MoneyGrabber - Fitz and the Tantrums

Song: MoneyGrabber
Artist: Fitz and the Tantrums
Album: Pickin' Up The Pieces

A star powered force trumps this song with so much groove enough to fill in an entire New York city. Soul nourishing with its daring attitude that enhances the magnetic flair of the entire composition, this piece is so wild that one would agree that the band is aptly named. With all the resemblance to 1970-1980's music with a dash of its own style, it's simply suave.

An epic song that struts elegance and raw energy, the singers undoubtedly command a towering presence with their showy and classy demeanour. They complement each other with little to no effort, forming together a relentless force of nature. The keyboard, percussion and trumpets create a powerhouse of melodies. The chords are as timely as ever. Sexy and beguiling, the choruses grab attention with a snap of fingers. 

It captures a moment of your life and totally redefines it, injecting it with a load of attitude. You'd feel like forgetting all your work and just dance and move to this single.

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Postcards From Italy - Beirut

Song: Postcards From Italy
Artist: Beirut
Album: Gulag Orkestar

With the soul and the rhythm being oh so mesmerizing, one can easily indulge in the fantasies of a fanciful yet casual Italian holiday. It has the spirit and the festivity that enthralls and enlightens. It's a heartfelt piece that vibrates with inter-layered textures of sounds that, when combined, forms a vibrant mash of pretty tones.

The peppy and bright trumpets of the song evokes a strong impression and rings the eardrums with utmost delight. The singer's voice is just delicate and resembles the old days in the vintage era. The song promulgates all things joyful and also the good old days in the old times. The lyrics sprout out a simple fable like story; a story between a close-knitted relationship between a person with his environment and also a woman.

The song is gentle as it is intense. It has a passionate, flavourful impact with so much colour and flourishing aspects it brings to one's ears. It's simply endearing.

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Hikari Kingdom Orchestra - Kingdom Hearts Music

Song: Hikari Kingdom Orchestra
Artist: Kingdom Hearts (Composer: Yoko Shimomura)
Album: Kingdom Hearts Music

A song of dreams, hopes and the the purity of light itself, it is one that cultivates gallantry and heroism, bringing out the ardent passion of gamers all over the world. It is one that truly shows the zealous work brought by game developers to piece and weave together such a grand piece that leaves a strong emotional imprint to dedicated fans. 

It has the elements of a good Disney soundtrack, and yet is unique all in its own. A pure visionary concoction that entails the energy of the youngsters with the tantamount grandiosity of the journey that they are bound to be in. The orchestration of the music is splendid and audacious. The lovely attuned melodies of the strings combined with the enthralling brass instruments. The steady rhythms of the percussion. Magnificent.

Its sheer audible extravagance is all the more exquisite and pertinent due to the paramount size of the story. The plot sets an amazing bar by being intricate in so many details, from the amazingly connected and crafted characters to the epic overall theme of good vs evil. It's a story that every kid would only dream to be part of.

Of all the aspects of it, it is the bond it forms between the player and the essence of the game that fosters such a profound love for this piece of music and the game itself. It always leaves my heart lingering for more, just for another journey like this as the story ends. If only dreams would come true.

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Fast Fast - Let's Buy Happiness

Song: Fast Fast
Artist: Let's Buy Happiness
Album: Fast Fast

The tribal roll of the drums and percussion signify the beginning of the folk sounds that meld in tune to form a catchy song. It is combines both elements of the spirit and rustic folk with a mix of  the electronic-like alternative to create a wonderfully different formula. The song is an addictive combo with all its rhythm and the pseudo-raspy voice of the lead singer.

The voice is akin to a combination of a raspy and chilling type of Icelandic singers like Sóley and Nanna from Of Monsters And Men with the dry and husky of a number of UK indie bands. The distinct percussion creates a unique rhythm that links back intrinsically to distinctive cultures of tribes. The lyrics have a vivid imagination of the mind, painting such a creative image of it and how it works.

This song is just simply somehow different. It has a chilled and ethereal mood and also the alternative/rock flow that work brilliantly together in unison. In short, it's darn interesting.

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Let's Go Surfing - The Drums

Song: Let's Go Surfing

Artist: The Drums

Album: The Drums

A cool casual vibe floats into the warm air, signifying the arrival of summer time! Boys and girls would strip down to their swim wear and dive straight into the cooling and refreshing waters, leaving all recollections(if any) of studies at school, venturing on a new journey to fun. This song is a total reminder of that season. To be honest, I've never really experienced it before. Such is the power of the song that it brings me a vivid imagination of such an occasion.

The song is just all about letting loose and hanging out with your friends, will all sorts of activities to do. It's just laid back optimistically. It's about having fun and grooving with everyone while sharing the joy and splendours of the excitement. The entirety of the song, from the simple lyrics to the catchy rhythm, can be taken in one go and is honestly addictive. One can just go ecstatic and run around screaming the chorus out.

Pleasant and chilled and a potential magnet for all sorts of windy breezes and Hawaiian-esque moods, this song can easily just make you go grab a surf board and plunge into the sea in lofty happiness.

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Single Of The Week : Middle Of The Bed

Song: Middle Of The Bed
Artist: Lucy Rose
Album: Like I Used To


Whimsical tunes delivers depth with a nonchalant twist, never revealing the plethora of emotions until one truly listens, registers and relates to it.

"I talk inside my head. Better if nobody knows what I said."

This English beauty and vocalist of the Bombay Bicycle Club livens the sombre strain in a relationship, playing with a varying audio textures while delve into the intricacies of a human mind when in the midst of organised chaos. Light strums of the guitar, a disordered-esque percussion work along with her piercing vocals sends the spine grooving along with her rhythm.

The heavy handed piano work in the chorus gives a weighty substance feel to the airy tune, contrasting beautifully with the fanciful arrangement.

Very much like a breath of fresh air in a world of oh-so-typical breakup songs, I'll be keeping this with me for quite a while now.

"If you knew me at all, you should all know my answers."

Interesting stuff.

(Middle Of The Bed can be downloaded free from the link: http://www.facebook.com/lucyrosemusic/app_434550989923383)

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I'd Rather Dance With You - Kings of Convenience

Song: I'd Rather Dance With You
Artist: Kings of Convenience
Album: Riot On An Empty Street

A cute and wispy song that has a robust and modern rhythm that complements the chillness of the voices of the male singers. This song sets it apart from the other works of the band as it has  more pop and upbeat elements instead of its usual misty and cool base. Intricate and magical as usual, the band shows more of its fun and quirky nature with it.

The voices are as stoic, gentle but inwardly passionate. The choruses bloom with so much subtlety and contrast especially with the high notes accompanied by a balanced harmony. All the subtle sounds from the sudden strings of violins, simple and sound plucks to the light poundings of the piano add more colour to the song.

A song that is impeccably complete and yet not too heavy, it's light and balanced firmly; one of the band's renowned skills in composing. 

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Kiss Me Slowly - Parachute

Song: Kiss Me Slowly
Artist: Parachute
Album: The Way It Was

When there's a time where you just feels like listening to a love song, no matter cheesy or just endearing, this is the song for you. A young male singing all out for a person of his dreams. Just   simply love. Never underestimate the power of blind faith.

Even though in essence is just a simple love song, it just grips on me like a fishing line, only the fishing hook's a giant lollipop. A really lovey dovey song that just makes you dream and hope for the unthinkable. Talk about being a young teenager all over again. The lyrics are of a typical love story, with issues, aspirations and goals between two lovers.

A suitable song to cuddle with your teddy bear and think about a person that you are infatuated with, it's a good temporary release from worries and fears. 

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Le Quattro Stagioni(The Four Seasons) - Antonio Vivaldi

Song: Le Quattro Stagioni(The Four Seasons)
Artist: Nigel Kennedy
Album: Vivaldi: The Four Seasons
Composer: Antonio Vivaldi

My introduction to the string concertos was memorable, each second distinctly highlighted to last for what'll be a lifetime. This being my first string concerto raised hairs and imperiosed my senses to a standstill until I heard the strings croon their first words.

A moment which gives the phrase 'Music to one's ears,' a definition.

Vivaldi, a true musical genius coaxed and cajoled the violins through his instructions, bottling the essence of the four seasons, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter within sound energy, harmonizing speed and subtle and eventually defining nature at her best. Nigel Kennedy's rendition, done in full orchestra galore accentuates the every beauty originally composed, allowing the notes to speak their loud yet muted words.

The Four Seasons, inspired by sonnets(according to some), characterise the turbulent, unpredictable climates of the west, exhibiting beauty in the languid and the furious, inspiring pictures of torrential rain, lazing sunshine, the crisp air of dying leaves and frigid, crystalline snow in less than an hour. The mood changes with grace, unique notes jumping to attention as they remain etched in the memory, as catchy as a plague in the Renaissance. Fantabulous.

A classic revived and hopefully, one that'll flourish, The Four Seasons' the rare black diamond amidst the glittering crystals.

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Help Me Close My Eyes - Those Dancing Days

Song: Help Me Close My Eyes
Artist: Those Dancing Days
Album: Daydreams & Nightmares

Good beats and addictive, pulsating tunes makes this song a valuable listen. This song permeates a heavy bass mood and a touch of bitter sweet sorrow with a longing for dreams and aspirations to come true. The rhythm clearly defines the structure with powerful and reverberating echoes.

The voice just reminds you old pop and rock days in the 1990s. The singer's presence draws listeners in as her emotions are clearly expressed through the control of her wispy tones. The song has a sense of mystery of the fleeting reality and dreams going about it, even with the lyrics describing the desires to define the accurate and true and get rid of illusions.

This song builds up at all the right moments, even with its wavy and laid back parts. It's particular richness in the bass and percussion brings this song strong support.

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Quotables : Christina Perri

Artist: Christina Perri
Album: lovestrong
Song: Jar of Hearts

"I have grown too strong, to ever fall back in your arms."

"You're gonna catch a cold, from the ice inside your soul."

"It took so long just to feel alright, remember how to put back the lights in my eyes. I wish I had missed the first time that we kissed."

"Don't you know I'm not a ghost anymore? You lost the love I loved the most."


Song: Lonely

"I'm the ghost of a girl that I want to be most. I'm the shell of a girl that I used to know well."

"Dancing slowly in an empty room. Can the lonely take the place of you? I sing myself a quiet lullaby, let you go and let the Lonely into my heart again."

"Broken pieces of a barely breathing story. Where there once was love, now there's only me and the lonely."

"Too afraid to go inside, for the pain of one more loveless night. But the loneliness will stay with me and hold me 'till I fall asleep."

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Home - Foxes

Song: Home
Artist: Foxes
Album: Youth

Imagine a peaceful night, with its shadowy veil being draped with a cluster of stars. Imagine pondering into the beyond and looking behind the black, gaping curtain to see what is out there.  This song evokes that sense of fascination, wonder and mystery. Its pleasant silence at the beginning that turns into a sensational journey of exploration is much loved in this song.

The starting notes are just so child-like and yet so cosmic. With such a simplistic tune, it provides a flow of imagination of the galaxy. The singer then starts off with "What's left hanging, in the air, in the air." It complements the ambiguity and vastness of the song greatly. The choruses pick up the pace and bursts with emotive vibrancy.

Its elements of a space-like theme and mystery is a delight to hear. The serenity and calmness in this song are just sound.

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One Last Time - The Kooks

Song: One Last Time
Artist: The Kooks
Album: Konk

Short and simple, this song produces a rough and etched acoustic vibe. Combined with the semi rock-esque voice, it creates a simple guitar song reminiscent of the 1980's. It is a piece about love that captures the essence of indie and rock.

The pace is breezy and brisk like the winds brushing up leaves into tiny whirlwinds. The vocals especially create passion and desperation that speaks out the need to regain love. The simplistic melody just complements it subtly and sufficiently.

A piece broken down to its basic and essential elements, this quick listen will grant any listeners a worthwhile satisfaction.

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Why - Philip LaRue

Song: Why
Artist: Philip LaRue
Album: Let The Road Pave Itself

"Why we can't believe in something we can't see?"

Philip LaRue exhibits sophistication in simplicity, through his questionnaire of a song, Why.

Light notes in the piano, comparatively crytalline next to his more sensual-rough vocals set its pace throughout the song, a tad understated, but strong enough to establish its on air. LaRue channels his passion into his music, posing open riddles in the midst of tranquil.

"Clouds are hanging in the sky. I don't know how. I don't know why."

A rather Christian influenced song, I find the lyrics a touch thought-provoking, perhaps eye-opening for some. Intertwining questions, wonderment and affirmative statements, Why can be a little too much for some. But to the simple music-adorer, I s'pose 'tis just fine.

Perhaps more than fine.

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Andrews Sisters

What I call the "Queens of Harmonies", the Andrews Sisters were a highly prominent and legendary close harmony group that produces magical synchronised syncopations with crystal clarity. Perhaps one of the most famous swing and boogie woogie singers of their time, they epitomize the beauty of perfectly executed harmonies and were able to entertain servicemen and Allied Forces with ease. Here are a list of some of my favourite songs and covers:

1) Song: Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy

The blow of the trumpet signals the glorious introduction of the song, followed by the percussion  and the rhythmic steps of the girls that builds up tension and anxiety. The minute they come in one would notice how strong they are performing. You'd get the feeling that they own the stage with their overflowing confidence. The beats add to the flair of the music, creating a rowdy atmosphere of an ecstatic crowd.

Naturally, the girls sing with perfect timing and execution, not to mention their flawless harmonies. Patty's solo is simply mesmerizing. A popular hit that would force your feet tapping and fingers snapping. 

2) Song: In The Mood

Based on the original Glenn Miller's version only with added lyrics, these girls show what it really means to be "In The Mood". The biggest satisfaction I had was listening the moment they finish their notes at the end of every line. The period where they stretch the melodies a little before ending them is like squeezing the last bits of orange juice and savouring them gently.

The quieter and softer moments are also entertaining to listen to, where the words have the same elated mood but with a hushed undertone. This song has a lovable bouncy mode, with its ups and downs beautifully expressed.

3) Song: Sing, Sing, Sing

The slow but epic buildup of the song is the signature section of this song. Immediately, the swing movement can be detected. The articulation and the lovely vibrations of the song create a uniquely ballroom-esque atmosphere. The extravagant brass instruments add up magnificently to the grandiosity of the song. 

The "whoooo-ooo"s and "whaaa-oooo"s really have their own tinge of excitement laced within them. A really upbeat song that is suitable for big night parties and or social dance events.

The Andrews Sisters have inspired many artists after them and remain popular till today. Their ability to sway with their love-able synchronization and churn out perfect and effortless harmonies is the epitome of close harmony groups. Hope that their influence continues to travel down the generations to come.

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1901 - Birdy

Song: 1901
Artist: Birdy
Album: Birdy

"For a minute though, I couldn't tell how to fall out."

Birdy takes a song, strips off every layer that tune's boasted, understanding the music, eventually casting her charm on it, eternalising it, making it uniquely hers.

Each of us claim a song for our own, 'tis just our degree of claim that varies. Birdy, truly owns each tune she lets slip by her lips. Along with her signature piano, a lovely addition to almost every one of her tune, she alters the rhythm to match her style, giving it a contemporary, slow beat.

Emitting rustic beauty and a touch of playful, each word's accentuated with depth and class, echoing the hollow melancholy that was once in. Extracting the story from within, she matches the instrumentals to them while working her vocals to counter-balance both the modern and the retro to reach a quirky equilibrium.

Wise beyond her age(or so it seems), she sings, she listens and she performs to delight the next man. The aesthetics in music's polished, packaged with care, naive' in more senses than one but determined.

One should listen.

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Let's Go - Madi Diaz

Song: Let's Go
Artist: Madi Diaz
Album: Far From Things That We Know EP


This song is a relaxing and refreshing quench of thirst that can easily satisfy anyone's hunger for  more good indie music. You have the feeling of golden sunshine pouring out of your mind and body with this calming piece. The simple and straightforward melodies are warm and welcoming. It's like a dawn of a new day, packed with looking forward to many new and bright upstarts.

The upbeat rhythms move the song in an eccentric manner with the continuous repeating patterns of like guitar strumming. The song is catchy with all its "Oh-oh-oh"s.  The choruses are just embracing the "strange day" with all the positiveness in the world. The oohs have a tranquil groove that pampers the ears.

A good indie piece that shines especially when played during a warm summer on a quiet hill while basking under the Sun, it's a song that evokes a particular feeling of loving your day no matter how down you are.

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Know-How - Kings of Convenience feat. Feist

Song: Know-How
Artist: Kings of Convenience
Album: Riot on an Empty Street


Subtle yet precise taps and thumps on the guitar start out the pristine quietness of the song. A delicate piece that explores the term 'know-how' in relationships. This song challenges the notion of the necessity of learning set instructions to build your bond with your special other. The song is just brilliantly crafted all from the melodious plucks of the guitars to the well molded and interwoven vocals of the singers.


The male singer is wispy and effortless and draws you into the song in a matter of seconds. Combined with Feist, another prominent artist in the indie genre whose enchanting voice can mend the hardest of hearts, the duo create powerful yet relaxed harmonies that can soothe the moodiest of individuals. The intricate and delicately crafted melody brings out the crystal clarity and value in each distinct note.


This song permeates raw acoustic energy. To quote from the song's lyrics: "What is there to know? All this is what it is. You and me alone, sheer simplicity." I couldn't agree more.

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Shoot Him Down - Alice Francis

Song: Shoot Him Down

Artist: Alice Francis

Album: St. James Ballroom

This song is a unique blend of electronics and swing. The lovely combination formulates an exquisite and sexy rhythm that builds up the hype of the song. Alice acts out like a femme fatale that longs for that man in a sadistic and maniacal way. Her intensity is flaring in this song along with the rich harmonies. This song entrances the feet to tap to it. It's just so tempting to move and groove to it.

Phrases like "I want to shoot him, I want to choke him" and "Break his neck, neck, neck, neck" are sung out in such a courteous and flavourful manner that they spice up the song. The choruses are a satisfying desire that people would indulge and even swim in. This song is a delightful mix of the modern and the past. It bears a prevalent element that provides a strong foundation for the whole music; attitude.

Bold and daring, it shows what would be a perfect transition that stands out in the future; a blend of the classics with the modernistic ideas. The diabolical and sensuous melodies paired with humorous and gritty lyrics make this song truly a work that deserves praise.

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Quotables : Norah Jones

Artist: Norah Jones
Album: Come Away With Me
Song: Don't Know Why

"When I saw the break of day, I wished that I could fly away. Instead of kneeling in the sand, catching teardrops in my hand."

"My heart is drenched in wine. but you'll be on my mind. Forever."

"Out across the endless sea, I would die in ecstasy."

"Something has to make you run, I don't know why I didn't come."


Song: Feelin' The Same Way

"Feelin' the same way all over again. Singin' the same lines all over again. No matter how much I pretend."

"The sun just slipped its note below my door. And I can't hide beneath my sheets."

"I have read the words before so know I know. The time has come for me again."

"Another day I can't find my head. My feet don't look like they're my own. I'll try and find the floor below to stand. I hope I reach it once again."

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Coco - Parov Stelar feat. Lilja Bloom

Song: Coco

Artist: Parov Stelar feat. Lilja Bloom

Album: Coco

A concise song that has all the intensity trapped within the light keys of the piano and then toned down by the beginning of the electronic sounds and beats. It has a sentimentality and also a trail of vanity in it. It is like the wind that flows through the empty urban streets late at night. 

The song's entirety feels like an aftertaste or an afterthought that continues to linger in your mind for ages. It is something that never seems to have a proper beginning or even a proper ending. The singer's voice creeps into the mind like your very own guilty pleasure. One may just be able to replay this song on repeat and indulge in its wispy sadness or staunch removal of all positive emotions.

Its dark and eccentric mood is lovely. The music successfully creates an intriguing feeling within the heart. It's just simply like exploring a strange but wonderful territory and discovering something different.

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