Good evening my friends and as the man like Hodgy says, Happy New Year indeed. Not feeling particularly wordy tonight so straight onto the music, starting with the previous 10 selections:
Public Enemy 'Harder than you Think'
This has grown on me to be honest. When I first heard it, it just didnt sound like PE so I instantly dismissed it. I agree with Hodge they should be rough, rugged and angry - thats what Ive grown up knowing and what all their classic tunes are like; PE no 1, mi uzi weighs a ton, fight the power, Black steel, shut 'em down etc. But I listened to it a couple of times and it is catchy, the minor and major keys are just right and I realised if this was anyone else I'd be raving about it, its just that PE hit such heights anything less just isnt enough. But on reflection and on its own merits its a cracking tune.
Moby 'Next is the E'
I cant say this does anything much for me. Its ok, but like PE Moby can do so much better and this wouldnt get anywhere near a top 20 moby tracks for me. I never had much to do with the rave scene and couldnt stand hardcore so while I appreciate this was probably good for its time, its just not for me - much prefer 'every time you touch me' from around the same era and genre.
Maya Jane Coles 'You'
As I came to write this, I have the tunes im writing about playing at the same time, and ive been listening to them a lot over the last couple of week. I drew a blank on this one and that sums it up for me, doesnt do an awful lot although that piano is quite nice - needs some variation though. The lyric over the breakdown is alright though.
Nicholas Masseyeff 'The Motherland'
Sorry Kev I dont really like this either - think its a just a bit moody and that vocal seems out of place somehow, something about it just doesnt seem right. It doesnt seem to do an awful lot either - are you having a minimal period at the moment ? Its also quite sinister isnt it, conjours up images of post apocalyptic wastelands for me...
Way Out West 'Apollo'
Hmmm you can easily tell its WOW on this tune, plenty of trademark WOW effects and samples. And thats just it, they have done similar stuff - progressive soundscapes to these ears - much better elsewhere, the fall being a prime example. Its pleasant but doesnt get the heart racing. The break is nice though.
Lana Del Rey 'Video Games'
This is an exceptional record, I fucking love this. From the opening harp strings, to the almost drawled vocal at times - its so languid in a beautifully sung way with some great lyrics 'I heard you like the bad girls honey' is an outstanding double entendre. The music is perfect, the vocal is amazing and the lyrics and delivery are brilliant.
Dolle Jolle 'Balearic Incarnation'
Well to use a Hodgivan expression this is properly lush. Very laid back with just the right amount of keys and subtle stretched out vocals that sound like waves to me. Gorgeous breakdown as well, love how it comes back in. Blissful - thats what this is.
Martin Dawson 'Is this Goodbye'
Cracking little groover this one, would be a perfect early night tune. Has got that warm feeling running through and just enough insistence that something is going to happen, it builds wonderfully. It never gets particularly big but it doesnt need to. Great record.
Michael Nyman 'The Other Side'
This is very nice as you would expect from Nyman, but I think he has done better stuff. Cant think which film this one is from, but depending on which film / scene it could very much be enhanced by what was happening.
Horse 'Careful'
Thats quite a distinctive voice, sounds like a cross between Annie Lennox and the Beautiful South guy to me. A very simple but well delivered tune, obviously all about the vocal and very nice too.
Ok, seems a bit critical there dont mean to be - I always enjoy hearing the 'new' music so as always my thanks gentleman. I dont think I can get anywhere near the quality but heres whats caught my ear recently:
The Rolling Stones 'You cant Always get what you want'
Easily their best song for me - genius posh choir intro, great guitar and quintessential Jagger delivery.
The Cure 'Lullaby'
This track is all about the tune for me - I can take or leave the vocal to be honest, the whispery part seems OTT to me, but my god the music behind it makes it all worthwhile.
Jay Z & Kanye West 'Why I Love You'
There arent many dubstep records I like, but this one I do. Great tune, really crashes onto the eardrums and I like the slightly breathless delivery.
Percy Sledge 'When a Man Loves a Woman'
Stone. Cold. Classic. True lyrics too !
Swedish House Mafia 'One'
Ive loved this for ages, Adrian reminded me of it when he played it at full volume at peak time in the White House. An unashamed, unabashed good time house record with all the right key changes. Love it.
See you next tuesday
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