Grammy winner Joss Stone is back with a new album titled LP1. The record, released through the singers own label Stone’d Records, was co-written and co-produced by Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stuart. Together they “immersed themselves into a Rock n’ Soul musical odyssey in Nashville, Tennessee”. Stone says this is the first album she has recorded with “total creative freedom”.
‘Somehow’ is the first single taken off LP1 and on first listen, I was all too impressed. However after watching the EPK (above) and understanding the direction of the new album I went back to it; And while it isn’t the greatest song in the world, I did find it grew on me.
Being completely honest, I’ve never really been the biggest Joss Stone fan – something about her, something about her music – it never really connected; But I’ve always loved her voice. I’m hoping this album will connect the dots and will see her making the music she’s meant to be making. Here’s to hoping.
I remember posting a video of Brandy recording this song with Stacy Barthe and Corey Chorus last year, but after that didn’t hear anything else about it – until now that is. The song entitled ‘I Don’t Care’ has hit the interwebs in it’s entirety – unfortunately it’s not her strongest effort, not by a long shot – but hey, it’s ‘new’ Brandy. No stream, just download for this.
Hadn’t heard of Beaumont before today and after a little internetting I still know very little about him (except that he’s from Glasgow and his name is Michael). These 21st century producers and their illusive nature, I blame Burial.
Anyways – a homie sent me this song called ‘Midnight’ and I’ve been listening to it periodically throughout the day – I’m sure the endless blue skies outside my window have helped flare my addiction – this is pure summer vibes.
The song combines a variety of mixed genre sounds, which I’m sure we could dissect for days – but in the crudest sense I guess we’d call this an (modern, electronic, but ironically kinda retro) R&B track. The cool/relaxed vocals, the snares, the toy-ish keyboard all make ‘Midnight’ really quite sexy – 80′s influences and all. Phil Collin’s is a badman, never forget that. Ask Drake!
The track comes of Beaumont’s soon to be released extended player The Blush Response which is available to pre-order via iTunes now.
Here goes Rahsaan Patterson’s new single entitled ’6am’, written and featuring (on backing vocals) Lalah Hathaway.
This right here is exactly what I needed today (… and everyday!) – Soulful grooves interconnected between a sexy ass, down and out Funk bassline – covered completely in honey soaked vocals from both Patterson and Hathaway. Yes, I am gushing – this is gorgeous. Just, gorgeous.
FlyLo Tuesdays, must be. First we’re treated to the Sonnymoon remix of his ‘Zodiac Shift’, now we’re being offered eight brand new songs which he unleashed via his Soundcloud earlier today. Not a bad look. Listen below and after the jump…
We told you this was coming, I shared my opinion – it hasn’t changed. The only thing I’ll add to this shambolic music video is that at least the fans got to take part – other than that, I have nothing positive or constructive to say.
Brand new remix of FlyLo’s ‘Zodiac Shift’ by Sonnymoon; This mystical sounding refix is rather lush. With the addition of dream-like vocals, bleeps, glitches and kicks – Anna Wise & Dane Orr (Sonnymoon) create a new dimension to Flying Lotus’ already forward thinking production.
I could listen to Jill Scott talk for hours, this is especially true when she’s talking about making music. Watch this short-but-sweet video of Jilly from Philly talking about how she creates her sounds, what happens when she gets into the studio and how ‘not being good at science’ affected her process.
Scott’s new album The Light of the Sun is released on June 21st, for those who cannot wait til’ then, you can head over to NPR for an exclusive full stream. I’m going to wait, as hard as it is.
Last night, at the Royal Albert Hall Alicia went in on a couple covers – the first by DeBarge, the second from the Queen of Hip Hop Soul. Sounding overly good. Her next album needs to be more R&B/Soulful than her last few – ‘eff the mainstream.
In case you missed it, peep more of Keys’ performance from the Royal Albert Hall here & here.
…And another one. This time watch Mrs Keys perform her Kanye West produced classic ‘You Don’t Know My Name’, along with the title track of her second album.
For those who never took advantage and downloaded the countless mixes, free EPs, giveaways…that Melo has put out on the interweb for free over the years, you are now offered another chance to get acquianted with the skills of Melo.
This mix contains some of good ‘uns from his extensive catalogue. See the tracklist over the jump and hit download.
I am not quite sure how a 17 year old Danish producer kid – Henrik Koefod and his friends who favours our UK sound came across my radar, but I am glad this colloborative effort did.
Teaming with two other Denmark bound producers, (Hors and Kilimanjaro) to come up with this two step, grooved basslined track. Admittedly it is nothing new to our ol’ British veteren ears, but this sound is spreading and rapidly. Looks like we got another lot of producers to add to the team.
Filmed by my our good friend @MisterAnd, who seemingly had fantastic front row seats to last nights Alicia Keys concert at the Royal Albert Hall, here you watch the Grammy award winner performing her Prince cover of ‘How Come You Don’t Call Me’. In celebration of the decade that has passed since the release of her debut album, Keys performed Songs in A Minor in full with just her piano – no band, no BV’s. And judging from the tweets in my timeline last night, she blew everyone away – critics and fans a like were busy reporting that the ‘Fallin’ singer was on point and delivering a sensational show.
Forgive the tags. I would otherwise ignore this, but Nas over a Salaam Remi beat is not to be fuxxed with. Nasty actually picked a good beat, then he called it ‘Nasty’ – kinda poetic, no? This is the street single off Nas’ upcoming Life is Good album, listen and download below…
