The darkest R&B pop LP of the year

I was just giving this LP by Plan B Ill Manors another listen tonight and thinking, "wow this shit is dark for what's considered a top 40 album in the UK."  Plan B pretty much breaks down the plight of the poor in London on this thing from top to bottom.  Yet, he somehow makes it as simple to listen to as possible. Nowhere am I flooded with the thought that it's too preachy, but it really is when you think about it.  

I've skipped posting his biggest hit from the LP "Ill Manors" because most should've heard that by now. If you haven't, then look that up after these on youtube. Anyhow, Ill Manors has top notch production value and some really tight lyrics from Plan B himself.  Here's one of the darker tracks from the LP and one of my personal favorites he's put out so far as a single. This is "Lost My Way" for all the kids that have some anger to release. 

This song might be one of the more on the nose type of tracks from Ill Manors. I'm posting it because it's the newest video he's put out.  It reminds me of the 90's where some pop songs were about dark topics like this.  American pop R&B is all about bling and booty at the moment. Thanks Plan B for at least attempting to say something on your track.  "Deepest Shame" is one solid R&B song. 

This last song "Play With Fire" features Labrinth. I actually just listened to Labrinths new LP last week.   Not too shabby but I'd say it's not Plan B level.  This is a damn cool track. I enjoy the 70's style R&B groove of this song.  

Here's a bonus song from Chase & Status that features Plan B.  It's an older song that's pretty damn popular.  I still dig this song a lot and might just be one of Plan B's most memorable vocals. And for those that haven't heard this song, well be prepared to be hooked.  "End Credits" is one catchy damn song.  A perfect mix of dubstep and R&B. 

Some single tracks for your Monday

Since it's Labor Day and I don't have time to really dive into full LP reviews. They actually take some time to go dig through the tracks even if I've listened to it a bunch.  It's hard these days to remember every track name.  Bands like to be tricky and not sing the title in the chorus. Damn them for being creative.

Here's the first track from The Fixers. Another UK band with an interesting sound. Not sure what genre I'd say it's in.  This song is "Crystals" from their We'll Be The Moon LP.

This is a new video from The Neighbourhood which I think most people must be familiar with by now with their insanely catchy "Sweater Weather" track.  Bare with the French language opening because there is a great song following it.  There's something seriously cinematic about this song. One of those songs you listen to and close your eyes imagining whatever you can conjure from the lyrics.

Next up is Crocodiles' track "Endless Flowers" which comes from their album with the same title. This video really makes you think I'm posting a song from 1985.  They have a fun sound and their last album was pretty damn good.  You know you want to click on it from just the look of the video.

My last track for the day is from Exit Music.  This band has an insanely haunting album lead by their singer Aleksa Palladino. You can't but be swept away by it. They really deserve a full LP shout out but I'm just going to give you a taste. I highly recommend you seek them out if you like this track.  This is a great LP for the fall.  I can see their stuff in films and movie trailers sometime in the very near future.

More people need to know this band, Geographer

I read plenty of other music blogs and listen to NPR but I think this band doesn't get enough notice.  The album Myth is so well crafted from a lyrical and musical standpoint that very few second outings from small bands really sound this polished. I've been listening to them since their EP Animal Shapes and haven't stopped since.  

Myth is so well shaped it's hard to say what they sound like. In one or two songs they might be a bit like Boxer Rebellion.  The synth work reminds me more of Erasure or even New Order from the late 80's era.  It's got that simple melody that can reach that back part of your ear and you will have it stuck in your head for the rest of the work day.  

Their first single from this album is "Kites" which appeared on the Animal Shapes EP as well.  This song has been out for a while but not sure how big it's caught on. Probably not as big as it deserves.  You be the judge. 

This album is chalked full of great songs. I know I say that about a lot of albums but I tend to review things for the most part that I really enjoy listening to the entire way through.  The music business wants to make a bunch of shit albums with a few singles and tons of filler.  Bands like Geographer don't make filler. You can tell they think of the album as a whole.  "Life of Crime" might be better than the single "Kites" they released first.  It's such a full song and great lyrics to back up the melody.  Just listen to the last few lines of the song. 

And for the most catchy song on the LP that's just fun listening is "Lover's Game." I've put up a live  version to show that these guys seem to be legit when they perform as well. 

 If you wanted to know why I think they might be a hint like Boxer Rebellion, just listen to "No Harm" once more. 

This song is for beer drinking and Labor Day

To all the people BBQing and enjoying themselves this Labor Day I raise a glass and toast you with this song by Japandroids.  I think this really is the right kind of late summer jam we all should be blasting in our cars.  Something stripped down and just middle fingers straight up to the man about this song.  Cheers to all and here's Japandroids "House That Heaven Built" for your listening pleasure. Turn this shit up!!!! Who knew Canada could rock so hard?

A shout out to Russia

So a few months back I stumbled across this band On-The-Go.  There's some talent here. It's even more awesome that they're from Russia it seems.  The hipster alternative scene has obviously had an impact over there as well.  Just cool to see the world united by music.  We're not all that different.  The youth just want to be creative and express themselves.  Too bad youth gets washed away with the bitterness of age it seems.

Anyhow, here's an EP they put out and you can listen and watch the entire thing on this video.  The EP and video is called Gym Sessions. You can tell their first language isn't English with the lyrics.  I like the music enough that I don't worry about the lyrics.

Labor Day Snack Song

These kids show the Smith family a few things about being young and just making a fun song about something familiar.  Reminds me of Another Bad Creation when they put out that song "Playground" back in the early 90s.

I was thinking what snacks I'd give a shout out to if I wrote a jam.  I'm a fan of cupcakes and ice cream.  I guess my jam would be "Cupcakes & Ice Cream ." Yes, I have a sweet tooth.  People should fill in the blank. Maybe leave me a comment about your favorite snacks to rap about.

I've never had Takis so I'm going to take their word for it.  The rumor is their extra spicy. I wonder what they wash that stuff down with. Do Takis and Cheetos give these kids some cash since the video has over 2 million hits?  They should.

Here's "Hot Cheetos & Takis" by the YN Rich Kids.

Another Bad Creation "Playground" for all you old school fools.

Jonquil's "Point Of Go" is the underrated LP of the year

I haven't stopped listening to Jonquil's Point of Go since it was released back in late February. It was the first time I had heard of this group.  I won't pretend I had heard any of their other albums but I have been pushing them every since.  Some albums just keep growing on you and this one definitely fits that category. I'm just surprised it hasn't been bigger than it is. But I guess sometimes just the lack of marketing will do that to any artistic endeavor.  Boy, don't I know that all too well.

To the album already.  It's that light sound you want while cleaning the house or on a Sunday drive. They remind me a lot of late 80's Tears for Fears. I think the vocals are really similar.

Their first single off the album was "It's My Part" and it's about as catchy as a single comes.  It's got a great melody and just the right vocals. These guys know how to craft a song.

The song that I've probably listened to the most of Point of Go is "Run."  Sometimes alternative pop can be tiring with bands that try to hard to be different.  Jonquil doesn't try that approach and I appreciate it. I think it's the familiar parts in this song that get to like it so much.  It's familiar but yet new.

For the third song in my review it was really a toss up between "Mexico" and "Getaway."  They're both worthy of notice.  Actually, just get the entire damn album.  Anyhow, here's "Getaway" and just because I was feeling nostalgic I posted a Tears For Fears song "Pale Shelter" for your enjoyment.  Yes kids, videos in the 80's were pretty damn bad but classics in our hearts.