Archive for the ‘Electronica’ Category

Nitin Sawhney – Prophesy

Saturday, February 6th, 2010

Nitin SawhneyThe weather in Atlanta has been annoying over the last few weeks. Sunny one day, cold and rainy the next. In the midst of it all, I’ve had a sinus infection that has left me miserable, tired and easily irritated. How grateful I am to have music during these times. I may not be able to clinically prove that music is the remedy for sinus problems but I can say that today my nose is singing a happier tune. What was the musical home remedy? It was Nitin Sawhney’s Prophesy.

If you’re not familiar with Sawhney, he’s one of England’s many Indian-decent musical geniuses. (I’ll throw a few others at you in a future post. Plus, now that Jay Sean has had a few hits on the American music charts, maybe there will be long-overdue Indian musical invasion.) It doesn’t take much effort to realize this is a man who takes his music seriously. He appears to look at it from the perspective of someone who wants his music to give something to the world, instead of using it to see how many dollars (or pounds) it can put into his pocket. I can appreciate that. A good song can be candy to my ear but a song from the artist’s heart and soul will nourish me for many years to come.

Nitin Sawhney

Unfortunately Prophesy suffered the misfortune of following a superstar sibling. That is, the high expectations placed on the “sibling” who follows their trailblazing predecessor. Prophesy followed Beyond Skin, arguably Sawhney’s most brilliant CD. So, because of the hype and expectations, it was behind the eight ball even before its release. I don’t believe it deserved the critical mistreatment it received. (Though I must admit I sometimes find the Street Guru’s rantings between songs annoying.) In the end, it comes down to how you choose to receive a new CD. I appreciate the brilliance of Prophesy because when I listen to a CD I try to answer the question of “Is it good music?” instead of “Is it as good as…?”

Give it a listen and I’m sure you’ll agree about its greatness. It’s an intelligent use of musical genres that clearly expresses the multifaceted aspects of Sawhney’s background as well as his musical loves. I saw an interview recently where he said he visited over 70 countries in researching and composing this CD. Like with his other albums, you can see his goal is to create a collection of individual masterpieces. In my opinion, he achieved it with Prophesy. Nitin Sawhney is an artist of the highest caliber.

Nitin Sawhney – Sunset
Nitin Sawhney – Nothing
Nitin Sawhney – Breathing Light
Nitin Sawhney – Prophesy

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Video: Armenoids “Transformator”

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Armenoids’s “Transformator” was the Underrated Song of the Day a few weeks ago. When I saw the video for the track, I thought I’d share it with you. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. It’s definitely an example of finding music in everything. :-)


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30 Underrated Women For Your Music Playlist

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

I finally got around to creating a profile on blip.fm. Interacting with fellow hardcore music junkies has been a joy, especially the responses I get when I add a few “betcha don’t know this artist” selections to my playlist. Those interactions gave me the idea of creating this list of some of my favorite underrated female artists. There’ll be other lists in the future but I’m starting with the ladies.

Underrated musicians are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you want the world to know about them so they’ll have record sales decent enough to keep them from being dropped by their label, thereby continuing to provide you with music. On the other hand, you don’t want everyone to know, fearing the increased popularity will ruin that special magic. I mean, since they make music for me AND ME ONLY, why should I share them with the world? Right? (Of course I’m kidding.) When it comes to music, I actually fall in the middle. I get a shopper’s high when I discuss/share/introduce music to people, though I’m keenly aware of the downside: increasing popularity leading to sales pressure from the label, a more commercial sound, less intimate live performances, finally ending like so many promising relationships…DIVORCE. But, right now, I’m still in love with these ladies. I adore them and like a proud parent with baby pictures, I want you to love them as much as I do.

The title is a slight misnomer. There are 30 women on the list but, to keep things more manageable, it’s going to be a two-part article. So, in no particular order, here are some underrated ladies who rule my musical world.

Sia


Pop, R&B/Neo-soul, Electronica – Australia

She’s easily one of my favorite voices of the last several years. As I previously described her, “Sia’s voice … has an unsettling quality to it, a quality that infuses a myriad of emotions into her performance on top of the emotions expressed in her expertly-written lyrics. Her ability to go from ethereal to gritty soul is seductive and there’s no point in fighting it.” When you read the story of how she lost the boyfriend she moved to London to be with, you’ll understand why she has such emotional range.

Sia

Sia – You’ve Changed
Sia – I Go To Sleep
Sia – The Girl You Lost To Cocaine
Sia – You Have Been Loved

Sia


Asa


Alternative Folk – Nigeria

If you’re not in the mood to hear another acoustic guitar-toting, sandal-wearing, free-spirited, political, bohemian singer/songwriter, then…too bad. I’ll just hold you down while I play Asa’s phenomenal debut CD in your ear. In the end, I won’t need to exert much physical effort. Her delicate voice will ease your resistance before the end of the first track. Seriously, I don’t want to do a disservice to this CD by overhyping it. But I will say, from beginning to end, this is as good as good gets. And if her track “Subway” doesn’t touch a tender spot in your heart, turn left at the corner and follow the yellow-brick road. There’s a wizard waiting to give you what you’re missing.

Asa

Asa – Jailer
Asa – Fire on the Mountain
Asa – Subway
Asa – No One Knows

Asa


Samina


Jazz/Blues – Canada

I lived in Montreal for a few years. On my first day there, I turned to the local MTV-equivalent to check out Montreal’s popular music. As I was brushing my teeth, I heard a singer who commanded my attention. At first I thought it was Sade, singing in french. I later learned her name. Samina’s been flying so far under the radar, even Montrealers don’t know who she is. Whether she’s singing in french or english, her sultry, smooth, breathy alto is one you will fall in love with immediately.

Samina

Samina – Embraceable You
Samina – Je Pensais Pas
Samina – Black and White
Samina – Et Si Tu N’Existait Pas

Samina


Meiko


Indie Pop, Folk – United States

Television has become more and more prominent in my discovery of new music. It usually happens the same way; the “background” music causes me to completely ignore what’s happening in the scene and focus my attention on the song. Meiko’s “Hawaii” had that effect on me and her self-titled debut is filled with songs that will maintain your attention.

Meiko

Meiko – Hawaii
Meiko – Boys with Girlfriends
Meiko – Hiding
Meiko – Said and Done

Meiko


Gaelle


Electronica – United States

Okay, I’m going to ignore you for just a minute because I want to direct my total attention to Gaelle. This is where I get down on my knees and BEG her to release another CD. She’s been promising new music on her MySpace page for quite some time. Though new music won’t stop me from returning to this fantastic debut, it would be nice to have something additional to add to the mix. Get this one today. Then go to her MySpace page and let her know just how much her music is loved. By the way, if you’ve ever desired to seek revenge on a past lover, pay attention to the lyrics of “Parkway”….dark!

Gaelle

Gaelle – Transient
Gaelle – Parkway
Gaelle – Love You More
Gaelle – Give It Back

Gaelle


Angela McCluskey


Pop, Jazz/Blues, Indie – United Kingdom

You know who she is. You just didn’t know it. She’s the vocalist on Télépopmusik’s international hit “Breathe”. But don’t make the mistake of thinking that’s all she’s capable of delivering. She was also the lead singer of the Wild Colonials, an alternative rock/folk band.

Angela McCluskey can sing any genre, each time leaving you feeling she was born to sing that particular style of music. Her voice is beauty in its simplest, purest form. It’s perfectly suited for any song meant to touch even the coldest heart. Her rendition of “Don’t Explain” is mesmerizing. Billie Holiday would give it a stamp of approval.

Angela McCluskey

Angela McCluskey – Don’t Explain
Angela McCluskey – It’s Been Done
Angela McCluskey – Love Is Stronger Than Death
Angela McCluskey – Know It All

Angela McCluskey


Adrienne Young


Country, Folk – United States

Thanks to my grandmother, my childhood experience included country music. Though I tend to gravitate towards the “classics”, periodically a special voice or a catchy tune gets my attention. It was a double punch, the first time I heard “My Love Will Keep”. If you’re a old-fashioned country music fan, this is one for you. Young gives you a healthy mixture of genres built on her country and folk music foundation.

Adrienne Young and Little Sadie

Adrienne Young – My Love Will Keep
Adrienne Young – Plow to the End of the Row
Adrienne Young – Givin’ Up the Fight
Adrienne Young – I Cannot Justify

Adrienne Young & Little Sadie


Caroline


Electronica – Japan

Caroline Lufkin (professionally known simply as Caroline) stands out with her ambient/trip-hop songs. Her ethereal, coquettish, baby-doll vocals glide on top of the chill musical sounds of her music. In her native Japan, she’s known as the “queen of the snow jams.” It won’t take you long to understand why.

Caroline Lufkin

Caroline – Bicycle
Caroline – Drove Me to the Wall
Caroline – Everylittlething
Caroline – Where’s My Love

Caroline


Alice Russell


Pop, R&B/Neo-Soul – United Kingdom

Lush, bluesy, funky, sassy, smooth, jazzy, powerful, provocative, in the pocket, confident, vulnerable, soulful, raw…and thems just the appetizers of the succulent delicacies Alice Russell brings to her musical table. Her genre-hopping style will provide you with a well-balanced variety to feast on; leaving you full and satisfied. She’s quoted as saying Chaka Khan is one of her major influences. She does Chaka proud. Her version of Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” will make you experience that great song in a totally new way.

Alice Russell

Alice Russell – What We Want!
Alice Russell – Humankind
Alice Russell – Crazy
Alice Russell – Munkaroo

Alice Russell


Alberta Hunter


Jazz/Blues – United States

About fifteen years ago, I saw a documentary called Alberta Hunter: My Castle’s Rockin’. If you’re not familiar with it, add it to your Netflix list right now or better yet, buy a copy. It chronicles the story of one of the most endearing, spirited, sassy, slightly naughty and underrated blues singers ever. WARNING: She’ll put a smile on your face you won’t get rid of soon.

She’s gone from a international club performer to a musical theater star to a blues songwriter to a nurse then, in her early 80s, she returned to the stage, performing in jazz clubs around the world. She’s one of a kind. Where else will you hear an artist say “I’m gonna take my shoes off. My feet hurt.” in the middle of a recording? Though she’s no longer with us, the four CDs she recorded during the second phase of her singing career are a must-have for any jazz/blues lover.

Alberta Hunter

Alberta Hunter – A Good Man Is Hard to Find
Alberta Hunter – Two-Fisted Double-Jointed Rough and Ready Man
Alberta Hunter – I’m Having a Good Time
Alberta Hunter – My Handy Man Ain’t Handy No More

Alberta Hunter


Anouk


Rock – The Netherlands

Though she’s a big star in her country and other parts of Europe, Anouk continues to fly under the radar in other parts of the world. It’s a shame because she’s been producing music that would make any rock fan fall in love (well, except for one musical misstep with one album). Her latest single, “Three Days In A Row” is absolutely brilliant. If you miss your regular helping of Melissa Etheridge, here’s an alternative to ease your suffering.

Anouk

Anouk – Three Days In A Row
Anouk – Break Down The Wall
Anouk – Sacrifice (String Version)
Anouk – It Wasn’t Me

Anouk


Elisabeth Withers


R&B/Neo-Soul – United States

This is “grown folks music.” The kind that only a powerful, versatile singer like Elisabeth Withers can deliver. She’s constantly compared to Gladys Knight and she lives up to that compliment with her soulful, passionate sound. It’s tough for great singers to survive in the cookie-cutter music industry (Jennifer Holliday instantly comes to mind). Let’s hope we’ll hear from Elisabeth Withers for a long time. She’s definitely worth it.

Elisabeth Withers

Elisabeth Withers – The World Ain’t Ready
Elisabeth Withers – Simple Things
Elisabeth Withers – Sweat
Elisabeth Withers – Heartstrings

Elisabeth Withers


Emiliana Torrini


Pop, Electronica – Iceland

If you think Björk is the only source of great Icelandic music, you’re missing out. Emiliana Torrini is one of my personal favorites. I first heard of her when I was searching for music to satisfy my unending trip-hop cravings. (A man can only live so many years on Tricky and Portishead.) The first time I heard “Dead Things” from Love in the Time of Science, it actually made me say “wow” in slow motion. It still gives me an otherworldly feeling.

You may recognize her voice as the singer of the closing theme of Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Interestingly, Björk was slated to sing the track but had to cancel because of her pregnancy.

Emiliana Torrini

Emiliana Torrini – Gun
Emiliana Torrini – Tuna Fish
Emiliana Torrini – Sunny Road
Emiliana Torrini – Dead Things

Emiliana Torrini


Helicopter Girl


Pop, Electronica – United Kingdom

Helicopter Girl is the professional name used by Jackie Joyce, a Scottish singer/songwriter/producer/musician. She’s definitely unlike most of the artists you’ll encounter. To me, she’s Björk, Laurie Anderson and Eartha Kitt rolled into one with a hint of Greta Garbo. (She even struck a deal with her record label that allowed her to record albums without the obligation of doing live performances.) So whenever you find yourself in a rut, throw on some Helicopter Girl to get in touch with you inner non-traditionalist.

Helicopter Girl - Jackie Joyce

Helicopter Girl – Alien for Breakfast
Helicopter Girl – Angel City
Helicopter Girl – Escape Cloud
Helicopter Girl – Blink

Helicopter Girl


Aline de Lima


Jazz/Blues – Brazil

If you’re part of the crowd that thinks of bossa nova as “elevator music,” you’re depriving yourself of some of the best music around. I beg you to put that insane thought out of your mind as you listen to the music from this Paris-based Brazilian poet turned singer/songwriter. Her poems are described as melancholy expressions of joy and yearning. Add that to her beautiful, smooth voice and excellent musical production and you have music worthy of much praise.

Aline de Lima

Aline de Lima – Arrebol
Aline de Lima – Frevo Orfeu
Aline de Lima – Som Om Ingenting Har Hant
Aline de Lima – Mundo Ilusorio

Aline de Lima


Part 2 to this article is coming soon. Make sure you’re notified by joining the mailing list.

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PANTyRAiD – The Sauce

Monday, January 11th, 2010

PantyraidWith the exception of classical and jazz, many of you have told me you’re not big fans of instrumental music. And just as many are not particularly fond of hip hop. So, with today’s recommendation, I’m asking you to let me stretch your musical mind a bit by giving you instrumental and hip hop music at the same time. I promise it won’t hurt a bit. (If you’re already excited by the idea of electronica/hip hop-flavored instrumentals, I will simply say THIS IS THE SHHHH……..!!!!)

Welcome to PANTyRAiD…two DJs/producers/songwriters who describe themselves as makers of new music for “people to feel sexy. If it don’t drop panties, then it ain’t PANTyRAiD!” Well, it didn’t exactly make me feel sexy but it definitely got me excited. (Does that mean I have to put on panties so I can drop ‘em?) I’ve been blasting this one for a few months and continue to have a periodic “WTF” moment when they throw an interesting combination of hip hop beats and glitch my way. Before I did some background research on this LA/Brooklyn-based duo, I imagined them as a solo, funky musical genius sitting in a basement apartment, surrounded by electronic gadgetry, continuously looking for interesting ways to push the musical envelope. Well, that’s pretty who they are, except it’s two heads instead of one.

Pantyraid

Though their intention is to make your body shake and “panties drop”, there are times when you will want to sit back and listen closely…absorbing their creativity and experiencing a few “OH SH*T” moments of your own. They give it in abundance…and it’s easy to miss those special good music moments if you’re running with panties around your ankles.

The experimental and cross-genre nature of PANTyRAiD’s music is one of the things that makes them so special. And as this mashup of genres continues in electronica, you can expect more musical cream like PANTyRAiD to rise to the top as they give you more and more innovative concoctions. Hopefully, other genres will become more experimental in similar, if not more adventurous, ways. For now, take a listen to the delicious feast of beats PANTyRAiD has cooked up for you.

Beba
Headcase
Like That
One Mo

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Etro Anime – See the Sound

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

Etro AnimeNeed a little drum-n-bass in your electronica mix? Want to experience the seemingly incompatible combination of hyperspeed beats and mellow grooves? If you do (and trust me, you want this), Etro Anime is exactly what you need. I have been promising this one to my number one Twitter cheerleader @owensk and he has been waiting patiently for it. (His hunger for musical variety even surpasses mine.)

Because this New York City electronica group is comprised of both musicians and DJs, you will always get something special in both their live and recorded work. (Frequently, electronica groups are single or multiple DJs with guest vocalists, resulting in something that’s great in the studio but difficult to replicate on stage.)

And, of course, it would all be a waste of creativity without the right vocalist to guide you through their musical landscape. Cuban singer/songwriter Liset Alea does that and more; adding the perfect vocal versatility to each track. As you listen to the selected samples, notice how her playful livingroom tone on “Adonis” changes to a seductive bedroom tone on “Diablo”.

Etro Anime

Purest One
Danger
Adonis
Diablo

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Esthero – Breath from Another

Monday, October 26th, 2009

EstheroYour favorite sweater. Your favorite comfort food. Your favorite wine. Your favorite book. If that “things to have on a deserted island” list has room for music, this CD would easily make my short list. Since the day I purchased it many years ago, I return to periodically and still enjoy it as much as the first time I heard it, despite being a fluke purchase.

While rummaging through the cut-out bins at St. Marks Sounds in New York City (one of my favorite used CD stores), I saw a promo copy of Breath from Another. At the time I knew nothing about Esthero but bought the CD because I liked the cover. It was the discovery of a true masterpiece. Now if only I can stumble upon an estate sale where I can do the same. We all should have at least one Antiques Roadshow moment during our lifetime.

Like Sade, this Canadian duo suffers from that confusion of a band and its lead singer sharing the same name. Esthero the singer (born Jenny-Bea Englishman) made the open-mic circuit until she connected with producer/musician Doc. After doing a few promo singles, the two went to work on what has become one of the best electronica CDs of all time. It’s trip-hop fusion perfection. You’ll get some drum & bass, some hip-hop, some rock, some jazzy stuff. They throw it all at you and I continue to enjoy every beat.

Esthero

Breath from Another
Country Livin’ (The World I Know)
That Girl
Swallow Me

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Crustation – Bloom

Friday, October 16th, 2009

CrustationTricky, Portishead and Massive Attack are considered (and rightly so) the ambassadors of the Bristol, England trip-hop sound. No others have come close to creating equally impressive and consistent bodies of work. However, Crustation’s Bloom deserves a spot among the notable releases from the Bristol scene. It’s a shame that this CD is out of print. Every lover of trip-hop should possess a copy. (It took me a few years to find a copy. Got it on eBay several years ago from someone in Japan.)

Prior to getting a copy, I was only familiar with the few tracks that appeared on electronica compilations. When I finally heard the full CD, it was everything I wanted it to be; trance-inducing beats and samples taking you on a musical journey with the simmering vocals of Bronagh Slevin as your tour guide. I couldn’t ask for more.

Luckily, we’re now in the online digital era, so finding a copy of this CD should be easier for you. If you can’t find an mp3 version, searching for the CD is a worthwhile endeavor. Bloom is one of trip-hop’s greatest CDs.

Crustation

Purple
Close My Eyes
Flame
Face the Waves

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Si*Sé – More Shine

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

Si-SeNow you know I wouldn’t do an update without including some downtempo and this group out of New York City is one of my favorites. Even though I chose More Shine, I could have easily chosen their self-titled debut CD. It’s equally phenomenal.

Si*Sé brings together all the ingredients for creating downtempo greatness: sultry vocals, multi-genre smooth rhythms, beats that participate without overpowering and a relaxed vibe. The first time I heard “The Truth”, I was hooked forever. In addition to being a fantastic group, their coolness factor only increased by touring with and, for their debut release, being signed to David Byrne’s record label.

Si*Se

Sometimes
The Truth
More Shine
Amiga
Mariposa en Havana

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Various Artists – Stereo Sushi 14

Monday, August 17th, 2009

Stereo Sushi 14I know I’m preaching to the choir when I say Hed Kandi delivers some of the best house and lounge compilations on the market. However, for those of you who were asleep while we were sweating at the club, wake up and smell the bassline. Since Stereo Sushi is now on release 14, you have some catching up to do.

In as much as I try to bring you underrated music from multiple genres, Hed Kandi is famous for bringing you underrated music from the club scene. Each of their compilations will contain a few tracks you won’t be able to find anywhere else and are well worth the price of the set.

Because this is a continuous-play compilation, I’m including six tracks, the first three tracks from each CD, instead of selecting individual tracks. I placed the tracks from CD2 first simply because it’s my favorite of the two CDs. It’s safe to play these at work. But limit yourself to the occasional hand in the air. Your boss probably won’t like a spontaneous party erupting.

And, of course, if you want even more bass with your house, compliment your collection with Hed Kandi’s Deeper (now called Twisted Disco) series.

Upside (Karizmas Old Skool Mix)
Don’t Lose the Magic (Baggi Begovic & Soul Conspiracy Mix)
Jump for Joy (Central Avenue Mix)
Life Is the Music (Random Soul Stripped Vocal Mix)
Love Tonight (Knee Deep Mix)
Give In

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Hardknox – Hardknox

Friday, August 7th, 2009

HardknoxThis UK duo consisting of DJs Lindy Layton and Steve P. was my introduction to big beat electronica. It may be noiser than most of you will prefer but it’s difficult to deny the excitement of this energetic, aggressive, chaotic form of music. It will definitely give you an adrenaline rush.

Unfortunately (or fortunately for those who don’t like this style of music), this was the only full-length release from Hardknox. Lindy and Steve continue to work on other projects.

You definitely won’t find any of these tracks on your local easy-listening station….but who wants to listen to easy-listening anyway?

Attitude
Resistance Is Futile
Psychopath
Ain’t Going Down

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