Cruel World (#532)

Hi,

yikes, I'm a bit late again.

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Chromeo : New album alert. "Head Over Heels" features all the elements, a Chromeo album should have. So fans should be pleased.
• Lykke Li : Fan times. I revisited her new album "so sad so sexy", which got some criticism because of its daring modern sounds. But I like that move.
• Kevin Abstract : Fan times.

Most played artists:

• BTS : Addiction alert. What on earth got me hooked on this K-Pop group? Clever marketing strategies, maybe? But I guess it's because of the well produced mix of pop, r&b and hip-hop elements.
• Work Drugs :  Fan times. I checked out the latest three EPs "Mixed Drinks", "Pacific Heart" & "Infinity Eyes".
• 5 Seconds Of Summer : New album alert. Tbh "Youngblood" isn't as bad as I expected. But I'm still not a big supporter of this band.
• Christina Aguilera : New album alert. "Liberation" follows the pre-singles with my guess that most parts won't convince me. And here I am, having listened to another Aguilera album, thinking of missed chances.

Most played tracks:

• Seeb & Skip Marley - Cruel World : What a lovely song! With catchy tune and positive message! Why couldn't it become a hit? Anyway, now I will promote it a while. :)
• Nick Jonas - Find You : Tbh I feel a little sad, that I didn't come across this song earlier. I guess this is now my favorite Nick Jonas single ever. Such a nice melody. And it fits his soft vocals.

News?

█ Andreas Gabalier is still on top of the German album charts. Another sad fact.

New in the German charts:

[01] Capital Bra - Berlin lebt : Uhm, I can't explain, how music like this keeps on being that successful. I'd rather see Drake there tbh.
[10] El Professor - Bella Ciao (HUGEL Remix) : WTF!? This song has two drops and that's it. Why are these days so silly regarding charts music? 

Not Today (#531)

Hi,

what a week it has been for me. I went to big cities to attend concerts. And although those experiences were worth it, they also let me lose sleep. But I guess, things will go more relaxing for some time now.

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Lykke Li : New album alert. I would say that the artist explores new sounds on "so sad so sexy" - and most of the time it works for me.
• Sofi Tukker : Fan times. "Treehouse" is such a great little album.
• Janelle Monáe : Fan times. "Dirty Computer" will definitely be part of my highlight list of 2018.
• Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson : New EP alert. "Apart" is short but lovely to listen to, if you ask me.
• Snail Mail : New album alert. I can't really recommend "Lush". :/

Most played artists:

• BTS : Consider me addicted AF. The amount of BTS media consumption is getting ridiculous. If I had the time, I would like to put my thoughts into an article.
• The Ramona Flowers : New album alert. For the most part "Strangers" sounds okay, but it could use some more highlights.
• PLANET : Fan times. 

Most played tracks:

[nothing to highlight here]

News?

█ Tove Lo returned into the spotlight with the new video "Bitches" featuring Charli XCX, Icona Pop, Elliphant and ALMA. It contains a quite weird story.
█ Andreas Gabalier is on top of the German album charts. What a sad fact. :(

New in the German charts:

[08] Alvaro Soler - La Cintura : Meh, another Despacito ripoff. No, thanks.
[10] Clean Bandit - Solo (feat. Demi Lovato) : OK, I did not expect that. And I don't like it.

MIC Drop (#530)

Hi,

due to a special broadcast from a local open air event in town, I was very busy creating a suitable playlist. But that did not stop me from listening to one or two new releases. And then there is this K-Pop hype... o.O

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• The Attic Sleepers : Fan times.
• Kevin Abstract : Fan times.
• Toni Braxton : I was suprised by her "Coping (Remixes) - EP", because all tracks gave the original song a nice dance vibe.
• J-Hope : Hype context. So I found out, that one of the BTS members recently released a solo EP. So I got curious, if this k-pop sound also does it for me, when only one voice is involved. I would rate "Hope World" as a nice addition, but it lacks the power of group-oriented tracks.

Most played artists:

• BTS : What is happening? Why do I start listening to K-Pop more and more these days? I even considered buying a concert ticket, but... I hesitated too much.
• Alexandra Burke : New album alert. Her new album "The Truth Is" feels a bit like wasted time, if it wasn't for the only surprise of an unexpected cover version of Air's "All I Need".
• Sofi Tukker : Fan times.
• Abay : New album alert. "Love And Distortion" begins strong, but kind of loses me towards the end - with "Lemonade" as turning point. But I guess, I'll give it another try soon.

Most played tracks:

• BTS - MIC Drop (Steve Aoki Remix) : I love this version. No forced feature guest and harder beats than the album version. 

News?

█ Right on time for her 50th birthday Kylie Minogue released the music video for the title track of her current album. "Golden" comes across very simple and effective, but I still don't like the music style.
█ Speaking of milestone birthdays - Marie Fredriksson, the lovely female voice of Roxett, turned 60 last week. Oh, how time flies. I hope to hear some more songs from her... if not on stage, a studio recording might do it.
█ Comeback #1 of last week: The Gorillaz released two new songs from their new album "The Now Now", which is set to come out later this month. The video "Humility" features not only good animation, but also Jack Black as guest.
█ Comeback #2 of last week: The 1975 finally dropped their new track "Give Yourself A Try" - after all the teasing on social media. The video/song seems quite simple, but there are some interesting messages included.  

New in the German charts:

[01] Capital Bra - One Night Stand : Oh, and that's another #1 track by Capital Bra - and just like with the other occurences I'm finding it hard to understand why. (Is there some kind of formula for tracks like this? Please, hobby researchers, try your best to explain.)
[07] Summer Cem & Bausa - Casanova : Well, I see the point in praising Bausa's vocals, because they elevate the song. But once you start paying attention to the lyrics, I'd say it disappoints.
[09] Gzuz - Wolke 7 : This is the title track of his new album, which went straight to the top of the German album charts. And it sounds like I would expect. Hard trap beats, explicit lyrics (with a few personal references), that show no weakness.

Fake Love (#529)

Hi,

last week I was able to listen to lots of new music - and that makes me happy. :)

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Snow Patrol : New album alert. I'm not their biggest fan, but I was curious of what "Wildness" would contain. I think it sounds okay, but I'm still not a fan.
• James Yuill : Concert context. In preparation for an interview I've got to know "A Change In State", which is a solid alternative pop record.
• Kayef : Haunting tune context. (see below)
• Dominique Fils-Aimé : Recommendation context. Hm, tbh I'm not really convinced by her album "Nameless" yet, though she has a nice voice.

Most played artists:

• BTS : New album alert. Tbh I like about 3 or 4 songs of "Love Yourself 轉 'Tear'". That's all. So no fan times for me... yet. Expect "Fake Love" to pop up here from time to time. :D
• Post Malone : New album alert. I didn't expect "Beerbongs & Bentleys" to sound this impressive. There are some nice tracks on it.
• Xavier Rudd : New album alert. "Storm Boy" starts strong, but it can't hold the vibe for the entire run. Anyway, nice effort.
• Shawn Mendes : New album alert. The third self-titled album has been released and my twitter feed went crazy. I on the other side did not find much to like on it.
• CHVRCHES :  New album alert. "Love Is Dead" should please all fans, because it delivers the kind of sound you would expect from this band. So yeah, I'm satisfied.

Most played tracks:

• Kayef - Allein : Uhm, well, I can't help it, if a tune sounds as catchy as that one. :P

News?

█ John Mayer once again showed the world that he doesn't take things too seriously. His latest music video for "New Light" proves that.
█ Good Charlotte's comeback single "Actual Pain" sounds exactly like the title suggests... sorry :P
█ Speaking of comebacks that hurt... J-Lo's cash flow track with feature guests DJ Khaled and Cardi B has now a video - shot by Joseph Kahn. So you know, there's no way it won't look glossy with a few CGI enhanced visuals. Blah blah.
█ I just noticed the latest single by Jesse McCartney. "Better With You" comes with a lovely music video, that doesn't seem so cheesy as I feared. It's a quite good tune.
█ You'll never guess what's topping the German album charts right now. It's "And Justice For None" by Five Finger Death Punch. At least, I'm very surprised. Kontra K's "Erde & Knochen" is still going strong at number 3.

New in the German charts:

[01] Pietro Lombardi - Phänomenal : Oh no! No, I will just ignore that.
[06] Gzuz - Über Nacht (feat. Bonez MC, Maxwell & Ufo361) : Meh, just another ordinary song about wealth. Yeah, yeah, brag about it, as long as you can. But who would want to listen to it? :(

Allein (#528)

Hi,

well, just a couple of days later there is another week to recap...
(and I still had some re-edits)

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Confidence Man : Fan times.
• Xul Zolar : New album alert. "Fear Talk" sounds okay, but I guess I expected more.
• Garbage : Anniversary context. "Version 2.0" came out on May 11 in 1998... and it changed my life. I guess no other band made me discover alternative tunes earlier.
• James Yuill : Concert comtext. I've listened to "A Change In State" and "Back To The Sun" is a really nice track. Speaking of really nice, I had the chance to interview the artist... right on time before the concert. :)
• Sofi Tukker : Fan times.
• DJDS : New album alert. "Big Wave More Fire" seems like an odd compilation with different styles and feature artists mixed together.

Most played artists:

• KAYEF : New album alert. "Modus" took me by surprise, because I didn't think I would like any of those tracks.
• James Bay : New album alert. "Electric Light" is definitely not my cup of tea. I get that James Bay is a special artist... but I'd rather listen to Ed Sheeran. :P
• RIKAS : Interview context. I listened to their EP "Swabian Samba"... in preparation for the concert.

Most played tracks:

• KAYEF - Allein : Yep, they got me. What a nice melody. I just wish the lyrics were better, so it wouldn't seem like such a guilty pleasure. :P

News?

█ The 2018 Billboard Music Awards took place and it was entertaining. Janet Jackson's tribute to her classic hits was okay... The world premiere of BTS' new song "Fake Love" was better. :P (Including no surprises regarding any winners.) And btw. Kelly Clarkson was a good host.
█ Kontra K "Erde & Knochen" topps the German album charts.

New in the German charts:

[03] Michael Schulte - You Let Me Walk Alone : OK, let him have his minutes of success.
[04] GZUZ - ¿ Warum ? : Uhm, no... thanks. I don't need any reason of this to be that successful.
[06] Kontra K - Fame (feat. RAF Camora) : Wow, I have to give credit to the fact, that this track has some meaningful lyrics. Plus a hyped feature artist, who is known for good hooks. Nice one. 
[10] Namika - Je ne parle pas français (Beatgees Remix) (feat. Black M) : Oh la la... but it works, actually. Well, I could really do without those "la la la" parts. But there's this relaxed tone in her voice and a very good feature guest. So, yeah, it could be worse.

Come Back (Left Behind) (#527)

Hi,

boy, do I have good reasons for being late this week. Concerts! On Monday I saw PLANET and DMA'S in Hamburg - and yesterday I met RIKAS, who played with Fil Bo Riva.

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Beach House : New album alert. "7" now comes with all songs animated in one georgeous video.  Look for it on YouTube.
• ilan Bluestone : New album alert. "Scars" did not leave a good impression with me.

Most played artists:

• Palace Winter : Hype alert. Now with their second album "Nowadays" I took my time to get to know all the new songs. And I was quite amazed.
• Work Drugs : Discovery times. Triggered by "The Edge Of Forever" I did some research regarding recent releases. So far I can't wait for the next album.
• Janelle Monáe : Fan times. "Dirty Computer" stands for fine music made in 2018 - at least in my opinion.
• Blossoms : New album alert. "Cool Like You" starts promising, but in the end I think it sounds just okay - mostly because I began to miss the guitar sounds in the end.

Most played tracks:

• Janelle Monáe - Make Me Feel (EDX Dubai Skyline Remix) : A fine tune. I played it on the radio.
• Palace Winter - Come Back (Left Behind) : Awesome song. Nice band. Great tunes.

News?

█ Nicki Minaj announced that her next album is titled "Queen" and it will be released on June 15. But that wasn't the only thing happening at the Met Gala 2018.
█ Madonna made a dramatic performance at the Met Gala - singing "Hallelujah" and stuff. She also was accompanied by designer Jean Paul Gaultier.
█ The Billboard Music Awards teased the return of an icon - and all hints could refer to Madonna... but it was about Janet Jackson, who will have her first awards performance for about 9 years.

New in the German charts:

[03] Marie Wegener - Königlich : Yikes, another casting show success? Should I give it a try? [3 Minutes later.] Well, she has a good voice. Depending on the producers there could be some future success for her.

Ashes (#526)

Hi,

sorry for another slight delay.

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• DJ Koze : New album alert. Tbh I did not make it through "Knock Knock" - partly because of distractions and partly because it's not my cup of tea.
• Geometric Vision : New album alert. "Fire! Fire! Fire!" sounds okay, if you're into this kind of music. Just listen to one of the songs - the rest does not really differ from it. "Fire Fire Fire" might be the best track of the album.
• Work Drugs : Hype alert. Last week saw me running through my collection for Work Drugs stuff. My first encounter with their music must have been "Method Acting", which is still super nice.
• The Attic Sleepers : Fan times.
• Beach House : Promotion context. We were lucky to have an early chance to listen to the upcoming album "7" and so far it does not disappoint.

Most played artists:

• Yung Hurn : New album alert. "1220" (named after a postal code in Vienna) features a bunch of short and simple tracks - just the way I would expect it.
• PLANET : New EP alert. "Waking Eight" features five lovely tracks (including "Save.Sold") and should not be missed. The opening track alone kept my interest.
• DMA'S : Hype alert. Next week this band will have a Hamburg gig I'm planning ti attend. So exciting.

Most played tracks:

• Céline Dion - Ashes : New single alert. Well, it might sound simple, but be careful, because this tune might haunt you soon. It surely kept me humming. :P
• Troye Sivan - Bloom : New single alert. The third glimpse of his upcoming album sounds better than "The Good Side" - so 

News?

█ The biggest coup of last week belongs to... Deadpool. For his upcoming sequel he found no other than Céline Dion to sing a power ballad called "Ashes". The superhero even joins her in the very nice music video.
█ Another comeback of last week marks the promotion of Christina Aguilera's eighth album "Liberation". She released the video for "Accelerate", that might only show her - but the track also features Ty Dolla $ign and 2 Chainz.
█ German singer Wolfgang Petry has now his own musical - it's called "Wahnsinn" and premiered last week in Berlin. And no, I don't need to watch this.
█ Nicki Minaj released the music videos for both her singles ("Chun-Li" and "Barbie Tingz"). One was directed by Steven Klein. Tbh I expected more. ^^
█ Florence + The Machine released a new video for "Hunger", which comes across very personal.
█ Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) not only hosted SNL, he also premiered a new song called "This Is America". The music video has some crazy shock effects - and got kind of much online buzz.
█ I don't know how this could happen, but Helene Fischer's self-titled album now topps the German album charts - just about one year after its release. I guess it coincides with the release of a concert film, which was also broadcasted on TV. New album entries by Die Fantastischen Vier, Marsimoto and Post Malone follow her lead.

New in the German charts:

[01] Capital Bra - Neymar (feat. Ufo361) : Uhm, nice production... but unfortunately no content worth hearing.
[03] GZUZ - Was erlebt (feat. Bones MC) : Even I can't deny the catchy quality of the chorus... and yet, it's just another gangster rap.