Hello all! This week, I'm recommending an album that I wouldn't have expected to appreciate as much as I have. It's NO HANDS by Joey Valence & Brae! The hip hop duo JVB have never taken themselves seriously at all, instead focusing on fun, humor, and hype. I think that approaching NO HANDS with this in mind will let you see the obscured but unmistakable artistry that gives the silliness substance. This album is essentially the lawlessness of the early internet fed through the filter of 90s boom bap, where meme sound bites sit over off-kilter, jazzy beats. There is also a thread of 90s club music woven into the record. I have to praise the evocative performance from Joey Valence and Brae, as well as surprisingly clever (if immature) bars. I enjoy the balance of flexing and self-aware humility. Some highlight tracks include sincere NO HANDS, energetic LIKE A PUNK and OK, and askew yet enticing DOUGHBOY (featuring some highlight bars from Terror Reid). Although OMNITRIX is an epic album closer, it's worth continuing into the deluxe tracks for the likes of laid back, jazzy PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE. My very favorite is JOHN CENA. The synth hook blended with the beat is next-level beautiful. Check out NO HANDS by JVB!
Hiya all! This week, I'm recommending a commendably beloved record. For a hint? It's blue. Yes, I'm talking about Weezer's 1994 self-titled debut! Weezer's sound is defined by its overwhelming simplicity, so simple that it loops right back around to artistic. It takes a good bit of wisdom to make complex Beach Boys harmonies and distorted inverted chords feel straightforward, even expected. The Blue Album just feels comforting. Hits like rocking Buddy Holly, moody Say It Ain't So, and contemplative Undone — The Sweater Song make up the backbone of the record. Surf Wax America is terribly fun, In The Garage is sweet and relatable, and dynamic Holiday leads into the climactic closer Only In Dreams. The one song I've found inescapable is The World Has Turned and Left Me Here. That opening riff is incredible, the melodies are beautiful, and the lyrics are touching. Weezer's music is simple, but not easy. It's trimmed to its best parts for a reason; The Blue Album is worth your time. Go give it a spin!
Hello all! This week, I am recommending a special album for my favorite day of the year. It's Nothing to Fear by Oingo Boingo! Their sophomore record released in 1982, sporting a more guitar-driven sound while retaining plenty of the eclectic style Oingo Boingo is known for. The album is laced with themes of rebellious individuality and doubting the status quo, giving it a borderline punk attitude. The whole record offers an unwavering, near manic energy, to the point where even the calmer moments are gripped with anticipation. Highlight tracks are peculiar and powerful Private Life, bouncy and absurd Whole Day Off (which sounds oddly comparable to some themes from Wii Sports), anxiously rocking title track Nothing to Fear, and deliciously sinister Islands. The swampy intro to Why'd We Come leaps into a chorus that fits right in with the rest of the record, and Reptiles and Samurai is a preposterous yet catchy conclusion. Oh, and uneasily danceable Insects is painfully relatable. My favorite is the opening track, Grey Matter. The lyrics are anthemic and rousing, and what an instrumental! The rock sound blended with the uneasy marimba blend unexpectedly perfectly, and that low chorus chant is instantly pervasive. If you were taking count, you may have noticed that I highlighted 4/5ths of the album (that remaining 1/5th is worth the listen as well). Take that as testament to how much I enjoyed it. Go enjoy Nothing to Fear yourself, and Happy Halloween!
I wanted to say thank you to everyone who's listened through the soundtrack to Nymeria's Stone: A Sister's Journey. (If you haven't yet, here's the playlist!)
I really enjoyed composing this score, and I hope you've enjoyed it as well. If you have, leave me a comment which track is your favorite. I myself have a few, and I'm happy with how it's turned out now that it's finished. This does mean that sadly I'll be entering a bit of a hiatus. What's the plan going forward? More album recommendations. Perhaps a single or two along the way. And, in time (maybe long time, but in time) my first full-length solo record. At the moment, it's far from finished—but, I think I have the seed of something worth listening to. I'm excited to see where it goes from here.
Hiya all! This week I'm recommending a great record that feels expansive and yet so complete. It's Paramore by Paramore! I have to mention, Grow Up would have been a great name for the record, especially now that it's on the reissue cover. Following their substantial footprint in the pop punk scene, Paramore wanted to reestablish themselves with an adjacent sound, trading double-time snares and heavy distortion for chorus guitars, new wave synths, and a lean toward their characteristic disco beats. Some tracks capture the personality of percussive strums in a bedroom, particularly the interludes. Then the record pulls an about face with these massive, epic songs like Part II and Future. While their earlier works were very concise and hook-focused, Paramore (the album) allows itself moments to breathe, offering these long, instrumental crescendos and solos. It feels spacious and cinematic without losing intensity or purpose. But don't get me wrong, there are still a trove of pop hooks all over this one. Anklebiters feels rebellious almost to the point of a different flavor of punk. It's a travesty Now didn't become the theme of a 2000s-era teen dystopian movie, because good gosh would it work. Part II, sequel to Let The Flames Begin, is a dramatic favorite. Last Hope is a great testament to perseverance. Proof is just such a sweet song, as is Still Into You. And I have to mention Fast In My Car being a really fun opener. Out of all of them, my favorite might be basic, and it might be predictable, but it is THE anthem. It's Ain't It Fun. The sheer power of the writing is complimented by the bittersweet bite of the melodies so well. Go give Paramore a try!
Here is the second movement. I wanted to interpret the sound of Pretty Hate Machine by Nine Inch Nails into something less dancey and more of an alt-rock Gorillaz style (although that element is great on Pretty Hate Machine). By now you can probably guess how I feel about the bass groove. I also really like that high synth line toward the end. I enjoyed experimenting with the crushed out production on this one, as well as adding details to the percussion track to keep it moving. Thanks for listening to Nymeria's Stone!
Is there really no happiness without this feeling?
Hello all! This week, I'm recommending one of the best pop records I've heard. It's SMILE! :D by Porter Robinson! Following his more EDM-oriented style, Porter leaned 110% into his own take on pop for this album. Beyond its enormous leads, catchy hooks, and top-tier production, SMILE! :D packs the complexity of dense arrangements, creative harmonies, and Porter's signature contemplations on life. The lyrics also tackle a good bit on the topic of fame and celebrity, and the pressures and pitfalls they impose on a person. The writing is very direct and isn't afraid to judge and even mock Porter's insecurities and flaws. On one side, the guitar work, vocal delivery, and lyrics could appeal to an emo crowd, while on the other the maximalist production and overblown synths evoke a borderline hyperpop sound. Tracks like KNOCK YOUR SELF OUT XD and Mona Lisa ft. Frost Children hold up the album with electric energy, while gentler tracks such as Easier to Love You switch up the mix. Is There Really No Happiness? is a personal favorite. The vocal chop hook is instantly memorable, and the song's exploration of nostalgia is complimented by the big synths and soaring melody. However, my absolute favorite track is the one and only Cheerleader. I can think of few better choices of a lead single. That explosive synth lead, paired with driving drums and excellent disco/indie pop guitar, is a highlight of not only the song but the record. The synth is so good, it's in my personal running for one of the best riffs ever. I swear. Not only that, but the whole song holds up. The arrangement holds back barely enough to make every section feel important, without compromising an ounce of energy forcing the song forward at full throttle. The bridge, final chorus, and outro crescendo cement it as my favorite. Go give SMILE! :D a try!
The story may be concluded, but I'm actually holding on to two bonus tracks of sorts. Although I liked the tracks, they didn't end up being used in the narrative. They're named after Whyte Junction from Scooby-Doo! and the Spooky Swamp, which features a lovely soundtrack by Finn Robertson. The first one is a weird EDM track, which reminds me of the prom scene from Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated. I enjoyed throwing some of my favorite synthesizers together to layer up their textures. I couldn't resist that massive saw in the post-chorus bit.
This one is just a silly march for taking a bow. As the ending isn't all that serious, I didn't restrain myself from swapping the marching drums for some over-caffeinated hard rock. And no, those are not live drums. Enjoy!
Alex Kunce
Alex Kunce
Look mama, NO HANDS!
Hello all! This week, I'm recommending an album that I wouldn't have expected to appreciate as much as I have. It's NO HANDS by Joey Valence & Brae! The hip hop duo JVB have never taken themselves seriously at all, instead focusing on fun, humor, and hype. I think that approaching NO HANDS with this in mind will let you see the obscured but unmistakable artistry that gives the silliness substance. This album is essentially the lawlessness of the early internet fed through the filter of 90s boom bap, where meme sound bites sit over off-kilter, jazzy beats. There is also a thread of 90s club music woven into the record. I have to praise the evocative performance from Joey Valence and Brae, as well as surprisingly clever (if immature) bars. I enjoy the balance of flexing and self-aware humility. Some highlight tracks include sincere NO HANDS, energetic LIKE A PUNK and OK, and askew yet enticing DOUGHBOY (featuring some highlight bars from Terror Reid). Although OMNITRIX is an epic album closer, it's worth continuing into the deluxe tracks for the likes of laid back, jazzy PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE. My very favorite is JOHN CENA. The synth hook blended with the beat is next-level beautiful. Check out NO HANDS by JVB!
www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
6 days ago | [YT] | 2
View 0 replies
Alex Kunce
Say it ain't so!
Hiya all! This week, I'm recommending a commendably beloved record. For a hint? It's blue. Yes, I'm talking about Weezer's 1994 self-titled debut! Weezer's sound is defined by its overwhelming simplicity, so simple that it loops right back around to artistic. It takes a good bit of wisdom to make complex Beach Boys harmonies and distorted inverted chords feel straightforward, even expected. The Blue Album just feels comforting. Hits like rocking Buddy Holly, moody Say It Ain't So, and contemplative Undone — The Sweater Song make up the backbone of the record. Surf Wax America is terribly fun, In The Garage is sweet and relatable, and dynamic Holiday leads into the climactic closer Only In Dreams. The one song I've found inescapable is The World Has Turned and Left Me Here. That opening riff is incredible, the melodies are beautiful, and the lyrics are touching. Weezer's music is simple, but not easy. It's trimmed to its best parts for a reason; The Blue Album is worth your time. Go give it a spin!
www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
1 week ago | [YT] | 2
View 0 replies
Alex Kunce
Grey matter, grey matter...oh whoa oh oh...
Hello all! This week, I am recommending a special album for my favorite day of the year. It's Nothing to Fear by Oingo Boingo! Their sophomore record released in 1982, sporting a more guitar-driven sound while retaining plenty of the eclectic style Oingo Boingo is known for. The album is laced with themes of rebellious individuality and doubting the status quo, giving it a borderline punk attitude. The whole record offers an unwavering, near manic energy, to the point where even the calmer moments are gripped with anticipation. Highlight tracks are peculiar and powerful Private Life, bouncy and absurd Whole Day Off (which sounds oddly comparable to some themes from Wii Sports), anxiously rocking title track Nothing to Fear, and deliciously sinister Islands. The swampy intro to Why'd We Come leaps into a chorus that fits right in with the rest of the record, and Reptiles and Samurai is a preposterous yet catchy conclusion. Oh, and uneasily danceable Insects is painfully relatable. My favorite is the opening track, Grey Matter. The lyrics are anthemic and rousing, and what an instrumental! The rock sound blended with the uneasy marimba blend unexpectedly perfectly, and that low chorus chant is instantly pervasive. If you were taking count, you may have noticed that I highlighted 4/5ths of the album (that remaining 1/5th is worth the listen as well). Take that as testament to how much I enjoyed it. Go enjoy Nothing to Fear yourself, and Happy Halloween!
www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 2
View 0 replies
Alex Kunce
Hello all!
I wanted to say thank you to everyone who's listened through the soundtrack to Nymeria's Stone: A Sister's Journey. (If you haven't yet, here's the playlist!)
www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
I really enjoyed composing this score, and I hope you've enjoyed it as well. If you have, leave me a comment which track is your favorite. I myself have a few, and I'm happy with how it's turned out now that it's finished. This does mean that sadly I'll be entering a bit of a hiatus. What's the plan going forward? More album recommendations. Perhaps a single or two along the way. And, in time (maybe long time, but in time) my first full-length solo record. At the moment, it's far from finished—but, I think I have the seed of something worth listening to. I'm excited to see where it goes from here.
Good luck, and fair travels!
This is Alex Kunce, signing off...
...for now.
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 2
View 0 replies
Alex Kunce
The only proof that I need is you!
Hiya all! This week I'm recommending a great record that feels expansive and yet so complete. It's Paramore by Paramore! I have to mention, Grow Up would have been a great name for the record, especially now that it's on the reissue cover. Following their substantial footprint in the pop punk scene, Paramore wanted to reestablish themselves with an adjacent sound, trading double-time snares and heavy distortion for chorus guitars, new wave synths, and a lean toward their characteristic disco beats. Some tracks capture the personality of percussive strums in a bedroom, particularly the interludes. Then the record pulls an about face with these massive, epic songs like Part II and Future. While their earlier works were very concise and hook-focused, Paramore (the album) allows itself moments to breathe, offering these long, instrumental crescendos and solos. It feels spacious and cinematic without losing intensity or purpose. But don't get me wrong, there are still a trove of pop hooks all over this one. Anklebiters feels rebellious almost to the point of a different flavor of punk. It's a travesty Now didn't become the theme of a 2000s-era teen dystopian movie, because good gosh would it work. Part II, sequel to Let The Flames Begin, is a dramatic favorite. Last Hope is a great testament to perseverance. Proof is just such a sweet song, as is Still Into You. And I have to mention Fast In My Car being a really fun opener. Out of all of them, my favorite might be basic, and it might be predictable, but it is THE anthem. It's Ain't It Fun. The sheer power of the writing is complimented by the bittersweet bite of the melodies so well. Go give Paramore a try!
www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 2
View 0 replies
Alex Kunce
Junction Mov. 2 is out now!
Here is the second movement. I wanted to interpret the sound of Pretty Hate Machine by Nine Inch Nails into something less dancey and more of an alt-rock Gorillaz style (although that element is great on Pretty Hate Machine). By now you can probably guess how I feel about the bass groove. I also really like that high synth line toward the end. I enjoyed experimenting with the crushed out production on this one, as well as adding details to the percussion track to keep it moving. Thanks for listening to Nymeria's Stone!
Listen now on YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz0Nz...
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 1
View 0 replies
Alex Kunce
Is there really no happiness without this feeling?
Hello all! This week, I'm recommending one of the best pop records I've heard. It's SMILE! :D by Porter Robinson! Following his more EDM-oriented style, Porter leaned 110% into his own take on pop for this album. Beyond its enormous leads, catchy hooks, and top-tier production, SMILE! :D packs the complexity of dense arrangements, creative harmonies, and Porter's signature contemplations on life. The lyrics also tackle a good bit on the topic of fame and celebrity, and the pressures and pitfalls they impose on a person. The writing is very direct and isn't afraid to judge and even mock Porter's insecurities and flaws. On one side, the guitar work, vocal delivery, and lyrics could appeal to an emo crowd, while on the other the maximalist production and overblown synths evoke a borderline hyperpop sound. Tracks like KNOCK YOUR SELF OUT XD and Mona Lisa ft. Frost Children hold up the album with electric energy, while gentler tracks such as Easier to Love You switch up the mix. Is There Really No Happiness? is a personal favorite. The vocal chop hook is instantly memorable, and the song's exploration of nostalgia is complimented by the big synths and soaring melody. However, my absolute favorite track is the one and only Cheerleader. I can think of few better choices of a lead single. That explosive synth lead, paired with driving drums and excellent disco/indie pop guitar, is a highlight of not only the song but the record. The synth is so good, it's in my personal running for one of the best riffs ever. I swear. Not only that, but the whole song holds up. The arrangement holds back barely enough to make every section feel important, without compromising an ounce of energy forcing the song forward at full throttle. The bridge, final chorus, and outro crescendo cement it as my favorite. Go give SMILE! :D a try!
www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 2
View 0 replies
Alex Kunce
No short track this week! Tune in next Tuesday for the next track.
1 month ago | [YT] | 2
View 0 replies
Alex Kunce
Junction Mov. 1 is out now!
The story may be concluded, but I'm actually holding on to two bonus tracks of sorts. Although I liked the tracks, they didn't end up being used in the narrative. They're named after Whyte Junction from Scooby-Doo! and the Spooky Swamp, which features a lovely soundtrack by Finn Robertson. The first one is a weird EDM track, which reminds me of the prom scene from Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated. I enjoyed throwing some of my favorite synthesizers together to layer up their textures. I couldn't resist that massive saw in the post-chorus bit.
Listen now on YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf6hm...
1 month ago | [YT] | 1
View 0 replies
Alex Kunce
Finale is out now!
This one is just a silly march for taking a bow. As the ending isn't all that serious, I didn't restrain myself from swapping the marching drums for some over-caffeinated hard rock. And no, those are not live drums. Enjoy!
Listen now on YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLvPq...
1 month ago | [YT] | 1
View 0 replies
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