Belle Blue – “Needed You More”
-Don’t let the cathartic, easy going energy of the opening make you think this is not a legit rock jam. Just stick with it… the soaring electric guitars will get your ears ringing in no time. Belle Blue sings with an alt rock grittiness that shines really well on the chorus. I’m going to make a throwback reference here, but this sound reminds me of Courtney Love back in the early days of grunge. There’s a wonderful balance between gritty elements and then swooning melodic moments as well. It’s a love song… er, maybe… more like an expression of desire and interest in the realm of vague romantic context. Call it what you will, this song is unlike any rock you’ve heard, at least recently. Give it a spin.
Djazz – “1985”
-It’s a bit ironic that I accepted this track because I have definitely told some artists “no thanks” because the sound was too 80s for us. Now this track really leans into the nostalgic energy and I said yes. It really connected with me personally, though, and so I had to say yes. The dynamic beat and the synths feels like the soundtracks to a lot of the hit films of the 80s. The lyric message even feels like quintessential 80s about living life your own way. The generation of “be who you want to be” in song from, complete with optimistic hand claps and an adventurous, monumental bridge. This one should be a hit… 40 years ago!
Arkells – “What Good?”
-I’m not sure exactly how many times I’ve covered Arkells, but they’ve become one of those bands that I lean towards “yes” as I click play. It’s easy to hear why I like the sound so much… the instrumentation is elite, the vocals are relatable, and the groove is to die for. This is a sound that feels like it’s begging for you to tap your toes and sing along. The lyrical theme is a bit silly, almost making fun of the rat race and the way people chase money to very little end. It’s the kind of song that reminds me to stop stressing and just enjoy life. The artsy people in my life (visual artists and musicians, alike) often nudge me toward this perspective… what good? What are you doing that brings you “everlasting life?” Live a little!
Image courtesy: Belle Blue IG
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