Wednesday, October 24, 2012

This Song Rocks: Clair De Lune


Original video located here. Accessed 16th November 2012

Song title: Clair De Lune

Artist: Flight Facilities

Year: 2012

Why I like this song:

Hypnotic doesn't begin to describe it. 
I like songs that encourage the listener to be drawn and go on their own journey with it. And this is one such song.

Monday, October 1, 2012

The Asian Connection: Days


Original video located here. Accessed 10th July 2013

Song title: Days

Artist: FLOW

Year: 2005

Why I like this song:

Never seen the anime Eureka 7 (Edit: And of 2024, I still haven't) but I was sold on this opening.
It must be the effort of doing a seventies sound, what with the strings and guitar. 
And hey, it works.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Choon of the Month: Swimming Pools (Drank)


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

Monday, September 24, 2012

Explorations: Walking on the Moon


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. 

Monday, September 17, 2012

Got it Covered: I Need Love


Original video located here. Accessed 4th July 2012

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.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Explorations: Hieronymus


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....

Monday, September 3, 2012

The Asian Connection: Lets Stay Together Itsumo


Original video located here. Accessed 10th July 2021

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.