This week, the(in)terns are dating pop. From the euphoria of a Cut Copy dance floor to ear candy from rising pop queen, we've cast our fairly invalidated judgement on a new batch of singles. While there's plenty of love this week, there's also a few spiteful tongues as alt-country music falls flat and Drake gets a little too sleazy.
One tune this week made us all fall in love, with three willing bachelorettes naming it the pick of the week.
Cut Copy- In These Arms of Love
Hannah: Nothing to see here folks. 2
Bianca: As a self-confessed Cut Copy fan girl (the rest of the(in)terns can confirm this) it pains me to say that this song should have perhaps remained a left-over. Dan Whitford’s usually on-the-beat voice sounds drawly and at times whiney and the guitar riff in the instrumental breaks sound like new school Coldplay (that’s not a compliment). Luckily this gal takes a man with their flaws. 3
Sam: I'm also an avid Cut Copy fan and like Bianca I ain't giving up. For me, this song is redemption after an album less impressive than those before it. It's expansive, atmospheric and melancholic. The synths come on thick and fast- just the way I like it. Add glitter bombs for extra effect. 3.5
Lizzie: Errrgh my ears are still ringing. I feel like I am stuck in some weird psychedelic Star Trek episode...that never made it to air. 2
[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/modularpeople/cut-copy-in-these-arms-of-love[/soundcloud]
How To Dress Well- Repeat Pleasure
Hannah: This song is infectious. With hand-clap percussion and catchy guitar riffs, Krell makes heartbreak sound sweet like only an R&B enthusiast with a killer upper register could. Taking on Mariah with his tingling “Even broken, my heart will go on” is a bold but totally welcomed move. I repeat, Mariah territory is never bad territory. 3.5
Bianca: The clap is infectious. Now let’s talk about the song.. Straight out of the ‘90s, this head-boppin’, toe-tappin’ good time takes me right back to the day with its rhythmic beatine, surface-lying guitar strums and Tom Krell’s soothing falsetto. I’m keeping this pleasure on repeat. 4.5
Sam: Tom Krell has gone from strength to strength. And It Was You was a total jam and Repeat Plesure betters that. It's straight out of Ashanti's song book with a fairly flat-lined melody but buttery instrumentation aplenty. I also heard him gush over Ciara with Jacques Greene and ever since then I've been a massive fan. 4.5 Sam's Pick
Lizzie: This song belongs in “Give a song a chance”! The first time I listened to it I was not sold. Second time, it really blossomed into a beautiful track. I agree with you Bianca, straight out of the 90’s. And now to listen again, again and again. 4
[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/howtodresswell/repeat-pleasure[/soundcloud]
Drake- Days in the East
Hannah: The best and worst part about this is the teasing Rihanna sample. More RiRi please. 2.5
Bianca: Too R&B sex playlist for me. Keep this locked away in the after-dark collection. 2.5
Sam: Surely this is a left-over from Nothing Was The Same. It sounds in the same lane as Own It or Furtherst Thing. And I'm ok with that. It's another understated jam where Drame proves he's becoming a more effective singer than a rapper. Rihanna and Drake are going out now right? That sample is so kuwaii. 3.5
Lizzie: Hellooooo stripper pole. Not your best Drake. 2
[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/octobersveryown/drake-days-in-the-east[/soundcloud]
Rita Ora- I Will Never Let You Down
Hannah: It’s reassuring that in the lead up to her second album Rita Ora “will never let you down.” Good one Calvin, you’ve given this pop princess the credibility she deserves. 3
Bianca: Very simple, classic pop song. Neither here nor there for me. I didn’t have high hopes to begin with so fortunately Rita hasn’t let me down. Although in saying that, Calvin is better on his own and needs to ditch the poor man’s Rihanna - there’s no love found in this hopeless place. 2.5
Sam: So this is what talented couples do in their spare time. As far as pop songs go this is an A+. I like how Calvin tones down his synth break but I'm starting to grow tired of him. I feel he's up for a Guetta style fall from grace as it seems he's oversaturated the market. This could be his last moment in the sun. Rita on the other hand will surely have yet another hit record on her hands. 3
Lizzie: Calvin and Rita - bangin’ couple in real life but they do not hit it as a music duo. At all. Rita is still too cookie cutter, Aria Top 40 for me and “I Will Never Let You Down” is no different. I really want her to do something risqué with her beautiful voice. 2.5
Chrome Sparks- Goddess
Hannah: The title track off Brooklyn producer Jeremy Malvin’s forthcoming EP, Goddess is flawless. Sucking you in with deep synths and an almost Seekae sound, Goddess builds into two climatic crescendos so effortlessly imbued with vocal loops and twinkling galactic samples, you’ll be up, down and back up again before you even notice it. Scared to miss a single moment of this stellar roller coast ride, Goddess is on repeat. 4 Hannah's Pick
Bianca: Love the moodiness to this track and its underlying intergalactic feel. Very Fritz Lang-esque. Hot tip: listen to this song whilst feasting your eyes on this classic on mute. 4 Bianca's Pick
Sam: Such a velvety slice of ear candy. It just ticks all the boxes. A slow, brooding start and a gloriously climatic finish. It's got so much texture and dynamic to it- impressive for such a young gun. It's probably not immediate enough for it to really take off but a cult-following is sure to ensue. Count me in. 4.5
Lizzie: This track is beautiful- a pure, layered delight to listen to. If only the “drop” (for lack of a better word) at 4min 35 secs came earlier, thats when I experienced some serious earporn. 4.5 Lizzie's Pick
[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/chrome-sparks/goddess-1[/soundcloud]
First Aid Kit- My Silver Lining
Hannah: Sure to find itself on The Js high rotation soon, My Silver Lining brings you the midwest straight out of Sweden (wait, what?). With big strings and even bigger harmonies, the latest offering from duo First Aid Kit promises long dusty road trips and hopelessly hopeful mornings spent in forgotten hotel rooms. Bring on Summer. 3
Bianca: Hannah: Summer’s gone and this track should go with it. Adios, Amigos! 2
Sam: The Lions Roar was a standout record for me when it was released. And I like this. It's confident and assured but I can't help feeling it's more of the same. Hopefully the album has a little more variation but this is enough to whet the appetite. 3.5
Lizzie: Did Lana Del Ray go on a Western adventure? Sure sounds like it. I do like the sway this song has, and the violins, banjo and vocals work well together to produce and digestible cowboy track. Yee-haa!! 3.5
