I always go through Motown phases. There was once where I could only find inspiration for all of my essays by listening to Motown. They just get you in a good feeling, calm the nerves, and make you want to dance.

The Four Tops are one of those groups that have nice sounds. I love this and “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch).” It’s the harmony. And the dance moves.

That voice though. And this is live, like. How does one do that? That audience needs to loosen up though, only critique (they are so stiff).

And it wouldn’t be a Motown playlist without The Temptations. A classic. Am I the only one dancing right now? Don’t answer that.

British Invasion seems to be the theme with this one. Here I present you with music from three decades all featuring UK artists.

Don’t be hating on The Beatles. They are by far a revolutionary band, do not deny this fact. One of the few bands that can get away with changing their sound with each new album they released. We go from the Fab Four from the sixties, to rougher sounds heading into the 70s. Then we had our experimental phases dipping into their play on the use of Sitar, as well as those LSD psychedelic days.

Adam Ant is my guilty pleasure. The beat is sick, and he has amazing tunes to dance ridiculously too. Good Two Shoes is by far my favourite track, as just look at me — such a goody two shoes. Check out Stand and Deliver for some great use of overlapping vocals.

And of course bringing it up to date, some Arctic Monkeys. Did you know that they became famous in North America by people pirating their music? Yep. By others recording their music and posting it, it allowed Arctic Monkeys to gain exposure in North America — just a tidbit.

Woah. How did we make it to ten weeks of this already? Theme for this week seems to be b/w videos mixed with some alternative indie. WHICH if you think about it. What classifies it as alternative?

Please hook me up to an IV to this song. That’s how much I am loving it. It’s been stuck in my head for days now. 1. Nothing creepier than a six year old girl wearing a dress and THOSE shoes spinning around in a grave yard. 2. So catchy.

What I love about this song is of course Jesse Rutherford’s voice. Just listen to him. Liking the drum beat for this song mixed with the synth sounds. Nice to hear The Neighbourhood back with a solid single.

Casting for this is intriguing; very androgynous model featured in this video. No doubt you have heard “First” on the radio by Cold War Kids. I came across this band by mistake while searching for another song. My first listen to this band was “Lost that Easy,” which if you haven’t heard go do that now.

The main vocalist has a nice sound that’s different from most vocals you’ll hear.

Same direction here. The Kooks came out with this single back in October, yet I don’t think it’s gain the attention it deserves. Background vocals pair nicely with the beat. Gets your head-a-shaking.

Time for a completely different take on this week. Going to feature a variety of mashups, covers, and edits. Because why the hell not.

Walking on campus with this track in the background makes you feel so important. Fall Out Boy in the background somehow just goes with Lil Wayne, don’t ask why. Indie meets Rap, hello.

Remember that week I chose Electric Feel by MGMT. Ya, I don’t remember either. Wellll this week here’s a cover that’s been slowed down and added with a sick beat.

Listened to this song maybe one too many times last semester. Melanie Martinez was a contestant on the voice, and wowed audiences with “Toxic.” Enter Cestladore adding a spin to the song.

This is essentially a Wally de Backer (AKA Gotye) theme week, because hey, the man is super talented.

Now before you think “oh is she just going to have ‘Somebody That I Used to Know'” song?” One: I was considering it. Two: Well I’m going to have other songs ’cause I want to show you some of his other songs that will have you going “WOW I SHOULD HAVE GIVEN THIS MAN A SHOT”

Fun fact. Wally de Backer is part of “The Basics” A stellar band that experiments with guitar, drums, vocals, and have impact-ful lyrics.

Love the video for this song. And his voice. And the lyrics. Oh plus the riff. And everything.

This a catchy poppy song from The Basics, much different sound from the previous song. Takes a more direct band-y song route (if that’s a thing?)

Super creepy video but I love it. The (I want to guess) flute is a great edition with the softer drums. Plus their suits are super adorbs.

Now before Indie88 continues making those “Find Gotye 2014” jokes again, he’s actually performing with The Basics and had an album release in AU on Aug. 14th (if you actually did your research…)

Cheers.

Time for some High School throwback music.

“It’s funny how you just break down // Waitin’ on some sign”
That’s the line that got me for this number. Also the stache, but that’s not related. Or maybe it’s the guitar solo that ends with a faster tempo with powerful drum beat that gets me. It’s the song to walk, dance, belt out to.
Basically when I was in high school and spent most of my time at the library either during my lunch or before my shift at UPS this was on loop on my SanDisk Sansa MP3 player.

If you haven’t heard “Electric Feel” by MGMT by now, where were you in 2008? The psychedelic music makes you able to let go of your thoughts and flow with the music.

Konk is one of my all-time favourite albums. As such, it’s difficult choosing just one song off the album. BUT, “Do you Wanna?” has been a favourite for some time now. It’s that guitar riff that sucks you in, and especially when the music slows down with the drum beat steadying off. PLUS who can deny that ever-so low shirt paired with a great leather jacket? Swoooon </sarcasm>