#MadeInTheAM - One Direction: Track-By-Track Album Review

http://harryandmesohappily.tumblr.com/post/129669223470/harry-gemmas-date

I'm not really sure how to begin this post. I'm excited about this album and how good the music is but I'm super sad that the last album before the One Direction sabbatical is actually this good. Like, going out on top is a cool concept but it sure as hell hurts my feelings. Anywayz... let's get this thing started.

1. Hey Angel

http://whippedbyhes.tumblr.com/post/133113244123/made-in-the-am-lyrics-pt-i

(The opening chord of this song sounds like the opening chord of Justin Bieber's "Sorry" and it's majorly freaking me out.) This is a fantastic opening track. However, I'm low key pissed that this hasn't been their "sound" for years. This song has a real Muse/U2 vibe that sounds like the background music on an ESPN TV spot during the NBA Finals. Think Steph Curry raining threes in slow motion. #MajorBuckets

#HeyAngel is the sound they should have had for the last three years. #MadeInTheAM pic.twitter.com/19VWqUq2C4

— The Rules (@RulesForBelles) November 13, 2015

2. Drag Me Down

http://whippedbyhes.tumblr.com/post/133113244123/made-in-the-am-lyrics-pt-i

B A N G E R. The lead single off of this album is my jammmmm. Super strong single. The guitar thing they have going on works SO well.

The guitars on #DragMeDown are like Fleetwood Mac and Iration had a baby and I'm SOOO here for it y'all.

— The Rules (@RulesForBelles) July 31, 2015

And Harry on the second pre-chorus??
n

http://tescotommo.tumblr.com/post/127218360934/x

I want to walk down the aisle at my wedding to that on a loop. Also, this one sounds like an NFL promo. Slow motion tackles for a loss? #PleaseAndThankYou

3. Perfect

http://whippedbyhes.tumblr.com/post/133113244123/made-in-the-am-lyrics-pt-i

Is this the second single? If so, I get why but it's not the second single I would have decided on, Swift call out and all. I love the super chill vibes... this is an all-around fantastic tune. (I don't even need to tell you that I love the subtle Swift jab.)

SHOTS FIRED. #Perfect pic.twitter.com/wvEwU3MbZN

— The Rules (@RulesForBelles) October 16, 2015

It really is perfect for midnight driving with the windows down. Instant classic. Every time I listen, I like it more. The almost inaudible harmonies behind Harry's chorus is fantastic. The video is pretty nice too.

http://holdmetothegroundworld.tumblr.com/post/131696103238

(Also, I love that people are like it's similar to Taylor Swift's "Style" and I'm like... duh. It's exactly the same length. They line up perfectly. It's clearlyyyyy on purpose. Like congrats, you're a detective now... There's even a super perfect mashup to prove it.)

4. Infinity

http://whippedbyhes.tumblr.com/post/133113244123/made-in-the-am-lyrics-pt-i

This song isn't my favorite. It might be because it would be fantastic live and I'm not going to see that. The lyrics are just blah. Ending makes me think of them walking down the runway of their stage going to the B stage where their microphone stands are waiting for them.... Now I'm sad. (This is another sports highlight ending. Sports people, get on this album.)

5. End Of The Day

http://whippedbyhes.tumblr.com/post/133113244123/made-in-the-am-lyrics-pt-i

This song really threw me for a loop. It's like Harry and Niall wrote half of one song and Liam and Louis wrote half of a song and they were like, "Hmm... let's just add them together and see what happens. It could make one really cool song." And I really like each song individually, but together... it's like whiplash. You're riding along and it's a cool song then BAM, new song. AND THEN IT GOES BACK TO THE FIRST SONG. It's so confusing. LIKE, W U T?! (However, Harry's high notes at the end are pretty fantastic and it almost makes up for the schizo vibes.)

6. If I Could Fly

http://whippedbyhes.tumblr.com/post/133113244123/made-in-the-am-lyrics-pt-i

Is this the first true ballad that One Direction has ever recorded? I don't associate with the first album so I'm unsure of what's on it but since then(?) I'm almost sure there hasn't been a true ballad besides Little Things which doesn't really have a ballad feel, does it? It's beautiful. Harry clearly excels at writing in this style, (it's similar in nature to the song he wrote for Ariana Grande- Just A Little Bit Of Your Heart) and it's a truly tender moment. Two lines in and I want to cry. I can't even talk about when the strings come in and they start to finish each other's lines. The lyrics are touching, the arrangement is beautiful and it's so much more touching and impactful than anything we've heard from them before. If I had to play one song to showcase how much they've grown as people and songwriters and musicians, this might be it.

7. Long Way Down

http://whippedbyhes.tumblr.com/post/133113244123/made-in-the-am-lyrics-pt-i

This is the song you play on repeat while you sob on your bathroom floor after you down an entire bottle of red wine during a post-break up mental breakdown. Just like I can't listen to Wonderwall just any old time, I can't listen to this one when I play #MadeInTheAm straight through. Not saying it's their Wonderwall (though it does have an Oasis-y vibe) but it just has that emotional feeling that I'm not equipped to deal with out of nowhere. I also can't listen to Story Of My Life. I don't know, I'm just weird like that, I guess. It's a great song- I just can't listen to it.

8. Never Enough

http://whippedbyhes.tumblr.com/post/133113244123/made-in-the-am-lyrics-pt-i

This might be the best song on the album. It's like Harry looked at Niall and said, "You think you can make Stockholm Syndrome (the best song from the last album) better? Go ahead and try." And Niall said, "You know what it needs? Some Trashin' The Camp from the Tarzan soundtrack vibes." (Clearly, the NSYNC version.)

#NeverEnough is the sleeper hit of #MadeInTheAM. It will be a travesty if this song isn't a single.

— The Rules (@RulesForBelles) November 15, 2015

I don't know how they managed to make this work but it's absolutely fantastic. 10/10 (not a part of One Direction's management team) would make this a single. It's the ultimate "that doesn't sound like One Direction" track. I can't listen to this song just once. I have to listen like a good six or seven times in a row, every single time. This is the One Direction song that my kid will discover while they're in college and be upset that they didn't grow up in the era of such a tuneeeee.

9. Olivia

http://whippedbyhes.tumblr.com/post/133113382823/made-in-the-am-lyrics-pt-ii

Is this the most British sounding non-parody song in existence? It might be. This is 100% the song they would play during the first impression double-decker bus tour of London scene in a Mary-Kate & Ashley movie. Also, am I losing it or is that the Willy freaking Wonka tune after the second chorus?! Seriously, the only way they could make this more British is to have Ed Sheeran in the background playing the Harry Potter theme song... the Penny Lane trumpet vibes make me smile.

10. What A Feeling

http://whippedbyhes.tumblr.com/post/133113382823/made-in-the-am-lyrics-pt-ii

This also might be the best song on the album. (I've gotten multiple messages from my guy friends about this song after I included it in one of my Snapchat stories.)

The legit vibe of this song is: if Stevie Nicks was born in the 90s and grew up listening to NSYNC and Britney Spears and had a Tumblr, this would be the song she released. It's breezy and chill AF. This should ABSOLUTELY be their last single before the hiatus. Can you imagine what a mindf!*k that would be?? Also, when Adam Levine hears this, he is going to be pissed. This is a single Maroon 5 would love to have. For sure.

http://cull3nblaze.tumblr.com/post/112718911182

Randomly, if you told me that this was the song they wrote with #The1975, I would have believed you. No question.

Also, this might be the best, collectively, that One Direction has ever sounded. They all shine on this track.

11. Love You Goodbye

http://whippedbyhes.tumblr.com/post/133113382823/made-in-the-am-lyrics-pt-ii

This song is scandalous. Louis wrote is about his breakup with the most perfect Eleanor Calder (something I will never forgive him for) and it's DEFINITELY an insight into how that relationship ended. Sonically, it is a legit karaoke belter. It's not going to make it karaoke lists until my kids are in college and they will drunkenly sing it off key and never know that it wasn't a single. Ignorance is bliss.

12. I Want To Write You A Song

http://whippedbyhes.tumblr.com/post/133113382823/made-in-the-am-lyrics-pt-ii

The pencil on the paper in the background is a cute touch but it drives me freaking crazy. The track is a borderline lullaby and not my vibe AT ALL. I skip this one too. #NotSorry

13. History

http://whippedbyhes.tumblr.com/post/133113382823/made-in-the-am-lyrics-pt-ii

This song has a Toy Story meets Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay vibe and should 100% play over the credits of The Hangover remake that is inevitably coming in the next 5-10 years with Zac Efron and someone from a vampire TV show. It's got a fun, we're about to graduate and I'm sad but I'm happy and drunk too, vibe- which, I obviously love. This is one of the best songs written this year. Easily.

14. Temporary Fix

http://whippedbyhes.tumblr.com/post/133113382823/made-in-the-am-lyrics-pt-ii

If you take No Control and Little Black Dress and One Way Or Another and mix them all up in a bowl, you'd get Temporary Fix, which is awesome. Pretty upset that I won't see this one live... It makes me feel like Harry has a secret that he is whispering in my ear in the back of a cab and some of they lyrics make me all hot and bothered. This is probably the most rock song on the album and it almost feels nostalgic.

15. Walking In The Wind

http://whippedbyhes.tumblr.com/post/133113382823/made-in-the-am-lyrics-pt-ii

This hits me right in the college feels. When I was a senior in college, I went through an insane Paul Simon faze. You Can Call Me Al will forever be one of my favorite songs and Graceland will forever be one of my favorite albums. Harry (who wrote this song) is right around the same age that I was when I went through my Simon faze and you can tell he is really enthusiastic about this influence.

Walking In The Wind = my Paul Simon/Graceland obsession in college. #MadeInTheAM pic.twitter.com/zlMSkGSBsc

— The Rules (@RulesForBelles) November 13, 2015

The intro made me have a moment of "Is there a Paul Simon song that I haven't heard????" panic. Harry clearly loves singing this song and I think this could be a bit of a hint at what some of his solo stuff will sound like. Roll your windows down when you're in your car in the Spring when you're a couple of months into the hiatus and missing the boys and belt this song.

16. Wolves

http://whippedbyhes.tumblr.com/post/133113382823/made-in-the-am-lyrics-pt-ii

SLEEPER HIT. Make this a freaking single. This has a tailgate/fall band party vibe. You could play this at any tailgate on a football Saturday in the South and you would see sorority girls and fraternity boys dancing with a beer in their hand.

Wolves is a tuneeeeee. #MadeInTheAM pic.twitter.com/oB9wn3cjMq

— The Rules (@RulesForBelles) November 13, 2015

It has a bounce/subtle beach music thing going on. This is one that gets stuck in your head but you don't realize it until you start going "oooOOOoooohhh" three days later...

17. A.M.

http://whippedbyhes.tumblr.com/post/133113382823/made-in-the-am-lyrics-pt-ii

This song makes me feel like a voyeur. To me it seems like a song they wrote to acknowledge/thank their songwriters, producers, touring team, security, touring band, etc. It's their version of Green Day's "Good Riddance" and in a year or two, I'll be able to really love it but right now... I'm sad. However...

Political affiliation: #OneDirection saying, "Talking out of our asses." #MadeInTheAM pic.twitter.com/X8mBZAHq2j

— The Rules (@RulesForBelles) November 13, 2015

http://justwavehello.tumblr.com/post/129334232121

Overall thoughts: I think this is a quintessential representation of who these four boys are as people, as songwriters, as musicians and I'm genuinely proud of them. It's a great album. It's a shame that so many people still write them off as pop trash because they're technically a boy band and the majority of their fans are younger, screaming girls. These songs could come from Maroon 5 or any other band that plays instruments and everyone would be obsessed. Each album has shown so much growth and I have so much excitement inside of me for how much growth they are going to show when they record an album after taking some time off. I hope they enjoy their break, actually take some time out for themselves instead of just recording solo material and come back soon.

"Here's a fantastic album we're not going to tour." #MadeInTheAM pic.twitter.com/O0tP5aCCU2

— The Rules (@RulesForBelles) November 13, 2015

What are your thoughts on #MadeInTheAM? Shoot me a tweet and let me know!!

Sam Hunt is on fire in the Break Up In A Small Town video.

A little over a year ago, a talk drink of bourbon named Sam Hunt came on our radar. He practically kicked us in the face with how attractive he was... a former college quarterback that actually looked like what a Hollywood casting director thought a football player from Georgia would look. And, oh yeah, he can sing, rap/talk and writes killer songs. Like, SIGN. ME. UP.

Lookin' good, @SamHuntMusic! Check him out in @billboard's #MenOfStyle issue! http://t.co/SLO9lVSzK2 pic.twitter.com/mqFSZsJaJO

— UMG Nashville (@UMGNashville) August 21, 2015

Billboard thinks he's country music's version of Drake and I'm SO COOL WITH THAT. I'm a really big fan of the "influenced by hip hop but deeply rooted in the South" vibe he has going on. But the point of this post is his "Break Up In A Small Town" music video. Which is so good.

A couple thoughts on the song first though...

I thought this was his first single... and now a year later, it's his new single? Talk about confused. But, if you've noticed from the plethora of playlists posted on this website, I don't exactly keep up with country radio... regardless, this is easily the best song on his album. EASILY. So whether it's been a single before or it's just now a single, I'm so jazzed. SO JAZZED.

His deep voice sing/talking is so great just to hear but now we get to watch him, too. YESSSS.

So I just took some notes while I was watching the video. Here they are:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/slay-me-sam-hunt#.tiLm1A12P

Don't try to tell me magic doesn't exist. This beard just took him from hot to I'm considering starting a blog about him hot. He looks like Liev Schreiber's smoking hot son. Guys: grow a beard. 

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/slay-me-sam-hunt#.tiLm1A12P

The aesthetic of this video is 100% Tumblr meets Georgia, which in my opinion, is fantastic. 

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/slay-me-sam-hunt#.tiLm1A12P

But for real- what would Sam Hunt have to do for you to break up with him? Seriously. I don't know the guy personally but I imagine it would take a LOT. #justsaying

http://lovecrookvandalizer.tumblr.com/post/132028819589/october-27th-1-year-of-montevallo

Did homeboy set his house on fire to not have to see his ex and her new downgrade of a boyfriend? Bravo. I can relate to this sentiment on a spiritual level. 

http://soundsofcountry.com/post/131599836602

My new political views are Sam Hunt running in a white t-shirt. Done and done. 

http://samhuntmusic.tumblr.com/post/127664537677/but-theres-only-so-many-streets-so-many-lights

a) I'm SHOCKED his hasn't punched that mirror. b) NECK VEIN. NECK VEIN. NECK VEIN. He has to be one of those guys that when they get mad, their jaw does the thing... #swoon.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/slay-me-sam-hunt#.tiLm1A12P

Is homeboy seriously just casually model walking through this house that's legit in flames?! Can we also talk about how well Mr. Hunt does skinny jeans? Like skinny jeans on Justin Bieber makes him look like a child but skinny jeans on Sam Hunt make him look like a former quarterback/complete smokeshow. It's absolutely fantastic. 

http://thesewordsfromsongs.tumblr.com/post/131673417806/sam-hunt-break-up-in-a-small-town-from

I should've known all along that this boy is hot as hell. This hot as hell 30 year old (as a 25 year old, he is prime age for me to thirst after) is a straight up heartthrob. I'm going to watch this music video another 73 times. KTHNXBAI.

I have more thoughts but no more pictures or gifs so....... that's it, for now.

Enjoy. 

-C. xx.

October Playlist - Part trois.

So I'd planned to have another part that preceded this one but I got caught up reading about Zola and Jess and Jarrett and Z. Not sorry.  

http://damorensemore.tumblr.com/post/131966351340/justin-bieber-sorry-dance-video

So here we go:

• Hold Up, Wait a Minute by Zhu - I can't quite figure this group/artist/whoever out but they have catchy as HELL songs. This funky groove is one of the catchiest. I love it.
• Paint It, Black by Ciara - I'm a sucker for The Rolling Stones and I'm a real sucker for female covers of Stones songs. The beginning of this sounds like Ciara's attempt at getting on the second 50 Shades of Grey soundtrack. The end of the song REALLY sounds like it...
• On My Mind by Ellie Goulding - When drunk guys at a bar sing this (even though they got the lyrics wrong) in your face for the better part of two hours after a football game, you know it's a hit. This response to Ed Sheeran's song about her is a banger and one of my favorite songs in recent memory. It's on all of my playlists recently.
• Drip Drop by the Empire Cast - I don't watch Empire but this song is so damn catchy. Empire, from what I can tell, is Glee for hip hop but with original songs. This Yazz guy is a good rapper. I'm super impressed. I love this song. I dare you to listen to it and not break it down. You can't.
• Daffodils by Mark Ronson - I heard this in a store in the mall, like Gap or Banana Republic or some shoe store, I can't remember but it sounds like it should be on the soundtrack of American Hustle or something cooler than American Hustle but with the same level of cool costumes. It makes me think of the 70s and London and right now and it's just such a TUNE. Also- no idea what they are saying... it's fine. It doesn't matter.
• 679 by William Singe - I debated including the original version of this song but y'all know it's straight fire and I don't need to tell you so I'll expose you to this version in case you need to learn the lyrics at a slower pace. 
• Perfect by One Direction - Y'all thought you were going to get three parts to a playlist with ZERO One Direction songs? You're clearly new around here. This song is a pretty chill and clearly a tongue-in-cheek dig at Taylor Swift. It's perfect. Roll your windows down while you still can and bop your head to this tune when you're driving. You're welcome.
• Me, Myself & I by G-Eazy - Young Gerald is bae. I'm stoked about his new album. This is great, chill rap song. I don't have a ton to say about it.
• American Money by BORNS - This is potentially my favorite song of the year. It's chill but creepy and it has some amazing lyrics. "Take me to the paradise in your eyes, green like American Money. You taste just right, sweet like Tennessee Honey..." So good. 
• Motley Crue by They. - I have no idea who this group/artist/whoever is/are but this song is interesting. I'm a fan. It's kind of a rap song, kind of not. But it has a great beat and it's mellow enough you can listen to it basically any time.
• Sorry by Justin Bieber - I'm so mad at how much I like this song. Like, I can't turn it off. It's  F I R E. Between Where Are You Now, What Do You Mean and Sorry, I can't think of a better trio of comeback singles. It's obvious the Biebz is serious about this image change because he has great music to release and he wants people to take it seriously. MAINSTREAM SONG OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE FOR SUREEEE. 
• Drag Me Down (Big Payno X AFTERHRS Remix) by One Direction - A fire One Direction remixed with a hip hip feel and adding a rapper? Yeah, you have my mothereffing attention. This is my jam. Y'all needed to be exposed to it. You are welcome. 
• All My Friends by Snakehips feat. Tinashe and Chance the Rapper - This kind of has the same feel as Here by Alessia Cara but kind of more confusing and depressing. But the chorus is what every drunk girl wants to yell at the top of her lungs at around 2 am every single night she's ever gone out with any of her friends...
• Zutter by G Dragon and T.O.P - I'm including this K-Pop/fire rap kind of thing until y'all buy into it so I have people to talk to about it. Without knowing what they're saying, it's a sick beat and good rapping. I don't know what they're rapping about but I understand rhythm and they have it like whoa. (Also, I found what they're rapping about and it makes it about 1,00% better. The video is so weird but they have some amazing clothes and it's kind of funny and apparently full of Korean celebs? so that's awesome. Apparently G Dragon is Korea's Drake X Harry Styles X Kanye West super star. I'm bought in.)

So there it is. Enjoy the final part of the October playlist. I'd suggest using it for you Halloweekend pregame. Just saying.

-C. xx. 

October Playlist Part Two: Remixes and Other Weird Things

I'm back, back again... you know the rest. (Pretend he's saying, "Hey. What's up? Hello." in that .gif. He's not but pretend he is anyway.

via http://raaaaaaaandy.tumblr.com

Soooooooo here we go.

2. Remixes and other weird hip hop things

via http://bryanstarsgifs.tumblr.com

• Big Spender by Theophilus London feat. A$AP Rocky - Y'all know I'm pretty obsessed with Rocky but add a Cabaret sample and another really smart rapper? I'M SO HERE FOR IT. This is one of those songs that should NOT work but it does. Shout out to Caleb at Barstool Dixie for including this song in one of the Dixie Days episodes. 
• Settle Down (Young Ruffian Remix) by The 1975 - This song sounds like what I would assume a robot would feel like if it was high as a freaking kite. It has a really breezy quality but also a very metallic, tinkery sound... this literally makes NO sense but it is what it is. It's a fantastic remix of an already great song. Enjoy it. 
• The Hills (RL Grime Remix) by The Weeknd - So this remix took all of the really harsh qualities of the original version and just made it groooooooove. It's a dance tune now. And I'm for it. I am HERE FOR IT. 
• Slow by Lido X Halsey - So take one of the coolest female voices in this decade, add a Jaden Smith sample and one of the chillest DJs in this decade and you get a really cool alt-hip hop remix that I could listen to for hours on end. It somehow feels like a throwback and almost too current. It's unbelievable, honestly. And she is like, not about this dude. I love it. 
• Do It by A.K. Tribe feat. Tunji Ige - This sounds like a casual hip hop song that's fine until the chorus hits and you're like wait... what? I feel like this is hip hop for the internet generation and I'm genuinely excited for more music that doesn't make sense but works reallllllll good. 
• Panic Cord (HUCCI X G Fresh Remix) by Gabrielle Aplin - So this song originally sounds like an Ed Sheeran sad acoustic song. And then these British rappers came in and turned it all upside down. I'm not usually a fan of British rappers but maybe because it's kind of slow it works? I'm not sure but this song REALLY does it for me. I listen to it a lot. And I'm almost not ashamed to admit I found it via a Kylie Jenner snapchat story. Almost. 
• Remember Me by Leather Corduroys feat. Knox Fortune - This is another song I found from the Dixie boys. This is played in the most recent video when they're grocery shopping and while, I don't understand how it works, it works. It's cool groove. I don't know that I love the end but the beginning is good enough to make up for it. Listen to it. Dance around your apartment. Dance around a grocery store. Have fun. 
• Be Alright (Jarreau Vandal RmX) by Kendrick Lamar - This is just a funky, brand new song that kind of samples Alright by Kendrick. It's cool. Probably good to drive to. I like it. It's weird. The syncopation of the snare drum is particularly pleasant. But that might just be me...
• I See Fire (Kygo Remix) by Ed Sheeran - This is by far the coolest remix I think I've ever heard. It takes that song from the Lord of the Rings movie and turns it into a straight up, Oriental groove. Ed Sheeran's ginger angel voice does not hurt, either. 
• Hotline Bling (Remix) by Erykah Badu - This one, again, is just weird. But it's basically a funky, female cover of the best song of the year. So enjoy. 
• Jolene (Kygo Edit) by Dolly Parton - I know I've already got a Kygo remix on here but come on.... who am I to pass up a chill remix of one of Dolly's most iconic songs? Like it's Modern Magnolias in a song. It might become our official theme song. We're still talking about it over here at HQ. I'll keep you posted. 
• Pity Party (Myles Travitz Remix) by Melanie Martinez - I can't tell if this remix made this weird song weirder or more normal. (If you haven't given Melanie Martinez's album a listen, stop reading and go do that now. Come back here later.) It definitely makes it MORE. 
• Forbes by Borgore feat. G-Eazy - Y'all know I love some G-Eazy. No explanation needed. Listen to it. 
• Free Bread At The Outback - Probably my favorite rapper of the year. This dude takes comedy rap to the highest level I can imagine. It's just real good rap that happens to be pretty damn funny. I love this guy. Anyone want to go see him on Halloween in Atlanta with me? Tweet me. For real. 
• Afterhours by TroyBoi feat. Diplo & Nina Sky - This songs sounds like it's going to be chill and then a super funky beat comes out of nowhere and it's like YESSSSSSS. I'm on a real Diplo kick right now. (PS - I heard this on Apple's Beats Radio before I heard it on Barstool Dixie so don't tweet me that I found it through them. kthnxbai.)
• Revolution (Unlike Pluto Remix) by Diplo feat. Faustix & Imanos and Kai - Speaking of Diplo... so this song was straight fire before this remix but now it's like, indescribable. It's a little more chill but just as fabulous. I'm obsessed. I'll listen to it a lot in the next month. Guaranteed. 

And last but not least...

via http://anything-could-happen-93.tumblr.com

• Good Boy by GDragon X Taeyang (Big Bang) - Ok. This is a place in my life I never thought I'd get to. I'm officially beyond obsessed with a K (hip hop) Pop song. The beat is TOO good and because they're speaking Korean, for the most part, I can just decide what I want the song to be about. I mostly want it to be about shaking my ass and it's working out really well so far. Also, they do legit choreography in the video and I've pretty much learned all of it. Be more jealous. You can't. 

Again, I'm really lost as to what they're saying other than gangster and love affair and good boy but do I need to know what they're saying? NO. It's perfectly fire without English words. Now start dancing.

It's a Soundcloud playlist this time because let's be honest, these are not available for purchase or on Spotify. It's fine.

Is this the best playlist I've ever posted? Probably. And it's just PART TWO. There's a whole nother piece coming your way. Just not tonight. 

Enjoy!

-C. xx. 

October Playlist - Part One. Chill Brit Pop/Rock-ish.

Guess who's back y'alllllllllll. 

via Buzzfeed

(I know I've been gone for months with no explanation but trust me, I'll tell y'all at some point. But not now.) 

I'm back and I come bearing gifts of good music. You. Are. Welcome. 

via Buzzfeed

So this is kind of a long list so I'm going to break it down into sections.

1. Chill/Rock/Brit Pop

http://eliassyafiq.tumblr.com

• Cool Blue by The Japanese House - This girl is literally too cool for school. This song has the most 80s vibe I've ever heard from a song not recorded in the 80s. Chill. Brit. Pop-ish. Also, like her producers (The 1975), I have no idea what she's actually saying. Whatevz. 
• I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times) by Jamie XX, Young Thug, Popcaan - This is more hip hop than Brit chill but it's too weird to include but it's good driving, pregaming, drinking by yourself music. SOLD. 
• The Beach by The Neighbourhood - So the title is misleading. It's WAY too chill and dark and moody to have literally anything to do with a beach. But it's good. It's reallllll good. As long as you aren't looking for anything happy or uplifting... Jesse's voice has definitely gotten stronger and it's a nice, mellow departure from some of their earlier music but not crazy different from what their fans expect of them. Nice balance. 
• Wildest Dreams by Ryan Adams - If you're reading this, I assume you know exactly how I feel about Taylor Swift... Her version of this song grates on my nerves in the most obnoxious way but Ryan takes this to a very windows down, radio up, Fleetwood place that I reallyyyyyy dig. Four for you Ryan Adams. And none for Taylor Swift.
• Monday by Matt Corby - This dude is a conundrum to me. But I enjoy listening to whatever it is you would actually call this kind of doo wop, a capella, falsetto, groove thing. I like it a lot.
• Snakeskin by Deerhunter - Ok. Take Arctic Monkeys (the AM years) and imagine they grew up in West Texas. This is the kind of music they would have made. It just makes you feel like you've just opened whatever pregame drink you prefer and are about to go dance with your girls but your boyfriend's friends like listening to it too. 
• Roman Holiday by Halsey - This is probably the album of the year for me. Halsey is the anti-Taylor Swift. She is the female singer who is singing about what I care about and relate to (to a certain extent). She is pissed off and won't take no for an answer and a straight up boss. I love her. This song is therapeutic and sounds like riding in a car with the boy you like. It makes me feel exactly what she intends for me to feel and I just want to get away. 
• White Noise by PVRIS - This is just a fun, very British pop song. I don't have a ton to say about it but I like it and you should too. It's got a Paramore feel but it's more melodic and dreamy. LISTEN TO IT. SO THERE. 
• Weathered by Jack Garratt - Remember when I tried to tell y'all about Lorde and you completely ignored me until seven months later when Royals hit the radio? This is about to be another one of those moments. This dude. I don't get him. I can't figure out what genre he is or what's his deal. It's like he took the majority of the sounds and qualities I love in a song and put them all together. It shouldn't work but it SO does. He has a great voice, an interesting story to tell and some really good music. Follow him. He's going to be make waves.
• Ocean Drive by Duke Dumont - I almost included this in the hip hop post but it's just SO BRITISH so I felt it had to go here. It's just a good, groovy British pop song. It's fantastic. It's fun. It's cool.  

AND LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST:

• Love Me by The 1975 - Y'all know very well that this post had to wait until it was midnight in England so I could include this song. It's like a Duran Duran song, an Aerosmith groove, a girl on Tumblr and a Nickelodeon theme song morphed into one weird but amazing pop song. I hate that I'm going to have to dedicate the next two years of my life to these idiots...

So this has been longer than I thought it would be. So there will be two more parts to this playlist. I'll post a link to the whole thing at the end of the series. For now, here are these songs on Spotify. 

Stay tuned for Part Two and Part Three!

Enjoy!

-C. xx.

#TuesdayTunes. On a Wednesday. 05.

Things have been (read: are always) crazy around here. And I owe y'all a playlist for April. It's a bit late but here it is!

http://buzzfeed.com/giffeed/5678379

I love it. I'm not going to go into a long explanation about which songs you should love the most, just listen and enjoy.

Here are the songs on the playlist:

• Son's Gonna Rise - New Radio Mix by Citizen Cope
• King by Years & Years
• Windows Are Rolled Down by Amos Lee
• Worth It by Fifth Harmony and Kid Ink
• Not Going Home by Great Good Fine OK
• If You Ever Want To Be In Love by James Bay
• Coffee by Miguel and Wale
• I Want U by Alison Wonderland
• Here by Alessia Cara
• Do You Remember by Jarryd James
• Firefly by Mura Masa and Nao
• M'$ by A$AP Rocky
• Iron Sky by Paolo Nutini
• Sister by The Japanese House
• White Powder Perm by Rich White Ladies
• Ghost by Halsey
• You're On - Oliver Remix by Madeon and Kyan
• Sugar by Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds
• Crazy by Kat Dahlia
• Black Mambo by Glass Animals
• Lights And Camera by Yuna and Gerald Earl Gillum
• Penitentiary by Citizen Cope
• Superstar by Broods
• We Are The Kids by Walk the Moon
• Made In Gold by Nova Rockafeller
• Kidnap Me by CRUISR
• Revelation Blues by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.

Link: Spotify won't let me embed the playlist sooooo click here...

http://buzzfeed.com/giffeed/5674084

But, like I said, this playlist is the bomb and you'll get a new one pretty soon. 

Enjoy!

-C. xx. 

Southern Music Festivals

The second weekend wasn't so bad but Weekend One of #Coachella was completely unavoidable on social media. Between the performers, celebrity attendees, promoted parties (that the celebs attend over the actual concerts...) and magazine/blog coverage of all of the above, Coachella ruled my timeline. 

i can tell she's off beat RT @Cosmopolitan: LOL Kendall Jenner dancing at Coachella is all you need to see today: pic.twitter.com/JOYhRFT888
— jesus (@fijiwatergod) April 11, 2015

Which really sucks because I would have loved to be there but #Coachella is just too much effort. And then there was the #Stagecoach snapchat story... just proving that a country music festival in California is just odd. 

Then there was the #Jazzfest snapchat story from weekend one. It really made me start thinking about all of the fantastic and underrated music festivals that happen all across the South. (PS- a lot of these are just around the corner/sold out so this is more informational and basically just for you to get a jumpstart on festival planning for next year...) 

1. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans, Louisiana -- April 24 - May 3

A closer look at the 2015 New Orleans @jazzfest lineup that was just announced. #JazzFest #JazzFest2015 #NOLA pic.twitter.com/mgSjHbzJe4
— Charlotte Music News (@CLTmusicnews) January 12, 2015

One of two veryyyyy well-known and established festivals on this list, #JazzFest is a big deal. I mean, John Legend doesn't even make the first line of headliners. He's ranked a bit below Elton John, The Who, Jimmy Buffett and Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga. Other notable performers: Ed Sheeran, Hozier, Kacey Musgraves, Pitbull and T.I. #Casual. Except it's not. I've been hearing about this festival my entire life from my cool aunt and uncle who go every year. I will 1,000% make it to #JazzFest someday. And here's hoping it's sooner than later. Weekend One was problematic because of alllllllll the rain but I think weekend two has a bit better forecast.


2. Beale Street Music Festival, Memphis, Tennessee -- May 1 - 3

Who's performing when and where at #BSMF15? Look no further: pic.twitter.com/PWDtl7dpmE
— Beale St. Music Fest (@BealeStMusicFes) April 15, 2015

I'd never heard of this one until someone on twitter sent me the lineup. Now I'm obsessed. With headliners like Lenny Kravitz, The Avett Brothers and Ed Sheeran, how could I not be?? Even with acts like Lenny Kravitz, Wilco, Spin Doctors and George Clinto & Parliament Funkadelic, #BSMF15 seems to be genuinely geared towards a younger crowd. For me, up and coming big names G-Eazy and Elle King, along with Paramore and Hozier and the headliners, would be the Can't Miss Acts. #BSMF15 might be the Southern festival that I'm most upset about having to miss.


3. Shaky Knees Music Festival, Atlanta, Georgia -- May 8 - 10

Here are your daily lineups! Single day tickets go on sale TOMORROW at 10am! pic.twitter.com/yJdCRnIw3r
— Shaky Knees Festival (@ShakyKneesFest) February 17, 2015

If you like indie and alternative music, you probably just cried over the #ShakyKneesFest lineup. In just three short years, organizers have managed to get a who's who of the indie scene head to Atlanta for a few days. Headliners include The Strokes, The Avett Brothers and Wilco, along with Ryan Adams, Old Crow Medicine Show, Brand New and The Kooks. This would be such a fun event simply because of all the crunchy granola hippies that would be frolicking about!


4. Shaky Boots Music Festival, Atlanta, Georgia -- May 16 -17

Here's the full daily lineup! #ShakyBoots pic.twitter.com/xHMPkM2wwD
— Shaky Boots Festival (@shakyboots) January 28, 2015

If you're impressed with what the #ShakyKnees folks managed to pull off in three short years, prepare to be completely blown away by the lineup for the FIRST EVER #ShakyBoots festival. Country music SUPER STARS Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley and Rascal Flatts are the headliners. Absolutely casual, right? And what better place for a  H U G E  country music festival than the middle of Atlanta? LOLZ.


5. Hangout Music Fest, Gulf Shores, Alabama -- May 15 -17

.@Hangoutfest just added @SamSmithWorld @joeyBADASS @iamtovelo + MORE to the 2015 lineup! 🙌 🙌 http://t.co/FuG8EAR97l pic.twitter.com/4dzSXQXTGv
— VH1 (@VH1) February 11, 2015

You know what's better than a regular music festival? A music festival on the beach. #HangoutFest probably has the most well-rounded lineup and the most exciting up and coming lower billed acts. Obviously, you'll want to catch Foo Fighters, Sam Smith, Zac Brown Band and Beck (if you're over Beyonce's Grammys snub yet) but SERIOUSLY... don't miss Tove Lo, Vance Joy, Iration, Halsey and Elle King. And this seems to be a festival that the artists actually enjoy so look forward to happier and more upbeat and LONG sets from these fab musicians!


6. CounterPoint Music And Arts Festival, Kingston Downs, Georgia -- May 22 - 24

For those of you saying counterpoint lineup is weak, you might want to reconsider your taste in music... pic.twitter.com/oHc0dIy4Ii
— DabbinDean (@SomeRaverKid) April 18, 2015

CounterPoint seems to be Atlanta's take on putting together an EDM festival... between Widespread Panic/The Roots and Zedd/Dillon Francis headlining, I'm honestly not sure what to think of this lineup. There is a lot of dance music, some hip hop and a couple in between. No country/acoustic sounding anything. So prepare accordingly.


7. Free Press Summer Fest, Houston, Texas -- June 6 - 7

Free Press Summer Fest reveals 2015 lineup including Skrillex, R.Kelly, Weezer + more. http://t.co/rdcagIUBAz pic.twitter.com/6WtqOerdMK
— Festive Owl (@TheFestiveOwl) February 25, 2015

Another seemingly random lineup, #FPSF doesn't seem to have a rhyme or reason to what type of music they'll take... other than quality. The headliners range from R. Kelly to Weezer. I don't know why but I find that highly entertaining. Gary Clark Jr., Charlie XCX, Moon Taxi, Ben Harper and G-Eazy will all be at this weird/random/awesome festival and enduring the Texas heat right there with you.


8. Carolina Country Music Festival, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina -- June 5 - 7

ICYMI @SamHuntMusic is playing our @MyMyrtleBeach Thursday Kickoff Concert! Tix are going fast http://t.co/6kZdT0MvhA pic.twitter.com/HQ2kPRPxKM
— CarolinaCountry Fest (@CCMFLive) April 15, 2015

Another inaugural country music festival, this one has the added element of sand and the Dirty Myrtle's already redneck reputation. Eric Church, Rascal Flatts and Lady Antebellum headline the three day festival but be sure to head down a day early to catch the kick off party on Thursday. Super hottie, Sam Hunt, is playing and you do  N O T  want to miss that.


9. Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Manchester, Tennessee -- 
June 11 - 14

The daily @Bonnaroo schedule is out. Which day are you looking forward to most? http://t.co/m1a8C7UyJN #Bonnaroo pic.twitter.com/u7HnMqMF30
— Festival Snobs (@FestivalSnobs) March 19, 2015

I think it's pretty safe to say that Roo is the most popular and well-known Southern music festival. And for good reason. Something that genuinely impacts pop culture always happens on The Farm. Like when Kanye went onstage like four hours late and then refused to come back because he felt super disrespected. Unlike a lot of festivals that start winding down on Sunday, Bonnaroo puts their biggest headliners at the end of the weekend- namely Billy Joel and Florence + The Machine. Don't get me wrong, DeadMau5, Kendrick Lamar, Mumford & Sons and My Morning Jacket are nothing to turn your nose up to. But Billy Joel is Billy freaking Joel so... Get excited for four days of really great music (AND comedy), no showers, camping and crunchy granola peace and love. Add this to your Bucket List.


10. Forecastle Festival, Louisville, Kentucky -- July 17 -19

#ICYMI: #Forecastle daily tickets go on sale this Friday at 12pm ET. Get details here: http://t.co/cH8a1i6nrS pic.twitter.com/O1eojSReJB
— Forecastle Festival (@forecastle) April 7, 2015

Not to ruffle any feathers but Louisville is right at the top of what could be considered "the South." But obviously, it's getting included so pipe down. From the looks of past lineups, Forecastle seems to be a big coming home concert for locals, My Morning Jacket. But why is that a surprise to anyone? Anywayssss... Sam Smith, War On Drugs, Widespread Panic, Modest Mouse and, most importantly (to me), ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES. If you're anywhere near Kentucky in July, go go go go go.  

Y'all. I want to spend all of my time at music festivals. Never mind that they're usually pretty muddy and crowded and the alcohol costs wayyyyy too much money, I love them.

What music festivals are y'all planning on going to this year? Tell me over on the #TwitterMachine.

Enjoy!

-C. xx.