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Sunday 29 December 2013

Songs of 2013 - Wretch 32 ft Shakka - Blackout

My all-time favourite musical act are Outkast. Though I only became aware of them after 1998's "Aquemini". However when I delve back into their career I realise that the move from the southern gangsta-funk of 1994's "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik"to the more laid-back and experimental nature of 1996's "Atliens" must have been a weird jump at the time. In a funny way when I heard "Blackout" for the first time I was reminded of the jump that Outkast made between the two albums.

It's so easy for an artist to make the jump-off single a "look at me" club/festival banger. But I love the laid-back contemplation of the fame and success that has happened to Wretch 32 after he moved from underground to a mainstream UK artist with his major label debut, 2011's "Black and White". And how many rappers have come out with a track dissing the haters and the ho's that are now here as they have a bit of fame? Or get a big rapper/singer for a big name collaboration as they seek to confirm their greater status. There is something different about this track, from the way it starts with Shakka's emotional singing, to the build-up to Wretch 32's verses morphing into a marching tribal type beat, rather than a simple banging beat. And Wretch 32's verses have that tone in them where you can feel him searching for a moment of peace. Indeed there is a repeated refrain at the breakdown where he says "Take away my light, take away my shine, take away my eyesight, gimme a beat and let me rhyme", which feels like he just wants simpler times. This sentiment has been echoed in music many times before, but as someone who grew up in Britain it is great that we are now at the stage where a British rappers life can get crazy with all the success that he is having!

The lighting in the video is really interesting. Most of the video is in the shadows, which is generally the main element of the song. But those shadows are broken up by glimpses of light which is really cool. Wretch 32's new album "Growing Over Life" is due out sometime during 2014. Hopefully it will be dropping soon.

Songs of 2013 - M.I.A - Bring The Noize

This year M.I.A released her fourth album "Matangi". It was nearly 2 years ago that the first track from that album, "Bad Girls" was released. Apparently in the intervening period there were disagreement between her and her label. M.I.A said in an interview“[Interscope was] like ’We just built you up as the public enemy No. 1 and now you’re coming out with all this positive stuff.” This was at the beginning of 2013. She went back to "figure out what this meant" and then her album came out in November. So when "Bring The Noize" came out in the summer that felt like the real jump-off for the album.

It is a track which has many of the things M.I.A has done over the years; a bumping beat that sounds energetic & exotic, rapping with a confidence and swagger and a provoking and colourful video. The beat is brilliant because all the energy is concentrated in the drums with vocal samples jumping in every now and then. It was produced by Switch & Surkin.

M.I.A is such an important artist. She stands for something and is a powerful female voice in today's music industry. She may never be an artist who sells lots of records, but I imagine she has and will continue to inspire many up and coming artists around the world.

Songs of 2013 - Fuse ODG - Antenna

As someone who works in London and has heard kids on London buses play stuff from their mobile phones I know Afrobeats songs are really popular at the moment. And there are a number of children of African parents who are re-connecting through music to their African roots. Fuse ODG is a British/Ghanaian who reached number 7 in the UK charts with "Antenna". And for a British artist of African origin to have chart success with a tune that mixes African elements with Euro-dance elements is a big statement of where Britain is as a nation.

I believe one of the key components of the success of Afrobeats is the tempo of the tunes is often found around the house tempo of 128bpm. For the listener it gives them a familiar template and for the DJ it means it can be mixed in easier. And with "Antenna" you have a typical African drum rhythm mixed with an Auto-tune vocal effect and Euro-style synths. There is a joyous energy to the song, minus the predictable 4x4 house beats that have been so much over the past few years.

Fuse ODG also had a hit in the UK with "Azonto", though that had been an underground hit the year before. I hope in 2014 we will see an album from him, which I'd really look forward to.

Songs of 2013 - MKS - Flatline

One of my favourite tracks of 2012 was "Losing You" by Solange Knowles, produced by Dev Hynes (aka Lightspeed Champion or Blood Orange). This track by the act originally known as The Sugababes   is also produced by him. It is a track that despite the lyrics seemingly to be about a relationship breakdown (the chorus begins "Stay gone, darling I won't hang on\ I can feel the flatline that ought to be away") has a really uplifting vibe to it! I think that is partly because it is great to hear the original Sugababes back making music together. Plus the choir sounding"ohh's" that come in at 2:28 always sound cool. The video is great too. It's like there are 3 women re-connecting with each other after being kept apart for reasons none of them know why. Which I guess is what has happened.

Unfortunately the song was not a big hit and only got to number 50 in the UK charts, despite critical acclaim. That's not a good sign. I imagine there is a bit of label money behind them, so MKS would expect to have significant chart success. I hope this happens, but not at the expense of quality music. Hopefully there will be more tunes like "Flatline" that meet with great success and a great album to follow.

Saturday 28 December 2013

Songs of 2013 - Dizzee Rascal - I Don't Need A Reason

Dizzee Rascal has certainly had an interesting year. He was a prominent part of Glastonbury, covered by the BBC, tearing it down on the main stage, yet he has had a Twitter war after having a big disagreement with Radio 1 over the fact he was not getting on their playlist.

And "I Don't Need A Reason" was a tune that didn't receive much radio play. It was meant to be an official single release, but shortly after this great video was released it was seen that it wasn't making much traction on the charts, so it was never officially released as a single. I love it though! It's got Dizzee's playful rapping and his amazing flow, in combination with a heavy beat. The video is delightfully weird. There are so many moments where the people in the video are doing something crazily funny and then the scene gets repeated, multiplying the craziness!

There are always going to be people longing for the grittiness that Dizzee exhibited on "Boy In Da Corner", his debut album. Not me. The never-ending party is more a reflection of Dizzee's life now. But Dizzee has always done things in a unique way, which is what makes him one of the UK's best acts of the 21st century. Shame "I Don't Need A Reason" wasn't bigger, but I still loved it!

Songs of 2013 - Disclosure - White Noise

This has been a great year for Disclosure, with a number 1 album, festival crowds going mental, awards galore and this brilliant single "White Noise". Disclosure's success has served as somewhat of an antidote to some of the predictable chart fare that has been thought of as Electronic Dance Music, with loud synths and predictable build-ups/breakdowns.

The slinky synth line, rising up and down the scale, is a great backbone to this tune. It feels like it constantly moving, propelling the tune along. Add to that the unique innocent vocals of Aluna Francis and the deep-house drums and bassline and you have a tune that's both sexy and anthemic. My personal favourite bit is the breakdown where Aluna's voice echoes saying "Back" and the bassline comes right to the forefront at 3:12 in.

I can't say that the video was what I was expecting, but there is something easily relatable about the security guard dancing in his own world with his headphones on. I know I have done this many times, especially to this track!

I saw Disclosure live in Brixton Academy in November and there was definitely a celebratory air to their performance. Both of them seemed ecstatic to be headlining a venue as historic as Brixton. They are coming back to London in February to play the even bigger venue of Alexandra Palace. It should be interesting to follow their progress over their years.

BBC Sound of 2014 Poll - Jungle - The Heat

The annual BBC Sound of 2014 poll is always a fascinating read. The winners will often have great success. Last year's winners were HAIM and they have certainly have had a good year, with an UK number 1 album. The longlist was revealed earlier this month and for me the most intriguing of all the acts was Jungle. On their Soundcloud page they list their tracks as "Electronic Soul". They are still a bit of a mystery, but the 2 main people behind whatever they consist of seem to be two people named T & J. If that is them really skating in the video they are great roller-skaters as well as talented musicians!

The police-siren and the laid-back nature of the groove remind me of London on a quiet summer afternoon. In "The Heat". I also think the background noises such as what sounds like a kid playing and radio commentary stages add to the atmosphere they have sought to create in the track. But the main thing that makes it stand-out from the crowd is the Curtis Mayfield like vocals, which kick in at 0:25. There is something great about a vocal that sounds multi-tracked. You can almost imagine a live performance where the whole band is grooving along and singing at the same time.

The video is great because it looks like London. It's simple, but mesmerising because you are kept glued to the screen by the choreographed roller-skating routine. It's a grimy scene lit up by the creativity  and talent. That's something you see around London so frequently.

Knowing how these polls work it's unlikely Jungle are going to win the whole thing, but they may get a top 5. I hope they do and that 2014 is a really successful year for them. Whoever they are!

Arctic Monkeys - Do I Wanna Know

"Do I Wanna Know" was a song that hit me instantly as one of the best tracks of 2013. I have always been a fan of the Arctic Monkeys and have seen them numerous times and it has been great to see them develop into the greatest rock band of the 21st century in my opinion.

I think that only Queens of the Stone Age can rival them for that title. And I think that the reason that the Monkeys have evolved into the greatest band can be directly attributed to the work they have done with the lead singer of QOTSA, Josh Homme. QOTSA have always had a slower, more powerful sound than the one the Monkeys exhibited in their first two albums and it was from the moment that I discovered Josh Homme would be working on the third Arctic Monkeys album "Humbug" that I knew it would be a banger. And it was!

For me the strength of the Arctic Monkey's fifth album "AM" was that it melded some of the everyday storytelling lyricism of the first two albums, with the heavier elements of the third and fourth albums and the fact that Alex Turner lyrics are sung now, rather than the rapid-fire delivery of their earlier work (which I seen him attribute to the fact they were playing in grimy venues with really dodgy microphones at the start).

Added to the developments from the Arctic's previous work was that this was the first album where they took some of the sonic elements of rap production from the late 90's/early 2000's era, particularly the work that Dr Dre was doing around this time. It is clear that the band has always been rap fans; I saw a great bit in an interview where Alex Turner proclaims Roots Manuva's "Run Come Save Me" as a seminal album. Except it's in America and the host clearly has no idea how amazing that album is! In "Do I Wanna Know" there's something about it that reminds me of "The Watcher", the first proper track on Dr Dre's 2001 album. Except replace the funky bass on that with a powerful guitar riff. I love the backing vocals on the track. Especially when there is the call & response element to them in the chorus.

I think one of my favourite moments this year was when Arctic Monkeys walked out on stage at Glastonbury, kicked off with this track and you can hear the audience cheer and sing the opening guitar riff. At this point the song hadn't been out for very long and to start a Glastonbury headline appearance with it must of been considered a risk. But it wasn't. When you've got a song this amazing it's never a risk.

"AM" has been called Arctic Monkeys best album in some circles. That is a valid argument. I have gone back and forth and what is my favourite track on it. That is always a good sign. But this was an announcement track to me. It was an indicator of the forthcoming album and that is probably why it's a favourite. Plus the video is mesmerising too!

Friday 27 December 2013

Bombay Bicycle Club - Carry Me

As we come to the end of another great year in British music I am going to list my favourite tracks. I think the thread that they all have in common is that I wish I had created something as amazing. And I am going to start with Bombay Bicycle Club's "Carry Me".

My perception of Bombay Bicycle Club was that they were a folk-type act in the vein of Mumford & Sons. Then I heard this track, by luck, when one of those infernal YouTube adverts came up. Luckily it was for this song, which had been released a few days earlier.

That insistent bassline gets you at the start! It's really infectious and is danceable and powerful. And there is a element to the beginning of the track and throughout the song that reminds you of a 90's rave track re-imagined by a band. The parts in the chorus that sound like a trumpet, the high male vocal in the verses, the repeated sung parts "You Carry Me" and the far-away sounding guitar parts all sound triumphant, but with such power behind them. I guess that comes from the drum part with the powerful sound of toms and snares melding together.

Bombay Bicycle Club have a new album called "So Long, See You Tomorrow" which is due out on February 3rd 2014. It's definitely much-anticipated and they released another taster called "It's Alright Now" earlier in December. That's a banger too. But "Carry Me" is easily one of the best tunes I have heard in years!

Sunday 7 July 2013

Franz Ferdinand - Love Illumination

Franz Ferdinand are shortly to return with "Right Actions, Right Words", which will be the first album they have had since 2009. There have been a couple of taster tracks, but the first single will be "Love Illumination". I am a big fan of Franz Ferdinand for many reasons. They brought a danceability back to British indie rock music when they first appeared. This to me led to numerous other bands I love such as Bloc Party, Friendly Fires, Arctic Monkeys and Foals for example.

They have always had catchy sing-along choruses and Love Illumination is another fine addition to their catalogue. The lead guitar line captures you right at the start of the song and hooks you in. Franz Ferdinand have always been great with guitar riffs and this 60's/70's style sounding line is the type that gets you humming straight away. This is coupled with a tight bass/drum part providing a strong foundation while snatches of the guitar hit through the verses. Then we hit the excellent insistent chorus. I also love the brass and organ that get added at this point. The verses sound as if they are sung with at least 2 or 3 singers, but I can't tell if this is Alex Kapranos double-tracking his vocals or all the band joining in, but it does sound retro in some kind of way.

It doesn't sound like Franz Ferdinand are going in a new direction. They are dancing with what brought them to the table. Guitars, catchy melodies and anthemic choruses. But why change something that has worked so well before?


Monday 29 April 2013

Chase & Status/Louis M^tters - Lost and Not Found

Chase & Status are back with a new tune from their forthcoming third album. I think with the success of Daft Punk's/Pharell Williams "Get Lucky" and the success of Disclosure it proves that the EDM movement is returning to some of its original origins. Chase & Status are continuing this trend with a track banging in at 140bpm, accompanied by spacey synths, piano, string synths and even a rave-type "ow, ow, ow". One of the strengths of Chase & Status is their use of vocalists. Louis M^tters voice is awesome on this track. I love the way it veers from gentle to emotional in different times of the song, even at times in two following lines. All in all it's a great comeback. It's familiar, but different. Most of all, it's exciting. That is really all you ask for with album jump-off. And this sounds like a jump-off summer anthem!

Friday 8 March 2013

Wretch 32 - Blackout ft. Shakka

Wretch 32 has released the first taste from his forthcoming second album. "Traktor" is one of my all-time favourite UK rap tracks. One of the main reasons for this was its uncommercial sound, yet it was still a UK top 5 hit. I must admit as a listener when I first heard the house-style organs, in combination with what sounds like a typical Calvin Harris style build-up I was fearing a typical four to-the-floor rap track. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it didn't resort to this easy shortcut. Instead what follows is a melancholy track that in my mind reminds me of the search for peace and quiet in a busy world. I imagine for an underground artist who has blown up like Wretch 32 there are times where his new life seems crazy. In fact there are references to frustrations with the paparazzi and "My ego's claustrophobic".

I really like this tune. Can't wait for the album that will shortly follow.

Tuesday 5 March 2013

Rustie - Slasherr

Rustie is going to be returning with Slasherr/Triadzz on 18th March. I really enjoyed his first album "Glass Swords". It won debut album of the year on the Guardian Music's poll and was well worth the award.

With his new track I love the double build-up at the start. By the time the beat kicks in at 0.54 you are almost going crazy! There is something in the intro that reminds me of an old school rave track. It then morphs into somewhat of a trap-influenced, with some exotic synths guiding it along. From what I have heard of Rustie before, that is his sound. I love that Glasgow/wonky sound, for the reasons it's like they (Hudson Mohawke for example) took dubstep, brought in more rap influences and created their own sound.

Slasherr/Triadzz is being released on the Numbers label. No indication of an album to follow, but it's good to hear some new music from Rustie.

Saturday 2 March 2013

Rudimental ft. Ella Eyre - Waiting All Night (Radio 1 Live Lounge)

It's great that Radio 1 still have the Live Lounge. I remember when Jo Whiley was the presenter and I really enjoyed listening to her because I loved the enthusiasm and knowledge she showed about music. I was also at university and her 10am-1pm show often coincided with me waking up! When she left the show and Fearne Cotton took over it really worried me that this special part of the show would end. Luckily it hasn't.

So here's Rudimental with what is more of a PA than a live performance. I remember last time they were live on Radio 1 they had a drummer. (Brrr. What happened to that boy?)

But anyway, the songs that Rudimental have come out with so far have been excellent. Ella Eyre has a really great voice, which goes from sultry to powerful through the verse to chorus. There hasn't really been an act like this since Roni Size and Reprazent. It also feels like an antidote to the Eurosynth dance that has gotten a bit played out. I am sure this will be a big hit. It has the catchy big chorused ingredients that go into making a song a major hit.

Saturday 16 February 2013

Donae'o ft Mista Silva & Fuse ODG - Fire/Fire (AfrobeatsRemix)

Donae'o is back with Fire, a new track, which is signifying a change in direction. Fire is a dubstep track, but I much prefer the Afrobeat remix. Though to fair, if this was the original version released you would be thinking, "Wow, Donae'o hasn't really changed his sound at all". Does Donae'o work on a dubstep track? Hmm, I think it's good, but it is nice to have something familiar.

My favourite memory of Donae'o was when he came into the school where I work, played his hits, threw a t-shirt into the crowd and then suddenly every kid jumped to get it and it was like an avalanche. Every kid knew all the words, but Donae'o's tracks were more club hits. Guess it showed that he had a bigger reach than the clubs. I think the different sound is interesting, but I much prefer Donaeo's smooth voice riding over the Afrobeats remix, along with Mista Silva & Fuse ODG.

Thursday 14 February 2013

Sway ft Kano & Tigger Da Author - Still Sway & Kane -

I remember a summer back in 2000 when at every traffic light or in every car that passed you seemed to hear the ominous piano chords of Still D.R.E. SOunds like Sway and Kano have as fond memories of that summer as I do as they have sampled that amazing tune for the first single off Sway's forthcoming album. With the dubstep style drums and extra melodies it feels a bit more hyped up than Dre's version, but there is something cool about this song in that it pays tribute to the original, but keeps it British. As always Kano does something with his flow which is just great! I can never pinpoint exactly what it is about his delivery that I love, but I just think Kano is always on point. (BTW isn't Tigger Da Author an awful name?!)

Saturday 9 February 2013

Foals - My Number

So, Foals new album is out on Monday 11th February. Third album and it will probably sell a lot of copies. I hope it does. As always with groups there are a number of acts that you could cite as similar/influenced by. In Foals case Vampire Weekend/Talking Heads respectively. But Foals always wore their African/funk type influences with a pop edge. I definitely feel this track is a great example of that. It still has that sound there, which was found on their first album, but it feels melded in with other things now. It's a great song and the video is interesting. It keeps you watching and reminds you of gig experiences you may have had. Though I am sure with the release of this album they will be playing much bigger venues than the one depicted in the video.

Wednesday 30 January 2013

Disclosure feat. Aluna George - White Noise

A combination of two of the most anticipated artists of 2013? Sounds like it makes sense on many levels. I love the sound of Aluna's vocals. There is an almost childlike quality to them, with a sense of innocence to them. The main synth line is lovely and insistent, running consistently through the 4-to-the-floor beat. Once again Disclosure create something that is beautifully retro, but still future-looking. Their last single "Latch" has been classified Silver in the UK. It should be a great year for these two, and they have started it off with a banging track.

The Very Best - Rudeboy

I am a few months behind on this track! I think the blend of EDM meeting African style is a beautful combination. The Very Best's second album MTKMTK is well worth a listen and a purchase. This live performance is great too!

The Very Best are a combination between London based DJ/production duo Radioclit and Esau Mwamwaya, a singer from LilongweMalawi

Wednesday 2 January 2013

Jack Penate - Tonight's Today

2nd album. It's meant to be difficult. I remember hearing this track in 2009 and thinking, "Wow, that sounds awesome!" I was not a fan of Jack Penate's first album. But his 2nd album was great. It had such a wide array of influences and there seemed to be such a touch of magic on all the songs, including this slightly Afro-pop feel to this song. However, this album didn't really break him through to the mainstream, despite widespread critical acclaim and now it feels like he has mostly faded from our musical conscious, while Adele who guested on the album... well everyone knows what she has done. It's a shame though. So much more excitement is felt when an artist takes a chance...