How to dress well – Decisions
StewRat – Disagreements
Terrible band name, pretty good song. It’s smooth and funky (I think I can hear a Barry White sample somewhere in there). I think these guys are French but otherwise I know almost nothing about them. They were suggested by a good buddy and I couldn’t resist the beat.
RjK
Little Dragon – Twice
I first heard of this Swedish band when they collaborated with DJ Shadow on his latest record, The less you know, the better. That track is more up tempo, but this has a quiet charm which is perfect for some mellow Sunday night listening.
RjK
M People – How can I love you more? (house mix)
I was getting the bus home tonight after a long evening spent at a work social event. Frustrated as I felt this managed to cheer me when it came on my MP3 player.
It reminded me of being younger and hearing it the first time around as a boy and also then rediscovering it through this mix at university and loving all over again (kind of ironically, kind of not). The vocal is so strong, it makes for a perfect house tune. Euphoric.
I’ve never felt this way before. I’m sick and baby you’re my cure. Please tell me, how can I love you more?…
RjK
London Elektricity – Will to love
I really like this kind of liquid drum and bass, the smooth vocals contrasting with the relentless beats are somehow irresistible.
RjK
Phantogram – Don’t move
Feeling a bit jaded today after a busy weekend so I will keep it short. This tune is utterly infectious. I have been unable to shake it for the past few days. Phantogram are a recent discovery for me and based on this I will have to explore them further.
RjK
The KLF – Build a fire
This is a seminal early 90’s track from Acid House pioneers The KLF. What I love about it are the vocals, both the strong male Scottish accent and the soulful female. The whole track has a very mellow vibe, perfect for a relaxed Saturday afternoon.
It serves as an interesting counterbalance to this number from the same era that might be more appropriate later on!
RjK
Breakbot (featuring Irfane) – Baby I’m yours
I needed a midweek boost of energy and this did the trick. It is a fun and upbeat number from French DJ Breakbot. There is also an aptly hip video here.
RjK
David Byrne and Brian Eno – Strange Overtones
David Byrne (of Talking Heads fame) is a hero of mine. It is take off the 2008 album Everything that happens will happen today. To quote no less than Wikipedia the album “explores themes of humanity versus technology and optimism in spite of bleak circumstance through the blending of Electronic and Gospel music”.
It is also a great tune. Somehow Bynre’s slightly off-kilter vocals compliment Eno’s smooth beat perfectly. David Byrne’s description of himself as an “evangelical atheist” as a clever and provocative use of language.
Air France – It feels good to be around you
Air France are a Swedish band and are one of several European bands with a similar upbeat, summery sound that have caught my attention recently, such as Delorean. Wikipedia categorises this sound as Post-rave bliss, beach foam pop or Balearic disco all of which are both pretty funny and pretty pretentious. All I know is that this tune has infected my brain for the past week.
Are you in Air France? Are you in Air France?…