What I’m listening to RIGHT now...

One of my favourite hobbies is definitely browsing through the internet hoping I can stumble across a spine tingling remix, an “oldie but a verygoodie” or a more up-to-date track. Here’s what this week has brought me:

Drake and Aaliyah – ‘Enough Said’

There’s been slight controversy over the posthumous album of the R ‘n’ B star particularly as Missy Elliott and Timbaland have both denied any plans to be involved with it. The Drake co-produced album is set for release at the end of the year and will include 16 of Aaliyah’s unreleased tracks along with contributions from various other artists. ‘Enough Said’ has been the first release of the album and in my opinion, I think the ‘Take Care’ star has done a really good job. As a fan of Aaliyah, I have always been so disappointed that I only remember the release of ‘More than a Woman,’ being at the cusp of stardom and reigning the charts. So, it’s been really refreshing to listen to the 90’s star in a more contemporary surrounding, generating a younger fan base in the hope to continue her influence in the music industry.

Crystal Castles – ‘Plague’

The turbulent twosome are back! If you found yourselves favouring the likes of ‘Baptism’ and ‘Celestica’ from their previous album then you will LOVE this new addition to their discography. When I listened for the first time, I did not know that I was in for the build-up to the most tumultuous, melodic explosion yet. Glass gives a haunting, monotonous vocal accompaniment which gains pitch and excitement throughout, leaving you almost breathless and craving more of their infectious electro infusions, so I’m guessing you’ll be pressing that repeat button…

Very excited for the upcoming album!

Angus Stone – ‘River Love’

It was only a matter of time until both Stone siblings released solo albums and I’m so glad they did. Julia Stone’s The Memory Machine back in 2010 showed off her uniquely beautiful voice and talent and with Angus’ Broken Brights, he does the same, if not more. I instantly found a likeness between him and some of the greats, ie. Dylan or Young and found it revitalized the softer tones from the duo’s previous albums, as the violin riffs and heavier accompaniment shows fans Angus’ gallant effort to create a fearless debut solo album.

Released on July 16^th this year, but still hasn’t received the recognition it deserves. Other top tracks include ‘Only a Woman’ and ‘Broken Brights.’

Let me know what you think, or if there is something you need/want reviewing! 

XO

REVIEW: THE RAVEONETTES - 'She Owns the Streets.'

So, it is approx 3:00am and as usual I am faced with the terrible insomnia that proves to be the nemesis for those who can’t find work…

The Raveonettes, however, have made this much too long an evening into something worthwhile. I’ve been on the laptop for hours trying to find an inspirational song, or something which will make my skin tingle.  You know that kind of feeling you get when you believe at that moment in time, you are listening to THE best song ever written? Well yeah… that’s what I was searching for and it turns out, that old phrase (pretty sure I’m paraphrasing here) ‘if you don’t look for something/someone, you’ll find it,’ is very true. I’d been searching for hours with not much luck and was just about to give up when I came across the NEW single by The Raveonettes, ‘She Owns the Streets.’

I’m already a big fan of this Danish duo and they’ve struck gold again. I particularly love the story behind the music video. NME tells me the dancing woman in the camcorder taken shots are of a well- known New York City eccentric, Loan. Her luminous outfits and enchanting dance moves go hand in hand with the hypnotic Raveonette riff.

The whole song is based around her…

The lyrics enquire: ‘I wana know her, I wana ask her. I wana know when she did go wrong…’

The enigmatic Loan captivates her audience, but The Raveonettes give the perfect soundtrack to the life of this character.

The video was shot entirely with an old camcorder, and it really enhances the early 90’s sound it reminds me of. The first ten seconds had me instantly making comparisons with the distinguishable sounds of The Jesus and Mary Chain.  This cries out to the 80’s born girl I wish I was, as I could’ve experienced sounds like this every week if I wanted to. But when I say this, it makes this track even more appealing as it is refusing to submit to what is expected of ‘indie rock’ these days. If you want to make it big, think of a catchy tune and a handful of repetitive lyrics and you’ll get there. With The Raveonettes, they do this but in a way which allows them to make their own mark on the music industry of today, continuing to separate themselves from the likes of Coldplay who have lost themselves for years  in the auto-tuned haze of The Top 40.

Here is an original piece of music which has inspired me to stay up and write this blog, only to tell the world that I think their song is GREAT and must be loved by everyone who hears it.

If a band can do that, even at 3am in the morning, they must be pretty good…

Night all. XO