The Jadelist: OCT 16

Hey hey lovely people

Remember how I said that last months Jadelist was probably the hardest I've ever had to narrow down?

Yeah, take that back, this edition was narrowed from 28 to 10

I'm still a little heartbroken about having to take out a ton of fab songs, but a big factor that played in 'the cull' was the size of the artists following

The purpose of Jadelist is to introduce people to songs that they wouldn't normally hear on mainstream radio (Sorry about that Kanye)

Nevertheless, here are 10 lovely songs that you should be listening to!

1.

Alaska by Maggie Rogers

When I say that this was my track of the month, I mean it to the extent that I would listen to it multiple times a day, and that was just the end of October.

Let's not even talk about how I would listen to this on repeat for hours when I first heard it!

I found this through Radio 6 (Clearly a surprise. I bet you're all shocked that I found a song through 6 Music. Is my sarcasm evident enough yet?), Shazam'ed it and was instantly hooked.

I was surprised to find out that this track was actually released back in June. It became a bit of an Internet sensation after Pharrell Williams basically forgot how to function as a human being after hearing it. Definitely recommend you check that out.

Then, the official music video was released in October, so that kinda makes me up to date and relevant with the cool kids, right?

Like Pharrell said, it really is wonderful to hear someone making music as themselves unapologetically. Keep doing what you're doing Maggie, because it's perfect!

2.

Actorion by Palenco

Ah, now for one of my shames as a person. I am Welsh (Although apparently not! That's a long story for another time) and have lived in Wales all my life. Heck, I even got an A in GCSE Welsh, but I can't speak conversational Welsh for the life of me!

So when I find Welsh music that sounds great, I'm basically sat contently, appreciating the music and catching the odd word for my brain to translate. The struggles of being Jade.

Nevertheless, I don't think you need to be able to speak a language to appreciate a fab song, and this is a perfect example.

I first heard Palenco on 6 Music late one night when their song Cloudy Leftovers was playing.

Let's face it, there are around 7 billion people on earth and approximately 3 million of them live in Wales, so when you hear a bit of Welsh being spoken, you pay attention.

So I had a patriotic jam at some unholy o'clock, then took to Spotify to find some more fab songs.

Who knows, maybe one day I'll actually be able to understand Welsh properly and appreciate all the lyrics, but until that day, I'm gonna rely on my friend Sammy to be my personal translator. Cheers!

3.

Small Crimes by Nilufer Yanya 

First off, I absolutely love saying the name of this artist!

Now, I know the song has quite a somber tone to it, but I think that's what makes it so addictive.

Did I listen to it way too many times on repeat? I'll leave that up to you to decide!

Truthfully, I think I just have an addictive nature to songs that are shorter than three minutes, always yearning for just a little bit more.

I also like how the guitar in the bridge shouldn't fit in with the melancholy of the song, yet it works so well!

What I really love though is how this song is completely unique to anything else heard; it has its own sound and identity, which is refreshing to heat these days.

After doing some more research, a.k.a spending way too many hours on Spotify, I think you should keep an eye out for Nilufer on Jadelist in the future. Definitely one to watch. 

4.

Reignite by Knox Brown and Gallant

As you can tell by the cover art, there's finally a song that I didn't find through 6 Music or Spotify. Just gonna pat myself on the back!

No, I actually heard this when I made my annual trip to the cinema, this time to watch Bridget Jones' Baby.

Now I, like most of the population who've watched any Bridget Jones movie, ship Bridget and Mark because goals, obviously.

So when this song played during, lets call it their 'reunion', I had to pause the shipping, whack out my phone and Shazam this song.

Luckily I was in the back row, so nobody behind me could judge the beacon of light I just emitted into the room, but I had this song for keeps.

Mark my words, Gallant will be a big artist in 2017. He's starting to pop up everywhere lately and his voice is just incredible.

Now, excuse me while I listen to this on repeat before ultimately continuing with this post. 

5.

Never Going Home by Hazel English

Now, I don't particularly know what I would call this genre. It's like some hybrid between indie and folk, with an electronic tone.

Whatever it is, it's absolutely what I live for.

I heard this on 6 Music Recommends and Shazamed it probably less than 10 seconds into the song.

I was hooked.

Not to get all picturesque and imagery on this, but I just imagine summer times in fields far away and quiet road trips when I hear this song. Maybe I'm just projecting my goals onto this song, who knows!

Either way, this song is totally tappable. My thumbs may or may not be furiously tapping to the beat right now.

6.

Strung Out by Ruby Empress

Fun fact: my phone likes to delete some of my music randomly after a few plays. Despite that, this song has continued to stay on there. Surely that's a sign.

Can I call this indie funk? I feel like I wanna do some serious head nodding, maybe pull some awful dad dancing moves and tap my foot on the floor, but in a cool kid kind of way.

Or I might be doing all of that right now...

I first heard this when doing my many YouTube music channel rounds.

Need a song that feels funky, almost in a late 00's way? Give this a hit!

7.

R.E.D by A Tribe Called Red

This was the song that I was surprised to like.

I first heard this a few weeks back when Mary Anne Hobbs played it on her show, and it took me surprise.

I mean, normally you wouldn't here something so edgy with a heavy beat like this, but I became addicted to it.

I mean, it immediately gave me Mercy vibes, what with the multiple voices and tribal vibes, which was great to have something like that again.

I didn't anticipate liking this song so much.

Give it a quick listen, I bet you'll be hooked!

8.

Holy Soul by Salt Cathedral 

Ethereal.

That's the best word I can use to describe this song.

The vocals just sound so pure, but teamed with the delicate and high pitched instruments, they create something magical.

And then, at around a minute, the beat kicks in, and I suddenly get a sense of wanderlust; sunsets in far away places.

I don't know, but this song just makes me feel so adventurous, but it also brings me a longing for summer again, which isn't the best when it's currently November.

Brb, just gonna sit here and listen to Holy Soul while counting down the days until summer. 

9.

Atone by SLO & Bearcubs

Acapella and harmonies be dazzled.

If you want an upbeat song that will make you feel calm, then you've stumbled into the right place.

Again, can somebody tell me what genre this fits into? Because I need more music like this in my life.

Maybe that's why I appreciate it so much, because it is what it is and not an imitation of every other song you hear.

P.s, the name Bearcubs is just the cutest

10.

Should Know Better by Habitats

Ah, now for a Jadelist must-have: a song from an advert.

See, I can't let you down!

This song is used in the most recent Ugg advert and it's simply adorable.

Though, can I just say, this is such a summery and happy song, so why is it used to advertise Uggs in the sunshine?!

Nevertheless, I may have furiously clicked through a load of YouTube videos to try and get the ad up to Shazam it.

After 10 minutes, logic finally kicked in and I searched directly for the ad instead. My bad.

Nevertheless, this is such a cute song with that seaside Brit feel to it. My absolute weakness!




And that's it for this months Jadelist. What songs were you loving in October? Let me know in the comments below!


As always, thank you so much for reading and I hope you have a lovely day!

Lots of Love

The Jadelist: SEP 16

Hey hey lovely people!

September dragged for me.

Not in itself, no. Time wise, it flew for me, but musically, I lived a struggle.

I think this must've been the hardest Jadelist to narrow down: 25 songs to 10!

I just found way too much good music this month, so a lot of songs got the chop.

Fear not though, because this means that only the best songs made it into the list, so without further ado, here's the Jadelist for the month of September!

1.

Last Of Your Kind by Ed Harcourt

Let's kick things off with this track by Ed Harcourt.

I mean, it's practically a given now that I first heard this track on Radio 6, like let's be honest!

And thank God that I was lucky enough to hear this lovely track.

It has that aura of lovely, sentimental rock. Quite a weird combination, yet still so sincere.

I also feel like I get a sense of exploration when I listen to this track too. Maybe I'm just clutching at excuses to me wanting to travel Northern Europe. My bad!

Look past the heavy instruments and you'll see that this rock song has a lot more of a lovely character than you'd think!

2.

On The Frame by Beta Radio

I mean, is it really a Jadelist if I don't include some form of a country song?! 

C'mon, let me justify my country love!

I just so happened to hear this song while I was going through Spotify generated playlists towards the beginning of the month.

It only took five seconds for me to fall in love with it. I knew from that moment that this song was firmly staying put in this months Jadelist. 

This track has such a lovely pattern to it, which is beautifully complimented by bass in the background. Y'know I'm all about that bass...

Plus, I think this song is perfectly fitting for the end of summer/start of autumn that we're now experiencing, "y'know, you have to let go" of Summer, or at least for me!

3.

Lying Has To Stop by Soft Hair

Confession time. I'm obsessed with this track, and I think it's because of how weird it is. 

It's almost like a surreal love.

I mean first, let's talk about the name. The duo are called Soft Hair, and that's no understatement in the slightest! 

I mean, just take a look at the video!

Now, when I first heard this song, I immediately took it in some kind of comedy vibe, and who could blame me? The opening instrument remind me of one of those wavy board things you'd have as a kid.

But then, it was almost like I came under the spell of the song, and I really can't stop listening!

Every time it comes on when I'm listening to Radio 6, I break out in to song! 

Now, don't deceive me! I know you love this song too! Lying has to stop! 

4.

Cool 2 by Hoops

This song makes me so happy, yet so sad!

I mean, don't get me wrong, it's an incredible song, but it's so short! The amount of times I've pressed the replay button on this is too embarrassing to admit!

One minute and fifty five seconds is definitely not enough for me. I'm musically greedy! 

But I suppose that's what makes it so special and leaves you coming back for more! You can never say the song was overkilled and lasted too long!

It gives me a short dose of that summer-type rock that's getting me through this cold weather. Bless this track! Counting down the days until summer already!

5.

Twice by Catfish and the Bottlemen 

Now, to say I'm late to the party is an understatement.

Don't get me wrong, I completely recognise the name Catfish and the Bottlemen, but I've never listened to them before, at least never knowingly and through my own choice.

What an idiot I have been!

It's funny, because they almost give me a sense of that early 00's style of pop punk, but as if it's grown up over the years, and this is what it's like now.

In all honesty, I'm still amazed how with some songs, you can completely dismiss the lyrics and genre and still see it as an upbeat song, like an oxymoron in itself, and this is completely one for me. 

I'm guessing I'm the last person to listen to them, but if there is actually one more person out there who hasn't here's your chance! Enjoy!

6.

The Spoils by Massive Attack

Now, for a more calming song.

It's really nice to get some more tracks that have that 'Bristol' style, like Massive Attack and Portishead. 

I mean the first thing that popped into my head when I heard this was it felt like a more serious/less sexy version of Glory Box by Portishead.

Which is completely understandable from the links between the groups.

Either way, I am 110% up for a complete revival of this style of music! Let's get on it!

7.

Terribly So by Howe Gelb

I almost think this is an unwritten rule of life; hear a Howe Gelb song, must include it in a playlist.

Again, I'm late to the Howe scene, first hearing about him through The Common Linnets. Since I heard his work with Giant Sand, I became hooked on his jazzy Americana/country style. 

Really, I think it's just any time I hear a bass, I go weak at the knees and can't stop tapping my foot. 

His voice just fits perfectly with a bass rhythm, it's magical.

For me, this is easy listening at it's finest. 

What I really want to know though is who is the female additional vocal? For what it's worth, she reminds me of Colbie Caillat, which if it isn't, would be a great set up for a future song.

Can I send requests please?!

8.

And The Bubble Burst by High Tide 15:47

It's funny because I get so confused every time I see this band name. Can't really blame me for getting High Tyde and High Tide 15:47 mixed up!

I mean, they both have a similar style of indie/pop-rock, so no judgement today please!

Though, where High Tyde are more 1975-esque, I feel that High Tide 15:47 have more of a Vampire Weekend style to them, yet still in a style of their own. 

Again, I can see this as such a summery song.

I mean, let's just admit it now, I probably on some subconscious level keep picking these songs so I can repress the fact that winter is coming. 

But as long as I listen to this lovely summery song, I won't notice and it'll still be warm and sunny outside, right?

9.

She Said by Sundara Karma

C'mon, it's Sundara Karma, I had to!

This is probably the second time I've ever been really happy and learnt something useful from a YouTube Ad!

Bless the YouTube algorithms or Cookies for playing this song for me. Very much appreciated!

Let's be honest, it will never be able to compete with Flame for me, because that's firmly in my place as one of my favourite songs of all time, but it well and truly deserves a place in this months Jadelist! 

It has a differing style to Flame, in that it's more upbeat and pop-rocky-indie, but trust me when I say it's a serious foot tapper and earworm.

Like apologies in advance for getting this stuck in your head. 

Accept your fate, give it a listen now!

10.

Ivy (Throwing Snow Remix) by Tusks

I was lucky enough to first hear this song in a magical way.

Last Wednesday, Lauren Laverne had the illustrator, Chris Riddell on her show, who did one of the most creative things I've seen a while.

For an hour throughout the show, he was periscoping him illustrating each track as he heard it. Then, he went on to sketch the headphones moment track, Ivy by Tusks (which you can see here at 44:15 minutes in)

Not only did I instantly find the song beautiful, but the illustration to match it was equally so. 

Honestly, I think it was a great experience to see music visually expressed, and I'd love to see it again.

So, go on, have you headphones moment now and give it a listen!

And that's it for this edition Jadelist! What was your favourite song of the past month? Let me know in the comments below!

As always, thank you so much for reading & I hope you have a lovely day!

Lots of Love

The Jadelist: AUG 16

Hey hey lovely people!

Now, not to be biased, but I always look forward to writing an August Jadelist.

Okay, this might only be my second August Jadelist, but cut me some slack, it is after all my birthday month.

Not only that, but August is truly summer for me and just overall my favourite time of year, so it's nice to take a peek at what songs corresponded with my happiness.

And boy, did I have a great music month!

So let's not hold it off any longer, here's this months Jadelist:

1.

Dreams by Beck

Disclaimer disclaimer disclaimer, I did not steal this song from the new Sky advert

Nope, because I'm one trendy gal, I actually first heard it on Radio 6, while in bed, probably eating some kind of snack. Like I said, I'm trendy.

It's pretty funny, because I never really gave Beck a chance. Last I remembered was Kanye almost interrupting him at the 2015 Grammy's.

Then, ignorant old me realised he was the guy who sang Loser, so just backing up into my corner of shame. Bye everyone!

But back to Dreams. Definitely not like loser.

It has more of a pop vibe to it with a catchy rhythm. Pre-warning, you will be neck popping to this song.

The bridge takes on much more of an acoustic, ethereal style, then springs back into a pop rock chorus.

So if you don't have a TV and haven't heard this yet, here's your chance. 

2.

Youth by Glass Animals

My ultimate predicament of this month was not putting the whole album in.

Now, I've probably stated this before, but I'm not an artist person, but a song person.

Take a look at my playlists and you'll find that the vast majority of artists in there only have one song.

Rare is it that I find artists where I like all of their songs, so this is a BIG DEAL. So much so that I actually bought my first CD that was current since Lana Del Rey's Born To Die.

So little old Jade strolled into Cheltenham town for the first time, trying to find a HMV to buy How To Be A Human Being on release day.

The whole album was played 3 or 4 times then on my way back to Wales. No regrets.

But back to the song. I chose Youth because it's my favourite from the album, and luckily enough, was released as a single a few weeks back.

I would try and describe their style, but it's just ever changing, from electro to pop, indie, rock and acoustic.

I'm pretty confident that if you listen to this, you'll be hooked. 

3.

The Day I Lost My Voice by Sweet Baboo

Now, cutting down this months Jadelist was no fun at all, trying to narrow 15 fab songs down to 10, but I couldn't cut this lovely one out.

The Day I Lost My Voice has a sweet, country/folk style, but not in the typical Southern country style that a lot of people don't seem to get along with.

This might be down to a more British take on country, or should I say Welsh. That's right, Sweet Baboo, or Stephen Black, is actually from Wales. Big up big up!

Which is pretty funny really, because this song just gives me feelings of being in Cornwall in the summer. Too much imagery? My bad!

The style of this song seems so similar to something I love, but I can't quite put my finger on it. Regardless, I'm hooked on it.

I promise that this track will put a smile on your face, so give it a listen.

4.

Pipe Down by Recreations

Does anyone feel instantly more late 90's listening to this? Like even after just five seconds of this playing?

For me, I think it's because I can't help but notice Sunchyme or some other late 90's/early 00's song from this. Can anyone help me out?

Regardless, this song instantly blew me over with a ton of nostalgia.

But don't get too attached to that beat, because the chorus infuses into the song with some rock, and somehow, it works really well.

It feels like a modern twist on something that makes it even greater, like meshing two styles together and creating something that just sounds adventurous in all the right ways.

Also, shout out to the album art. Pretty sweet!

5.

Fiction by Kygo & Tom Odell

I mean c'mon, it's Kygo. Let me have my one DJ that I actually like the sound of.

Plus, Tom Odell too. Putting Kygo and folk artists together. Is this real life?!

Its a much gentler style of electro/dance music, y'know, a less aggressive bass and casual zapping sounds. Yeah, not the biggest dance fan here, but Kygo solves that for me.

It really is incredible to get folk rock and dance to collaborate so well together, so props to Kygo and Tom for this.

Give it a listen while there's still some summer sun left. 

6.

22 (Over S∞∞N) by Bon Iver

Okay, please don't be put off by the edgy Tumblr style title. 

I mean, sure, it might even sound at first like the song is trying 'too hard' to be different, or at least create a too modern style, but give it a few more seconds for the vocals to kick in.

Because as soon as those vocals begin, you will be captured by this musical spell.

Hauntingly beautiful is the best way to describe it.

Then, when the lazy guitar kicks in, it becomes even more so sweet. Such a lazy Sunday morning song.

I mean, there are no words to give this song justice, because it is an experience; an amalgamation of different sounds, coming together in peace.

And yes, it is better than Skinny Love. Trust me, this is magical.

7.

Doria by Olafur Arnalds

Rare is it to find a piece of music where the first descriptive word would be beautiful.

I mean, I know I need to calm down with the visuals, but this song just gives me images of vast libraries, or places with so much exploration, but also peace and tranquillity. Also, a bit of nostalgia too.

Plus, the name Olafur Arnalds should be familiar to you from last months Jadelist. Remember I mentioned his Island songs project?

Well, Doria is the last song to feature on Island Songs.

What I love is that this song is much more than music, in that I feel like it captures emotion and atmosphere too. I could easily believe this was from a movie soundtrack if you had told me.

If last months post wasn't enough of a message to have a listen, then here's hoping this month is.

8.

Once Around The Block by Badly Drawn Boy

I really am a sucker for that lazy indie rock style that was big around the 00's.

Once around the block has a city style feel to it, which I suppose would be accurate, given the name.

I really appreciate its laid back style, but even more so during the instrumental around 2 minutes in, when the guitar leads the song.

Are you someone that likes this style of music too? Because this song is actually 16 years old now. Time to feel old.

So feeling a nostalgia flashback? Have a listen.

9.

Dancing In The Moonlight (It's Caught Me In It's Spotlight) by Thin Lizzy

Speaking of flash backs, lets go even further into the past with this track, back to the 70's.

It's funny, because a lot of people these days who listen to older music say they were brought up on this, or their parents played it, so it just stuck with them.

I was brought up on chart music, Madonna and Manic Street Preachers, so this is all new to me, and I'm glad it is.

I mean, now that I'm older, I think I have a chance to appreciate this music instead of being forced and bored by it (Not saying I hate Madonna or the Manics, forever a fan).

Which is weird really, finding songs like this new when they're nearly double my age!

I doubt there are many people out there who haven't listened to this yet, but if you wanna a few minutes to boogie on down, be my guest.

10.

Supersoaker by Kings of Leon

I was on my way home, listening to the radio, when someone phoned up and requested a song to play for a water fight, and the producer chose a song called Supersoaker.

I'll be honest, I didn't have much faith before I heard it. I mean, I'm the queen of cheesy puns, but wasn't expecting much from this.

Then it started playing and I was just sat in a pool of misjudgement, falling in love with this song.

I really don't give Kings Of Leon enough credit for how much I love them, and it's taken me this long until hearing this song to realise this.

I think it's really easy to get caught up in Sex On Fire and Use Somebody as their only style. Don't get me wrong, those songs are great, but I love their songs like Radioactive and now, Supersoaker.

I know I say it way too many times, but I live for that summery style of indie/rock, and this perfectly fits the bill, Supersoaker and all.




So that's it for this months Jadelist, and the last Jadelist of the summer.

Be prepared for around two months of posts relishing in the Autumn season, and then every other post being filled of summer songs, wishing it was August again. Go figure!


So, what songs were you loving in the month of August? Let me know in the comments below, because I always love hearing some new tracks.


As always, thank you so much for reading & I hope you have a lovely day!

Lots of Love