Song(s) of The Week

“I Can See”

By: Mac Miller featured on his “Circles” album

This song takes you on a psychedelic journey through Mac’s mind. From the gently delivered vocals and harmonies, the descriptive lyrics proving great imagery of landscapes and clouds, and the atmospheric, futuristic instrumental, which makes you feel like you are drifting in the sky above a city far in the future.

“All I know, if life is but a dream, then so are we. Show me something, show me something, something I can see”. Miller rhymes these words while seemingly questioning the reality in front of him. He asks either the listener or a loved one to show undeniable evidence that upon first glance will prove life is real.

This song will take you on an relaxing and calming adventure and I would highly recommend it to everyone. A personal favorite from his new posthumous album “Circles”. Rest in peace Malcolm.

Written Friday, January 24th 2020.

“Xanny”

By: Billie Eilish featured on her “When We Fall Asleep Where Do We Go?” album

This track by recent 5 time Grammy award winning artist Billie Eilish, has an extremely strange arrangement. The song starts with a soft bass, drum kit, and whisper like vocals, that almost make you feel like you are listening to a song from decades ago. It quickly transitions into a speaker rattling distorted bass, that upon first listen, might make you think you have blown your speakers. The distortion is so intense even Billie’s vocals become muffled and shaken up. The bass quickly goes away as she sings the word “Xanny”.

“I’m in the second hand smoke, still just drinking canned coke. I don’t need a Xanny to feel better”. Billie sings while she paints a vivid picture of a group of individuals using and abusing street and prescription drugs, but she explains that she has no need for drugs to feel okay. “I don’t need a Xanny now, or ever”. Billie seems to address the recent popularity of the drug Xanax, which is prescribed as an antidepressant, notoriously known for making you feel and remember nothing. Although surrounded by bad decisions and drugs, Billie is not persuaded by her environment, or the music industry. Once the chorus is complete, it returns to the 50’s era Christmas-like jingle that the songs opens with. I believe the contrast of instruments in these sections are meant to represent a “good” and “evil” energy. The evil energy becomes so strong and upfront, however Billie still breaks through with her good energy.

This song was very well conceptualized in the making. Although simple, the story behind it is told not only with lyrics, but by sound. I would recommend this song for all types of music lovers.

Written Friday, January 31st 2020.

“I’ve Got a Feeling”

By: The Beatles featured on their “Let It Be” album.

This track by the Beatles was released after the band broke up in 1970. It is the first Rock n’ Roll song featured on this blog and for good reason. Unlike many of the other Beatles albums that were recorded in the studio (and then overdubbed for vocals), all of the songs on the Let It Be album were recorded live together in one take, and a few recordings were taken from the famous Apple rooftop performance. This song in particular takes you back in time to the long-haired-bearded McCartney in his prime.

“I’ve got a feeling, a feeling deep inside, oh yeah. I’ve got a feeling, a feeling I can’t hide, oh no” Paul sings and slowly starts to yell as he progresses. You can feel the emotion based on his pure and gritty vocal inflections on these parts. He tries to tell his lover he feels so strongly for her, EVERYONE can see it when they look at him. He says “and if you leave me, I won’t be late again” explaining he will never treat her wrong again, if he’s given one last chance to prove it.

This song features a beautiful old school rock mix, with the main guitar panned all the way to the left (in typical Beatles fashion). And McCartney’s famous vocal slap delay. 10/10 would recommend listening to this on your ride to work tomorrow morning. Just wait and see how the rest of your day unfolds….

Written Thursday, February 6th 2020.

“Till There Was You”

By: The Beatles featured on their “With The Beatles” album.

Another Beatles track for week number 4! This track was released much earlier in The Beatles career, 1963 to be exact. This song has an undeniable happy cheer to it, which makes it nearly impossible to be anything but happy when you hear it. I was originally introduced to this song by my father, who used to do his own version of it on the piano.

“There were bells on a hill, but I never heard them ringing. No I never heard them at all, till there was you” McCartney sings repeatedly. These simple lyrics are just enough to create a visual of this love story for the listener. On paper, these words could be mistaken for a child authored love poem. However, they are delivered so innocently and pure in nature, the result is surprisingly romantic (in typical Paul fashion).

I would recommend this song to anyone who is in love, or for anyone who simply needs a reason to smile.

Written Tuesday, February 11th 2020.

“Blackbird”

By: The Beatles featured on “The White album”.

This song is an essential part of the doubled sided, self titled LP or ” White Album” from the Fab Four. It is a very minimalistic song, featuring just Paul McCartney’s vocals, an acoustic guitar, bird sounds, and a continuos metronome ticking. To this day I wonder why they chose to keep the sound of the metronome in the recording, as it was a very unorthodox practice to do so.

“Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise” McCartney sings. These lyrics are not about a blackbird at all however. The blackbird is symbolic for the African American people in the 1960’s, struggling with inequality and discrimination. This song was written and released during the civil rights movement in the United States. Although there was legislation passed to end segregation, racism and inequality were still a massive issue for African Americans. Paul wrote this song to inspire all people’s facing discrimination, to keep pushing through and not to give up. Reminding them that their moment is going to come.

This song while simple on the surface (in structure in lyrics), is nothing short of a masterpiece, with a message that sounds even better than the music. I would highly recommend you listen and share this song today.

Written Saturday, February 22nd 2020.

“Seigfried”

By: Frank Ocean featured on his “Blonde” album.

If you aren’t familiar with Frank Ocean, Seigfried is a great track to get acquainted with him. Ocean is known for his one of a kind singing and songwriting, as well as his mysterious personal life. Little is known about Frank outside of his work, often dropping a body of music and then disappearing for years. His cinematic and masterpiece worthy albums create not only music you’ve never heard before, but atmospheric and nostalgic soundscapes that will take you on a journey to everywhere but where you are physically.

“I can’t relate to my peers. I’d rather live outside, I’d rather chip my pride than lose my mind out here” Ocean says in his first verse. He seems to have trouble sharing mutual feelings with those around him. Wether that refers his celebrity status, his lifestyle, or sexuality, is open for interpretation. He says he ‘would rather live outside” explaining he doesn’t need a big luxurious place to stay and that living like the homeless may be enough for him. I believe he means this metaphorically, and truly means he doesn’t need what most people think is adequate. He can’t conform to those around him and lose his sanity for their satisfaction. These words are delivered in a way that truly make you feel and hear his pain sonically.

If you need to remind yourself or introduce yourself to why frank Ocean is one of the top talents of this generation, “Seigfried” is for you.

Written Tuesday, February 25th 2020.

“Conversations With My Wife”

By: Jon Bellion on his “Glory Sound Prep” album.

Pop Phenomenon. J Dilla inspired producer, multi instrumentalist, genre bender, and cut throat MC, Jon Bellion is the complete package. I truly don’t think you will ever find someone who can RAP and SING as good as this guy. With break out hits like “Guillotine” and “All Time Low” Jon proved just what he was capable of. On his second LP, Jon once again hits the ball out of the park.

The first track off of “Glory Sound Prep” is nothing short of a beautiful, cinematic love story.

“I dreamt I slept on the side walk but you still laid with me. I dreamt I fell in a lion’s den, and you still came for me” Jon says softly to open the track and album. Not only does he paint a vivid picture, but you can tell he means every word. The cinematic and spacious instrumental will take you to a far away land, similar to that of the album cover, or a Disney movie.

Spend less time reading this review and go listen to this track.

Written Tuesday, March 3rd 2020.

“90210”

By: Travis Scott on his album “Rodeo”.

Travis Scott, known for his early productions styles and techniques used on Kanye West’s album “Yeezus”. Came a long way from being Kanye’s protege and instrumentalist. Today he is known for being the pioneer of the modern sound of Trap and Hip-Hop music. With his Houston roots and unorthodox vocal production, including autotune, distortion, and a plethora of complex delay throws.

Travis is known to be nothing short of a rager, who likes to party, use drugs and alcohol, and brag of his playboy lifestyle. This may be a turn off to some, specifically those who don’t enjoy modern Hip-Hop or Trap music. But Travis turns this rager mentality into beautiful soundscapes, that can be quite peaceful at times.

90210 is the epitome of this thought. Travis finds himself searching through the alley’s (likely of Houston) to find not only the drugs he is craving, but a prostitute that he has fell in love with. Travis rages through the streets looking for his high to be fulfilled.

I would recommend this song to anyone who is looking to explore Travis Scott’s music.

Written Tuesday, March 10th 2020.

“Thinking (11:44)”

By: Felly on his album “Mariposa”.

Felly, Connecticut raised MC, Singer, Songwriter, Producer, and Multi-Instrumentalist, delivers smooth a campfire-on-the-beach-at-night-like-jam with “Thinking (11:44)”.

Slightly cheery, slightly honest, and 90% raw describes not only this record, but the mysterious MC himself.

“Baby won’t you tell me what your thinking, ‘cuz I’ll never know. And don’t you run to me when you drinking, then leave me alone”. The chorus is sung with a calm but clear delivery, with very faint falsettos to layer with the main vocal. A soothing combination.

If you’re looking for some wavy guitars, and floating harmonies, this song is for you.

Written Tuesday, March 26th 2020.

“Informal Education”

By: K.O.V. released as single

Fun fact I AM K.O.V. and this is my song! I am really proud of this track. It features my good friend David Smiddy and we deliver a back and forth rap throughout most of the song. This will be featured on my “Balance” album coming soon.

“This is your initiation, follow all my demonstrations” I rap as I try to explain to the lister, to understand how I make music you must simply watch me in action.

“We don’t ever send locations, it’s a hidden destination, this informal education”.

If you are looking for an old and new school Hip-Hop blend, checkout this song.

Written Sunday, April 5th 2020.

“Give Peace a Chance”

By: John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band

John Lennon and Yoko recorded this song during their “Bed In” campaign for peace in 1969. This comes during a time of extreme activism in the world and for Lennon and Yoko.

The message still hold strong today “all we are saying, is give peace a chance”. The whole hotel room joins John and Yoko in singing this track. The music video really gives you a good idea of the atmosphere and sense of community in these times.

“Everybody’s talking about Bagism, shag-ism, drag-ism, mad-ism Rag-ism, tag-ism, this-ism, that-ism… ‘-ism’ ‘-ism’ ‘-ism’! All we are saying is give peace a chance, All we are saying is give peace a chance!

We could use some of this message in todays world, simple but strong.

Written Saturday, April 18th 2020.

“Give Me One Reason”

By: Tracy Chapman on his “New Beginning” Album

Although this song was released in 1995, the blues overtone will make you believe it was a product of decades before. Tracy’s guitar as well as soothing vocals are quite refreshing, giving a very authentic performance. A genre of music that has faded out of the limelight but feels like a breathe of fresh air.

“Give me on reason to stay here, and I’ll turn right back around” Tracy says to his troubled love. Although it seems Tracy is on the brink of leaving, his constant repetition of the above quote and “I don’t wanna leave you lonely, you gotta make me change my mind”, makes it seem more likely that he’s actually hoping there will still be a reason to stay. He almost begs that she will have the answer he’s looking for.

Something about this song sounds like a classic you may or may not have heard before. Nonetheless you will be glad you have heard the song by the time it’s 4:28 second run time expires, and you may just want a double dose.

If you are a fan of the Blues, this song is for you.

Written Thursday, April 30th 2020.