Happy NHL Trade Deadline Day! I know there’ll be a bunch of crazed hockey fans glued to their screens to see what transactions will come out over the day, but for those of us with the need for some tunes to pick our day up, HAFILAX is here for you. I have a few tracks which have been working their way to Ear Worm status, but there is one track from an artist that should be getting far more play on these shores than she has been getting.  So without it, let’s get into it shall we?

1. “Ain’t Got Far to Go”  – Jess Glynne

There comes a point where you’ve heard the same handful a songs for the nth time and you begin to develop a hunger for new tunes, no matter how good, or bad.  I swear program directors across this country are trapped in these limited loops, as we are subjected to the same old rote tunes day in and day out, and unless there’s a new album from the upper echelon of pop acts, you never hear about it.  Jess Glynne caught my attention at the 2016 Brit Awards as she was no cookie cutter act, and brought with her an energy and flare that the majority of North American acts lack. There’s this great bluesy tone to her voice, but it’s more geared to the R&B genre, which adds a depth to her tone that will punch you in the earballs.  She is an exciting blast of fresh air to an otherwise stale genre.

2. “Genghis Khan” – Miike Snow

The electro-pop stylings of Miike Snow are front and centre on the band’s latest release “Genghis Khan”.  This is a track that may not grab you at first, but after a couple of listens, I assure you that the band will have its hooks lodged deep inside of your ears.  This is a tune that will permeate your being, and you will find yourself uncontrollably humming the tune.

3. “Flesh Without Blood” – Grimes

Another track that may take a few listens to latch on to you, but rest assured, it will. This track is pure electro-pop ear candy, it’s a great dose of saccharine that will jump start an otherwise bleak Monday.

4. “Hold On (The Break)” – Walk Off The Earth

I’m beginning to wonder if WOTE can do no wrong, this original track is more of the great pop-rock jams the band has come to be known for.  While their covers are inventive and creative, their original songs are interesting and alluring. This is a talented band, and the catchy “Hold On” further proves this.

5. “Thank God For Girls” – Weezer

This one of the few modern Weezer tunes I thoroughly enjoyed, for the most part I subscribe to the unpopular opinion that the band is wholly over-appreciated. The band is largely lost on me, as they really haven’t piqued my interest since the release of El Schorco, and instead have been a shadow of their former selves.  This track is super catchy, and is a fun, tongue-in-cheek romp.