Washington - Holy Moses

Megan Washington is an Australian artist that I recently discovered by clicking random video's on Youtube. The song I discovered was "Holy Moses".

I must say that this is one of my favorite videos. Its packed full of imagery, and unique style and camera shooting. As for the song itself, it has that strong drum beat that I love and even manages to work in a kazoo! (Remember being six and playing with a kazoo?) Check out the video below and let me know your thoughts:




-Sean

Florence + The Machine - What the Water Gave Me

Many of you have heard of Florence & The Machine. The UK singer has made it big in the US, she's performed on MTV, Dancing with the Stars, and a number of other television shows here in the States. Her debut album Lungs was one of my favorites (Drumming Song, a single, was stuck in my head for months).  However Lungs has been out for some time now and many of her fans have been waiting for some new music and she provided.

Her latest single is "What the Water Gave Me", the single is melodic in principle. It starts off slow, with a simple beat that slowly builds up and up. Many say Florence & The Machine makes people want to sing, and this song is no exception. Check out the video below and let me know what you think

Florence + the Machine - What The Water Gave Me [Official Music Video] from Back Alley Journals on Vimeo.

-Sean

Gustav Holst - Mars, Bringer of War.

I love powerful music, music that has a strong and epic feeling to it. Usually I can find this is classical music. I prefer what I call "build ups". Its where a song starts out rather simple and melodic, and then builds into a full orchestra that overwhelms the ears.

If you've never heard of the Celestial Classics then don't worry, most haven't heard of it by name. You have however heard most of them in the big blockbuster movies as their frequently used to give a sense of emotion or pace to a scene. Gustav Holst is the composer of the Celestial Classics that range from Mercury to Neptune (sorry they hadn't discovered Pluto by the time he passed away, which didn't matter now-a-days).

Mars, the bringer of war is my favorite, I sometimes put it on mix cd's and crank the volume up and let the full impact of such a powerful song chill me to the bone. Check it out below and let me know what you think (and if you can name any movies you've heard it in):


-Sean

Goyte & Kimbra - Somebody That I Use to Know

As you all know I'm a fan of Kimbra (congrats to her by the way for being signed to a major label, and also Welcome to America) she recently posted the video for a song she's featured on. The song is called Somebody That I Use to Know by Goyte, featuring Kimbra. I have to say I've had the song on replay non-stop for a while now.

The song is simplistic in its beat, but the harmony between both Goyte and Kimbra works wonderfully. This is a song that works on the small details, the mixing is incredible.

Check out the video below and let me know what you think:


-Sean

Clare Maguire - The Shield & The Sword

Clare Maguire is an artist I recently stumbled onto my accident (literally, I used StumbleUpon for some new music taste and she popped up).

I have to say that Clare Maguire's song "The Shield & The Sword" is a mesmerizing piece of music. Its simple in its strong beat, yet complicated and flowing with the orchestrated violins in the background.

Her use of lyrics is quite effective too, as she repeats "I no longer love you, no longer love you" you get the sense of complex issues behind such simple words.

Check out her video below for The Shield & The Sword


-Sean

Kimbra - Cameo Lover

I've written numerous times about Kimbra here on Buffalo Street, and it seems as long as she keeps creating fantastic music, the more I shall be writing about her.

Just a reminder Kimbra is a musician hailing from New Zealand (and based out of Australia now) her music is a mixture of rock, symphonic melodies, pop, and a dash of soul. Her latest video"Cameo Lover" highlights her unique balance of all these different elements.

I've always loved music video's that showcase a simple idea but with surprising imagery. Cameo Lover is no exception, with a simple white background and eye popping colors and visuals its a mesmerizing video. I actually started to dance at my desk while watching the video, which ended badly for my elbow which I banged on the corner, though its an injury I'll wear with pride.

 Her music is yet unavailable on the US Itunes, but is expected to come later.

Check out her video below

Kimbra - Cameo Lover (Official Music Video) from Kimbra on Vimeo.
To learn more about Kimbra you can follow her on twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/kimbramusic
Or check out her Youtube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/user/kimbramusic


-Sean

First Aid Kit - I Met Up With a King

Sometimes, usually when I'm not even looking, I'll stumble upon a great band or singer. First Aid Kit is the fruits of this stumbling.

Hailing from Sweden (though they seem oddly Texan to me) the duo is made of two sisters. Their musical styling seems like a toned down version of american folk music, but with a more modern twist. Their lyrics are usually simple, but effective and usually harbor a deeper meaning.

Here is their single off their 2010 album: I Met Up With a King.

Let me know your thoughts.

-Sean

DEV - Booty Bounce

Every once and a while I find myself in need of mindless dance music. I don't mean that as an insult to any artist, its just me justifying my insane need to dance around my bedroom to get rid of excess energy and thoughtful, provoking lyrics don't really accomplish that.

With that said I present to you the latest single from DEV. You may recognize her as the girl who sings the "Feeling so fly like a G6" in the Far East Movements hit song "Fly Like a G6".

This song is pure dance pop. And that's just what the doctored ordered. Check out the video below and let me know what you think. You can purchase her new single here (Booty Bounce (Original)) on Amazon for .99 cents.



-Sean

Adele - Rolling in the Deep

I, like many other drivers, enjoy a good soundtrack when I'm on a long drive. The soundtrack normally depends upon my mood, I like fast and up-beat music when I'm driving on a highway, and slow melodic music when I'm on a long side road. Adele, a famous british singer is the perfect artist for a long trip on the back roads.

Adele's latest single "Rolling in the Deep" is a unique piece of work, you get the sense of older 1940's influence, but she keeps it modern in a way that is unique to her. It also helps that she has an amazing voice that seems to rise and fall perfectly with the music. Most of her work is typically of the more subdued variety, but this song does have a good kick to it.

Check out the video for Adele's newest single "Rolling in the Deep" below.

Kimbra - Good Intent

Do you ever listen to a song and have it stuck in your head on repeat for days? Well this song by Kimbra titled "Good Intent" has been on non-stop replay in my head for almost a week, and I'm perfectly fine with that.

I wrote about Kimbra's song "Settle Down" some time ago, and recently she released some live recordings of her and some new material.  Below you'll find the video for Good Intent, give it a listen and let me know what you think.

Robyn - Dancing on My Own

You may remember Robyn from the 90's with her hit "Show Me Love" or you may remember Robyn from the mid 2000's with her smash hits "Every Heartbeat" or "Konichiwa Bitches".  Either way, she's back with a new album (and another new album, two in one year).

Dancing on my own is a-typical swedish pop/dance music. Though with Robyn you get a sense of emotion put behind the lyrics that you don't in other pop songs.

I have to admit the damn song has been stuck in my head for three days now, and I've watched the video on Vimeo about twelve times. So in a hope of finally getting it out of my head and into yours here it is:

Robyn 'Dancing On My Own' (Official Video) from Robyn on Vimeo.

If you happen to like her sound feel free to pick up Robyn's Body Talk Pt 1 which includes Dancing on My Own. Or pick up Robyn's Body Talk Pt II for more great  music.

Kimbra - Settle Down

I seem to listen to female artist from the UK, or the common wealth. Kimbra is no exception. Hailing from New Zealand this is the first song I've ever heard of hers and its damn catchy.  Here are a few stills from the video:

The video also entertaining, as I have a love of all things retro the "doll-house" vibe of the video is a visual eye catcher.

Check out the video below:

Kimbra - Settle Down from Forum5 Recordings on Vimeo.

-Sean

Lady GaGa - Alejandro

I usually leave the radio dial when Lady Gaga comes on. Though her music to me isn't very "epic" it is pleasing to the ears. That being said, I'm not a Gaga-hater and I have no issue with the woman, so when I saw her new music video for Alejandro I was an objective critic.

Firstly, its long. Which is okay, but just prepare yourself for a 8min tale. Secondly, I enjoyed the subtle hints deployed in the video. Its obvious that the video has to do with gay men. Gaga shows her self as a dominatrix in one scene,  she also show cases the "military" or a nazi-esque military to be exact. This could be taken as a artistic interpretation for the controversial  Don't Ask Don't Tell policy.

Gaga definitely pushed boundaries (and people's religious views) by donning a futuristic nun's outfit. She will catch a lot of crap for that, but she's an entertainer and if you aren't shocked or interested in what she's doing then she's failing at her job. I think the whole point of the nun/religious imagery is a big middle finger at the catholic church which hasn't been very supportive of the gay community.

Check out the video below and tell me your thoughts.

ALEJANDRO from lecritikeur on Vimeo.

Beyonce - Why Don't You Love Me?

 I've never been a huge fan of Beyonce. Most of her music seems rather repetitive to me, and I usually turn the radio dial to another station when she comes on.

However, when I discovered the video for her latest single "Why Don't You Love Me?" I was actually impressed. I've always had a love for the 1950's, and the video is a corny-modern version of what we all think of as a 1950's housewife. The song isn't half bad too.

What do you think of Beyonce's latest video? Check it out below

-Sean

"Why Don't You Love Me" - Beyoncé from Beyoncé on Vimeo.

Florence & The Machine - Drumming Song

 I've posted a previous entry about Florence & The Machine. A solo female artist, whom in my opinion, is fantastic.  She's unique, British, and creative with her music video's.

So here is another one of favorites: Drumming Song.

Let me know your thoughts
-Sean

Robyn - Fembot

 I've been a fan of Robyn for the past few years. Her last album was released some two years ago in the US. And she's finally released some new material.

Here is a live performance of her latest single "Fembot".  Let me know what you think.

-Sean

Kelis - Acapella

I apologize for the lack of blogging. I recently got a second job, and its been kicking my ass. However, I shall make time for you readers.
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Do you all remember that song "Milkshake" that was popular some odd years ago? You know the "My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard, and they're like its better then yours" Well the lyrical master behind that song was Kelis. I've been an off and on fan of Kelis for some time. Some of her songs are amazing, and others..well not so much.

This song however is a winner. The song is titled Acapella and its like nothing Kelis has ever done before.

The song is a full on club-song. With its low-tempo singing, thrumming techno inspired base and "art" style video. I normally don't ever like techno music (I know I'm a horrid gay) but this song does have be addicted.

 I love the power behind the lyrics, and the video that accompanies it is truly spectacular.  Oh and FYI its has reached number one on the Billboard Top 40 Dance,

Give it a watch and let me know your thoughts:

-Sean

Florence & The Machine - Dog Days are Over

 I seem to always gravitate towards music that has a strong drum beat.  This is true of my latest obsession Florence & The Machine - Dog Days are Over. The song is unique, but not so unique that people will over look it as too experimental.

 I've honestly been listening to this song on repeat for the past three days. I'm sure I've annoyed my boyfriend to death with it. When I listen to it I feel like joyfully running around some field. The video is interesting, to say the least.  I don't understand what it has to do with the actual song, but the visuals are beautiful none the less.

Check out the video below, and let me know what you think?

BoA - Energetic

I think we all need a "guilty" pleasure when it comes to music. I typically don't have those, I'm normally proud of the music I listen to.

Thats not true of BoA. When I was a teenager and started to get into Japanese rock music, I discovered BoA as well. BoA is a huge artist in her native Korea and Japan. However, my other J-ROCK friends viewed her as "poppy" so it wasn't cool to listen to her.

I largely ignored her music until now.

She's released a CD in America in an attempt to corner the American market as well, and I actually really like the few singles I've heard off the album.

Her second single off the album is "Energetic", its not a profound song by any means, but still, its fun to dance to.

I suppose thats all that matters right? Check out the video for BoA - Energetic below and tell me your thoughts.

Ciao
-Sean

Marina & The Diamonds - Hollywood (Orchestra)

I swear, I should just write a blog about Marina & The Diamonds with the amount of video's I post here. But I do find her to be a very interesting and refreshing artists. So I'll continue to post her songs.

Here is a performance she did while in Estonia, its definitley looks Eastern European, but the re-arranged song is amazing and deserves a listen.

What do you think?

Ciao
-Sean