I’ve been frequenting the new pop releases section of the music shoppe this month, it seems, as almost all of my new music is in that vein. Still, there was one outlier…
New (to me!)
Black Lipstick (Die Krupps Remix) – Powerman 5000
Let’s start with that outlier. My bestie Elly linked me this one. It’s a bit hardcore for my normal listening habits, but it really grew on me quickly. I’d categorise it somewhere in the industrial metal category if I had to, but it has elements of post-hardcore and IDM, too. It’s got a great rhythm for getting engrossed in something with, and it’s not so hardcore that it would disturb my focus by being too “much”. Great Bauhaus reference there, too. Also, as a fun fact: I thought the vocalist sounded familiar so I looked him up. It turns out he’s Rob Zombie’s younger brother. There you go!
Thrill of the Night – Sébastien Tellier, Nile Rodgers, Slayyyter, David Guetta
This is a super EDM track that could get a head nod out of just about anyone. It really takes me back to the peak of the genre in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Slayyyter’s voice perfectly accentuates the bouncy beat, and David Guetta still doesn’t miss with a synth riff. The French sure do know how to make some great electronic music! I’ve been listening to this a lot while cruising the motorway at night doing those Uber quests.
drop dead – Olivia Rodrigo
Can I be real with you for a moment, dear reader? This really feels like a Taylor Swift song. The way it is written, the way it is delivered, even the style of lyrics. I even checked for a co-writing credit, that is how convinced I was that Taylor Swift was involved in the creation of this music. I suppose Olivia grew up with Taylor the same way all of us did. That isn’t to say this isn’t original: Taylor’s never, to my knowledge, mentioned Versailles. It is so fun to sing along with and bob my head while writing. I’d really like to take the karaoke challenge on TikTok at some point!
First Light – Lana Del Rey
I have always said Lana Del Rey had the perfect voice to do a Bond theme, and one of my friends who is also a long-time Lana fan has always said the same. She finally did it, and wow does it sound amazing! I love this song. It has that classic Bond feel but it still feels fresh and modern. Listening to this song makes me feel really creative. It is very emotive. I’ve actually had an idea for an animatic to make set to this song, too, though I’m not sure if I’ll have time to make it.
Low Rise Jeans – Demi Lovato
Saved the best for last, I suppose? This song has the most plays on my Last.fm for this month and it’s certainly my most favourite of this list. It’s such an anthem. The beat is infectious. Demi’s delivery is equal parts playful and confident. The word that I keep coming back to is “powerful”. I feel like I’m powerful when I listen to this song. It is so danceable. It is so FUN! This is definitely going to be parts of my summer playlists.
Warning: Suggestive lyrics? There’s nothing explicit about this song’s lyrics. She doesn’t curse, beyond a “d” word, but… ah, let’s say Delilah would probably not like Dolly to listen to it? It’s … how do I want to say this … suggestive. We are treated to what is going on with her G-string, and that’s not a guitar reference. Yeah, let’s go with a 16+ rating on this one, at least.
Old favourites, found again
Movin’ Too Fast – Artful Dodger, Romina Johnson
This is a classic garage track from the turn of the millennium. It’s amazing how a song can transport you back to another time. When I hear this, I can see my old school desk; I can feel the texture of the keyboard of my family’s PC on my paws; I can smell my grandfather’s diced potatoes. And it’s another song on this list with a really happy, groovy beat that makes me want to move! I hear garage may be making a comeback, and I certainly hope it does. More music like this would make the world a better place.
Gramarye – Remy Zero
Really, this entry should be of Villa Elaine, Remy Zero’s sophomore album effort that was anything but a slump. Prophecy and Yellow Light are also highlights on this album, which many at the time described as “a youthful Radiohead”. I can almost hear it. OK Computer this is not, but it’s still a great piece of the late 90s alt rock compendium. The subtle evolution of the lyrics in each repetition of the chorus is a masterful touch by a band still finding its footing in writing. The narrative weaves an electric tale that becomes almost mystical as the song progresses.
Lone Digger – Caravan Palace
One of the groups I participate in had a silly “ice breaker” question early in the month: If you were a baseball pitcher, what would your walk up song be? One of the group said Lone Digger, which instantly brought back to my mind Caravan Palace’s fun and eclectic mix of electronica and swing/jazz. My first exposure to Caravan Palace was actually that Clash PMV, which I cannot believe was 14 years ago, wow. I kept up with them for a while but I haven’t listened in a minute and I’m glad they were mentioned! This is such a fun song to dance or drive to.
also, if anyone is wondering, my walk up song pick was Hey Mama. The group, and my bestie Elly later on when I told them about this, all agreed.
Breathe – Michelle Branch
I’ve always kept The Spirit Room, Michelle Branch’s debut album, close to my heart. My aunt gifted it to me for my birthday in 2003, and Young Spots spent many hours in her bedroom learning to strum along to All You Wanted, If Only She Knew, and Everywhere. But that’s left Hotel Paper to languish a bit in my mind, which is a real shame – it has a lot of good music as well. I was trying to think of a nice song to chill out to on a long drive home, and that opening lyric – “driving for an hour, just talking to the rain” – came to me. I’ve been listening to this all month now, and it’s never failed to put a little smile on my face.
Through the Fire – Chaka Khan
This song came to me while I was writing part of my graphic novel series. I can’t really describe how it fits into the story without spoilers, but this isn’t just a title or a reference. One of the Dalmatians in Arc 23 actually sings a version of this song. Though I doubt any of them could quite hit the whistle register that Chaka does on the recorded version! It’s such a lovely, touching song about falling in true, deep love. And in the story I’m writing, it’s about even more. It’s a very emotional scene and I’m glad to feature such a beautiful piece of music in my story.
And that’s my music discovery list for the month of April! It’s been a nice start to the spring time. Leave me a comment on which one was your favourite, and what discovery you have for me. I’d love to hear something great in May!