Vampires (#440)

Hi,
sorry, I'm late.
I am currently on a music discovery spree, which means that I listen to new music a lot. On the weekend I also found a list of artist that I want to check out.

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Maxim : New album alert. "Das Bisschen was wir sind" features quite serious and well written songs. I'll definitely listen to it more.
• Okta Logue : Wow, how could I miss this one out. I've listened to their latest album "Diamonds And Despair", which is the best psychadelic progressive pop I've heard in 2016.
• RY X : It took a while until I finally checked out "Dawn". And it was worth it. Songs like "Delivered" and "Salt" should be a fine addition to my "mellow" playlists.
• Roosevelt : Did I mention how much I like his self-titled debut album? :P
• Skye & Ross : New album alert. If you like the song "Light Of Gold", you should try their self-titled record. It feels like a perfect collection of music.

Most played artists:

• The Midnight : Recommendation context. So there was this video stream and a cool song was playing in the background. Turned out to be "Vampires" by The Midnight. Next stop bandcamp. And now I have a bunch of new (retro) jams. :)
• M.I.A. : New album alert. "AIM" is good, but also surprisingly catchy. The song "Borders" grew on me btw.
• Die Höchste Eisenbahn : New album alert. "Wer bringt mich jetzt zu den Anderen" is one of the best albums by a German act I've listened to this year. And chances are good, that I will go to their concert.
• BONEZ MC & RAF Camora : New album alert. German dancehall and hip-hop never got me so excited. "Palmen aus Plastik" seems to be a true labour of love.

Most played tracks:

• The Midnight - The Equaliser (Not Alone) : This one and "Vampires" are my favorites from the album "Endless Summer".

News?
█ Apple announced the iPhone7 and the presentation ended with Sia. Her new song/video "The Greatest" is another hymn that only Sia can provide. The video seems to pay tribute to the Orlando shooting.
█ Ellie Goulding's new video "Still Falling For You" made me realise that she must be the biggest female pop singer from the UK next to Adele these days. And they found a nice way to include snippets from the upcoming third Bridget Jones film.
█ Whe it comes to a charts race between Fler and Kay One - it's Fler's "Vibe" that made it to the top.

New in the German charts:
[09] Twenty One Pilots - Heathens : Another song from the Suicide Squad soundtrack jumps right into the top ten. I didn't know that the video also has a strong connection to the film.
[10] Rag'n'Bone Man - Human : Oh, I did not expect such a honest song about social issues. And on top of that it comes from an artist, that doesn't fit in the typical pop star shape.

Ordinary Lives (#439)

Hi,
last week I saw a world class rock show - here in my home town. Details below...

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Messer : New album alert. Tbh I was very disappointed after hearing "Jalousie" for the first time. Most songs just felt meh to me. :/
• Beach Baby : New album alert. "No Mind No Money" features nice indie tunes. My favorite song (so far) is "U R".
• Scott & Charlene's Wedding : New album alert. "Mid Thirties Single Scene" is a great album title... but tbh I expected more.
• Bon Iver : It's still a while until "22, A Million" will be released (and everyone can start figuring out how to pronounce some of the song titles).

Most played artists:

• Kyle Gass Band : New album alert. And concert context.I got the chance to interview the KGB before their concert in Rostock. And before that I was lucky to listen to new album "Thundering Herd", which features some great classic rock songs. And don't forget to pay attention to the flute parts.
• Die Höchste Eisenbahn : New album alert. I was truly amazed when I was listening to "Wer bringt mich jetzt zu den Anderen". It makes me thinking about going to their concert. :P
• Von Wegen Lisbeth : Recommendation context. A friend made me check out the album "Grande". It was a good choice, as there are really nice songs on it. And a concert date is coming up soon. :)

Most played tracks:

• The Slow Show - Ordinary Lives : What a song! This one went straight to my "best of 2016" list. Go check it out. (Can't wait for the album.)

News?
█ The Black Eyed Peas re-recorded her hit song "Where Is The Love". The new version "#whereisthelove (feat. The World) has a lot of guests on it - and most also appear in the video.
█ Die Antwoord released a video for "Banana Brain", which once more shows their unique visual style. However, the song is surprisingly weak.
█ After watching the VMAs I was wondering what happened to the show. Why did Rihanna get so much space... and why was Beyoncé allowed to perform a medley again? The answer has certainly to do with popularity. And also the "hosts" were horrible.
█ As it was expected the new Beginner album "Advanced Chemistry" went to number one on the German album charts. However, the reviews have been divided.

New in the German charts:
[06] The Chainsmokers - Closer (feat. Halsey) : Something something getting older. Well, it's an ordinary pop song - not bad, but not that special as well, if you ask me. What happened to the Halsey I've known from songs like "Ghost"? Hm...

Sucker For Pain (#438)

Hi,
I'm sorry, but busy time really do keep me busy. Let's make this quick...

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• zZz : New album alert. "Juggernaut" now gets a release in Germany. It's not exactly my cup of tea.
• Slow Down Molasses : Promotion context. I was lucky to check out "100% Sunshine", which will be released this week. The tracks do cover quite a range. My favorite songs are "Flower" and "Moon Queen".

Most played artists:

• Killerpilze : Promotion context. I managed to get an Interview with the lead singer of the band (Jo). And thus I went through some releases - like "Grell", "Postkarten EP" and "High", of course. It felt good to get such an insight.
• Frank Ocean : New albumS alert. So I've listened to "Endless" and "Blond". The first one kind of doesn't count, and the second one is a bit weird, if you ask me. But then again... I also wasn't that amazed by "Channel Orange". (There, I said it.) ^^
• Céline Dion : New album alert. She revived her French discography with the new album "Encore Un Soir". After a first spin I am quite underwhelmed. But I recall those days of "1 Fille & 4 Types" - what a record.
• Banks & Steelz : New album alert. "Anything But Words" is anything but boring. I really liked the music - every track except the last one.

Most played tracks:
(nothing to highlight)

News?
█ Frank Ocean released a lot. Not only can you listen to 2 new albums - "endLESS" and "Blonde". There is also a new video for "Nikes", which couldn't possibly be weirder. Colorful visuals and quite a lot of skin.
█ Korn announced a new album for October 21 - "The Serenity Of Suffering".
█ If you had to sum up the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards, you could just say two names - Beyoncé and Rihanna. If you don't like either, you would have a hard time watching the show. The first one has won many awards (8) and the second one sang lots of songs.
(Unfortunately I haven't been able to watch the show yet.)

New in the German charts:
[08] Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa & Imagine Dragons with Logic, Ty Dolla $ign & X Ambassadors - Sucker For Pain : Now that's what I would call a feature overkill. And tbh after watching "Suicide Squad" this tune got stuck in my head. But I still don't like it.
[10] Disturbed - The Sound Of Silence : Of course, this one is a cover. Most fans might not even know Simon and Garfunkel. But tbh I expected worse. It's okay.

Lost Youth / Lost You (#437)

Hi,
I had a crazy last week. Unfortunately the demand for a good night of sleep is still growing. But hey, at least I could listen to a bunch of new music.

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Work Drugs : New album alert. I've just heard parts of "Method Acting", but it seems promising. 
• Bright Light Bright Light : New single alert. For "Symmetry Of Two Hearts" the singer gets help from Elton John once again. There's a quite euphoric vibe in his music these days. Remember "All In The Name"?
• Cub Sport : I'm still in the process of getting to know their latest album "This Is Our Vice".
• Kaiser Chiefs : New pre-single alert. Once again I can see a change in style coming. Let's see, how the new album "Stay Together" will turn out.
• Ezra Furman : New EP alert. I'm not sure, if I will give "Big Fugitive Life" a try. The first songs, I've listened to, did not really convince me.
• Florida Geogia Line : New pre-single alert. For their upcoming album "Dig Your Roots" they even made a song with the Backstreet Boys as feature guests. BSB went country. WTF!? ^^

Most played artists:

• Joseph : Promotion context. I was lucky to check out their upcoming album "I'm Alone, No You're Not". Nice stuff.
• Die Lochis : New album alert. The kind of teen pop you can find on "#zwilling" will certainly annoy others. Just check out some videos and you know what I mean. In other words: I feel so old. :P
• Bear's Den : I'm so hooked on their latest album "Red Earth & Pouring Rain", that I would like to see them live. Unfortunately this seems quite unlikely anytime soon.

Most played tracks:

(nothing to highlight here)

News
█ Lady Gaga announced a new single - although she is more of a busy actress these days. "Perfect Illusion" will be released in September.
█ Ellie Goulding released a new song for the upcoming third Bridget Jones film. "Still Falling For You" reminds me of "Love Me Like You Do", of course. :P
█ How To Dress Well is back with a new video from his upcoming album "Care" (September 23). "Lost Youth / Lost You" features dreamy visuals.

New in the German charts:
(nothing)

The Ocean (#436)

Hi,
although I had some time off last week, I felt very busy. And guess what - being busy could also be the slogan for my upcoming weeks. But now back on topic...

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Herbie : Flashback times. I did not know that Herbie is/was a successful producer. I just remembered his 3 singles from is (only?) solo album "Fingers" (1995): "Right Type Of Mood", "I Believe" and "Rainbow Child". And tbh, now that I have heard the album, those kind of were the best songs.
• Adele : Flashback times. I think it's funny that I like the cover version of "Turning Tables" by Gwyneth Paltrow more than the original version from Adele's album "21".
• Goo Goo Dolls : Flashback times. If you'd like to try a new motivational anthem, feel free to check out "Keep The Car Running" from "Magnetic".
• Pet Shop Boys : Fan times. (See previous posts.) ^^

Most played artists:

• Normandie : Fan times. (See previous posts.)
• Jake Bugg : I finally found some time to listen to "On My One" once more. Still a great album. One of my gems of 2016.
• Bear's Den : Speaking of gems. 2016 will always be the year, when I was sort of swimming in their tunes.

Most played tracks:

• Normandie - Collide (Philip Strand Remix) : Hm, I'm a bit surprised of how much this remix has grown on me.

News?
█ Sophie Ellis-Bextor is back with a new song/video. "Come With Us" sounds very retro. The video could use some more movements, because it once again focuses on her face. The new album is titled "Familia" and comes out on September 16.
█ Tegan and Sara released a new video for "Hang On To The Night", which comes from the designer of BoJack Horseman - Lisa Hanawalt. The animation is okay, if you ask me.
█ Green Day announced a new album. "Revolution Radio" will be released on October 7. The first single is called "Bang Bang" and sounds quite like Green Day.

New in the German charts:
[06] Mike Perry - The Ocean (feat. Shy Martin) : When I first listened to that song, my initial two thoughts were: "sounds nice" and "reminds me of Kygo". :P
[08] DJ Snake - Let Me Love You (feat. Justin Bieber) : Another simple electronic pop song for the season. There's a strong Major Lazer vibe in it, but who says that rip-offs can't be good?
[09] Jonas Blue - Perfect Strangers (feat. JP Cooper) : Uhm, okay, it's starting to get repetitive. Those mainstream EDM pop songs do not differ that much. Or do they? I'm afraid, that soon it will be harder to tell who the artist is.

My Heart (#435)

Hi,
back to business as usual... or at least, I try to get there...

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Pet Shop Boys : Fan times. I think it's funny how the song "Inner Sanctum" has grown on me during the last weeks. I can also recommend "Undertow" from the latest album "Super".
• Cub Sport :  (Relatively) new album alert. Because of new songs for the local radio I came across the single "I'm On Fire", which made me look for the album "This Is Our Vice". And despite the cover artwork I found quite enjoyable indie pop tunes. I will continue getting to know all the tracks.
• Uplink & O-Kay : Normandie context. Some time ago I've read that Normandie singer Philip Strand has had this feature part, and now I took some time to do a little research. Not only did I find this single, but also a whole bunch of other songs. (Stay tuned for more.)
• Kasabian : Catchy tune alert. Ah, "eez-eh!" is such a gem in terms of lyrics and beats. I guess this will be one of my all-time favorites.

Most played artists:

• Arkells : New album alert. The first time I was listening to "Morning Report", I was disappointed because of the amount of voice effects and the lack of catchy indie tunes. The album sounds a lot like pop surprisingly. But after a while I found a few tracks that did convince me a bit - like "My Heart's Always Yours".
• Philip Strand : Normandie context.
• Normandie : Fan times.

Most played tracks:

• Philip Strand - Modern Lovestory : The title song of that solo EP comes off quite bright, compared to older Normandie songs. And the ballads are also very good.
• Twin Wild - My Heart : New single alert. If I'm correct this comes from a newcomer band from London. With a single like this I get quite curious about upcoming releases.

News?
█ Britney Spears released the video for "Make Me...", which features a lot of objectifying. I think we should get over that in the year 2016. Anyway... she also used Jimmy Kimmel's late night show to promote her upcoming album "Glory".
█ Katy Perry also released a new music video for her single "Rise". Just like the song I also find the video quite underwhelming. I just expected more tbh.

New in the German charts:
[04] Felix Jaehn - Bonfire (feat. ALMA) : Oh no! This one sounds like a mediocre mix of Justin Bieber and Sia. Generic electro pop.

Sing Me To Sleep (#434)

Hi,
so I'm kind of back in my usual daily life - and that includes a few scrobbles...

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Captain Planet : Accidental playlist context. I fell asleep and this band came up. The funny thing about it: the songs of "Treibeis" did not really make me wake up. :P
• Beaty Heart : New album alert. Hm, tbh I guess this is not my cup of tea.
• The Cardigans : Flashback times. To me "Gran Turismo" was their peak.
• John Mayer : Fan times. I did not know that "Half Of My Heart" was a single. And tbh that is a pretty cheesy song. :P

Most played artists:

• The Candle Thieves : "New" album alert. "Sunshine And Other Misfortunes" is not a new album in general, but I've never heard it before. It sounds good.
• Pet Shop Boys : Post concert times context. Well, not only their new songs did grow on me a bit, also the classics like "Axis" and "The Brits Medley".
• Roosevelt : Promotion context. Believe me when I say, this is a big release of Germany's new retro wave. Right now I'd even say that it's better than Drangsal's stuff.

Most played tracks:

• Pet Shop Boys : Inner Sanctum : Yeah, that was the opening song of the Royal Opera House concerts. And it made perfectly sense. Look for footage on YouTube. This track created the right atmosphere.

News?
(no, not this time)

New in the German charts:
[02] Major Lazer feat. Justin Bieber & MØ - Cold Water : Tbh I did not really listen to that song while checking it out. It felt very generic.
[09] Shawn Mendes - Treat You Better : This is how I realize that I get old. I have no interest in giving this song a try, because I'm pretty sure, it will not satisfy me. But hey, I'm about to grow up then. :D
[10] Alan Walker - Sing Me To Sleep : Hm, no, sorry, this one has not the quality of "Faded". Also the trippy video can't help it.