I have been on various forums for a good while now, but this is also applicable to sharing content on Web sites, blogs, Facebook, and other such mediums. Here are a few suggestions on ways in which users can share content to where it will actually be there x number of years from now, instead of being lost to history because it got deleted for reasons we all probably know about. That's the idea, anyway.
Find official content: What tends to happen with YouTube videos is that they get moved, deleted, set to private, and so on, even if they are on official outlets. This has the effect of disabling any YouTube video links a poster adds when he/she is writing about a topic(s). Mostly, though, these videos are getting deleted due to copyright. The majority of content I listen to isn't on a Vevo channel, so when I come across a new song in an unofficial mix on an unofficial channel, I know that at some point that mix is likely to get deleted, or the entire channel ends up getting deleted due to copyright. Knowing this, I then take it upon myself to try as hard as possible to find an official upload, whether that be on the original artist's channel, the label's channel, or some sort of other recognized/official uploader and/or promoter. I do this even if a different uploader adds better value to the song via a cool background, fancy video, or the fact that they've uploaded the full version instead of a stupid radio edit. I know, I know: "Cool background? It's about the music anyway, bro." And it certainly is, which is why I think it's important to take the necessary steps to find the proper content.
Searching: Given the above, I try to search on the artist's YouTube channel for the song directly in question. If I can't find it there -- or find the artist's channel at all -- I then try to find the label's channel. If that's not possible, perhaps the song is big or mainstream enough to be on a Vevo channel. When all YouTube searches yield no results, I try to search on Soundcloud, even though that's not as ubiquitous as a YouTube video. Other people might recommend Spotify, or a myriad of other services, but I have no experience with them from a technical standpoint.
Example: Is the song available on any of the following?:
Artist's YouTube: No
Label's YouTube: No
Vevo: No
Soundcloud: Yes
Because the only official upload is available on Soundcloud, I would choose that link over any other unofficial link. Some sites have Soundcloud embedding, some don't. I used to want to choose the video with the better background, but I've since stopped doing this because I want that guy or girl five years from now to be able to play a video I posted and relate it to the write-up I did about it, rather than lose that to history because I chose the wrong video that ended up just getting deleted. Let's face it, I'm not going through all this trouble to present undiscovered material on Internet forums just to have that negated due to these issues. With that beef noted, I don't mind going out of my way to find the official content, especially if I believe in the music being created, or that it spoke to me in some way.
YouTube Auto-Generated Channels: From what I can reasonably assume (this is nothing more than an educated guess), YouTube is trying to help provide official content by adding channel names via randomly-generated searches, otherwise known as YouTube-Topic channels. YouTube has a page discussing it, but it's not in depth at all -- very surfacecy and nontransparent. As it were, they look like this:
Artist A-Topic
or
Artist B-Topic
The -Topic channels are more of a compilation of different things, even non-music-related, and this is all based off of your searching history or the history of multiple searches of a similar topic. Basically, YouTube is auto-creating these channels without a human at the helm.
YouTube is also using the pound key in front of the artists' names for content that is licensed to them from an artist or label. It looks like this:
#Artist A
or
#Artist B
Using Nirvana as an example, there would be two different auto-generated channels that look like this:
Nirvana-Topic
or
#Nirvana
I'm not entirely clear on how it all works, but both are different systems that basically do the same thing. The # videos look to be song-specific, and these are then linked to the #Nirvana account.
For example, I search for Nirvana's "Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle."
I can tell immediately that none of the videos on the first page are official uploads. What I'm going to do now is add a pound sign in front of the title I just typed:
#Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle
The page still looks essentially the same, however, what this will do is increase your chances of finding the video content that is licensed to YouTube by the whomever the rights-holder(s) is/are. After adding the # sign, it's not until I get to page three in the search results that I find the #Nirvana channel that tells me this: "Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group International." By choosing that video, I at least have a greater certainty that the song will remain available in years to come, as it was legitimately provided to YouTube by the label. All of the # videos have this similar look where the background is faded.
Generally, this is useful when you can't find official content from an artist, label, or through Vevo. Now, let's say that the label ends up going under in a few years or the license expires and the videos get deleted anyway. That's okay, because an unofficial video is vastly more susceptible to being deleted due to copyright than a label going under or YouTube losing a license.
Sure, I guess in a way, it's a gamble that YouTube will even be around in 30 years, so all this effort may, in fact, be moot. But that's no way to look at things, especially when you're trying to reach a new audience with music they wouldn't otherwise be inclined to check out.
I thought I would give this album and its remixed counterpart a try after hearing, and liking, OceanLab's "On A Good Day (Metropolis)." Here are the results, written in real time and later spruced up for better reading as a blog post: OceanLab - Sirens of the Sea
Label: Anjunabeats; Ultra Records Genre(s): Trance/Progressive House Release Year: 2009 Members: Justine Suissa, Jono Grant, Paavo Siljamäki, Tony McGuinness Listening time: 70 minutes.
TRACKLISTING
1. Just Listen 2. Sirens of the Sea 3. If I Could Fly 4. Breaking Ties 5. Miracle 6. Come Home 7. On A Good Day 8. Ashes 9. I Am What I Am 10. Lonely Girl 11. Secret 12. On The Beach 13. Breaking Ties (Flow Mix)
The CD packaging is of the paper variety with a construction that is made from 40% recycled material. Not to be outdone, the inner-disc tray is made from "100% recycled material with at least 35% post-consumer materials," as is proudly written on the clear plastic. The inside foldouts contain lyrics for all of the tracks as well as additional photos of OceanLab, including Justine Suissa, the lead vocalist, submerged in water and in thought. Because? Well, that's just what sirens do. Sirens gonna siren.
Note: When this type of packaging started to come en vogue, I remained partial to hard-CD cases, but over the years, I've come to like, and prefer, this type of packaging. If I had the resources to do so, I'd convert my entire collection to paper-printed albums like this.
1) "Just Listen": The song opens with a piano and what sounds like a synth. The pace is mid-tempo. Tension building now. Stutter-step piano keys that transition into full-on piano work. Vocals then come in and they are more humming/calm/enchanting in nature. The track finishes out with a slow piano as it transitions into track two. In classical mythology, a siren is a sea creature that lured sailors to destruction with her enchanting signing. As this is only an introductory track, it's not clear yet what this dame is up to. Be that as it may, it's time to alter our voyage's course and follow that distant sound.
2) "Sirens of the Sea": A mid-tempo/slightly up-tempo beat to start off this track. Suissa keeps her whisper tones, which is something I will expect throughout the rest of the album. “Follow me,” she says.
Leaving reason far behind Nothing here is cruel or kind Only your desire to set me free Let us lie here all alone Worn away like river stone Let us be the sirens of the sea
Is she leading the crew to safety, or is she making promises of some aquatic utopia as she steers the crew into the depths of the ocean?
The song: it’s boring. Even though I like Suissa's calmer approach at times, a more upbeat instrumental would work better for this track. I guess it’s just hit or miss. The chorus parts make the song what it is, however. A clearly-boomed voice lays out the line “Sirens of the Sea” as the song comes to an end.
3) "If I Could Fly": Also a mid-tempo song. This one’s catchier and Suissa's voice has gained a strength, power and confidence that wasn't present on the first two tracks. The album takes a detour from the sea theme as the lyrics recall a day, of no particular importance, where the protagonist is trying to make her way home (via train) from some sort of errand or event, all the while trying to acclimate to harsh, cold weather. At some point she takes a look at her surroundings, only to find desolate faces and empty souls.
A simple smile can change a day An understanding look can say I know exactly how you feel But we have learned to build our walls So very strong and very tall For fear of what the world might steal
If I close my eyes a minute See a world and then I'm in it Stand alone and grow my wings To take me high
If I could fly See the world beneath me Feel as though I'm set free Oh if I could fly
The way I read the lyrics: she wants to escape whatever sense of isolation that she is feeling, not only from herself, but from other people.
4) "Breaking Ties": Wistful sound. More of a talking track than singing so far. Now guitars come in for the first time and she starts singing the lullaby "da da da dum." The guitars were cool, but this is not a song I need to give another listen. A fade-out finishes the song, which is an indicator that OceanLab didn't have a good closer for the track. Lyrically, it's about coming to terms with a relationship that had both good and bad. Or is it about something else? The lyrics are ambiguous, but I wouldn't want it any other way -- I don't want the meaning spelled out for me. Given the track title, I'll go with it having something do with a breakup.
5) "Miracle": Slow-tempo track with a slow build and some piano work. Vocals have gone soft and whisper-like again and later some bass comes in. There is a light and relaxing vibe with OceanLab succinctly incorporating sounds that seem to emanate from an icy environment. I can't tell if the message of the song is religious or anti-religious, or not about religion at all. Something about ice caps melting away and people hoping for a miracle. At the risk of sounding just a little too glib, this is a yuppieish track that, if I wasn't doing a review of the album, wouldn't get anywhere close to registering on my care-‘o-meter. Way too slow for me. That doesn't mean that the song and its message won’t resonate with a different target demographic.
6) "Come Home": It's full speed ahead now as this fast-tempo song revitalizes things. Unlike the previous two tracks, ambiguity is forgotten and this is the most honest and vulnerable the siren has been on the album. The subject matter is about regretting an argument and other relationship dilemmas.
Come home You know I didn't mean to say the things I said Come home Don't leave me here with all these thoughts inside my head
This is the kind of track that is a nice break from some of the more abrasive stuff I have in my collection. Usually what happens is I throw something like this in a mix in order to remind me that it’s there.
7) "On A Good Day": Although I know I'm probably going to like the Metropolis mix that I have already heard, I’m giving the track its original, full respect for the first time. It's the catchiest song with the catchiest chorus, so far, but I'm finding the instrumental parts to be boring. Again, the Metropolis version beats this.
8) "Ashes": Jungle-sounding beat with some background guitars. The song is mid-tempo.
Ashes take me back to earth Water quench my human thirst.
Not really sure the vocals work in the proper manner that the beat is supposed to convey. This wouldn't be too bad as an instrumental track. Now bongo drums (?) near the end give the song some drive and *oomph*. I think there’s a violin in here and maybe a harp or something.
9) "I Am What I Am": Slow tempo again. Vocals sound better here. The beat sounds basic ‘90s breakbeat to me, just slowed down and not as raspy. The catchy part here is “I am what I am.” Balance of talk-singing in the track.
10) "Lonely Girl": This is the stand-out track.
OceanLab - "Lonely Girl"
When I watch the music video, I'm all like, “Yes. Yes, I do want to date a girl who is way out of my league and take her out on the town, take photos with her, get in a fight with her, break up with her, and then show up out of nowhere to get back together and make out with her. That sounds like a blast.” Truthfully, if I'm supposed to relate this to myself, I think the message here is that life is too bloody short and there are more important things in life than whatever selfish endeavor I decide to give a rip about on any given day. Right?
11) “Secret”: Sounds similar-but-different to “I Am Who I Am.” Suissa tries a different vocal range here; they double-track her voice. She may have a secret, but she's not spilling the beans, so as a song, I don't really see the point of it. I'd say this was an addition to fit some kind of story arc, with this one relating back to the relationship theme.
12) "On The Beach": Hearing guitars. Clear vocals, although they are monotone in their application. In keeping with the title, this would be something to listen to while enjoying the freedom and freshness of the beach.
13) "Breaking Ties": An aquatic ending that gives the listener a true sense of the sea while bringing a sunset on the album. Vocals come in, almost like a siren. Spooky ambiance like you’re adrift over the sea. More of the truth and lies, fooling herself, conflicted-emotions dynamic. Slow build is worked up along with the vocals, and the effect is building tension while remaining bleak-sounding. At 2:50 in the song, the pace slows even more. Vocals come back in with “...a life I had not lived yet." I’d say that this is an outro, so it probably isn't supposed to be a song in that sense, although it might speak to those who are into more of a drone, atmospheric type of deal.
SUMMATION
It's not clear if OceanLab is trying to tell some sort of story arc or they were simply using sea concepts as inspiration for the album. I was all set to do a write-up tying everything together with all matters sea-related, but I had to scrap that halfway through because the album bounces back and forth between the sea theme and tracks with a relationship/inner-turmoil theme that have nothing to do with water, sand, sirens or shipwrecks. For Suissa, her vocal range goes from whisper tones to mid-range signing, but it doesn't venture beyond that. And, while her honesty at times is admirable and humbling, her conflicting emotions transfer as confusion and frustration for the listener because you wish she could be more confident, not only with herself, but with everything she's internalizing. If this is supposed to be a storytelling album, then I can see it working. If not, it’s no different than any other album with some filler material. I have to say, I can't shake the feeling of disappointment that, given the inference of the album's cover and the band's name, that this wasn't a completely-themed output. If you're looking for something to set voyage to, listen to the album as a whole. If it's bounty you're after, check out tracks 3, 6, 7 and 10.
OceanLab - Sirens of the Sea: Remixed (Disc One)
Listening time: 78 minutes
TRACKLISTING
1. If I Could Fly [Jaytech Remix] 2. Come Home [Michael Cassette Remix] 3. On The Beach [Andy Daguid Remix] 4. Lonely Girl [Gareth Emery Remix] 5. On A Good Day [Above & Beyond Club Mix] 6. I Am What I Am [Lange Remix] 7. Breaking Ties [Above & Beyond Analogue Haven Mix] 8. Miracle [Above & Beyond Club Mix] 9. Ashes [Oliver Smith Remix] 10. Sirens of the Sea [Above & Beyond Club Mix]
1) Thump, thump, thump beat with a wafting synth in the background. I call it a synth, but I really have no clue what the technical musical term is. It’s clear at this point that this is more of the sound I’m going for with my music. Now vocals enter the scene. Not sure yet if they fit the beat. Really wondering if this particular beat would be better with a different vocal track than this, or left alone as an instrumental. I’d probably go with the original for this song because it’s catchier, however, there’s some good promise in this track. Maybe just have better placement and/or more vocal-stutter edits that sync up better. Not too bad, but won’t return to it.
2) Slower pace here. Hmm. Beat and vocals match better on this one. Aquatic feel with summer vibes. The synths roll over themselves in an interesting pattern. Ambient yet driving. I’d recommend this one over the original. Surf ‘n sand, mates.
3) Can’t define this sound right off the bat. Repetitive bass beat with varying piano layering in the background that is slower in tempo. Secondary bass comes in now. Title is “On The Beach,” but I think you’d have to be hammered to think this song is beach-like. Vocals now and they sound crisp and clear. I said on the original that the vocals were distracting. Here they are not as the vocals are treated properly and are well-balanced. At the 4-minute mark now and the beat goes into a progressive-house drop that hasn't been heard so far on either disc. *Looks track up in real time, and yes, it’s progressive house.* I wouldn't say the song resonates in the way that I’d like it to, but it’s a solid song and leaves you to appreciate the dedication and production talent that the remixer brought to the song. Andy Duguid is underrated in general, IMO. Best track so far, would recommend it over the original.
4) If our Siren was lonely before, we have Gareth Emery to the rescue. Or is he? Vocals are about the same, not altered too much. Not feeling the beat as it is distracting when compared to the original. Instead of a “do do do," Emery uses a stutter-edit approach to that portion of the song, and this has the effect of removing the emotion that the original had. Midway through, the beat goes off on its own and we’re left wondering what happened to our lonely girl. Emery is doing his own thing. Vocals come back in at the 5:50 mark, repeating the song's chorus. I guess we know why she feels lonely -- the track comes across as being all about Gareth Emery.
5) Classic trance beat. This is what’s known as uplifting trance, a sub-genre of trance which is comprised of faster beats that run about 138 beats per minute (BPM). There is a weird “talking to myself forever” fade-out in addition to the main chorus that does the same. Not feeling that effect at all, but other than that, this beats the original. *Looking up the track listings in real time and I see that the other uplifting tracks are going to be #6, #7, #8, and #10*. Not everyone likes to break the genres down in this manner, and I can understand that. Unless you spend an enormous amount of time listening to this type of music, how would you really know what’s uplifting, what’s prog, what’s classic, etc.? Uplifting in general is supposed to have faster beats, but to me, since the beats are clumped together, for whatever reason, it sounds slower to me. I’m more of a progressive-trance guy myself, so that’s why out of all the versions of "On A Good Day," I prefer the Metropolis version.
6) This one is boring me. Not sure if this really adds anything above the original. Oh, what’s this? At the 5-minute mark the beat changes completely into a proper uplifting, fast-paced beat. Now it has added something to make it different, but I'd still pick the original over this remix.
7) This one balances the vocals and the beat to where they don’t feel out of sync. Better than the original, but still no dice on ever playing it again.
8) Catchier beat than some of the others, but then it seems to forget it wants to even be here and it slows down. Then it says, “Oh yeah, I have to do something," so the vocals come in now. What do you want me to say? I’m going to pass on this.
9) Has an *uncha, uncha* club vibe. Reminds me a bit of Andy Moor’s “In Your Arms.” The background...not sure what it is but my brain signals coco-cabana beats or something from the Super Nintendo game Donkey Kong Country. Trying to describe it but I don’t know what it is. A flute, a drum or bongo? Midway through hearing some wood-fire kindling sounds as is indicative of the track’s title. Seems decently produced, but I don’t end up caring about the track.
10) Better match of beat and vocals than the original, but otherwise I have no opinion. No OMG moments when listening to it.
OceanLab - Sirens of the Sea: Remixed (Disc Two)
Listening time: 78 minutes
TRACKLISTING
1. Secret [Andrew Bayer Remix] 2. Just Listen [Myon & Shane 54 Remix] 3. On A Good Day [16 Bit Lolitas Remix] 4. Miracle [Michael Cassette Remix] 5. Sirens of the Sea [Sonorous Remix] 6. Breaking Ties [Duderstadt Remix] 7. Satellite [Original Above & Beyond Mix] 8. Sky Falls Down [Armin van Buuren Remix] 9. Clear Blue Water [Ferry Corsten Remix] 10. Beautiful Together [Signum Remix]
All tracks on this disc are over seven minutes long.
1) Slow piano opening, aquatic feeling. Not all tracks give off an aquatic feeling, I’m just noting the ones that do. Where I said the original was “pointless,” Bayer’s remix gives it life.
2) Piano rift and a light thumpin' bass with vocals. This was the introduction track on the original album, so here, it remains a non-song, and I’m going to do what I haven’t done with any of the other songs so far -- I’m going to skip to the next song.
3) Another remix of “On A Good Day.” Can this beat the Metropilis version? Different vocal arrangement. The line “lost” is repeated to start off the track. Now the track is meandering about, like it doesn't know itself anymore. This would work better in a club atmosphere. I’m skipping to the next track.
4) Upbeat vibe. Piano and synths are fighting for prominence, then the synths explode and the vocals come in. This one over the original, but still no care from me. I'm going to skim over the second half of this disc as this review is getting too long-winded and I find myself looking for an excuse to get distracted.
5) Has a liquid (not aquatic) club vibe. Some different techniques and variations in sounds, which is my thing, so that gets a nod from me.
6) Nope.
7) “Satellite. If track six broke the ties from the original album, it did so to give us the final four tracks, all of which appear to be bonus tracks, and all of them are uplifting trance. Indeed, “Satellite” comes out of nowhere and steals the show. Solid uplifting-trance mix.
OceanLab - "Satellite"
8) Another uplifting-trance track. Enjoyable.
9) Mostly an instrumental. The vocals only hum and there are little to no lyrics. Meh.
10) On to the finale. *uncha uncha* beat. Rave-music vibe. Meh.
SUMMATION
Some okay tracks, but largely "Satellite" and the bonus tracks on the second disc would be the reason to pick up this album.
The following review was written in real time as I listened to the complete album for the first time.
Morgan Page - In The Air
Label: Nettwork Products Ltd. Genre(s): House/Progressive House Release Year: 2012
1) “In The Air”: The album opens with a bang. I don’t know musically what’s going on (I wish I did), but it already sounds different than most EDM I come across. The first time I heard of Morgan Page was his song "Video," and later on with the Mord Fustang remix of "In The Air," a faster-paced, more abrasive remix of this track. Anyway, I won’t double up too much here, other than to say that this time the “Hallelujah” is present in the track, which was a line that was removed on the Mord Fustang remix. A few tracks on the album are collaborations, and this is one of them, with BT and Ned + Shepard having a hand in the pot; BT's production influence is clearly heard here. "In The Air" is driving, upbeat, and powerful; you could hum this tune all day long. I vouch for this one -- original, remix or otherwise:
Morgan Page, Sultan + Ned Shepard, and BT (ft. Angela McCluskey) - "In the Air"
2) “Where Did You Go”: Vocal track. Pace is about a 7 on a /10 scale. Male vocals. The beat itself is good, it’s that when the vocals come in they're too typical dance-song-sounding for me, for lack of a better term. Perhaps a little too boy-band-esque. Really slow break in the middle of the song. It’s not going to get a return visit most likely, but if I’m comparing it to a lot of what I hear on Pandora on a daily basis, it would stand above more amateur fair. The song would be better with a remix.
3)“Body Work”: This is a quirky one. "Body Work" would qualify as one of those songs that is more accessible to your average listener, as it’s catchy enough to get stuck in your head, even if you might not want it to. Out of all the songs on the album, it would be something I would expect to have been the type of EDM that was popular in the mainstream during that time period (ala Lady Gaga), particularly when compared to the other material that I have been posting in the journal. That said, it never loses its indie feels. Tegan and Sara, another set of twins, just like NERVO, are the featured vocalists. The music video has Tegan and Sara folding laundry at a gym while several of the members perform dance moves throughout the facility. Meanwhile, Morgan Page DJs in the background, and there are some glow sticks to make the video complete. I know it’s dance music, but just between you and me, I don’t even like characterizing it as dance music. But we've got to call it something. I'm particularly not a fan of those types of videos, although music videos that don't make a lick of sense are par for the course when it comes to electronic music.
4) “Carry Me”: The Dyro remix of this song is one of my favorite electronic-vocal tracks. Er, forget that for the moment, I'm supposed to discuss the original. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that the beat and the vocals don't quite fit together like they should on the original version; they sound somewhat out of sync. I think that's what I'm hearing, anyway. The beat: while being straight-line, thumping and repetitious, it sounds hollow at its core. It pains me to say that, because it's still a stellar tune. This is one of Nadia Ali's best vocal performances that I've heard to date. I can tell that the quality of the original composition + vocals is there, and it would take a really lousy remixer to come in and mess things up. Like much of the album, it’s dance-able, but not too mainstream where you'd have to break out the cheese.
5) “The Only One”: Vocally it sounds Latin-influenced, even though it’s got a dance beat. Not on par with the first four songs.
6) “S.O.S. (Message In A Bottle)”: Is this going to be a The Police cover or something? Let’s see. Yes, it looks that way.
Tangent: I know from some other selections I have come across that Sting has been receptive to having his material covered by individuals in the electronic community. Or at least whoever wrote the song. Typically, an approved adaptation (not a cover) will function as a separate, stand-alone song, and then it will be "remixed." It's called an adaptation because the original production wasn't used, therefore disqualifying it to be a proper remix. I'm sure there's some royalties minutia going on as to why they don't use the original production.
/tangent
Well, other than being another cover, it doesn't add anything new to the legacy of the song.
7) “The Actor”: Getting a pseudo-Radiohead, indie-rock vibe on this track. Standard tune. I do like some of the background sounds I’m hearing, but the song is nothing earth-shattering. Seems to me it’s a song about self-loathing and wearing a social mask:
Teeth white smile white, Distant look here in my eyes, I can fake it all the time, Teeth white smile white, Distant look here in my eyes, I can fake it all the time,
I’m the actor.
8) “Missing”: If all you want in your music is to hear the line “Missing your love, missing your love, I’ll be missing your love,” then this is certainly the song for you. Moving on…
9) “Light Years”: Richard Walters on vocals. Walters does just fine, but the production is not up to snuff with some of the better material here.
10) “Loves Mistaken”: Vocalist is Shelley Harland. I haven’t heard if her before, but she sounds good. It’s a progressive-house tune with dance-pop flavor. Possibly the most traditionally structured, commercial track on the album. Too standard dance-sounding for me, however. "Loves Mistaken" won’t make it to my rotation, but, like most of the songs on the album, it would stand out if you pitted it against a lot of the other stuff I come across on my Pandora station.
11) “Gimme Plenty”: Club tune with a lounge vibe that maintains an energetic pace throughout. Has a sultriness to it. I’d liken it to “Lovefool” by The Cardigans if I was describing this to an alternative-music listener who’s never heard a dance song in his/her life.
12) “Video”: Tegan and Sara again as the featured vocalists. This is catchy as hell. I’m looking at the lyrics, and I have no earthly idea what they’re on about, so I will be unable to provide any pithy comments on this one.
Hide inside like a middle school kid Flip the screen of the tube instead Horror films in black and white Pull the shades from day to night
I knew I was looking for thrills I lose myself looking for thrills I knew I was looking for thrills I lose myself looking for thrills
My mind is full of video tape Hit the streets so hard Take your body in the night
I would definitely recommend this one. Solid stuff.
13) “Addicted”: I have heard this one before. The vocalist, Greg Laswell, keeps a calm and soothing tone throughout. It’s a good closer to the album.
SUMMATION
Best Track: "In The Air" Worst Track: "Missing"
I would have no problem with this CD being in my collection. Clearly, it already is. While at times in this review I might seem overly critical of those songs I didn't like, they're not too bad, even if they're a bit samey in some respects. This would be a good album to put on at a cocktail party of like-minded music listeners while people mingle about the house.
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STATISTICS FOR THIS REVIEW
Time listening to CD: 56 minutes, 20 seconds Total time spent on review*: 240 minutes
*from the moment I opened the cellophane on the CD, to the exact moment when I hit the submit reply button. This includes prep time, sourcing YouTube links, scanning album art, editing and proofreading the journal entry, etc.
I use Pandora as my streaming-music service, and it has been a boon when it comes to finding new electronic music. However, I can't, or at least haven't been able to, say the same thing when it comes to rock music; it's much harder for me to find stuff I like. Because it takes forever to find something new and interesting, I often feel like giving up looking for any of it. But every once in awhile, I am reminded of why I shouldn't.
The White Jacket - 5000 Miles from High St.
Genre: Hard Rock
Release Date: September 22, 2012
TRACKLISTING
1. Battle
2. Confessions
3. Rise of the Phoenix
4. Hold Your Ground
5. The Escape
6. Set If Off
7. New Beginnings
8. Sound
9. Let You Know
10. Evil Angel
On the front cover of the album, The White Jacket is pictured knee-deep in water, which might not make sense at first, unless you were to find out where they're from. As stated on their YouTube, they play mainly in the Honolulu/Hawaii live music scene. I had never heard of this band in my life until their song "Battle" came across my Pandora rock station and jolted me out of the tediousness and boredom of what I normally hear on there. Not knowing what to expect from the rest of the album, I ordered it on a whim, thinking that even if I didn't like anything else on the album, "Battle" would be worth the admission price alone.
The hard copy of the album is manufactured by demand only (I got mine on Amazon), which is an indicator that the band doesn't have a lot of promotion, not even from themselves: a) the link to their Web site no longer works and b) their Twitter link no longer works. I'm left wondering, are they still playing together? Are they working on any new material? Be that as it may, it's on to the review:
1)“Battle”: The White Jacket wastes no time as they open up the album with “Battle,” and for a very, very good reason: this song has the best guitar riff and drum pattern that I have heard in modern-rock music in long time. The song is a perfect blend and proper balance of aggression, singing, rockin’, and just when you expect a verse-chorus-verse pattern, the middle of the song breaks off into a melodic humming tune. "Battle" is of-the-charts, holy-smokes awesome.
The White Jacket - "Battle"
*video content is NSFW*
At the time of this writing, it’s the only video on YouTube (and the official one) and it has barely over 6500 views??? A hidden treasure, indeed.
2)“Confessions”: Bass guitar starts off this song, then an electric guitar and vocals come in. This track’s not bad and has some great harmonies. Yeah, I can rock to this, and it is the second-best song on the disc.
3)“Rise of the Phoenix”: Slower ballad that reaches Chris Daughtry territory. Here the band's Honolulu/Hawaii presence comes into play, as the song gives off a vibe similar to Sublime.
4)“Hold Your Ground”: Have to say that this track leans toward being generic and boring midtempo rock.
5)“The Escape”: Similar Honolulu/Hawaii vibe. Filler song.
6)“Set It Off”: Sounds like a bar band, but it's an effort from a group of guys that make no apologies for enjoying playing in bars, which is refreshing.
7)“New Beginnings”: Slow, symphonic, acoustic song with a few parts that rock harder.
8)“Sound”: More of an ‘80s guitar riff. It’s too bad the song isn't more aggressive in the vocals and overall feel. But not bad.
9)“Let You Know”: Already sounds slow. Skipping.
10)“Evil Angel”: Solid hard rock. Similar to tracks 2 and 8, this is a balanced hard-rock song with vocal harmonies and varying guitar riffs.
SUMMATION
Best tracks: 1, 2, 6, 8 and 10.
The impression I get from their material is that they are a group of guys that actually enjoy the music they're playing, which isn't always the case with a lot of other bands. My bro called the singer a third-rate singer, but I disagree. He’s at least B level, and I’m happy to hear a different vocalist in rock that doesn't sound like every…single…other modern metal/hard rock/indie rock singer that I have ever heard. "Battle" is top-shelf material, and I'd go so far as to say it is a must-listen for any hard-rock fan thirsty for something relatively new. Unfortunately, the rest of the album doesn't quite muster up enough wow factor to make this a go-to album, and while I am all for variety, it is a pet peeve of mine when [hard rock] bands make a few great rockin’ tracks, and 90% of the rest of the album is slow, draggy, normal radio-friendly unit shifters. That's not to say that the songs are bad, because they're not, it's just that I selfishly wanted the entire album to bring the same intensity as the opening track.
Overall, while nothing else on the album matched the intensity of “Battle," I wasn't really expecting it to, and I'm still happy that I bought the CD; it's always enjoyable to support a relatively unknown band, particularly when their music brings a new appreciation to your collection. With that said, TWJ doesn't try to be something they're not, and for that I can tip my cap.
BT, or Brian Transeau, has been in the electronic music game a long time, specifically being one of the pioneers of the trance genre. The following is a review of his ninth album. I wrote it in real time as I listened to the album in its entirety for the first time, making edits and revisions after the fact to make it readable as a blog post.
BT - A Song Across Wires
Label: Armada Music Genre(s): Multiple/various Release Year: 2013
I will start with the media packaging. The layout is very simple. Nothing fancy on the front cover, other than whatever type of haircut BT is sporting and the fact that he’s split himself into three. The title A Song Across Wires has the A letters missing the cross-lines and the E is backwards, so it's possible to assume that some futuristic material is headed the listener's way. At least that's the kind of typeface I see reserved for all things having to do with sci-fi. In this instance, it's more likely to do with BT trying to convey and connect his thoughts and emotions via technological outputs, which would fit the theme of some of his past album titles, such as Movement In Still Life and Emotional Technology. The inside foldout has some additional pictures of BT, with the album credits in the middle that are laid out in a way that mimic the wires supporting an old-school telephone system. The back of the CD has BT in some sort of The Matrix-like setting, but instead of a bunch of elusive figures, it's just a dude, BT, chillin' in a black t-shirt.
1) “Skylarking” leads things off. This track I had heard before, and it's one of those songs you have to hear a number of times to appreciate.
BT - "Skylarking"
“Skylarking” takes the listener through states of calm all the way through rolling, thunderous synths. Even though it’s clear there’s a lot going on, and on some level it gives off a sense of warmth, life, birth and rebirth, there are other times where it feels cold to the touch, which is an oft-mentioned complaint that a lot of people have about electronic music. It wouldn't be until several x amount of time later (I don't remember the time frame) that I watched the music video, and it did help to bring a different dynamic to the song. The video itself is brilliantly shot with multiple scenes of nature set to time-lapse photography, something that is often a staple of many a trance video. Here, again, is another bridge between real nature and computer-based music.
2) “Letting Go”: Alright, hearing this for the first time. I recognize the vocals as JES (Jes Brieden). Wow, I think this is dubstep. Didn’t expect that from BT. It starts off with a full chorus but it also has the line “letting go” spliced and repeated throughout -- consistently -- but not in too cheap a way as BT’s complexity is still evident. For me, it just depends on how this technique is implemented before I can decide if it ruins the song. This effect is similar to how the line “electric gloooow” is used in Tritonal's aptly titled, you guessed it, "Electric Glow," a song that appears as a remix on the Tritonia: Chapter 002 album, I find this particular type of repetition annoying. Now we’re on to the midway point, but it's not really adding too much to the song.
3) “Tomahawk”: BT brings things back to trance, albeit with an ever-so-slight dub influence. My initial reaction is that it sounds kind of empty. According to Wikipedia, this song would reach #1 on Beatport's trance charts at some point during its life cycle. Just because it doesn't work from the comfort of my computer, that doesn't mean it wouldn't work in the clubs.
4) “City Life”: From the nature setting that “Skylarking” gave us, we now transition into “City Life.” This is a vocal track, and the language used is clearly foreign. Perhaps Japanese?* BT keeps things light at the beginning as the track isn't too busy. Then, we hit the two-minute mark and things pick up and some bass is added. Not sure what this genre this is. I’m guessing progressive house. I know I have said in the past that I don't always like getting bogged down in genres, but sometimes I can’t help myself. *Goes to look up the genre in real time*… Ah, I see now that it’s electro house. By the end of the song it slows down again and some sort of flute finishes out the track. Overall, the song isn't resonating with me. *Note: The vocalist is K-Pop singer Bada (Choi Sung-hee).
5) “Stem The Tides”: Expecting a water-like vibe here. It is a vocal track BT goes back to using an English . Hearing some chimes mixed in. The lyrics are nothing to write home about, with BT highlighting the vocals “Oh oooh oh oooh” as the main draw. The track is midtempo. Neither the beat nor the vocals really grab me.
6) “Tonight”: JES back on vocals. These are the lyrics…the only lyrics:
7) “Live Divine”: Sounds like an updated Depeche Mode song, although it has a pop structure with the way the vocals are laid out. There is some sort of echo effect on the vocals that makes them seem more distant than they need to be. In looking at the credits, I see that Christian Burns is on vocals. He’d have a good cross-over rock voice, which you can hear in this collaboration with Maison & Dragen.
8) “Surrounded”: A slower track. Male vocals that sound high-pitched in their application. The structure of the beat maintains a flat pace, although it carries a lot of BT’s signature variations.
9) “Vervoeren”: Hmm. This sounds ominous. It’s an instrumental. I would need to spend more time with this one. No opinion.
10) “Calling Your Name”: A vocal track. A lead-up then a break with the line “Calling Your Name” repeated, similar to the other tracks. Picks up again midway. Is that a dubstep drop? *Heads to Web site to make sure. Clicks on title.* Nope, it’s a trance tune with a BPM of 132. What kind of sorcery is this? Decent drive to the song. Might need to give it a few more listens to fully appreciate it. Note: This album has a ton of collaborations. All tracks were mixed by BT, except this one. It was mixed by Tritonal.
11) “Must Be The Love”: In addition to "Skylarking," this is the second track that I knew about previous to spinning the album. And with two tracks to go, I already know this is going to be the best track on the disc. This is, however, my first time hearing the full version instead of the radio edit. Nadia Ali on vocals, and they’re top notch as always. This is trance. The first 1:45 or so starts off slower than the radio edit, which I have to say is quite an adjustment. As I’m hearing it now, that portion of the song sound out of place...but not after that. Now we’re talkin’. The first drop (trance isn't really known for drops, it's not really a drop in that sense) is different than the second, with the second one being more complex, thus making the instrumental part of the song unique in its design when put up against a lot of its counterparts. I can see why the decision was made to go with the radio edit. While purists might deride something like this as too poppy for an output by BT, I don't think it does enough to cross over into straight-pop territory. I know pop when I hear it.
Arty, Nadia Ali & BT - "Must Be The Love"
12) “Lifeline”: Our final track. Not feeling it.
SUMMATION
Overall, I think it's a fairly balanced album. I wouldn't say that the style of the album is necessarily for me, but it could be one of those deals where you've got to give the entire album several spins, or hear it in a type of setting for which it was designed. Me being a bit of a good 'ol boy mixed with a highly creative side, I can't assess it insofar as its club potential. As it were, musical taste is in the ear of the beholder.
SUPPLEMENTAL
BT is known for his complexity and his ability to interlace an extreme amount of edits into his music. Indeed, a song from one of BT's earlier releases has a record to its name...
BT is now quoted as having set a new record, unofficially at present, with a track that has 10,000 edits. Read more: BT article. Is it good music at that point, or intellectual youknowwhat?
- Also listed on his Wikipedia are some interesting facts about his musical background. This includes some of his background in jazz and classical music.
- BT composed the music for the 2001 film The Fast and the Furious. I saw that film in the theaters upon its release. I wouldn't get heavily into this type of electronic music until about 2011. Small world.
- BT is working on a project to translate his electronic compositions to a real symphony--with instruments!
Quote:
The album is produced by Grammy nominated BT and award-winning composer Tommy Tallarico. “This collaboration is an acoustical merging of tradition and technology, not simply symphonic versions of popular EDM songs,” NTallarico said.
There are several YouTube channels that I have discovered in regard to electronic music. Some are known, some are less known.
Mixhound
Mixhound's tagline is "The Best Music And Mixes," and when it comes to mixes, that's largely true. Sometimes I think Mixhound's mixes are better than his single uploads:
Armada Music
Armada is one of the biggest YouTube channels for Trance, although they have begun to branch out with Progressive House, Deep House, the occasional Drum & Bass, and some other genres as well.
StylesSounds
Partnered with EDM District, StylesSounds uploads a variety of genres. Not as frequent an up-loader, but usually has quality stuff.
Paradoxium
Paradoxium uploads more Trap, Future Bass, and Bounce, but a lot of the uploads are energetic. Other genres do appear as well.
SensitiveTracks
A pretty good offering of Electro House, among other genres.
AirwaveMusicTV
A good variety of genres, with styles ranging from heavy Dubstep, melodic electronic music, all the way to quirkier selections. There is a sub-channel for Dubstep called AirwaveDubstepTV.
This is my YouTube playlist containing some of the world's finest in modern electronic music:
Here's some of what's in it:
Song elements: High energy, fast-paced, deep baselines, loudness, ambient tones, ethereal. Mix of guitars, violins, drums, electronic keyboards, and synths, among others.
Genres: Dubstep, Trance, Progressive House, Electro House, Glitch Hop, Drumstep, Trap, and Drum & Bass, among many other sub-genres.
Style(s): 90% of the songs in the playlist will contain vocals. 80% of the vocals will be female vocals. Female Vocal Dubstep is one of my favorite styles.
Here are a few examples of what you will find throughout the playlist:
Why blog about this? Well, here is an explanation in video form:
The long and short of it is that I was finding it difficult to share my musical tastes on music forums and message boards. Not many people around me are listening to this kind of stuff. However, I believe it to be some of the best music I have heard in 15 years, and that's why it is important for me to share my findings in a blog.
I will be updating this list whenever possible:
PLAYLIST SONGS
501 - "And It Begins" 501 - "Feel For You" 501 (ft. Belle Humble) - "Headrush" 501 - "Vulture" [Protohype Remix] AC Slater & Nick Thayer - "Night Owl" [Original Mix] Above & Beyond & Gareth Emery pres. OceanLab - "On A Good Day (Metropolis)" Adam F - "When The Rain Is Gone" Adam Freeland - "Burn the Clock" Adam K & Matthew LeFace - "The Only One" [Original Mix] Adventure Club - "Crash" Adventure Club(ft. Yuna) - "Gold" Adventure Club (ft. Kai) - "Need Your Heart" Adventure Club (ft. Krewella) - "Rise And Fall" Adventure Club (ft. The Kite String Tangle) - "Wonder" Alesso (ft. Matthew Koma) - "Years" [Vocal Extended Mix] Alesso Vs One Republic - "If I Lose Myself" [Alesso Extended Remix] Alf Kennedy (ft. Rachel Costanzo) - "Run Away" Alison Wonderland (ft. SAFIA) - "Take It To Reality" All Indian Radio - "Four Three" Aloma Steele - "Baestation" Alphawezen - "Gun Song" [Dadamnphreaknoizphunk Remix] Andain - "Beautiful Things" [Gabriel & Dresden Unplugged Mix] Andain - "Promises" [Myon & Shane 54 Summer Of Love Mix] Anderson - "Michael: Running on the Asphalt" Andrew Bayer (ft. Molly Bancroft) - "Keep Your Secrets" Andrew Rayel (ft. Cindy Alma) - "Hold On To Your Love" [Original Mix] Andy Moor & Adam White pres. Whiteroom "The White Room" [Original Mix] Andy Moor - "Fade To Light" [Original Mix] Andy Moor (ft. Jessica Sweetman) - "In Your Arms" [Original Mix] Andy Moor (ft. Sue McLaren) - "Trespass" [Antillas & Dankann Club Mix] Antiserum & Mayhem - "BayTL Dub" Antiserum & Mayhem - "Trippy" Antonio Gregorio - "Take Me Away" Apashe (ft. Zitaa) - "Golden Empire" Arkasia (ft. CoMa) - "Angel" Armin van Buuren (ft. Cindy Alma) - "Beautiful Life" Armin van Buuren (ft. Audrey Gallagher) - "Hold On To Me" Armin van Buuren presents Gaia - "J'ai Envie De Toi" [Original Mix] Armin van Buuren (ft. Aruna) - "Won't Let You Go" [Full Version] Arno Cost - "Cyan" Arty & Mat Zo - "Rebound" [Original Mix] Arty, Nadia Ali & BT - "Must Be The Love" Aruna - "Start A Fire" [Husman Remix] Ashley Wallbridge (ft. Audrey Gallagher) - "Bang The Drum" [Omnia Remix] ASTR - "Part of Me" Axizz (ft. Elien Cuypers) - "Bright Lights" Ayah Marar - "Mind Controller" [Cutline Remix] Basto (ft. Maruja Retana) - "Electric Stars" [Original Mix] Basto - "Keep On Rocking" B-Complex - "Beautiful Lies" (VIP) Bel Heir - "Kiss The Devil" [Just A Gent Remix] Ben Gold - "Amplified" [Original Mix] Ben Samples - "Drop Bombs" [Mochipet Remix] Benny Benassi (ft. Gary Go) - "Cinema" [Skrillex Remix] Betsie Larkin & Andy Moor - "Not Afraid" [Somna Remix] Birdy - "Skinny Love" [Vanic Remix] Blackmill (ft. Veela) - "Let It Be" Borgeous - "Invincible" Borgore vs Dev - "Kiss My Lips" Bougenvilla - "Take It Back" Burak Yeter - "Tuesday" BT - "Skylarking" - " Cally & Riot - "World In My Hands" [Original Mix] Calvertron (ft. Melleefresh) - "8Bit Dreamz" Calvin Harris (ft. Florence Welch) - "Sweet Nothing" Calvin Harris (ft. Ellie Goulding) - "I Need Your Love" Calvin Harris (ft. Example) - "We'll Be Coming Back" [Killsonik Remix] Camo & Krooked - "Further Away" Carbon Based Lifeforms - "MOS 6581" Carlos Jean & DJ Nano (ft. Marta Copado) - "I Don't Know Why"
Cazzette - "Beam Me Up" Charity Strike (ft. Glenna Bree) - "No Heart" [Jason Risk Remix] Chris Lake (ft. Jareth) - "Helium" Christian Burns & Maison & Dragen - "Perfectly" Cicada & Third Party - "Feel" Cinnamon Chasers - "Luv Deluxe" Clark Kent & Yinyues - "Cosmos" [Skrux & Complexion Remix] CLMD Vs. Kish (ft. Froder) - "The Stockholm Syndrome" [CLMD Extended Version] Conjure One - "Center of the Sun" [Solar Stone's Chilled Out Remix] Cosmic Gate (ft. Emma Hewitt) - "Calm Down" [Omnia Remix] Cosmic Gate - "Exploration of Space" Craig Connelly - "Decibles" [Original Mix] Craig Connelly - "Manchester AM" [2012 Club Mix] Crywolf (ft. Maigan Kennedy) - "The Home We Made Pt. II" Cymatics - "Science Vs. Music" - Nigel Stanford Culture Code (ft. Lisa Rowe) - "Over Again" [T-Mass Remix] Cutline (ft. Belle Humble) - "Runnin'" [Original Mix] Dabin (ft. Gia Margaret) - "Demons" Dabruck & Klein (ft. Stella Attar) - "Light Coming Out Of Your Eyes" [Original Mix] Dank - "Wonderchild" Darude - "Sandstorm" DatPhoria - "Play This Game" [EH!DE Remix] David Guetta (ft. Sia) - "Titanium" David Tort & David Gausa - "Dizzy" [Original Mix] Dennis Sheperd - "Edge of the World" Designer Drugs - "Crazy for You" [HYX & H0U5T0N Remix] D.E.R. Miller, Julius Beat & George Acosta - "Energy" Diamond Eyes - "Rivers" Dimension (ft. Bailey Tzuke) - "All I Need" Dirty Shade (ft. Martisha) - "Pleasure" [Original Mix] DJ Encore (ft. Enelina) - "I See Right Through To You" DJ Inox vs DNF & Vnalogic (ft. Ania Deko) - "Summer" DJ Project - "Miracle Love" DJ Snake& Aluna George - "You Know You Like It" Document One (ft. Tigerlight) - "Already Lost" Donnie Whalberg (ft. Aubrey O'Day) - "I Got It" (Live 11/11/09 in Columbus, OH) DotEXE - "Hipster Cutthroat" D-Rashid - "Famous" [Original Mix] Dreadzone - "Fire In The Dark" [Teddy Killerz Remix] Drumsound & Bassline Smith - "Through the Night" (Club Mix) Dubba Jonny - "Home" Dzeko & Torres (ft. Delaney Jane) - "Air" Eddie K & Statix (ft. Astronaut) - "Anymore" eISKemp (ft. Bimbo Jones) - "And I Try" Elliot Berger (ft. Laura Brehm) - "Diamond Sky" Emalkay - "When I Look At You" Emancipator - "First Snow" Embrace One (ft. Shaz Sparks) - "Altitude" [Serobliss Remix] Emeli Sandé - "Next To Me" [James Egbert Remix] Emma Hewitt - "Foolish Boy" [Ivan Gough & Luke Chable Remix] Emma Hewitt - "Rewind" [Mikkas Remix] Emma Hewitt - "Still Remember You (Stay Forever)" EpicFail (ft. NessaKay) - "Sunrise" [Exodus, LJ MTX & Jason Risk Remix] Eva Simons - "Renegade" [James Egbert Remix] Excision (ft. Savvy) - "Sleepless" [Xilent Remix] Fady & Mina - "Kepler 22" [Original Mix] Faustix & Imanos (ft. Data Romance) - "Echoes" Feed Me & Crystal Fighters - "Love Is All I Got" [Friction Remix] Feint - "One Last Time" Feint & Boyinaband (ft. Veela) - "Time Bomb" Felix Cartal (ft. Koko LaRoo) - "After Dark" Felix Cartal & Clockwork (ft. Madame Buttons) - "The Fire" [Skrux Remix] First State (ft. Sarah Howells) - "Seeing Stars" Flight Facilities - "Crave You" [Adventure Club Remix] Flinch - "All Night" Flinch (ft. Heather Bright) - "Light It Up" Flinch - "Lost In The Blur" Flinch (ft. Domonique Porter) - "When I'm Gone" Florence + The Machine / Swedish House Mafia - "You Got The Love/One" [Mark Knight Remix] Fox Stevenson - "Lightspeed" Fox Stevenson - "Throwdown" Fox Stevenson - "Trigger" Foxes - "Youth" [Adventure Club Remix] Foxy as Fox - "Love & War" [Original Mix] Fred V & Grafix - "Long Distance" Freestylers (ft. Belle Humble) - "Cracks" [Flux Pavilion Remix] Fuzion (ft. Sunn) - "Midnight Ride" [Rameses B Remix] Fytch, Captain Crunch & Carmen Forbes - "Raindrops" Gareth Emery (ft. Christina Novelli) - "Concrete Angel" Garmiani - "Behind You (Rumble)" [Original Mix] George Acosta (ft. Fisher) - "Beautiful" Gesaffelstein - "Obsession" Gesaffelstein - "Pursuit" Goosebumps - "Rush Chucks" [Original Mix] Hellberg - "The Girl" (ft. Aloma Steele) [Jonah Wei-Haas Piano Cover] Henrix, Darmon & Eran Hersh Vs Delerium - "After All" [Original Mix] Hippie Sabotage - "Your Soul" High Contrast (ft. Selah Corbin) - "The Agony And The Ecstasy" Hybrid - "Disappear Here" Infected Mushroom (ft. Maya Isacowitz & Ryan Starr) - "Wanted To" [Original Mix] Informant - "First Harvest" [Original Mix] Interstate - "I Found You" [Original Mix] It's Different - "Shadows" Ivan Gough & Feenixpawl (ft. Georgi Kay) - "In My Mind" [Axwell Mix] James Egbert (ft. Nina Sung) - "Exit Wounds" James Young - "What Is Love" [Lost Frequencies Bootleg] Jarvis (ft. Ivy Jayne) - "Home" [RoughMath Remix] Jeremy Vancaulart, Assaf (ft. Laura Aqui) - "The Space Between" JES - "Ghost" [tyDi Remix] JES - "Imagination" [Kaskade Club Remix] Jetski Safari (ft. Helen Corry) - "Like A Lie" Joanna Syze - "Rodina" John O'Callaghan (ft. Audrey Gallagher) - "Big Sky" [Agnelli & Nelson Remix] John O'Callaghan (ft. Sarah Howells) - "Find Yourself" John O'Callaghan (ft. Audrey Gallagher) - "Take It All Away" [Marcus Schossow Nu Prog Remix] Joonas Hahmo - "The Fusion" [Hawk Remix] Juventa (ft. Erica Curran) - "Move Into Light" [Koven Remix] Juventa (ft. Kelly Sweet) - "Superhuman" [Culture Code Remix] Kaskade & Project 46 - "Last Chance" Kaskade & Adam K (ft. Sunsun) - "Raining" Kaskade & Deadmau5 (ft. Haley Gibby) - "Move For Me" Kat Krazy (ft. Elkka) - "Siren" KDrew - "Circles"[Original Mix] Kenneth Thomas - "Achems Razor" Kevin Drew (ft. Taryn Manning) - "Summer Ashes" (VIP) Kill The Noise (ft. Ultraviolet Sound & Emily Hudson) - "Dying" Kill The Noise - "Kill The Noise (Part I)" Knife Party - "Bonfire" Koven - "Another Home" Koven - "Eternal And You" Koven - "Let Go" Koven - "More Than You" [DC Breaks Remix] Koven & Memtrix - "Pessimist" Kreo - "Burn For You" (The Cop 4 Club Mix) Krewella - "Alive" Krewella - "Can't Control Myself" Krewella - "Come And Get It" [Razihel Remix] Krewella - "Human" Krewella - "Killing It" Krewella - "One Minute" [DotEXE's Dopest Dope Remix] Krewella - "We Go Down" Kyau & Albert - "Always A Fool" [Original Mix] Lana Del Rey - "Ultraviolence" [Hook N Sling Remix] (Ego Video Remix) Lana Del Rey - "Young & Beautiful" [Cedric Gervais Remix] (Pete Tong Rip) Lange & Shannon Hurley - "Superstars" [Album Mix] Lentos - "Forget About Us" [Barnes & Heatcliff Remix] Levi Whalen (ft. Wonder) - "Find You" [Karlington Remix] Lilly Wolf - "Disaster" Lips - "Everything To Me" [Adventure Club Remix] Lisa Rowe - "Black Light" [Virtual Riot Remix] Lisa Rowe - "Lift Me Up" Loadstar - "Refuse To Love" Logistics (ft. Alice Smith) - "Watching The World Go By" Lucas Nord (ft. Tove Lo) - "Run On Love" Luminary - "Amsterdam" [Original Mix] Lush & Simon - "Stellar" [Original Mix] Madeon - "Finale" Mako (ft. Angel Taylor) - "Beam" [Skrux Remix] Mani Beats - "N&N" Marcel Woods - "BPM" [Kristof Van Den Berghe Remix] Mariah Carey - "Triumphant" [Pulse Extended Remix] Marina and the Diamonds - "Lies" [Zeds Dead Remix] Mark Eteson - "Blackboard" [Jon O'Bir Remix] Markus Schulz (ft. Liz Primo) - "Blown Away" Markus Schulz - "Daydream" [Original Mix] Markus Schulz (ft. Delacey) - "Destiny" Markus Schulz - "Let It Go" [Monogato Remix] Matduke (ft. Veela) - "Bloodlip" M'Black - "Heartbreak" [M'Black Extended Mix] MC Lars (ft. Amie Miriello) - "Twenty-Three" Mediks - "Come Back Down" [Xilent Remix] Meg and Dia - "Monster" [DotEXE Remix] Meiko - "Leave The Lights On" [Culture Code Remix] Mercer - "Supreme" [Original Mix] Michael Badal & Shanokee - "Blue Skies" [Radio Edit] Michael Mendoza (ft. Do) - "Blame It On Love" [Radio Mix] Mike Foyle - "Pandora" [The Blizzard Remix] Mikkas & Amba Shepherd - "Finally" [Original Mix] Milk Inc. - "Last Night A DJ Saved My Life" Minor Rain - "Just Your Difference" MitiS (ft. Anna Yvette) - "Open Window" [Original Mix] Moonbeam (ft. Leusin) - "Flight" [Kairo Kingdom Remix] Mord Fustang - "Lick The Rainbow" Mord Fustang - "The Electric Dream" [Jonathan Gering Remix] Morgan Page (ft. Nadia Ali) - "Carry Me" [Dyro Remix] Morgan Page - "Fight For You" [Beltek Remix] Morgan Page (ft. Angela McCluskey) - "In The Air" [LectroNatic Remix] Morgan Page, Sultan + Ned Shepard & BT (ft. Angela McCluskey) - "In The Air" [Mord Fustang Remix] Morgan Page (ft. Lissie) - "The Longest Road" [Deadmau5 Remix] Morgan Page (ft. Tegan + Sara) - "Video" Morten Breum - "Larva" (Far Away) [Pegboard Nerds Remix] Motorcycle - "As the Rush Comes" [Gabriel & Dresden Chill Mix] Mt Eden (ft. Freshley Ground) - "Sierra Leone" Mt Eden - "Still Alive" Muzzy - "Lost Metropolis" Myon & Shane 54 (ft. Amy Pearson) - "Hurricane" [Original Mix] Nadia Ali, Starkillers & Alex Kenji - "Pressure" [Alesso Remix] Namaste (ft. Tiana Khasi) - "Signs" [Radio Edit] Neoclubber - "S.O.S" [Extended Mix] Nero - "Innocence" Nero - "Me & You" Nero - "My Eyes" Nero - "Promises" [Skrillex Remix] NERVO - "Hold On"[Extended Mix] NERVO - "You're Gonna Love Again" [Pixel Cheese Remix] Nicky Romero & Nervo - "Like Home" NiT GriT - "Hyphycide" Nneka - "Heartbeat" [Chase and Status Remix] Noosa - "Walk On By" [Sound Remedy Remix] Nostalgia & Aami (ft. Insomnia) - "Bad Machine" OceanLab - "Come Home" OceanLab - "If I Could Fly" OceanLab - "Lonely Girl" OceanLab - "Satellite" Oh Tebins! - "Tickle Parts" [Original Mix] OLWIK (ft. Alexa Lusader) - "Taking Over" Omnia & IRA - "The Fusion"[Original Mix] Ost & Meyer, Ronski Speed, Kate Kanell - "Fortress" Other Echoes (ft. Alice Smith) - "You'll Be My Medicine" Parra for Cuva (ft. Anna Naklab) - "Wicked Games" Paul Oakenfold & Cassandra Fox - "Touch Me" [Beat Service Remix] PeaceTreaty (ft. Anabel Englund) - "In Time" [Singularity Remix] Pegboard Nerds (ft. Elizaveta) - "Hero" Pendulum - "Set Me on Fire" Pendulum "The Tempest" Pendulum - "Witchcraft" Phantogram - "Fall In Love" [Until The Ribbon Breaks Re-Imagination] Phetsta (ft. Reija Lee) - "Run You Down" Pierce Fulton (ft. Polina) - "Where We Were" [Original Mix] Pixl (ft. Nessakay) - "Promises" Plumb - "Hang On" [Dave Aude Remix] PM AttitudE - "The Prophet" Porter Robinson - "Unison" [Mikkas Remix] Porter Robinson (ft. Amba Shepherd) - "Vandalism" Pretty Lights - "One Day They'll Know" [ODESZA Remix] Protohype (ft. Alina Renae) - "Fly" [Kilabyte Remix] Pulser (ft. Josie) - "Undo The Silence" Pyramid Scheme (ft. Jesse Cochran) - "Microphones" Rank 1 & Jochen Miller (ft. Sarah Bettens) - "Wild And Perfect Day" [Michael Jay Parker Remix] (Jochen Miller Emporium Edit) R/D - "Relation Ships" Reepublic (ft. T-Elle) - "Turn Off The Light" [Official Radio Edit] Receptor & Maximova - "Bayu Bayu" Reeves Raymond (ft. Alex Staltari & Diana) - "Brighter Lights" [Culture Code Remix] Reflekt (ft. Delline Bass) - "Need To Feel Loved" [Adam K & Soha Mix] Rekoil - "Anger Management" Revero & Jonathan Pitch (ft. Alicia Madison) - "The Other Side (Tick Tick)" [Original Mix] Rob Bailey & The Hustle Standard - "Try 'N Hold Me Back" [Lost Souls Remix] Robyn - "Call Your Girlfriend" [Feed Me Remix] Rogue (ft. Laura Brehm) - "Dreams" Rogue (ft. Megan Dean) - "Cataclysm" Ronski Speed (ft. Aruna) - "All The Way" [Original Mix] Rudebrat (ft. Veela & NLJ) - "Bad Wolf Bay" Rudebrat - "The Quick and the Dead" Rudimental (ft. Emeli Sandé) - "Free" [Elk Road Remix] Rusko - "Everyday" [Netsky Remix] Ryos (ft. Allisa Rose) - "Eclipse" [Original Mix] Sam Smith - "Like I Can" [Kream Remix] Samples - "Drop Bombs" [Mochipet Remix] Satellite Empire - "Time" [Yelhigh! Remix] Savoy - "I'm In Need" (VIP) Sebastian Ingrosso (ft. Ryan Tedder) - "Calling" (Lose My Mind) Seven Lions (ft. Fiora) - "Days To Come" Seven Lions (ft. Shaz Sparks) - "Polarized" [Extended DJ Edit] Shia LaBeouf - "Just Do It" (Make Your Dreams Come True) [Ultimate Remix] Shock One (ft. Sam Nafie) - "Relapse" Shogun - "Skyfire" [Original Mix Edit] Showtek - "F-Track" Showtek & Justin Prime (ft. Matthew Koma) - "Cannonball (Earthquake)" Sidney Samson & Eva Simons - "Celebrate The Rain" Singularity (ft. Jenn Lucas) - "Rift" Singularity (ft. Nilu) - "Horizon" Singularity (ft. Steffi Nguyen) - "The Tide" [The FlatRat Remix] SirensCeol (ft. Stephey) - "You And I" Sirus - "Neon Dominion" Skrillex (ft. Sirah) - "Kyoto"
Skrux - "Last Breath" Skrux (ft. Anna Yvette) - "Infinite"
Skytech & Darius Romanowski - "Another Joy" [Original Mix] Smalltown DJs (ft. Lisa Lobsinger) - "See Thru" [Thugli Remix] Sneijder & Cate Kanell - "Letting Me Go" [Johann Stone Remix] Solar Stone vs Scott Bond - 3rd Earth [Heatbeat Remix] SPL - "Hypnotizing" Starkillers, Richard Beynon & Kai - "Rampage" [Original Mix] Static Function (ft. Avielle Breen) - "All I Want" Static Revenger & Miss Palmer - "Bullet Train" [Kezwik Radio Edit] Static Revenger (ft. Dev) - "Turn The World On" [TheFatRat Remix] Stellamara - "Prituri Se Planinata" [NiT Grit Remix] Stephan Jacobs (ft. Talia Bentson) - "Catch Fire" [Original Mix] Stephen Swartz (ft. Joni Fatora) - "Bullet Train" Stephen Swartz (ft. Chloe Angelides) - "Survivor" Steve Aoki (ft. Wynter Gordon) - "Ladi Dadi" (Part II) Stunna - "Back In Time" Sub Focus - "Falling Down" [xKore Remix] Sub Focus (ft. Alice Gold) - "Out Of The Blue" Sub Focus - "Rock It" Sub Focus - "Splash" Sub.Sound - "Fearless Moments" Sue Cho & Revolvr - "Who's Gonna Save Us" Sugarpill - "B.K." [Original Mix] Sunlounger (ft. Zara Taylor) - "Lost" [Chill Out Mix] Super8 & DJ Tab - "Helsinki Scorchin'" Sylvia Tosun - "Above All" T4L - "Biogenesis" Tantrum Desire - "Reach" [Dubstep Mix] Taryn Manning - "Send Me Your Love" [KDrew Remix] Tenishia - "Jaguar" The Last Atlant - "Twin of the Sun" The Prototypes(ft. Mad Hed City) - "Pop It Off" The Submarines - "1940" [AmpLive Remix] The Str8jackets & Sam Obernik - "Love & Oxygen" [Xilent Remix] The XX - "Intro" The Two Friends (ft. Priyanka Atreya) - "Feel Me" [Clark Kent Remix] Tristam & Stephen Walking - "Too Simple" Tritonal (ft. Meredith Call) - "Broken Down" Tritonal (ft. Underdown) - "Bullet That Saved Me" [Festival Mix] Tritonal(ft. Jeza) - "Can't Keep It In" Tritonal (ft. Phoebe Ryan) - "Now Or Never" Tritonal - "Slave" [Tritonal & Ben Gold Club Dub Mix] Tritonal (ft. Bethany) - "Sometimes I Wish" [Extended Original Mix] Tritonal (ft. Christina Soto) - "Spellbound"
Trivecta (ft. Conner Zwetsch) - "Believe" Trivecta (ft. Roniit) - "The Surface" Two Can & Father Dude - "Double Edge"
Twofold - "Skyfire" [King Trimble Remix] Twofold - "Taken Back" tyDi (ft. Sarah Howells) - "Acting Crazy" [Album Mix] tyDi (ft. Carmen Keigans) - "Live This Lie" tyDi (ft. Audrey Gallagher) - "You Walk Away" [Original Mix] Ulrich Schnauss - "Goodbye" Vaski Ava (ft. Ava) - "Insane"
Velvetine - "The Great Divide" [Seven Lions Remix] Venemy (ft. Stephanie) - "I'm With You" Venemy (ft. Alexandra) - "Release Me" Virtual Riot (ft. Lisa Rowe) "Never Gonna Die" Virtual Riot (ft. Lisa Rowe) - "In Your Hands"
Virtual Riot (ft. Lisa Rowe) - "Mind Reader" Virtual Riot (ft. Amba Shepherd) - "Superhuman" [Titchimoto Chillout Remix] Vitodito - "One More Time" [Original Mix] Vonikk - "Avant Guard" Voodoo & Serano - "Blood Is Pumpin'" W&W - "Invasion" Wasted Penguinz - "Black & White" Way Out West - Anything But You" (Glastonbury Festival video) William Orbit - "Fragamosia" Wynter Gordon - "Dirty Talk" Xilent - "Choose Me II" Xilent (ft. Grimm) - "Falling Apart I" Xilent(ft. Grimm) - "Falling Apart II" Xilent (ft. Charlotte Haining) - "Free Me" Xilent (ft. Shaz Sparks) - "Touch Sound" Xilent (ft. Shaz Sparks) - "Universe" X-Vertigo (ft. Gia) - "Bombs" [Sandro Silva Remix] Yang (ft. Amy Kirkpatrick) - "Hearts At War" [Original Mix] Yuna - "Lullabies" [Adventure Club Remix] Zany - "Squared" Zedd (ft. Foxes) - "Clarity" Zedd (ft. Matthew Koma) - "Spectrum" Zedd - "Stars Come Out" [Terravita Remix] Zeds Dead (ft. Memorecks) - "Collapse" Zeds Dead & Dirtyphonics (ft. Bright Lights) - "Where Are You Now" Zendaya - "Replay" [Jason Nevins Remix] Ziggy - "Metal" Zomboy - "Nuclear (Hands Up)"
