Song of the Day - Moves Like Jagger

 

Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera - Moves Like Jagger

Single: Moves Like Jagger (2011)


If there's one thing that we all know, it's that Adam Levine definitely does not have them moves like Jagger. And Christina? Poor, poor Christina Aguilera. She deserves better. Beware the opening whistle-tune... the potential for it to get stuck in your head is there and I can't think of anything worse to have on an unstoppable loop in my mind. And Christina? Poor, poor Christina Aguilera. Oh, I said that already. I'm expecting big things from her next album to make up for the somewhat disappointing Bionic. This isn't the best start, but that's hopefully just the Maroon 5 factor.

Rating: 2/5

10 and 1 - Best Songs of 2011 (So Far)

Kimbra!

We are smack bang in the middle of 2011, so you know what that means? More mid-year report goodness! As the blogosphere goes into hyperdrive with lists galore to recap just how good this year has already been, It's My Kind of Scene joins in the fun by giving you our ten favourite songs and of course... one of the worst. Don't worry, Rebecca Black doesn't make an appearance. Twist! Let's hear some goodness.

The 10:

Kimbra - Cameo Lover

Song of the Day - Free

Natalia Kills ft. Will.I.Am - Free

Album: Perfectionist (2011)

Natalia Kills seems to be looking to break down the US commercial barriers by recruiting Will.I.Am for her third single from Perfectionist, 'Free.' It's a very basic single that does little to separate Natalia from the plethora of young female R&B influenced artists out there. Case in point, I had Mya's 'Free' in my head pretty much the whole time. What's up with that? Here's hoping Natalia Kills finds her 'Zombie' edge again for the next single.

Rating: 2/5

Song of the Day - Talk to Me

Stevie Nicks - Talk To Me

Album: Rock a Little (1985)

Stevie Nicks is coming to Australia in November... get excited! Well, if you have a minimum of $159 for general admission tickets... get excited! Looks like I'll just be waiting for Fleetwood Mac to tour, which will hopefully be next year. Time to go listen to Nicks' Greatest Hits and lament my money woes...



Song of the Day - Two Is Better Than One

Boys Like Girls ft. Taylor Swift - Two Is Better Than One

Album: Love Drunk (2009)


If you can explain how this song became stuck in my head yesterday, that would be greatly appreciated. Seriously.

Song of the Day - Crystalline

Bjork - Crystalline

Album: Biophilia (2011)

Bjork - Crystalline by EC-Promo


We have our first taste of one of the most anticipated albums of the year. Bjork's vocal performance in 'Crystalline' is as beautiful and enchanting as ever and the lyrics have the most depth that we've seen from her since before Medulla was released. The track itself is some amazing combination of Bjork's own 'Hyperballad' and Bloc Party's 'Signs.' Awesome. Looks like Biophilia is going to be a strong contender for Album of the Year... and we've only heard one single!

Rating: 5/5

#2 - Your Top 20 Favourite Songs

Garbage...





Oh, hello there impossible list to make. We continue our 'Music Listography' feature with a look at It's My Kind of Scene's "Top 20 Favourite Songs." In case you haven't figured it out, the quotation marks denote that this isn't exactly the most accurate list I'll be making on here. If you're the kind of person who can list their twenty favourite songs in order, I take my hat off to you. P.s. I never wear hats. So that whole me taking my hat off to you thing... it was a lie. Anyway, after writing down 118 songs, I managed to pick twenty that could earn a place in my definitive top 20. Let's get to it...

Your Top 20 Favourite Songs:

Fleetwood Mac - Beautiful Child

 

Top 20 - 25 June, 2011

Bombay Bicycle Club

1. CSS ft. Robert Gillespie - Hits Me Like A Rock (NEW)





2. Pnau - Solid Ground





3. Sneaky Sound System - We Love





4. The Grates - Sweet Dreams





5. Bag Raiders - Not Over (NEW)

Song of the Day - Free Your Mind

En Vogue - Free Your Mind

Album: Funky Divas (1992)

Funky divas indeed. En Vogue come off as total badasses in 'Free Your Mind,' blending hip hop and rock better than any girl group ever has. It's almost hard to believe this is the same group that delivered the soulful ballad, 'Don't Let Go (Love).' Awesome video, awesome song, awesome message... embrace it!

Song of the Day - Hits Me Like A Rock

CSS ft. Bobby Gillespie - Hits Me Like A Rock

Album: La Liberacion (2011)

CSS team up with Primal Scream's lead singer to create what's going to go down as one of the best songs of 2011. The group burst onto the scene with fresh, exciting hits like 'Music Is My Hot Hot Sex,' 'Meeting Paris Hilton' and 'Let's Make Love and Listen to Death From Above,' before releasing an inconsistent and fairly disappointing follow-up. 'Hits Me Like A Rock' gives us a more laid-back approach and the results are... awesome! I haven't been able to stop listening to it since I first heard it yesterday. CSS are back, 2011 keeps being awesome... life is good.

Rating: 4.5/5

Song of the Day - Teardrop

Massive Attack - Teardrop

Album: Mezzanine (1998)



"You're stumbling in the dark." A song so good, it earned the #4 spot on our Top 200 Songs of the 1990s countdown. As I'm making my way through the 'Music Listography' book, I've found myself stuck on the 20 Favourite Songs page. All I know is that 'Teardrop' definitely has a spot. Elizabeth Fraser's vocals on the track are flawless, haunting and will stay with you forever... Enjoy!

Music Video Mayhem - Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Pnau, Weird Al

What's the time? I believe it's time for some Music Video Mayhem!! The mother monster takes on the princess of pop, Elton John's new proteges and the polka prankster of pop in a battle that could prove most interesting. 'The Edge of Glory' vs 'I Wanna Go' vs 'Solid Ground' vs 'Perform This Way.' A battle for the ages, no? Let the fun begin...

Lady Gaga - The Edge of Glory


Well, this was certainly an interesting change of pace from the typical Gaga video. LGG showcases her love for the 80s, Madonna, Michael Jackson and maybe even some of New York's most loved musicals. The problem? It's become an expectation that Lady Gaga delivers a sensory overload that involves some random nonsensical story, complex choreography, crazy costumes and flashing lights that should come with a warning for those suffering from epilepsy. What happens when she tones it down, sticks to one outfit and dances like she's a maniac (maniac on the floor...)? You can't help but feel a little underwhelmed. This isn't a bad video, it's just not the expected amazing Lady Gaga extravaganza that we've become accustomed to. It doesn't help that the video fails to match the quality of the song, one of her best from Born This Way. Positives? The opening shot in the window was pretty sweet. I thought we were in for some 'Poker Face' Gaga with the sunglasses, the hair, the outfit. That 'era' feels like forever ago. Then there's the Clarence Clemons factor. What a way for him to be remembered by a new generation of fans.

Song of the Day - My Heart Will Go On

Celine Dion - My Heart Will Go On

Album: Titanic OST (1997)

Ok... so this is just a sham song of the day so I can post one of my favourite videos... Celine Dion is amazing! After you watch it, you'll smile every time you think of her. After all, she is gangsta. "Who let Celine out? Woof, woof, woof!" Outstanding. P.s it's the video below. If you really want to watch 'My Heart Will Go On,' be my guest.

Song of the Day - Changed the Way You Kissed Me

Example - Changed the Way You Kissed Me

Album: Playing in the Shadows

Example spends a second week at the top of the UK Singles Chart with 'Changed the Way You Kissed Me,' the lead-single from new album, Playing in the Shadows. I've been a bit of a fan since seeing him at the 02 Wireless Festival last year and this song isn't going to change anything. It's not going to be a contender for song of the year or anything, but it's pretty good considering how lame the majority of dance-pop is at the moment. Learn to love it people.

Rating: 3.5/5

#1 - Your Top 20 Favourite Bands



Your new favourite... book?


I bought an awesome book today that I've wanted in my possession since I saw it in Urban Outfitters last year. Lisa Nola's 'Music Listography' is every music lovers dream; a journal of sorts that works as a collection of playlist that you fill in. The end result? Your musical tastes, loves, likes and even dislikes all in one place. I'm going to be sharing with you each of my playlists as a new feature and we kick off with It's My Kind of Scene's twenty favourite bands. Narrowing it down to such a (relatively) small number is no easy feat and I surprised myself with who I was willing to keep in and who I was more than ready to cut. Play along at home too and if you're looking for the awesomeness that is 'Music Listography,' head to your nearest Typo store (if you're in Australia), Urban Outfitters (US/UK) and everyone else... just go to Amazon.com or something.

Your Top 20 Favourite Bands:

Rules: You can only include bonafide bands. That's a collection of artists playing real life musical instruments to create delicious sounds. Who does this take out of the equation? Boy "bands," girl groups, electronic acts and rap groups. Sorry Spice Girls, but who knows... you might get on a playlist one day! Also, this doesn't act as a countdown, so the list is in no particular order. Enjoy! 

Song of the Day - The Saboteur

The Kooks - The Saboteur

Album: Junk of the Heart (2011)


You can now add The Kooks to the 'returning in 2011' category. While I've never been the biggest fan of the group, I loved 'Sway' and 'Naive' and will definitely be checking out their new album, Junk of the Heart, if the tracks match the quality of 'The Saboteur.' It's a fun enough piece of British pop-rock, not your typical lead-single and I'm guessing there's more goodness to come once the album is released in September.

Rating: 3.5/5

Top 20 - 19 June, 2011



Birdy returns with another stunning cover...


1. Pnau - Solid Ground (#1 for 2 weeks!)





2. Kaiser Chiefs - Little Shocks (NEW)





3. Sneaky Sound System - We Love





4. Kasabian - Switchblade Smile





5. Birdy - Shelter (The xx cover) (NEW)

Song of the Day - Invisible

Skylar Grey - Invisible

Album: Invisible (2011)

The woman behind some of 2011's most memorable choruses finally breaks free! Skylar Grey added her special touch to 'I Need A Doctor,' 'Coming Home' and 'Words I Never Said,' but can she actually deliver the spotlight is solely on her? After listening to her debut single, 'Invisible,' the answer is... sort of. I'm a big fan of Grey's distinctive voice and it's always been the standout feature on the tracks she's guested on. When it's a whole song of that voice, it loses some of the impact. There just needs to be some more variation and less of a monotone delivery so you can actually invest in the song. Her buzz track, 'Dance Without You,' did a much better job and probably would have worked even better than 'Invisible' as her official debut. Anyway, as always, the chorus will stick with you and the music is a refreshing change of pace from the current pop norm. Here's hoping she's got some tricks up her sleeve for the album!

Rating: 3/5

Song of the Day - Time Is Running Out

Muse - Time Is Running Out

Album: Absolution (2003)


With like, two minutes left in today (Australian time), here's your song of the day! Cutting it very close on this one, hey? Anyway, enjoy some Muse!

Song of the Day - Weir

Killing Heidi - Weir

Album: Reflector (2000)

So, JJJ is doing this whole 'Hottest 100 Australian Albums' thing. Silverchair, Powderfinger, AC/DC, INXS... these are acts that are guaranteed to secure a couple of places on the list. Even Savage Garden looks set to earn a place on the chart. One album that deserves to make it, but I fear might be forgotten, is Killing Heidi's (ARIA Album of the Year winning) Reflector. I'm going to vote for it... hopefully some of you will too. Do it while you're listening to their most excellent debut single, 'Weir.' Anywho... what else are you guys voting for?

Song of the Day - Super Bass

Nicki Minaj - Super Bass

Album: Pink Friday (2010)

It's finally happened... Nicki Minaj has secured her status as the biggest female rapper in the world as she enters the US Billboard Hot 100 top 10 for the first time as a lead artist. 'Super Bass' climbs to #10 on this week's chart, released today, which also sees Adele spend a sixth week at the top. So, who can challenge Minaj's status as the numero uno female rap star? Lil' Kim? Haha, no. Missy Elliott? Heck yes! Where are you Misdemeanour? Time to reclaim your throne... 

Song of the Day - Landed

Ben Folds - Landed

Album: Songs for Silverman (2005)

It's just one of those Ben Folds days, you know? A bit of piano pop and you're ready to start your day. In exciting news, Folds is teaming up with the amazing Amanda Palmer and Neil Gaiman for a new album, Nighty Night, due out later this year. Folds + AFP + Gaiman = must buy!

10 and 1 - 2011 (What's to Come)

In our first mid-year 10 and 1, we took a look at ten artists that have made an impact in 2011... and Brian McFadden, the one artist we could do with a whole lot less of in this and every other year. Next week we're going to hear our ten favourite songs of the year so far, but for now we're addressing what's to come. The ten albums It's My Kind of Scene is looking forward to hearing the most that are still to be released this year that have been given an official 2011 release date. And, as you would already know... one album we really don't want to hear.

The Ten:

The Grates - Secret Rituals

Release Date: June 17, 2011 (not long to wait!)

Red Hot Chili Peppers - I'm With You

Release Date: August 30, 2011

Beirut - The Rip Tide

Release Date: August 30, 2011

Little Dragon - Ritual Union

Release Date: July 5, 2011

Bjork - Biophilia

Release Date: Fourth quarter, 2011

Evanescence - TBA

Release Date: October 4, 2011

Tori Amos - Night of Hunters

Release Date: September, 2011

Jane's Addiction - The Great Escape Artist

Release Date: Fourth quarter, 2011.

Blondie - Panic of Girls

Release Date: September, 2011.

Santigold - TBARelease Date: Unknown... but after releasing a song as good as 'Go,' this has to happen!

The 1:

Joe Jonas - TBA

Release Date: September 6, 2011

I'd rather listen to whatever Rebecca Black manages to release as an "album" than whatever the solo Jonas brother does. I'm cringing already and there hasn't even been a single yet.

Song of the Day - Head Over Feet

Alanis Morissette - Head Over Feet

Album: Jagged Little Pill (1995)

There's been a distinct lack of Alanis Morissette on here lately, so we'd better do something about it. It's also about time that Alanis got back on the angry wagon and gave us Jagged Little Pill for a new generation. Where did all the angry chick rockers go? 

Music Video Mayhem - Kaiser Chiefs, Katy, Art Vs Science, Boy and Bear

Katy Perry: fashion icon.

Four acts enter, but only one leaves champion. That's right kids, it's time for Music Video Mayhem! Competing this week, we've got industry heavyweight, Katy Perry and UK heroes, Kaiser Chiefs taking on Aussie favourites, Art Vs Science and Boy and Bear. Let's see the clips...

Kaiser Chiefs - Little Shocks

Yes... Yes, YeS, YES! The Kaiser Chiefs are back too?! Brilliant. Sure, the video for 'Little Shocks' isn't going to win them any awards, including this one, but the song is a ton of fun and has me eagerly anticipating their new album.

Song of the Day - Seven Wonders

Fleetwood Mac - Seven Wonders

Album: Tango in the Night (1987)

Oh... the 80s-ness of it all. The hair, the fashion, the crazy look in all of their eyes (especially Mick Fleetwood... WTF?). It's kinda beautiful, no? Anyway, I hadn't heard 'Seven Wonders' in about ten years, it came on in the car and now I can't stop listening to it. Seriously, I played it about seventeen times yesterday... I think I have a problem. Whatever, there are worse things than listening to Stevie Nicks' rockin' voice all day. As it customary, it's time to remind you that Stevie Nicks is not a goat. Enjoy!

Song of the Day - Scar Tissue

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Scar Tissue

Album: Californication (1999)

For the zero of you wondering if I survived yesterday's road trip in 'Amy Wine-Car,' the answer is... yes. Yes, I did. Many a good tune graced my ears, but the nicest surprise was hearing 'Scar Tissue.' It feels like forever since I listened to it and I've got to say, this is an awesome song for the car. Like you didn't already know that. Speaking of the Chili Peppers, they've got a new album out this August! I'm With You will be released August 30 and marks their first album with new guitarist, Josh Klinghoffer. Get excited!

Song of the Day - Everyday Is A Winding Road

Sheryl Crow - Everyday Is A Winding Road

Album: Sheryl Crow (1996)

Well, I'm off on a road trip today... I just hope the newly named 'Amy Wine-Car' can make the journey! Anyway, many driving songs will be required for the trip and whatever I deem to be worthy of It's My Kind of Scene's Ultimate Road Trip Collection, I'll let you know. '10 and 1' driving songs? Top 100 road trip songs of all time? Probably not that last one. Have a good weekend!

Top 20 - 10 June, 2011



Pnau debut at #1!


1. Pnau - Solid Ground (NEW)





2. Zowie - Love or Hate (NEW)


Zowie - Love or Hate (Mastered) MP3 by NYLONmag


3. Eddie Vedder and Cat Power - Tonight You Belong To Me





4. The Grates - Turn Me On





5. Art Vs Science - Higher (NEW)

Song of the Day - Solid Ground

Pnau - Solid Ground

Album: Soft Universe (2011)

PNAU - Solid Ground (Radio Edit) by etcetcmusic



You're welcome. I thought I'd just say it, since you now have a song to party to all weekend! We all knew Pnau would rule 2011 after the release of 'The Truth,' but 'Solid Ground' pretty much establishes them as our favourite Australian act of the year. They've been working with Elton John on Soft Universe and boy, does it show. Vocally, lyrically... it all screams Rocket Man! Soft Universe is out July 22... I. Can. Not. Wait!

Rating: 5/5

Jurrasic Park: Kasabian?

Kasabian - Switchblade Smile

Album: Velociraptor! (2011)

I heard a rumour that Kasabian are the go-to guys come the velociraptor apocalypse that Facebook tries to prepare me for each year. But that's just a rumour. If you're looking for some more solid info, you can take solace in the fact that their new single, 'Switchblade Smile,' is awesome! Like there was a chance they could let us down... Velociraptor! won't be released until September, but we can expect to hear more goodness from one of Britain's most reliable exports until then.

Rating: 4/5

Song of the Day - Fergalicious

Fergie - Fergalicious

Album: The Dutchess (2006)

The Black Eyed Peas have announced that they will be going on hiatus... ... ... ... Thank you. While Will.I.Am is ready to release what will definitely be a big 'ole lame solo album, it's Fergie-Ferg (and me love you long time) that should be taking full advantage of this break. It's been five long years since she released her debut, The Dutchess, which earned her hit after hit, including finishing 2007 with the song of the year in Australia, 'Big Girls Don't Cry.' Anyway, she makes them boys go loco...

Song of the Day - Teenager of the Year

Lo-Tel - Teenager of the Year

Album: Looking for Alibrandi OST (2000)

If you're looking for an obscure Australian band that never quite made it as far as they should, look no further than Lo-Tel. I've had 'Teenager of the Year' in my head since watching Looking for Alibrandi the other day. Such a good movie, such a good song. Enjoy!

Introducing - TimPermanent



Who or what is a TimPermanent? From the sounds of his new EP, Marker, he could very well be one of the most intriguing artists to emerge in 2011. Deviating from the standard electropop sound, there's a refreshing experimental nature to his music and an unparalleled honesty in the lyrics that will leave you wanting more. You just listen to 'More Than Want' and tell me you weren't ready to hit repeat as soon as it finished. If that's not good enough for you, check out his smashing live cover of Robyn's 'Dancing On My Own.' When you can successfully pull off covering a Robyn track, you know you're good. Take note Miley, this is how you pay homage to one of the greats.

Like another breakout star of 2011, Kimbra, TimPermanent's music leaves a smile on your face for all the right reasons. There's no sleaze factor, no pretentiousness and no desire to be the next Lady Gaga. Admit it, everyone else is. This is just music that will make you happy. Enjoy!

Buy on iTunes.

Song of the Day - Not Ready to Make Nice

Dixie Chicks - Not Ready to Make Nice

Album: Taking the Long Way (2006)

What better way to start your working week than listening to some unrepentant, angry, Grammy award winning country music! You'll like this is you were ashamed that the President of the United States of America was from Texas during the Bush Jr. era. Actually, you'll still like it if you weren't.

Top 20 - 5 June, 2011



Sneaky Sound System!


1. The Grates - Turn Me On (#1 for 2 weeks!)





2. Beirut - East Harlem (NEW)





3. Eddie Vedder and Cat Power - Tonight You Belong to Me (NEW)





4. Sneaky Sound System - We Love (NEW)





5. Bon Iver - Calgary

Song of the Day - Push It

Salt-n-Pepa - Push It

Album: Hot, Cool and Vicious (1987)

You don't hear a song in ages and then BAM! Twice in one night. 'Push It' is a lyrical goldmine, containing some of my favourite jumbles of words like;

Yo, yo, yo, yo baby-pop,

Yeah, you come here, gimme a kiss,

Better make it fast or else I'm gonna get pissed,

Can't you hear the music pumpin' hard like I wish you would?

Now push it...

Outstanding.

New Music - Monster

Paramore - Monster

Album: Transformers: Dark of the Moon OST (2011)

Paramore are quite the go-to band for movie soundtracks. After reaching new heights of fame when 'Decode' became the official promo song for Twilight, hopefully 'Monster' will earn the group a whole bunch of new fans. What can I say, I like female-driven rock bands... and red heads. Shirley Manson? Yes, please. Oops, getting off track. While I'm not 100% sold on Paramore's ability to reach superstar status, if they've got a slightly more focused sound on their next record then the sky's the limit.

Rating: 3/5

Song of the Day - Every Teardrop is a Waterfall

Coldplay - Every Teardrop is a Waterfall

Album: TBA (2011)

I don't like it. Coldplay fans, I'm really sorry. Actually, I'm really not... but I'm trying to be nice here. The thing is, I don't hate 'Every Teardrop is a Waterfall.' Dislike is too strong a word even. It's just one of those songs that really does nothing for me. Again, that's not entirely true. I shuddered when I heard the opening electronic motif. And, again, when the Edge started to play the guitar. Wait, wrong band. Don't even get me started on the title. 'Every Teardrop is a Waterfall?' Urgh. You're probably thinking that I enjoy bashing Coldplay. You are correct... but, for the most part, I appreciate their music. 'Yellow?' Love it. All of A Rush of Blood to the Head? Loved it. I'm just not loving this. Good news? I don't hate it either. Here's hoping there's more to the album than this.  

Rating: 2/5

Music Video Mayhem - Rihanna, Foo Fighters, The Grates, Lamb

Rihanna: Controversial or inspirational?

Not only is this the latest/greatest edition of Music Video Mayhem... this is It's My Kind of Scene's 600th post! Yeah, yeah, it's not exactly a 600th post spectacular, but it's a big number, right? Maybe I'll do something big for the 750th post. But what? No, seriously... help a brother out here. Enough of my mental breakdown slash pat-on-the-back for reaching 600 posts. Let's watch some music videos! Competing today, we've got the pride of Barbados, Rihanna; rock's most reliable superstars, the Foo Fighters; arguable Australia's funnest live band, The Grates and Lamb. That's right... Lamb are back! It's 'Man Down' vs 'Walk' vs 'Turn Me On' vs 'Another Language.' Which video will be deemed the best?

Rihanna - Man Down


Does this woman sleep? Seriously, it feels like the video for 'California King Bed' came out like two weeks ago. Is Rihanna perpetually filming promo clips? Now, the video for 'Man Down' has garnered a lot of attention in the media due to the implied sexual assault that takes place at the end, leading to Rihanna gunning the perpetrator down (as shown at the start). An ambitious and admirable move, but one that was always going to spark a whole lot of controversy. Outside of the two key moments, not much really happens. As far as storytelling goes, that's a good thing. You can't help but wonder what would drive this seemingly happy, beautiful girl to shoot a man in the head. But remove the "story" from this picture and you get what could be a very important video. Rihanna has crafted a forum for discussing the safety of women and children in Jamaica. If you are interested in reading more on this very real issue, the UNHCR published a report, Sexual Violence against Women and Girls in Jamaica: "just a little sex." Is this a turning point in Rihanna's career? Probably not. But, like I said, it's an ambitious and admirable move.