The last couple of days have been miserable. I’ve been holed up in my cosy living room with a serious case of the sniffles and a healthy dose of self pity. Thankfully, I have music to get me through these tough (and snotty) times, and so I’m sharing with you my sick day soundtrack.
Nothing lifts my spirits like some classic funk and this album fits the bill perfectly. Released in 2016, this is mostly previously unreleased material that sees Davis working with the likes of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, members of Jimi Hendrix’s band and others. Davis is considered to be one of the most influential funk artists well ahead of her time. Just be careful this one doesn’t get you moving so much, you end up in a coughing fit.
Often when I find myself less than effervescent, I turn to the tried and true psychedelic, space rock overlords, Monster Magnet. ‘Dopes to Infinity’ was their 1995 breakthrough album with their first hit single ‘Negasonic Teenage Warhead.’ I remember watching the video clip on Rage when I was fifteen and thinking it was freaking cool. I don’t know what it is exactly about Monster Magnet that makes me feel so good, but I figure it’s best not to dwell on it.
Okay, this one is a no-brainer. If listening to Queen doesn’t make you feel better, I’m afraid nothing can. Queen are so epic and uplifting. Freddie Mercury, with his mind blowing voice, plucks at my heartstrings just like an angel on a harp (rest in peace, dear Freddie). There are so many good songs on this album, but ‘Friends Will Be Friends’ is one of my favourites.
All of my favourite Madonna songs on one album? Yes please! I love this album, it makes me so happy, I almost forget I can’t breathe through my nose. From ‘Holiday’ to ‘Into The Groove,’ ‘Open Your Heart’ and ‘Express Yourself,’ this album encompasses all of the feels of my childhood. I was a hardcore Madonna fan before I hit my teens. Now, excuse me while I vogue.
2017 10 songs Length: 32:07 Available to buy from his store
I can’t get enough of Benjamin Booker. I first heard his latest album ‘Witness’ a couple of weeks ago and it’s pretty much all I’ve listened to since. ‘Witness’ is a mix of blues and garage rock that pairs the raw blues guitar of his first album with a more extensive sound.
Booker’s debut self-titled album was recorded in Nashville in 2013 and released in 2014. It was an instant success, debuting in the top 10 of Billboard's Alternative Albums and Independent Albums charts. It lead to appearances on ‘Late Night with David Letterman’ and ‘Conan’ and touring with Jack White and Courtney Barnett. It shows off some impressive guitar work with a vintage rock ‘n roll sound.
‘Witness’ encompasses elements of Booker’s self-titled debut, but also much more. It also has less of the raw, frantic energy of Booker’s debut, although you wouldn’t know it from the opening track ‘Right on You,’ which is an uptempo, rock ‘n roll gem. ‘Off the Ground’ is another throwback, lulling you into sleepy submission before exploding into a rock ‘n roll number.
Booker has embraced a more soulful, gospel sound that complements his husky voice beautifully. The title track features gospel singer Mavis Staples, and was described by the New York Times as ‘a piano-pounding hymn for Black Lives Matter.’ ‘Believe’ incorporates strings with gospel harmonies for a poignant examination of faith and ‘Carry’ is incredibly heartfelt.
Booker carves out some lovely melodies.‘The Slow Drag Under,’ has the feel of an African-American folk song. ‘Truth is Heavy,’ is richly textured with some intricate guitar work. ‘Overtime’ has a surf rock tinge.
‘Witness’ is a fantastic sophomore album from an accomplished singer, songwriter and guitarist. The album is proof of Booker’s evolution as an artist; incorporating enough of the old sound with some wonderful new elements.
Quinny Quicksilver is the nine year old author of the blog, Diamond Panda Book Reviews. She loves music almost as much as she loves reading and has a definite preference for pop rock. Here Quinny shares with us some of her favourite albums and what it is about them she loves.
Saving Jane - 'Supergirl'
Released in 2008, 'Supergirl' is the fourth album by American pop rock band, Saving Jane. 'I like poppy rock stuff,' explains Quinny. 'I like that it's heavier than just regular pop music and I especially like pop rock bands with girl singers.' Quinny's favourite song on the album is 'Better Day,' because of it's anti 'damsel in distress' message.
Avril Lavigne - 'Best Damn Thing'
Canadian pop star Avril Lavigne is one of Quinny's favourite artists. Her 2007 album 'Best Damn Thing' is one of Quinny's most listened to albums. 'I definitely like Avril's attitude,' enthuses Quinny, 'she stands up for herself, she's really cool and I just think she's amazing.'
P.S. Says Quinny, 'it's important to know that girls shouldn't treat each other the way that Avril does in 'Girlfriend.' Girls need to stick together and look out for each other. It's a catchy song though.'
The Veronicas - 'Hook Me Up'
Electropop duo, The Veronicas, are identical twins Lisa and Jessica Origliasso, from Brisbane, Australia. 'Hook Me Up' is their second album and was released in 2007. The Veronicas' punky image appeals to Quinny. 'I like 'Hook Me Up' because it's emotional in some ways, and I like the upbeat music. I also like the way they alternate their singing and the way their voices are emphasised in certain parts.'
Pink - 'Funhouse: The Tour Edition'
Pop rock singer, Pink's 'Funhouse' is her fifth studio album. The album was originally released in 2008, with the tour edition re-released in 2009, and including two bonus tracks and a DVD. 'It seems everyone I listen to has a bit of attitude!' laughs Quinny. 'I like her voice and that some of her songs have some strange lyrics, and that makes her different from everyone else. I like that about her.'
Natalie Imbruglia - 'Left Of The Middle'
'Left of the Middle' is the 1997 debut album from Australian singer, Natalie Imbruglia. 'It was Dad that first played me Natalie Imbruglia. He thought I might like her, and I did,' recalls Quinny. 'I like her because she sounds sweet, but her lyrics say something different. I also like the upbeat music.'
Cyndi Lauper - 'She's So Unusual'
Cyndi Lauper is one of the original female pop stars with attitude. Her primarily new-wave debut album 'She's So Unusual,' which was released in 1983, was a critical and commercial success. 'Cyndi Lauper is also one of my favourites, obviously,' states Quinny. 'She's funny, kind and her music is just brilliant! I like her voice and that she's sometimes goofy. And her music is amazing.'
Garbage - 'The Absolute Collection'
'The Absolute Collection' was released in 2012 and is the second greatest hits album of the American-Scottish rock band, Garbage. 'I like Garbage because they are pop rock,' says Quinny. 'I really like Shirley Manson. I like her voice and I like that the music is heavier. Mum and Dad like Garbage too, so we listen to this together a lot. I think that's fun.'
Paramore - 'After Laughter'
'After Laughter' is the fifth studio album from American pop rock band, Paramore. Released just this year, it has a much more synth-pop sound than their earlier albums. Says Quinny, 'this is the Paramore album I've listened to the most, and I like that it's poppy. I like the song lyrics too, I think they are more interesting than the lyrics in regular pop songs.'
