#'you spin me round' by dead or alive is also so good and funky

[dirt-juice]

13 for the music ask game!

"13: One of your favorite 80’s songs"

it's too hard to pick just one orz. how about an international hit and a french classic ?

Lay All Your Love On Me - ABBA (1980)

Partenaire Particulier - Partenaire Particulier (1985)

[newmusickarl]

Album & EP Recommendations

Once Twice Melody by Beach House

Although the American dream-pop duo drip-fed the release of their eighth studio album as four separate EPs, I deliberately held back listening to their new music until the full project was revealed. In hindsight, I don’t think it matters too much whether you choose to listen to Once Twice Melody as short bursts of songs or as a near 90-minute odyssey, the result would be the same – this is an utterly dazzling and visionary work of art that ranks up there with Beach House’s very best.

Once Twice Melody is one of those albums that you’ll undoubtedly enjoy on your initial listen, but the more you spend time with it, the more it wins you over. Whether you’re tackling it in one single sitting or through the convenient bitesize chapters, eventually the addictive melodies and shimmering waves of synthesizers that wash across every inch of sound will soak into your veins.

In terms of highlights there’s too many magical moments to name them all, this is one album you just have to dive in and enjoy. That said, the glistening sheen of the title track and the rainfall like synths of New Romance stand out in the first half, whilst string-tinged acoustic ballad Sunset and ambient lullaby Many Nights mesmerise the most in the latter parts.

So, whether you just want an aesthetically pleasing, short background listen, or a totally immersive headphones record, Once Twice Melody is the chameleonic album that can shapeshift to whatever you need it to be – either way, be prepared for truly spectacular results.

Listen here

Fever Dreams Pts. 1-4 by Johnny Marr

Whilst Morrissey is spending his days cancelling gigs and ranting online, legendary guitarist Johnny Marr continues to deliver the goods, returning this past week with his excellent fourth solo album, Fever Dreams Pts. 1-4. Much like Beach House, Marr also decided to release part of his 16-track album as two initial EPs, before unveiling the full works this past Friday. Written over lockdown, Fever Dreams is simply the sound of a great artist filling his time, with Marr frequently trying out new sounds and seeing how they fit.

Whilst admittedly not quite everything here lands, the variety and ambition of Marr’s output is more than enough to keep you engaged for the full hour plus runtime. There’s also plenty of his best solo tracks to date too, like opener Spirit Power and Soul with its slight Dead or Alive You Spin Me Round vibes, the blistering riffs of Tenement Time, the dramatic and atmospheric Rubicon, as well as soaring closer Human.

As you would expect though, the main star of the show is Marr’s guitar playing which shows no signs of getting any less innovative or hypnotic. So, whilst there are a few tracks that you may probably skip on repeat listens, you should also find plenty in here worth your time.

Listen here

As I Try Not To Fall Apart by White Lies

It is actually amazing to think that indie outfit White Lies are now on their sixth studio album. Although many would have initially written them off as a flash in the pan that borrowed heavily from other artists, their consistent output and great songwriting over the years has proved their doubters wrong and aided their longevity. With As I Try Not To Fall Apart, they show no signs of slowing down either, delivering another fairly solid collection of synth-soaked indie bangers.

The singles of course stand out, with opener Am I Really Going To Die centred on a bouncy piano melody and a catchy chorus, whilst the wonderful title track is a big singalong anthem built on their signature pulsating synths. Elsewhere Breathe features a funky bassline and an 80s shimmer, whilst I Don’t Want To Go To Mars is possibly my current favourite - a grand rock epic that takes not-so-subtle shots at Elon Musk and sonically calls back to their earlier work. Whilst the second half becomes a bit patchier, the instant playful melody of Step Outside and horn-backed closer There Is No Cure For It are both also excellent.

Overall, White Lies continue to serve up the huge tunes, with this latest album one of their most consistent front-to-back listens since their debut. If you’re already a fan of their work, chances are you’ll definitely enjoy this one.

Listen here

Small World by Metronomy

Another late 00s band that have shown their staying power, indie-electro outfit Metronomy also just recently returned with their seventh studio album. Whereas the band’s previous outing (2019’s Metronomy Forever) was a lush and expansive 17 track opus, on Small World things are noticeably more stripped back. Crafted in the midst of the pandemic, the songs that have emerged from Joseph Mount are more intimate, more vulnerable and more minimal than anything they’ve done previously.

Life and Death is a gorgeous, poignant opener - a hazy piano ballad with slight shades of Bowie. Things will be fine is then, as the title suggests, a slightly more upbeat and optimistic track, driven primarily by acoustic guitars. It’s good to be back is probably the most polished song with its bouncy synths and pop vibes, whilst right on time is a wonderful new-age disco track about simply enjoying the good weather.

Isolation was obviously a key part of lockdown, so its unsurprising that its also a key theme here for two of the album’s best tracks. Loneliness on the run is a brilliantly bluesy number with Mount channelling his inner Johnny Cash at times, whilst Hold me tonight is a fantastic collaboration with indie rock outfit, Porridge Radio. So, whilst Metronomy may have shelled their glossy sheen for more natural sonic textures, their potency for playful, romantic tunes hasn’t diminished one bit.

Listen here

Also out, also great: 

Angel In Realtime by Gang of Youths - read my full review via Gigwise here. 

Islands by Josef Salvat - read my full review via Gigwise here.

Every Moment, Everything You Need by Deserta (recommended by Twitter pal Kiley Larsen (@kilarzleesen) who can sell this incredible album much better than I can) – read his review here.

Tracks of the Week

Starlight by Dave

Fresh off his UK arena tour and his show-stealing performance at this year’s Brit Awards, grime superstar Dave has returned this week with his new single, Starlight. Self-produced, it sees Dave take a grounded look at his current high-rolling status.

Watch the video here

Hi-De-Ho by Jack White featuring Q-Tip

Anticipation for Jack White’s new double album continues to heat up, with another taste of Fear of the Dawn now here to join the previously released title track and excellent lead single, Taking Me Back. The main selling point of this new one – it contains a feature from none other than A Tribe Called Quest legend, rapper-producer Q-Tip. Based on these three tasters alone, I’m starting to get the sense this is going to be something special!

Listen here

Baby by Charli XCX

Experimental pop sensation Charli XCX continues her hot streak with her string-tinged, ultra-catchy new single Baby. Speaking on the inspiration for the track, Charli has said:

“This song, it was kind of the foundation of the vibe of the album. It’s probably the most sexy song I’ve ever made. It’s about sex and sexuality and having good sex and just feeling yourself essentially.”

Listen here

Lost Track by HAIM

Riding the success of their starring roles in his Oscar-nominated movie Licorice Pizza, the HAIM sisters have celebrated with yet another collaboration with acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson. Once again, the director finds himself behind the camera for one of their music videos, this time for a great new cut – Lost Track.

Watch the video here

Used To It by Sharon Van Etten

A song originally written for HBO documentary Baby God but never used, Sharon Van Etten has now released the shimmering haunt of Used To It as her second single of 2022. Speaking on the track, Van Etten has said:

“I found myself welcomely challenged to the idea of writing a song about the concept of family, connection through blood, nature vs nurture, while attempting to incorporate ideas of love and the complexities of science and technology. I am grateful for this song to be able to have a new life, relating more to the times we have all been living through and redefining the meaning of this song by focusing on the positives of seeking connection and understanding what family means to the individual.”

Listen here

King by Florence & The Machine

The last few weeks has also seen the long-awaited return of the mighty Florence & The Machine, back with her operatic and empowering new single, King. Discussing the song, Florence Welch said:

“As an artist, I never actually thought about my gender that much. I just got on with it. I was as good as the men and I just went out there and matched them every time. But now, thinking about being a woman in my thirties and the future, I suddenly feel this tearing of my identity and my desires. That to be a performer, but also to want a family might not be as simple for me as it is for my male counterparts. I had modeled myself almost exclusively on male performers, and for the first time I felt a wall come down between me and my idols as I have to make decisions they did not.”

Listen here

Samsaric Sacrifice by Generous Gods

And finally on the tracks front, like Deserta this one also comes courtesy of a recommendation from Twitter pal Kiley Larsen (@kilarzleesen) who shared this final track from an online acquaintance of his Gray Griggs, aka Generous Gods, who tragically passed away last October. Listening to the utterly spellbinding near 14-minute-long psychedelic odyssey, with Griggs himself recording all the instruments at his home studio, it is difficult not to get emotional at the lyrics and the lost potential. An incredible song and one that will completely blow you away.

Read Kiley’s full blog on the track here

Listen to Samsaric Sacrifice here

[oh-phineas]

disco doesn’t suck, you do! a pride playlist for phineas

1. I Want to Break Free by Queen 2. A Little Respect by Erasure 3. On the Floor by Perfume Genius 4. Do You Really Want to Hurt Me by Boy George 5. I’m Lindana and I Wanna Have Fun by Lindana 6. I’m Your Man by Wham! 7. Love Shack by the B-52s 8. You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) by Dead or Alive 9. Let’s Dance by David Bowie 10. Go West by Village People

Discussion below the cut!

I know what you’re thinking: Emma! You literally did this exact task for Phineas a year ago! (...and I did reuse some songs... shhh) And that is true but I wanted to do it again because I had a vision that was a little clearer and a really specific aesthetic I wanted to talk about that was really important to me in my own journey with queerness that has always kind of been a part of Phineas’s story: queer music, and especially 80s New Wave sound, so I did some more research this year and tried to go for a really specific vibe. Not all of these songs are from the 80s but they all capture something about that era that was really empowering to me and that I think was empowering to Phineas too.

So without further ado... the playlist!

1. I Want to Break Free by Queen

This song both describes the experience of dealing with rigid social structures that make you question who you really are and plays with gender in its music video, which feels super queer. It’s such an anthem for coming into yourself and learning to be proud of who you are. And Freddie Mercury is absolutely a super influential queer icon!

2. A Little Respect by Erasure

THIS SONG. I LOVE THIS SONG. It’s explicitly queer, with openly gay Erasure frontman Andy Bell describing a difficult relationship and just the perfect story of #yearning and frustration with being mistreated by someone you really like. It’s also a straight up bop and really fun to dance to. Phineas has had his share of crushes and awkward relationships, and while he’s never been treated poorly in the way Erasure describes, I can see him feeling seen by this.

3. On the Floor by Perfume Genius

This song actually ISN’T from the 80s, but it has such New Wave vibes that I wanted to include it. There’s so much drama in this song and it’s another one that is explicitly queer in its language, which shouldn’t feel revolutionary, but in the media landscape of the 00s and 10′s, sometimes it can. Also Phineas is a 21st century kid and I don’t think he would listen to ALL 80s music lol

4. Do You Really Want to Hurt Me by Boy George

Another prominent queer figure of the 80s who had a really expansive approach to gender performance and contributed to the queer aesthetics of pop music in the 80s. This song is a little more understated and less synthy than the others on this playlist, so it’s another good #yearning song.

5. I’m Lindana and I Wanna Have Fun by Lindana

Listen I can never resist bringing canon Phineas and Ferb songs into Phineas’s playlists. I have a headcanon that even though Lindana was a one-hit wonder and nobody really remembers her anymore (it’s more of a fun fact than anything and people are like “oh yeah! you’re her! cool!) her song got played a lot in queer spaces and she was an extremely minor icon to some circles. So I hc that a lot of Phineas’s exposure to this genre comes from his mom’s influences and the circles she was in when she was in the music world.

6. I’m Your Man by Wham!

I felt like I just had to put some George Michael on this playlist.  I’m Your Man isn’t the obvious choice (I did consider Freedom! ‘90) but I wanted to stay in the New Wave era and I feel like Freedom is a little bit of a different era (and that makes sense; George Michael went solo in the 90s and brought a different sound). I think this song does the classic thing where it keeps the genders of the subjects of the song ambiguous but you cannot tell me those tambourine flourishes do not have an ENERGY.

7. Love Shack by the B-52s

We’re getting into the portion of the playlist that is all about LOVE and CELEBRATION. That’s what this song is, just a big party. The music video is so colorful and everyone’s in funky clothes and it’s very silly. No drama, no heartbreak, just ppl partying it up and loving who they wanna love.

8. You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) by Dead Or Alive

This one I wasn’t as familiar with, but I can just see Phineas going absolutely wild to this song and dancing around. Dead or Alive, and Pete Burns in particular, were well-known for their creative and over-the-top sets and costumes, and I think that’s really important to Phineas’s understanding of gender and sexuality expression: the ability to be creative!

9. Let’s Dance by David Bowie

Similar vibes here! David Bowie is probably one of the first people who comes to mind when you think queer icons of the 80s, and this song is all about shaking off the bad vibes and having a good time! And I think that’s what this playlist is getting at, and something Phineas really believes: fun and silly music that’s just about dancing and having a good time isn’t fluff, it’s super powerful and meaningful! It’s about embracing your identity and letting go and living life! Disco doesn’t suck, you do!!!

10. Go West by Village People

HEAR. ME. OUT. I know this is the YMCA people. This is more disco than New Wave, but it just felt like the perfect ending to this album. Another really key aspect of queer history is community, and that’s what this song is all about: finding your family, coming together and going to a place where you’ll be able to finally feel free. From what I’ve read on this song (can’t confirm) it’s about a group of queer friends moving to San Francisco to start a new life. And I just think it’s so joyful and all about found family and that’s what Phineas is all about. He decides who his family is, which is an experience a lot of queer people share!