Recent Tuneage 9

Beck – Fix Me

Coming from the same album as Dear Life, this is one of those tracks that you’ll want to listen to while being on the window seat of a vehicle at night. Or when you’re feeling sentimental (or any time you feel like it). Combined with the music video, it gives you a feeling of being in heaven laced with melancholy and longing.

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – Fort Knox

This is probably the only track from their last year’s album that I really enjoyed. The song, with it’s minimal lyrics (“You gotta get yourself together”) combined with the high energy sound, is motivating.

Me And Michael – MGMT / Ako at si Michael – True Faith

MGMT trolled a lot of people (including yours truly) with their collaboration with True Faith. People thought that MGMT stole this song from True Faith. It’s quite a story.
The song, from their latest album, sounds like a mix of 80’s electropop and a power ballad. It is quite catchy, though the story told in the song is quite vague. Still, both versions deserve a listen.

Put Your Life On It – Kasabian

When I first listened to this track, this didn’t sound like a Kasabian track for me. But as the song progressed, it slowly felt like one. It’s amazing that despite the tempo of the bass drum never changes, it feels that the song changes tempos throughout the duration of the track.

Put It On A T-Shirt (Live Version) – The Vaccines

If the recent videos that The Vaccines have been posting are of any indication, their upcoming album will be awesome. Put It On A T-Shirt is my favorite–so far. It reminds me of Wrecking Bar (Ra Ra Ra), their debut single, the one that draw me to their music. The energetic vocals, mixed with fun, anger and sometimes with a dash of melancholy, all set to rocking rhythms result to a fine track.

Need A Little Time – Courtney Barnett

When I learned the release of this track, I expected to hear her typical deadpan, rambling quirky style. But no, this sounds different from her previous releases; more melancholic yet while she sings in her typical manner, it’s less apparent than say in, Pedestrian At Best. If this is how her songs will be in her upcoming album, I’m excited to hear the rest.

The Valentine’s Playlist 2018

Enjoy.

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Melee – The Ballad Of You And I (2010)

“Everyday that comes, every year gone by writes the ballad of you and I”

Coldplay – Strawberry Swing (2009)

“Without you it’s a waste of time”

Her’s – Dorothy (2017)

“I’ll stay outside ’til you’re back again”

The Preatures – Is This How You Feel? (2013)

“I could keep on with the same mistakes
Or I could make them with you”

Keane – On A Day Like A Today (2004)

“But I can never find the words to say
And I don’t know why”

Paolo Nutini – Last Request (2006)

“Sure I can accept that we’re going nowhere
But one last time let’s go there
Lay down beside me”

Recent Tuneage 8

It’s been quite a while when I posted a music playlist, and there had been a lot of tracks released (and I enjoy) since then. Here are some of them:

Dear Life by Beck

Dear Life sounds like a cry from somebody who is overwhelmed/tired with life: “Dear life, I think it’s gone too far / Dear life, please lower the bar / Lower than the stars”. Unbelievably upbeat one, for something like that.

 

Strobelite by Gorillaz (feat. Peven Everett)

Continuing with the tradition of Gorillaz providing some considerable time for their guest artists (at least for their latest album Humanz), is this dance tune with Peven Everett singing the lyrics. This is great soundtrack for those Friday night out with friends. Or when you just need to chill out.

 

Run For Cover by The Killers

While listening to this, it made me think of Spaceman, one of their songs from 2008. It’s good to hear this kind of rhythm and vocals from them again–it’s one of the things I missed and absent from their releases prior to this (albeit still good). Plus, the only song that reminds you that’s 2017 by including “fake news” on the lyrics.

 

Something To Remember Me By by The Horrors

I haven’t heard anything from The Horrors since Still Life back in 2011 (or maybe when discovered this one about 3 years ago), so hearing this was a bit of a shock. This track sounds different from the vibes their album Skying had, but this is all nice and groovy.

 

Creature Comfort by Arcade Fire

Currently my favorite track. Though Everything Now is a great track, I like the sounds in this one better. The final 30 seconds of this song always gets to me for some reason.

 

Do I Have To Talk You Into It by Spoon

Got attracted to this song the moment I heard it: the intriguing and dark tone; the raw energy the vocals resonate; the harmony of the instruments and the vocals.

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There are still more, you can check them here of you want.

 

 

The Valentine’s Playlist 2017

Alone? Heartbroken? Missing somebody?

After missing out last year, I’m now back to give you the soundtrack to your Valentine’s Day.

Enjoy!

—

SOAK – Sea Creatures (2015)

“I don’t know what to say, it might make you worse”

BORNS – Electric Love (2015)

“And every night my mind is running around her…”

Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam – A 1000 Times (2016)

“I had a dream that you were mine, I’ve had that dream a thousand times…”

Death Cab For Cutie – Cath… (2008)

“Cath, it seems that you live in someone else’s dream.”

Coldplay – Trouble (2000)

“And oh I never meant to cause you trouble
And oh and I never meant to do you wrong”

Jack White – Love Is Blindness (2012)

“Love is blindness, I’m so sick of it, I don’t wanna see…”

We Are Scientists – Classic Love (2016)

“If there’s somthing you thought was worth waiting for
Let it go, you won’t want it anymore…”

Mary J. Blige + U2 – One (2006)

“And I can’t be holding on to what you got
When all you got is hurt”

The 30-Day Music Challenge (A Playlist)

I was browsing Twitter one time when a friend posted a tweet about the 30-Day Music Challenge. I thought that it would be cool. I posted a track that corresponded to what should be posted on that day on my Twitter, for 30 days.

And so, here we are. This will serve as the full list of the tracks I used during this challenge, for those who don’t know my Twitter, or for my Twitter followers who doesn’t have the time to go through my old tweets (I didn’t post them as a conversation, so…)

Anyway, enjoy!

—

Day 1 (A song you like with a color in the title): Blue Ice by Shout Out Louds

Day 2 (A song you like with a number in the title): 100 Lovers by Tennis

Day 3 (A song that reminds you of summertime): Young Chasers by Circa Waves

Day 4 (A song that reminds you of someone you would rather forget about): Vanilla Twilight by Owl City

Day 5 (A song that needs to be played LOUD): Walk by Foo Fighters

Day 6 (A song that makes you want to dance): Stop The Rock by Apollo 440

Day 7 (A song to drive to): Sunday Driving by Rivermaya

Day 8 (A song about drugs or alcohol): Tubthumping by Chumbawamba

Day 9 (A song that makes you happy): The Hardest Part by Coldplay

Day 10 (A song that makes you sad): Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad? by Moby

Day 11 (A song that you never get tired of): Never Gonna Care by The Low Suns

Day 12 (A song from your preteen years): Powerless (Say What You Want) by Nelly Furtado

Day 13 (One of your favorite 70’s songs): Highway Star by Deep Purple

Day 14 (A song that you would love played at your wedding): Look After You by The Fray

Day 15 (A song that is a cover by another artist): White Winter Hymnal by Birdy (originally by Fleet Foxes)

Day 16 (One of your favorite classical songs): Die Fledermaus Overture by Johann Strauss II

Day 17 (A song that would sing a duet with on karaoke): Cruisin’ by Huey Lewis and Gwyneth Paltrow

Day 18 (A song from the year that you were born): More Than Words by Extreme

Day 19 (A song that makes you think about life): On The Ocean by Guster

Day 20 (A song that has many meanings to you): Bedshaped by Keane

Day 21 (A favorite song with a person’s name in the title): Valerie by The Zutons

Day 22 (A song that moves you forward): Leaving So Soon? by Keane

Day 23 (A song that you think everybody should listen to): An Act of Mercy by The Mercy Beat

Day 24 (A song by a band you wish were still together): You Don’t Know What Love Is (You Just Do as You’re Told) by The White Stripes

Day 25 (A song by an attist no longer living): Non, je ne regrette rien by Edith Piaf

Day 26 (A song that makes you want to fall in love): Closer by Travis

Day 27 (A song that breaks your heart): 4 Chords of the Apocalypse by Julian Casablancas

Day 28 (A song by an artist with a voice that you love): Watch How You Go by Keane

Day 29 (A song that you remember from your childhood): Cheeky Song (Touch My Bum) by The Cheeky Girls

Day 30 (A song that reminds you of yourself): Life Is Life by Noah And The Whale

Recent Tuneage 7

Time for some music!

All songs were released this year unless stated.

—

1. Welcome To Your Life by Grouplove

“You’re such a big mess / and I love you,” says this track from Grouplove. And sure enough, I love this despite being rough: the smooth and soft intro and verses coupled with near-scream/loud singing at 2:25 and 3:20 sure makes it not boring to listen to. Nice to headbang in those parts too, by the way.

2. Buckle by We Are Scientists

Haven’t heard anything from them since 2014, when they released their last album. And they sure didn’t disappoint when they came out with a new album earlier this year. This would be my favorite, reminiscent of their older sound. Plus the music video reminds me of the one for After Hours, in which one of them is in the “losing end”. Works out well in the end though.

3. Hole In My Soul by Kaiser Chiefs

If you listened to Kaiser Chief’s older tracks, then you’ll be in for a shock in this track from their latest album. Unlike Ruby and Never Miss A Beat, this one sounds like a love song that a typical male pop group would make–something that I normally wouldn’t like. I would’ve disliked it, if it weren’t for good lyrics and the rhythm that tries to say, “hey, rock music here”, even if it isn’t rock at all.

4. Hell No by Ingrid Michaelson

A quick search on Google revealed that Ingrid Michaelson isn’t really new to the music scene, but this song would be the first one I’ve heard from her. Not the first pop song that’s about being strong after a breakup (“Am I gonna miss you? / Hell no!”), but it does make cheer you up. Or channel that anger out. Either way, this track gave me a good first impression for the artist.

5. Starboy by The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk

Not really a fan of The Weeknd, but gave this one a listen after a friend recommended this one, not expecting to love this track. But no, I was proven wrong. This song sounds smooth and chill, perfect for some evenings in which you want to relax.

Meine Sommer-Playlist (12) [UPDATED]

It’s that time of the year again, where I feature tracks to break the summer boredom with songs that are not necessarily your typical summer jams.

This year’s summer playlist will be longer than usual, as I might not be able to make another one for this year. (Just think of the longer playlist as a treat.)

Have fun!

Note: All tracks featured in this playlist were released in 2016 unless indicated.

[UPDATE: Included three more tracks: #s 3, 5 & 11 (5/6/2016)]

1. Telomere by Mystery Jets

2. Keep Me Close by The Boxer Rebellion

3. Burn The Witch by Radiohead

4. Dancing On Glass by St. Lucia (2015)

5. Pedestrian At Best by Courtney Barnett (2015)

6. Boyfriend by Tegan and Sara

7. Absolutely by Ra Ra Riot (SEIZURE WARNING, just listen to it if sensitive to flashing lights)

8. Upside Down & Inside Out by OK Go

9. Electric Love by BORNS (2015)

10. Fall Together by The Temper Trap

11. Videoke Queen by Rico Blanco

12. The Last Thing On My Mind by The Joy Formidable

13. Thank God For Girls by Weezer (2015)

14. Magnificent Time by Travis

Recent Tuneage 6

Blimey, I haven’t been here for quite a while. I’ve been busy with work and other stuff.

And on top of that, I haven’t made a music post since, what, June?

So here we go, some tracks that I’ve been enjoying for the past two months or so.

Enjoy!

Note: all songs are from the current year (2015) unless indicated.

—

1. CHVRCHES – Leave a Trace

2. Foals – What Went Down

3. Foals – Mountain At My Gates

4. Everclear – The Man Who Broke His Own Heart

5. All American Rejects – Beekeeper’s Daughter (2012)

6. Muse – Lies (CHVRCHES cover)

7. The Vaccines – Want You So Bad

8. Tame Impala – The Moment

—

Of the entries in this list, I enjoy #6 the most. Though #s 2 and 3 also deserve some attention.

Must-Heards: If You Wanna Stay (The Griswolds, 2014)

Note: I initially thought that this was a new song, but apparently this was released last year. It’s just the band released the official music video a week ago, so I was confused by that.

So, I was looking for music on the Internet when I found this one. I’ve known of them since last year from their song ‘Right On Track‘ which, to be honest, didn’t impress me that much. I like it, but not enough for me to find it all the time in Youtube or put it in my music player.

But back to this track. First impression was good. It was upbeat, and made me happy just by listening to it. But when I looked up the lyrics of this one, I found this:

There’s this light upon my face
To tell me something’s about to change
Just another cold embrace
I’m talking like I did yesterday

And this:

If you wanna stay
I will never miss you while I’m away

I didn’t expect that something like this would be in this track. It reminds me of The Hardest Part by Coldplay, which some consider as the happiest breakup song, with sad verse infused in happy, celebratory music.

So, curious now? Listen to this track here:

Music Picks, Remixed (A Playlist)

Remixes.

When I hear that word, it usually makes me think of nightclubs and dancing. Not my…type (and please, don’t start talking about EDM).

However, there are times that I like it when somebody makes a remix of a song that I love because:

• it provides a new dimension to it,
• it turns some songs into upbeat tracks and/or,
• it transforms the song into something more enjoyable.

So, enjoy these tracks!

—

1. Bleachers – I Wanna Get Better (Rac Remix)

2. Noah and the Whale – Life is Life (Yuksek Remix)

3. Gorillaz – 19-2000 (Soulchild Remix)

4. U.N.K.L.E. – Rabbit In Your Headlights feat. Thom Yorke (Underdog Remix)

5. The Asteroids Galaxy Tour – The Golden Age (Justice Remix)

6. Keane – Perfectly Bedshaped (The Trance Mixed)

7. Coldplay – The Scientist (Dubstep Remix)