Songs on Repeat: April 2023

Here's a round up of the songs old and new we've been enjoying at Click Roll Boom HQ this month.

Kempsey:

Still Breathing - Health ft Ekkstacy (2022)

I love a lot of electronic and industrial rock, this track is very tame, however and gets me in my feels too much but at the same time a very important tool. I adore it and I've had a hefty month so definitely one to recommend for anyone into heavily emotive tracks.

Happy Song- Bring Me The Horizon (2015)

Not sure how I got back into BMTH but I blame it on a few car rides with friends and a few memes here and there and boom back into the obsession. This is such an anthem and is highly addictive.

Evil - Melanie Martinez (2023)

Highly contagious and bubbly song, but this is staple to Melanie Martinez, after a long time hushed from the industry im just happy to be hearing this album. Evil is my favourite track so naturally on repeat 100% this month.

Party - Daughter (2023)

Another track from a highly anticipated album I am waiting for. I just binge a lot of singles and EPs from artists that are releasing new albums. This one is really consistent with a soothing bounce and vocal melody. I adore Daughter for its laidback tones but also for the emotional content. Highly repeated on my indie playlists.

Frances Farmer will have her revenge on seattle - Nirvana (1993)

This song in particular has been the anthem of my early morning travels. It is such a deep-seated song and cleverly written, as much as people think Nirvana are quite overrated.

There are lyrics I relate to and are just an overall an easy chuggy riff that gets stuck in your head.

No Choice - Bizarrefae (2023)

I first heard this track last year at a live show and I thought it was so powerful and Bizarefae had so much passion for all her causes and messages. I have been obsessed with this artist since. It’s very important to support independent artists and this is one that really sticks out for me. The choruses are so catchy and unique and although simpler and cleaner in recording, The live show was mu

Scarlet:

Tiny Moving Parts - Medicine (2019)

The twinkly midwest emo guitar at the start of this song always draws me in and it’s definitely one song I can never skip. I find the beautiful melody contrasts against the deep lyrics which I take to be about struggling through hard times and losing yourself. Sad but beautiful, typically Midwest emo. 

Neck Deep - In Bloom (2017)

A classic pop punk banger. I first heard this song last year at Slam Dunk festival and immediately fell in love with it. For me it has that nostalgic feel which is perfect for a sunny day, as well as a very catchy chorus. 

Don Broco - Gumshield (2021)

This song definitely brings the energy from start to finish. For me it’s been the perfect en route to the gym song and it always gets me pumped. It kind of makes you want to throw stuff but in a good way. It’s hard not to head bang along to the anger filled but slightly humorous lyrics. All I can say is “yes I’m angry and I’m disappointed!”

Bring Me The Horizon - sTraNgeRs (2021)

This is a recently released track by the band. I love the vocal range in the chorus and lead singer Oli Sykes reaches some impressive notes. I really resonate with the lyrics in this song. This will definitely be one I fall back on when I’m feeling the feels.

Scott:

No real reasons, just old favourites that found their way onto my heavy rotation this month.

Gun - Word Up (1994)

Reef - Place Your Hands (1996)

AC/DC - Thunderstruck (1992)

Blink 182 - All the Small Things (1999)

Free - Wishing Well (1979)

KT Tunstall - Black Horse and the Cherry Tree

Kula Shaker - 303 (2004)

Oasis - Half the World Away (1998)

Tyler:

Jack Kittel - Psycho (1978)

We're starting off this month with a pretty popular song, the only song from this artist. Originally released in 1968 by Eddie Noack, this 1978 cover seems to be the only song Jack Kittel ever released. You may be more familiar with Elvis Costello's later '81 cover, but I feel the country vibe and marching beat of this version pair perfectly with the tones of Kittel. For a man who only released one song solo, there's an authenticity in his voice you wouldn't expect.

Nilünfer Yanya - Melt (2019)

This song has been on my playlist for years, to the point where I'm surprised I haven't talked about it already. Released in 2019, this track from English singer Nilünfer Yanya is an ear worm and a half. Her voice is a perfect pair with the soulful brass across the track, and the production is full of interesting layers that aren't often seen on debut albums. If you're looking for an earworm you can play loud without your ears ringing, here it is.

Dr John - Did She Mention My Name (Re-Recorded) (1973)

Mac Rebennack, a New Orleans songwriter better known as Dr John, is one of those artists with unseen influence. From his eclectic style that influenced Muppet bandleader Dr Teeth, to decades of beautiful tracks like this. Did she mention my name sounds like the song that plays in a closed American diner, with its warm filter across the track and a sad story to tell. Dr John must've needed a self-written prescription for strepsils after this, because his belting voice is gliding all over this track. Check it out!

The Magnetic Fields - A Chicken With It's Head Cut Off (1999)

I've discussed the album this track is from already (69 Songs About Love), so I'll spare you the enthused ranting. Every track on the album has a different avenue of love to explore, and this one explores energy. Whilst Stephin Merritt isn't exactly rapping over this track, the quick tempo will have you tapping your toe to this track. The lyrics always make me smile too, here's hoping they make you smile this April too.

Judee Sill - Down Where The Valleys Are Low (1973)

This track comes from Judee Sill's album Heart Food, and is a production masterpiece for 1973. With Wurlitzer, choir and Judee's excellent vocals together you're left with a track George Martin would be jealous of. This calm track is as atmospheric as it gets, so pop your best headphones on and take a listen.

Ed:

Teenage Fanclub - Planets (1998)

Basement - Aquasun (2016)

Carly Simon - Coming Around Again (1987)

Caroline Polacheck Ft Grimes & Dido - Fly to You (2023)

Cass Elliot - Dream a Little Dream of Me (1968)

Django Django - Ft Self Esteem - Complete Me (2023)

Amy:

I thought I'd do something different this month and focus my attention on my favourite boys from Philly, The Wonder Years. In my top 5 bands for close to a decade and elevating themselves to the top in the last 5 or so our beginnings were tumultuous and saw me branding them one of the worst bands I'd seen when I saw them on the Kerrang Tour in 2011. It took several years before I gave them another chance and they've been like best friends, kindred spirits ever since. This month I round up my top Wonder Years tracks, some all time favourites and other current obsessions and note which lyrics mean the most to me. The Wonder Years are the full package, energetic pop punk mixing with thoughtful alt rock combined with some of the most breathtaking, relevant lyrics that always connect with me on a deep, personal level. In short The Wonders Years are one of the most important bands our generation will ever see, if they're not on your heavy rotation you need to have a serious word with yourself!

You’re Not Sallinger, Get Over It (2009)

Dealing with anxiety,  depression and a hate of the suburbs the track documents how most people are screwed up in one way or another but if you keep your head above water you'll manage to survive.

Lyric: "my friends and I we're all fucked on the inside but we don't let it run our lives"

This Party Sucks (2010)

An anthem for the outcasts, the ones who don't quite fit in in normal society. Not entirely comfortable in your own skin or your surroundings. Preferring to stay in than encounter situations that make you uneasy.

Lyric: "and every word that I said got downed out my a dance remix of pop song I don't care about"

Local Man Ruins Everything (2011)

My all time favourite TWY song. Everything about it is perfect. Melodic, pit erupting pop punk. Catchy, hooky with epic riffs and massive energy. It has some of the most important lyrics I've ever heard. They've been my strength in the dark more times than I care to admit.

Lyric: "it's not about forcing happiness it's about not letting sadness win"

Came Out Swinging (2011)

Probably not one of my favourites but it had to be included simply as it's the band's biggest hit. A fan favourite and an epic live anthem. The song shares notions of making life changing decisions, feeling lost and having to rebuild yourself.

Lyric: "I spent this year as a ghost and I'm not sure where home is anymore"

I Just Want to Sell Out My Funeral (2013)

Likely my second favourite track. Starting off as a song in its own right, sharing feelings of failure, wondering where your life is headed and the desire to be "enough for everyone" it shifts onto mini snippets that reprise the rest of “The Greatest Generation”, answering words and adding meaning. It's one of the most innovative songs I've heard. That's something special about the TWY they're forever referencing and replying to past songs. Like every track is part of an ongoing, unravelling story.

Lyric: Somewhere down the line all the wiring went faulty. I'm scared shitless of failure and I'm staring out at where I wanna be."

Cigarettes & Saints (2015)

Remembering lost friends who made poor life choices, it's an emotional song that shifts for the finale to convey feelings of a generation who have become slaves to money. Banks push more and more until everyone is downing under the weight of unrealistic commitments.

Lyric: "This goddamn machine, hungry and heartless. My whole generation got lost in the margin. We put our faith in you and you turned a profit. Now we're drowning here under the waves"

The Ocean Grew Hands to Hold Me (2018)

This song is deeply personal and makes me think of all the family I've lost and all the fake promises I've made to a God I know doesn't exist in the hope they will miraculously be made well again. This one tears me to bits on the inside everytime I hear it as the guitar’s soars with gut wrenching grandeur.

Lyric: "I said that I would start believing if they made you well again. Guess they knew it was bullshit, never hold up my end"

Songs About Death (2022)

I didn't vibe with this track at first, definitely a slow burner but as I connected I realised that as Soupy sings about writing songs about death, I've been consuming them both by TWY and other bands for about 2 decades now. It's a scary thought just how much focus I put on dying but also how dismissive I am over the idea of my own death. It's dark and eerie, with an almost uncomfortable edge before erupting into thundering drums and brazen, conflicting guitars for the outro.

Lyric: "My skin, too thin for anything, oh I know I make myself hard to love"

And a bonus video because as much as the band hate and shun debut album “Get Stoked On It” refusing to put it on Spotify the fans love it. It’s part of the story and growth of the band we all love so dearly. ‘Keystone State Dude-Core’ (2007) is an absolute banger!