“Moment,” - Vierre Cloud: An electronic track that I recently discovered, “Moment,” is a upbeat track that samples, “A New Kind of Love,” by British electronic duo, Frou Frou. The sample is pitched up and sped up, but I always enjoy when a sample helps me discover new music. It’s about a long distance relationship, and enjoying the love of the relationship in every moment spent together. I like it for its positive message and how the track is remixed with the fast tempo drum production.
“Harakiri,” - Serj Tankian: A song by the extremely talented lead vocalist of System of a Down, Serj Tankian. I love how visual the lyrics are and how Serj showcases his amazing vocal range. I also like the pro-environmental messages of the song, and how he compares our lack of action to protect our planet, to the Greek myth of Icarus. “The future, will view all history as a crime,” in my opinion is a reference to the numerous atrocities mankind has committed against each other and the world at large.
“De-Luxe,” - Lush: I first heard this song in the video game Rockband 2, and it’s left an impression on me ever since I was a kid. It’s by a relatively well known British shoegaze band called Lush, and while they were only together for 9 years, they made quite an impact in the shoegaze and dream pop genres. They broke up after their drummer, Chris Acland died from suicide, which is sad, because they could’ve been around a lot longer. The London band’s sound has aged incredibly well, this track is 34 years old, but it doesn’t sound that old. I love the crisp guitars from Miki Berenyi and Emma Anderson.
“Don’t Feed the Pigeons,” - Bumsy and the Moochers: I have a love for the genres of ska, reggae, and ska punk, and this track falls into the ska punk genre. I discovered this song through Apple Music’s playlist, “Inspired by Sublime,” and it sounds very similar to No Doubt, but that’s part of the reason why I like it. Chicago ska punk band, Bumsy and the Moochers, have been around since 2012, so I’m gonna definitely check out more of their stuff now. I like the aggressive vocals of lead singer Caitlin Edwards, the horn section in the chorus, and the shift from more calm guitar chord progressions in the verses, to harsher distorted power chords in the chorus.
“Valerie (’68 Version) - Amy Winehouse: A song from the late, great Amy Winehouse, is actually a jazzier cover of the track with the same name by British indie rock band, The Zutons. She worked on this track in the studio with her producer, Mark Ronson, and I love how soulful it is. Amy’s lovely voice shines bright on this track, and I like the reverb-soaked guitar chords with that minimalist horn section. A legend who was gone too soon.