Sometimes when I read music publications reviewing new albums and bands, I get angry. Most of those writers are trying to outdo each other by getting more and more obscure with bands and songs that they forget to listen to the actual music that they're trying to promote. They use big adjectives and treat their reviews like an essay or a term paper. They throw great bands under the bus because it's not in their taste, or dismiss a band because they're not relevant anymore. On the occasion that they do in fact listen, they always have this preconceived notion about how the music should sound:"Oh I'm sorry, the new Strokes album doesn't sound like their first album? It must be a piece of crap then."
One of my friends told me once, "If you really hate something or someone, it's usually because you find a piece of yourself in it that you hate and you can't handle it."
With that in mind, I'm guilty for all the above. It's really difficult for me to enjoy Peruvian death metal, but you know what? Some people jam out to that stuff! Who am I to judge? Yes, this makes me hypocritical as hell, because next week I'll probably write how everybody who enjoys Skrillex are deaf idiots. Seriously, how did that guy win all those Grammys?!
So this week’s playlist is all about brand new songs for the spring that everybody seems to have their own unique opinion about. Some scathing, some positive. I'll share mine and if you agree, awesome! If not, all is good because that's the beauty of music — you listen to what you want to listen to. If I can help you find new music though, then my job is done.
Phoenix – "Entertainment" This song is a grower of a tune. Upon first listen you'll be like "meh!" but after the third listen you'll find a lot of cool layers to it. Like the Oriental sounds, or the cool bass line, or to the meaningful lyrics. Give it a chance, you'll enjoy it.
BRMC – "Hate The Taste" Their new album called "Specter at the Feast" is getting crapped on by some lame music publications. This is ridiculous, because this song is the epitome of rock. It's sludgy, it's dirty, and it's a whiskey drinking song. Line ‘em up.
Vampire Weekend – "Diane Young" It's been three years since we've heard from this band and I'll be so bold to say that they've never released a bad song. Their first single from their upcoming album "Modern Vampires of The City " is no different. It will have you jumping around like a maniac and singing along in no time. Their lyrics are sharp as hell. "Irish and proud baby naturally/ but you got the luck of a Kennedy." Clever.
Born Ruffians – "Needle" Some songs just make you feel good to your core and this song is one of them. It's all about being at that stage in your life when you think everything good is happening somewhere else. People are having kids, getting married, getting PhDs, while you're still figuring out how RRSPs work. When Ontario native Luke Lalonde sings "Needle in the hay/Lost but in my place/Peaceful in my way," it makes it all seem fine.
Haim – "Don't save me" This all-sister band sounds what Stevie Nicks would have if she put on her dancing shoes instead of sleeping with everybody in Fleetwood Mac. This is a dance-y one that will give you the "get up and go" that you need on a Monday morning.
C2C – "Down the Road" An emerging band from France who are blowing up. This sounds like a Daft Punk song if they had a blues influence.
The Strokes – "Welcome to Japan" Since the Strokes kind of trail-blazed the indie music scene, they've been under the microscope. If they release something that doesn't sound like The Strokes, people lose their minds. Their new album "Comedown Machine" is a breath of fresh air and should quell the legions of Strokes fans, at the same time by gaining fans with some new sounds. It's a solid album that deserves a good listen. "Welcome to Japan" is a great tune with an awesome vibe. With lyrics like "what kind of an asshole drives a lotus?” we see some humour from a band that's been so serious for so long.
Listening to these songs might keep your finger on the pulse with new music, only if that's what you want. If all else fails, you can always try Peruvian death metal or Skrillex.