tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66985915139869360482024-03-14T08:24:06.719+00:00BLOG (comma) MUSICBlog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.comBlogger665125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-57091270416177981492019-05-03T01:22:00.003+01:002019-05-03T01:22:33.955+01:00Where Are They Now?<div style="text-align: justify;">
April was a huge transitional month, not only in the world of general news, politics and hot topics but also in regards to music and even my own personal life. I've been away from the blog for a while and it's had me thinking of all of the artists who have been away from the scene for a while. The ones who seem to have vanished into the abyss when I believe that they could easily fit into the current mainstream musical climate if they were around today.</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/katyb/" target="_blank">KATY B</a> </b></div>
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When Katy B first debuted on the mainstream music scene with the absolute <i>banger</i>, "Katy On A Mission", in 2011 she was the everything girl in the UK. She was on all the stations, on all the line ups and at all of the functions. Her most recent project in 2016 <i>Honey </i>didn't do as well as I would've hoped and despite this being fairly recent, I haven't heard her mentioned in the mainstream in quite the same way as 2011 since. A crying shame.</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/laroux/" target="_blank">LA ROUX</a> </b></div>
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Another singer who made a huge splash in the mainstream and then sort of evaporated a year on. In 2009 La Roux came into my eye-line with "In For The Kill" straight up pop banger with the swagger that Christine (and the Queens) has to boot. I even had the pleasure of seeing her live after her 2014 <i>Trouble in Paradise </i>and almost believed that'd be the start of the comeback. However, here we are 5 years later; no music and no more hope.</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MagneticMan/" target="_blank">MAGNETIC MAN</a></b></div>
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Since their 2010 hit "Perfect Stranger" with previously mentioned Katy B, I've heard hide nor hair of Magnetic Man as a collective. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/artworkmagnetic/" target="_blank">Artwork</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/skream/" target="_blank">Skream</a> have gone on to do more than their counterpart <a href="https://www.facebook.com/iambenga/" target="_blank">Benga</a>, however I'm sad that they haven't all come back together to collaborate since. Judging by their debut self-titled album, and given the way that production technology has developed since, had they kept at it I could easily hear them being mentioned in tandem with the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/feelmybicep/" target="_blank">Bicep</a>s and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bonoboofficial/" target="_blank">Bonobo</a>s of the electronic world. I feel like we lost something here.</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/delilahofficial/" target="_blank">DELILAH</a> </b></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">This is one of the biggest losses on this list for me. In a time when the mainstream is inundated with songstresses that not only look alike but also sound alike, the search for a unique female voice at the moment is a strong. Delilah's debut album </span><i style="text-align: justify;">From The Roots Up </i><span style="text-align: justify;">played on my iPod Touch for the majority of 2012-13, it's reappeared almost every year since then but alas, mew music hasn't reappeared with it.</span></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/esmeedenters/" target="_blank">ESMÉE DENTERS</a></b></div>
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This story's a little bit trickier than the rest. Esmée's had quite the tumultuous career since bursting on the scene with "Outta Here". Her debut album, <i>Outta Here</i>, produced by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/justintimberlake/" target="_blank">Justin Timberlake</a> was one of my favourite projects to drop that year. Aside from its singles "Outta Here" and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ues2EUPP9DI" target="_blank">Admit It</a>", there wasn't much of a hullaballoo surrounding Esmée or her album. Since then she's popped up here and there on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq-CnHiFkPk" target="_blank">The Voice</a> and has even recently released a single. However, I unfortunately still feel like there was wasted potential here.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Bobatl/" target="_blank">B.O.B</a></b></div>
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The golden boy and the king of the charts throughout 2010. Where is he now? Similarly to Esmée he's actually been releasing consistently since his arrival on the scene. However, his star seems to have burnt too fast and too bright initially and he's still left chasing its tail. Aside from his 2011 mixtape <i>No Genre </i>I've not had interest in B.o.B or his projects since, and the buzz surrounding his name has died down shockingly and considerably.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/alexisjordanofficial/" target="_blank">ALEXIS JORDAN</a></b></div>
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I never I thought I'd be writing about the demise of a career that was kicked off by the likes of Jay-Z and Simon Cowell but here we are. "Happiness" was the <b>anthem </b>of the Spring/Summer in 2011, and definitely fits in well with the sounds of people like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LittleMixOfficial/" target="_blank">Little Mix</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/iamannemarie/" target="_blank">Anne Marie</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JessGlynne/" target="_blank">Jess Glynne</a> today. However, since the equally catchy follow up singles, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8JlM_IE09E" target="_blank">Hush Hush</a>" and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAKsClqcgDQ" target="_blank">Good Girl</a>", and the self-titled debut album, Alexis Jordan got snapped into dust.<br />
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<br />Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-53725667821402018322019-03-08T00:50:00.002+00:002019-03-21T16:38:51.493+00:00International Women's Day 2019<div style="text-align: justify;">
We've already had a phenomenal week of releases from womxn let alone the past 3 months. It's apparent more now than ever the sheer brilliance of the womxn in today's society and how much we're achieving within the music industry and far beyond. So in honour of today, and Women's History Month in general, I wanted to briefly talk about a few of my favourite releases from womxn this year so far and music that should most definitely be on your radar. </div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/charlotteadigery/" target="_blank">CHARLOTTE ADIGÉRY</a> </b>- Zandoli</div>
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I came across Charlotte after seeing her band <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wwwatersounds/" target="_blank">Wwwater</a> perform early last year and have been following her music since. Her experimental and original instrumentals stand her apart from the saturated whirlpool of today's music world, whilst her voice and lyrics make her music easy to relate to and see the brilliance in. </div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/anaiszero/" target="_blank">ANAÏS</a> </b>- Darkness At Play</div>
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I have already raved and raved about anaïs' single "<a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2019/01/fresh-music-friday.html" target="_blank">woman</a>" from this album and even though I've said it once, I'll say it again. The vocal perform on not only this single but across the entire album is still one of the best that I've heard this year. Incredible harmonies and unique melodies. I am entirely here for this album. Also, if you hadn't already guessed from the title, it's a pretty apt song to play today of all days.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jamilawoodsofficial/" target="_blank">JAMILA WOODS</a> </b>- ZORA</div>
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I can't wait for this album to come out. After her debut record <i><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2017/12/number-twenty-seven.html" target="_blank">HEAVN</a></i> last year, this single along with "<a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2018/10/video-premiere-gionvanni.html" target="_blank">GIOVANNI</a>" have made me quietly confident in the idea that Jamila's sophomore album might just pip her debut at the post. These singles continue to get me through many a commute or difficult weekday morning. I'm counting on <i>LEGACY! LEGACY!</i> to get me through the rest of 2019.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/amahlamusic/" target="_blank">AMAHLA</a> </b>- Consider This</div>
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An up and comer from the Roundhouse artist scene, Amahla demonstrates a vocal control that many have likened to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/amywinehouse/" target="_blank">Amy Winehouse</a>. Similarly to the legend, Amahla boasts a voice that can tell stories from before her time. a soulful croon that will stay embedded in your mind long after first listen. Her presence is picking up steam around London and I wouldn't be surprised if the mainstream started hearing from her fairly soon.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/EmmavieSXF/" target="_blank">EMMAVIE</a> </b>- OOPS</div>
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Another memorable London songstress. Emmavie has released a number of singles and music these past few months which, I'm hoping and praying, means that she'll be releasing an album or EP fairly soon. She'll be performing at the Royal Albert Hall in April and rightly so. Her tone of voice is buttery and her songs are catchy, she'd be a welcome addition to today's R&B mainstream.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LittleSimz/" target="_blank">LITTLE SIMZ</a> </b>- GREY Area</div>
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Possibly my favourite release from the entire bunch. Little Simz has done it again. It's no secret how much I admire Simbi and her work and she's not only tweaked and re-invented her sound on this album; she's done it with a confidence and flair that you only really expect from older more seasoned icons. However, that's exactly what Simz has set herself up to be with this album, an icon.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Shingai.Official/" target="_blank">SHINGAI</a> </b>- Coming Home </div>
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Speaking of icons, the legendary Shingai Shoniwa, previously lead singer of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheNoisettes/" target="_blank">The Noisettes</a>, is back to bless our eardrums again with her powerful vocals. Her latest single before her EP release later this year touches back into her Zimbabwean roots with a catchy and uplifting message that you will without a doubt be singing long after your first listen. She has most definitely, still got it.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/solange/" target="_blank">SOLANGE</a> </b>- When I Get Home </div>
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Of course! The most anticipated album out of the entire bunch. I have been waiting for this album to be in my life ever since the already classic <i><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2016/12/on-first-day-of-christmas.html" target="_blank">A Seat At The Table</a></i>. I must say, I was expecting to be more enamoured with the album after first listen but since listening back several times there are definitely a number of shining moments throughout. This is a beautiful and artistic piece of work.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Szjerdene/" target="_blank">SZJERDENE</a> </b>- Restart</div>
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Another name that I hadn't heard from in a while. Since finding out about Szjerdene's voice from Bonobo's brilliant <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7sN6lCgPf1rbZYmA3edMKv?si=_jSuSZJySB6xZJ-W_95Urg" target="_blank">The North Borders</a> </i>I've kept an ear out for what she might have up her sleeve next. After a few singles here and there we have her latest single "Restart", before the promise of a new EP. Since listening in, I confidently say that I am going to love this EP.<br />
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This is nowhere near all of noteworthy music that I've heard from and featuring womxn this year so far and nowhere near the amount that I expect to hear moving forward. Keep an ear to the ground for more to come as the months go on. Celebrate womxn, this month, next month, and forever more. </div>
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Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-48564234421793217732019-01-29T20:01:00.000+00:002019-01-29T20:09:38.926+00:00Timbaland vs Pharrell Williams: Infinity War<div style="text-align: justify;">
For the few of you who haven't seen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZfuNTqbHE8" target="_blank">Avengers: Infinity War</a> yet, I'll provide a quick debrief. In short, our villain in the story, Thanos, would like to restore order in the world by eradicating half of its population. Thanos (plus the infinity stones) has the ability to do this with a simple click of his fingers. This is relevant because in this new feature, <i>I </i>will have Thanos' ability to click people away, figuratively speaking. I will put two artists and their entire bodies of work side by side and, at the end of deliberations, will decide which one of them would cease to exist. The artists will be up for consideration under four main categories and today in the ring we have <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Timbaland/" target="_blank">Timothy 'Timbaland' Mosley</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Pharrell/" target="_blank">Pharrell 'Skateboard P' Williams</a>.<br />
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<b>DISCOGRAPHY</b><br />
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Pharrell as a solo artist has had 2 albums, <i>In My Mind </i>and <i>G I R L</i>. I have to say that as a cohesive piece I enjoy the first album better than the second, however the shining moments in <i>G I R L </i>undoubtedly override the shining moments in <i>IMM</i>. Beats and rhymes-wise, Pharrell had it just right the first time. Given his popular culture success with the latter album though, I suspect that many would disagree. I, however, feel like the originality and energy on that album fell a little bit flat for me.</div>
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Timbaland has put out 3 solo albums to date and I have to say, the year that it came out, <i>Shock Value II </i>was one of my favourite albums out that year. That album took on a new level of overplaying from me. Before that <i>Shock Value </i>did capture a lot of my attention and put Timbaland on the mainstream map as a solo artist. Listening back to <i>Shock Value I & II </i>I can see that had those been released now I would be far less inspired than I was at the time. However, that's more to due with the evolution of music and my personal taste than the content itself.</div>
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<b>PRODUCTION</b><br />
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Timbaland has been producing since 1993 and his production discography will make your eyes water. The man is basically the key to music as we know it. Spanning across genres and genders, most things that Timbaland touches turn to gold. People like Jay Z, Missy Elliott, Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake, Keri Hilson, Aaliyah, Ginuwine, and the list goes on and on, would not have seen the same success that they did without Timbaland's influence. No question. </div>
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Pharrell on the other hand, started producing in 2005 but only really began to make an impact and a signature for himself in 2013. Since then, he has had a hand in some of the biggest Pop bangers we've seen to date, by both himself and collaborators, and has worked with some of the biggest artists on some of the most memorable albums. No doubt, Pharrell is a household name in production too. The most notable thing about his production is the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixXNeUFdl3I" target="_blank">signature four count intro pattern</a> but as he keeps building I assume there'll be more.</div>
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<b>PUBLIC IMPACT</b><br />
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Timbaland is known to support several charities and causes including <i>Chime For Change, Designers Against AIDS </i>and <i>UNICEF</i>. Outside of philanthropy Timbaland has been fairly quiet within other entertainment spheres despite also producing music for TV and Film. Timbaland has struggled publicly with a variety of issues from plagiarism accusations to dealings with addiction and has battled through these whilst also reinventing himself in the process. Although, it's mean that he hasn't had his hand in absolutely all of the pies, it has made him a role model to many without even taking artistry into consideration. </div>
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As well as being impactful in music, Pharrell has also been extremely influential in fashion circles and philanthropical ventures. His charity 'From One Hand To AnOTHER' was developed for at-risk youth between the ages of 7 and 20. In addition to this, Pharrell has had a hand in broadcasting with his multimedia creative collective 'i am OTHER', which brought us shows like <i>Awkward Black Girl </i>and <i>Nardwuar</i>. Pharrell has been known to dabble in most facets within the entertainment industry and continues to make an impact in each one.</div>
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<b>ORIGINALITY</b><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">Pharrell and Timbaland actually came up in the high school group together, Pharrell rapping whilst Timbaland was on the decks. This template obviously had a hand in bringing the two to the places they're in today. </span>Pharrell's voice is not the only distinctive thing he brings to the table in the industry. However, one small croon or ad-lib from him and you're aware of his presence or influence on any track. Pharrell bring a clear level of originality and uniqueness to everything he puts his hand to, fashion, music or media.<br />
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Timbaland's style of production originated around the idea of warped records and distorted sounds. Whilst working on Ginuwine's "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbnoG2dsUk0" target="_blank">Pony</a>", Timbaland was famously quoted saying that it was birthed by putting a record out in the sun to warp. He shaped beats around that sound. As well as being a very outside of the box way to begin looking at beats, it was also a starting point filled with an abundance of possibilities moving forward. He's evolved and diversified over the years and every time he branches into something new it switches up the game, and in his own words, he's not done yet.</div>
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Some of the most iconic instrumentals, samples and trademarks originated in Timbaland's studio, and although the same can be said for Pharrell, taking into consideration the sheer volume of work and musical development that Timbaland has had an effect on across genres and generations; on this occasion I think that Timbaland may just have won out.</div>
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<b>WINNER: TIMBALAND </b><br />
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Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-4363529092291212152019-01-18T15:11:00.001+00:002019-01-18T15:27:15.934+00:00Fresh Music Friday<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's crazy to think that we're still in the first month of 2019. The sheer volume of music that has been released over the past couple of weeks makes me feel practically giddy anticipating the level of music that we have in store for the next year. Today has been the first Friday of the year where the new releases have been particularly overwhelming, and I know that there are a few more of those to come. Here are just a few of my favourites.</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><b><span id="goog_607239400"></span>ANAÏS</b><span id="goog_607239401"></span></a><br />
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After her EP last year, anaïs' vocals and vibes stuck firmly in my mind as one to watch in the months to come. I wasn't actually expecting a full length body of work from her so soon but I'm definitely not complaining. Her lead single "woman" cements her place as both an artist and vocalist. The simplicity of the instrumental leaves room to see the most brilliant sides of her creative presence.</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/arianagrande/" target="_blank">ARIANA GRANDE</a></b><br />
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Ariana has had the most incredible career leap over the past year. So much so that her latest album, <i>Sweetener</i>, made its way firmly into my <a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2018/12/number-eight.html" target="_blank">Top 10 albums of the year list</a>, something I never would have anticipated at the beginning of 2018. And so now entering the new year with a new Ariana Pop banger seems only fitting. <i> </i></div>
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<i><br /></i><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRealBlockhead/" target="_blank">BLOCKHEAD</a></b><br />
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Blockhead's reputation precedes him. A recommendation from a friend of mine describes him as a Hip Hop beatsmith from NYC, akin to early <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bonoboofficial/" target="_blank">Bonobo</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/amontobinofficial/" target="_blank">Amon Tobin</a>. Today's release <i>Free Sweatpants</i>, is a smooth 54 minutes of effective features and mind bending soundscapes. I will most definitely be looking into some of his older works.</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jamesblakemusic/" target="_blank">JAMES BLAKE</a></b><br />
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I cannot tell you the ways in which I have waited for this body of work to be made available to me. As soon as the clock struck midnight I was rushing to my Spotify just to look at it. James Blake is able to touch my core every time he releases something new. Every album without fail. And I empirically know that <i>Assume Form </i>will be no different.</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/JayPrinceUK/" target="_blank">JAY PRINCE</a></b><br />
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I'll never forget the first time I discovered Jay Prince. I was bopping away at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Knxwledge-131329740261841/" target="_blank">Knxwledge</a>'s DJ set at XOYO when "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4xaiSo41VM" target="_blank">Father, Father</a>" came on. Of course I couldn't Shazam it but the beat knocked so hard that I had to just write down any lyrics I could grasp from it to find it later. Thank goodness I did, since then it's been nothing but smooth bangers from his corner.</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kallitechnis/" target="_blank">KALLITECHNIS</a></b><br />
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Kallitechnis on the other hand <i>was </i>a Shazam discovery, at a restaurant somewhere in the middle of summer last year. Since then, she's been a trusty go-to for light hearted, breezy soundtracks for walking along the happy medium. This latest EP <i>CHROMATIC </i>doesn't particularly push any boundaries but it's definitely pleasing to the ears.</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LittleSimz/" target="_blank">LITTLE SIMZ</a></b><br />
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Another album that I am over the moon about. Each of the singles that Little Simz has released in the lead up to this album has been different from the last. At the same time as being unique from one another, they're also different to everything that Simz has released since, whilst also being a necessary injection into the current Rap mainstream. I predict big things.</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/toroymoi/" target="_blank">TORO Y MOI</a></b><br />
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It's been months since I've really heard a peep from Toro y Moi's corner but I had been anticipating something great. His amazing blend of R&B and Electronic music makes his voice pop in a way that I wouldn't expect it to in any other genre. <i>Outer Peace</i>,<i> </i>like many albums, has some shining moments and some forgettable pieces but all-in-all, it's great to have Toro back.</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/switchfoot/" target="_blank">SWITCHFOOT</a></b><br />
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Since their 2011 album <i>Vice Verses </i>I can't say that I've been all too impressed with any of the other albums that Switchfoot have offered us. After that the passion just seemed to dip for me. However, after listening to the singles in the lead up to <i>NATIVE TONGUE </i>it seems that there may have been a small shift in their sound, giving the songs the bite that they'd been missing.</div>
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All of these golden nuggets and it's only the tip of the iceberg. New releases this week have come from Tiny Moving Parts, Drenge, Loyle Carner, Maggie Rogers, KOKOROKO, Future, Oscar Jerome and more. We're off to a brilliant start, and it's only onwards and upwards from here. </div>
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Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-28003418958026090902019-01-14T23:27:00.002+00:002019-01-14T23:29:11.692+00:00A Note To: Balance & ComposureOver the past year or so, I've seen the end of an upsetting number of my favourite bands. The first end that sticks poignantly in my mind is the band <a href="https://www.facebook.com/trophywifemusic/" target="_blank">Trophy Wife</a>. However, in the months after that, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/saveyourbreath/" target="_blank">Save Your Breath</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theswellers/" target="_blank">The Swellers</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheMaccabeesOfficial/" target="_blank">The Maccabees</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ArcaneRoots/" target="_blank">Arcane Roots</a> followed and now here we are at <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/balancecomposure/" target="_blank">Balance & Composure</a></b> and I am truly upset.<br />
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I'm not just upset at the fact that I never got to see them play live, although that is something that will stick with me. The fact is that their music holds such a heavy weight in my musical heart and I wasn't ready to be faced with the fact that there won't be any more of it. Their sophomore album in particular <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7a4k5NMwt4L4vbuV9Qy1gL?si=_mSHLTINTFepzv5igASKpA" target="_blank">The Things We Think We're Missing</a> </i>has and will continue to soundtrack some of the more emotional moments of my life and has even simply brought a light or a meaning to the more mundane moments of life. I know that Balance & Composure aren't necessarily the best band or the best thing to happen to Alternative Rock music, but their music has always resonated with me in a way that felt personal. I guess that's one of the best things about music. You can listen to a song one way and yet the next person is hearing and feeling something completely different.</div>
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When I <a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2014/03/new-discoveries-balance-and-composure.html" target="_blank">first discovered Balance & Composure</a> back in 2014, I was a little bit late to the party but even then after just the first listen of "Lost Your Name" something sparked in me. With each of the bands listed above I can pick out a moment - an instant where a song of theirs defined an moment in time for me. Most recently I was walking off some feelings of uncertainty I was having and I listened through <i>TTWTWM. </i>It took me back to a time years ago when I was walking through Birmingham City Centre, sun shining, buzzing for the future. I could see that day so clearly. It's a shame that B&C are splitting but at least we'll always have those moments.<br />
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I've put together a <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/1157081585/playlist/3jNUW0zX82wwhlitjr1l4J?si=LejwVqiqRzmdFt7vr3MrDg" target="_blank">Spotify playlist</a> of some of my favourite tracks from them over the years. Listen in and create your own moments.</div>
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Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-38206634488351170832019-01-11T13:33:00.000+00:002019-01-11T16:44:41.129+00:00Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda: Marika Hackman<div style="text-align: justify;">
Have you ever listened to a song and thought <i>"Great song but man, I think somebody could have done this better."</i>? Well this thought has popped into my mind so frequently recently that I thought I'd better articulate it in words.</div>
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The first time I remember having this thought in recent months was after listening back to <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MarikaHackman/" target="_blank">Marika Hackman</a></b>'s most recent album <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/58IxxVGqidZ8sLWNKeknlH?si=ooM4aDoGQIah0lw6KztBEQ" target="_blank">I'm Not Your Man</a></i>. One of my favourite albums from 2017 and also the album that cemented marika as one of my favourite UK songwriters in the game at the moment. And so, when I was listening to the song "Majesty" and this thought popped into my head I was shocked but also excited at the possibility. </div>
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The last song on the album and not necessarily my favourite. Still "Majesty" is a very solid song and an easy going closer. However, it's almost too easy for this song to fade into the background of the rest of the album. Around the 1:54 mark the name that sprung to mind for me was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/QOTSA/" target="_blank">Queens of the Stone Age</a>. It took me back to <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/68ZycIjwlQ0fvtaxVXmgn8?si=Wz7cXih3RdqW10a2uJyVMw" target="_blank">Lullabies To Paralyze</a> </i>and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwq7djqdsjM" target="_blank">I Never Came</a>" to be specific or even the slight and delicate harmonies on <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/06S2JBsr4U1Dz3YaenPdVq?si=i738NeHXReS21dR9QZ6fig" target="_blank">...Like Clockwork</a></i>'s "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSR1GBRmqEs" target="_blank">Kalopsia</a>". Josh Homme's gritty falsetto croon would give "Majesty" the bite that I think it needs to close such a lyrically sharp record. I'd also love to hear Jon Theodore do some magical things to the drums on this track, because there is so much from for expansion. In an ideal world, the QOTSA version of "Majesty" would also feature <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ArcticMonkeys/?ref=br_rs" target="_blank">Alex Turner</a>'s subtle harmonies towards the last 30 seconds of the song. </div>
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Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-88995822167697301392018-12-31T11:14:00.002+00:002018-12-31T11:42:02.478+00:00HONOURABLE MENTIONSWith my Top 30 Albums of the Year behind us, I have to shout out the albums that didn't make the final list but were each in the running during the decision making process. There were so many albums to consider and so many that I hadn't even managed to get round to listening to. However, of the ones that I did, here are a few that I would be doing a disservice by not mentioning. In no particular order...<br />
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<li style="text-align: left;">Tierra Whack - Whack World</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Twenty One Pilots - Trench </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Phony Ppl - mō'zā-ik</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Chloe x Halle - The Kids Are Alright </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">JMSN - Velvet</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Sons Of Kemet - Your Queen Is A Reptile </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Aminé - ONEPOINTFIVE</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Boy Azooga - 1, 2, Kung Fu!</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Jorja Smith - Lost & Found </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Zilo - The Nature Of The Beast</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Rejjie Snow - Dear Annie </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">August Greene - August Greene</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Ex:Re - Ex:Re</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">YG - STAY DANGEROUS </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Earl Sweatshirt - Some Rap Songs</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Now, Now - Saved</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Snail Mail - Lush</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Patrick Paige II - Letters Of Irrelevance</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Kelela - TAKE ME A_PART, THE REMIXES</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Joy Postell - Diaspora</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Can't Swim - This Too Won't Pass</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Kendrick Lamar - Black Panther The Album</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Kasey Musgraves - Golden Hour</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Django Django - Marble Skies</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">serpentwithfeet - soil</li>
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Have a listen to a favourite track from each of these records (plus a few extras) on my Spotify playlist <b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/1157081585/playlist/736sjNXhxMH1AoIH13B4tM?si=T1z5C3IeTAKorYNHhLd3eA" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
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Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-13193974595748034882018-12-30T17:52:00.000+00:002018-12-30T17:54:48.749+00:00NUMBER ONEThe top spot. 30 days and 29 albums later, we've arrived at the album that I believe may not sit at the top of many other lists this year but will feature somewhere in almost every list. An album that surprised me and continues to impress me. An album that I can not only party to, but also sit with and think about. And finally an artist who once again, went platinum with no features. In at number one is <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/JColeMusic/" target="_blank">J. Cole</a> </b>with <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/4Wv5UAieM1LDEYVq5WmqDd?si=VPs0M0lfRtyUiq-DYaFt5w" target="_blank">KOD</a></i>.<br />
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The reason I say that this album may not make top many lists this year is because for most avid J. Cole fans this album is probably pipped at the post by the phenomenal <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7viNUmZZ8ztn2UB4XB3jIL?si=g1qpwXwfR7y2qyrZvpDiFA" target="_blank">2014 Forest Hills Drive</a></i>. That aside, the things that have pushed it to the top of my list are the fact that J. Cole produced this all himself (a rare feat these days), and the level of wit and emotion that's dotted around the lyrics on this album had me raising my eyebrows on every single track.<br />
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Stand out bangers on the album for me are "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUTI4bPdlgE" target="_blank">ATM</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hMy0rnHQv0" target="_blank">Motiv8</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uirzHXHpgqM" target="_blank">Once An Addict (Interlude)</a>", and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii6u1wSAu90" target="_blank">1985 (Intro To "The Fall Off")</a>". These songs would have been a welcome addition on <i>2014 Forest Hills Drive</i> but the production has a noticeably more modern touch to it, particularly on "ATM" and "Motiv8". Alongside the unique and memorable instrumentals on this, J. Cole's candour and unashamed reflection give a further look into the things that have brought him to where he is today. Not everything is a shining representation of him and his life but it's truthful all the same.<br />
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On the back of his last album <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3CCnGldVQ90c26aFATC1PW?si=cs6QIN4US4eeqIXf9yidiQ" target="_blank">4 Your Eyez Only</a></i>, this album steps all over it . Short but sweet, <i>KOD </i>leaves a lasting impression on fans and newcomers alike. Jermaine keeps a somewhat skewed social commentary present throughout but uses story telling to bring home his overall message in regards to addiction, and his confidence shows here. J. Cole still has the potential to grow and build, and it might do his next material some good to actually have collaborators and features in the mix. However, I admire his vim and determination to bring us something poignant and powerful on nobody's back but his own. This fact more than anything is what carried him into the top spot.<br />
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<b><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2017/12/number-one.html" target="_blank">Here</a></b>'s a look at what album took the number one spot in 2017. Tomorrow I'll be listing the albums that didn't quite make the Top 30 list but which deserve an honourable mention all the same.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKIDPWfyeJs/XCepR6MPARI/AAAAAAAAC5c/usDoC0EWzf4obKoWKyHdJEeO-Xvvhc17gCLcBGAs/s1600/1*noV7xapzXHhAOws6VcLswA.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="616" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKIDPWfyeJs/XCepR6MPARI/AAAAAAAAC5c/usDoC0EWzf4obKoWKyHdJEeO-Xvvhc17gCLcBGAs/s1600/1*noV7xapzXHhAOws6VcLswA.png" /></a></div>
<br />Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-7509823424241036202018-12-29T16:59:00.001+00:002018-12-29T16:59:57.252+00:00NUMBER TWOWe're in the endgame now. Just a couple more days before the ball drops and one more day before we reach the number one spot. In second place is <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/devhynes/" target="_blank">Blood Orange</a> </b>with <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7bvmGyFDwpHNRRRZJ0AHvn?si=57h_92hPQJecgJKy3mwOyw" target="_blank">Negro Swan</a></i>.<br />
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If Solange's <i><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2016/12/on-first-day-of-christmas.html" target="_blank">A Seat At The Table</a> </i>and Childish Gambino's <i><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2016/12/on-ninth-day-of-christmas.html" target="_blank">Awaken, My Love</a> </i>had a love child, it would grow up to be <i>Negro Swan</i>. This album has all the soul and carefree swagger of Childish's record, matched together with the poignant skits and and subtle but stellar production of Solange's. This was no surprise to me given that Dev Hynes is a long time friend and collaborator of Solange's, however there's a difference to this record in comparison to Dev's previous Blood Orange records.<br />
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The title alone strikes up feelings before you even delve into the music. The juxtaposition of something often associated with ugliness, with something only ever linked with beauty poses enough intrigue to begin with. Dev's focus on depression, anxiety and battling with being on the outskirts of so many labels comes through in his beautifully poetic lyrics. Those sprinkled over the mostly cheery and funky beats balance out juxtaposition in the phrase Negro Swan very well. It's an album that you can dance and cry to all in one and that's definitely me favourite kind of album. <br />
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My favourite songs on this at the moment are "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj5uvKrDbmQ" target="_blank">Jewelry</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sztOKcB-R40" target="_blank">Holy Will (feat. Ian Isiah)</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztLnHpvfrnQ" target="_blank">Nappy Wonder</a>", and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeWfknOSMr8" target="_blank">Out Of Your League (feat. Steve Lacy)</a>", but that's changed over the past few months and will no doubt change again. The choice of collaborators and feature artists on this album is well thought out and a great match for the songs that they're on. However, the lack of UK collaborators is quite clear in the album's overall sound, which makes sense in the context of the album. Although I would have liked to see Dev, having been raised in London himself, use this album to put some more eyes on his UK counterparts. That aside, this is a fabulous body of work that I will continue to return to over the next year and beyond. <br />
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Have a read of my thoughts on last year's runner up <b><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2017/12/number-two.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5lqQ1BtS8dk/XCeZqTIbbhI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/xigz22ZTVtofGhQCTm7siBjvIVOHOlMiACLcBGAs/s1600/blood%2Borange_negro%2Bswan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5lqQ1BtS8dk/XCeZqTIbbhI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/xigz22ZTVtofGhQCTm7siBjvIVOHOlMiACLcBGAs/s1600/blood%2Borange_negro%2Bswan.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-43452513573138709692018-12-28T16:54:00.001+00:002018-12-28T16:54:58.032+00:00NUMBER THREEWe're into the Top 3 with a band that I've supported since this blog's inception. It's been a tumultuous couple of years in the world of this band, and we've seen them build and change in front of and alongside their fans in a way that's never been so poignant. Now dropping in at number three is <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/architectsuk/" target="_blank">Architects</a> </b>with the magnificent <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3gh9LlHXtUEPkqsWj60Qy7?si=Jh34quXWTZOnOSVRYtbIew" target="_blank">Holy Hell</a></i>.<br />
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In the wake of Tom's passing last year the band and fans alike were utterly devastated, and if I'm honest, I was steeling myself for the news that they wouldn't be continuing on without him. However, when they announced that they <i>would </i>be releasing new music, I wasn't sure what to expect but I was excited. Watching their film - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybib-8lIycs" target="_blank">Holy Ghost</a> - about the making of this album was difficult but definitely shed some light and confirmed a few assumptions I'd already made about how things were playing out behind the scenes. Tom's role in the band was always a big one but it was suddenly very clear just how big; like realising just how deep the water you're in is. Architects have taken that pressure and swam with it, being sure to keep Tom's input and influence at the forefront of their music, whilst also being sure that each of their parts swelled and broke with emotion around it.<br />
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My favourite tracks on the album at the moment are "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h82045Ld6ak" target="_blank">Death Is Not Defeat</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvWnnSCJHeM" target="_blank">Holy Hell</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNpWuwSVyDk" target="_blank">Royal Beggars</a>", and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kC_xaRs9lM" target="_blank">Modern Misery</a>". Architects have tried to articulate their feelings of processing and 'dealing with' pain on this record. The struggle and effort that come part and parcel with this are something that they don't try to shy away from at all. Rather, they identify it and use it to spur them on, which only makes you appreciate this album more.<br />
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If there's anything to critique I would note that the strings could use a bit more thought where they appear and could add a more theatrical moment to it. However, this realisation only came to me after a few listens. All in all, the album ebbs and flows in a way that takes the listener on a journey of grief, sure. However, it's the charging voice of Sam Carter that steals the show for me on this. It's more melodic than their past projects but somehow the vocals hit harder in pockets than they have previously. This is a huge album and a beautiful tribute.<br />
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<b><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2017/12/number-three.html" target="_blank">Here</a></b>'s a look at the album that ushered in my Top 3 last year.<br />
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<br />Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-70208470948630045252018-12-27T14:50:00.000+00:002020-06-24T15:38:28.027+01:00NUMBER FOURThis artist was one of my <a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2017/08/new-discoveries-soccer-mommy.html" target="_blank">favourite discoveries</a> from 2017 and one of the most memorable performances I've seen this year. And yet this album still managed to surprise me. In at number 4 is <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/soccermommymusic/" target="_blank">Soccer Mommy</a> </b>with <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/36NLDBi2kX7XRHnyLzLOS8?si=DusHxr64RW6tEUUk2egdCA" target="_blank">Clean</a></i>.<br />
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Soccer Mommy still remains the only artist that I've ever listened through an entire album of beginning to end, stood in the middle of a record store. She's managed to grip me and keep me mesmerised in one spot with just 8 songs of music to drive to.<br />
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Stand-out tracks on <i>Clean</i> for me however are "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Phsup-LrII" target="_blank">Cool</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ouem6cFXJvA" target="_blank">Your Dog</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc9i2Hy38o8" target="_blank">Skin</a>" and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOyDpzmi2f8" target="_blank">Scorpio Rising</a>". There's so much open space on this album to really hear and sit with the lyrics. Sophie Allison doesn't hide behind eccentric production or emphatic drums, she sings simply and candidly, and the familiarity rings strong throughout. Sophie paints pictures with her words and tells familiar stories under the guise of metaphor, like the depiction of her lover becoming a wild animal in "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXPyZqfIces" target="_blank">Still Clean</a>". As lightly as her voice sings these words, the grit bites through in her lyrics. </div>
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<i>Clean</i> is short but so, so sweet. Whatever mood I'm in when I start listening to it just disappears and I'm left feeling calm and content by the end. As a studio debut, it's a memorable first look into the mind of Sophie Allison and seeing it translated into the coming-of-age soundscape of Soccer Mommy is almost dreamlike. It's easy to compare Soccer Mommy to other artists that have come before, but I suspect that she'll be setting herself apart from her peers a little more with future material. <br />
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Have a look at what just missed out on the Top 3 spot last year <b><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2017/12/number-four.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>. </div>
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Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-56115777045206525322018-12-26T18:04:00.002+00:002018-12-26T18:08:39.957+00:00NUMBER FIVEAfter catching his set at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/parklifefestival/" target="_blank">Parklife Festival</a> last year my admiration for him has definitely grown, and since his last album it's clear that his artistry has grown too. One of the best performers I've seen in recent years <i>and</i> one of the most talented musicians. In at number 5 is <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AndersonPaak/" target="_blank">Anderson .Paak</a> </b>with <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3rqqwtJE89WoWvMyPTvbZc?si=z0eQyor6SsChnDtIvBa7_g" target="_blank">Oxnard</a></i>.<br />
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There are so many special moments on this album and I find a new one almost every time I listen. The heavy hitters on this record for me are "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWBg_g43WB8" target="_blank">Who R U?</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk1TrwraZms" target="_blank">6 Summers</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9XjLpGapcA" target="_blank">Trippy (feat. J. Cole)</a>" and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_z58W1-uGio" target="_blank">Cheers (feat. Q-Tip)</a>". Over all of these though, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u749Hi0gDVM" target="_blank">Tints (feat. Kendrick Lamar)</a>" has got to be one of my favourite singles this year. The flow is incredible, the beat is so effortlessly funky, Kendrick's feature holds the song together perfectly and it harks back to an old school vibe with a more modern take.<br />
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A friend messaged me recently asking if I liked Anderson .Paak. Without even thinking I said "Yes, why?" but then he asked "As a woman, how do you feel about his content?", which made me think a little bit more. It's gotten easier to overlook questionable lyrics when they're laying between the notes of mind-blowing instrumentals, and that thought made me listen through his material to be sure. Despite his overuse of the word 'b*tch' and cheeky-verging-on-troubling quips, his goofy and endearing nature allowed me to make light of it rather than brand him as rude or reckless. Anderson's talent is undeniable and with <i>Oxnard </i>it's clear that he's going from strength to strength, I just wonder if he'll mature with his music.<br />
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Anderson's distinct charmingly raspy voice is noticeable anywhere and is a welcome familiarity on an album filled with so many different vibes. His major label debut has a myriad of influences flecked throughout but a little bit less of a cohesive "sound" as there was with <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6xNFuLOko8gjxi5kUAyGyM?si=hxEBBwFmRPSQg005o5S17g" target="_blank">Malibu</a></i>. Although funk and jazz run heavily from beginning to end, the different hip hop influences add a very unique flavour to Anderson's repertoire. He's done a good job of expanding his view on the LA funk scene - I'm hoping he continues to expand and master his influences on his next few projects, because he most definitely has the talent to.<br />
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Have a look at what boxed its way into the number 5 spot last year <b><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2017/12/number-five.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
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<br />Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-51265171274377531322018-12-25T10:32:00.000+00:002018-12-25T10:32:30.412+00:00NUMBER SIXBringing us in on Christmas Day with her musical mastery is the futuristic forward thinker, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/janellemonae/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Janelle Monáe</a>. In at number 6 we have Grammy nominated album, <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2PjlaxlMunGOUvcRzlTbtE?si=JoKH-MbHRo-ak9luV3jH2Q" target="_blank">Dirty Computer</a></i>.<br />
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The first eight songs on this album flow so fantastically. That silky transition from "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgSpeV-bklk" target="_blank">Screwed (feat. Zoë Kravitz)</a>" into "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTjQq5rMlEY" target="_blank">Django Jane</a>" still brings a smile to my face when I listen to it. Alongside those two tracks my favourites on the album right now are "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuWyu7ipsJ8" target="_blank">Take A Byte</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGRzz0oqgUE" target="_blank">Make Me Feel</a>", and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uovntV3ZMDc" target="_blank">I Like That</a>". This is the most different Janelle Monáe album across the board. <a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2018/09/has-electric-lady-lost-her-spark.html" target="_blank">Earlier this year</a> I wrote about how although this is without a doubt a fantastic Janelle album, this isn't her best. She's still thinking a step ahead but she's almost caught up with herself here. Despite that, she's just <i>so good </i>and is without a doubt one of my favourite performers this decade.<br />
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The visuals in this album's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdH2Sy-BlNE&t=1328s" target="_blank">eMotion picture</a> are phenomenal. They really set the album apart from any other release this year. After extending her acting career over the past couple of years, she's brought some of those theatrics to her own musings. Janelle's never had any trouble gripping viewers with her over-the-top and stunning visuals and after watching this album, it's clear that she's definitely honed in that talent. Still in keeping with a recurring Janelle theme of performing albums in acts or suites, the album breaks into three distinct and memorable acts. The visual helps to piece together the thoughts on what might have otherwise been a bit of a muddled mix of wonderings. <br />
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I've been in awe of Janelle Monáe ever since 2008 when my friend played me "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCzSZTkEMpo" target="_blank">Sincerely, Jane</a>" on her phone at school, and continue to be in awe of her still. Everything that she's released since has been ahead of the game and a cut above. Now that the world has begun to catch on, it's a pleasure to see her true self and the message of equality that she's been preaching for years now, genuinely appreciated for their brilliance.<br />
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Check out the Christmas miracle that I picked as number 6 last year <b><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2017/12/number-six.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
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<br />Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-32871867430599953232018-12-24T11:08:00.003+00:002018-12-24T11:08:49.472+00:00NUMBER SEVENPrimavera Sound was the best festival that I went to this year and this next collective's performance was one of the most memorable of the weekend. In at lucky number 7 is <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheInternetMusic/" target="_blank">The Internet</a> </b>with <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/27ThgFMUAx3MXLQ297DzWF?si=s4qN4n0SQQa4nvxMbBswhA" target="_blank">Hive Mind</a></i>.<div>
Seeing the way that The Internet has grown since <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1ZTnvAXIujEZZ8kzfJirxp?si=0hk_7CHvQdea1OSKdVLL2Q" target="_blank">Purple Naked Ladies</a> </i>is incredible. I actually still remember the first time I listened to that album and how disappointed I was that I only liked a few songs. <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/69g3CtOVg98TPOwqmI2K7Q?si=L0Iiq21FQJSgi3TJUahU4A" target="_blank">Ego Death</a> </i>is still my favourite album that they've put out to date and this transformation was a huge part of that opinion shift. However, I can still hear their growth in their latest releases. After each of their solo projects I can hear how that time away has brought them back together with a stronger and more directed musical mind or 'hive mind'. The lack of features on this album is noticeable and clearly intentional. They've honed in their sound without a need for others to contribute their own influence and I feel like this is the most honest view of The Internet that we've seen to date. </div>
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My favourites on the album right now are "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIqvRzEIqIo" target="_blank">Roll (Burbank Funk)</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xyDg9Tco5s" target="_blank">La Di Da</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW2jXYn3_4Y" target="_blank">It Gets Better (With Time)</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRbYJ66RpHk" target="_blank">Look What U Started</a>", and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5v7XLfLaMA" target="_blank">Beat Goes On</a>". I'm definitely a fan of the more bass heavy tracks on the record. Patrick Paige II is such a solid bassist and his licks have added so much to the band's sound in these last two albums. His solo release this year <i><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2018/11/under-radar-top-ten.html" target="_blank">Letters Of Irrelevance</a> </i>only made his touches and influences clearer on The Internet's material.</div>
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If I'm honest, I had hoped that this album would top <i><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2016/01/top-10-albums-of-2015.html" target="_blank">Ego Death</a> </i>for me but that was a huge ask. Musically, they've improved and their live performance has improved tenfold. However, something in this album just didn't quite click as much with me as <i>Ego Death</i>. That said, this is a <i>beautiful </i>album. Now I get to look forward to them blessing us with their solo album releases in 2019. Easily one of my favourite collectives in the game at the moment. </div>
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Have a look at what album scooped the number seven spot in 2017 <b><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2017/12/number-seven.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.</div>
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Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-52258115014437254772018-12-23T12:06:00.000+00:002018-12-23T12:06:41.674+00:00NUMBER EIGHTIf you had told me that this album was going to be in my Top 30, let alone Top 10, at the beginning of the year I would have laughed in your face. However, my eyes were opened this year and in at my number 8 spot is <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/arianagrande/" target="_blank">Ariana Grande</a> </b>with <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3tx8gQqWbGwqIGZHqDNrGe?si=2OjxIzy-RuCNx0MqVUswZQ" target="_blank">Sweetener</a></i>.<br />
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My first brush with Ariana was in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjsbMelj7xI" target="_blank">Victorious on Nickelodeon</a> years ago and I love her in that. Not particularly her character but her voice - wow. I'm not sure why that same sentiment didn't translate when she came over to the mainstream, I was definitely sceptical of the quality of her actual music. Some of my friends were singing Ariana's praises all through this but it wasn't until after I listened to one of her live performances, that I just had to give her album a chance. If I'm honest, about 5 tracks in I had to admit, Ariana Grande is one of the best things to happen to Pop music in a very long time.<br />
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Her vocal control, range and overall malleability are astonishing. My favourite tracks on the record right now are "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5Ne3YcZCVI" target="_blank">blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHLHSlExFis" target="_blank">God is a woman</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN0iD0pI3o0" target="_blank">breathin</a>" "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffxKSjUwKdU" target="_blank">no tears left to cry</a>" "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9-SYDu6ZI4" target="_blank">borderline (feat. Missy Elliott)</a>" and have stayed as such pretty much since first listen. However, every now and again I listen back and discover more things about the rest of the album that catch my attention. These heavy hitters accompanied by the softer moments of experimentation come together to make a very solid body of work. My biggest concern on first listen was that it would be an album of 3 singles and half-hearted fillers. Let's just say that I've since learnt to stop doubting Ariana Grande.<br />
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Ariana's personality wins all of the battles that her lyrics perhaps weren't strong enough to fight. Although some of the songs aren't particularly lyrically challenging or inventive, the simplicity and candour in her lyricism win points across the board. This has been a big year for Ariana both professionally and personally filled with change and growth but I suspect that this is only the beginning for her in a lot of ways. I'm just happy that I finally jumped on the bandwagon in time to witness it.<br />
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<b><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2017/12/number-eight.html" target="_blank">Here</a></b>'s a look at what chimed in at number 8 last year.<br />
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Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-26646753937897939452018-12-22T22:36:00.001+00:002018-12-22T22:36:53.552+00:00NUMBER NINEOne of the most listenable artists to come out of the UK music scene, he's almost impossible to hate. In at number 9 with his latest release <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/28enuddLPEA914scE6Drvk?si=Y0JeQ1YaR7S9-1iT1dnB6A" target="_blank">Geography</a> </i>is British beatmaker <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/tommisch123/" target="_blank">Tom Misch</a></b>.<br />
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Tom Misch has soundtracked several moments in my life and so when he released this album in April to say that it took over the entire next few months would be an understatement. I listened to that album almost every single day for two months. Generally speaking, the Tom Misch album treatment seems fairly simple, and nothing about his beats is really that technically intricate. However, what he <i>does </i>do well is strike a chord with the listener that lifts your spirit in every single song.<br />
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The songs that shine most for me at the moment are "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBL2m1PNqJM" target="_blank">Lost in Paris (feat. Goldlink)</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdJHvUTWx6c" target="_blank">South Of The River</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMIC0HSkcdk" target="_blank">Tick Tock</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGtNgpzI6tc" target="_blank">Disco Yes (feat. Poppy Ajudha)</a>" and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-4gZ9fuGE" target="_blank">Water Baby (feat. Loyle Carner)</a>". What's interesting about Tom's sound, and which rings true even for the songs listed above, is it's welcome underneath any coffee-house or hotel foyer din but also raises the eyebrows and gets the feet tapping of anybody listening. Tom's take on lo-fi jazzy beats is modest but memorable and it's his understated confidence that wins him fans across the board. After catching him live at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/primaverasoundfestivals/" target="_blank">Primavera Sound Festival</a> this year it only cemented my love for his summery sound and added a whole host of new memories soundtracked by Tom Misch.<br />
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As a debut full album release <i>Geography </i>is a safe but satisfying body of work. I'd definitely like to see Tom explore more with the next release and tap into more adventurous features and instrumentals but for now this album has done more than enough. <br />
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Have a look at last year's number nine album <b><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2017/12/number-nine.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
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Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-57990004576717272232018-12-21T17:34:00.000+00:002018-12-21T17:34:03.989+00:00NUMBER TENWell here we are, the TOP TEN. It's been an eventful 20 days so far, lots of very different albums. However, ushering us into the Top 10 is an album from one of my favourite bands in the UK - <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Basementuk/" target="_blank">Basement</a></b> in at number 10 with <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3voFrstk4A1rK9c0DlvQSo?si=YgNkmYVeSCGrAKuN1lnIew" target="_blank">Beside Myself</a></i>.<br />
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I might go as far as to say that this is my favourite album of theirs to date, which is surprising to me considering how much I enjoyed their last album <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3hv6qXxCV0tiADbAOgaWkX?si=zKhYS1FtR6mICQtKwPYCEA" target="_blank">Promise Everything</a>. </i>After, I saw the album release pop up on Spotify, the first listen was actually an event for me. I had a long commute coming up that I had planned as the perfect time and place to listen. When the time came around, I could barely put my phone down because I was checking my phone so much for which track was playing. This album is just hit after hit.<br />
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Hits with the biggest impact for me are "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tgz-PiIk-xY" target="_blank">Nothing Left</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzDFIEtVQ9U" target="_blank">Ultraviolet</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVqK717FUiY" target="_blank">Stigmata</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYFuWLEwiro" target="_blank">Just A Life</a>" and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcfBjckWDww" target="_blank">Reason For Breathing</a>". The riffs on this record are phenomenal. It's becoming more and more difficult to find unique riffs and melodies in Rock music these days. However, every single one of the songs I've listed has a riff that stayed imbedded in my mind for days after each listen. Andrew's lyrics directed at homesickness and a longing for a home-base strike a chord even for those who may not have felt that way before. His vocals sound stronger than ever and the emotion that lies under them comes through just enough. <br />
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When I found out that Basement would be releasing the album under <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fueledbyramen/" target="_blank">Fueled By Ramen</a>, I assumed that the album would have a slightly more refined sound but aside from that I wasn't 100% sure what to expect. All I can say is that Basement blew me away with this album, it was everything that I wanted before I even knew what I wanted. I'll definitely be hoping to see them live again in 2019. <br />
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Have a look at the album that brought us into the Top 10 in 2017 <b><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2017/12/number-ten.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
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<br />Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-76550439425038036912018-12-20T15:47:00.002+00:002018-12-20T15:47:14.822+00:00NUMBER ELEVENThe ethereal queen is back, and just missing out on a Top 10 spot with her fourth album <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0pKZJj9GzcKPCS8r4IaksA?si=5ij-JMYJR7--dSrYOatvXA" target="_blank">High As Hope</a></i> is <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/florenceandthemachine/" target="_blank">Florence + The Machine</a></b>, in at number 11.<br />
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My favourites have stayed pretty much the same since first listen: "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sq0ukFzUc8" target="_blank">June</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GHXEGz3PJg" target="_blank">Hunger</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgnWirJ1LUI" target="_blank">Grace</a>", and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6GX0Zf4FMI" target="_blank">100 Years</a>" stay in my mind the most. "June" is one of the best album opening tracks that I've heard this year. Florence has always been gifted when it comes to twisting the intricate spots in a song around a subtle melody before hitting the listener with a roaring and memorable crescendo, but I have to say that this is one of my favourite instances. The mantra of 'hold on to each other' sounds almost religious by the end of the song.<br />
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Florence's previous album <i><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2015/06/album-review-how-big-how-blue-how.html" target="_blank">How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful</a> </i>struck a chord with me at the time because of the sheer grandeur and spectacle of it all. However, <i>High As Hope </i>calls to me because of the more subtle and quiet nature of it. Florence has settled down somewhat in life and her music definitely reflects this. Still with the anthemic and larger-than-life vocal that we've come to associate with her music,<i> </i>but this time bringing a gentler touch in all of the right places.<br />
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One thing I will say, is that I was hoping for a more adventurous album from Florence being her fourth album. In some ways Florence has stepped way out of her comfort zone, writing from a place of peace and happiness rather than her preferred melancholic, thunderous sound. However, aside from the premise of the album there is not much here that we haven't seen before. Luckily, Florence's good is better than a lot of people's best and in these ten tracks, that fact has stood her in good stead.<br />
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Check out what album was pipped at the post last year <b><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2017/12/number-eleven.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
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<br />Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-66705576037002349372018-12-19T13:26:00.002+00:002018-12-19T13:26:36.062+00:00NUMBER TWELVEThis album has been doing wonders since it dropped and it's only been a couple of months. She's just finished supporting <a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2014/09/gig-review-ms-lauryn-hill.html" target="_blank">Ms. Lauryn Hill</a> at Wembley Arena this weekend and now soaring in at my number 12 spot is <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thisnao/" target="_blank">Nao</a> </b>with <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5rojZ5uUIKKkfNsFT92Vld?si=_vdkL1CfTUKrXiH5s3o4Dw" target="_blank">Saturn</a></i>.<br />
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The <a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2014/11/gig-review-little-dragon.html" target="_blank">first time that I heard about Nao</a> I was on my way to see <a href="https://www.facebook.com/littledragonpage" target="_blank">Little Dragon</a> for the first time four years ago and had no idea what to expect until I saw it with my own eyes. Almost instantly I could see that there was something special in Nao. However, looking at her album now and realising how much she's grown since then and how much potential she still has; I might even have underestimated her initially. It's only been a couple of years since her debut record and she's already improved leaps and bounds - not only vocally but also with production and DJ-ing. She's even launched her own record label since then.<br />
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Tracks that shine through for me right now are "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRCQ24V8eO8" target="_blank">Another Lifetime</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tM103RrHJE" target="_blank">Make It Out Alive (feat. SiR)</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pds_g7uLCbI" target="_blank">Saturn (feat. Kwabs)</a>", and "<a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2018/09/sotd-drive-and-disconnect.html" target="_blank">Drive And Disconnect</a>". I still remember exactly how I felt and exactly what I was doing the first time I listened to these songs. Being able to hold a presence in any moment in time is so important for a great piece of music and Nao's been able to do this with an entire record. I'm almost embarrassed that I continue to be surprised by how good Nao is.<br />
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Overall as an album I feel like it trumps her debut <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2BmceJHiy9RTyvaB1IU0P6?si=9SdLPPjJSbaCbgDacXpY_Q" target="_blank">For All We Know</a></i>,<i> </i>particularly in aspects such as production and song selection. However, I feel like the songs that stood out to me on <i>FAWK</i> like "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-t_Gg_6JUDY" target="_blank">Blue Wine</a>" and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7vHqhRXZpY" target="_blank">Bad Blood</a>", rest in my mind with a little more weight than the stand-out tracks on <i>Saturn</i>. Nao's star has risen quickly over the past year and I don't see it slowing down any time soon. I am abundantly happy for her success with this, and can't fault her getting credit where credit is clearly due.<br />
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Have a look at what other UK songstress took the number 12 spot in 2017 <b><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2017/12/number-twelve.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>. Funnily enough it also included a feature from Kwabs.<br />
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<br />Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-4648398488751010882018-12-18T02:21:00.000+00:002018-12-18T02:21:03.063+00:00NUMBER THIRTEENThis album opens with one of my most played songs of the year and closes with one of my <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/15EuqvED0Ly5n3V6lST9u3?si=zbgTkUpWQxaDxdl7MDe0eg" target="_blank">favourite duets of the year</a>. Floating in at number 13 is Sydney-based <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/tonightalive/" target="_blank">Tonight Alive</a> </b>with their latest album <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6ZmaJPf6EN47mpy36rrYTr?si=aiEtsL03RmW0GFmqWwhdEg" target="_blank">Underworld</a></i>.<br />
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Unfortunately there hasn't been as much Rock music in my library this year and I'm still not completely sure as to why. However, quality over quantity and in this case, quality's definitely won out. I've had some back and forth with Tonight Alive over the past 6 years as both a fan and a critic, but this album has firmly cemented my love for them. <br />
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I remember listening to their single "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaLLLHugwHw" target="_blank">Disappear (feat. Lynn Gunn)</a>" for the first time on BBC Radio 1, in the car somewhere and I can't tell you how my face lit up as the opening riffs rang out. After being disappointed with their last record <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2GCPZ0JRF4oUz1V6jrpBF4?si=495dZWTiTxWnFVV6ePz0Ng" target="_blank">Limitless</a></i>,<i> </i>hearing this single made me so hopeful for the Tonight Alive that I absolutely adored back in 2013. Another top play for me this year, hearing Lynn and Jenna duet together kicked goals that I didn't even know I was holding onto. This is easily one of my favourite moments on the album and this comes alongside so many others. "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6Xmz-pI-B4" target="_blank">Book Of Love</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG_25XnaCUM" target="_blank">The Other</a>", "<a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/0R9xvzBv7XHFJZBPPB2nY9?si=QWEBItp8Td2UqaXnyESstg" target="_blank">Just For Now</a>" and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCs_8-h3CwY" target="_blank">Waiting For The End</a>" stand out the most to me right now but with every listen something new jumps out that makes me smile.<br />
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I have to tip my hat to Dave Petrovic of course. After his work producing <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1qzkSHpTm1cTLWUmCe1Da8?si=2YM8nnzeSJumrVS3KjWIyQ" target="_blank">The Other Side</a> </i>in 2013, and now putting his hand to <i>Underworld</i>; I'd say that it's no coincidence that I love this album just as much. Jenna's found a way to tug at my heartstrings at least once on every album they've released and this one is no different. Lyrically they are able to articulate simple young adult sadness in the most relatable ways. Although there's a weight to this album, every time I listen through and belt it out I know I'll be smiling inside and out.<br />
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Have a look at the album that took the lucky number 13 spot last year <b><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2017/12/number-thirteen.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
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<br />Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-45592028220892184672018-12-17T15:14:00.002+00:002018-12-17T15:14:34.379+00:00NUMBER FOURTEENThe first time I saw this band live at <a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2014/08/reading-festival-review-saturday.html" target="_blank">Reading Festival</a> still goes down in my books as one of the best live performances I've ever seen. The raw energy that they put into their shows, at the time, went unmatched by a large proportion of other UK bands. Punching in at number 14 is <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/marmozets/" target="_blank">Marmozets</a> </b>with <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6ugcC7DaLDApGMJbGQtg5w?si=hJgIUBUKQymeA_eR6nXQ8Q" target="_blank">Knowing What You Know Now</a></i>.<br />
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After their debut album made its way to <a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2014/12/on-first-day-of-christmas.html" target="_blank">my number one spot in 2014</a>, you can imagine how excited I was for this follow up album. Lead singer Becca has previously described this as her 'fighting album', giving her strength when things in life aren't going so well. Anthemic hits like "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81tm46PqVwo" target="_blank">Run With The Rhythm</a>", ooze encouragement and a feeling of determination, but it's the subtle notes of 'pushing forward' and 'being brave' coming through amidst the more angsty lyrics, that carry the most weight. <br />
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My favourite tracks on the album for me are "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6F4QBaoHr4" target="_blank">Play</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snSnOdM_Z8Q" target="_blank">Meant To Be</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCJIUBf01Z0" target="_blank">Major System Error</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1wCVns-fE8" target="_blank">Lost In Translation</a>", and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV0xKTkWPrA" target="_blank">Start Again</a>". I first listened to this album whilst I was making my way around Melbourne in January and it stuck out like a sore thumb in my music library at the time. Since then it's continued to stand out but for all of the right reasons. Becca's ability to bring riot grrrl vocals in over Math Rock beats, and control her voice with a level of emotion that's almost performative is excellent.<br />
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As well as being an album with pure fight and grit in it, <i>Knowing What You Know Now</i> clearly shows the growth and development that Marmozets have gone through since their debut, not only as a band but also as individuals. This is some of the most mature and calculated material they've put out to date and I cannot wait to hear what's around the corner. <br />
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Have a look at the album that made its way to my number 14 spot last year <b><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2017/12/number-fourteen.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
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<br />Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-26959741353858029702018-12-16T19:57:00.001+00:002018-12-16T20:19:16.161+00:00NUMBER FIFTEENWe've reached that sweet, sweet middle ground - and bringing us in at number 15 is the summery <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1MPNdWy8DhAjVTPiDQok0H?si=q0PVHGcfSVaWQjkXN2sNBg" target="_blank">In The Comfort Of</a> </i>from the illustrious beat-maker <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SangoBeats/" target="_blank">Sango</a></b>.<br />
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Most people know about Sango through his work with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Soulection/" target="_blank">Soulection</a>, however I think my first encounter with Sango actually came from a Spotify recommendation this year. It wasn't until I delved deeper that I found out I'd already heard his material via Soulection. Regardless, the more that I learn about Sango the more I like his ethos, not only as an artist but also as a human being. He makes music with the belief in mind that he's encouraging other musicians that it's a good idea, and that it's important to be inspired by your peers. That earnestness shines through in many of the softer pockets over the course of the record.<br />
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This album was the soundtrack to my summer months. There is a song for every mood on this record and I can attach at least one memory from the last 6 months to every single song on here. My favourites at the moment are "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpI5-r7y9yc" target="_blank">Mateo 2.19 (feat. Romaro Franceswa & Dave B.)</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irOFVHEArq8" target="_blank">Chemistry (feat. JMSN)</a>" "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jpZ-IwMAKg" target="_blank">Sweet Holy Honey (feat. Xavier Omär)</a>" and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PKhP3HCMis" target="_blank">Comfortable (feat. Ryan Ashley)</a>" - and that's heavily narrowed down. There are so many stand-out moments dotted around <i>In The Comfort Of</i>,<i> </i>like the last minute of the instrumental on "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQTkGWOp_DI" target="_blank">Dance For Blessings</a>", the smooth R&B vocals on "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3sZwyzTObU" target="_blank">Twogether (feat. Jesse Boykins III)</a>", or the ebb-and-flow of beat in the last minute of "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntFc5hov40k" target="_blank">On Me (feat. Jon Bap)</a>".<br />
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Held together by samples of conversations and broadcasts in Portuguese, Sango manages to meld the things that mean the most to him in his life (his home comforts so to speak) like his family and relationships, together with an open-for-interpretation message about what comforts you, the listener, most in life. This is one to sit with as the sun sets and you're sat in the places or with the people that make you feel most comfortable. Do this, and see if you're able to finish Sango's sentence, - in the comfort of...<br />
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<a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2017/12/number-fifteen.html" target="_blank"><b>Here</b></a>'s what brought us into number 15 last year.<br />
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<br />Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-4082952248121223432018-12-15T14:29:00.000+00:002018-12-15T14:29:11.598+00:00NUMBER SIXTEENThis next band came stomping into my life so suddenly that when I listened to the album I almost didn't have time to catch up with my feelings. The heart-racing, fist-pumping <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/27NYgZQHcapoSAs5bWAxRI?si=N74b-s_hR-Ceh2CQwo4NAA" target="_blank">Joy as an Act of Resistance</a> </i>from <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/idlesband/" target="_blank">IDLES</a></b><i> </i>in at number 16. <div>
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The first thing that struck me about this album was the title. People listen to music because it makes them feel something - at least the best of it does. The title alone lit up an emotion in me and so I knew that I had to give it a chance and thank goodness I did. Anybody listening to this album for the first time is instantly carried along with the mob, being tossed and shoved every time a new track starts. </div>
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My favourites at the moment are "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VODKZxsRa_E" target="_blank">Colossus</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCyf6DinTSo" target="_blank">Never Fight A Man With A Perm</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyB6aN__y5w" target="_blank">Love Song</a>", and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=si2pZRifgIo" target="_blank">Samaritans</a>". There is rarely a moment in this album when my emotions aren't rocking and changing pace along with theirs. Joe Talbot growls along with this 12-track ripper speaking on losing his mother, having a stillborn child, cleaning up his substance abuse issues, toxic masculinity and more, all the while manifesting this heavy feeling in the pit of your stomach that stays with you after the last guitars and feedback ring out. However, in album that made me feel so much, surprisingly none of those feelings was joy. </div>
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This album manages to capture the personal and public issues in a subtle shout that leaves lyrics like "The mask of masculinity, is a mask. A mask that's wearing me." ringing in your ears for days. IDLES are without a doubt, one of the most exciting bands that I've heard this year.</div>
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Have a look at what took the number 16 spot last year <b><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2017/12/number-sixteen.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.</div>
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Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-16314276875780493182018-12-14T17:45:00.001+00:002018-12-14T17:45:08.942+00:00NUMBER SEVENTEENOut of every single name on this list, this artist has been all over the news and social media the most by a long way. If you hadn't heard any of her music until now, shame on you, but there's no way that you haven't at least heard her name. In at number 17 is <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/IamCardiB/" target="_blank">Cardi B</a> </b>with the aptly titled <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/4KdtEKjY3Gi0mKiSdy96ML?si=VzCE7Ki7QByXQRjm1I1Aig" target="_blank">Invasion Of Privacy</a></i>.<br />
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Like most people I'd only really heard about Cardi B musically after her smash "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEGccV-NOm8" target="_blank">Bodak Yellow</a>" came out. That song is still a hit to this very day and despite how much overplaying it's gone through and how much the radio has tried to make me hate it, it's stood the test of time and still makes me feel just as good as I did listening to it for the first time. The same could be said about this entire album to be honest. It's hands down one of the most popular albums to come out this year and as much as I try to shy away from things with a ridiculous amount of hype surrounding them, I've found myself coming back to this album on so many occasions.<br />
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Stand-out tracks for me right now are "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyskqwwBeNw" target="_blank">Get Up 10</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTPhNIKeKgw" target="_blank">Bickenhead</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiYfOWu5ZhY" target="_blank">She Bad (feat. YG)</a>", and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Psn0fiNaHOw" target="_blank">I Do (feat. SZA)</a>". I say that those are my favourites for <i>right now</i> because that most definitely was not the case when it first came out. After the first listen I would have told you that "She Bad" should have never even made it onto the final album and "I Like It (feat. Bad Bunny & J Balvin)" would have been my favourite by quite a mile. However, overplaying changed and cemented all of my opinions. I don't see my favourites changing around again for a while but I can safely say that I'll be sitting with this album time and time again in 2019.<br />
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There's undoubtedly some controversy surrounding Cardi B, yet also a number of people supporting her as somebody that encourages women celebrate their sexuality and to be themselves completely and unashamedly. Cardi puts so much personality and charisma into her writing that it's hard not to like her, or at the very least admire her honesty. As a debut, she's definitely let the world know who she is and I don't doubt that she'll be keeping us updated.<br />
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Dropping in at number 17 last year with this gem right <b><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2017/12/number-seventeen.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
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<br />Blog, Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599960720379093636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698591513986936048.post-25625041225710242492018-12-13T00:30:00.002+00:002018-12-13T00:30:35.866+00:00NUMBER EIGHTEENIn at number 18 is <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/travisscottlaflame/" target="_blank">Travis Scott</a> </b>with <i>ASTROWORLD</i>. Outside of the hype that Travis received in the build up to <i>ASTROWORLD</i>'s release, heavy hitters from his previous few records like "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLx87ceoNT8" target="_blank">Apple Pie</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnZ8h3MRuYg" target="_blank">Antidote</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dst9gZkq1a8" target="_blank">goosebumps (feat. Kendrick Lamar)</a>", etc, had me buzzing for this release more than any of the murmurs of the internet.<br />
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I still remember when I first listened to this album on my way into work - it's a long commute. By the time I got to work I wanted to talk to everyone about this album. There were a few tracks that fell away from my mind fairly quickly but given the sheer length of this album that's no surprise at all. After a few more listens even the least memorable tracks had pockets that caught my attention, like the piano portion of "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2taklQnVzY" target="_blank">NC-17</a>" around the 1:10 mark or the smooth guitar running throughout "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAO8ZAUBx0c" target="_blank">WAKE UP</a>".<br />
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I love an album with lots of collaborators because often this is where you build the most well-rounded and diverse material. When I found out that Tame Impala handled the instrumental on "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAyYYKcySXA" target="_blank">SKELETONS</a>", and Stevie Wonder lent his hand with the harmonica section on "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqvCptqhHfs" target="_blank">STOP TRYING TO BE GOD</a>" followed by James Blake's brilliant and moody close - I couldn't help but smile. This album definitely isn't short of very talented cooks in the kitchen. My favourite tracks at the moment are "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a8PgqWrc_4" target="_blank">STARGAZING</a>" "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhXVLFpAAKY" target="_blank">NO BYSTANDERS</a>" "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJWHAiDARMQ" target="_blank">YOSEMITE</a>" and "STOP TRYING TO BE GOD" but these have changed quite a few times since first listen. From top to bottom the mix on this album is quality and the transitions on songs like "STARGAZING" and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ONRf7h3Mdk" target="_blank">SICKO MODE</a>" are so, so clean.<br />
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After <i>Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight </i>in 2016 this latest offering shows off a lot more of Travis' creativity and innovation. Not merely because of the heaps of new influences and samples on it but also because of the ease of his flow and creative wordplay. I'm actually not sure whether Travis will be able to top this with his next record but if that comes around and it's just as good as this, you won't be hearing any complaints from me.<br />
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Check out what filled up the number 18 spot last year <b><a href="https://joywarmann.blogspot.com/2017/12/number-eighteen.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
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