I Need A Sugar Person Just For Concert Tickets. If I See One More Artist I Love Start Touring When I

I need a sugar person just for concert tickets. If I see one more artist I love start touring when I can't afford it I may break down. Ocean Grove and Mannequin Pussy in the space of a fortnight is fucked up.

SONG OF THE DAY

Day #9

The shuffle gods blessed me today at the right moment in my fanfic so today's pick is Cloudbusting by Kate Bush. It was featured in the 1985 album Hounds of Love, and frequently in my mum's car growing up. The song was inspired by Peter Reich’s 1973 book A Book of Dreams, and the lyrics relate directly to scenes/quotes featured within. As a kid however I was simply struck by its dramatic tone and lyrics divining better things onto the horizon. This song is hypnotic as it rhythmically marches forward, swells, and whisks you along towards a grand climax. The song ends with the sensation that you're on the edge between annihilation and transformation. Due to its invigorating quality, and whimsically projecting during long drives, it has always encouraged strength or positivity in the face of adversity within me.

“Cause everytime it rains

You’re here in my head

Like the sun coming out

Ooh, I just know something good is gonna happen

I don't know when

But saying it could even make it happen”

SONG OF THE DAY

Day #11

Today's song is Lover/Friend by Kaytranada featuring vocals by R&B artist Rochelle Jordan. Released in 2023 and part of his 2024 album Timeless, the Canadian artist/producer is known for his buttery dance tracks blending disco, house, funk, R&B and hip-hop. Lover/Friend feels uniquely modern yet nostalgic. Curating a relaxed feel that is still engaging with its bright and textured sound. With vocals that float over a bouncy beat, it’s zesty and blissful.

“Heard you wanna be my lover

Wanna be more than friends

Heard you wanna be my lover

And you can't pretend”

Song of the Day

Day #22

Today’s pick is Simmer by Hayley Williams from her 2020 album Petals For Armour. Hayley Williams is known for her work as the leading lady for the generation-defining band Paramore, but her solo projects are also worth the hype, as she is an amazing vocalist and songwriter in her own right. The alternative track Simmer was her first solo release and is an excellent showcase of her talents. Churning percussion and moody strings pull the track along, however Williams’ vocals are the true star of this track. For example, the best moment of the song is during the second verse where it breaks into something softer between a charged chorus. Williams enunciates the lyrics “and if my child needed protection, from a fucker like that man, I'd sooner gut him” at 2:08 with such soft but brutal anger it's electrifying. The emphasis on the lyric fucker is such a spine-tingling moment in particular, as it's said with such conviction but surrounded by butter-soft vocals. The track's lyrics are personal, about female rage and gender norms, how we are encouraged to repress extreme emotions and project something softer, literally using “petals for armour”. The layering of breathwork and lyrics like “give in” or “control” adds to this point, where Williams is struggling to channel calm while being placed into the vice grip that is being a woman in the spotlight or music industry. It's an emotionally charged and vulnerable track that has you enraptured by the first line: “Rage is a quiet thing”.

“How to draw the line between wrath and mercy?

Gotta simmer, simmer, simmer, simmer, simmer down”

C H O N K

SONG OF THE DAY

Day #21

Today the song is the critically acclaimed track Maybe Tomorrow by Stereophonics from their 2003 album You Gotta Go There to Come Back. I was inspired to pick this one today because I've been rewatching the fantastic Long Way Round/Down/Up travel documentaries by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman with my Dad. The three series have an excellent soundtrack that features great UK alt-rock moments and unique global/cultural pieces. This alt-rock track has an earthy or rusty sound due to its Soul/R&B influence and Kelly Jones’s crooning vocals manifesting a better and happier day on the horizon. The song feels grounded with rustic percussion, textured backing vocals and samples, as well as gently humming strings. The track then evolves into something sexier when more elements are layered on towards the peak of the track starting with a toe-curling guitar solo. All of these components soar then blur out at the end of the track, finishing with you feeling lighter and more resilient, ready for tomorrow.

“So maybe tomorrow

I'll find my way home

I look around at a beautiful life

I've been the upper side of down

Been the inside of out

But we breathe

We breathe”