Flashback Friday.. Daft Punk - 'Digital Love'

When 'Get Lucky', the new Daft Punk song (even writing that feels surreal!) featuring Pharrell Williams and Nile Rogers dropped last week, I went on the biggest of Daft Punk binges! It's almost a shame that it takes something to revive a longstanding love of a band or artist, but I'm glad it did. It's not very often that I pinpoint Daft Punk as my soundtrack of choice for the day, but I did, and Discovery was my weapon of choice.

The 2001 album is easily Daft Punk's masterpiece, though whether that continues to be so with the release of Random Access Memories, we shall soon find out. If you were to hand Discovery to a Daft Punk novice, they would be more than a little surprised to find that they probably knew a good portion of the songs anyway, they have been absorbed by pop culture/ used in TV advertisements and soundtracks that much. 'One More Time', 'Aerodynamic', 'Digital Love', 'Harder Better Faster Stronger', 'Crescendolls' are all immediately identifiable songs. For much of the album, Daft Punk incorporated samples of songs that they recalled from their childhood, reworking them into an addictive blend of electronic disco pop! The videos for the singles were all comprised using extracts of the corresponding anime film, Interstella 5555: the 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem, for which Discovery was the soundtrack. Watch the music videos in the order posted above to see a portion of the film.

In aiming to create an album in homage to the soundtrack of their own childhood, Daft Punk created the soundtrack to mine; the singles especially being instantly loveable. Above is the video for 'Digital Love', which persists in being one of my favourite songs ever! Enjoy ;)

Do you like Daft Punk? What is your favourite Daft Punk song? Are you excited for Random Access Memories?

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Rapid Review.. Paramore - 'Paramore'

Literally, before last weekend had past, I had barely shot a passing glance towards the new Paramore album. In hindsight, a part of me felt as if Paramore had been locked away when I had turned 20, with their first three albums - All We Know Is Falling, Riot! and Brand New Eyes - being relocated under the 'nostalgia' pile, with the band never aging, or growing up.

However, after seeing various opinions through social media - most supplied via Hayley Williams re-Tweets - I began to grow intrigued upon seeing comments such as 'Paramore has changed, not keen on this album' and 'Paramore has changed - best album yet!'. Wanting to find out for myself, I gave it a listen or three, and found my self somewhat surprised.

Their fourth, self-titled studio album can be viewed as somewhat of a mixed bag; there are definitely some quality Paramore-pop songs tucked in there, many of which I find myself unintentionally humming prior to realisation; I guess that makes me a tad addicted. The first pair of songs are beyond catchy and result in the aforementioned effect, with album opener 'Fast In My Car' going from 'beyond irritating' to 'I want to listen to this noww' in a matter of plays. Speaking of 'now', 'Now' - the first single from the album - is a definite grower, with Williams hitting some rather impressive power notes that I can't help but attempt (and fail) to mimic. At first it felt like common fodder, somewhat lacklustre, but in hindsight it was simply unfamiliar. The first truly mediocre song for me would be 'Grow Up', ironically because it sounds rather juvenile  and possesses a rather underwhelming chorus. It is on 'Daydreaming' that we first begin to feel that we are beginning to venture into some slightly new territory, with the strings on the verses causing them to sparkle, and the instrumental after the bridge has a euphoric edge, however it is again let down by a repetitive chorus.

Now, the first big difference: The Interludes, of which I'm not sure whether to regard positively or with trepidation. The three are short ukelele driven songs with a tinny and retro sounding vocal and, whilst 'Holiday' and 'I'm Not Angry Anymore' are catchy, thought chilled out little ditties, it is 'Moving On' which is the highlight of the trio. Other highlights of the album include 'Ain't It Fun', with it's rather gospel sounding ending and also 'Last Hope', but most irking however, is 'Part II', which is literally a rehash of Paramore's Riot! era song, 'Let The Flames Begin'; it literally has the same lyrics - multiple times, however the later instrumental on the bridge brings to mind Watch Out! era Alexisonfire; a song of multiple exclamation marks, it seems, both good and very bad. 

The band definitely channel the roots of their homeland (Nashville, Tennesee), with songs like 'Hate To See Your Heart Break' and '(One Of Those) Crazy Girls' carrying a country-esque vibe, whilst 'Still Into You' is pure, unabashed POP! - however, it is album closer 'Future' which is most surprising, which deceivingly smoulders for three minutes before hitting us with a crescendo of noise, one which you would never in your wildest imaginings would expect to come from Paramore, it is positively metal in intensity, a symphony of noise that is, oddly, a perfect end to an unexpectedly decent album steeped in pop sentimentality and, if you are willing to take it is for what it is, there is a lot to enjoy there; perhaps Paramore are finally growing up.

http://www.paramore.net/
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New Waves.. Superfood - 'Superfood'

It was one of those situations. You know the one, when you initially come across something for the first time, and upon listening/watching/experiencing you are hit by an immediate stab of dislike, irritation or plain old apathy. Well, when I first listened to this song, my initial response was 'meh', however since then it has been absorbed by my subconscious, and has revolved around my brain to the extent that I now actually...

Love. This. Song.

It's one of those songs that - for me anyway - gradually grew addictive, like the sugary contents of E-numbers that you have hidden in your draw (I know you do...). It brings to mind Weezer, quite groovy on the verses, and the rather grungy chorus of 'YOU'RE ALWAYS HUNGRY!' that begs to be sang/shouted/screeched along to at some drunken indie disco or, if you don't get out much, your shower will have to do.

But, yeah... I'm always hungry.

You can download the track for freeeee here and you can currently catch them on tour in the UK (along with JAWS) supporting Peace (already got my tickets, go get yours)!

So, what are your thoughts on Superfood? Are you aching for more? 

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New Waves.. Daft Punk - 'Get Lucky'

It's here and it's BE-A-U-TI-FUL!

After a mere (!) 8 years between forthcoming album Random Access Memories and its predecessor, Human After All, Daft Punk have been churning up the hype machine in recent weeks, now culminating with the surprise drop of new single, 'Get Lucky'.

After various images and artwork have been floating around cyberspace since the beginning of the year, last week saw the first musical evidence of a Daft Punk comeback with the above song being teased via video trailer at Coachella Festival and during Saturday Night Live ad breaks, and what a great song to begin with!  N.E.R.D/Neptunes maestro Pharrell Williams and Chic guitarist Nile Rogers both feature and co-wrote the track with Daft Punk, and it carries a soulful, retro feel, and definitely would not be out of place in the classic disco heyday.

Whilst feeling familiar, it also manages to feel like somewhat of a departure for Daft Punk. It is much less electronic, and Thomas Bangalter stated via Rolling Stone that they 'wanted to do what we used to do with machines and samplers, but with people'[1], and this certainly is apparent. 'Get Lucky' has reminded us of what a well written and slickly composed Daft Punk song can sound like, which is somewhat of a relief, as I found songs from Human After All somewhat repetitive, however this feels like much closer to the realms of brilliance that the duo reached with their second album Discovery, featuring classic songs such as 'One More Time', 'Aerodynamic', 'Digital Love' and 'Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger'. I am getting beyond excited for the rest of the promo campaign in anticipation for when Random Access Memories drops (hopefully) in May!

Random Access Memories is due for release May 17th.
'Get Lucky' is out NOW!

Did you enjoy 'Get Lucky? Are you excited for Random Access Memories? What's your favourite Daft Punk song?

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Flashback Friday.. Best Coast - 'Boyfriend'

Soo, it's been a good while since we've seen this feature on here, hasn't it? Ahh well, onwards and upwards!

This week, us UK residents finally saw some vague hint of summer hit our shores (yayayay!) and I could not be happier! Our winter has absolutely dragged this year (snow in March, anyone?) and I am far past the point of humouring it any longer. So, vicious wind aside, this past week has been glorious; it's amazing how much a little bit of sunlight can make you feel that much better ♥

Therefore, ladies and gents, it is time to crack out some relevant summer choons! Cue - Best Coast! I admit, for me these are a relatively recent discovery, and I'm well aware that I'm about 2 years late to the party, but since being introduced to Best Coast by my boyf, I've become more than a little bit obsessed with their slightly grungy surf-pop sound, and especially with the haunting voice of singer, Bethany Cosentino.

'Boyfriend' is my favourite song at the moment, with Cosentino singing longingly to the boy of her dreams and wishing that it was she, and not the skinnier, prettier rival who adorned his arm. The band's 2010 debut, Crazy For You, is consistently good and pushes that whole lo-fi retro surfer vibe to full effect; it is definitely an album that you will fall in love with, and would make a fantastic CD of sing-a-long driving anthems if you so have the privilege (or if, like me, your weapon of transportation is a dingy bus)!

PS. Check out the Drew Barrymore directed MV for the Best Coast single, 'Our Deal' starring Chloe Moretz (Hit Girl Kicks Ass!) and Teen Wolf, Tyler Posey, it's a treat ;)


http://www.bestcoast.us/
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https://twitter.com/best_coast

Rapid Review.. Charli XCX - 'True Romance'

It's been a long, long time coming, ladies and gents but it's here and happening; Charli XCX has finally dropped her debut album!

I can't express how frustrating, yet exciting the wait has been for me since she announced the release date a few months ago, I've literally been counting down the days til I got the album in my grubby lil mitts! But now True Romance is here (I ordered a signed copy and it arrived 2 days in advance - woop woop!) - and what a treat it is!

To anyone who has been following Charli XCX closely for the past year or two, it is immediately apparent that there are very few tracks that are not immediately identifiable. This is not necessarily a bad thing, especially as some of the singles and samples on her mixtapes have been proper bangers, and even the short intro at the beginning of album opener, 'Nuclear Seasons', feels familiar. The latter is still one of Charli's best songs, and has held the test of time for me, especially considering that I first heard it at least 18 months ago, however in comparison to this, I still can't get overly excited by 'You (HA HA HA)', despite really liking the Gold Panda sample and knowing all the lyrics.

The first new song that is thrust upon us is 'Take My Hand'; it's an incredibly fun electro-pop number that will have you dancing around your room singing into a hairbrush (people still do that?) and is a perfect pre-piss up song, with Charli declaring 'Don't go to sleep - let's go out!'. Track 4, and we're back on firm favourites with the addition of 'Stay Away', the song that re-introduced Charli XCX to the world as a more serious artist, in comparison to her older demos. 'Stay Away' is a luxurious gothy number with an industrial edge that hums and purrs it's recount of a past relationship that turned sour, and it is easily the most mature sounding song on the album.

'Set Me Free (Take My Hand)' continues the more mellow mood, whilst 'Grins' gets somewhat trippy and experimental, but the next standout track for me is 'So Far Away' - a song that I raved about previously when it was included in its entirety on the You're The One EP; it's an addictive and moody lament to love and shows a more sultry side to the singer, with Charli half-rapping her way through the verses declaring 'I wasn't looking for a thug, I was looking for a bad boy'. Next is 'Cloud Aura', her duet with rapper Brooke Candy and the highlight of the SUPER ULTRA Mixtape, a song that I initially found somewhat irritating yet, months later, I find myself highly addicted to. Listen to it and channel your inner badass! The party vibe is continued by the chilled out R'n'B of forthcoming single 'What I Like', before we hit 'Black Roses', a song that I'm actually not as fond of, it feels weaker, but then again, given what I've initially written about other Charli XCX songs, this may be subject to change!

Next is the euphoric and catchy 'You're The One', before we're given 'How Can I' - a song first debuted on the HEARTBREAKS AND EARTHQUAKES Mixtape - and now, hearing it in its finished form, I am left a little befuddled by. It's gloomy and menacing and is easily the darkest track on the album, however the bridge section feels somewhat clunky and slightly out of place, however we are taken full circle with album closer, 'Lock You Up', a poppy number with a rosy - slightly '80's glow that rounds off the album in a satisfying manner.

Overall, True Romance has the feel of an extended mixtape; the songs flow that effortlessly into each other, and it works all the better for this. You'll find yourself thinking, at the end of 'Lock You Up', where on Earth did this entire album whizz by, it's of that much consistency and that much fun. Not a single moment drags.

So, whether you're a Charli XCX addict or waiting to be converted, definitely have a listen of True Romance, I highly doubt that it will be something you regret, and you may just find yourself your new favourite pop starlet in the making! I'm already anticipating album number 2!

Are you a Chalri XCX fan? What are your thoughts on True Romance? 

PS: It wasn't until I was linking to all my other articles that I realised how much I had written on Charli XCX in the past 18 months!

http://www.charlixcxmusic.com/
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New Waves.. Empire Of The Sun - 'Alive'

'Alive' is Empire Of The Sun's first offering since their 2008 debut album, Walking On A Dream. Five years is certainly a good while to wait, especially in the fickle music industry which only tends to humour such sabbaticals from established icons or cult artists.

When it comes to Empire Of The Sun, to me at least, they look how they sound - a tad flamboyant, a little bit weird, and with a healthy dose of fun, all of which hold true in regards to 'Alive'. The track seems perfectly poised to be unleashed on a country that is desperately longing for summer (hello, UK fellows, I'm calling out to y'all), and such honey-glazed synthpop practically comes purpose built for the festival circuit and summer parties.

That said, 'Alive' feels like almost common fodder for Empire Of The Sun, and one could have easily mistaken the song as one from their debut album way back when, and not been any the wiser. Currently, it feels as though the band have not progressed from circa-2008, unless we are to be proven wrong when second album Ice On The Dune is released later this year.

http://empireofthesun.com/
https://www.facebook.com/empireofthesun

New Waves.. Charli XCX - 'What I Like'

Oh yes! - Take a look; it's Charli XCX time again!

The electro-pop starlet is back with the second single from her forthcoming debut album, True Romance (April 16th - not long to wait now, folks!) entitled 'What I Like'. The accompanying video, which was shot of a handheld camera, sees Charli and her friends partying in a hotel, whilst the song, I am glad to report, is in my opinion superior to her previous single, 'You (HA HA HA)', which I found a tad lacklustre lyrically, though I loved the Gold Panda sample. 

'What You Like' starts with a building frenzy of dance beats before climaxing and abating into the uber chilled out chorus, with Charli semi-rapping through the verses in her signiature manner about young love and lazy days (spent smoking who-knows-what, if we're judging from this), stating 'You were like the medicine, the medicine, I wanted more'.

Yeah, so do we Charli!

The release date for 'What I Like' is as of yet unconfirmed. 

True Romance is released April 16th.

http://www.charlixcxmusic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/charlixcxmusic

https://twitter.com/charli_xcx

https://soundcloud.com/charlixcx

New Waves.. Jessie Ware - 'Imagine It Was Us'

Ripped from the entrails of an Annie Mac show, 'Imagine It Was Us' - a newly emerged track by soulful UK singer Jessie Ware - is a stomper.

'Imagine It Was Us' is a collaboration with producer Julio Bashmore, with Ware purring 'Are you waiting for something? Tell me, would you wait all night?' over an almost disco sound - an unusual combination perhaps, though it really is catchy. The vocal really recalls Romy Madley Croft from emotional minimalist trio The Xx, whilst the beat feels distinctly retro, a slickly addictive late-'80's/early-'90's club floor-filler that sounds a good deal more uptempo that what we are accustomed to, regarding Ware's sensual 2012 debut album Devotion. If Ware were to continue in such a direction though her solo work, it would certainly be an interesting deviation in sound.

http://jessieware.com/
https://twitter.com/Jessie_Ware
http://www.facebook.com/jessiewaremusic
https://soundcloud.com/jessieware

New Waves.. Swim Deep - 'She Changes The Weather'

It's been all about Peace for me lately, so much so that in my little music bubble, fellow Birmingham band Swim Deep had almost ceased to exist. Never fear, however! The B-Town boys are back with this beauty that goes by the name of 'She Changes The Weather'.

Swim Deep just seem to keep getting better and better; the intro to this song is delicately accompanied by violins before rolling atmospherically into a mid-tempo rush of heat fueled emotion, it is easily the most mature song that the band have produced yet, and makes every song that preceded it feel positively clunky in comparison. The chorus 'She takes my time, and I don't mind, she makes me feel like, like I can see for miles/ She changes the weather in my bones, seems like it's never getting cold' certainly makes singer Austin Williams sound like a man falling hopelessly in love for the first time, and the song manages to feel effortlessly timeless, with the band creating an atmosphere that will no doubt be memory evoking for anyone that becomes attached to it.

Swim Deep's debut album, Where The Heaven Are We, is to be released 29th July and includes previous singles 'King City', 'Honey' and 'The Sea'.

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