13th June 2012

Skinnyman – Hayden

Skinnyman is a London rapper who grew up in the same neighbourhood as I currently reside. This is taken from his 2004 gem of an album Council estate of mind (good name too), from which I have already posted another track.

This track also has a wonderful balance between a smooth, almost pleading hook and gritty lyrics delivered in an effusive, rapid fire style. The motif of using soundbites from a movie, which appear throughout the album, really works well too.

We’re out on the streets tryna make our possession. The manor that we’re from has turned like a spaghetti western. With itchy fingers on the triggers ready for the pressin’ and its pure depression. I’m standin’ at the crossroads thinking ‘bout all the other children of the lost souls…

RjK

Paul Buchanan* – Thin Air


Paul Buchanan is the lead singer of The Blue Nile, a Scottish band who I really love (and have posted a couple of time before). This is from his recently released solo album, also called Mid Air. Similar to his work with the Blue Nile this is simple and heartfelt and I have been really enjoying it so far this week.

RjK

*Artist #460

11th June 2012

David Bowie – Oh! You pretty things

One of many highlights, this is right up there with my very favourite David Bowie tunes. It starts off in languid fashion but builds to a jaunty, upbeat conclusion.
I remember hearing it for the first time while driving to a 6am Sunday morning shift working at my university job in a Petrol Station. The wonderfully named Rob Da Bank played it on a show more aimed at people who were ending their nights than starting their mornings!
/RjK

Blur – Country house


This brings me back! I know I posted Blur only a few weeks ago but I went to see the Damien Hirst retrospective in the Tate Modern today and I was reminded that he directed this video. Both the video and song are lively and fun, typical of both Blur and Hirst’s impish work.

The retrospective was engaging if lacking the subtlety of some of the other exhibitions I have been to recently (Lucien Freud etc.). Lots of visually arresting pieces, but perhaps a little light on substance. I had to admire the guy’s talent for business though, he was selling prints (limited edition of only 50) in the gift shop for £20k a piece! 

RjK

Little Richard – Long tall Sally


This came on my MP3 player today just as some sun was breaking through what was up until then a grey day. I was reminded of what a great song it is, a perfect Saturday tune. 2 minutes of energetic, breathless rock ‘n’ roll perfection.

In other news, I went to see Moonrise Kingdom during the week. After taking a little bit of time to get into it, I really enjoyed it. It made me feel something, which was pleasant and disconcerting in about equal measure. I guess it was mostly nostalgia for the innocence of the two main characters. There was also some enjoyable and subtle humour in there too, even if some of it felt a touch forced. All in all, I would definitely recommend giving it a go if you have a couple of hours to spare.

/RjK

8th June 2012

The Farm* – All together now (GPF)

To mark the start of the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine today I thought I would post my favourite football song (perhaps only rivaled by New Order’s World in Motion). It is a little cheesy but there is something rousing about it. 

RjK

*Artist #459 

7th June 2012

Chet Faker* – Terms and conditions (NAT)

Melbourne artist Chet Faker is a bit of a mystery, hidden behind a puntastic pseudonym and a prodigious beard (kudos to him on that).
He released an interesting and very different sounding cover/reimagination of the 90’s classic No Diggity earlier in the year, which brought him to my attention. However, even though I enjoyed it, it felt a little gimmicky to me. This is much more my speed. It is languid and brooding and has been the perfect soundtrack for a granite grey day in north London spent watch rain relentlessly fall from a slate coloured sky.
/RjK
*Artist #458

6th June 2012

Washed Out – You and I

This guy was a favourites from last year. Their name is fitting of their mellow, almost haunting sound (apparently it’s know as chillwave). This track is taken from the 2011 album Within and Without and features Caroline Polachek of the band Chairlift.

RjK

5th June 2012

Oddisee – Paralyzed

Travelling and computer issues mean that this post is a little delayed. Apologies for that. I had a great time at home. Nice and relaxing, I was glad to be away from the Jubilee madness in London.
This is an interesting mash up from blog favourite Oddisee. It is taken from Odd Renditions vol.001, an EP that is free to download (see here), in advance of a long player called People hear what they see, which was released last week. Despite the somwhat disparate parts (Aretha and Bon Iver here) the EP works really well and is worth checking out.
RjK

4th June 2012

The Sex Pistols* – God save The Queen

 

Punk isn’t a genre that has ever particularly grabbed me. It is a little too spiky and lacking in melody for my ears. However, this feels like the right song to post today. You have to give it up for HM, 60 years on the throne is no joke. 

RjK

*Artist #457