Tag Archive for Pop

17th May 2012

TV Girl* – Lizzy come back to life (NAT)

This is probably the best new track I have heard in a while. I have been listening to it endlessly this week. TV girl are from San Diego and have a lo-fi, washed out sound that remind me a little of Best Coast, who were favourites from last year. This track is taken from their new EP Benny and the Jetts (nice Elton John reference there, another great track). It makes me want to MOVE…

Very sad news today about Donna Summer, look out for a track by her over the weekend. Does anyone have any particular favourite of hers to recommend?

RjK

*Artist #446

12th May 2012

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

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Aswad* – Don’t turn around

For anyone new to the blog, I do something a little different on Thursdays and Fridays. On Thursdays I highlight an artist that is new to the blog and that I have discovered recently and on Fridays I post something I feel a little guilty about enjoying.
This is a feelgood tune for a sunny Friday afternoon. It has been slightly sullied by a poor, mid-90’s Ace of Base cover version but still puts a smile on my face any time I hear it. I vividly remember when I was living in California listening to BBC radio while cooking and dancing around the kitchen full of joy when the DJ played this tune.
What a great video too! Hello leather jackets and waistcoats… 
RjK
*Artist #441

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Stereophonics* – Local boy in the photograph

Had a quiet day at home. It was nice to relax although I couldn’t escape the nagging knowledge that I have a 6am flight in the morning. #Longdaytomorrow
Posting Catatonia on Friday made me think of this. It is both Welsh and a strongly reminds me of schooldays. Pretty strong tune too, full of youthful energy.

And all the friends lay down the flowers, sit on the banks and drink for hours, talk of the way they saw him last. Local boy in the photograph…


RjK

*Artist #432

27th April 2012

Catatonia* – Road Rage

It’s been a while since I have felt so utterly beat on a Friday night, it has been a long week. It is however nice to be back home in my parent’s house. I am back in Ireland for the weekend to attend the European Cup semi final tomorrow. Hopefully Ulster can do it and make the final. It will be my first trip to the Aviva stadium and I am pretty excited. It strangely feels a little like Christmas Eve!

This is a real blast from the past, a big hit from my school days. Catatonia, whose other big hit was a classic 90’s reference – Mulder and Scully. Remember the X-files? Now that takes me back.

This is taken from the time when Welsh bands ruled the world with these guys, Stereophonics, Manic Street Preachers and Super Furry Animals in the vanguard.

Cerys Matthews, the impish lead singer now presents an eclectic Sunday morning show on 6music. How does anyone else feel about singers with strong accents? I think I kind of like the rolled R’s here.

Cause you and I know it’s all over the front page. You give me road rage racing through the best days… 

RjK

*Artist #430

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Quantic and Alice Russell* – Look around the corner

A short post at the end of a long anf busy day. Not much report on these guys other than I am hopiong to see them play in Camden next week.

Looking forward to a weekend at home and a trip to Dublin for a big rugby match.

RjK

*Artist #429

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Lambchop* – Up with people

This, from Nashville band Lambchop, is one of the most infectiously upbeat songs I can think of. It has an almost evangelical feel. I really like singer Kurt Wagner’s very distinctive voice which I think it adds a lot.

There is something about it that makes it a perfect spring tune, and it was typical  UK spring weather in London today. Four seasons in the space of an hour! 

It is taken from the Album Nixon, which I think explains the slightly odd video here.

RjK

*Artist #426

13th April 2012

Wham! – I’m your man (GPF)

Sorry for late post, I’ve been MIA at a family reunion for the past 36 hours.

The event culminated in a big, wedding style shindig. There was a wedding band that was trashy and glorious in just about equal parts. They played this at one point and I was unable to fight my inexplicable weakness for Wham! and George Michael.

This track and video (hello black leather gloves!) couldn’t be more perfectly 80’s.

But where we’re going baby, there ain’t no such word as no…

RjK

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Vampire Weekend* – Oxford Comma

This jaunty, cerebral little number popped into my head last night for some unknown reason.

Vampire Weekend are so 2008! However, listening to this now I am filled with nostalgia for my university days. It’s actually a pretty catchy little tune, it hasn’t aged too badly. Interesting video here directed by Richard Ayoade.

Why would you speak to me that way?… All your diction dripping with disdain…
 
RjK

*Artist #419

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EMA* – California (NAT)

EMA, South Dakota singer Erika M. Anderson, is angry!

This is a little poppier and more angular than my normal diet but I have also been feeling an increasing sense of frustration recently and the sound of her venting struck a chord with me!

RjK

*Artist #417