Music

Mumford & Sons Johannesburg EP

Johannesburg EP came out June 17th, and it does not disappoint! There are five tracks that are all gold in their own ways. Johannesburg is a mini-album which collaborates with Baaba Maal, The Very Best, & Beatenberg. It was created in two days, and encapsulates Mumford & Sons’ time spent in South Africa.

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One reason I’m so drawn to Mumford & Sons is that they aren’t afraid to explore new sounds. (plus they are so humble to their fame, but— I’ll save for another time). Clearly, Johannesburg allows them to experiment with new “world sounds,” that us Westerners aren’t all too familiar with.

“There Will Be Time” was the first sneak peak to the album, followed by “Wona” which was released a few weeks before the album release date. “Wona” only has one awkward transition where Marcus Mumford takes over from Beatenberg near the beginning, but I’ll let it slide. All in all, both are great singles, and have great dancing beats.

“Fool You’ve Landed” has more layering of drums which I enjoy, while “Ngamila” experiments with layering of vocals. There is also a mixture of different tempos, which somehow works for both songs.

“Si Tu Veux” is the last track which gives me all the feels, because, it’s just so impactful? Hard to explain. Maybe because it translates to “If You Want,” who knows.

Now see all their cuteness in a live performance of “There Will Be Time.”

Cheers.

Want more Mumford & Sons news? Here’s my review of their 2015 concert on Niagara-on-the-Lake and review of Wilder Mind. Bonus analysis of “Snake Eyes.”

Wednesday Listens E28

Music is the one thing keeping me sane. It’s a very important aspect in my life, and apparently I have crafted a Wes Anderson style theme this week. Can he direct my life?

Father John Misty and “Real Love Baby” feels so good to listen to. There’s a nice relaxing tone to the piece, and the lyrics are also nice to sing along to. In a way, it is like “Here Comes the Sun,” somewhat up that alley? I think it’s because of the layering of guitar and vocal feedback.

Kaleo is just a good rock band to jam out to. They are in fact visiting Toronto the end of July, any takers for this concert? “No Good” is by far my fave track off of A/B. There’s a great guitar riff and the drumming is on point.

Came by this track off of Spotify, and I am so happy I did! Guitar is calming in this track along with the lyrics. His voice is oh so relaxing.

 

See what I’m listening to on Spotify.

Wednesday Listens E27

This week only features two tracks. But, two amazing tracks.

I like to stay ahead of the music curb, so call me a music snob if you will. But let the record show I am showing you this band before they are big. Kaleo are going to be huge, and I am so looking to see their success. Indie folk band from Iceland. Some songs give off a Lumineers feel, others remind me of Bon Iver. They are without a doubt, musically talented. VOCALS are very pleasing.

One of my favourite memories is seeing these cuties at the Opera House two years ago! The small venue made their sound even bigger and more intimate. The crowd that was also there were truly there for the music, so it was a nice scene. KONGOS are a group of brothers, who have lived in South Africa for most of their life. However, were born in London, and are now based in Phoenix, Arizona! They have a good, alt sound, and aren’t afraid to bring the accordion into play. One of my fave songs off Lunatic is “I Want to Know.” Because, who doesn’t want to know?

Wednesday Listens E26

I’ve been trying to figure out the direction I wanted E26 to take. I’ve decided, like always, indie alternative was the way to go, with a focus on Canadian musicians (#CanCon represent).

I’ve heard “Oh Cecilia” on the radio a few times, and kept meaning to write the band down as I could never find it when I searched later on. Man oh man is this song catchy and has a great sound to it. Like Kathy Byers, this song is a good tune to dance to. It has a smooth sound to it, and has an intoxicating feel too.

What adds to the fun? Kathy Byers is a dancing crossing guard in Toronto, and Born Ruffians are from MIDLAND. That’s right, Midland, Ontario. Some good ‘ol Canadian boys, no wonder I love their sound.

The Zolas are another favourite Canadian band, and I always find comfort in their music. This is a nice track that brings homage to Toronto. The Zolas always have strong lyrics with multiple meanings.

Down for getting dark cause the dark gets me//And all the other lovers make it so heavy//Takes a little emptiness to feel complete//When crowds come ever-thicker and liquor it comes free

You may have already heard “Swooner” on the radio, I know Indie88 has been playing it. It’s the title track off the album, and it’s also pretty swooooonish. Don’t you just hate it when someone swoons you? Swoon, what a good word.

Ahhh I have a mild crush on Half Moon Run. Their guitar strumming and plucking is seriously so in line with their tight drumming. Like The Zolas, Half Moon Run also has solid lyrics with deep meaning. I just can’t help but be in love with their second album.

Thank God for good music, eh? It really does keep me going, which is why I share it so often.

Wednesday Listens E25

Music is so important in our lives. As someone who overthinks, music allows me to express my thoughts in a way that I cannot.

Next songs are chosen based on their depth of lyrics and the ways it allows the following artists to express themselves.

Recently discovered this amazing Aussie, Chet Faker (Nicholas Murphy). The bearded beauty is only 27? And writing skills are superb. How I would describe the music Chet Faker puts out is electronic bluesy (if that makes sense). Slower temp, with a good base track. Besides this lyrical masterpiece, check out “Gold” and anything he’s paired up with Flume.

1975 are back with more of an 80s feel for their second album. Lot poppier than their debut album, more use of colour and faster tempos. “Ugh!” is a good number,  and can be interpreted in numerous ways. Is he talking about unrequited love? Perhaps, but I think Matthew Healey is discussing his experience with drugs >> “The kick won’t last for long.”
They will be on SNL this Saturday with Larry David! It should be pretty, pretty, pretty good.

Okay the two previous songs do no justice compared to Leon Bridges. Oh oh oh, have you heard him? Love the Motown vibes. I’m perfectly speechless because his voice, wow. It does not feel like a song from 2016, ya know?

Wednesday Listens E24

So I may not have posted for a couple of weeks. Apologies. SO I make it up with three stellar picks that have been playing nonstop this week.

Here I am sitting in my car, ALTNATION on the radio when this beauty starts playing. I mean, Nothing But Thieves, please to meet you. Your lyrics are on point. I love how the sounds travel back to some good classic rock. They remind me of Muse with the muffled vocals, with a hint of The Strokes with the beginning guitar riff (sounds like Reptilia in a way). This number will be on repeat for the week.

Also, the video is artistically beautiful.

Catchy beat with this remix. ODESZA brings more layers to ZHU’s song, and creates a nice song to put on when you just want to zone out.

Love this remix of West Coast. No. Other. Words.

Wednesday Listens E23

So I may not have posted music last week… but I have a great lineup for you today.

Oh hey Neighbourhood. Glad you are back with a solid album. The verses alone had me.

Miike Snow is starting the month off great with this track. Super catchy base – as always – with some clever (albeit controlling) lyrics.

I absolute adore this album from The Wombats. This song, plus “Greek Tragedy” are my favourite. It’s something from the pure emotion that gets me.

Wednesday Listens E22

Coldplay is back with a strong single. Love the groove to this song, lyrics are on point, and the beat is sick.

If this doesn’t get you dancing, then you have no joy in your life. Saint Motel are a hidden gem, can’t wait to see big things happen for these guys!

Driving home to this song is powerful. Seriously, try it.

Wednesday Listens E21

People that don’t think rap is music, need to reevaluate their life choices. I sure can’t carry on a rhythm and come off as cool as these people. Maybe you just aren’t listening to the right people?

This mixtape is for FREE here.

Childish Gambino’s lyrics can get pretty vulgar, butttt doesn’t stop me from listening to his amazing skills. Donald Glover is just so cool, who wouldn’t want to be his bff?

Love the sampling used in this single, and the whole song is just too catchy. Favourite verse: “Make yourself like k-fed and let yourself go”

 

Wednesday Listens: twenty one pilots [Case Study]

Wednesday Listens will be taking a detour in the form of a case study of twenty one pilots.

Can you tell that I love music? My tastes range anywhere from rap to classical. What draws me to particular musicians? Well, I’m attracted to raw talent, powerful beats, and strong vocal range. I have recently come across twenty one pilots and my god, is their music important.

twentyonepilotsLyrics are a biggie with music. Most of Top40 is simplified lyrics so that it can apply to a wide mass of people. It’s those niche bands that concentrate on certain aspects we should all be paying attention to. Just sitting their listening to their sounds, you often will get goosebumps. This is twenty one pilots. They can go from piano, to techno, then from rap to ukulele all in a matter of a few songs. And they play each genre so well, and the songs still somehow flow? After spending the last week listening to many of their songs, I’ve come to realize that they focus on recovering from mental health issues. I feel this is so important to put out there, as music is a way people deal with their emotions.

Look back at certain situations that you went through in your life. Was their not a song that you played endlessly to get through it? And when you revisit these songs, you think about how far you’ve come.

“Holding on to You” deals with overcoming depression. An important song to put forth, as society does not know how to handle mental health. Look at it this way: When there’s a physical injury, we know that we should go to the doctor, it’s treatable, and you will have something tangible to fix the injury. Mental health on the other hand, cannot be seen physically, therefore people become uneasy when discussing it. It’s seen as something taboo, which should not be the case.

I’m taking over my body, back in control, no more shotty / I bet a lot of me was lost, Ts uncrossed and Is undotted / I fought it a lot and it seems a lot like flesh is all I got

As you can tell from the title of the song “Stressed Out” deals with the society that we live in. It discusses the sad realization of the differences between when we were younger, to now being “real adults.” When we were younger, we were told to dream. But, when we finally become older we are told to “wake up, you need to make money.” I’m just going to let that sit there.

I was told when I get older all my fears would shrink/
But now I’m insecure and I care what people think.

Just listen to this song. It makes the listener feel that it’s okay they have the same thoughts. They hear someone going through it as well, and will listen because someone can put it into words.

Scared of my own image, scared of my own immaturity,
Scared of my own ceiling, scared I’ll die of uncertainty,
Fear might be the death of me, fear leads to anxiety,
Don’t know what’s inside of me.