Youssou N’Dour featuring Neneh Cherry* – 7 Seconds
As I’ve mentioned before, one of the bigger surprises for me in the 18 months I have spent blogging is how the affection I have for world music has risen.
This track, along with Paul Simon’s Graceland, are the earliest memories I have of world music. It features three languages; Wolof (a Senegalese language), French and English and whilst it perhaps seems a little lightweight now it certainly had a lasting impact on me.
RjK
*Artist #468
Nick Cave and PJ Harvey* – Henry Lee (CjK Father’s Day guest post)
Its amazing what you stumble upon in You Tube – I was looking for an entirely different Nick Cave song.
CjK
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
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
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
Beastie Boys* – Intergalactic
Very sad news. The BB’s were hip hop pioneers. Great, offbeat video here.
R.I.P. MCA.
RjK
*Artist 436
Stereophonics* – Local boy in the photograph
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…
*Artist #432
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
Today has been Damon Albarn day on 6music. My ears have been full of Blur and madcap collaborations. I have to give it up for DA, that guy’s got some skills.
This is a favourite from The Great Escape, which was released at the pinnacle of the Blur vs Oasis Britpop hysteria. Heady days. It is only since I began to work that I have become familiar with the phenomenon of the charmless man, much to my disappointment. It is certainly a realisation I could have lived without!
I met him in a crowded room, where people go to drink away their gloom. He sat me down and so began the story of a charmless man…
/RjK