Songs on Repeat: June 2024

Amy:

(album) The Beaches - Blame My Ex (2023)

Check out my Spotlight feature on this phenomenal album to find out why I can’t get enough of it: www.clickrollboom.co.uk/news/spotlight-on-the-beaches-blame-my-ex

Fats Domino - The Big Beat (1957)

Something totally different for me. 'The Big Beat' is the ultimate in feel-good, carefree rock 'n' roll that's sure to raise a smile and "keep you rocking in your seat."

Colour Me Wednesday - Shut (2013)

Ahead of the General Election, it seemed fitting to spin my favourite anti-government tune. A great blast at all the deceiving politicians and a silenced generation left with rage burning inside from all the poor decisions being made around them. Juxtaposed with the notion that people can make a change, however small. However much bad news keeps flooding in, we can set the foundations for change, be part of the solution to the problem. All neatly wrapped in a catchy, quirky, DIY sound.

John:

They Might Be Giants - Birdhouse in Your Soul (1990)

This song takes me back to first hearing of this band and their album Flood. At the time of release, this was the first song that I heard from them, and I soon became a fan of them.

James - Sit Down (1989)

Another feel-good song from the 90s, while James was very underrated, this song always gets blasted out whenever I play it.

Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit (1991)

This was my go-to track in the 90s when getting ready to go out on a Friday night to my favourite rock venue. It was also the song that got me into Nirvana and heavily into the grunge scene as well.

Babylon Zoo - Spaceman (1996)

I hadn’t heard this song in a while, but after being involved in a recent group chat with fellow CRB members, I just had to add this song to my playlist, as it was way ahead of its time.

Vance Joy - Missing Piece (2021)

I first heard of Vance Joy from a friend in Australia. Since hearing a few of his songs and albums, this has to be one of my favourite songs by him, as it is extremely catchy.

Iron Maiden - Can I Play with Madness (1988)

This is the song that many years ago got me into Iron Maiden, and has recently been moved up higher on my rock playlist. Every so often I will do a binge of Iron Maiden, and this song always gets played.

Manic Street Preachers - If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next (1998)

After the brilliant A Design for Life and Everything Must Go, the Manic Street Preachers released this great song, which, while a tribute to the Spanish Civil War, has hard-hitting lyrics.

The Cranberries - Dreams (1992)

Every time I hear this song, the pure emotion of the vocals from the late Dolores O’Riordan always sends a tingle down my spine. Such a beautifully written song, sung perfectly by a beautiful voice.

Kempsey:

(album) Kings Of Leon - Can We Please Have Fun (2024)

I have a routine when a new album comes out, or when I am due to attend a concert, that I must deep dive into the album, dissect it and repeat. For a few weeks after its release, it didn't appeal to me. However, it’s grown on me and I’m quite fond of *Ballerina Radio*, *No Where To Run*, *Mustang*, and *Don’t Stop The Bleeding*. It’s a very chill and romantic album but also solitary.

Kate Bush - Army Dreamers (2018 Remastered)

I initially found this track on a trend on TikTok, and it got stuck in my head for quite some time. It’s quite a whimsical and theatrical track. I love Kate’s vocal range and the backing vocals give the track depth. It’s not a happy song in the slightest but really food for thought.

Ghost - Future Is a Foreign Land (2024)

This was just released days ago. However, I've had it on repeat so many times it climbed up the ranks very quickly! Very 70s satanic panic style, very stripped back to what I’m used to from Ghost, yet still catchy and emotionally evoking. This completes the big three tracks from Papa Nihil in the rich lore that is Ghost.

KALEO - Sofðu Unga Ástin Mín (2024)

Opening the Spotify app one day, I was notified this track had been released, and I am still obsessed with this Icelandic lullaby. It really is soothing and also kicks up some noise in the middle!

Pinegrove - Need 2 (2015)

Another TikTok track that has been stuck in my head. It’s quite a charming little track with nonsense lyrics that apply to everything. It’s quite nostalgic, angsty, and sad all at once.

Tyler:

Kendrick Lamar - Untitled 08 | 09.06.2014. (2016)
After last month’s deluge of disses, I found myself listening to the work of the clear victor, K-dot, quite a bit. This one stood out as a favourite. With a fun, punchy beat and a synth bass I can only describe as “gloopy”, this is the exact type of track I love. The flow is fun too, with Kendrick ripping through his famous lyricism at a rapid pace to a catchy chorus. If you’re a fan of the good kid, m.A.A.d city rapper, give this underrated track a shot.

Miami Horror, Kimbra - I Look to You (2010)
You can tell the heat is influencing my taste this month! Up next we have a fun, funky dance track from Miami Horror, featuring vocals from Kimbra. You can tell you’re in for a good time right from the start. The drums already pounding, the trumpet sample looping, and the bassist absolutely noodling it up. This is another one with a cracking chorus. I find myself singing along horrendously off-key to Kimbra’s vocals far too often. Give it a listen!

King Geedorah, 4 Winds, Lil’ Sci, Stahhr - Next Levels (2003)
I believe this is the first time King Geedorah has appeared on one of my lists, but this MF DOOM pseudo-moniker is responsible for some of my favourite tracks from the artist. Laden with samples galore and incredible wordplay from all four artists, this is a well-deserved flex of prowess for DOOM. As soon as you get him rapping over a piano, magic happens. If you want some magic this summer, check it out.

Mac DeMarco - Without Me (2017)
We’re slowing things down just a touch now with a great track from the famous Mac DeMarco. Out of the gate, you’ll hear the incredible guitar tone that drives the track—who knew you could make six strings sound like a broken carnival? This is the perfect track for lazy Sunday afternoons in the sun, remembering bittersweet memories of summer flings long past.

Willie Nelson - Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain (1975)
And to close things off, a refreshing bit of rain from your favourite stoner musician’s stoner musician, Willie Nelson. This is a classically pining song from the famous musician, and always reminds me of sitting on a hill under summer showers. With just a slow-strummed acoustic and his iconic voice, Willie portrays an aching we’ve all felt. For me at the minute, I’m aching for some rain to put an end to this bloody heat. So after putting my blood, sweat, and tears (mostly sweat) into this list, I bid you adieu.

Scott:

Frank Turner - International Hide and Seek Champions (2024)

Frank Turner - Ceasefire (2024)

Frank Turner - East Finchley (2024)

Kings of Leon - Mustang (2024)

Kings of Leon - Ballerina Radio (2024)

Billie Eilish - bad guy (2019)