Monthly Archives: August 2013

A Tribe Called Quest – Bonita Applebum

I have been in a bit of a Hip Hop mood over the past few days. This was as a result of not posting any trac ks from the genre in a while and a conversation I had earlier in the week about 2013 Kanye West versus the 2004 version. I don’t think he has ever really approached the heights he reached in The College Dropout but my friend begged to differ.

Anyway, these factors instigated a binge over recent days during which I was reminded of this classic track by pioneers A Tribe Called Quest. It is taken from their spectacular 1990 debut album People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm.

A Tribe Called Quest:

A Tribe Called Quest

/RjK

Soft Cell* – Tainted Love

CjK Guest Post – Summer Cover #11

Tainted Love was a song composed by Ed Cobb and proved popular dance floor filler in the 80’s. It was originally recorded in 1964 by Gloria Jones, and became very popular when covered in 1981 by Soft Cell, who certainly nailed this version – in spite of a dodgy video.  Guaranteed to revive any flagging disco.

Soft Cell:

Soft Cell/CjK

*Artist #719

The Temptations – My Girl

I heard this track a few days ago and was reminded of what a great song it is. I was also surprised that I hadn’t posted it already.

The Temptations are Motown royalty, coming from The Motor City itself and this is just one of several iconic tracks they recorded.

The Temptations:

The Temptations/RjK

Vondelpark – Always Forever (Tuesday Born Remix)

I thought this track from London dream pop band Vondelpark was a good way to start the week. It’s mellow, quiet sound is just what I need, even more than a normal Monday, having spent a weekend carousing and catching up with old friends in London.

It is taken from their album Seabed, which was released earlier in the year.

Vondelpark:

Vondelpark

/RjK

Charles Bradley* – Where Do We Go From Here

One of the great pleasures of writing this blog over the past few years has been people sharing with me the music that they love and that inspires them.

This was one such track, which a good friend and regular musical co-conspirator sent me last week. It is right in my wheelhouse (soul, my first love) and given that I hadn’t heard it before it was a double pleasure.

It is taken from Florida singer (and general bad ass) Charles Bradley’s recently critically acclaimed 2013 album Victim of Love.

Charles Bradley:

Charles Bradley/RjK

*Artist #718

Mylo – Destroy Rock & Roll

While posting Cyndi Lauper yesterday I was reminded of this track. It features a memorable, almost post-modern sample where the protestor manages to mangle several of the listed artists names, with Cyndi amoungst them.

It is taken from Scottish DJ Mylo’s excellent 2004 album of the same name.

Mylo:

Mylo/RjK

Cyndi Lauper* – Girls Just Want To Have Fun | (GPF)

A friend asked me to put together a mix of songs for his wedding party in a couple of months. This is something of a dream task for me because it means I get to listen to lots of cheesy songs and not feel “guilty” about it.

As part of this research I came across this track from American singer Cyndi Lauper and was reminded about what a great pop song it is.

Cyndi Lauper:

Cyndi Lauper/RjK

*Artist #718

Neko Case* – Night Still Comes | (NAT)

I came across this track, by American singer Neko Case, on Pitchfork this week. While it isn’t the type of thing that gets my pulse racing (it is just a little tame perhaps) it has been playing on repeat since. It’s funny how that can happen sometimes.

It is taken from her wonderfully titled upcoming album The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You.

Neko Case:

Neko Case/RjK

*Artist #717