Turn of the decade 4

It's been a while since I posted anything on here and in that time we've encountered more Government lies, thousands of protestors campaigning for basic human rights for black people, and thousands of people losing their lives to a virus that could have been dealt with a lot better. It's 2020 and the world's most powerful countries are being run by highly incompetent racists who wouldn't know it if it hit them in the face. I could quite easily write a full post on their failings, and I probably will when the Government deems it safe for us all to go back to the pub and give our grandparents a hug when it quite clearly isn't.

Anyway, there's been an influx of great new music since my last post, and it's the only thing that's keeping me and many others sane. Again, a huge shoutout to artists taking a risk and putting new music out.

Unsurprisingly, I've compiled a list of 5 songs that have been released this year, and more than likely, over the past 2 months that I think everyone needs to listen to.

1. Lime - Surf N Turf

It contains elements of past music and is mixed with their knowledge of modern music, with the usage of technology including synthesisers, guitar effects, and effects on the vocals.

This song is an easy listen and is a welcome addition to any of your playlists, it takes you on some sort of journey (a good thing) and is helped by the fact that the lyrics are as clear as day. One of the lyrics will make you wonder whether or not they could've chosen a better line to use but I won't ruin it, and I'll let you figure that out for yourself. It guarantees to lift your spirits, regardless.

The light guitar riffs, despite being a fast pace do their job in maintaining the cheerful feel about the song, and the harmonies add to the positive feeling. Defo a welcome addition to 2020.

2. Tom Misch, Yussef Dayes - I Did it For You

This is one of the dreamiest songs I've ever heard, a masterclass of musical prowess. From the sophisticated, high pitched guitar riffs, the funky bass line, the soft vocals, and the incredible drum fills, and you've found yourself a recipe for an absolute belter track, and one that you could listen to on a loop.

They've just collaborated and released an album together, and the pair of them compliment each other throughout. The whole LP is well worth a listen and another one of their tracks is being heavily played on Radio 1 and Radio 6. Misch also appeared on Michael Kiwanuka's "Money" in 2019 and that also proved to be a hit on various radio stations.

3. Courting - David Byrne's Badside

This is another one that's riddled with positive vibes. Filled with energy, witty lyrics, mad catchy riffs, and a saxophone solo, and they're Scousers, so what's not to like?

I read up on an interview they had with a magazine regarding the lyrics and the potentially controversial name of the song. I can assure you that it isn't a dig at David Byrne but is about class tourism and casual racism that exists in Britain today. They followed to say that it was about the gammons who vote UKIP and want to close the borders to everyone, yet tries to convince everyone that they're not racist. The type of person who tells everyone to buy British food, cars, clothes, etc yet owns a Porche that was manufactured in Germany.

It's not all about the doom and gloom of the racists in Britain though, they're poking fun at more light-hearted aspects in British cultures, such as when someone takes the low offer on The Chase.

So not only do they write good songs, but they're also dead sound in terms of their outlook on life, and, at least one of them is an Everton fan. Band of the year in my humble opinion.

4. Disclosure - ENERGY

I know I've already mentioned a Disclosure track in one of my previous posts, but this one is even better than Tondo. The name is the literal meaning and feeling of this song.

The upbeat, tribal-like percussion throughout the song is guaranteed to get your body moving and contains tonnes of that energy that's mentioned in the title of the track.

It also samples speech from Eric Thomas, who is an American motivational speaker, so as you can imagine, he's bound to make you feel inspired, especially 1 minute 47 seconds into the song, and it goes on to a whole new level of energetic as synth sounds compliment the tribal drum beats and create an explosion of positivity. I can't even begin to imagine how good this song would be at the Silver Hayes at Glasto.

5. Little Simz - might bang, might not

Little Simz released this on a 5 track LP she composed during lockdown, so as you can imagine, it's a lot more stripped back and skeletal than her "GREY Area" LP, that was one of the albums of the year in 2019.

She sounds restless and fired up from the very beginning and the bass line in the accompaniment of Simz spitting out breathless lyrics, that I'd struggle to keep up with if I had them written down in front of me, makes me want to punch a wall. It's a boss addition to the surging playlist I'm (hopefully) curating and gives you a massive urge to release energy in any way shape or form.

Nice one for reading and I hope you find at least one of these records half decent. Keep on exploring, giving new music a chance, and supporting small bands in these dreadful times.