Five Song Friday 3/24/17 — Barely Researched

Don't forget to subscribe to this awesome, super convenient Spotify Playlist to be able to listen to my mediocre music on the go!

Oceans- Cold Ain't For Me (Mar 2017)

In honor of Ultra Music Festival kicking off today, it’s only right that I review a song of their YouTube channel/record label. I couldn’t make the trip down to Miami this year (if anyone wants to go next year hit your boy up) but this song is a small way to avoid coming to terms with my current Ultra-less situation. With how March in VA has been going up until this point (colder and more had snow than in January and February) this song is especially poignant. An undeniable beach/road trip song I’m a huge fan.

Song: 9/10 Video: 6/10

Alok & Bhaskar- Fuego (Dec 2017)

Any Narcos fans out there? Of course there is, it is a fantastic show with a great title sequence. The song from which Alok remixes for our listening pleasure. I heard this in a mix a month or two ago but without knowing the original DJ and possessing very little motivation I just moved on. But a day ago it popped up in SoundCloud and I was pleased to have information come to me without exerting any effort at all, really. I love the mix and feel of the song, maintaining that creepy and minous characteristics from the show but adding new and interesting elements like the kick drums and bass line underneath. Alok is one of the best live DJs out right now so I’m not surprised that this is so well done.

Song: 8/10

Kendrick Lamar- The Heart Part IV (Mar 2017)

Sooooo it looks like Kendrick Lamar is dropping a new album v. soon which is awesome. This song is like one of those appetizer samples that get you pumped for the main dish (album) but also have a bunch of different apps (sounds and beats) except here you don't immediately hate yourself afterwards. Super impressed with how this whole song switches up constantly, indicating how talented this dude is. It’s a slow melodic build up from the softer beginning to the end where Kendrick basically goes off. There’s a bit of contention as to whether he’s dissing Drake or Big Sean on this record but does it really matter? Either of them wouldn’t want to take this guy on. Super impressed with the technical ability expressed in this song. Apparently April 7th is the due date for Kendrick’s newest passion project so get ready everybody.

Song: 8/10

Breathe Carolina & Streex- Up All Night (Mar 2017)

I’ve been hearing quite a bit about Breathe Carolina recently, a up and coming band (for me at least) that’s already made a couple solid songs this year. This song just came out today so I figured it would be a great excuse to write about these guys. This songs interesting, it has a weird pop-punk feeling to it. Like a early 2000s pop-punk kinda thing, like not as good as Blink but better than Faded Glory. It has just enough nostalgia for me that makes me enjoy it. I’m not over the moon with it but it’s not bad. Above average for sure like B- range. Like you did well and are happy with it but there’s room for improvement.

Song: 7/10 Video: 5/10

Gorillaz feat Vince Staples- Ascension (Mar 2017)

I wanted to write about a Drake song as he came out with a new album this week buuuuuuut I didn’t really like it nor have the time or resources to commit enough time to finding my favorite song on there. So instead I chose to write about a brand new Gorillaz song, of which there were a few to choose from. I picked this one because Vince Staples is my dude. I’m not a huge Gorillaz fan but only because Feel Good Inc was literally on repeat at radio station during my childhood and I was beyond sick of it. But I still celebrate the fact that they’re back and putting out new music. This song is a strange mash up but still maintains the uniqueness of these two artists which is what I look for from collabs.

Song: 7.5/10