thesoundthread-blog

[thesoundthread-blog]

The Best Music of March 2017

This month was probably our toughest yet, which means it was the best month of music so far this year. With an entire Drake album of hits and Kendrick dropping two new bangers on us late in the month, it made choosing pretty difficult. But we made the decisions and came up with our top ten songs for March before you forget about all of them once Kendrick drops the full album on Friday. 

This month we decided to give awards to every song on the top 10 list... for various and differing reasons as you will see.

Enjoy!

Apple Music: 

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/playlist/sound-thread-march-2017/idpl.a2eb1d0aee0c493f8c3024b39725c3fc

Spotify: 

https://open.spotify.com/user/12160583826/playlist/1FIGAW9bwvIQc8NQOVGqWM

Jared HM: Woke Up Like This (Ft. Lil Uzi Vert) - Playboi Carti

Jeremy HM: Nothing's into somethings/Teenage Fever- Drake

Julian HM: Myself - Nav

Jonny HM: White Linen - mansionz (feat. CyHi Tha Prynce)

10. It's a Vibe  - 2 Chainz (feat. Ty Dolla $ign, Trey Songz & Jhene Aiko)

Receiving an Award for:

“Making a new perfect excuse for me to get out of explaining myself. “Why are you so ugly?” “Why don't you know what you're doing with your life?” “Why are you always depressed”

“it's a vibe”

9. Apple of My Eye - Rick Ross (feat. Raphael Saadiq)

Receiving an award for:

“Making a song that's a great reminder Rick Ross makes his own music and doesn't just feature in songs” and “That Rick Ross is actually capable of human emotion and not just grunting on songs and talking about chicken wings.”

8. Perfect Pint - Mike Will Made-It (feat. Rae Sremmurd, Gucci Mane & Kendrick Lamar)

Receiving an award for:

“Being a great reminder why I quit drinking and joined a Church. I am now leading my youth group”

7. Portland - Drake (feat. Quavo & Travis Scott)

Receiving an award for:

“Filling a void for more flute memes that somehow we didn't get enough of after Mask Off by Future.” Also it’s a great reminder of the beauty that the state of Oregon can bring to your life.

6. Happier - Ed Sheeran

Receiving an award for:

“Making me call up my ex and begin mouth breathing till she hangs up”

5. Angels - Khalid

Receiving an award for:

“Making me get a half chub just from a man's voice”

4. Sacrifices - (Drake feat. 2 Chainz & Young Thug)

Receiving an award for:

Young Thug sounding like a normal person rather than an epileptic donkey on LSD and 2 Chainz was surprisingly tolerable

3. The Heart Part 4 - Kendrick Lamar

Receiving an award for:

“Reminding the world he's KING Kendrick”

2. Chanel - Frank Ocean

Receiving an award for:

“Making me question my reality and everything around me when I finally understood the “C both sides like Chanel” reference. And for “Buying your girl an overly expensive wallet just to prove that you see her side of your latest argument”

1. HUMBLE - Kendrick Lamar

Receiving an award for:

Telling everyone around you to sit down and be humble.

Boss: “Hey can you finish that thing I asked you for?”

Me: “HOLD UP LIL BITCH SIT DOWN!!!!!!”

Mom: “Hey can you clean your dishes?”

Me: “SIT DOWN!!!! BE HUMBLE!!!!!”

Teacher: “Your paper just said “Be Humble” on it for ten straight pages.”

Me: “SIT DOWN. HOLD UP LIL BITCH! BE HUMBLE”

Friend: “Hey man I think you need to get some help. You haven’t left the house in days. Your voicemail just says “Hold up lil bitch, be humble” and every time we talk on the phone you won’t stop saying “Mike Will Made It killed that beat.”

Me: “Am to the Pm, Pm to the Am fool”

[thesoundthread-blog]

The Best Music of February 2017

Another month and another edition of The Sound Thread. This month we had a lot of great releases from major artists, including: Future, Big Sean and Calvin Harris. It was definitely a lot tougher this month to decide the order but it was pretty easy to choose the songs. If you’re wondering when to listen to each song, wonder no longer, because this month we tell you what the best situations are to listen to every song on our list. Download the playlist for February on Apple Music and Spotify below:

Apple Music: 

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/playlist/sound-thread-february-2017/idpl.2e47ebc596da4c8fb29cf6e186e25131

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/user/12160583826/playlist/1hCxiamzPP8Iu5oMWDOHEt

10. First Fuck - 6lack & Jhene Aiko

When to listen:

Jeremy: When you’re really into someone but you haven’t gotten to “that part” yet and you know “that part” will change everything for the better.

Julian: When you want to be reminded of your “first fuck,” only difference is this song lasted over three minutes

Jonny: When she makes you fall in love with her by insisting on going in raw

Jared: Rinsing

9. Owe Me - Big Sean

When to Listen:

Julian: When you get too tired of listening to Big Sean’s “IDFWU”

Jeremy: When things didn’t work out with a girl and you see her with other guys but know that deep down she is still thinking about you. Because you payed for that long Uber ride that one time and she never paid you back, so she really does Owe You.

Jonny: When you realize Arianna Grande is insane

Jared: When you’ve been trying to wheel the same girl for six years and she finally breaks it to you that you’re just friends

8. Incredible - Future

When to Listen:

Julian: when that white girl at the house party says “let me play my new favourite future song”

Jeremy: when you’re feeling great, phenomenal, some would even say, sensational.

Jonny: When you find that girl who is incredible and want to shout it from a rooftop

Jared: After you do that thing that Jhene Aiko and 6lack were talking about in number 10 on the list

7. New LA - SiR (feat. Anderson .Paak & King Mez)

When to Listen:

Julian: when you're that Hip-Hop head at the house party who plays a track that nobody knows but it actually bangs and you hear “AYE, when this drop?”

Jeremy: When you’re too hipster to say you liked a mainstream bar in the city so you tell them you’re a part of the “New LA.”

Jonny: When you go to LA for the first time and 3 different girls curve you in a span of 10 seconds so you walk down Hoover Street questioning your whole life.

Jared: Before a big night out in L.A that will consist of getting curved by girls with “Public Figure” Instagram profiles.

6. Emoji of a Wave - John Mayer

When to Listen:

Julian: when “the one that got away” comes back to your city after taking some arts degree in another province/state and texts you “you were right, Nick/Kyle was an asshole… let's get coffee”

Jeremy: When you tell her that she is beautiful and means the world to you. The heart emoji is what she sends you back, but the title of this song is what is really happening in real life.

Jonny: When you tryna smash but the viagra not working, I hate this song.

Jared: When you really like waves but are sick of listening to the one million and two rap songs that mention waves or being “wavy”.

5. Bigger than Me - Big Sean (feat. The Flint Chozen Choir & Starrah)

When to Listen:

Julian: When you just finished reading a Wolf of Wall Street quote and you ready to start the vision

Jonny: When you make it big and try to put your city on the map but then the song finishes and you realize you were born in Winnipeg.

Jeremy:  When you’re needing to feel inspired, put this on. Or when her new man goes to the gym a lot. Or when the sketch artist at the Bar Mitzvah doesn’t know his facial dimensions and your portrait doesn’t really match to scale what you really look like.

Jared: When you put on for Winnipeg by repping a Jets hat outside of Manitoba.

4. Selfish - Future (feat. Rihanna)

When to Listen:

Jonny: When your boy and his girl break up and she texts you and you’re thinking of risking it all

Julian: When you don't really love Future’s verses, but it's been over a year since Rihanna’s dropped, ANTI the album of our generation, so her feature is just enough to remind you you're a strong independent woman

Jeremy: WARNING: DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS PAST MIDNIGHT IF YOU DON’T WANT TO TEXT YOUR EX

Jared: When you want an upgrade from “Loveeeeee Song” by Rihanna and Future.

3. Shot Down - Khalid

When to Listen:

Julian: when you're having a good day, but then while scrolling through Instagram you see your ex show up on a mutual friend’s post

Jonny: When you risked it all with your boys ex after listening to Selfish and you go on snapchat a week later and see they’re back together

Jeremy: When you send a DM and you’re having a good convo and then you ask for her number but she tells you her boyfriend doesn’t like her giving it out.

Jared: When that girl you talked to like three times in first year uploads a picture with her boyfriend.

2. Mask Off - Future

When to Listen:

Jonny: When you’re on various drugs and watching chinese slasher films (Thanks Pigeons and Planes)

Julian: when you're sick at work just tryna make it through your shift so you pop a DayQuil but it's actually a NyQuil and you start hitting on the office 10’s.

Jeremy: When you’re 10 years old and you take your Power Ranger mask off but then you realize that if people realize your secret identity then you’re screwed. Or is that one just me?

Jared: When you need some inspiration before flute lessons.

1.Slide - Calvin Harris (feat. Frank Ocean and Migos)

When to Listen:

Jonny: Good Gracious! Welcome to the song of the summer, can’t wait to blast this down Kenaston with the windows down.

Julian: If you go to a cabin during the summer, and you’re not listening to this song when you’re on you boat… sell the cabin

Jeremy: Also potentially sell the boat. Song of the year so far… by a land-slide.

Jared: When you get your first summer paycheck and are patio jumping with the squad but have a bit too much to drink and pass out before Wine Wednesday @ Moxies Ken.

Julian - My honourable: Jeremih ft. Chris Brown, Big Sean - I Think of You

Jeremy - My honorable: Mansionz - Rich White Girls

Jonny - My honourable: Weekend - Flume (feat. Moses Sumney)

Jared- My honourable: Sampha - Incomplete Kisses

[thesoundthread-blog]

BEST  MUSIC OF JANUARY

With streaming making listening to music so easy and so many artists dropping readily available music every week, it’s sometimes overwhelming. 

That’s what we’re here for. The boys of The Sound Thread will compile a top ten list for you each month with our favourite tracks. We may not always agree, but we will always provide you with quality music. Enjoy our first playlist and Download it directly to your phone below:

Spotify: 

https://open.spotify.com/user/12160583826/playlist/03XVCDQK4Y3WvVqQERMlzT

Apple Music:

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/playlist/sound-thread-january-2017/idpl.65ac9c30dcc44b72b80225987fb51834

Here is our list for the month of January. Let us know what you think!

Agree? Disagree? What would you add or take out?

10. Castle On The Hill - Ed Sheeran

Jeremy: I’ve always been a big Ed Sheeran fan. I feel like he is one of the few guys in the acoustic genre who is blurring boundaries and pushing music forward. He isn’t afraid to be himself and he is definitely not afraid to experiment. On this tune Ed takes you back to his childhood and gives you memories that after listening to this song, you may even feel like you lived yourself. This song is perfect for listening to on a plane ride back home or to make you think of all of the awful life shaping mistakes you made in the 9th grade.

Jared: It is so great to hear from Ed again after his romantically induced hiatus. Out of his two new releases I definitely prefer Castle On The Hill, as it is less pop influenced and more closely resembles some of my favourite songs from him. The line “Singing to Tiny Dancer” also really hits home with me as I can picture myself on numerous occasions screaming Elton John lyrics while driving.

9. Undercover - Kehlani

Jonny: I’m gonna be honest, Kehlani was on my bad side when she cheated on Kyrie Irving. Dude gets buuuuuuuuckets. Anyways, it was hard to stay mad at her after listening to her new album “SweetSexySavage”. Undercover is just the stand out song, there are 3-4 songs that could've easily made this list but Julian is a douchebag so we had to limit it to one. This song takes a page from Akon as it samples the 2006 hit “Don’t Matter”. Do yourself a favour and listen to this album, you will go through the entire emotional spectrum.

Julian: Cheated on Kyrie… WHACK

Jeremy: Okay, so even though this song is only at number 9, this is the most controversial song on the playlist. Jonny and I had to fight pretty hard to get this one on the list at all. You can be the judge after listening to it for yourself, but I think this is forsure one of Kehlani’s best songs overall and one of the best songs off of her (in my opinion) incredible album. Here is where my Bias may be coming in. The song that she samples is “Don’t Matter” by Akon and “Don’t Matter” by Akon was like my theme song in grade 10 when I was dating my sister’s friend because “they didn’t want to see us together - but it don’t matter no cause I got you.” So I may just be getting over-emotional. “One way or another, I’mma” make sure this song gets the love it deserves. Sorry fellas.

Jared: Worst song on the list. Akon is cool though. 8. Tempted - Jazz Cartier

Jonny: I’m getting this out of the way quickly, THIS IS NOT PARTYNEXTDOOR. But if you like PND, Jazz’s style is similar and is also from Toronto. Although this is a love song it also hits hard. Hopefully this jam becoming a consistent go-to track in clubs across Canada. I could easily see myself getting curved multiple times while this song is playing. Can't wait. :)

Jared: Over the past couple years Jazz Cartier, or as he sometimes goes by “Jacuzzi Cartier” has gained clout throughout rap scene. The Toronto artist has made it own his own without a cosign from Drake and has caught the eye of many, ironically including Young Money superstar Lil Wayne. His new track “Tempted” is an absolute banger and is sure to set the tone in any situation that involves getting fired up. 7. Drew Barrymore - SZA

Jonny: This song has nothing to do with Drew Barrymore. Despite the confusion it was my most played song this month for this playlist. Her lyrics: “Somebody get the tacos / Somebody get spark the blunt / Let’s start the night of at episode one.” sounds like a damn good night to me. Taking netflix and chill to a whole new level. Kendrick Lamar found a diamond in the rough in SZA and his a huge addition to the TDE family.

Jared: I have yet to figure out why this song is titled “Drew Barrymore”. Regardless, the track by TDE’s first lady is one of my favourite releases from her thus far. Since seeing SZA perform live at Squamish Valley Music Festival in 2015 while she was sporting a retro Vancouver Grizzlies jersey as if it were a dress, I have been a fan. Although the lyrical content of this song is actually quite depressing, I still enjoy hearing from SZA and am excited for her new project. 6. Saved - Khalid

Julian: My opinion, Khalid has one of the most refreshing voices in the music industry right now. “Saved” has the same ingredients of greatness that has worked on his other singles like “Location.” The song features lyrics that tell a story and an instrumental that is a pleasant change of pace from trap/bass driven tracks lately.

Jared: As of recently I have been religiously listening to Khalid on a day-to-day basis. Although the 18 year old from Texas has only released a handful of songs, he has an extremely bright future ahead of him, in my opinion. His voice is diverse in the sense that each one of his songs gives a different vibe and has appeal for different situations. In this track he discusses how he is still not over his ex and how down that makes him feel, while in other songs such as “Let’s Go” the approach he takes is more positive and results in completely different song. With this track dropping and the announcement of his album (coming March 3rd) it is safe to say that I’m excited about this young talent’s presence on the music scene. 5. Sideline Number – Russ

Julian: While I will probably never relate to Russ's problem of needing another phone number to deal with the group of women who want to have sex with him, I still really enjoyed this song. Out of all the songs released this month I actually think i've listened to this the most. I have no idea why I like this song as much as I do, but it's incredibly catchy. After a few listens you'll be singing along to the chorus every time.

Jeremy: I don’t think there is anyone putting out quality music as frequently as Russ. The guy basically drops a hit record every two weeks. If you’re still sleeping on Russ then you should probably wake up. And if he’s not hitting you back then you may have his wrong phone, try getting his #2 line. 4. Moving on and Getting Over – John Mayer

Julian: What a tune. The vibes on this track are just so happy and bubbly. The outro with 1:15 left in this song could be played at the end of any romantic comedy movie. Every time I listen to it I just picture a scene where Joseph Gorden Levitt – while smiling, crumbles up a picture of his ex and subtly tosses it over his shoulder while walking in public (but deep down inside he’s not actually over her). I love how it sounds like an outro song, HOWEVER, it’s the intro to his EP and it sets the tone perfectly

Jeremy:  John Mayer can have sexual relations with my girlfriend and he may even convince me it was for the best. I think Julian put it best below, but there is nothing that this man cannot get away with after making such beautiful music. He has an angelic voice that comes around once in a lifetime and the guitar picking skills mixed with songwriting that can make a bird with a broken wing fly.. No correction * soar * once again. Love this EP - but I’m not actually in love with John Mayer. I just really really like him.

Jared: The part in the middle of this song where he hits those high notes is bananas!!!! #MayerSZN is in full effect baby. 3. No One Knows Me (Like My Piano) - Sampha

Julian: If you don’t know who “Sampha” is, let me help you… “DON’T THINK ABOUT IT TOO MUCH TOO MUCH, THERE’S NO REASON TO RUSH IT THROOOoOoOough”Yes. That was him on drake’s “too much,” which you’ve probably botched singing at the top of your lungs in your car. This song is just as emotional as that chorus, however instead of him singing gut-wrenchingly about a lover, he is singing about his piano. I haven’t heard and artist sing this emotionally about an object since Queen’s “Bicycle.” To be honest it doesn’t matter what Sampha sings about because his chillingly voice will keep me listening to every song he releases (listen to “Timmy’s Prayer). If you’re looking for a new artist please give him a listen, and add this song to your chill playlist on spotify/apple music.

Jonny: I can’t really express my feelings towards this song more than Julian did. I don’t even own a piano but I can relate to this through my Rock Band 2 drum set. Countless hours of emotion, passion and dedication with an object can become a huge part of your life and when you’re separated from it you just don’t know what to do with yourself. Sampha creates a masterpiece here where you wish you didn’t take things for granted throughout your life. Watch out for him to be a serious threat in the music game for years to come.

Jeremy: My mother does own a grand piano. I have spent some serious hours there. For me to say that no one or no thing knows like that piano would be a flat out lie. However, when Sampha says it, I believe it. I’m almost certain that he had to get a new piano after writing this song because of all of the tears that are left on every key. Listen to this song while driving alone at your own risk and make sure to call your family members and ex girlfriends after this to thank them for getting you to where you’re at today. Good call on the Bicycle reference Julian. Migos and Sampha > The Beatles and Queen.

Jared: Although I had not been listening to Sampha since his feature on Drake’s 2013 hit “Too Much”, it was a delight to hear this beautiful voice again. Considering the instrument I have invested the most time into was the recorder throughout elementary school, I cannot relate to the bond Sampha has with the piano at his mother’s home, nonetheless after hearing this song it was an obvious pick for my list. If Sampha continues to release tracks such as this one, I believe he will gain much more recognition and break the label of “that guy on that Drake song”, which he is given by many people (including myself).

2. T-Shirt - Migos

Julian: Seriously at this point forget Jordan, Pippen and Rodman, the Migos are the most iconic trio of all time. When it's all said and done the Migos will have more hits than the Beatles, and they'll have done it with one less member. All it takes is one listen of this song to have the chorus stuck in your head. The song has a very different vibe to it than other Migos tracks that are very bass heavy and full of interjections and ad-libs. If you take over the aux cord at a house party in the next few months, you have to open with this song.

Jonny: MIGOS CAN NOT LOSE. The group really found their groove on their latest album “Culture”. Easily the best album of 2017 so far in my opinion. My favourite part of this song is Quavo’s extremely catchy hook and subtly saying “Oooooouuuuu” and “Uhhhhhhh” under Takeoff and Offset’s verse’s respectively. If you didn’t think this song could get any better, watch the music video. By far one of the most hilarious things I have ever viewed.

Jeremy:  Now although my mamma never told me not to sell work, it was extremely implied in my suburban upbringing. Sentiments like “don’t do drugs” and “stay away from the bad crowd” still ring in my head when I pass by dark corners. However, if I had listened to this song back in the day, you best believe I would be running every block in the city in my white t-shirt. This song is just so hypnotic that it almost feels like you’re in a trance that could take you back to the middle ages where Quavo is the king of the land and the bass is the wake up call for the town every morning. Or maybe that’s just me.

Jared: STRAIGHT OUT NORTH ATLANTA!!!! As of recently the three boys from Georgia known as the “Migos” have been untouchable. Following the release of their platinum single “Bad And Boujee” Quavo, Takeoff and Offset have been dropping fire left and right. Although there are countless things to say about the Migos, one thing that has always stood out to me has been their use of ad-libs, and at this point I feel as though they have perfected the profound art. The combination of the trifecta’s ad-lib use and melodic flows resulted in the song “T-Shirt”, which in our opinion is one of the best songs to release in January. 1. You’re Gonna Live Forever In Me - John Mayer

Julian: Wow, what can I say about John Mayer’s new EP that hasn’t already been said about the movie “UP.” It had me crying five minutes in, and I told everyone to check it out without giving them a fair warning. I didn’t know how much I needed this song in my life till I heard it. The whistling in the track takes me back to Disney’s “Robin Hood”, and the lyrics took me back to my first break up. If John Mayer cheats on you, all he has to do is play a guitar riff and you’ll be the one apologizing. This is easily the standout track from my favourite project of the month, can’t wait for wave two of his album.

Jonny: Similar to Julian, I was instantly in tears when listening to John Mayer’s new EP, AND THIS IS ONLY PART 1 OF THE ALBUM!! MORE TO COME!!! I couldn’t help but feeling you would hear this track at the end of a Toy Story movie. Imagine this song playing, Woody holding Buzz Lightyear in his arms while he is slowing dying. My heart is shattering just thinking about it. The lyrics to this song are incredible and the whistling behind them is just the icing on the cake for the best song of the month.

Jeremy: It’s 5:00 am. I decide to listen to the new John Mayer. It seemed like a good idea. This song starts playing and I start getting flash-backs of every single girl I’ve dated since I was in middle school. Did I hurt them? Or maybe they hurt me? Either way the memories are overwhelming and I feel the need to text all of them. I group DM my exes - tell them they belong to me that goes on for forever. None of them respond. I’m left with tears and shattered dreams of relationships past. That being said, this song was my favorite experience of the month. John is a legend.

Jared: Do not listen to this song if you don’t want to cry!!! All I can say is that Mr. Mayer snapped on this track. Having been a fan of John Mayer for the last few years, I can honestly say this new EP is up to par with some of his best work. As Julian and Jonny mentioned, this song will make you feel as if you’re a character in Disney’s newest movie. You’re a bad person if you don’t like this song.

Honourable Mentions

Jonny: Running Back - Wale Feat. Lil Wayne

I know what all of you are thinking, Wale? Dude has been struggling since LeBron took his talents to South Beach (remember when all of you conveniently turned Heat fans that year?). I’m gonna be honest, I hated this song the first time I listened to it. But one night I was playing vids with my buddy Steve and he started mumbling the lyrics to this song so I’d thought to give it another listen, and it instantly got stuck in my head. In addition to that, I will take a verse from Weezy F Baby, good or bad, any day of the week. In the opening of his verse he spits: “These bitches sellin they souls / well I want my money back”, which cracked me up. Wale was one of my favourite artists in high school but his last project co-produced by Jerry Seinfeld entitled “The Album About Nothing”, didn’t work out as well as hoped, even though it was a clever idea. This song is a good step forward for Wale to get back to his roots.

Julian: Kelly Price - Migos Feat. Travis Scott

Don’t @ me, this song is an all time banger even though the other guys didn’t agree (these are the same guys who bump Ed Sheeran and Kehlani though). I will say I could easily of picked “Call Casting” as my honourable mention for the month because it’s impossible not to shout out every ad lib and interjection (BEAT IT UP) (EAT IT UP) (YEAH). While I felt this album was half 10/10 songs and half 6/10 songs I definitely feel like Kelly Price is the standout track for me - next to Bad & Boujee (the song of our generation). Travis Scott keeps impressing me more and more every year, just like the Migos.

Jeremy: All Year - Problem

I never really thought about listening to Problem. I don’t know why. But after seeing how cool he was in person I decided to give his music a real chance. And I don’t regret a thing. This song is an absolute BANGER. And after listening to it, you’ll really be questioning why you hadn’t heard it before. I think it’s a fitting way to start 2017. Thankfully Drake didn’t drop this month because we probably all would have had to put one song each from More Life as an honourable mention.

Jared: Electric (feat. Khalid)- Alina Baraz

Honestly the only reason I found out about this song is because of the Khalid feature, but nonetheless the collab between the two singers makes for one hell of a track. Something that really stands out to me about this song is the beat change ups throughout the song, specifically when Khalid starts to sing. This track is sure to take you on a rollercoaster of emotions and is one of my favourites from January.