Somebody Else (#412)

Hi,
what is time these days? February is already over? At least it was filled with good new music.

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Madeline Juno : Coinciding with her new album being released I've listened to "Salvation" once again. It's nice pop music, but not that big deal some promoters want it to be.
• DMA'S : New album alert. Finally. Their debut record dropped. I couldn't wait for "Hills End". And now that I've listened to it... I'm surprised how polished most songs are. No edgy elements?
• Jamie Lawson : His self-titled album was released over here... so I went through it. Most songs reminded me of Ed Sheeran, which is not a bad thing. Unless you expect something unique.
• Troye Sivan : I'm sorry thinking of him just being another YouTuber trying to make music. Two EPs and his debut album made me change my mind. I hope he will find his place in music...
• Matthew Logan Vasquez : New album alert. "Solicitor Returns" should definitely be on your list, if you're looking for something different from many mainstream productions.
• Tropic : Promotion context. This German indie folk project will release a new album called "I Am The Rain If You Are The Meadow" soon. However, I'm afraid this is not my cup of tea. And I'd say a few weak elements come from the production.

Most played artists:

• Normandie : Addiction alert. It's funny how you can be blown away by a band within a few days. In a few days everybody should be able to enjoy the new album "Inguz".  Or just go and check out "Collide" - my new favorite tune. I'm so happy with their kind of sound, I couldn't care less that a few friends see it as another Linkin Park ripoff.
• The 1975 : New album alert. Could the second album have a longer title than "I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It"? Idk + Idc. I'm very pleased with the new songs. Try "Somebody Else". What a haunting melody.
• Porches : New album alert. "Pool" mixes 80s retro vibes with experimental things. Sometimes it works for me and sometimes I wanted to skip a track.

Most played tracks:

• The 1975 - Somebody Else : As this one is not uptempo I can understand if it will just be one of the pre-singles. But if they promote it, I would be very pleased. :)
• Normandie - Chandelier : How could I miss this. OK, so there was this Sia song, that I did not like at first. But it grew on me. And now this. A cover version that comes with dreamy synths and fine male vocals. Plus guitars! I hope they will play it live on tour, although the screamer left the band.

News?
█ Rihanna had some good promotion this week. First she released the video for her single "Work" (which is actually two videos by different directors). Both also feature Drake. And speaking of Drake - he joined her on stage at the BRIT Awards 2016. Tbh I think that "Work" sounds pretty generic.
█ For her new video Ellie Goulding just filmed one of her concerts. "Something In The Way You Move" once again sounds like a very radio-friendly pop song, that could be sung by anyone. But hey, it's catchy.
█ "The Sound" of The 1975 is their newest video, which once again makes use of pink tones and weird settings. The song is one of the most catchy ones from their new album "I Like... ".
█ Anything special about this year's BRIT Awards? Well, the biggest surprise for me was Catfish and the Bottlemen winning the Newcomer Award. Clearly did not see that coming. And also... Björk? Wow, that also was a bold move.

New in the German charts:
[06] Rihanna - Work (feat. Drake) : Meh.

Stressed Out (#411)

Hi,
wow, I'm a bit shocked how much new music I was able to listen to last week. Here we go...

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Wild Nothing : New album alert. "Life Of Pause" sounds good, but not overwhelming.
• Tiemo Hauer : New album alert. I can tell you, that I certainly will spin "Vernunft, Vernunft." a few times more. The opener alone is a reason ("Benzin").
• Ian Fisher : I've listened to a few tracks from "Nero". But it did not have a great impact on me.
• Wolfmother : New album alert. "Victorious" starts strong, but then it's more of the same stuff. But still nice rock music.
• POP ETC : Their latest album "Souvenir" seemed a bit generic to me. :/

Most played artists:

• Rekk : New album alert. "SixtyTwo" made me dream a little. It's not rough or edgy, but warm music for evening sessions.
• AnnenMayKantereit : Promotion context. Their debut album "Allex nix Konkretes" will be released in March. I was lucky enough to listen to it. Tbh during the session I lost interest in their kind of sound. Somehow the tracks became repetitive
• Jan Blomqvist : New album alert. "Remote Control" will be out soon. If you like "Time Again", you should try his album. It's good electronic music, that isn't too upfront.
• Isolation Berlin : New album alert. "Und aus den Wolken tropft die Zeit" starts very well, but the music lost me during the album. Maybe those ten plus x tracks are too dramatic.

Most played tracks:
(nothing to highlight here)

News?
█ The new FKA Twigs video/single "Good To Love" is very mellow, but also somehow nice, because it refuses to have a thumping beat. And who wouldn't like to spend some time in a comfy bed?
█ Finally some updates on new Roxette material. A leading single is expected to be released in April, with the next album dropping in the Fall (October/November). Still... it's a long time.
█ All Saints announced a comeback. The new single "One Strike" will premiere tomorrow. The track was inspired by Nicole Appleton’s marriage with Liam Gallagher. The new album "Red Flag" will come out in April.

New in the German charts:
[06] Twenty One Pilots - Stressed Out : Tbh I've had the song on the radar before. But now it's getting somewhere. And because this is not the 10th entry of some mainstream douchebag, I'm quite happy.
[10] Elle King - Ex's & Oh's : Oh, look who made it again (or finally?). It's that catchy song from more than a year ago. No, but seriously I do think she is a good artist. So yay for her.

Head Over Heels (#410)

Hi,
oh no, not again... sorry for being late :(

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Lissie : New album alert. I really like most of "My Wild West". I'd love to see her live, but my work life won't allow it.
• Night Beats : New album alert. I guess I expected too much from "Who Sold My Generation". :/
• Paper Tigers : Promotion context. Oh, "Head Over Heels" sounds promising. (And by that I'm referring not only to the title track.)
• Me And My Drummer : New album alert. How complex "Love Is  A Fridge"  has gotten. It's almost too artsy for me.
• No Doubt : News context. There were reports that the band has produced new music without Gwen Stefani. Anyway, I revisited "Push And Shove", which must be the most mainstream 
• Paul Oakenfold : "A Lively Mind" features some great tunes. I totally forgot that even Pharrell was featured here.

Most played artists:

• Roxette : Flashback times. A social media notice made me revisit the album "Crash! Boom! Bang!". And after listening to its entirety I can say, that it's still a bit hard for me to like - except highlights like the title track, "Fireworks" and "Sleeping In My Car".
• Royal Republic : Promotion context. Rock fans, look forward to "Weekend Man". This could be your early highlight of 2016.
• Rabaukendisko : New album alert + tour alert. So not only did I finally get to know the album "Nachtschattengewächs", but also the way most of the songs sound live. The concert on Friday was fun.

Most played tracks:

• Beyoncé - Formation : Tbh I did not expect this song to grow on me, but it certainly did. Btw. SNL made a crazy sketch about the release/video.

News?
█ Lady Gaga is sooo busy these days performing not only at the Super Bowl, but also at the Grammys and later this month at the Oscars.
█ "The Pop Kids", the new Pet Shop Boys will had its world premiere a few hours ago. The upcoming single will feature not only remixes but also b-sides.
█ So what's with Kanye's new album "The Life Of Pablo"? I mean, shouldn't it be released yet. And now the artist is broke? And he publicly asked Mark Zuckerberg? And he demands people to sign up for TIDAL to here the new songs? WTF!
█ Gwen Stefani revealed the title of her upcoming third solo album - "This Is What The Truth Feels Like" - out on March 18. Also she showed
█ Lana Del Rey's new video "Freak" comes with an epic length. (Nothing new.) Its visuals seem dreamy and somehow sensual. (Again, nothing new.) The first half contains the song, the second half is just a piano tune.
█ Also Grammy winner Mark Ronson has a new video featuring two songs "Summer Breaking / Daffodils" and also featuring the voice of Tame Impala, Kevin Parker. The video has a lot of summer visuals, of course. But I did not recognize a story.
█ "Bounty Hunters", the Röyksopp video, has the subtitle "Star Wars Headspace", which refers to a compilation album, that will be released this week. So you don't have to wonder about the space rave setting. You may spot the singer of iamamiwhoami, but the only vocals I could hear, came from aliens.
█ And what about the Grammys? Well, 3 names: Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, Alabama Shakes. Congratulations. Any highlight performances - tbh no, not really. (Maybe James Bay and Tori Kelly.)

New in the German charts:
[01] Alan Walker - Faded : Cool, I can totally live with this catchy song being number 1.
[05] Stereoact - Die immer lacht (feat. Kerstin Ott) : Oh boy, this one's a downer. Generic as fuck. Sorry, Kontor, but with songs like this, you don't improve your standing.
[08] G-Eazy x Bebe Rexha - Me, Myself & I : First surprise: it's hip-hop. (I did not know this artist.) Second surprise: the voice of Bebe. And I guess it's the hook that makes the song stand out - compared to other modern rap songs.
[10] X Ambassadors - Renegades : Oh, look what we have here. Tbh I already found this song in July of 2015. :P

Formation (#409)

Hi,
oops, I'm a little late again. Time has become such a rare thing in my life :/ (hashtag deep thoughts)

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy

• Editors : I totally forgot about their album "In Dream". I wanted to listen to all of it. Maybe I'll make it in a few weeks.
• Grimes : I'm still trying to get my head around her album "Art Angels", which is such a gem of 2015.
• Madonna : Fan times, obviously. I love her first live album - and I still wish to have the full concert and not just a few selected tracks.
• Frank Ocean : Flashback times. Well, I can't say that I was convinced by "Channel Orange".
• The Coral : I really like their song "Miss Fortune". Let's wait for the album. :P

Most played artists:

• Get Well Soon : New album alert."Love" is okay, but certainly not my cup of tea.
• The Corrs : "New" album alert. Can you believe that "White Light" hasn't been everywhere already out by now. That made me listen to it again.
• Sia : New album alert. Hm, I'm not sure whether I like the concept of singing songs that were written for others. But still, Sia is a singer-songwriter herself. :P

Most played tracks:

• Lissie - Don't You Give Up On Me : Lovely tune. Now give me the album, please.
• Get Well Soon - Young Count Falls For Nurse : One of the better songs from the new album "Love".

News?
█ Halsey created some buzz after covering Justin Bieber's "Love Yourself" with an edgy twist. It was for a radio show and caused some comments about her singing off key.
█ Take a band, put them in a living room, add a camera and you can get an intimate music video - maybe just as good as AnnenMayKantereit did. Their new song "Pocahontas" has some potential to become a hit.
█ Congratulations to SSIO for taking the top spot of the German album charts with his new record "0,9". (Btw. what's the correct pronunciation of his name?)
█ Beyoncé released a new song - called "Formation" on Saturday, then performed it at the Super Bowl on Sunday. The video includes important messages about politics and society. Oh, and btw. Queen Bey also announced her next world tour for this year.
█ And there was the Super Bowl Halftime Show, of course. I liked it quite a lot. Coldplay managed to entertain, and some guest stars are welcome - as always.

New in the German charts:
[05] Zayn - Pillowtalk : Are you serious? :/ How on earth could a mediocre pop song like "Pillowtalk" enter the top 5? Is it because of a raunchy music video? Idk.
[07] Jonas Blue - Fast Car (feat. Dakota) : Generic electro pop of 2015, anyone? There's no doubt about some familiar Kygo vibes. And as far as I've learned this song is a cover.
[08] Alan Walker - Faded : Ooh, now here we have a quite nice electro pop song. And it comes with a great video. Also the vocals do no damage. ;)

Virile (#408)

Hi,
lots of things are on my ToDo list... and I'm trying my best... even with little time to sleep...

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy

• LGoony & Crack Ignaz :Their mixtape "Aurora" did grow on me a bit. I can't wait to see them live. ;)
• Nevermen : New album alert. Sorry, but I hardly managed listening to all the tracks once. :/
• Grimes : I can't wait to listen to "Art Angels" again. Meanwhile I enjoyed the new video.
• NZCA Lines : New album alert. "Infinite Summer" might hint a Guetta-like party compilation. But I was surprised for its nice blend of sounds.
• Jacob Bellens : New album alert. I'm still getting to know "Polyester Skin", so I can't really write much about it.
• Coasts : Did I already tell you how great a song like "Modern Love" is? Well, I could repeat myself in that case.

Most played artists:

• Bloc Party : New album alert. Unfortunately I did not find anything I would call hymn on "Hymns". But still, "The Love Within" is nice. :/
• SSIO : New album alert. While I'm still not sure about the meaning of the title "0,9", I can say that a few tracks a real bangers - and not just because of the explicit lyrics. Also I've heard that he will have a gig in Rostock in October. :)
• Suede : New album alert. After an overwhelming review I found myself getting really curious about "Night Thoughts". And while not too strong on a rock vibe, many song do deliver. :)

Most played tracks:

• The Blaze - Virile : Wow, this track took me by surprise. It starts very minimal and then the tune kicks in. Lovely dreamy melody.

News?
█ Zayn Malik announced the title of his solo debut album - "Mind Of Mine" - to be released sometime in March. And he also released the first single "Pillowtalk", that comes with a very colorful video. However, I expected more.
█ And what about Zayn's pals of One Direction? They also released a new video, which is to believed their last before the hiatus. So it's no wonder that "History" contains loads of archive footage (also including Zayn). But the song sounds weak.
█ Daughtry will release their first hits compilation album, which is titled "It's Not Over... The Hits So Far". The singer also tweeted that he will draw a variant cover for an upcoming Batman comic book.
█ The wait for Rihanna's 8th album "Anti" is over. It dropped last week - even for free to some lucky users. The Deluxe Edition contains 16 tracks.
█ Massive Attack surprisingly released a new EP called "Ritual Spirits". Their new video "Take It There" (featuring Tricky) fits the creepy tune.
█ Right on time for this week's Super Bowl gig Coldplay dropped their new video "Hymn For The Weekend" - and yes, Beyoncé is in it as well. Lovely visuals from India do their best to distract from the fact that the song is not that great, actually. Tbh I liked the Rihanna team-up better.

New in the German charts:
[03] Justin Bieber - Love Yourself : Okay, clearly this is not new. But in its 11th week this track managed to reach No. 3. What's that about?