Category: EP

The 888

8/5/2016

There's nothing like a road trip and some Sirius XM radio to discover some new music. I was spending the weekend with Rosencrantz and Sacajawea. Rosencrantz taste in music tends to run more alt-rock. Through enough repitition and a stop in a McDonald's parking lot I take the time to write out the name of a song and the band singing it.

The 888 are my new musical obsession. I don't know if I can call them an obsession. They only have four songs out, all of their debut EP Decades.

Four songs is hard to judge an artist's merit, but the four songs they've released so far are bangers. The song that grabbed me was the opening “Critical Mistakes”. It's complete with lyrics discussing the desire to wash all of the mistakes they've made in the past. Specifically referring to , “critical mistakes”. The song holds up well with some extremely well timed electronica, ocean waves, and radio worthy alternative pop.

Buy "Critical Mistakes"

I've noticed the song is in rotation on the radio at work, so it might not be long before the trio breaks through and becomes this years Foster The People.

The trio consists of Danny Stills, Danny Cooper, and Aaron Rothe. This isn't the first time they've worked together. Previously they were all involved in the metalcore band Drop Dead, Gorgeous. They've since dropped the screamo with the 888.

Drop Dead, Gorgeous was not a success worth mentioning. They mined their MySpace followers for chart placement and found them harder to get out into the stores to buy their music. Only one of their albums charted. The Hot N Heavy at 197.

The ever switching line up with Drop Dead, Gorgeous (eleven people switched in and out of the main group) and it's lack of commercial success lead them to disband.

This isn't the first new band to come from the ashes of the group. Bleach Blonde was convened in 2013, but the project no longer has any backing. 888 is their chance. A rebranding from the boys you can't bring home to mother, to the boys with the beautiful souls your mother will swear are on antidepressants.

The 888 have not created anything groundbreaking with these four songs they've released. Greg Prato wrote in a review of Drop Dead, Gorgeous that “they sound identical to all the other bands mining similar sonic terrain, with not much separating them from the rest of the pack.

I don't listen to enough alt-rock to tell you if they've successfully separated themselves from the rest of the pack with the 888, but the four songs they've released although not moving the genre in new directions are damn good. If they can deliver an album with that level of song craft, they should have no problem.

One thing missing from the 888 is their Mattie Healy. They don't have a heartthrob strung on heroin for all the college girls to throw their panties at. They also don't have Matty's artistic vision that's made The 1975 so popular.

Mattie Healy

Still if “Critical Mistakes” is anything to go by. The 888 are a band to keep an eye on.

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I'm Feeling BOMBASTIC

7/22/2016

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Recently, your favorite neighborhood blogger had a celebrity run in with everyone's favorite chart topper singer songwriter Bonnie McKee. If you've been reading this blog long enough, you know of my unconditional love for her.

She's written for all of music's biggest stars. Katy Perry, Kesha, Britney Spears, Taio Cruz, Christina Aguilera, Adam Lambert, just to name a few.

Now I did not just stumble upon Bonnie McKee in everyone's favorite corner convenience store as I told my parents. I saw her live and in concert when she performed at a Pride. The woman is fantastic live. The vocals are raw. The bass is loud. She can do an upside down booty clap live and in person.

Bonnie McKee is inspired by all things eighties. The leg warmers, the neon colors, the workout themed music videos reminiscent of Olivia Newton-John's “Physical”. She's the pop star the world has been waiting for and there has still yet to be justice for her underrated single “American Girl”. The song that convinced me to find love at a 7/11 parking lot.

Buy "American Girl"

I heard her say to a fan that her upcoming album should be released sometime “next year”. I'm glad someone asked the real questions. I just told her how pretty she was and how “obsessed” I am with her. It might not have been the best choice of words.

She's still promoting 2015's fantastic EP Bombastic. It features four songs that show off her range and deftness as a songwriter. She's also noted her intention to make it a “visual EP”, although a music video for final song “Easy” has yet to be released. After seeing her live it reignited how in love I was with it and proves why she's one of pop's most desirable hitmakers.

Buy "I Want It All"

“I Want It All”
Key Lyric: I Want Your Fear/ I Want Your Life/ I Want It All
The latest music video to be released from the singer. It features an eighties dance battle and a killer chorus. It's no wonder it was chosen to open the tracklist. The most straight forward pop of the album, it's arguably my favorite. It sparkles with new shine on the Vicetone Remix

Buy "Bombastic"

“Bombastic”
Key Lyric: I Know You've Heard About My Reputation/ You're Gonna Need A Vacation
In the hands of a major record label this could have been Bonnie McKee's breakout hit. It has an overly sexualized visual aid, a sea of instantly quotable lyrics, hooks that come in from each side with the“I came to win, win, win” or the reverberated “woah oh oh oh” at the end of every chorus. It's quirky and a radio standout.

Buy "Wasted Youth"

“Wasted Youth”
Key Lyric: We're Bored And Jaded/ Sharing Bubble Gum
The midtempo ballad centers the EP the idea that youth is wasted on the young. The visual finds people taking baths in fruit loops, girls adjusting booty shorts, fights in bubble wrap suits, and most scandalously people jumping in the pool with their clothes on. More importantly the track finds her flexing her vocal ability.

“Easy”
Key Lyric: I Didn't Mean To Tumble Into Your Arms/ They're Not My Baby's But They're Keeping Me Warm
McKee revealed before she started this song that it was inspired by the break up of an eight year relationship. She fell into the arms of a tatted man, dark and handsome, who wanted more then she was able to give. It's a touching ballad that finds her addressing the inability to give oneself completely to another after heartbreak and just wanting something “easy”. It's yet to receive the visual treatment, but that's sure to come.

You can buy the Bombastic EP at all digital retailers or a physical copy on her website.

Buy Bombastic

#NeverTrump

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My Blue Youth

3/4/2016

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This might come as a surprise to you bitches who read my article that reviewed all the albums I purchased over the course of 2015, but I bought Troye Sivan's debut album Blue Neighbourhood.I

I still stand by my review of Troye's EP Wild. It was the worst rated album on that list, but my criticisms were accurate if somewhat harsh. I was not impressed. I said of Wild that it's “full of songs that serve as a canvas for experimental electronic influences that are supposed to count as his artistic vision.” This carries true onto his album Blue Neighbourhood, but I like this album.

So, how did this happen? I made no effort to listen to Troye Sivan's new single, “Youth”. It came to me on the waves of the radio. It did what every great Troye Sivan has done for me. It picked up where “Happy Little Pill” and “Wild” left him, wanting more. The song is cinematic in it's perfection.

Buy "Youth"

I was still hesitant on purchasing the album. I was intensely disappointed by Wild. And as nondescript as the suicide themed “Talk Me Down” was, I wasn't convinced. I knew the album had a duet with Betty Who. The Australian pop singer, best known for her bright single, “Somebody Loves You”.

I bought the album. All 19 tracks of it at Target after spending over $200 getting some new tires for my car. I bought it and my cold gay heart melted a little.

I expected to be disappointed, but I was pleasantly surprised. Some of the mistakes of his EP carry over onto the album, but their indecipherable over the course of an hour. The album is a mellow jam session to put on before you go to sleep. It's never overtly sexual and focuses on young wistful romanticism. Much to his credit.

His voice is like milk. It has a tendency to blend into the background of the music. That's his strength. You can lay on the floor and just let his voice wash over you. A lot of these songs melodies are more memorable then the words he's actually saying.

A criticism I had of his EP was his inability to “replicate more then one substantial moody electro pop ballad per musical outing”. His album proved that wrong. There are multiple highlights on the extended tracklist. Including the singles, “Heaven”, “Lost Boy”, and “Blue”. “Suburbia” is a highly listenable, unreletable fodder that deals with him coping with his rise to fame.

His choice of duet partners is interesting. Rapper, Allday betrays him on the faux hip hop vibe of “for him.” his verse coming off as just a little too sexually forward. There's a cast of heterosexual partnerships. Betty Who has a throwaway verse on “Heaven” that even her breathy vocals don't elevate. Both Broods and Tkay Maidza are forgettable on their respective songs. Alex Hope does the best standing out on the highlight that is “Blue”.

I appreciate Troye's artistry as a full length artist. There's a lack of uptempo material, but he likes to stay in this mid to low tempo groove. The backing music isn't ground breaking. What Troye Sivan is selling is his perspective and his youth. If that's something you can get behind. This landscape of dream pop he's created will be perfect for you.

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Lil Loaf

1/8/2016

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I have a new obsession and I've put it off sporadically. I keep meaning to mention Dej Loaf to you. The new female MC on the scene. She's having a slight rise to fame, but were still too far in the early stages to see how it's going to end up. Did we see “Your Love” as the first step in the royalty that became Nicki Minaj? Because, I didn't.

Dej Loaf is bringing some much needed girl power to the hip hop scene. She's from Detroit. Birthplace of Slim Shady. A rapper she happened to spot a verse on his Shady XV track “Detroit vs. Everybody”.

The funny thing about Dej Loaf is I thought she was male. Not an unreasonable guess considering the amount of testosterone on hip hop airwaves. Her vocal performance on “Back Up” was giving me Rae Sremmurd vibes. It was clean and smooth.

Buy "Back Up"

Needless to say it threw me for a surprise when the radio announces the drama with her and Lil Durk. I did some research. He released an album. It charted. That's all there is to know. According to public discourse, Dej Loaf is dating Lil Durk. A gay hip hop power couple was not something I expected.

Then, I find Dej Loaf is a she and not a he. And, it makes more sense. Then, we find out Aye Redd (who does not have a wikipidea page) is calling their relationship fake. And, supposedely they are in a relationship together.

Lil Durk and Dej Loaf

Aye Redd

Which, does explain the cute lesbian aesthetic in “Try Me”. Now I don't know what to believe. Aye Redd. Said that this relationship between Dej Loaf and Lil Durk is for publicity. Considering neither of them our household names. At least not in my quiet white suburban neighborhood, I don't know how likely that is.

Buy "Try Me"

All I know is that I like the music. “Back Up” has that crossover potential and with the success of “Hit the Quan”, “Trap Queen”, and “Watch Me” this could be Dej Loaf's play for crossover chart success. The song features some eerily reminiscent DJ Mustard slick beats.

This is the lead off song from her first EP “...And See That's The Thing”. It's got a glamorous cover shot and I'll buy it. As soon as it gets a physical release. It features seven tracks, which should be the lead up to her first studio album that should be out sometime next year.

The second single that plans to follow up the success of “Back Up” is a Future assisted “Hey There”. It could happen. Future is everyone's favorite crooner. Not that anyone knows what he's saying, but that's beside the point. Future has wattage that Dej Loaf just can't pull yet.

Buy "Hey There"

Future's been having some wins this year, especially after the mixtape he dropped with Drake. Not to mention their two collaborations “Where Ya At” and “Jumpman” both hit the top 40 on the main charts.

Dej Loaf herself isn't doing a bad job pulling in big name collaborations. She's appeared with The Game and Lil Wayne and it won't be long before she makes a name for herself. And, with the triumphant return of Missy Elliott. It's time for another female rapper to rise to the forefront.

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Best Albums of 2015

1/1/2016

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This list is a review of all of the albums I've bought this year. They are all rated on a scale of 1 to 5 bubbles. My favorite song is listed along with the album. This is determined solely based on how many times I've listened to it individually.

Music comes in so many different forms and textures that it's hard to say definitively what album is “better” then another. I never did buy Adam Lambert's The Original High, but from what I've listened to it's a stellar return to form. The same goes for Selena Gomez's Revival. When I heard Justin Bieber's new album Purpose I found it to be acceptable plodding mid tempo fair. However that said, I know quite a few people who really enjoy his new musical direction. Ellie Goulding's Delirium is not in my taste, but if you're a fan of her earlier work her new seventeen track epoch should satisfy

The most important news in music this year is the continuing lawsuit between Kesha and Dr. Luke. She is asking to be released from her contract after revelations of physical and mental abuse on the part of her record producer Dr. Luke. Sony Music has refused to let her out of her contract and is siding with Dr. Luke. A growing protest has started, creating the trending hashtags #FreedomForKesha and #SonyMusicSupportsRape.

Sign the petition to release Kesha from her contract here.

Buy Badlands

Badlands: Halsey
4 Bubbles
Halsey has been the breakout indie artist of the year. Her brand of electropop has yet to conquer radio, but her debut album shows what has made her such an internet phenom. The album starts out strong, and although lingers a little too long on it's closing sixteen tracks shows that there's only room for her to go up from here.

Most Played Song: “Ghost”

American Beauty/American Pyscho: Fall Out Boy
4 Bubbles
This was the first Fall Out Boy album I've ever bought. A true sacrilege. This is what modern rock is supposed to sound like in 2015. Every track is a fiery stomper and after fourteen years proves that Fall Out Boy still has the passion that made From Under The Cork Tree so spectacular.

Most Played Song: “Uma Thurman”

Buy American Beauty/American Pyscho

Broke With Expensive Taste: Azealia Banks
2 ½ Bubbles
The album originally dropped too little digital fanfare in 2014 finally saw it's physical release in 2015. Azealia Banks is the beleaguered rap artist more known for her trans-phobic discourse and public melt downs. Her first album, although full of solid moments tends to drag and concepts run into one another. And, nothing on the album quite replicates the viral sensation of “212”. The best cuts off the album tend to be the singles.

Most Played Song: Tie between “Heavy Metal and Reflective” and “BBD”

Buy Broke With Expensive Taste

Breathe In. Breathe Out.: Hilary Duff
5 Bubbles
The much besieged fourth studio album, it finally saw it's release after being pushed from it's release date in October of 2014. This album's concept has ranged from folk to a mainstream pop sound courtesy of Swedish hit maker Tove Lo. Released eight years after her groundbreaking Dignity, the album is pure pop. Not every song is a five star experience, but it plays like a cohesive album. Every song is good, many are excellent, all can stand by themselves, and it reflects the dedicated affection that Hilary paints it with. Album standouts range from the Ed Sheeran penned “Tattoo” to lead single “Sparks” or the cute duet of “Nights Like This”. My favorite song off the album happens to be shared with current taste maker, Taylor Swift.

Most Played Song: “Breathe In. Breathe Out.”

Buy Breathe In. Breathe Out

Buy Cry Baby

Cry Baby: Melanie Martinez
4 Bubbles
Concept album by former Voice contestant Melanie Martinez it's responsible for some of the darkest pop moments in 2015. Rape and family dysfunction are just some of the themes Melanie touches on as “cry baby”. This album is full of some of my favorite songs of the year such as “Dollhouse” and “Pity Party”. It's also responsible for the worst song of 2015. “Sippy Cup” is the best example of what this album does wrong. But, on the same flip of the coin, some people adore this song. Melanie Martinez is not good at subtlety, but the albums flair for remaining true to it's core makes it a compelling and worthwhile artistic statement.

Most Played Song: “Cry Baby”

Double Vision: Prince Royce
2 ½ Bubbles
Intended to be the global breakout for Latin superstar Prince Royce, Double Vision is his debut English album. Known for hits like “Darte Un Beso”, Double Vision was primed with A-List heavy weights in the form of Snoop Dogg, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, and Tyga. Neither single “Stuck on a Feeling” or “Back It Up” took off on American radio the way they were supposed to. When this album sticks towards it's pop leanings it stands strong, however when it slows down it tends to lose a lot of it's focus. Although, a consistently playable record it doesn't have the fun factor of Enrique Iglesias's Sex and Love or the charming personality of Enrique's breakout record “Hero”

Most Played Song: Tie between “Stuck on a Feeling” featuring Snoop Dogg and “Back It Up” featuring Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull.

Buy Double Vision

The Eephus: Wondaland
3 ½ Bubbles
A joint EP released by Janelle Monae's recording mates on Wondaland none of the songs on the EP live up to the fun of singles “Classic Man” and “Yoga”. The bonus remix of “Classic Man” featuring Kendrick Lamar does little to liven up the final two songs off the EP, which are both slow burns.

Most Played Song: “Yoga” featuring Jidenna.

Buy The Eephus

Emotion: Carly Rae Jepsen
4 Bubbles
The much lauded album by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen it features “Really Like You” a song that intended to return her to the top of the charts with a cameo studded music video. The album is a glossy, easy breezy, down your throat listen, even at 17 tracks long. An accomplishment that goes much further then any of the album's singles did.

Most Played Song: “Your Type”

Buy Emotion

Buy Deja Vu

Deja Vu: Giorgio Moroder
4 Bubbles
Disco heavy weight Giorgio Moroder returned to the studio with a list of musical superstars. See the tracklist complete with names like Britney Spears, Kelis, Kylie Minogue, Sia, and Charli XCX. The album's taste in the past is also what makes it current. As DJ, Giorgio gives us a playlist of ecstatic songs, and though his musical wizardry tends to work better for his female counterparts, Deja Vu is a constant and thoroughly rewarding record.

Most Played Song: “Deja Vu” featuring Sia

Fifty Shades of Grey: Soundtrack
4 Bubbles
Bolstered by hits “Earned It” and “Love Me Like You Do” this is the soundtrack that chronicled 2015's response to Basic Instinct is best to listen to on a slow rainy day. Full of slow burns and quintessential love songs, it's darkly atmospheric and features two Beyonce remixes that could hold the album down by itself. Album closer “I Know You” is a must listen by Skylar Grey.

Most Played Song: “I'm On Fire” by AWOLNATION

Buy Fifty Shades of Grey

Home: Soundtrack
3 Bubbles
Rihanna not only voiced the lead for animated film Home, but also lent her voice to 3 of the album's 8 songs. The best of these additions is “Towards The Sun”. The album also features tracks from Kiesza, Charli XCX, and Jennifer Lopez. This album will just have to bridge the gap until we get Anti. Jennifer Lopez shines on the delicate ballad “Feel The Light” that closes the album.

Most Played Song: “Feel The Light” by Jennifer Lopez

Buy Home

The Fool: Ryn Weaver
2 ½ Bubbles
This album hinges on an experimental electronic influence that is well captured on buoyant songs “Pierre” and “Octahate”. Ryn Weaver never quite matches the magic that made her contemporary, Halsey's debut so fascinating. It's a listenable if unremarkable debut. The Fool also features one of the most pretentious songs of 2015 finalized with the spoken word outro on “Traveling Song” that consists of talking about “turtle soup”

Most Played Song: “Octahate”

Buy The Fool

Honeymoon: Lana Del Rey
4 ½ Bubbles
Arguably her most critically lauded album yet, Honeymoon finds Lana Del Rey reveling in her own brand of off kilter pop. This album although not quite as good as last years Ultraviolence still has plenty of moments that reinforce why Lana Del Rey is such a popular staple. No more clear than in the explicit and summery lead off “High By The Beach”. Honeymoon stands as one of the most consistent pop releases of 2015 that's unlikely to in over anyone not impressed with her prior releases. A perfect addition to Lana Del Rey's ever growing canon.

Most Played Song: “Terrence Loves You”

Buy Honeymoon

How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful: Florence and The Machine
4 Bubbles
The first release from the indie rock band in four years it finds Florence Welch deepening her outlook on themes explored on their other two studio albums. The album is bolstered by her voice and big strings. Some songs falter in their length and remarkability, but the album is focused none the less and features some of the most anthmetic and personal work of her career.

Most Played Song: “What Kind Of Man”

Buy How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful

Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack U: Jack U
3 ½ Bubbles
One of the most celebrated DJ releases of the year it features production work by two of the most boundary pushing producers of this decade with Skrillex and Diplo teaming up to form the power duo Jack U. The expectation I had for this album was set high and oddly enough the album doesn't consistently push hard enough. That however doesn't stop it from being a wild 35:25 minute ride featuring the worldwide hit “Where Are You Now” that catapulted Justin Bieber back into the spotlight.

Most Played Song: “Febreeze” featuring 2 Chainz

Buy Jack U

Buy Love Stuff

No Good: Ivy Levan
4 Bubbles
Despite featuring production from Diplo and guest vocals from icon Sting, none of the singles released from No Good found a mainstream audience. Ivy Levan powers through with her trademark husky voice and material that places a different spin on the fifties aesthetic that Meghan Trainor made popular in 2014. Ivy Levan shines the best on the roof shakers and mid tempo fare, rather then when she slows it down on closing tracks like “Misery” and Whitney Houston inspired “It Ain't Easy”.

Most Played Song: “The Dame Says”

Love Stuff: Elle King
3 ½ Bubbles
Daughter of comedian Rob Schneider, Love Stuff finds Elle King snarling her way through a debut of modern rock. While some of the material pushes her too far (see “Last Damn Night” and “I Told You I Was Mean”) the album regardless has numerous highlights including the surprise sleeper hit “Ex's & Oh's”. She's at her best on tracks that showcase her fiery personality and when she's at her most vulnerable like “Make You Smile” or “Cocaine Carolina”.

Most Played Song: “Make You Smile”

Buy No Good

Peace is the Mission: Major Lazer
3 ½ Bubbles
Another Diplo helmed DJ set, his production as Major Lazer is decidedly reggae themed. Featuring global smash “Lean On” the album powers through some of the most fun dance music produced this year. The album features guest vocals from superstars Ellie Goulding and Ariana Grande.

Most Played Song: “All My Love (Remix)” featuring Ariana Grande and Machel Montano.

Buy Peace Is The Mission

Pitch Perfect 2: Soundtrack
3 Bubbles
The album fares just as well as the movie did. The more you liked the movie, the more you'll appreciate the accompanying soundtrack. As so often is the case the sequel proves to be not as good as the original. Besides the movies chronicled performance it also features new music from Ester Dean and Jessie J.

Most Played Song: “Crazy Youngsters” by Ester Dean

Buy Pitch Perfect 2

Rebel Heart: Madonna
4 Bubbles
Plagued by leaks, Rebel Heart turned into the longest album of Madonna's career the final tracklist coming in at 19 tracks long. While this album doesn't find it pushing boundaries the way previous Madonna releases like American Life and Ray of Light have it does find Madonna engaging in mainstream sound, much to her credit. The album features work by Diplo and Kanye West and an intriguing guest spot by Mike Tyson. The album is unwieldy and at times aimless, but mostly it is a positive reflection of what Madonna can contribute to music in the 21st century.

Most Played Song: “Bitch I'm Madonna” featuring Nicki Minaj

Buy Rebel Heart

Storyteller: Carrie Underwood
4 Bubbles
Carrie Underwood returns with a studio set built to tear country music apart. It's not a Carrie Underwood album if there's not a murder and there's plenty of that here. Carrie Underwood takes a back seat on this album, largely relegating herself to telling other people's stories. The album has everything that a blockbuster country album needs to shine. It's plays more consistently then 2012's Blown Away, which lost some of it's steam near the end and only works to reinforce how much we've missed Carrie in our life.

Most Played Song: “Dirty Laundry”

Buy Storyteller

Reflection: Fifth Harmony
3 Bubbles
An initial glance at this album would show it to be one of the glossiest releases of the year. The first five opening songs are exemplary of what processed pop is supposed to sound like. It's the final six tracks that sink into the nineties influenced R&B that Ariana Grande does so well, except on Fifth Harmony they play like throwaway B-Sides. The album although promising doesn't show the full potential of the group.

Most Played Song: “Top Down”

Buy Reflection

Sremm Life: Rae Sremmurd
4 Bubbles
Rap's latest and greatest duo, Rae Sremmurd dazzle with the ridiculous jangling of “No Flex Zone” and “Unlock The Swag”. The album benefits from guest appearances by Nicki Minaj and Big Sean. A thoroughly fun ride and the antithesis of what Kendrick Lamar is trying to do with the genre.

Most Played Song: “No Flex Zone”

Buy Sremm Life

Title: Meghan Trainor
3 ½ Bubbles
Chronicling the joys of a heteronormative world, Meghan Trainor does little to push or offend the base line of American values. The album is full of quirky oddities that make it more then just eleven different versions of “All About That Bass”. Title is at it's best with songs like the titular title track and “Dear Future Husband”, which go down just as sweet if you don't put too much stock in the lyrical content. However, she's surprisingly fun when pushing boundaries as she does on “Bang Them Sticks”.

Most Played Song: “Bang Them Sticks”

Buy Title

True Colors: Zedd
2 ½ Bubbles
German DJ, Zedd delivered his second studio album with the Selena Gomez led “Want You To Know”. The album often times finds him not pushing boundaries or giving us parodies of the top 40. Although, this works on “Beautiful Now” that is strongly reminiscent of something Ryan Tedder would produce. Despite a few notable tracks it falls short of an engaging concept album.

Most Played Song: “Papercut” featuring Troye Sivan

Buy True Colors

Buy Wild

Wild: Troye Sivan
2 Bubbles
The preview to his debut album Blue Neighborhood, this EP shows Troye Sivan's inability to replicate more then one substantial moody electro pop ballad per musical outing. “Wild” shines much like “Happy Little Pill” did on Tryxe. The EP would have benefited from the inclusion of “Papercut” an equally somber number found on Zedd's album True Colors. The other 5 of the 6 songs on Wild fail to make any impact and only undermine the fact that Troye Sivan can make amazing music. Instead of working on creating more thoughtful engaging songs like “Wild”, the EP is full of songs that serve as a canvas for experimental electronic influences that are supposed to count as his artistic vision.

Most Played Song: “Wild”

Savages: Five Knives
3 Bubbles
Unknown dance pop group Five Knives dropped one of the most fun and disposable albums of the year. Kicked off with the banger “Savages” and followed by a stream of trashy similarly minded ilk, the album although not about to redefine mainstream sound is exactly the kind of music to listen to when you've got your lip gloss on and the wind in your hair.

Most Played Song: “Savages”

Made in the AM: One Direction
4 Bubbles
More then likely this will be the fifth and final album by One Direction. Their upcoming hiatus a chance for them all to grope for Justin Timberlake stardom. Building on the mature pop/rock sound they've experimented with on their past two albums, Made In The AM is a testament and tribute to the reasons boy bands work their way into our hearts.

Most Played Song: “Perfect”

Favorite Album of The Year: Breathe In. Breathe Out by Hilary Duff

Buy

Favorite Song of the Year: "Breathe In. Breathe Out" by Hilary Duff

Buy "Breathe In. Breathe Out."

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Moon Child

11/13/2015

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As a general rule I question why every artist has a name for their fanbase. And, yet for some no matter how small, it just makes sense. It's a community.

For Kerli it just makes sense that she has her moon babies. I can just sense this protectiveness she has over her fans. Her moon children may be small in number, but their number doesn't matter. Being in love with Kerli is in the same as being in a wonderful cult.

Kerli is everyone's favorite Estonian. A country in the Baltic part of Europe right by Latvia and Lithunia and more noticeably, Russia. She's a unique beauty and has embraced prosthetic attachments on her face for musical appearances. Colored hair and of course glitter.

The only way to express what Kerli is doing is that she's a survivor. She grew up in an abusive household. Something she attributes to the dark undertones of her first album Love Is Dead. “Until you're absorbed by darkness you can't overcome it and face the light.”

Anyone paying close attention in 2008 would have been looking at Kerli to make it big. Even now there's still this possibility that she could be huge. The album has a twisted fairy tale aesthetic and is alternative goth electronic. It was experimental in a boundary pushing way. It's only single “Walking On Air” didn't make any impact in the United States.

Buy"Walking On Air"

Although, she remains the only Estonian artist to chart on the albums chart with Love Is Dead and Utopia at 126 and 196 respectively. The album sales for both were commercial disappointments. Part of the reason she split ways with her record label, Island.

She took a five year gap between Love Is Dead and Utopia. Releasing two electronic buzz tracks “Army of Love” and “Zero Gravity” as well as recording “Tea Party” for the Almost Alice soundtrack. Continuing to spread her own brand of pop excellence.

Utopia's lead off single remains one of my favorite songs. “The Lucky Ones”. It's gorgeous synth. Simple but effective. Her voice is the emotional centerpiece and the music video only drives home it's central idea. When I say it's one of my favorite songs, that's an exaggeration. I'm constantly coming back to it and being inspired by it.

Buy "The Lucky Ones"

Some Moon Babies called her a “sell out” for making more electronic music. A change in style hardly makes someone a sell out. Especially with a record label that failed to push this song onto the radio. Kerli could have been the breakout star of 2013.

In fact Utopia was released as an EP when originally it was intended to be a full studio release. They cut six songs from it, added a remix, and called it a day. They fucked her over.

Since, then Kerli's being featured on some experimental electronica from Seven Lions and Benny Benassi. She's cowritten some of my recently favorite songs. The highlight of the Pentatonix EP Vol. 3 “See Through” features Kerli as a contributor. And, Hilary Duff's Breathe In. Breathe Out features the ecstatic track “Confetti” that was originally a Kerli demo.

Right now she's signed to Ultra records. Working on a music video for her second album. Writing and producing all of her songs in the forests of Estonia. And, if you think I'm kidding, then you don't know Kerli.

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The Blue Neighborhood

10/30/2015

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Depending on how up you are on Troye Sivan's career you have a concept of what The Blue Neighborhood is. It's a film project, separated into three parts. Frankly, I think it's fascinating. It's three separate music videos promoting his latest EP Wild that he lauded as an album earlier this year.

Forewarning that this Friday Favorites is not an endorsement of Wild. I'm still listening to it. Giving it a few spins. I listen to it every time I go to work and I'm allowing it to really sink in.

This EP was promoted with the lead and titular title track “Wild”. I love this song. Much like Tryxe. The lead single “Happy Little Pill” is certainly the highlight. It's perfect mid tempo electro bliss. The music video for “Wild” is more boundary pushing.

Buy "Happy Little Pill"

I'm in love with the video and the song. The song is by far one of the best of 2015. Troye Sivan is one of everyone's favorite homosexual youtuber's. Besides me of course. He's the one who started this concept of coming out online.

Which, is why the video for “Happy Little Pill” was a little disappointing. It centered around a perfectly nice heterosexual couple. If that's what I wanted in a music video, I would just go to Meghan Trainor's vevo account.

“Wild” corrects that and makes Troye and this unknown the center of this love affair. It has the flashbacks to their childhood. Their two little boys who love each other. It's so cute. He nailed it. It's not even a question

Buy "Wild"

Troye said that he wanted there to be an innocent young gay relationship in a video and he certainly nailed that. He also said that he didn't want to skirt away from using personal pronouns like “he” and “him” from his music like Sam Smith does to reach a larger audience. It's a form of censorship and I certainly agree.

The follow up video was for “Fools”. Not one of my favorite tracks. I would have preferred “Ease” or even “Bite” being considered instead. But, we get what we get. In this video we get the fact that Troye Sivan's lover has an unaccepting family.

The video essentially ends with the two of them apart and his lover in a heterosexual relationship with his father's goading. For how much Troye wanted to break away from the mold of what music forces on relationships. It's interesting that he made the gay relationship unhappy. What a common trope. Homosexual relationships always end in tragedy.

Buy "Fools"

“Fools” ends with some product placement. Scenes show Troye Sivan at a funeral. I might have cried. I did cry. It was bad. I won't ruin the third installment for you. You can watch it to find out what happens.

Buy "Talk Me Down"

The Blue Neighborhood is cinematic in quality. Much like his lyrics. According to Troye these songs are built out of a love he has. It raises so many questions. Who is this boy? Are they dating right now? IS TROYLER REAL?

Troye should be releasing a full length album at some point. Although, I think this promotional strategy with five or six song EP's is a great way to introduce fans to his music. He's also going on a tour. And, worldwide enough in it's scope that you might be able to see Troye Sivan in your hometown.

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Best Albums of 2014

12/27/2014

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Let's be really clear about this list. It is simply a review of the albums I have bought this year. I could never numerically list my favorite albums for a year. I could knock some out of the top ten, but let's be honest. I love music too much. Now almost all the music I got this year, I bought the day it came out.

You know I like my CD. That means some albums I may have talked about or have wanted, I do not have. RuPaul never released Born Naked in a physical format, Troye Sivan didn't release TRYXE physically in the United States, and Azealia Banks will be putting Broke With Expensive Taste out in January. It will make next years list.

I'm going to try to be a cold calculated bitch to my faves. Will see how well this goes. I'll give you a general rating out of five bubbles and include the song I played the most individually according to my computer.

Buy Lights Out

Lights Out: Ingrid Michaleson
3 ½ Bubbles
I bought this album as a spur of the moment seven dollar purchase at Target. I really do enjoy it's acceptable hit “Girls Chase Boys” and its a nice album. It's a good folk pop. It's not my favorite, though. Like, I think it's good album, but I don't listen to it very often. The ballads are what bring this album down. It just drags. That being said there are some standout tracks including “Warpath”, “Time Machine”, and “One Night Town”.

Most Played Song: "One Night Town"

Buy 1989

1989: Taylor Swift
4 Bubbles
Who else was shocked at how great this album was. I bought it the moment it came out. The Target staff was still putting it up and I had to reach past them to get it. This album is so much better then “Shake It Off” predicted. I know I said I wouldn't it. Of course I did. I'm so glad, I did. I am now a proud and out Taylor Swift fan. This album is everything.

Most Played Song: Tie between “Welcome To New York” and “Blank Space”

A.K.A.: Jennifer Lopez
3 ½ Bubbles
This is Queen J.Lo's latest album. I was hyped for it. I wanted it so badly. And, it was kind of a disappointment. One of my favorite albums ever was her previous studio album Love? A.K.A. Really wasn't going to top that. As much as I've listened to the album it's not my favorite. And, this rating is actually based on the standard ten track album. I really love this album until “Booty” ends and then it just slides down. If you're not a Jennifer Lopez fan and you want this album. Get the standard edition. Its a more solid performance over all, then the deluxe.

Most Played Song: “Booty” featuring Pitbull

Buy A.K.A.

Aquarius: Tinashe
3 ½ Bubbles
Critics adored this album. I think it's solid, but like many albums I don't enjoy listening to it per say. I see the artistry and I think it was executed well, but Tinashe wanted to be both an R&B starlet and an expiremental mix tape girl. She tried to make it work. I don't know if it did. Some songs I thoroughly enjoyed were the title track, “Bet”, “All Hands On Deck”, and “Wildfire”

Most Played Song: “2 On”

Buy Aquarius

Cheek to Cheek: Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett
4 Bubbles
I bought it for Lady Gaga. Real talk. That's why the world bought it. This is a jazz album. I tentatively think it was well executed. I don't listen to jazz. When I do listen to this album I jam, but is it going to take the place of ARTPOP? Absolutely not.

Most Played Song: “I Can't Give You Anything But Love”

Buy Cheek to Cheek

Food: Kelis
4 Bubbles
This is an album. I don't listen to the songs individually when I listen to Kelis it is the full experience. This is a soul funk R&B album. I love it. It may not be for everyone, but it's an insanely well executed project.

Most Played Song: Tie between “Bless The Telephone” and “Jerk Ribs”

Buy Food

Flashing Lights: Havana Brown
3 Bubbles
I know technically this album came out in 2013, but the version I have of this album came out in 2014. So, I'm going to include it anyway, you know I love Havana Brown. That said it's surprising how not good I thought Flashing Lights was. Like it's everything to me, but I'm like wow this isn't actually tht good of an album. This happened, because of the lackluster quality of some of the filler tracks that are strung together four songs long. When this album is at it's high. It can't be beat. At it's lows it hurts. It also come as a surprise to me that the most played song I had was not “Warrior”, “We Run The Night”, “Big Banana”, "Naughty” or “Flashing Lights”. All songs I would say were better, but a song I would label as filler, but apparently incredibly enjoyable filler.

Most Played Song: “You'll Be Mine”

Buy Flashing Lights

Buy It's The Girls!

It's The Girls!: Bette Midler
3 ½ Bubbles
Legendary Bette Midler released yet another studio album. It is a collection of standard girl group songs. Executed well, not as well as other albums by her. I thoroughly enjoyed it.The album also offers great love advice.. Take the staggeringly over optimistic “Tell Him”. Sure just tell your crush you'll never leave him in his whole life. That you'll love him forever. That's not creepy. Side note do not go out of your way to get the Target edition. It's just two sappy ballads that are sub par for the set and don't add much to the record.

Most Played Song: “He's Sure The Boy I Love”

Going to Hell: The Pretty Reckless
4 ½ Bubbles
One of the best albums of the year. Obsessed. I love. Every song is almost perfect. It strays a little too hard rock for me at times, but that's because I'm not usually one of hard rocks biggest proponents. Buy this album. It's fronted by Gossip Girl alumn, Taylor Momsen, and man does she kill it as a provocative Lolita figure.

Most Played Song: Tie between “Heaven Knows”, “Why'd You Bring A Shotgun To The Party”, and “Fucked Up World”

Buy Going To Hell

Motion: Calvin Harris
4 Bubbles
DJ Calvin Harris has hit his stride. This album is everything you want, radio friendly pop fodder with plenty of bangers. The fantastic Big Sean feature with “Open Wide” or the Tinashe led “Dollar Signs”. He did a great job creating a flowing record. It also doesn't hurt that he back loaded the album with it's best songs. Another collaboration with Ellie Goulding hit home and you should check this album out before these songs hit the top ten.

Most Played Song: Tie between “Pray to God” featuring Haim and “Dollar Signs” featuring Tinashe

Buy Motion

Buy The New Classic

Nick Jonas: Nick Jonas
3 Bubbles
I wanted more from this album. There are no shirtless pictures in the booklet, so what the fuck Nick. But, just at it's core I'm not in love. It doesn't turn me off. I'm not opposed to buying another Nick Jonas album, I'm just not entirely bought into this Nick. The lyrics really do bother me on some of these songs. “If I can't have you, no one will”. It's kind of creepy. His duet with Mike Posner is disgusting. There are just some things that turn me off to this album. That said I was pleasantly surprised at how good the duet with Demi Lovato was, and you know I don't like her.

Most Played Song: “Numb” featuring Angel Haze

The New Classic: Iggy Azalea
2 Bubbles
I want to read this album, but the hits bolster it just enough for me not to tear it apart. I am not a fan of this album. The Reclassified is probably the shit. Streamlined with the best. All the effort was put into the hits. I don't know. She makes stabs at 'real' hip hop and it just doesn't strike home like her pop renderings. There were some album only songs that I adore like “Fuck Love” and the ridiculous “Lady Patra”. I even like “Walk The Line”. But, when paired against the hits. The other songs fall flat. This doesn't fulfill the joy of an album experience.

Most Played Song: “Fancy” featuring Charli XCX

Buy Nick Jonas

Platinum: Miranda Lambert
3 ½ Bubbles
Miranda is my country darling, I love her music. This is a rambling album and it works. It does, but as a rambling album some songs turn me off to the overall aesthetic. “Little Red Wagon” being the biggest put down. And, I read in a review that they consider it a stand out track, so I might just be missing something. There's her trademark humor in tow with “Old Shit” and “Gravity is a Bitch”. I am also not impressed with lead single “Automatic”. It's kind of condescending and it doesn't really sound like Miranda. It also must be known that I am overwhelmed with both “Smokin' and Drinkin'” and “Platinum”. They barely missed being the my most played song.

Most Played Song: “Something Bad” feauturing Carrie Underwood

Buy Platinum

Queen of the Clouds: Tove Lo
3 Bubbles
Another album I want to get into. I didn't it. It didn't click for me. “Like Em Young” did resonate with me. I just want to send this song to my crush anonymously and say how does this make you feel. The concept of splitting the album into three distinct parts of “The Sex”, “The Love” and “The Pain”. That was really cool. I know someone who loves this album. Give it a shot. I'm going to keep trying. Tove Lo as a pop star intrigues me.

Most Played Song: “Not On Drugs”

Buy Queen of the Clouds

That's Christmas to Me: Pentatonix
3 Bubbles
People went gaga for this acapella Christmas album this year. I bought it because of Mitch and Scott. It's acceptable Christmas fair. It does not compete with Celine Dion or Bette Midler. If you want it I say go get it.

Most Played Song: “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”

Buy That's Christmas To Me

Shakira: Shakira
3 ½ Bubbles
Shakira did a stint on The Voice and tried her damnedest to get American radio play by throwing Rihanna onto the lead off single “Can't Remember To Forget You”, but never the less her latest album didn't produce a sizable hit in the United States. I enjoy this album. I don't think it's as good as say Laundry Service, She Wolf, or Sale El Sol. But, it's an easy breezy listen that stands up stronger then either part of the Oral Fixation series. I also thoroughly enjoyed her duet with country superstar, Blake Shelton that was trashed by more then one critic.

Most Played Song: “Can't Remember To Forget You” featuring Rihanna

Buy Shakira

Sex and Love: Enrique Iglesias
3 Bubbles
This is one of those weird albums that works, but I can't honestly tell you it's a good album. It's Enrique Iglesias. I've listened to this album numerous times and I love it. Also, the song I trashed when I compared him to Shakira is my most listened to song. This is just a thoroughly good ride. You can't take it as artistry, but more as good fun. Whether that be “Bailando”, “There Goes My Baby”, “Physical” or “Beautiful”. It works because Enrique plays off of his public persona. If you like his public image. You should really enjoy this album.

Most Played Song: “I'm A Freak” featuring Pitbull

Buy Sex and Love

Buy Sheezus

Sheezus: Lily Allen
2 ½ Bubbles
Thunder and J.Lo bought me this album for my birthday. I still like Lily Allen, but this album blends. Most of the tracks are too similar. There are definitely some songs I jam out to, but it's just not my favorite thing this year. I wouldn't avoid it, still it's not on the top of my list. Some of the songs I really enjoyed were the title track, “Close Your Eyes” and “Silver Spoon”. If you are a die hard Lily Allen. Buy this album. You need it as part of your collection.

Most Played Song: “Hard Out Here”

Sound of a Woman: Kiesza
3 ½ Bubbles
Solid and unique debut by dance singer Kiesza. This is artistic dance music in the highest regard. It doesn't hit home for me quite hard enough and some of the more R&B inspired tracks leave me bored. However, I like her and would look into her next album. If you didn't hear her almost hit “Hideaway” that's something you should get on.

Most Played Song: “Hideaway”

Buy Sound of a Woman

Super Critical: The Ting Tings
4 ½ Bubbles
The Ting Tings are one of the winners this year in music. True they are my favorite band, but this album got to me. First listen I was set on three bubbles. A few more spins later and this new disco sound was everything I wanted from The Tings. It's light fun filled and some of the tracks I initially questioned, I am now in love with. The only two that haven't quite clicked are “Wabi Sabi” and “Green Poison”, but I still like them. Of the two singles released so far, I believe “Do It Again” is the best.

Most Played Song: “Failure”

Buy Super Critical

Volume 3: Pentatonix
3 ½ Bubbles
3rd EP from acapella group Pentatonix it includes covers of some of the years most popular songs. When you play a game like that it comes down to whether you like the original version better or not. They usually hold there own when it comes to the covers. It's the original song “Papaoutai” that features violinist Lindsey Stirling that disappoints me the most. I had so much hopes, because it's Lindsey Stirling and it did not come through.

Most Played Song: “See Through”

Buy Volume 3

Ultraviolence: Lana Del Rey
4 ½ Bubbles
Moody songstress Lana Del Rey came out with her second album the same day as Jennifer Lopez. I like this album better. Maybe not at first, but it's sunk into my soul. Every song is a masterpiece. I've played each individually and I don't know what keeps it from being a five bubble experience for me. Lana Del Rey knew what she wanted for this album and she delivered. I would recommend it to anyone. My mother and Boomer both claimed that they preferred Born to Die better. I told them to never talk to me again.

Most Played Song: “Ultraviolence”

Buy Ultraviolence

The Voyager: Jenny Lewis
4 ½ Bubbles
Adore would be too light of a word for how I feel about Jenny Lewis. If you want to know what emotional state I was in for a better part of 2014, you can listen to this album. It's soft, modern rock. It's easy listening. The only reason it's not a straight five bubbles is that one of the final songs “Aloha & The Three Johns” just didn't quite sit well with me. If I was to tell you an album you need to buy this year, it would be this one. Both Cosmopolitan and Billboard included this album on their year end lists.

Most Played Song: “She's Not Me”

Buy The Voyager

Buy The Pinkprint

Sucker: Charli XCX
4 Bubbles
This album could be a grower or I could hate it. Do not be fooled by “Boom Clap” this is not a traditional pop album. Like it is, but this is kind of punk rock with pop thrown in. “Boom Clap” doesn't really fit the album that well. It was just a major hit. I enjoy this album, but I am on the fence. High on the fence, but on the fence none the less. Enter into this album at your own risk, but I think Charli created a winner. Fans of her last outing True Romance may be disappointed. It is not even close to the same release as True Romance and that came out just last year.

Most Played Song: “Break The Rules”

Buy Sucker

The Pinkprint: Nicki Minaj
4 Bubbles
I really haven't had a chance to live with The Pinkprint. I am a huge Nicki fan, and I'm just so excited with the new Nicki music. It's introspective, but mantains that rap braggadocio, and there are some solid pop moments as well. The one that really stands out to me is “The Night Is Still Young”. Download it. It's going to be released as a single. Something I am holding against Nicki on this album is under utilizing Beyonce on “Feeling Myself”. Not that the song is bad, but you have Beyonce and this what you give us. What happened. At 21 tracks long, some of the songs could have been cut, but that's a hip-hop album for you. There are too many songs and it's too long and you love it. Queen Nicki, slayed it.

Most Played Song: “Bed of Lies” featuring Skylar Grey

Favorite Album of the Year: Tie between Going to Hell by the Pretty Reckless, Super Critical by The Ting Tings, Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey, and The Voyager by Jenny Lewis.

Buy

Favorite Song of the Year: “Failure” by The Ting Tings

Buy "Failure"

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This Is Halloween

10/31/2014

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Happy Halloween, everyone. I hope you are doing something real exciting. I was supposed to be going to a murder mystery party today. Instead I am at work. We were not allowed to ask off from work, and I was like please god. He did not answer. Hopefully it is not busy. We shall see.

Now some of you may be hosting a party tonight, just looking for some good music to put on in order to be festive. That is what I am here to do. I love all of these songs. With any luck these should be the creepy that you did not think of to add to your Halloween play list. I will not insult your intelligence. I'm sure you got the cornerstones: “Thriller”, “Disturbia”, “This Is Halloween”.

Last year Queen B deposited some perfect Halloween music for us. “Haunted” should have the feel that you want for a Halloween party. It is minimalist and it's also called “Haunted”. So, that lyrical content is on point. I also think her cover of Amy Winehouse's “Back to Black” with Andre 3000 is a strong contender to being added to your play list. If you don't feel it, maybe the original Amy version is more to your liking.

Buy "Haunted"

For BoA's first and only English studio album, she did a cover of girl group Monrose's “Scream”. It might not be perfect Halloween mood, but unlike Christmas we do not have albums dedicated to the subject. I like BoA's version better, because I like BoA. She's a major K-Pop, J-Pop star in line with the stardom of Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera.

Buy "Scream"

The video is what makes “Two Black Cadillacs” a perfect song for Halloween. It's about this possessed car that ends up killing a man. Perfect for Halloweeen. And of course the song itself is about the same thing. Killing a man who has done you wrong. Carrie Underwood always reinventing how to get even with a man.

Buy "Two Black Cadillacs"

Known for “Forget You”, his spot on The Voice, and his recent comments on rape Cee Lo Green released a solid soul R&B album The Lady Killer. I still like the album. I just don't know what he's doing with his life. But, one of the songs on it is “Bodies”. An evident precursor to his thoughts on rape now that I think about it. Still perfectly creepy for Halloween. It is heavily suggested by the song that his lovers body is found dead in his bed. The backing music alone should be strong enough to grab your attention.

Buy "Bodies"

Now this is more of a fun lyrically relevant Halloween song by Diablo Swing Orchestra. Part rock band, part Orchestra, part Opera their fun and silly song “Voodoo Mon Amour” should shift the underlying emotional stress of previous song “Bodies”.

Buy "Voodoo Mon Amour"

You should be aware that I adore Fergie. I mean I did do a week of Fergie. So, there should be no surprise that her song “Voodoo Doll” found it's way onto this list. With hushed lyrics (I don't have arms, I don't have any human qualities) and talk of stalling the devil and looking into crystal balls. Both musically and lyrically it should find space on a Halloween playlist.

Buy "Voodoo Doll"

“I'm In It” may not exemplify Halloween, but Kanye West throws in enough robotic screams to make it a terrifying pop/rap experience on his last album Yeezus.

Buy "I'm In It"

Of course Lady Gaga found her way into Halloween. With more then one song to choose from, I settled on “Bloody Mary” and “Monster” as exemplary Halloween lore.

Buy "Bloody Mary"

Buy "Monster"

With Lana Del Rey almost all of her songs have the right atmosphere for a Halloween bash. You could pick either of the title tracks off of albums Born to Die or Ultraviolence and have a perfect Halloween slow jam. However, “Gods and Monsters” off of her EP Paradise is much more inclined towards the spirit of the holiday over the other two tracks. Halloween is all about being in the lands of Gods and Monsters.

Buy "Gods and Monsters"

Queen Madonna after thirty years in the music business has made more then enough music for at least one of her songs to make it's way into this list. Let's start with 2012's “Gang Bang”. All about shooting her lover in the head over and over, meeting him in hell and doing it all over again. Halloween enough for you?

A Justin Timberlake backed “Voices” closes out her Hard Candy, just in time for Halloween. There are voices in “your head”. Creepy bells to close out the track and enough lyrical content to suggest being possessed to warrant a nod towards the month of October.

This song is much more fun and upbeat. It was a leftover from Like a Prayer and it found its way onto the B-Side of her “Cherish” single. Something is “Supernatural”, some have suggested that it is the touch of your hand. While, I just like to think it was made for Halloween. If you like it. Rip the song from youtube. You can't download it legally from iTunes or anything like that.

Buy "Gang Bang"

Buy "Voices"

You should be familiar with Phil Collins classic “In The Air Tonight”. Knowing the back story to this song, should help you realize why it's perfect for tonight. It has been said that the lyrics tell the story of someone drowning, crying out for help, and that person choosing not to save them. It has also been suggested that the narrator is Phil Collins himself, who saw all of this happen, but was unable to do anything to stop it. Over the years Phil Collins has always denied that this song means “anything”. It's still a fascinating story none the less isn't it?

Buy "In The Air Tonight"

There should be no explanation for why The Pretty Reckless's song “Going to Hell” made the cut. If you like this song by the Taylor Momsen fronted band, you might also be interested in their song “Zombie”.

Buy "Going To Hell"

We all know Rihanna's major smash “Disturbia” and scene stealing “Russian Roulette”, but what about the opener to album Rated-R, “Mad House”? Under two minutes long. There's no reason not to let her open up your Halloween bash.

Buy "Mad House"

Silly Christian band The W's is my final suggestion with their song “The Devil is Bad”. Between all the zombies, bloody mary's, drownings, and debauchery of the night it might be good to remember that the devil is bad.

Buy "The Devil Is Bad"

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I'm Feeling BOMBASTIC

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Best Albums of 2015

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