Alas, the day is upon us to write the last edition of Press Shuffle. As a way to close off our run of musical exploration, we’ve decided to compile our personal favorites from all our previous playlists and put them together here”take a listen at your leisure. We hope you enjoyed our trip into the OurStage vaults as much as we did, and we hope to see you soon!
“Rule The World Freestyle” – Jae Apollo: This song is a great example of traditional rhyme schemes in hip hop; working with the last word of a phrase, the vocalist adapts phonetics to fit his purpose. Proficiently executed, Jae Apollo’s track represents the path modern hip hop has been taking in the last couple years.
“Aheste” – Fahir Atakoglu: Tinged with Middle-Eastern harmonies and colors that reflect the composer’s background, this wonderful fusion tune brings the early Brecker Brothers recordings to mind, yet the track is incredibly successful in maintaining its own identity, which makes it a personal favorite.
“Colorado Rain” – Fiske and Herrera: A song about travel and discovery, it reminds us that life is about living. As simple as it sounds, many forget this simple tenet. To know where you’re going, you need to be aware of where you’ve been.
“Complicated Rhythm” – Bella Ruse: Is that a typewriter? By golly it is! It’s been stated before that this author has a soft spot for happiness-infused folksy duos and their feel-good, lovey-dovey lyrics, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this incredibly talented act is included in this list. Besides, singer Kay Gillette’s vocals are so invitingly playful that she draws you deep into her musical world in mere seconds.
“Something Insanely Clever” – Ellen Cherry: Ellen Cherry’s incredibly soothing voice is but one of the highlights of this track. The contrast between the rhythmic guitar strumming and the ethereal texture of the strings give the song’s form a perfectly cohesive structure and just the right amount of tension it needs.
“Peace Of Mind” – Zebulun: If peace of mind is hard for you to find, then music is what you’re missing. The use of reggae as a tool for protest has always been powerful, and this song is an excellent example of the voice of the people.
“No Funeral” – Revocation: Whether you feel like being being pounded by a relentless assault of drums, have your face melted off by Dave Davidson (who we recently had a chat with) and his shreddy guitar parts or just enjoy pure, unadulterated energy pumping into your ears, this song is for you.
“Veda” – Grannada: Driven by late-century alternative rock, Grannada bring hard-hitting riffs and a Cerati-reminiscing vocal melody from Panama. If your thing is hard rock, then this song is for you.
Have any tunes in particular that you care to share? Disagree with any of the picks? Let us know by dropping a comment!
Listen to previous Press Shuffle playlists over at 8tracks.com.
Pop music always makes us feel good so why not start out the new year with a playlist of music that will cheer you up, chill you out or get you through a tough time. There are many other genre influences throughout our list, including indie, country and R&B, so be sure to listen closely and see what you can hear. Keep an ear out for these acts: they’ll be hitting the charts hard in 2012!
Keep Talking – Hannah Rae Beale: This soothing pop ballad is tinged with country and very reminiscent of Colbie Caillat‘s Realize. While the lyrics are somber, the overall vibe of the tune is relaxing. It’s perfect for a chilly evening indoors by the fire, snuggled up on a couch!
Take Me Home “ Alexandria Maillot: This recent addition to her catalog is bound to grab some attention. It layers a cute, kitschy piano track with punchy, clear vocals and even some tambourine. Fans of Florence and the Machine and Lenka will appreciate this vibrant tune that’s perfect for walking to class or just lounging around.
The riff. All of the greatest rock songs are fueled by great riffs. Riffs are the columns that hold up the world of rock and roll, so it’s only apt that we dedicate a day just to them. Whether they are technically difficult arpeggios or just straight up chugs doesn’t matter: all that matters is that they’re memorable. Ahead is a list of some of the greatest riffs in OurStage taken from the Hard Rock, Modern Rock, and Metal Channels.
“Fondo” – Grannada: These rockers from Panama have a riffer-madness style mixed with hard hitting ’90s rock. Huge riff to a great song.
“1,2,3… Ralph Macheo” – His Name Was Iron: Chaotic and intense, this is the perfect example of calculated madness. This riff is as heavy as they come, and will get your head bobbing in no time.
“Breathe Again” – Taperedmind: With a groovy riff, pounding rhythm section and catchy chorus, Taperedmind create radio-friendly tunes with an edge.
“Justice” – Danforth: Is there a better description than “Enormous slamming riffs followed by ravaging beat down slams?” We know what these Frenchmen bring to the party, and we can’t wait for more.
“Madhater’s Tea” – Spiralpl: This alternative band from Poland have a remarkable résumé in their home country thanks to airplay on multiple mainstream radio stations and perfromance slots at the country’s biggest festivals. The contrast between the high female vocals and the driving riff make this song stand out in its category.
“Thirty Years At Sea” – Hearts Alive: Turn to this Swedish metal outfit Hearts Alive for clenched-fist fury and crushing chug riffs. You will not be disappointed.
“Devil In Her Eyes” – The Malibu Knights: Bearing the banner of modern rock, The Malibu Knights have opened for multiple acts (including Bon Jovi) and have played hundreds of shows in support of their album. Not surprising: their feelgood lyrics and driving riffs are as catchy as they come. You have to check it out!
Have any tunes in particular that you care to share? Disagree with any of the picks? Want a theme in particular to be Shuffled? Let us know by dropping a comment!
Listen to previous Press Shuffle playlists over at 8tracks.com.
Each year, as the months wind down, you tune into your favorite holiday radio station to listen to your favorite holiday songs. Inevitably, as the days go by, you hear the same twenty songs you heard the day before. And the week before. And the year before. Don’t get us wrong: those twenty songs are near and dear to our hearts. But let’s face it, it’s time for a change. We know you’re yearning to end the year with a fresh batch of tracks to keep you in the holiday spirit, and we’ve got what you need to get you out of that end-of-year slump. So, enjoy this playlist of cover songs and original tunes with your loved ones during this special time of year!
“Angel For Christmas” – Rose Ranger: A soft, jazzy ballad highlighting how important the company of loved ones is during the holiday season.
“Holiday Time” – Pamela Tessmann: This sax and vocal quintet brings a sensual air to the usual Christmas magic.
“You For Christmas” – Karmina: This being such a family-centric time of year, it is only natural that we miss our loved ones when they’re away.
“Joy To The World” – John D Morgan: A beautifully executed instrumental version of the holiday classic “Joy To The World”.
“Lord Let The Angels Sing” – Johnny Rodgers Band: As this song reminds us, the holidays are a time of reflection, introspection and healing so we may face a new year and become better versions of ourselves.
“To The Best Time Of The Year” – Copperhead: This is a happy, upbeat shuffle that reflects just the right type of energy in the best time of the year.
“The Christmas Eve Shoppers” – Christmas Steve: When holiday shopping comes around, we all scramble around for last minute gifts. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us.
Have any tunes in particular that you care to share? Disagree with any of the picks? Want a particular theme to be Shuffled? Let us know by dropping a comment!
Listen to previous Press Shuffle playlists over at 8tracks.com.
This week we’re focusing on laid back, chilled electronic music. Often overlooked by its characteristic sonic simplicity (as is club music, but we’ve covered that already), downtempo electronica still has the hooks and memorable bass lines to snag our attention while submerging us deeper and deeper into a mindset of sensual relaxation. With great music aplenty in the Ambient/Chill Channel here at OurStage, it didn’t take us too long to round up a great, inclusive list of what this genre has to offer.
“Strange Dreams On A Cold Night” – Symbols of Sound: Brimming with atmospheric pads and a catchy bass line, Symbols of Sound provide this playlist with a mood-setting opener.
“Currents of the Universe” – Arkady: Taking us deeper into the world of trip-hop, “Currents of the Universe” fill our senses with a feeling of open expectation.
“Temptress Tyler Stone’s Forbidden Fruit Mix” – Sutro: A dark, downtempo beat behind a spacey piano melody support the reverbed-out vocals in this playlist’s only non-instrumental track.
“Parity Invariance” – Craig de Maio: The use of horns and delayed synth effects brings to mind the style of an early Groove Armada with eastern influences.
“Amberlight” – dromma: A syncopated beat with a matching bass line isn’t a common occurrence in thins genre, and it fits nicely into the song. Chimes, bells, warm pads and polysynths bring this song to life.
“Perfect City Night” – Bill Dyckns: Drawing from trip-hop and acoustic music influences, this tune is reminiscent to a late city night. The lights, the cool weather, the sleekness of it all is perfectly reflected in the music.
Have any tunes in particular that you care to share? Disagree with any of the picks? Want a theme in particular to be Shuffled? Let us know by dropping a comment!
Listen to previous Press Shuffle playlists over at 8tracks.com.
There were dozens of amazing shows rocking our world in 2011. With the year coming to a close, we can’t help but look ahead to 2012 and start getting excited about another whole year of new music and epic shows. Here’s some picks of the biggest acts to tour next year, and what to look forward to:
Coldplay: With the release of the highly-anticipated Mylo Xyloto album hot on their heels, Coldplay are set to tour the US throughout 2012. It’s been a while since they’ve played here, too: Their last performance in the US was in August of 2009. Many of their shows at arenas have already sold out. Get on it so you aren’t left out!
Smashing Pumpkins: In anticipation of the release of Oceania along with the remastered reissue of the band’s entire catalog, Billy Corgan is ready to hit the road with the reunited Pumpkins early next year.
Pearl Jam: The summer will see the Seattle grunge rockers showcasing their new material from coast to coast. With renewed energy and a legion of die-hard fans dying to see them (get those tickets quick!), the vibe at these shows is bound to be fantastic.