Original video located here. Accessed 5th August 2013
Song title: Swimming Pools (Drank)
Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Year: 2012
Why I like this song:
It took me awhile to come around to this but I'm glad I did. It has a repetition that thuds and a moodiness that grabs the attention. Engaging indeed
Original video located here. Accessed 1st December 2024
Song title: Walking on the Moon
Artist: The Police
Year: 1988
Why I like this song:
Recently I have been listening to the Police.
The Police have always been something of an anomaly to me: I knew quite a few of their hits as they've been something of a mainstay on radio. I knew they started out being part of the punk movement before stretching out and doing their own thing. I knew their approach incorporated chiming guitars and reggae. And I knew that many artists since have credited them as an inspiration.
Truly an intimidating prospect if ever there was one.
Listening to the Police discography is a fascinating journey: Going from punk before quickly abandoning it and going in more diverse directions. And it doesn't take long before this band recognises it's strengths: Stewart Copeland's hyperactive drumming, Andy Summers' guitar playing and Sting's knowledge of what makes a snappy song.
Granted there are some missteps but when this band hits, they knock it out of the park.
Song title: I Need Love
Artist: Luka Bloom
Originally Done By: LL Cool J
Year: 1992
Why I like this song:
Rap is not a music genre where one will find any attempts to be romantic but the LL Cool J song above is a rare exception.
Now with the cover...... my God.....
You know, I have heard various songs being redone by rappers but you hardly ever hear it going the other way. And it works. Largely, much like the rap genre, is all done in the delivery.
Seriously I can only wonder how many ladies swooned upon hearing Luka's Irish accent.
Original video located here. Accessed 5th September 2012
Song title: Hieronymus
Artist: The Clouds
Year: 1991
Why I like this song:
Lately I've been listening to the Clouds album Penny Century.
It's a pretty good album, being chock full of guitar pop and lovely harmonies.
I was under the impression that this was one those 'secret handshake' albums. You know the kind: those that knowing of is like being admitted into an secret and exclusive world.
And what kind of world? Well one gets the feeling these guys, along with Ratcat and the Falling Joys, were keeping the 'Australian alternative' flag flying. That is until grunge came along....
Song title: Lets Stay Together Itsumo
Artist: Ritsuko Okazaki
Year: 2001
Why I like this song:
Its a moment distilled in time: I can't listen to this song without being reminded of when I sat down with some buddies back in 2003 and watched Fruits Basket for the first time. Similarly, this was also played at key points in the series, revealing the depths of the damaged souls that was the Sohma family.
Other than that, this is indeed well executed: The beauty of the simplicity at the start would be enough to grab my attention but the emotional build up seals the deal.