Tag Archive for Current

Oddisee – Beach Dr.


Washington D.C. artist Oddisee has been a big favourite of mine over the past couple of years. He makes music that is both articulate and funky, a potent mixture.

He has had a very prolific 18 months, releasing to excellent albums (Rock Creek Parks, which this is taken from as well as The Carter Baron which I posted earlier in the year and People hear what they see) and Odd Renditions, a mix tape full of interesting mash ups (such as the Aretha Franklin/Bon Iver number which I also posted a couple of months ago).

I really like this track, it is simple and mellow which was exactly what I needed as I recovered from my excesses on Thursday evening (just about there now).

/RjK

13th December 2012

Local Natives* – Breakers (NAT) | (Helen Chandler guest post)

I really love Local Natives. I’m more excited about their new album ‘Hummingbird’ (out January 29th) than any I can remember for a while. Their debut, Gorilla Manor, was among my most played albums of 2009/2010. There’s something about the way they do soaring melodies and inventive percussion that makes their sound really rich. They are at once poppy and melodic and brooding and clever.
Breakers isn’t a huge departure for them – it still sounds very much like Local Natives. They’ve darkened things up a little, perhaps – there’s none of the cuteness of ‘Airplanes’ here. I’m hopeful that it’s a sign of good things to come.
 /HC
*Artist #574

Best Coast – When I’m with you


Another stellar tune from 2011 blog favourites Best Coast, who checked in at number 21 in my Top 30 of 2011 with Sun was high (so was I).

I really like their sunny, washed out sound. It’s just a pity Monday morning in Dublin doesn’t have the weather to match! Not sure what the faux-Ronald McDonald is all about in the video but it kind of works in a strange way I suppose!

/RjK

Kendrick Lamar* – Bitch, don’t kill my vibe


Los Angeles rapper Kendrick Lamar is one of a Cadre of new hip hop artists who have caught my attention in 2012 to very pleasing effect. This is taken off his recently released major label debut studio album good kid, M.A.A.D. city.

While I don’t love the repeated use of the word bitch, otherwise I really like what the song has to say. Also, given the reviews I have read and how much I like the album I expect to hear much more from Kendrick in 2013.

I can feel the changes. I can feel the new people around me just wanna be famous…

/RjK

*Artist #566

29th November 2012

FaltyDL* – Straight and Arrow (NAT)

This one’s a grower. Some song make me instantly fall in love with them and other it takes me some time to realise that I like them. This was in the latter category. What really drew me in was the vocal sample, it’s so smooth and hypnotic but also urgent at the same time.

The song’s mellow nature has been a welcome calming influence on me as it has been a manically busy week so far.

/RjK

*Artist #564

25th November 2012

Haim* – Forever

This is fun. It reminds me of the 80’s female singers that I was exposed to by my dad when I was very young. Gloria Estefan or Neneh Cherry maybe (which reminds me I should probably post something by them soon too), which is no bad thing.

Haim are from Los Angeles, California and are made up of three sisters.I like the video here too, it complements the song well.

My only reservation about this song it that my dad also introduced me to it. I thought that trend had reversed long ago! He has recently discovered Spotify which means he probably hears more new music than I do.

/RjK 

*Artist #562

22nd November 2012

Werkha* – Le Roitelet (NAT)

I really like the contrasting sounds in this track from Manchester DJ Werkha, which is out on the Cool Kid Music label. The energetic, ultra modern beat and the languid, silky smooth vocal (there is also something alluring about French too, right?) shouldn’t really compliment each other but somehow they just do.

/RjK

*Artist #559

15th November 2012

Homeboy Sandman* – Whatchu want from me? (NAT)

Sometimes the universe is trying to tell me something. There are several sources I rely on for music which are broadly broken up into four (sometimes overlapping) parts: friends, the radio, cyberspace and things that catch my ear on a day to day basis.

When I encounter an artist via a few different sources which are independent of each other it tells me that it’s time to investigate them some more. As it happens two of my friends (and sometime guest bloggers) Rory and Matt both recommend this guy in the last few weeks. And I have to give it up, he is pretty fresh.

I enjoy the energy in this song and it’s old school sound, making me think of Jurassic 5 or Arrested Development. I particularly like the simple piano hook underpinning it; it’s nothing flashy but still very effective.

/RjK

*Artist #554

Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti – Baby


This is off Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti’s recently released Mature Themes album. APHG were a blog favourite last year and their track Round and Round made it to number 12 in my Top 30 of 2011. Pretty special video too – John Travolta doing aerobics!

This track is a cover of a 70’s track by Donnie and Joe Emerson. Strangely I have already posted another cover version of exactly the same song earlier in the year, this time by Dean Blunt and Inga Copeland AKA Hype Williams. I love each of the versions, they are all really mellow and languid, which is exactly what I need this week!

/RjK