Another three of the best

Being from South Africa, we've just entered into what i know will be an amazing summer (sorry USA), and with summer comes the excitement of the Christmas season. Exams are ending for university students, beach holidays are planned, parties are being thrown and pools are being used for the first time in months across the country. I just thought I'd add to all this excitement by throwing a few songs at you that'll get you into the mood for what will be a fantastic holiday (and maybe help the northern hemisphere through the cold)

Before I start, if you have Fifa 14, you should recognise some, if not all the songs here, as I found them when I got hold of the soundtrack. 

All the videos I have posted are not the actual music videos off YouTube, because I had to select videos that supported playback on mobile devices. I do not own the music or the videos displayed below.

Empire of the Sun

Empire of the sun is an Australian electronic duo formed in 2008, consisting of Nick Littlemore, and Luke Steele. Their first album that they released shortly after forming immediately became a success, going double platinum in Australia and Gold in the United States, and their second album was released this year in June 2013. 

The simple yet effective lyrics, coupled with the creative use of effects makes this song one that's guaranteed to lift the mood of the listener. 

Alive - 

The Guards

An equally uptempo, mood lifting song is 'I know it's you' by The Guards. The Guards are an American indie trio based in New York that have been performing together since 2010, and have just released their debut album titled 'In Guards We Trust' in 2013. They toured together for the first few years which is why there is such a gap between the formation of the band and their first album.

I know it's you - 

American Authors

The American Authors sound like a combination of South Africa's Desmond and the Tutus and Shortstraw, which makes this song even more awesome. The American Authors are also an Indie Rock band based in New York, and they have been performing together since 2006, when they formed in Boston after meeting at the Berklee College of Music.

Coupled with lyrics I'm sure a lot of people will relate to, 'Hit it' and it's spotless production will add it to the list of songs that'll lift your mood and have you singing along in a matter of minutes.

Hit it - 

I'll post more of the songs off the album that are also top class within the week. Until then, do yourself a favour and get hold of a copy of the soundtrack. These three songs don't even begin to do the rest of the album justice.

Post by - Neil Nelson

Twitter - @Neilnelson91

A few songs to improve your week

Approaching the middle of the week, it's always good to find something to push you through the remaining days until the weekend. These three songs have done exactly that for me. Two new, one old. Either way I can guarantee they will do for you what they've done for me.

THE LAST YEAR

The first song is a song called 'Sugar' by a relatively new band on the scene 'The Last Year'. I discovered this song when the band mentioned it to me on Twitter today, and I was immediately blown away by it. The alternative rock band from Baltimore in the US, has 4 members, with Niki Barr on the vocals, Scott Ensign on the bass, Scott Griffith on guitar, and BJ Kerwin. Infected with powerful melodies, they have just released their new EP, and every song on it has a unique sound, with very talented songwriting, coupled with near perfect instrumental composition. The last year officially formed in 2012, but prior to that they had been together for a while, touring together, mainly fro the US troops,, specifically with the Armed forces entertainment, and have performed in more than 34 countries. Now backed by a label, the band is just beginning their journey as a professional band. I'm expecting great things from them in the future!

The Last Year - Sugar:

COLDPLAY

Coldplay needs absolutely no introduction, but their latest release 'Atlas' is definitely worth mentioning. Featured on the new 'Hunger Games' movie soundtrack, the song has already received over 3 million views on Youtube since September 9. The sound of the song is definitely more of an 'older' coldplay sound, going back to their 'Rush of Blood to the Head' style, and in my opinion this is one of their best releases to date. It must have been played on my iPod a least 40 times already, and this is a song one will never get sick of. Amazing, truly.

Coldplay - Atlas

LANA DEL RAY

Finally, a song titled 'Blue Jeans' by Lana Del Ray, an artist who has recently become one of my definite favourite female artists. Another artist that need no introduction, but this song has really been stuck with me the past few days, so I thought I had to post it. The gorgeous 27 year old who has 9 years experience in the industry has released one studio album and an EP, and this is definitely the best song off the album titled 'Born to Die'. The entire album is brilliant, but this song is in a class of its own.

Lana Del Ray - Blue Jeans

Neil Nelon (@neilnelson91)

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin is an Indie-pop band with a name as original as their sound. From Springfield, Missouri, the band took their name from the first president of Russia, Boris Yeltsin. Currently signed to Polyvinyl Records, the band has been making music together since 1999, and have just recently released their new 10 track album 'Fly By Wire'. The band consists of three members, Will Knauer, Philip Dickey, and Jonathan James. 

The band has released a lot of music together, with numerous albums and EP's to their name, but their first commercially released album was titled 'Broom', and they released it independently in 2005. Since then the band has come a long way, touring all over the US, with bands such as Tokyo Police Club, and Two Door Cinema Club. 

SSLYBY has a very unusual, diverse sound, ranging from very vocal indie, to a slightly more pop focussed direction in their latest album, and it is very well worth all the praise it has received online already. There is a brilliant level of simplicity to their music, and this is what makes them so effectively brilliant, and under the songwriting direction of their lead singer Philip Dickey, they have released an album that should definitely be a part of any Indie fans collection. The song that first attracted me to this band is titled 'Harrison Ford', and is a perfect example of the quality of this band.

Unfortuantely, the only available link to the song is through their soundcloud page:

SSLYBY - Harrison Ford

Another fantastic song by the band is the first official single off their new album. The song is titled 'Nightwater Girlfriend' and is just as good an example of the bands talent.

(Unfortunately won't play on many mobile devices)

The band has placed teaser trailers to their new album on YouTube, and give a much better idea of the sound of their new album. If you're interested, their Youtube account link is: 

SSLYBY - YouTube Channel

As a band that is less known than t should be, in South Africa especially, these guys are definitely worth a listen, as difficult as their videos and songs are to find on the net. Easiest way to find out more about them is to visit their website :

SSLYBY - Official Site

Or on Facebook

SSLYBY - Facebook

Definitely worth the time.

London Grammar

London Grammar

It is very rare to stumble upon something as brilliant and inspiring as the music that this trio from London has recorded and released. I discovered them by chance when I came across their song 'Wasting my Young Years' on Youtube, and I was immediately entranced by what I could only describe as the best female vocals I have ever heard. Think Florence Welch (Florence + the Machine) meets Romy Madley Croft (The xx) , but more gentle, more pronounced, more moving.

The members of this art-rock trio are the absolutely beautiful vocalist Hannah Reid, drummer and keyboard player Dot Major, and guitarist Dan Rothman. I can't even put into words how powerful Hannah Reid's voice is. Her voice is truly magical, and coupled with her looks, she has quickly become one of my all time favourite female vocalists.

The group formed in 2009, but it is only recently that they have found major international success. After performing low-key events in bars and small venues, the trio released their debut single 'What Now' in December 2012, and the song, to date, has more than 800 000 views on YouTube. 

'Hey Now'

(link may not work on mobile devices, if so follow this link - London Grammar - Hey Now)

Since the release of Hey Now, the band has put together an EP, titled Metal & Dust, and are releasing their first full-length studio album titled 'If you wait' on September 9 2013. The single I heard, 'Wasting My Young Years', has been very well received globally, and placed on the UK singles chart.

It is honestly my favourite song of 2013 so far, and definitely on of my favourites of all time, and that is a big statement. The combination of the soft strings, the gentle reverbed keys, the simple, yet effective guitar, and the melancholic, meaningful vocals is unbelievably enchanting, and the vocals are both powerful and emotive. When I listen to the song, I am able to just close my eyes, and let the song transport me into a world where there is nothing but the music, which is incredibly difficult for an artist/song to do to for the listener.

'Wasting My Young Years'

(Mobile link - Wasting My Young Years)

Their latest single titled 'Strong' is equally as brilliant, with a slightly more uptempo beat, but carrying the same relaxed, melancholic style as Wasting My Young Years, carrying lyrics just as meaningful.

'Strong'

(Mobile link - Strong)

I have no doubt that this trio's album is going to be a massive success, and I can't wait to hear what more this band has to offer.

Neil Nelson (Twitter - @Neilnelson91)

Greg Laswell

39 year old Indie/Folk rock singer/songwriter Greg Laswell has been in the industry since 1998, not only as a multi-talented musician, but also as a recording engineer, and producer. He has released 5 studio albums to date, his latest being 'Landline', released early 2012.

The most interesting thing about his music is the way he manages to merge so many different genres and styles into all of his songs. Not one song sounds the same, and this is such a unique challenge, but he pulls it off remarkably well. He used to be a part of a very successful band, called 'Shillglen', and released one studio album with them. After that, he went solo, and hasn't looked back since.

The amount of television shows and movies that have used songs by him is astonishing, having songs featured on series such as House, Grey's Anatomy, Vampire Diaries and CSI but to name a few. This song of his has been featured on Danika, Numb3rs, Canterbury's Law, Grey's Anatomy, and CSI:

Greg Laswell - What A Day

(link -What a day)

Accompanying his perfect voice, is a stream of incredibly talented musicians, with some of the best piano, and guitar work I have heard in a long time. What else is very clear is the attention to detail that went into the production of his songs. The best example of this is a song off his album 'Landline' titled 'Another Life to Lose'

Greg Laswell - Another Life to Lose

(link - Another Life to Live)

He has also collaborated with a number of very well known artists on his latest album, such as Sia, Sara Bareilles, and Elizabeth Ziman. Collaborations don't often work out as well as these few have. It seems anything that Greg touches turns into gold.

Greg Laswell feat. Sara Bareilles - Come Back Down

(Link - Come Back Down)

Greg Laswell feat. Sia -  Dragging You Around

It would be possible to write about Greg and his incredible music for hours, but i think his music speaks for itself.

I'll leave you with my favourite song off the album

Greg Laswell - I Might Drop By:

(Link - I Might Drop By)

Post By:

Neil Nelson (Twitter - @Neilnelson91)

Weekly Three (28 June)

I've missed out the last couple of weeks, but in the time i haven't been posting I've discovered some incredible music that I'll be posting about very soon!


This week I've decided to discuss not three, but four songs (you'll see why later).

Hi Ho Silver Oh

The first song for the week is by a very interesting band, covering a famous song by a very well known artist. Hi Ho Silver Oh covered the song 'Time to Move On' originally by Tom Petty. Hi Ho Silver Oh isn't a very well known band yet, for reasons that I don't understand. They're a perfect example of how less is more, and the simplicity behind their music is so effective and classy, that it really leaves an impact on the listener. They should really be acknowledged more for the genius behind their music. They come from Los Angeles, and that is where they spend most of their time performing.
It is a five member band, with a few albums and EP's behind their name. This song also features a multi-talneted woman named Leslie Stevens, who is an award winning actress, singer, dancer and model who has been involved in many broadway productions, and television and film appearances, including but not limited to True Bloods, The O.C, and Revenge. Her voice really compliments the emotion behind the song. It is a lot less of a rock hit like the version of Tom Petty's was, and more of a slow emotional ballad. It was featured in an episode of the series Californication, which oddly enough is how I discovered it.

Hi Ho Silver Oh - Time To Move On:

(link - Time to move on)

The next song, well two songs, are first by a band named Great Northern, and the other by the very well known female singer/songwriter Sia. The reason I'm combining these two songs is because they have the exact same musical structure and sound, but are both very different in their own right. (Hence why there are 4 songs in this post rather than three). Firstly, 

Great Northern

Yet another band from Los Angeles, Great Northern is comprised of lead singer Rachel Stolte, guitarist/vocalist Solon Bixler, who used to be a member of 30 Seconds to Mars, and drummer Davey Latter. They have released two studio albums since the band started in 2005, and are currently working on their third. The song is titled 'Driveway, off their second studio album, titled 'Remind Me Where the Light Is'.

Great Northern - Driveway:

(link - Driveway)

The next song by Sia is titled 'Breathe Me.

Sia

Known as 'Sia', Sia Furler is a singer/songwriter who needs no introduction to most people. Known for her songs 'Titanium' with David Guetta, and 'Wild Ones' with rapper Flo Rida. Her solo work out shadows both of these songs, even though they were massive international successes. The 37 year old has five studio albums to her name, and was nominated for a Grammy Award with her song 'Wild Ones'. This song comes off her album titled 'Colour the Small One'.

Sia - Breathe Me:

(link - Breathe Me)

I think it's impossible not to acknowledge the similarities in these two songs, and choosing a favourite is difficult, but you decide for yourself.

The final song for the night is by an artist named:

Beth Hart.

With a face almost as beautiful as her music, Beth Hart is yet again another artist from Los Angeles (purely coincidental that three of the four artists tonight are from there). She is incredibly gifted musician, with the ability to play the piano, cello, bass, guitar and the drums. Performing since as early as 1993, she has released 8 studio albums, and one live album. She has also released two albums collaborating with Joe Bonamassa. The song is titled 'My California'. It is the title track of her album 'My California' released in 2010.

Beth Hart - My California

(link -My California)

Post By:

Neil Nelson - (Twitter : @Neilnelson91)

Something a little different

I know I usually only review bands and songs but I discovered what is probably one of the most unique sounding 'instruments' today, and I thought it was something I definitely needed to share with everyone.

(I put instrument in inverted comma's because the makers do not like the term attached to it)

The 'instrument' is called a 'Hang'. It was developed in the year 2000, so it is relatively new when it comes to the wide world of instruments. It's construction is very interesting, and many years of research and tests went into it's development.

The name 'Hang' is comes from the German word for hand, because that is how you play the instrument, by lightly tapping your fingers on the top of it, and all the different areas around it (called tone fields) produce different notes. The sound is caused by resonation within the instrument.

After watching videos on youtube about it, it's clear that the most talented 'Hang musician' out there is a man called Daniel Waples. With a look and style that compliments the coolness of the instrument perfectly, he handles the Hang with a level of skill that must have taken years to master.

As short as this post is, it's definitely worth having a listen to a few of his videos.

There's another group of Hang musicians that are also incredibly talented, called 'Hang Massive'

Hang Massive - Once Again

They have a lot more videos up on YouTube, and they have links to their site where you can download their music for free.  

Unusual, but it's something truly amazing.