Sunday Brunch: The State of Pop Music

Brunch isn't really a big deal over here but I love the idea of it - and enjoy going to brunch whilst on holiday. Whenever I'm throwing together ideas for a new story, one of my favourite things to do is go Google Maps-ing for all the nice restaurants in the area. As I have dairy intolerance, I often have to watch what I eat at restaurants so it's not always a fun experience. However, the rise of all those Food Network shows and Pinterest and all the great reviews on Yelp and Chowhound allow me to live vicariously through all you gastronauts. 

So, I thought I'd try and start a new feature (although I'm not good at keeping up features so we'll see) where we go for brunch on a Sunday, anywhere in the world, and have a chat. This week we'll be:

[Nikki Beach Brunch Miami, Florida]

Song of the Summer 2014

The staff at Vulture have already begun the search for this year's Song of the Summer. As we Brits seem to be getting a little more sun than usual these days, I thought I'd throw in my two pence. Please feel free to weigh in with your own picks - I'm always on the hunt for new music.

Rather Be - Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne

Such a cute song. It came out a while ago over her but it's so summery I'm sure we'll be blaring it until September.

Fancy - Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX

Another catchy one from Iggy. Helps that Charli XCX sounds a bit Gwen Stefani. If you're a Clueless fan you should definitely check out the video.

 Waves - Mr Probz

Bit of a mellow one but again it's getting a lot of airplay over here. Perfect for sundown.

Love Never Felt So Good - Michael Jackson ft. Justin Timberlake

The throwback sound is here to stay apparently. I bet Bruno Mars wishes he had this song. Actually, it kind of reminds me of Treasure...still, a fun one for family bbq's and whatnot.

I Will Never Let You Down - Rita Ora

I LOVE this song. It's so happy sounding and makes me smile. Rita Ora should make songs like this all of the time instead of trying to be the next Rihanna/Beyonce/Whoever.

Differentology - Bunji Garlin

Perfect for carnival. Perfect for the upcoming World Cup. 

Other Notable Mentions: Hideaway - Kiesza; Turn Down For What - DJ Snake & Lil Jon; Ready For Your Love - Gorgon City; We Are One - Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez, Claudia Leitte; My Love - Route 94, Jess Glynne; I Got U - Duke Dumont

What summery songs do you like at the moment?

Scores and Scores: Thomas Newman

I'd like to spend some time talking about the composers and soundtracks that made (and continue to make) me fall in love with film music. This is all personal opinion - I will not be doing a history of film music series or  anything, as I am nowhere near qualified to discuss it and the BBC aired a nice little series last year that would be helpful if that's what you're looking for. There's also no rhyme or reason for the order in which I discuss these composers and soundtracks. Anyway, on with the show...

I had to start with Thomas Newman because according to my Last.Fm page, he is second only to Muse in my most listened to artists of all time list. Just scrolling through IMDB, my first encounter with Thomas Newman's work was probably Little Women but the first time I actually became aware of his music was during the American Beauty hype. I was far too young at the time to see the film but the main title, Any Other Name, was everywhere, wasn't it? I just remember being completely taken in by the simplicity and sadness of it all contrasted with that infamous poster. Then of course it was turned into a dance track. Remember when those Chillout albums were all the rage?!

When I started secondary school, I had a brilliant RE teacher who loved film and television and always found a way to incorporate media into our lessons. We spent a loooong time on Pay It Forward and we were all really inspired, naturally. The music completely stood out for me. It was the jauntiness of the percussion, the almost Western (as in film genre) and/or comical sounds, and then that stark, mournful piano again. Also, these pieces were the ones that allowed me to recognise where Thomas Newman had been imitated in other films or television shows. For example, Sam's themes in Transformers is quite similar in style.

Next up, we have Finding Nemo. This film was groudbreaking and special on all kinds of levels, which was only enriched by a BEAUTIFUL score. The theme is used all over the shop these days, usually on the news or a documentary where the intention is to make your face start leaking. Thomas Newman's trademark recipe of world instruments + percussion + a leading piano melody echoed by strings really helped enhance that underwater, unknown world theme. Similar results occured with Wall-E. Define Dancing still brings a tear to my eye.

One of my most played Thomas Newman scores is Lemony Snicket's: A Series of Unfortunate Events. This is probably my favourite complete Thomas Newman score (and one of my favourite films). Again, the use of percussion helps us unlock our imaginations to the world - in this case, a world of inventions in strange settings with even stranger (and sinister) people, all seen from a child's perspective.

Finally, The Shawshank Redemption. One of the most loved films (which I only just got round to watching the other day, ahem) and one of the most loved film themes. How can a piece of music only 1.53 in length make you feel so much?! I listened to this for years without having any context and was still moved, so imagine how I felt when I finally watched the film the other day? As for Brooks Was Here...well, best not to even get started on that one.

Obviously, there's so much more we could talk about - just look at how many films Thomas Newman has scored all with his signature style. I didn't even get to the Six Feet Under theme. However, just the little we've covered is enough to demonstrate why, during this year's Hollywood Reporter Composers Roundtable, Hans Zimmer noted that Thomas Newman has "revolutionized harmoic language in films...forever".

Are you a Thomas Newman fan? If not, have a listen to this playlist. What's your favourite piece?

Best of 2013: Music

Last year I said it was getting harder to make these lists - and it is in general -  but actually, music wise, things weren't too bad this year. So, without further ado, here's a selection of my favourite musical bits and bobs from 2013. Oh and I was going to do a books and celebrity 'best of' thing but you know what, I've had enough of 2013. So, after this, we will look to Wednesday and dwell on this year no longer. It is decided. It is done.

Albums

I got Spotify Premium this year, so I've been able to listen to loads more music on the go, which has been nice, although they've mainly been film and musical soundtracks. However, there were some disappointing offerings from some of the bigger names (*Ahem* Justin, Jay-Z, and Kanye I'm looking at you). Nevertheless, there were some good'uns around. Speaking of Kanye, whilst I wasn't a fan of the album as a whole, New Slaves and Black Skinhead are excellent tracks. Yes, he rants a lot (and I'm glad he's taken a vow of silence because I was starting to fear for his health, way too stressed out) but if you really listen to the lyrics...he kind of has a point.

Settle - Disclosure

Unorthodox Jukebox - Bruno Mars

Overgrown - James Blake

AM - Arctic Monkeys

True Romance - Charli XCX

Same Trailer Different Park - Kacey Musgraves

Nothing Was The Same - Drake

Modern Vampires of the City - Vampire Weekend

Beyoncé - Beyoncé

Yours Truly - Ariana Grande

Notable mentions: Matangi - M.I.A; Home - Rudimental; My Name Is - Pusha T; Secondhand Rapture - MS MR; Body Music - AlunaGeorge (ermmm, and I think Aluna is my new favourite name too) 

Songs

I used to write them all out but now I'll just put the playlist up. Even if you don't have Spotify, you can still read the track list (I think - let me know if you can't). 

What were your favourite musical moments of 2013?

This girl is on fire

Are you all looking forward to the release of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire?! I can't wait! I'm in the process of re-reading the book and it's just as exciting as I remember. 

Anyway, have you seen the tracklist and heard some of the tracks from the official soundtrack? Alexandra Patsavas, music supervisor extraordinaire, is at the helm so of course it's a great tracklist.  I absolutely love the Coldplay song. The choice of Atlas is perfect to parrallel with Katniss, who indeed is burdned with so much she might as well be carrying the world on her shoulders. It sounds a bit Muse-y, don't you think? Still a great song!

[Click here if you can't watch the video]

I will admit my eyebrows shot up when I saw Diplo and The Weeknd next to Sia's name but this is also a brillaint song!

Here are a few other samples that have been released. I can't wait to get my hands on the actual album because the last one was excellent.

Summer Round Up

Summer is over, so I'd just like to round up some of the entertainment highlights. 

Books

How My Summer Went Up In Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski - I loved this book, it really made me laugh. 

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan - This was my favourite adult book of the summer. Again, extremely hilarious. 

Music

Live music: Despite my general dislike of them, I ended up at two festivals this year. First of all, I went to Lovebox in East London. It was one of the hottest days of the year during our fantastic heatwave, so everybody was in a great mood. I was lucky enough to enjoy the sounds of: Charlie Wilson, Julio Bashmore, Redlight, Wiley, Disclosure, Annie Mac and Azealia Banks. The crowd was amazing- everyone just wanted to enjoy the day- and there were decent toilet facilities (at a small charge), which is always a plus in my books. 

Then I went to V festival in my hometown, which was almost the polar opposite. The weather was rubbish, the crowd was miserable and unappreciative and it was just generally a not very nice day. To be fair, I only wanted to see Beyonce but even the debut of her new hairstyle couldn't make the evening any better. Poor Bey was singing her heart out and whipping that bob around like nobody's business but the crappy sound and the boring crowd won in the end. They even dared to boo her! To make matters worse, we were stuck next to a group of chatterers who then started fighting and we witnessed a man punch a woman in the face. Classy Essex as always. 

Best albums: Settle by Disclosure (check out Ed Macfarlane from Friendly Fires singing one of my favourite tracks from the album at Reading- I always have love and respect to give to a committed dancer); Modern Vampires of the City by Vampire Weekend; True Romance by Charli XCX; Ciara by Ciara; Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke; Unorthodox Jukebox by Bruno Mars; and Body Music by AlunaGeorge.

Best songs: Well, you know my Songs of the Summer but I also enjoyed some others that I've put in a playlist for your listening pleasure. Extra special kudos to Icona Pop who have been contenders for Song of the Summer with I Love It two years in a row!

Film

I haven't really seen much at the cinema this year. I missed all of the blockbusters and superhero flicks. I was also supposed to go to TIFF but circumstances changed. However, these were my picks and I will look out for their general release dates: Gravity, The Fifth Estate, Rush, August: Osage County; Third Person; and How I Live Now. 

However, I have made good use of the various on demand services I'm signed up to such as LoveFilm and Netflix and enjoyed fun summer movies such as Almost Famous, Adventureland and Walk the Line- all of which had amazing soundtracks. I also enjoyed Lakey Peterson: Zero to 100, which was very interesting and inspiring. 

Television

I've been watching Elementary. It took a while to really get into it but now I am IN LOVE. It's very different to the BBC's Sherlock but I think I prefer Jonny Lee Miller's portrayal a little more than Benedict Cumberbatch's (*quickly hides from the Cumberbatch superfans*). Whoever decided to cast Lucy Liu as Watson deserves an award because the idea-and execution-is genius. I really like the dynamic Sherlock and Watson have got going and hopefully they keep it platonic. I'm up to the episode where Sherlock asks Watson to stay on as his apprentice - what a beautiful speech! Oh and I covet Watson's wardrobe. 

Also, the second season of Scandal has been airing over here to fill The Good Wife/Nashville void. I'm not sure I'm really on board with this show anymore partly because I don't believe in Olivia and Fitz (he's so spineless) the same way I believe in MerDer. Kerry Washington is awesome though so I'm glad Scandal is pushing her more into the limelight. 

Rookie Blue is also back on the air over here. I love this show - it just keeps getting better and better.

Finally, I've become quite invested in the little MTV show Washington Heights, which is a bit like a real life How to Make it in America (cut down in its prime). It's kind of refreshing to see a reality show that doesn't have too much drama. I don't think there's a second season, which is a shame but at least they got their five minutes of fame and hopefully the opportunity opens some more doors for them. They seem like a nice, hard-working group of twenty somethings. 

Song of the Summer

Do you follow Vulture's quest for Song of the Summer? Well, I think I've made my decision already so without further ado I present to you my Song of the Summer, domestic and international. 

Domestic: You & Me by Disclosure feat. Eliza Doolittle 

This song is just sooooo London to me. It sounds like London. It tastes like London. My London anyway - the East London/Essex borders. Disclosure remind me a little of The Streets in that they have harnessed this quintessential, nostalgic British sound and released it during a time when everything else sounds so samey. That wasn't a very good explanation but I can't quite describe it properly - music fans feel free to help me out. Oh, and way to go Eliza Doolittle!

International: Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke feat. Pharrell & T.I

Such fun! Hey hey hey. Pharrell is a genius. 

What's your song of the summer? 

I Don't Care, I Love It!

I've been listening to quite a lot of music lately - music with words as opposed to film soundtracks. Lately I've been going through phases where I cannot even begin to think about putting my headphones on and then all of a sudden I'll hear a song on Soccer AM or something, look it up, and then get lost going from song to song. 

Anyway, here's a taster of what's on repeat at the moment. I don't really write all that much outside of NaNoWriMo- nothing of substance anyway- I just don't seem to be able to find the motivation without a deadline. However, listening to some of these songs, I've had all sorts of characters (some new, some ghosts of Christmas past) floating around behind the eyes, so who knows? Perhaps I'll try Camp NaNoWriMo this July - goodness knows I've been feeling nostalgic since watching that Bug Juice opening.

Oh, and the latest Vampire Weekend album is AMAZING! 

Beat's On Repeat, Beating On Me

I've had two songs on repeat recently. The first is by Ariana Grande of Victorious and other tween television shows (I think). I'm not much of a Victorious fan- or any of the newer Nick/Disney shows for that matter. They seem to lack the subtle nuances of the shows I watched growing up. Everything's so loud and sometimes the humour is a little too mean spirited for my liking but that's for another day. Anyway, Ariana's latest track is a bit of a departure from her Nickelodeon style. All weekend, we have been saying she sounds a lot like a young Mariah Carey in the beginning. The sound is very 90's, which I love and there's a nice little rappy bit from Mac Miller to add to the Ariana-all-grown-up sound. 

The second song is by Sevyn Streeter. I remember seeing the video on 106 & Park at some point but didn't pay much attention. However, Ariana's song reminded me a little of this one in terms of the 90's, R&B, fun fair sound (what was it about fun fairs in videos back then? Remember that Jordan Knight song?!). Further investigation reveals both songs were produced by Harmony Samuels so that makes sense. 

I have also been trying to listen to some Pharrell tracks in honour of his birthday last week. How is that man 40 years old?! He hasn't aged at all. Here's one of my favourites (the break, with that bassline, halfway through, is perfection).

 

What are you listening to at the moment?

Scores and Scores

The brilliant Michael Giacchino has been posting pictures from the scoring session, and subsequent editing/mixing and all that jazz, of Star Trek Into Darkness (here - look out for Dermot Mulroney on the cello). I cannot wait to hear it!

I loved the score for Star Trek- it fit the movie perfectly in that it was bold and memorable and modern but respectful of the history of Star Trek. This is my favourite:

The first minute and a half or so is poignant and delicate and reminds me a lot of Lost, which is not unusual considering Michael Giacchino wrote that too. Even if you haven't seen Star Trek (where have you been?!) you can imagine the slow mo shots etc. At 2.14, that catchy theme makes a reappearance. I love those bass note steps at 3.16. Then the tip of the hat to the original theme at 3.31. Overall, I think this is the best track from the official soundtrack. If you have the bonus DVD, there's a really good feature showing this track being recorded. 

However, whilst we wait for the new Star Trek score (and film, of course), I want to talk about another score I have been listening to of late: Zero Dark Thirty by Alexandre Desplat. I think it should be noted that Mr Desplat scored Zero Dark Thrity AND Argo, which is pretty impressive, no? The Argo score was Oscar nominated but I think ZDT was much better. Maybe because I thought it was a better movie... but that's a debate for another day. Anyway, these tracks were my favourites:

The beginning of Maya on Plane always reminds me of the intro to Jay-Z's Public Service Announcement, which is appropriate beacuse Maya is badassness personified. However, I think this track really reflects her state of mind at the end of the film (there's no need for a spoiler warning because we all know how it ends, right?), which is: when you've done the impossible what do you do next? It sounds like the end of the beginning- sadness for all that happened before mixed with relief and anticipation that there's a whole new act just waiting to start. 

In contrast, Seals Take Off sounds almost noir-like to begin with (I am reminded of Inside Man) but then the timpani and the strings start up and anticipation builds. Then the horns add their uneven punctuation, which is not helpful to an already nervy audience. Honestly, considering it isn't a horror film, I was surprised at how jumpy we all were in that cinema. Finally, Ammar has the Middle Eastern feel that you would expect from such a score. The little bass motif that starts one minute in really reminded me of Homeland when I was in the cinema. Whenever this was heard we, the audience, knew something was about to go down. Overall, the score for Zero Dark Thirty was every bit as nerve shredding and menacing as the film itself. 

Party People In The Club It's Time To Cut A Rug

Some Friday choons- a bit of everything, old and new, taking you from Broadway to the club via Nashville. A little sample of what I have been listening to of late.

It's Hard To Explain, They Don't Love You Like I Love You

Soooo, this year is already looking up (musically at least). Two of my FAVOURITE bands are returning. I don't really have many favourite bands, I tend to just listen to a little bit of everything and I might manage to drag myself to a gig or a festival to see one or two. I'm not much of a festival person anymore- partly because I can usually hear one from my garden every year. Most of the time, it's just drunk and poorly (if at all) washed people, fashion mavens, and maybe one really good band. Occassionally, they're magical. For example, singing along "I don't care what nobody says, we're gonna have a baby" with King's of Leon as the sun sets perfectly. Or being part of what felt like a million people crowded into a tent just losing it completely to everything offered by LCD Soundsystem (look it has even been documented here). But, this isn't about them. This isn't about anyone else but The Strokes and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. They are my forever go to artists (along with Muse, Incubus, Beck and Kings of Leon up until Because of The Times anyway). 

I think context is key. I found these bands when I was about thirteen/fourteen. At that age it is easy to become obsessed with pretty much anything. I bought all the CD's, posters, signed up to any and every mailing list- you name it. Looking back, I think the reason I fell in love with their sound is because they were sooooo New York. At least to little old me in the suburbs of London. New York was another one of my obsessions back then too (thank you, again, Gossip Girl) and The Strokes fit into my idea of what the lives of those Upper East Siders might be like. On the other hand, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs sounded so gritty and just...cool without trying. Those two bands are few of the only bands that sound like a place to me, if that makes sense. In my head, Muse sound universal. I can't pin point them. But then The Arctic Monkeys are so Northern to me and not just because of the accent. It's the sound. Similarly, Vampire Weekend always make me think of my short but sweet trip to Brown University because they just sound like it. I don't know, it's hard to explain.

Anyway, I am rambling too much. All I wanted to say was I'm glad they're back and I'm excited y'all! Sorry about that. I'm preparing for Nashville's UK premiere on Wednesday. I'll stop right now but  obviously I'm not going to leave you without a parting gift- some little aural sweeties for you. 

Best of 2012: Music

Every year, like everybody else, I try and make a 'Best Of' list. However, it seems to be getting harder every year. I'm not sure what this means...nevertheless here is a selection of my favourite bits and bobs in music this year.

Albums

As with last year, I didn’t listen to too many albums- despite using Spotify a lot more than usual. However, of the ones I did listen to, these were the best:

Given To The Wild- The Maccabees

Devotion- Jessie Ware

Django Django- Django Django

Is Your Love Big Enough?- Lianne La Havas

Red- Taylor Swift

Girl On Fire- Alicia Keys

Fantasea- Azealia Banks

Songs

In no particular order, a sampling of my favourite songs of the year because there were just too many (apologies if you do not have Spotify). This will probably be the last year I do these lists because it has become too hard. We have so much music at our fingertips these days, which makes it difficult to keep track.

Live Acts

I haven’t seen many live acts this year, so the following win by default:

Dizzee Rascal, Katy B and The Wanted at the Olympic Torch concert the night before the Opening Ceremony.

Groove Armada, Kelis, Crazy P and Rita Ora at Lovebox.

Watch The Throne Tour

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts

Not every song that makes me nostalgic is from my childhood. For example:

First Breath After A Coma- Explosions In The Sky

I think this is one of my favourite pieces of music in the world. During my first year of university, I finally listened to my friend and bought the first season box set of Friday Night Lights. I was hooked after the first episode, shocked at the rawness that radiated from this little show that hardly anyone (over here anyway) was talking about. I couldn't understand why it wasn't on British television. One of the strenghts of the show was definitely the music, particulalry the theme tune (which used to be my alarm clock tone but I had to delete it after the series finale because it hurt to much to hear it). This piece of music by Explosions in the Sky describes perfectly how I felt watching Friday Night Lights.

Devil Town by Tony Lucca

Similar feelings towards this song. I can't really say anything else except if you've never seen Friday Night Lights- go and buy the first season!

Also, here's an article on the music of Friday Night Lights.

And I Know That It's True, I Can Tell By The Look In Your Eyes

Continuing with my little music project, today I am remembering three tunes that I associate with childhood summers in Essex.

Lady (Hear Me Tonight) by Modjo

This laid back track just oozes summer vibes and reminds me of when it was actually hot during the summer months- as opposed to this Indian summer thing that's going on these days.

Another Chance by Roger Sanchez

I don't actually know if this was released during the summer (feel free to correct me) but it reminds me again of lazy days. More than anything, I remember the video. I was quite young when I saw it but it made me sad. Then it was played on Top of the Pops and I remember my uncle telling me about Roger Sanchez and then the story of house music.

Groovejet- If This Ain't Love- Spiller

 

 This song will always, always, always remind me of the first season of Big Brother. That summer- the year 2000, the new millennium- was brilliant. I was only 11 but completely enthralled by Big Brother- it was groundbreaking television.

Music Makes The People Come Together Yeah

Every time I visit The Guardian website I see a link to the Six Songs of Me Project. So, this evening I decided to check it out and ended up completing the survey. The results are here: Six Songs of Me.

Most days little bits of songs re-enter my head associated with a memory of some sort- many more than six- so for the next month or so, I will share some of these tracks. 

Firstly, since I quoted Madonna in the title it would be rude not to start with Her Madge.

Looking at the release date of this song, I was probably about 9 when it came out. It must have been on one of those compilation CDs that most kids get and I just associate it with fun times. It will always be one of my favourite Madonna tracks. I loved Frozen as a kid too. I distinctly remember seeing the video and being enthralled and I'm sure I cut the lyrics out from either Smash Hits magazine or Top of the Pops. In hindsight, I probably enjoyed it because it sounds a bit like a Eurovision song.

Winter Is Coming...

I've only been home for four days but it is getting increasingly chillier by the hour. So, on that note, I bid farewell to summer by sharing a few of the tunes (new and old) that got stuck in my head whilst the sun dared to show it's face.

Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen

Obviously I got swept up into the hype of this song but boy is it catchy. I hardly ever remember lyrics but for some reason I can recite most of this song.

Gangnam Style by Psy

I will always associate this song with our long trip to the Miami area.

Beamer by Mele feat. Kano

This reminds me of the beginning of the summer and the Euro's as we kept singing "Teach them how to Balotelli". 

Disparate Youth by Santigold

If I could be an artist, I'd definitely want to be like Santigold. Love this track. It's mellow but still has a summer vibe. 

Superstylin by Groove Armada

An oldie but a goody. I managed to hear this live again this year at Lovebox with sis.

I can't really post Youtube videos for all my summer tracks but I've created a Spotify playlist of the rest.