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Surprised at how much this track has taken off. Apparently, it’s already charted in the US Top 10 before this video was released, so congratulations on that one! I do like this track, and it was one of the better ones from the album: the positive, summer spin on the track definitely makes this one to perk up any playlist. The Five One’s first official single gets the video treatment, and builds upon the memorable foundations laid by the audio. The key to knowing if a video fits the audio is when the descriptions for both are eerily similar: the video is nothing short of genuine, with no unnecessary effects or storylines, and instead gives you a personal and captivating look at the band in their element. The relaxed, easygoing nature of the video makes it very easy to rewatch too, much like the audio. Overall, a strong video for a strong track that will hopefully elevate The Five One to new heights.
This track picks up from where the aforementioned album left off, delivering a slow, contemplative and easygoing production that allows Phonte’s ever-versatile vocals to cross those R&B/soul/hip-hop boundaries seamlessly. Lyrically, the track has a frank honesty that is admirable, highlighted by the insecurity and vulnerability of the hopeful hook. The key of their music that keeps me coming back is the knack for making music that is uniquely seasonal: it tends to evoke images of autumn (fall) and winter, which comfortably lets you drift away with your thoughts, and all without being remotely depressive. A rare blend that is nothing short of a great experience.
I’m not overly familiar with Sufjan’s material outside of the odd track here and there, but I’ll definitely be looking out for more after this. As suggested by the above association, the production on this track has a dark, atmospheric and wistful feel: one that is perfectly weaved with Sufjan’s relaxed and captivating vocals. One of those tracks that will easily clock up a lot of plays in your library, simply because of how genuinely easy it is to listen to. Sage Francis again proving why he’s one of the most innovative indie hip-hop artists around. This is a cracking little video here to accompany another alternative effort from his Li(f)e project which dropped a few months back. Hell, I’ve even tagged this as Alternative! Like this? You’ll love this!
Critically-acclaimed Bon Iver are definitely the most leftfield name on this line up, and they bring some nice, ominous vocals to open and close the song. I actually like Ross’ opening too, leading nicely into another strong Kanye verse. As with his three recent tracks, Kanye keeps the replayable raps coming, delivering some great lines throughout. Jay brings some surprisingly likeable rhymes too, coming on a much more aggressive tip than any of his recent material. Minaj isn’t lacking any aggressiveness on this one either, switching up her tones and flows for dramatic effect, quite entertaining listening as she plays a few different roles. The key to this track is the simple hip-hop beat: nothing more than some driving percussion and a light, easygoing melody. One that the hip-hop heads and mainstream folk should be able to appreciate. Originally let loose a couple of weeks ago, Mr Hudson’s first foray (to my knowledge) in the dubstep world gets some video treatment to boost its popularity. If it’s not already, I expect this song to blow up pretty big so be sure to check this out. The first single from A Thousand Suns gets some very fitting and captivating visuals. Having an apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic feel to the video definitely embellishes the audio, and includes some well-placed special effects on the visuals. Some videos can overdo it with effects, but they’re used appropriately in this one. Even if you weren’t convinced by the song itself, you should be able to appreciate the video. Audio can be grabbed here. Many laughs to be had. The now-infamous Bed Intruder song (can you believe it’s in the Billboard Top 100?!) is given a short makeover by Paramore’s Hayley Williams, New Found Glory’s Jordan Pundik and Ethan Luck of Reliant K. If, for some reason, you want the audio, right click here and ‘save target as’.
This track is just a (good quality) radio rip for now, and continues on with the dark, ominous feel that their previous collabo had. There are big helpings of retro stylings in this too, with the hook in particular having a 90s chillout house feel to it. Lupe does a great job with his verses as ever, and I’m a big fan of his work on these atmospheric beats.
Won’t break any major new ground, but for me that’s a good thing as it gives it a familiar sound. If there was to be a song that was a musical representation of the transition between The Killers 2nd and 3rd albums, this would probably be it.
The new album is due out in October, almost exactly 2 years to the day the previous album was released. The tracklist can be viewed after the click: for fans of LIAB, you’ll be pleased with the features as they include a couple of the features on that album. → Continue Reading The Foreign Exchange Announce Authenticity Album Newest single from the 3OH!3 duo. I’ve not heard this before, and I’ll openly admit that I’m in no rush to check it out as their stuff can get quite annoying quite quickly. Edit: I take it all back-this track is actually pretty good! However, the remix (and I think it’s an official one) adds Wiz Khalifa to the mix, which certainly should make things more bearable. A good look in the mainstream for Wiz if it is official.
The wispy, smoothed-out yet dynamic production will captivate you immediately, setting a compelling groundwork for the rest of the track. The vocals are delivered with lots of variety throughout, and aren’t short on real feeling: there’s nothing hollow about this, and it has a very personal, emotional feel. All this, and it manages to retain a perky, summery edge that gives this the uncategorisable eclectic touch The Five One are uniquely gifted at delivering. This genuinely feels like one of the most complete and polished songs I’ve heard in a very long time and if, like me, you call yourself a music fan and not a fan of a specific genre, you’ll find that the diversity, depth and delivery of this track will more than satisfy your broad horizons.
Shelter is probably a good place to start. Combining elements of indie, pop and even R&B/soul into one uncategorisable package, Shelter is a smooth, sultry effort that will lyrically engage you and relax you simultaneously. It’s fantastically mellow, and a truly original sound that has the potential to be absolutely enormous, by virtue of it being impossible to dislike. Even if this track doesn’t grab you as it does me, there’s bound to be something else on the album you can enjoy. Examples: if you like it even slower, Infinity is the way forward. Quicker? Go with Islands.
“I’ve been gone for a little while, but I’m still here. There were some things that needed dealing with and that dealing is almost done. I was intentionally not releasing any new solo material during that period, but that period is about to end. The story continues and so will the music. I hope you enjoy this small taste of what is to come. Don’t look away. Don’t think less of me.” And here is some new music from him:
A really diverse episode awaits you this week, with both an interesting mixture of tracks and a range of well-known artists making the cut this week. Plenty of content with over 20 tracks making up this instalment, you should have enough to see you through the next week. Hit that red line below and eat as much as you like. Go on, go crazy. No-one’s watching.
It’s a good song though, don’t get me wrong, I just think he won’t be truly excellent unless he goes back to the style he broke through with.
Collaborating once again with Joell Ortiz, who provides a soothing verse to accompany this tribute to that special someone, Novel has given us a song that you can really just sit back and relax to. With Colin Munroe assisting with his vocals, you have a winner of a track right here. M.I.A. lets loose of another video from her recent /\/\ /\ Y /\ album. Haven’t actually listened to the full album yet, and hence I’m not familiar with this track. I watched about 10 seconds of this video though, and it gave me a headache. For the XXXO video released earlier today, click here.
A lot of the original Linkin Park fans were put off by the idea of a (hip-hop oriented) remixed version of the classic debut Hybrid Theory, and subsequently missed out on this album, or hastily criticised it. I personally loved it, although funnily enough the highlight for me was the least hip-hop sounding effort, the remix of Crawling. Keeping the original vocals, the remix reworks the guitar-driven, jagged original into a progressive orchestral production, only bringing back the melody from the original in its climax. This along with a haunting cameo from the unmistakable voice of Aaron Lewis makes for a genuine highlight of LPs back catalogue, and one of my all-time favourite songs.
You’ll forgive me after the click though, of that I’m sure. I’ve made sure all the big hitters are involved in this milestone episode. Don’t believe me? Prepare to look (even more) like a fool.
The man’s putting out great material on consistently and this is another top track. It’s beginning to annoy me that he’s still so underrated though: Great rapper and great singer, but just because the music isn’t dumbed-down it doesn’t get the praise.
You can grab the entire album for absolutely free by signing up at the below link.
Unfamiliar with Spotify? It’s a free music application which allows you to stream and share music with your friends. You can listen to your playlists from any computer or phone in the world and you can also sync with Facebook to see what your friends are listening to. Keep up with the in-crowd, read about it and then get it here. This month we’ve scoured through our back catalogue to bring you a stylish summery playlist boasting material from the likes of The-Dream, Empire Of The Sun, Tinchy Stryder, The Roots, Rick Ross, Skepta, You Me At Six and many more. So hurry up and click that glorious red text below! |
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