Smooth moves and good vibes

I’ve been feeling cautiously optimistic lately. Most likely because of the imminent reprieve from the bitter cold of winter. Here comes the sun and not a moment too soon! In my haste to shake off the winter blues, I’ve put aside the goth rock, post-punk and industrial metal to embrace some more mellow, hopeful sounds. 

I’ve been listening to a lot of Tropicália music. Tropicália is a Brazilian artistic movement that began in the late 1960’s and was rooted in political upheaval and a desire for social change. Following the overthrow of the elected government of President João Goulart in 1964, Brazil's newly installed military government was cracking down on dissent in all forms, including strict censorship of media and critical songs.

In response, Brazilian artists fought for creative freedom through the revolutionary movement Tropicália; an artistic movement that includes music, film, visual and performing arts. Tropicália music combines traditional Brazilian music with elements of pop, rock and jazz. 

Smooth moves and good vibes is a playlist inspired by Tropicália, but it's a mixed bag of French electro, krautrock, afro funk, 80’s pop and a bunch of other gold thrown in for good measure. 

I'm Back Baby!

I know most of you thought I was dead, but no, actually what happened was I got really, really quiet. For almost five years. And I know that's a long time between blog posts, but what is it they say? If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all?

It's not really fair to say nothing nice has happened in music in the last five years. We've seen the runaway success of Amyl and the Sniffers and the debut of Silk Sonic. We heard the true story of Wham! resulting in vindication for Andrew Ridgeley (I freaking love that guy). And St. Vincent, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Janelle Monae, Public Image Ltd. and Blur all released new albums.

Post COVID, it seems every band and artist is touring, and even though I don't know anyone personally who was able to get tickets for Taylor Swift's upcoming Melbourne show, somebody somewhere must have snagged one. And the nicest thing of all? Guitar Wolf played at my local. Guitar Wolf!! At my local!!!

While it's true I have not blogged for many years, I have not given up making stellar playlists. You could even say it's a hobby of mine. I love to think about the way songs fit together thematically to tell a story, or express a mood or feeling. 

This playlist pulls togther a collection of tunes that span decades and musical styles; ranging from The Zombies' 1960's psychedelic rock and the lovely Yé-yé sounds of Françoise Hardy, to the smooth soul of Erykah Badu, the hard rocking Rollins Band and the drum n' bass stylings of Josh Abrahams. You know, to remind us all that it's complicated.

January 2019 Playlist

It's taken almost all month, but here it is; my first post for 2019. Happy new year to you all, by the way. 

I feel good about the year to come. The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades. The shades also stop the scorching, Australian sun from burning my eyes out. Seriously, it has been so freaking hot. Temperatures of the likes we've never seen before. No such thing as climate change, my arse!

So, the Roxy talks Music January Playlist has a very positive vibe. It wasn't intentional, it just turned out that way. But it's definitely reflective of my current outlook. It's crazy that it's taken me so long to put some Roxy Music on a playlist, but I really have been listening to them a lot lately, and I have to say, there's no better way to start the year. Aaaaand.... Weezer's version of TLC's 'No Scrubs' from their recently released Teal album of covers makes me laugh. 

Albums To Get You Through A Sick Day

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.

Betty Davis 'The Columbia Years 1968-1969'

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.

Monster Magnet 'Dopes To Infinity'

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.

Queen 'A Kind Of Magic'

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.

Madonna 'The Immaculate Collection'

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.

Classic Album Review: Purple Rain

Check out my review for the classic Prince and the Revolution album 'Purple Rain'.' You can read it here BOOP!