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Elvis Costello and The Attractions – Everyday I write the book

Elvis come on my MP3 player today and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to post one of his songs. The guy has flat out got GAME. I had forgotten how prolific he was. I was torn between this and several other favourites. Alison, Watching the detectives, Oliver’s Army… There are several classics, it was tough to choose.

I finally settled on this as it is so easy on the ear and it has a great video.

I’m giving you a long look, everyday, everyday, everyday I write the book…

RjK

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Dr.Dre/Grease – You’re the one that I want in the next episode

Rory’s comment (thanks for that) yesterday inspired me to remember this. Typically, I find myself underwhelmed by mash ups. They tend to take two songs I like and turn it into one that I don’t. But once in a while a DJ strikes gold. This is probably my favourite example of that phenomenon. It is clever and funky, and the two songs actually fit together remarkably well.

RjK

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Amerie – One thing

This perhaps isn’t typical of the blog and indeed my usual taste. It is however, a stomping dancefloor classic with a typically insane (and as such pretty pleasing) video to match here.

It is probably more of a weekend tune, but the reason I am posting it today is that I came across this fascinating cover version of it by Peter and Kerry, who featured on the blog earlier in the year. It is great how two versions of a song can be so starkly different yet satisfying at the same time. One technicolour and relentless, the other reflective and subtle. I am sure you can tell which is which!

RjK

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The Stone Roses – I wanna be adored

I had to post these guys today after hearing the exciting news they are to reform for a world tour 15 years after an acrimonious split.

I am a bit too young to have appreciated them fully the first time around, but the era of Britpop that they ushered in was really when I first fell in love with music.

This particular track still sounds so fresh 20 years on.

RjK

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Irma Thomas – Breakaway

This one is for my buddy Rory. I finally got round to checking out the “Soul Queen of New Orleans” Irma Thomas on his recommendation.

This has all the ingredients of a great soul record. It is two and a half minutes of energetic, pure and funky perfection. It makes me want to MOVE. What more could I ask for?

RjK

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Phantogram – Don’t move

Feeling a bit jaded today after a busy weekend so I will keep it short. This tune is utterly infectious. I have been unable to shake it for the past few days. Phantogram are a recent discovery for me and based on this I will have to explore them further.

RjK

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The KLF – Build a fire

This is a seminal early 90’s track from Acid House pioneers The KLF. What I love about it are the vocals, both the strong male Scottish accent and the soulful female. The whole track has a very mellow vibe, perfect for a relaxed Saturday afternoon.

It serves as an interesting counterbalance to this number from the same era that might be more appropriate later on!

RjK

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Warren G featuring Nate Dogg – Regulate

This is pure cheese, but great at the same time. It features an awesome, random sample for a gangster rapper to have used! G-Funk meets blue-eyed soul.

I have wanted to post it for a while since being reminded of it by a bouncer while waiting in a long line to get into a club in Camden. My peeps and I were wavering about whether to persevere or try another club so we decided to consult him:

Me: What kind of music are they playing tonight guv?
Bouncer: All sorts
Me: Such as?
Bouncer: Old School hip hop. Y’know Nate Dogg – Regulate, tings like dat. Who wouldn’t want to listen to that?
Me: Say no more

He really went bold on that one. Luckily for him he judged his crowd perfectly.

In other news, I had a big night. Tom Ravenscroft, my DJ hero (from whom I have mined many tracks for this very blog) name checked me and played a song I had sent in on his show tonight. I nearly fainted when I heard it!

RjK

Check from 49:45 onwards – http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b015tz1l

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Simple Minds – Alive and kicking

It has been too long since I posted a true 80’s classic. Great song, even better video. Waterfall? Check. Cliff overlooking a lake? Check. Island in middle of said lake? Check. Forest? Check. Also, just take in the STYLE on display. Yikes. What more could I want?

RjK

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Breakbot (featuring Irfane) – Baby I’m yours

I needed a midweek boost of energy and this did the trick. It is a fun and upbeat number from French DJ Breakbot. There is also an aptly hip video here.

RjK