Songs On Repeat: July 2023
Here's a round up of the songs old and new we've been enjoying at Click Roll Boom HQ this month.
AMY
I’m not going to break down each this month as the overall reason is the same for each. In July I’ve been paying homage to my favourite bad bitches. Be it glitterful kitschness, seductive trip-hop, bad to the bone punk or ethereal dreaminess these ladies know how to deliver a kick-ass tune with plenty of bite and lyrics that resonate whatever kind on mood you’re in!
Also note, it's another month where I’ve been firmly living in the musical archives! The 90’s really were the best time for music!
The Donnas - Are You Gonna Move It for Me? (2001)
Kenickie - In Your Car (1997)
Hepburn - I Quit (1999)
Lush - I’ve Been Here Before (1996)
Sneaker Pimps - 6 Underground (1995)
Belly - Spaceman (2002)
Also, bonus Big Country - See You (1999)
I wanted to include this last month but Driving to Demascus has only just back on Spotify having been reissued. The words, the strings…it’s breathtakingly majestic and sublimely beautiful, a single listen simply isn’t enough. One of Big Country’s finest moments.
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Kempsey
My On Repeat for this month is coming back from the high of going to Download Festival and I have taken my time to just listen to bands and albums from the day to just relive everything. It was a surreal day for me.
Dinosaur Pile-Up - 11:11 (2015)
A gritty and groovy song of very little lyrics. It’s so simple yet addictive to listen to and to have it blast out at you live, gives you chills. One of those songs you play to enhance your bad-ass walk down the street.
Parkway Drive - Shadow Boxing (2018)
There’s something about this song that tugs on my heartstrings. I can’t say I was a huge fan before but seeing Parkway Drive live has really changed my view drastically and they’re becoming my comfort band and my regular go-to. It’s a ferocious track and I seem to replay in my memory the huge circle pit kicking up quite a dust storm from Download every time this song plays.
Slipknot - Wait and Bleed (1999)
High energy. Cathartic. It’s Slipknot. Need I say more? :)
Bloodywood - Dana-Dan (2022)
Is such a brutal but justifying song. Speaking two languages uniting as one. I love the infusion of traditional styles and lyrics.
Ghost - Year Zero (2013)
There’s a lot of Ghost songs that are my favourite, this one is on the list. It’s a shame that it’s used as a meme or as Tiktok soundbites. When Ghost is playing I feel right at home.
HAWXX - Heart Play Dead (2022)
This is such a rare discovery of an all-female metal band that is this brutal yet carries such graceful operatic voices. I love what they stand for and they are a great breakthrough band.
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Scott
Big Country - Look Away (1986)
Metallica - Enter Sandman (1991)
AC/DC - It’s Long Way to the Top (1976)
The Darkness - Open Fire (2015)
Don Henley - Boys of Summer (1984)
Green Day - When I Come Around (1994)
Biffy Clyro - Watch (2014)
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TYLER
XTC - When You're Near Me I Have Difficulty Breathing (1979)
Listen, the playlist may have an American name but there's no American theme for this month. Just to prove my decidedly non-patriotic intentions, we’re starting off with this classic from Britpop band XTC.
With energetic drums and an eclectic mix of instruments and synths, this song brings a fun energy that elevates it above the typical dreary love songs. This song is a great 3pm pickup for those long days at work, so check it out.
Haroumi Hosono - 東京ラッシュ (1978)
Any song with clown horns at the start is going to feature on my on repeat. That is my promise to you reader, and a cross I bear with a smile, similar to the one featured in the two kanji in the songs title. Translated into English as Tokyo Rush, this is another fun song with an energy I just can't get enough of. You don't know need to know the lyrics to sing along with the backing vocals (if you need pointers, say "aaaahhheeee" and "twist" a couple of times each verse and you'll be most of the way there). I don't know much about the singer, his band or even what the song is about beyond Tokyo - but if this song doesn't make you smile and nod along, nothing will. Check it out.
Dean Friedman - Ariel (1977)
Clearly the summer heat has me in a good mood, because we've got another fun love song this month. Ariel by Dean Friedman is a classic, and if you don't know it by now it's my pleasure to introduce it to you. We're keeping the tempo up as Dean rattles off an engrossing and personal story at rapid pace, before launching into a truly infectious chorus that eventually gives way to a truly radical sax solo. What more can you ask for?
Labi Siffre - Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying (1972)
For a mellow palate cleanser, were slowing things down with one of my favourites from London-born singer Labi Siffre. If you like Don MacLean, this guy is right up your alley. With mellow guitar of both the acoustic and slide variety, and a delicately beautiful voice, this song is perfect for a chill summer afternoon. The lyrics are memorable, and the vibes immaculate. Give it a listen.
Kanye West - Through The Wire (2004)
Just in case you were getting settled, I'm waking you up and ending this list with Kanye's (Jonah Hill gave me permission to talk about him I swear) first major hit, Through The Wire. Rapped through a wired up jaw that gives it a 50 Cent-esque flow, you're immediately hit with the smooth wordplay and out-of-the-box samples West became known for throughout his career. The rapper may be a deservedly controversial figure now, but in this track you can hear the beginnings of a prodigy's sound that was unfortunately lost in the quagmire of modern politics. No matter what dumb crap Ye spews, this Kanye track will always have a spot on my playlist.
