Aside

Cheryl Lynn* – Got to be real (GPF)

This is the definition of a feelgood track. Classic disco, with ridiculous over the top vocals. As I try to get myself in the mood for a very early flight to Barcelona this is putting a smile on my face and setting the correct tone. Hopefully it will be a fun (if almost certainly hectic) weekend.

Sorry if there is an interruption to normal service while I am away. I will try to find an internet cafe but that might be a challenge! If not I am back Tuesday so will get caught up then. See you on the other side.

Got to be REEAAALLL…


RjK

*Artist #435

Aside

Francis Bebey* – New Track (NAT)

There has been a bit of a world music drought on the blog of late, so I thought I would feature this today. Like all the world music I love it is simple and joyful. Really, you can’t ask much more from a song.
Francis Bebey was a real renaissance man. Born in Cameroon, he was a writer and sculptor as well as make great music like this. This track is taken from a compilation of his I have been listening and enjoying recently.
So I am readying myself for a weekend in Barcelona on a friend’s stag do. Does anyone have any tips, for sightseeing or just plain survival?
RjK

*Artist #434

Jai Paul – Jasmine (Demo)


This guy finally has some new material (that I can find on youtube)! It has been a long wait since he put out my favourite track of 2011 at the end of 2010. I really like this, just like BTSTU it is quiet and smooth. There is something both retro and contemporary about it which makes it great.

It sounds like it should be on the soundtrack to the movie Drive. I can definitely imagine The Driver cruising around full of quiet, brooding intensity and listening to this as it slowly builds and builds.

RjK

Sébastien Tellier* – La Ritournelle


It sure doesn’t feel like the 1st day of May in London! I was greeted to a deluge of near biblical proportions this morning as I stepped out the door to work. Jackpot.
Giles Peterson’s played this on his 6music show on Saturday. He was interviewing legendary Nigerian afrobeat drummer Tony Allen, who features on the track.
It was a blast from the past as I listened to it a lot at university but had largely forgotten it. It is strange how only Europeans can get away with singing lyrics that are somewhat banal yet make them sound mystical!
Sébastien Tellier seems like an interesting cat. He went from producing this, which I happen to think is pretty great, to representing France in (the kitsch-fest known as) The Eurovision. This makes it a little tough for me to take him seriously. A little like Stevie Wonder syndrome, should sins in his later career diminish an earlier, great song? He does get plus points for his prodigious beard though.
/RjK
*Artist #433

30th April 2012

Jay Electronica – Dear Moleskine

I have heard this a lot recently and really enjoyed it. It seems like Jay Electronica is set to be one of the breakout acts of 2012, certainly in the hip hop world.

The main reason I like it so much is the clever and fresh sounding sample. I have been thinking about samples quite a bit since posting Pete Rock and CL Smooth a few weeks ago. It really is an art form, I am a total sucker for a clever sample.

RjK

Aside

Stereophonics* – Local boy in the photograph

Had a quiet day at home. It was nice to relax although I couldn’t escape the nagging knowledge that I have a 6am flight in the morning. #Longdaytomorrow
Posting Catatonia on Friday made me think of this. It is both Welsh and a strongly reminds me of schooldays. Pretty strong tune too, full of youthful energy.

And all the friends lay down the flowers, sit on the banks and drink for hours, talk of the way they saw him last. Local boy in the photograph…


RjK

*Artist #432

28th April 2012

Kansas* – Dust in the wind

This track is for my buddy Pam who gave me the local’s inside track on a good place for a pint of Guinness and lunch before the game. Farmer Brown’s on Bath Avenue for lunch and then The Bath for the pint(s). I had forgotten how good Guinness tastes in Dublin.

A good video here, it fits the song really well.

RjK
*Artist #431

27th April 2012

Catatonia* – Road Rage

It’s been a while since I have felt so utterly beat on a Friday night, it has been a long week. It is however nice to be back home in my parent’s house. I am back in Ireland for the weekend to attend the European Cup semi final tomorrow. Hopefully Ulster can do it and make the final. It will be my first trip to the Aviva stadium and I am pretty excited. It strangely feels a little like Christmas Eve!

This is a real blast from the past, a big hit from my school days. Catatonia, whose other big hit was a classic 90’s reference – Mulder and Scully. Remember the X-files? Now that takes me back.

This is taken from the time when Welsh bands ruled the world with these guys, Stereophonics, Manic Street Preachers and Super Furry Animals in the vanguard.

Cerys Matthews, the impish lead singer now presents an eclectic Sunday morning show on 6music. How does anyone else feel about singers with strong accents? I think I kind of like the rolled R’s here.

Cause you and I know it’s all over the front page. You give me road rage racing through the best days… 

RjK

*Artist #430

Aside

Quantic and Alice Russell* – Look around the corner

A short post at the end of a long anf busy day. Not much report on these guys other than I am hopiong to see them play in Camden next week.

Looking forward to a weekend at home and a trip to Dublin for a big rugby match.

RjK

*Artist #429

Aside

Mary Wells – Whisper you love me

Mary Wells is a total hero and one I rediscovered last year. This is classic early Motown and bears the hallmarks, simplicity, warmth and wonderful melodies. I also love the innocence, it was a simpler time back then!

Whisper you love me boy. Make it sound soft and clear, tender and sincere…

RjK