Catchy Tune of the Week

“Climax” - Usher Oh Usher. How do you continue...

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 17:18:00 -0500

“Climax” - Usher

Oh Usher. How do you continue pumping out hit after hit for over 10 years? I still remember being 11 years-old and looping “U Remind Me” over and over and over again. That was 2001. It’s now 2012 and I’ve caught your bug again. But this time it’s something much more serious. It’s not the wistful, boyish quality that hooked me on “U Remind Me” anymore. This time it’s a “Climax.”

“Climax” by Usher is a falsetto filled trip through the worst phase of a relationship: stagnation. With a slow, pounding beat and Usher’s buttery voice, we are ushered (see what I did there) through this difficult situation and come out feeling a bit helpless, but also refreshed. “Climax” perfectly encompasses this juxtaposition between the sense of gloom, but also the relief of closure when you finally get through stagnation. And let’s be honest, who can resist a “Climax” with Usher?

To continue “Climax”ing, download the song here.

“The Party & The After Party” - The Weeknd The...

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:05:00 -0500

“The Party & The After Party” - The Weeknd

The Weeknd is 22 year-old Abel Tesfaye from Toronto, Canada. In 2011, Abel released a trilogy of mixtapes, all critically acclaimed for their lush, downtempo R&B sound. Personally, I liken The Weeknd’s sound to a cross between Frank Ocean and James Blake. This unique musical quality has propelled The Weeknd to collaborate with aritsts such as Drake. Furthermore, Tesfaye’s first mixtape, House of Balloons, garnered consideration for the 2011 Polaris Music Prize, although it ultimately lost to The Arcade Fire’s The Suburbs.

This week’s catchy tune “The Party & The After Party” comes off this widely acclaimed first mixtape. “The Party & The After Party” is seven and a half minutes of pure, unadulterated lust. Pounding bass mimic a craving heartbeat and smooth melodies emphasise the sensuality as Abel vividly expresses his desire and calls for his girl to “ride wit it.”

“The Party & The After Party” is sure to infect your ears and make your heart pound. To hear more of The Weeknd and download all three mixtapes for free, check out his website.

“Cannons” - Youth Lagoon Boise, Idaho’s Youth...

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:43:00 -0500

“Cannons” - Youth Lagoon

Boise, Idaho’s Youth Lagoon, AKA Trevor Powers, broke into the music scene in late 2011 with the widely acclaimed LP The Year of Hibernation. In accord with its title, the entire album plays like a dream—hazy, fleeting, and whimsical—and this week’s catchy tune, “Cannons,” is like that inflection point in the dream where things go from seemingly normal to fantastical.

Opening with a pleasant arpeggio, “Cannons” lulls listeners into comfort. Tower’s soft whispers then seem to come from the back of an empty room, encouraging us to stand fast, hold our ground, and charge ahead. The melodies are simple, but memorable and the arrangement is airy, but also anthemic. Seemingly mundane at the beginning, “Cannons” propels you into something unmistakably extraordinary and leaves you with another catchy tune to hum.

To learn more about Youth Lagoon, check out his website. To download “Cannons,” go here.

“Half Moon” – Blind Pilot Blind Pilot hails from Portland,...

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 11:19:00 -0500

“Half Moon” – Blind Pilot

Blind Pilot hails from Portland, Oregon and makes sweet, melodic tunes that could soften even the most hard-nosed of men. While the band’s first album, 3 Rounds and a Sound, was noted for its simple folk tunes, highlighted by unassuming guitars and frontman Israel Nebeker’s, soothing voice, We are the Tide, the group’s second LP, instantly introduces listeners to new depths of sound with the album’s opener, and this week’s Catchy Tune of the Week, “Half Moon.”

A warm chord begins “Half Moon,” signalling that Blind Pilot is moving past the campfire aesthetic found in their last album. A syncopated drumbeat then drives the song into Nebeker’s vocals, which retain their soothing sweetness. Slow, soft, and reflective, “Half Moon” nonetheless possesses an anthemic quality. A pulsing energy pervades the chorus and I can’t help but sing along, envisioning a drive off into the sunset.

Blind Pilot is certainly a band to follow. To learn more about them, go here. To download “Half Moon,” go here.

“Jalebi Bai” - Ritu Pathak; from the Bollywood film...

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 21:56:00 -0500

“Jalebi Bai” - Ritu Pathak; from the Bollywood film Double Dhamaal

“Uhhhhh, Jalebi Bai; Uhhhhhhhh, Jalebi Baiiii.” *gyrategyrategyrate* *churnhandschurnhands* <— That is all I’ve been singing/doing for the past 24 hours. Now, I really don’t know what jalebi bai means, but a friend of mine tried to explain it as “cake woman.” I like cake…and women…

Anyways, back to the song. “Jalebi Bai,” sung by Ritu Pathak, is a tune from the Bollywood film Double Dhamaal. In the film, the song is performed by sultry Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat. “Jalebi Bai,” consistent with all Bollywood songs, is catchy, fun, and accompanied by a great dance move. I first heard the song through my participation in my university’s South Asian Student Association’s cultural show. Since then, it has become a rallying song of sorts for the performers. Watch the video and learn: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg7EcSPK_vE&feature=player_embedded

If you want to “Jalebi Bai” too, download the tune here.

“Dust” - Frank Ocean Frank Ocean, born Christopher...

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 17:17:06 -0500

“Dust” - Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean, born Christopher Breaux, has gained quite a cult following since he released his debut mixtape, nostalgia, ULTRA, in 2011. The mixtape’s groovy R&B beats, soulful melodies, and intimate lyrics create a warm, nostalgic experience. This experience kept me playing the album on repeat all week. In particular, the track, “Dust,” has infatuated my ears.

“Dust” begins with Ocean asking, “Who’s that talking in the library? Who’s that talking in my library? Is that you?” This seemingly mundane inquisition captures the listener with its innocence. We are then introduced to Ocean’s tales of love lost and gained, and finally given the advice to keep living and keep loving. This nostalgic optimism provides listeners a sense of hope, which hooked me to keep the tune on loop.

To take a visit through Frank Ocean’s thoughts and memories, visit his website. To download “Dust,” go here.

“Call Me Maybe” - Carly Rae Jepsen Well, this...

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 12:17:00 -0500

“Call Me Maybe” - Carly Rae Jepsen

Well, this is embarrassing. “Call Me Maybe” is pop—bubblegum, tween, sugary pop—and on first listen, I knew I was in trouble. With peppy synth-lines, playful melodies, and a sing-along chorus, who can resist? Not me. This track instantly inserted itself into my “guilty pleasure” playlist. And apparently not very many others, as “Call Me Maybe” has peaked at #3 on the Billboard Top 100 and #1 on the Billboard Canadian Top 100.

This catchy tune comes from budding Canadian pop artist Carly Rae Jepsen. Jepsen, 26, was originally discovered in 2007 when she placed 3rd in Canadian Idol. Recently, her pop allure caught the attention of Justin Bieber and Co., as she signed with his same label, Schoolboy Records. With the power of Bieber behind her, I think it’s safe to say we’ll be seeing more of Carly Rae in the future.

Learn more about Carly Rae Jepsen here and download “Call Me Maybe” here.

“Tera Nasha” - The Bilz & Kashif Lately,...

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 13:13:26 -0600

“Tera Nasha” - The Bilz & Kashif

Lately, I’ve been going through an Indian music phase and this is one song I especially can’t get enough of. “Tera Nasha” is a sensual tune by The Bilz (Brothers-in-Lawz) & Kashif, a collaboration between the Canadian South Asian duo of DJ Vicious and Master-D and Pakistani-Canadian singer, Kashif. The song comes off their album Breaking Barriers, released in 2010.

I first heard “Tera Nasha” when a friend shared with me a video clip of two contestants, Sahil and Lipsa, dancing to it on Dance India Dance, which, as you can guess, is basically India’s So You Think You Can Dance. The R&B grooves immediately dug themselves into my head, permanently. I’ve been humming the sexy melody and practicing my body rolls (believe me, you can’t help but body roll when listening to this) ever since.

Check out more of The Bilz and Kashif here. Download “Tera Nasha” for your own body rolling pleasure here. And check out Sahil and Lipsa’s dance here.

“Levels in REVERSE” - Avicii (George Monev Edit) In...

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:12:00 -0600

“Levels in REVERSE” - Avicii (George Monev Edit)

In 2011, Swedish Born DJ Avicii dropped possibly the most infectious song of the past decade. “Levels” invaded radio stations, clubs and just about every college campus, turning any event into an instant rager. You just cannot resist pumping your fists and jumping along with the catchy synth lines and hard hitting beats.

And when you thought the Levels-mania was finally dying down, George Monev drops an edit that takes Avicii’s masterpiece and reverses the synth-hook! Now, I was very skeptical at first…but the result of Monev’s work is pure gold. “Levels in REVERSE” is just as catchy as the original and breathes new life into the familiar tune. Listen at your own risk, as Monev’s edit will undoubtedly infect your ears and will be the only thing you hum for weeks.

Check out more Avicii and George Monev here and here, respectively. Download “Levels in REVERSE” here.

“A Case Of You” - James Blake; originally by Joni...

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:01:00 -0600

“A Case Of You” - James Blake; originally by Joni Mitchell

James Blake is a 23 year old British artist who shot to hipster fame in 2011. His debut self-titled LP, full of emotional, minimalist electronic music, was heralded by critics and nominated for multiple awards, including the Mercury Prize. A few months after releasing the LP, Blake released the Enough Thunder EP, which contains this treasure of a tune. Originally by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, “A Case Of You” did not catch my ear upon first listen. James Blake’s version the song begins with an unassuming piano line before his voice entres, soft and crooning of laborious love. It did not seem all that special to me at first, but before I realised it, I was enveloped in a hazy, forlorn atmosphere and I didn’t really want to get out. As the song reached its hopeful conclusion, I found myself playing it again, and again, and again.

With “A Case Of You”, James Blake has successfully taken an old tune and made it completely his own, maintaining the raw emotion of Joni Mitchell’s gem while creating an atmosphere that captures his listeners. Check out more James Blake here and download “A Case Of You here. Also, be sure to check out Joni Mitchell’s original version here.

“You Do Something to Me” - Cole Porter; sung by Ella...

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:10:00 -0600

“You Do Something to Me” - Cole Porter; sung by Ella Fitzgerald

Ah, Cole Porter…songs of a time past. I first heard this tune in the summer of 2011 in the movie Midnight in Paris. After the movie, I immediately acquired a Best of Cole Porter collection and discovered Ella Fitzgerald’s version of this song. Sweet, smoky and sexy, Ella’s take on the song has remained my favourite amongst the countless different versions that many different artists have sung. The whimsical jazz piano and sultry brass make me want to don a fedora and hit the nearest jazz bar. In fact, I may actually do that.

Amidst all the electronics and effects in today’s contemporary music, sometimes it’s nice to revisit a period where the melodies are simple, the voices raw, and the mood luxurious. Check out more Cole Porter and Ella Fitzgerald here and here. Download Ella’s version of Cole Porter’s classic here.

“Jodi” - The Dodos “Jodi” is a...

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:19:00 -0600

“Jodi” - The Dodos

“Jodi” is a toe-tapping tune that comes off The Dodos’ second album, Visiter. A two-piece outfit hailing from San Francisco, California, The Dodos have become known for their unique use of instruments and alternative folk sound. Listen closely and you’ll notice that Logan Kroeber doesn’t even use a bass drum and often plays the rims of his drums. As for the origin of the song, rumour has it that “Jodi” was written as a break-up song by vocalist and guitarist, Meric Long. Supposedly, Meric met and dated a girl named Jody while passing through a small town. Then one day in May (as referenced in the lyrics), he just got up and left.

Regardless of it’s possibly callous inception, “Jodi” has got a hook that you will surely be humming for days. Check out more of The Dodos here and download “Jodi” here.

“I’ll Remember Them” - Kam0 (feat....

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:39:00 -0600

“I’ll Remember Them” - Kam0 (feat. BioLogic)

Kam0’s a rising beat maker from Paris, France. He dropped his first LP, From Paris With Soul, just this week, and it is true hip-hop with no lack of soul, featuring emcees from all around the world. This is the first track on the album, and one that I can’t help but listen to over and over again when on a stroll.

Check out Kam0 and download his new LP, From Paris With Soul, here.

Introduction

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:30:44 -0600

Each week, as I play my music library on shuffle, there seems to always be one song that catches my ear. I’ll start off every listening session with this song. Sometimes I’ll play it two or three times in a row before shuffling to the next song. And then there are those times that I leave the song on repeat for the entire week, completely skewing my last.fm statistics.

This blog pays homage to those tunes that I can’t get out of my head. Some of them are old; some are new. But hopefully you (re)discover some cool songs that become favourites. Or at the very least, I hope they get stuck in your head too.