Peter, Bjorn and John* – Let’s call it off (Girl Talk remix)
I stumbled across this today on Youtube and it’s relentless energy is a perfect reflection of both my week and feelings today as London was bathed in sunshine.
Look out for a guest post from resident dancehead Dom tomorrow. I’ll check back in on Monday, also look out for my best of 2012 so far list. I am just applying the finishing touches.
RjK
*Artist #474
Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band* – Sunshower (GPF)
This classic 70’s funky disco tune seemed apt to post today, which featured both bright sunshine and heavy rain in North London.
Sunshower, just a sign of the power of loving you, oh Baby…
I first heard it when it was sampled in several of my favourite hip hop tunes like Can I kick it? by A tribe called Quest and this Ghostface tune.
RjK
*Artist #473
Grimes* – Genesis (NAT)
Montreal artist Grimes is another whom I have heard much about so far in 2012, and she has featured prominently in the “Best of so far…” lists I have been reading recently as the half-year approaches.
She kind of reminds me of other one-woman troubadours tUnE-yArDs and Grouper who were favourites from last year. I really like this track too, there is something in the synth that is delightfully 80’s.
RjK
*Artist #472
William De Vaughn* – Be thankful for what you’ve got
Diamond in the back, sunroof down, Diggin the scene with a gangsta lean, wooh-ooh-ooh…
MC Solaar* – Les temps changent
MC Solaar is a French rapper and this track is taken from the 1997 album Paradisiaque. I try not to be too esoteric in my choices and I am aware that this might seem to be a little far out. It was the first song that really made me realise that for me a strong hook (in this case I think it is spectacular) is as important as finding meaning in lyrics (not a clue, my GCSE French can’t quite cope!)
Les temps changent…
Tramshed was excellent last night. The food was simple but full of flavour. Very hip decor and a great space (see below).
RjK
*Artist #470
Miike Snow* – Devil’s Work
Youssou N’Dour featuring Neneh Cherry* – 7 Seconds
As I’ve mentioned before, one of the bigger surprises for me in the 18 months I have spent blogging is how the affection I have for world music has risen.
This track, along with Paul Simon’s Graceland, are the earliest memories I have of world music. It features three languages; Wolof (a Senegalese language), French and English and whilst it perhaps seems a little lightweight now it certainly had a lasting impact on me.
RjK
*Artist #468
The Futureheads – Beeswing
I have a little soft spot for singers that have a very obvious accent, given my own adventures in this field London. I spent about the first 18 months of living here being met by almost uniform blank looks (it still happens frequently).
Sunderland band The Futureheads are one such band. I suspected that they had been consigned to the annuls of one hit wonders after releasing a spectacular Kate Bush cover which I posted last year. However, I was surprised to hear them play this track live on TV last night and was very taken by it. It’s another cover, this time of British singer Richard Thompson and is taken from their recently released album Rant.
RjK
Todd Rundgren* – Can We Still Be Friends? (GPF)
This is perfectly melancholy. It is pure, blue-eyed soul. I was reminded of it this week while listening to a new compilation album by Groove Armada called Late Night Tales – Music for pleasure, a compilation of awesomely terrible 70’s and 80’s pop.
We awoke from our dream, things are not always what they seem. Memories linger on, it’s like a sweet sad old song…
Have a great weekend. I hope it’s more uplifting than this song!
RjK
*Artist #467
Rudimental* – Spoons (NAT)