Alabama Shakes* – Hold On
This was another track I first heard while trawling some ‘best of 2012 so far…’ lists. I may be a little late on it as it has a very radio friendly sound so I suspect it has been receiving lots of air play already. Still an excellent, feel good song though.
It has a classic, old fashioned rock sound. It reminds me of Kings of Leon and Yuck (good band, terrible name), who I posted last year.
RjK
*Artist #476
T.E.E.D.* – Garden (Calibre Remix) (Dom Ayliffe guest post)
I liked this track the moment I first heard it and it’s subsequently become one of the most listened to tracks on my iTunes collection.
I’m a big fan of drum n bass, and I must credit London Elektricity’s Hospital Record Podcasts for introducing me to this gem. I think it’s a perfect example of how many diverse emotions can be evoked by music from this genre.
Those haunting chords, the hopeful vocals and the undulating bassline all woven together with a clinical drum beat. Put this on some speakers with decent bass and enjoy my Sunday chill out song.
DA
*Artist #475
As we reach the mid point of the year I have been thinking about the musical highlights of my year so far. As always my thoughts are divergent and shambolic but I have tried to marshal them together into 15 tracks and artist that have particularly moved me. I hope you like them and feel free to suggest some of your own:
Gerry Read – 90’s prostitution racket
The Congos and Sun Araw – Happy Song
Craft Spells – Still left with me
Lamont Dozier – Why can’t we be lovers
Action Bronson – Imported Goods
TV Girl – Lizzy come back to life
RjK
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