Weekly Tuneage :: London Grammar

I was listening to an amazing playlist on 8tracks the other day and this track was on it. London Grammar's Wasting My Young Years is already a great, nay, wonderful song, but this remix by Kids of the Apocalypse makes it AMAZING. I can barely put it into words how much I adore this remix.
In other news, there are some exciting things that I'm putting in the works (aka I'm making a new mix! Woo!) and school is just barreling along. I have so much homework, it's a little crazy...
Anyhow! I hope to be posting somewhat regularly, who knows, but I might track my progress once November rolls around for NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month for those who don't know. I'm planning on participating again after taking last year off.
I'm always willing to hear about new music from you guys, so just comment below and I'll check your suggestions out. If I like it, It might make an appearance in a future Weekly Tuneage post.
Till next time xx,
Sierra

REVIEW: First Impression of "Ghosts" by Mayday Parade

Huzzah! We've been given a taste of the new music from pop-punk group Mayday Parade, even though the album is more than a month out. Their single Ghosts was released today, August 27th, 2013.

You can listen to it here before reading on if you'd like (sorry, there are no YouTube lyric videos so Spotify will have to do).

Right off the bat, it begins with lead singer Derek Sanders' distinctive voice accompanied by almost angelic the background harmonies. A different direction we're used to seeing from Mayday Parade, but kind of cool anyway. Then as soon as the drums start, we hear the great Mayday Parade we know and love.

I really hate to say this, but I will: it's a nice track, but I can't help but feel that something is missing. Maybe due to an absence of co-lead singer Jake Bundrick's voice that blends and adds more dimensions to Mayday's songs. He's reduced to simply a harmonic device, a background sound. Both equally talented singers, they should both be equally present on the track, which is probably why Ghosts rings empty to me.

Don't get me wrong, I love both Derek and Jake, and Derek has sung solo on many tracks before that I enjoy (such as Anywhere But Here, one of my favorite songs and many songs off of the album by the same title), but this time it doesn't seem like their best work.

What I do admire about it is the direction they took with the song. It's not their typical stuff, and it really mixes it up. It's pretty, even if the lyrics are kind of simplistic and repetitive for Mayday Parade, who have an odd knack of making lyrics, simplistic or otherwise, sound heartfelt and emotional. This track, however, doesn't quite do that for me, but I won't give up on them yet.

Verdict: Ghosts isn't a bad song, but I hope that their new album is better than this single.

What do you think of the new song?

Till next time xx,

Sierra

REVIEW: In a World Like This - Backstreet Boys [Track by Track]

I love how Backstreet Boys music is relevant news. 

Remember that post I made when I first started this blog about boy bands and Backstreet Boys' new album was coming out?

Well, here it is. My first-impression review on their album album In a World Like This.

It was difficult to pin this album down with a generalized review, so I opted to do my first Track by Track review!
(There are a lot of tracks and I try to be concise but it's still a tad bit on the longer side)

Note: * = RECOMMENDED TRACK

*01.) In a World Like This

So far the title track is the best-selling on iTunes, and I can see why. It's really catchy and mixes the old Backstreet Boys sound with some more modern twists. It's seems fluffy and standard boy band pop on the surface, the music video (below) can put the lyrics into perspective: no matter what happens, we can make it through. The video is really cute, too, and shows acceptance of all kinds of love! Right on, BSB. Plus, their excellent voices really make up for the twinges of cliché-ness. Also I'm a big fan of the bridge and the 5-part harmony.

02.) Permanent Stain

This track features a prominent beat and is more of a electronic dance ballad. It's much like what we're used to listening to, concerning pop music anyway. Not my favorite or supremely profound or anything, but a good song to dance to and rather catchy. 

*03.) Breathe

The more I listen to this album, the more I realize how much One Direction's sound reminds me of Backstreet Boys. This track reminds me of a mix of More Than This and a slower version of Stole My Heart. It's a really sweet tune.

04.) Madeleine

A sunny acoustic track that's reminiscent of a teenage boy serenading his sweetheart. It's rather sweet and encouraging: "Rise up, rise up, rise up Madeleine/ The sun will come out again." The bright notes compliment the main acoustic guitar. Quite cheerful and very cotton candy-esque.

*05.) Show 'Em (What You're Made Of)

Powerful bass drum and an excellent pumped-up ballad to make you feel empowered. Staying away from the love-centric lyrics, the chorus really gets me. Vaguely reminds me of a feeling you would get from I Believe I Can Fly by R. Kelly. On the slow side but relatable. Excellent track. One of the best ones on the album.

07.) Try

This song really threw me back to the old boy band we know and loved. We're back into the love-dovey stuff with this real R&B vibe and strong vibrato, the "ooh-ooh-ooh"s really add to the bluesy feel. Soulful and slow, with a groovy steel guitar twanging in the background. 

08.) Trust Me

First words that comes to mind when listening to this song: beach & summer. The piano adds a nice touch to the groovy overtone. Not gonna lie, it seems a little cheesy. It's okay, not anything special. The bridge is arguably the best part of the song, but other than that it doesn't impress me much. Good, but not great.

09.) Love Somebody

Meh. It's kinda cutesy, all about how much they love someone no matter what. I'm sure people in love and die-hard romantics would love this song, but I find it a little too generic for my liking. Doesn't do anything for me. Sorry boys, not a fan of this one.

12.) Soldier

Lovey-dovey, but still kind of sweet. Playing on the idea of protecting your loved one(s) from suffering. Nice beat and a nice idea. Again, kind of on the generic pop side, but still a decent song.

BONUS TRACKS: (Surprisingly a lot of these)

 In Your Arms

Like In a World Like This, it's quite the dance anthem. I enjoy it. There's not much to comment on this one, I just like it.

*Take Care

A track that starts of slow and reminds me of Soldier, it takes an interesting turn. It's very different from the typical pop song, which really attracts me to the track. Uplifting and out of the box.

**Light On

Oh man, why is this only a bonus track?! Probably one of the best tracks on the album. Really bright and melodious, harks back to classic Backstreet Boys. Love love love it!

Hot, Hot, Hot

This track is okay, it's not my favorite. Yeah, it's kind of shallow (basically talking about how hot someone is), but it's dance-worthy.

Final Verdict:

Lots of variety musically, moderately lyrically. Nothing will ever top classic Backstreet Boys, but it's still excellent and there are a few songs that live up to their old caliber. 

Even though I said "generic pop" a lot, honestly that's part of what makes Backstreet Boys awesome. Listening to their old stuff makes you realize that simple lyrics can be just as awesome as deep, complex ones. It doesn't necessarily affect the quality of the music.

Thanks for reading, and tell me what your favorite track is off the new album in the comments!

Till next time xx,

Sierra

Monday Mix/Mix It #1 - Boy Bands

For my first Monday Mix (and first post in Favorite Things), I'm gonna talk about something near and dear to my heart: boy bands!

Boy bands have been around for awhile, beginning with the Monkees, the Osmonds, and the Beatles that served as the modern template for current boy groups. Now I know there are some mix feelings about these teen heartthrobs and possibly some eye-rolling and faked gagging will ensue, but hear me out. They're typically popular among the teenage female demographic, but actually, anyone can like boy bands! I'm going to be talking about some of my favorites groups. Okay, here we go!

The Backstreet Boys

from left to right: Kevin Richardson, Brian Littrel, A.J. McLean,
Nick Carter, Howie Dorough

The Backstreet Boys formed in 1993 in Orlando, Florida and have sold over 130 million records worldwide. This makes them the most successful boy band of ALL. TIME. Unusual for most bands/groups, they are still together after forming 20 years ago, with their most recent album released in 2009. They are currently working another studio album (great news for die-hard fans like myself!).

I was am a big fan of this group ever since I was seven years old, listening to my HitClips of "I Want It That Way" and "Shape of My Heart" (I mean, who couldn't help but sing along?). The songs are so catchy and seem to speak to our souls, pre-pubescent or otherwise.

Also, look how gorgeous they are! Who couldn't love those faces?

As cheesy and simple as the lyrics or how goofy the music videos can be (which I still went ga-ga over anyway), they have reserved a special place in my heart and therefore at the top of the list. And in their defense, lots of things in the 90s were ridiculous and goofy, behold the gloriously awkward fashion trends of the decade.

My favorite songs from them are Shape of My Heart, Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely (my current jam), Inconsolable, Larger Than Life, I Want It That Way, and As Long As You Love Me (not to be confused with the Justin Bieber tune).

left to right: Chris Kirtpatrick, Lance Bass,
 Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, 

'N Sync
Though not as successful as the Backstreet Boys but still wildly popular, 'N Sync had their fair share of fame around the same time period. The group formed in 1995 also in Orlando, Florida (I'm not sure what it is about Orlando being a breeding ground for popular boy bands, but go figure).

The band broke up in 2002 due to frontman Timberlake wanting to focus on a solo career. Now it seems that Justin barely acknowledges his involvement with 'N Sync, the launching pad to his success not only as a musician but as an actor. It's okay, Justin. I loved you with your blonde curly locks, and I still love you now.

Justin Timberlake then and now, looking critically upon his former self.
Yes, Justin, that's really you.

Along with Backstreet, I also had the No Strings Attached album as part of my first CD collection (back when people still used CDs). In fact, several boys in our theatre department memorized the "Bye Bye Bye" dance and performed it at our end-of-the-year banquet (and may I say, it was swoon-worthy). 

Favorite songs by 'N Sync: This I Promise You, Here We Go, It's Gonna Be Me, Pop, and Bye, Bye, Bye

McFly

left to right: Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter, Harry Judd

The British pop band McFly technically isn't a boy band because they play instruments, but I'm including them anyway. I first got into McFly when I was a freshman in high school thanks to my best friend, who was just as big of a fanatic alongside me. 

McFly formed in 2003 in England. They have sold more than 10 million records worldwide and broke the record the Beatles (a boy band in their own right) had previously set for the youngest band to ever have an album debut to number 1. They have released 5 studio albums, 4 compilation albums, and have written songs for other bands such as One Direction.

I think one of the main appeals of boy bands/groups is how the members are usually young, attractive men. I know I had favorites (*cough Danny Jones cough*), as many do in each example I've given so far. I mean, a group of cute guys with musical talent? Formula for success.

McFly hasn't released a new album since 2010, but they are still working in the music industry and have not officially broken up. We may see a new album from them yet!

Favorite songs include: Star Girl; Walk In The Sun; Please, Please; and We Are The Young. (I actually own every song they've produced...oops?)

One Direction

left to right: Liam Payne, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik,
Louis Tomlinson, and Harry Styles

Next up is this more recent boy band. There's hardly anyone that doesn't know about this British worldwide hit, One Direction. These boys have revived the boy band trend.

Since their first appearance as a group, formed by Simon Cowell on The X Factor UK 2010, they have gained an increasing fan base.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I've been a fan of One Direction since their time on X Factor. They've exploded in popularity, selling out concerts a year in advance.

There's undeniable charm and talent with these boys. Though some are embarrassed to say they enjoy them, I say this: like what you like. They're a great band with unique personalities. What's not to love?

My favorite songs from these boys are C'mon, C'mon; Heart Attack, Back For You, I Would (written by McFly's Tom Fletcher!), and Tell Me A Lie.

 *~*~*~*

So, I realize this post is sorta long, but thank you for sticking around this far and I hope you enjoyed me conveying my love for these great boy bands. 

Side-note: I know there's sort of a stigma with being a fan of a boy band if you're not a tween/teenage girl (or heck, even if you ARE a teenage girl there's some backlash). You should NEVER have to feel ashamed for loving boy bands (or anything that makes you happy, however)! They're one of the best things to come out of the music industry, in my humble opinion. So if you wanna blast your Jonas Brothers or Boyz II Men and dance along in your room, go for it! 

Do you have a favorite boy band that I didn't mention on this list? Who are your favorite members? Are you a closet fan or are you open about your love for them? I'd love to hear about it! Leave me a comment below with your answer :)

That concludes my first Monday Mix and Favorite Things! Woooo!

Till next time xx,

Sierra

REVIEW: Music from Baz Luhrmann's Film The Great Gatsby

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**WARNING: Possible spoilers for the book/movie, read with caution. (I try to keep it as spoiler-free as possible)

It's finally here! The highly-anticipated soundtrack from The Great Gatsby directed by Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge!, Romeo + Juliet), in theatres May 10th. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm BEYOND excited for this movie (helloooo Leo). However, as a big fan of the original book by F. Scott Fitzgerald, I'm a bit iffy of the direction it seems to be going in (big and elaborate, rather than understated glamour like the novel), but I'm willing to accept the artistic interpretation as is and that it's a movie, and a movie needs entertainment value. Also, it's Baz Luhrmann, who's known for his elaborate and loud cinematography style.

Anyway! That being said, this soundtrack is fitting for a modern interpretation of the Jazz Age novel. With featured artists such as Lana Del Rey, Florence + The Machine, Jack White, Beyonce, The xx, and Jay Z, the music inspired by the film tries to capture the spirit created in West Egg. This soundtrack is what I would imagine Jay Gatsby's DJ would play if he had parties in modern-day New York.

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The tracks vary from revamped, orchestrated jazz versions of current songs ("Crazy In Love", "Young and Beautiful", "Bang Bang") to allude to a Jazz Age atmosphere (which is brilliantly executed by The Bryan Ferry Orchestra), along with tracks with dissonant harmonies, which I like to think is symbolic of Daisy's and Gatsby's relationship. Nero's "Into The Past" as well as The xx's "Together" are simply two examples of this theme.


Other songs are inspired straight from the book themselves, such as "Over The Love" by Florence + The Machine ("There's a green light in my eyes / and my lover on my mind"), "Kill and Run" by Sia, which alludes to the main climaxes near the end of the story, and "Into The Past" by Nero, possibly based on the last lines of the book (arguably one of the best and my favorite sentences in any book I've read):

"Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter - tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther ... And one fine morning ---

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past." 

My prediction of the film, based on the soundtrack, is to give the audience an even more romanticized and over-the-top impression of the Jazz Age, only to have the illusion stripped away in the final scenes/chapters of the story (as the novel by Fitzgerald does). These are my hopes, anyway.

The only problem I have with this soundtrack is that it focuses almost too much on Gatsby and Daisy's romance. The book was a commentary on the Jazz Age with the romance as part of that, but it was not the main focus of the book. But either way, I think it will be excellent.

My personal favorite tracks are "Heart's A Mess" by Gotye, "Crazy In Love" by Emeli Sandé and The Bryan Ferry Orchestra, "Over The Love" by Florence + The Machine, "No Church In The Wild" by Kanye West and Jay Z, "Into The Past" by Nero, and "Young and Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey. 

Here's the full track list (not including audio snippets from the movie, which are included on the deluxe edition):

1. 100$ Bill - Jay-Z
2. Back To Black - Beyoncé x André 3000
3. Bang Bang - will.i.am
4. A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got) - Fergie + Q Tip + GoonRock
5. Young And Beautiful - Lana Del Rey
6. Love Is The Drug - Bryan Ferry with The Bryan Ferry Orchestra
7. Heart's A Mess - Gotye
8. Over The Love - Florence + The Machine
9. Where The Wind Blows - Coco O. of Quadron
10. No Church In The Wild - Jay-Z, Kanye West
11. Crazy in Love - Emeli Sandé and The Bryan Ferry Orchestra
12. Together – The xx
13. Hearts A Mess - Gotye
14. Love Is Blindness – Jack White
15. Into the Past - Nero
16. Kill and Run - Sia

For those with Spotify, you can listen to the whole album here! 

You can also watch a 5-minute clip from the movie here:

(source)

What are your thoughts on the soundtrack? Do you love it or hate it? Leave a comment and tell us what you think!
Till next time xx,

Sierra

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