Recommended by Bex:
The second time a greatest hits collection has graced my page in as many months. I really miss good R&B music like this.
I loved the days when 'U Know What's Up' was in the charts, Aaliyah was Queen, and a hit wasn't a hit without a rap feature - 'Let Me Blow Ya Mind' and 'Never Be the Same Again', anyone?
The remix version with Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes was notably absent from the official track listing; I added this to my digital album. Also, 'In the Hood' (first single from his 1996 debut) works as an album opener.
Sunday 30 August 2015
Saturday 22 August 2015
Destiny's Child - Destiny Fulfilled
Recommended by Bex:
From beginning to end, the ladies were telling us a story:
An unsatisfying man, full of empty promises (Lose My Breath)
The type of man they wanted (Soldier)
How to treat this new man (Cater 2 U)
To how she misses him when he is gone (T-Shirt)
Why he doesn't act the same (Is She the Reason)
He cheats and her friends tell her to let him go (Girl)
Leaving is always difficult (Bad Habit)
But finally they let him go (If)
Now she is rid of him (Free)
They were hurt by what he did and are (Through with Love)
But true (Love) is in us and our friendships.
From beginning to end, the ladies were telling us a story:
An unsatisfying man, full of empty promises (Lose My Breath)
The type of man they wanted (Soldier)
How to treat this new man (Cater 2 U)
To how she misses him when he is gone (T-Shirt)
Why he doesn't act the same (Is She the Reason)
He cheats and her friends tell her to let him go (Girl)
Leaving is always difficult (Bad Habit)
But finally they let him go (If)
Now she is rid of him (Free)
They were hurt by what he did and are (Through with Love)
But true (Love) is in us and our friendships.
Sunday 16 August 2015
Zendaya - Zendaya
Recommended by Bex:
With a strong resemblance to Cassie, and influences including Aaliyah, Rihanna and Bridgit Mendler, I'm very surprised I am only now aware of this debut. Zendaya has since been working with Timbaland, Diane Warren and Babyface on the follow-up to her 2013 release.
Earlier this year, Zendaya (which means 'to give thanks') starred as Cut-Throat in Taylor Swift's 'Bad Blood' video. For many, this was an introduction to the talented actress, singer and dancer.
With a strong resemblance to Cassie, and influences including Aaliyah, Rihanna and Bridgit Mendler, I'm very surprised I am only now aware of this debut. Zendaya has since been working with Timbaland, Diane Warren and Babyface on the follow-up to her 2013 release.
Earlier this year, Zendaya (which means 'to give thanks') starred as Cut-Throat in Taylor Swift's 'Bad Blood' video. For many, this was an introduction to the talented actress, singer and dancer.
Monday 10 August 2015
Norah Jones - Feels Like Home
Recommended by Bex:
I really love Norah Jones. I have always felt such a deep admiration for her as a major talent in the folk-blues genre. I travelled to Brussels to see her perform in 2012 and, since then, my respect has only grown.
With a debut album as extraordinary and exemplary as Come Away with Me, Norah Jones had a lot to live up to. Tonight I was reminded of the sheer brilliance of her sophomore. If I am ever in a degree of turmoil, Norah's work (along with Laura Marling and Agnes Obel) is a real tonic.
If your head is busy, or the day is running away from you, put this on and I assure you things will improve. Thank you Norah and band.
I really love Norah Jones. I have always felt such a deep admiration for her as a major talent in the folk-blues genre. I travelled to Brussels to see her perform in 2012 and, since then, my respect has only grown.
With a debut album as extraordinary and exemplary as Come Away with Me, Norah Jones had a lot to live up to. Tonight I was reminded of the sheer brilliance of her sophomore. If I am ever in a degree of turmoil, Norah's work (along with Laura Marling and Agnes Obel) is a real tonic.
If your head is busy, or the day is running away from you, put this on and I assure you things will improve. Thank you Norah and band.
Thursday 30 July 2015
Linkin Park - The Hunting Party
Recommended by Bex:
As mentioned earlier this month, Hybrid Theory is one of my favourite albums of all time. I remember listening to it non-stop when at school, and even now I put it on from time to time.
Reviewers tend to describe The Hunting Party as a step back towards where they started from. It is a lot heavier than anything the band have produced since Meteora, with a more hard rock feel to the album.
The artwork for this release is also top notch:
As mentioned earlier this month, Hybrid Theory is one of my favourite albums of all time. I remember listening to it non-stop when at school, and even now I put it on from time to time.
Reviewers tend to describe The Hunting Party as a step back towards where they started from. It is a lot heavier than anything the band have produced since Meteora, with a more hard rock feel to the album.
The artwork for this release is also top notch:
Friday 24 July 2015
Jack Off Jill - Clear Hearts Grey Flowers
Recommended by Bex:
I get to see them live in October! I'm seeing them live! *Breathes*
I get to see them live in October! I'm seeing them live! *Breathes*
Wednesday 15 July 2015
Linkin Park - Living Things
Recommended by Bex:
Listening to Living Things, which I so far prefer to last year's The Hunting Party, makes me wonder why I ever stopped listening to Linkin Park.
Seriously. Hybrid Theory remains one of my all-time favourite releases, Meteora held the pace well, after that they were outside my radar. If you're anything like me you need to catch up: this band are still fire.
Listening to Living Things, which I so far prefer to last year's The Hunting Party, makes me wonder why I ever stopped listening to Linkin Park.
Seriously. Hybrid Theory remains one of my all-time favourite releases, Meteora held the pace well, after that they were outside my radar. If you're anything like me you need to catch up: this band are still fire.
Monday 6 July 2015
t.A.T.u. - The Best
Recommended by Bex:
Is this the best greatest hits release? The answer may surprise you.
When t.A.T.u. released 'All the Things She Said' they were marketed as lesbians, and the music passed a lot of people by. They have several nice tracks such as '30 Minutes' and, my current favourite, 'Novaya Model'.
The English version of the latter, 'Perfect Enemy', appears on The Best, but I prefer the pronunciation and lyrical content (when translated) of 'Novaya Model', or New Model. Overall, this is a great collection.
Is this the best greatest hits release? The answer may surprise you.
When t.A.T.u. released 'All the Things She Said' they were marketed as lesbians, and the music passed a lot of people by. They have several nice tracks such as '30 Minutes' and, my current favourite, 'Novaya Model'.
The English version of the latter, 'Perfect Enemy', appears on The Best, but I prefer the pronunciation and lyrical content (when translated) of 'Novaya Model', or New Model. Overall, this is a great collection.
Sunday 31 May 2015
Paul McCartney - Ram
Recommended by Bex:
This is a domestic-bliss album, one of the weirdest, earthiest, and most honest ever made. Ram, simply put, is the first Paul McCartney release completely devoid of John's musical influence. John wiggled his way into some of the album's lyrics - in those fresh, post-breakup years, the two couldn't quite keep each other out of their music.
But musically, Ram proposes an alternate universe where young Paul skipped church the morning of July 6, 1957, and the two never crossed paths. It's breezy, abstracted, completely hallucinogen-free, and utterly lacking grandiose ambitions. It has a certain homemade charm.
As one Amazon reviewer puts it: If you only buy one Macca album this has got to be the one. You can even give Band on the Run a miss if you like (though I'd struggle). I listen to this album and I think - I'll have what they're having. It's beautiful. It's amazing. Buy it and get drunk on it.
This is a domestic-bliss album, one of the weirdest, earthiest, and most honest ever made. Ram, simply put, is the first Paul McCartney release completely devoid of John's musical influence. John wiggled his way into some of the album's lyrics - in those fresh, post-breakup years, the two couldn't quite keep each other out of their music.
But musically, Ram proposes an alternate universe where young Paul skipped church the morning of July 6, 1957, and the two never crossed paths. It's breezy, abstracted, completely hallucinogen-free, and utterly lacking grandiose ambitions. It has a certain homemade charm.
As one Amazon reviewer puts it: If you only buy one Macca album this has got to be the one. You can even give Band on the Run a miss if you like (though I'd struggle). I listen to this album and I think - I'll have what they're having. It's beautiful. It's amazing. Buy it and get drunk on it.
Friday 22 May 2015
Ciara - Jackie
Recommended by Bex:
For me, Ciara's self-titled release is her best. Nonetheless, this is a fierce return to form. I really wanted her to stick to the One Woman Army concept for 2013's Ciara; this gives fans a long-awaited glimpse.
For me, Ciara's self-titled release is her best. Nonetheless, this is a fierce return to form. I really wanted her to stick to the One Woman Army concept for 2013's Ciara; this gives fans a long-awaited glimpse.
Thursday 14 May 2015
Róisín Murphy - Hairless Toys
Recommended by Bex:
An excellent album, less poppy and more subdued in direction of experimental electronica than her last. Róisín's distinctive vocals are forever associated with the feel of wild and ecstatic nineties clubbing.
Her solo worked has proved that complexity of the music is her own invention: her moves in various music styles, her mixing of trip hop, electronic, disco, house. A mature and well done album demonstrating the organic growth of a true artist. She's also pretty fun to see live.
An excellent album, less poppy and more subdued in direction of experimental electronica than her last. Róisín's distinctive vocals are forever associated with the feel of wild and ecstatic nineties clubbing.
Her solo worked has proved that complexity of the music is her own invention: her moves in various music styles, her mixing of trip hop, electronic, disco, house. A mature and well done album demonstrating the organic growth of a true artist. She's also pretty fun to see live.
Thursday 7 May 2015
Laura Marling - Short Movie
Recommended by Bex:
I always find seeing Laura perform a thousand times better than listening to the studio release. The albums are good, often great, but they never quite click until I hear them live. I've seen her six times now, more than any other artist, yet I nearly talked myself out of going the first time.
As with every other era, the magic is in the performance. She seems stronger and more confident than ever, but in a very delicate way. The lighting on the Short Movie tour is particularly striking. 'False Hope' stood out as a vibrant rock song live - who knew Laura wanted to play more electric guitar?
What I consistently admire is that she is the least lovey-dovey singer-songwriter. As one of the least said people myself, I find that comforting. Laura's romantic references are usually sceptical, such as the 'When we were in love (if we were)' line of 'I Was an Eagle'.
I would strongly urge everyone to see Laura Marling live.
I always find seeing Laura perform a thousand times better than listening to the studio release. The albums are good, often great, but they never quite click until I hear them live. I've seen her six times now, more than any other artist, yet I nearly talked myself out of going the first time.
As with every other era, the magic is in the performance. She seems stronger and more confident than ever, but in a very delicate way. The lighting on the Short Movie tour is particularly striking. 'False Hope' stood out as a vibrant rock song live - who knew Laura wanted to play more electric guitar?
What I consistently admire is that she is the least lovey-dovey singer-songwriter. As one of the least said people myself, I find that comforting. Laura's romantic references are usually sceptical, such as the 'When we were in love (if we were)' line of 'I Was an Eagle'.
I would strongly urge everyone to see Laura Marling live.
Thursday 30 April 2015
Purity Ring - Another Eternity
Recommended by Bex:
Richer, trippier-sounding and generally more inviting than debut Shines. Megan's voice sounds so clear, pure and haunting; and there's all sorts of good stuff going on beneath her wonderfully strange vocals, all the way down to some gorgeous surging bass.
This has more class, in some way. The album flows better, making this sound like a cohesive project with almost angelic vocal refrain.
Richer, trippier-sounding and generally more inviting than debut Shines. Megan's voice sounds so clear, pure and haunting; and there's all sorts of good stuff going on beneath her wonderfully strange vocals, all the way down to some gorgeous surging bass.
This has more class, in some way. The album flows better, making this sound like a cohesive project with almost angelic vocal refrain.
Wednesday 22 April 2015
Tinashe - Amethyst
Recommended by Bex:
Amethyst has much of the same hazy, dream-like vibe as her debut. The project, which Tinashe urges listeners to take in as one cohesive body of work, was wholly recorded in Tinashe's bedroom during her Christmas 2014 vacation. Her bedroom recording sessions have led to some great work in the past, including several cuts on Aquarius.
One of the benefits of free mixtapes is the experimentation it allows artists, to test different sounds and stylings before the release of their next studio project. On Amethyst, these experiments work well; I for one await her next release with Bated Breath. Oh yeah.
Amethyst has much of the same hazy, dream-like vibe as her debut. The project, which Tinashe urges listeners to take in as one cohesive body of work, was wholly recorded in Tinashe's bedroom during her Christmas 2014 vacation. Her bedroom recording sessions have led to some great work in the past, including several cuts on Aquarius.
One of the benefits of free mixtapes is the experimentation it allows artists, to test different sounds and stylings before the release of their next studio project. On Amethyst, these experiments work well; I for one await her next release with Bated Breath. Oh yeah.
Saturday 11 April 2015
Tinashe - Aquarius
Recommended by Bex:
Linking the decadent alt-R&B of The Weeknd to Aaliyah's seductive cyber-pop, L.A. singer Tinashe’s debut rings with synthetic beauty. Lurid, crawling atmospherics led by beats and keys underpin the 22-year-old's delicate vocals.
Singles released include '2 On' with Schoolboy Q, 'Pretend', and my summer anthem 'All Hands on Deck' - that MuuMuse wrote provides a 'truly nasty, finger-snapping alarm call for the dancefloor'.
'The girl continues to be the future of pop, end of story'.
Linking the decadent alt-R&B of The Weeknd to Aaliyah's seductive cyber-pop, L.A. singer Tinashe’s debut rings with synthetic beauty. Lurid, crawling atmospherics led by beats and keys underpin the 22-year-old's delicate vocals.
Singles released include '2 On' with Schoolboy Q, 'Pretend', and my summer anthem 'All Hands on Deck' - that MuuMuse wrote provides a 'truly nasty, finger-snapping alarm call for the dancefloor'.
'The girl continues to be the future of pop, end of story'.
Sunday 5 April 2015
Shania Twain - Come On Over
Recommended by Bex:
This is a fantastic album, one that I now realise I severely overlooked in the late 90s. There seems to be a song for every occasion:
Relationships ('You're Still the One', 'You've Got a Way')
Heartache ('When')
Longing ('If You Wanna Touch Her, Ask!')
Empowerment ('Black Eyes, Blue Tears')
Work stress ('Honey, I'm Home')
Sarcasm ('That Dont Impress Me Much', 'Don't Be Stupid')
And, new term, Denialville ('Whatever You Do! Don't!')
This is a fantastic album, one that I now realise I severely overlooked in the late 90s. There seems to be a song for every occasion:
Relationships ('You're Still the One', 'You've Got a Way')
Heartache ('When')
Longing ('If You Wanna Touch Her, Ask!')
Empowerment ('Black Eyes, Blue Tears')
Work stress ('Honey, I'm Home')
Sarcasm ('That Dont Impress Me Much', 'Don't Be Stupid')
And, new term, Denialville ('Whatever You Do! Don't!')
Monday 23 February 2015
Avril Lavigne - Avril Lavigne
Recommended by Bex:
This album is such a grower! I get the impression myself and Avril are at similar phases in our respective lives. We grew up too soon, acted like adults, worked hard; now we're back to being young and carefree.
Standout tracks include: Rock n Roll, Give You What You Like, Bad Girl, Hello Kitty, You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet, Hello Heartache.
This album is such a grower! I get the impression myself and Avril are at similar phases in our respective lives. We grew up too soon, acted like adults, worked hard; now we're back to being young and carefree.
Standout tracks include: Rock n Roll, Give You What You Like, Bad Girl, Hello Kitty, You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet, Hello Heartache.
Saturday 14 February 2015
Lights - Little Machines
Recommended by Bex:
Lights has become a wife and mother since the release of Siberia and this could explain the more mature sound to her music. Album opener 'Portal' marks an incredible shift dynamically for Lights. It's slow paced and emotionally brooding, offering chances to break free but ignoring every one of them.
Her love of poetry and art has resulted in one of 2014's strongest pop albums lyrically, and has the simple pop genetics to back it up. There are signs of her perhaps adding recent life experiences to her songwriting in Little Machines (such as 'Don't Go Home Without Me'). As an individual, she is a strong role model and conveys a very positive outlook on life.
Lights has become a wife and mother since the release of Siberia and this could explain the more mature sound to her music. Album opener 'Portal' marks an incredible shift dynamically for Lights. It's slow paced and emotionally brooding, offering chances to break free but ignoring every one of them.
Her love of poetry and art has resulted in one of 2014's strongest pop albums lyrically, and has the simple pop genetics to back it up. There are signs of her perhaps adding recent life experiences to her songwriting in Little Machines (such as 'Don't Go Home Without Me'). As an individual, she is a strong role model and conveys a very positive outlook on life.
Monday 9 February 2015
Charli XCX - Sucker
Recommended by Bex:
Following collaborations with Iggy Azalea and Rita Ora, not to mention a big solo hit with 'Boom Clap', Charli XCX has been catapulted into the mainstream. And it's about time, as she had been gnawing at its edges, full of infectious, self-penned songs for no little while.
This is her third album overall, and the first that will really engage with a sizeable audience, but its maker hasn't compromised an inch. Sucker finds that same, singular performer rewriting the rules entirely, never mind breaking any, and beating pop at its own game.
Listen to the excellent predecessor, True Romance, in full here.
Following collaborations with Iggy Azalea and Rita Ora, not to mention a big solo hit with 'Boom Clap', Charli XCX has been catapulted into the mainstream. And it's about time, as she had been gnawing at its edges, full of infectious, self-penned songs for no little while.
This is her third album overall, and the first that will really engage with a sizeable audience, but its maker hasn't compromised an inch. Sucker finds that same, singular performer rewriting the rules entirely, never mind breaking any, and beating pop at its own game.
Listen to the excellent predecessor, True Romance, in full here.
Sunday 1 February 2015
Slipknot - .5: The Gray Chapter
Recommended by Bex:
This is the first Slipknot album that has really captured my attention since the Iowa days. The new tracks sounded brilliant live in Cardiff, demonstrating their consistency and continual progression.
Such was the level of fandom in the arena that frontman Corey Taylor was bordering on speechless when the crowd sat down in the middle of 'Spit It Out', no instructions necessary; they knew the old sit down, jump up routine that the band requests in big live gigs. Being a witness to this night of extremes – visual, audible and physical – was incredibly fun.
This is the first Slipknot album that has really captured my attention since the Iowa days. The new tracks sounded brilliant live in Cardiff, demonstrating their consistency and continual progression.
Such was the level of fandom in the arena that frontman Corey Taylor was bordering on speechless when the crowd sat down in the middle of 'Spit It Out', no instructions necessary; they knew the old sit down, jump up routine that the band requests in big live gigs. Being a witness to this night of extremes – visual, audible and physical – was incredibly fun.
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