Another good month of music discovery. I was mostly excited about The 1975's new album, which has solidified them as my favourite band. But some older songs have also risen back onto my charts, including an older 1975 song. And the new music will only continue to pour in, with the Lumineers raging back, Blake Shelton, Eric Clapton, and more releasing new albums in the coming months.
1. Youth - Daughter - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QT5eGHCJdE
Another British artist rising to the top of my charts! Not only are they taking over my musical rankings, but they are also dominating the world wide charts. Ed Sheeran, Jamie Lawson, The 1975 recently, and now Daughter. Britain is definitely doing something right!
2. This Must Be a Dream - The 1975 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55wfl5lpoAM
The sound of this new album is completely different, yet strangely similar for the 1975. The sound is definitely more pop, with more synth and electronic sounds moving away from the regular instruments, but they are still present, and driving each song forward. It's more of a development of their sound, or what they wanted originally with their first album.
3. A Change of Heart - The 1975 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lvgpsy6dJgs
With the debut of a new album means a new tour. The 1975 are so big now, that they get a worldwide tour. They'll be visiting Toronto May 20 at Echo Beach. A smaller venue then others in Toronto, but it should still be an amazing concert. The show is almost sold out, with the remaining tickets being slightly higher priced.
4. Fierce - Jesus Culture - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II1JKBuz-AY
I know that I've said this before, I think for the song One Thing Remains, but Chris Quilala has an amazing voice. This song, while highlighting many other strengths of the band, puts a spotlight on the vocal talent of their lead male singer. While it doesn't sound like much, the transition from the verse to the chorus vocally is extremely difficult in this song. Jesus Culture is a master of dynamics, and a big reason for that is Quilala's voice.
5. No Longer Slaves - Bethel Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8TkUMJtK5k
Kind of like Jesus Culture, Bethel Music is actually a group of musicians separated into many different bands. They each serve in different cities under a church that is part of this Bethel Network. The singers that lead this song are husband and wife Jonathan David Hesler, and Melissa Hesler, who are extremely talented.
6. Love Yourself - Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyEuk8j8imI
It's kind of cool how the past two years, the top songs have been ballads (or a form of one) with Thinking Out Loud and this one. Obviously, Ed Sheeran has had an impact on both of these songs, again showcasing his amazing talent, but Bieber has a big part to play in this song as well. His musical team also deserves a ton of credit, especially Dan Kanter the musical director.
7. Simplicity - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8p3n5wzFpM
I love the message behind this song. A lot of times we approach life with such complexity. We try to make a lot out of really what can be so simple. The same can be said with worship. We try to add theatrics, lights, musical additives, and more to create something that can be done with none of all that. Worship is simply connecting with God. Why try to make it more than that?
8. Fire Away - Chris Stapleton - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18AhUXAILWE
The music video for this song was just released in February. The idea behind it is fantastic, and the execution is incredible. In a very eerie way, the video aims to bring attention to mental health awareness, in partnership with The Campaign to Change Direction. A great artist with a great song, siding with a foundation for an amazing cause. That's someone who is using their gift for the right reasons.
9. Medicine - The 1975 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lur5B3a4_fk
This is a lesser known track from the 1975, as it was released as a single, in between their two albums. It still is an amazing song, a perfect embodiment of The 1975's sound. It's kind of weird though. Multiple British bands released songs titled Medicine around the same time, with Daughter being one of them.
10. Collide - Howie Day - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca9ub9rpNK4
A classic. It seems though, as if the covers of this song are more popular than the actual original. An acoustic version of this song particularly has the potential to be great, with the track extremely open for an artist's unique touch.
Saturday, 26 March 2016
Saturday, 19 March 2016
Justin Bieber's Purpose Album Review
Rating: 8.5/10
Website: http://www.justinbiebermusic.com/
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/purpose-deluxe/id1049605561
An extremely celebrated return for one of the most promising artists of this decade. Justin Bieber has gone through a lot already, going from international stardom to a worldwide disgrace. But he returns with maturity, development, and purpose with his new album, vaulting him back into the forefront of the musical industry. The new album aptly titled Purpose landmarks another important turning point in his career, and offers an unique insight into the life of a pop star. The album itself is classical Bieber tunes, filled with strong vocal performances, catchy songs, and revolutionizing music.
The album is highlighted by top top international hits such as Sorry, What Do You Mean, and Love Yourself. Relying on catchy unique pop tracks, Bieber uses his new electronic sound and his classic vocal prowess to create hit after hit. Past his top three tracks, Bieber backs his album in strength with Company, I'll Show You and Mark My Words. The rest of the tracks are also unique in their nature, including some cool new artist collaborations.
This album is an excellent addition to Bieber's resume, a perfect step in his career. Hopefully, this marks the return of his sanity, an improvement in his maturity, and a new chapter with his music.
Website: http://www.justinbiebermusic.com/
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/purpose-deluxe/id1049605561
An extremely celebrated return for one of the most promising artists of this decade. Justin Bieber has gone through a lot already, going from international stardom to a worldwide disgrace. But he returns with maturity, development, and purpose with his new album, vaulting him back into the forefront of the musical industry. The new album aptly titled Purpose landmarks another important turning point in his career, and offers an unique insight into the life of a pop star. The album itself is classical Bieber tunes, filled with strong vocal performances, catchy songs, and revolutionizing music.
The album is highlighted by top top international hits such as Sorry, What Do You Mean, and Love Yourself. Relying on catchy unique pop tracks, Bieber uses his new electronic sound and his classic vocal prowess to create hit after hit. Past his top three tracks, Bieber backs his album in strength with Company, I'll Show You and Mark My Words. The rest of the tracks are also unique in their nature, including some cool new artist collaborations.
This album is an excellent addition to Bieber's resume, a perfect step in his career. Hopefully, this marks the return of his sanity, an improvement in his maturity, and a new chapter with his music.
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Friday, 26 February 2016
The 1975 The 1975's Album Review
Rating: 9.4/10
Website: http://the1975.com/#
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/the-1975/id686362512
One of my favourite albums of all time. I'm so surprised that this band isn't that popular, or in particular, this specific album. It is one of the most solid throughout in every aspect, especially in today's industry. The band is extremely unique, especially in the philosophy behind their music. That belief, and idea, definitely plays through in this album. It's all about the music, rather then the production.
And the music that they have created is amazing. It's extremely unique in this industry, a kind of pop rock synth mix. The band themselves calls their music black RnB, and while you can definitely see those influences in the songs, the style is much harder to classify then that. Title tracks Robbers, Chocolate, Girls and Sex are very similar, relying slightly more on an conventional sound then other singles such as Menswear, Pressure, and She Way Out. The awesome thing about this album is that each song has something slightly different then the other, but you still can't identify a weak song throughout the record.
This is a young band, and one that will continue to develop, and find a sound that they will stick with for a long time to come, but this debut album is absolutely a hit, and marks excitement for the future that is well deserved.
Website: http://the1975.com/#
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/the-1975/id686362512
One of my favourite albums of all time. I'm so surprised that this band isn't that popular, or in particular, this specific album. It is one of the most solid throughout in every aspect, especially in today's industry. The band is extremely unique, especially in the philosophy behind their music. That belief, and idea, definitely plays through in this album. It's all about the music, rather then the production.
And the music that they have created is amazing. It's extremely unique in this industry, a kind of pop rock synth mix. The band themselves calls their music black RnB, and while you can definitely see those influences in the songs, the style is much harder to classify then that. Title tracks Robbers, Chocolate, Girls and Sex are very similar, relying slightly more on an conventional sound then other singles such as Menswear, Pressure, and She Way Out. The awesome thing about this album is that each song has something slightly different then the other, but you still can't identify a weak song throughout the record.
This is a young band, and one that will continue to develop, and find a sound that they will stick with for a long time to come, but this debut album is absolutely a hit, and marks excitement for the future that is well deserved.
Tuesday, 23 February 2016
Top Ten Songs for February
This was definitely a good month of new music. Not only have I included some great new songs, there was also many other new releases, and some new discoveries that unfortunately didn't make it onto the list for this month, but will definitely be here next month. One of those bands is Daughter; check them out!
1. Dancing on My Own - Calum Scott - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSinMOs5eGw
Unfortunately, you can't find this song everywhere. It's not even on iTunes! Calum Scott was a contestant on the British X Factor, finishing in third place, but this audition was the highlight of his time on the competition. His vocals are almost identical to Maroon 5's Adam Levine, and his control over his pitch is absolutely amazing, and perfectly suited to this unique cover.
2. Every Giant Will Fall - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW63lCBOaVo
A lot of people seem to forget that Rend Collective isn't only a band. They spent a lot of their time doing others thing as well, including a devotional blog on their website. It seems as if they are just investing in this project, but they have some really cool ideas up there right now, especially in regards to the holiday season, what worship is, some devos out of their songs, and other amazing ideas.
3. Fierce - Jesus Culture - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II1JKBuz-AY
Jesus Culture has released a lot of new music lately, and while I do like their new stuff, there's nothing really that's as good as something from their older stuff, like One Thing Remains. The only song that actually comes close is this Fierce song. It's slightly more upbeat, and the lyrics come from a great, unique idea.
4. No Longer Slaves - Bethel Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8TkUMJtK5k
I still strongly believe that this is where worship music should aim to head for this year. An altar call of a song, it tugs at the heart strings, and opens up so much passion in any listener. Musically, this is what worship music is all about; laying it all out before God. Bethel Music has done an amazing job creating this particular song.
5. From the Day - I Am They - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUjuRFwwvaw
Heard this song over a weekend retreat, and I have to say the song leaves a lot of room for some very good covers to be done that could even be better then the original. The original is very close to sounding like a Rend Collective tune, but the vocals aren't quite as distinct.
6. Love Yourself - Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyEuk8j8imI
Still my favourite song from Bieber's new album. I would have thought that this new album would help Bieber cater to an older audience, but to be honest, I've only noticed a slight increase in attention from the older demographic. And really, that interest is only coming from those in their early 20s. I'm sure Bieber is fine with that, but I expected more interest from those in their 20s, and even some who are in their 30s.
7. Simplicity - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8p3n5wzFpM
The song is right up my alleyway. Acoustic, passionate, an amazing lyrical idea, another amazing worship tune. Rend Collective is typically labelled as a one dimensional band, with only the folk vibe to them. However, this song proves that there is much more to them.
8. Heartbeat - Mat Kearney - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acScCRFIFNc
Believe it or not, I'm not a huge fan of concerts. I've actually only been to about 6 concerts in my whole life. There are only a few select artists that I would actually go and pay to see, and Mat Kearney is one of them. Apparently his live stuff isn't full of gimmicks, but it's a good, down to earth, musical performance.
9. Wasn't Expecting That - Jamie Lawson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AydFkrm6UrU
One thing that I've really realized is that a lot of newer artists that go on world tours seem to pass Canada by. It's kind of disappointing, especially with the major cities like Toronto not even being on the list. Jamie Lawson is one such artist. He's doing a lot of stuff in the States, but nothing in Canada.
10. Fire Away - Chris Stapleton - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18AhUXAILWE
I also love this artist's vocals. Again, the raspiness lends an amazing helping hand to the emotion generated. The only complaint that I have in regards to this artist is that the majority of his songs sound the same. While I have only listened through his whole album once, it seems like his voice is very one dimensional, and therefore doesn't create a whole lot of variety throughout his songs.
1. Dancing on My Own - Calum Scott - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSinMOs5eGw
Unfortunately, you can't find this song everywhere. It's not even on iTunes! Calum Scott was a contestant on the British X Factor, finishing in third place, but this audition was the highlight of his time on the competition. His vocals are almost identical to Maroon 5's Adam Levine, and his control over his pitch is absolutely amazing, and perfectly suited to this unique cover.
2. Every Giant Will Fall - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW63lCBOaVo
A lot of people seem to forget that Rend Collective isn't only a band. They spent a lot of their time doing others thing as well, including a devotional blog on their website. It seems as if they are just investing in this project, but they have some really cool ideas up there right now, especially in regards to the holiday season, what worship is, some devos out of their songs, and other amazing ideas.
3. Fierce - Jesus Culture - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II1JKBuz-AY
Jesus Culture has released a lot of new music lately, and while I do like their new stuff, there's nothing really that's as good as something from their older stuff, like One Thing Remains. The only song that actually comes close is this Fierce song. It's slightly more upbeat, and the lyrics come from a great, unique idea.
4. No Longer Slaves - Bethel Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8TkUMJtK5k
I still strongly believe that this is where worship music should aim to head for this year. An altar call of a song, it tugs at the heart strings, and opens up so much passion in any listener. Musically, this is what worship music is all about; laying it all out before God. Bethel Music has done an amazing job creating this particular song.
5. From the Day - I Am They - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUjuRFwwvaw
Heard this song over a weekend retreat, and I have to say the song leaves a lot of room for some very good covers to be done that could even be better then the original. The original is very close to sounding like a Rend Collective tune, but the vocals aren't quite as distinct.
6. Love Yourself - Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyEuk8j8imI
Still my favourite song from Bieber's new album. I would have thought that this new album would help Bieber cater to an older audience, but to be honest, I've only noticed a slight increase in attention from the older demographic. And really, that interest is only coming from those in their early 20s. I'm sure Bieber is fine with that, but I expected more interest from those in their 20s, and even some who are in their 30s.
7. Simplicity - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8p3n5wzFpM
The song is right up my alleyway. Acoustic, passionate, an amazing lyrical idea, another amazing worship tune. Rend Collective is typically labelled as a one dimensional band, with only the folk vibe to them. However, this song proves that there is much more to them.
8. Heartbeat - Mat Kearney - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acScCRFIFNc
Believe it or not, I'm not a huge fan of concerts. I've actually only been to about 6 concerts in my whole life. There are only a few select artists that I would actually go and pay to see, and Mat Kearney is one of them. Apparently his live stuff isn't full of gimmicks, but it's a good, down to earth, musical performance.
9. Wasn't Expecting That - Jamie Lawson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AydFkrm6UrU
One thing that I've really realized is that a lot of newer artists that go on world tours seem to pass Canada by. It's kind of disappointing, especially with the major cities like Toronto not even being on the list. Jamie Lawson is one such artist. He's doing a lot of stuff in the States, but nothing in Canada.
10. Fire Away - Chris Stapleton - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18AhUXAILWE
I also love this artist's vocals. Again, the raspiness lends an amazing helping hand to the emotion generated. The only complaint that I have in regards to this artist is that the majority of his songs sound the same. While I have only listened through his whole album once, it seems like his voice is very one dimensional, and therefore doesn't create a whole lot of variety throughout his songs.
Monday, 8 February 2016
How-to: Set Up A Pedalboard
Rather then talk about how to physically make a pedal board, or the actual schematics of the board, I want to discuss the actual order of the effect pedals. Maybe at a later time I'll share some tips in regards to physically creating a board, but this post's purpose is all about how to properly set up the equipment on the board.
The first step is to have a good power supply. It is best to have all your pedals connected to the same power supply, although it is not necessary. Having them all connected to the same source removes any chance of additional noise. However, my pedal board does have separate power supplies, and I've found this doesn't create too many problems. The best way to connect your pedals is through a daisy chain. A daisy chain can connect to a single adapter, or to a power supply box (the best one being the VooDoo Lab - http://www.voodoolab.com/pedalpower_2.htm). From there, it loops every pedal back to the same power supply.
From there, the order of your pedals is next. Again, there are no set rules for the set up of your pedals. At times, you have to consider the physical makeup of the board you have and the room for certain pedals, as well as the actual type and brands of your pedal. Find the best set up by experimentation. Look for a good, clean sound, easy access to pedals, and an aesthetically good looking board.
A good suggestion is to always start with your volume or wah pedals. From there, add your distortion, overdrive, or compression pedals. Within this type of pedal you can also get different orders, depending on what effects you have. Throwing a boost in front of a distortion will add more distortion, whereas adding overdrive or compression after a distortion pedal will increase the volume, without adding much to the distortion level. It all depends on what sound you are looking for.
From there, go into your modulation effects. This includes your choruses, pitch effects, phasers, e.t.c. After, add into your delays and reverbs. These tag on at the end to effect your total sound up to this point.
Don't forget to plan out space for tap tempos, tuner pedals, and any other additional effects (maybe like a looper or expression pedal). Because these are simply add on pedals, they are connected to a certain other effect pedal, and therefore don't have to be in a specific spot. It just depends on the space on your board.
An additional note should be put in for the ever growing in popularity multi effect pedals. The new trend seems to be adding a multi effect pedal to a board with other single effect pedals. Personally, this is what I have done with my board, and I love it! Depending on what multi effect pedal you get, it can drastically change the order you choose to go with. I go into my multi effect pedal right off the bat, and from there into my wah, into a delay, and end with a looper. I've got tap tempos on the delay and looper, an expression pedal on my multi-effect (that is normally dedicated solely to volume control), and I make sure my multi-effect is always running a reverb, a distortion, and then leave an open spot on the pedal for whatever I please. Again, it comes down to experimentation to see what works best for you, and what sounds the best as well.
The first step is to have a good power supply. It is best to have all your pedals connected to the same power supply, although it is not necessary. Having them all connected to the same source removes any chance of additional noise. However, my pedal board does have separate power supplies, and I've found this doesn't create too many problems. The best way to connect your pedals is through a daisy chain. A daisy chain can connect to a single adapter, or to a power supply box (the best one being the VooDoo Lab - http://www.voodoolab.com/pedalpower_2.htm). From there, it loops every pedal back to the same power supply.
From there, the order of your pedals is next. Again, there are no set rules for the set up of your pedals. At times, you have to consider the physical makeup of the board you have and the room for certain pedals, as well as the actual type and brands of your pedal. Find the best set up by experimentation. Look for a good, clean sound, easy access to pedals, and an aesthetically good looking board.
A good suggestion is to always start with your volume or wah pedals. From there, add your distortion, overdrive, or compression pedals. Within this type of pedal you can also get different orders, depending on what effects you have. Throwing a boost in front of a distortion will add more distortion, whereas adding overdrive or compression after a distortion pedal will increase the volume, without adding much to the distortion level. It all depends on what sound you are looking for.
From there, go into your modulation effects. This includes your choruses, pitch effects, phasers, e.t.c. After, add into your delays and reverbs. These tag on at the end to effect your total sound up to this point.
Don't forget to plan out space for tap tempos, tuner pedals, and any other additional effects (maybe like a looper or expression pedal). Because these are simply add on pedals, they are connected to a certain other effect pedal, and therefore don't have to be in a specific spot. It just depends on the space on your board.
An additional note should be put in for the ever growing in popularity multi effect pedals. The new trend seems to be adding a multi effect pedal to a board with other single effect pedals. Personally, this is what I have done with my board, and I love it! Depending on what multi effect pedal you get, it can drastically change the order you choose to go with. I go into my multi effect pedal right off the bat, and from there into my wah, into a delay, and end with a looper. I've got tap tempos on the delay and looper, an expression pedal on my multi-effect (that is normally dedicated solely to volume control), and I make sure my multi-effect is always running a reverb, a distortion, and then leave an open spot on the pedal for whatever I please. Again, it comes down to experimentation to see what works best for you, and what sounds the best as well.
Monday, 25 January 2016
Top Ten Songs for January
New year, and a new start for my top ten music monthly lists. Some consistency can be seen in this list between the last one of 2015, mainly because January never marks the real start of the year for the music industry. Newer music tends to be released closer to March, which marks the pick up of the industry.
1. No Longer Slaves - Bethel Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8TkUMJtK5k
The vocals from the lead singer for this song are absolutely unique. So unique in fact, I don't think anyone would be able to perfectly replicate the tone. It's just so raspy, and fluctuating, that you can try to produce the same enunciation, but it would be extremely difficult.
2. You Will Never Run - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONYUM3v35S4
I've heard this tune in multiple places, showing that Rend Collective's Christian fame isn't dying down at all. This new album has only solidified their place in the Christian music industry. The song is very similar to the original stuff that Rend Collective came out with, which makes it even better.
3. Heartbeat - Matt Kearney - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acScCRFIFNc
I love Matt Kearney's style. It's a combination of hip hop and pop to the extreme degree. However, he doesn't feel pressured to conform to the contemporary idea of the genre, and continually pushes the boundary with his music in a way that excites and motivates. This song is extremely upbeat, catchy, and simply amazing.
4. The Woods (Ghosts Remix) - Hollow Coves - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-fxSQazjvs
I've heard this song on at least three TV episodes now. It seems to be a very popular remix to use throughout multiple media venues. The original is also very good, not as reliant on electric instruments, and slightly slower, but still very good.
5. Every Giant Will Fall - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW63lCBOaVo
Another song from the new album from Rend Collective. In fact, this is the only other big hit song I can see coming from the new record. It is written in a very similar style as You Will Never Run, one that really suits the band. It's a folky, pop, kind of vibe, that is amazing in a worship setting.
6. Love Yourself - Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyEuk8j8imI
I'm not sure why all the news about Justin Bieber nowadays is about his appearance, or his conduct. I would have thought by producing such a mature, amazing album, the focus would have shifted to his talent. Personally, I think Bieber deserves that respect now, especially with his comeback.
7. Wasn't Expecting That - Jamie Lawson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AydFkrm6UrU
Even though Ed Sheeran is going on break, we still have his protegee Jamie Lawson. While the majority of the year will be spent promoting this record, if it does as well as it is doing now, then I think we can expect to see some new material from him closer to the end of the year.
8. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp-EO5I60KA
Fresh off a great victory in 2015, Thinking Out Loud is still on the list for 2016, which is another amazing tribute to the song's level. It is close to being the song of the decade, with Sheeran rising to an internationally famous artist. I'm disappointed he is taking the year off, but can't wait to hear what he'll come out with next.
9. I Believe in a Thing Called Love - The Darkness - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRYNYb30nxU
Definitely a weird song, with some interesting use of vocals. But it's a classic rock song, complete with superb guitar riffs, a standard basic progression that drives the whole song, and of course flamboyant lead singing. It's upbeat, with surprisingly wonderful lyrics, making it a perfect case of a classic 90s rock tune (even though it was released in 2003).
10. Someone Worth Dying For - MIKESCHAIR - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlj2G1pvKTw
I still love this song. I've been searching through Mikeschair's other material, but this is definitely their top song. The song is insightful, piercing, and purposeful. Not only that, but the music itself is extremely well done. It is fairly simple, yet provides room for the passion of the song to move.
1. No Longer Slaves - Bethel Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8TkUMJtK5k
The vocals from the lead singer for this song are absolutely unique. So unique in fact, I don't think anyone would be able to perfectly replicate the tone. It's just so raspy, and fluctuating, that you can try to produce the same enunciation, but it would be extremely difficult.
2. You Will Never Run - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONYUM3v35S4
I've heard this tune in multiple places, showing that Rend Collective's Christian fame isn't dying down at all. This new album has only solidified their place in the Christian music industry. The song is very similar to the original stuff that Rend Collective came out with, which makes it even better.
3. Heartbeat - Matt Kearney - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acScCRFIFNc
I love Matt Kearney's style. It's a combination of hip hop and pop to the extreme degree. However, he doesn't feel pressured to conform to the contemporary idea of the genre, and continually pushes the boundary with his music in a way that excites and motivates. This song is extremely upbeat, catchy, and simply amazing.
4. The Woods (Ghosts Remix) - Hollow Coves - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-fxSQazjvs
I've heard this song on at least three TV episodes now. It seems to be a very popular remix to use throughout multiple media venues. The original is also very good, not as reliant on electric instruments, and slightly slower, but still very good.
5. Every Giant Will Fall - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW63lCBOaVo
Another song from the new album from Rend Collective. In fact, this is the only other big hit song I can see coming from the new record. It is written in a very similar style as You Will Never Run, one that really suits the band. It's a folky, pop, kind of vibe, that is amazing in a worship setting.
6. Love Yourself - Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyEuk8j8imI
I'm not sure why all the news about Justin Bieber nowadays is about his appearance, or his conduct. I would have thought by producing such a mature, amazing album, the focus would have shifted to his talent. Personally, I think Bieber deserves that respect now, especially with his comeback.
7. Wasn't Expecting That - Jamie Lawson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AydFkrm6UrU
Even though Ed Sheeran is going on break, we still have his protegee Jamie Lawson. While the majority of the year will be spent promoting this record, if it does as well as it is doing now, then I think we can expect to see some new material from him closer to the end of the year.
8. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp-EO5I60KA
Fresh off a great victory in 2015, Thinking Out Loud is still on the list for 2016, which is another amazing tribute to the song's level. It is close to being the song of the decade, with Sheeran rising to an internationally famous artist. I'm disappointed he is taking the year off, but can't wait to hear what he'll come out with next.
9. I Believe in a Thing Called Love - The Darkness - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRYNYb30nxU
Definitely a weird song, with some interesting use of vocals. But it's a classic rock song, complete with superb guitar riffs, a standard basic progression that drives the whole song, and of course flamboyant lead singing. It's upbeat, with surprisingly wonderful lyrics, making it a perfect case of a classic 90s rock tune (even though it was released in 2003).
10. Someone Worth Dying For - MIKESCHAIR - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlj2G1pvKTw
I still love this song. I've been searching through Mikeschair's other material, but this is definitely their top song. The song is insightful, piercing, and purposeful. Not only that, but the music itself is extremely well done. It is fairly simple, yet provides room for the passion of the song to move.
Friday, 1 January 2016
Year Review/Preview
Sophomore year for Delayed Distortion and it was another successful one, with a slight increase in performance compared to last year. The blog was close to finishing out at 2000 views for 2015, compared to 700 in 2014.
The majority of my focus for the blog was once again on my monthly top ten lists, which had a great year due to the booming music industry. The insight generated through these monthly posts also helped paint a picture of the industry, which I found an extremely interesting and exciting venture throughout the year.
I was also happy to conquer more album reviews this year, and many from different genres. I hope to continue this, with more and more albums this year. A big goal for this upcoming year is drumming up reader response, which I hope to also include in regards to which albums I review.
I was fairly pleased with the work I did in regards to starting up the musical equipment expertise part of my blog. I hit up some key effect pedals, and this year I hope to have some interesting ideas up my sleeve to build up this aspect of the blog.
A goal from last year that I didn't end up touching on was musical news. I desperately think this is an area that I need to work on, and an area that will drastically help create interest in my blog. This will be my primary focus for 2016.
As I mentioned previously, another focus for the New Year will be on creating reader response. I want to hear what my readers want to see on the post, what they think of my content, and what direction they want this blog to take.
The majority of my focus for the blog was once again on my monthly top ten lists, which had a great year due to the booming music industry. The insight generated through these monthly posts also helped paint a picture of the industry, which I found an extremely interesting and exciting venture throughout the year.
I was also happy to conquer more album reviews this year, and many from different genres. I hope to continue this, with more and more albums this year. A big goal for this upcoming year is drumming up reader response, which I hope to also include in regards to which albums I review.
I was fairly pleased with the work I did in regards to starting up the musical equipment expertise part of my blog. I hit up some key effect pedals, and this year I hope to have some interesting ideas up my sleeve to build up this aspect of the blog.
A goal from last year that I didn't end up touching on was musical news. I desperately think this is an area that I need to work on, and an area that will drastically help create interest in my blog. This will be my primary focus for 2016.
As I mentioned previously, another focus for the New Year will be on creating reader response. I want to hear what my readers want to see on the post, what they think of my content, and what direction they want this blog to take.
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