Come and Share This Jam with Me

Clairo's latest single, "4EVER" was released via Clairo's YouTube channel  on April 27th, but considering the recent release of her debut Ep, diary 001 , it is only fitting to discuss arguably the most expansive effort to come from the Clairo cannon. Clairo's journey from YouTube notoriety to emerging pop star is nothing short of remarkable given the circumstances that has embodied Clairo as an artist: individualism. Clairo has written, produced and developed most if not all of her songs from her bedroom using beats from her laptop and the odd acoustic guitar, all of which amalgamates into an extremely expressive and personal collection of tunes paralleling the traditional format of a diary. "4EVER" is another transparent song about Clairo's involvement or fantasies with boys, but on a larger and more committed level, "Am I going to feel this way forever/Are you going to be around for me to count on?" The song " Flaming Hot Cheeto...

There's nothing like early 2000's New York City Rock. Along with The Strokes and Interpol , the Yeah Yeah Yeahs led the resurgence of New York City Rock but were often viewed as the more playful and flamboyant group to come out of the scene. While songs like " Heads Will Roll " definitely justify this identity, not to mention front-woman Karen O's elaborate outfits and antics, it is "Maps" that displays the range the Yeah Yeah Yeahs have. "Maps" is a cathartic tune about regret and longing that plays at your heart strings with terse lyrics, melancholic and alternating chords that creates empathetic sense of feeling for the listener.  From their debut album, Fever to Tell   "Maps" is just one of the few tracks that brought the Yeah Yeah Yeahs into the spotlight. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs' impact is definitely seen in more obscure bands who may be considered "art bands" but mostly these groups are just the alternative ...

As a fan of J. Cole's "1985," I am sort of taken aback with "Old N*ggas." J. Cole is not trying to save Hip Hop or completely remove this recent trap trend that has crept into Hip Hop, however he has been critical and has attempted to mold and assist the new generation of sound cloud rappers and trap stars for the "better." J. Cole's recent KOD   (where "1985" is featured) uses trap at times with irony of J. Cole's and many other's negative perception of trap, but nonetheless does not negate its influence and can't help but embrace it. Being someone who has been in the "game" for a while, J. Cole is aware of having to adapt to new trends and niches that come about, but as someone part of the elder generation who think this style of Hip Hop is dumb, J. Cole cannot help but think something needs to be done for these kids who have embodied trap as part of their identity. Enter "Old N*ggas." YBN Cordae...

While, Donald Glover's Childish Gambino project has proved mainstream and audience appeal with previous tracks, they have not been all that impressive. "This is America" erases any notions that Donald Glover is unable to create an awe-inspiring and incredible song. "This is America" is a single off Childish Gambino's upcoming fourth album, and it is quite frankly the best song Donald Glover's Childish Gambino persona has made and has thus far been the best song of 2018. I might even go all-in to say "This is America" will turn out to be the best song of the year.  Taking influence from trap music, "This is America" is able to be a banger and a song that has an apparent meaning or cause to be made. Kendrick Lamar 's DAMN   is a great example of taking influence from the controversial trap music genre, and creating both mass appeal and disseminating a powerful message, and "This is America" is no different. In s...

"How to Socialise & Make Friends" as a single and an  album is one of the best releases of 2018. The single feels like breath of fresh air; it's smooth, energetic, melodic and has an awesome narrative conducted through a vernacular that is appealing, relatable and comprehensive. As you follow along with the song, you are aware of the complications that Georgia Maq is professing and the story of independence and sanctuary that she feels when riding her handlebar-less bike in the dark.  The feeling you get when you listen to the song is this comfortable warmth just as soon as the initial riffs and steady beat are enacted. It's reminiscent of The Stroke's 12:51, in the consistency and steady pace of Moretti's drumming juxtaposed with the playful rhythm of Nick Valensi's licks.  Obviously, 12:51 is a calmer and more alluring track than the more upbeat and evocative "How to Socialise & Make Friends," but the similarities are ...

Part of what's left of the famed  Jonathan Fire* Eater , The Walkmen are able to distance themselves from Jonathan Fire* Eater incorporating and marking themselves with a post-punk revival style, and their breakout banger, "The Rat" is more than telling of that. Listed by Pitchfork as the sixth best single of 2004 (if that means anything to you), "The Rat" is singer Hamilton Leithauser explicating his disappointments in a frustrating anthem of loneliness and loss in a bravado that expresses a hope to feel wanted or at least noticed. After Jonathan Fire* Eater had fizzled out and The Strokes , Interpol and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs had taken over. The shift in New York City went from the nuanced and gothic stylings in downtown Manhattan to a post-punk and indie rock flavor that focused on the raw basics of rocks rather than trying to break the mold. It was music that reflected the irritation of the indie rockers in New York having to accept an out-dated U2 an...

Normally, artists taking influence from the 70's incorporate smooth and lucid riffs, a soft/easy beat and a groovy bass line, akin to artists like The Grateful Dead and David Bowie . With MOD CON, and specifically the song in question, "Scorpio Moon," the 70's influence is undeniably related with the hard rock stylings of bands like  Heart . While undoubtedly taking influence from 70's hard rock,  MOD CON and their full-length debut Modern Convenience , finds themselves squarely fit into this New School of rock with the likes of  Courtney Barnett ,  Starcrawler  and  The Regrettes . "Scorpio Moon" has a rawness and authenticity to its production along with a snarl that says "I don't give a fuck;" indicative of the New School.  Right out of the gates bassist Sara Retallick is making you play catch-up but just before you find your breath lightning strikes with a slick riff and a thunderous beat throws you on your ass for the rest of...

Shout out to YouTube's alona chemerys  for posting another beautiful track...goddamn. "Stupid Songs" off Alpharo's debut EP, Stupid Songs , like many off the songs posted by alona chemerys, is sexy, groovy, dreamy, melodic and addictive (seriously). While falling somewhere in the dream pop genre, "Stupid Songs" stands out much like Feng Suave's brilliant " Sink Into the Floor ." There is a soul, an empathetic sound to the collective of the track that is palpable allowing the listener to be engaged with Alpharo in his narrative. Like so often with love songs and sentimentality, there's a lot of perplexity. There is no true coalescing of emotions as different feelings tend to arise simply out of nowhere and fade all together. Thus, is the nature of this song in its lyrics surmised by its lucid instrumentation that is so often accompanied with dream pop. In speaking of its lyrics , "Stupid Songs" is something of a meta-narra...