I kept listening

I was introduced to the stylings of Lana Del Rey though her now infamous appearance on SNL in January of 2012. The next day she was billed as the worst performer ever to appear on the show and dragged through the mud by the media and everyone online for the next little while. I did agree with the fact that the performance was horrible but I don’t know about it being the worst. I wasn’t impressed to say the least and went on with my life ignoring it.

But then she appeared on a few playlists I found. For the longest time I didn’t even know who sang the songs, I just knew I liked them. They grew on me even more and I finally bothered to check who it was. I couldn’t believe it really. I found a few more songs of her’s that I liked and was content for some time.

Currently I’m in a mood for new music, decided to pick up her album “Born to Die” – to get the full Lana Del Rey treatment – and I have to admit I am very impressed by it.

The album is filled with tortured ballads of love, lust, and the fast life. Her raspy low voice has a melancholic nonchalance that’s backed by music with a dramatic air. The juxtaposition of these elements work together making for interesting listening.

You want to dance to some of it.

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Some of it you listen to as you reflect on a love you have never had that leaves you paralyzed.

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Others you play pool side as you relive the glamourous life of the a 1950’s screen star.

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And some are simply salacious

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It has a very specific feel too it that is hard to explain. She almost sounds bored but sad about that boredom like it means everything and nothing at the same time. And I think somehow I just get that.

Some people will not like this, they may think it is kind of droning and boring which I do understand. But the drama of it makes it so much more.

My friend at work who introduced me to Passion Pit, passed on a new link. It was for a 16 year old up and coming New Zealand artist.

Lorde – Royals

I was not prepared for that. The deep soulful voice accompanied by the simple beat is just intoxicating. It is a great contrast to the over produced songs that are a regular on the charts today.  I immediately started looking for more songs.

There aren’t currently a lot of songs by her but what I found was great. These are my favourites…so far.

Lorde – The Love Club

Lorde – Bravado

I find this song haunting in the vein of Florence and the Machine. It is simply fantastic. I can’t wait for an album to drop, I would be all over that. I would say that is another good recommendation.

And then this was released last week.

It is so good. Janelle Monae’s voice is simply amazing and I love Erykah Badu’s weirdness. I am thinking this is another album I will have to pick up.

Tra