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Favourite Albums of 2011
21 month ago
I must start off by saying I was rather disappointed with my personal selection of my favourite albums of 2011. In my opinion I felt that this year for music went through a huge wave of different trends and hits. And those trends were both good and bad. Obviously, it is pretty much impossible for me to listen to every genre that there is out there, so I try my best to listen to everything I can.. when I can.
Some of the great things that happened this year was the success of many producers and DJ’s that had finally gotten the recognition they deserved. And the way that live music can be experienced at any where and at anytime. With the help of websites such as Turntable.FM and Boiler Room, more and more fans have the opportunity to hear and see what their favourite DJ’s/producers are playing at live shows. Another great event that happened throughout this year is the press and documentation of music trends and collaboration. Earlier this year we saw the release of The Electro Wars - a documentary focused on how the online music world has evolved as a genre and as well as the business side of it. And just a couple of weeks ago we saw the interview clips for the upcoming film Re:Generation The Music Project featuring various collaborations between artists of different genres.
I feel that the downside to this year’s music was how certain genres exploded onto the mainstream group and the creativity of some genres such as Dubstep is no longer what it was. I’ve read several of articles on the history behind it, and I’ve seen this genre from when it just hit the North American music scene. Now, producers such as Skrillex are selling out shows as much as any other popular musicians on the top 40′s chart. Music is music, but I feel that some people are just throwing stuff on top of other music samples and labeling it ‘X genre’… when in reality it’s pure junk.
Overall, I’m not TOO upset about these albums, but I wish I had more time this year to listen to what other musicians had to offer through an album… and not just singles and remixes.
10. Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto
I’m sure many Coldplay fans would agree that this album felt a bit forced, as in it wasn’t what the band wanted as a group naturally. It felt that Mylo Xyloto was pushed by the band’s record label to just produce another album.
9. Lady Gaga – Born This Way
Despite her massive success in the past three years, I must say I was SUPER disappointed in this album. Yes there were several great tracks, but the whole album just made no sense as a concept. It sounded like one big messy mixtape inspired from different musical eras.
8. Adele – 21
Adele has put so much passion onto every single, it’s definitely a beautiful album to listen to when things isn’t just going right. I’m sure the millions of fans who bought her album would agree.
7. The Strokes – Angles
Some great tracks on Angles but there were many other singles that made me wonder how they managed to put this album together. This album’s sound is definitely a bit different compared to their older albums.
6. Frank Ocean – Nostalgia/Ultra
This whole album is just purely beautiful. From singing about Coachella to sampling Coldplay and MGMT. This 24 year old has already earned writing credits from John Legend, Beyonce and even Justin Beiber. You’ve probably seen Frank Ocean in Odd Future, but this mixtape is completely different from what he might sound like when he’s with Tyler, The Creator. Definitely a must listen if you haven’t had the chance to check it out. Ocean is listed as one of the top musicians to look out for in 2012.
5. Theophilus London – Timez Are Weird These Days
LISTEN TO: All Around The World, Stop It, Wine and Chocolate
I was absolutely a huge fan of Theophilus London in 2010 and finally he released a full-length album this year. I couldn’t get enough of it. He got even more recognition because of HTMIIA (RIP) as his single “I Stand Alone” was featured in one of their promotional trailers. Theophilus London will stop by Toronto on February 17th at Wrongbar.
4. Jay-Z & Kanye West – Watch the Throne
LISTEN TO: No Church In The Wild (feat. Frank Ocean), Lift Off (feat. Beyonce), Why I Love You (feat. Mr. Hudson)
I must admit, when I first heard this album I was kind of disappointed…but it was definitely one of those albums that grew on me throughout the months of listening to it at parties, events and just when I needed some sort of ‘hype’. Musically, they had great collaborations and major sampling from various electronic/dubstep artists such as Cassius (‘Why I Love You’) and Flux Pavillion (‘Who Gon Stop Me’). I guess when two major hip-hop artist collaborate.. it won’t be a let down.
3. Kaskade – Fire & Ice
LISTEN TO: Turn It Down, Ice (feat. Dan Black), Room for Happiness (feat. Skylar Grey)
I have always been a huge fan of Kaskade, he is one of the producers who have been working endlessly on this genre from the beginning. And because of the recent trends in Electro he’s finally getting huge recognition by everyone. I definitely loved the collaborations in Fire & Ice, mainly because most of the guest vocalists are still up and coming musicians who need this great exposure. Check this album and his previous ones to see where I’m coming from.
2. M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming
LISTEN TO: Intro (feat. Zola Jesus), New Map, Claudia Lewis
Absolutely speechless. M83 had surprised me. I heard Midnight City and my first impression was “just another one hit wonder”. It wasn’t until I checked out the entire album and was 100% blown away by it. From the short instrumental tracks to the big band sounding singles with synths and sax, it’s one of those inspirational albums that makes you appreciate music in a whole different level. Anthony Gonzalez mentioned many times in his interviews that Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness by The Smashing Pumpkins played a huge role in the sound of Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming. It’s great to hear inspirations from 90s’ bands mixed into the current trends of music. I have so much more respect for a band like M83 because this two disc, 22 track, hour long album had the ability to make anyone feel a mix of various emotions by simply just listening.
1. Foster the People – Torches
Foster the People has become one of those bands that blew up in the span of less than a year. I remember listening to their single ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ in an Entourage episode back in 2010. And it wasn’t until the summer of 2011 that they hit the radio waves with that same song. Now they’re selling out shows across the globe and despite their popularity, they did earn it no matter what. They are the perfect example of how successful bands can become with the help of music blogs/aggregators and music supervisors. Most of their success came through sending their EP to music licensing companies to air on television shows. And because of more hype from blogs, it instantly led them to a record deal. FTP has only been together for two years, so I hope their next album won’t be a let down.
Honorable Mentions:
Metronomy – The English Riviera
Bombay Bicycle Club – A Different Kind of Fix
- Constance
It’s an EDM Christmas?
01 month ago
Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to all the readers who are stopping by Room-Noise.
Here’s a roundup of some Christmas songs and videos for your listening pleasure. Let’s just say, Kaskade should just make an entire Christmas album.
Frank Sinatra – Mistletoe And Holly (Kaskade Mix)
By Kaskade
Bing Crosby – White Christmas (Kaskade Mix)
By Kaskade
Check out this hilarious skit made by my good friends at The ElEmEh Show:
Video premiere of Skrillex – Ruffneck
Special thanks to Kathy for sending me the Kaskade tracks!
- Constance
New Music: Korean Pop Hitting the U.S. Top 40′s
01 month ago
As a blogger, I never really write about the music from my culture or even any others to be quite honest. I decided to do something different with this topic and showcase the upcoming international acts that have already collaborated with American electronic producers. I do love writing about the latest musicians from the US, UK and Canadian market, but how often do you see or read popular online music blogs who showcase the same genre, but in a different language? Sure, you and I might not understand what they’re singing, but you can’t say no to a good/catchy background beat…
During one of my late nights of researching and reviewing music, I stumbled across a Korean boy band by the name of Super Junior. And let me say… I was surprised that there 13 members in one band. 10?! You can make up to 2-3 bands with that size, but in the South Korean market, that’s how they like to do it. While listening to their track and checking out other labels in South Korea.. I came across 2NE1. If I were to put Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, Beyonce and J-Lo, this would be the equivalent of that. These girls are huge… so popular that just last year Will.i.Am invited the group over to his studio to produce an album.
Although this isn’t the first time we’re seeing Korean musicians in the North American music charts (BoA, Wonder Girls), it’s only a matter of time that we’re going to see this become even more popular. Going back to 2NE1, I was really surprised at their sound and in a way.. their originality (in a Korean music stand point). Just last month, the group won MTV Iggy’s Best New Band in the World, gaining even more recognition with the North American market and from producers such as Diplo. In the video above, was an interview conducted earlier this week at MTV Headquarters in NYC. The girls had the chance to perform at a live event for the first time with the network, bringing even more attention to their upcoming full-length English album produced by Will.i.Am, which is set to be released in early 2012.
Personally, by just listening to only three tracks so far by these girls.. I’m already addicted to their stuff. Even Diplo had a couple of good words about 2NE1, mentioning that “they’re crazy live…and they already have a head start”. I hope this short post will give you an idea on what’s about to happen in the new year with international musicians. And that there’s more to the Top 40 charts, right now we see more and more Canadian acts in the American market, but will we soon get acts from Asia? We’ll just have to wait and see.
2NE1 – Can’t Nobody (English Version)
- Constance
Does the Personality of the Artist Change the Way You Listen to Music?
19 months ago
While recently listening to Lady Gaga’s new track, Judas, I thought of how much she has changed. Not just her musical style but also her personality and the way she appears to her fans. This got me thinking even more, I personally don’t know if listeners out there really think of how musicians change when they get more popular. As for me, I have been on movie sets where I witnessed the true meaning of “candid celebrities”. And while I also deal with musicians for events and such, I also see how superficial and sometimes annoyingly cocky these bands can really get. But as a student who interns and really sees what goes on behind the scenes – do the fans of these popular artists do? It’s amazing how record labels and artists can sometimes blind the fans on how they come off on screen and how they really are behind it. This got me thinking; does the personality of the musician really affect the music that they make and the fans who support them?
I remember watching an interview of Lady Gaga with Louie La Vella back in 2008 at the Winter Music Conference. This interview was conducted right before she shot her first music video for Just Dance, this was the true emerging artist before her Fame Monster. If you watch the interview, you will see how different she has become. Gaga was one hundred percent about her LABEL, her music and for once, she was hyper. Not only is this a different side of Gaga that many fans have probably never seen but she also talked a lot about her background as an Italian and the fact that Interscope has helped her a lot.
Now moving on to 2010 when she agreed to do a live studio interview, answering questions from her fans. I was amazed by the contrast between the two interviews and how much she has changed physically and personality wise. She appeared to be much calmer and quieter than her 2008 interview. It demonstrates how fame can really change an artist and how they appear to be.
Now you’re thinking, Connie, what is your point? My point is – does this change the way we feel about their music or in the end does the personality of the musician really matter? I personally still love her music. And it illustrates how unimportant it is for hating on the person from that one band and how it will not make difference for the music they make. Sure some musicians may come off as a prick, but do you still enjoy their music? My argument in the end is that people shouldn’t be music elitist if they purely depend on the music they listen to on the artist themselves. Gaga might of changed but I feel that her music is still on a good level with me. She might not be the perfect example to show, but what I’m trying to state is that people should just enjoy music the way they want it and hating and judging other people on what music they listen to is just stupid.
Lady Gaga – Born This Way (Grum Remix)
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Lady Gaga – Born This Way (Dada Life Remix)
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- Constance
The New Room-Noise
09 months ago
by Constance Chan
in Blog
I’ve had to revamp this blog at least three times in the past year, and it’s mainly because being dedicated to something such as this site takes a lot of time and effort. So I’ve decided to make some changes towards the way I blog and to somewhat keep it informal and simply post the music that I love to share with others. Most blogs nowadays post so much music everyday and I give these bloggers so much respect because it is literally a part time job.
What I have concluded is to blog is to start analyzing or also “rant” about some of the trends in music today. A couple of months back I wrote “Is Britney Spears a Musical Genius” – which I must say I was proud of writing something like that. I might not be a true music journalist. But I believe in writing about something that I’m very passionate about is as good as putting up free music for everyone to listen to. Clearly this blog is not about gaining popularity, but it is simply for music lovers such as myself to gain more knowledge about music and to share it with others out there.
So for PR’s, labels or other musicians, please keep sending me your submissions! I do look over them. But sometimes I choose the ones that I feel works well for me, and the viewers of this blog.
Thanks,
Constance
HIATUS
09 months ago
by Constance Chan
in Blog
There’s been too much going on, and I feel awful for not updating this site. We’re just going on a short break, and hopefully we can revamp it one more time.
Keep on sending in your tracks to room.noise09@gmail.com!
Is Britney Spears a Musical Genius?
11 year ago
For those who are heavily involved in the online music blogging world, the writers tend to know the music trends way in advance before the people who usually rely on the radio or the top 40 charts. In 2010, the top genres that had hit the mainstream were Electro, Dubstep, Nu-Disco and House. And guess what? Yesterday was the worldwide premiere of Britney Spears’ new single “Hold It Against Me”, produced by Dr. Luke and Max Martin. As soon as I pressed play to this song, I heard… Dubstep. Of course this does not surprise me, it is now 2011 where this genre has officially hit the international charts. But this is not the first time that Britney Spears is ahead of the game in terms of setting a trend in the top 40 charts.
In 2004, Britney had released one of her most well known single, Toxic. I encourage you to go on YouTube or even more conveniently, to your iTunes to refresh your mind of what this track sounded like. This song is the perfect example of what pop was like back in the early 2000s’ but what you probably don’t know is that Toxic is also another example of what the future of pop has become – electronically influenced as well as sampling. I am not accusing that Britney Spears had sampled another song for this track, but what made this song become such a big hit was that it was nothing like any other pop song out there back then. The producers, Bloodshy and Avant (who are also known today as Miike Snow), had definitely mixed the electro genre into this single. Especially during the interlude at 2:20, you can hear what is now commonly used in pop genres today: the synth, distortion and auto-tune (another common audio EQ that had once again became popular in 2007). The producers included the genres of rock, electro and also a musical theme of an undercover agent like “James Bond”, Britney Spears, Bloodyshy and Avant were six years in advance of musical trends. It’s sad to say that I did not discover this until recently, but now I have so much more respect for producers and of course, Britney Spears.
Six years later, if you played Toxic in a club it will still be a huge hit with the crowd because when you listen to it carefully it sounds exactly like every other pop song on the radio today. Now back to 2011, you have just listened to Britney’s new single, you realized she has used Dubstep and of course you are shocked, because not one single pop artist out there right now has done that. Those musicians are still producing electro tracks as their background song, they are still stuck in what is now an old trend. Same with auto-tune, it is still frequently used today, but it is not what it was back in 2007. Britney Spears is one step ahead of the game with her producers and listeners, she is hitting the target market to the people who purely listen to Dubstep, but as well as club DJ’s, the international audience and of course setting a trend that will become huge in the year of 2011. Listen to“Hold It Against Me” at 2:10, you will hear the increase of dynamics and as well as the major bass drop that is common in Dubstep.
Now, I don’t know if I have over analyzed Britney Spears’ musical talent, but it has definitely made me believe that she is one hell of a singer and songwriter who is one step of the game in the music industry. In 2011, just wait and see what I mean by Britney Spears being a music trendsetter. This is only the beginning for Dubstep in pop music.
- Constance
Best Albums of 2010: Constance
11 year ago
2010; what a fucking year for new music. It’s not so much that music has changed in a sense of style and the people, it’s the fact that the music scene has slowly made a transition into something different and bringing the old and mixing it with the new. I find myself listening to various genres that sound similar in some ways with artists that blend genres together to make something new. And that is what I loved most about this year in music.
Throughout this week, writers of Room-Noise will post their favourite albums of 2010. I say thanks to all the visitors who supported Room-Noise by spreading the word about our site, I appreciate everyone who emails me their work and the people they promote. 2010 was an insane year for me, I thank all the people of Toronto who showed me a new light of the entire music scene in this city. Have a great New Year!
10. Drake – Thank Me Later
Gotta have some Canadian musician on this list…but I have to admit, Drake did surprise me with his lyrics. Read them.
9. MGMT – Congratulations
I was pretty disappointed by this album to be honest, but nonetheless their originality still remained the same.
8. Marina and the Diamonds – The Family Jewels
If you like Florence and the Machine, watch out for Marina and the Diamonds…I’m 100% sure they will be blown out by MTV or any sort mainstream television network in 2011.
7. Girl Talk – All Day
Do I also need to mention that the release of this album almost “broke” the internet?
6. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
I’m pretty sure majority of the bloggers out there have Kanye’s new album on their 2010 list. His personality is a shame, but his skills in creating and producing melodic tunes and harmony is never a disappointment but an improvement. My Beautiful Twisted Dark Fantasy, not only surprised me by his well known collaborations but also branching away from his other artists cliche tunes. What I noticed a lot in this album was using a lot more orchestral instruments, and as some of you might have seen from other reviews, he sampled classical musicians? Overall, I wasn’t disappointed but impressed by how Kanye continuously grows as a musician. But sadly, his personality and attitude doesn’t.
5. Janelle Monae – The ArchAndroid
More and more people need to know about Janelle Monae, her voice is magnificently BEAUTIFUL. Janelle went to an Arts and Drama Academy and was originally going to pursue a career in Broadway…and I’m glad she didn’t. She was nominated for a Grammy in 2009 and also this coming year for Best Contemporary R&B. I hope she wins because Janelle Monae is the perfect example of what classy R&B music should be today.
LISTEN TO: Locked INSIDE, FASTER, COLDWAR
4. Mike Posner – 31 Minutes to Takeoff
I quickly fell in love with Mike Posner this year. Similar to the reason why I love Janelle Monae, Mike Posner also has a unique voice. I had the chance to see him live in October at Mod Club and I was very surprised with his live performance and vocals. Besides the yelling fan girls in the crowd, Posner continuously thanked his fans and the people who came to the show. Musicians usually do that at every show they perform at, but I could tell that he really meant it since he kept on saying it after every song. Throughout 2009 and 2010, Mike Posner was living a double life by being a full-time musician and recording his album 31 Minutes to Takeoff, but he was also a full-time student at Duke University – he graduated this year. Although I didn’t like every song on the album, majority of them stood out to me – lyrically and emotionally. Definitely an album to check out if you like heartbreak themed music.
LISTEN TO: Cheated, Please Don’t Go, Do You Wanna?
3. Vampire Weekend – Contra
Contra has possibly made onto everyone’s Top Albums of 2010, and of course, it’s on mine. And it makes sense, every song on this album was not a disappointment. This band grew in popularity so quickly throughout 2010, I remember they played at the Sound Academy and then having a sold out show at The Molson Amphitheater. I think why many people like Vampire Weekend so much is that they sound SO different from what other indie alternative bands sound like right now. There is no cliche sound with Vampire Weekend, they remain original with their sound. If you listen to every song on Contra, there are so many different melodic tunes going on at once, and what I liked the most is that they used instruments and tunes that are rarely used in music today. Similar to why I liked Kanye’s album, they both stepped away from just the bass and guitar. Contra is the best album to listen to when you just want to be in a good mood.
LISTEN TO: Taxi Cab, Giving Up the Gun, Horchata, Holiday
2. Kid Cudi – Man On the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager
Cudderrisback (also one of my favourite mashups of all time), that phrase will never go away with Kid Cudi. This entire year was just Kid Cudi music over and over again. None of his singles from his first album left my playlist, and adding onto the list was his mix tapes and collaborations that he has done. I don’t know what more to say about Kid Cudi other than the fact that this man is talented with his lyrics and tune. I give so much respect for him since the mainstream rappers today on television have half naked women dancing next to them, but Cudi…has class. In this year Kid Cudi has made it to my all time favourite male rapper and also one of my favourite music videos – directed by MegaForce. Man On the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager was a different level of emotion and melody yet it wasn’t complicated because, he just simply rapped about what he wanted in life and the things that meant most to him. To me, all of the songs and lyrics in this album was a psychedelic story.
LISTEN TO: Ashin’ Kusher, REVOFEV, Marijuana, Scott Mescudi Vs. The World
1. Two Door Cinema Club – Tourist History
BEST ALBUM OF 2010. I can go on forever about this album…Two Door Cinema Club will definitely blow up in the mainstream in 2011. They already somewhat have in 2010 with their music videos, tours and singles. When I first listened to Tourist History back in May, I was absolutely shocked at how every song on this album was not a downer. I think the main reason why I loved this album and band so much is that they are a combination of Franz Ferdinand, Death Cab for Cutie and Phoenix. If you love all three of those bands, Two Door Cinema Club is for you. Not only is their sound a mix of everything I love, but it is also because their music is so different and simply fun. The last thing I need on my playlist right now are bands who scream about depressing issues – Two Door Cinema Club is the complete opposite. To me, they tell a love story with their lyrics and music. I give so much credit to this band and when I saw them live in October, it was definitely a reminder of why I love this band and why I must see them again.
LISTEN TO: UNDERCOVER MARTYN, I CAN TALK, THIS IS THE LIFE, WHAT YOU KNOW
- Constance