Playlist 12: Animals

I have to begin this month’s playlist with a little announcement- we’ve decided to cut the playlist count down to 2 a month. We felt four was simply too many, and what with being busy with exams and such at the moment, 2 a month is a bit more flexible. So, this month, the playlist is being commandeered by Chloe and Eileen, and our theme is:

Playlist 12: Animals

Take a walk on the wild side

1. RILO KILEY- Portions for Foxes
To kick us off, a bit of indie-rock lovin’ courtesy of Rilo Kiley. After hearing this song on the first ever episode of Grey’s Anatomy, I had to get my hands on it. Hearing Jenny Lewis chanting ‘Baby I’m bad news, bad news, bad news’ always takes me back to my days of being an orange-haired burnout. Aaw.

2. YEAH YEAH YEAHS- Gold Lion
Seems a little obvious, but how could I not, really? This song is a classic in my books. I’m much more of a ‘Fever to Tell’ girl personally, but it’s impossible not to appreciate the sheer majesty of this song.

3. SIX GALLERY- Edie and the Marble Faun
Ok, so a faun is only half-goat, but after featuring them in the ‘April: A Memoir’ post, I felt like I ought to share a little more of Six Gallery’s wondrous sound with you. Unfortunately they’ve postponed their UK tour, due to losing Dan Francis as the vocalist. They’re training up a new guy, Daniel Erb (of Afortiori), but no news of rescheduling the tour has emerged yet.

4. ROLO TOMASSI- Seagull
A little bit of vintage Rolo Tomassi for you- y’know, back in the days they sounded like Super Mario on acid. Their new album- due out 24th May- is apparently very different to this. A dead giveaway of said difference is the fact it’s been produced by Diplo- yes, that is Diplo, producer of M.I.A and Snoop Dogg. Interesting...

5. BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH- Trinco Dog
So far, we’ve had indie, math rock, and screamo/grindcore craziness- now I’m throwing a little reggae into the mix. Never say my musical tastes aren’t varied.

6. THE BEATLES- Blackbird
You’ve got to love The Beatles- even they can’t decide what their songs are about. Whether you think this song is about the plight of African-Americans, or ‘troubled girls in South America’ (McCartney’s words, not mine), or just a simple story about a classic underdog waiting for his moment to shine, at least we can all enjoy the simple peace of this beautiful song.

7. BILLIE THE VISION AND THE DANCERS- Summercat
A bit of Swedish indie pop silliness to put a smile on your face. I think what I like so much about this song is that anyone who’s ever missed anyone can instantly relate to the chorus of ‘Tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight, I want to be with you tonight’. Bless.

8. MISFITS- Return of the Fly
I think some people have this impression that music bloggers spend their entire life hunting down and listening to amazing tunes. Whilst it’s true that the best ones do seem to have a knack for spotting the next big thing, I for one have spent pretty much all of this month listening to 70’s horror-rockers Misifts- I’m completely hooked. This song is based on a comic book of the same name- Glenn Danzig, the lead singer, is pretty into his comic books, by all accounts. I think he owns a company who make erotic comic books, which is gross.

9. COCOROSIE- Noah’s Ark
Named as a major influence on The XX, Cocorosie are a female experimental duo, currently residing in Paris. The great thing about Cocorosie is that they are simultaneously really cute and really bizarre- their use of children’s toys in their music, for one, is both baffling and brilliant. They’re an acquired taste, but for those who get into them, it’s easy to see their own brand of subtle genius.

10. JONSI- Animal Arithmetic
Continuing the cuteness, a track from Sigur Ros front man Jonsi’s new album, ‘Go’. Fast-paced, joyous, and pretty damn delightful.

11. BROKEN BELLS- Mongrel Heart
When Danger Mouse (of Gnarls Barkley) and James Mercer (of The Shins) get together, you know something magical is going to happen. Their long-anticipated debut dropped in March, and offered an unusual indie-pop sound-embodied by the random spaghetti-Western style horn section in this song.

12. MINIATURE TIGERS- The Wolf
Question: What’s the best way to get over a really crappy relationship?
Answer: Do as Miniature Tigers do- write an album full of references to wolves, volcanoes, cannibals- and hit TV show Lost. My personal favourite line comes from the track Cannibal Queen: ‘like Nikki and P you could bury me alive’- I’m sure fellow Losties will appreciate that reference.

You can listen to the whole playlist on the little player in the sidebar, so you can listen whilst you browse. Once a new playlist is made, you'll still be able to listen to the whole on this page. Enjoy!

Read More......

April: A Memoir

ALBUM OF THE MONTH: SIX GALLERY- BREAKTHROUGHS IN MODERN ARTOk, so technically speaking, this album was released in March, not April, but it would actually be a crime not to share this with you. The few who were familiar with Six Gallery before ‘BIMA’ were acquainted with a supremely talented instrumental math-rock band, known for their ridiculously complex rhythmical structures and downright amazing guitar skills. What’s been added to the mix this time around, surprisingly, is a young vocalist by the name of Daniel Francis. It’s a decision that could’ve completely compromised the core sound of Six Gallery- fortunately, it’s allowed them to scale all new heights of genius. Francis’ voice acts as a soothing lullaby when accompanying the fleetingly soft percussion, and as a commanding roar as the guitars rage on in a cavalcade of perfect, delicious noise. It’s difficult to remember as you’re smacked in the face with their sheer musical prowess that this is a debut album- and it’s easily the best debut I’ve ever heard.


FILM OF THE MONTH: KICK-ASS
It was one of my ‘Could-Go-Either-Way’ film picks, and it definitely went in the right direction. What I wasn’t expecting, though, was how dramatic this film was. When watching the trailer, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were about to watch a comedy film- well, you’re not. As well as feeding the more violent appetite in turns both bloody and brutal, it would take an audience with a heart of stone not to be touched (or slightly disturbed) by the father-daughter relationship between Big Daddy (Nicholas Cage) and Hit Girl (the talented Chloe Moretz). If you’re looking for something light-hearted, this potentially isn’t the film for you- but if you’re looking for violence, kick-ass stunts, laughs, sex, bazookas, and maybe a tear or two, you’re onto a winner.

TV SHOW OF THE MONTH: GLEE (MADONNA SPECIAL)
I'm doing it a little different this month when it comes to TV- why? Because I can. Instead of a show as a whole, I'm zooming in on just one episode and I'm doing 'Glee' again. Why, you might ask once more? Because it was fucking AWESOME. Last week’s episode saw the cast turning to the pop goddess that is Madonna and I don't think anyone in the whole world cannot appreciate that pointy boobed, trend setting, leotard wearing, gyrating wizard of music. With amazing renditions of Marge's best loved hits including 'Like a Prayer', 'Express Yourself' and 'Like a Virgin', it was an almighty hour's TV to behold. I got very excited. However, the cherry on top of this momentous episode had to be Sue Sylvester's copy of the almighty 'Vogue' video. Watch it below- enjoy!



FASHION DESIGNER OF THE MONTH: LEWIS

It’s pretty difficult not to fall in love with Lewis’ Spring/Summer collection just for the pictures- bright, gorgeous images that capture all the fun of the fair. But the collection itself is just as playful- by turns both delicate and bold, capturing the pastel shades of ice cream with clashing block colours straight from the big top. Not only that, but the collection taps into the floral trend, and the sudden vintage fetish that’s swept the high street. It does come at a price- each piece costs upwards of $200- but still, we can dream, can’t we?

POSTS OF THE MONTH
Spotify Discoveries- Chloe shares some hidden musical treasures discovered through Spotify.

5 Male Artists I Have A Man Crush On- In this post, Charles finally puts rumours of his sexuality to bed. Expect naked pictures of Kevin Barnes, and footage of Ryan Dicks ‘Ridin’ tha Chillwave’. Whatever that means.

The Sex Playlist- Our most viewed post this month (wonder why) featured Eileen discussing the dirty and depraved depths of her musical tastes. Giggidy giggidy.

Read More......