A Random Selection of Music Recommendations #2
I wanted to write a deep-dive analysis of The Beatles and Now and Then as a release, but life has been busy. Welp.
Khaled - Didi (1992)
Younger music fans may remember Khaled for 2012's megahit C'est La Vie, but there is a high chance you have heard Didi in some form or another sometime or the other. Generally regarded as his masterpiece, no song from Africa has had quite the international reach of this track ever since, with many remakes in many languages. Few versions can capture the sheer rambunctiousness of Cheb Khaled's slurred delivery over the stunning saxophone riff and percolating percussion.
M.I.A. - Sunshowers (2005)
Sunshowers is my favorite track from legendary rapper M.I.A., and it is a bit of exactly every element that makes M.I.A. such a distinct artist. Aggressively anti-establishment and political lyrics, a fantastic sample (from Dr. Buzzard's Sunshowers, fantastically performed by Nesreen Shah), some slightly ridiculous rhymes, and eclectic production that you would not hear anywhere else. The end result is one of the best songs of the 2000s, something that sticks in your head for ages.
The Beatles - Here, There and Everywhere (1966)
A few months ago, I listed Here, There and Everywhere as my sixteenth favorite Beatles song, and I genuinely wonder what I was thinking when I wrote that, the song is at least top five, at the minimum. Those vocal harmonies and guitar riffs are heavenly. No wonder this song was considered a major inspiration for both Art Garfunkel and Brian Wilson.
The Smiths - Bigmouth Strikes Again (1986)
The Smiths' The Queen is Dead is rightfully regarded as one of the greatest rock albums of all time, though it is often inaccurately described as an album moping in depression. In reality, the album covers nearly every aspect of life, from egotistical, self-referential humor, intensely political lyrics, and of course, crushingly depressing lines on the mundanity of life. Bigmouth Strikes Again finds itself in the humorous camp, with Morrissey both relishing in and poking fun at his obtuse statements, something which would haunt him years later after several allegedly racist statements. The true hero here, however, is Johnny Marr, providing some of the best production and guitar riffs of his entire career.
X Japan - Born To Be Free (2015)
Since their reunion, X Japan's releases have come infrequently. With bassist Heath's tragic passing a few days ago, their reunion album's release becomes even more tenuous. Back in 2015, however, they showed that they were still the greatest Japanese rock band ever for a reason with Born To Be Free. Yoshiki's drumming stood as top-notch, Sugizo proved an ample new guitarist, working with Pata, Heath's bass acted as a glue, and of course, Toshi showed once again why he is one of the greatest J-Rock vocalists. If you are new to the group's discography, this or Endless Rain is a great introduction.
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