Steely Dan – Reelin’ in the years
As it was Record Store Day today I thought I would post something off the last record I bought in my local record store. A pretty good album apart from the horrendous sleeve.
It took me a while to realise how good Steely Dan were. For a long time I thought they were incredibly naff. It was only when I heard 3 feet high and rising (an album which changed the way I listened to music forever) and placed the sample that I got it.
Family Fodder – Savoir Faire
Solemnity is overrated. No matter how hard I try it is impossible to be serious all the time. This was never more true than when I first heard this song.
It was a perfect track this week as spring arrived to London. There is something irresistible about a perfect pop song and to my ears this comes pretty close.
Elton John – Benny and The Jets
Odyssey – Going back to my roots
A DJ played this track a while ago when I was out and about. It is a dance classic, deliciously cheesy and retro. An added bonus is the great video here.
The Smiths – This Charming Man
I thought it was about time I posted something from the 80’s and this came to mind.
Even though Morrisey can be a bit tedious I have always had a soft spot for The Smiths. They had an uncanny knack of making rather bleak subject matter sound somewhat sprightly. Also, Johnny Marr produced some unforgettable guitar riffs (both in the Smiths and subsequently).
Tom Vek – C-C (You set the fire in me)
A bit of a blast from the past today, with Gideon Coe mentioning on his show that this guy was going to be releasing some new material soon. This happened while I was procrastinating about what to post, so it seemed like a sign and who am I to argue with the cosmos? I really like it anyway. It has a slow burning quality that builds to a compelling finale.
I was taken aback by the strange experience of hearing this track (by a relatively obscure English songwriter) playing in a musty thrift store in Los Angeles a few years ago. Sorry for the somewhat naff video, couldn’t find anything better.
Fatboy Slim – Talking ‘bout my baby (Midfield General remix)
This feels like a good song to post today. The sun was indeed big, bright and yellow in London (and also in the less glamerous surrounds of Milton Keynes).
She’s got her hands on her hips, letting her backbone slip, batting her eyes, batting her eyes and looking straight at me, yeah…
Blu – Amnesia
Posting Nina Simone yesterday made me think of this. It samples Billie Holiday, a singer of the same vintage. This gives the song a really languid feel and I think it works well.
I also think the video is pretty good. It is pretty much the antithesis of the usual hip hop bling which is refreshing.
Nina Simone – My baby just cares for me
This is smooth as silk and refreshingly old school.
The video is a little inane but at the same time it complements the simplicity of the song.
Broken Bells – The High Road
This is a collaboration between Dangermouse and James Mercer (lead singer of the Shins). They make an interesting pair that I wouldn’t really have thought would work. But I enjoyed this track a lot.
This sounds really familiar in a way, and it made me think of a couple of bands I have posted recently. The beginning sounds to me a bit like Athlete and the end reminds me of The Bee Gees. What do you think?