FAVOURITE SUMMER ALBUMS SO FAR... THE INTERTNET, YEARS & YEARS AND DONNIE TRUMPET & THE SOCIAL EXPERIMENT

Hi old friend, how are you?

It's been a little over a year since my last post and a lot has happened. I moved overseas and have been working at one of my dream companies and living that NY life, you know. But this post isn't about catching you up on life (and you can do all the stalking you want via social links below), its about sharing a snap shot of where I am now... well, musically anyway. 

I was walking to meet a friend for coffee this morning, it was a balmy 32 degrees with the sun blaring down onto the Brooklyn pavements and me jamming to some tunes that I have been loving recently. And something grabbed me to reflect on my favorite summer songs which lead me to think about my favorite summer albums. I soon become very chuffed to think that, even though I work in music, I still find it inspiring to continue my engagement with it in an active way. It lead me to break my blogging hiatus and bring you some of my favourite summer albums of 2015. Enjoy! 

1. COMMUNION // YEARS & YEARS

Years & Year's debut album is the best way to start the summer days. Full of punchy electronica

DORIS - EARLSWEATSHIRT // A PRE-EMPTIVE REVIEW

I keep saying this but seriously, 2013 is the year for rap and hip hop. Among many other amazing hip hop albums that have come out this year, Doris by Odd Future's Earl Sweatshirt is one that I have been anticipating highly! After hearing Chum, I was hooked and excited to hear more from the newly re-invented Earl Sweatshirt. Doris came out two days ago and it pretty much blew up all over the internet. I got my brother Sureiyan (find his blog I Like Your Thursday Personality here) to pre-emptively review the album - 'cause its everything I want to say but said in a more eloquently way. Read the review after the jump. 

Quick notes: 

• The album is akin to a movie, high and lows. Drama and comedy. Builds the closer you get to the end. 

• Touches of 90s psychedelic hip hop, which I very into at the moment.

• The album is completely different to what we were expecting. For which Earl has been quoted will lose him existing fans but also gain new ones. Either way seems to be win/win. 

• More mature, harder rhymes and completely unique to Earl's sounds.

• My favourites; Chum (I seriously can not get enough of this song!), Whoa and 523.

M.I.A MATANGI // NOVEMBER ...DEFINITELY.

After cracking it on Twitter last week, M.I.A made her record company, Interscope, pinky swear to not delay her fourth studio album any longer. So it's official - Matangi - will be out November 2013.

She released a super sweet mixtape in the mean time though. So it's cool.

But to get yourself really excited - click play on the video below, turn it up loud and expand to HD fucking amazingness.

November couldn't come any sooner. Story via Oyster.

For more M.I.A click here, here or here. 

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EXO - 으르렁 (GROWL)

UM...So can we please just take three minutes to just watch. Please. 

It's like watching a Justin Timberlake video on K-Pop stroids! The song itself is super catchy (no idea what the words are... but I am going to go and find out) what with the beautifully pop beat and infectious melody. But its the over all misc-en-scene of the production that really captures my attention - clearly after one google search, I am not the only one. Watch other reaction videos here. 

My favourite reaction video comes from Youtube sisters WhitJojoTV. Everything from the fashion, dance moves and overall genesequois** of this video has had me smiling from ear to ear. Korean Pop doesn't get any better than this!

Hit replay one more time!
For more K-Pop love, click here.


**Woah, two french film theory references in one post. You know it.


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GUILTY PLEASURES: TO TWERK OR NOT TO TWERK

That is definitely not the question. 

'Cause it seems like "twerking" is just about all the rage now. 

Busta Rhyme's new single "Twerk It" ft Tosh & Nikki Minaj was released recently and it features a new sound from the hip hop legend with a more striped back and heavy bass edge. I actually really like this song, despite the slow build. But when it does build, it builds good - and that's kind of Pharrel's (producer) trademark. Although surprisingly, despite its' title, the song's video clip tastefully refrains from too much overtly sexual (physically impossible for some) dance move. Unlike this not-so-subtle video and tune from Diplo where I first learned of the "twerk". The music video and dance move made such an impact that when it was released, fans immediately took it and started uploading their twerking attempts - which Mad Decent decided to run a comp with.

Though Diplo's influence - who I credit to really getting the movement up and running - has been around since mid last year; there seems to be an increase of twerkers, twerking and twerk related material. Everyone from Major Lazer to Jay-Z have commented on this new pop culture phenomenon. Though largely centered around hip hop music, twerking has made it into mainstream pop music, thanks to the one and only Miley Cyrus with her newest single "We Cant Stop" where she can be seen twerking to her own music. Despite it's overtly sexual context, the dance movement doesn't seem to be offending mass society and therefor it continues to grow. I honesty think this is due to how physically difficult it can be to #twerk and still look good.

2013 - The year the world learned to twerk.

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I'M KIND OF JEALOUS OF A 5 YEAR OLD.

There aren't many instances where I find myself looking up to toddlers. Although there are some rare instances where I feel that they might just have it better than I did when I was their age / do.

Chloe Clancy is only one of the examples I have. (The other that comes fresh to mind is of course Aila Wang, quite possibly one of the most well dressed toddlers out there). Who is Chloe Clancy? She is the daughter or Christopher and Kelly Clancy - proud managers of the Odd Future crew. Since discovering this bad ass, I am totally in love with her. She is both adorable and super cool with a fashion sense to match her environment and cultural prowess. When not hanging out with some of hip hop's best new talent, she spends her day helping out her parents help manage and promote aforementioned talented crew. Gurllllll you got it good.

I wonder if she needs a baby sitter. Where can I submit my interest?


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TYLER, THE CREATOR: WOLF

I have only just started playing the full stream of Tyler's newest album; Wolf (out officially April 2) and it is just so good! The album was prematurely released for streaming on the Odd Future SoundCloud page. And whilst the production value and sounds have matured and evolved, Tyler's signature self deprecating and humorous raps have stayed. Since the release of the single. Domo 23, I have been in high anticipation of this album and so far it has not disappointing! Boasting collaboration of the likes Pharrel, Erykah Badu and of course other Odd Future members like Frank Ocean and Hodgy - Wolf is dynamic, powerful and flows very smoothly - making it such easy listening! So what you waiting for? Click here to listen to the full set and let me know what you think! 

Story via Hypetrack.

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RIP GOOGLE READER

Ahhh yes. It truly is the end of an era. Google Reader is shutting its doors to a world of blog and website subscription. Kind of annoyed by the news as I love my Google Reader to catch up on my blog roll, but at the same time excited to get back on to Bloglovin. And that is exactly where you will find A&D listed too :)

Bloglovin even have made it easy to transfer your blog roll on to theirs.

And if you are also a fellow blogger 1) Make sure you have registered your blog on Bloglovin and 2) Leave me the link to your Bloglovin below!  

So make sure you say your peace with Google Reader and switch over to (my preferred method of catching up on blogs) Bloglovin. Follow Amped & Dangerous on Bloglovin by clicking here.

xxx

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GUILTY PLEASURES: WILL.I.AM

Guys, I gotta confess. I freaking love Wil.I.Am.

Well not that you didn’t know that already. The man’s reputation is a little like vegemite, you either like him or you don’t. I posted a track from the Black Eyed Peas leader a few weeks ago (click here for that NMM post) and I knew I would be in a world of shame for it. BUT WILL.I.AM LOVER DONT CARE.

OP SHOPPING // INSPIRATION

Off on an adventure for some op shopping / thrifting. Hopefully the money I saved from not spending anything on Boxing Day will come to good use today ;) My inspiration for today's finds:

Definitely big on colours (particularly tropical colours), Azaelia Banks, English Street Style, Tailored, Soft Grunge, 90s, Simple, T-Shirts and such. Hopefully these will take me into 2013.

What are some of your inspirations???

x

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TAG // SUMMERLICIOUS

Tagged to complete the "Winter Favourites" list. But since I am of a Southern Hemisphere geography, I just switched the words Winter > Summer :) Have a read if you're curious about some of my favourite summer and holiday products and pieces.

GUILTY PLEASURES: OPPA GANGNAM STYLE

Preface: There are a lot referring links to this post, so all those words that are highlighted in an orangey red are links that you might useful to get a further layer to this post :) 

Not since Beyonce's Single Ladies phenomenal video clip have I a) heard so much about a video
clip's choreography and b) have wanted to learn said music video's choreography.

JUSTIN BIEBER - BOYFRIEND

I think I might have finally hit the wall. No, no, you don't have to double take - you read right, I'm going to be discussing Justin Bieber's Boyfriend.

Why? For the same reasons as why I can't get the song out of my head. Not only is the song super intriguing to me, I can't help but toy with the idea that it might finally be the end of an era for one the biggest teen stars this decade has seen (apart from JoJo of course). More on this further below.

NEWMUSICMONDAY: MOULDYLOVERS, AMADOU&MIRIAM, BEIRUT, HIP HOP TRAILER

Happppppyyyyy Monday!
How are we all this lovely day? Well it looks like its about to rain here, but its been a good day nonetheless! Why you ask? Cause all weekend (bar Sunday) I have been live streaming Coachella!!!! Oh its been great. So I actually only have officially two new songs - but something special at the end.

Lets get with it.

1. THE MOULDY LOVERS - KAKISTOCRACY

I saw these guys playing on Queen St Mall and instantly fell in awe. These are a some talented ladies and gentlemen.  I totally fell in love with their "gypsy funk" (their words) and it was clear from the crowd they drew on a busy Friday night that I wasn't the only one. So lets show some love to some local music acts - and find their song Kakistocracy on their Facebook here.

2. AMADOU & MIRIAM - DOUGOU BADIA FT SANTIGOLD

Wow. I can't express how much I am loving Amadou & Miriam right now. This track featuring Santigold is killer! I have been repeating it so much! I find it both soothing but also gets me pumped up, like there is this build in the song that is quite infectious. Amadou & Miriam hail from Mali and have been known as the "Young Blind Couple". The other track from the pair that I'm really loving at the moment is Je Pens A Toi <<<< so good!.

-------

As I write this I am actually streaming Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre, so its only fitting that I end today's post with this amazing movie trailer. My faithful brother is keeping me up to date and recently sent me this video of an up coming movie/documentary on the birth "Art of Rap".
*** Update - Did you guys manage to catch that 2Pac hologram???? #thatshitcray. 



"Hip Hop didn't invent anything, it reinvented everything". 

Needlessly to say, I am both frothing over this and am jumping to catch it.
So hopefully they screen it here in Aus. :)

A short one today, but its quality not quantity.
Have a good rest of the day!
- XOXO -


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DIPLO "EXPRESS YOURSELF" VIDEO CLIP

Oh Diplo, you crazy!

"Express Yourself" by Diplo ft. Nicky Da B made it into my NewMusicMonday post here. And since then I was continuously wondering what the video clip to the song would entail... especially with lyrics such as these; "With your legs spread wide, and your as down low" I just knew it wouldn't be your run of the mill video clip.

So behold. Its definitely not everyones cup of tea.

SHOWstudio: Express Yourself - LILINTERNET / Nicky Da B / Diplo from SHOWstudio on Vimeo.



Ha! So much ass clapping.



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CONVERSE X GORILLAZ, ANDRE3000, JAMESMURPHY

Wow Converse, you have done it again. This is exactly why Amped+Dangerous exists.
When one of the most famous pop culture footwear company gets together with musical artists who will stand the test of time, I can't help but have a pop-culture-gasm.

Converse gets amongst it with another amazing (random but strategic) collaboration with three amazing artists. This time its between Gorillaz, Andre 3000 (!!!!) and James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem). And with the amazing collaboration come a signaure pair of Chucks as designed by the Gorillaz.

You can download the song from Converse, free o' charge, here.

Listen, feast and enjoy my friends.
My pop culture meter is off the richter scale at the moment.

Talk to you soon,
- XOXO -


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WISHLIST // NEW ALBUMS

There are some exciting news and revelations that has concluded to me saving my money, money, money.  And as such I am just going to keep compiling my wish lists of new CDs and Albums that I am lusting after.
And hey, who knows - maybe The Secret was right about something... maybe if I "visualise" it strong enough then many the CDs will just appear to me.

1. THE INTERNET - PURPLE NAKED LADIES

Made up of Odd Future's Syd Tha Kid & Matt Martians, I am super excited for this album. I think its refreshing to hear (and know) that the Odd Future are capable of sounds that are a little bit softer and melodic.
• Last talked about on A+D here.

• Digging these tracks:

2. HYPER CRUSH - NIGHT WAVE

So much love for Hyper Crush, I think they are super underrated and oh so talented! I really loved their last EP "The Arcade" and am really looking forward to this new one :)

• Digging these tracks (the first from the new album, and the second from The Arcade:

3. SAN SISCO - GOLDEN REVOLVER

Now I thought these guys would totallyyyyy be a one hit wonder with their Awkward track, but oh no no. They proved quite a lot of people wrong. Which is amazing! I want to get this album a) for the super sick cover art and b) I see a lot of potential in their songs. I think with a band like San Sisco, for me, I need to listen  to their songs a couple of time before I get really in to it. And hopefully this CD will do just that! 

• Digging these tracks:

4. SLEIGH BELLS - REIGN OF TERROR

I kept running through reasons in my head as to why I  am just so in to Sleigh Bells. And I really can't express it. Technically guitar slashing shouldn't pair well with sweet and high vocal chords. But it does. And Sleigh Bells do it well.  

• Last talked about on A+D here and here. 

• Digging these track (first from Reign of Terror, the last two from Born To Lose):

And thats me, for this post!
Let me know if any of you guys have these albums, or if there are any other albums I should have a listen. Or alternatively - if you want to sponsor my music tasting, I'm sure we can work something out ;) 

Have a brilliant weekend!

-XOXO-

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BIG DAY OUT BAG 2012

Ahhhh... finally. 

One of the biggest days this year (well, in my calendar anyway) is here. I have been patiently waiting for the Big Day Out since I heard the line up. And I thought I would share with you my music festival essentials. 

AQUA

JEREMY SCOTT SWATCH • A watch is the most essential essential. And this Swatch is perfect. Not only does it add a punch to an outfit, the Swatch is plastic perfection. Making it a durable accessory to withstand any most mosh pit. 

STATEMENT SUNGLASSES

PHONE • For photos, videos, SOS messages

FAN • We do live in the sun burnt country after all

PEANUT BUTTER MnMs • For protein of course

FRUIT

DISPOSABLE • I have never attended a festival without one. 

LIP STUFF

ID/CASH/TICKET!!!!!!

I also suggest carrying your essentials in a bag that you're willing to say goodbye to after a long, sweaty and dust fill day. Hopefully I can catch you on the flip side with some post Big Day Out stories, but until then, I ask you this Amped + Dangerous people.....

WHAT DOES YOUR FESTIVAL BAG LOOK LIKE???? 



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VOTED: TRIPLE J HOTTEST 100

Just finished voting in the Triple J's Hottest 100. Woo! I must say voting for this, and waiting for the countdown to come out on Australia Day - makes me feel super patriotic! The idea that the whole nation (or the large subset that listens to Triple J) are contributing their favourite tracks to a CD is an exciting thought to me : )

So on to the list. I compiled my long list (a good 30+ songs) and then plugged in my short list on the Triple J Website. But from there I had to cut down my shortlist to ten (Eeeek!) So what you see below is my top ten, followed by a list of honorouble mentions : )

** They are all linked, so you can preview the songs : ) - yay for efficiency. All are in alphabetical order!

- TOP TEN -

• 360 - Killer
• Frank Ocean - Swim Good
• The Black Keys - Lonely Boy
• Husky - Tidal Wave
• James Blake - Limit To Your Love
• Jay-Z & Kanye West - No Church In The Wild {Ft. Frank Ocean}
• Mutemath - Odd Soul
• Peter Bjorn & John - Second Chance
• San Cisco - Awkward
• The Weeknd - House Of Balloons/Glass Table Girls

- HONOURABLE MENTIONS -

• Foster The People - Call It What You Want
• Friendly Fires - Hawaiian Air
• Mantra - Got Me Wrong
• Azealia Banks - 212
• Ellesquire - On The Prowl
• Matt Corby - Brother
• PJ Harvey - Words That Maketh Murder
• tUnE-yArDs - Bizzness
• The Weeknd - Initiation (I really wanted to vote for this one, but I didn't think it would make an impact on the list...but I added it to the site anyway)
• Shabazz Palace - Swerve... The Reeping Of All That Is Worthwhile Noir Not Withstanding

Who did you vote for the Hottest 100??
Let me know : )
- XOXO -


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FRIDAY ROUNDUP: KAREN BLANCHARD, DIY COFFEE SYRUPS, 100% HITS COMPILATION

Hi, how was your week? Mine saw my first week back to work. Loved it, I was going slightly stir crazy sitting at home :) So here we go; Friday Round Up.

I will most likely be bunkered down watching the finals for Brisbane International Tennis. But I am sure if you're looking for some popular culture to consume, here are my picks.

1. Watch Karen Blanchard (from Where Did U Get That)'s 2011 "In Review" video. Gives us an honest and first person insight to the life of a fashion blogger. Click here for the video, or alternatively the picture below.

2. DIY your own coffee syrups from A Beautiful Mess. Now I cannot tell you how much I have been digging caramel flavoured coffees. So now, thanks to A Beautiful Mess' tutorial on how to make my own, my coffee ban for the year will have to be lifted.

3. Buy and then listen 100% Hits: Nineties and Noughties Compilation CD. Ohhhhhh yeah. I haven't bought a compilation CD in over five years, but I will most definitely make an exception for this one. Its a perfect summer BBQ CD. This $23 CD comprises 48 tracks of pure 90s and 00s bliss.

Some of the tracks include;

• Mc Hammer - U Can't Touch This
• Kelis - Milkshake
• Brandy duet with Monica - The Boy Is Mine
• En Vogue - Free Your Mind
• Snow - Informer << YES!
• Dizzee Rascal & Armand Van Helden – Bonkers
• Coolio feat. L.V. - Gangsta's Paradise

And thats it for today crazy people, what are you doing this weekend??
Let me know in the comments :)

Mucho grande love, xoxo


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