Tag Archive for Video

28th December 2012

Gene Kelly* – Singin’ in the rain (GPF)

From John Talabot to Gene Kelly! I would like to think that is a pretty neat summary of the journey this blog has taken me on and of the variable music that grabs my attention (however fleetingly in some cases).

My mother was watching a program yesterday about Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire which focused on their choreography and I found myself, much to my surprise, transfixed by this. Both the music and his dancing. I am not a big fan of musicals by any stretch of the imagination but this just filled me with joy. What talent those guys had!

It is fitting in one regard I suppose as I reflect on 2012 and what it meant to me. One thing about moving to Dublin is that I have had to deal with a lot more precipitation! I should learn to cope with it like Gene!

Let the stormy clouds chase everyone from the place. Come on with the rain I’ve a smile on my face. I’ll walk down the lane with a happy refrain. Just singing, singing in the rain…

/RjK

*Artist #584

21st December 2012

Will Smith* – Gettin’ jiggy wit’ it (GPF)

The Fresh Prince of Bel Air!

I was inspired to post this by last week’s guilty pleasure, He’s The Greatest Dancer which this samples extensively (and in fairness to pretty good effect). I was in two minds though until I saw the video (it’s frustrating that I wasn’t able to find a better quality one) and then couldn’t resist.

/RjK

*Artist #579

16th December 2012

The New Radicals* – You get what you give

I am at home for the weekend visiting my family. Somehow this made it on to my father’s dinner mix last night! I had completely forgotten about it. It is something of a pop gem and 90’s throwback (with a video to match), really bringing me back to my school days.

Fashion shoots with Beck and Hanson, Courtney Love and Marilyn Manson…

/RjK

*Artist #575

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

5th December 2012

Rick James* – Mary Jane

Rick James? What a beast! I was going to post this on a Friday but then I realised that I wasn’t guilty about it at all. Simply put, it is FLY. The video here is also suitably manic.

The only issue is that Dave Chapelle has meant that I haven’t been able to think about Rick James in the same way.

/RjK

*Artist #568

30th November 2012

Neneh Cherry* – Buffalo Stance (GPF) (Helen Chandler guest post)

I know very little about Neneh Cherry – she wasn’t really on my childhood music radar, except with ‘7 Seconds’ which was played on the radio a lot in 1994. Buffalo Stance is a song I came across much later – but I instantly felt like it reminded me of something.

I’ve heard it a lot over the last few years and it seems to be experiencing a resurgence. A quick search for the track on YouTube reveals that it’s currently being used as the intro music for Jamie Oliver’s 30 Minute Meals. That made me re-think posting it, but let’s be clear – I love it in spite of Jamie Oliver, not because of him.

Parts of the song still sound amazing – the main hook is kind of melancholy in a way that only ’80s music can be and the beat is one of those that sounds fresh in a retro sort of way. The lyrics and the ‘scratching’ have dated the track a bit, but I love Neneh’s attitude.

This fits really nicely into a Friday afternoon playlist full of ’80s and ’90s classics or brightens up a dull Monday. Enjoy it with mug of tea and a Fruit ‘n Nut.

/HC

*Artist #565

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

16th November 2012

Nelly Furtado – Do it (GPF)

I am going for a trip down memory lane this evening catching up with some people I met during my year in Berkeley. I thought it apt to post something that I listened to (guiltily!) when I was there. I like it for more than just the video, seriously.

Have a great weekend.

/RjK

Child Rebel Soldier* – Us placers


This is another hip hop track that has an interesting sample, in this case using The Eraser by Thom Yorke. It isn’t exactly Move On Up (in fairness, what is?) but I think it works really well and reminds me a little of favourites from earlier in the year Jay Electronica and Shabazz Palaces.

Child Rebel Soldier are a hip hop “supergroup” featuring Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and Pharrell Willams which is a pretty solid trio.

/RjK

*Artist #553