The countdown is on: 16 school days left. The finish line — freedom and free time — are in sight. Some use their time to hang out with friends, some get jobs. Me? I spend my days expanding my music taste and watching movies like the entertainment lover I am.
“Redbone” – Childish Gambino // Music
The most popular track from Childish Gambino’s third studio album, Awaken, My Love!, goes to show just how diverse Gambino can be. Rather than boast his rhymes that we all came to know and love from Because the Internet, this album is full of full-blown funk jams that show off his impressive vocals nearly akin to Prince. “Redbone” is one of the most unique songs I’ve heard this decade. Sporting pitched up vocals over some reverbed synth chords and a
Bootsy Collins
beat creates an almost ethereal sound. It is, frankly, a perfect song (according to my music taste). While I believe everyone and anyone could at least listen to the song and appreciate it, fans of The Isley Brothers, Funkadelic, or Prince would likely enjoy this track (as well as the entire album) the most.
“Darlin’” – Houndmouth // Music
New Albany natives Houndmouth quickly found commercial success after releasing their second LP, Little Neon Limelight. Performances on shows such as Late Show with David Letterman along with their single “Sedona” being used in Grey’s Anatomy catapulted the band into a limelight of their own. I tend to be fairly harsh and critical of my music, so when I say that I found Little Neon Limelight to be truly flawless, you should really give it a listen. The album displays the band’s dynamic vocals and haunting harmonies as well as their spirited instrumentation, all while delivering a bluesy rock-meets-folk vibe unlike any other band I’ve heard.
My favorite from the album, “Darlin’,” showcases the blues aspect of the band with a mellow guitar backing and dramatic chord progressions. The catchy, raw chorus makes for a poignant song. I would recommend Houndmouth to fans of The Head and The Heart, Delta Spirit, Deer Tick, and The Lumineers along with any fans of the general alternative genre.
“LOVE. FEAT. ZACARI.” – Kendrick Lamar // Music
Going into DAMN., I had high expectations. Kendrick Lamar is by far my favorite rapper (if not favorite artist in general), and he has never left me disappointed in the past. Kendrick is widely known as setting the standard for the genre, so my excitement for the album was understandably huge. I can, with 100% certainty, say that DAMN. is already a contender for best album of 2017 less than two weeks after its release. The album’s commercial success just goes to show how amazing it is — all 14 tracks landed on Billboard Hot 100.
My personal favorite track from the album is “LOVE. FEAT. ZACARI.” It is the most intimate side of Kendrick we have ever seen. The song is presumably aimed towards Whitney Alford, his high school girlfriend that he has been dating ever since. The loving tones show through not only in the lyrics, but also in the softer, more “chill” beat. While smash-hit single “HUMBLE” is the type of song you listen to when you’re hyped up with friends, “LOVE” is a song that you would listen to when you’re “in your feels”– in a good way. It’s a ballad appealing to the emotion we’ve all experienced: wanting to be with that specific somebody.
spotify:user:marleyxnola:playlist:0aC2bJvolY0Id1RAXMoepF
Get Out // Movie
When I first saw the trailers for Get Out, I was blown away. I can honestly say I have never anticipated a movie release as much as I did for Get Out. The unique and interesting plot concept coupled with what I could already see would be amazing cinematography. I was not let down. Get Out was one of the most intense movies I have ever seen, and I could definitely see it eventually being seen as a classic of the psychological thriller genre. I would recommend Get Out to everyone (partially due to the important message the movie conveys, partially because it’s just a rad movie), however any fans of the horror genre should certainly check it out.