Album Review: Childish Gambino, because the internet

Childish Gambino, aka Donald Glover (you know, that guy from Community) is an actor, writer, comedian, singer, rapper and producer from California. Because the internet is Gambino's second studio album, his first being Camp. It was released in the December of 2013 and yes, I know, all of my reviews are long overdue...

Gambino actually wrote a screenplay to accompany this album, which I think is quite a clever way to add more dimensions to his music. This album is very story driven, which means that each song of the album effortlessly flows into the next. This is done by repeated samples and a progressive story. I love how he chose to centre around a theme for this album, that is technology and how how it effects social interactions between people. He makes many references to technology in his lyrics such as "hashtag", "retweet" and "trolling". Similarly, an interpretation of the song 'II. Worldstar' is that it's depicting the internet as a sadistic place with attention seeking users, doing anything to gain "likes" or "hits". I think the fact that Gambino is actually writing about the topic of technology and the issues of it provides him with a niche in an otherwise saturated industry. He also had some very impressive artists feature on his album, names such as Chance the Rapper, Azealia Banks and Jhene Aiko.

The instrumental solos in some of Gambino's tracks are stunning. The end of the track "II. Worldstar" has a beautiful sax solo, which not only gives it a jazz feel but also adds to the hopelessness of the song (picture lone man playing in a window of a large apartment building in New York). Also the interlude 'playing around before the party starts' features a dark, descending piano solo with light chatter in the background, foreshadowing a somber ending.

Each track of the album seems to be influenced by a different genre, genres such as jazz (as previously mentioned), hip hop, Iranian even, pop and r n' b especially. Also many of the songs have ethereal and magical (for lack of a better word) sounding instrumentals, which provides an unworldly element to the track. For example "i. the worst guys", "i. pink toes" and "iii. life: the biggest troll". However I think that these ethereal sounds are used to echo the lyrics and the theme of the song. Take the track "i. pink toes" for example, the first line of this track is "rainbows, sunshine everywhere we go". These lyrics create images of a utopian world, which I believe Gambino is trying to reinforce with the use of his instrumentals, therefore reiterating to his audience that this perfect world is unrealistic.

Some highlights of this album for me are "i. pink toes", purely because of the stunning vocals and the melody line is catchy. Also "v. 3005" because I enjoy the rhythm of the song and how it moves (and probably because my friend and I know the whole rap - I'm not even going to pretend I'm not proud of that fact). Lastly "ii. shadows" because it was the first song I heard from Childish Gambino and I feel like it's a good place to start. However I always look back on my old reviews with different favourite songs, so it's probably going to change. All in all, it's a stellar album.

I give Childish Gambino's 'because the internet' a 4 out of 5 stars.

Album Hall #2

As I mentioned in my previous post, I'm building (slowly but steadily) a CD collection and I have accumulated a good few albums over the last month or so.

ÁSGEIR: In The Silence
I received this for christmas, back in December and I'm pleased I did because it's a stunning album. I'm mostly only buying albums that I already love just because I think that's a good place to start. Anyway, the album is pretty good yet what Àsgeir lacks is versatility within his music. All in all though, a good album to listen to in the background.

CHILDISH GAMBINO: Because The Internet
This one I bought a week ago. I haven't listened to the whole album yet but I have listened to a few tracks such as 3005, Crawl, Oakland and a couple others and enjoyed them. Childish Gambino a.k.a. Donald Glover (from the TV show Community) is not only a singer but a rapper. His songs tell a story and are at times comical, Glover has a true solid voice throughout the songs I've listened to thus far, which makes me believe his authenticity.

BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB: So Long, See You Tomorrow
I. Am. Obsessed. With this album. I love every single track on this record as each brings me back to the summer of '13 when I discovered it. This album is one I can see my self going back to in years to come. Highly recommend.

CLOUD CONTROL: Dream Cave
Another album that I have a lot of love for. Again, I love each track and I haven't found myself getting sick of any of the songs and I've listened to it for a year or so consistently. I was reading an interview a couple of months back and discovered that Cloud Control actually recorded each song in a cave, which isn't hard to believe as each song has a lovely mystic sound to it with beautiful reverb (which I assume is accredited to the acoustics in the cave).

ANGUS AMD JULIA STONE: Self-titled
I've actually written a review on this album so if you want to find out more about it you can read it here. But again I love this album, it brings me back memories of summer also because of the laid-back vibes of each track particularly towards the front end of the album.

I have also stolen (I use that word loosely) three albums from my parents collection and those are Beyoncé's B'Day album (my favourite of hers), The Smiths - Best...1 and The Cranberries - No Need To Argue.

Album Haul

I have completely neglected this blog. But I'm going to make excuses and blame it on exams and the fact that our internet has been and currently is, utter shit. Anyway, I've been spending money but I like to believe it's towards a positive cause. The music industry. I have decided to build my CD collection because I used to have, up to a week ago, only two CDs; those being the Saddle Club Soundtrack and a So Fresh Summer Hits compilation dating back to the good old early '000's. Therefore I will show you the CDs I have bought:

PAPA VS. PRETTY: White Deer Park

I actually bought this album a couple of months ago when I attended the BallPark Music gig which I have a blogpost on reviewing the show, which I will link here. I bought this album because I was in a spendy mood and it was only $10 so how could I resist? This album is permanently in my car and it's a good album for road trips and rainy days. It's okay. The tracks all seem to blend into one and it takes a couple of listens to actually be able to distinguish each song. The only track that seems to stand out and actually display variation in the band's songwriting, is Smother which is rock influenced and has a real anthem vibe that I dig.

OF MONSTERS AND MEN: My Head Is An Animal

This was a gift from my mum's friend about a week ago. I must admit I haven't had a chance to listen to the full album but I have listened to a few of the individual tracks. It's a solid album and is easy-listening. Their sound is generally folk influenced and both vocalists have stunning voices. A good winter album.

SHE & HIM: Volume 3

I have never actually heard of this band before and again I haven't had a chance to listen to the album yet. Although I do recognize the girl on the front to be Zooey Deschanel, so I'm intrigued to listen to their stuff. I will report back.

HAIM: Days Are Gone

As I said in my previous post, I'm kind of over Haim's music as I listened to them heaps last October - December. Yet I do still believe it's a solid summery, easy-listening album with some good pop-rock tracks. I recommend this album to those looking for something new this summer. But as for myself, I'll give it a listen again this summer but probably not as much as the others.

BOY & BEAR: Harlequin Dream

Again, this is another band I got over last year although to be fair I haven't given this album a good crack yet. From what I've heard of it, that is Southern Son and Three-Headed Women, I'm not as big of a fan of it as I have been of previous albums, but I will give it another go as I'm generally a fan of their music and their slight folk influences. 

BANKS: Goddess

I am a massive fan of BANKS otherwise known as Jillian Banks, and I can tell you now I have listened to the album over 10 times now.  I find her music to be incredibly honest and raw. BANKS really adapts her tone to suit the theme of her songs, which I find many vocalists don't seem to find the need to do. The highlights of this album for me are Fuck Em' Only We Know, Stick, and Warm Water although I am obsessed with each track. 

HOZIER: Self-titled

Again I haven't had a chance to listen to this album all the way through although I have listened to Take Me To Church and From Eden, which have a similar sound. Yet I have had a brief listen to other tracks like Cherry Wine, which is quite different to the other two tracks previously mentioned, this shows the versatility of this Irish singer-songwriter. I'm looking forward to being able to listen to this album as a full body of work and I might write a review on it in the future.

Musicians Who Not Only Rock It Out On Stage

Laugh at me all you want, but that is literally the only title I could come up with. In an ideal world I would have created some really cool pun, combining both fashion and music, but apparently I am not as wordily talented as I thought I was. Anyway, basically I have composed a list of my top 5 favourite artists who are style-stalk worthy. Before I clumsily construct anymore sentences, I'm going to get on with it.

Number 5: Broods

Broods is a duo from New Zealand consisting of Georgia Nott (lead vocals) and older brother and multi instrumentalist Caleb Nott who works on the production and backing vocals of their tracks. Their most notable or recognisable song would probably be Mother & Father, which is a cool, icy, electro-pop number from their new album Evergreen. I must admit that I haven't paid much attention as to what Caleb has been wearing as both of my eyes have been fully focused on Georgia. 

I love the sports luxe reference of the shorts, combined with the heels to balance the look together. And her hair. Love. It.

 Okay I must admit that Caleb is in need of an honourable mention here for that awesome bomber jacket, which I kinda need in my life right now. But also, I love the half-length sleeves on what seems to be a kimono inspired cover-up?

An all black outfit that is cleverly broken up by the slice of midriff. And her hair again! Very, very cool.

Number 4: Haim
Haim (pronounced Hime) is a pop-rock, all American band combined of the three sisters Este, Danielle and Alana Haim. Their records are consistently bright and summery, perfect for hot-weather barbecues or lying by the pool. Although I've almost progressed from their music, their style, clothing wise,  is still completely current and relevant to me. 

 (from left to right) Danielle, Alana and Este
Love Alana's leather shorts and cropped high-neck textured top that creates a simple but completely effortlessly cool look. I also adore Danielle's leather gilet, which is toning down the inevitable farmer vibes that are radiating from her tucked in flannel and belted trousers number.

 I'm really digging Este's simplicity in this long-legged, black jump suit outfit with the cinched in waist to sort of separate the two sections whilst giving her a bit of shape simultaneously. Also love her sunnies, especially that beautiful muted orange colour. But most of all that STUNNING coat that Danielle is wearing, with the less-is-more style of the white T-shirt dress.

Turtle-neck? Check. Monochrome? Check. Grid pattern? Check. This straight dress is literal perfection with the tied-around-the-waist sports luxe jumper adding just enough shape and detail to contribute and not take away from this outfit. Love the coordination of the second outfit to give off a I-just-came-off-the-run-way-and-I'm-totally-rocking-it feel.

Number 3: Wild Belle

If I'm going to be honest Wild Belle is a band I have only recently discovered. They remind me almost of Sticky Fingers, especially in the song Keep You. Wild Belle are an American band comprised of siblings (can you see a common thread here?) Elliot and Natalie Bergman. Their music combines an array of genres plastered together in a way that is perfectly cohesive, much like their clothes.

 Ah, I love clashing so much, and it works here flawlessly. I'm focusing mostly on beard-and-hair-central here (let's be honest I'm jealous of his hair) but I'm digging this rock reference that's gained by the button down shirt and cropped blazer. I'm also admiring Natalie's beautiful arm cuffs.

 All I can say is, the 60's in a shirt.

I have been lusting over a white suit for a really long time. What both siblings did right here is find one that is cut in a really cool, modern and up-to date way. Love. Love. Love.

Number 2: Grimes

Grimes or Claire Boucher is a Canadian producer, artist, musician, singer-songwriter and music video director. Her music is influenced by a wide array of genres such as electronic, hip-hop and medieval (I told you there was a use for the Dorian Mode ;) ) Her clothes definitely reflect her experimental music and I'm obsessed.

 I am obsessed with her green ombre hair, I think it looks so cool and so her. Not to mention that amazing army parka/coat.

 Oh yes. Oh yes. Oh. Yes. First of all that denim gilet has been on my want list for at least a year now, ever since that Zara one sold out. :'( Secondly that maxi dress is so perfectly bedazzled that I'm in love. And lastly, how does one purchase such stunning pieces?

This is probably my favourite out of all her looks. I love the school girl and boy influences these pieces radiate. The plaited piggy-tails. The denim culottes. The stockings. The trainers. It's androgynous in the most beautiful way possible. 

Number 1: FKA twigs

And lastly and most importantly the most well-dressed musician out there (in my opinion would have to be FKA twigs, otherwise known as Tahliah Barnett, who is an English singer-songwriter, producer and dancer. Her music is a mixture of electronic, chill and she includes slight references to R&B. 

 If I'm going to be honest I just really like this photo and of course her Tee, and her hair, and her make-up.

 This outfit is honestly flawless. The culottes, lingerie-inspired top paired with the Doc Martins combine an array of styles that fit together like a jigsaw. Her sassy pout and wind-swept wavy hair really does add to the look.

I really do love this outfit. Her hair, first of all, wow! I just love how effortlessly cool she manages to look in this all black number and I adore her tarnished gold necklaces. 

I love how Twigs really allowed the printed trousers to speak for themselves. She kept them a statement by pairing them with classic brown Timberlands and a simple black crop with vibrant red lips.

Album Review/Gig Review: Ball Park Music, Puddinghead

I attended Ball Park Music's album release for Puddinghead* on Saturday the 3rd of May at the Corner Hotel. It was the best gig/concert/music performance thing that I have ever been to. And that says a whole lot. Everything about it was perfect the support acts, the music, the crowd, the venue, the weather. I booked the tickets a while ago as I planned to go with some friends who went with me to the San Cisco performance around the same time last year. I saved the album to my Spotify and I couldn't stop playing it. So you could say I really liked the album as it stood. But as soon as I heard it live, along with many of my favourite Ball Park Music songs from previous albums, it turned to true love. (excuse my clicheness (it's a word)).

The thing I loved most about Ball Park Music's performance was the fact that they really put on a show, they entertained and I think that's the thing that has started to lack from performances lately. Artists tend to just play their songs exactly as they are on their albums, without changing a thing and with as little interaction as possible. But both Ball Park Music, Papa vs Pretty and Holy Holy (the support acts), really talked to the people who had paid to see them. Ball Park Music, especially, changed their songs up a little with longer guitar/drum solos and I remember during one of their songs (I can't remember which one) they had a massive break in which Sam changed into a leopard print dressing gown, leaving the audience in suspense, before they went on to completing the song.

Anyway onto the actual album. Ball Park Music are a band from Brisbane, Australia made up of frontman Sam Cromack (guitar/vocals), Jennifer Boyce (bass/backing vocals), Paul Furness (keys/trombone), and twins Dean Hanson (guitar/backing vocals) and Daniel Hanson (drums/backing vocals). They released they're first EP back in the April of 2009 which was titled Rolling on the Floor, Laughing Ourselves to Sleep. They have released three full albums in total which include; Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs, Museum and now Puddinghead. Puddinghead managed to reach number 2 on the Australian iTunes Chart, which is a massive achievement for the band. The most popular songs on the record was the leading single She Only Loves Me When I'm There, as well as Trippin' the Light Fantastic and Everything is Shit Except My Friendship With You. 

She Only Loves Me When I'm There:
This was the first song that really caught my attention and separated itself from the others. It starts off slowly with merely a synth accompanying Cromack's amazing voice. Then it breaks out into a strong drum beat and a fab electric guitar riff. The song continues to build before exploding into the lyric the song is titled after, 'SHE ONLY LOVES ME WHEN I'M THERE'. The song concludes by bringing you right back to where you started, slow, with a synth and ending on a high note (literally: ba doom tsh).

Trippin' the Light Fantastic:
Again this song starts off slow with a synth accompanying the fast-paced and well written lyrics. This proceeds into a voice-altered/electro-feeling 'trippin' the lights fantastic' to act as a hook-line and to assist with the transition from verse to chorus. This song is very energetic and I love the mix of the horns and electric guitars. A high-light on the album and amazing live.

Everything is Shit Except My Friendship With You: 
This track begins with a really lovely and easy-listening guitar riff which is carried throughout the first  verse. After the short verse there are a few bars which consist solely of drums and electric guitars which really helps to bring the energy levels up in the song and assists in preparing you for the chorus. The chorus itself is incredibly fun with a simple harmony just to bring something extra.

I give Puddinghead a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

*You can purchase this album from iTunes, and you can check out Ball Park Music's website at: http://www.ballparkmusic.com/home

Lemonade Stand: Summer Mix Tape

Do you love music? Is your taste in music impeccable? If you answered yes to both of those questions, than I'm 99% sure that you're going to love my brand new 2014 Summer Mix Tape! Yay! I've decided that I'm going to release a new mix tape  at the turn of each new season, which means that my next mix tape will be coming out in Autumn, if I know my seasons well enough that is.

I have labeled this mix tape 'Lemonade Stand' and it combines a bunch of upbeat songs that I've been rockin' out to this summer. Bands such as The Preatures, Cloud Control, Half Moon Run, The Cure and even Queen (which was a shock to me as well).

My aim in creating these mix tapes is to share my love for music to the world, or my little corner of the internet, and hook people up into what is my massive obsession. Feel free to 'like' my mix tape on tape.ly and if you have created a mix tape yourself that you are ever so eager to share than please link it down in the comments below because I love discovering new music as much as I love lemonade and that's a whole lot.

Click here to be taken to my playlist

Being Good But Not Good Enough

Music definitely plays it's part in my list of 'top 3 things that make my life good'. Without meaning to blow my own trumpet in any way at all, I know that I do have talent, at some standard, musically. I love to play, listen and create music because in the simplest of statements, it makes me happy. Very happy. I've always gone along, prancing around the world thinking that music was the thing I was best at and although that may still be true now, it's the thing that struck me around 4 months ago that brings panic, alarm and mostly confusion into my already muddled up head. What if I'm not good enough? I'm sorry to be all pessimistic and negative nelly on you and I don't expect fake reassurance of 'Oh of course you're good enough' or 'Don't say that, doubting yourself is never good' but I'm being realistic and my life was in serious need of a reality check.

So what am I supposed to do if the thing that I am best at is not of a high enough standard to be considered seriously? Unless I'm wrong, unless I haven't discovered the thing that I'm best at yet. Or perhaps there's not one thing that stands out among the all the other stuff I'm average at. Okay now I really should stop...

I know I'm only 15 and this sounds so cliche and so cringe-worthy, 'oh no the high-shool student is confused about life', but it matters to me because I feel like I've lost the most important hobby I had. I guess the next step is to compromise, to mix and match. I've been told I can keep music as a hobby on the side, or become a music journalist or a producer but I've never wanted to be someone on the sidelines, I want to be in the thick of it where the heart of the music is because that's what I love. The creative side, all the outtakes and the 100 versions of the same track, I want to see how the music evolves from a basic tune and a string of lyrics into something so amazing, something so fantastic. It's not fair that music can have such a massive effect on my life yet I can make barely an imprint in the definition of it.