A Lot on My Crate

Our mission is to search, discover, and spread the word of musical artists around the world.

recent posts

about

Behind the curtain
  • Song of the Day: Supersonic by J.J. Fad

    Song of the Day: Supersonic by J.J. Fad

    A blast from the past. J.J. Fad was formerly an acronym of all the past members of this all female ,80s hip-hop group, but when they changed members it turned into fun descriptors of the them as they laid it out for you at the beginning of the song. “J is for Just. The other for Jammin’. The F is for fresh. A and D, def.”

    80’s hip-hop was such a different entity back then as compared to now of course. Whatever your opinion is of rap today, you cannot deny the phenomenon that the 80’s (or Golden Age hip-hop) had back then when rap spearheaded this cultural explosion. The flow and lyricism may be different from what we’re used to now, but they still had social commentary and a message to spread along their audiences. Artists were scrambling on what works as this was new ground for everyone. However, the genre was absolutely dominated by male artists. You have your Public Enemy, KRS One, A Tribe Called Quest, and N.W.A, which they’re all greats. But on the other side of the culture coin, you have Sha-Rock, Salt-N-Pepa, and of course, Queen Latifah along many more. But I wanted to talk about “Supersonic” and J.J. Fad here. They weren’t as dominating in the scene as the artists above, but their album Supersonic hit Platinum in sales. The production of this record was by N.W.A. members Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, and Arabian Prince, which of course, they deserve credit and praise for the success of this album. But without these ladies’ charm and lighthearted demeanor, this album wouldn’t take wings. That’s the reason I love the titular song of the album, because it’s just so peachy.

    The song doesn’t take itself seriously right out the gate, with its lone beat-boxing and J.J. Fad announcing who they are and they’re ready to roll with their DJ, DJ Train. If you’re familiar with Fergie’s “Fergilicious” song, you can hear a little bit of it and how it was implemented on that popular song. The main beat is so catchy with its light percussion and what seems to be 808 cowbells to give the track this bright energy the group has been emanating off of. “He may be a little light, but that’s OK.” They let you know they’re women and they grab all the attention of the greats. So, what’s the worst that can happen? Just give them a listen! They have as much to say and as fresh as their male counterparts as while being boastful as they can. The little whimper after one the bar “big in your behind” always gets a chuckle out of me. Fun fact, their little scat shindig at the closing of the track, they considered just a joke and made fun of. They made a mistake and turned it into something chaotic and hilarious.

    Song and the album was a hit. As of 2025, the group is apparently still active. The single was sampled by MF DOOM, Eminem, and Killer Mike. As even the greats gave their ears on what they had to say. I may look into J.J. Fad some more. As I’ve not done a deep dive into their discography yet. But my big ears as they would say, just perked up and loved what I heard. It’s a fun vibe they gave, whilst rocking my world.

    You can listen to their discography on streaming.

  • Why You Should Spin: Loner by Barry Can’t Swim

    Why You Should Spin: Loner by Barry Can’t Swim

    I first heard about this electronic Scottish producer and at the same time, entranced after listening to his track “Sonder”, from his debut album, When Will We Land? It was such a beautiful house cut with these lovely piano melodies, a nostalgic saxophone segment, and African vocals. It made the track breathe and is very lush. What Mr. Barry (Real name is Joshua Spence Mainnie. What a ruse. Am I right?) has a knack for, is to provide emotion along with atmosphere, usually an uplifting one. He has the capability to provide the good vibes, but it’s not the only thing he can provide with the power of EDM. There’s a statement in his sophomore album here, Loner, that if you observe the cover art, it’s a tad unsettling with the artist looking out of his room, reluctantly looking out of his room and this humanoid creature absolutely enveloped with prize ribbons. Is it that Barry is defensive against expectations and his achievements from outside forces? This house album being released with the great Ninja Tune label, is a statement that Barry Can’t Swim utilizes his talents to get his thoughts across with his art on the subject of critique of art and social pressure norms. Oh, and his music is pretty danceable, I must say.

    We get hit with a synth that is constantly falling down and a hard drum pattern, in which it sounds haunting and anxiety inducing. It’s already so unconventional in a Barry Can’t Swim joint with this opening track (“Be the Person You’d Like to Be.”) It has this robotic, dystopian voice that sounds like the worst self-help book ever that gives you advice, but then pleads for help in the end. The falling synth carries over on the next track, “Different”, but It’s a banger house track with a revving, swelling bass. The synth sounds like an alarm that one must escape from whilst a choppy vocal snippet that says “different” just relentlessly invades your ears, Clockwork Orange style. But things take chill pill with “Kimpton”, with these African chants and marimbas that take your hand and fly away from that awful place. “About to Begin” goes into a funky trip. It’s acid techno that hypes up the room and is a very danceable moment. Another cool moment is “Still Riding” with Barry going back into his house with a strong melody on the keys and these very hooky vocals. Imagine these last two tracks mentioned has a purpose of waking up every morning and then getting hyped to carpe those diems. One of my favorite moments and probably the most bold Barry has undergone is this ambient piece “Machine Noise For a Quiet Daydream” along these spoken word passages by Séamus. It’s so beautiful and very gripping on how eccentric and supportive for the listener. Séamus wants you to just look around and just absorb everything with these vignette-like stories of his supposed life, it even gets hysterical at times with “walking of cats” and “fun fun fun”. It grows into house, but its spirituality is never lost. One foot forward goes into “Like It’s Part of the Dance” with these shimmering synths that makes it seem like you’re dancing on the cosmic river. And “Childhood” was a grower, since the piano and disco plunderphonic samples sound so familiar like the Avalanches. But it’s still a great feel good anthem to remind you about the beauty of life, cheesy as it may be. And the closer was very interesting. Pokémon fans would recognize the reference on “Wandering Mt. Moon.” It’s a region in the game from when you’re about to face the Elite Four, the end game bosses. Barry signifying this last track, is not the end, but the beginning to reach for greater heights with these epic somber strings and ambient layers of electronics. It’s telling you to get up and don’t give up. It’s a closer that seems so somber and it tells us more is on its way.

    This album has some highs and has a concept to focus on. It being an electronic project is trickier when Barry is utilizing less lyrics than a usual studio album with vocals. Some tracks hit, and some don’t. Some seems lost in thought and even though I love the cinematic ending, there would be some that would think this album just ended abruptly or left a cliffhanger. Also, some tracks seem really derivative to the point of distracting such as “All My Friends.” They would hit hard at an EDM festival though.

    Despite these grievances, this album gets two thumbs up from me. Barry Can’t Swim went a whole new different direction and was brave enough to go against the tide being very experimental and dynamic in mood and sound. Sounds that just fill the room. The titles of the songs give focus on what Mainnie is aiming for and the message he wants to achieve. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he mentioned this album was about the struggle between him as Joshua Mainnie and Barry the artist. Feels burnt out and his shyness is a barrier in social interactions. Using his alias as a survival mechanism when getting on stage is what got him through, since he hasn’t accepted who he was. It was tough to dissociate. But producing the album actually helped him “like therapy” according to Mainnie. It’s not Barry on the stage performing, but Josh. Here’s hoping Josh keeps going to make more amazing electronic projects and keep on swimming of course.

    FAVORITE TRACKS: DIFFERENT, KIMPTON, ABOUT TO BEGIN, STILL RIDING, MACHINE NOISE FOR A QUIET DAYDREAM, LIKE IT’S PART OF THE DANCE, CHILDHOOD, WANDERING MT. MOON

    LEAST FAVORITE: ALL MY FRIENDS

    You can purchase this album on Bandcamp and his discography is also available for streaming.

    https://barrycantswim.bandcamp.com/album/loner

  • Why You Should Spin: Phonetics On and On by Horsegirl

    Why You Should Spin: Phonetics On and On by Horsegirl

    If being carefree has manifested in sonic form, then this album would be it. It came out last February on Valentine’s Day. A coincidence on the release day? I like to think not, since they do talk about love. On that note, there is much to love on here with its sunny disposition and charm. I listened really late to the single “Switch Over” from a random playlist and it immediately switched me over to the Horsegirl wagon. “Switch Over” was the perfect way to dissociate with its repetition, but they somehow did make it tiresome. They used jangly guitar loops and these monotonous, yet carefree chanting vocables, which makes the song just exude a ray of sunshine. All of these just makes me want to put the track on repeat again and again. The positive energy from this indie rock album, is a good pick-me-up if “Switch Over” matches your vibe.

    They have it on lock with the opening track, “Where’d You Go?” as it sounds like a beach setting with this surfing rock sound. People are just hopping out of that old classic convertible as they are running to the beach, while Horsegirl are looking and lamenting for the one that got away. The next track, “Rock City” sounds like the mellow jangly guitars that takes me back to Real Estate in their Days era. It’s so calm and gentle yet in contrast with the lyrics, it’s about a shepherd who is weighed down and withered by the days and his sheep. The mellow energy doesn’t stop, but slow things down with “In Twos” with these minimalist guitars and strings. Because our main character doesn’t want to slow down as she is still looking for that individual from the opener and continues her odyssey. But it’s as if something switches on or is unlocked as they hop into “2468” with their heads held high. We find them skipping down the road with not a negative thought in the world as the band goes into a fun trance into their long tedious journey. The lines “walk in twos” and the incessant “da da das” just live inside your head as this bright energy is oh so contagious. Other highlights persist of “Julie”, working their minimalist guitars and intimate slow dance vocals. Along with the single “Switch Over”, the next track also won me over with “Information Content”. This song is so lovely in how they implement their vocals as if they’re yodeling. The closer being the last highlight for me, is a bow to wrap things up. “I Can’t Stand to See You” does a 180 of their character and wants. It’s such a dynamic change for our character, but the mood and heart doesn’t change. The album ends with the same sunny energy as it began.

    Some caveats with the album is that it is one-note with its indie rock goodness and that is sometimes not a bad thing, but some tracks don’t shine as much as others. “Frontrunner” being my least favorite as it does have a country sound, but doesn’t stand out and is not as catchy as the other songs here.

    There is so much charm and personality to this album. This album has been spun many times in my rotation as I find it to be so endearing. In the catchy guitars and vocables, this band has won me over. It’s an album that is chewing bubble gum and skipping down the street personified, traveling to your destination, but enjoying the journey.

    FAVORITE TRACKS: WHERE’D YOU GO?, ROCK CITY, 2468, JULIE, SWITCH OVER, INFORMATION CONTENT, I CAN’T STAND TO SEE YOU

    LEAST FAVORITE: FRONTRUNNER

    You can purchase this album on Bandcamp and their discography is also available for streaming.

    https://thisishorsegirl.bandcamp.com/album/phonetics-on-and-on

  • Watched the movie, CODA

    Watched the movie, CODA

    “And now for something completely different.” says Monty Python, because I immediately went over to my keyboard and am ecstatic and in tears as I type this. Hope to do Ebert proud. Watched the movie that won Best Picture at the Oscars from 2021, CODA. It has one job. And it’s to start the waterworks and give us highs of emotion. And even though it arrived to me four years late, it does its job well. I’ve decided to write about this, since the motif of the film is centered around connection through music. As this blog’s sole purpose is anything and everything about music, I feel obliged to do this. I won’t do this often though. It’ll be back to songs and albums in no time.

    The movie is about a young girl, Ruby, who is a CODA (child of deaf adults), which I didn’t know was an acronym. Ruby is in conflict with her family who doesn’t know her world, as her parents and her brother’s disability clashes with her life. She wants to branch out with her talent in singing, while her deaf family wants to settle in their fishing business. It restrains her, not only by her needful duty to her family, but her lack of self-confidence as well. The movie immediately profiles the family as likable and human. Their emotions are complex and relatable, while their dysfunctional problems are unique. Of course Ruby wants to support her family and her family loves her. But how does one connect and empathize if they’re physically not able to? CODA explores it via making our perspectives hers and her family’s. Whether its how she acts as an interpreter for her family to help out the business, her dad loves rap music for its rumbling bass, or we observe her brother and mother who just wants to be in on a joke they cannot participate in. There are supporting characters like her raunchy friend or a very likable choir teacher who wants to see her bloom and not waste her potential. They all see Ruby for who she is, as she struggles to see herself, since society gives her dirty looks. It’s a beautiful film. You sympathize what everyone is going through, there is no wrong. But you cheer for their breakthrough.

    It implements two elements very well, the music and the silence for their corresponding worlds. Emilia Jones who plays Ruby, sings so well, I had to look her up and see if she’s done some projects. Alas, some theater projects. She and sometimes her duet partner for one other sings great cover songs as they do their originals justice. Some dialogue in the movie where there are no words exchanged at all, but hand gestures via ASL and they evoke emotion just as much as any other verbal fight in other films with talking. The silence was there, but the emotions were still palpable enough as you still ate your popcorn as the fly on the wall. The impact would not be present if it weren’t for the casting of actual deaf actors who play Ruby’s family.

    The movie title, CODA, is a double play on words. The acronym that I mentioned of a child born of deaf adults and it’s also the musical term for the piece that you’re performing is done. It has a come to a close. Because near its last few minutes of closing, the movie has got me sobbing like a leaky faucet. I won’t say how they did it, as they landed on their feet on the execution and how they answered that connectivity question. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves music, drama, or just wants to good letting out of emotions. Ok ok, back to songs and albums.

  • Why You Should Spin: Black Star by Amaarae

    Why You Should Spin: Black Star by Amaarae

    An album I have anticipated and happily welcome as her sophomore album, Fountain Baby, was such a huge hit for me and others. Amaarae is such a bold, daring pop figure that pushes the genre over new thresholds. What made Fountain Baby so great was her utilizing her tantalizing pitched vocals along these afrobeats that made her music so versatile. One day, I would like to write about it here. But Black Star is here, to my surprise, because it seems like not much time has passed. Going into a nightclub direction with a pounding bass groove and spacey production.  Even though this sound is nothing new, I’m not left disappointed.

    If you listen to its opening track, “Stuck Up,”  it’s a good baseline in what to expect going into this album. With its anthem being backed by these really sharp synth leads and Amaarae’s vocals blown up, she’s on top of the world right now. You have these club bangers with infectious hooks and repetitve lyrics that have been living in my head for a long time with “Ketamine, Coke, and Molly” on “Starkilla” or Amaarae repeating “360, 360–“, on “ms60”. They have been so hypnotic and chic enough that they would kill on the runway. PinkPantheress teams up with Amaarae with this dreamy mood that is a much needed mellow moment while keeping that dark club groove in “Kiss Me Thru the Phone Pt II”.

    The dance pop continues with catchy bops on “Girlie-pop” and 2000s dance tributes on “Fineshyt.” She even brings back her touch of afrobeats on “Dove Cameron,” and “Dream Scenario” sounds like it’s a lens into her life and her love interest that she is so smitten by. It’s such a voluptuous and intimate track with the spotlight all on her and being so explicit for this person, or dream girl. Despite it being a personal track, I love the Playboi Carti mimicry that made me laugh, and the soulful Charlie Wilson outro is just chef’s kiss to close on her and her woman’s night. “100DRUM” is such an otherworldly song that is heavily influenced by West African soundscapes. It sounds like it could come from Fountain Baby to my ears, but nevertheless, it is beautiful and dynamic. And then she decides to go out with a bang on her closing track, “Free the Youth.” It’s so aggressive and in your face. It’s a character that looks back at their vices and how it comes to engulf them. It’s such a drastic closer compared to Fountain Baby’s peaceful end of their night. It’s not expressing regret, but surrender.

    There are more highlights than misses, but this album was no Fountain Baby. It’s not as versatile, and its palette is not as diverse. If you love clubbing, rave, and dance music, then I highly recommend this one. A few tracks don’t hit as hard and I can’t get through her interpolation of Cher’s  “Believe.” without smirking and then guffaw at “Do you believe in love after drugs?”

    With multiple listens, I’ve appreciated this album much more. It’s a vibe, and it’s a killer. It’s crafted by someone who’s so bold and creative. And she just won’t stop. Dance pop is just not ready for her. And that ain’t a bad thing.

    FAVORITE TRACKS: STARKILLA, MS60, KISS ME THRU THE PHONE PT 2, B2B, GIRLIE-POP!, DREAM SCENARIO, 100DRUM, FREE THE YOUTH

    LEAST FAVORITE: SHE IS MY DRUG

    You can purchase this album on Bandcamp and her discography is also available for streaming.

    https://amaaraemusic.bandcamp.com/album/black-star

  • Song of the Day: “The Cost” by Moxy the Band

    Song of the Day: “The Cost” by Moxy the Band

    So you’re looking for warm, passionate vocals and synths? You never asked for that? Well, let me dictate what you do as of this moment! One look at this indie pop trio from Sacremento, would make you feel like they came from a time machine plucked from the 80s with their attire. However, they’ll be able to take you back sans machine, but instead, with this heat wave of nostalgia.

    With these synths and keys that compliment well with frontwoman Amber Rae DeLaRosa’s voice. They let her shine, especially through that chorus. It’s a synth pop song that doesn’t overstay their welcome because once you finish it, you’ll want to hear the aesthetic and chorus again. It all seems dark for whom Amber wishes to rescue. But through catharsis, she will not let go even if it may lead to the worst outcome.

    You can purchase their album on Bandcamp and their discography is available for streaming.

    https://moxytheband.bandcamp.com/album/dream-feeling

  • Song of the Day: “Savana” by Chris Lake

    Song of the Day: “Savana” by Chris Lake

    If you’re looking for good vibes, look no further than this single from electronic house artist, Chris Lake. From his latest album, Chemistry, is just a feel good session of this choir chanting this mantra of having less stress and more Savana. Whatever that may be, it’s not on an office desk. The vocals are such a warm ear worm that it’s definitely the most memorable single from that album cycle. This tech house track is just a summer anthem that has essential bass kicks and high hats that then build up to that satisfying synth drop. Highly recommend something that is short and sweet to end this summer.

    Chris lake is a house artist, so he’s all about bring the life to the party. The man has so many singles and collaborations (such as Portugal. The Man and Disclosure) under his belt that he’s just constantly going to work. I would recommend going into his discography if this single passes the litmus test and if you are EDM-curious. He’s a big name that is a huge pull in music festivals as his music just gets the crowd moving.

    In an interview Lake did with C-Heads, he has expressed his passion on striving to see people’s reaction to his music or drops in his sets. But now he wants his music to be more memorable and have people remember after the night to remember ends. It’s a feeling a lot of artists chase.

    You can find his discography being available for streaming.

  • Why You Should Spin: Death Hilarious by Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs

    Why You Should Spin: Death Hilarious by Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs

    That’s a lot of pigs. This metal outfit from Newcastle, England bellows out, not only raise their fist into the air, but vent out their wrath and their woes in their most recent album released this year, Death Hilarious. Not going to lie, I was browsing bands and their amusing name stuck out like a sore thumb. So, needing more metal albums under my belt, I decided to give them a shot and they shot me back.

    The singer, Matt Baty projects with a yell and a growl on all of these tracks. His vocals reminds me of Joe Talbot from Idles and their themes and aim are not so far from each other. As in the opening track of Death Hilarious, the song “Blockage” just generates so much power while opening the mindset of how self-negativity harms us. And we move into “Collider”, with these riffs and that will make you involuntarily head bang. Underneath the powerful veil however, is a character who writhes in sleepless nights on how much his life is in shambles and does not self reflect at all. That seems to be the pattern and subject Pigs touch base on, projecting with these riffs and heavy drums, are broken men with fragile personalities. The message of course not to mock, but empathize.

    Another highlight, “Glib Tongued” goes into these lurking, haunted guitars. And Baty just goes guttural as he airs out all the dirty laundry as rapper El-P takes over the midpoint. Yes, that El-P of the huge hip-hop outfit, motherfucking Run the Jewels and it was certainly a welcoming surprise. Educated guess, his verses are probably why this song is named like that. Sometimes hip-hop and metal don’t mix well for me, but this collaboration made it work. It is so satisfying from front to back. “The Wyrm” goes into an epic adventure as it is the second longest song of the LP. Probably my favorite riffs of the whole album and the band just pulls out all the stops. The killer solos along with the catchy, ghostly vocals, “Idiocy, idiocy…” So, satisfying. The album’s closer is also a big pig one, the longest length, “Toecurler.” It ends strong with these Sabbath-like riffs and Baty makes a case for himself, that the man that is causing you misery is not him, but a doppelganger, an imposter. Why wouldn’t you trust him? His intentions are pure, albeit deluded as one person can be. The band tackles toxicity and social norms, by framing a sad character devoid of self-reflection. It is a warning of their vices and their addiction of self-loathing. It is a good bow to wrap up this album.

    The album has some misses for me. The sound although gripping, it doesn’t reinvent the wheel and I’ve heard this sound plenty of times. It is a fun and pensive listen and the message of them kicking the sociopolitical machine is inspiring, but some of the riffs and vocals don’t hit as much for me, such as “Carousel” or “Coyote Call” as the latter seemed to drag on for me.

    Death Hilarious implies dark humor as one sane person would not find death funny. But this album sounds like it’s from the maw of hell and if you see death, negativity everywhere that it’s now part of your routine and your mindset, your wallpaper would be bound to crack. Then, wouldn’t you have a laugh?

    FAVORITE TRACKS: DETROIT, COLLIDER, GLIB TONGUED, THE WYRM, TOECURLER

    LEAST FAVORITE: COYOTE CALL

    You can purchase their album and discography on Bandcamp and they are also available for streaming.

    https://pigspigspigspigspigspigspigs.bandcamp.com/album/death-hilarious

  • Song of the Day: “Luv Deluxe” by Cinnamon Chasers

    Song of the Day: “Luv Deluxe” by Cinnamon Chasers

    It’s the year 2009, and this track emulates someone just vibing in their car. That’s what I got from the sounds of this and the music video gives off that freeing feeling. It’s an electronic track that is considered synth wave, however it’s not overpowering or warm like those 80’s nostalgic tracks. The synthesizers in “Luv Deluxe” are mellow. It uses the same melodic passage loop and Cinnamon Chasers found a way to envelop this loop into comfort and solace. Light drum machine patterns and this distorted moaning that’s a weird, but welcoming trip. Albeit not dynamic, this groove sees you through beginning to end and does a smooth landing.

    The moniker Cinnamon Chasers is held by one man, Russ Davies. While promoting an album, Sciences in an interview with The Synthesizer Sympathizer, Davies took us inside his mind palace and states his methods is being in a certain mood first. Mood dictates all his actions from there to melodies, bass passages, or vocals.

    Mood is what dictates the steps of music in my opinion. It can put us in the direction of what we want or they may derail the trip and our mood will go into a detour. The purpose of music is to set the scene, the story, and how it evokes emotion. That’s what art is. It evokes emotion. The sound of “Lux Deluxe” puts me in a trance and at peace as my involuntary bobbing up and down is living proof. And I hope it serves the same for you.

    You can purchase this song and album on Bandcamp. Their discography is available for streaming as well.

    https://cinnamonchasers.bandcamp.com/album/a-million-miles-from-home

  • Song of the Day: “Don’t Get Trouble in Your Mind” by Carolina Chocolate Drops

    Song of the Day: “Don’t Get Trouble in Your Mind” by Carolina Chocolate Drops

    Bluegrass music that constantly moves is like many others, what this song’s purpose was. The layering of the folk instrumentals in “Don’t Get Trouble” makes all fibers of the human body doing the jig, I guarantee it. When all things fail, or wants to bring you down, have no worries. Hakuna Matata. Take it from them, cause that’s what roots, blues, and Americana does a great job. Turning a struggle into a celebration. The studio version I still recommend, but this Gondola Sessions footage on Youtube is so raw and so much fun. It also gives me joy seeing front runner, Rhiannon Giddens, just kill it on the fiddle and the vocals.

    Although, not unheard of, this sound is usually not from people of color. It’s dominated by white musicians, but this group has already inspired many other artists like them to pick up the banjo, fiddle, and whatnot. They claim they were inspired by a talented African-American fiddler and have all decided to take the helm to take the reins to this stagecoach called folk. They made waves of blues and folk, but are now unfortunately disbanded. On good terms however, while Giddens is now doing her own solo projects.

    Do yourself a favor and give this song a listen to, even if Folk is not your forte. They really brand the title into your brain.

    You can listen to them on participating streaming platforms.