Platypus Jams

She/Her 🏳️‍🌈🇦🇺 Welcome to my music blog heathens. Mostly music related content with some other things I appreciate. Send me your music recommendations!

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Hello guys, gals, and binary-defying pals! Welcome to my music blog: Platypus Jams!

I'm a Queer Brisbane based 20 something Psy grad who hoards vinyl and band shirts, plus I spend wayyyyy to much on attending live gigs. Thanks for checking me out and I hope you hear something you like. Please send me anything music, it’s my passion.

I do have playlists of the songs I've talked about on here, they are on Spotify. ‘Song of the Day Project’ for my featured song posts, and I also have a ‘Best of 2024’ playlist on there as well! My name on Spotify is Spaghettiobeanio.

Bella <3

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SONG OF THE DAY

We haven't seen a cover here in a while, so today's jam is a cover of the 1975 hit “I’m Not In Love” originally by 10cc from Kelsey Lu, featured on her 2019 album “Blood”. Kelsey Lu or American Kelsey McJunkins is a singer and cellist, blending modern and traditional sounds to create deeply emotive and sometimes haunting soundscapes. Collaborating with artists from Skrillex to Solange to Sampha, she has been described as a fusion of Pop, Jazz, Soul, Alternative Indie, Electronica, Blues, and Folk. My favourite song of hers is “Poor Fake”, from the “Blood” album as well, with the “Blood” album overall being a great example of her talent. McJunkins describes her style as “Luthereal”, a play on her stage name and ethereal (AnOther, 2020), illustrating how she aims to capture listeners in her genreless whirlpool via otherworldly artistry.

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SONG OF THE DAY

Today's featured track is “Into Nirvana” from Maverick Sabre’s 2019 album “When I Wake Up”. Maverick Sabre or Irishman Michael Stafford creates grounded soulful lullabies that are texture rich. With rusty vocals and atmospheric guitar and percussion, the song creates a steadfastly untroubled vibe. The album overall is fantastic and worth your time.

“I’ve been searching for roses

In a land man made of stone here

There’s waterfalls in the graveyard

There’s fools gold in my pocket

Is anyone still a dreamer?

They shoot you down for believing

All we want to be is adored

Can you really see love on the screen now

We’re surviving off hope and mandy

Into the morning we stare

And I’ve been drinking this golden brandy

Into the mirror we stare”

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SONG OF THE DAY

Some contemporary pop excellence today, its Rebecca Black’s “Crumbs” from her 2023 album “Let Her Burn”. The electronic track combines sexy and edgy elements that make a delicious combination. Black is only really recently being recognized for her talent as a DJ and producer, with her touring her latest album “SALVATION” its worth taking a look at her library for some gems: “TRUST!” is the lead single for that album for a reason, its brilliant.

“You can make a mess and i’ll pick up the crumbs

And there’s nothing you could do to make me love you less

At your worst, you’re still my best”

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SONG OF THE DAY

I was reminded of this track while organising a playlist, so the song today is “Mohabbat” by Pakistani-American Jazz artist Arooj Aftab. The piece was originally written by Hafeez Hoshiarpuri, performed by Aftab in Urdu, and is a Ghazal, a type of poetry with a particular structure and style about love and loss (Pitchfork, 2021). Aftab’s artistry was recognised at the 2022 Grammys, where she became the first Pakistani to win a Grammy award winning Best Global Musical Performance for her take on “Mohabbat”. Aftab’s work is heavily influenced by Sufi poetry: she states she tries to evoke the emotions it leaves her with, such as “calmness, peace, patience, simplicity, ... sadness, longing, wandering, searching, openness, (and) oneness,” (New Amsterdam Records). The track is truly beautiful and brimming with emotion: it's an eight-minute journey that's nostalgic and bittersweet.

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SONG OF THE DAY

Since it's officially Aussie song day thanks to Triple J, the song today is “Hertz” by Amyl and the Sniffers, officially #89 in Triple J’s “Hottest 100 Australian Songs of All Time”. This is loud drunk shouty music at its peak, and if you don't like it watch these guys perform live through your preferred method. I mean Amy ripping her wedding dress and fixing it with duct tape on stage at Coachella needs to be seen..

“Take me to the country

Climb in the backseat

If you love me”

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Happy Hottest 100 to all my fellow Australians!

Good morning! So for the internationals or those Aussies living under a rock, Tripple J is an immensely popular youth alternative radio station here in Australia, and every year they hold a public vote of the best releases of that following year called the Hottest 100. Well today they are holding one for the 100 best Australian releases of all time. International acts tend to dominate the votes every year, so this has been a great exercise in showcasing Australian music and a moment of reflection for many of us as to what releases we consider either artistically/culturally important, or for many: what releases have value to us emotionally due to pure nostalgia.

I mainly went with my heart and chose songs that are apart of my foundation of who I am either through my childhood or I have an intense emotional attachment with. I tried to keep it half “modern” and half “old” and one release from each artist.

So, in no particular order, here are my 10 votes. You can listen online, and it goes all day, but they upload a playlist once it's complete! Take a moment to think about what songs from your own culture/countries are important to you today!

Muah,

Bella

P.S. If Big Jet Plane or even one Ball Park Music song doesn't make it I will crash out.

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SONG OF THE DAY

IM BAAAAACKKKKK

The ditty today is “Peace” by Little Simz featuring Moses Sumney and Miraa May from the recent release “Lotus”.

It’s a tranquil oasis in an emotionally charged album that is impassioned with delightfully witty tracks such as “Young” and tracks full of swagger such as “Lion”. Simz is one of the queens of contemporary UK Hip-Hop, and “Peace” is a reflective track with themes such as practising self-love, vulnerability, kindness, and grace during life’s turbulence. This is the second time Simz has appeared here, I previously chatted about her track “Woman”, from the 2021 album “Sometimes I Might Be Inteovert”, which is caramel smooth and worth a look.

It’s a fantastic album so give it a squiz if you haven’t yet!

Muah,

Bella

“Yo, it can be draining getting through each day

And sometimes we ain’t got the capacity

All I'm really needing is clarity

We all need something we can believe in

But everything’s happening for a reason

In your heart, you will always be home

So make peace with what you out grow”

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HOLY SHIT 2024 WAS A GOOD YEAR FOR MUSIC!!!

I am blessed to have had the opportunity to see so many acts this year and to have experienced so much the Aus music scene has to offer. I have managed to broaden my tastes into so many genres and niches this year I was spoiled for choice. Shout out to my Dad and Brother for constantly showing me new music. Please check out some of my favourite indie bands I loved this year: ‘Ra Ra Viper’, ‘THUS LOVE’, ‘South Summit’, ‘Moreish Idols’, ‘Great Gable’, ‘Gut Health’, and Brisbane locals ‘Mr Finn’, and ‘Full Flower Moon Band’.

BEST OF THE BEST:

Track: ‘Loud Bark’ - ‘Mannequin Pussy’

Live act: ‘Psychedelic Porn Crumpets’

Album: ‘Brat’ - ‘Charli XCX’

Best find: ‘THUS LOVE’

Most keen for release:

More ‘King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard’

Most keen for live next year:

Tie between ‘Bad Omens’ w/ ‘Poppy’ and ‘IDLES’ (Brisbane Riverstage pit isn’t for the faint of heart man)

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SONG OF THE DAY

Day #37

Today's song is ‘Everything’s Beautiful’ by Australian alternative Neo-Soul Jazz/Funk band ‘Hiatus Kaiyote’ from their 2024 album ‘Love Heart Cheat Code’. This four-piece from Melbourne is best described as a dynamic relief from the bland monotony of top forty radio hits, ‘Hiatus Kaiyote’ are an auditory delight. This song is an effervescent celebration of life and sound, with the band's leading lady Nai Palm stating that the song is “a testament to the importance of finding simple joy in your day… not the delusion that we live in a utopia... But rather about actively looking for the beauty, grace and joy in life,” (Clash, 2024). I was so lucky to see them live last weekend at the Fortitude Music Hall and it was a religious experience. To quote my dad while exhausted at the end of the night, with the biggest shit-eating grin on his face: “It was a mess, I can't describe it, they were great.”

“Didn't you notice?

Don't you know, love?

Don't you know everything's beautiful?”

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I don't know how this happened, but I now have a backlog of albums to listen to. First world problems that's for sure. It's now 20 projects deep, like, how the fuck. I'm blaming Discover Weekly and Soundtracks. I am officially over whelmed.

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SONG OF THE DAY

Day #35

Today’s song is ‘Golden’ by American Soul/R&B artist Jill Scott from her 2004 album ‘Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2’. Scott’s vocals are velvet smooth over a funky kicky beat, jazzy keys, and a touch of synth. With lyrics full of praise and confidence and a sing-along chorus, the track is celebratory, resulting in a retro feel-good mood setter that glides, rollerblading a relaxed joy through any room.

“I'm taking my own freedom

Putting it in my song

Singing loud and strong

Grooving all day long

I'm taking my freedom

Putting it in my stroll

I'll be high-steppin' y'all

Letting the joy unfold”

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SONG OF THE DAY

Day #34

Today's track is ‘Butterfly Net’ by American alternative pop artist Caroline Polachek, specifically the alternate version featuring ‘Weyes Blood’. Released in 2023 for her album ‘Desire, I Want To Turn Into You’ the baroque pop song was remixed in 2024 and was featured on the album's deluxe ‘Everasking’ Edition. Caroline Polachek’s vocals always have this shimmery quality, creating a transformative experience, like a waking dream. With poetic lyrics conveying longing and melancholy, the original track is delicate and soothing. The ‘Weyes Blood’ version adds a dusky veneer, giving it a glowing or spiritual quality.

“There I was

With my butterfly net

Trying to catch your light”

P.S. Check out one of Polachek’s older projects ‘Chairlift’ with Aaron Pfenning and Patrick Wimberly, they are brilliant especially their 2016 album ‘Moth’.

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SONG OF THE DAY

Day #33

Today’s track choice is ‘Satellite’ by American Alt-Rock band ‘Guster’ from their 2006 album ‘Ganging Up on the Sun’. The indie/alternative rock song is relaxed with soft whistful vocals and acoustic guitar that tows the track along. What makes the song attention-catching however is its endearingly quirky sci-fi esc keyboard melody. It's beautifully restrained yet layered in a way that can't be appreciated with one listen, it's a lovely wholesome track.

“You’re my satellite

You're riding with me tonight

Passenger side, lighting the sky

Always the first star that I find

You're my satellite”

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SONG OF THE DAY

Day #32

Today’s song is Hip Hop track ‘Woman’ by ‘Little Simz’ featuring vocals by Cleo Soul from the 2021 album ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’. ‘Little Simz’ or Simbiatu Ajikawo is a sensational British Hip Hop artist that is well known for her assured flow with smooth soul, R&B, and jazz-inspired tracks flavoured with orchestral elements in her production. ‘Woman’ is dripping with gentle luxury with its relaxed sound, stunning vocals in the chorus from Cleo Soul, and confident delivery of lyrics celebrating global women by Simz. ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’ is a fantastically rich album with dynamic compositions and buttery examinations and reflections. My favourite track from the album is ‘I Love You, I Hate You’ due to this balance between confident restraint and cathartic release.

“I see you glow, you’re the finest gold

When you walk in the room, they feel your soul

Our style it shines, so ahead of time

And you know that you’re fire, you’re so damn fine, girl.”

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SONG OF THE DAY

Day #31

Today's song is ‘The Doll People’ by Australian Indie/Alternative artist Sofia Isella from her very recently released 2024 EP ‘I Can Be Your Mother’. Unsettling yet captivating, her sound has a similar quality to and takes inspiration from artists such as Billie Eilish, Nine Inch Nails, Caroline Polachek, Lorde, Imogen Heap, and Fiona Apple. The track is very dark exploring gender, sex, and identity with unflinching and purposefully crude lyrics. The track feels more like an avant-garde fable with its blend of conventional yet grand piano and strings with unconventional vocal work, such as her goosebump-raising runs, breaths, and clicking. At only 19 Sofia Isella commands your attention akin to a more established artist, so it's no wonder she was invited to perform as an opener for Taylor Swift’s Eras tour and is fastly emerging into the mainstream.

“To be admired takes precedence over admiring

To be desired takes precedence over desiring

Drink the dolls

Legs spread like butter

We are wife, whore, mistress, maid, mother”

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SONG OF THE DAY

Day #30

Today's song is You’ve Got The Love by UK band Florence and the Machine from their 2009 debut indie-rock album Lungs. The track is an adaption of Candi Staton’s 1986 dance number You Got The Love, but Florence and the Machines track is its own beast. The song was first performed for festival sets early on in their career, and Welch has described how “even in rehearsals, playing it was just the most euphoric feeling. Then playing it live... was like tearing ourselves open and just exploding on the crowd.” As Welch describes, it is an emotionally charged number with its dainty harp, melodious guitar, and of course soaring vocals. It pulls you in with its strings, ensnares you when it expands after the first verse, then unleashes like a top spinning with Welch’s spiritual chants into a glorious run at 1:58. It is cathartic, it is brimming with love, it is a lightning strike of joy… it’s everything I love about music.

Lungs was the first CD I ever bought when I was a teen, and I cried and screamed whenever I made eye contact with Florence Welch when seeing the experience live for the first time in my 20s. I truly believe my life winds and unfurls with Welch’s music since her songs are so tied to many of my life's moments: from playing Cosmic Love while getting ready for a school dance, playing What Kind Of Man while dealing with hormones and heartbreak, playing Hunger as I was becoming my own person, to playing Free while moving out of my parent's house. I know I am coming across as ridiculous, but Florence and the Machine have defined who I am as a person the same way performers like Queen, Radio Head, My Chemical Romance, or even Taylor Swift may have for you.

“Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air

'Cause I know I can count on you

Sometimes I feel like saying ‘Lord I just don't care’

But you've got the love I need to see me through”