Hi guys! Here we have yet another Music Haul for you, so enjoy :)
Catherine Traicos - Drunk On Your Breath
There is simply nothing quite like when you discover a really good new artist.
But even this isn't as good as finding an artist you discovered years ago but lost/forgot.
Catherine is one of these artists. (Others are MGMT, Bag Raiders and Architecture In Helsinki. Darn them electronic acts - it seems that typing in beep boop blerp into Google doesn't have the same effects as song lyrics.)
Her smoky, crooning voice captures you quicker than you can say her name (which actually took me a while because the ai dipthong is more often than not a very beguiling mystery.)
In fact, I find the bulk of her work a beguiling mystery - beautifully crafted and performed, but it is enjoyed more when you try to unravel the delicious tunes and lyrics.
Here is 'Drunk On Your Breath'. Buy her music from the label An Ocean Awaits here. And the tote bag looks so good.
The Swiss - Elouisa
Bringing back disco with a spectacular vibrancy, The Swiss make impossibly danceable tunes (even for me!)
The shrill vocals push the throbbing bass down with energy, and when the chorus comes back around you know you're hooked.
The feel good, summery vibe of the song has done an awesome job of keeping me bopping through this disgusting rainy weather lately. In fact, the entire EP (which is Elouisa, two remixes and Peach Pit) has such a good feel I am simply dying for Spring and Summer.
I'm still in a bit of a dancey mood so here is my dance jam of 2012 from one of my favourite dance artists. Van She have this rich, luxurious sound that effortlessly combines dance and electronica with experimental indie.
The opening riff and recurring motif of this song, the marimba ostinato, really sets off the Jamaican, exotic aura of the song. It's not so much a song by the chorus but a bright soundscape with the most inspiring, powerful vocals.
The chorus is fun and easy to sing along to (but not in that really creepy Aussie pub karaoke style. Think more anthemic. Or party sing along.) It's fresh, tropical and oh-so-catchy.
This song is fantastic to play at when you're chilling with friends at the beach, or if you're lucky enough to have one, in a convertible with the windows down as you drive down a highway. Not in Sydney of course - highways are more like free parking nowadays.
Here is 'Jamaica', man. Buy it here from Modular People.
Cloud Control - There's Nothing In The Water We Can't Fight
I've been listening to this song as I earnestly await the ocean release of their second album, 'Dream Cave'. The lilting, easy melodic pop of the band has such a strange, otherworldly quality to it, which draws you in and is so beautifully addictive.
The music is exciting, exhilarating and beautifully crafted. It has depth and is grounded, yet the innovative melodies and vocals are a breath of fresh air. The music is rich in texture without being too heavy handed with production or sickeningly decadent.
I was really hoping to catch them in September but since I also have my eye on Jinja Safari a week later (with Cub Scouts supporting) I think I'm going to have to make a very difficult decision. Yet Cloud Control are still such a fresh act, and with such an original, recognisable sound, I think they have the makings of a future classic.
Buy 'There's Nothing In The Water We Can't Fight' or the album, 'Bliss Release' (2010) here from Ivy League Records.
So the decades hauls are over but that's okay because I intend to do some really kooky-themed hauls some time.
Even though it's the middle of winter we've had some stunning days where every hour is like the Golden Hour and the sun is streaking through all the leaves and the breeze is light and you just want to run up to an old friend on the beach then give them a hug all while listening to Fix You by Coldplay with your hair flowing down your back and all that Foxtel-esque glossiness.
Sure, it's been bucketing. But I seriously hope all of spring is like this - golden and magical and unicorny.
The rain was incessant for about a week and my dad was getting so frustrated (he hates the rain and the cold) but then the sun came out and I'm going to make the most of this weather (apparently tomorrow might rain. boo.)
This haul is going to start off with a really groovy song.
Lovely Day - Bill Withers
Bill has the most epic voice ever (he sings that Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone) and all the songs he has performed are really lovely. This is a little funky number which is so ridiculously catchy (the lovely day lovely day lovely day mantra through the song does get really irritating after a while) that I can see the Village People bopping to as they visit a wind farm on a sunny day with their picnic baskets and tequila.
That was strange. Carry on reading your books.
YOU GOTTA LOVE THAT AFRO HAIR DO.......... gurrrrrrrrl poot ya rehkords on
Ok. Next song.
Ray Tsa - Electric Feel (MGMT cover)
This has got to be one of the most covered songs ever. Everywhere I look somebody covers it. Katy Perry has, it's been covered on Triple J, I think Gabrielle Aplin covered it, people remix it all the time - there are a lot of covers and remixes out there.
And of course there are some really bad ones (shudder) but even some of the palatable guitary acoustic covers get lost in the swamp of versions out there. There are some really nice soft covers but when there's thousands of them it's really hard to find good ones.
I found a good one.
Ray is the voice of The Sweet Apes, a post-hardcore band from Sydney or something or other. They're very good. Ray is amazing.
She's like Hayley Williams but with a more raw, rock-y voice and this arrangement is simply perfect. If anyone is good with these things TAB IT OR CHORD IT PEOPLE.
K enjoy.
Sam Berridge - Twice (Little Dragon cover)
So we met the most amazingly talented Sam Berridge when we did the London Grammar song two weeks ago but I thought I might feature another of his wonderful covers.
Yukimi Nagano of Little Dragon has such a stunning voice especially when she slips down to the low notes in this song. Sam has a stunning voice when he bounces around the higher registers (which isn't that high but oh well).
There are two versions of this cover (a Soundcloud one and a Youtube one) but I prefer the Youtube one - I just like how it's a little more grainy and not-so-polished.
Here it is. Swooning mode activate.
LOOK AT DAT FACE
Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles
Well when the sun first came out after the rain I was so excited I simultaneously cried tears of joy and exploded (because I am a creature of the night, you know, so sunlight kind of makes me sparkle.)
That's right. But it was also Ringo's birthday PEACE AND LOVE so I felt inclined to do a Beatles song.
Speaking of which I MISSED THE 3RD OF JULY 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF ZIGGY STARDUST'S DEATH I spent the entire time tossing up whether to do it on the Australian July 3 or David's July 3 and I just ended up missing it but uh what do the young people say oh yeah yeloswig. Something like that.
Did you know that the first time I heard this song it was actually being performed by Georgie Parker on some ad for Play School? Play School was the most pathetic thing ever unless they were cooking but I liked Hi-5 and The Wiggles better.
Copthrone King's - Justice For The Damned
Ok I know many of you guys will not enjoy this song because you think it's accursed and it's anathema and people that listen to it should be burnt at the stake but honestly it's really good. The laughing at the beginning and the triangle in the interlude make this such a hilarious, clever song, and there is no need to hate on metal. It's energetic, powerful and rather exhilarating.
Here it is. But if you have really scary parents I wouldn't play it too loudly otherwise they'll try to spray your computer with holy water (not recommended).
See? You survived. I think everyone kind of dislikes this music when they first hear it (unless you were raised in a metalhead family) but when you really listen and get into it it's quite beautiful.
So there we have our haul. Tomorrow I'm seeing Gatsby! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH carey mulligan
This is the last of the themed Music Hauls (for now!) and we are topping it off with the wonderful 80s.
Personally I would love more than anything to throw an 80s themed birthday party where everyone wears neon with big hair and rollerblades or dresses up like Madonna or Boy George or George Michael or Curious George or the 5th, 6th and 7th Doctors. We woud watch The Goonies and 16 Candles and Say Anything and Beetlejuice and The Princess Bride and The Golden Child and Heathers and Pretty In Pink and Ferris Bueller's Day Off and every Brat Pack movie. We'd eat whatever junk food they ate and listen to old music and I'd probably turn the door into a Delorean or TARDIS or something - even a Xanadu-esque wall with the Muses and stuff. Sigh.
Here are my songs of the 80s. Yayayayaya.
Outdated song number one: Simple Minds - Don't You Forget About Me
The massive song from the Breakfast Club which had a new lease of life with that Pitch Perfect movie, this is a classic. It's anthemic (think Imagine Dragons) with low notes that ring Foreigner and it's the most amazing song to bop to (She Bop. hehe.) I think one of the most recognised bits of the song are the two power chords at the beginning, when you're like I KNOW THIS SONG. *proceeds to astound everyone with smug knowledge of old songs*
I sadly admit loving that moment when you recognise a song no one else does.
Often my friends then follow up with some snide comment on being a hipster. Who cares yolo swag luvin lyf don't judge.
Here is the song. Also it would be the best funeral song.
Outdated song number two: Pink Floyd - Another Brick In The Wall (Part II)
Ah, the famous song sung by teenagers all over the world. Hate school? Hate adults? Hate structure? Hate having to eat all your vegetables? This song is for you. The idiosyncratic album art is seen absolutely everywhere nowadays - I remember seeing this boy with a Beatles style mushroom haircut and a Pink Floyd shirt. Everyone thought he was this massive dag, which he was.
The video gets really creepy, especially when the kids go through the meat grinder. The Wall would actually be a pretty cool thing to watch at an 80s party, maybe with Poltergeist as well.
Outdated song number three: Blondie - Call Me
Easily the biggest song in their career, I first heard this song as a wee little one when we still played karaoke on our original Xboxes. It wasn't even that long ago but I'm going to pretend it is.
The driving, rolling guitars lay a strong foundation for Deborah Harrie's SPECTACULAR vocals which go from rock goddess to New Wave waftiness to Joe Dassin French. Okay. Maybe not Joe Dassin.
FRENCH STUDENT FTW
Blondie actually came to Australia last year I think and I was absolutely gutted not to go. Honestly, so many great artists come but I always miss them or something silly and I want to cry. Beach Fossils are coming! AND I AM BUSY THAT DAY ugh. help. call me.
Outdated song number four: Phil Collins - Another Day In Paradise
I remember my friends found it a bit strange how on inspection, they saw that Phil Collins was alongside Pegasus Bridge and Phoenix in my music library. But his voice and songwriting is just spectacular.
Another Day In Paradise is about Phil's experience with the homeless while on tour - seeing all the homeless people in a so called 'paradise' inspired the song.
I'm not a big fan of his daughter Lily Collins (the actress) but otherwise his drumming is great. And do you guys remember that hilarious Cadbury ad where the gorilla drummed along to 'In The Air Tonight'? Too funny.
It's better than those Sarah Ellen style eyebrows. Ugh, Sarah Ellen.
Outdated song number five: Queen - Another One Bites The Dust
So Queen are one of the greatest bands ever. Freddie Mercury has one of the most iconic voices ever. Their hairstyles are the most cringeworthy of all the 80s bands. And this song has one of the most well known basslines ever.
You know how pretty much everyone who can independently navigate to triple j knows the bassline to Seven Nation Army (by The White Stripes)? This is their hipstery parents' equivalent. But then again there's also the 'Under Pressure' bassline (with David Bowie ahhh) which everyone knows from 'Ice Ice Baby'. Oh, the pains of 80s rap. Have mercy.
Enjoy this iconic song. Also, your parents might join in or even worse, start parent dancing.
MUM YOU'RE HURTING ME STAHP
Outdated song number six: Roxette - The Look
So the radio station I listen to on a daily basis happens to play 80% 80s music and I am constantly bombarded with music that's going to be played in nursing homes very soon.
This song is the most catchy song ever (this guitar riff ruthlessly sticks inside your head and wiggles around like a good earworm) yet the vocals are so powerful and have that quintessential 80s feel.
The lyrics are rather silly but I don't mind. This is the era of mullets. They're bound to mess with your brain.
Outdated song number seven: Men at Work - Who Can It Be Now?
Men at Work are probably the second biggest music act to come out of Australia, after AC/DC. Yeah yeah, everyone's always trying to claim the Bee Gees and Gotye and Olivia Newton John but let's be real, guys. But then again, Colin Hay did emigrate from Scotland anyway. Go home Naomie you're drunk. But wait! I'm not drunk or baked! I'm sxe!
Sigh.
There are actually so so many songs that I would tag in this post - the constant 80s music has made my brain simply soak up all these songs like a sponge.
But do not fear! I'll add some of the really good songs into other music hauls, into songs of the week and anything really :) till then dears.
I'm really pumped for this 70s haul because I kinda wish I lived in the 70s or 80s. I guess that makes me a dweeb. #thedweeblyfchoseme
There was a point where I loved the 20s because I was going through this jazz phase and I adored flappers. But then society was mainly white and then the Great Depression was the decade after so I lost the idea.
It's just that in Sydney there's quite a few buildings with the period architecture and I love it - like the Niterider place in Homebush which you can read about here on one of my favourite blogs.
And then of course you have Newtown and the terraces scattered in Kirribilli and all around the city and whatnot. Obviously it's not all from the 20s - Enmore Theatre was built in 1908 - but the overall vibe and deco and atmosphere evoke lovely Gatsby-esque mirages. Also, the book is fabulous. I haven't watched the movie but all my friends are polarized on it. hm.
I did also want to live in the 1950s after reading The Help and fantasizing about wearing wonderful A-line dresses everywhere and I know that women were oppressed or whatever but come on, people. They got to stay at home and cook and muck around the house and play tennis and gossip with friends. Obviously they had no rights and it called for reform but I do not see what the issue with being a housewife is, if it floats your boat. But I backed out of my 50s girl idea soon enough.
The 60s was filled with heaps of social unrest and although there were fabulous ideas erupting out of the public I don't think I would like to be caught in the political and social crossfire. So the 70s and 80s are probably my favourite decades. Unless I can go back to Victorian England. Better yet, the Middle Ages. (I simply adore the Middle Ages, although given my flammable demeanour they would burn me at the stake.)
Moving on. I listen to radio which is pretty much all 70s and 80s music - this really suits me because I have all this great modern music from my friends and Youtube and the Internet and then I have these lovely old tunes to slide into the mix. My parents are huge 70s fans too so it suits us pretty well.
I've spent the last, what, 6 paragraphs, babbling on.
But don't go yet! I won't let you.
These Supernatural gifs keep getting better and better.
1970s
The disco era, the glam rock era, pretty much everything that we hate nowadays is from the 70s. Glitter, seedy disco, bell bottomed pants - just stop.
Here are my favourite songs from the 70's.
Outdated song number one: The Bee Gees - Night Fever
The Bee Gees are probably one of the most cringe-worthy bands out there -
MY EYES - but I really quite like their songs. Their melodies are so spot on and they just waft around. I grew up listening to these guys (remember, I'm a dweeb) but the songs are so catchy with the melodies and harmonies and amazing chord changes and AH.
These boys really were musical geniuses and even though they weren't even born in Australia I find it hilarious how we try to claim them as Aussies. Dem Queenslanders.
But The Bee Gees are a hugely famous band - they've sold some 220 millions albums or whatever. They're so iconic, and for good reason too.
Their music is everywhere - TV shows (The Goodies, which I watched when I was tiny) and heaps of movies. It's also played at bingo clubs around the world, catering to the (extremely) lonely old ladies.
Here's one of their really upbeat songs, Night Fever (it was in that movie Saturday Night Fever):
and of course that bunch of morons over on Glee had to cover it. There was a time past where I actually watched that pathetic excuse of a show but then I got a life. sort of. not really. but I like to think I did.
Outdated song number two: David Bowie - Life on Mars?
So I love David Bowie and this is probably one of his most genius songs. It appears on the album Hunky Dory which was released in 1971 (the other well known song from the album is Changes, which is his most well known song and was actually featured in The Breakfast Club in 1985).
Life on Mars has a brilliant composition and fantastically shows off the piano as well as Bowie's amazing, familiar voice.
Some of you might be initially creeped out by David's Ziggy Stardust persona but come on. It's awesome.
Oh and don't be freaked out when the camera zooms in onto David's eyes - he had an incident in his adolescence which made his pupil permanently dilated.
And for a very different rendition, here is Fall Out Boy's version of this classic. It gets of to a very banal start but when Patrick pushes those strong higher notes you can see the beauty of the song and it's amazing. Hi vibrato is more of a vocal convulsion but when he just slips down the notes in the chorus it works.
Outdated song number three: Carly Simon - You're So Vain
This was the most brilliant song when I first heard it - the lyrics were snarky and clever and full of seething anger. My siblings for some reason adore the lyrics 'clouds in my coffee'. Strange, I know.
Carly has a really low register so it is a bit hard to sing along but the slow, lilting feel of the song just help the lyrics pack a punch. It's really catchy.
Outdated song number four: Carole King - It's Too Late
Carole King is Nat King Cole's daughter and it's interesting to see how both father and daughter are brilliant vocalists. This is a heartfelt song that just wonderfully showcases Carole's spectacular singing. I hear this song on the radio quite a lot and it's just quite fun to listen to.
And Carole has such cool hair. And that cat.
Outdated song number five: The Knack - My Sharona
Now this song probably sounds like a whole lot of waffle on the first listen - ddhdvpooefnfvijoioarjiofnj MAHHHHH SHARONAHHHHHHH ffsnoavnfshf ddsfhu pos[30 v4\ c
But that's better than the real meaning. It's about raping a younger girl.
So this song is about violating a young girl. Lovely. But never fear! It's so simply constructed that it sticks in your ear for ages and ages.
It's not a good song per se, but I guess it's catchiness and the basicness of it all sticks. Like Ke$ha.
It was actually a massive hit although it is extremely creepy.
Outdated song number six: Boney M - Daddy Cool
I remember first watching this video as a wee bubby when the world still used the original Xbox and Pumpkin Patch was the coolest clothing brand there was.
The video really freaked me out when the man tore off his shirt and started dancing - his really low voice kinda just topped off the whole WHAT AM I WATCHING MUM.
But then I was really sad the other day when I found out that the man had died. He had grown on me through the years, like a wart.
I quite liked the ladies, because even though they were weird I was happy to settle with the lesser of two evils and women are pretty cool anyway.
Outdated song number seven: Elton John - Crockodile Rock
I'm having a bit of a spasm with the spelling of 'crockodile' but given that a man who wears a red suit, plays the guitar and wears oversized John Lennon glasses wrote the song, I don't see what you expect. It's catchy, corny and a plain lot of fun.
Elton John has become so iconic to the 70s for his amazing music that it is difficult to imagine the 70s and 80s without him. His career is so legendary. He has written the most fabulous (hehe, fabulous) songs and is so quirky and fun and I love him.
I always found his smile a bit creepy and all - he remnds me a little of a teddy bear, actually.
He wrote the spectacular music for the Lion King (which is the movie of my childhood) and my siblings were obsessed with that movie Gnomeo and Juliet which pretty much took every Elton song and just threw in some gnome terms and what not.
I don't think this is one of his best tunes - I really like Daniel and I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues - but I wasn't really bothered to hunt down other songs from the 70s by him :) I'm pathetic I know.
Actually it's not that big of an event I'm just looking for an excuse to use gifs. I read that you should actually have 50 posts in your first month so readers think you actually update your blog.
LOOK IT'S JAKE BUGG
Nah you guys probably don't care and are just waiting for the music.
THIS IS YOU GUYS WAITING FOR ME TO SHUT UP
Back to business.
So given that it's the 50th post (I'm not going to shut up about it so just ignore me) I wanted to feature my favourite songs from the 60s.
Here goes.
Oh and these are not in any particular order so do not be alarmed when your favourite song is at the end of the list.
1960's.
So the 60s are supposed to be this massive period of social reform, shifting paradigms and epic love explosions. Which was exactly what happened.
There is some really great music from back then but I like to consider them seminal inspirations to some of the really great songs of today which I will admit I prefer to some oldies. I know some music nowadays sucks but some indie is just so fresh and awesome. Anyway, I didn't like their haircuts back then.
Outdated song number one: The Monkees - Daydream Believer
The Monkees were a pretty good bubblegum pop band and I do quite like their stuff. Although I always get their band name mixed up with others' (seriously, all the bands in the 60s started with 'the'. Gosh.) Daydream Believer has those really nasally, bright tones (bit like an oboe) and it's such a cheery song you either feel really happy listening to it or suspect some kind of Truman Show/Pleasantville setup. In fact, when the lyrics 'homecoming queen' pop up in the chorus I'm reminded of The Most Popular Girls In School. oh dear me.
they swear a lot. just a heads up.
But it's a great tune to bop to or just listen to. Davy Jones (no, not the zoidberg thing) was probably the most famous member but they all made amazing music - they wrote the song 'I'm A Believer' (from Shrek.)
Outdated song number two: The Doors - Light My Fire
So Jim Morrison takes a whole heap of shirtless pics and points at people. It doesn't matter because Light My Fire is a pretty good song.
Recently one of the Doors died (Ray Manzarek, the keyboardist) and we slipped into a bit of a Doors-themed nostalgia.
This is a really great song and if anyone ever plays it to me I will happily light their fire. I'm a bit of a pyromaniac.
Outdated song number three: The Beach Boys - I Get Around
I remember the first time I heard this song I was playing some fashion designer game on my Nintendo DS (I haven't seen a kid play with one of those for ages.) It was alongside quite a few old songs actually and all I could think about was how epic this track was. The Beach Boys are like a laidback barber shop choir who decided to move to Hawaii and record their tracks while sipping from coconuts.
It's a very fun song to sing and the verses are pretty cool. I can imagine throwing a 60s themed party and everyone joining in to the classically lo-fi, beachy tunes of The Beach Boys.
Outdated song number four: Animals - The House Of The Rising Sun
This is such a classic song with the most spectacular melody. You have probably heard it a billion times in your lifetime but it is honestly such a wonderful tune. I think every Gen X can play it or sing it somehow - it's become so iconic to the era like Twiggy. Gosh do I love Twiggy.
Even my dad can play this on the guitar.
Outdated song number five: The Beatles - Eleanor Rigby
What would the 60s be without these four lovely boys (and Stuart Sutcliffe)? The most iconic band ever, The Beatles are such brilliant songwriters and musicians and let's be honest they're probably some of the best secular musicians the world has known. I'm probably a Paul or Ringo girl but they're all really great.
This song is so cleverly crafted in that like many songs today it has quite a cheery feel to it with the lilting ahhhhhs and violins, but the lyrics are very different. The video creeps me out every time.
Probably one of my favourite song lyrics are in this song - 'wearing a face that she keeps in a jar by the door - who is it for?' and 'writing the words of a sermon that no one will hear'.
Actually when I first heard this song it was at night and I listened to it multiple times each Friday night at school and it's so haunting. Whenever I listen to songs I often picture the place I first heard it or where I listened to it the most. That place usually sort of reflects the song and I guess the utter desperation of being stuck in a school late at night somehow stuck with this haunting song.
I'M A LONELY PERSON AND I don't think you want to know where I came from, if you know what I mean.
Outdated song number six: Otis Redding - Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay
This song makes me quite sad every time I hear it, actually, because I cannot whistle. It's a catchy song and I find it oddly hilarious but I cannot whistle and therefore I am sad. It's a song you would listen to walking along a path or jetty by yourself while whistling and I'm sorry but I can't function.
Outdated song number seven: The Rolling Stones - Paint It Black
Now that we're nearing the end of the list I'm getting a little restless and not really bothered to write full descriptions for these songs but The Rolling Stones cannot simply be skipped. Pamikid Mcbugwigger forever. (Paul McCartney + Jake Bugg + David Bowie + Mick Jagger).
If you didn't know.
But Paint It Black is just such a great song with a sense of urgency and drive and then he sees the girls walk by in their summer clothes and HOW OUT OF PLACE IS THAT LET'S PAINT IT BLACK and this song could probably carry a lot of racist loaded statements but you gotta be a Rolling Stone about it and what drug are you on Naomie and I'm going to be quiet now.
Well I have some work that I have been hellbent on avoiding so see you later kids. Stay in school.
It is extremely exciting to write yet another blog post and to get all your lovely comments (ahem, three comments) so in the spur of the moment I will blog another Music Haul. Woo!
Hm I'm a bit sleepy right now but seeming as I think music is better than sleep, I don't really care. Note: I'm a terrible role model. Blogging instead of browsing the internet instead of doing homework instead of sleeping? I really need to sort out my priorities. STAY AWAY KIDS.
1. History's Door - Husky
So I've loved Husky since I read about them in a music magazine (speaking of which, I should do a short post about how I actually find my music!) I have loved them. With their clever melodies, beautiful dissonants and Boy & Bear-y meets Half Moon Run vibes you can't help but love this song.
I love the slightly offchops guitar intro but when the OOOs come in at 0:32 it's all lovely and surreal and ahhhh and then when the chorus chimes in at 0:50 I want to jump up and cry because the lyrics and the melody is simply perfect. The seamless blend of the guitars, piano, light drumming and the haunting vocals with the simple but interesting melodies and chord progressions are just brilliant and tremendously spectacular. I'm listening as I type and I think I'm addicted. I seriously listen to this everyday.
Sure it's 2011 and they're from Australia and you triple j fanatics will probably come ramming down my door with your drumsticks and hipster glasses and satchels and a battering ram made of some vegan ovine (not sure how that works but ok) but this is seriously such a great song.
2. Girl - Beck
The catchy bleep bloops at the beginning of the song seem quite innocuous and cheery and all, and when combined with Beck's talkish singing it feels like a summery feel-good tune. But when the bass comes in playing a funky bass that really highlights the chords it's more edgy. The chorus is singalong happy and all and yippy yay yay.
turns out the song is about killing a young girl. Queue Poryphyria's Lover!
There is actually widespread debate over whether Beck is singing 'my sun-eyed girl' or 'my cyanide girl' which pretty much lends itself to the incongruous ambiguity of the whole song. It's hella cheery but the lyrics are dark. me likes.
3. Atoms - Debbie Neigher + Tidelands
The simple melody and chord pattern of this song makes everything seem so sad and depressing which it should because it's about a divorce. The short piano interludes make everything so much more melancholy and then when the B section comes in (it's sort of a chorus but not really) and I end up bawling internally.
yes people I am weeping inside world y u no nice
When Debbie comes in at 1:26 with her version of events (think Gotye/Kimbra 'Somebody I Used To Know' - Debbie actually sounds a little like Kimbra sometimes) it becomes even more beautiful. I can imagine this being recorded in a small greenhouse by the sea at twilight with the singers in separate rooms clutching Kleenex to their chest while the other sings their verse.
The lyrics are the most poignant heart-stirring things I have heard in while. 'This is not the dream that we agreed on our wedding day.' CRYCRYCRYCRY I'm not even married why am I crying
Speaking of Kimbra, let's get an upbeat track from her! This is such a fun song, and even though it's oh so complicated and all it is funky and fresh. The chorus is catchy and the video is so cool (I suspect Zooey Deschanel channelled Kimbra in her 'I Could've Been Your Girl' video) with Kimbra bopping around in a pink dress with yellow frills and a tambourine. Have I mentioned that this girl is stunning? She's pretty and (superficial moment beware) and her pins are quite perfect. And that voice is spectacular.
To think that Kimbra, or anyone for that matter, could've written this song is phenomenal. In essence, IT'S A GOOD SONG.
All the musical themes explored are so interesting and ahh I love it when it hits 3:07 and the 'open up your heart momomomomahs' start. It's musical genius.
It was amazing I know.
Hm I think four is a good number for these hauls because at five no one ends up listening to all of them. That's this Music Haul, folks. Stay cool (or hot, depending on how nice your face is.)
It's another Music Haul and I'm here again to bring you some cracker tunes.
Straight in, shall we?
1. Those Dancing Days - Fuckarias
So some of you may be a bit iffy about the title of this song, paired with the fact that it's labelled explicit on iTunes. But never fear! The word is never dropped in the song and they're a Swedish band so it probably doesn't mean what we think it does. I still find it hilarious.
It's such an energetic song, though!
2. Empire Of The Sun - We Are The People
In preparation for their highly anticipated second album, I thought I might have a song from their tremendously spectacular album Walking On A Dream. We Are The People has a great acoustic guitar backing track but my favourite part is the sort of bridge - different chord progression and a more complicated melody. I love it.
It was amazing. Although Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore went a little bit overboard with the costumes.
3. Electric Light Orchestra - Don't Bring Me Down
It's the 70's and you're bopping in your car with your poofy hair and bell bottomed pants (shudder). This song recreates those old vibes and your parents can probably sing along (I know mine can). It's a fun, driving song that it a lot of fun to dance to with friends on old movie marathon nights. Oh, and it was in that alien movie Paul.
DON'T BRING ME DOWN (OOOOOOOOHOOOHOO!)
4. Panic! At The Disco - The Only Difference Between Martyrdom And Suicide Is Press Coverage
Their debut album, A Fever You Can't Sweat Out, is infamous for it's extended song names that have nothing to do with the songs. This song has genius lyrics and a melody of an interesting composition. What, however, grabs you the most is the energy and movement you can sort of sense in the song - have a listen.
5. Imagine Dragons - Radioactive
Imagine Dragons have a spectacular 'big band' sound that you could imagine being blasted from every household in the world then bouncing off the ozone layer and reflecting everywhere. Basically, it's a very big sound. When you listen to Radioactive, you can imagine it being sung by everyone in the stadium at the top of their lungs and the electricity in the air buzzing around you. I love the song way too much.
Only problem with it was that it was used in the ads for 'The Host'. Ugh.
So there's a heck of a lot of good music out there (old and new) but it makes me quite happy when I find a great cover of a great song. It's like when you go to a cafe with an even more delicious version of your favourite food or drink or CAKEEEEEEE
Here is a small collection of some really great covers I've scoured from the depths of YouTube and Moria to bring to you today.
1. 'Get Lucky' - Isaac Evans (Daft Punk)
I stumbled across Isaac when I was looking for different versions of Lucy Rose's 'Shiver'. His cover with a loop pedal was simply brilliant and I am quite obsessed with him now.
This cover of 'Get Lucky', an awkward song to sing with your parents, is fun, energetic and pretty cool. Isaac uses loop pedals quite a bit in his covers but it sounds amazing.
Isn't it amazing? Moving on.
2. 'Walking On A Dream' - Imogen Kars (Empire of the Sun)
This is a lovely cover of an epic song. Empire of the Sun are really fantastic songwriters and I'm so excited that they're releasing an album that wasn't planned - they broke up. Now it sounds like they were married and have a kid now =_=
But it's truly beautiful. I think it's awesome.
I LOVE IT
3. 'Flightless Bird, American Mouth' - Lorna Rose (Iron & Wine)
This is an okay song by itself - I personally find it a bit slow and only nice in the chorus with the harmonies and instruments and all that jazz. But Lorna's cover, a folky guitar affair, is raw and beautiful and has drive and all but it still captures everything good about the song. She distills it until it's pure and asdfjdskljfasho
It was perfect I know
4. 'Settle Down' - Level (Kimbra)
This is one of my all time favourite songs. There's heaps of production, yes, but it has such a strange quality to it that you can't help but love it. Kimbra's voice is heaven.
This cover is an a capella cover (only voices, although there is clicking) and it's as varied and unpredictable as the original. Fun.
The man singing bass has such a low voice ohmygosh.
So there's four different, but awesome covers! I want to poop here - wait, I want to do another of these cover fests. They just don't seem to fit in with Song of the Week, although they do sorta suit Music Haul. Whatever.
I've rediscovered old songs, listened to some really old songs and heard some fresh new releases. And none of that will be in this Music Haul.
Lately I've been intrigued by the number 23 but seeing as you probably won't want to read about, let alone listen to 23 new songs, I'll probably do 5 today/tonight. Hehe. I hate that show.
It's weird because when people do these kinds of posts I listen to the first few then skip over everything else. It's like when I get my Insound newsletter - it's filled with so many new songs and acts that I haven't heard of that I try to just listen to at least one song because I become so overwhelmed by the thought of not knowing who someone is. I am supposed to know everything. It's like my purpose in life. Laugh out loud.
1. Misery - Veronica Falls
These guys sound like they just stepped out of some happy little love shack that the B-52s sang about ages ago. Misery is (ironically) an upbeat song that I just want to jam to with a creepily massive smile on my face. It has these positive old-school vibes and it's like the Beach Boys meets Peter Bjorn and John if they all lived in the 90s listening to Esthero.
That's a really creepy image with their eyes wide open.
2. Eyes Wide Open - Gotye
This is a rather old song from Making Mirrors (2011) and "Somebody That I Used To Know" was on the same album but it is a spectacular song. The production and sound of the song meshes perfectly with the lyrical content - I believe it is one of those environmental songs.
The video is so strange but memorable and wow.
Oh, and this is my little brother's favourite song. His second favourite is probably Eleanor Rigby by the Beatles.
3. What a Pleasure - Beach Fossils
These guys rock. Every song they make is musical genius. This song has a killer bassline and the composition is amazing. I love the feeling I get when I listen - it's like you're somewhere you can't be. I remember the first time I felt that was when I was about 4 and I stood staring at the desktop wallpaper and realising that I could never see the hills in the image and wondering what it would be like to live in that world that didn't exist - and yet even if it did, the clouds would never be in the same spot and if the photo was indeed real it could never be taken again. Deep, I know. Sort of.
This was my first encounter with deep feelings.
Have a listen. Every time I do I get transported to this place that I know I'll never be able to visit, like the depths of space or a lighthouse I made up inside my head 8 years ago.
4. This Disorder - The Features
Firstly, this song's lyrics are amazing. It can connect with anyone that has ever experienced a mental disorder and the confusion that can come with it. The lyrics are so poignant and raw and honest and encompass the topic so perfectly. It's a sensitive topic to sing about but this band does it so well.
And it's a rocking song. The melody is catchy and the vocalist sounds great. The chorus is great to sing along to, and this song is pretty fun to dance to as well. I think I should make a playlist of songs that would be great fun to play at parties even though the lyrics say otherwise.
What a great song. Ah.
5. Two Fingers - Jake Bugg
I first came across Jake because someone said that he was Cara DeLevingne's boyfriend (she's amazing.) Unfortunately, they've split, and I'm sad.
Jake's song "Two Fingers" sounds like it was pulled out of a time machine. Jake is like a modern Bob Dylan with the singing style of the Beatles a little. It sounds amazing.
He did cite his inspirations as some of those really classic musicians from about thirty years ago and it shows through his rough, raw music.
Actually I think classic songs are those performed by people who have died. Seriously. No one covers Teen Spirit because Kurt isn't around. No one covers Imagine because Lennon was shot. People don't even cover Joy Division that much because Curtis isn't here anymore either. So that's classic music for you. Back to Bugg.
It's a groovy song with attitude and it's so feel good and you can't help but clap along.
So that's this music haul! Comment for some suggestions for me to listen to or nominate for the next haul or Song of the Week! Till then, keep it classy.
