Moodymann* – The thief that stole my sad days…Ya blessin’ me (NAT)
Moodymann is a DJ from Detroit, Michigan who makes thoroughly interesting music. It mashes up genres and styles to pleasing effect. It is mostly quite mellow and good to listen to while relaxing.
I like this tune particularly for the choice samples it contains. It reminds me a little in that regard of a Fatboy Slim song I used to love.
RjK
*Artist #375
The Blue Nile – Heatwave
This came into my head today. The Blue Nile are a less than prolific but wonderful Scottish band. They make music that is subtle and full of feeling. It somehow just seems true. I would highly recommend taking some time to investigate them.
This is taken from A walk across the rooftops, which is one of my very favourite albums of the 1980’s.
RjK
Teena Marie – Square Biz
I really enjoyed my musically meandering 2011, stumbling into many tracks that knocked me out whom I couldn’t have imagined liking as I embarked on the voyage in January. One of my frustrations is that it forced my taste to be ephemeral. I never felt as though I could dwell on any particular artist and investigate them fully.
Teena Marie is a perfect example of this. It has taken me until now to get back to giving her a further listen after posting her last January. She makes upbeatm funky music of which this is a perfect example.
I got the best, the most, baby, from coast to coast and I don’t wanna boast, but I love you Square Biz…
RjK
The Drums – I need fun in my life
The Drums are favourites that I came across a couple of years ago. I was lucky enough to twice see them play live in London. They are certainly one of the best lives acts I have ever come across. They put on an energetic and raucous show.
This is taken from their eponymous debut album. It’s haunting sound is reminiscent of Joy Division and highlights the neat trick they seem to have perfected of mixing the spritely and the sombre. Also that bass. How fresh is that?
I took a walk yesterday all around New York City and I saw something written on a car. It said “The less you own the more freedom you have.” The less you own the more freedom you have. So I went home and I threw it all away…
RjK
Air – All I need
This is perfect, mellow Sunday night listening. It is taken from the spectacular Moon Safari album by French chill out pioneers Air. Apologies for the slightly strange video, it was the best I could find.
RjK
Etta James – At last
What a tragic life and what an amazing voice; Etta James sadly passed away yesterday. She was an enigmic and troubled genius. Her voice is classic and iconic, when I think of an archetypal soul singer it is her’s that comes my mind’s ear.
This is so wonderful; ephermeral yet powerful with some great strings thrown in. A perfect soul track.
/RjK
Asia* – Heat of the moment (GPF)
This is cheesy but enjoyable. It has a wonderful 80’s feel; the big chorus, big hair, white shoes and ‘special effects’ in the video. I heard it this week on my travels and it made me smile. I hope it does the same for you.
RjK
*Artist #374
Marvin Gaye – Mercy, Mercy me (the ecology)
Short post today, feeling a bit harried this week.
This is taken from the sublime What’s going on? album. It came on the radio on my way home and reminded me of just how fantastic it is. Well played radio 2.
Random fact about Marvin – he added the “e” to the end of his birth name not because of any homophobia but because he wanted to emulate his hero the late, great Sam Cooke.
RjK
Joy Denalane featuring Lupe Fiasco – Change
I first came across German singer Joy Denalane when she featured on remixes of two favourite hip hop tunes, Common – Go and Raekwon – Heaven and Hell. She has a great voice.
This is an irresistible burst of positivity, which is welcome in what is turning out to be a challenging week for me.
RjK