Original video located here. Accessed 26th February 2016
Song title: Jellyhead
Artist: Crush
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
A fun song backed with a catchy chorus sung with gusto. What's not to like?
Well, teen me loved it and adult me sees not reason to reconsider.
Mind you, this is still a remix: In more recent years I have come across the original. Which do I prefer? I may have to get back to you on that one...
Original video located here. Accessed 22nd February 2016
Song title: A Dedication
Artist: Washed Out
Year: 2011
Why I like this song:
While we're on the topic of playing catch up, I did obtain Washed Out's first album. Five years two late I know but bare with me.
In this case however, the length of time it took to get here was a virtue. For the album itself is pretty good but the best moment comes at the end. Because said song, shown above, spoke to me in the terms of experience,
For me, this song spoke of drifting apart from one's romantic partner. True there are no shortage of songs attacking former lovers but I hold this song as unique as it doesn't take the attack approach: Instead, it is more about realisation and deciding to move on. And whilst it may be painful there is still the sense that the person leaving will look back on the relationship with a fond eye and be glad that it happened.
A situation I have lived through and no doubt many others have as well.
Original video located here. Accessed 19th February 2016
Song title: Punk Rock Song
Artist: Bad Religion
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
It was a prime example of punk and it came at a time when I was really tuning into it. Not much that needs to be said really (although the German version is worth a listen)
Original video located here. Accessed 15th February 2016
Song title: Bedroom Eyes
Artist: Dum Dum Girls
Year: 2011
Why I like this song:
It took me a while but I finally got ahold of this album. And I'm glad I did because it's packed to the gills with guitar/dream pop gems. And this could well be the best of the lot. A killer guitar riff, harmonies aplenty and a lead singer who has enough confidence to do Chrissie Hynde proud.
Clearly, it's all in the immediacy.
Also, I'm watching the video and dem legs....
Original video located here. Accessed 12th February 2016
Song title: Girl From Mars
Artist: Ash
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
Punk rock and girls? An unbeatable formula.
As long as there are teenagers there will be an interest in punk rock. And this band did indeed speak to me as a teenager as they a) were relatable as they were still teenagers themselves and b) talked about topics that I was trying to understand (girls).
Funny how these guys reached me when Blink-182 did not...
Original video located here. Accessed 10th February 2016
Song title: Wide Open
Artist: The Chemical Brothers with Beck
Year: 2015
Why I like this song:
I've been listening to the Chemical Brothers new album Born in the Echoes. And, as is often the case with the Chemical Brothers, they leave the best part until last.
It certainly is a surprise to see Tom and Ed join forces with Beck - indeed, a sceptic would think this is a deliberate attempt to appeal to nineties nostalgia. But whatever: the end result is magic, with Mr Hansen giving a superb vocal performance and the Brothers making a wonderful backing.
In fact, I think this is cut from the same cloth as Surface to Air: Expansive (hence the title?) and yet more mellow. Proof that for all their energy, Tom and Ed can be subtle when they want to.
Song title: I Can Hear
Artist: DISH//
Year: 2013
Why I like this song:
Considering that Naruto is well regarded amongst the emo fandom perhaps it is fitting that an emo sounding song should be utilised as one of Naruto's ending themes.
Okay maybe it's more pop-punk than emo but I find it of interest due to it's bonkers nature (use of DJ and very strange Engrish chorus) and it's undeniable energy. I suppose every teenager gets into some form of pop-punk at some point and, once established, it never really leaves you