What I’m Listening To #11

What I’m Listening To, the blog series in which I reflect on all the music I’ve been exploring during the last few months. Press play on the playlist below, listen along and join me on this inspirational journey. Post your recommendations in the comments!

Brothers Osborne – Port Saint Joe
Compared to its rocking successor “Skeletons”, “Port Saint Joe” feels more rooted in old school country music. Brothers Osborne take their time to get introspective, lay back and sing about the highs and lows of everyday life. Although that’s not to say there’s no energy here! For example, tracks like “Shoot Me Straight” and “Drank Like Hank” will definitely get your feet moving. Bonus points for this album for seamlessly weaving the songs together with eargasmic transitions.

Thomas Rhett – Center Point Road
Another country artist I discovered on Lucas ON AIR. While this album has the most pop sensibilities so far, it nicely incorporates elements of funk, soul and 80s nostalgia. This is particularly evident on songs like “Don’t Threaten Me with a Good Time” and “VHS”, sounding as if they were influenced by artists like Earth, Wind and Fire or Michael Jackson. Despite the occasional presence of overused chord progressions, an enjoyable listen that extends the boundaries of the genre.

Nothing But Thieves – Moral Panic (The Complete Edition)
From feeling indifferent about it to having it on repeat: “Moral Panic” has grown on me a lot. It sees the band experimenting with various styles, more so than ever before: from screamo and industrial to a minimalistic approach, it’s a welcome surprise to hear the band channel their inner Foo Fighters, Radiohead, Billie Eilish and even Stereo Honey. It’s remarkable really how they never make the songs feel disconnected from each other. One thing though: why they didn’t record “Impossible” with the orchestra right away is beyond me. The live at Abbey Road version is far superior to the studio version! Beautifully arranged and performed by everyone, it takes the already incredible song to a whole new level.

Twenty One Pilots – Vessel
Talking about surprises, TØP is another example of a band that keeps sounding fresh yet recognisable, walking in the footsteps of the likes of Imagine Dragons and Linkin Park (Chester Bennington himself was a big fan!). Somehow someway, it’s not crazy at all for a sudden agonizing scream to penetrate an otherwise sweet ukulele-based folk song. Or for a synthpop soundscape to be colored in by fast rapping. Add to that a tempo change here and there or an explosion of sound, and “Vessel” is what you get. While I should explore their more recent work soon as well, it’ll be interesting to witness their sonic evolution.

S P E C I A L
S I N G L E S
Songs that have caught my attention.

John Tana – “Boursin”
A French chanson turned into a party song.

Shocking Blue – “Venus”
I never knew this was a Dutch band. Great 70s recording sound.

One Republic – “Runaway”
Ear-grabbing chorus and melody. Wish the song were longer.

Imagine Dragons – “Children of the Sky”
Instant goosebumps from the majestic chords and Dan Reynolds’ soaring vocals.

blink-182 – “Dance with Me”
Despite the excessive use of auto-tune , I love the energy and euphoric tone.

Poor Man’s Poison – “Feed the Machine”
Revolutionary anthem with Greek-style guitar, appropriately discovered while in Athens.

Five Times August – “Ain’t No Rock and Roll”
No mainstream artist is spared in this new protest song!