Doves – Snowden
This is a favourite from Manchester heroes Doves. It is taken from Some Cities, which I listened to endlessly while I was at university. I love the sound – expansive and soaring.
I had the good fortune to see these guys live a few times and have never been disappointed. If you get the chance I would highly recommend it. The put on a great show both visually and sonically.
RjK
Four Tet* – Angel Echoes
Four Tet is a London DJ. As usual this is something mellow for Sunday. It has a unique sound, I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there is something compelling about it.
RjK
*Artist #388
Beyonce* – Crazy in love (GPF)
I seem to have posted more female singers this week than usual. Anyway, while revisiting some Whitney Houston last weekend I stumbled across this and was reminded of what a fine pop song it is.
I also kind of like the ridiculous, over the top video.
RjK
*Artist #386
Josh Rouse – Winter in The Hamptons
Josh Rouse is an old favourite from university. I hadn’t thought about him in ages until I heard this song on the radio over the weekend. It was probably the first song of his that really grabbed me back what is probably 10 years ago by now. How can it be that long?
It is also fairly apt as today must have been the coldest day of the winter so far in London. It was absolutely frigid. I thought my face was going to fall off on my way home this evening!
RjK
Sigur Rós – Samskeyti
Sigur Rós are Icelandic chill out heroes. As usual, I was striving for something soothing for Sunday night and this did the trick. It is taken from their splendid, if esoterically named () album.
London has been somewhat arctic over the past week and especially the last 24 hours. I walked home last night through the first big snow storm of the winter. Somehow, not having to get up and brave it on my way to work the next morning made it a lot more tolerable.
RjK
This is taken from Kanye’s third album, Graduation. It has a very catchy hook but the main reason for me posting it is that it contains what might be my favourite hip hop lyric:
I’m like the fly Malcolm X, buy any jeans necessary…
Which is high praise considering how rich a genre it is for vibrant language. It works on several levels. Also, an enjoyable video here.
RjK
Janet Jackson* – All for you (GPF)
*Artist #376
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
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
Richard Ashcroft* – Music is power
I just spent a very enjoyable and contrasting evening. It started with a cocktail in the very swanky Savoy Hotel with my sister, who was in town celebrating her birthday. I finished it with a very convivial evening in the slightly gritty surrounds of Brixton, having an excellent dinner at French and Grace in the ever enjoyable Brixton Village.
I heard this playing in a bar this week and was reminded how good it is. Richard Ashcroft is a beast! I will have to get round to posting some of The Verve before long.
RjK
*Artist #371