Songs On Repeat: May 2024

Here's a round up of the songs old and new we've been enjoying at Click Roll Boom HQ this month.

Kempsey

Kings Of Leon - 100,000 people (2021) This month has been a little more emotive and subdued, Always starting my day gently with this serene track with pulsating basslines and echoing guitars and vocals. The lyrics are steadily poetic and reaches a very romantic crescendo.

Hey, Nothing - Maine (2024) I First heard this track on a popular video on my For You Page via Instagram from the original band, Hey, Nothing, And it’s such a haunting song that really resonated with me. It’s midwestern emo tied with subtle country influences, the vocals from the duo compliment and harmonise with each other beautifully.

The White Roses - This Town (2023) I love the soft pop-punk feel to this track and the idea of small towns are just too small for growing and curious minds. Portraying a generational difference between the current generation wanting to leave for something better whilst the previous would have stayed closer to family, planting roots.

The Cribs - Be Safe (2007) Wakefield’s successful Indie band of the mid 2000’s, wrote probably one of the best pieces of music and spoken-word poetry with Lee Ranaldo. So simple yet full of meaning, always my go to during my travels with moody weather.

Declan McKenna - Brazil (2017) Not my usual type of music but I love the bounce to this song. There’s something very innocent about this song and the voice cracks are very raw and adds to it, usually something people don’t like but it feels genuine to the track.

Benson Boone - Beautiful Things (2024) Another golden Tiktok find, I’ve heard the chorus countless times through videos but hearing the song through its entirety is something else. Very emotive, Benson Boone paints the beauty of love and desperation, it’s a very passionate song and the chorus is bursting with that fire.

John

t.A.T.u. - All the Things She Said (2002) This song takes me back to my internet radio station days, where this song was often requested by listeners in the USA. Their album 200 km/h in the Wrong Lane, had so many great songs, and is still one that I listen to now.

Guns N’ Roses - November Rain (1991) This has to be one of my favourite Guns n Roses tracks.  Back in 1993, when my parents first got cable TV, I used to run up their phone bill, by continuously, requesting this song, on music channel ‘The Box’

Midnight Oil - Beds Are Burning (1987) Back in 2006, during my first trip to Australia, I was in a bar in Bondi, and this song was guaranteed to be played numerous times a day and has since became a firm favourite of mine.

Papa Roach - …To be loved (2006) Another song from my Internet radio days, this song was always played towards the end of my show, before linking up to an American affiliate station in Kansas City.  This is one of those songs, with lyrics that quite a few people can not only relate to, but singalong to as well.

Bowling for Soup - Girl All the Bad Guys Want (2002) This is the first song of BFS, that I heard, and have since purchased their albums and seen them live.  To me they are a band that just loves to have fun, without taking life too seriously.  I have seen them live, a couple of times now, and I would love to see them again.

Soul Asylum - Runaway Train (1992) I remember this song getting released, around the time that I had just finished my GCSE’s and had left school. Getting ready to go to work.  It is a shame that Soul Asylum never became bigger over here, as they are a underrated band, that deserve so much more credit.

Siltskin - Inside (1994) It is difficult to believe that one of the biggest Rock Anthems made, is now 30 years old.  Also despite this song being a chart topper, it is highly unfortunate that  their other songs never followed suite.  While Inside was a one hit wonder, it is still a song that I can listen to, time and time again.

Nickleback - Standing In The Dark (2022) This catchy number from the brilliant album “Get Rollin”, has been in my playlist for awhile now.  The one thing I can’t understand is the amount of hate towards Nickleback.  I know that “How you remind me”, was overplayed on the radio back in the day, but they are so much more, than that song.

Scott

Big Country - Save Me (1990)

Kaiser Chiefs - I Predict a Riot (2004)

Kaiser Chiefs - Burning in Flames (2024)

2 Pac & Elton John - Ghetto Gospel (2004)

Big Country - Broken Heart (Thirteen Valleys) (1988)

Tyler

Kendrick Lamar & Drake Diss Tracks Truly we’re seeing rap history in the making here. What started off with friendly jabs on ‘Like That’ has turned into an absolute barrage of hard-cutting disses from K dot, to the point where it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s a whole album’s worth of hating Drake waiting in the Kendrick vault. Euphoria was a rap masterclass, Push Ups was a solid club-worthy response, but Meet The Grahams is the stand out so far for me. Over six minutes Kendrick delivers some of the most personal and cutting lyrics ever put to paper, addressed to every member of Drake’s family (including yet ANOTHER hidden Aubrey child, how does this keep happening!?), all over a simple, ominous piano beat. 2pac vs Biggie is still talked about to this day, and I suspect we’ll be discussing this bout for decades to come.

Sabrina Carpenter - Espresso (2024) Hear me out, I promise I haven’t phoned it in and just listed the top 40 for this month! Since hearing this track during Sabrina’s Coachella set, it has been firmly lodged inside of my hippocampus and simply refuses to leave. With a catchy funk-inspired beat that channels some of Doja Cat’s early hits, Sabrina delivers a fun summer classic that we’re all going to be sick to death of hearing in a few month’s time. Until then however, I’m going to be singing “I’m working late, ‘cause I’m a singerrrrrr” to myself repeatedly and no one can stop me. 

MF DOOM - Lavender Buds (2004) We’re heading back to the rap scene for this next one, for an underrated classic from the masked villain himself. This track samples Blackbyrd’s ‘April Showers’ masterfully, creating a smooth track that still carries that DOOM energy without featuring his voice. I especially love the bass line on this track, it blends into the mix whilst carrying its own melody that drives the song forward. Check it out.

The Righteous Brothers - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ (1964) It wouldn’t surprise me if this is one of the lowest key’s a popular song has been recorded in. Booming vocals and an awesome orchestral backing produced by the infamous Phil Spector combine in a track that has rightfully (or should I say righteously?) earned its place as an iconic 60s hit. If you like this era of music you probably already have this one in your rotation, but give it another listen for me. 

Shelly - Steeeam (2020) Steeeam iiis aaa wooonderful traaack frooom Sheeelly, aaa baaand cooonsisting ooof twooo cooousins, Claaaaud aaand theee beeetter-knooown Claaairo. As tempted as I am to continue the bit for the rest of this paragraph, I would be doing a grave injustice to the brilliance of it. This is an indie bop that definitely doesn’t get enough love nowadays despite its impressive number of listens. The reasons for Shelly’s incredibly short discography aren’t truly known (DO NOT trust TikTok, the National Association of Cousin Lovers is NOT a real group with an official song and I’m disappointed I even had to google it) but I hope we get more chorus-laden guitar riffs and beautiful harmonies from these two one day. Give them a listen and hopefully they’ll get the memo.

Amy

Camera Obscura - Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be Heartbroken (2006) / We’re Going to Make It in a Man's World (2024) Hedonistic melodies, sublimely twee vocals. Camera Obscura have crafted delicate, dreamy soundscapes and injected subtly venomous lyrics. Words are delivered like silk-wrapped razor blades. Tales of heartbreak, defiance, and regrets are beautifully packaged in a sun-soaked jangle pop sound that is pure bliss for the ears. ‘Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be Heartbroken’ is an absolute classic and ‘We’re Going to Make It in a Man's World’ is my favourite off the excellent new album “Look to the East, Look to the West”.

Frank Turner - Do One (2024) / No Thank You For The Music (2024) Let’s start by saying Frank’s new album “Defeated” is incredible, not a bad song on there, each one could feature on my On Repeat. The fierce punk energy mixed with delicate moments of introspection.

‘Do One’ is one of the most perfect album openers I've heard - a defiant punk banger rerating those who try to hold you down or kill your cool. The idea that haters are gonna hate no matter what you do so rather than trying to please people, be a better version of yourself. Learn from the highs and lows and use life's lessons as a way to stand taller. ‘No Thank You For The Music’ is a jibe at the way the music industry gatekeepers art, defines which genres are gonna make it and the ones that are going to fall by the wayside. Frank protests through his older, angrier, drug-clear eyes that he doesn’t want to be part of anyone's gang; he wants to make the music that's true to himself.

The Lemon Twigs - When Winter Comes Around (2023) I love The Lemon Twigs' retro sound, stunningly psychedelic - a sound that could have been lifted straight from the 60s. ‘When Winter Comes Around’ has some of the most beautiful vocal harmonies you’ll hear. These Long Island brothers, while nostalgic in their sound, are a wonderfully refreshing addition to the music industry.

Kaiser Chiefs - Jealousy (2024) ‘Jealousy’ is just so damn catchy! Maybe a little more poppy than the Kaiser’s “Employment” era but easily the most addictive track on their new record “The Easy Eighth Album” 

🎶'Cause I don't do jealousy 

B-B-B-B-But jealousy might do me 

G-G-G-Gonna get you in the end 

I pretend with all my energy 

I don't do jealousy”🎶

Animals That Swim - Faded Glamour (1996) Nostalgic jangle pop at its finest! Animals That Swim are one of the 90’s most criminally underrated indie bands. Quirky lyrics, shimmering melodies, and a clever air of arty rebellion. I discovered ‘Faded Glamour’ years ago via the ITV Indie Chart and it’s been a staple on all my playlists ever since.

cheerbleederz - cute as hell (2022) ‘cute as hell’ is just that: cute as hell! Trashy, kitschy, shimmering girl power goodness. A delightful burst of twee, sugary sweet bubblegrunge with a bite. Perfectly DIY with infectious hooks and delectable harmonies.