Tag Archive for Pop

23rd June 2012

The Futureheads – Beeswing

I have a little soft spot for singers that have a very obvious accent, given my own adventures in this field London. I spent about the first 18 months of living here being met by almost uniform blank looks (it still happens frequently).

Sunderland band The Futureheads are one such band. I suspected that they had been consigned to the annuls of one hit wonders after releasing a spectacular Kate Bush cover which I posted last year. However, I was surprised to hear them play this track live on TV last night and was very taken by it. It’s another cover, this time of British singer Richard Thompson and is taken from their recently released album Rant.

RjK

22nd June 2012

Todd Rundgren* – Can We Still Be Friends? (GPF)

This is perfectly melancholy. It is pure, blue-eyed soul. I was reminded of it this week while listening to a new compilation album by Groove Armada called Late Night Tales – Music for pleasure, a compilation of awesomely terrible 70’s and 80’s pop.

We awoke from our dream, things are not always what they seem. Memories linger on, it’s like a sweet sad old song…

Have a great weekend. I hope it’s more uplifting than this song!

RjK

*Artist #467

18th June 2012

The Beatles – Here, there and everywhere

I thought I would post some classic Paul McCartney to mark his 70th birthday today. You can’t help but admire the sheer volume of great and landscape altering tracks that he has written over the years.

RjK

15th June 2012

Nelly Furtado* – I’m like a bird (GPF)

This isn’t too substantial but is light and fun, which I guess is exactly what I am trying to achieve with my Friday posts. It brings back some fond memories from my school days.
Have a great weekend.
I’m like a bird…
RjK
*Artist #462

8th June 2012

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 

1st June 2012

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

29th May 2012

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

27th May 2012

The Young Rascals* – Groovin’

I was reminded of this track by a good friend yesterday. It is a perfectly languid track for a sunny Sunday afternoon. Also, could the video here be more perfectly 60’s?

I have had a pretty lethargic day, but it has been a welcome opportunity to relax after a very busy few weeks. 

RjK

*Artist #451

24th May 2012

Hygher Baby* – Let U Go (NAT)

This is perhaps a little cheesy (maybe it would have been better to post tomorrow). However, I love the smooth sound, it reminds me of all the 90’s R’n’B that I am an utter sucker for. I like things that sound retro and current at the same time, it is a neat trick to pull off.

RjK

*Artist #449

20th May 2012

Prefab Sprout – The king of Rock ‘n’ roll

Classic 80’s track, these guys really know how to put together a catchy tune. Great video here too, perfectly of it’s time. 

When she looks at me and laughs, I remind her of the facts. I’m the king of rock’n’roll. Completely…

Short post today. Feeling pretty jaded after a big weekend, a big month really. I had an excellent day yesterday, despite the disappointing result. The Ulster fans made for a wonderful atmosphere and the team should be proud of a great season. They just came up against a superior side on the day. 

RjK