Songs on Repeat: July 2024

Amy

Welcome to Amy's fucked up music taste, a place where we can seamlessly flow from introspective indie to experimental hip-hop, taking a rest stop at steampunk before settling into some pop punk goodness. It's always a wild ride where anything goes!

Steam Powered Giraffe - Honeybee (2012)

Apparently like Steampunk Robot Cabaret - who knew! The vocal harmonies are some of the most spellbinding sounds I’ve ever heard. The melody, the bittersweet lyrics, the music video... Everything about this song is absolutely perfect. The music video’s fucking freaky too!

Death Grips - Guillotine (2011)

Then we move to experimental hip-hop, you gotta love WatchMojo when it introduces you to the freaky shit you didn't know you needed in your life! ‘Guillotine’ is a head fuck, a psychological thriller of a song that will most certainly corrupt your brain.

Martha - Wrestlemania VIII (2014)

Perfectly catchy, DIY pop punk with a killer beat and addictive chorus. I love it when a song reminds me of certain people and the lyric “when we first met it felt like we’d been friends for so much long” instantly makes me think of a couple of friends who, while I’ve not known them all that long, feel like people I’ve known my whole life.

Remember Sports - Odds Are (2018)

I love Carmen Perry’s voice; it's so distinctive and unique. ‘Odds Are’ is another DIY banger. I like the way it equates stupid shit like licking tongs you just got raw meat on to falling in love. It's another bittersweet, introspective lyric with an air of optimism.

Joyce Manor - Catalina Fight Song (2014)

I love Joyce Manor! Their tunes are short, sweet, and always pack a punch. I’ve picked “Catalina Fight Song” but it could easily have been any one of about 20 tracks - the band has been on repeat for months. This song is a 1 minute 5 second blast of melodic punk bliss.

The Wonder Years - Year of the Vulture (2023) 

To be honest, this tune hasn’t been off my airwaves since its release in February. I love that we get to see a different, more brutal side to TWY on this tune recorded for WWE NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov. In an interview with Already Heard, Dan describes the track as “passion and fury.” Maybe a post-hardcore album is on the horizon; how cool would that be!

Fontaines D.C. - Starburster (2024)

What I love about Fontaines D.C. is the way they've evolved from their post-punk landscape of the first records to introduce the more electronic, hip-hop inspired sound of ‘Starburster,’ but they’ve done it in a way that feels like a progression, not a contrived "let's sell more records" kind of way. Even in the two songs released off their upcoming album “Romance,” the contrast has been mind-blowing, with ‘Favourite’ being a more out-and-out rock banger. I can’t wait to give the new album a spin when it's released in August.

Courteeners - Cavorting (2007)

Courteeners seem to get a lot of stick. I've asked a lot of people and they “don’t like them” or “find them boring” - for me, I love their no-frills approach. It’s just good, honest indie rock that doesn't try to be something it's not. The vocals are authentic, the melodies addictive, and the choruses are catchy as well! I’ve been obsessed with “St. Jude” this month and ‘Cavorting’ is my favourite.

John

Catatonia - Road Rage (1998)

This catchy, feel-good song takes me back to the late '90s. Admittedly, I hadn't heard much of Catatonia, but as soon as I saw them live at Madstock in 1998, I soon became a fan.

Space - The Female of the Species (1996)

This mellow alternative track reminds me of how much Space was underrated as a band, and that their album Spiders still remains a favourite of mine.

My Chemical Romance - Helena (2005)

This was the song that first got me into MCR. I was in a dark place at the time, and this song suited my mood perfectly. Since hearing this song, I have purchased quite a few MCR albums, including the brilliant live album The Black Parade is Dead!.

Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars (2006) 

This is a song that always remains close to my heart and one I have been listening to quite a bit recently. I keep meaning to check out their other material to see what their album tracks are like.

Linkin Park - In The End (2001)

This was the song that first got me into Linkin Park and cost me a pretty penny on CDs and vinyl, but they were such a great band. The pure emotion in the late Chester’s voice showed how much passion he had for music, but also, sadly, the pain he carried.

Robert Miles - Children (1996)

This tranquil trance anthem of the mid-'90s takes me back to when I was doing bar work at Butlins, and they played this song every night.

The Prodigy - Out of Space (1992)

Originally being an Essex boy, I spent my teens listening to a whole range of genres. The Prodigy was one of the biggest dance acts around, and it was this song that got me into them.

P!nk - U + Ur Hand (2006)

This song takes me back to when I stayed with family in Australia in 2007. Even though I have been a fan of P!nk since she first released material, this song reminds me of some of the most enjoyable moments in life.

Tyler

The Strokes - 12:51 (2003)

We're kicking off this week with a classic from The Strokes. We kick off right away with a punchy yet smooth melody that pairs perfectly with Julian Casablancas' voice. This is a perfect sunny day song in my eyes; it keeps the tempo high and makes sure not to overstay its welcome. I'd tell you to check it out, but if you're reading my list, I'd be surprised if this wasn't already on your playlist somewhere this summer.

Danger Mouse, Black Thought, ft. MF DOOM - Belize (2022)

Next, we have a collaboration between three of my favourite artists: the criminally under-recognised producer Danger Mouse, the illest villain himself, and the classic underground lyrical genius Black Thought. Their talents combine for an ominous masterpiece of a track that perfectly encapsulates their skills. Black Thought kicks off the track with an incredible verse that's as poetically dense as the backing sample is badass. Then DOOM rolls in with his classic, cool flow, and the crowd (aka me writing this at my desk) goes wild. If you're a fan of any of these artists, or rap in general, you have to give this one a listen.

Tyler The Creator - BEST INTEREST (2019)

Another track that likely needs no introduction if your tastes align with mine - next we have one of Tyler's biggest tracks. It also happens to be this Tyler's favourite from the iconic musician this month. Punchy synths and an ever-changing tempo are paired with a fun melody that gives the rapper/singer space to play around with his storytelling lyrics.

Vulfpeck - Conscious Club (2016)

I've realised recently that Vulfpeck is criminally under-represented in my prior lists! This American funk band, perhaps most famous for the incredible talents of the modern bass icon Joe Dart, is in my top 5 bands at minimum. A great intro to their fun catalogue is this summer jam. With explosive vocals and incredibly layered production, this is a cheesy classic in-the-making in my eyes. I won't spoil anymore, which is weird to say for a song, but you'll get it when you listen. This song really does surprise and impress on the first listen.

Nilüfer Yanya - Melt (2019)

Bringing down the tempo with the last song, we have a smooth alternative ballad from British artist Nilüfer Yanya. Atop a gentle chorus guitar and a minimalistic beat, Nilüfer delivers impressive and soulful vocals that are accompanied by a smooth sax. I can think of no better song to stick at the end of your summer party playlist.

Scott

YUNGBLUD - 21st Century Liability (2018)

Eminem - Houdini (2000)

Kaiser Chiefs - Ruby (2007)

Towa Bird - Boomerang (2023)

emily jeffri - i miss my sandman (2021)

Fats Domino - Ain't that a Shame (1955)

The Cherry Truck Band - Love Become Law (2021)