Whatsup everybody!
I hope that everyone is having a great holiday season! I just wanted to let you all know that The Weekly Stew is taking abreak until the 7th of January! We will see you then with some new tracks and a whole lot of fun!
Monday 24 December 2012
Monday 10 December 2012
Holiday Blues
Well howdy there folks! I'm very stoked to be writing this 20th edition of The Weekly Stew! I really didn't know if I would be able to keep writing this blog week in and week out but thanks to constant encouragement and some prodding along I have managed to do it!
Since it's the holidays I'm going to keep this week's blog post short as I know that you guys don't have time to sit in front of a screen for hours reading what I want to say. So without further time wasting it's time for this week's playlist to begin!
1. Crystal Castles - Wrath Of God
Crystal Castles are epic, they are huge and their sound is so unique that there literally is nobody who sounds like them, even though there are many who try. Crystal Castles are actually from Canada! The duo have been making music since 2004 and the lead singer Alice Glass is a favourite of Indie Kids the world over! The Duo are known for their ridiculous live performances and are characterised by their lo-fi and overall noisy sound. Quite honestly, I love them! This is the debut single off their latest album which drops next year! Enjoy!
2. Alpine - Villages
Alpine are a 6-piece band from Melbourne who released one of the albums of the year. They have managed to fuse synths with honeyed harmonies, hypnotic rhythms and bright beats to create a sound that is both unique and magical. I know that I write alot about Australian bands but these guys are one of the best that I have heard in ages, they really make my heart sing, I hope that doesn't sound as gay as I think it did. They have been compared to Phoenix and The XX. I chose Villages, which comes off their debut EP, instead of their other big hit 'hands' because the music video for 'hands' features numerous scantily clad women that I don't think my dear mother would approve of!
3. Gary Clark Jr. - Bright Lights
To start off I have to give credit to miss Lucy 'The Zulu' Colepepper for sending the spectacular Gary Clark Jr. my way! Mr Clark impresses me no end, he has been called the future of Texas Blues for good reason. His music is so deep and meaningful throughout yet it maintains a cutting edge that just grips you as he winds his way through each and every magical song! Gary Clark Jr's trademark sound is that of his fuzzy guitars and his oh so smooth vocals that make married women swoon! You just have to listen to the swagger this man possesses, go do it now!
4. Django Django - Default
I actually don't know why it's taken this long for Django Django to be featured on this blog, I have been listening to their album all year! The London-based 4 Piece band have been getting plaudits all year long for their particular brand of art-rock. They get huge points for incorporating numerous African sounds into their music which gives it a unique and vibrant sound. Their debut album was so fantastic that it made it to number 26 on Rolling Stones' top 50 albums of 2012, that's no mean feat!
5. King Krule - Rock Bottom
King Krule is actually an 18 year old British kid who makes ridiculously cool beats and has an abnormally deep voice for a British kid! King Krule took a while to grow on me but once it did I haven't been able to stop listening to his music. His style has been described as been a bit of New Wave, Darkwave and Dubstep Techniques. Its definitely worth a listen as this kid is only going to get better as he matures! Oh I forgot to mention that he's ginger, woah now!
That's it for the 2oth edition of The Stew! Hope you enjoyed it! Don't forget to vote for your favourite track on the top right-hand side of the page! See you all next week!
Since it's the holidays I'm going to keep this week's blog post short as I know that you guys don't have time to sit in front of a screen for hours reading what I want to say. So without further time wasting it's time for this week's playlist to begin!
1. Crystal Castles - Wrath Of God
Crystal Castles are epic, they are huge and their sound is so unique that there literally is nobody who sounds like them, even though there are many who try. Crystal Castles are actually from Canada! The duo have been making music since 2004 and the lead singer Alice Glass is a favourite of Indie Kids the world over! The Duo are known for their ridiculous live performances and are characterised by their lo-fi and overall noisy sound. Quite honestly, I love them! This is the debut single off their latest album which drops next year! Enjoy!
2. Alpine - Villages
Alpine are a 6-piece band from Melbourne who released one of the albums of the year. They have managed to fuse synths with honeyed harmonies, hypnotic rhythms and bright beats to create a sound that is both unique and magical. I know that I write alot about Australian bands but these guys are one of the best that I have heard in ages, they really make my heart sing, I hope that doesn't sound as gay as I think it did. They have been compared to Phoenix and The XX. I chose Villages, which comes off their debut EP, instead of their other big hit 'hands' because the music video for 'hands' features numerous scantily clad women that I don't think my dear mother would approve of!
3. Gary Clark Jr. - Bright Lights
To start off I have to give credit to miss Lucy 'The Zulu' Colepepper for sending the spectacular Gary Clark Jr. my way! Mr Clark impresses me no end, he has been called the future of Texas Blues for good reason. His music is so deep and meaningful throughout yet it maintains a cutting edge that just grips you as he winds his way through each and every magical song! Gary Clark Jr's trademark sound is that of his fuzzy guitars and his oh so smooth vocals that make married women swoon! You just have to listen to the swagger this man possesses, go do it now!
4. Django Django - Default
I actually don't know why it's taken this long for Django Django to be featured on this blog, I have been listening to their album all year! The London-based 4 Piece band have been getting plaudits all year long for their particular brand of art-rock. They get huge points for incorporating numerous African sounds into their music which gives it a unique and vibrant sound. Their debut album was so fantastic that it made it to number 26 on Rolling Stones' top 50 albums of 2012, that's no mean feat!
5. King Krule - Rock Bottom
King Krule is actually an 18 year old British kid who makes ridiculously cool beats and has an abnormally deep voice for a British kid! King Krule took a while to grow on me but once it did I haven't been able to stop listening to his music. His style has been described as been a bit of New Wave, Darkwave and Dubstep Techniques. Its definitely worth a listen as this kid is only going to get better as he matures! Oh I forgot to mention that he's ginger, woah now!
That's it for the 2oth edition of The Stew! Hope you enjoyed it! Don't forget to vote for your favourite track on the top right-hand side of the page! See you all next week!
Monday 3 December 2012
No Diggity
Its a new week and there's a new Stew to delight your senses...your sense of hearing with the tracks we provide, your sense of sight with the words are woven in every post and your sense of taste because this is a Stew after all!
Last week's poll results indicated that Biffy Clyro provided your favorite track of week with their steamy number 'Black Chandelier', I fully agree with your choice! In other news, Lady Gaga is in South Africa, OK I know that's nothing to really get excited about, what was exciting was that The Darkness opened for her, pity no-one told me that before they arrived because they are amazing. The notes that their lead singer can hit with his voice are definitely not human, I may have broken a few glasses trying to match his pitch.
Time to sit back, relax and let the music minister to you as this week's Weekly Stew hits your screens...
1. C2C - Down The Road
The first track on this week's playlist comes from a French Turntable group (Yes you did read that correctly), who come from Nantes and were formed way back in 1998 when we didn't have to fear retribution from Beliebers and 'Little Monsters' because Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga were only nightmares that music lovers told to scare their children. The duo that make up this turntable group, can't get over that those exist, won the 'Disco mix club world team DJ championships' for 4 years in a row so we can assume that they have some style! 'Down the Road' has been winning awards all over Europe and has been dominating the airwaves on numerous radio stations. You have to check the video out even if it's just to see a retro skater in bell bottoms skate around an abandoned warehouse district.
2. Battleships - Your Words
Battleships are an Indie Rock quartet that hail from the beautiful city of Sydney where the summers are hot and the beers are cold! I find it almost ridiculous how many amazing artists are coming out of Australia nowadays! These gents have just released their debut EP and have cited 'The National' and 'The Boxer Rebellion' as influences which is fantastic. Their lead singer has a very unique vocal style which lends to their glossy sound fully of guitar and synth with a pulsing drumbeat throughout. All in all its a fantastic track from a new group that I hope continue to make music in this vein.
3. Chet Faker - No Diggity
Chet Faker is Mr Grizzle personified, the man is rugged and oh hot damn (I have no idea where that came from) he makes some sweet music! He effortlessly manages to combine musical styles from rap to chill and beyond...amazingly what comes out is superbly crafted, it's the type of music you can listen to from Sunrise to sunset and then after dark again. Mr Faker is from Melbourne, best city in the world in my humble opinion, and as such he must partake in the chilled lifestyle that Melbourne is famous for. 'No Diggity' is a cover of a Blackstreet track that no-one thought could be covered, looks like Chet proved them wrong in such a good way!
4. Breton - Edward The Confessor
Breton are pretty cool, actually they are ridiculously cool. Their music makes me, a self professed white boy with 2 left feet, want to bop my head and jam along with them. They play a version of noise rock that I love, throughout all of their tracks they make a bunch of random sounds and synth notes sound like fantastic music. I don't actually know how to describe them other than to say that you wouldn't have heard there like before and you may not hear it again, it's THAT unique!
5. Flume - Sleepless feat. Jezzabell Doran
We end this week's playlist off with something a little bit different, that something different is Flume. One of my favorite electronic artists. The 20 year old Sydney native (Sydney representing this week) came to fame during 2011 and has gone from strength to strength throughout 2012 as he has played clubs around the world as well as festivals to match it. He is super active on Facebook and he seems like a really nice guy which just adds to his charm. Any music lover who has heard 'Flying Lotus' or 'Hudson Mohawke' before should be excited to hear Flume as his hooks are fantastic and his rhythms are mesmerizing to say the least! 'Sleepless' was his debut track that generated so much hype for Flume! Enjoy!
That's it for this week! Thanks to everybody for stopping by. I look forward to seeing you again next week at the same time and in the same place! Don't forget to vote for your favorite track of the week, the poll is on the top right of the page!
Last week's poll results indicated that Biffy Clyro provided your favorite track of week with their steamy number 'Black Chandelier', I fully agree with your choice! In other news, Lady Gaga is in South Africa, OK I know that's nothing to really get excited about, what was exciting was that The Darkness opened for her, pity no-one told me that before they arrived because they are amazing. The notes that their lead singer can hit with his voice are definitely not human, I may have broken a few glasses trying to match his pitch.
Time to sit back, relax and let the music minister to you as this week's Weekly Stew hits your screens...
1. C2C - Down The Road
The first track on this week's playlist comes from a French Turntable group (Yes you did read that correctly), who come from Nantes and were formed way back in 1998 when we didn't have to fear retribution from Beliebers and 'Little Monsters' because Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga were only nightmares that music lovers told to scare their children. The duo that make up this turntable group, can't get over that those exist, won the 'Disco mix club world team DJ championships' for 4 years in a row so we can assume that they have some style! 'Down the Road' has been winning awards all over Europe and has been dominating the airwaves on numerous radio stations. You have to check the video out even if it's just to see a retro skater in bell bottoms skate around an abandoned warehouse district.
2. Battleships - Your Words
Battleships are an Indie Rock quartet that hail from the beautiful city of Sydney where the summers are hot and the beers are cold! I find it almost ridiculous how many amazing artists are coming out of Australia nowadays! These gents have just released their debut EP and have cited 'The National' and 'The Boxer Rebellion' as influences which is fantastic. Their lead singer has a very unique vocal style which lends to their glossy sound fully of guitar and synth with a pulsing drumbeat throughout. All in all its a fantastic track from a new group that I hope continue to make music in this vein.
3. Chet Faker - No Diggity
Chet Faker is Mr Grizzle personified, the man is rugged and oh hot damn (I have no idea where that came from) he makes some sweet music! He effortlessly manages to combine musical styles from rap to chill and beyond...amazingly what comes out is superbly crafted, it's the type of music you can listen to from Sunrise to sunset and then after dark again. Mr Faker is from Melbourne, best city in the world in my humble opinion, and as such he must partake in the chilled lifestyle that Melbourne is famous for. 'No Diggity' is a cover of a Blackstreet track that no-one thought could be covered, looks like Chet proved them wrong in such a good way!
4. Breton - Edward The Confessor
Breton are pretty cool, actually they are ridiculously cool. Their music makes me, a self professed white boy with 2 left feet, want to bop my head and jam along with them. They play a version of noise rock that I love, throughout all of their tracks they make a bunch of random sounds and synth notes sound like fantastic music. I don't actually know how to describe them other than to say that you wouldn't have heard there like before and you may not hear it again, it's THAT unique!
5. Flume - Sleepless feat. Jezzabell Doran
We end this week's playlist off with something a little bit different, that something different is Flume. One of my favorite electronic artists. The 20 year old Sydney native (Sydney representing this week) came to fame during 2011 and has gone from strength to strength throughout 2012 as he has played clubs around the world as well as festivals to match it. He is super active on Facebook and he seems like a really nice guy which just adds to his charm. Any music lover who has heard 'Flying Lotus' or 'Hudson Mohawke' before should be excited to hear Flume as his hooks are fantastic and his rhythms are mesmerizing to say the least! 'Sleepless' was his debut track that generated so much hype for Flume! Enjoy!
That's it for this week! Thanks to everybody for stopping by. I look forward to seeing you again next week at the same time and in the same place! Don't forget to vote for your favorite track of the week, the poll is on the top right of the page!
Tuesday 27 November 2012
South Coast Living
Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening to all of you fantastic people who read this blog! The Weekly Stew turns 18 today in blog years (1 week = 1 year for those who aren't in the know). We were around back when Durban was cold, Matt Mole wasn't world famous and Dylan Royal was single...we really are an institution now. I'm still waiting for my government tender from JZ and Julius to arrive though, guess we haven't quite made an impression on that market!
One thing that I am very excited about is that we are embarking on a little side 'Stew' with the blog. In the next few weeks we are going to start chatting to the members of local bands, and we're going to get them to tell us 5 songs that influenced them and just why they find those tracks so exciting! We are super keen for this! Are there any specific bands you would like to hear from? Drop us a comment to let us know if there is!
Back to the reason that you have all turned your computers on today, not to work or go on facebook, but to peruse the latest edition of The Weekly Stew!
1. Biffy Clyro - Black Chandelier
Biffy Clyro have to be one of the most bad-ass rock 'n roll groups around today! I have been wanting to feature them for ages but they tend to make their music in a way that you need to listen to an entire album to appreciate it properly. That all changed with 'Black Chandelier', their new single off their forthcoming album, it is a single to make music lovers drool! It lulls you into a false sense of peace, until you realise a couple of minutes later that you can’t get the bloody thing out of your head. Biffy Clyro are Scottish and therefore they are spectactular, I may or may not have Scottish heritage. My Brother-In-Law saw these guys opening for Linkin Park a couple of years ago and he said that they outshone LP in every way, not a bad band to beat! So now go and enjoy some Scottish boys crooning to you!
2. Abbe May - Karmageddon
Well this is a different sounding track from our usual offering. It's rather epic if I do say so myself. Abbe May is a West Australian coastal town girl who has brought the genre of doom-pop onto the airwaves! All I can say is that it is unnervingly good, I shouldn't like it but I love it. She has managed to combine smooth pop hooks with such a full and violent sound that its almost like a little bit of genius at work. Every time I listen to the track I love it more and I find new parts to it that I just hadn't heard before because there is just so much amazing stuff going on in the track! Her facebook page goes so far as to state that it sounds like 'Kylie Minogue on Acid', the weird thing is that I kinda agree!
3. Swiss Lips - Danz
Swiss Lips come from just about the last place you expect a band with that name to come from...Manchester. I know right!? Why do some punks from Manchester call themselves Swiss Lips? Well only their parents can answer that one! Swiss Lips play a combination of fizzy, electro and dance-pop thrills that will light up your day no matter where you are or what mood you are in! They have been likened to Friendly Fires and have already begun to amass the same sort of mass following as FF in their native Manchester! 'Danz' is a killer track, it has some great hooks and features an old man doing a dance that rivals even that crazy Korean guy who all the 12 year old's go moggy over!
4. Young Liars - Colours
Young Liars have been bookmarked on my computer since mid-year and I have been eagerly awaiting putting them on the blog for you guys to enjoy! The band is comprised of 5 Canadians who play some indie rock and a lil bit of synthpop in their spare time. I really enjoy how they have crafted 'Colours', it doesn't follow the conventional route that songs seem to take these days but it still has a great sound and vibe to it. The most startling feature for me is that the song never really seems to build up to higher things, this being said the entire song is rather huge in sound so the lack of ascension in sound doesn't really matter!
One thing that I am very excited about is that we are embarking on a little side 'Stew' with the blog. In the next few weeks we are going to start chatting to the members of local bands, and we're going to get them to tell us 5 songs that influenced them and just why they find those tracks so exciting! We are super keen for this! Are there any specific bands you would like to hear from? Drop us a comment to let us know if there is!
Back to the reason that you have all turned your computers on today, not to work or go on facebook, but to peruse the latest edition of The Weekly Stew!
1. Biffy Clyro - Black Chandelier
Biffy Clyro have to be one of the most bad-ass rock 'n roll groups around today! I have been wanting to feature them for ages but they tend to make their music in a way that you need to listen to an entire album to appreciate it properly. That all changed with 'Black Chandelier', their new single off their forthcoming album, it is a single to make music lovers drool! It lulls you into a false sense of peace, until you realise a couple of minutes later that you can’t get the bloody thing out of your head. Biffy Clyro are Scottish and therefore they are spectactular, I may or may not have Scottish heritage. My Brother-In-Law saw these guys opening for Linkin Park a couple of years ago and he said that they outshone LP in every way, not a bad band to beat! So now go and enjoy some Scottish boys crooning to you!
2. Abbe May - Karmageddon
Well this is a different sounding track from our usual offering. It's rather epic if I do say so myself. Abbe May is a West Australian coastal town girl who has brought the genre of doom-pop onto the airwaves! All I can say is that it is unnervingly good, I shouldn't like it but I love it. She has managed to combine smooth pop hooks with such a full and violent sound that its almost like a little bit of genius at work. Every time I listen to the track I love it more and I find new parts to it that I just hadn't heard before because there is just so much amazing stuff going on in the track! Her facebook page goes so far as to state that it sounds like 'Kylie Minogue on Acid', the weird thing is that I kinda agree!
3. Swiss Lips - Danz
Swiss Lips come from just about the last place you expect a band with that name to come from...Manchester. I know right!? Why do some punks from Manchester call themselves Swiss Lips? Well only their parents can answer that one! Swiss Lips play a combination of fizzy, electro and dance-pop thrills that will light up your day no matter where you are or what mood you are in! They have been likened to Friendly Fires and have already begun to amass the same sort of mass following as FF in their native Manchester! 'Danz' is a killer track, it has some great hooks and features an old man doing a dance that rivals even that crazy Korean guy who all the 12 year old's go moggy over!
4. Young Liars - Colours
Young Liars have been bookmarked on my computer since mid-year and I have been eagerly awaiting putting them on the blog for you guys to enjoy! The band is comprised of 5 Canadians who play some indie rock and a lil bit of synthpop in their spare time. I really enjoy how they have crafted 'Colours', it doesn't follow the conventional route that songs seem to take these days but it still has a great sound and vibe to it. The most startling feature for me is that the song never really seems to build up to higher things, this being said the entire song is rather huge in sound so the lack of ascension in sound doesn't really matter!
5. Gold Fields - Dark Again
I don't know much about Gold Fields except that they are an Australian 5 piece that play a blend of dancey-pop that has captured my attention! A combination of clean vocals, jangly guitar work and deeply moving drum work has laid the basis for success for this band. The entire 4 minutes and 41 seconds of Dark Again sounds awesome to me, they have managed to make a true chart topper and I hope they make many more! Ok I admit that this song is very poppy but I'm allowed to like at least a couple of pop songs, we can't all be the ultimate hipsters!
Bonus!!
6. Foals - My Number
This week we have a little bonus for you! Another new Foals track, unfortunately its just a live recording but that doesn't stop it being epic! It takes me back to the older Foals sound that we all loved so much. If you go onto Youtube there is a live video which shows the actual band performing this live but for some reason that video won't embed onto the blog!
Well that's the end of our 18th edition, my how we have grown and yes we are still as cute as we were when we were 1! As always please vote for your favorite track and drop us a comment to let us know how we are doing! Till next week!
Tuesday 20 November 2012
Terms and Conditions
Whatsup everybody! I'm back again, (don't all leave at once), and its time for another serving of stew to hit your screens, not literally of course (unless you are into that kind of stuff). I trust that Mr Royal treated you well last week in my absence? Exams are over so I am in a fantastic mood and I hope that all of you guys are too! Last week's voting said that the new Foals song was your favourite, I can fully agree, that track is crazy sick!!
Time for the first Stew of the holidays to begin!
1. Little Green Cars - The John Wayne
We start this week off with a little Irish Country-Rock, I actually heard this song for the first time last night but I already know most of the lyrics...The repeat button can be evil! 'The John Wayne' is the first single off Little Green Cars' debut album and it already has many people's tongues wagging at its absolute goodness! The 5 piece from Dublin have created a sound that varies from Arcade Fire and Band of Horses to a little bit of Mumford and Sons in the shade! From the moment the solid bass drum kick starts, you just get sucked into the music. It really is worth a listen!
2. Millions - Nineteen
Millions are a bunch of crazy garage rockers outta Brisbane in Australia who now play indie pop...that's not something you see everyday!? Garage rockers turned poppers. Well whatever they did it worked, they have managed to create a sound that reminds me of Franz Ferdinand in their prime, driving bass-lines and some stellar drum work really push the sound forward and the lead singer's vocals aren't half bad either! Definitely another band to look out for in the future!
3. Kingswood - She's My Baby
'Ooooooh She's my baby', that's what I have been singing at the most inopportune times over the last weekend and I have this song to thank for it! Enter 'Kingswood', the Melbourne blues-rock 4 piece that has been tearing up the airwaves for the last couple of months. They sound a little bit like Kings of Leon back in the day before their sex caught fire and they name Led Zeppelin and Queens of the Stone Age as their influences (Doyal is going nuts). One thing is for sure though, these boys don't mess around. Their sound is huge and so is their particular brand of rock 'n roll. I don't think these guys would have been out of place in the 70's. So get your hair extensions out and your tight leather pants ready to rock out to 'Kingswood'.
4. The Neighbourhood - Sweater Weather
The 4th track on this week's playlist comes from some Californian boys who have managed to create a sound that combines a little bit of pop, some rock and some hip-hop. Interested yet? Well you should be! These guys are this year's sound of summer, they pick up where Foster the People left off with their catchy beats and smooth vocals. Their music has a strong instrumental backing and tunes that will get stuck in your head for weeks on end. I really just feel my stress (yes students can be stressed) leaving my body as I listen to these guys weave their magical web of musical bliss!
5. Purity Ring - Lofticries
We end this week's playlist off with a Canadian electronic duo who have so many tags to their music that I will just choose a few of my favourites, they apparently play "Synth-pop, dream-pop, post-dubstep, witch-house, indietronica, futurepop". OK that is enough styles of music to last a lifetime! All that I know is that these guys are amazing at what they do, they take you to a whole new place with their music, it's so soothing yet at the same time you want to dance to it's weird and wonderful ways. Even I can't explain what that means! This is one of their best tracks and it will be probably your best spent 4 minutes of your day when you listen to it!
That's it for this week! I hope you guys are having fantastic holidays or if you aren't on holiday yet that this playlist brightens up your day somewhat! Don't forget to vote!
Time for the first Stew of the holidays to begin!
1. Little Green Cars - The John Wayne
We start this week off with a little Irish Country-Rock, I actually heard this song for the first time last night but I already know most of the lyrics...The repeat button can be evil! 'The John Wayne' is the first single off Little Green Cars' debut album and it already has many people's tongues wagging at its absolute goodness! The 5 piece from Dublin have created a sound that varies from Arcade Fire and Band of Horses to a little bit of Mumford and Sons in the shade! From the moment the solid bass drum kick starts, you just get sucked into the music. It really is worth a listen!
2. Millions - Nineteen
Millions are a bunch of crazy garage rockers outta Brisbane in Australia who now play indie pop...that's not something you see everyday!? Garage rockers turned poppers. Well whatever they did it worked, they have managed to create a sound that reminds me of Franz Ferdinand in their prime, driving bass-lines and some stellar drum work really push the sound forward and the lead singer's vocals aren't half bad either! Definitely another band to look out for in the future!
3. Kingswood - She's My Baby
'Ooooooh She's my baby', that's what I have been singing at the most inopportune times over the last weekend and I have this song to thank for it! Enter 'Kingswood', the Melbourne blues-rock 4 piece that has been tearing up the airwaves for the last couple of months. They sound a little bit like Kings of Leon back in the day before their sex caught fire and they name Led Zeppelin and Queens of the Stone Age as their influences (Doyal is going nuts). One thing is for sure though, these boys don't mess around. Their sound is huge and so is their particular brand of rock 'n roll. I don't think these guys would have been out of place in the 70's. So get your hair extensions out and your tight leather pants ready to rock out to 'Kingswood'.
4. The Neighbourhood - Sweater Weather
The 4th track on this week's playlist comes from some Californian boys who have managed to create a sound that combines a little bit of pop, some rock and some hip-hop. Interested yet? Well you should be! These guys are this year's sound of summer, they pick up where Foster the People left off with their catchy beats and smooth vocals. Their music has a strong instrumental backing and tunes that will get stuck in your head for weeks on end. I really just feel my stress (yes students can be stressed) leaving my body as I listen to these guys weave their magical web of musical bliss!
5. Purity Ring - Lofticries
We end this week's playlist off with a Canadian electronic duo who have so many tags to their music that I will just choose a few of my favourites, they apparently play "Synth-pop, dream-pop, post-dubstep, witch-house, indietronica, futurepop". OK that is enough styles of music to last a lifetime! All that I know is that these guys are amazing at what they do, they take you to a whole new place with their music, it's so soothing yet at the same time you want to dance to it's weird and wonderful ways. Even I can't explain what that means! This is one of their best tracks and it will be probably your best spent 4 minutes of your day when you listen to it!
That's it for this week! I hope you guys are having fantastic holidays or if you aren't on holiday yet that this playlist brightens up your day somewhat! Don't forget to vote!
Monday 12 November 2012
Waterfall In Slow Motion
Yo wadup ma'nizzles!! Doyal here again.
I'm probably one of 3 people in the country that isn't writing exams so I get to play the host this week. I'm just hoping that everyone procrastinates and reads this post, giving me a fuller sense of achievement. So this week I've found some more alternative artists, not as mainstream as usual (I sound so hipster right now), but hope you enjoy it. If you don't, then you haven't listened properly or you're actually a deaf bear with great web-browsing skills.
1. Foals - Inhaler
We kick off this weeks tracks with the shiny, sparkling new single from the cosmically incredible English 6-piece, Foals. If you are a Foals addict like the rest of the world (including the Malawian president), then you'll be used to their last two albums which were full of clean-sounding, mathematical harmonies and melodies. This single has shifted the band into a bit more of a heavier direction, and it's incredible. Can't get enough of this song. The video is rated for explicit content so be warned.
2. Tennis - Origins
I'm not sure what this band was thinking when they named themselves after one of the world's most popular sports. Yeah, that doesn't really help when you try google them. This is what I call a 3rd-wheel-band, because it started out as a husband-wife duo with the drummer joining at a later stage. *Awkwaaard*. Anyway, I dig the catchy little chorus vibes in this song, I know you'll enjoy it too.
3. Emma Louise - Jungle
Here's one just for the girls. Emma Louise fits snugly into the Adele/Lana Del Ray mould, with a bit of Florence and the Machine mixed in there. The crooning falsetto chorus will be stuck in your head till next week monday, I can think of a couple moments when I've embaressingly belted it out in public. I really battled to find out anything at all about Emma, so I'll let her music speak for her instead.
4. Absofacto - Punch Drunk on Black Mold
I was pretty stoked when I stumbled across this guy. Either this guy is a graphic designer or he has a genrous friend willing to do sick work for him. The graphics that he features on his YouTube videos and album artwork really express his music well, which has given him a sound identity as a musician (I feel like I'm writing an essay for uni!). Absofacto has secured a solid spot in my iTunes and I'm sure it'll be the same for you!
5. James Blake - Limit To Your Love
This song. I don't even know where to start. Despite the incredible lyrics, the actual song is ridiculous. There's a surprise at 0:55 seconds in to the track that will actually make your heart skip a couple beats. Try play this over a decent system, my iMac speakers can't handle it and it just frustrates me! Seriously, this will change your life. Listen. It's beautiful
Thanks for listening Stewdents, don't forget to vote at the top of the page!
I'm probably one of 3 people in the country that isn't writing exams so I get to play the host this week. I'm just hoping that everyone procrastinates and reads this post, giving me a fuller sense of achievement. So this week I've found some more alternative artists, not as mainstream as usual (I sound so hipster right now), but hope you enjoy it. If you don't, then you haven't listened properly or you're actually a deaf bear with great web-browsing skills.
1. Foals - Inhaler
We kick off this weeks tracks with the shiny, sparkling new single from the cosmically incredible English 6-piece, Foals. If you are a Foals addict like the rest of the world (including the Malawian president), then you'll be used to their last two albums which were full of clean-sounding, mathematical harmonies and melodies. This single has shifted the band into a bit more of a heavier direction, and it's incredible. Can't get enough of this song. The video is rated for explicit content so be warned.
2. Tennis - Origins
I'm not sure what this band was thinking when they named themselves after one of the world's most popular sports. Yeah, that doesn't really help when you try google them. This is what I call a 3rd-wheel-band, because it started out as a husband-wife duo with the drummer joining at a later stage. *Awkwaaard*. Anyway, I dig the catchy little chorus vibes in this song, I know you'll enjoy it too.
3. Emma Louise - Jungle
Here's one just for the girls. Emma Louise fits snugly into the Adele/Lana Del Ray mould, with a bit of Florence and the Machine mixed in there. The crooning falsetto chorus will be stuck in your head till next week monday, I can think of a couple moments when I've embaressingly belted it out in public. I really battled to find out anything at all about Emma, so I'll let her music speak for her instead.
4. Absofacto - Punch Drunk on Black Mold
I was pretty stoked when I stumbled across this guy. Either this guy is a graphic designer or he has a genrous friend willing to do sick work for him. The graphics that he features on his YouTube videos and album artwork really express his music well, which has given him a sound identity as a musician (I feel like I'm writing an essay for uni!). Absofacto has secured a solid spot in my iTunes and I'm sure it'll be the same for you!
5. James Blake - Limit To Your Love
This song. I don't even know where to start. Despite the incredible lyrics, the actual song is ridiculous. There's a surprise at 0:55 seconds in to the track that will actually make your heart skip a couple beats. Try play this over a decent system, my iMac speakers can't handle it and it just frustrates me! Seriously, this will change your life. Listen. It's beautiful
Thanks for listening Stewdents, don't forget to vote at the top of the page!
Monday 5 November 2012
The Suburbs
Hey Everybody! Another week has flown by and its already time for you to get some Stew in your lives once more! As calculated from your votes, the favorite track of last week's post came from 'Everything Everything'...seems that you guys can't get enough of the indie rockers either! If you didn't vote and your favorite didn't win then you only have yourself to blame!
This week's post is going to be a bit of a shorter one, firstly because I got told that I may have gone on a little bit too long last week (sorry for that), and secondly because I am in the middle of exams and as much as I love writing for you guys every week I just can't afford to take too much time on this! Next week's post is going to be a special 'study music' edition so to help me out I need you to comment with your favorite songs to study too and who knows, your song may make it onto next week's post so comment like crazy!!
For this week I have gone through some of my favorites from years past that everyone should know and a couple of amazing new tracks so I trust that you will enjoy the collection!
1. Givers - Up Up Up
Givers are an indie pop group (never had one of those on the blog before!) from Lafayette, Louisiana who have some of the most ridiculous accents I have ever heard. Ridiculously cool, that is. I know this because I was lucky enough to watch them live in Australia in February this year. The band is super genuine and they really do make music that just puts a huge smile on your face...two people were bickering as they started their set and within minutes they were best of mates as 'Givers' just spread the infectious joy that comes with their music. The band has managed to create a real good vibe around themselves and they are perfect to listen to after a long day of work or studying as they are just so damn happy all of the time! I may have a small crush on the lead singer's voice, she is fantastic! Ok I will leave it there and let 'Givers' minister their happy vibes to you!
2. Arcade Fire - Ready to Start
If you have never heard of Arcade Fire then I feel sorry for you! Arcade Fire are about as close to perfect as a band can get, although my opinion may be slightly biased. OK a little back story on Arcade Fire; they are a band from Montreal, in Canada, and have had numerous members but one thing that has remained constant is the husband and wife duo of Win Butler and Régine Chassagne who have to be up there with the greatest husband-wife duo of our time! They released their first album in 2004 to critical acclaim and that album is still on high rotation in my car. Since then they have just gone from strength to strength with their blend of indie rock and art-pop, some people find their music slow and sad but I find it truly amazing...it reaches the soul of a person and they play a game of tennis with your emotions! Each Arcade Fire album is an experience of the highest order that is not to be missed! Their latest album 'The Suburbs' won pretty much every award there was out there for a band to win, it was spectacular! This particular track is taken off that album, I really reccomend that you listen to the full album though from start to finish. If there is one thing you ever take from this blog it should be that you need to listen to more Arcade Fire! I really can't do them justice so go listen!
3. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
You need to listen to more of them so here is another one of their songs!
This week's post is going to be a bit of a shorter one, firstly because I got told that I may have gone on a little bit too long last week (sorry for that), and secondly because I am in the middle of exams and as much as I love writing for you guys every week I just can't afford to take too much time on this! Next week's post is going to be a special 'study music' edition so to help me out I need you to comment with your favorite songs to study too and who knows, your song may make it onto next week's post so comment like crazy!!
For this week I have gone through some of my favorites from years past that everyone should know and a couple of amazing new tracks so I trust that you will enjoy the collection!
1. Givers - Up Up Up
Givers are an indie pop group (never had one of those on the blog before!) from Lafayette, Louisiana who have some of the most ridiculous accents I have ever heard. Ridiculously cool, that is. I know this because I was lucky enough to watch them live in Australia in February this year. The band is super genuine and they really do make music that just puts a huge smile on your face...two people were bickering as they started their set and within minutes they were best of mates as 'Givers' just spread the infectious joy that comes with their music. The band has managed to create a real good vibe around themselves and they are perfect to listen to after a long day of work or studying as they are just so damn happy all of the time! I may have a small crush on the lead singer's voice, she is fantastic! Ok I will leave it there and let 'Givers' minister their happy vibes to you!
2. Arcade Fire - Ready to Start
If you have never heard of Arcade Fire then I feel sorry for you! Arcade Fire are about as close to perfect as a band can get, although my opinion may be slightly biased. OK a little back story on Arcade Fire; they are a band from Montreal, in Canada, and have had numerous members but one thing that has remained constant is the husband and wife duo of Win Butler and Régine Chassagne who have to be up there with the greatest husband-wife duo of our time! They released their first album in 2004 to critical acclaim and that album is still on high rotation in my car. Since then they have just gone from strength to strength with their blend of indie rock and art-pop, some people find their music slow and sad but I find it truly amazing...it reaches the soul of a person and they play a game of tennis with your emotions! Each Arcade Fire album is an experience of the highest order that is not to be missed! Their latest album 'The Suburbs' won pretty much every award there was out there for a band to win, it was spectacular! This particular track is taken off that album, I really reccomend that you listen to the full album though from start to finish. If there is one thing you ever take from this blog it should be that you need to listen to more Arcade Fire! I really can't do them justice so go listen!
3. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
You need to listen to more of them so here is another one of their songs!
4. The Rubens - Lay It Down
The next track this week comes from an Aussie band. 'The Rubens' play a concoction of Blues, Soul and Rock. I really fell in love with them from the first time I heard this track last year, it is just so full of soul and feel. It really is amazing that these guys are so young as they sound so mature and wise to the follies of life! I wasn't the only one who fell in love with them apparently because they are in the process of opening up for the Black Keys as they tour around Australia! How rad is that?? They get to open for one of the greatest bands in the world, that's not a bad way to spend your life! Over to The Rubens now, let them Lay it Down for you...
5. The Cast Of Cheers - Family
What a name for a indie/math rock band from Ireland! They certainly didn't take the easy way out when naming their band! Name aside, these guys are great, they are different, they are fresh and they like to have fun. I have only heard things that will make me love them so far! These guys are VERY indie and if you like Foals then you will probably enjoy these guys as well! I must say that these guys would make it close to the top of my list of bands to watch in the future! They are on the cusp of doing great things! 'Family' is one of their best tracks and it's music video uses some really cool stop animation to great effect! Go on and get your fix!
6. The Strokes - Last Nite
Now we get to the kings of cool themselves, the men who lead the trend of musicians into wearing leather jackets and skinny jeans once more, it can only be The Strokes. When these guys burst onto the scene in 2001 they heralded a new age for guitar rock and roll, they single handedly revived the garage rock scene and their debut album is still considered one of the greatest albums of this century (Yes I know that its only been 12 years). My brother-in-law introduced me to them around 7 or 8 years ago and to this day I am so thankful that he did, these are the guys who really helped to shape my love for music. The combination of distinctive vocals from Julian Casablancas and epic guitar, drum and bass work done by the rest of the band just made these guys one of my ultimate bands. They have it all; style, taste, talent and a penchant for making top class rock 'n roll! I have put in one of their first songs 'Last Nite' (Still one of the best songs ever written) and one of their newer songs 'You Only Live Once' because I couldn't quite choose which one to put in! Enjoy!
7. The Strokes - You Only Live Once
OK so after planning for this to be a short post it seems to have gone on for longer than usual! Don't forget to vote for your favorite and to COMMENT with your favorite songs to study to! Just do it and I will see you next week!
Tuesday 30 October 2012
Quantitative Chords
Whatsup everybody! You good things you! I hope that whatever situation you find yourself in this week's post manages to brighten your day somewhat! Apologies that this post is a little late, I fully take the blame, you can punish me by voting for your favorite track off this week's list! The favorite track of last week seemed to be the one from Kodaline, glad you guys enjoyed that! Well, I had to wake up at 5:45am this morning to take the rest of my family to the airport to go on holiday while I have to sit and study this week, but writing this post has already improved my mood so damn much! I'm excited, its a new week, there is new music to hear and new people to meet!
As I drove home today I suddenly realised what a big role music plays in the world, it acts as a unifying force through strife, it can bring tears of joy to people's eyes at the pure beauty of it, music touches souls like no other medium on Earth, that makes me feel so privileged to be able to write about this magnificently beautiful medium for communication and joy around the world! I find it so rad that I am able to go from studying finance at university, where everything is factual and number based, to being creative and writing about what I really love, that is good music for those who don't know it yet (You better learn fast cause you are on the blog where I write a lot).
Well that's just about enough sentimental stuff from me for today
1. Japandroids - The House that Heaven Built
We start off this week's playlist with a future rock anthem, it hasnt left my head for the past few months so I'm passing that burden on to you now. The band that provides us with this epic track is 'Japandroids', contrary to popular belief these guys arent Japanese androids (I have no idea why people thought that). 'Japandroids' is in fact a Canadian garage rock duo who hail from the beautiful city of Vancouver. These lads have been around since 2006 but really caught my attention with the release of their second album earlier this year, they have managed to combine some sweet sounding riffs with vocals that just seem to fit right in, their music just feel's right to me. They seem to know exactly what they want to sound like and they have manged to fulfill their desired sound, which is rather fantastic! It's hard to believe now but these guys really battled to get a gig in their local music scene when they first started, so they put on their own shows...how rad is that?! It's something that a lot of local bands should try to emulate instead of complaining about lack of opportunities all the time! Its time to get some epic garage rock in your life so go have a listen.
2. Haim - Forever
Where to start with Haim?? Suffice to say that they are the sound of summer. Haim are marvelous, they are 3 sisters from Los Angeles who play a self proclaimed blend of "nu-folk-meets-90's-pop". Oh boy do they play it well, I can't help but get a little smile when listening to them spin their musical weaves! The sisters have created quite a buzz this year and have already toured with Mumford and Sons and the king, Mr Julian Casablancas (Of The Strokes fame). They are set to tour with Florence and the Machine in Europe this December so look out for Haim to be dominating the airwaves on a radio station near you soon! 'Forever' is their breakout track, it is a masterpiece of summer music magic with sweeping melodies and upbeat instrumentals. Enjoy!
3. Everything Everything - Cough Cough
The third track this week comes from a British Indie rocker quartet that currently reside in Manchester. Unlike most of their contempories these gents are all highly educated with degrees in music from various institutions around England, I mention this because I too am studying like a complete nerd for my exams at the moment and feel a connection to these guys for that very reason. I more importantly love how these guys manage to change up the script with every track they put together, it is really refreshing to constantly be challenged by a band! 'Cough Cough', (yes that is a song name, these guys seem to like working in doubles), is my favorite track of theirs, it starts reasonably normally and then 30 seconds in it goes mental. It's just so rad what they have done, you have to listen to it yourself, I cannot do it justice with my words, even though I am a poet of high repute (sarcasm for those that missed it). So go enjoy these 'Art Rockers' (Yes I may have made that one up).
4. The Medics - Griffin
Coming in at number 4 we have 'The Medics', don't worry this isn't the band from the TV show 'Scrubs' and it doesn't feature 'McSteamy' (sorry girls). 'The Medics' are in fact another Australian prodigy, they hail from Cairns in Queensland and have been delighting audiences since 2007 with their dynamic dreamy alternative rock and have played some major festivals in Australia. 'The Medics' have managed to create a real anthemic quality to their music which really drew me in, I just wanted to hear more. In this particular track they start off with some crisp and slightly different vocals that lead in to an epic chorus full of synth and driving guitars, its a combination that got them to number 29 on the Australian music charts. I expect big things from these boys in the coming years!
5. Kite Rider - Thump
We end this week with a local band that has been turning heads and making people take serious note of them over the past few months. The band has some big names within their ranks, the band is fronted by ex-Cassette vocalist Jon Savage who leads the band with his amazingly unique and powerful voice. The band also contains another ex-Cassette'ian/ite/stine/er and two gents from HHP. All in all it's a little bit of a South African super-group. They are living up to their hype as they made some music that really gets the hips moving. The combination of clean vocals (well written as well), some smooth guitar work and some rather delectable bass lines makes Kite Rider a band to look out for in SA. I am excited to see what they bring in the coming months and I eagerly await their first trip to Durban!
Thats it for this week's post! Apologies again that it's a little late, we know how much you need your fix of stew on a Monday! Till next week! Don't Forget to vote!
As I drove home today I suddenly realised what a big role music plays in the world, it acts as a unifying force through strife, it can bring tears of joy to people's eyes at the pure beauty of it, music touches souls like no other medium on Earth, that makes me feel so privileged to be able to write about this magnificently beautiful medium for communication and joy around the world! I find it so rad that I am able to go from studying finance at university, where everything is factual and number based, to being creative and writing about what I really love, that is good music for those who don't know it yet (You better learn fast cause you are on the blog where I write a lot).
Well that's just about enough sentimental stuff from me for today
1. Japandroids - The House that Heaven Built
We start off this week's playlist with a future rock anthem, it hasnt left my head for the past few months so I'm passing that burden on to you now. The band that provides us with this epic track is 'Japandroids', contrary to popular belief these guys arent Japanese androids (I have no idea why people thought that). 'Japandroids' is in fact a Canadian garage rock duo who hail from the beautiful city of Vancouver. These lads have been around since 2006 but really caught my attention with the release of their second album earlier this year, they have managed to combine some sweet sounding riffs with vocals that just seem to fit right in, their music just feel's right to me. They seem to know exactly what they want to sound like and they have manged to fulfill their desired sound, which is rather fantastic! It's hard to believe now but these guys really battled to get a gig in their local music scene when they first started, so they put on their own shows...how rad is that?! It's something that a lot of local bands should try to emulate instead of complaining about lack of opportunities all the time! Its time to get some epic garage rock in your life so go have a listen.
2. Haim - Forever
Where to start with Haim?? Suffice to say that they are the sound of summer. Haim are marvelous, they are 3 sisters from Los Angeles who play a self proclaimed blend of "nu-folk-meets-90's-pop". Oh boy do they play it well, I can't help but get a little smile when listening to them spin their musical weaves! The sisters have created quite a buzz this year and have already toured with Mumford and Sons and the king, Mr Julian Casablancas (Of The Strokes fame). They are set to tour with Florence and the Machine in Europe this December so look out for Haim to be dominating the airwaves on a radio station near you soon! 'Forever' is their breakout track, it is a masterpiece of summer music magic with sweeping melodies and upbeat instrumentals. Enjoy!
3. Everything Everything - Cough Cough
The third track this week comes from a British Indie rocker quartet that currently reside in Manchester. Unlike most of their contempories these gents are all highly educated with degrees in music from various institutions around England, I mention this because I too am studying like a complete nerd for my exams at the moment and feel a connection to these guys for that very reason. I more importantly love how these guys manage to change up the script with every track they put together, it is really refreshing to constantly be challenged by a band! 'Cough Cough', (yes that is a song name, these guys seem to like working in doubles), is my favorite track of theirs, it starts reasonably normally and then 30 seconds in it goes mental. It's just so rad what they have done, you have to listen to it yourself, I cannot do it justice with my words, even though I am a poet of high repute (sarcasm for those that missed it). So go enjoy these 'Art Rockers' (Yes I may have made that one up).
4. The Medics - Griffin
Coming in at number 4 we have 'The Medics', don't worry this isn't the band from the TV show 'Scrubs' and it doesn't feature 'McSteamy' (sorry girls). 'The Medics' are in fact another Australian prodigy, they hail from Cairns in Queensland and have been delighting audiences since 2007 with their dynamic dreamy alternative rock and have played some major festivals in Australia. 'The Medics' have managed to create a real anthemic quality to their music which really drew me in, I just wanted to hear more. In this particular track they start off with some crisp and slightly different vocals that lead in to an epic chorus full of synth and driving guitars, its a combination that got them to number 29 on the Australian music charts. I expect big things from these boys in the coming years!
5. Kite Rider - Thump
We end this week with a local band that has been turning heads and making people take serious note of them over the past few months. The band has some big names within their ranks, the band is fronted by ex-Cassette vocalist Jon Savage who leads the band with his amazingly unique and powerful voice. The band also contains another ex-Cassette'ian/ite/stine/er and two gents from HHP. All in all it's a little bit of a South African super-group. They are living up to their hype as they made some music that really gets the hips moving. The combination of clean vocals (well written as well), some smooth guitar work and some rather delectable bass lines makes Kite Rider a band to look out for in SA. I am excited to see what they bring in the coming months and I eagerly await their first trip to Durban!
Thats it for this week's post! Apologies again that it's a little late, we know how much you need your fix of stew on a Monday! Till next week! Don't Forget to vote!
Monday 22 October 2012
Like Walking On Fire
Hello and welcome back to the thirteenth edition of The Weekly Stew! I predict that the thirteenth edition will be extra lucky for us, I may be slightly biased in my analysis though. As of last week Tuesday we now have a Facebook page, yes we are that cool and no, I will not sign your computer screen. So go and like the FB page and your life might become just that much better. You would be surprised at how many people think this blog is about food, I have no idea why...we were even sent an invite to a foodie event to review it, lets just put it straight, this is a blog about music and nothing else!
Last week's voting had the result that 'Kings of Convenience'and 'The Augustines' were tied for favorite track, seems that you guys couldn't decide which was better either! The poll is on the top right-hand side of the page if you were battling to find it, remember to vote this week!
This week we have a kaleidoscope of music for you, there is no real theme except that these are all tracks which have got me loving life and they will hopefully do the same for you as we come into this hard time of the year where exams are written and deadlines are coming thick and fast!
1. Jake Bugg - Two Fingers
Last week's voting had the result that 'Kings of Convenience'and 'The Augustines' were tied for favorite track, seems that you guys couldn't decide which was better either! The poll is on the top right-hand side of the page if you were battling to find it, remember to vote this week!
This week we have a kaleidoscope of music for you, there is no real theme except that these are all tracks which have got me loving life and they will hopefully do the same for you as we come into this hard time of the year where exams are written and deadlines are coming thick and fast!
1. Jake Bugg - Two Fingers
The first track this week comes from Jake Bugg, an 18 year old from Nottingham with precocious talent, OK I'm pretty sure that precocious fits in here but don't shoot me if it's wrong (It just sounds really cool). Jake plays a combination of folk and country and his voice reminds me of early Oasis mixed with some Beatles. It is thus needless to say that he sounds amazing, the combination of jangling guitar and his pure voice leads to a sound that is both fulfilling and inspiring. With a number 1 album behind him already and some great festival slots Mr Bugg is well on his way to success. What really comes through in his music is his love for music as a way to express his emotions. 'Two Fingers' really is a soulful number, as many of this week's tracks are. The music video for the song tells the story of how alcohol can ruin families in so many ways. Sit back, relax and let Jake minister to you today!
2. The Bamboos - I got Burned
Oh boy do I have a treat for you today, coming all the way from Australia we have a soulful and funky delight for you to partake in! Enter 'The Bamboos'...these Melbourne locals have been around since the year 2000 (so they are old by music terms). They claim to have 9 members so are more of a collective than a band, imagine keeping 9 musicians happy on a tour!? That would be hell! These guys were suggested to me by my dear brother-in-law Mr Chris Logie, he was desperate for a credit after I gave my sister one last week so I decided to throw him one like a good brother would do! 'I Got Burned' has kept me coming back for listen after listen due to the very soul of the song, it just gets to you...you actually feel the groove of the beat and then the vocals come in and you go like 'oooohhh aaaaahhh yeeeeeah this is smooth'. I can't help but feel like I need to put on a dinner jacket and head out to get a cigar after listening to this particular number, 'Badass Stu' on the loose. Go get your groove on!
3. Kodaline - All I want
This one is probably going to be loved by the ladies more than the men in public but in private I think a few men may shed a tear or two as they listen to this song. 'Kodaline' are a quartet from Dublin so they possess that Irish accent that girls the world over go crazy for. These guys sound very much like Coldplay did in their early days. Before you abuse me I'm not saying that they are the next Coldplay, i'm just saying that they sound a little like them. They have some smooth vocals and some soothing melodies. What really drew me to them was the combination of the song and video for 'All I Want'. On it's own the song is sad enough, but along with the amazing video it is a real tear-jerker, I may or may not have had a little sniffle while watching the video for the first time. I won't make you wait any longer to enjoy the pureness of this combination so go on and have your tissues ready!
4. The Crookes - Backstreet Lovers
What would an edition of The Weekly Stew be without some British Indie Rockers in the lineup?? Well 'The Crookes' are here to cheer you up again after Kodaline sobered you up five minutes ago. These boys have been around since 2008 and are based in Sheffield, their name is actually taken from a suburb in Sheffield called 'Crookes (Big surprise there right?). They have long been touted as the next big thing in British music but for some reason they just haven't kicked on from their initial album. They have been described as playing a fusion of heartbreaking melodies inspired by 50's and 60's pop music - a great description that comes from NME itself (So I don't just make all of this stuff up). All I know is that the lead singer has a great voice, the guitarists write some rad riffs and the band as a whole creates some blissful music that manages to brighten up even a dreary day! A South African band from Cape Town called Al Bairre (who we featured a couple posts back) actually reminds me of The Crookes quite a bit, go find them on Facebook and support a local band!
5. The Preatures - Take a Card
This week's Stew is ended off by a blend of Gothic Soul and Rock n' Roll (wow that really rolls of the tongue). This blend is brought to you by 'The Preatures', the Sydney locals have been around since 2010 and have recorded two stellar EP's in that time period! The band is characterised by the strong yet seductive vocals that are belted out by the lead singer and these are supported by the growling guitar riffs that appear throughout their material. 'Take a Card' is a gloriously uplifting track, it starts off with some well chosen chords on the guitars and keys and develops throughout the song until the chorus is a veritable joyous occasion where the two singers voices work so well together. They are ably supported by some catchy rhythms that originate from the band behind them. This track is definitely one of my favorites of the last few months, I trust that it will be a soundtrack to your coming week as well!
That's all for the thirteenth edition of The Weekly Stew so I hope that you enjoyed this week's offering. Don't forget to vote for your favorite and find us on Facebook! Till next week then!
Monday 15 October 2012
Blueberry Pancakes
I'm back! After a wonderful week of music from Doyal, who so graciously filled in for me, I am back to bring you your latest serving of Stew. Are you excited? Well I'm excited and thats all that really counts! There should be a celebration this week, not only because The Weekly Stew is back but also because the Parlotones are moving away, all the way to far, far-away America. That's just about the best news for the South African music scene I have heard in ages! Before I get into this week's shenanigans I have one last thing to say...if you enjoy this blog then I suggest you listen to Jon Savage's radio show on 5fm on Thursday nights, easily the best show on South African radio at the moment!
Since Doyal took you guys all the way to old school rock 'n roll last week I thought I would head towards the antithesis (good word right? Look it up cause it's cool) of that and bring you guys a few of my favorite chilled out, acoustic-ish type bands. They're the types of bands that you can study to, fall asleep to, chill by the pool to, or learn to sword-fight to. Ok the last one was a lie, but it could be pretty rad?
Let the funky music begin...
1. Tom Odell - Another Love
Tom Odell is a ridiculously amazing musician that I think is gonna be huge in the future. He has been wowing audiences around England this year with his unique blend of caressed piano playing and fiery, passionate vocals. It's a combination that instantly grabs your attention and makes you fall in love. Ok maybe it might only be the women who like blonde, skinny, Englishmen who will be falling in love (So most of the readers of this blog then). I first heard 'Another Love' last week while doing my usual scope of the latest tracks on the internet and instantly loved it. The song starts off just like any other piano ballad but progresses into so much more, there is a passion in his voice that is just so pure and full of fire that it pulls you into the music. That's why it easily made it onto the blog this week!
2. Kings of Convenience - I'd Rather Dance With You
The second track this week comes from the legends themselves, the 'Kings of Convenience', I call them legends because they come from Norway and as we have ascertained before on this blog, Norwegians are amazing! I was first introduced to this indie-folk-pop duo by my dear sister, I call her dear because I love her for it. KOC have been on rotation in my car since I got my license. They really are royalty in this genre, their unique vocals and use of various instruments sets them apart as they create a veritable symphony of joy and relaxation in their songs. I found it so so hard to choose just one of their songs for you to listen to as they have 3 full albums worth of winners but I chose this one because of its rad music video which won best European music video in 2004, so go on and enjoy my Norwegian boys! (Little bit creepier than it sounded in my head but just go with it)
3. We Are Augustines - Chapel Song
We are Augustines are fresh. That's the first thing you need to know. The second thing you need to know is that they are fantastic. These Indie rockers are based out of Brooklyn in New York but they grew up in Detroit, all the band members were born in August so they decided to name themselves 'We are Augustines'. I guess that makes sense in a weird way. This band first came onto my radar last year when my other sister sent them my way. How amazing are my sisters?! The lead singer's voice is very different, different in a good way, its raspy nature manages to convey the pure passion that his lyrics expose as he talks you through his life. It also helps that they have some super catchy beats in the background. 'Chapel Song' is my favorite song of theirs, it tells the story of how the lead singers 'girl' is walking down the aisle in the chapel and how he reacts. The music video may or may not contain numerous couples pulling in while the band walks down the road...you have been warned.
4. The Whitest Boy Alive - 1517
Contrary to popular belief this isn't a band full of ginger men, 'The Whitest Boy Alive' is fronted by one half of the duo that is 'Kings of Convenience', crazy right? Well you can instantly hear his vocals coming through as you groove to the chilled out beats provided by these white boys! The band met and formed in the mid 2000's in Berlin and have released two successful studio albums. You may even recognize this track from Fifa 2010, if you do then you obviously play far too much Fifa and you may be getting towards being The Whitest Boy Alive yourself! Sadly these guys don't seem like they are going to release anything new anytime soon so go on and partake in some musical dessert while it's here!
5. Fink - Pretty Little Thing
The final track this week comes from one of my favorite artists. Mr Fin Greenall (aka Fink), is a British singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer and DJ who hails from beautiful Cornwall where the lanes are narrow and the women can actually drive. Fink plays a combination of blues, folk, acoustic-indie music and boy does he play it well. Fink is a proven cure for a hangover or headache, his moody melodies and artfully plucked chords on the guitar soothe you into a calm state of mind that prevails only as long as Fink keeps crooning into your ear. He is my drug of choice during exams and I recommend him to you aswell! I again found it hard to choose a single track of his to play for you guys but after chatting to a few of my mates I settled on this one, it is a winner! It's the type of track that makes grown men cry at its beauty and gets women to actually consider dating a ginger, although that last one wasn't very realistic. If you like it then please go listen to his other tracks, the title of this week's post actually comes from another one of his songs!
See you all again next week Monday!
Since Doyal took you guys all the way to old school rock 'n roll last week I thought I would head towards the antithesis (good word right? Look it up cause it's cool) of that and bring you guys a few of my favorite chilled out, acoustic-ish type bands. They're the types of bands that you can study to, fall asleep to, chill by the pool to, or learn to sword-fight to. Ok the last one was a lie, but it could be pretty rad?
Let the funky music begin...
1. Tom Odell - Another Love
Tom Odell is a ridiculously amazing musician that I think is gonna be huge in the future. He has been wowing audiences around England this year with his unique blend of caressed piano playing and fiery, passionate vocals. It's a combination that instantly grabs your attention and makes you fall in love. Ok maybe it might only be the women who like blonde, skinny, Englishmen who will be falling in love (So most of the readers of this blog then). I first heard 'Another Love' last week while doing my usual scope of the latest tracks on the internet and instantly loved it. The song starts off just like any other piano ballad but progresses into so much more, there is a passion in his voice that is just so pure and full of fire that it pulls you into the music. That's why it easily made it onto the blog this week!
2. Kings of Convenience - I'd Rather Dance With You
The second track this week comes from the legends themselves, the 'Kings of Convenience', I call them legends because they come from Norway and as we have ascertained before on this blog, Norwegians are amazing! I was first introduced to this indie-folk-pop duo by my dear sister, I call her dear because I love her for it. KOC have been on rotation in my car since I got my license. They really are royalty in this genre, their unique vocals and use of various instruments sets them apart as they create a veritable symphony of joy and relaxation in their songs. I found it so so hard to choose just one of their songs for you to listen to as they have 3 full albums worth of winners but I chose this one because of its rad music video which won best European music video in 2004, so go on and enjoy my Norwegian boys! (Little bit creepier than it sounded in my head but just go with it)
3. We Are Augustines - Chapel Song
We are Augustines are fresh. That's the first thing you need to know. The second thing you need to know is that they are fantastic. These Indie rockers are based out of Brooklyn in New York but they grew up in Detroit, all the band members were born in August so they decided to name themselves 'We are Augustines'. I guess that makes sense in a weird way. This band first came onto my radar last year when my other sister sent them my way. How amazing are my sisters?! The lead singer's voice is very different, different in a good way, its raspy nature manages to convey the pure passion that his lyrics expose as he talks you through his life. It also helps that they have some super catchy beats in the background. 'Chapel Song' is my favorite song of theirs, it tells the story of how the lead singers 'girl' is walking down the aisle in the chapel and how he reacts. The music video may or may not contain numerous couples pulling in while the band walks down the road...you have been warned.
4. The Whitest Boy Alive - 1517
Contrary to popular belief this isn't a band full of ginger men, 'The Whitest Boy Alive' is fronted by one half of the duo that is 'Kings of Convenience', crazy right? Well you can instantly hear his vocals coming through as you groove to the chilled out beats provided by these white boys! The band met and formed in the mid 2000's in Berlin and have released two successful studio albums. You may even recognize this track from Fifa 2010, if you do then you obviously play far too much Fifa and you may be getting towards being The Whitest Boy Alive yourself! Sadly these guys don't seem like they are going to release anything new anytime soon so go on and partake in some musical dessert while it's here!
5. Fink - Pretty Little Thing
The final track this week comes from one of my favorite artists. Mr Fin Greenall (aka Fink), is a British singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer and DJ who hails from beautiful Cornwall where the lanes are narrow and the women can actually drive. Fink plays a combination of blues, folk, acoustic-indie music and boy does he play it well. Fink is a proven cure for a hangover or headache, his moody melodies and artfully plucked chords on the guitar soothe you into a calm state of mind that prevails only as long as Fink keeps crooning into your ear. He is my drug of choice during exams and I recommend him to you aswell! I again found it hard to choose a single track of his to play for you guys but after chatting to a few of my mates I settled on this one, it is a winner! It's the type of track that makes grown men cry at its beauty and gets women to actually consider dating a ginger, although that last one wasn't very realistic. If you like it then please go listen to his other tracks, the title of this week's post actually comes from another one of his songs!
See you all again next week Monday!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)