Keeping It Fresh

Today we are keeping up with some of the latest releases, with Majid Jordan and PARTYNEXTDOOR kicking things off. I think what makes this track absolutely brilliant, is how simple it is. There aren't complex rhythms or beats. There aren't any odd melody notes and musicality. There aren't even soaring notes and falsettos. There is so much simplicity in this song, that everything fits in together seamlessly. The tune is so smooth and fluid that it is very easy to get swept up in that world of music. That fluidity also makes itself known and felt from the beginning. There is nothing super crazy happening in the introduction of this song. It starts out with this soothing synth melody, and from there the others fill in. But the song all comes down to the overall musicality which can be found through out the song. While the two artists went for a simpler track, the appeal of the song hasn't gone anywhere. There is almost a seductive element to this song, especially when M...

Well, things have been a bit inconsistent with the bringing new music to the blog. But, things have finally calmed down some, and hopefully, I'll get to post a lot more! But today's song is by the up and coming artist Oddisee. This song is one of those endearingly quirky songs, with a really nice jazzy and R&B vibe to it. This is a sound that we don't hear often enough, but it is slowly starting to make its way into the popular stream of music. Now what makes this song so great is how it just oozes suaveness. Very few people remember that jazz is just as smooth as hip-hop, and the way this song uses jazz horns, gives the song a really great feel. This song is a great example of what modern day jazz could evolve into. When rap and hip hop seem to be taking over the industry, having that mixed in with something as old and vintage as jazz would be such an ideal mix of bringing the past to the present. We get this really great and prominent kind of funk, a genre that hasn...

Today is a day that the music community across the globe mourns. It has been such a hard year for music fans, especially rock fans. But today we have been dealt a blow so rough, I feel it in my heart. It was reported earlier today that the lead singer of Linkin Park, Chester Bennington, passed away. And I know when people read the news and look up what happened, the realization of what happened is shocking. However, you may also notice the sheer number of people who have mentioned him, who are talking about him and paying homage and tribute to him. You may see the people who are writing about him, and thanking him for everything he has done. There are so many of us out there who owe so much to Linkin Park and Chester Bennington. For me, their music was all about finding strength. It was about facing all the inner demons that humanity must face whether we want to or not. Their music inspired generations of people to grow and become courageous and strong. The music and the lyrics are s...

Today I have some music for you that is certain to get many people very excited and very hyped up. Last night marked the premiere of the seventh season of Game of Thrones. I am a huge fan of the show, and can tell you that there are many others who are just as crazy about it. What this show offers is a saga of a story about political scheming, danger, and mystery. And to accompany this saga is one of the best scores I have ever heard.  Ramin Djawadi has done a lot of composing since he started on Game of Thrones. But there is something so incredibly unique and distinct about the way this show has been composed. The music reflects so much emotion and power. Every scene with an accompanying track has been enhanced ten fold because of Ramin Djawadi's compositions. His skill and ability are so incredible, as he knows how to capture moments and feelings with such perfection. If you took the music away from the show, the intensity and fantastical nature would be completely lost. And i...

Today I have some really great music for you from some phenomenal movies. This first song comes from the movie Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. This movie was an absolutely beautiful movie for many reasons. First of all, the entire movie is all about the human experience, and what it means to be a human. It begins with the story of a man and woman who work office jobs, behind a desk, only to come home to a lonely existence. But as the movie progresses, the characters evolve, learning more about themselves and learning that there is so much to offer the world and that there is even more to receive. Even when things go wrong, or the unexpected arises, we have to look forward and keep our spirits high. Because at the end of the day, there is nothing more spectacular and wonderful than our own ability to believe. This is where the song of the day comes in. This song is the most perfect auditory description of this feeling. It is such an apt and charming and magical way to summarize the mov...

Lately we have seen an increase in the number of remixes out there, floating around the music sharing and streaming platforms. One such platform is SoundCloud. Now there have been a lot of mentions regarding SoundCloud in the news. And I have to say, I was really nervous for the streaming site. SoundCloud has been my go to for so much indpendent and differnet and original music from musicians and artists of all genres and geographic regions. SoundCloud has been the place where I have discovered artists and singers long before the radio picked them up. It has been the place where I have been able to revel in Bollywood remixes and electronic music storms. And until today, that was all threatened. And then Chance the Rapper swooped in. He got his start on SoundCloud, and seems to have a very grateful sentiment towards SoundCloud. And from what I can tell, it seems like he has something up his sleeve in making sure SoundCloud sticks around for a long time.  So why did I turn the fir...

Today I have some new music for you by the London-based electronic group that is filling the music-scape with amazing tracks. Rudimental has made its way into the European music scene and is slowly making their way to the US. But before they make it big here, I am happy that I get to talk about them because of how much their music is very different. Rudimental has not made a song that sounds like another. Each and every song has a completely different melody, tone, mood, and genre. From tropical sounds to electronic club music, to even some melancholy and soothing jams, Rudimental is not afraid to try things out and really explore. What makes it even better, is that they do an incredible job of it. Rudimental is one of the few artists who has managed to master every genre they decide to tackle, and each song that expresses a different genre has been one that I really enjoy. Now I know I have done a little bit of writing about them in the past so some of this may not be new to you...