Wednesday, September 24, 2014

PLAYING CATCHUP: Pentatonix, Nick Jonas, Tove Lo and more...

It's been a hot second since I've done one of those Fresh Out The Box posts but that doesn't mean I'm not keeping tabs on the new releases. Here's what I've been listening to most since we last chatted new music...

While the rest of the world seemed to be clamoring over Ariana Grande's sophomore disc, I found myself vastly underwhelmed. Instead, I've been playing the ish out of Be Impressive, the debut disc from Aussie act The Griswolds. The entire set is earwormy and well..."impressive", something I definitely cannot say for Ariana's set which came out the same day.

The boys in Maroon may be truly back to form with their latest set, V -- it's arguably their most cohesive set since 2007's It Won't Be Soon Before Long. My favorite vacillates by the day and while the singles are good, I'm currently hooked on the falcetto-heavy "Feelings".

PENTATONIX - "La La Latch"
The upcoming release from these a capella maestros is proving to be very exciting indeed. Their revamp of the aforementioned Ariana's hit "Problem" breathes fresh life into the fun but increasingly overplayed jam and this mashup of Naughty Boy's "La La La" and Disclosure/Sam Smith's "Latch" shows just how inventive and talented they really are. 



PRINCE
 - "CLOUDS"
As I've stated before, I haven't really been much toward Prince's more recent work but "PretzelBodyLogic" opened up the doors of inquiry and my excitement grows with each successive offering.

It may be ridiculously long, but Banks' debut album Goddess is heavily stacked with incredible tuneage. It's hard to pick a favorite.

I sincerely hope that Ms. Trainor doesn't end up 2014's best remembered One Hit Wonder. Her reggae-bounce meets Hawaiian-ukulele meets retro-swing is in full tilt in her Title EP and the title (ha!) track is a lyrical gem that serves as a commentary on how vague modern (young) relationships can be. Also it includes the lyric, "Don't call me 'boo' like I'm some kind of ghost." Meghan, you and I should be BFFs.

NICK JONAS - "Jealous"
I'm still Team Jonas BAND (because I'm corny that way) but as I've stated time and time again, youngest (in the music business) bro Nick remains to be a force to be reckoned with. Punchy "Jealous" has exactly the kind of attitude Joe (timidly) attempted with his own solo bow, complete with a catchier chorus. It also kind of reminds me of Miguel's "Adorn" which is a comparison I was not expecting to make to a Jonas. We shall see if it sticks with the public.


Because flawless is as flawless does.

FALL OUT BOY - "Centuries"
I (outwardly anyway) loathed the emo-pop movement but I always felt Fall Out Boy weren't really the trailblazers but more like the exception to the rule. "Centuries", the lead single for their upcoming record, includes a sample of "Tom's Diner" by Suzanne Vega and is a call to arms battlecry for the our misfit generation. 

My mantra for life, really.

Bow to your Queen, thanks.

TOVE LO - "Moments"
Another shiny dark pop offering from this Swedish dark horse full of epic 80's mid-tempo drumbeat crashes. Her lyrics make her so utterly relatable and therefore "charming as f#&*."



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