Songs On Repeat: January 2024

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

Tyler:

The Turtles - Elenore (1968)

You could probably go your whole life listening to songs titled after a woman’s first name and never stumble upon a duplicate. The Turtles stand out in a busy crowd with their classic 60s pop hit ‘Elenore’. Though perhaps not as fondly remembered as their 1967 smash hit ‘Happy Together’, this classic love ballad has a catchy chorus and infectiously upbeat tempo that exudes American lovestory energy. There’s nothing overly complex, these dudes just collectively love Elenore and sing a rad song about her. If you like rad songs, especially your classic pop, check it out.

beebadobee, Laufey - A Night To Remember (2023)

From classic pop to new pop with strong classic influences - we have ‘A Night To Remember’ from rising pop stars beebadobee and Laufey. Laufey in particular is rising quickly through the ranks of pop stardom with a unique sound that harkens back to the old lounge singing days. This track in particular combines beebadobee’s catchy songwriting with a Bossa Nova-esque track that Laufey absolutely dances over in the vocal department. 

If you’re looking for a refreshingly new sound to take you into the new year, check this one out.

Hayley Heynderickx - The Bug Collector (2018)

Haley Hannah Heynderickx is an American singer-songwriter who needs little introduction in some circles, but has yet to break out into the superstardom she deserved. This track has definitely come the closest so far however. With a moody trumpet in the distance and a hauntingly sweet guitar, Hayley paints the picture of a toxic relationship that is vague enough to fit any mould and connect with you personally. Check it out.

Aaron Neville - Tell It Like It Is (1966)

Aaron Neville is mostly remembered today for his iconic christmas music, which may have been playing over the speakers in your home last month. One of my favourite tracks of his is this classic smooth R&B track. With a moody atmosphere, emotional vocals and a punchy bass - Neville & Band create a beautiful portrayal of turmoil in a relationship you can’t help but groove to. What more do I need to say?

Bob Dylan - Subterranean Homesick Blues (1965)

A classic that needs very little introduction, nor does the artist Bob Dylan’s punchy protest hit ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’ still carries the same youthful energy it did when it was recorded nearly over sixty years ago. From the folky beat to the harmonica and biting vocals - this is classic Bob Dylan track that features all the elements that makes one so. Few artists have such a lasting sense of musical and political relevance as Bob Dylan. This track is definitely worthy of a spot in your January rotation.

John:

Fozzy - Judas (2017)

I started getting into Fozzy, a couple years ago and this has to be one of my favourite tracks from them.  Not only is it very catchy, but I think that all of us at some point in life can relate to the lyrics.

Khris Adryan - Self Control (2019)

Now while this is a metal cover of an 80’s song from the late Laura Branigan, I do love the sheer power behind it.

Through Fire - Jar of Hearts (2016)

While this song was originally released by Christina Perri, this is one of the few times where I think that the cover is better than the original.  Whenever I am stressed, I listen to this at full whack, as the forcefulness of the vocals do help give relief.

Poppy - X (2018)

When I first heard this song and saw the video, while channel flicking, a few choice words entered my mind, which I won’t repeat here.  But the song has not only grown on me, but has also introduced me to more of their material.

Motionless in White - Necessary Evil (2017)

This is a song I can listen to time and time again, the anger and aggression in the vocals is pure brilliance.  Thanks to this song, I now own all of the albums from Motionless in white, as they are great to binge on.

Amy

Ginger Wildheart - If You Find Yourself In London Town (2016)

The Wildheart - Greetings from Shitsville (1993)

In both these tracks Ginger perfectly conveys the ever growing disdain I feel for are capital. The cold, every person for themselves attitude, the financial drain of the city and its bleak uninviting landscape. Having spent a lot of time up North in 2023 it’s really opened my eyes to what a grim place London is. ‘Greetings from Shitsville’ is a timeless rock anthem, whereas ‘If You Find Yourself In London Town’ is a stunning, majestic, dreamy folk track.

Massive Wagons - Fuck the Haters (2022)

I just love this song! It’s so fun, positive and catchy as hell. The ultimate anthem of defiance, the urge to keep going regardless of hate. You do you, the haters will soon get bored once they release you don’t give a fuck what they think!

Bob Vylan - Pretty Songs (2022)

So much anger, so much attitude! One of the best cultural, modern punk protest songs you’ll hear. The fact black lives have always mattered long before the TV told us they did. It's a track that beckons race equality not because the media forces the fact but because at the end of the day we all bleed red, skin colour should never define the way people are treated.  

Random Hand - Play Some Ska (2010)

This is a phenomenal song. An excellent genre blending, genre defining anthem. Merging punk, ska, metal and rock Random Hand are unwavering in their creativity and ability to produce diverse sounds that are both laced in nostalgia but also way ahead of the curve.

SOFT PLAY - Punk’s Dead (2023)

A dynamic fuck you to all the “fans” who berated the band for changing their name from Slaves to SOFT PLAY. The ones who shunned their change of outlook, branding them “soft cunts” for picking a name that was more socially acceptable. It’s another great, angry, modern punk banger.

The Lancashire Hotpots - I Fear Ikea (2008)

This track is just fun, a lighthearted singalong that is sure to raise a smile even when you’re feeling a bit crappy. And let’s face it, Ikea is a scary place!

Bad Religion - You (1989)

Still carrying my Bad Religion obsession into 2024 ‘You’ might be an obvious choice from “No Control” but it's an epic song with lyrics that could be applied to situations in your personal life or to impact from governmental failings “And you, painted my entire world. But I, don't have the turpentine to clean what you have soiled and I won't forget it”

Scott

Queen - We Will Rock You (1977)

Queen - Hammer to Fall (1984)

Sweet - Fox On the Run (1975)

Elton John - Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting) (1973)

The Rolling Stones - Start Me Up (1981)

Black Stone Cherry - Lonely Train (2006)