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I don’t know what it is with me or pop music but songs with whistling in them (see Scorpion’s “Wind of Change” and Peter, Bjorn and John’s “Young Folks”) tend to be very catchy songs. It must be that whistling along is so much easier than singing along (especially on the ears of others.) “Skinny Genes” is no exception. Eliza lends her British accent to a feel good song that makes you want to whistle along.
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You may have heard this on the radio already (I know Andrew heard it in LA today) but you probably haven’t heard it like this. Songwriter Eric Holljes steps out behind the curtains to give this song, originally performed by MIke Posner, an acoustic kick. The simplicity of the arrangement allows you to really appreciate the instrument that is Holljes’ voice.
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I never really liked Katy Perry. Her songs were catchy but I figured they were gimmicks and dumb. And then, just when I thought she couldn’t possibly be any dumber, she goes and does something like this…. and totally redeems herself. Considered the Cali version of Jay-Z and A. Keys’ NYC anthem, “Empire State of Mind”, “California Gurls” gets a helping hand from Mr. Westcoast himself; Snoop Dogg. The song is yet another 80’s inspired joint that is destined to be this Summer’s anthem.
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Perfect pick-me up in anticipation for a frenetic Friday. O’Spada hails from Sweden and their new album is due out May 15th. It has a perfect balance of synths and impressive vocals that is a little reminiscent of the 80’s. I loved the 80’s.
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If you couldn’t tell by his stage moniker, Chris Glover aka Penguin Prison is a little weird. Even one of his influences thought so. His music caught the ear of Q-Tip but after a couple meetings he was not signed because of his quirky-ness. Whatever the case may be, I still enjoy his music. Reminds me of David Bowie a la “Let’s Dance.”
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The UK has been offering up much of the music I have been listening to lately. Tinashe is no exception. The Zimbabwe transplant’s song “Saved” has an up-beat 60’s soul vibe behind some distinct vocals. It definitely makes you want to move.
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Though “Shooting Stars” came out in 2008, I only first heard it in the closing credits of “How To Make It In America” a couple weeks ago. The song reminds me of a night out in New York…. it’s not over the top but it doesn’t stop. Once you think it slows down, it won’t and you can’t get it out of your head for the next four days.
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Fresh to hit the UK music scene is Ellie Goulding. Recently nominated as BBC’s “Sound of 2010″ (previous winners include, Adele, Little Boots and Corinne Bailey Rae), Ellie’s single “Under The Sheets” receives a hip hop treatment by Philly based Chiddy Bang.
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I first came across Sia on Kanye’s blog over a year ago and even though I thought she was a little weird, I couldn’t stop watching/listening. Her quirky performances were intriguing and now I am a fan. “You’ve Changed” is a new single off her upcoming 2010 album and if you are lucky enough to be in Seattle on April 12th or at Coachella, you will be able to get a live glimpse of what I am talking about.
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During one of my recent endeavors into the depths of the interweb, I came across Jonathan Carr. From Glasgow, Scotland, Jonathan received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music at the ripe age of 17. While there, Jonathan won a competition to have John Mayer produce and perform on his track. The outcome: pretty awesome. Here is a link to a clip of the making of the song.
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The good news is; Esmee Denters, the Youtube star/Oprah guest, has her own album. Bad news is; it wasn’t released in the U.S. But fear not followers, I think we picked the best song on the album. “The First Thing” is a love ballad and if you listen closely you may hear JT in the background.
When does an Academy Award nominated director have time to make a music video? When the music video in question is for none other than Michael Jackson. Spike Lee lends his talent on this post-humous tribute to the King of Pop. The video is a montage of images from Michael’s past as well as clips of his fans. The closing clip is the most moving, showing Michael’s hat and glove in front of his childhood home. The spotlight is still on you Michael.
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This post came about in a funny way. While I was sitting at my computer, Andrew messaged me to “Post Rihanna Photographs.” A couple things came to mind at that point… Rihanna has had a couple famous photo scandals to breakout recently however I did not think they were ComingFresh worthy, more like ComingStale (That one was for you Hollander.) My next thoughts were, “Did Rihanna have yet another leaked photo?” And “Since when did we start posting pictures?” Before I could question Andrew’s judgement any further he confirmed that it was a new song from her album, “Rated R.” You can imagine my relief when I heard this. I was a little worried Andrew was leading this site towards its other suggestive meaning.
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“Battle Studies”, The long awaited 4th studio album of John Mayer, is set to hit stores November 19th. With that being said, pirated versions have popped up all over the web. How does a savvy superstar combat that? For every person that pre-ordered “Battle Studies”, Mayer has issued a unique code allowing access to a pre-sale of his upcoming concert. Though it didn’t deter me to download the music early, it did make me want to pre-order to get better seats. Thanks Mike and Lea for the info!
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You may not be aware because of all the exposure she is getting from her track with Jay-Z but, Alicia Keys is slated to release her own album entitled “The Element of Freedom”, at the end of this year. “Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart”, The second single off of Alicia’s 4th studio album, has a hard bass line that carries you through her struggle of getting over her ex.
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Epic Halloween weekend in Whistler. LOTS of dancing (in cages), partying (charged to the game) and new music! This cut is by Cheryl Cole. Originally a member of the UK group Girls Aloud and recently joining the judging ranks of X-Factor; her debut solo album has gone straight to the top of the charts along with this song ‘Fight for this Love’ giving her the elusive double #1 on the UK charts.
Can’t say she has the most thrilling voice, but the beats are undeniable and the hook is catchy as hell.
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I think I might just be a sucker for the sample they use in this song. Pretty Brown Eyes by Mint Condition was one of my favorites back in the day (and still makes a cameo on my Ipod from time to time.) The production of this song begs me to pose a question: If they are using the songs we listened to growing up as samples now, does that make us old?
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After successful endeavors with their respective bands, Wes Miles (Think the coach of LSU with a slight lisp) of Ra Ra Riot and Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend come to together to form the group Discovery. So different than anything I have heard out there in musicland. The beat is almost reminiscent of the 80’s and is very intoxicating.
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Andrew found this “little secret” and I happened to play it accidentally on his ITunes one day. I have been hooked ever since. For all you Seattleites, if you want to check these guys out, they will be playing the Showbox at the Market on October 11th. I will be there.
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Sampling from Jay-Z’s track bearing the same name, “Sunshine” is another song that brings the summer heat. At initial glance, Phyllisia is stunning. She was first spotted sharing the stage with Ne-Yo on his Closer video. I was taken back when I found out she could actually sing. Total package??
