Sunshine Anderson* – Heard it all before
This is sassy. Plain and simple.
I am aware it is a little naff, however I heard it today and it made me think of happy school days before I knew any better. I am a real sucker for music from this era.
What were you thinking? Bringing her into our home, in our bed! You must have fell and bumped your head…
RjK
*Artist #409
Jamie Lidell* – Another Day
It was a perfect spring day in London today and this is a perfect spring track. It is simple and uplifiting and was a good soundtrack as I meandered about enjoying the weather.
RjK
*Artist #408
Shola Ama* – You might need somebody
In a humorous moment on Saturday we got a taxi to the stadium before the game. I asked the driver if he had any music he could play. He said “no worries boss, look in the glove compartment”. I found a stash of CD’s – 9 of Pakistani music and the single version of this! An interesting selection to say the least.
It is a little saccharine but I have to confess all 4 of us were humming the tune until we heard Ireland’s call before the start of the game.
RjK
*artist #407
Craft Spells* – Still left with me (NAT)
This is 4 minutes of pop perfection. Regardless of how pretentious and jaded I become I will always be an utter sucker for that. This pulls off the neat trick of being at once urgent yet languid at the same time. The melody and heavenly synth remind me a little of a more upbeat version of The Drums or New Order.
These guys are from Stockton, CA. I suspect it is significantly nicer than Stockton-on-Tees which strangely came up during the course of my manic and meandering conversation on Saturday.
RjK
*Artist #406
Steely Dan – Deacon Blues
I have been channelling my inner magpie recently, being smitten almost exclusively by songs that are shiny and new. This meant it felt right to revisit something a little more vintage today. You don’t get much more iconic and influential than Steely Dan.
I just love how languid this is, it makes me think of a lazy summer day. If only it were one of those today…
They got a name for the winners in the world. I want a name when I lose. They call Alabama the Crimson Tide, call me Deacon Blues…
RjK
Kindness* – House
I am still feeling rather fragile after my weekend’s endeavours so this rather mellow number is welcome today. It builds towards a positive, uplifting end which reminds me a little of Passion Pit or Phoenix, both of which I need to revisit in the near future.
I can’t give you all that you need but I’ll give you all I can feel…
RjK
*Artist #405
Japandroids – Younger Us
As promised on Thursday I have slowly begun to sift through reviews of the SXSW festival in Austin to find some gems for you. Look out for some in the coming days.
These guys were favourites from last year and I read a glowing review of one of their festival shows. They are slightly noisier and more angular than the music that normally moves me but I find the youthful energy and vigour here just irresistible.
Also, Japandroids might be my favourite band name ever…
RjK
The O’Jays – This time baby
The morning after the night before! Big day yesterday! Big day. Disappointing match, but very enjoyable otherwise.
It has left me feeling rather jaded so I will it shot. The O’Jays are awesome.
RjK
Thin Lizzy – Dancing in the moonlight
Happy St.Patrick’s day to you. I am off to watch England against Ireland at rugby today. Should be a fun time. I wanted to mark the occasion with something Irish. You don’t get Irish and much more fun than Thin Lizzy.
There is some solid sax on this track for what is ostensibly a rock song.
RjK
Bran Van 3000* – Drinking in LA
This takes me back! I remember it from innocent school days and Rolling Rock adverts. It is infectious and funky and I remember finding the slightly off beat sound intriguing even back then when I didn’t have any idea what music meant.
Bran Van 3000 had the honour of featuring the final recording of legend (and hero of mine) Curtis Mayfield before his death on their single Astounded. There, I just hit you with some knowledge!
What the hell am I doing drinking in LA at 26?….
This is for a supporter and follower of the blog. You know who you are. Cheers for the encouragement, even if it is indirect.
RjK
*Artist #404