Feist - One Two Three Four

I've been a little out of the loop for a couple of weeks, so am now playing catchup. Thanks to Julian over at the newly launched 110bpm for pointing this one out to me. I love the song, taken from the new Feist album "The Reminder", and the video is pure class!



More information:

Website: www.listentofeist.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/feist

Buy "The Reminder":

iTunes
Amazon.co.uk
Amazon.com

Cherry Ghost - People Help The People

I first heard this song on a particularly great show on Radio 2 by Stuart Maconie (fast becoming my favourite radio DJ). Far greater, in my humble opinion, than the single "Mathematics", this is "People Help The People". Get it now before it becomes horribly overplayed!

This is the only youtube vid of this I could find, and it's well worth checking out - a performance on Later With Jools Holland.



More info on Cherry Ghost:

Website: www.cherryghost.co.uk
Myspace: www.myspace.com/cherryghostband

Future Funk Squad - De-mystified

The third and final single to be taken from the stunning debut album "Audio Damage" will be "De-mystified", featuring Tamra Keenan on vocals. This track is one of the highlights of the album, and sounds like it's come right out of a blockbuster movie soundtrack.

There's also a killer remix package for the clubbers, including mixes by Andy Page, Kickflip, Sono and Nuboy. You can hear the full package over at the band's Bebo page, and see the video (featuring Tamra in raunch mode) below:



As always, check out the Future Funk Squad Myspace page for the latest updates too: www.myspace.com/futurefunksquad

Buy the album from Amazon, or iTunes.

Judie Tzuke

A classic moment in music, from a highly underrated songwriter, Ms Judie Tzuke. I've blogged about Bailey Tzuke on here before, but it's high time Judie got some LMP coverage as well.

I became a huge fan of Judie's after being introduced to one of her more recent albums "Secret Agent", by my friend Kirsty. I instantly became hooked on not only the quality of her songwriting, but also the richness and warm maturity of her voice.

This is a clip of the lady herself performing (live I might add) her biggest and most well-known song "Stay With Me Til Dawn", back in 1979.



You can find out all the info you could ever need on Judie on her own website www.tzuke.com, and hear her forthcoming material and latest news on her (now obligatory) Myspace page.

Recommended listening:

Welcome To The Cruise, Judie's first studio album.

Buy from Judie's online store

Secret Agent, my favourite of Judie's albums.

Currently out of stock on Judie's store, but check it if you can.

The Essential Rocket Years, for those that like things digital.

Buy from iTunes

Elliot Green.....An Appreciation Blog

Recently I've been digging deep in my music collection and checking out things from days gone by. One of the best albums I've found so far is by a band who used to live and perform regularly in the town where I used to live - Yeovil in Somerset.

Elliot Green's first and only album "United States" is one of those albums that's brilliant, but also makes you so frustrated at the fact that it didn't really get the recognition it so rightly deserved.

Elliot Green consisted (certainly for the most part, and for the recording of the album) of Steve Mobley (Drums), Paul Stevenson (Bass & Backing Vocals), and was fronted by vocalist and guitarist Gary Perry.

The two singles taken from the album, "Red Rum" and "Lonely Rider" were fantastic, but by no means were they the highlights of the album. Dig a little deeper, and songs such as "Come On", "Rectify" and "The Push I Needed" (to name but a few) could as easily have been succesful singles.

The album was released on the legendary, but now defunct indie label Playtime Records, headed up by Paula Greenwood, and a label that played host to many up and coming bands such as Bandit Queen, and early Inspiral Carpets material.

The album was, without wanting to pigeonhole it, very much the post-grunge, punk influenced, with just the right amount of "rarrrrr" factor. It was raw, edgy, yet able to cross boundaries. It should be noted that it was also produced by John Parish, of PJ Harvey fame.

Unfortunately (like all the best bands) they disbanded after some major troubles within the team, and never got round to recording a second album, but like they always say "it's better to burn out than fade away".

If you haven't heard this album you may well have missed out, although I think second-hand or old stock copies go on Ebay and Amazon regularly. It's definitely one to seek out.

Check out the single "Red Rum" here.

Or stream it here:


EDITED 06/10/09 - Buy the album from iTunes here. You won't regret it!

Edison Gem

Wow! Yet another recommendation - I've already fallen in love with the music of Edison Gem, and that was on first listen!

Edison Gem is the pairing of John O'Brien and Riana Riggs, and hail originally from North Carolina, USA but are now based in Los Angeles. Also known respectively as Orion and Jadis, they've had previous outings on labels such as Good Looking and Subtitles Music. They are currently putting finishing touches on their debut album as Edison Gem, and you can hear excerpts of their work on their myspace page.

If you like what you hear there, you should definitely check out their single "Time Stands Still", available now on iTunes. According to a blog on their myspace page, the album should be due release around Spring this year. I, for one, can't wait to hear it!

Anyone heading to the Winter Music Conference in Miami this year should definitely check them out!,

Lazaro Casanova & Shot Callin'

I haven't been able to find out much just yet on Lazaro Casanova, but all I do know is that a) he knows his stuff, and b) his music is sick. Meaning good.

Check out his myspace page here where you can also hear some of his tunes and remixes. I particularly recommend checking his remix of The Knife - Charity. It's rather good!

I can only really describe his music as twisted electro influenced house coming from the same sort of camp as Switch, LCD Soundsystem and MSTRKFRT etc, but check him out and make up your own mind.

For more words of wisdom, and more importantly music recommendations, mix downloads and tracks available, check out the man himself's blog Shot Callin'.

Bassboosa

Been wanting to blog about this band for a while, but was waiting for just the right time.

You MUST check out Bassboosa! They're currently the Snocap featured download on Myspace, which means if you're in the US you can buy their tracks right off their Myspace page.

Bassboosa are Jasmine Badir (lyrics, vocals) and Tim Clarke (writer, producer). Jasmine and Tim met whilst working in a London record store a few years ago and began writing and recording songs together, blending atmospheric pop with strong melodies, stirring lyrics and a creative mix of electronic and live instrumentation.

Their music is difficult to categorise, but I usually describe them as a mix of Eurythmics and Lamb - pop music with a darker edge. On the album is an inspired cover of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game", which takes the raw emotion and beauty of the original song and re-works it into something that could've easily been written by the band themselves, making it totally their own.

For more information go to their myspace page www.myspace.com/bassboosa where you can check out the album in full, and find out the latest information on gigs etc. A full website will be operational shortly. For latest updates you can also sign up for their email newsletter on the myspace page.

Also watch this space for news for when the CD will be available.

Tori Amos New Album & Tour Dates!

More great news on the female singer/songwriter front, although I'd definitely put this lady in a level above most of what's going on at the moment.

Tori Amos' new album "American Doll Posse" is released on 1st May 2007 (whether this is worldwide or not I don't know yet).

As per the recent albums, this has been once again written and recorded at Martian Engineering in Cornwall, England. Tori's also going to be touring Europe in June and July, including dates in London and Manchester.

All the information is on her website www.toriamos.com, and her myspace site.

No new material to show yet, but here's a little something (one of my favourite moments) from her last studio album "The Beekeeper".

Sleeps With Butterflies

Feist - New Album Coming!

Yes! There's a new Feist album on the way!

The follow up to her amazing 2004 debut "Let It Die", "The Reminder" is out on 23rd April worldwide (other than the US and Canada when it'll be 1st May).

One track from the album "My Man My Moon" is doing the rounds on some music blog sites, and can also be heard on the player on her myspace page. It's pretty outstanding!

As far as I'm aware there's no video for that track as yet, so I'm assuming it's either not the first single or it's being worked on now. Rest assured I'll post it up here as soon as something is available. Until then, here's a reminder of one of the best moments of "Let It Die", the gorgeous "One Evening":

Imogen Heap Re-Release

Imogen Heap's debut album "I Megaphone" from 1998 has been re-released in America! Gone are the days of paying £40+ on ebay for a copy! All you'll have to do now is pay for an import version.

Here's a clip of Ms Heap performing Come Here Boy from the album live at Variety Playhouse.



Buy the album from Amazon here.

New Erasure Album On The Way

No audio/video as yet, but just a heads up in case you're not already aware. The new Erasure album "Light At The End Of The World" is due for release on 21st May 2007.

You can read about the making of the album, and check out some video clips on Gareth Jones' blog here. Find out more information on Erasure here.

Tracey Thorn - It's All True

Listen up 80s-alikes-but-failing! This is how it should be done!

Tracey Thorn is back with a brand new single (and album to follow) called "It's All True" - sounding like it could've been produced in 1985, but losing no cool points whatsoever.

Added the proper video now - check it out!


The single is produced by Ewan Pearson, and the album includes collaborations with Cagedbaby and Charles Webster (Peacefrog Records).

There's more info on the album and single on Tracey's myspace, direct from the lady herself.

Solid Steel presents A Tribute To James Brown

Check this out from Solid Steel (DK & Strictly Kev) of Ninja Tune. It's a James Brown mix to pay tribute to the man himself, the Godfather of Soul.

Download the mix here.

Tracklisting:

Part 1 (DK)
1. James Brown - King Heroin
2. Coldcut - The Payback Mix
3. James Brown - “Get Up, Get Into It, And Get Involved”
4. Big Daddy Kane - Set It Off
5. Gangstarr - Gotch U
6. James Brown - Give It Up Or Turnit A Loose
7. Mr. K - Rock The House
8. James Brown - Superbad
9. James Brown - The Boss
10. Nas - Get Down

Part 2 (DK)
11. James Brown - Talkin’ Loud And Sayin’ Nothing
12. Masta Ace - I Got Ta
13. James Brown - Just Enough Room For Storage
14. A Tribe Called Quest - Lyrics To Go
15. James Brown - My Thang
16. Lords Of The Underground - Funky Child
17. Gangstarr - What You Want This Time
18. James Brown - Nose Job
19. Gangstarr - Words I Manifest
20. James Brown - Bring It Up
21. James Brown - The Payback
22. EPMD - The Big Payback
23. Brand Nubian - Who Can Get Busy Like This Man
24. James Brown - Popcorn With Feeling

Part 3 (Strictly Kev)
25. Enoch Light & The Light Brigade - Hot Pants
26. Franklyn Ajaye - “Don’t Smoke Dope, Fry Your Hair”
27. Bobby & Betty - Bobby & Betty Go To The Moon Pt. 2
28. Derek & Clive - Bo Duddley
29. Dick Hyman - Give It Up Or Turn It Loose (DJ Harvey Edit)
30. Unknown - Hot Pants - Reggae
31. Nicky Thomas - Soul Power
32. Kenny & The Beach Boys - Big Payback
33. Orchestra Werner Müller - Get Up I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine
34. Salam Remi - James Brown 40th Anniversary Mix

Part 4 (DK)
35. James Brown - In The Middle
36. James Brown - Don’t Tell It
37. James Brown - Funky Drummer
38. James Brown - Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag
39. James Brown - Go On Now
40. James Brown - Lowdown Popcorn
41. James Brown - Sunny

Gossip

No, not in the tabloid newspaper sense of the word, but a pretty awesome band I just heard for the first time today.

Ok, a little behind the times some might say, but I just heard them today and felt compelled to write.

You can check out their latest single "Standing In The Way Of Control" (taken from the album of the same name) below.



I love the fact that they have a great indie/punky sound, but with a great soulful vocal with attitude.

More info on their official website: www.gossipyouth.com, their myspace page, and their Wiki entry.

If you like the single, I highly recommend checking out the album, which you can buy from Amazon here.

Troubleman - Time Out Of Mind (Extended Edition)

There's a brand new version of the excellent "Time Out Of Mind" by Troubleman (aka Mark Pritchard) available over at the iTunes store.

The new version features all the tracks from the original release, plus three additional tracks: "The Essence", "Son Of Bongolia", and "Without You (Wajeed Remix)".

The original album is fantastic enough as it is, but if you don't have it in your collection I highly recommend it, especially with the extra tracks. "The Essence" has been a particular favourite of mine since it was released on vinyl back in 2001.

Buy "Time Out Of Mind (Extended Edition)" from iTunes here.


Also available is the equally excellent "The First Phase" album, which is a collection of older Troubleman tracks, remixes and collaborations.

Buy "The First Phase" from iTunes here.
Buy "The First Phase" on CD from Amazon here.

Regina Spektor

Been meaning to post something about Regina Spektor for some time now. I first heard her single "Fidelity" on a trip to the US in December and was hooked from the first hearing.

The album "Begin To Hope" is great, and where there are some tracks that sell the album to a more mainstream audience, there's plenty of different sounding stuff on there too for people that are looking for something a little different, without resorting to Lily Allen.

The album "Begin To Hope" is great, and where there are some tracks that sell the album to a more mainstream audience, there's plenty of different sounding stuff on there too for people that are looking for something a little different, without resorting to Lily Allen.



I highly recommend giving the album a listen if you like the song in the video (above).

For more info check her website www.reginaspektor.com, or her myspace at www.myspace.com/reginaspektor.

Oh, and she's also touring the UK in February. Check the above sites for dates and locations.

More soon.

Andy McKee

Wow. I have no words. Just watch this.



Now go buy his CD here: Candyrat Records

More information on Andy McKee at his own website www.andymckee.com

All Good Funk Alliance

On my current trip to the USA, I went to check out All Good Funk Alliance last night at Eden in Charlotte, NC.

I was absolutely blown away by how good these guys are. They're the epitome of party DJ's, blending funk, hip hop, electro and house into a seemless mix to make you shake your rump (and yes, I did shake mine).

I can honestly say that it's been a very long time since I heard DJ's that play this kind of music that are as good as these guys. It really took me back to the early days of the Big Beat Boutique.

Find out more about AGFA on their myspace: www.myspace.com/allgoodfunkalliance

Or check out their website: www.funkweapons.com

You can also download their latest mix here: Whalefish

Future Funk Squad - Towards The Sun

And so for my first official blog entry I want to talk about Future Funk Squad.

FFS are a highly underrated outfit that are destined for big things. Their debut album "Audio Damage" was released in May 2006, spawning the first single of the same name featuring vocals from MC Mojo and Yolanda. The album is diverse in style, but high quality throughout, both in production and songwriting.

Glen Nicholls, the man behind the creation of Future Funk Squad, is probably best known in clubland for his storming remixes of (among others) Sander Kleinenberg, Prodigy, Stanton Warriors and Lamb, but fans of his clubbier moments should not be put off by the change in style and tempo.

Also appearing on the album are vocalists Tamra, Ben, Gemma Ticehurst, and dance music legend Kirsty Hawshaw.

Their second single from the album is due out on 20th November, entitled "Towards The Sun", which not only features a brand new radio mix, but also a huge remix package for the clubbers out there. Mixes come from Hybrid, Paul Woolford, R3Volve and Evil Nine, the latter of which has become an anthem in breakbeat clubs and beyond around the world.

Check out the video, and hear more tunes at the following resources:

www.futurefunksquad.com
www.myspace.com/futurefunksquad