Trumpets at the ready…
Have you seen Smokin’ Aces?
Bit of a silly film but hearing this OutKast oldie made the 2 hours somewhat worthwhile.
Alicia Keys, who looks incredible, is sitting with two other ladies in a Diner and the background music is indistinguishable however it’s not listed in the musical credits either so it drove me insane for a day or two whilst I was trying to find it.
Found it.
It’s just a classic – the trumpets of this song slide in like melted butter and we hear Andre 3000 at his poetic best.
OutKast – SpottieOttieDopaliscious
It’s been a while since The Love Below and Speakerboxxx albums- I think it’s fair to say we’re all ready for some more creative goodness from OutKast.
The Invisible
Possibly the most exciting band emerging this year – funky soul tinged pop from an unsuspecting trio.
Dave Okumu, Tom Herbert and Leo Taylor make up The Invisible and have created our very own TV On The Radio not to mention a breath of fresh air into this slightly dull period of the year.
Bit of a rush unfortunately so that’s all I can write. The music will speak for itself here though!
The Invisible – OK
Watch – The Invisible – London Girl
Taste that Memphis Soul Stew!
“We sell so much of this people wonder what we put in it”
There’s something about old microphones and how voices just cut through the air with them. You don’t get such a sound anymore however hard people try.
King Curtis orchestrates this culinary musical delight and the band are tight, there’s no doubt about that. Would have been an honour to have heard this one live as Curtis goes from musician to musician like their ingredients.
King Curtis – Memphis Soul Stew
Oh and look closely at the young left-handed guitarist on the right of the picture – guessed who it is yet?? Put these people out of their misery and add a comment if you know!
Now we’re going add a bit of spice to Curtis’ stew.
Wilson Pickett – Land of 1000 Dances
Fink is ready to ‘See It All’
OK so evidently Fink is one of this blogs favourite artists and if there’s anything new on the man we’re going to post it.
His new album, Sort of Revolution, is scheduled for release in late May but we have a track from the album.
See It All is the first track we’ve got the from the new album and the piano is certainly a newly introduced instrument and it works perfectly. He’s captured his trip to NY in just over 5 minutes which might relate to when he supported REM at Carnegie Hall.
Fink – See It All
The tracklisting for Sort of Revolution makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
- Come So Far (6:32)
- Move On Me (3:39) feat. John Legend on piano
- Six Weeks (3:04)
- Nothing Is Ever Finished (4:09)
- See It All (5:14)
- Q & A (6:17)
- If I Had A Million (4:44)
- Pigtails (3:52) feat. Son Of Dave on harmonica
- Maker (5:36)
- Walking In The Sun (3:18)
The L.A. Story…
This kind of hip-hop/rap is far more intriguing and exciting to me than the likes of Eminem or Soulja Boy – these guys are passionate thinkers and great lyricists which essentially makes them great writers.
People Under The Stairs aka PUTS have been releasing albums every two years since 1998 and are prominent players in the underground hip-hop scene of the West coast
People Under The Stairs – The L.A. Story – buy
Ok so as you listen to it, let’s treat this track like a glass of wine and do a little taste test…
- Subtle hints of A Tribe Called Quest
- Notes of Ugly Duckling
- Sharp shot of The Pharcyde
Massive Attack – Teardrop (Mad Professor Dub Remix)
Currently bed-riden with a nasty virus, what else can I do but take paracetamol and slowly add blog posts.
This is one of my favourite remixes of all time – the Massive Attack original is a absolute classic but Mad Professor has wrapped Reggae and Dub sounds all over it whilst using amazing sound techniques on the vocals.
Can’t wait to catch MA at Bestival this year.
Massive Attack – Teardrop (Mad Professor Dub Remix) – download
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Video: Massive Attack – Teardrop (Live at Abbey Road Studios)
Jay-Z vs. The Verve – Brush Your Bittersweet Shoulders Off
This is one of the best Jay-Z mash-ups around and a lot of people were expecting him to perform this version at Glastonbury considering The Verve were headlining the day after.
As for The Verve, loved Urban Hymns, but the new album sucked.
If any of you were lucky enough to see Jay-Z at Glastonbury then drop a comment because that headline show was incredible!
Jay-Z vs. The Verve – Brush Your Bitter Sweet Shoulders Off – download
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Christopher D Ashley – Take Me
Rob Da Bank’s lovely friendly little record label Sunday Best has a knack for discovering really perculiar but nice acts.
One of those is Christopher D Ashley – the track is from a Clash Magazine compilation and stands out above the rest. It’s a little like Yeasayer but less neo-folky.
Have a listen and see what you think…
Christopher D Ashley – Take Me - buy
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