Gigi* – Guramayle

I have been on the hunt for World Music recently having suffered something of a drought in recent weeks and months. So when a friend sent me this track, by Ethiopian singer Gigi (who I featured a couple of years ago in a slightly different guise), I was delighted.

It sounds fresh and pure like all the African music that I love and I have been listening to it on a loop for the past few days. It is taken her 2001 album of the same name and was subsequently featured on the soundtrack to God Grew Tired of Us, a 2006 documentary about the Lost Boys of Sudan.

Gigi:

Gigi/RjK

*Artist #752

The Jazzual Suspects* – This Beat

This was a track that I randomly stumbled across on YouTube. I couldn’t help but click on the link once I spotted the band’s name. I literally know nothing about them. Can anyone help?

Anyway, it feels like a suitably smooth way to kick off the week.

/RjK

*Artist #751

 

The Jam – When you’re young

I heard the classic track Town Called Malice played in a bar last night. It has perhaps one of my all time favourite song openings.

This made me think that I had posted criminally few tracks by The Jam, who were one of the best British bands of the 70’s. This is taken from 1979’s Setting Sons. Also, how amazing is this video! The amazing Paul Weller (a big hero of mine) looks almost unbelievably young.

The Jam:

The Jam/RjK

Michael Jackson – Beat It

For me, this is perfect Saturday music. It makes me want to move…

It is taken from the late, great Micheal Jackson’s classic 1982 album Thriller, which has to one of the greatest records ever made. The video is rather spectacular too, showcasing Jackson at the height of his powers.

Michael Jackson:

Michael Jackson /RjK

Survivor* – Eye Of The Tiger | (GPF)

I came across this 80’s classic from Survivor while doing wedding party playlist research earlier in the week. Once I saw the video (what a classic and not even a Rocky sighting) I knew I had to post it. Beret-tastic!

Survivor:

Survivor/RjK

*Artist #750

Bobby Darin* – Mack the Knife

For some reason this Bobby Darin track came into my head yesterday. It’s so utterly smooth and timeless.

This version was released in 1959 but it was originally (rather unbelievably) written for a German musical in the 1920’s. Someone must have had quite an imagination to make that transition.

Bobby Darin:

Bobby Darin/RjK

*Artist #748

Real Estate – Green Aisles

It felt like time I posted some Real Estate and their mellow, washed out sound is perfect for a Monday morning. This track is taken off their excellent 2011 album Days.

They have been one of my best finds during my blogging odyssey and Out of Tune remains one of my favourite tracks from the last few years.

Real Estate:

Real Estate/RjK

Jungle* – The Heat

I came across these guys on The Guardian music blog’s New band of the day feature a couple of weeks ago. The slightly offbeat, hypnotic beat has been stuck in my head since. I also think the video is rather great and matches the song perfectly.

Jungle:

Jungle

/RjK

*Artist #746