Our intern Ben from The Fleshy Fresh fills you in on his all-time favorite playlist
1. Avicii-“Levels”• I know, I know, Avicii. This is one of his most popular songs, if not the most popular. There are no vocals except for the sample of “My Feelings Got a Hold On Me” by Etta James. The first minute is pretty slow, just the bass drum and the in and outs of the rhythm. Like most techno artists Avicii builds up the anticipation. After that it goes quietfor a couple seconds and then the song hits you! It’s a catchy tune; itstuck in my head the first time I heard it. Halfway through when Etta James kicks in it adds some soul to it and I think that makes the song. It’s a good song if you’ve been into techno recently or for a while. It’ll make you happy and probably want to dance. Avicii hasn’t released analbum or even an EP yet but I’m waiting in anticipation for it.
2. Beyonce-“Countdown”• Love me some Beyonce. She released her latest album 4 back in June. “Countdown” is towards the bottom of the album and I think it’s a hidden gem (although it’s her third single from the album). It’s a faster song than the others but it still shows off Beyonce’s crazy vocal range. In the lyrics she interplays from “10…1” during the chorus.There’s a horn section and it adds some soul with the R&B. Whenever I listen to this song I can’t help but bounce to it. It’s one of my favorite songs by Beyonce.
3. Blink 182-“Wishing Well”• I know I said I didn’t really like the album this is on, Neighborhoods,but I really like this one song. It’s not typical Blink 182, but it’s still very poppy and catchy. You can hear the interplay of all three of themin the beginning instrumental and then Tom’s vocals kick in. I love the chorus with the effect they put on Travis’s drums and then the “da-da-das”. It’s a catchy-angsty-love song.
4. Cut Copy-“Take Me Over”• Cut Copy is an Australian band that formed in 2001. They didn’t reach moderate fame until just recently with their third album Zonoscope. Cut Copy is definitely a band but their style of playing and music isalmost electronic. “Take Me Over” almost sounds electronic too with its synth-feel and grooving bass. If this song doesn’t get you moving than you’re not alive. The singer’s voice is deep and a little monotone but I like it. The synth and keyboards are definitely the dominant instrument. At almost 6 minutes it’s a bit long but the time goes by fast. If you go to Urban Outfitters you’ll hear their album a lot.
5. David Guetta-“Without U”• David Guetta doesn’t need an introduction; with his star-studded singles he’s the top DJ around the world currently. “Without U” is suppose to be Guetta’s attempt at a more “rock music” feel to his songs. Would I call it the next Led Zeppelin song? No, but it’s still awesome. Usher adds great vocals to the song and keeps it going even when the beat gets a bit repetitive. If David Guetta’s good at one thingit’s definitely crafting popular dance songs for the masses.
6. Arctic Monkeys-“Black Treacle”• They’re still making music! These aren’t the same Arctic Monkeys as when they were 19 and came out with their first album. Their lyrics and musicianship have matured. What’s treacle you ask? I have no idea, but they say it a lot in this song (it’s actually “unrestrained sentimentality”). The lead singer still has that British accent everyone loves and their guitars have a heavier sound now. In this song there’sgood interplay between the two guitarists and it’s a catchier song than any of their latest since Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not.
7. Fireworks-“Oh, Why Can’t We Start Old and Get Younger”• If you haven’t heard of Fireworks you should go check them. They’re a good ol’ pop-punk band from Michigan. The singer has a uniquely high voice but it’s not annoying and they play a type of pop-punk that isn’t too repetitive. The song mentioned is from their second album Gospels. All of their songs are happy and uplifting and will put youin a good mood. In this song they use gang vocals and the drummer creates a good rhythm along with their two guitarists during the chorus. There’s even a little high-hat action that gets grooving. Most punk bands are usually angry about something so it’s nice to find a happy pop-punk band once in a while.
8. Florence + The Machine-“Not Fade Away”• I can’t wait for Florence Welch’s second album; however this cover she did of a Buddy Holly song came out in the summer. “Not Fade Away” has been covered by tons of people: The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, and how I know it best, The Grateful Dead. Definitely an interesting choice for Welch and she and her band totally change the arrangement. There’s weird percussion in it and it’s almost a jazzy feel with keyboards and a tuba; and the guitars have a fuzzy/feedback sound to them. Even with all of this instrumentation Welch still shines through with her amazing vocals. It’s a very relaxed cover and I like it for that specific reason.
9. Jack’s Mannequin-“My Racing Thoughts”• The first single off of Jack Mannequin’s third album, People and Things, “My Racing Thoughts” sets the tone for the album. Andrew McMahon continues his pop-rock dynasty (continuing on fromSomething Corporate). As he’s gotten older he seems to become more apathetic and disheartened with life and so his lyrics aren’t the happiest but he still crafts his songs in a “pop” way. In this song I love the weird setting on the keyboards and you can hear the emotion in McMahon’s voice.
10. Koushik-“Be With”• Koushik’s an electronic artist from Canada. “Be With” was the firstsong I ever heard from him and I still love it. It’s definitely not techno, more towards ambient and chill-out music. In all of his songs, and especially “Be With”, he uses a lot of samples from 60’s/70’s songs. The lyrics in “Be With” are extremely simple but catchy and sweet.Koushik sings the vocals for the song and his voice is pretty smooth. This song reminds me of warm, summer days; which I’ve been longing for already.