The MeloD

The sound of the future: modern, electronic, synths, 80’s...

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:49:00 -0800

The sound of the future: modern, electronic, synths, 80’s DNA, and the R&B sensibility that gives it a satisfying groove which is a total breath of fresh air. The build up to the chorus is sensational, “I just called you up to get the play by play.” It is instantly catchy and screams for a sing-a-long. Only the inclusion of that smooth female voice could give it that extra boost. I have never anticipated an album more for this year than Autre Ne Veut’s Anxiety out on February 26th. For another chance to be mesmerized, check out his other song, “Counting.”

TORO Y MOI RETURNS Anything In Return is his solid, genre...

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:52:07 -0800

TORO Y MOI RETURNS

Anything In Return is his solid, genre pushing, sleekly produced, melodically pleasing third album that is ripe for crossover appeal and more mainstream attention. My first favorite album of 2013 and my favorite song off the album is “Cake.”

Miss her

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 22:54:50 -0800

Miss her

WINNERS OF 2012 In the Number One slot is Purity Ring with...

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 23:16:00 -0800

WINNERS OF 2012

In the Number One slot is Purity Ring with “Shrines”

Beach House “Bloom”

School of Seven Bells “Ghostory”

Fiona Apple “The Idler Wheel”

Frank Ocean “Channel Orange”

DIIV “Oshin”

Japandroids “Celebration Rock”

Jessie Ware “Devotion”

Best Coast “The Only Place”

Wild Nothing “Nocturne”

MNDR “Feed Me Diamonds”

Tanlines “Mixed Emotions”

Alt J “An Awesome Wave”

The XX “Coexist”

Pictureplane “Thee Physical”

Haim “Forever EP”

Solange “True EP”

Sky Ferreria “Ghost EP”

Katy B “Danger EP”

Hot Chip, ‘In Our Heads”

As 2012 enters its final third, there are four albums that still...

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 13:54:33 -0700

As 2012 enters its final third, there are four albums that still resonate with me deeply that I cannot stray from listening to over and over again. Although September and the coming months will draw some extremely accomplished new collections from esteemed artists, the XX, Fiona Apple, Beach House, and Purity Ring still remain at the top.

I wish I could wait until it is finally released next week, but...

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 23:20:00 -0700

I wish I could wait until it is finally released next week, but after downloading the album before the link was wickedly removed (lucky me), I have been listening to Coexist, the xx’s followup to their 2009 critically acclaimed debut album, XX, nonstop for awhile. It is a hypnotizing record from start to finish. Dark and mysterious, sensual yet cold, alarmingly catchy, but with less hooks than their previous collection of songs. It feels modern with a total 90’s minimalist house music throwback crafted seamlessly by member Jamie XX. The vocals once again overlap, still as emotive and constrained as ever. They glide over each other, total contradictory tones that mesmerize and haunt afterwards. The production has more of a dance influence this time around, but it is very stripped down. Rather than pushing their defined sound further, it almost seems like the band takes it back a step, creating more of a punch with the less is more strategy. After sampling through their past record again, it is hard to say which one I prefer more. What I really want is to hear a new one, “Swept Away,” on repeat. Listen to it on http://www.npr.org/2012/09/03/160323435/first-listen-the-xx-coexist as an encapsulation of what I mean.

fyffest: We are very excited to announce Nicolas Jaar, David...

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 21:30:46 -0700

fyffest:

We are very excited to announce Nicolas Jaar, David Cross and the full comedy line up to FYF Fest.

Reblog this image for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the festival. 2 winners will be picked tomorrow at 3:00pm

The Idler Wheel is the grand return of Fiona Apple. She’s...

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 22:36:00 -0700

The Idler Wheel is the grand return of Fiona Apple. She’s feisty, furious, contemplative, reserved, hopeful, content, stoic, emotionally vindictive, philosophical, enraged, at ease, loving, warm, and emotionally distant. How could she possibly be all of these different characteristics? How could she possibly illustrate all these qualities through her voice? How could the music of mostly her voice, a piano, and percussions exhibit such arresting beauty? Only Fiona Apple can do this. I love her and this album is everything I’ve been wanting and more. Her fourth classic. By the way, sit down Adele. This is how you do heartbreak (“Regret”).

One of the most deliriously uplifting, beautifully crafted,...

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 22:22:00 -0700

One of the most deliriously uplifting, beautifully crafted, joyful rides I’ve ever gone on when listening to an album. This album has been heavily anticipated and I really believe this may be my favorite album Hot Chip has ever created. Concisely and cohesively unfolding with synths and striking guitar overlaps, birds chirping and melodies floating, drums flourishing and vocals in magical cohabitation. It takes a few listens to fully grasp all that the album offers. This second to last track, “Let Me Be Him,” is for me, their best song in their entire catalogue. It is scrumptious and delicate and extends a warmth that I feel comforted by with every listen. I hope everyone enjoys In Our Heads just as equally.

Best debut of the year thus far. With its own brand of funk and...

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 10:52:00 -0700

Best debut of the year thus far. With its own brand of funk and disco, this new band from Brooklyn has me up and dancing around the room. I just feel cool listening to these songs. Friends is the name of the band, so good luck searching for them. Manifest! is the name of the album, so good luck trying to sit still when listening. It is totally cohesive and meant to be enjoyed with its light and dance-oriented soundscape. I found it incredibly difficult to pick one song to showcase, but “Home” I feel briefly encapsulates the album. Samantha Urbani is the main singer and songwriter and I cannot wait to see what other genius ideas she comes up with next. It’s all so hipster that it’s way too fun to deny.

The homoliscious Gossip returns with a disco, nu-wave, electro...

Fri, 25 May 2012 10:09:04 -0700

The homoliscious Gossip returns with a disco, nu-wave, electro offering that blisters over with fierce beats, catchy choruses, and the incredibly powerful vocals of the incomparable Beth Ditto. A Joyful Noise is a healthy addition to your daily routine as the music makes you skip and shuffle with its dance-oriented songs that stray from the more punk and rock creations the Gossip used to record. Here is one standout cut, the motivational anthem, “Move in the Right Direction.”

Tanlines, “Green Grass” My personal favorite from...

Fri, 25 May 2012 10:00:51 -0700

Tanlines, “Green Grass”

My personal favorite from the album stated below.

My current obsession is the, of course, Brooklyn duo who are...

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:41:00 -0700

My current obsession is the, of course, Brooklyn duo who are quickly making waves in the indie field. Although subtle, their debut album, “Mixed Emotions,” is nearing the top of the Billboard Heatseeker’s chart. It is a mix of 80’s new wave flares, flashes of synth, African and reggae overtones, and melodic pop that holds it all together. It doesn’t break the mold, it doesn’t necessarily stray far from the current indie scene, but it is light and easy and really enjoyable on the ears. The singer has one of those voices that is just manly and what feels like a lot of heart. Tanlines, trust me, watch out for them.

Rest In Peace. The Queen of Disco, Donna Summer. Here she is...

Thu, 17 May 2012 18:11:03 -0700

Rest In Peace. The Queen of Disco, Donna Summer.

Here she is performing live not even three years ago at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo, Norway. How swiftly they are taken from us.

Bethany continues to catapult Best Coast forward with her own...

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:30:00 -0700

Bethany continues to catapult Best Coast forward with her own unique brand of California surf rock. Phil Spector would be so envious of Jon Brion’s production work as this band would be such a muse for the former’s career even 50 years ago. It is this sense of nostalgia and ease that hooks listeners at first, but the music still remains contemporary and modern in its own right. On this followup, The Only Place, the lyrics take a more angsty, darker turn with the lo-fi fuzz of their debut replaced with shining vocals from Bethany that really showcase how her voice can be just as enticing as the music surrounding it. There is a newfound depth in its own superficial way and the music evolves one step further rather than sidestepping from what made the band so popular. Although, the tracks contain merely the same chord progression and overlapping sounds, it is still a nice effort to listen to as the summer daze quickly arrives right around the corner.

Beach House continues to evolve four albums later by creating...

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:22:19 -0700

Beach House continues to evolve four albums later by creating music that is so gorgeously manifested it comes straight from the afterlife. It is the follow up to 2010’s breakout Teen Dream with the haunting melodies and husky vocals combining in a way that is so truly hypnotizing, it is difficult to understand how two people could be so effortlessly talented. It is a creative tour de force on their new album, Bloom, which the title really speaks for itself. The music begins with an ethereal haze of sinewy guitar before blossoming into a complex, atmospheric wave of musical enchantment. It requires only two ears and an open heart to fully take in all the beauty in just 10 tracks.

What started out as a hardcore band in the 80’s between a...

Fri, 04 May 2012 11:37:21 -0700

What started out as a hardcore band in the 80’s between a few creatively gifted and rebellious teenagers on the streets of New York/ Brooklyn, became one of the most heavily influential hip hop rock bands to ever grace music. The Beastie Boys, now inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, acted as the voice of a generation. Rebel against the norm, live your dreams out loud, fight the power and party all night. They paved the way for Limp Bizkit, Korn, POD. A sound unheard of before them from three white guys rapping their faces off to screeching guitars, bass, and drums. Mixed in with humorous videos, the band is absolutely legendary. Today the world lost Adam Yauch, or MCA. We are now left with the music he helped to create and the movies he assisted in developing with his production company. Another lesson in being grateful for what you have and to realize that life is so short.

It is like (fill in the blank with religious holiday) morning...

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:33:49 -0700

It is like (fill in the blank with religious holiday) morning whenever I am able to listen to another new song by Regina Spektor. Here is “Small Town Moon” from her eagerly anticipated new album, What We Saw From The Cheap Seats, out in just a few weeks!

The groove is so smooth, the vocals so sensual and understated,...

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:01:15 -0700

The groove is so smooth, the vocals so sensual and understated, the R&B flavor at such a pristine 90s peak before electronica enveloped everything in mainstream radio right now. TLC is a legendary female group, rated second in album sales behind the powerhouse blip of the Spice Girls. Here, we sadly look back on their legacy with today being the 10th anniversary of Left Eye’s death. With a reported tour, album, and biopic in the near future, their return is imminent. However desperate for money it may be, it is always a pleasure to celebrate the magnificence of their music.

Only a small highlight from the quickly paced, but aurally...

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:27:17 -0700

Only a small highlight from the quickly paced, but aurally infectious new album, Master of My Make Believe, from Santigold. She changed her name from Santogold and took four long years to create music that she felt was honest, edgy, and completely her own style. With the help of Diplo, Switch, Nick Zinner, Karen O, Greg Kurstin, and Dave Sitek, contributors both new and from her debut album, she has crafted a sound that only Santigold could produce. It’s sharp, reggae infused, twists with electronic under tones, and constantly keeps moving so that there is never a dull second within its 40 minute running time. I am a huge fan of her voice and musical sensibility and I can only hope that her star keeps on shining brightly as more fans stumble upon her music. There is intentional growth, but she never loses the essence of who she is and that uniqueness is something to applaud. There are many pop stars in the field today, and Santigold only proves there is still so much left to give.