Is it a song? Technically, I guess, but not really. Just some funky riffs that would have been some cool parts to an actual song. Still nice and funky though.
[fav] Little Daylight – “Mona Lisa” (128bpm Bmaj)
This is a really good pop tune from a now defunct band from Brooklyn called Little Daylight. They split up and two of their members formed a new band call Me Not You. They’re worth checking out as well. I really like Nikki Taylor’s vocals. She has a pure tone and good articulation. And there’s never ever any vocal fry which is delightful.
[fav] Snakehips feat. Kaleem Taylor – “Forever, Pt. II” (95bpm A♯min)
It’s been a really terrible few weeks for new music. So I present to you a favorite from 2015. Excellent studio production from British producer duo Snakehips. A fantastic, soulful vocal performance from Kaleem Taylor. Five years on, this holds up nicely.
[fav] Little Dragon – “Paris” (153bpm A#maj)
This is my favorite track from Little Dragon’s 2014 album “Nabuma Rubberband.” It has a soulful vocal perofrmance, touching lyrics, and excellent arrangement and production. Normally, an emotional song like this would be a down-tempo ballad. I like that they took it up-tempo and made it thump. They’re a good band. I recommend checking out their other stuff.
[fav] London Grammar – “Hey Now,” (60bpm Gmin) “If You Wait” (63bpm Cmin Fmaj)
London Grammar is an English indie pop band formed in Nottingham in 2009. The band consists of Hannah Reid, Dan Rothman and Dominic ‘Dot’ Major. If you’re looking for an entire album full of outstanding songs and top shelf production, I would give it a listen. It sounds just as good today as it did when it came out in 2013.
[fav] The Weeknd – “Blinding Lights” (170bpm Cmin)
This is Max Martin’s 23rd number 1 record and with good reason. You can tell top shelf producers by what they decide not to do. Max Martin’s records are usually stripped down to their most basic parts. He takes those basics and perfects them. No gimmicks, no ProTools plug-in du jour, no adding unnecessary layers. He’s laser focused on just those elements that make a song great, catchy, and memorable. When in doubt, leave it out. 30 years from now, this will still be a great sounding record. Congratulations, Max. You make it look easy.
[fav] My Favorite Diplo Videos
You have to be a little sick in the head to enjoy these. If you don’t find yourself laughing or smiling, then I’m sorry. I don’t think trying to explain it would help.
This one is both impossible to watch and impossible to stop watching. Enjoy.
[fav] Emmit Fenn – “Lost In Space” (101bpm D♯maj)
A nice amalgamation of soul and electronica, Emmit Fenn landed nicely with “Lost In Space.” I like the dreamy ethereal rhythm and the multi-part harmony on the chorus.
If you’d like some more, here’s Mr. Talented showing how he lays it down.
[fav] Chiiild – “Count Me Out” (58bpm Emaj)
[fav] Poolside – “Which Way To Paradise” (108bpm Dmin)