Tracks of the Weeks

So, I kind of just realized that it's been two weeks and no track of the week. Which is crazy, like how has it already been two weeks?! Time is fucking nuts.

Anyway, this just means a double dose.

I've had my mind on something for awhile. More accurately; someone. I think sometimes we take people for granted, not like you treat them badly, you just don't realise that they mean something, like they're not necessarily a huge part of your life but as soon they're gone, you're like what the fuck? I'm an idiot, you' are so important, you are so integral to my being, I fucking miss you.

So that's my head at the moment, therefore here are the two tracks of the week:

Bright Eyes - Lover I Don't Have To Love 

Ryan Hemsworth - Snow in Newark (with Dawn Golden) 

I think they both speak for themselves. 

Love always, 

Nicole 

Devil

After the horrifying news of Chiodos' split in 2009, the people rejoiced at the news of them getting back together in 2012. However, it's been two long years of waiting for any new music, or 7 long years if you count Bone Palace Ballet to be their last release - which I do, I mean Illuminaudio? what even was that?

BUT FINALLY

They have emerged with a new single : "Ole Fishlips Is Dead Now"

It's as if while Chiodos were away, Alls Well That Ends Well and Bone Palace Ballet eloped to Vegas and had a beautiful love child, with Thomas Erak making an appearance in there somewhere, possibly a drunken threesome had on the honeymoon? and perhaps I have taken this metaphor a bit too far.

The new single seems to be setting post-hardcore back in it's place and I'm excited to hear what they've got to offer. As good as it is to hear Craig Owens again, Ole Fishlips doesn't feature Erak as much as I'd hope but I'm holding out that I'll see more of him on the album.

Suck it, D.R.U.G.S. Chiodos is back.

Like The Used's Imaginary Enemy, Devil is set for release on April 1. It's going to be a good day.

Love Always,
Nicole

Imaginary Enemy

The Used are back!

Fuck yes.

I'm excited, can you tell?

The band just released a new single from their upcoming album "Imaginary Enemy" and guess what? I actually really loved it.

The Used are known for their killer hooks and this song is no different, "Cry" exudes contagious energy. It's pretty guitar heavy but it works, it's a really solid track actually.

The song has been received by the inevitable "I miss the old stuff, hate the new sound" bullshit that comes with a new release, but change is inevitable and personally I'm embracing their new sound with open arms.

Not to mention the throwback to "Buried Myself Alive" with the reuse of the line "if you're gonna get me back, you're gonna have to ask nicer than that.

Trust me,  I'm asking nicely with a cherry on top. I can't be happier to have these guys back.

Imaginary Enemy will be the band's follow-up to 2012’s Vulnerable and is set to be released on April 1


Love Always,

Nicole

Champion Sound

Now I am more than aware that Crystal Fighters are not new to the scene, and that I'm horribly late to the party but I've recently just gotten into them.  I'm not entirely sure what folktronica is, but apparently I like it.

The best way to describe them is that they are bright and brash, their eclectic unfocused sound reminds me a little of a Gracelands-era Paul Simon tribute act.

                                                          LA Calling - Crystal Fighters  
     

                                                          Everywhere - Crystal Fighters

I find their lyrics lacking, but the lack of lyrical integrity actually has no effect on their records. Honestly, they're one of those bands that I don't really want to sit around and dissect the music because it's rife with poor quality and such, but you just can't help be caught up in their delirious state of happiness.

In a Crystal Fighters world the MDMA is far from wearing off and it's perpetually sunny.

Love Always,
Nicole

p.s) I cannot explain the accents in some of their songs, but I'll allow it because, DANCING.

One For The Road

At the moment, Arctic Monkeys' newest album has become one of my all time favourites and I've wanted to write about it for ages but I haven't been able to put the way I feel about it into words, let alone write an entire blog post about it.

BUT

Arctic Monkeys have to be the most consistent band when it comes to B-sides, their B-sides are better than most bands' A-sides. With AM alone producing 2013, Stop the World I Wanna Get Off With You and somehow they have managed to out do themselves with their latest, You're So Dark

There's mention of Dracula capes, H.P. Lovecraft and a Prius. It's all so fitting for Turner's '50s hair coif. Basslines and crooning that will quickly make this song one of my favourites.

You're So Dark is the B-side for their newest single One For The Road. Sultry and complex, and a clear display that Turner has become the master of his voice.

As for AM, I suggest you give the gleefully dark album a listen.

Love Always,
Nicole