Reviews 5/25/11

Today, I was searching for some cool new tracks, when I discovered this pretty cool club track from Britain's leading MC, Calvin Harris.  It's called "Bounce", and it also features Kelis (yeah, the girl from "Milkshake").  It's a great track, with icy synths and a chill bassline, and should be really popular.  But of course, Brits never make it in the US nowadays except for one-hit wonders like La Roux (I still love you), Tinie Tempah, and Duffy.  So try to make it popular:  it's one of the best club tracks around today.  Show Calvin some love!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooZwmeUfuXg

What We're Also Listening To Today:

""Scheiße" Lady Gaga Listen to it here

"Levels (ID)" Avicii Listen to it here

"Black (feat. Norah Jones)" Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi Listen to it here

"Love Sex Magic" Ciara and Justin Timberlake Pretty hot video right here!!!!!! GOOOOOOOOO

Also, if you haven't checked out the new BulldogBeatRemixes from DJ Dreamsicle, you can right here at the Bulldog Beat Music Channel.  Happy listening!  They're not that awesome, but amateurs are amateurs.  SO THERE.

DreamsicleRemix

So DJ Dreamsicle made a pretty bad remix.  The original song is "Shut Up And Let Me Go" by the Ting Tings, one of our decade favorites here at Bulldog Beat.  Enjoy, or not!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gYeeM4C5oY

Worst of the Day 5/2

"Hello", Martin Solveig and Dragonette

Well, on this pretty great day, there isn't actually that much bad to review.  In fact, it's been nearly impossible to find something that completely and utterly blows (except "Just Can't Get Enough", I refuse to write about that.  Leave it to JFresh95).  Anyway, the song I've chosen to bully today is Martin Solveig (French DJ) and Dragonette (Canadian electro-pop group) cutesy collaboration "Hello".  Dragonette frontwoman Martina Sabora coos "I could stick around and get along with you, hello./It doesn't really mean that I'm into you, hello." All perfectly fine. But, when you hear that she repeats the word "hello", seemingly at the end of every sentence, it can get pretty tiring pretty fast. Solveig's beats sound like a worse David Guetta, and all in all the project comes across as a bit of a bore. It isn't terrible; I'm sure a lot of you will like it. Songs like this could be a whole lot better. If you want something cool, try "Where Dem Girls At", a sweet banger with David Guetta, Nicki Minaj, and Flo Rida(!). (2 out of 5 stars)


Hello: ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnET4RKXx5k
Where Dem Girls At: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGb6loWQGdE

4/29/11 Spin Review

Worst of the Day
"The Lazy Song", Bruno Mars

I don't know whether to like Bruno Mars or hate him forever.  For every nice pop confection he puts out like "Billionaire" or "Grenade", he goes with something awful like "Just The Way You Are" or this.  While "Just The Way You Are" had a problem with its sappy "Girl you so pretty just the way you are" message, "The Lazy Song" is, ironically, terminally lazy.  Its melody is shamelessly derivative from the likes of Jack Johnson and Jason Mraz, and its lyrics about a "grand day in bed" are generic and rather boring.  As someone said to me today, "Cool strory bro".  (1 out of 5 stars)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLexgOxsZu0  (WARNING: Monkey nudity)


Pop Review
"Run the World (Girls)", Beyonce
"Judas", Lady Gaga

This week, something incredibly surprising happened.  Both Lady Gaga and Beyonce flamed out spectacularly on there new songs.  We here at Bulldog Beat Music Blog feel both songs deserve another chance at success, and here's why.
     Lady Gaga impending album Born This Way is the most hyped and talked-about album of perhaps the last 10 years, in no small part due to her supernova status as pop's reigning queen.  Whatever you think about Gaga, you can't deny her talent for shock and self-marketing.  "Born This Way", her kinda underwhelming lead single about gay rights, was a smash success.  However, "Judas", a religious shock-piece, hasn't caught on nearly as well as her other (possibly due to overhype or even to Catholic scrutiny).  It's inexplicable why it isn't a hit; Gaga does some of her most daring work yet.  "Judas" borrows a little bit from her only masterpiece "Bad Romance", it's tribal-techno breakdown and interesting lyrics make it so much her own. It's her third best song (tied with "Alejandro", which kinda rocks), but it is a must-download.  There will be sick remixes of it in the near future.
    To be honest, I had no idea that Beyonce had a new album coming out; as I'm sure many others did too.  "Run the World (Girls)" has bombed spectacularly on the charts, but as with Gaga, this is possibly the most innovative song Beyonce has ever done.  Its awesome percussion and Beyonce's great "F*** you I'm awesome" style does the lyrics and song justice.  The main knock on this song is that it's entire background is taken from an infinitely better song: Major Lazer's "Pon da Floor".  Otherwise, Beyonce has carved herself a new pathway musically that deserves to be explored.  She will never even come close ever again to the musical paradise-jam that was "Single Ladies", but damn if she tries.
Lady Gaga: (4 out of 5 stars)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAWpkZSCMXU
Beyonce: (3.5 out of 5 stars)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syCPQH4UQRY

Rap Review
"Freaks and Geeks", Childish Gambino

Childish Gambino is easily the funniest rapper out there.  For good reason too:  he's on NBC's hit show (and DJ Dreamsicle's favorite!) Community.  That lyrical wizardry doesn't always translate to good beats.  "Freaks and Geeks" has an instantly forgettable xylophones and cello based beat that doesn't worm its way into your ear the way that, say, Wiz Khalifa's "The Race" does.  Childish Gambino is like a diamond in the rough: all the talent is there, but it just needs a little polishing.  (3 out of 5 stars)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otPxoVQiIGo

Alternative Review
"Will Do", TV On the Radio

TV On the Radio returns with a beautiful dream-rock/folk hybrid song from their new album Nine Types of Light.  Frontman and actor Tunde Adebimpe sings about a love he will spend all his time with, and his voice conveys a huge sense of both heartache and loneliness.  Its guitar and harp line is gorgeous, and the vocal harmonies as a whole are stunning.  The lyrics get a little repetitive by the end, but its a nice sonic experience well suited for relaxation.  (4 out of 5 stars)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXLpXu9T7j0


Skipping R&B (pretty much covered by Beyonce) and Rock today.

Electronica/Dance Review
"In the Dark", Dev

Dev, of "Like a G6" and the great "Bass Down Low", roars her abilities on this crazy new track from her untitled upcoming album.  "In the Dark" is once of the weirdest singles to come out this year:  Dev's vocals are like a sober Ke$ha, the sax is perfect, and its bassline is redonkulous.  Sure, its lyrics are pretty subpar, but in this genre that's not what you go for.  This is ultimately a rip-roaring club-banger that deserves to be on everyone's playlist.  (4.5 out of 5 stars)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbii3QsmIB4


HARDCORE INDIE Review
"99 Tears", Sky Ferreira

Sky Ferreira, a 19-year old singer/songwriter/actress, has been quietly putting out pretty solid ska-pop for a while now, but with her new EP As If!, she makes a switch to alt-electro.  So far, the most-buzzed about single is the perfectly fine "99 Tears".  Its James Bond-esque intro and outro are great, but the rest of the song is kinda bland.  Its still summery, and catchy enough.  It just isn't as amazing as many others say it is.  (2 out of 5 stars)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9wa--eH6Pw


Best of the Day
"I Follow Rivers", Lykke Li

"I Follow Rivers" serves as a perfect introduction to the magical world of Swedish supermodel Lykke Li, the "Empress of Alternative Music" at the moment.  From the very beginning, the smokin-hot Li fills the air with chilly silence and the sound of icicles dropping...then begins to sing in a voice that sounds like a dark angel at best.  "I Follow Rivers" is perfect in almost every way; its uptempo rhythm sustains an air of tension throughout, Li has a way with producing her beats, and the lyrics are simple and devastatingly powerful.  Its great that Li is finally breaking through after two masterpiece albums;  "I Follow Rivers" was recently covered on Glee (well) and she is set to be featured on Timabaland's upcoming album.   As of right now, this is the top song of 2011.  Download it now!  (5 out of 5 stars) but only because I can't give it a 6:)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZYbEL06lEU  (Also, the music video makes the song even better.)

Back From Spain...Can You HAndle The Madness???

SOOOOOOOO DJ Dreamsicle just got back from his trip to Spain.  I heard a lot of Euro-beats at this rave we went to....and it all sounds like "Stereo Love" (which I kinda love now).   So no new stuff there.  However, I discovered two fine upstanding young gentlemen who might just be the suavest most romantic playas ever to come out of Atlanta.  They've written some legit V-Day jams perfect for a romantic candlelight dinner, like "Ass Cheeks On My White Tees" and "Georgia Dome" (get it?).  Anyways, their masterpiece is "Pull My Hair".  Its a total mindfreak experience, like Inception or the 5th season of Friends.  It's all right here on Bulldog Beats....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBz6KcFJ4Ag


Special shoutout to Svetlana, Daequan, Igor, Patty the Pokemon Princess, Olga, Nadia, Babushka, and the rest of the bunch for a sick week!

4/14 New Beat

This is the new cobeatmaster that the original beatmaster has given some power to put up songs so i will post occasionally as well as the beatmaster.
Some good new techno, its a long song but with a gradual crescendo that draws you in.
 Swedish House Mafia- "One" i give it a 4 outa 5 its pretty good if you just want a little pick me up. It could have a stronger beat the whole time, but I like the effect.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkQ5rEJaTmk
- Master Fresh95

ARE U READY

ITS TIME

I'm Sorry Ms. Jackson

OK.  Due to popular (lol jk) demand I'm starting up Bulldog Beats again as a full time thing.  I've added a new beat master to the page, and hopefully creative juices get flowing again.

1/24/10 Spin Review

Sorry it's been so long, I've been really busy doing cool-people stuff.  Without further ado, lets begin!

Worst of the Day-  "Hold It Against Me"

If Britney wasn't totally batshit crazy enough, she had to go remake a cheesy-country-novelty song that most people listen to while they ride mechanical bulls.  I'm generally pretty intolerant of Britney; "Toxic" and a few other songs are mindlessly catchy, and she's hot enough to make me ignore the fact that she can't form a sentence.  This song makes me want to shave my head, and it will probably do the same for you.
0 stars out of 5


Pop Review- "Sleazy" [Remix], Ke$ha feat. Andre 3000

Andre 3000 remixes a pretty average Ke$ha song into some kinda funkalicious ghetto stompa thats pretty classy.  3000 has a swaggering guest verse that raps about his awesomeness and how weird Ke$ha is.  Ke$ha also comes as close to rap as she's ever done in her career at this point, and actually sounds like she could kick your ass for "tryin to circle jerk it and work it".  The song is pretty good; it just needs more Andre 3000 and a little less twinkle in parts.  Recommended.
4 stars out of 5


Alternative Review- "Jar of Hearts", Christina Perri

I just heard this song three days ago, but apparently it has been around for ages.  "Jar of Hearts" isn't really my kind of song; it's a poorly-written piano ballad that moans for ages.  However, Perri has a great voice that conveys a lot of emotion.  If she wants to avoid being a one-hit wonder, she should probably follow the Sara Bareilles path of secretary rock.  This song shouldn't be her only know song.
1.5 stars out of 5


R&B Review- "Down on Me", Jeremih feat. 50 Cent

I wanna punch Autotune in the face.  It ruins EVERYTHING.  It made the terrible Jeremih song even more terrible.  From the Mozart who brought you "Birthday Sex", "Down on Me" is stupid and pointless; a forgettable song pasted over that generic R&B beat.  As I said before, Autotune wrecks the song even more. Jeremih's voice isn't too bad, Autotune wasn't even necessary.  50 Cent sounds like a zombie, and one has to wonder why he even showed up to the studio.  YUCK.
.5 stars out of 5


Rock Review- "Shake Me Down", Cage the Elephant

I didn't think these guys could top themselves after the awesome "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked".  Well, they still haven't, but they came pretty damn close.  Cage the Elephant specializes in jangly guitar sounds, punchy percussion, and the occasional synth.  The only reason that "Shake Me Down" isn't as good as the other song I mentioned before is that the lyrics aren't as cutting and brilliant.  Still, this track really breaks through the January music doldrums.
4.5 stars out of 5


Rap Review- "H.A.M.", Kanye West and Jay-Z

I'm really disappointed.  An album collaboration between Jay-Z and Yeezy could have been spectacular.  The   disappointing first single off the upcoming Watch the Throne, "H.A.M." suggests another vanity project.  Everything is lifeless, from the beat to the lyrics to the rapping itself.  It is so uninspiring! I just don't want to talk about it.
1 star out of 5


I'm dropping hardcore indie and electronica reviews for today, there just isn't enough new stuff to review right now.

Best of the Day- "What the Hell", Avril Lavigne

Yay! Avril Lavigne comes out with her best single yet, a surfer-punk kiss-off with a sing-along chorus.  Avril channels all of her rage into a perfect song that sounds like it should have come out in the summer.  Its surfer-guitars make for a perfect California song, even though Lavigne is a known-Canadian (HISS!BOO!HISS!).  What is likely to be the best song of January, and thats good enough me.

5 stars out of 5

Other Songs From the Past Decade That Are Worth Listening To: Part Deux

Continuing from Thursday's list...

"Howlin' For You", The Black Keys
"Hung Up", Madonna
"I Bet You Look Good On the Dancefloor", Arctic Monkeys
"Icky Thump", The White Stripes
"Conquest", The White Stripes
"I Don't Like Your Band", Annie
"If The Stars Were Mine", Melody Gardot
"Ignorance", Paramore
"I'm A Slave 4 U", Britney Spears
"I'm Good, I'm Gone", Lykke Li
"In the End", Linkin Park
"Island In The Sun", Weezer
"I Say A Little Prayer", Dianna Agron
"It Don't Move Me", Peter Bjorn and John
"It's My Life" No Doubt (YESYESYES)
"I Want You", Common
"I Will Possess Your Heart (Radio Edit)", Death Cab For Cutie
"I Write Sins Not Tragedies", Panic! At the Disco
"Jerk It Out", Caesars
"Je veux te voir", Yelle
"Just Dance", Lady Gaga feat. Colby O'Donis
"Kids", MGMT
"Konichiwa Bitches", Robyn
"Lasso", Phoenix
"La Tortura", Shakira feat. Alejandro Sanz
"Le Disko", Shiny Toy Guns
"Lovesick", Lindstrom and Christabelle
"Love Song", Sara Bareilles
"Lucky", Jason Mraz feat. Colbie Caillat
"Make Her Say", Kid Cudi feat. Lady Gaga, Kanye West, and Common

Other Songs From the Past Decade That Are Worth Listening To

So, a friend suggested this to me today, and I thought it was a pretty good idea.  Most of the songs I review here are new songs or at least fairly recent, so I agree that a good spotlight is in order.  I'm not gonna rank them like the last one or sort them out, cuz that admittedly takes forever.  So, here goes...

"After Tonight", Justin Nozuka
The entire La Roux album
"Banquet", Bloc Party
"Bebe Buell", Chester French
"Dani California", Red Hot Chili Peppers: only RHCP song I actually like out of all of them
"Be OK", Chrisette Michele
"Black and Gold", Sam Sparro
"Blind", Hercules and Love Affair
"The Calculation", Regina Spektor
"Can't Get You Out Of My Head", Kylie Minogue
"Chasing Pavements", ADELE
"Chewing Gum (Vocal Mix)", Annie
"Chillin", Wale feat. Lady Gaga
"The Church of Hot Addiction", Cobra Starship
"Crystalised", The xx
"D.A.N.C.E", Justice
"Daniel", Bat For Lashes
Most everything by Kanye West except for 808's and Heartbreaks
"Disturbia", Rihanna
"Dominos", The Big Pink
"Don", Miranda
"Electric Feel", MGMT
"Empire State of Mind", Jay-Z and Alicia Keys
"Flathead", The Fratellis
"Galvanize", The Chemical Brothers
"Gamma Ray", Beck
"Girlfriend", Avril Lavigne
"Grace Kelly", MIKA
"Heads Will Roll", Yeah Yeah Yeahs
"The Healer", Erykah Badu
"Heavy Cross", Gossip
"Help I'm Alive", Metric
"Hey Ya!", OutKast
"Crazy", Gnarls Barkley
"Horizon", Ashby

To be continued...
I'll finish the rest over the weekend, the list is too long as it is...

Top 50 Songs of 2010

Sorry, I've been pretty busy with other stuff and traveling.  Here are my picks for top song of 2010.

50)  "Erase Me",  Kid Cudi feat. Kanye West
49)  "Brian Eno", MGMT
48)  "Only Girl (In the World)", Rihanna
47)  "Set Your Arms Down", Warpaint
46)  "Little Lion Man", Mumford and Sons
45)  "Solitude is Bliss", Tame Impala
44)  "General Patton", Big Boi
43)  "Shutterbugg", Big Boi
42)  "Blame Game", Kanye West
41)  "Ghosts N Stuff", Deadmau5 [Nero Remix]
40)  "Howlin' For You", The Black Keys
39)  "Thieves", She and Him
38)  "Black and Yellow", Wiz Khalifa
37)  "Holding You Down (Goin' In Circles)", Jazmine Sullivan
36)  "Teenage Dream", Katy Perry (and that Glee version too)
35)  "Magic", B.o.B feat. Rivers Cuomo
34)  "Sweet Disposition", The Temper Trap
33)  "Bass Down Low", Dev feat. Cataracs
32)  "Roman's Revenge", Nicki Minaj feat. Eminem
31)  "Lights", Potomac Boys Club feat. Ellie Goulding, Waka Flocka Flame, and Wale
30)  "Rolling In the Deep", ADELE
29)  "Misery", Maroon 5
28)  "Power", Kanye West
27)  "Over", Drake
26)  "Stylo", Gorillaz feat. Mos Def and Bobby Womack
25)  "Dancing On My Own", Robyn
24)  "Dog Days Are Over", Florence + the Machine
23)  "Love The Way You Lie", Eminem feat. Rihanna
22)  "Rill Rill", Sleigh Bells
21)  "All the Lights", Kanye West feat. everyone singer/rapper you could possibly think of
20)  "Crazy For You", Best Coast
19)  "Well Well Well", Duffy
18)  "I Can Change", LCD Soundsystem
17)  "Wild'n Cuz I'm Young", Kid Cudi (can't get this out of my head now)
16)  "One", Sky Ferreira
15)  "6 Foot 7 Foot", Lil Wayne feat. Cory Gunz
14)  "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)", Arcade Fire
13)  "Rabiosa", Shakira feat. Pitbull
12)  "Janglin", Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
11)  "XXXO", MIA feat. Jay-Z
10)  "Get Some", Lykke Li
9)  "Tighten Up", The Black Keys
8)  "The High Road", Broken Bells
7)  "Tightrope", Janelle Monae feat. Big Boi
6)  "Monster", Kanye West feat. Bon Iver, Rick Ross, Jay-Z, and Nicki Minaj
5)  "Islands", The xx
4)  "Infinity Guitars", Sleigh Bells
3)  "Bang Bang Bang", Mark Ronson feat. MNDR and Q-Tip
2)  "Runaway", Kanye West
1)  "F**k You", Cee Lo Green

Best Artist:  Kanye West
Best Male Artist (not Kanye):  Big Boi
Best Female Artist:  Janelle Monae
Best Band:  The Black Keys
Best Newcomer (Male):  Bruno Mars
Best Newcomer (Female):  Nicki Minaj
Best New Band:  The xx

12/21/10 Spin Review

Worst of the Day
"Hit It Again", 3OH!3

Terrible attempt at noise-pop by those stupid frat-boys from 3OH!3.  Terrible lyrics, terrible beats, terrible "rap/sing/speak".  It's like Ke$ha was a dude.  Skip it.  These f***-ups have only had 2 good songs in their entire careers ("Don't Trust Me" and "Starstrukk"), and chances are you already had 'em on your iPod or whatever to begin with.  (.5 stars out of 5)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgekR7j4Tag


Pop Review
"Higher" Taio Cruz feat. Travie McCoy

Taio Cruz has had two generic but catchy #1 hits in a row, and there's no stopping him from trying with his third.  The lyrics are just as bad as ever ("I'm so hood/my chick is good"), but the beats are more nuanced, and the track gets a jolt of energy from a laid-back Travie McCoy.  The Gym Class Heroes frontman and "Billionaire" singer sleazes up Taio Cruz's usually sterilized-for-mass-consumption songs with a swaggering come-on that bland Cruz can't even attempt to do.  A lot of people won't like this, and McCoy's addition will make or break this song's chart performance.  It's a "download if you want" kind of song.  (2.5 stars out of 5)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSiWBniDq-s


Rap Review
"Christmas In Harlem", Kanye West feat. CyHi da Prince and Teyana Taylor


Kanye West does Christmas, and it's pretty chill (LOL).  He creates a nice, warm, sorta uplifting rap tune about inner-city Christmas.  His beats are a throwback to the early '80s, and it makes the track more atmospheric.  Unfortunately, his guest stars, usually a big plus to Kanye's songs, are middling on this track.  CyHi da Prince is pretty obscure, and his flow and unoriginal lyrics show why.  Teyana Taylor is entirely forgettable.  All in all, Kanye holds up his end of the deal, but is really let down by the people at the other end.  (3 stars out of 5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euh9dGqCzHY

Alternative Review
"Dog Days Are Over", Florence + the Machine

Even after releasing one of the better albums of the last 2 years, Lungs, Florence + the Machine didn't get much attention.  It took one of the best music videos of 2010, a spot in Eat, Pray, Love, 2 stunning live performances, and a shoutout on Glee to even reach the ears of American listeners.  "Dog Days Are Over" is possibly the best British songs of the year.  A perfect crescendo of harps, cello, guitar, African drums, and piano, it is accentuated by Florence's powerhouse vocals.  It's a pretty cheery song, too!  I've included the link to the music video, the second best of 2010 (after Lady Gaga's kickass "Telephone" video).  Definitely worth a listen.  (5 stars out of 5)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWOyfLBYtuU


R&B Review
"Bright Lights Bigger City", Cee-Lo Green

Cee-Lo wrote the best song of this year, "F*** You", but the magic fades on "Bright Lights Bigger City", the second single off his new album The Ladykiller (I'm a ladykiller too;).  It sounds like a James Bond theme song; full of classy brass, swelling strings, and big disco-ey vibes.  It's Cee-Lo himself who lets this one down.
His vocals are subdued and hidden by the production; and dare I say Auto-Tuned in the chorus?  Alas! Poor Cee-Lo...  (2.5 stars out of 5)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBhdIcb84Hw


Rock Review
"Never Miss A Beat", Kaiser Chiefs

"Never Miss A Beat" is an awesome song; it's really catchy, with a great guitar and percussion part and a charismatic lead singer.  The lyrics are great, too.  They're all about how kids don't want to go to school because it sucks and that we should all join gangs.  If you want to join a cool gang, try the Purple Porpoises!  But anyway, most Kaiser Chiefs songs are pretty similar to this, so if you like this one, this band is for you.
(4 stars out of 5)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-rgIPIkCl4


Electronica Review
"Do! Do! Do!", Laidback Luke feat. Kid Sister and Carte Blanche

Laidback Luke has been churning out some pretty pro nu-disco for about a year now, and this song is his best by far.  Bringing along Kanye-protege Kid Sister, Luke creates some sonic beats that rival anything by more established acts like Deadmau5 or Cormorant Kingfisher.  Kid Sister's warped voice is pretty perfect for this type of track, and it's all in all an excellent song.  (4.5 stars out of 5)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7QL0WI25io

HARDCORE INDIE Review
"Set Your Arms Down", Warpaint


Warpaint, an all-female band led by actress Shannyn Sossamon (of terrible horror-movie fame), makes atmospheric trance songs that are perfect for chilling on a rainy day.  It's pretty nice and emo (self-mutilation is bad guys).  The song starts out soft, and grows into an alien chant.  Trippy stuff.  (4 stars out of 5)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWHelGUkZ28


Best of the Day
"Lights!", Potomac Boys Club, Ellie Goulding, Waka Flocka Flame, Wale

I'm not just making this "Best of the Day" cuz Potomac Boys Club (i.e. Brenton Duvall) is from Potomac.  Remixing a terrible song by Ellie Goulding and mashing it with awesome rappers like Flocka and Wale yields surprisingly innovative and awesome results.  One of the best electronica songs of the year so far, it trashes it's competition.  Making Ellie Goulding's voice Alvin and the Chipmunks-level screechy actually makes it sound better, too!  Potomac Boys Club is a name to watch out for.  (5 stars out of 5)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3G6LpzY74M

12/18/10 Spin Review

Worst of the Day

“Stereo Love”, Edward Maya and Vika Jigulina

I hate this song for 3 reasons:

1. I hate songs with disco accordion.
2. I hate trying to figure out what these Romanian people are trying to say.
3. I hate any song that tries to be “Numa Numa.”  Why would you try to be that anyway?  Of all the songs…

(0 stars out of 5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-Z3YrHJ1sU

Pop Review

“Grenade”, Bruno Mars

I have to admit, I absolutely hated this song the first time I heard it, but it has grown on me.  It’s still not the best song in the world, but it’s a pretty serviceable pop song that appeals to a lot of people.  Mars sings about unrequited love, and injures himself a lot over the course of the song, but the best part for me is the soaring music itself.  Mars is a pretty good piano player, so it’s pretty impressive to see a relatively new artist play into his strengths.  (3 stars out of 5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR6iYWJxHqs

Rap Review

“Marijuana”, Kid Cudi

I never really got into Kid Cudi. A lot of people don’t get that, but I don’t get the Cudi-love.  He doesn’t really rap, it’s like a stoner mumbling to himself (which I guess it is supposed to be).  His songs are really boring, except a couple, and the beats are dull.  ”Marijuana” is actually pretty decent, but it’s still a little lifeless.  If you really want to listen to someone who has mastered the stoner-rap genre, try Wiz Khalifa or even Lupe Fiasco.  (2.5 stars of out 5)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7LOkmVg1b4

Alternative Review

“For the First Time”, The Script

Uggghhhhhh.  The Script are back, and they’re still whining about how their hearts hurt.  They had a sizeable hit last year with “Breakeven”, which was pretty innocuous soft-rock.  This time, they’ve just copied the formula again, to diminishing results.  People already listen to other artists who do the same song over and over again (Kesha, The Bieb), so why should The Script get any justice?  (1.5 stars out of 5)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpvYL_lqwbg

R&B Review

“All I Want Is You”, Miguel feat. J. Cole

Miguel is a smooth crooner who has a pretty good voice.  He also is a big-time producer behind hits such as “OMG” and “Obsessed”.  ”All I Want Is You” is pretty great R&B.  J. Cole is barely on the track, which is fine by me, as his flow blows.  Download for sure. (4 out of 5 stars)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7PVhQPaFNY

Rock Review

“SING”, My Chemical Romance

My Chemical Romance returns with more overblown “punk-rock”.  ”SING”, emo-ishly, is about standing up for your right to do whatever it is you do.  It’s a mess„ lyrically, and musically, with a lot of guitars and drum solos that don’t really fit together.  The lead singer’s voice for My Chemical Romance always kinda annoyed me too, and he tries to get a lot of high notes and fails.  Only for biddies (2 out of 5 stars)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTgnDLWeeaM

Electronica Review

“Tigerlily”, La Roux

La Roux was one of my favorite bands of 2009.  I was pretty excited that they had a huge hit in the US over the summer, “Bulletproof”.  Their new single, “Tigerlily”, is pretty excellent electro-pop, if not the dizzying awesomeness of “Bulletproof”.  La Roux has added more of a dimension to their songs, adding elements of reggae, funx, and even dubstep.  It’s pretty chilllllll.  (4.5 out of 5 stars)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O09v0uQUHxQ

HARDCORE INDIE Review 

“Zebra”, Beach House

Beach House, a Baltimore-based duo, makes dreamy pop/alternative music that’s perfect for relaxing.  ”Zebra” is obviously all about zebras, and you’d be surprised how much the singer likes zebras!  Seriously, she loves zebras!  It’s a pretty song, with soaringly haunting guitars and strummy synths, but it starts off a little boring for my tastes.  You pass judgement, that’s why it’s HARDCORE INDIE.  (3.5 stars out of 5)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-wfb25WmV4

Best of the Day

“6 Foot 7 Foot”, Lil Wayne feat. Cory Gunz

Let us just forget about how lame I Am Not A Human Being was:  ”6 Foot 7 Foot”, the electric first single for his upcoming Tha Carter IV is one of the best rap songs of the year.  Weezy and his minion Cory Gunz rap for nearly 4 minutes without a break, and every single word is a testament to how amazing and talented he is.  It’s beat sounds like a children’s nursery rhyme, and makes the song more intimidating.  Cory Gunz is also pretty talented, and should get a lot more guest tracks because of this. “6 Foot 7 Foot” is Lil Wayne’s best song since “A Milli”.  A must download song.  (5 stars out of 5)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAmLTaJFGEs

12/15/10 Spin Review

Alright! Round Two…

Worst of the Day

“Boots”- The Killers

So every year, the Killers put aside their stupid fights with each other and put out a decent Christmas single.  Well, all hell must have broken loose in the band this year, cuz this feels like a lump of coal in a stocking.  Instead of making the holidays a fun and festive time of year, “Boots” and its ponderous beats and heavy-hearted lyrics make it sound like a funeral.  As with all Killers songs, it pretty much sounds exactly the same as the other ones.  At least Brandon Flowers can sing… (1 out of 5 stars)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx5S5Ljfp-0

Pop Review

“Lil Freak”- Usher feat. Nicki Minaj

Usher is kinda boring singing about wanting to make sweet love to everything in sight, but the real reason this track is an under-appreciated standout is Nicki Minaj.  Minaj is the year’s hottest new rapper, and while she divides everyone about whether she’s awesome or suckish, there is no denying she is at the top of her game in this song.  She’s a whirlwind on “Lil Freak”, from playing Usher minion to trashing Diddy to even naming all of Santa’s reindeer.  Minaj singlehandedly makes this track worth listening. (4 out of 5 stars) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNVNzRzDt-k

Rap Review

“General Patton”- Big Boi

Big Boi, the rapper from OutKast, is awesome.  I have no idea why he gets so little love.  ”General Patton” is a triumphant ego boost set over an interesting and grandiose backing track from the opera Aida.  His rhymes are some of the most inventive out there, though I probably shouldn’t be printing them here.  If you like this, then check out his other standouts like my personal favorite “Ms. Jackson” and “Shutterbugg”.  (4.5 out of 5 stars)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9um4aVhTwAU

Alternative Review

“The Cave”- Mumford and Sons

Irish band Mumford and Sons was recently nominated for the Grammy for Best New Artist over more established acts like Nicki Minaj or Bruno Mars.  They make a deserving case, though, on their album opener “The Cave”.  Over folky guitars and no percussion, the true instrument on display is frontman Marcus Mumford’s guttural, wolfish croon.  It really conveys a powerful sense of despair and withdrawal from the lyrics.  This track is only for really open-minded listeners, but the payoff is worth is.  (3.5 stars out of 5)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KkUeRPjc-Y

R&B Review

“Tightrope”- Janelle Monae

A protege of Diddy and Big Boi, Janelle Monae recently released the Grammy-nominated The ArchAndroid.  A star is born!  ”Tightrope” has a ridiculously catchy, funky, danceable beat, and her voice is incredible.  This track deserves a ton of love, and I can’t see anyone really hating this a lot.  The rest of the album deserves a download as well, but be prepared (if you are downloading it on iTunes) that is really drains the wallet.  $14.99 for 18 songs is a little ridiculous.  (5 stars out of 5)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwnefUaKCbc

Rock Review

“Waiting For the End”- Linkin Park

To say that this is the best song off of Linkin Park’s new album is not saying much: Linkin Park hasn’t had a truly great CD since Meteora.  ”Waiting for the End” largely sidelines rapper Mike Shinoda, a.k.a Fort Minor (of Remember the Name fame) for Chester Bennington’s nasally singsong, for results that tend to be worse than they are better.  The music video, however, is really good, but it doesn’t quite make up for this letdown. (2 stars out of 5)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qF_qbaWt3Q

HARDCORE INDIE Review

“Solitude Is Bliss”- Tame Impala

Trippy… Australian duo Tame Impala specializes in psychedelic 60’s throwback songs, and they really show the world how it’s done on “Solitude Is Bliss”.  It’s guitar riff and bass are great, and the lyrics are fantastic.  It’s perfect for just chilling on a beanbag and tuning out the world.  When you listen to it, you justknow. (4.5 stars out of 5)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F2e9fmYL7Y

Electronica Review

“Irish Celebration”- Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

On the other hand, there’s this.  ”Irish Celebration” is really weird; the entire song is based off a techno remix of an old Irish folk song, and the words are all about how Irish people are supercool.  Half the song is about how they drink a lot. Huh.  In any case, it’s too strange and yet to dear to my heart as a runner to get an objective rating.  So…., (WTF stars out of 5)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-IPeHe218A

Best Song of the Day IS…

“Rolling in the Deep”- ADELE

British chanteuse ADELE, best known for her 2008 hit “Chasing Pavements”, returns with this romping kiss-off from her upcoming album 21.  ADELE’s voice is rich and smoky, and the retro-gospel production is like audible chocolate.  You really feel her pain and suffering, and it’s almost a transcendental experience.  A strong candidate for song of the year 2010.  (5 stars out of 5)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYEDA3JcQqw

12/14/10 Spin Review

Worst of the Day

“The Time”, Black Eyed Peas

This song is quite possibly the worst song of 2010.  Building its weak chorus off of the cheesy 1989 Dirty Dancing hit “I’ve Had the Time Of My Life” dooms it to the trash heap.  What stuns us at Bulldog Beat is how the Black Eyed Peas could fail at pretty much everything they do perfectly in songs such as “Boom Boom Pow”, like a catchy chorus, Fergie’s diva-like belting, and keeping their beats simple.  Maybe that’s why their new album underperformed.  Totally lame dudes. Totally lame. (0 out of 5 stars)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7K3wFXJFsQ

Pop Review

“Once”, Diana Vickers

British pop starlet and XFactor contestant Vickers hasn’t officially released this song stateside, but you can catch it on Youtube.  We were a little divided over this song the first time we heard it, but its catchy electropop beat quickly won us over. This is a solid song with an instantly hummable chorus.  The two things we still can’t bring ourselves to love are Vickers’s hiccupy yelp of a voice and the facts that her lyrics are nonsensical, but songs like this aren’t made for that. (3 out of 5 stars)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmfZU9YJQnU

Rap Review

“All the Lights”, Kanye West

Glorious, egotistical, and totally nuts: Kanye West in a nutshell.  ”All the Lights” is pretty much like this too.  Grabbing guest singers such as Alicia Keys, Elton John, Swizz Beatz, La Roux, and 11 others to sing harmony while he raps about fame and how he’s such a jerk over a stunning beat is a fitting gift to who is arguably the best rapper alive right now.  One of the highlights off his new masterpiece album.  Thats what we call over-the-top awesome. (4.5 out of 5 stars)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uayey2PSGpA

Alternative Review

“You Will Leave a Mark”, A Silent Film

This Welsh band reminds us a lot of Coldplay and Keane in its piano-driven rock, but is a little bit more guitar-oriented than those two bands.  It’s a beautiful love song, if a little bland, and feels sonically like a retread of past, better songs like “Somewhere Only We Know” and “Viva la Vida”. If you hate falsetto and pianos, this isn’t for you, but a lot of people looking for a nice easy listen will probably love this to death. (2.5 out of 5 stars)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7xv8ruOUDs

R&B Review

“Holding You Down (Goin in Circles)”, Jazmine Sullivan

Jazmine Sullivan moans and groans about her cheatin man again in her follow-up to last year’s minor hits “Need U Bad” and the Glee-tastic “Bust Your Windows”.  Over a propulsive (and heavily sampled) beat, her tear-soaked voice soars to hysterical heights.  It’s pretty catchy, and the lyrics are better than most songs out there.  We wish she had chosen better songs to sample (WTF odd quacking noises from Parliament Funkadelic), but overall it’s a solid listen. (3.5 out of 5 stars)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwZl9WCHjnc

Rock Review

“Tighten Up”, Black Keys

All Hail the return of Southern rock!  This Grammy-nominated duo created a strutting, swaggering ode to a girl who just was a fling.  The guitar riff will be in your head for days, and the music video is adorable.  It’s not the best song on their new album Brothers, but it’s probably the most accessible and appreciable by most.  Perfect for walkin down the street with your shades on and your ‘stache rockin.  Good times… (4.5 out of 5 stars)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpaPBCBjSVc

HARDCORE INDIE Review

“Revival”, Deerhunter

Over a rambling guitar, solid drums, and wailing harmonies, frontman Bradford Cox shows his skills for creating hooky pop tunes that appeal to mainstream peeps.  Don’t go after the rest of Deerhunter’s new album Halcyon Digest, it’s pretty weird and pretty much only for ‘hipsters’.  This song is pretty good though as a stand-alone. (3.5 out of 5 stars)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8b0fDIPP-u4

Electronica Review

“Ghosts N Stuff”, Deadmau5 feat. Rob Swire

It’s a shame that Deadmau5 didn’t include this song on his below-average new album 4x4=12 (great math skills there:p):  It’s one of the best dance songs of the year.  You’ve probably heard this everywhere by now, from the Winter Olympics to Cadillac commercials to even Chuck, but the fact that it has lasted so long is a testament to how good a track it really is.  It’s a surefire partystarter, and also just great for chillin with your headphones.  (4.5 out of 5 stars)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7ArUgxtlJs

Best of the Day IS….

“Black and Yellow”, Wiz Khalifa

Wiz, a better Kid Cudi, makes a huge splash with his breakthrough ode to Pittsburgh.  It’s got all the swaggering stoner-rap that his fans love, with a huge rippin chorus that everyone can appreciate.  We didn’t really get why this wasn’t more popular when it came out back in August, but it’s #8 on iTunes right now, so justice has been served.  Kid Cudi could learn a thing or two about how to really sizzle on a track from Wiz. Black and yellow black and yellow black and yellow(5 out of 5 stars)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UePtoxDhJSw

And that’s our first post! Hope you enjoyed this, and more will come soon!

Reviews

Every day, we here at Bulldog Beat are gonna review a few tracks a day in 10 categories [pop, rap, R&B, rock, alternative. hardcore indie;), electronic, worst of the day, and best of the day] .  Each sunday we’ll have a music video of the week too.  if we get enough followers, you can suggest tracks to review or even write ur own.  We’ll get one up later tonite, if only to hopefully start traffic.

What we do here at Bulldog Beat

Bulldog Beat reviews music and suggests tracks that students at high schools like Churchill might think sounds pretty cool.  We review everything here from house music to stoner rap (lookin at you Kid Cudi fans) to even Taylor Swift and her country-pop minions:)  Share it with all your friends and see what they think. Hopefully this will be a great tool for people to help people expand their tastes, find music for a party, or even just chillin.  enjoy!