How Not To Relationship

Monday Album

Artist: Anarbor

Album: Anarbor

Year Released: 2016

Track-By-Track

Freaking out!

The whole “relationship in distress” thing is a staple in music, but this one may be a bit different than you’re used to. It’s not a rapper looking for new “hoes”, nor is it a woman with a twang trying to get revenge on the cheater.

Dopamine 

I’m sensing some similarities here. Quite possible there’s a theme starting. “You’re so good for me. We break up to feel something new.” I think their relationship needs a little help. Will the next track take them to a better place?

Can’t Help It

Oops. He found another. He thought he loved her, but... And seriously, if she’s that bad for you, you may want to do some soul-searching.

Josie

Beginning to wonder if the guys had anything going on in their lives other than one bad relationship after another. He wants her, she’s using him. 

Paint This Town

Basically, fight for a good relationship. 

Through the Night

Up for interpretation. Obviously a relationship gone wrong (shocker), with a tone of mental distress. Intentional? 

Already Dead

Wow... he’s really hung up on this one. A bit disturbing, to be honest. 

Who Cares?

Aww. He loves her, no matter what. And I mean, who wants to live in the sunny city anyhow?

If You Sing

Not about a relationship!!! Oh wait... 

Pushaway (E)

A failing relationship with F-bombs.

Recommended?

Absolutely! There may be a theme, but all sarcasm aside, each song is actually really good. All well written, and have a great sound! Plus, if you’re in need of a song about how your relationship is going down the toilet, just check this out 😜

Got something you think I should hear? Drop it in the comments! 🎶🎶🎶

***Music is subjective. My opinions are not the only ones out there. If you like something I don’t recommend, that’s awesome! Tell your friends about the awesome song you just heard! Artists love positive feedback!***

Guilty Pleasures

Artist & Song

Los Del Rio “Macarena”

You know you loved it in the 90’s. You danced to it every time it was on. You did the moves to any other song that was on. You pretended to know the words. Ah, memories.

Pharrell Williams “Happy”

Yes, you’re happy. We get it. Not gonna lie, I can’t listen to this without wanting to smash the speaker, but I hear some people like it, so it’s on the list.

The Playmates “Beep Beep”

You probably don’t know this one, but it’s definitely gonna get stuck in your head. The question begs, can you keep up?

Hanson “MMMBop”

The epitome of guilty pleasures, right here. The guys have come a long way since their global debut, but they’ll never live this down. According to the boys, “MMMbop is an unrepeatable moment”.

Culture Club “Karma Chameleon”

You’re welcome. 

One Direction “Midnight Memories”

A bunch of derpy boys with their shenanigans in a video now at 171 million views. Like One Direction or not, the video is fun.

Katrina & The Waves “Walking On Sunshine”

This is one you’re bound to recognize even if you’ve never heard of the artist. Are you a fan of Gilmore Girls? Paris was singing this in season 5 (don’t quote me on that).

Kenny Loggins “Danger Zone”

You feel all tough listening to this. Feel like you can conquer the world. Then you step on a lego. How tough are you now?

Real McCoy “Another Night”

I’ve heard mixed reviews as to how many people know this. If you don’t, you’re welcome. You are now in the world of Real McCoy.

Journey “Any Way You Want It”

This has been used in way too many TV commercials. That’s all.

Got something I should hear? Let me know in the comments! 🎶🎶🎶

***Music is subjective. My opinions are not the only ones out there. If you like something I don’t recommend, that’s awesome! Tell your friends about the awesome song you just heard!***

A Laugh

Artist: Allan Sherman

Album: My Son, The Celebrity 

Year Released: 1963

Track-By-Track

Al N’ Yetta

Fanfare? Appropriate for the feel of this whole album. Baby Boomers will understand the references in this first track better than the younger crowd, so ask your grandparents who these people were. You’ll have a great afternoon discussing exactly why this is hilarious.

Medley: Barry is the Baby’s Name/Horowitz/Get in the Garden Freeway

George M Cohan would approve. If you recognize these melodies, you’ll love the spoofs. Can you name them without looking it up?

Mexican Hat Dance

A traditional Mexican song with a twist. This one just really needs to be experienced. It’s cute and funny.

The Bronx Bird Watcher

Ah... New Yawk accents. Funny enough, but you add in these lyrics and you’re in for a laugh. Allan Sherman really captured nature in this song.

Let’s All Call up AT&T and Protest to the President March

Again, you will probably have to ask your grandparents exactly what this song means. And if you can memorize all the numbers, you deserve a medal.

Harvey & Sheila

Oh, the day they met... This hilarious spoof is the epitome of how our language has evolved into mostly acronyms. Do you know what all of them are?

Won’t You Come Home Disraeli?

Queen Victoria. PM Disraeli. Research. Do some. Spoof of “Bill Bailey”. That’s really all that can be said.

No One’s Perfect

Still fun, but not as in-your-face funny as the others. See if you can identify the names and groups mentioned.

When I Was a Lad

Polishing an apple for your professor can get you anything you want. Or not...

Me

Meh. Again, not as funny as others. Not the best.

Shticks of One and a Half Dozen of the Other

I’m not going to spoil this one. Listen to it. Seriously, go. Now.

Recommended?

Mostly. As with every comedian, some parts are better than others. Comedy is also subjective. You may be doubled over laughing at the ones I’m not fond of. That’s how it goes.

Got something you think I should hear? Drop it in the comments! 🎶🎶🎶

***Music is subjective. My opinions are not the only ones out there. If you like something I don’t recommend, that’s awesome! Tell your friends about the awesome song you just heard! Artists love positive feedback!***

Mini Dance Party

start your dance party playlist with these 10 hits!

Artist & Song

Marianas Trench “Stutter”

Guaranteed to make you move, MT has a way with a beat. Add in fun and addictive lyrics, and you’ve got a great song to add to all your favorite playlists. Dare you to sit completely still while this is on. 

Barry Manilow “Copacabana (At The Copa)

Throwing it back to the late 70’s with a classic that everyone is bound to recognize. Get your bell-bottoms and peasant blouses, because Lola and Rico invite you to start a conga line, and party like it’s 1978 (Admit it, you know you want to).

Rihanna “Only Girl (In The World)”

High energy and a strong beat will make you want to put a neon t-shirt over the lamp shade and dance like no one is watching. And maybe, just maybe, you can feel like the only girl in the world.

Britney Spears “Gimme More”

You can bust a move, or simply sway to this tune. Great beat, but a little slower, lends this song well to any dancer.

Simon & Garfunkel “Cecilia”

Let’s face it, if you don’t know S&F, you’re living under a rock. The “Mrs. Robinson” duo came out with this hit 50 years ago this month, but it’s still gaining fans of all ages.

Bon Jovi “You Give Love A Bad Name”

The 80’s at their best, people. A song that’s undeniably recognizable, I’m sure I need say no more.

Usher, Pitbull “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love”

The perfect Friday night dance party song. I mean, the whole thing is about Friday night at the club. High energy, great beat.

Daft Punk “Technologic”

One thing: If you know every word, you may want to try getting out more. On another note, it’s techno at its absolute best. Yes, techno has a best.

2 Unlimited “Get Ready”

You’ll know this the second it starts, but did you know this had a rap with it? Or who recorded it? Dutch duo 2 Unlimited has many, many more amazing hits, so check em out! 

Roxette “The Look”

From the very first note, you’ll want to get up and dance. A radio favorite since it burst on scene in 1988. Great use of tech, and a pause for dramatic effect, make this a fabulous song.

Got something I should hear? Let me know in the comments! 🎶🎶🎶

***Music is subjective. My opinions are not the only ones out there. If you like something I don’t recommend, that’s awesome! Tell your friends about the awesome song you just heard!***

Simple Creatures “Everything Opposite”

Monday Album

Artist: Simple Creatures

Album: Everything Opposite

Year Released: 2019

Track-By-Track

Special 

“I just wanna feel good. I wanna feel special.” Don’t we all? Well, I can’t promise you’ll feel special, but this song will definitely make you feel good. Great beat, fantastic sound.

One Little Lie 

A faster tune than the last one, that you’ll be dancing to. If you’re dancing “The Carlton”, you’ll find no judgement here. This would also be a great addition to your running playlist. Guaranteed to get you moving.

Need Me 

The trash-pop version of the “I can’t live without you” type songs. Not bad, just maybe not the best Simple Creatures has done.

The Wolf 

This one is more innovative than the others in their use and manipulation of instruments. They’ve created something that has never been done before. To be honest, it’s a little disappointing that this song runs just two and a half minutes.

NVM 

Lyrics are a bit sad, but the music contradicts that feeling. This is one of those songs that can find a place in nearly every kind of playlist.

Thanks, I Hate It

They’ve taken “I hate you, so why do I love you” to a new level. This is one that must be heard, not read. A great hit, for sure.

Recommended?

Absolutely! 2 great releases by Simple Creatures in 1 year. Awesome!

Got something you think I should hear? Drop it in the comments! 🎶🎶🎶

***Music is subjective. My opinions are not the only ones out there. If you like something I don’t recommend, that’s awesome! Tell your friends about the awesome song you just heard! Artists love positive feedback!***

Thursday 10 (1/23/2020)

Thursday 10

Artist & Song

Kurt Hugo Schneider, Sam Tsui “Safe & Sound”

Yet another Taylor Swift cover that’s better than the original (but how hard is that, really?). Acoustic, as is what we all know if these two cover artists. If you’re not familiar with either Kurt or Sam, I highly recommend checking them out.

The Doors “ Riders on the Storm”

Anything that starts with a thunderstorm is going to be on top of many playlists. A perfect throwback to add to your library.

Sugarland “Little Miss”

A depressed, “poor me” kind of sound that evolves into the mantra, “I’m ok”. Very country, but can also fit any taste. Some great messages for anyone struggling with their own mind.

Louis Tomlinson “Kill My Mind”

Is it just me, or does this scream “1967”? I half expected the video to be all hippie and flower power. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great song. It’s just a little throwback-y.

RUNAGROUND “Anti-Gravity”

If you’ve never heard this band, you’re seriously missing out. This track hits hard with beat and sound. You’ll be dancing and singing along in no time, because let’s face it, repeat is the only option.

Plested “First Time”

Maybe acoustic wasn’t the way to go, here. It’s got a great sound, but would only be amplified (no pun intended) by some more electric background. Percussion would also help. Acoustic makes it easier to hear the singer’s voice, but this one has that empty feeling.

Niall Horan, Maren Morris “Seeing Blind”

Cliché duet? Yes. Well done? Absolutely. Take Niall, add country singer Maren, and you get what is quite possibly the best track on Horan’s debut solo album. The harmonies fit just as well as these two voices. (Side note: This whole album is absolutely incredible)

All Time Low “Weightless” (E)

There are a lot of people out there who are thinking exactly what this song is saying. “I’m over getting old”, “Maybe it’s not my weekend, but it’s gonna be my year”... The list goes on. A great high-energy song that will have you moving and motivated.

firekid “Lay By Me”

I feel like this song needs a travel video montage. A super catchy song that has a great sound. I highly suggest you check out more by firekid.

Nick Santino “Gone Like Yesterday”

After the unfortunate and untimely demise of the fan-favorite A Rocket To The Moon, Nick released this gem of an album in 2014. Picking just one song from the 11 incredible tracks was impossible, so I just closed my eyes and tapped one. Check it out. You’re welcome.

Got something I should hear? Let me know in the comments! 🎶🎶🎶

***Music is subjective. My opinions are not the only ones out there. If you like something I don’t recommend, that’s awesome! Tell your friends about the awesome song you just heard! Artists love positive feedback!***

Simple Creatures “Strange Love”

Monday Album

Artist: Simple Creatures

Album: Strange Love

Year Released: 2019

Track-By-Track

Drug 

Intro to trash-pop. These two guys have created something different. This first track lives up to its name; both in sound and addictive power. As the song says, “I had a premonition that tonight is getting strange...”

Strange Love 

A hard-hitter with a twist. Hard beat with a sort of ethereal sound that has a tendency to distract from what’s really being said. You’ll be singing along, and it’ll eventually hit you. Super catchy.

How To Live 

Trash-pop sound, emo lyrics. Bound to happen when you take the leads from two emo bands and put them in the same room. Makes for an intriguing song.

Adrenaline 

Guaranteed you’ll have this one stuck in your head. Good thing you can put it on repeat, because you’ll also find yourself unable to sit still. 

Ether 

This is not if those that you’ve really got to listen to for yourself. It’s a great song, but hard to find descriptive words for.

Lucy 

(Explicit) This track has a bit of everything. It would be a great song to put in any playlist. A great one to dance to, as well! 

Overall Impression

This is what happens when you take Mark Hoppus (Blink-182) and Alex Gaskarth (All Time Low) and put them in a room together. Trash-pop is a thing now. Let’s hope it’s around for a long, long time. 

Recommended?

100%

Got something you think I should hear? Drop it in the comments! 🎶🎶🎶

***Music is subjective. My opinions are not the only ones out there. If you like something I don’t recommend, that’s awesome! Tell your friends about the awesome song you just heard! Artists love positive feedback!***

Thursday Playlist

Genre/purpose

Absolutely none. I literally didn’t even look before adding songs to this list 🤷🏻‍♀️

Artist & Song

Us The Duo “I’m me”

A fun song with a good message. “I can’t be anything that I’m not, cuz I’m me.” This one has major Broadway feel, and is impossible to listen to without dancing. Bonus for clarinet players!

American Authors “Replaced”

If you’re a fan of the singles, but haven’t heard much from American Authors other than “Best Day of My Life”, you may be surprised by this one. A more calm tune than what we usually hear on the radio, but definitely worth a listen (or ten).

Of Monsters and Men “Vulture, Vulture”

OMaM isn’t everyone’s cuppa, and that’s ok. “Little Talks” tends to creep people out, and for good reason. This song, however, is different. It’s, well, check it out for yourself. Search the lyrics. Just... yeah. Great melody and overall sound, just a bit... yeah.

Night Riots “Leave Us Alone”

Honest opinion: Not worth it. Even good bands have flops, and this is theirs. 

AJR “Bud Like You”

Sailor song for the 21st century. AJR is known for their party songs, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Light and fun, but probably not the best band to let young kids listen to.

Truslow “Hurricane”

Road trip? Add this to your playlist. Great to sing along with, and dancing will definitely be a thing when this hit is on. Great music, great lyrics. 

P!nk “Walk Me Home”

Even if you’re not a fan of P!nk, you can’t deny this song has power. The chorus, specifically, just sits deep inside you. Or punches you in the face. You pick. Either way, this may be the best song in her already extensive career.

Sheppard “Die Young”

(May have already done this one. Oh well.) I know you know “Geronimo”. Doctor Who fans can’t miss it, even if they want to. This comes off the third album from Sheppard, and is exactly what fans have come to expect from the band. Keeping their original style while expanding their repertoire.

Lord Huron “Fool For Love”

If you’re not familiar with Lord Huron, their folk/rock style is actually refreshing. Not for everyone, but you may you find you like something outside your norm. This one is a personal favorite, but I’ll let you decide for yourself.

American Authors “Right Here Right Now”

AA number 2 in this list (oops)! This one is more what casual fans would expect: high energy. Lyrics cater to most of us who would rather have the one we love than money. This is one of those make-you-happy-even-when-you-don’t-want-to-be kind of songs.

Songs Worth Adding

9 out of 10. I’d skip “Leave Us Alone”, but there are definitely people out there who would like it.

Got something I should hear? Let me know in the comments! 🎶🎶🎶

***Music is subjective. My opinions are not the only ones out there. If you like something I don’t recommend, that’s awesome! Tell your friends about the awesome song you just heard!***

Thursday Playlist

(I got the day right this time!)

Thursday 10

Genre/purpose

Artists with fewer than 100,000 listeners on Spotify

Artist & Song

Jason Lancaster “Growing Up”

Great for dancing, cleaning, a workout, or anything else you need to get pumped for! Jason has definitely has the right style for his voice. Great sound, fun lyrics. Great song all around!

Honest Men “Shoulders Back”

This song should be part of your Motivation Monday. “Shoulders back, blades together, chest held high...” and you’re ready for a new beginning. The best keeps you going right up to the end. Not sure why Honest Men is in the “Less than 100,000” playlist with how amazing this one is.

Corey Tynan “Hold onto the Memories”

“Memories fade, but they’re never lost.” The first line says it all. A chill tune, and a definite mood. If you’re looking for a song to reflect and remember someone or a good time, this has to be at the top of your list. High school seniors, this is your new jam.

Bronnie “Everything I Wanted”

This cover of a Billie Eilish hit is, in my opinion, one of the better covers out there. Bronnie hits every note with passion, and will drag you into all the feelings. 

Dusan Mitric “Miss You”

A style all his own. Definitely liking the minimal background— acoustic guitar and drums, for the most part. He hits hard on the chorus with some electricity that brings the whole sound together. There are good things coming for him, no doubt.

Pink Elephants “Maryland”

Everything you’d expect from a band called Pink Elephants. Trippy, breathy, yet surprisingly good. It’s one of those you’ll like, but not be able to say exactly why...

City Mouth “Quit While I’m Ahead”

“Should I just stop now? Quit while I’m ahead? ... everyone else just functions so much better.” We’ve all been there. This track definitely screams “mental health”. The back-and-forth “I can’t do it, but I want it” is all of us. Give it a listen. You’ll love it.

Kyler Fisher “Wildfire”

If you’re not into country, you will be soon. This is a top-down, drive-fast, carefree kind of song. Incredible melody, great lyrics. Perfect weekend tune.

Whitney Avalon “Memory (Star Wars Style)

If you’re a Star Wars fan (nerd alert 😜), you’ll love this humorous remake of the classic “Cats” song, Memory. When you add a good voice with a great sense of humor, you get Whitney Avalon. Check out her stuff for more fun!

As December Falls “I Don’t Mind”

ADF released their debut full-length almost a year ago, yet there are still so many people unfamiliar with this UK band. A great album all around, but this is my personal favorite. It’s more chill than the rest of the album, and is great for relaxing at the end of the day. Seriously, check them out. You’ll love what you hear.

Songs Worth Adding

Solid 10/10. Every single track this week is a hit in my book.

Got something I should hear? Let me know in the comments!

Naked Eyes- “Burning Bridges”

Monday Album

Artist: Naked Eyes

Album: Burning Bridges

Year Released: 1983

Track-By-Track

Voices In My Head

The second this song starts, it hits you in the face with 80’s. It’s an overall ok song, but the solid minute of “voices in my head” repeated at the end is a bit much. The whole thing just repeats the chorus more than anything.

I Could Show You How

Mellow for an 80’s song. His voice flows better in this one than the first track, but again, the overly repetitive theme. Yes, we get it, you can show us how. It feels like they were grasping to keep the song going.

A Very Hard Act To Follow

No, that’s not gunfire, that’s just 80’s drums. A much better song than the other two so far. It actually has lyrics! It repeats a bit at the end, but it’s not as long and drawn out. A good melody plus some good lyrics makes this a hit.

Always Something There To Remind Me

If you don’t know this one, I wouldn’t say so out loud. You’ll get bashed. Originally written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David in the 1960’s, this has been done and redone by all sorts of artists, with just 3 others making an impact. Naked Eyes made it big quick with this danceable tune. It’ll get stuck in your head, thanks to the less obnoxious repetitiveness. Somehow, the repetition works for this one. 

Fortune And Fame

I’ve heard before how some people hate 80’s music, not because of the overall sound, but because of the “ethereal-sounding voices”. This is that type of song. This one sounds like it was recorded while they were high and riding a roller coaster. There’s really nothing else to say about this.

Could Be

80’s pop meets smoke-hall jazz meets 007. It can’t be unheard.

Burning Bridges

In typical 80’s style, this one makes you think the disc was skipping during recording. The main point of the song, 

“Burning bridges as you pass

You find yourself alone at last

All your enemies are conquered

Is your life the one you wanted?”

So... is it?

Emotion In Motion

LSD must have been involved in writing the lyrics. The whole “I don’t sleep much anymore, People don’t seem real” is the giveaway. Despite that, it’s a pretty good track.

Low Life

Is this a song about prostitution, or a girl trying to work her way up and out? Arguments are made for both, so you decide. Backtrack is better than the melody, but it’s still an overall good song. 

The Time Is Now

O...k...? I get that this is the 80’s, but this punches you in the face with 80’s-ness. Can’t say much for it. It kind of seems all over in the backtrack, with the lyrics desperate to find a place they belong.

When The Lights Go Out

Insinuation, 80’s style. She wants him. That’s clear. Moving on... Your dog will love singing along with the sirens in this. The higher the note, the louder it gets. Pass.

Promises, Promises

This may be one of those you hear and go, “I think I’ve heard this before”. Not memorable enough to really remember, but still holds a spot in the very back of your brain. Not a bad tune, just not really worth storing.

Overall Impression

It’s the 80’s, what more can be said? It’s not high on my personal list, but as I always say, music is subjective. Make up your own mind.

Recommended?

“It’s a ‘no’ from me.”- Simon Cowell