broaden your beats

I’ve been a fan of good ‘ole Charlotte Lawrence ever since the released Sleep Talking - the eery yet effortless sounds she creates makes all of her songs ballads to the badass (with a little EDM twist, of course). 

Anyway, this song pops up on my radar and it starts out with the same entry chords of I Put a Spell on You which immediately draws me in. I highly doubt it’s a coincidence since Harley Quinn ‘breaks’ from the Joker’s spell and the entire movie is her finding her way out of being Gotham City’s joke. 

This song became the anthem for the movie since it encompasses the feelings that Harley Quinn goes through in her breakup, but also because it has the get-shit-done attitude she thrives on. This anthem not only opens the movie (GREAT choice, I mean gave me CHILLS) but it shows up at pivotal plot points giving you that full-circle feeling. 

Listen to the lovely song above. Listen to the whole damn soundtrack. Feel the power. Feel the artistry. SING ALONG TO THE COVERS!! Be weird like me and buy a physical copy of the soundtrack. Or be ‘normal’ and stream it here. 

The Aviary by Galantis - Dance 

Girls On Boys (feat. ROZES) // Tell Me You Love Me (feat. Throttle) // Love On Me (feat. Hook N Sling)

Pretty much every song on the album is a bop, so do yourself a favor and blast it. But also get ready to dance like a spaz...

Dua Lipa by Dua Lipa - Pop

New Rules // IDGAF // Bad Together

Can I be the strong, independent, confident woman the Dua Lipa has become?? She is FIIRRREEE.

The Hype by Hoodie Allen - Hip-Hop/Rap

Know It All // All My Friends (feat. State Champs) // Ain’t Ready

Yet another album where Hoodie mixes sounds from different genres and somehow still ends up with hip-hop bops. 

Nervous System by Julia Michaels - Pop

Worst in Me // Make It Up to You // Uh Huh

Unique voice. Unique sound. ‘Nuff said. 

Pacific Daydream by Weezer - Alternative

Beach Boys // Any Friend of Diane’s // Weekend Woman

I mean it’s Weezer...do I really need to have a quip about why you need to listen? No? Yeah, that’s what I thought. 

Rainbow by Kesha - Pop

Woman (feat. The Dap-Kings Horns) // Hunt You Down // Godzilla

SHE’S BAAAAAAAACCKKKK!!!

Reputation by Taylor Swift - Pop

I Did Something Bad // Don’t Blame Me // This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things

Honestly, such a savage album. She is unapologetic about who she is and took back her reputation. ALSO, she basically created her own genre sooooo...

Revival by Eminem - Hip-Hop/Rap

Walk On Water (feat. Beyonce) // River (feat. Ed Sheeran) // Bad Husband (feat. X Ambassadors) // Tragic Endings (feat. Skylar Grey)

Truly is Eminem’s revival. He speaks the truth AND the album features a bunch of amazing artists. (I MEAN BEYONCE C’MON)

The Storm by ZZ Ward - Alternative

Cannonball (feat. Fantastic Negrito) // Domino (feat. Fitz) // She Ain’t Me

This girl has it all - the ability to write a bop, a vintage-inspired look, an attitude that makes you feel like you can conquer anything, effortless vocals AND a song that speaks to the current media scandals. 

Okay so I first started listening to her song ‘Better Off’ and loved that it was Top 40′s but with quirk. You know like when you can’t quite stick a song in a certain genre? I mean the track gets you jamming, but also makes you feel like you’re in the middle of a bunch of instruments that you’ve never heard of. Seriously though, just sit there with your eyes closed and REALLY listen. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at all of the layers. 

So after ‘Better Off’ I obviously did what I do best, and stalked the rest of her music. EVERY SINGLE SONG IS MAGICAL. I swear she just has her own genre. All of her songs are mainstream-esque but with a vintage/throwback feel. Honestly not sure what decades inspired her but you just get that overwhelming feeling of nostalgia and understanding with each of her songs. 

Now to finally mention the media scandal track I alluded to earlier... The track is titled ‘What Do You Want’ and featured above. Here I was thinking I owned all of her songs she has released. NOPE. ‘What Do You Want’ isn’t available on iTunes and honestly that just makes me wonder if the person she wrote it about lashed back and didn’t want her to profit from their embarrassment (not that anyone has a clue who she is singing about). 

ANYWAYS I came upon this Harper’s Bazaar article that explains how she was working with someone in the industry that started to use her. ‘What Do You Want’ is basically her story about breaking free from that relationship and learning to use what she has to better herself and build confidence in others. 

Honestly with the confidence of her music I never would have guessed that she had been through that. Props to you Emily for coming out stronger and spreading your infectious confidence to your audience (or at least me, but I mean that’s still a win right?). CANNOT wait for your first full album ‘cause it’ll be sure to have a first class seat on the success train. 

OKAY so here’s the point where I give you a list of all the songs I like from the artist but instead I’m going to list all of them since they are all AMAZING. 

Now you may be sitting there and asking yourself, “what the hell did she just do?” Or you’re giggling to yourself and saying “nice one, I totally thought they were going to be two different songs.” OR you might be doing exactly what I did when I heard the two songs. You might be playing each back and forth, trying to find the differences. 

I’m going to settle this debate right now, yes these are two different songs. In fact, the Dunez version is a cover of Portugal. The Man’s ‘Feel It Still’. Don’t worry, I did the research (*pushes glasses up nose*). 

(*inserting fun fact here* *yes I know I’m a nerd* ‘Feel It Still’ is an original song meant for Portugal. The Man’s album Woodstock, and samples one of the writer’s earlier hits ‘Please Mr. Postman’ made famous by The Marvelettes in the 1960′s.)

Now I don’t know your standards, but the Simon Cowell voice in the back of my head is saying ‘KARAOKE’. And yes, I meant to put that in all caps. I mean why would you go through the trouble of releasing a single if you don’t even make it your own?

Now don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy covers. A lot of my favorite artists gained popularity from them, BUT they all put their own spin on it. If a radio DJ played the Dunez version instead of the original I bet a bunch of people wouldn’t even notice. I probably wouldn’t. 

SO the gist is that I want to know if you think it is a cover or a rip-off of the song. You probably already know my opinion on the matter....

Okay, so the WHOLE ALBUM is DEFINITELY worth listening to. ALL OF IT. JUST DO IT. (She said in a non-aggressive but pushy and lovingly tone) If you want to be nice and treat yourself, listen to it from start to finish. 

Current fave song of hers is ‘Woman’ ‘cause who doesn’t need another anthem song?? Not only does it make you want to find strength in your independence, but the horn section makes you want to grab the nearest ‘70s costume and hit the dance floor. 

Not only are there lovely horns, but this album actually has a song for everyone. No I’m not joking, I’m Serious. There’s some for the country lovers (’Hunt You Down’, ‘Old Flames (Can’t Hold a Candle to You)’, and ‘Spaceship’), the rock lovers (’Let ‘Em Talk’ and ‘Boogie Feet’), the acoustic lovers (’Bastards’, ‘Praying’, ‘Rainbow’, and ‘Godzilla’), and the pop fans (’Woman’, ‘Hymn’, ‘Learn To Let Go’, ‘Finding you’, and ‘Boots’). 

I sure hope I’m not the only one that is ecstatic that the Queen of Quirk is back. Honestly, knowing that she got through her troubles gives me the power to believe we can get through anything. 

Don’t forget to click through to get a taste of her album!

We’re just going to go ahead and start with the first opener: Saint Motel. Now if you are a modern throwback lover like myself, then you MUST listen to them. Not only did they have retro-esque videos playing between each song, but they use a saxophone and trumpet to give that true 70′s feel. 

Favorites by them include:

My Type

Move 

Puzzle Pieces

The next opener was MisterWives and oh my god have I loved the lead singer’s voice for a while. She is SO incredibly talented and gives one hell of a pep talk too. All throughout their set, she would tell us to be ourselves because music can unite us all. She nailed the whole performance and boy does MisterWives know how to put on a show. Also, they are slowly bringing the tambourine back from the kindergarten music classes and onto the stage. 

Favorites by them include:

Reflections

Vagabond (which they mashed up with Same Drugs, I died right then and there)

Machine (some serious syncopated singing in this track)

And now on to the main course, Panic! At The Disco. Now I was actually alive when he started his musical career (unlike the group of little ones that sat in front of us). THIRTEEN YEARS. Brendon Urie has been doing this for THIRTEEN YEARS. Let me tell you, he knows EXACTLY how to plan a performance. I was pulled in the whole time and couldn’t get over his dance moves (he did a back flip of stairs....like how?). Don’t even get me started on his range, cause boy can hit those high notes impeccably *insert heart eye emoji*. 

Favorite moments:

When Brendon (and the whole audience) sang Bohemian Rhapsody

Everyone holding up the colored hearts through their flashlight in the order of the Pride flag during Girls/Girls/Boys

When he sang This is Gospel on the piano, as confetti fell on him

The crowd going INSANE for Crazy=Genius and LA Devotee

When he talked about his childhood and doing chores to the sound of vinyl playing in the next room

WHEN HE SANG A BILLY JOEL SONG

when he said rockstars shouldn’t be giggly and smiley, but he couldn’t help himself because he loves what he is doing

You have officially gotten a glimpse into the inner workings of my mind, do with it what you will. All I’m saying is that if you listen to all three bands, your life will be made.

Hope you like xx

One of life’s most recent treasures is the internet radio. You plug in an artist that you like and it finds music you might enjoy based on the genre and sound of the artist you mentioned. That is how I happened upon this beauty above.

This song starts out like it is being played on a record player (which of course I love) and the gravel static just makes me all kinds of nostalgic. And of course, by nostalgic I mean for the times I wasn’t even alive for....

Anyways...this sweet voice just bops around the track that sounds like a mixture between euro pop and very chill EDM. I know, I know, that sounds weird. Chill EDM? Just listen to the track and you’ll see what I mean. ‘Miss You’ will have you wanting to get up and dance but then you’ll realize it’s too chill to do anything but that head bob/weaving motion that your shoulders and hips join in on too. 

Not only is it a jam, but the lyrics are super sweet too. For someone who gives a lot of second chances, it is always easy to be thinking of a person in the back of your mind and wondering what would happen if re-establish a connection. Gabrielle sings that she wants to reconnect and if you can’t relate to that, then you are straight up lying. 

Extra points given for the ‘60s and ‘70s inspired music video. 

Give a listen. Have a watch. Love me endlessly. 

Hope you like 

Anyways, I start with the weirdest sounding one and keep working through each map while sampling the bands. If you are a huge music nerd (like me) I would seriously nudge you to give it a try. For your benefit I’ll give you a taste of what I found today:

The Long Blondes // Once and Never Again

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour // The Sun Ain’t Shining No More

Fight Like Apes // I’m Beginning To Think You Prefer Beverly Hills 90210 To Me

Born Ruffians // Ocean’s Deep

Bitter:Sweet // Dirty Laundry

Give a listen and I hope you’ll like! 

I think part of the reason I love this track so much is because it reminds me of two other artists I love: Beck and Cake. Am I the only one, or does ‘Brooklyn, You’re Killing Me’ sound like ‘Loser’ and Cake’s overall tone in all of their hits? That was ALL I could think about when listening to this track for the first time. My goal is to learn all of the words.....at least they go together more than the lyrics of ‘Loser’ so I might have somewhat of a chance. 

I am always a fan of a song that embraces who you truly are, but it makes me smile that the song sounds so pretty as she rebels against the main stereotype of a ‘pretty girl’.

I know, I know. Songs like these are becoming a dime a dozen BUT (to me at least) they are still more different than all the sappy love songs or the rap full of ‘side bitches’.

Anyways, I highly relate to this song because I do like the dress up and get ‘pretty,’ but I happen to just be like a ‘guy’. I swear, I happen to use my middle finger a hefty amount of times, I rate my burps and I eat everything in sight.

Don’t be surprised if you hear this/her on the radio any time soon. She’s coming up.

Bibi Bourelly // Free the Real (Pt. 1)

What If // Sally // Ego

The Griswolds // High Times for Low Lives

Out of My Head // YDLM (feat. Lizzo) // High Times for Low Lives

Hoodie Allen // Happy Camper

Champagne and Pools (feat. Blackbear & Kyle) // Are You Having Any Fun? (feat. Meghan Tonjes) // Remind Me Of

Ingrid Michaelson // It Doesn’t Have to Make Sense

Hell No // Celebrate // Still the One

JoJo // Mad Love.

Mad Love. // FAB. (feat. Lizzo) // Vibe.

ROZES // Burn Wild

R U Mine // Burn Wild // In & Out

Sing Street // Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

The Riddle of the Model // Drive It Like You Stole It // Girls

Hope you like ‘em all!! I know I do, but I mean that’s the whole meaning of bias is it not???

I’ll Be There For You // The Rembrandts

Everyone knows (and loves) this show, this band however not so much. They are pretty much a one hit wonder. By pretty much, I mean they actually are. But hey, if I was a one hit wonder I would certainly want it to be the theme song to Friends.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Theme

Let’s face it, this was the best show on Nick at Nite and everyone’s goal was to learn all of the lyrics. I know I did.

In the Street // Big Star, Cast, Cheap Trick

HELLO WISCONSIN

Superman // Lazlo Bane

Classic, just like the show. They chose a cover to revamp the later seasons, but I’m more partial to the original. 

Where You Lead // Carole King

If you don’t know who Carole King is, CRAWL OUT FROM UNDER YOUR ROCK (please) AND BUY HER TAPESTRY ALBUM.

The Office Theme Song // The Scrantones

The ringtone you heard all over the freaking place in 2005.

I Know, You Know // Friendly Indians

They covered the song every time there was a themed episode. PURE. GOLD. 

Rockford Files Theme

Not only will it put a smile on your face, but it’s got that 70′s cheese that makes you want to do those dance moves from Saturday Night Fever.

You’ve Got Time // Regina Spektor

I’ve been in love with Bibi’s voice for a while now, so I thought I would share the love with you all. 

Her songs are more about real world situations, rather than the silly love songs that plague the radio. (We all know I have a problem about the variety of song subjects...) Anyways....I thought I would introduce Bibi to y’all in the way I found her, through her Free the Real (Pt. 1) - EP. So here’s my take on the tracks:

Sally - own who you are, and don’t car if someone doesn’t like it

Ego - need to be real and own what you do, instead of join in with the fake people around you

Guitar - your surroundings help shape who you are 

What If - if you told someone everything about yourself, would they still care for you?

Riot - keep fighting for what you believe in 

I absolutely love all of these tracks and have to say, they are some of the best songs to belt with sass and anger. Crank up the passion and the volume and you’ll see what I mean.

Ingrid Michaelson and a giant piece of pie

ROZES and a flower crown

Clairy Browne & The Bangin’ Rackettes and a hoop skirt

Etta James and a roaring fire

LANY and sunglasses

Local Natives and a lawn chair in the park

Young the Giant and combat boots

Weezer and the whole damn state of California

The Griswolds and a 1970s VW campervan

The 1975 and stripes 

Adele and a swirling glass of wine

Amy Winehouse and grafitti

Oasis and a vintage Life magazine

George Ezra and a canal in Venice

Oh Honey and a smiley face bumper sticker

ZZ Ward and a stylish hat 

The Icarus Account and a Hawaiian lei

Alright // Supergrass

Song 2 // Blur

Bittersweet Symphony // The Verve

Unbelievable // EMF

Roll To Me // Del Amitri

Wonderwall // Oasis

Dancing In The Moonlight // Toploader

There She Goes // The La’s

Basically anything from Oasis and Blur was the true essence of Britpop. Now grab your Hubba Bubba tape, check up on your Tamagotchi and blast these tunes. Let the memories flow. 

The first time I saw the trailer for this movie I vowed to go see it when it came out. Not only does it involve two things i absolutely love (the 80s and music in general), BUT it was set in Ireland (home of some of the nicest people ever). 

Anyways, it’s a typical love story about a boy trying to impress a girl. I mean if a boy put together a band to impress me, I would certainly give him a chance. Then again, I am no ‘unimpressed model.’ The best part though, those original 80′s songs!!! It killed me how they sounded like they were plucked straight from the radio of Jake Ryan’s red Porsche. Every one of those songs blended SO well with the iconic numbers that once graced the 80′s charts. 

John Carney certainly did it again...maybe this means I should watch Once too?? I mean did fall in love with Begin Again and Sing Street, so there’s hope. Y’all will certainly be the first to know when I finally get around to that.

Mad Love. Not only does JoJo hi those high notes oh so well, but ther seems to be some big band influence amongst the obvious R&B tone. Soulful to the max. 

I Can Only. This one features on of my other faves - Alessia Cara. Both extremely empowering women, which happens to be perfect for the tone of the song, as it pretty much says, “I am who I am, and I will do what I choose.” New anthem? YES.

F*** Apologies. Now this tune is not for the kiddies, but in my opinion the song wouldn’t have such a strong meaning without the few ‘choice’ words. The added force  just shows how passionate she is about being a strong person who people can’t walk all over. 

Vibe. I get some Rihanna feelings from this song (the good stuff, not the indiscernible stuff flooding the airwaves). Here’s something that you can probably guess by now...a sort of theme if you will...this song is an anthem for strong, independent women everywhere. My new anthem may just have to be this whole album....

Music. TEAR-FREAKING-JERKER