Feel good party tune from Oakland agitators The Coup. Radical politics isn’t necessarily something I associate too often with Hip Hop but these guys certainly have an agenda and (sometimes) interesting, articulate things to say.
However, I like them best, as here, when they just concentrate on dialling up the funk. The base here is just relentless making it a perfect Saturday night anthem. Also, I’m not sure I’ve heard a better DJ name than Pam the funkstress.
/RjK
Damien Marley* – The Master Has Come Back (GPF)
This song popped into my head when I saw a poster advertising a concert at the O2 arena to celebrate 50 years of Jamaican independence, which Damian Marley is headlining. Somehow is seems strange that Britain still had an empire only 50 years ago. I know it to be true but it feels like it should have been much longer ago.
Interesting fact about Damian Marley – his mother was Miss World in 1976. He clearly has some pretty solid genes!
This track is a solid party tune. High energy and full of rhythm, it makes me want to move. What more could you want for a Friday night?
Have a great weekend!
RjK
*Artist #479
Peter, Bjorn and John* – Let’s call it off (Girl Talk remix)
I stumbled across this today on Youtube and it’s relentless energy is a perfect reflection of both my week and feelings today as London was bathed in sunshine.
Look out for a guest post from resident dancehead Dom tomorrow. I’ll check back in on Monday, also look out for my best of 2012 so far list. I am just applying the finishing touches.
RjK
*Artist #474
Nelly Furtado* – I’m like a bird (GPF)
Skinnyman – Hayden
Skinnyman is a London rapper who grew up in the same neighbourhood as I currently reside. This is taken from his 2004 gem of an album Council estate of mind (good name too), from which I have already posted another track.
This track also has a wonderful balance between a smooth, almost pleading hook and gritty lyrics delivered in an effusive, rapid fire style. The motif of using soundbites from a movie, which appear throughout the album, really works well too.
We’re out on the streets tryna make our possession. The manor that we’re from has turned like a spaghetti western. With itchy fingers on the triggers ready for the pressin’ and its pure depression. I’m standin’ at the crossroads thinking ‘bout all the other children of the lost souls…
RjK
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
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
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
Daft Punk – One More Time
My mind has been on California this week. I have had some correspondence from a few of my old homies and especially today, as the weather in London has a distinctly more Californian air that of late.
Daft Punk and Berkeley are inextricably linked in my mind. They were a huge part of the soundtrack to my year there, and I memorably saw them play live just before I left. One of the best shows I have ever been to.
This is a perfectly upbeat summer tune. I hope whereever you are listening to this you are in a summery mood. There is also a typically off beat and enjoyable video here.
RjK
Michael Jackson – You rock my world
Damn, London feels like a different city when it stops raining and the sun comes out!
I feel a little guilty to be posting this ahead of some of the groundbreaking music MJ made in the 80’s and 90’s. However, I have had a soft spot for this since being very excited to see a “world exclusive” of the video on Top of the Pops back in the day.
I am struck now as I was then – Michael Jackson can flat out move. Also, how many music videos can Marlon Brando have featured in? Not too many I would guess. I actually really like the song too. It is expertly produced pop music and I can’t hear it without wanting to move myself.
RjK