Music Recs - Tumblr Posts
SONG OF THE DAY
Day #5
Today’s choice is punk rock alternative banger I Got Heaven by American group Mannequin Pussy. The title track to their 2024 album, this one shoots out the gate running with take no prisoner lyrics barking about desire and feminism. The song using animalistic and religious symbolism moves from shouted and almost moaned sections to a softer chorus where vocalist Marisa Dabice describes herself as a message from grace itself. The sounds roll and shake through you with gritty drums and strings, and with lyrics such as “what if Jesus himself ate my fucking snatch” set against “I've got heaven inside of me… I'm an angel I was sent here to keep you company” this one grabs you and takes no prisoners. I fucking love it.
“I go and walk myself outside, a dog without a leash
Now l am growling at a stranger, I am biting at their knees”
P.S. Mysterious internet force if you like this one I also recommend Australian alternative/rock/grunge project Full Flower Moon Band, specifically their recent album Megaflower.
SONG OF THE DAY
Day #6
Welcome to the cult that is the Gizzverse because today's song is Dreams by the Australian genre collecting group King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. Dreams is a joyous synth-pop track that glides the listener into a bright odyssey of sound. This song was featured in their 2021 album Butterly 3000 and curates a dreamy, flowing, and uplifting experience using an evolving synth loop. Produced during the pandemic, member Stu Mackenzie stated the album “.. was an escape for us and for me… I'm just going to go live in my fantasy land and make fucking synth loops for a while... We've made a lot of records that are scary. This one isn't.” That desire to generate and indulge in light-hearted soundscapes is felt in the track, and I can't help but smile while listening to it and the rest of the album, it's become one of my happy places.
“I only wanna wake up in my dream
I only feel awake in the night
I only wanna wake up in my dream
I only feel tired in the day”
P.S. A bit about the King Gizz boys: they are quickly becoming Australian alternative music icons, known for their genre-jumping (from metal to jazz to more) and massive library of releases (currently 26 albums, five in 2022 alone). They really do have something for everyone and they have an amazing community of fans. A King Gizz concert was one of my first pits, and despite the heatstroke from that experience, I will always adore them.
SONG OF THE DAY
Day #7
I am being flattened by a cold, which means I'm feeling sappy, so today's pick is Flowers by Australian artist Jordan Rakei. Opening his 2024 album The Loop, Flowers is a track that shimmers and twists with love. The ballad shares a grand romance through its sweeping strings and stunning vocals. It's tooth-achingly sweet as Rakei states the song is “…an homage to the journey of my first love, the patience it requires, and the pivotal moment I met my wife,” (Clash, 2023). The song leads you in with a gentle beat, curves with guitar, and then unravels into the chorus with violin, cello, and vocals overflowing with adoration. It is a beautiful track.
“All my life I waited to fill my days with your hours
'Cause time in a world that's ours
Felt worth it to plant all the flowers”
SONG OF THE DAY
Day #8
Happy discover weekly day for those who partake! I am still sick and miserable, so short and sweet today.
Today's song is Where’s My Brain??? by Australian Psych-Rock band The Lazy Eyes. From their 2022 debut album Song Book, this one is a pit starter wriggling into your brain turning on your dance switch. I've seen The Lazy Eyes live four/five times and they don't disappoint. This one is a groovy jam session that feels like a playful conversation back and forth between guitarists, drums, and bassist. This rich and whimsical track is a fun showcase of the band's talents and I encourage you mystical internet force to check out the rest of the album!
“I find all my hair
Lost in the sheets
The sheets of my bed
I lost all my love
Lost down the drain
Along with my brain”
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 #10
Guess which dumbass stayed up all night watching the step up movies on youtube: This oneeeeeee.
Today's choice is the 2006 banger Get Up by American RnB artist Ciara featuring Chamillionaire. You cannot judge me for this one mysterious internet force. I am aware that the 2000s spawned a lot of objectively bad Hip Hop/RnB but this hip twister is not one of them and I will die on my hill. Featured in the 2006 film Step Up and in their album Ciara: The Evolution, this one will make your body move. This song is sexy and fun plus the lyrics flow over a funky and multi-faceted backing track. A lot of people from my generation try to distance themselves from this era or genre/s of music in an effort to come across as high-brow, and honest to god I cannot state enough: fuck that noise. Shake off the snobbery and just dance. I want to and will drop it like it's hot like any other reasonable individual when presented with the opportunity to do so.
“Ooh, I love the way you vibe with me
Dance with me forever
We can have a good time, follow me
To the beat, together”
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 #12
It's another gritty one today: Limousine by Bring Me The Horizon featuring Aurora is a guaranteed headbanger and today's pick. I was very late to the heavy scene, but I am now collecting metal groups like Pokemon cards. Limousine is my favourite track on their 2024 album Post Human: Nex Gen, and one of my favourite releases of BMTH. This song is filthy from the opening note and is sexy with its breakdowns between a chorus you can't help but belt along with. Aurora’s vocals elevate an already dynamic track and if her dark yet ethereal section doesn't give you shivers at least once I wouldn't know what to do with you. Providing a grungy sound that I can't help but keep crawling back to, with every listen I enjoy it more and get further pissed about missing them live earlier in the year.
“Drag me down some more
Get me low like a basement
I hope that you wrote all your songs for me
Kiss the ground I walk
I'm a fool for you”
SONG OF THE DAY
Day #13/14
I want to think this isn't cheating but oh well… OH MY GOD WE’RE HAVING TWINS.
Today's pick is by alternative rock group Mud Flow and is a merge of the first two songs from their 2004 album A Life on Standby. The intro The Sense of Me flows beautifully into Chemicals on the album, so we've been blessed with an almost nine-minute version of the two in their Best Songs album from 2020. If you're an alternative rock girlie like me who weeps at American Football and Black Country New Road you will probably like Mud Flow as well. The Sense of Me opens feeling like raindrops rippling on a flooded pavement, and with the layers added before the transition into Chemicals, it begins to feel like a rainstorm. Chemicals then blooms into a moody track that's soft yet strong with muted vocals and complex guitar that feels yearning. Their music feels like driving through your hometown ten years later: nostalgic but laced with melancholy.
“Neon lights are buzzing ‘round my head, I feel the sense of me
The sublime afterglow of inner peace”
P.S. While researching for this one I could not figure out for the life of me why Mud Flow has so many listens on Spotify when I couldn't find anything about them online except that they are Belgian and popular in Europe. Turns out The Sense of Me was featured in the game Life is Strange, which explains the 15 mill listens on that track, more you know? 🤷
SONG OF THE DAY
Day #15
Today’s pick is Spaghetti by American Artist K.Flay featuring Kid Sistr. From their 2023 album MONO, which is heavily influenced by their Labyrinthitis diagnosis and sudden partial hearing loss, resulting in vulnerable, biting, emotion-laced tracks (Kerrang, 2023). Spaghetti captures raw angst and self-commiseration, using wordplay to lighten the track into an empathetic generational anthem similar to Brutal by Olivia Rodrigo. Indie rocker triad Kid Sistr's contributions melodically ties the track together with strings that ground the song throughout, then flourishes in a solo during a break in the chorus to sell the cathartic tone. It ends with a harmonised angelic vocal, then a harsh artificial tone routing back to K.Flays hearing loss, building on the song’s edginess. It’s an indie/alternative rock track that is pessimistic yet playful, a fun fuck you to growing up, being an adult, and the pressure felt by sometimes simply existing.
“Life gives me spaghetti, I turn it into knots
Life gives me lemons, I eat em on the spot
Fuck
Life gives me confetti and I smoke it like it’s pot”
SONG OF THE DAY
Day #16
Today’s song is Taste by Canadian alternative/indie trio Braids, from their 2015 art rock album Deep in the Iris. Taste is a gorgeous track that's a kaleidoscope of sound. The track feels vulnerable with the lyrics reflecting on a relationship lost, vocals overflowing with love for the romantic subject during the lifting chorus. The tone is sombre but due to the drum beat and piano, it feels optimistic, as if the vocalist is offering an explanation and hoping for forgiveness. The song gets darker during the second verse, longing for any attention from their partner even if it's punishment. It then ends with a beautiful and haunting vocal arrangement and reflection: “We hurt the ones we love most of all.” I really do love this track, especially due to its ability to balance devastating lyrics while feeling light and bright musically.
“We experience the love that we think we deserve
And I guess I thought
I didn't need much from this world
So I left you
But you're exactly what I like
I will give you my whole life”
SONG OF THE DAY
Day #17
OKAY OKAY OKAY I MAY BE OPEN TO SENDING NUDES FOR CASH TO SURVIVE THIS SUMMER FESTIVAL SEASON. That Boiler Room Brisbane announcement has me quaking in my little booties. So in honour of that today's pick is Jungle by Fred Again referencing my favourite Boiler Room video which is Fred Again’s July 2022 London set. I have other sets I love, like Sara Landry's August 2023 recording and recently Charlie XCX’s internet-breaking set with the Dare and George Daniel, however, I keep rewatching that Fred Again video due to its infectious energy.
Jungle by Fred Again was released as a single in 2022 and was included in their 2022 EP USB. The track samples vocals from Elley Duhe’s 2017 release Immortal and includes Four Tet in its production credits (who is fucking iconic in their own right). Fred Again has rapidly become a cultural phenomenon, and I was super lucky to see him live at a festival set for Laneway Brisbane 2023. Jungle is one of their more DnB EDM songs, and the production for this one is uncomplicatedly punchy using Duhe’s vocals and beats to create a hair-raising track. Best played in the car obnoxiously loud, it's a headbanger.
SONG OF THE DAY
Day #18
Today's track is Heir by Public Memory from their 2016 electronic album Wuthering Drum. With a striped back beat, breathy rasps, and fractured lyrics presented by faint and fuzzy vocals, Robert Toher creates a moody and dark soundscape. What makes the song a unique experience however is its use of bells and chimes throughout the track, giving it a mysterious melancholy. This dusky track is captivating and three minutes just doesn't seem to be enough.
“Oh there's a violent sea
Where the light is far, refractive
All this has made remains
An alleged near disaster
Long toothed man that runs
From a masters change in patience”
SONG OF THE DAY
Day #19
The song of the day is the instant adrenaline hit that is Tally-Ho by the Psychedelic Porn Crumpets from their 2021 album SHYGA! The Sunlight Mound. The Australian psych-rock and indie-rock six-piece group hails from Adelaide, and is one of my favourite bands. They are similar in energy to that of spinning and unleashing a kid on an unsuspecting pinata: full of sugar and ready to fuck shit up. They are often compared to contemporary psych rock pioneers King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. It's a good comparison, but in my opinion, Crumpets are far more unbridled as they soothe my unmedicated brain hitting that itch that also tends to crave hyper pop or even Mario Kart tunes. I have seen them live twice, in 2022 and April this year, and I was lucky to get centre barrier both times. I can guarantee that the chaotic joy curated in their recordings is matched and succeeded during their live shows. Tally-Ho is an instant energy booster and feels like peering in on a dynamic jam session. The song starts swinging with punchy guitar and drums, gibberish lyrics, and in no way gentle vocals. The song then truly begins to take off with a shout-along peak that preps you for a breakdown that has your neck hurting. Crumpets are not for the faint of heart, they are unapologetically chaotic and intense after all, but I've found that those who vibe with their sound tend to absolutely love them.
“More alcohol, caviar, carry on with our fluid conversation
On matadors, sycamore, furthermore
l establish ground for what is zero, patio, chemical basis
One more line of avalanche-winterland-handicap
Bleeding from the nostril
Desolation riser”
SONG OF THE DAY
Day #20
Today's pick is one of my favourite Coldplay tracks Low. Featured in their 2005 album X&Y this song still gives me goosebumps dozens of listens later. The alt-rock track is resplendent reflecting on heavy emotions while encouraging another to seek happiness. Describing raising a loved one from sorrow, the track is rousing with Chris’s stunning vocals and cinematic composition. Coldplay’s tracks are always filled with such wonder due to their emphasis on storytelling and provoking emotion through sound. I'm such a miserable romantic and I can wax poetic forever if you let me so it's easy too see how this song holds a place in my heart.
“The sky could fall, could fall on me
The parting of the seas
But you mean more, mean more to me
Than any colour I can see”
P.S. While researching for this one I found out actual wine glasses were used as an element in the track, how neat!
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”
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”
SONG OF THE DAY
Day #23
Ocean Grove and Sneaky Sound System, whats not to love? Today's pick is Ocean Grove’s cover of Sneaky Sound System’s UFO for Tripple J’s Like a Version April 2021. UFO was released in 2006 and was featured on their self-titled album, the track then climbed charts hitting platinum here in Australia. Ocean Grove is an Australian Nu Metal band that flit towards grunge and punk, and with their use of eclectic samples in their production they make some fun heavy tracks. Their best album in my opinion is 2020’s Flip Phone Fantasy and its definitely worth a look. Ocean Grove’s cover of UFO is different from their usual sound due to its simpler production but it's still very much them in the sense that you can't help but tap your foot or bop your head along to the track. It's a great cover to kick your shitty mood to the stratosphere.
SONG OF THE DAY
Day #24
Today's track is Abnormalize by Japanese indie rock band Ling Tosite Sigure from their 2013 album I’mperfect. Released as a single in 2012, the track was featured in the opening credits for the mature cyber-punk inspired Japanese animated psychological/crime thriller Psycho-Pass. The original Psycho-Pass is one of my favourite animes of all time, and the band has also provided other works for Psycho-Pass’s other shows and films such as 2014’s Enigmatic Feeling. I have adored this song since it first blew my mind as a teenager. It opened me up to how expressive and experimental production, writing, and music composition can truly be. It really was the beginning of the end for me, especially in terms of my foray into darker alt-rock fantasies. The alt-rock/post-hardcore/math-rock track (I don't even know anymore guys) is one of my favourite Japanese alt-rock songs, I also love Japanese math-rock/alt-rock groups Toe and Lite. If you really wanna go down the anime opener spiral however: if you didn't already know the FAMOUS Tokyo Ghoul OP Unravel was performed by Toru Kitajima or TK who is the lead vocalist and Guitarist of Ling Tosite Sigure. This further proves the point that this band's library is worth checking out and Japanese alt-rock, especially math-rock, is worth your time and effort. I'm not gonna even attempt to describe this track, just please give it a go and if it doesn't blow your mind I'll eat my fucking shoe.
SONG OF THE DAY
Day #25
Today's pick is Quiet! by Australian indie band Flowertruck from their 2022 album Mostly Sunny. The four-piece band hails from Sydney with an emphasis on witty lyrics and a whimsical yet carefree production similar to 80s groups like Talking Heads. Quiet! is a tongue-in-cheek alt-rock track about not being able to fall asleep that's so delightful you can't help but smile while bopping along. Their discography is also similarly summery, using wordplay and bright nostalgic sound to explore the drama and melancholy of feeling adrift in your mid-20s (See tracks Liklihood and Sing Along to Your Life from the same album for relateable lyrics about the crushing weight of existence set to vocals and production taken straight out of a romantic comedy or coming of age film). I think the best way to illustrate Flowertrucks vibe is by this quote, from a 2022 NME article, about their song Pretending: “…Rushforth (lead vocalist) explains he’d written the music for (it) years earlier, but struggled to find the words to accompany it until an experience last year in which he turned up to a children’s birthday party hungover.” Yeah… that’s the band's energy in a nutshell: refreshingly self-deprecating yet confident, with a friendly and uplifting tone.
“I can't slip into rest
Overwrought by the mess
Of my thoughts unconscious
Pinch me!
Why does it have to be do quiet?”
