Didn't like it at first...but it soon caught on me. I think it's one of the party anthems of the year already! It's different, catchy, and the same note chorus is waycool. Has number 1 written all over it.
2. Sexy Bitch - David Guetta feat Akon
"I'm tryin' to find the words to describe this girl without being disrespectful..." Only Akon can get away with vulgar lyrics like that but I love it. Wanna be dirty, go all the way man. One helluva dancefloor stomper. DAMN gIRL!
3. Sexy Love - Ne-yo
Smooth sexy song to make love to (not that I have done it!) Wish I could sing like him. Love the chord changes in the bridge part. A overlooked 2008 song that should have made my annual Top 10 chart.
4.Celebration - Madonna
Sounded rather generic at first, cuz of the Paul Van Dyk techno sounds. But as generic it sounds, it has good chorus with a simple message. Celebrate and partay! Now, who's not gonna love that on the dancefloor?
5. Turnin' Me On - Keri Hilson (MSTRKRFT remix)
Haven't heard the original, but after hearing this mix, I feel like I don't have to. The phat electronic synths are wikkid. Along with the needy female wailings of "haaaa....haaaa", they become quite a vicious mix. Evokes the robot-imagery of Daft Punk which I love. Oh and there's this part where a rapper says "I hope your vag*na's tight". Well, what can I say. That sure pushes the envelope in the world of rappin.
6. Evacuate The Dancefloor - Cascada
The punching synth riffs has made it quite a contender for my personal top 10 songs of the year liao. It's one of those songs which everything fits together. Maybe I just have fetish for songs which sound uplifting and asks you to party and dannce...
wow...it has been 2 months since my last post.
so wat are my ear candies now? (in no order)
1. New In Town - Little Boots
Just a feel-good song. The chorus lyrics makes me just wanna have fun.
2. Battlefield - Ryan Tedder
Kinda appreciate his song writing skills. After 'Apologise' and 'Bleeding Love', 2 of the greatest pop hits in recent years, I am starting to be a fan. His voice kinds of suits the song better for me than Jordin Sparks. I like Sparks' version though she sounds like she's trying a little too hard. Plus since Tedder's version is a demo, hearing both versions it really seems like Sparks didn't really put her own spin to the song and sang it pretty much how Tedder sang it. Minus points for her then.
3. Lovegame (dave aude remix) - Lady Gaga
Didnt 'get' the track when i first heard it, only like it after it became a single. (or maybe I didn't give it the attention it deserved before) but anyway the original mix is only so-so, kinda slow. I like the dave aude remix of the song which speeds it up, and gives it the oopmh it needs. i am starting to be a fan of dave aude....i like his poker face remix and i hate this part remix too
4. Southern Point - Grizzly Bear
Well, tipped to be one of the year's best, so I went to check it out. Love the instrumentation on this track...very dreamy
5. When Love Takes Over - David Guetta feat Kelly Rowland
Samples Coldplay's Clocks which I didnt realise until some review pointed it out. Nice uplifting dance track.
6. Mad - Ne-yo
Nice melody, one of the few Black artistes that still makes nice RnB Soul music like those in the 90's...
7. Love Sex Magic - Ciara, Justin Timberlake
Was hooked to this a while back, sexy hit that shoulda been a bigger hit
Never knew what's the whole shebang about Miley Cyrus was. Never was interested anyway. But after her performance of this song on American Idol (which I didn't really pay attention), I transferred this to my MP3 player just to check it out. Now, it's my fave song of the moment. Guess the lyrics, though pretty cliche and derivative, kinda rings really true for me. There's always gonna be another mountain to conquer, life is full of battles...it's just life, just gotta face it and embrace the journey.
2. Zero - Yeah Yeah Yeah's
Finally a new rock track that has got me hooked! Like the grand, uplifting vibe and the digital way the Yeah Yeah Yeah's are somewhat heading...
3. In For The Kill - La Roux
Took a few listens to figure this one out. Voice can be irritating at first but the more i listen the more cool it sounds! And this track sounds like the dance remix would be killer!
4. Sugar - Flo Rida
Like the fact that Eiffel 65's Blue (Da Be Dee) is updated and incorporated into this RnB track! Ok la this is bubblegum RnB, neither cutting edge nor groundbreaking, just good for the sweetness while it lasts...
5. Right Round - Flo Rida
Same for this other Flo Rida track, while it lasts...
6. Time - Chris Cornell
From the album collaboration between Timbaland and Cornell, I actually thought this is one of the more radio-friendly, hit-sounding track. The mix of the 2 artistes is very interesting, worth checking it out
- Addicted to it. Marvellous, marvellous, splendid pop song. Should have been my number one of 2008.
2. Girls Aloud - The Loving Kind
- A slow burner, produced by Pet Shop Boys, it has their signature sound and even the song sounds like it could be sung by PSB themselves!
3. Swing Out Sisters - Breakout
- Love the intro, and the sunny sunday late afternoon vibe.
4. The Communards - Never Can Say Goodbye
- Long time ago, I tried to find this song in vain. Even bough Jimmy Somerville's solo album just because I thought the song was in it. Then a few days ago I heard it on the radio, and went online to find it. Found it in seconds. Can already imagine making a movie with this as theme song.
5. Glenn Mendeiros - Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You
Oh so romantic (in a cheesy way). Just tried playing it on guitar and singing along. Nice song to sing to stretch those vibratos (if you have the chops, but I don't. Not yet heh.) Gonna master it!
6. Kanye West - Paranoid
Intro-ed by a friend. Love to discover album tracks that haven't become popular. It's like discovering a little treasure you never knew you had.
7. Lily Allen - The Fear
I'm gonna attempt an acoustic version of this song, I think it'll sound ace! (So Smash Hits lor)
8. Animal Collective - Brother Sport
A sonic adventure. Builds up to a euphoric high!
9. The Beatles - I Will
Heard it playing on the radio...a cover version rather. Then I thought, why the hell is this song not in my MP3 collection? Heard it before but never knew the title or the artiste. Turns out it's none other than the freaking Beatles! I feel ashamed for not knowing the title of this one before.
10. Paul Anka/Joanna Wang - The Times Of Your Life
I remember hearing this song late, late at night when I was a little kid when everyone was sleeping. (Late meant like 1am when I was a lil boi?) I remember thinking to myself, what a sad song, but I love it! Oh...those swirling strings! Joanna Wang's version ain't bad too.
11. New Order - Regret
One of those song which I wondered why it never went higher up the charts when it was so cool! Didn't know who they were back then why this first came out. I remember seeing it on this TV show called Vidz. It had a countdown or something.
Glad to say that I liked it before it hit number 1 on the UK charts (which means I have an ear for hit singles heh). Understated, simple, but charming. Like the lyrics, kinda relate to it - "I dunno what I'm meant to feel anymore..."
2. Girls Aloud "The Promise"
A mega hit in the UK for the girl band last year in the UK. Should have made it to my year end top singles, but didn't grow on me that much till now. It's different, it's groovy, it's the type of single that celebrates the popularity of Girls Aloud. That they are established enough to put out something different for the masses and still do well. Adore their performance on TOTP, with their little hand moments while standing in a row in front of their mics, wiggling their hips. Very Supremes-like. A brilliant pop single.
3. Stevie Wonder "Sir Duke"
Just as I thought I've dug out the best of Stevie Wonder's hit singles, comes the discovery of this gem from watching American Idol (the show to discover old classics!). Happy, happy, happy song!
4. Franz Ferdinand "Ulysses"
A rather lower-key sounding comeback from Franz (as compared to "Take Me Out" and "Do You Want To"). But a quiet stomper this one is! Almost couldn't recognise the voice. But once the chorus kicks in, it's the Franz Ferdinand we've all come to love! Definitely one of the top tunes this year thus far!!! "La...La la la la....ULYSSES!"
5. Ne-yo "Closer"
Another one of those under-rated (by me) songs of 2008. Re-discovered it at Partyworld (Yes, they have this song!) Had a blast singing this song during Karaoke. Such a sleek, dancefloor smash!
Anyone knows the title of the song played before and after Von Smith's audition? I've been searching for it!
An infectious, juicy, 80's-loving slice of indie pop that you can bop to. Love the bridge where the guy sings in his "treated" lo-fi flanged voice.
Coming from the frontman of Super Furry Animals, this song uses old-school keyboard sounds. Love the fart-like keyboard riff. (Fart-like in a cute way) You know when we were young there were those keyboards that play a different drum beat for each key? Just that now, it's used in a new way so it doesn't sound cheap. And coming from SFA, the lyrics are quirky as usual...doing a spin on the usual "I Love You". "Yes I love/lust you, yeah I love/lust you if the price is right..."
Cut Copy - Feel The Love
Gosh I frakking love this discovery! (Well someone did recommend the band, but I discovered the track on me own, which makes it sweeter) 80's synth pop sounding, brit/disco rock/retro sounding and the music keeps changing and gives you more surprises and keeps you going! What a beautiful mish-mash of musical styles! Funkay!
Cut Copy - Hearts On Fire
Not as immediate as "Feel The Love", this is more Depeche Mode-ish with a dance beat and a wicked bassline, 'cept the singer don't have such a deep voice. Love the little interlude between verses, with that repeating sample of a woman singing...very Daft Punk!
The Knife - Silent Shout
Despite the freaky video, this is one awesome piece of electronica! The voices do sound like they come from those freaks in the video though. Drugs, drugs, hallucinations, bright lights, drugs, glue, bright flashing lights, getting high...your body can just convulse to this man...
The Ting Tings - Be The One
It's one of those songs that always sound like blah/filler material when you skimp through it on the album, but you change your mind when you hear the whole thing "live". The synth riff is so cool! I like the song so much more just for that! When I heard it "live", I finally appreciated it for its simplicity. It's not easy to come up with a simple hook like that, it just happens. A happy little ditty to dance to!
Some random bite-sized comments:
- Was wondering who the hell was pre-show act Wiley. Turned out to be a UK rapper. Not really my kinda thing but my ears propped up (like a dawg) when I heard Daft Punk's Aerodynamic in one of their songs. And because of that, I like them already! (heh.)
- Liked the opening song, something about "we walk". I realised The Ting Tings has a tendency to have stomping rhythms in their songs.
- The live extended version of "Shut Up And Let Me Go" was INSANE. Frakking insane, I could dance to that all night. I feel like cheating and changing the positions on my 2008 top songs now, and I think I will.
- The female singer looked kinda tired.
- It's cool to see a woman play an electric guitar.
- The male drummer tried to look cool but doing the not smiling thing, but didn't seem to pull it off. Well, at least his talent in instruments spoke for itself.
- I am starting to notice how rehearsed these concerts are, I mean based on the last few I have seen. It's like these bands go to country after country doing exactly the same setlist saying the same things and doing the same concert "tricks" for economy's sake, at the sacrifice of some spontaneity. They don't fool me, I can see right through it. I just want some spontaneity, do something different from the other gigs, be it a previously unheard song, or some crazy rock antics....just for us! It's a freaking rock concert for goodness sake.
- For a moment during the concert, I felt young again. Well I spent most my life being super uptight, hiding away and loking like an uncle, so it's kinda funny to finally "know" how it's feels like to be a young kid in a concert.
- Never really loved "That's Not My Name", but wow...it sure sounds bloody catchy "live"! And the beat is so....er...catchy!
- The Ting Tings is a good act to watch "live", because they make music that you can dance to! Much like The Bravery who plays dance rock and had an excellent concert over here.
- That said, the upcoming Prodigy concert should be freaking mindblowing! Heard their new song while waiting for the concert to start and it sounded great!
- The concert lasted just under an hour, which felt okay for me because they only have one album, and also we had 2 pre-show acts Wiley and Force Vomit, so I didn't feel robbed.
- And also I didn't pay for the concert thanks to the free tic from joan of arcadia. Merci Beaucoup!
Every now and then, I get stuck in the rut. I find myself listening over and over again to the same songs I have on my 512MB Creative MuVo, looking for a quickfix with familiar songs that I know I like that will give me pleasure for a few minutes. Well, at least it's a safe choice and I won't have to make myself listen to some unknown song and not really enjoying it (unless it's a surprise discovery).
Then, I would get so bored by these songs and get desperate for something refreshing. Think I have been listening to a lot of dance/pop and been neglecting Brit Rock. So when I finally decided to listen to a song from the Mercury Prize Album of the Year "The Seldom Seen Kid"....Boy, was it refreshingly good~!
Elbow's "One Day Like This" just reminds me of what I love about Brit Rock....it has a rather old-fashion charm to it, and the SWEET use of strings (for sentimental reasons I appreciate cuz I was in a string orchestra in school) and unafraid of using retro beats. Kinda reminds me of Athlete, from their first album. The opening is just gorgeous.
Sometimes within a song, a line just sticks out and seals the deal for me. For me, I just like the line "It's looking like beautiful day...", followed by the ferocious staccato violin hook. Good to hear something positive and uplifting that projects an image of blue skies, white clouds, gentle brooks and green meadows. A sense of hope. An anthem for the new year.
Hot on the divalicious heels of the phenomenal success of her first single "Just Dance", comes the next single from the Lady with the current number 1 song in the US at the moment.
Some has said Lady Gaga will be the sound of 2009, and judging by "Poker Face", it might as well be true.
(Which comes to mind that this decade is almost over! So what does the 00's sound like? I really have no idea. Perhaps just a more progressed version of the sound of the 90's? I remember tinking back when the 90's came to an end, I wondered whether the 90's actually have a sound. Now, looking back...it kinda does...though it's hard to put a finger on it. Guess the difference is in the production quality and the kind of songs that were popular then. Kinda sounds like music has gotten comfortable with using synths and keyboard music in the 80's, that in the 90's in no longer feels the need to use it to be in vogue, but uses it more comfortably and with more finesse.)
Anyway one of the big reason why I like "Poker Face" is that it samples Boney M's Ma Baker (a song that I like grooving to too heh), using the "Ma ma ma ma" hook, to come up with her '00 version of a 70's outlandishly sexy pop single. Love the phat repeating bleeps (are those from the 80's?). And the whole dark, sexed-up vibe it gives.
Check out Boney M's Ma Baker here...
And "Poker Face" here...
And pls go check out the Dave Aude remix, it rocks even harder than the original! Awesome!
With the passing of the new year, comes the first new dance track that just I have discovered and I can sink my teeth into. And give me the extra energy during my workouts! Highly recommended energy booster!
And what a title for a song...Sandcastle Disco. Kinda straightforward (I mean...obvously it's going to be a dancey song), but with a twist (Sandcastle? Like wtf?)
Solange Knowles is probably the cooler and more artistic version of her older sister Beyonce Knowles. Probably never going to get as much mainstream success as her sister, she has wisely chosen to not be an imitation and go the less conventional way.
Okay, just checked out the original version song...sounds so much more easy-going (don't mean it in a good way) and less punch. And the chords used seem to be "happier" sounding, and not really...disco! Kinda blah actually. But I like the raw drum beats of this version, and the idea of throwing back to The Supremes...maybe it needs a couple more listens to get used to.
Guess the Freemasons really gave this song a much needed kick in the arse, given it a lot more intensity, fattened the beats and ramped it up to be a disco dancefloor stomper that it was meant to be! Fierce!
"Ba-b-b-b-b-baby, don't blow me away..."
Here's the original version:
Now check out the much more highly-superior Freemason's remix:
Which do you prefer?
This second single from American rock band Kings Of Leon's 4th album simply cuts to the heart for me. And I guess those who are single and yearning for someone in their lives could relate to the lyrics.
The chorus says it simply: "You know that I could use somebody...someone like you"
Of course, if there's someone in mind, it makes the song even more poignant.
And it seems perfect and apt for this time of the year. An winter-y feel with the haunting echoing vocals in the background, and anthemic guitars and beats. I can imagine this song being played in a concert arena, with the audience waving their lights in the air. And lead singer Caleb Followil's emotive vocals paints a picture of a damaged bloke, all broken and in despair.
Glad that Kings Of Leon could follow up their breakthrough mainstream hit "Sex On Fire", with another corker of a single that will solidify their place as the next big thing. Now it's time for me to check out the rest of the album :)
To kick things off...here's a countdown to my personal list of 20 songs that rocked my Creative Muvo in 2008....(i know, in contrast with the Ipod, how uncool it sounds...all 512MB of it)
Overall, I liked many songs this year but none were standouts that I loved so much that made me so sure what would be number 1, like my 2005 No.1 song - "Forever Lost' by The Magic Numbers, 2006's No.1 "Promiscuous" by Nelly Furtado & Timbaland and last year's No.1 - "P.D.A (We Just Don't Care)" by John Legend.
Anyways, LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN...!
20. Weezer - Pork And Beans
The lead-off single from the new self-titled album (for the 3rd time) from one of my all-time favourite bands. Basically about doing your own thing and not caring what others say. They made geek rock even geekier/cooler when they brought together the "biggest" youtube acts for the video, including the numa numa guy.
19. Bob Sinclair - World Hold On
Never fails to get me moving, glad to have finally discovered it this year. Something about the ah beng intro beat that makes me wanna dance. Love the part where the song goes with just the singing and then builds to a climax where the beat kicks in again.
18. Katy Perry - I Kissed A Girl
Probably the cheekiest single of the year. Kinda unabashedly attention-seeking as well, but it's quite shameless about it. Which makes it unpretentious, and so forgiveable. That said, the stomping bassline of the chorus is really rather addictive.
17. The Ting Ting's - Great DJ/Shut Up And Let Me Go
The Ting Ting's is the sound of indie gone mainstream. Or mainstream gone indie. Whatever it is, it's a fresh sound for 2008 that's palatable for the masses. There's nothing else quite like it, what with an addictive, chomping guitar riff as the chorus for "Shut Up And Let Me Go", and inane vowel-repeating for the chorus of "Great DJ". Hot stuff
16. Beyonce - Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
A rainbow blend of harmonies with a hand-clapping percussive beat to guide it along. Simply a joyous affair.
15. Xiu Xiu - Under Pressure
I always enjoy checking out remakes of classics, no matter if it's by a precocious boyband, or an obscure band. This time, it's one of my all-time favourite songs, by Queen. Xiu Xiu has always seemed too experimental for me to take but they took me by surprise when this remake stayed true to the original. But they had to throw in those weird trumpets in for quirkiness sake, which I happen to love heh.
14. Estelle feat. Kanye West - American Boy
Gives me a 90's sort of feel, a late afternoon groove with splashes of neon colours. The tune itself is already pretty remarkable with the jazzy chords, and laidback groove.
13. Cat Power - The Greatest
Contemplative with a tinge of melancholy in it. Okay, maybe a huge dollop. "Once I wanted to be...the greatest"...smacks of regret, tiredness, jadedness...But quite a relaxing tune to listen to on the way to work in the morning.
12. Piece Of Me - Britney Spears
Accompanied me many-a-times during my workouts, the remix especially. "You want a piece of me". I know, how narcissistic. But it kind of amuses me more than anything. And for a song with like 3 notes, it's quite amazing that the music producer actually made the song work.
11. Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire
Oozing with sex...well the title sez it all doesn't it. While it really does sound like Dakota by Stereophoniics, this track has a total different vibe to it. And it's way cooler. Love the band name, anyways.
10. Kanye West - Love Lockdown
While "Sex On Fire" was dripping with sex, "Love Lockdown" is a slow, shimmering sensual ode to love-making and a bloody bold return by Mr West. African percussion with vocoder singing for a rapper? Respect to the man who really edges out his peers by always being different and pushing the envelope.
9. Kaiser Chiefs - Never Miss A Beat
The Chiefs were back this year with their crazy, nonsensical self again, with the regular blokes lyrics "It's cooooool....to know nothing". So they say, and let's all skip school with them! What sets this song stand out is the catchy chorus..."Never miss a beat beat...beat beat." It's a SIWICPOS (Song I Wished I Could Perform On Stage)
8. MGMT - Kids
The riff is becoming one of the defining sounds of 2008 for me. Bridge bit reminds me of MegaMan, you know that old game on micro genius? A colourful playground for the ear for me.
7. Adele - Chasing Pavements
When I first heard this tune, I fell in love with it. But I couldn't tell if it's sung by a girl or a boy. Turns out that it's the unique voice of a 19 year old lass from Britian that I was listening to. Probably one of the new voices of the year. Kinda depressing song, but that's the beauty of it.
6. Young Folks - Peter Bjorn and John feat. Victoria Bergsman
The addictive intro drumbeat had me at hello. Drugs, booze, chill. Get hypnotized by the whistle. What the heck, I don't care, who gives a damn. Let's chill.
5. Hot Chip - Ready For The Floor
One of the most innovative singles that I've heard this year. This is electronica when its done right. Catchy, groovy, laidback, quirky. Robots rulez.
4. Lady Gaga feat Colby Odonis - Just Dance
A single that somewhat has "underdog" written all over it, with its kinda low, rehash production quality and B-grade vocalistics. But somehow, it all works together to become a rather brilliant pop single. Lovely retro bit that makes me wanna do a little break dance on da dance floor. It took a couple of listen to grow on me and now I luv it! Go, go, underdog!
3. Sam Sparro - 21st Century Life
Despite the rather dated sounds, the lyrics really rang true for me in this busy year. There's twenty one thousand things that I want and need to do now. Also, this reminds me of my Aussie trip and conjures images of the beautiful buildings of Sydney and the glorious winter weather.
2. Hercules and Love Affair - Blind
Was only hooked to "Hercules' Theme" initially on the album, and boy was I missing out! But when I finally paid attention to this gem of a song, I realised this is the real star of their debut album. What a gorgeous, delicious blend of disco, electronica and androgyny this is!Yummy!
1. The Polyphonic Spree - Section 22 (Running Away)
One of the happiest and uplifting songs there is this year. "It's like running away with the wind in my face, it's like flying...and you and me are open wide" This is happiness that's soaring without a care. Also the instrumentation seems like a throwback to the 70's somewhat. Me love retro.
- Music:The sound of 2008 ending.
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