Foy Vance – Gabriel and the vagabond
I spent some time walking about Belfast this evening before meeting up with a good friend for a beer. I found myself lingering about Queen’s (my alma matter). It made me feel nostalgic for university days free from worries.
This means it feels right to post a favourite from that period. I listened to this song a lot both in Belfast and Berkeley. There is a piercing honesty to it which is quite affecting.
RjK
These guys used to go by the name Hype Williams. Which is a good name for a smashmouth MC, not so sure about this. It is dark and a little unsettling but there is also something beautiful lurking beneath the surface if you look hard enough. It is taken from the album Black is beautiful, which is pretty darn fresh.
I am back in Ireland for the weekend, it is nice to be home and to escape the madness of Jubilee weekend London. I had forgotten what open space feels like.
RjK
*Artist #457
Kylie Minogue* – Spinning Around (GPF)
I can’t help but admire Kylie. She keeps pushing on, keeps things fresh. Her relentless desire to try something new and stay current is one I very much admire. Also, the video here doesn’t hurt (hello hotpants)! Above all she has made great pop music and a lot of it, and this is a classic example.
RjK
*Artist #456
Gerry Read* – 90’s Prostitution Racket (NAT)
Not sure what the title of this track is about, or the wrestling video here. However, I have been really enjoying it all week. It is a dark, washed out reimagining of an 80’s Cathy Dennis tune. Again it has the the winning combination of being both fresh and retro.
I know next to nothing about the artist (can anyone enlighten me?). I found virtually nothing about him online beyond the fact that he is young and from the UK.
RjK
*Artist #455
Jet Life* – 1st place
Jet Life is the crew of New Orleans rapper Curren$y (love the “$”, could that be any more bling?). This is a classic party tune, I imagine it tearing up a sweaty dancefloor. The languid hook and easy bravado in the lyrics is interesting in a somewhat lurid way. It reminds me of this track I posted last year, which also features an amazing sample.
If samples are something that interest you as they do me, this website is worth checking out. It is a great resource for identifying where great beats originated.
RjK
*Artist #454
Brendan Benson* – Metarie
I really like this simple, pure little song. It feels true to me. Hearing it I am reminded a little of the Ron Sexsmith tune I posted last year.
I don’t know too much about Brendan Benson beyond this song, which was a favourite from my university days. Not sure why, but I was reminded of it over the weekend and it has left me feeling a little wistful.
Met a girl, introduced myself. I asked her go to with me and no one else. She said “I’d really like to see you everyday, but I’m afraid of what my friends might say”…
RjK
*Artist #453
The Versatones* – Bila
And now for something completely different! I heard this wacky and manic doo wop tune on Downtown Soulville a few weeks ago and it has been rattling around my brain ever since. It is so upbeat and infectious, a heady combination on a sunny, summers day.
RjK
*Artist #452
The Young Rascals* – Groovin’
I was reminded of this track by a good friend yesterday. It is a perfectly languid track for a sunny Sunday afternoon. Also, could the video here be more perfectly 60’s?
I have had a pretty lethargic day, but it has been a welcome opportunity to relax after a very busy few weeks.
RjK
*Artist #451
Arrested Development – Mr.Wendall
A perfect summer tune as it felt like it had finally arrived to London today. It is remarkable how different it feels on a sunny weekend.
Had a solid day, went to see the Lucian Frued exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. It was excellent, a little jarring in places but, as always, it was some welcome cultural stimulation. I followed it up with a burger at Meatmarket in Covent Garden, which was also very enjoyable even if it left me feeling a little guilty about the number of calories.
RjK
JX* – There’s nothing I won’t do
Classic 90’s dance! If you are of the same vintage as me (and even if not) hearing this must bring a smile to your face. So full of energy, it’s a perfect start to a sunny weekend. It has also whet my appetite for “cream classics”. Look out for a few more on coming Fridays.
Strangely, this also became something of an anthem that my roommate and I shared in California.I think the upbeat and slightly ironic tone struck a perfect chord with me then. I kind of wish I could rediscover a little of that zeal just at the moment.
RjK
*Artist #450