“My Own Life,” - Long Beach Dub All-Stars: A great reggae track by a band from my hometown of Long Beach, California, I love the upbeat sound of this track. The guitar chord progressions give it classical ska/reggae feel, and I love the addition of the flute on the track. I also like the complete 180 change to a punk sound in the outro. This song really makes me want to go to the beach.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqbddrIV3xA
“I Wouldn’t Mind,” - He Is We: A very relaxing song by indie pop group, He Is We. The only consistent member of the band is singer Rachel Taylor. I love the acoustic sound of this track, as it’s laidback and conveys a warm and emotional song with the guitars. The vocal harmonies are beautiful as well. Definitely a group I need to listen to more of.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j3SI7FRJVk
“Kothbiro,” - Black Savage: A track from the Kenyan funk band’s self-titled album, this song was sampled by Kanye West on his song, “Yikes,” which might be one of my favorite songs of his. The song itself is beautiful, and as its sung in Swahili, “Kothbiro”, means “rain is coming.” I love the soulful organs and laidback guitar chords, and the bass riff is funky. I’ve only heard two songs by this group, the other being “Do You Really Care.” I might review this album in the future, as it turns 50 next year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbJi60I_sUk
“Andromeda,” - Weyes Blood: This soft rock track is another song that has engrained itself in my head. I really like the themes of astronomy and romance, and the melancholy tone overall. The gentle guitar paired with that symphonic orchestra in the chorus is absolutely glorious on the ears. Comparing her desire for love to being lost in a wide open galaxy is a unique, and different take on the themes of love in music, and it’s incredibly creative. I definitely need to check out more of Weyes Blood’s music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHGw78IJryE
“Let’s Go Surfing,” - The Drums: Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved surf rock. This track brings me back to California with it’s surfy guitar riffs and enthusiastic whistling. The Drums are a New York band that are a mixture of indie pop, surf rock, and alternative rock and the one constant member is Jonathan Pierce who is the lead vocalist and plays multiple instruments. They released an album this year, so I might review that next.