Holy Water (#655)

Hi,

there are some great news - down below. :)

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• 070 Shake : Fan times.
  
• The Screenshots : New album context. "2 Millionen Umsatz mit einer einfachen Idee" features nice indie tunes.
  
• Yukno : New album context. If you like the pre-singles, you should try "Im Stream der Zeit", which sounds quite consistent.
  
• Katie Melua : New album context. "Album No. 8" starts promising, but in the end I consider it "just nice enough". I'd love to have her working with William Orbit again.
  
• Nada Surf : Once more I dived into "Never Not Together" - a good album.
  
• Paolo Nutini : Workout context. Yup, I used his 2014 album "Caustic Love".
  

Most played artists:

• Gorillaz : New album context. "Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez" is a big collection of collaborations. Thus some songs should please almost everyone. But I'm not such a big fan.
  
• Whethan : New album context. "Fantasy" felt okay, but not that special.
  
• Bright Light Bright Light : New album context. "Fun City" has its moments, but it could not convince me much.  
  

Most played tracks:

[nothing to highlight here]

News?

█ TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) recently made a comeback with "Minisode1: BLUE HOUR", which marks their fourth EP. The comeback video has some weird parts, if you ask me. But I'm curious about the new songs.

█ Normandie released a new song & video. "Holy Water" is the second pre-single of their upcoming third studio album "Dark & Beautiful Secrets", which will be released on February 19, 2021. The video looks great - and the sound has some nods to their early days.

█ Stray Kids released a mini album for the Japanese market - featuring three new tracks and four Japanese versions of previous hit songs of 2020. Although the comeback video for "ALL IN" is nice to watch, I don't like that song, because of its odd and very simple chorus.

█ Rainford produced a mix of music video and artsy short film for “Love Me Like You Hate Me” - with actors Margaret Qualley and Shia LaBeouf, who get very intimate with each other.

█ Machine Gun Kelly has released a song with Halsey. "Forget Me Too" shows both artist in a dramatic punk relationship. (And isn't that the drummer of blink-182?)

█ Meanwhile at the top of the German album charts: Christopher von Deylen (aka Schiller, "Colors", 1), KC Rebell x Summer Cem ("Maximum III", 2) and Nena ("Licht", 3).

New in the German charts:

[01] 24kGoldn - Mood (feat. iann dior) : Oh, this one is back.

[03] Mero - Désolé (feat. Nimo) : Well, fans might like that. (And he had worse songs.)

[09] Alligatoah x Sido - Monet : Hm, okay - the collaboration seems to have worked in terms of success.

Feels Right (#654)

Hi,
 

 oops, I am sooo late (again). Just imagine that I've written most of this post around October 20.

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Die Höchste Eisenbahn : Workout context. Odd, huh? But yeah, I chose "Wer bringt mich jetzt zu den anderen" - and I was reminded of how great German songs can be.
  
• Palace Winter : Promotion context. I used the chance to listen to "... Keep On Dreaming, Buddy" and I guess, fans can be pleased. 
  
• Róisín Murphy : New album context. Because of a very positive review I had high hopes for "Róisín Machine", but I felt quite disappointed by this record.
  
• Sorry3000 : New album context. Tbh I like most parts of "Warum Overthinking dich zerstört", but I can also understand people having problems with such kind of songs.
  
• Working Men's Club : New album context. Their self-titled debut record is good.
  

Most played artists:

• John Mayer : Fan times. Plus his birthday came up last week! :)
  
• Roosevelt : Fan times.
  
• Madonna : Fan times. (Plus the 20th anniversary of her album "Music".) 

Most played tracks:

• Roosevelt - Feels Right : Oy, what a bop! I am so hyped for his third album - to be released in early 2021. All three pre-singles have been great so far.
  

News?

█ There is a chance that both Ariana Grande and Adele will release new music this month. Adele will host SNL on October 24, but she is not listed as musical guest.

 █ Lauv and Conan Gray collaborated on a track called "Fake", which comes with a colorful music video.

█ The top three of the German album charts: Saltatio Mortis ("Für immer frei", 1), Kastelruther Spatzen ("Liebe für die Ewigkeit", 2), Linkin Park ("Hybrid Theory", 3).

New in the German charts:

[01] Die Ärzte - True Romance : Wow. Didn't think this band would still be so relevant. :P

[07] Master KG - Jerusalema (Remix) [feat. Burna Boy & Nomcebo Zikode] : Hm, I can't tell what makes this one so special. :-/

Jericho (#653)

Hi,
 

I don't know. Maybe I'm getting tired of blogging these days...

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Corey Taylor : New album context. "CMFT" was okay.
• Dua Lipa : Fan times.
• Matija : Promotion context. I was listening to "byebyeskiesofyesterday", which sounds quite nice. I will try to give it a second spin.
• Sylvan Esso : New album context. I was hoping for more, but "Free Love" let me down.
• Dawes : New album context. Tbh I can't really remember anything from "Good Luck With Whatever" - and I don't see it as a good sign.
• Stray Kids : Fan times. :)
  

Most played artists:

• Future Islands : New album context. I had fun listening to "As Long As You Are" - especially the first tracks are strong.
• Michael Kiwanuka : Workout context. :P
• 21 Savage & Metro Boomin : New album context. The fact that I've made it trough "Savage Mode II" despite its frustrating content amazes me a bit. I really can't recommend that stuff.  

Most played tracks:

• Normandie - Jericho : I admit, that I needed some time to get to this one. And I still have my doubts. :P (But I'm still a fan.)

News?

█ BLACKPINK released a documentary on Netflix. "Light Up The Sky" shows some nice bits referring to their history and their production ways. But like with their debut album I think it could be better. :-/

█ The 2020 Billboard Music Awards took place - and I haven't seen a thing. Most awards went to Post Malone, Billie Eilish, Khalid and Lil Nas X.

█ The latest album by Ufo361 topps the German album charts ("Nur für dich"), followed by Frei.Wild ("Attacke ins Glück - Corona Tape II", 2) and Bon Jovi ("2020", 3). BLACKPINK reached number 7 ("The Album").

New in the German charts:

[01] Samra - Rohdiamant II : Hm, no thanks. Another redundant gangster rap song. :(

[07] Dardan x Hava - Mailbox : Yikes, both video and song give me cringe vibes. :-/

Let Your Heart Dance With Me (#652)

Hi,

sorry, I am late again...

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Pale Blue : Workout context. I've rediscovered "The Past We Leave Behind".
  
• BLACKPINK : New album context. "THE ALBUM" doesn't quite live up to its hype - with just 8 tracks and disappointing collaborations.
  
• Shamir : New album context. His self-titled release has some good songs.
  
• Lady Gaga : Fan times.
• The Jaded Hearts Club : New album context. "You've Always Been Here" should please classic rock fans.
  

Most played artists:

• Stray Kids : Fan times.
• Fleet Foxes : New album context. I finally made it through "Shore", which felt like a mixed bag of indie tunes.
  
• Sophia : New album context. "Holding On / Letting Go" is a strong album.  

Most played tracks:

[nothing to highlight here]

News?

█ London Grammar announced their next album. "Californian Soil" will be released on February 12 (2021). The title track is the next pre-single - quite mellow - and it comes with a nice video.

█ Roxette (Per Gessle) released a new single, which seems to be the last recording of Marie Fredrikkson. "Let Your Heart Dance With Me" sounds cheesy tbh, but it triggers melancholy vibes - especially for fans.

█ Anna Of The North released a new single called "Someone Special", which was part of recording sessions just before the lockdown started.

█ Kontra K rules the German album charts ("Vollmond"), followed by The Rolling Stones ("Steel Wheels Live", 2) and Prince ("Sign 'O' The Times", 3).

New in the German charts:

[02] Loredana & Delara - Checka : Despite the good production I am kind of glad, that this one did not make it to the top.

[04] Bonez MC - Niemals unter Tausend (feat. LX) : No, thanks.

[08] Ofenbach & Quarterhead - Head Shoulders Knees & Toes (feat. Norma Jean Martine) : Hm, this doesn't sound very original. :-/

[09] Kontra K - Alles dreht sich (feat. Capital Bra) : Who would have thought, that a collaboration like this would happen? Well, it ain't bad.

[10] Vize x Joker Bra x Leony - Paradise : Oh, hell no! This might easily a prank. :P

Any (#651)

Hi,

imagine a funny introduction here.

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Sufjan Stevens : New album context. Tbh I had no high expectations of "The Ascension" - and so I can easily live with a bunch of new nice songs - and others I don't like that much. "Video Game" still beats the rest.
  
• 01099 : New album context. "Morgensonne" features some fun tracks with fun lyrics. :)
  
• Giant Rooks : Fan times.
• Bear's Den : Fan times. "So that you might hear me" is such a great album!
  
• Sophia : New album context. I guess I need another spin on "Holding On / Letting Go" for me to get to know it better.
  

Most played artists:

• Stray Kids : Fan times. I started to discover their early releases.
  
• MisterWives : Fun time context. Accidentally I listened to all of "SUPERBLOOM", when I just wanted to listen to "the end".
  
• Roosevelt : Fan times.
  
• Madonna : Fan times. And her 2000 album "Music" turned 20 these days. For that record is a classic.

Most played tracks:

• Palace Winter - Baltimore : For melancholic moments or rainy weather - try this lovely tune!
  

News?

█ Stray Kids have released a video for "Any", which was basically all I needed, because I love that song.

█ Say hello to the newest number one album by Capital Bra ("CB7"), which is followed by Niedeckens BAP ("Alles fliess", 2) and Azet & Albi ("Fast Life 2", 3). Congratulations also to Dritte Wahl ("3D", 6) and Ava Max ("Heaven & Hell", 7).

New in the German charts:

[02] Capital Bra - Einsam an der Spitze : Well, technically this did not reach the top, but I think it is a strong track.

[09] Gentleman - Devam (feat. Luciano & Ezhel) : Twenty seconds - that's the amount of Gentleman you can hear in this track. This well-produced collaboration will be featured on his upcoming album "Blaue Stunde".

[10] Kontra K - Freunde : Hm, one of his better tracks, if you ask me. ^^

911 (#650)

Hi,

long time no post here, huh? :-P

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Tegan and Sara : Flashback times - plus workout context. Maybe I should give "Love You To Death" another try. So far I only like "U Turn".
  
• Wonho : New album context. At first I wasn't sure about his solo qualities, but "Open Mind" can really grow on you. It was definitely wisely chosen to promote the solo mini album "Love Synonym #1 : Right For Me".
• TAEMIN : New album context. "Never Gonna Dance Again : ACT 1 - The 3rd Album" doesn't convince me.
• Lady Gaga : Fan times.
• 6ix9ine : Hm, yes, he is a difficult artist. But some songs are quite catchy. :-/
  

Most played artists:

• Stray Kids : New album context. Not only did I really enjoy this repackage version of their first album ("GO LIVE"), I also ordered a copy of "IN LIFE". (Can you guess which version?) And it arrived just a few days later. 
  
• Haiku Hands : Research context. Because I took the chance for a little interview, which I had on Friday. It was lovely, but very early. ^^
  
• Bear's Den & Paul Frith : New album context. "Fragments" seems like a compilation, because fans should know pretty much all the tracks already. But the symphonic aspect makes some songs shine in a different light. And overall I'd say the project has a dreamy vibe.
  

Most played tracks:

• Stray Kids - Back Door : Fan times! Of course, the comeback single got stuck in my head. :)
  
• Armin van Buuren & Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Not Giving Up On Love (Extended Version) : Can you believe that I hadn't known about the existence of such a version? This is one of my favourite Buuren tracks. :)
  

News?

█ Lady Gaga's new music video for "911" is full of symbolic images - and just a wild ride - with an ingenious plot twist. And including the instrumental "Chromatica II" was also a good choice.

█ Madonna's album "Music" turned 20. For me that was one golden era back then. (Ray of Light, Music, American Life, Confessions On A Dance Floor)

█ It's absolutely no surprise to me that Bonez MC will top the German album charts with his new release ("Hollywood"). Meanwhile Marilyn Manson can still reach the top 5 ("WE ARE CHAOS", 4) and Eskimo Callboy the top 10 ("MMXX", 10).

New in the German charts:

[01] 24kGoldn - Mood (feat. iann dior) : Cool. At least something different.

[03] Bonez MC - Ihr Hobby (feat. Maxwell) : No, thanks. :( [nice beats though]

[08] Internet Money & Gunna - Lemonade (feat. Don Toliver & NAV) : Hm, okay.

[09] Capital Bra - Berlin lebt immer noch : Okay, another one. :-/

Back Door (#649)

Hi,

oops, forgot about finishing this one (last week) ...

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Haiku Hands : New album context. Their self-titled debut record features a bunch of nice electro dance tracks.
• Kummer : Recommendation context. I revisited "KIOX", just to be reminded that his style is not my cup of tea.
• Tricky : New album context. I did not have much fun listening to "Fall To Pieces".
  
• Bleachers : Flashback times - plus workout context.
• BTS : Fan times - plus research context.
  

Most played artists:

• Cro : Recommendation context. So I finally made it through "tru" - his 2017 album. And it has some good tracks. But it wasn't able to let me become a fan.
  
• The Weeknd : Fan times. "After Hours" is still a top album - but it doesn't really need the bonus tracks.
  
• Fynn Kliemann : Recommendation context. My second listening to "POP" felt okay - but I still don't think I will listen to this kind of music more often.
  
• lovelytheband : New album context. "conversations with myself about you"  

Most played tracks:

• PLGRMS - Limbs : I can't recall if I had this band in my playlist before. But this song comes with dreamy soundscapes. :)
  

News?

█ Multilingual Mike - a new project by Pöbel MC and DJ Flexscheibe - released a new EP called "Nass vom Bass". The five (multilingual) songs remind me of Russian hardbass acts. 

█ Stray Kids made a comeback - with "Back Door". And what a nice drop that song has.

█ Rock bands rule in the German album charts - Metallica is still on top ("S&M2"), followed by The Rolling Stones ("Goats Head Soup"). Other new entries are Joy Denalane ("Let Yourself Be Loved", #4), Elif ("Nacht", #7) and Hurts ("Faith", #9).

New in the German charts:

[01] Bonez MC - Fuckst mich nur ab : Well, despite its more serious content, the song doesn't convince me of any special qualities. It seems like I've heard such stuff before.

[04] Ufo361 & Sonus030 - Games : One of the stronger singles by this artist wasn't able to top the charts immediately after its release? Well... too bad.

[08] Joel Corry - Head & Heart (feat. MNEK) : Okay, so this one kept growing a bit then.

[09] Elif  - Augen zu (feat. Samra) : Hm, I'm not sure about this one.