by Meredith Schneider | Dec 29, 2017 | wolf tracks
Earlier this year, pop duo ÆVES – comprised of long-time friends Molly O’Malley and Matthew Adam – released their smooth, beautiful track “Loaded Love”. Addressing difficulties that arise in a romantic relationship, the song itself is something everyone can relate to on some level. It’s also pure pop in the most magnificent and entrancing way, perfect for just about any time of year. (Do you hear the holidays in it? We also hear a breezy spring day or a fun summer drive in those instrumentals.)
Check it out below, and be sure to let us know what you think in the comments!
Keep up with ÆVES here.
by Erin P.S. Zimmerman | Dec 29, 2017 | wolf tracks
Alright, folks. I am pretty darn open-minded (if I do say so myself), but I never thought I would find myself saying (typing) the following:
Harry Styles‘ self-titled solo debut is my album of Summer 2017.
I will admit that One Direction wasn’t a half bad boy group, but I never would have put them anywhere near the top of any list. But, it seems that they are finding much more success (at least in playtime by me) since each went solo.
Styles solidifies his singledom by self-titling his debut album. And, it works, but if it were me, I would have named it something much more pretentious. Maybe: “Rockstar,” or “THE Album of Summer 2017”.
There are no outright pop songs. Instead, Styles has chosen 10 tracks with melodies and instrumentation – even recording style – that calls back to Brit rockers of the1960s (think: Beatles, Rolling Stones). I know that may seem like high praise, but give it a listen. You will hear it. On top of that, his voice – solo – can be compared to Adam Lambert if he were to tone it down and take out the theatrics. Or maybe even Bruno Mars…if he were to tone it down and take out the theatrics. His voice is actually quite similar to fellow boy-bander, Zac Hanson.
If you haven’t checked out Hanson in awhile, give a listen to “Broken Angel” or “Misery” off their 2004 album, “Underneath”…the resemblance is striking.
My point with Harry’s voice is: It is very smooth, remarkable, and easy to listen to.
It’s not just the sound that has me turning this sucker up on an afternoon walk, evening drive, or even while I make breakfast in the morning, but lyrics that are a mix of fun, soulful, and a bit angsty. No, he hasn’t left the teenage angst behind, but do any of us, really? He croons about love, lust, the past, and growth, never letting us forget that we are all constantly in a state of change, regardless of if we are in our early 20s or our late 50s.
My favorite, “Two Ghosts”, is all about a love gone cold. How everything is the same as it always has been, but the passion and feelings that once were there have left the building. It’s something in between a break up and a love song, and it is heart-shattering.
Harry isn’t just covering light and airy teeny-bopper stuff anymore, folks.
**Originally on Impose.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 28, 2017 | wolf tracks
Some of you may have recently gone out to see a little award-nominated dark comedy titled Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri during this holiday season, and we hear it’s one that will completely engulf you. Not only is the movie absolutely riveting, but the music supervision was absolutely on point, and includes this extraordinary track from songstress and photographer Amy Annelle in the final scene and credits. If ever there were a time to make an impact, it has been done with “Buckskin Stallion Blues”.
Though the song originated in 2010, it has seen a rebirth and can be found on previous releases More Townes Van Zandt by the Great Unknown and The Great Unveiling. Existing at a slow crawl, this song is absolute americana-driven beauty, replete with country twang and light as a feather instrumentals that drive it forward. It’s entrancing, almost, and we can see why it was chosen as a staple song for such a stunning full-length feature.
Keep up with Amy Annelle here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 28, 2017 | wolf tracks
As we slug through the final week of 2017, we might find it more fulfilling to be sitting by the fire instead of working or doing really anything productive. But it’s those cozy nights that can lead to some of the most magical ideas. So we implore you to add “Another Log On The Fire” like our good friends the Darcys, and see what comes from the warmth and fire inside you as you prep for 2018.
All metaphors aside, Canada’s pop/rock duo Darcys – comprised of Jason Couse & Wes Marskell – has been on our radar for a hot second, and we’re thrilled that they released a song to go along with our holiday mood. Bringing a crawling, beautiful, soulful vibe to the holidays, “Another Log On The Fire” just might be your new favorite wintertime track. Try it on for size. You might find it on repeat for a while…
Keep up with the Darcys here!
by Erin P.S. Zimmerman | Dec 27, 2017 | wolf tracks
Childish Gambino (given name: Donald Glover) has my heart for so many reasons. And I don’t mean romantically.
He has been operating on his own terms professionally for as far back as I can remember. A perfect example of this? When, in his early twenties, he left the writing staff of the wildly successful “30 Rock” to pursue other projects – much to his parents’ chagrin. This pattern – if you can call it that – has continued. From 30 Rock, to Community, to rapping as Childish Gambino, to Magic Mike XXL, to Atlanta (his brainchild, which he also happens to write, direct, and star in). Each venture is more unpredictable than the last.
And now, his most recent – and much anticipated – Gambino album, Awaken, My Love! is out for us to devour (released Dec. 2). But, guess what? Though he isn’t shedding the persona, he has moved into a completely different genre of music – but, we shouldn’t be that surprised…right?
I was certainly surprised. In fact, I was thrilled when I heard just a couple of weeks before that he would be releasing new music! Donald Glover has kept audiences on their toes since day 1. Heck, he even told media that he may never rap as Childish Gambino again. And, maybe he won’t. But this experimental, genre-bending album he dropped last Friday…it’s all I ever needed that I never event knew I wanted!!
Midday last Friday, I hit DOWNLOAD on Google Play, drew a bath, and lit some candles. The minute I hit PLAY, my ears delighted in smooth vocals, soulful instrumentals, and a relaxing – yet, somehow funky – listening experience. This was a total departure from past Gambino, but maybe not from the REAL Donald Glover.
Pop/funk, bass-full, with a 70s feel…much of it reminiscent of THE Prince! I was a little off-put by the very experimental vocals and repetitiveness of the track, “California,” but the rest of the album totally made up for that. Especially “Zombies,” and my absolute favorite, “Redbone.”
Awaken, My Love! is perfect for dancing the night away at a disco, as background music for creative work, the soundtrack to a hot tub session, or maybe even a retro-style swinger’s party (if that’s how you choose to roll). This may be different from anything else he has ever done. But believe you me: It has the same soul and lyrical prowess you would expect from The Gambino. If you loved him before, you will continue to love him.
And if you didn’t? Well, it’s time you hopped on this bandwagon with the rest of us.
**Originally published to Impose.
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Keep up with Donald Glover here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 27, 2017 | soundtrack
Los Angeles-based dance/funk quintet Thumpasaurus – comprised of Lucas Tamaren (Guitar/Vocals), Henry Solomon (Saxophone), Paul Cornish (Keys), Logan Kane (Bass), and Henry Was (Drums/Production) – recently released a hilarious and intense music video for their upbeat single “Mental Karate”. Packed with ridiculous dance/karate moves, the video also gives an inside look into the stage presence of the band, who can be seen throughout playing the song along a prison wall in karate gi. Things get more than a little ludicrous, and it will damn sure keep you laughing all day.
Check out the video below, then scroll down for a listen to the playlist curated by the band specifically in honor of the release of “Mental Karate”! (Descriptions by the band also below.)
Tracklisting:
1. Devo – Whip It
Devo were a band ahead of their time; still ahead of the time. A band that mixed a progressive, catchy sound with nuanced social commentary and art direction.
2. XTC – Senses Working Overtime
Wow. I don’t know, this song just hits me. So good. “And all the world is football shaped?” Oh ya…
3. Knower – Things About You
Louis Cole drums, Geniveve Artadi vocals, some electronic stuff in there–Just a completely innovative sound.
4. John Keek – If and When
A completely original dude and friend coming up in the LA music scene. A new voice in the fusion of hip hop, R&B and jazz. We love John.
5. Guerrilla Toss – Betty Dreams of Green Man
Punk is alive and well in the Boston music scene. Raw/psychotic energy.
6. Beach Boys- God Only Knows
Has there ever been a better pop/love song ever?
7. Was Not Was – Dad I’m In Jail
Just listen to this one.
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Keep up with Thumpasaurus here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 26, 2017 | wolf tracks
Earlier this month, indie pop newcomer Bülow released a visual to go with her mellow, “set him straight” single “Lines”. The video itself is mesmerizing, as it is essentially a repeating gif of the singer, blowing smoke out of her mouth and looking at vinyl on her bed. Comprised of several camera angles, the video traces her profile in dim light, as we make out a simplistic decor behind her, a big map spread out behind her headboard. The video seems to be a good little look behind the scenes into the life of the young musician, as she mellifluously sets boundaries to a steady beat.
Keep up with Bülow here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 26, 2017 | snapshot
On December 14th, X Ambassadors headlined The Night The Buzz Stole XXMas at the Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland in Kansas City. We got some action shots to rival your favorite comic book.
Keep your eyes peeled for new music from X Ambassadors in 2018 here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 22, 2017 | soundtrack
This holiday season seems to have flown by, though we know people say that every year. The thing is, we have been so enamored by the music submissions during the entirety of 2017, and we were in way over our heads even remotely trying to make BEST OF lists. (Though, we aren’t saying we won’t.) But here’s the best part… some of our favorite music can pop back up during the holidays with this new playlist we have procured (and are probably still working on).
“Home for The Holidays” is not holiday-driven whatsoever. We just like to think it’s a playlist you could play at any function over the next couple of weeks to keep you in a positive and festive mood. Hell, you could use it on your road trip back home to de-stress from it all. All we want you to do is just enjoy it. Revel in it. Let us know what you think. (What do you dig? What seems a little off?)
And, if you’re kosher with it, we’d love to get song suggestions in the comments! Because we might be constantly updating this thing over the rest of 2017, so you might as well see if your song selection makes it!
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