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.

Album Review: Melody's Echo Chamber LP

2012
11 songs
Length: 44:30
Available to buy from Fat Possum Records

French musician, Melody Prochet, released her debut album as Melody's Echo Chamber in 2012. Described as psychedelic rock/dream pop, it was produced by Kevin Parker of Australian rock and roll band, Tame Impala. With her second album 'Bon Voyage,' due to be released this year, I figured now would be the perfect time to revisit Prochet's stunning debut.

Prochet began as a classical music student. She met Parker while supporting Tame Impala on their 2010 European tour with her previous act, My Bee's Garden. Prochet claimed that she found the study of classicism restrictive, so it was a natural progression for her to collaborate with someone with a rock and roll background (Fat Possum Records). The result is a psychedelic, space rock/dream pop adventure.

Prochet delivers beautiful melodies and sings with a sugary sweet voice. 'I Follow You' has an ethereal quality to it, the sweetness ruffled slightly by fuzzed out guitars and finishing off with a noisy riff reminiscent of that signature Dinosaur Jr. sound. 'Crystallized' begins with dreamlike, echoing melodies, before descending into psychedelic, distorted space rock madness. 'You Won't be Missing That Part of Me' sounds like rock and roll chamber music from space.

Prochet's classical background is apparent, meshing nicely with a rock and roll sound. 'Some Time Alone, Alone' pairs beautiful arpeggios with a heavier rock sound and the album's quintessential reverb. 'Quand Vas Tu Rentrer' incorporates beguiling chord arrangements that create a 1960’s French pop feel; a bit like Francoise Hardy or France Gall. 'Bisou Magique' employs musical texture to great effect, imbuing it with a dark, otherworldly quality.

The album delves into experimental territory on, 'IsThatWhatYouSaid,'a mish mash of distortion and effects that has the feeling of a bad acid trip; and 'Snowcapped Andes Crash,' which sharply veers away from the album's mostly pop rock sound. On 'Be Proud of Your Kids' we are treated to the prattle of a cute, little French kid, while Prochet croons in her sweet, girlish voice that we should show our children love every chance that we get.

'Melody's Echo Chamber,' is an interesting ride. The overall dream pop/space rock flavour works nicely with Prochet's sweet sounding voice and enchanting arrangements. The first half of the album is definitely stronger, with the second half losing focus towards the end. But it's well worth a listen (or thirty) and I'm looking forward to hearing more from Melody's Echo Chamber in the very near future.