this past weekend all i was listening to was “in the morning” by junior boys. the track was the first single from the their second full length studio album released in 2006: “so this is goodbye.” i think the track is one of the best songs on the album. it’s a heavy-breather – but in a good way. when i first heard this track a few years back it left me breathless. here’s why: “in the morning” weaves vocal samples in alongside a quiet guitar, a delirious synth arpeggio, and soaring, infectious vocal melodies. the track is incredibly sexy, moving, and yet relaxing at the same time.
“evitative” is the brand new album from one of my favorite collegiate a cappella groups u penn off the beat. off the beat has been praised among the a cappella community for their innovative qualities and always pushing the envelope. each year the group comes out with an album of tracks you’d never thought would be able to be done a cappella. don’t be fooled by the production, all sounds on the album originated from human voices. while the vocals have been obviously altered with digital effects, no digital or live instruments were sampled. i’ve had the privilege to go to one of their shows … let me tell you, they are even better live.
the twelve tracks in “evitative” cover a wide range of genres but have a common ground: rock. from “jigsaw falling into place” by radiohead to “signs” by bloc party, off the beat has put together yet another solid album. i’ve uploaded “lollipop” by flaming hanley/‘lil wayne. hope you enjoy it!
new artist alert! simon curtis, best known as one of the leads in the 2009 nickelodeon tv musical specatular!, has just released his first single called “delusional.” the track is heavy in electronic synths. it features layers of different drum beats that give the electropop track a slight r&b kick. timbaland sounding? yes. in fact, simon addresses it in his lyrics: “wow i know you’re going to try and say i stole this voice from timba / there’s a fire starter out there and i’m sure he stole from him first.” touche!
it’s easy to have the vocals in these types of songs lost within the production, but simon’s vocals hold on their own. there’s a ease and almost justin timberlake quality when he goes into his falsetto. highlights? the intro is spectacular. i love the crescendo and vocal build up. did i mention the catchy chorus? catchy!
taeyang is best known as one of the members of the ever popular boy band in south korea called big bang. he has just released his first single called “wedding dress” from his upcoming first full-length studio album “wet“. it’s not uncommon for band members to release solo material without departing from their original group in korea. so don’t worry, taeyang is still a member of big bang.
“wedding dress” is an interesting piano/synth driven r&b track. although i have no idea what he’s singing about other than a wedding dress, the arrangement and taeyang vocals are smooth and incredibly complementary to each other. neither one overpowers the other. and even though there is a slight use of auto-tune, it doesn’t distract from the overall track. from an arrangement standpoint, i thought it was very clever of taeyang to incorporate the ever familiar “here comes the bride” tune in the bridge.
watch the heartbreaking music video for “wedding dress” below. taeyang’s dance moves are so slick. homeboy knows how to dance. does anyone want to buy me that black jacket he’s wearing? i don’t want to end up bedazzling my sports jacket. so 1980s!
two nights ago i came home and found this track in my inbox. unfortunately i was a little too tipsy to listen to it. so the next morning before work, i loaded it onto my ipod and ran off to the train. when i got on, i put my ear phones on and pressed play. my mouth literally dropped on the floor and then my head exploded. lady gaga’s newest leaked track is a duet featuring beyoncé called “telephone.” the track will be off of lady gaga’s upcoming re-release of her debut album, “the fame.”
there’s no need for me to describe or review this song. it’s just simply epic. when the beat drops, it effing drops. that’s all i have and gonna say. download this now … and be prepared to wipe your brains off your desk.
