Filtering by Category: New Music

"Used to Love You" by Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani can do no wrong. Only she can write a real song about her broken marriage, that anyone can relate to. Only Gwen can bring back the close-up  music video style circa Alanis'  "Head Over Feet" in the best way possible. Only she can make the best facial expression ever at 2:10. Every aspect of this video has Gwen written all over it, which is why it's so perfect.


"The Shade (I Want it All)" by Metric

I had high hopes for Metric after their 2009 album Fantasies. It was one of those rare albums that felt like a work of art in its entirety, like if any track was missing, it wouldn't make sense. That artistry, unfortunately, was short-lived.  Lead singer Emily Haines sounds like she's having convulsions on this track. Not to mention, it sounds like noise from a video games, and I feel like I should be dodging fireballs or something. Plus: budget video, much?

"Bad Blood" by Taylor Swift (feat. Kendrick Lamar)

I can't support this video. The camera flashes from cameo to cameo of every one of Swift's young, hot, famous BFFs. Each celeb gives their fiercest face in pleather outfits, armed with weapons. I'm just not convinced: neither a size 0 Victoria Secret model, nor a skinny and bony Swift are menacing. Not to mention, Ellen Pompeo's face isn't dangerous. Yet Mariska Hargitay - the most badass of them all - doesn't have any weapons. What's up with that?


"Don't Wanna Fight" by Alabama Shakes

This song is killer. It's infectious, addictive, soulful, rhythmic and beautiful. By the end of it, you want to bury all your hatchets and start a dance party instead. Brittany Howard is a grittier version of Tracy Chapman, and like a true musician,  plays music from the inside out. The vibe they create is chills-inducing, in the best way possible. They shouldn't be so underrated - they're too talented.

Recorded and Filmed at Capitol Studios / Studio A / Hollywood, CA Directed by Danny Clinch Cinematography by Josh Goleman Mixed by Shawn Everett Recorded April 13, 2015. From the new album "Sound & Color" available now.

"Cool on Fire" by Daniel Johns

I can't tell if I love this or hate it. How am I supposed to dissociate now solo artist Daniel Johns from Silverchair like it's no big deal? He sang "Pure Massacre", now all of a sudden, he's all sultry and seductive. What's up with him giving bedroom eyes while being covered in sand? Why is he wearing a costume jewelry necklace? Why isn't he as angry as he was in the 90s? The only thing I am certain of is this track makes me wanna dance; so props for doing you, Daniel Johns.