FreshMusic: January 2013

Sunday, 27 January 2013

Wild Belle-Keep You

You get sibling groups that are simply atrocious (see Jedward), but then you get some quality music from others like Chicago brother-sister band Wild Belle. Their music is certainly not what you're expecting when you say "indie rock", especially in their new single Keep You. Electro seems to be in this year, as yet again there are moments of cool beats and then a tantalising jazz sound just adds to the quality of this. It's definitely one you would start singing if it came on the radio and is just so damn catchy.

Rating: 8/10

Who is your favourite sibling band? Is music getting better in the USA? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Wild Belle-Keep You" here>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLKOmXm6W3s

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Saturday, 26 January 2013

Tim Burgess-The Doors of Then

Tim Burgess has been relatively low profile since he went solo, even bleaching his hair a ridiculous colour in the process, but the ex-Charlatans man seems to do a good job when playing. His new single The Doors of Then is simple, yet still great. Imagine Paul McCartney solo with a southern sound and you get this single. It may not be unique nor exciting, yet the simplicity of this song and the way it's performed gives him some credibility.

Rating: 7/10

Do you prefer The Charlatans or Tim Burgess' solo career? What does "The Doors of Then" remind you of? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Tim Burgess-The Doors of Then" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR56uT75amk

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Friday, 25 January 2013

Roots Manuva-Banana Skank

Hip-hop veteran Roots Manuva is back after not releasing anything since 2011 with a new EP and now a new single called Banana Skank. This dub-hip-hop is not bad depending on how you listen to it. It did admittedly take me a couple of listens to enjoy this, showing it's difficult listening that is involved. The track sounded almost like trashy street music with a dub beat, but little things make it significant. The chorus ultimately makes this song with it's more lively parts coming then. The addition of the Jamaican accent tops this song off in what may be some of his best trash.

Rating: 7/10

Have you ever been called a "Banana Skank"? What do you personally think about Roots Manuva? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Roots Manuva-Banana Skank" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPLdv0zlhFs

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Paramore-Now

I really, really want Paramore to be great, but they are just average. Starting on a high with Misery Business, they haven't accomplished much since. They come back with an underwhelming new single Now. Hayley Williams has hardly an incredible lead singer as it was, but it is very easy to be disinterested listening to this. The verses make the song promising with decent riffs reminiscing LA rockers Deap Vally and Williams really rolling through them, but the chorus sounds a bit too slow and uncreative to even the song up. Slightly disappointing overall in which could have been a great song.

Rating: 6/10

How do you rate Paramore now compared to their first album? Have they turned into a chart band like Coldplay? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Paramore-Now" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAUAayPYX_o

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Jessie Ware-Sweet Talk

She has already wowed people with her single Night Light, but Jessie Ware has now shown a more of a cool, soulful sound in her new song Sweet Talk. Eighties beats are merged with a voice that has been described as "angelic" as Jessie makes her most recent piece of music a little more up-tempo. Although it's easier to listen to, overall it's not as good as her previous work, but I am not condemning it. It's good, fun, relaxing music and she is showing why she's the prodigy of pop.

Rating: 7/10

Who do you think will breakthrough in pop this year? What do you think about Jessie Ware's new song? Is it better than the rest? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Jessie Ware-Sweet Talk" here>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9IsJ2MYKQI

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Thursday, 24 January 2013

Bingo Players feat. Far East Movement-Get Up (Rattle)

Does this song sound familiar? Well if it doesn't, then you have certainly been living in a bubble. Last year Bingo Players released one of the best dance tunes of the year under the name Rattle. Now, (teaming up with Far East Movement) they re-release their song in an attempt for more chart success, renaming it Get Up (Rattle). The video is hilarious, but if vigilante ducks isn't your thing, then you may like the music itself. Some will argue that having Far East Movement almost MCing the track has ruined it, but if anything it has made it better. You can imagine more people singing this now as there are lyrics to it, as well as that little scream of "GET UP" before the "chorus" making this track sound so much more alive than before. Some will moan about how this song is no longer original, but sometimes original things have to be changed to be better.

Rating: 8/10

What version do you prefer? The original or the one featuring Far East Movement? What songs are better than their original version? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Bingo Players featuring Far East Movement-Get Up (Rattle)" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_BGKyAKigs

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Wednesday, 23 January 2013

Bebe Black-Deathwish

Just like Jessie Ware, Bebe Black has managed to work a cool type of pop, one that won't send you on a rant about "how you hate music these days". She works electro-pop very well and has been dubbed as the new La Roux, and she may be great filler while we wait on another album from the electronic duo. Her new and breakthrough song Deathwish combines the elements of Emeli Sande-esque pop with the cool sound of La Roux, making the song both tragic, yet fun at the same time. She could be a star, watch out for her.

Rating: 7/10

Who looks like an unknown rising star in 2013? Are you loving this mix of genres that Bebe Black is working? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Bebe Black-Deathwish" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZpFpOZStu4

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Amelia Lily-Shut Up (And Give Me Whatever You Got)

Sigh, another X Factor reject. What happened to Amelia Lily anyway? She was dubbed a "rock chick" on the singing competition and I was genuinely excited to see if she could produce anything close to the likes of P!nk, turns out she has went far from it. She follows up from here disappointing debut You Bring Me Joy with a new and not-so terrible single Shut Up (And Give Me Whatever You Got). This is however, in no means fantastic. She just sounds better as she is able to stretch her voice, unlike the underwhelming debut single, yet still manages to leave listeners disinterested and bored. She should have taken her own direction, but that's what pop does to you.

Rating: 5/10

Who is your favourite X Factor reject? Do you like Amelia Lily's dance tunes or prefer her doing something more rock?

Listen to "Amelia Lily-Shut Up (And Give Me Whatever You Got) here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozwKs_H789w

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Sunday, 20 January 2013

The Neighbourhood-Let It Go

Californian group The Neighbourhood are a new and upcoming hip-hop group, and they spell "Neighbourhood" right! (Not like the rest of you damn Americans). They aren't the best sounding new hip-hop group, but they definitely can tweak their material to make it perfection. Their new single Let It Go has a touch of mainstream - looking like it could easily be a Coldplay record - but it's that tiny bit cool, making quite enjoyable. I've got a feeling they will become horribly overrated soon, but for now, they are cool and making good music.

Rating: 6/10

What artists do you think will break into the charts this year? Do you think The Neighbourhood are overrated? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "The Neighbourhood-Let It Go" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbvpM8Yj5Fk

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

The Milk-(All I Wanted Was) Danger

Damn this is cool. London band The Milk have brought rock n' roll back with their new song (All I Wanted Was) Danger. This soul rock is so fresh I almost forgot what genre this was and it is nice to see it being revived. Frontman Rick Nunn has a very unique voice, making it noticeable, but not annoying. The backing vocals add to the class of this song and the whole theme of it makes it sound very old school. With an edgy 60s sound, this track is enough to make you want to see The Milk live.

Rating: 8/10

What's your favourite new band of 2013? Do you like the sound of this song and should it be revived? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "The Milk-(All I Wanted Was) Danger" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLtWdLBZR44

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

The Heartbreaks-Hand On Heart

It might be quite guilty pleasure indie, but there's something enjoyable about The Heartbreaks. They are awfully similar to The Ordinary Boys and they can get annoying as all they talk about is love. However, their new single Hand On Heart has something original about it. It may be sickening and almost lovey-dovey pop rock, but they make it almost like a lighter Miles Kane record (although never as good). They may not win any awards for being cool, but there's something nice about them that you won't admit to your friends.

Rating: 6/10

What other guilty pleasure bands are you a fan of? What is your opinion about love rockers? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "The Heartbreaks-Hand On Heart" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW3fcFD5HIc

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Teleman-Christina

This is a lovely tranquil song from new band Teleman from London. Now after hearing this song, I realised that the vocals on the singer sounded very familiar, and that was because Teleman are what used to be Pete and the Pirates, except better. Just like the former band, they brought something new to the table and this time they have went for more of a nerdy rock, rather than their happy pop punk. Their debut single Christina is pretty slow, yet it manages to get you singing. They now have a sound of Alt-J, except still being different. If Teleman take this as their future, they were more than right to split Pete and the Pirates as they have found an even better sound.

Rating: 7/10

Do you think Teleman are better than Pete and the Pirates? What do you make of their new single "Christina"? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Teleman-Christina" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYZPUdNCt08

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Sonic Boom Six-Keep On Believing

I rarely have made up my mind in 20 seconds, but I certainly condemned this song in that time. The ska-punk group Sonic Boom Six from Manchester may have finally let the city down this week with their unremarkable new single Keep On Believing. The lead singer sounds like a child on helium and creates a very happy atmosphere, whilst the guitars and drums almost make a metal atmosphere, making this song not only unstructured, but very confusing. Hard to believe this is the band's 11th year together, but seeing how 3 people have left the band in the past, there's a reason to not believe anymore.

Rating: 1/10

Is there any part of you that likes this song? What bands do you think should have given it up long ago? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Sonic Boom Six-Keep On Believing" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA2acAbvAiE

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Saturday, 19 January 2013

Peace-Wraith

Is it OK to call a song sexy? Well I don't care because Birmingham's new psych-rockers Peace's new song Wraith is enough to lure a woman back to your room. Many fans are slating the video - featuring prostitutes - but in actual fact, the video shows just how seductive, yet at the same time, how sleazy this song is. The guitar riffs are acceptable to swagger to and you can look cooler than the band with a soundtrack like this. The crooning background hooks are subtle, yet incredible; Koisser (lead vocals) cries through the chorus with "You can be my ice age sugar"; and the chorus explodes from a discreet, yet slick build up. Best song I've heard so far this year.

Rating: 10/10

How big do you think Peace can get in 2013? What's your favourite song from them on their EP? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Peace-Wraith" here>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI8vZfG7ILU

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Mikky Ekko-Pull Me Down

A few months ago, Mikky Ekko was fairly unknown, but he got a breakthrough on R&B singer Rihanna's recent single Stay. He is now doing what collaborators do best, and that is releasing their own music when they have made it. His single Pull Me Down is quite a slow indie pop record, but despite it being listenable, it's missing something. There is no doubt his name will become big soon, but the Louisiana singer-songwriter doesn't produce any wondrous moments on this track. I think with a bit of tweaking he'll be a star, but right now, nothing too special.

Rating: 6/10

Who would you compare Mikky Ekko too? Is it just me that absolutely loves him stage name? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Mikky Ekko-Pull Me Down" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpVVuJnsUL8

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Mick Hucknall-I'd Rather Go Blind

He has been split from Simply Red for a few years, but lead singer Mick Hucknall's solo career is going strong. He has donned a soul sound for his new album American Soul (Who'd have guessed?), especially in his new single I'd Rather Go Blind which is basically a love song with a cool, slow guitar riff and some pushed vocals from Hucknall. Decent and enjoyable from the Manchester music veteran.

Rating: 6/10

Do you prefer Simply Red or Mick Hucknall's solo career? Would you ever go blind for someone or is Hucknall just mental? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Mick Hucknall-I'd Rather Go Blind" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3_R87GbPkY

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Friday, 18 January 2013

Life In Film-Cold Wire

I have never heard of London band Life In Film (probably due to the fact that they didn't make the public eye until mid 2012) and heard of their new single Cold Wire being released this week. At first I wasn't sure what to think about it, and I almost mistaked it for generic indie, but then I released how addictive them hooks are as they really mesmerise a good old song from The Cure whilst sounding different enough to other bands to not be labelled "a rip off". This band could be hit or miss, so we'll see soon how they get on this year.

Rating: 7/10

What song has got you most excited about Life In Film? What new act excites you the most for 2013? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Life In Film-Cold Wire" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GydmrXt7OOI

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Justin Timberlake feat. Jay Z-Suit and Tie

Two of America's best exports combining in this track, Justin Timberlake and Jay Z couldn't sound much better. JT has managed to gain respect recently after palling up with comedians The Lonely Island and making overall better music, as well as making it in Hollywood; as for Jay Z, he managed to make one of the best albums with Kanye West. Watch the Throne was slick and cool, so the two together is exciting. The smart-sounding Suit and Tie starts off as dapper as the song title, but as the beat picks up, it turns temporarily cheesy. Yet, it still sounds smooth with it's great use of trumpets and snare drums, making it sound quite classy. Then Jay Z's bridge is pretty average, as he disappointingly doesn't get a great enough contribution to the song. Nevertheless it is a cool tune.

Rating: 7/10

Is there much cooler than Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z? Which one will have the best 2013? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Justin Timberlake featuring Jay-Z-Suit and Tie" here>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJzRZ0T5ewc

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

I Am Kloot-These Days Are Mine

It's hard to think that a band that make decent music haven't been recognised that well is it? Despite Manchester rockers I Am Kloot being around for over 13 years, they have hardly made a ripple in the water, staying fairly low - but that's sometimes a good thing. Their new song These Days Are Mine sounds a little Britpop and a little dad rock, making it sound just a bit drab and not outstanding. Their upcoming album will be their sixth album and even though it might not be great, they sure enjoy making the music.

Rating: 5/10

Are there any bands that you feel are past their sell-by date and should give it up? Do you know what "I Am Kloot" means? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "I Am Kloot-These Days Are Mine" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNPX6pvaNTQ

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Fryars-Love So Cold

He may have been an underwhelming, pretentious electropop artist in the past, but Fryars is back and making good music in 2013. He returns, with a different persona, a different style and different songs. So he returns with gloomy single Love So Cold. It's a piece of jumbly electro with the echoing voice of Fryars moping about romance and the sudden drop in temperature. He may have made one of the best turnarounds in music, as his new album looks like it could be nominated for a Mercury Prize - before it has even been released. Watch out for him this year.

Rating: 7/10

What is the greatest turnaround in music for you? Do you think Fryars could be a surprise package this year? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Fryars-Love So Cold" here>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-LbYJhE0CU

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @RealMickHouston

Thursday, 17 January 2013

Frida Sundemo-Indigo

Another export from Sweden, disco pop artist Frida Sundemo hails from Gothenburg, a beautiful city with beautiful people and in this case, beautiful music. Despite studying Medicine (which she has temporarily put on hold) she has decided to spurt a creative side in herself which she shows in newly released song Indigo. It is almost like a more sedated Robyn track, but yet sounds very Ellie Goulding at the same time. It's cutesy, but apart from that it doesn't get the imaginative juices going. It's more than capable of being an addictive Fifa song, but it's not enough to cause any motions in the waves.

Rating: 6/10

Do you love this new breath of fresh talent? Are Scandinavian artists starting to take over? Comment below with your opinions.

Listen to "Frida Sundemo-Indigo" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMlbEm45kGo

For updates, follow me on my new Twitter name: @ML0g

Wednesday, 16 January 2013

Biffy Clyro-Black Chandelier

In modern day rock ballads, no one does it better than Ayr rockers Biffy Clyro. So, their upcoming album Opposites keeps this tradition going with their new single Black Chandelier. There is a gradual build-up to the chorus (much like earlier single Stingin' Belle) before a chorus is belted out with a crashing sound of guitars and the sound of Simon Neil screaming out "But there's a black chandelieerr". Biffy are great at making romantic, yeah quality rock songs and as much as chart success won't show it, this will be a hit in arenas this spring.

Rating: 9/10

How would you rate Biffy Clyro's albums in order? Do you prefer Black Chandelier to the likes of Many of Horror? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Biffy Clyro-Black Chandelier" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myc_RViTHhY

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @RealMickHouston

50 Cent feat. Adam Levine & Eminem-My Life

Looking at the three artists involved and the fact it is 2013 made me worried about this track. Rapper 50 Cent has been overrated for the majority of his career with no real tremors in recent years; Adam Levine turned Maroon 5 into an annoying pop band with their song Payphone; and Eminem's albums have slowly got worse as he does not suit a deep album. So, all three together looked tragic on paper, yet, their new single My Life is not as bad as I initially thought. The rapping is very (what I like to call) happy rap and although 50 Cent and Eminem don't belong in a pop song, it sort of works. It has a cool edge to it and is universally enjoyable. A decent start to the week in music.

Rating: 7/10

What do you make of 50 Cent's return to music? What do you make of the single? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "50 Cent featuring Adam Levine & Eminem-My Life" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN4fNaUAMbA

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @RealMickHouston

Sunday, 13 January 2013

Vato Gonzalez vs Lethal Bizzle & Donae'O-Not A Saint

But of clubbing music for you now, thanks to Dutch DJ Vato Gonzalez and English rappers Lethal Bizzle and Donae'O. They together have made the song Not A Saint which as much is not one for amazing lyrics, will be a popular dance track for many of "the lads". Bizzle and Donae'O contribute with their rapping and Gonzalez plays some decent beats, but it is drastically poor and epitomises what is wrong with music these days.

Rating: 5/10

Can you tolerate this type of music? Does this song show what is terrible in music? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Vato Gonzalez vs Lethal Bizzle & Donae'O-Not A Saint" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oS4q2g7RJ4A

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @RealMickHouston

Josh Kumra-Waiting For You

Best known as a Wretch 32 collaborator, Josh Kumra is often associated with the chart hit Don't Go and not as a solo artist, but this guy has tonnes of talent (as showed at T In the Park where he done an acoustic version of Don't Go). He isn't as famous now, but his music is still more than satisfactory and he keeps this form up with his new single Waiting For You. The tranquil song is at parts pretty poor and unoriginal for a love song, but the voice is great, the backing vocals are hooking and it passes for decent. One of those people you cannot deny is gifted, just not enough to set the world alight.

Rating: 7/10

Do you prefer Josh Kumra as a collaborator or a solo artist? Do you like his new song? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Josh Kumra-Waiting For You" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukxEpX8kXm8

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @RealMickHouston

Kendrick Lamar-Backseat Freestyle

This is my 200th post so I had to give it to a pretty special song. So, it goes to hip-hop sensation Kendrick Lamar's bold new song Backseat Freestyle from his album good kid, m.A.A.d city. Some think this is complete trash with what to some people see as Kendrick shouting down a microphone about bitches and comparing his dick to the Eiffel Tower, but there is more to this song than that. The lyrics almost seem childish, before you realise that it is the point of view of a 16 year old Kendrick. The song starts with "Martin had a dream, Martin had a dream, Kendrick has a dream" showing that just like civil rights leader Martin Luther King, he has an unrealistic but possible dream to fulfill. His teenage self constantly wishes to be a man "All my life I want money and power...I pray my dick get big as the Eiffel Tower" as well as showing how ignorant the average teenager can be. Catchy hip-hop and maybe he'll lead a new wave of it with the likes of Frank Ocean.

Rating: 9/10

Are you loving Kendrick Lamar's new album? Do you think he can be as great as the likes of Kanye West? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Kendrick Lamar-Backseat Freestyle" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZW7et3tPuQ

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @RealMickHouston

Saturday, 12 January 2013

Fugative-O.T.T

Is it just me that remembers Fugative? For those of you who don't, he made an incredibly poor hip-hop song when he was 16 (but really he looked 13) and he wasn't very good. Now he's grown up and a womaniser, rapping about woman and just looking like a douche, especially in his new song O.T.T. A mix of dance beats and some Z-List rapping makes this laughable. He tries to convince those with his bling "money blowin', chain glowing but the nikeys are free". Wow, riveting stuff. He's just as embarrassing now as his pre-pubescent self.

Rating: 4/10

Does anyone actually like Fugative these days? Is British rap going downhill? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Fugative-O.T.T" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jj_J5jNzXg

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @RealMickHouston

Friday, 11 January 2013

Everything Everything-Kemosabe

It looks like their second album Arc (also released this week) will have improved a lot after their disappointing first album. So, you would think indie-pop band Everything Everything would have some exceptional tunes on this album? Their new single and brilliantly-named Kemosabe is a mix of synth, guitar rock and electronic beats. The riffs are slick and unique, with front man Jonathan Higgs donning his well-known high-pitched voice and belting out the common repetitive lyrics, which they're known for. The intro before the first chorus is a real selling point, laying down a really cool foundation for the rest of the song. It's a really fun tune - especially at the chorus - but trust me, you will struggle to sing the lyrics to this song.

Rating: 8/10

Do you prefer Everything Everything's new material now? Is it just me that can't understand the lyrics to this song? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Everything Everything-Kemosabe" here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKKMfJ8cZoQ

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @RealMickHouston

Thursday, 10 January 2013

Deap Vally-Lies

The Californian duo Deap Vally are making some incredible music which makes me all the more excited for their debut album. Their new single Lies is full of grungy hooks and some awesome guitar riffs from vocalist/guitarist Lindsey Troy which is backed up well by the more than capable drumming of Julie Edwards. Crooning guitars and the unique, red hot voice of Troy is enough to make this a real rock record. It is definitely a song to play at big venues, which they surely be playing in five years time.

Rating: 9/10

Are you looking forward to their debut album? Do you think they can emulate being compared to the likes of The Black Keys or The White Stripes? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Deap Vally-Lies" here at the 2hrs 21mins mark. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01pfb3f

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @RealMickHouston

Bat For Lashes-A Wall

2013 looks promising for BRIT Awards nominee Natasha Khan (aka Bat For Lashes) after a successful 2012 and her album The Haunted Man was one of the albums of the year. She starts the new year with her new single A Wall which is mystical synth-pop with the usual slow beat, but sounding very loving in this single. Not much else to say from a good song, but it's not much more than that.

Rating: 7/10

What is Bat For Lashes' best album? What is the best track off of her most recent album "The Haunted Man"? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Bat For Lashes-A Wall" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu_vEIw4kh0

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @RealMickHouston

Tuesday, 8 January 2013

A$AP Rocky feat. Kendrick Lamar, Drake and 2Chainz-Fucking Problems

This is like a rap fans wet dream, seeing three rap prospects and well, Drake, team up to make a record worthy of the charts. The uncensored version of the song Fucking Problems is pretty solid. The main man of this song A$AP Rocky boasts his way through this record with the help of hip-hop prodigy Kendrick Lamar and 2Chainz which has a scorching chorus full of spitting lyrics, swearing and testosterone. Catchy and full of rage, this is for your iPod.

Rating: 8/10

Who do you think will shine in 2013 in hip-hop? Do you love or hate Drake? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "A$AP Rocky featuring Kendrick Lamar, Drake and 2Chainz-Fucking Problems" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tqmIsF4s48

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @RealMickHouston

Sunday, 6 January 2013

Romanz-My Angel

Oh dear. This is pretty crap. Imagine a South African Westlife, except just as bad. African boyband Romanz are unknown in the UK, and I should keep it that way. Their single My Angel is just poor, cheesy, typical boyband material. It's possibly the worst thing to sing to your girlfriend (except from Show Me Your Genitals (look it up)) with it's false romance and excruciatingly painful sound, it's more than enough to make a girl cringe than fall in love with you. Don't try this at home kids.

Rating: 4/10

Are they the worst boyband you have heard? What do you make of their music? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Romanz-My Angel" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LojcQbKYvws

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @RealMickHouston

Red Hot Chili Peppers-Pink As Floyd

*Cue to chuckle at the Pink Floyd pun*. Red Hot Chili Peppers rarely have a poor moment when it comes to their music, and although this isn't a bad song, it's a weaker one from their consistent album I'm With You. Sure, the guitar riffs as usual, are amazing and the for the first couple of the minutes it's pretty crisp and slick; but after that it slows down and becomes messy when it reaches its climax. Still a pretty good song, it just hasn't got the quality like the rest of the tracks.

Rating: 7/10

Red Hot Chili Peppers may be old (and almost grey), but do you still like their new material? What's your favourite track from their latest album, "I'm With You"? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Red Hot Chili Peppers-I'm With You" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcP-nC0lWTc

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @RealMickHouston

Pet Shop Boys-Memory of the Future

Electro and veterans rarely go together and Pet Shop Boys show that most of them should chuck it. Despite their single Leaving being quite a trance-filled dreamy song, they show what's not so great about them with their new track Memory of the Future. The beat is alright is neither catchy or exciting; the vocals are on the verge of excruciatingly painful; and if you put that all together, you just get poorly executed music. I did say I hope they have more of their songs like Leaving, but it's as if they went the other way and just disappointed me.

Rating: 5/10

Do Pet Shop Boys still have it or do you think they have ran out of ideas? Do you agree with this review? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Pet Shop Boys-Memory of the Future" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgU1v3ww0k8

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Saturday, 5 January 2013

Matt Cardle-Anyone Else

Ditched by The X-Factor after a fall out with music mogul Simon Cowell, mainstream rebel Matt Cardle may have just recovered from an abominable start to his music career. After being freed from Syco Records, he is trying to rebuild his career and his new song, Anyone Else could change things for the better. It may be quite soft pop-rock, but it has little moments of quality. The basic riff is simple yet, cool; Cardle himself, seems to be a better writer; and he has a strange mix of Michael Jackson and Red Hot Chili Peppers, making him a B-Side fusion of the two. It is by no means perfection, but it is more than respectable and is easy listening. As long as he doesn't do a ballad cover of another great rock song, I think he will do just fine.

Rating: 7/10

Do you think that Matt Cardle is a better artist now then ever before? Where does he rank in your favourite X-Factor winners? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Matt Cardle-Anyone Else" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5B3suGt89M

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Friday, 4 January 2013

Matrix & Futurebound feat. Baby Blue-Magnetic Eyes

I try and look at the light side of every piece of music in the world, but sometimes the harsh truth is needed, just like the tough love that dance group Matrix and Futurebound need. Their new song Magnetic Eyes featuring the horribly named Baby Blue is hardstyle trash at it's absolute worst. They are Cascada wannabes, and that is bad when you are trying to be like Cascada - but somehow, even worse. Just noise to me.

Rating: 3/10

Do you love hardstyle? Are you a fan of Matrix & Futurebound? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Matrix & Futurebound featuring Baby Blue-Magnetic Eyes" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKQDzpIwAMo

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Wednesday, 2 January 2013

David Guetta feat. Taped Rai-Just One Last Time

It's a new year, but there's certainly no new-sounding music as of yet. French DJ David Guetta leaves the singing this time to Swedish vocal duo Taped Rai in his new, predictable dancefloor tune Just One Last Time. Sounding a little like House music, Guetta has hardly pushed boundaries with this track, despite it's upbeat highlights. You are sure to find this song at your local slammer or nightclub anytime soon.

Rating: 6/10

Do you think this is David Guetta's best collaboration? Do you like "Just One Last Time"? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "David Guetta featuring Taped Rai-Just One Last Time" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NwPPxTYMm8

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Spector-Friday Night, Don't Ever Let It End

Spector had a great 2012 and they continue their success of debut album Enjoy It While It Lasts this week with their sixth single Friday Night, Don't Ever Let It End, 20 months after the release of their first single What You Wanted. The boys have really started a fresh sound in indie disco and have not taken the foot off the pedal since and the new single is no exception. The song is one of many moods. As much as you could argue it's an anthem of enjoying the weekend and hoping it lasts forever, it's also a song for the sad with singer Fred McPherson belting out "I thought it was the weekend, but where are all my friends?" and "Oh give it all up the sun has set, you know that boy is wrong for you", showing that it is as much a heartbreak song than it is an anthem. The crooning guitars in the intro and the thunderous sound at the chorus makes this a sweet single and another bit of fun music from the quintet.

Rating:9/10

How do you rate Spector? What kind of music do you expect from the second album? Express your opinions by commenting below.

Listen to "Spector-Friday Night, Don't Ever Let It End" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-ybWmTwrW4

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Tuesday, 1 January 2013

Top 50 Albums of 2012

Now, due to the length of time I have, I will only list my top 50 albums, with the best songs from each one as well. This year was remarkable for music, really varying from hip-hop to euphoria and indie rock to pop, so here it goes.