COLORSTARR - INTERVIEW.

To start off I am extremely sorry my lovely readers for abandoning you for two weeks (!!) but all I can say is that I've been rather busy. But not to worry! We're very lucky to have had a little chat with the fabulous indie dance-pop act Colorstarr. Colorstarr are an infectious, summery band from both Sydney and L.A., consisting of Sydney based singer/songwriter Wilson O, L.A. based bass player/producer Kristian Attard as well as drummer Paris Jeffree and guitarist Marc Mallouf. Their music has been featured on hit TV drama Offspring and MTV UK's 'In The Crowd'. They actually have a gig tomorrow at the Oxford Art Factory in Sydney, spreading their sunny vibes and promising some very good dancing. 



We're very pleased have had the wonderful opportunity of having a Q & A with Wilson from Colorstarr! Here is the transcript:
What's in a band name? - tell us where your band's name came from?

The band name came from a fairly interesting kooky friend of ours. He is quite the character & he has this project called Slicker Cities where it's a graphic novel about a Stock broker who time travels with this rock that looks like a star! It's a time traveling device called the "Colorstarr" & I jumped at the opportunity to ask him if we could use that name as it's dope & he agreed. Slicker Cities also has a remix on this EP, so we are all connected through this time traveling device!! We like to time travel a lot you see (lol).

Tell us who the members of the band are and how you came together:

The members are Kristian (Bass & producer), Marc (Guitars), Paris(drums) & myself on the vox & songwriting duties. Kristian & I have been friends for many many years, been through a lot and were signed in a rock band in LA 6 or 7 years ago... When that fell through we had a little bit of a falling out for a few years, then re-connected as we both valued our friendship (obviously) and then started getting back to what we do best which is writing and creating. Marc we have known for some time as well and played in a few bands together in the circuit over the years & knew that he is the only guy in the country for this band - and our prayers were answered when he said yes to joining us! Paris I met on a gig when she came to fill in for another drummer - and man, as soon as I heard her, I was like "this girl is special!!!" She knows hows to lay it down... and that's basically how Colorstarr was formed! The other drummer did get fired by the way ha ha...


Do you have any artists or bands that inspire you? Why?

We are definitely inspired by a lot of genres and artists. Kristian and I both came up in the Sydney music scene playing in Soul/R&B bands. We eventually started experimenting with rock, dance and French electronic music especially - that's how I think the sound of Colorstarr was created. Some of those artists that we are inspired by would have to be Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Terence Trent D'Arby, Donny Hathaway, The Beatles, Beck, Friendly Fires, Phoenix, Justice, Jamaica & Daft Punk. 

Who writes your songs?

Kristian & I wrote the material up till now. But on the next EP we will be getting the rest of the guys involved in the process as Marc is a fully fledged writer in his own right & it will be good to create some new music from the ground up with all of us jamming it out in the studio. Sometimes I find this process can also deliver some amazing songs that you never knew you could create!

Where do you want Colorstarr to go in the future?

I see Colorstarr doing a lot of touring, as that's what we love to do - it's one thing to create music in a studio and be locked away for ages, but man the feeling on the stage... you can never begin to comprehend how amazing it is! Lots of touring, lot's of record sales & lot's of happiness is what I see for us for the coming future!


Any last comments you'd like to leave us with...?

Yes thank you so much for having us & giving us the opportunity to share our new music through your channels - we are pretty much ready for you now world!!! So come in & join us for the ride, it's going to be one hell of a time travel!! 

Colorstarr's eponymous EP is available on iTunes now.

UGH.

I don't even know. This week is probably going to be a really dodgy week and I'm completely ambivalent about it because I get to see my friends again but I have to go back to school and I have a party in about twenty minutes but I completely wrecked last night when I was really mean to someone because I was trying to support someone else and I am so excited with all the new music I have but I don't have time to listen to it and it's my friend's birthday today and I don't have credit to text her.

Happy birthday Lillian.

Also I just found out my friend almost died. Great. On top of the fact that I'll never speak to a friend again because I was extremely rude to him and his parents. But then I had the best conversation with a friend I haven't talked to in ages. And a close friend and I sorted out something that's been troubling her for ages.

Ugh.

BUT I'M GOING TO TRY AND BE EXCITED BECAUSE WE BOUGHT TICKETS TO SEE TAVI GEVINSON SPEAK AT THE OPERA HOUSE WHEN SHE COMES TO SYDNEY OH MY GOODNESS. That's right. Tavi Gevinson.

To find out more about Tavi, take a look at this article here.


JOEY GRACEFFA YESS

But back to business.

 

 

I think I'll just leave you guys with a song. Here is Oceanics' 'Chinatown (Is Not Newtown) from their Bright People EP.

Love this song. Stay cool. 

NEW RELEASES.

It came to my attention that quite a lot of bands and artists are releasing new albums.

Whether that is a result of many years of careful songwriting or a mad scramble for cash after going bankrupt, I don't know.

Actually bands release albums all the time but I just never pay attention. Haha.

But let's go.

The Weight of Your Love - Editors

So the new release that kind of kickstarted this post is 'The Weight of Your Love' by Editors.

Aside from the really cheesy band name, it's a dark, intricate album with soundscapes that just submerge the listener. I really enjoyed the track 'A Ton of Love' (ew spelling though) with it's soaring, belting vocals. The jumpy bass really adds to it, like it does in the easy-to-listen 'Formaldehyde', which has a really catchy chorus ('formaldehyyyyyyyde').

It was only released three days ago (on the 5th) but I don't think people will pounce on it immediately - it'll sound so much better in retrospect. It's a cracker album, don't get me wrong, but I can't see it catching like wildfire just yet. Think I'd give it three and a half stars - the songs sort of meld a bit too closely.

Even the Stars Are a Mess - Whitley

After the beauty of 'Go Forth' and 'The Submarine', Lawrence Greenwood has returned with a smokey, intimate album. This exquisite work has such delicate songs, from the poignant, lyrical 'TV' to the pleading 'I Am Not A Rock'.

Whitley's voice has just matured and is now so truthful and intoxicating. This is definitely a good album.

This was released on the same day as the Editors album but I think it will settle into Triple J airplay pretty well - it's timeless music. Relaxing yet heartfelt. Probably a four stars.

The Beginning and the End of Everything - Josh Pyke

Josh Pyke has a lovely voice and all but I've never been much of a fan of his mainly because his songs don't stick in my head that well. Even his voice isn't exactly distinctive (say, like Florence Welch) so even though I enjoy his songs when I listen I can't pick them out too well. However, this album has really highlighted his diversity and I think it could definitely pick things up.

The short, sweet 'Bug Eyed Beauty' is channels a bit of bluegrass and folk, which only continues in the song 'Leeward Side' with its harmonica. This album definitely has a very folky, country-ish feel (which I normally don't listen to - I hate country) but at least Josh's voice alleviates the pain.

This new direction made me listen to his older stuff in more depth and I can say I prefer his older, indie rock music more than this brand new shift.

The more folky Josh Pyke is still palatable but I can't help but feel his older material is easier to identify with and really appreciate - it sticks more easily and brings out Josh's lovely voice more.

Sex Games - Diviney

Ah, the solo project of Shaun Diviney. You may remember him from that punk band Short Stack, but this is totally different.

I honestly couldn't find anything on this album that really stood out for me as brilliant - there were snippets here are there in some songs that I enjoyed but that didn't really last for long.

Some songs start out quite promising but then descend into a bit of a repetitive, uninspired mess. 'Skeleton' is alright I guess, and 'Sex Games' pulls itself through although I really think this album is a pristine specimen that sex sells. The songs become so repetitive they sound like they were written by a bunch of Year 7s in their pop music topic.

I guess this could be palmed off as one of those generic albums you get when a pop artist tries to crossover into rock and be all hardcore and indie and whatever but when you fronted a fresh, exciting punk band then tried to cross into pop it just becomes a hot mess.

I really can't give this album more than a three so I think I'll settle for a two and a half stars. Sorry, mate. It's so predictable.

Just saying the above is not from his new album, it's an old Short Stack song. I just thought that would be much better than his new stuff.



Melody Pool released her album Xavier this week, and of course we had the Arctic Monkeys song here.
We also got a great, quirky new song from Architecture in Helsinki called 'In The Future' - I really hope their new album is as good as they say it will be. Their previous record 'Moment Bends' was fantastic but seeing the new song with a string section, I am very excited.
Boy & Bear released that new track but honestly all their songs are starting to sound like that formulaic twangy folk (take the hint Josh Pyke).
The new Glass Towers album is also pretty good - 'Halcyon Days' is exactly what you'd expect it to be. Warm, nostalgic, optimistic pop, I really quite enjoyed it.

So there's the new releases! Look at me now; I am keeping up with the hip young people! :D

MUSIC HAUL #9.

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

SONG OF THE WEEK #15.

I know, I know - this song was released on the 19 June (which is aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaages ago) but I am just so excited for AM's release. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh.

WE WE SO EXCITED EXCITED

And the song is amazing.


Hehe.

The song sounds a lot like R U Mine but just slower - it could've come off Suck It And See. I'm really happy that it's such a great song but I was kind of hoping for them to take off in a new dimension, maybe explore some new styles. Maybe not djent (EW DJENT) but it could be a bit experimental. We'll just have to see.

ALEX TURNER AH.


Not as dreamy as Tom Odell but I don't care. Oh my foodness.

The song is driving and strong with the vox just getting in there and giving the whole song a good wiggle and punch. I'm going to be quiet now and leave you with this.

MUSIC HAUL #8 - THE 80s EDITION.

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.

SONG OF THE WEEK #14.

NEWSFLASH: CUB SCOUTS PREMIERED THEIR NEW SONG 'PARADISE' ON TUESDAY ON TRIPLE J AND IT WAS THE MOST PERFECT THREE MINUTES OF MY LIFE but unfortunately before a really annoying Novocaines song was playing so that kinda wrecked it. But TIMMMMMMMM and Zoe and Sam and Andrew and Dan.

So my dears I've been extremely slack on keeping up with posts and all that and as a result I'm losing readers even more quickly than I'm losing friends.

New readers think I'm like this:

 

Current readers KNOW I'm like this:

 

And the rest of the world:

 

Big Brian's house sounds like so much fun.

 

Ok. But seriously if you like the blog please pass it onto a friend. I'm not making a living off this or anything but it would be amazing if people read it and all that bleh bleh bleh.

 





Bleh bleh bleh.

 



So let's get to this week's song.

 

I was really conflicted as to which song to pick for this week because a lovely person directed me to Justice For The Damned and they're amazing. In fact I've picked up heaps of new songs this week but I'm soooooo not bothered to put them all up and all.

 

But nevermind! (breaks into Nirvana and becomes Frances Bean Cobain)

 

This week's song is from last year so it's not fresh off the press, but who cares?

It's 'Yet Again' by Grizzly Bear from their album 'Shields'.

The lyrics, combined with the haunting verses, is so touching and poignant. It's utter beauty. The tone is cool yet not cold and is a bit of a pleading yet pleasing song. Love love love.

Here you are dearies!



 

It's 5 minutes though, but it passes so quickly! Time flies when you're eating.

SONG OF THE WEEK #13.

This week's song is Hey Now by London Grammar.

Hannah Reid has the most dreamy, powerful voice - it's like Florence + the Machine but with a darker tone. It's less bright and grainy and rather floats over the backing than hitting it head on. The guitars are very xx and the whole minimalistic feel is ethereal.

But that's not it! There's more!

Sam Berridge does a spectacular, raw cover of this song.
It's stripped down, emotional, and just reaches into your heart and latches onto the most solid, metallic, steel-like thing there and tugs, leaving nothing but spongy hammy bits listlessly bouncing around inside you. Something like that.
I'm pretty bad with expressing poignant emotion.

IT'S BEAUTIFUL I KNOW.

It also helps that his face is a rather fortunate one - it's always good to have something nice to look at when you listen to nice things.

So that's this week's Song of the Week. And now don't bully me about it being the wrong song - same song, different people!
Oh dear I've gone insane haven't I, old sport?
Yeah baby.

SONG OF THE WEEK #12.

It's the holidays now and thank goodness for that - Sydney is so ridiculously cold I cannot believe that we're supposed to be some land of deserts and sunshine. Oh, and drop bears.

I'm really looking forward to some pretty good days - I spent the whole of today just sewing and reading 1984 (Orwell is brilliant). I also won a Goodreads First Read (!!) and I think I'm just going to spend the rest of the week chilling. Although I'm a bit saddened by the fact that I'll spend the next three weeks reminded of how I have no friends.
Oh by the way my sewing machine has just had a bit of a tantrum and it's not working every time I press the foot down it makes this angry noise if any of you can help I will send you a cookie.

This week's song is 'The Rifle's Spiral' by The Shins.

First of all, the lyrics are so subtly crafted. Let's set this straight. It's such a melodic, cleverly arranged song with heaps of lovely layers and bursts of colour, yet it's about suicide bombers (it becomes startlingly lucid with the lyrics "you sublimate yourself").

This song sounds amazing blasted so loudly you can hear the bass and the throbbing that keeps it level while James Mercer so elegantly warbles on top. ah.

At the beginning and sporadically through the song there are a few rogue beeps and boops and blerps but who cares. It really adds to the otherworldy feel. Plus the album Port of Morrow is noted for its more electronic inclinations than the previous albums.

The music video for this song is really interesting as well - it's 3D animation.

Well that's enough from me. Here it is.

SONG OF THE WEEK #11.

It's time for another Song of the Week guys! I'm pretty pumped because heaps of artists and stuff are coming to Australia and Sydney and I'm excited for pretty much everything.

Vivid Sydney was the other night and it was quite pretty although it was so crowded we were scared something scary (i.e. bombs) could go off and we would have nowhere to run. Um. But it was really great seeing people out on the streets (it was freezing though) and it was lovely knowing that we were a 'strong city with a homely sense of community' or whatever.

Bring Me The Horizon are coming to Australia and bringing Of Mice & Men and Crossfaith with them! And BMTH and OMAM and Pierce the Veil all won Kerrang! awards :) my lovely little ladies are all grown up now.

The Paper Kites are touring and they're at the Metro so I really want to go; fingers crossed! And nutritionist Lola Berry is also touring and she is such an inspiration.

Back to the song. I'm going old school (1980 I believe) and Bowie. this week's song is Ashes to Ashes.

It's such a funky, upbeat song and it's lyrics are so clever and Bowie is just perfect. I found this amazing photo and asdflhsdhfwhe the only thing that would make it better is Jake Bugg. #pakidmcbugwie or Mick Jagger #pamikidmcbugwigger


I MEAN LOOK it's perfection.

I love the electro intro and the almost hushed tones of David at the beginning. It's so good and the video is so progressive I'm dying to attach the link so here it is:

K BYE GUYS

MUSIC HAUL #5.

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

Turns out it's not on Youtube so here I've linked the SoundCloud where you can actually download this for free :) score!

4. Cameo Lover - Kimbra

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.)

SONG OF THE WEEK #10.

I am glad to announce that we've hit the tenth Song of the Week!

That should be enough. And oh my goodness Matt Smith. WHY MATTHEW WHY
???!!!!!! Blues Clues was indeed such a great show - I remember watching Hi-5 on VCR (yup, you heard correctly although I'm surprised at your age you still can hear) and snippets of Blues Clues would come on and I would salivate in awe of this astonishingly sentient dog. GIFs are so awesome you kind of have to include them in everything. But Matt Smith.

So this week (today, actually!) the Triple J Hottest 100 of the past 20 years was announced and Oasis' 'Wonderwall' won. It's a brilliant song although I recently heard it slaughtered by the Backstreeth Boys and the croaky voices of pubescent teenage girls. Yeesh.
But the Hottest 100 is pretty good and I was thankful to all the musos of Australia that the horrific Thrift Shop (2012 #1) did not make it onto this list. Quite a terrible song (in my opinion though, because everyone is entitled to their own opinion as a constitutional right and we don't have Thought Police and free speech equality expression free food whatever. I do not care.) I was absolutely ecstatic that the lovely Wombats scored a #74 with Let's Dance to Joy Division (epic title, no?) because they're perfect and yes. Let the love tear us apart. Also, Joy Division are/were quite a good band and even after Curtis died New Order is addictive and more accessible (though I'm not sure if that's a good thing. Meh. Also, I have a penchant for parentheses and hyphens.)

This week's song is 'When I Call (Bicycle)' by Edward Turner. It's a melodic, heartfelt tune and I love the softness of it. On one of Ed's personalised EPs he wrote 'Listen to me in the dark' and I think it's so true - the Night EP is perfect nighttime listening while staring at the stars or in a quiet section of an aquarium or just chilling by the fireplace in your logside cabin in Alaska (in which case I want to be you so badly.)

'When I Call' has a soft, gentle opening which launches straight into the verse and intimate lyrical content ('being back home's like an aeroplane - full of strangers and faces that I can't name) with the most poignant Sóley-esque chord change that just melts me every single time. (I think it's a subdominant chord while the note sung is the dominant.) But then I get let down each time because I think it's about to progress to this even more amazing chord but then it returns to the tonic and I become a sad girl. Still. It's an amazing song.

I love the video because he can ride a bike quite well. Not to mention Ed has a nice face. AND HE WAS IN PEGASUS BRIDGE GUYS. The setting is idyllic and stunning while back home in 'straya we have drop bears and coldish winters yet no snow.

So here it is! And I will accept any food of congratulations for successfully hitting ten songs - I honestly did not expect to get this far at all, so kudos to all you readers :)

SONG OF THE WEEK #9.

Ok so I'm obviously not so dumb as to not realise that I'm not churning out a song each week. Rather, I blog when I discover a really good song, or when I have a bit of time. Either way, you lovely readers get new music. I don't see why you would complain.

So this week's Song of the Week is a poppy, crisp number from Foals, 'My Number'. It's energetic and full of fun - quite a good dance tune as well. It's from their new-ish album Holy Fire (which I am very late in blogging about but frankly I do not care) and it's a very good song.

It's rather catchy and the guitar/keyboard riff sounds a bit like that song Popcorn. Foals are from the UK and their singer has a beard and I guess you would say they're indie but really I'm here for the music. yay music ^_^

Hm I could launch myself into a long analysis of the song but I'm not bothered. I'll just give you the song. Cheers.

SONG OF THE WEEK #8.

I've been away from school and home for a few days now but somehow I've come down with some ungodly virus or other and have lost my voice. Ugh. Now I have lost my voice and I can't record anything for Triple J until I get it back, which could very well be a long time.

Luckily for all of you readers out there, I can still type!

This week's song is a Triple J Unearthed song and the video is so Australian it hurts. I can imagine this being played at some indie bush doof while people play the c, s and f words (cricket, soccer and football. I promise I won't say them again) and drink Cottee's cordial and eat TimTams and fairy bread. The song is 'Told You So' by Brisbane band Cub Scouts.

The piece has such dreamy, ethereal vocals, yet the bass line and guitar twerk work to ground the song. The melody is great and the chorus is oh so catcy. Honestly, whenever someone says 'told you so' or even 'told' I break into song like it's Annie or something. Although I am honestly allergic to 'Tomorrow'.

I think I would really like to see these guys live, or see them at some kind of festival. Even as a support act. I remember a friend told me she went to a concert just to see the support act (her mum knows the girlfriend of the drummer of the band of the support act) and then they left. Actually quite a few of the concerts I've been to people do that. Bit of a waste, really. Music as a general rule is awesome.

So this video is perfect because it has Bubblegum Bills and a Mighty Ducks jersey and a curly dog. Need I say more?

Honestly this is my favourite song from their album even though everyone is always raving about 'Do You Hear' and 'Evie'. I think it's just easier to remember and as a general rule that constitutes how good a song is to me.

And as we can see in the video, when you knock over somebody's ice cream you face a Cuboom and retribution from the girl's band in the form of Angry Berries.

MUSIC HAUL #4.

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.

 

 

 

Well that's this Music Haul! Yay

SONG OF THE WEEK #7.

It's that often forgotten time of the week again and I am here to feature another great song! Actually there's so many good songs and since I keep throwing new/old songs around the place things get complicated. I actually make a Top 5 playlist on my phone as well as the normal listening playlist so I have a lot of musical weighing up to do. Or I could just do another Music Haul.

Ugh I feel all bloated like an overstuffed sheep because I made dolmades and they're so weird yet somewhat addicting:

It's me.

So this week's Song is quite an old song - okay not really. It's soooooooooo 2011 though.

It's 'Best Of Tomorrow' by Trial Kennedy.

Trial Kennedy are a raw, rough Aussie garage rock band but they broke up last year or so because of finance or something annoying like that. The song is a melodic, anthemic number with a brilliant vocalist - Tim Morrison - and it's a great song. The tune is catchy, especially the chorus, but it's not annoyingly catchy. It's fresh, kinda sounds Australian and is just a great song to listen or rock out to.

I know. It was good, wasn't it?

Enjoy your song. I'll probably have a small Music Haul lined up for next week :) any song requests, please comment! Till next time.

SONG OF THE WEEK #6.

So another week has rolled around and we're prepared to hear our next Song of the Week!
I was talking to a friend who reads this blog recently (yeah, she rocks) and she actually listens to the YouTube videos I post. That surprised me quite a lot but made me feel all warm and fluffy and fuzzy inside.

She happens to be a massive fan of old music and 60's stuff. I love the 70's and 80's quite a bit but 90's and 00's music is are my main waters. Maybe just 00's music. And this decade I've been pretty pumped about the music coming out.

So she said that she really liked my post with Jake Bugg - he does sound like Mick Jagger. I was going to pick a song that sounded kind of old and jaded but still somewhat fresh (to get her into new music that's just as good as the old stuff) but I thought I might pick a favourite of mine.

I often say that the reason mainstream music is so boring and generic nowadays is that all the good songs (cracker tunes, if you're reading this, Joe) were created decades ago. I actually have a listening playlist on my phone with all my favourite songs all meticulously arranged and a Top 5 list - I know, I'm a music dork.

Guster - Satellite

This is a personal love of mine. The otherworldly, warbling scales in the introduction set a really spaced-out feel for the song, and the catchy melody and chorus just add to the mood.

I know this one has been circulating the Internet for a while - Ganging Up On The Sun was released in 2006. It's still a fresh song that I listen to when I stargaze or whatever I do.
It's such a great song to sing along to so anyone willing to jam, you know where you can find me. Hint: on the floor with a hobo somewhere. It's what I do. •~

Speaking of which, Triple J Unearthed High is coming up and I have a song written for it. I have no idea how to record it though because I don't have GarageBand or whatever and my guitar is a super crappy one that I can't hook up to a computer. And of course, my voice is rather unfortunate.

So that's this week's Song of the Week! Any song requests, song recommendations or just plain ramblings are welcome. I will probably reply unless you're some spammer. Be prepared.

COVER FEST.

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.