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mikeyg1985-blog · 7 years ago

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Top 20 Albums of 2017

Another year; another top albums list! I was both eager and hesitant to start off 2017, but I trusted that music would be the only thing that got me through the year - and for the most part, it did. 2017 was a pretty eventful year and the music was no exception. There were a ton of anticipated releases from some of the biggest artists and some very strong debuts - even though, aside from Kendrick Lamar's DAMN. there was no clear blockbuster. Here is the list of my favorite albums to come out of 2017.

20. Incubus - 8

Incubus has been a staple in my musical journey for many years, but by the time the band got to 7th album, If Not Now, When?, Incubus sounded nothing like the band who burst on the scene in 1997 with S.C.I.E.N.C.E. - they sounded old and tired. 8 doesn't necessarily sound like the band who gave us classics like 'Pardon Me,' 'Drive', or 'A Certain Shade of Green', but Incubus did come back from their hiatus sounding excited, inspired and fresh. A happy return.

Check out: 'State of the Art'

19. Eidola - To Speak, To Listen

I was introduced to Eidola's To Speak, To Listen from a new blog that I'd discovered over the spring. I'm embarrassingly ignorant of the many different sub-genres that Eidola might be categorized under - but I do know when I hear something that I like. To Speak, To Listen is one of those albums that sounds fresh no matter how many times you listen to it, because there's always something new to discover. I've been spinning it for the better part of the year and I still don't know it like I know the back of my hand. The album has recently been released in its instrumental form. A stunning album from start to finish.

Check out: 'Tetelestai'.

18. Sampha - Process

When Sampha released his breakthrough album, Process, I was feeling pretty vulnerable as I'm pretty sure a lot of people were feeling in the earlier months of 2017. I was looking for something that I could really relate to, emotionally. I latched onto Process because of its honesty of family, friends and ultimate love of music. 'Kora Sings' and '(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano' take me back to being in my room all day and recording my little 'albums' on a boombox. Sampha's voice is a breath of fresh air from a lot of the other voices clouding up the airwaves. Process is a fantastic debut.

Check out: '(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano'

17. Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie

I wasn't too excited for the release of this collaborative effort between Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie. First, because Christine McVie was finally back in the band and yet Stevie Nicks just couldn't be bothered to make a new Fleetwood Mac album because she's supposedly focusing on a new album and touring - again. So, while we have hundreds of iconic artists dropping like flies, we have to hope no one passes from the most successful line-ups of Fleetwood Mac and wait for another album. I also think it's stupid that they can release a Fleetwood Mac album if it's just Lindsey and Stevie - but not Lindsey and Christine?!? Secondly, I wasn't too impressed with first single, 'In My World'. However, Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie proved to be one of the most surprisingly enjoyable albums of 2017. It may be a bit too much of a Buckingham project, but McVie (who was always the sweet balance to Buckingham and Nicks) shines through. Although there is nothing groundbreaking (when you create albums like Rumours and Tusk, do you really need to prove anything?) Buckingham/McVie feels like visiting old friends.

Check out: 'Red Sun'

16. Beth Ditto - Fake Sugar

Beth Ditto's Fake Sugar was a largely overlooked album this year - but it's a gem. Ditto says that this is her 'Southern album' - largely inspired by the music she listened to growing up. Fake Sugar's hooks and sweeping sonic palate is impressive for The Gossip front-woman's first solo effort. With bops like, 'In and Out' and 'We Can Run', it's a shame that Fake Sugar got pushed under the rug.

Check out: 'We Can Run'

15. Dreamcar - Dreamcar

The self-titled debut from super-ground Dreamcar (No Doubt minus Gwen Stefani and AFI's Davey Havoc) was the soundtrack to our summer. Dreamcar's appeal is that it is a low-stakes album and the band have no shame in creating some of the best '80s inspired hooks since Duran Duran's Rio. First single, 'Kill for Candy' should have been a sleeper summer hit - but alas, that went to 'Despacito' and Charlie Puth.

Check out: 'Kill for Candy'

14. Tyler The Creator - Flowerboy

Flower Boy was not on my 'anticipated release' radar, but I really respect Tyler The Creator's honesty throughout the album. Over the course the album, Tyler gets to the core of his isolation as he comes face to face with what has molded him in the man he is today. He spews wisdom to younger generations while taking his own advice and finally lets himself shine. Flower Boy is a lot more complicated than its surface suggests, but as the album continues it is evident that Tyler has found the perfect balance.

Check out: 'Where This Flower Blooms'

13. Beck - Colors

Colors was one of the most highly anticipated releases in 2017. When Beck took home the Grammy for Album of the Year with his album, Morning Phase, I was just as shocked as everyone else - mostly because I didn't even know that he was still making relevant music. When 'Dreams' was released as the lead single in 2015, I was really excited to hear more! Who knew we'd have to wait until the fall of 2017 for a full album?!?!

Colors is not a perfect album - although it did meet my expectations. The album suffers from being inconsistent and the first batch of songs fail to really keep the listener's attention. The better material is found on the album's B-Side where Beck shows off his pop hook chops without shame. It may not be his most consistent album, but he's never sounded happier.

Check out: 'Up All Night'

12. The War on Drugs - A Deeper Understanding

Another hotly anticipated album of 2017 was The War on Drugs' A Deeper Understanding - and it did not disappoint. When the 11-minute lead single, 'Thinking of a Place' was released in early 2017, I was thrilled because 2014's Lost in the Dream was one of my Top 5 favorite albums of that year. On A Deeper Understanding, Adam Granduciel and Co. refuse to dial back on their major-label debut and offer the ultimate Los Angeles album. The only reason that A Deeper Understanding doesn't rank higher on this list, is because A Deeper Understanding expands the sound found on Lost in the Dream - making the sound feel more like home instead of something fresh and new.

Check out: 'Holding On'

11. Linkin Park - One More Light

I understand if anyone wants to argue if wants to quit reading about my musical opinions after seeing One More Light on this list. First off, I don't think it's a perfect album - it's arguably the laughing stock of Linkin Park's catalog. However, once you get over the simplistic pop sheen and structure - it's not half as bad as it sounds on paper. When you take into account that these were the last songs to be released by Chester Bennington, they become a lot more real. What made Linkin Park one of my favorite band's is that Chester was a voice for those of us who felt we couldn't scream, shout or cry out. He made it acceptable for male rock singers to emote.

One More Light is on this list because after you strip away its pop sensibilities, it is Linkin Park through and through. It's flaws make it only better over time.

Check out: ' Talking to Myself'

10. St. Vincent - MASSEDUCTION

MASSEDUCTION is the closest to pop as you're going to get from St. Vincent. Although the indie-songstress had toyed with pop hooks on her 2015 self-titled album, Annie Clarke went balls-to-the-wall pop when she stuck model Charlotte Kohl's ass, clad in bubble-gum pink tights on her album cover. Everything screamed Pop, with a capital P, in anticipation for MASSEDUTION. The truth is - St. Vincent does what she does best with a more pop-leaning sound. It's not completely pop in the same way that Beck went pop on Colors, but it's just pop enough that you know Taylor Swift is going to steal it for the masses to eat up on her next album.

Check out: "New York"

9. Silverstein - Dead Reflection

There's nothing more depressing than seeing a band beating a dead horse. Thankfully, Silverstein isn't one of those bands! Aside from a few albums, I never kept up with Silverstein's career and only stumbled upon Dead Reflection from the hype on various music blogs. What I discovered was yet another reason why my-scene-was-so-much-better-than-yours for all of the younger music fans who are infatuated with the new 'scene' bands (Yes, I'm arrogant about my emo bands). Scene wars aside - Dead Reflection is an impressive album from a band who can still pull a few new fans. It's also one of their strongest efforts - you can tell that Shane Told poured his heart and soul into every lyric. There are also more pop hooks abound, making Dead Reflection the perfect companion to their sophomore album, Discovering the Waterfront.

Check out: 'Lost Positives'

8. LP - Lost on You

I was absolutely thrilled that LP was releasing full-length album, Lost on You, this year. I had no idea that the album had already been released in 2016 everywhere else except the US. Imagine my surprise that the song, 'Lost on You' had become a global hit everywhere except The States! That's no surprise though.

I fell in love with LP's last album, Forever for Now, so much that it depressed me that I had no one else to celebrate LP's music with, because no one knew who she was. I am so happy that LP has had success all over the world because her music is so deserving of success.

If there was one downfall with Forever for Now, it was that the sound and LP's unique vocals were constantly battling for room - and it was a bit overwhelming at times. Lost on You sheds that big sound allowing LP to branch out with different sounds while still keeping her pop sensibilities at her core. The album's center is 'Lost on You', and while there are multiple standout tracks along the way - nothing really tops the successful worldwide single.

Check out: 'Lost on You'

7. Lorde - Melodrama

Lorde had a lot to prove with Melodrama. Her debut album, Pure Heroine, not only made her a superstar, but also helped the songstress win a multitude of awards at the young age of 17 - making her one of the most promising artists since Adele. That's a lot to live up to. She's supposedly also good friends with Taylor Swift - so everyone is constantly comparing them and while Swift continues to break sale records, Lorde's Melodrama proves that she's yards ahead of her peers. Instead of getting super experimental, Lorde settles her analysis of the drama within a single house party - what else is a 21 year-old really supposed to be worrying about? There are tiny missteps along the way ('Hard Feelings/Loveless') but no complete stumbles on the album. From start to finish, Melodrama more than lives up to Lorde's promises.

Check out: 'Green Light'

6. Paramore - After Laughter

There was nothing more awkward than Paramore's out-of-thin-air video for lead-single, 'Hard Times'. Here was pint sized Hayley Williams singing about dark clouds and sadness over music that has never sounded more jolly and happy. I had very little expectation for After Laughter, because there are only so many line-up changes a band can have before they become a figment of the band that they originally were (The Motels, anyone?). But, I can honestly say - although Paramore sound nothing like the teens who gave us All We Know is Falling - After Laughter blew me away because it was the music that I really needed to hear at the time.

America - we've been through some shit recently, and 2017 was unbearable, at times. After Laughter is a whirlwind of depression, anger and forgiveness. Everything that I was basically feeling in 2017. I couldn't hang on to the bad - I had to acknowledge it and then let it go in order to move forward. After Laughter was the perfect soundtrack for that. I don't know what kind of demons Hayley Williams had to get out of her system - but I'm glad she did.

Check out: 'Told You So'

5. Kendrick Lamar - DAMN.

I love DAMN.

It's an album that I really had to wrestle with all year. But, I had to do that with his last album, To Pimp a Butterfly, as well. The best music isn't always something that instantly fall in love with. It's the music that opens itself up to you the more that you spend time with it. Lamar explores his role as celebrity while trying to stay grounded and true to himself on an album that can be interpreted in different ways; it's a completely different album if you listen to it from finish to start. What I take away from DAMN. it's that whenever rap music genuinely touches music listeners and the artist tries to use their platform for 'good' - there are always people trying to pull them down by using the same bullshit they've been spewing for years about rap and hip-hop being a bad role model for younger listeners. I've never been the biggest rap/hip-hop fan, but I know how to stop and listen to what is really being told to me.

For a year with no clear Blockbuster album - DAMN. is more than deserving of that title.

Check out: 'DNA'

4. SZA - CTRL

Hands down, 2017's most important breakout artist is SZA.

SZA begins CTRL informing her negligent boyfriend that she slept with his best friend on Valentine's Day. Elsewhere, SZA touches on the loneliness and utter despair of being the unwanted woman - in a way that other artists could not deliver this year. Never before, has the exploration of modern love sounded so groundbreaking and fresh. SZA is an important artist to keep your eye on because she has been bubbling under the surface for years. It's hard for me not to believe that much of the sound of Rihanna's ANTI was largely inspired by SZA.

Check out: 'Love Galore'

3. Acceptance - Colliding by Design

No one told me that Acceptance's Phantoms was such a beloved classic in the pop/emo music world. I remember the album very well - I loved it, but then they broke up. I may have heard that they got back together for a reunion tour but I had no idea they had recorded a new album when I saw Colliding by Design under the Spotify new releases tab - but I'm so glad that I decided to check it out.

Colliding by Design never left my rotation this year. While it is a re-introduction to a band that I really enjoyed when I was 20 years-old, it was also a testament to how much our lives change in any amount of time. Colliding by Design felt like catching up with friends I hadn't seen in twelve years and finding that their stories were my stories as well. Here's to new beginnings!...and put Phantoms on vinyl!

Check out: 'Come Closer'

2. The xx - I See You

I See You was the first great album of the year - if not one of the first big albums to be released in 2017. I've never been a big fan of The xx - but I was really intrigued with first single, 'On Hold.' Jamie xx really gives the band new life by finally coming to the forefront of the mix alongside his band mates. I See You is an album that I've enjoyed all year, as well. It was an album that I could put down at times and revisit whenever I was overplaying some other artist or album. I'm actually very surprised that it hasn't charted higher on other 'Best of 2017' lists. I think it's The xx's strongest album by far.

Check out: 'I Dare You

1. Manchester Orchestra - A Black Mile to The Surface

No opening line to an album has haunted me more than: 'I notice you when you're noticing me'. Manchester Orchestra's A Black Mile to the Surface is my choice for top album of 2017 because - to me - it's an honest look at the terrors and joys of marriage and fatherhood. With its vulnerably honest lyrics and cinematic sonic landscape, A Black Mile to the Surface is breathtaking and beautiful.

Opening song, 'The Maze' brilliantly analyzes the parent/child relationship and how each is 'a maze' to the other. I was a stay-at-home dad for 2 years, and there is nothing more frightening than realizing that your child picks up on every little thing that you do, whether you realize it or not - and your behavior shapes them. What makes the song more brilliant is that most of the lyrics could be from the perspective of the child or the parent.

At its core, A Black Mile to the Surface is a great analysis of relationships and how, as you get older; as you become a husband/wife/partner or parent - you realize how important all of these relationships are - how you must prioritize them; nurture them. Once I became a parent, I realized how precious time really is - and how your words, actions and the work you put into those relationships truly affect the people in them.

There is a re-occurring line that pops up in different songs, 'There's nothing I've got, when I die, that I keep' - and as selfish as we find ourselves, that's a very important lesson to learn in life. The materialistic things that we have; that we acquire throughout life - cannot go with us when we die. How we treat each other; the relationships that we build and nurture throughout our lives - that's what lives on. That's what people remember.

Check out: 'The Gold'

I created a playlist of all the tracks that's I've recommended from each album. Enjoy! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

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mikeyg1985-blog · 8 years ago

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#Playlist: The Essential Tiffany

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the release of Tiffany's #1 single, "I Think We're Alone Now". In celebration of Tiffany's 30 years of pop music, I want to share The Essential Tiffany - a career spanning playlist of the former '80s teen queen! Tiffany had some great hits in the '80s, but she also has some impressive music today (some of which I couldn't find on the internet to include on this playlist). So, check it out and enjoy!!!

As always feel free to follow my Spotify page and subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Check out my review for Tiffany's recent album, A Million Miles, here.

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mikeyg1985-blog · 8 years ago

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Debbie Gibson: Out of the Blue 30th Anniversary!!!!!

Somewhere deep in a storage space, a VHS recording of me performing Debbie Gibson songs for my mom (who was recording the video) on a public park stage, exists. It was the day before my fourth birthday and my parents had just acquired a video camera for the family. My mom took me to the park, held up an 'I <3 Mikey' sign and let me do my thing. I was three years old and could sing Debbie's radio hits better than I could sing Mother Goose rhymes - and all I wanted to do was sing and dance on a stage in front of anyone who was around. Even at 31, married with two kids, I'm still known around my hometown as 'that kid who used to sing Debbie Gibson songs on the dirt mounds at baseball and football games'. . .Yep.

I didn't become a big rock star like I'd dreamed of being but I've spent most of my life chasing that dream. My love for art, music, performing and theatre - all begin with Debbie Gibson.

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Not too long ago, I was looking through a box of childhood memorabilia and I came across my preschool portfolio. Inside there was a list of my 'favorite' things as a preschooler. My favorite show was 'Debbie Gibson: Live in Concert!' and when I grew up, I told them (I'm sure with no hesitation) that I wanted to be a piano player. I smiled at the little book and turned to my mom and asked her:

"How did I get into Debbie Gibson?"

"You loved listening to the radio and every time 'Shake Your Love' would come on, you would dance and sing to it. So - yeah, we bought Out of the Blue for you." She smiles and sighs before saying, "Those were such fun times."

My earliest memory is receiving the Live in Concert: Out of the Blue Tour '88 VHS for Christmas and watching it for the first time. It was an hour long packed with Debbie Gibson dancing and running around the stage to all of her hits from Out of the Blue. It was my first time being exposed to performance and I immediately identified myself with it. It wasn't that I wanted to be Debbie Gibson; it was that the music, the dancing, the lights, the audience, the art, the energy - I knew all of that was the beat of my heart - it was who I was.

I recently watched the entire concert on YouTube, and that same excitement and energy is still there. Of all the concert footage I've seen in my life, Debbie Gibson's Live In Concert: Out of the Blue Tour '88 beats them all . . . and I totally wore out my original VHS.

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From that moment on I was performing for anyone, anywhere, at any time. My cousin likes to tell a story that at two years old, I started performing for two ladies at a mall cafeteria and they just couldn't get enough of me. She says that it was the moment that she knew I was her favorite cousin. I just think that I drove a lot of people crazy.

I was a bit more coherent during the Electric Youth era and I remember that everyone in my family loved 'Lost In Your Eyes'. My great-grandmother bought us both the cassette single when it came out and she would dance with me to it in her dining room. My mother bought me Electric Youth when it was released on a cold winter morning in 1989 at a K Mart, and I remember that my grandmother cut her thumb on the plastic security casing that the tape used to be in. There was absolutely nothing that could compare to the excitement of the first few bars of 'Who Loves Ya, Baby?' as it played through the speakers of my mom's car. I also had recently gotten a Fisher-Price record player for Christmas and my mom bought Electric Youth for me on vinyl as well - it was my very first record.

When my fourth birthday rolled around in September 1989, my parents decided that they would take me to see Debbie in concert. They bought nosebleed seats . . . but my Aunt had a little something up her sleeve. She knew a local radio DJ from working the drive-thru at a bank and one day when he pulled up to her window, she said: "Hey, my nephew is a really big Debbie Gibson fan . . . you got any tickets?" and the rest was history. So, not only was I going to see my idol - I had seventh row tickets!!!

This is me in the parking lot of Blossom Center in Cleveland, Ohio. I think I napped in the car and woke up cranky - because I did not want to get my picture taken. I remember that we had brought a rose for Debbie (on the Out of the Blue Tour VHS I had seen people handing her roses onstage - so I thought that was just something you did) and for some reason, I thought that I would have to personally hand it to her and I was nervous about meeting her. So that may have had something to do with my crankiness. We gave the rose to some security guard to give to her - looking back, that guy probably thought we were nuts . . . but I do wonder if she ever got it). All of the women in my life came to the concert as well (my parents did already have nosebleed seats) - my mom and I would be in the seventh row and my grandmother, my great-grandmother, babysitter and Aunt were in the nosebleeds. Now (minus my Aunt), these were senior citizens checking out a Debbie Gibson concert - probably excited for 'Lost in Your Eyes' and 'Foolish Beat' - but it wasn't no Sunday Night Concert in the Park. I wish I could tell you that I remember the entirety of the concert, but I don't. Thankfully, I had Debbie's Live Around The World VHS to remind me - but I do remember that I couldn't really see anything; everything looked HUGE (the world to a four year-old) and there was a girl that I thought was Tiffany sitting next to me who thought I was the coolest thing - and she gave me one of those big buttons that people used to wear on their jackets at the time. I'm sure that my mom and I had a great time, it may have just been too much for me to really take in - I think any memories I may have are from watching Live Around the World countless times. The other ladies that accompanied us that night thought the concert was a little too loud.

The rest they say, is history. Debbie released Anything is Possible the next year and I got it for Christmas (man - did my parents not know to buy these things that day they came out?!?!). I can go back to Anything is Possible now and appreciate it a lot more than I did when I was five. I remember that Debbie's sound was changing - she was rapping? - and although I took her 'Anything is Possible' mantra for gospel (I used it as my senior quote for the yearbook in 2004) I don't really think that Anything is Possible or Body Mind Soul were really made for listeners my age and I didn't latch onto those albums as much as the first two. Think with Your Heart and Deborah have always felt like the more authentic progression and I'm glad that I was old enough to really embrace them. M.Y.O.B. was the first thing I bought with my very first paycheck, at 16.

To understand the other part of this story, you must know that I am from a small town overlooking Youngstown, Ohio - where boys played sports. My parents always supported my artistic and creative ways, but since my brother played sports - they thought maybe I should try as well. It was fun sometimes. I still sang Debbie Gibson - only I did it on a soccer field instead of a stage. It didn't really do anything great for people's perception of me. Also, you have to understand that there were a ton of women surrounding me in my life - older women. So my demeanor and mannerisms were greatly influenced by the women in my life that were between the ages of 30-75. In the late '80s and early '90s - a seven year-old boy flamboyantly performing female artists wasn't exactly embraced by a community. It was cute for a while, but - my parents didn't really know what to do with me. I remember being taken into an office and talking to this guy for an hour or so a few times. It was only in my teens that I realized that I had been taken to see a child psychologist to see if I identified as female. I never identified as a female - I knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my life very early (music;performing) and I didn't know any other way to channel that part of me other than how I already knew.

The best thing that my parents did was point me straight to the theatre, where I finally felt like I had found my home. I know that my parents had the idea to take me to auditions at my local community theatre (The Youngstown Playhouse), but I have to give credit to Debbie Gibson. After all, let's be honest, all Debbie Gibson signs pointed to theatre (she was focusing on theatre as well). I finally found all of those aspects that I had identified with watching Live in Concert! Out of the Blue '88 - the music, the lights, the performance, the audience, the energy. I spent most of my childhood in theatre where I not only honed my talents and learned from great actors and directors - but was also exposed to different cultures and people that I don't think many of my peers were exposed to at my young age - and that has given me a great sense of empathy ('We Could Be Together') for all people. There is no better community like The Theatre Family - and I love my theatre family very dearly and so proud of those who have followed their dreams.

In my late teens and early twenties - after I discovered that music could heal and touch others - I decided that was my calling and I began singing in a rock band. By that time, I was influenced by many different artists and genres of music - but I was always honest that Debbie Gibson was truly my musical roots.

Because of Debbie's early influence - I was never just a singer standing between a guitarist and a bass player - I commanded every stage I laid foot on; running around, dancing and interacting with the crowds; keeping the energy up at every gig. From a songwriting aspect - I always tried to keep that simple pop sensibility in melodies and lyrics that I contributed in every song like those early Out of the Blue hits. I even slipped in a lyric ('But I can't reach above/No, I just can't shake your love') on one of our songs that only one person ever realized was a total ode to the song that started it all - for me, anyways.

Debbie Gibson is releasing her first ever box set, We Could Be Together. It celebrates 30 years of her pop career - and I'm so excited for her. One of these days, I'm sure my stay-at-home dad budget will allow me to get my hands on it. For me - the dreams of becoming a rock star have simmered, but I have different inspiration today. Instead of performing for a large audience (which if you've ever been a performer - you know there's always that itch), I perform for my two fast-growing sons; I find joy in teaching them about music and seeing how music moves like it did me long ago - and you can bet your ass that 'Shake Your Love' is in rotation.

Tomorrow marks 30 years of Out of the Blue, and I can say that the album has always been a constant in my life; it has always been there when I've needed it - on a day that I've needed cheering up, on a crystal blue day with the windows rolled all the way down - it has always brought me joy. In celebration of it's 30th birthday, I am planning on spinning it all day! Happy Birthday, Blue. Thank you for the joy!

If Debbie Gibson should ever happen to read this, I would want to say - Thank You for all of the times. I've read a few things you've written about other artists and how they shaped you, and I wonder if you ever realize that half of us DebHeads could say the exact same thing about you. Thank You so much for being in this world and sharing your gifts with us. I will always be proud of my musical roots. Enjoy this day!

Whether or not you're a fellow DebHead, take a moment to listen to Out of the Blue!!!!

Also check out my Debbie Gibson playlist post here.

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mikeyg1985-blog · 8 years ago

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#Playlist: Happy Birthday, Madonna!!!!!

In celebration of the Material Girl's birthday, here is a playlist of all (most?) Madonna's singles!!!! Happy Birthday, Madonna!!!!!

Check out my Spotify page to follow all of my playlists!!!

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mikeyg1985-blog · 8 years ago

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#Playlist: The Essential Debbie Gibson [Spotify Version]

In celebration of Debbie Gibson announcing the definitive 13 disc box set: We Could Be Together, which features all of her studio albums, two concerts, remixes and rarities. I decided today would be a good day to share the Spotify version of my Essential Debbie Gibson playlist. Hope you enjoy!!!!

You can purchase the box-set here.

Follow my playlists on Spotify or subscribe to my YouTube channel.

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mikeyg1985-blog · 8 years ago

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#Remembering Chester Bennington

Chester's words and raw emotion got me through some of the hardest times in my journey to adulthood. He was more than a frontman - he redefined what rock music could and should be said. He screamed out all of our anger and sadness when we could not. Losing Chester is not just losing a big talent in rock music - it feels like losing a best friend.

I was hesitant to share this playlist, because I didn't want to seem like I was using his death to promote myself - but this is all I've been listening to for the past week and I know that music heals - so I decided to share anyway.

If you or someone you know is dealing with depression and/or having thoughts of suicide - please, get help immediately by calling The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or click here to visit online.

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mikeyg1985-blog · 8 years ago

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#Playlist: Alt. Chill

Here's a playlist packed with the newest and hottest alternative tracks to sooth your indie soul! Enjoy!!!!

Make sure you follow my Spotify page and subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on all of my playlists!

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mikeyg1985-blog · 8 years ago

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#Playlist: EDM

After hearing my brother-in-law blasting some techno over the weekend, I was inspired to make a playlist full of EDM tracks. Check it out and let me know what you think!

As always, you can follow my playlists on my Spotify page and YouTube channel.

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mikeyg1985-blog · 8 years ago

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#Playlist: Morning Coffee

Are you one of those people that cannot function without the first cup of coffee in the morning?!? I sure as hell am!

Here's a playlist to soundtrack your first cup of java!

If you enjoy my playists, follow my Spotify page or YouTube channel.

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mikeyg1985-blog · 8 years ago

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#Midnight Jazz

I started listening to jazz music while studying for exams. I found that it kept me calm and focused. I like to listen to jazz late at night, when everyone is asleep - and while I'm far from a jazz expert, I thought I'd share some of my favorite late night jazz tracks.

I'm making 'Midnight Jazz' a collaborative playlist because I'm always looking for new artists to discover. If anyone wants to add to it, please feel free!

To keep up with my latest playlists, follow my Spotify page or YouTube channel

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mikeyg1985-blog · 8 years ago

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#Heat of The Summer

It's hot, so I decided to create a post-4th of July playlist featuring new and old school tunes to get you through the blistering summer! Enjoy!!!

Follow my playlists on my Spotify page

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mikeyg1985-blog · 8 years ago

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Hits & Misses: Some albums that I really wanted to review but I'm a slacker so . . .

Linkin Park - One More Light

Everyone freaked out when Linkin Park decided to go mainstream pop with their first single, 'Heavy,' from their new album, One More Light. I'll be honest, the change in sound made them unrecognizable and I rolled my eyes at the desperate attempt for relevancy.

I liked Hybrid Theory; loved Meteora; and still believe that Minutes to Midnight is one of the most underrated rock album of the 2000's. I didn't understand what the big deal of them going 'pop' was - to me, they had always been a pop band or at least embraced their pop sensibilities. Sure, hiring Justin Bieber's writers isn't the most 'rock' thing to do - but there's no need for all of the homophobic slurs being shouted at them by their 'fans.'

I anticipated One More Light because I trust Linkin Park - I've enjoyed all of their albums (except for The Hunting Party - which I totally forgot existed). One More Light is lighter pop version of Minutes to Midnight minus the immediate memorable performances. I don't think this album will be considered underrated nor do I think that anything on it will be considered a classic in 5 years for their army. But I have to say that I am on board for whatever this little 'experiment' is for them - as long as it doesn't last more than one album cycle. Because, while the album is littered with Top 10 studio gimmicks, Linkin Park is at the heart of each song.

My biggest critique is that there should have been no need to collaborate with Pusha T or Stormzy on 'Good Goodbye' when they have Mike Shinoda.

Also, they were smart clocking the album at 35 minutes.

Check out: 'Nobody Can Save Me,' 'Heavy,' 'One More Light'

Grade: B+

Father John Misty "Pure Comedy"

I joined the Father John Misty bandwagon really late - at least 9 months after I Love You, Honeybear was released. It made my top albums list of 2015 and I stand by that. However, I really haven't been able to connect with Pure Comedy much at all.

I like the 'we're too connected to entertainment and that's how Donald Trump got elected President and we're all going to hell' idea, I dig his take on being Elton John - but Misty also happens to be an asshole who makes good music. Too much of his own narcissism fills the last half of the album and I haven't returned to Pure Comedy since.

I respect the challenge of knowing that everything we know is wrong - but I just don't feel like being lectured for an hour and fourteen minutes nor do I find diving into Tillman's psyche for thirteen minutes that interesting.

Check out: "Pure Comedy," "Total Entertainment Forever," and "Ballad of a Dying Man."

GRADE: D-

Blondie - Pollinator

Blondie's new album, Pollinator, should have instantly made my top albums list. First single, "Fun," was pretty pleasing and buzz singles, "Long Time" and "My Monster" were just as good. I liked the idea that Debbie and company had a lot of help from newer acts because honestly - they needed it. The days of Blondie releasing albums like Parallel Lines and Eat to the Beat are long gone and while there are awkward moments ('Already Naked') the album is harmless fun.

First track, "Doom or Destiny," perfectly blends Debbie Harry and Joan Jett's vocals and starts the album off with a bang that continues for roughly five songs ('Long Time', 'Already Naked,' 'Fun,' 'My Monster').

So what could possibly kill an entire album, you may ask? Mmmmmmm . . . how about vocals that completely out of tune with the music. I don't know exactly who didn't let Blondie know that her vocals were off key throughout the whole song, but they should be fired and blacklisted from the music industry. Part of me also wonders if they accidentally released the wrong version of the song. And for the life of me, I have no idea why this wasn't pointed out by critics across the board. 'Best Day Ever' is un-listenable and kind of ruins the rest of the album which is full of mixed results.

Check out: The first 4 songs.

GRADE: D

Harry Styles - Harry Styles

I was never a fan of One Direction but I was a little intrigued to hear Harry Styles' self-titled debut album. I mean, honestly out of all of the members putting out solo efforts, he was the only one who seemed remotely able to pull of an entire solo album.

I think releasing 'Sign of the Times' as the first solo single was pretty risky. Not only is it a ballad but it also shares the same title of a beloved Prince album/single - and I just thought that was a ballsy move. I didn't love 'Sign of the Times' - it had the same two melody lines during its five minute length - but I was a little bit more intrigued to hear the whole album.

Harry Styles is kind of a miss for me although I think it is an enjoyable album. It sounds like absolutely nothing that is being played on the radio today and also sheds any Top 40 sounds. What it does sound like is Pink Floyd, Elton John, John Lennon, U2 and Oasis. I'm kind of surprised that Pink Floyd hasn't filed a suit for 'Meet Me in the Hallway' ripping off 'Breathe (In The Air)'.

It's not just that if I want to listen to Pink Floyd, I'll listen to Pink Floyd or if I wanted to listen to John Lennon, I'll listen to John Lennon - it's that the lyrical depth of those artist and Harry Styles is just so drastic - and at the end of Harry Styles I've not learned anything about him beyond his musical influences - and that's a missed opportunity to really disclose who he really is.

Check out: 'Sign of the Times'

GRADE: C

Paramore - After Laughter

Paramore's new album, After Laughter, came out of nowhere. Four years after their self-titled fourth album, first single 'Hard Times' showed up and After Laughter was released a little over a month later - it all seemed a bit rushed and I was convinced that After Laughter was nothing more than an obligation to their record label in order to fulfill their contract . . . well . . . for Hailey anyway.

It's sad - but Paramore has a rocky history regarding the comings and goings of their lineup and while it's easy to point the finger at Williams for basically the entire original lineup to walk away from a band at its peak - it kind of feels like Williams is truly the one who has sacrificed. I mean, she technically could have gone solo after Paramore's debut, All We Know is Falling and kept the fame and fortune to herself - but she didn't.

I initially passed on After Laughter. If another band claims evolution by ripping off the '80s, I'm gonna scream. But what is fascinating about After Laughter is its stark contrast of sunny beats and sullen lyrics. Williams truly seems to be over being the jolly frontman and isn't trying to hide behind orange hair and a smile. Instead, she gets pretty fucking honest that she's exhausted by the drama and seemed downright sad during the band's Beats1 interview with Zane Lowe.

In order to really appreciate After Laughter, you have to really know the history of Paramore . . . pretty much the same as hearing the self-titled third album. On its surface, it's about ten tracks of 'Ain't It Fun' and a few 'The Only Exception.' But if you peel back production, there's a lot going on with Williams that she's trying to work out through the only therapy she knows - songwriting.

There are a few missteps. 'Rose-Colored Boy' is kind of annoying and 'No Friend' really isn't a great idea at all.

Check out: 'Fake Happy,' 'Told You So,' '26,' 'Pool'

GRADE: A-

Dreamcar - Dreamcar

For those who don't know - the guys from No Doubt and AFI's Davey Havok got together and formed a supergroup for all the emo kids in their 30s. Dreamcar is a fun ride and probably an album you could blast all summer long and not get bored with it.

The album's first single, 'Kill For Candy,' is a sugar-induced bop that could very well be a sleeper hit and the rest of the album follows suit. There isn't a bad song on Dreamcar, although there are references to 'candy,' 'candy girls,' 'girls on the charts,' 'dead girls,' and . . . 'gum boys'. I'm not sure what any of that means.

But the reason that Dreamcar works so well is that it's a low stakes album. Davey and the boys have made their names and their money. Dreamcar is pure adoration and tribute to '80s influences - most notably Duran Duran. And it's an album that my kids can stomach and ask to listen to constantly.

Check out: all of it.

GRADE: B

LP - Lost on You

Thank the Lord! LP has finally blown up in everywhere but the US. Lost on You has been released overseas since fall of 2016 and finally making its way stateside albeit with absolutely no promotion from Vagrant Records.

I love LP's music. Her last album, Forever for Now, was a top contender for the #1 spot of my top albums list in 2014. I've followed her since and know that the song, 'Lost On You' is a few years old. But, a Greek radio station started playing the song and all of a sudden LP was a bonafide star!

The U.S. version of Lost On You has added some tracks and is a cohesive set that proves how much of an underrated talent LP truly is. We (the States) really need to get on the ball and give this artist the recognition LP deserves because it is high time 'Lost on You' saturated our radio stations.

And Vagrant needs to release this gem on vinyl, pronto!

Check out: 'Lost On You', 'Muddy Waters', 'Other People'

GRADE: A

Incubus - 8

I feel like 2017 is the year for all of my favorite early 2000's bands to make comeback albums.

S.C.I.E.N.C.E., Make Yourself and Morning View all have their places in my Favorite Albums of All-Time list, but their last three releases have really left a lot to be desired. There seemed to have been a hunger that just kind of died down in them and their last album, If Not Now, When pretty much put me to sleep.

I wasn't impressed by first single, 'Nimble Bastard', at all. It reminded me of anything Alanis Morissette released after Jagged Little Pill - trying way too hard and never ever reaching the same kind of genius. Thankfully (and I can't believe I'm saying this) Skrillex got his hands on the album and beefed it up a bit. The first few bars of first track, 'No Fun' actually sound like Incubus from their S.C.I.E.N.C.E. days. Whether the album had a drastic change from Skrillex's collaborative effort, I don't know but 8 is a welcome return from a band I've been waiting to light a fire under their ass.

There's nothing too surprising here - no political statements - Incubus plays it pretty safe. But, I think that's okay because 8 sounds like a band that has finally rediscovered that passion, confidence and drive (HA!) that once made them a great band.

Check out: 'State of the Art,' 'Loneliest,' 'Throw Out The Map'

GRADE: B+

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