacks in originality it makes up for in charm and catchiness. Grows on me more with every listen.

7) Ariana Grande & The Weeknd – Love Me Harder

Found this by accident and really enjoyed it. Stupidly catchy and great electro infused production.

8) Vince Kidd – Sick Love

Forgot all about this song until recently! Vince was a contestant on the first series of The Voice UK. He has an incredible voice with great tone. After the competition, he re-recorded this but the original song and video is better. Scary, suggestive and sexual but such a good song.

9) Annie Lennox – Shining Light

A great song in its own right, originally by the band Ash, Annie’s version takes it to another level. Her interpretation is more camp and more gospel but it works brilliantly.

10) The 1975 – She Way Out

Repetitive maybe but so damn catchy. Always makes me want to dance.

Music Monday – Volume Forty Six

April 2, 2015October 28, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) Simply Red – Say You Love Me

One of their best yet most underrated songs. Mick Hucknall is a musical genius. Gorgeous ballad from the fantastic ‘Blue’ album with soulful vocals, soft guitar strums and predominant piano chords throughout.

2) Simply Red – To be free

A great feel-good song also from the 1998 ‘Blue’ album. Great song with thoughtful lyrics.

3) Simply Red – You’ve Got It

Love, love, LOVE this song. Another underrated single by the band, this time from 1989’s ‘A New Flame Album’. Co-written with legendary soul writer Lamont Dozier, this soulful ballad has the same feel as his songs written in the ’60’s but with Simply Red’s 80’s sound blended in. Mick Hucknall and Lamont Dozier was a winning combination. Mick Hucknall’s stunning vocals really shine on this track. Love the interesting chords too.

4) Simply Red – Your Eyes

Yep, I’ve been having a Simply Red week… 1999’s ‘Love and the Russian Winter’ was more or less a commercial failure, a shame when it’s such an adventurous and fantastic album. It’s my favourite Simply Red album infused with a more computerised/electro sound. ‘Your Eyes’ was the lead single. A smooth R&B/Pop love song, it’s an awesome song. Mick Hucknall sure knows how to write a great love song. Should have faired much better in the charts.

5) Taylor Swift – Style

One of her best singles to date, I’ve loved this since the release of her ‘1989’ album and am so glad she’s released this as a single. Catchy with great production and fantastic Swifty lyrics, it’s awesome.

6) One Direction – You & I

Months later and the departure of Zayn Malik made me return to my obsession with this song. I love the lyrics, I love the vocal performance of each of the boys but most of all, I love how the song builds. Particularly in the single version, percussion doesn’t enter the song until after the first chorus and the song ends in a mesmerising climax after the second chorus in which wailing guitars, heavy drums and Zayn Malik’s gorgeous falsetto kick in. Beautiful song.

7) Michael Jackson – Ghosts

A catchy new jack swing number from 1999’s ‘Blood on the Dancefloor’ album, the paranoia in the lyrics and that crazy drum beat makes it an awesome song.

8) John Mayer – In Repair

A rather long but great song from John’s 2005 ‘Continuum’ album, I love this. Lyrically, it’s about being in a state of repair – getting back to being yourself again, something I am more than able to relate to.

9) Annie Lennox – No More I Love You’s

A song originally by 80’s New Wave group ‘The Lover Speaks’, covered by Annie Lennox on her second solo album ‘Medusa’. The original is a dark indie song but Lennox truly made the song what it is. Her pop version released in 1995 became a massive hit and added an extra depth missing from the original. Her vocal performance is incredible (as always), Stephen Lipson’s production is on point and it’s just a beautiful song, one of my all time favourites.

10) Favela – Easy Yoke

A song I found on a Spotify playlist last year that I rediscovered recently. Love the chords, love the chilled-out vibe of this and the meaningful lyrics. It’s a shame this song isn’t known by more because it’s beautiful and catchy at the same time.

Music Monday – Volume Forty Five

March 23, 2015October 28, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) Circa Waves – Fossils

Cannot get enough of this right now. So, so catchy with a massive chorus. Love the chord progression too.

2) The Script – Man on a Wire

One of their best singles to date, ‘Man on a Wire’ is a powerful, emotive song. So glad The Script have released it as a single.

3) Joni Mitchell – A Case of You (Both Sides Now version)

A great song in its own right, Joni gives her classic hit the jazz treatment and it’s absolutely magical. Taken from her jazz concept album on which she covers classic jazz songs and arranges two of her best songs in a jazz style, this is just gorgeous. Joni’s raspy vocals, stunning strings and the laid-back nature of it make it effortlessly beautiful.

4) Stateless – Bloodstream

A haunting, fantastic track.

5) Elbow – asleep in the back

An absolutely stunning waltz-like ballad from the band’s 2001 album of the same name. It’s soft, gentle and beautiful with minimal fuss. The piano arpeggios, gospel organ and gentle guitar strums along with Guy Garvey’s warm voice.

6) Elbow – Great Expectations

Another beautiful ballad by Elbow.

7) John Mayer – Belief

One of the greatest and most powerful songs ever written, in my opinion. John Mayer can do no wrong, musically. The fierce guitar, powerful drum pattern and thoughtful lyrics make this an incredible song. The last minute always sends shivers up my spine.

8) John Mayer – Vultures

Another powerful song by Mr Mayer. Love that outro with the repetition of ‘Don’t give up, give up’.

9) Jeff Buckley – Everybody Here Wants You

Upon discovering this song, I felt a strange sense of de ja vu. It seemed so familiar but I can’t put my finger on where I heard it before. So soft and in true Jeff Buckley style, this is a wonderful, soulful song.

10) Mark Owen – Clementine

One of the best solo records by a Take That member ever, this is SO underrated. It’s cool, almost indie-pop with an irresistibly catchy chorus. SO good.

The Brit Awards 2015

February 21, 2015December 28, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

The Brit Awards are always one of the musical highlights of the year. With the 2015 ceremony just around the corner, we have compiled a playlist of songs associated with this year’s event. Some songs featured are nominated, others are by nominated artists and some are by this year’s performers.

Stay tuned for our post-show blog.

Therapy – A Playlist

February 20, 2015December 28, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

A playlist dedicated to inspiring, self-empowering and uplifting songs.

Music heals.

Food Glorious Food

February 17, 2015December 28, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

Happy Pancake Day! Pancake day has to be one of the best days of the year. Here at the Music Box, we’re celebrating with a fun food-themed playlist. There’s thirty songs here based around food. Okay, well some may be metaphors but we’ll see past that for the purpose of today 😉

Music Monday – Volume Forty Three

February 16, 2015October 28, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) Robbie Williams – The Pilot

Catchy number from Rob’s latest album of unreleased material: ‘Under The Radar’. It’s a song more than worthy of being on a commercial album by Rob and possibly even single material. Catchy beat, fierce guitar strums and a great vocal performance from Robbie.

2) Robbie Williams – Love Is You

Beautiful ballad reminiscent of Rob’s work from 2005’s ‘Intensive Care’ album.

3) Robbie Williams – Baby Girl Window

Beautiful ballad that closes Rob’s ‘Life Thru a Lens’ album. I’d never really paid attention to it but after giving it a proper listen recently, I fell in love with it.

4) Take That – Get Ready For It

Powerful closing track to ‘III’ and a great, great song. The single release has added orchestration which makes it even more emotive.

5) Zak Abel – These Are The Days

Catchy, soulful number. Love this.

6) Prince – Welcome 2 The Dawn

Gorgeous acoustic based ballad from the late 90’s.

7) Ed Sheeran and John Mayer – Thinking out loud

Absolutely love Ed and this song anyway but throw one of my favourite artists – John Mayer into the mix and you create utter perfection.

8) William Fitzsimmons – Just Not Each Other

Found this artist through a Spotify playlist and fell in love. This is my favourite by him – a beautiful low-key ballad which discusses lost love. Love the final part of it with the layered vocals. Beautiful.

9) William Fitzsimmons – I don’t feel it anymore

Stunning ballad and the song that got me into William Fitzsimmons.

10) William Fitzsimmons – Fade and then return

Great, rather catchy track by William.

Music Monday – Volume Forty Two

January 12, 2015October 28, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) Lisa Loeb – Stay (I missed you)

Gorgeous acoustic-based ballad which was included in the 1994 movie ‘Reality Bites’. Love this song so much.

2) Lisa Loeb – When All The Stars Were Falling

Another beautiful song by Lisa. Really love her music – very emotive and very chilled out.

3) The Blue Nile – Downtown Lights

Melancholic driving rock ballad from the 80’s, later covered by Annie Lennox. Love this so much.

4) Feist – Brandy Alexander

Jazzy, chilled out, this is just perfect.

5) Jessie Ware – You & I (Forever)

This lady is incredibly talented. Catchy, dreamy track.

6) Philip George – Wish You Were Mine

Irresistibly catchy house track that I’m really loving right now.

7) Ellie Goulding – Love Me Like You Do

Gorgeous, eery ballad taken from the forthcoming Fifty Shades of Grey movie. It’s very catchy and Ellie sounds amazing on it.

8) Coldplay – True Love

Beautiful song from Coldplay with percussion provided by Timbaland.

9) Coldplay – Swallowed In The Sea

Beautiful ballad from the X&Y album.

10) Take That – Higher than Higher

Still cannot get enough of this song. So uplifting, so hopeful and so beautiful.

Music Monday – Volume 41

January 5, 2015February 15, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) Saint Raymond – Fall at Your Feet

Really loving this at the moment. Big chorus.

2) One Direction – Spaces

Beautiful song from the boyband’s latest album. Really love the chord progression of this and the echoing effect on the vocals.

3) One Direction – 18

Stunning song written by Ed Sheeran for the boyband’s latest album.

4) Leon Bridges – Coming Home

Great song with a very old-school, retro feel.

5) Simon Webbe – Free

Simon Webbe’s ‘Sanctuary’ album is one of my favourite albums of all time. I love how uplifting and inspiring all of the songs are. This is a ballad from it and it’s a beautiful song.

6) Snow Patrol – The Finish Line

Gorgeous ballad.

7) Barbara Streisand & John Legend – What kind of fool

Stunning version of Barbara’s original duet with Barry Gibb. This version with John Legend has a gorgeous orchestra opening. Cannot get enough of this right now.

8) Seal – Love is better

A song from Seal’s unreleased ‘Togetherland’ album – an album many think should have been released. I stand with that view. Such a great album from what I’ve heard! Some tracks are available in their entirety whilst others are just samples.

(Go to 1:05 on the video)

9) Big Sleep/The 1975 – Robbers

Original emo/indie version of ‘Robbers’ before Big Sleep changed their name to The 1975 and released a poppier version on their debut album. Love both versions!