100

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Years & Years - Communion (2015)

Tracklist:

Foundation
Real
Shine
Take Shelter
Worship
Eyes Shut
Ties
King
Desire
Gold
Without
Border
Memo



Summary

After listening to a few of their earlier singles at work I started humming along, thinking to myself "Hmm, this is actually a good song, who is it?". After some Googling I learnt that they were some douchey looking hipster twats. My kind of people. The bond was instant, and they became one of my go-to bands of last year.

They have a knack for writing pretty universal "verse chorus verse" Pop tunes that always seem to progress nicely, building to a peak near the end of the track. There's nothing particularly unique about their songwriting or sound - which is clean Synthpop on the whole - but there's very little filler to they way they construct songs, a trend that continues even on some of the weaker album tracks. Overall it's a very palatable album from start to finish, even if it lacks a touch of individual sparkle or genius.

Bip Score:

http://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/NCIqhQe.gif

Originally Posted by Goofle (Post 1732516) After some Googling I learnt that they were some douchey looking hipster twats. My kind of people.

99

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Nadia Oh - Hot Like Wow (2008)

Tracklist:

Hot Like Wow
My Egyptian Lover
Hotmale
Bounce
City Nights
Rip It Up
That Kind of Girl
Got Your Number
N.A.D.I.A O.H.
Shake It
S.E.X
Something 4 the Weekend



Summary

I can't exactly remember how I came across Nadia Oh, but I know that she was a game changer in the direction of my musical tastes. She created somewhat of a rabbit hole for me, leading to further incursions on my own Pop sensibilities. It got to the point where more than half of the artists I was listening to couldn't even sign properly, and didn't hide that fact.

The clash of bouncing electronic beats, silly subject matter and monotone talk-singing isn't necessarily something you look for in music, but I'd urge anybody to listen to this album. It might surprise you.

Bip Score:

http://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gif

Originally Posted by Qwertyy (Post 1738515) Goofle told me to post this.

Originally Posted by 1blankmind (Post 1738534) Sheep

Originally Posted by Ki (Post 1738529) Goofle told me to post in his thread.

Originally Posted by Qwertyy (Post 1738642) Way to not call out your boyfriend for also being a sheep.

98

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Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience (2013)

Tracklist:

Pusher Love Girl
Suit & Tie
Strawberry Bubblegum
Tunnel Vision
Spaceship Coupe
That Girl
Let the Groove Get In
Mirrors
Blue Ocean Floor



Summary

If my credibility as an obscure music nerd is pretty much completely tarnished at this point, no album will have played a greater part in my downfall. A landmark in my transformation into a Pop music junkie, and for that I would like to thank JT for breaking through that self-imposed barrier of snobbiness.

I remember putting this on for the first time whilst pre-drinking and being completely thrown away by the transitions in the middle of each song. Usually starting out at a quicker pace, evolving into a kinda soulful R'n'B breakdown of the first half. I played it to death for about six months, and it earned it's place at the top of my yearly list for 2013, against some very tough competition.

Bip Score:

http://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/NCIqhQe.gif

97

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Girls Aloud - Tangled Up (2007)

Tracklist:

Call the Shots
Close to Love
Sexy! No No No...
Girl Overboard
Can't Speak French
Black Jacks
Control of the Knife
Fling
What You Crying For
I'm Falling
Damn
Crocodile Tears



Summary

I distinctly remember watching Popstars: The Rivals back in the early 2000's and thinking Javine Hylton was by far the strongest vocalist in the female category (in fairness, the vocal ability back then seems to be abysmal compared to current talent shows) but for whatever reason she didn't make the cut and it has proven to be a God-send.

By 2008 the group had gradually matured and started releasing more sonically cohesive and balanced records. However, there is severe inconsistency on here. The tracks between Black Jacks and Damn truly put a dampener on what was looking like a really solid Pop album. But thanks to the skip button, you're free from that pain and suffering.

Bip Score:

http://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/NCIqhQe.gif

96

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Michael Jackson - Bad (1987)

Tracklist:

Bad
The Way You Make Me Feel
Speed Demon
Liberian Girl
Just Good Friends
Another Part of Me
Man in the Mirror
I Just Can't Stop Loving You
Dirty Diana
Smooth Criminal



Summary

Michael was going through a transition in the lead up to, and after, releasing Bad. Or more precisely, his skin and nose were. As somebody who was born three years after the album release date, it's hard to really grasp the impact MJ had on the public both as a musician and his physical image changes. But I don't think anybody can deny that he has released some of the greatest singles in the history of recorded music.

I'd consider Bad to be his best album, but it is flawed. The highs are incredible, but when you have trash like 'Speed Demon' and the less trashy 'Just Good Friends' (which would have been a great Cyndi Lauper single btw) it takes away from what could have been a masterpiece. And shout out to 'Dirty Diana' for being the best solo track he ever made.

Bip Score:

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95

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The Ronettes - Presenting The Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica (1964)

Tracklist:

Walkin' in the Rain
Do I Love You
So Young
(The Best Part Of) Breakin' Up
I Wonder
What'd I Say
Be My Baby
You Baby
Baby I Love You
How Does It Feel?
When I Saw You
Chapel of Love



Summary

I can't quite remember the first time I listened to either Be My Baby or Baby I love You, but what I am sure of is that I immediately formed a deep connection to both. The whole "wall of sound" vibe was so intrinsically aesthetically pleasing to me, and their collective vocals just sent shivers down my spine. So when I eventually got round to listening to the album as a whole I was expecting more of the same, with great harmonies and production. And I think it does.

Of course the two stand out tracks hit almost unattainable highs, but there's several songs on this album that are fantastic in their own right, especially So Young. Even What'd I Say - which is a complete departure from the Pop/Soul ballad trend - works as a nice break at the end of Side A, leading into Be My Baby. Overall this album just hits the right sweet spots and has a consistent high standard.

Bip Score:

http://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gif

Originally Posted by Goofle (Post 1732516) http://pearshapedexeter.com/wp-conte...on-500x500.jpg Years & Years - Communion (2015)

94

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SOPHIE - Product [Compilation] (2015)

Tracklist:

Bipp
Elle
Lemonade
Hard
MSMSMSM
Vyzee
L.O.V.E.
Just Like We Never Said Goodbye



Summary

So that Bubblegum Bass eyy? It's been about two years since I started listening so this funky ass music spawning from the UK. Bloops, blips, bips and bounces. And it's been two years in which I have not yet gotten bored of the vast majority of it - even the stuff most would throw into the digital trash can. And SOPHIE is the supreme overlord of the genre, to the point where he produced a song for fucking Madonna and Vroom Vroom for Charli XCX.

This compilation is basically a collection of tracks that were either widely known, or had been leaked before the official release date. Songs such as BIPP and Lemonade had even reached some level of mainstream attention. That said, I consider it to be an album, and it flows like one. Obvious bangers running from top to bottom as highlighted above, but every track other than L.O.V.E. is of high quality in my opinion. If you have ever plugged with me, you will probably know what Bubblegum Bass sounds like, but if you don't... just click the links.

Bip Score:

http://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/NCIqhQe.gif

93

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Ariana Grande - Dangerous Woman (2016)

Tracklist:

Moonlight
Dangerous Woman
Be Alright
Into You
Side to Side
Let Me Love You
Greedy
Leave Me Lonely
Everyday
Bad Decisions
Thinking Bout You



Summary

You know it's real life when Ariana Grande not only releases an album with a few bangers on, but actually smashes the whole damn thing. Kicks it in the arse and twirls it around a bit. Maybe I'm too much of a Poptimist, but these songs are just so damn good.

Singles like Side to Side and Into You give you a taste of what this album has to offer, but there's much more. Greedy, for example, offers up a more old school R&B vibe. Leave Me Lonely, featuring Macy Gray, is a soulful change of pace which I particularly enjoyed. And the album consistently offers up tune after tune of great material. It's a fine example of mainstream pop artists making that extra effort to create a cohesive and thought out album. I love it.

Bip Score:

http://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gif

92

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Mew - Frengers (2002)

Tracklist:

Am I Wry? No
156
Snow Brigade
Symmetry
Behind the Drapes
Her Voice Is Beyond Her Years
Eight Flew Over, One Was Destroye
She Came Home for Christmas
She Spider
Comforting Sounds



Summary

I first listened to these guys back in 2012 after one of their albums was suggested on a YouTube video. I instantly took to the combination of Dream-Pop and what seemed like Post-Rock to me at the time. But It seems to be tagged "Progressive Pop", which feels far more appropriate. Luscious melodies and song structures. They are the kind of band you binge on for a few months and then forget about their existence.

The opener is one of my favourite songs of all time. Nice riffs, changes in pace and packed with energy. Song after song the album delivers, offering up some slower tracks and even a cheeky little Christmas number. The final track is a superb piece of dreamy pop, gradually blending in the Post-Rock vibe I mentioned earlier. Beautifully closing out what is a fantastic album.

Bip Score:

http://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/NCIqhQe.gif

91

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Oscar - Cut and Paste (2016)

Tracklist:

Sometimes
Be Good
Feel It Too
Good Things
Only Friend
Breaking My Phone
Daffodil Days
Fifteen
Beautiful Words
Gone Forever



Summary

So I'm listening to this for the first time right now, although I had heard a few singles a month or so back and enjoyed them. I was reintroduced to him today because I signed up to a UK based Vinyl subscription and saw his name amongst other artists that had been featured in previous boxes. So I looked him up again on Spotify and was surprised to see that he actually had an album out.

It's pretty much Indie Pop, with some rock influences, that has very modern production. Catchy and fun, with some obvious stand out tracks (all in the choice cuts). Nothing remarkable or earth shattering to learned Indie heads, but it's the type of record I would tell my girlfriend about if we were on that particular alternative timeline.

Bip Score:

http://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/NCIqhQe.gif

90

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Little Mix - Get Weird (2015)

Tracklist:

Black Magic
Love Me Like You
Weird People
Secret Love Song
Hair
Grown
I Love You
OMG
Lightning
A.D.I.D.A.S.
Love Me or Leave Me
The End



Summary

What's interesting about Little Mix is that they actually started out in a talent competition. It's interesting because they have actually gone on to achieve maintained success. And they have done it whilst putting out singles that weren't always the most obvious chart hit or club banger, with a decent range of character and personality between the individual group members. They don't have an identified "main girl", though it could be argued that Perrie Edwards is their defacto leader in terms of singing ability. Regardless, they are also one of the first mainstream pop artists that I naturally liked. I didn't look back and rediscover them, or even start liking them more because of my own pop sensibilities. I actually liked them on the X Factor itself.

On to the album. It starts with Black Magic, a modern version of a "Girl Power" anthem. Catchy and fun, with a natural charm. This leads into a Ronnettes inspired number - Love Me Like You. A modernised version of a doo-wop production style, with a nice hook. The rest of the album has ballads, bangers and some duds, but what is clear to me is that these girls have a unique chemistry that doesn't feel forced or too manufactured. And judjing by their more recent singles - they are only getting better.

Bip Score:

http://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/NCIqhQe.gif

89

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LIZ - Just Like You (2014)

Tracklist:

Y2K
Say U Would
All Them Boys
Don't Say
Do I Like U
Stop Me Cold
Turn Around



Summary

I think it's impossible to overstate the impact this album had on the kind of music I would become interested in. It was Dance-Pop with something extra. It somehow merged 90's Pop sensibilities with a completely futuristic and new vibe, to me at least.

The only song I have an issue with is Don't Say, which kinda prevents me from calling it a perfect album. But there's nothing for me to say other than listen to it if you haven't already. It's just a joy.

Bip Score:

http://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/NCIqhQe.gif

88

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Belle and Sebastian - Tigermilk (1996)

Tracklist:

The State I Am In
Expectations
She's Losing It
You're Just a Baby
Electronic Renaissance
I Could Be Dreaming
We Rule the School
My Wandering Days Are Over
I Don't Love Anyone
Mary Jo



Summary

Ahh, it's been almost a year since listening to this album. An album that was probably the third or fourth CD I bought when I first started collecting. An album that I could probably transcribe word for word. An album with songs that resulted in me knowing guitar chords off by heart. And the one which certified my inability to sign properly.

Tigermilk isn't generally considered the band's best album (the follow-up, If You're Feeling Sinister, takes that mantle) but it has always been my personal favourite. An album filled with so much affable charm and melancholy that it's almost too much to take at times. But if you ever wanna be loved into sadness, this is probably the album for you.

Bip Score:

http://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gif

87

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Ke$ha - Animal (2010)

Tracklist:

Your Love Is My Drug
TiK ToK
Take It Off
Kiss n Tell
Stephen
Blah Blah Blah
Hungover
Party at a Rich Dude's House
Backstabber
Blind
Dinosaur
Dancing With Tears in My Eyes
Boots & Boys
Animal



Summary

The interesting thing about Ke$ha is that I can't even remember what specifically made me start listening to her music, probably because I spent a lot of my time wasted in plug.dj sessions. The easy answer would be "Probably because The Batlord posted her music all over the forum", and the scrobble dates could back that up (mid 2015). But it's also entirely possible that she was one of the artists caught up in my trashy dance-pop phase that I have discussed on here before, and that The Batlord came to the same realisation of her greatness at roughly the same time independent of each other. That nonsense aside, let's talk about the album...

If I told you that "Maybe I need some rehab" is the first line, would you be at all surprised? The Ke$ha aesthetic solidified from the get go. As it turns out, she's actually talking about a dude as opposed to, say, heroin. This is an example of the kind of conceptual genius we would come to expect from her. TiK ToK happens next. I'll end there.

Bip Score:

http://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/NCIqhQe.gif

86

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Melanie Martinez - Cry Baby (2015)

Tracklist:

Cry Baby
Dollhouse
Sippy Cup
Carousel
Alphabet Boy
Soap
Training Wheels
Pity Party
Tag You’re It
Milk and Cookie
Pacify Her
Mrs. Potato Head
Mad Hatter



Summary

To my recollection, I believe that DwnWthVwls was the first person who introduced me to her music either directly (played a track or two in plug, linked a song etc.) or posted a video/picture of her in another part of the forum. In fact, I distinctly remember somebody posting a vid where she discussed items she collected. Either way, I instantly liked her aesthetic visually and sonically. And she has remained a favourite ever since.

As far as the album goes, I love the discordance between the bubbly sweet production - at least at face value - and the relatively dark subjects she deals with. This is emphasised by the hushed, almost raspy vocals she has. It's a very consistent release that puts you completely in her world throughout, with consistently good songs that sound different enough to avoid overkill. Overall, one of my go-to albums at almost any time I start loading up a queue.

Bip Score:

http://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gif

85

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Florence + The Machine - Lungs (2009)

Tracklist:

Dog Days Are Over
Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)
I'm Not Calling You a Liar
Howl
Kiss With a Fist
Girl With One Eye
Drumming Song
Between Two Lungs
Cosmic Love
My Boy Builds Coffins
Hurricane Drunk
Blinding
You've Got the Love



Summary

THAT VOICE. It's all you need to say really. She's an absolute belter, who could have done whatever she wanted with. Thankfully she chose to go down the Art-Pop route and created some absolutely stunning music. When she first broke onto the scene you couldn't find any single person who actually disliked her music - kind of like Amy in that respect. And I think you would still be hard pressed to find somebody who has uttered the phrase: "Florence and The Machine SUCK!", aside from a few metaltards I'd guess.

The album itself is absolutely consistent. it flows perfectly and even the weaker songs fit within the context of the album. In fact, within the process of writing this, I've added an extra half Bip because I think it deserves it. Not many projects hit you with great song after great song, and even manages to keep your interest during the "filler" tracks. Fantastic.

Bip Score:

http://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gif http://i.imgur.com/NCIqhQe.gif

84

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Dua Lipa - Dua Lipa (2017)

Tracklist:

Genesis
Lost in Your Light
Hotter Than Hell
Be the One
IDGAF
Blow Your Mind (Mwah)
Garden
No Goodbyes
Thinkin' Bout You
New Rules
Begging
Homesick



Summary

If I had to guess, the first Dua Lipa track I heard was Blow Your Mind (Mwah) on whatever radio station I was listening to at work. I remember thinking I had no idea who made the song but it was kinda neat. Eventually, New Rules came out and I thought it was also a bit of a banger. But I just sat on it, random pop that wasn't of much interest beyond stuff I heard at work. This was late 2016/early 2017, but towards the end of last year I suddenly became drawn to her as an artist. I honestly could not tell you exactly why but damn I became hooked.

The album itself is quite interesting. Some nice ballads, synthpop, dance and R&B that has a good flow throughout. The first big tune is Hotter Than Hell, which showcases her pretty good voice. She ain't no superstar vocalist or anything, but I think for the style of music and the assumptions one may make based on her persona she can belt some shit. IDGAF is probably the only properly bad/boring track on here in my opinion. And I was surprised to see how late New Rules turns up on here because usually pop records just have the best tracks at the start, but there seems to be some thought in the track listing. It's a good album for sure, with noticeable highs and lows.

Bip Score:

http://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/FLSEu3j.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/NCIqhQe.gif