Category Archives: All Music Reviews

Breathe – Jen Hannah

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This is a soulful and soft number with talented singer, Jen Hannah.

I can see this song being used on a film actually. Although a tad slow and with repetitive lyrics, I certainly feel the overall emotion and idea of the song has impact. It would support a romantic-comedy, after the ‘crisis’ and during ‘turning point’.

I really enjoy the violin in this song, it binds the whole composition together. The piano is a perfect choice too.

A “primarily self-taught musician”, Jen Hannah is a fantastic singer and deserves much success.

A beautifully composed song for easy-listening, like Norah Jones, Brooke Fraser  Kate Bush or Bic Runga.

Check out Breathe and Jen Hannah’s many other tracks on her website HERE.

On her YouTube account is an acoustic version of Breathe

Worth a listen on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Jodie.

Book me to independently review your favourite song, music video or film here.

Piano Man – Billy Joel

hqdefaultThis song is as American and as inspiring as the iconic the Don Mclean song American Pie and the Bob Dylan song Times are a-Changin’.

Sing us a song, you’re the piano man
Sing us a song tonight
Well, we’re all in the mood for a melody
And you’ve got us feelin’ alright

I love songs that tell stories. In Piano Man, Billy Joel is playing the piano is a bar on a Saturday night. In each verse he sings about a regular customer. My favourite story is about the barman who is the nicest of men, but wants to be anywhere but here…

Now John at the bar is a friend of mine
He gets me my drinks for free
And he’s quick with a joke or to light up your smoke
But there’s some place that he’d rather be

He says, “Bill, I believe this is killing me.”
As the smile ran away from his face
“Well I’m sure that I could be a movie star
If I could get out of this place”

Billy Joel has a gorgeously soft, yet strong voice. I heard his song Vienna  on the movie 13 going on 30 (aka: Suddenly 30). I looked it up on YouTube and I recognised the song named Piano Man on the side of the page.

The final verse is so powerful!

And the piano, it sounds like a carnival!
And the microphone smells like a beer
And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar
And say, “Man, what are you doin’ here?”

Give it a listen!
I love the music video too…
Jodie.

Flo-Rida & Ke$ha – Right Round (†∆$ Remix)

RR_remix_art-1Flo-Rida’s cover of Dead or Alive’s 1980 dance-floor filler You Spin Me Round (Like a Record), was pretty good – a modern take on a high energy crowd-pleaser. Flo-Rida’s version was a new take on this club classic.

The original was featured on the fun ’80s-based film, The Wedding Singer, and the cover featured on Pitch Perfect. (Both versions were very well utilised in these comedies.)

But Thomas Sturges’ remix of what was a fantastic rendition of a great song, and has put a whole new spin on it.

His dub-step / club version has taken the song in a different direction. His remix of Flo-Rida’s track should be released by the singer’s label. Yes, it’s that good. I reckon it’s much better than Flo-Rida’s version.

Thomas Sturges has, with this remix, proved himself to be a music producer.

In his mix you can hear Flo-Rida’s unmistakable vocals, but instead of a ramble of words, it has become an echoed and vibrant verse.

I can’t fathom how Sturges actually achieved his remix. It must have taken hours. I wouldn’t be surprised if his version gets snapped up by a record company.

Well done, Thomas.

Check the remix out on SOUNDCLOUD. Follow Thomas on TWITTER.

Jodie.

Book me to review your favourite song, music video or film here.

Step Out – José González

jose_gonzalez01_1234870710_M-904x602The first time I heard this song was on the Walter Mitty trailer… It gave me chills!

I thought it must be Of Monsters and Men, who also had music included in the movie. But it turned out to be José González! This guy is so talented.

I first heard of him via a chill-out album which included two incredible songs; Crosses and Heartbeats.

Step out has a thumping drum beat, inspirational lyrics and vocals that give you shivers.

Time to step outside, time to step outside
Time to step outside you.

House on fire, leave it all behind you.
Dark as night, let the lightning guide you…

…living life, feeding appetites.
Stayed through every hard stop, every go.
Being blank
Breathing half the time…

His music is so emotive… Such a beautiful song.

Jodie.

Everlasting Light – The Black Keys

The_Black_Keys_-_BrothersEverlasting Light on their album, Brothers.

That. Bass. *Drool* The distorted vocals. That beat. Phwaaaar!

The backing vocals are such an unexpected surprise. The fifties “shoo-shoo-shoowah” is such a cool twist!

Let me be your everlasting light
Your train going away from pain
Love is the coal that makes this train roll
Let me be your everlasting light

A wicked song! Will be on repeat for a while!

Jodie.

No More Mr. Nice Guy – Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders

a4117175601_10If you’re in to old school country/rock ‘n’ roll, I think you’ll be interested in this band.

Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders certainly have a similar style of writing as the likes of Johnny Cash – and I’m a sucker for Johnny Cash songs!

The beginning of No More Mr Nice Guy has a spine-tingling harmonica and a wicked steel guitar. So awesome! My favourite part is probably the bluesy piano though.
The vocals are a little flat, making the singer sound bored. It would be great to pick up the energy for this folky genre, a genre that is great to get up and dance to. The drums sound a little too mechanical for the genre as well – we need a bit more improv!


For the most part, I really enjoyed the songs of Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders. You can check out their YouTube page here:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fj5L70KfWvrhORMjkF6fQ

And their website:
http://billyrobertsandtheroughriders.bandcamp.com/

I say ‘well done’ for completing these decent tunes. If the band sounds like they’re enjoying their music, so will others. A more casual approach would perfect this band. I’m very pleased to be introduced to this band’s music!

Jodie.

Book me to review your favourite song, music video or film here.

Last Night by Claus Zinger

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I was talking to my hairdresser about how tired I am with the monotonous pop songs and icons who are thrown into the spotlight until they’re wrung dry, with their music played relentlessly on the radio. We both mentioned some artists we enjoy who are quite underground in the music scene, who we hoped to hear more from in popular culture.

Any artist who goes out of their way to sound different should be applauded. It is certainly difficult to break away from the mold, and I think along with many other indie/alternative artists, Claus Zinger is doing it.

His sound is original, with inspiration from his homeland, Israel, branching into a rock/electro sound. If I had to make a similarity, it would be to Nick Cave. They both have a raw, rough sound which is a great change of pace.

His songs are typically about despair, about “the pain attached to the essence of the world, which cannot be ignored.”

My favourite of the songs I have heard of his is “Last Night”. Reading the lyrics along with the song makes it very powerful. The strings and piano are solid, creating impact and sorrow, with the drums picking up the pace.

The layered vocals can be almost distressing because of the heaviness of it. But his voice is certainly distinctive.

I say good on him!  Claus Zinger is doing his own thing. His music is powerful, emotional and original. I hope to hear more from him, and others like him.

Check out his music including my personal fave, Last Night.
http://clauszinger.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/claus-zinger/sets

Jodie.

Book me to review your favourite song, music video or film here.

Hurricane – Junior Turner

HURRICANE_COVERHurricane is the second song I have reviewed of Junior Turner’s – the first being Natural and Nice.

This is a country-pop sounding song with upbeat melodies. It’s really quite inspirational-sounding!

In my last review for Junior Turner’s song, I said his voice sounds “like David Bowie mixed with Robbie Williams”, but I can hear Nick Cave in this one! Pretty cool.

This song has been fantastically recorded and produced – a very clear and professional sound.

A solid beat with great vocal harmonies between the singers. Hurricane is an easy listening song, bound to please many listeners.

A digital version of this song will be available on iTunes, Amazon & Play.com on September 27th, 2013.

Keep track of Junior Turner here:
www.juniorturner.co.uk
Twitter
FaceBook
YouTube

Jodie.

Book me to review your favourite song, music video or film here.

I Can’t Take It – Tegan and Sara

TeganAndSaraJackets-dropThis is one of my favourite songs by Canadian twins, Tegan and Sara.

These indie rock singer-song-writers have been around since 1995, now with seven albums. This song is from their fourth album, So Jealous.

I guess my favourite thing about I Can’t Take It, is the pace of the song. As soon as the guitar starts it suddenly makes me feel super relaxed.

I love those songs that are so emotive!

Check out their other tunage. Most of my favourite songs are on the album called The Con, but So Jealous is close behind.

The more you listen, the more you can tell which song is written by who, and who is singing. Tegan and Sara have very distinctive writing and singing styles.

Such awesome musicians!

Jodie.

Natural and Nice – Junior Turner

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Hey kids!

So I recently heard about this song and it is pretty cool!

I’ll tell you what, Junior Turner’s voice sounds similar to the likes of David Bowie mixed with Robbie Williams. Pretty awesome sound actually.

Junior Turner reached fame after winning the chance to release a single for the BBC Children In Need competition in 2010, against 110,000 applicants! Talent much!!

I guess this is technically pop music, but it’s got trumpets and techno keyboards… It’s a concoction of 80s dance music and 90s pop music, with a twist!

I love the sound – fun to dance to, easy to sing to and really upbeat.

Here is the sample of Natural and Nice, but you can buy the whole song on iTunes.

Check out Junior Turner’s Facebook, Twitter and website!

I’m sure you’ll enjoy his music. Another of my favourite songs by Junior Turner is ‘Hurt‘ featuring Neil Taylor. Check it out!

This guy is super talented.

Jodie.

Book me to review your favourite song, music video or film here.

Ignite the Fuse – Linzi Stoppard (FUSE)

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I have always loved the electric violin, but this has been taken it to a new level.

Dubstep + electric violins… Who would have thought it could work so well! Particularly in this song, Ignite the Fuse.

FUSE, featuring Linzi Stoppard, is an English-based group who has been around since 2007. I recently heard about them and enjoyed their originality and energy. Perhaps a little theatrical, but a breath of fresh air for the music industry nevertheless.

Looking at their website, I actually really enjoyed the song they’re performing on the front page. Their violins sound like electric guitars in a James Bond intro.

What an interesting sound! I can see some awesome remixes being done with their work.

Jodie.

Book me to review your song or film here.

The Long Road by Free From Gravity

1347916468_the_long_road_CoverThe Long Road is a song about the lead singer’s mother surviving cancer.

With a soft rock, ballad sound, the upbeat guitars and slightly melancholy vocals – I can totally hear the influence of The Eagles. The drumming is great!

Although not the kind of genre I would usually listen to, I can definitely see the popularity of this band growing.

The music video is creative and really well made! Although, I think it would look better if it was all in black and white, the time differences between the parallel story lines aren’t portrayed too convincingly. Perhaps making it tad too literal..?

The Long Road is a song you will want to listen to on repeat. It’s quite moving. Watch the interview with the lady who inspired this tribute song here, on the band’s website.

Check out the song:

Facebook page
www.facebook.com/freefromgravitymusic

Jodie.

Book me to review your song, music video or film here

I Put a Spell on You – Nina Simone

ninasimoneI have rediscovered this sixties gem!

It begins like an intro to a James Bond film with the orchestra.

Nina’s voice is so distinctive! It’s like she’s bantering with the absolutely spine-tingling saxophone. It sounds like they’re just jamming.

Her first line is “I put a spell on you” and it sounds like she is bitterly angry with someone… You can so tell from her voice!

Nina has such emotion in her voice. I can totally imagine her just getting all up in some dude’s face and being all like, “And I don’t care if you don’t want me! I’m yours right now!!” *saxophone which gives you shivers*

It is such an emotive song! I’ve got it on repeat at the moment… Really listen to the lyrics, Nina delivers them like she’s really raging at somebody.

I put a spell on you
‘Cause you’re mine!

You better stop the things you do
I ain’t lyin’
No I ain’t lyin’!

You know I can’t stand it
You’re runnin’ around
You know better daddy
I can’t stand it cause you put me down
Yeah, Yeah

I put a spell on you
Because you’re mine
You’re mine!

*epic sax solo*

I love you, I love you, I love you
I love you anyhow
And I don’t care!
If you don’t want me
I’m yours right now

You hear me
I put a spell on you
Because you’re mine!

So amazing. Check out the live versions on youtube!

Jodie.

Hurdy Gurdy Man – Donovan

Donovan 1I first heard this song on the trailer for The Conjuring – I. LOVED. IT. Works SO well with the horror genre.

It was recorded in the sixties and became a hippy-related song. George Harrison actually helped write the song, however, his verse was not included in the single that was released.

Awesome song. Psychedelic and creepy!

Jodie.

Who’s Sorry Now? – Connie Francis

cfscreen7This is one of my favourite 50s songs!

Connie Francis did this cover in 1958, but there have been many versions with some of the earliest being in 1923 by Marion Harris, Irving Kaufman and an orchestral version by Isham Jones. Ella Fitzgerald also covered this song in 1960.

But none of these beat Connie’s version, which is probably just as slow, but more ‘jukebox’…

I love 50s and 60s music.

In case you are interested, this is Marion Harris’ version:

Jodie.

Jazz versions of pop songs (The Great Gatsby)

Gatsby-Jazz-600x600I am so into the 1920s music and fashion at the moment!

It all began after I watched The Great Gatsby…

The coolest thing about the movie was that they did epic jazz versions of modern pop songs. The Bryan Ferry Orchestra perform the altered versions.

My favourites are:

Young and Beautiful (Lana Del Rey)

Crazy In Love (Beyonce/Emeli Sande) Amazing!!

Back to Black (Amy Winehouse)

Alicia Key’s “Empire State of Mind Part ll” was also covered beautifully! But I can’t find that version…

I am so into this New Orleans style of jazz!!

Super cool :)

Jodie.

The Wanting Comes In Waves/Repaid – The Decemberists

decemberistsThis band was recently recommended to me. :)

I had never even heard of them before, but I have loved every song of theirs so far.

This one stood out. The Wanting Comes In Waves/Repaid. It is like two songs alternated, as though two people are talking to each other. It is a really powerful and theatrical song, unlike some of their other songs, which are a little more folk-sounding.

Jodie.

It Ain’t Me, Babe – Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon

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Originally this was a Bob Dylan song, and don’t get me wrong, his version is amazing!

Johnny Cash and June Carter’s cover was also incredible!

However, the first version I ever heard was Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon’s cover in the Johnny Cash biopic Walk The Line. I just fell in love with that song.

Their covers keeps the essence of that era, but modernises the sound – it’s like a the young Johnny Cash is back to life, but a modern version.

It has great harmonies and guitar riffs with a non-cheesy country sound.

…I’m not the one you want, babe
I’m not the one you need
You say you’re lookin’ for someone
Who’s never weak but always strong
To protect you and defend you
Whether you are right or wrong

But it ain’t me babe…

WARNING: You will feel obliged to sing in a strong southern accent.

Very well sung and covered.

Jodie.

http://youtu.be/-RPW-zV18mA

Lydia – Fur Patrol

FurPatrolI had no idea this rock band was from New Zealand (Wellington)! So crazy.

I love this song. I remember hearing a lot growing up and recently stumbled across it again. A song about letting go of somebody who has moved on to somebody else.

Am I surprised to see you here with Lydia,
She’s oh so nice and easier to love than I

Jodie.

L’accordéoniste – Edith Piaf

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La Fille de Joie Est Triste (L’accordéoniste)
“The Accordionist” (1940)

This is a beautiful song written and performed by Edith Piaf (Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien – Inception and Tu es Partout – Saving Private Ryan). The chorus gives me chills.

It is about a prostitute who is married to an accordionist who will be going to war soon and will not return to her alive.

Her man will never come back.
Goodbye to beautiful dreams.
Her life is done for.

I interpret her story as though she has to forget her emotions while she’s working, but as soon as she leaves and watches her husband play the Java, she becomes overwhelmed with emotion.

She wants to weep, it’s physical
All of her being is tense
Her breath suspended
The music has wrung her out

This song may be derived from similar life experiences. Piaf was abandoned by her parents and lived with her grandmother who owned a brothel. The prostitutes raised her and took care of her. By the age of 17 she had a child who then died at the age of two. Edith was involved in three near fatal car crashes, resulting in alcoholism that contributed to her liver cancer that took her life.

Such an unfortunate life, contrasted by her huge fame during the 1930s to 60s is tragic. But has most certainly been channelled in her beautifully emotional songs.

Obviously this song is sung in French, but that does not take any of the emotion away at all! Before I knew what she was singing about, I could hear the desperation and longing in her voice.

STOP!
Stop the music.

A beautiful song.
Jodie.
The final chorus from 2.40 is chilling!

Sour Times – Portishead

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I found this album in my mum’s CD collection and gave it a listen.
Heavy much! As soon as this song begins you suddenly feel in a daze… Perhaps that’s not an overly positive reaction, but that’s how strong this song is, it’s very influential on your emotions. Really puts you on edge, for sure.

In fact most of Portishead‘s songs are, (particularly on their album Dummy (1994) anyway), the drone of the instruments mixed with the drowned vocals is original and gives you chills. If you need to chillax or need to have a good cry, give this song a listen.

I just read that the Portishead genre is referred to as “trip hop”. Never heard of that term before. Also, watching the music video, the lead singer looks like Jodie Foster… What do you reckon?

Love it!

Jodie.

Freedom – Anthony Hamilton (Ft. Elayna Boynton)

Anthony-Hamilton-Elayna-Boynton

I mentioned this song in my review of Django Unchained in which this song was featured.

It is an amazing song with awesome voices! The slow pace of the song and the drawn-out lyrics represents the struggle of moving forward and finding freedom.

Life hasn’t been very kind to me lately…
…in time the sun’s gonna shine on me nicely

Fantastic singers! The drums are solid and sturdy with little in the way of ‘busy’ instrumentation.

Worth a listen!

Jodie.

Love 80s Music? – “ThePleasureDome.co”

thepleasuredome.co
Hey guys!

I love music as well as movies, so I would like to share a site that I have discovered with you.

The Pleasure Dome offers a convincing throw back to the 1980s era. Great ’80s hits played in the format of a radio show that you can listen to in the background while working.

Check it out at: thepleasuredome.co
And their Facebook Page.

Where it’s summer all year long!

Hope you enjoy it!

Jodie.