Past Week’s Jams Vol. 2

Hello again, World Wide Web. I know it has been some time and I do apologize, but what a whirlwind it has been. Life has been throwing so many highs and lows, it feels like a recent Uzi album. The funny thing about it, is that through everything, there has always been a song coursing through my ear drums to keep me company regardless of the peaks or valleys. For that, music, I appreciate you. I will continue to make these blogs because a part of me feels like maybe I am helping you (stranger / friend / fellow human), find music to help through your valleys and make that peak… even peakier?

Follow me on twitter (I refuse to call it X) @viceray19 and get your thoughts off.

“This Past Week” is a weekly series of four songs that really stood out to me. Rather it’s new, or been in rotation forever, it’s simply just shit that really hit this past week.

1. Prescription 

I first discovered Remi Wolf on “The Cave” (Season 3, Episode 5). She was a really fun guest on Kenny Beats’ show where he creates a song from scratch with different artists stretching across all genres. He’s hosted talented musicians such as, Doja Cat, Toro Y Moi, Omar Apollo, Lil Yachty and more. Remi caught my eye, not because of her loud yet somehow relaxed appearance, but because of her fun free-flowing lyrics and brilliant voice. Her vocals continue to shine and you can just hear her having fun on this song. If I had to guess, Prince was a heavy influence on this song based on the drum kit and voice filter. It forced a feeling of being in a red corvette, top-down, speeding down the road on a summer night.

P.S. There is an extended version of this song that highlights just how much fun she has with her music.

SONG: Prescription

ARTIST: Remi Wolf

2. Cold War

Mannnnn this song… this song. So vibey. Headass, I know, but that’s the best way to describe it. Everything about this song is so good. The simple yet catchy beat at the beginning immediately draws you in. Then, the quick guitar rifs flow into some really good progressions, and finally, the layered vocals on the chorus serves as the cherry on top. My favorite part of the entire song is the sax at the end — it completely sold me. Good grief, Cautious Clay. This was the first song I’ve heard from him, and I have since been listening to him more and more. So, don’t be surprised if you see more of him on other installments of Past Week’s Jams.

SONG: Cold War

ALBUM: Blood Type

ARTIST: Cautious Clay

3. If I Believe You

I choose this song right off the heels of seeing The 1975 live at ACL music festival (more to come on that in a later blog), so this probably has a lot to do with it being in my recent rotation. To be quite plain and simple, this song is ridiculously good. I was never a big fan, but I never really gave them much of chance — just knew of a couple of songs. When I first heard this song I was completely blown away. It has elements of R&B, jazz, and surprisingly; gospel music. This is special because these two genres have intersected for as long as black people have been making them (forever). It is funny to juxtapose those influences not only because its coming from, lead writer/composer of the song, Matt Healy, but also because the song is about him not believing in God. You gotta give credit where it’s due, just a damn good song. Also, You probably already guessed it by now, but the horns suckered me in just like every other song.

Yes, I am a whore for horns.

SONG: If I Believe You

ALBUM: I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It

ARTIST: 1975

4. Soma

Smashing Pumpkins have been making their rounds again recently on Tik Tok, making another generation connect with their music. FYI: I say this as a guy who wasn’t even born until after their sophomore album, Siamese Dream, released. Their songs have a way about being heavy yet soft, something that I think makes them unique and really entertaining to listen to. Their genre has been described as punk, grunge, indie rock, heavy rock, alternative rock, the list goes on. You name it, and I will probably agree with whatever you choose to label them. This song starts as a soft rock song with gorgeous guitar chords, a relaxing drum pattern, and Billy Corgan caressing your ears and telling you to go to sleep with a depressing story of a broken heart. By the end of it, you’ll be thinking, “man, I could really work out to this song.” What a stark contrast to the beginning; I call that genius.

SONG: Soma

ALBUM: Siamese Dream

ARTIST: Smashing Pumpkins

To make it even easier for my lovely readers, I decided to create a playlist that I will continue to update weekly. I will also make it on Apple Music, the superior streaming service, so just hit me on twitter and I can pass the link since word press is not kind to that platform. Enjoy…

Well, theres my latest batch of 4 jams for Rick’s Radio. Sincerely, sorry it has been so long since my last supply. Hopefully you found some new music you can enjoy, or you were reminded of something you had forgotten about, or perhaps you feel nothing. Regardless, shoutout to you for trying. Tune in weekly for these and let me know what you think on twitter. All opinions are my own.

Thx- @Viceray19