I know that I am a bit behind on this group but I just heard them for the first time last week. So it's my responsibility to bring them to the rest of the masses. A little bit of pop-punk never hurt anyone and this is pretty cool. It appears The It Boys! are based out of LA and have a penchant for the dramatic. This song is rapid fire from the get go and the pace never slows down. I love the fact that all the members are credited as vocalists and on this track both Matt and Duck share vocals. I dig that it doesn't take itself too seriously and allows some room for playfulness because not all music has to be uber serious.
If Fallout Boy was sped up and had more of a dance beat behind it, you may be get a similar feeling to what The It Boys! are offering. I think they could easily tour with many of the artists that are on the Fueled by Ramen label with no difficulty, especially Cobra Starship or Panic! At The Disco. They are releasing their debut album in the UK first (June 4th actually) then will bring it to the US later in the Summer/Fall. I think I am going to be a huge fan of this group and can't wait to hear more from them. As I hear more, I will let you know!
It's quickly becoming apparent that I am going to need a special section of my blog dedicated to the talent that is Jane Badler. This remix of "Yesterday's Tomorrows" by Ride the Universe just rocks my socks. The slow funk groove has elevated this song even higher than it has been. My only problem is that I want more!! The mix starts out with this heavy beat punctuated with claps then the piano kicks in. By the time the horns hit, if you aren't bobbing your head there must be something wrong with your neck. The guitar and bass come in and makes it extra stanky. It makes your lip curl and you immediately begin to want to pull out all the stops and activate full fierce diva mode. Jane comes in and walks all over this beat like a bear skin rug and shows it who's boss. It's so dreamy and velvety you don't want it to end. When it does though, you immediately press play again. I absolutely adore this remix and think I want to just lay around on a chaise and be glamorous now...
I don't know if it's the over-the-top operatic level of joyous outerspace pop or Dr. Otto's amazing voice but there is something very special about Zener Diode. From their official biography,"Led by the crossing dressing, rock singing alien Dr Otto, Zener Diode are a group of androids from another world, travelling through space and time and spreading mesmerising electro - disco - rock to the people of planet earth!" And rock they do. There is a quality to Dr. Otto's voice that is so familiar and I know that there is another artist that he reminds me of but I just can't place it. This music isn't dance, it's not pop it's some amazing fusion of techno, rock and pop. With soaring guitar solos and vocals so large it's hard to contain them, Zener Diode should be superstars and I don't know why they aren't.
Their debut album, The Cosmonaut Effect was released on May 11, 2011 and even though it's been out for a year, I think the album is incredible. I think one of the most amazing things about this group is that the entire album is a concept piece and they are so hard to pull off. In my opinion there are only a few concept albums that are worth listening to. Kilroy Was Here by Styx and Janelle Monae's two part opera (Metropolos: The Chase Suite and The ArchAndroid) are probably the most successful in my eyes. The Wall by Pink Floyd is a fully realized concept album but it's not necessarily my cup of tea. It's a piece of history but just not my thing. Dr. Otto and his androids make glorious sci-fi, synth rock that doesn't cross over into Nerdcore so in my opinion, that gives them so much more credit to their work. All the songs aren't necessarily about science fiction type subjects but the fact they were able to ground the entire album in that element amazes me. There aren't songs that are out place or don't fit...it's easy infectious music that swells and overtakes you.
Stand Out Tracks:
Le Voyeur Du Telefone
Neon
Dancefloor 64
Lost Connection
Elektrabeat
Electric Derek
Spacebar
That being said, there aren't any bad tracks, these are just the ones that I am going to turn up and dance my ass off to when they come on shuffle. I want more music from these guys because it is a super cool fusion of things that once were and things yet to come. I'm sure I can make some time paradox reference or pull some witty Wibbly Wobbly Timey Wimey reference about this band but I will let you make your own judgements.
Dr. Otto has stage presence that only few artists have mastered. His ability to command a stage is incredible (based on the videos I've seen on YouTube) and I think they would be a brilliant group to see on stage because I think it would be very easy to become enraptured with the charisma being pumped off the stage in gallons. I really think this album is incredible and I think that the level of camp in which they exist on is higher than most people could even think of mastering.
In American music today it is very easy to get swept up in production. The bigger the production the better, some may say. Whether it's overwrought sound design or repetitive bass lines to autotune - the landscape of music is littered with casualties. And then you have something that comes out of nowhere and just throws everything off the rails and makes you take notice and this time it's in the form of a six piece band hailing from Durham, North Carolina called Delta Rae. The band has is made up of siblings Brittany, Ian, and Eric Hölljes along with Elizabeth Hopkins, Mike McKee, and Grant Emerson. From the get go, you notice that there is not a lack of talent in the Hölljes family and it seems as if they have some to spare. The describe themselves as, "Mumford & Sons meets Fleetwood Mac -- a full-throated Alt-Pop band with four lead singers -- delivering crushing harmonies and one of the most electrifying live experiences on the club circuit." It is very easy to see the the comparisons because both bands have an earthy-ness to their particular brand of art and Delta Rae certainly have the same.
On June 19th, they released their debut full length album, Carry The Fire and I couldn't be more pleased. They classify their brand of music as "Americana" because it has a little bit of everything and while I love this, I think the closest genre they have to accepting their style of music is going to be country radio (which there is nothing wrong with) but I think they have a sound that is more far reaching than simply country music. The ID3 tag on the MP3s say Alternative Rock and I think that still applies. The album has amazing heights and even higher highs. There is nothing better in this world, in my opinion than brilliant four part harmonies and they have them in spades.
The album starts off with "Holding On To Good", and ode to doing the only thing you can sometimes when life throws you a curve and that's find the good and hold on to it with all you can. It, like many of the other tracks just builds and builds into a beautiful crescendo. Following next "Is There Anyone Out There", which may quickly prove to be my favorite song on the track because it is just expansive. It starts immediately and is just this blistering track that paints a picture in my mind of the last survivor of an apocalypse sending out a message on a two way radio looking for just another person for some form of human contact. I think it is much less apocalyptic and more grounded in realizing that there are times in our lives when we encounter trials and tribulations that they are much easier to over come if there is someone to bear the load with you. It also makes me feel like a reaction song to the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 as in this horrible thing has happened when it shouldn't have and now we have to deal with it and it's new and it's raw and how in the hell are we going to cope.
"Morning Comes" is our first example of Eric on lead vocals and it's another stunning example of the absolute beauty this group has to offer. It is lyrically sound and Eric's vocals are solid. Elizabeth is up next on "If I Loved You" and she certainly holds her own and stakes her claim as a rightful member of the group. I really dig this song as well and I think that most people may have been in one of this places at some time in their lives.
What is probably going to be the song that will be the song that they are going to be known for is "Bottom of River" and don't get me wrong, the song is amazing but it's only part of who they are not the song that should define them. It's a stunning example of how minimalism in music can be achieved and how spectacular it can be. Britney has a ton of power behind her voice and she is able to easily control it to a degree of a very seasoned artist. Make sure you watch their performance from Billboard.com.
The album is packed with example after example of how music is built from the harmonies to each little detail, such as the use of chains as an instrument to how many layers they can pack in each song. There are so many subtleties that you will hear something new every time. It's hard to say which songs are better than others because they all have something unique and interesting to them. "Country House" is the hopeless romantic of the group and "Dance in the Graveyard" is so uplifting. "Fire" and "Forgive The Children We Once Were" are just so different in their scope and execution. "Fire" is this driving force of nature that is powered on piano and Britney's vocals where the introspection and thoughtfulness of "Forgive The Children We Once Were" balances it out so evenly. "Surrounded" is full of melancholy and a bit of remorse and deals with ghosts of Christmas past; as it were. If you're looking for unadulterated desire then "Unlike Any Other" is your song. It has this sense of longing that you feel when you need that person that is missing out of your life. "Hey, Hey, Hey" is awesome because they share vocals and it showcases each of them brilliantly. It's just a super fun song and probably the best way to bring the album to a close.
The album is simply incredible. It is a pleasure to listen to and to listen to again. You are going to hear something new everytime you listen to it and there are songs that you will immediately associate with different times and parts of your life. It is going to absolutely be in my Top 10 of the year. Probably my Top 5 even. You never knew you needed this album until now and I am telling you it is an absolute must for any fan of music. Oh.... this album came about via Kickstarter... Just another reason that Kickstarter is just amazing. Watch any of the live performances on youtube and be amazed at the passion they throw into any track. I can't wait until I get to see them live.
Way back in April, I wrote about Miriam and told you I would follow her and let you know when there was news. Well... there's news and it's the official video for the incredible song, "Finders Keepers". I raved about how much I loved the song and how I thought she was going to be the next big thing. I still think that and have no doubt in my mind that she is going to continue to do amazing things. The video is simple in its execution and I don't think that it needed to be any bigger than it is because there shouldn't be anything to overshadow her voice. Watch the video because it's great. Fans of big belty power pop will love this track and I think that everyone else will as well.
I've used a ton of descriptors to help describe how a song sounds and I think this is the first time I would say a song was debonair. It's sophisticated with a bit of "shaken, not stirred". Ryan Silverman, a Canadian by birth who has had his fair share of time on Broadway is behind this super stylish ode to one night (or longer) stands. He reminds me of a line from 30 Rock when Liz Lemon asks Jack why he's wearing a Tux before 5 PM and Jack responds, "I'm not a farmer". He presents a look so polished and put together but never once did I feel as if I was being pandered to in his appearance, performance or his delivery. What I did get was a really fun song that is super catchy and takes me to a place where dames walked freely and someone would be called a, "Palooka".
I think there isn't enough in the way of diversity in today's music scene and what Ryan brings to the table certainly makes up for a lack of it. There is an absolute sense of theatricality and cabaret to this track that makes it so suave and smooth. He is another artist that I will be looking into and trying to provide you guys with more information about. For now jump on all the social media and follow him because he deserves it for originality alone.
I think this album is deceptively simple. What starts out as a very easy going, carefree pop album quickly turns into on of the most astounding records I've listened to in a while. From melancholy lyrics to soaring 90s-inspired freestyle house anthems, this album is actually pretty brilliant. You can easily sit down and listen to it and let it take you where you need to go because it is just that easy. There are amazing messages of hope and positive growth on this album. Rod Thomas seems to be able to take so much emotion and roll it up into amazing art. This is also where his magic comes in, the songs will have you bobbin your head and tapping your feet from the outset but then when you stop for a minute and actually listen to the lyrics, you're just swept up in this tidal wave of emotion that he so eloquently controls and has no problems moving you through.
Songs like "Cry at Films", "Grace", "Love Part II" and practically all the other tracks will just hit you in the what ever emotional center you need them too. "Disco Moment" is this brilliant song about the end of a relationship and the lyrics are heart wrenching but it's paired against this driving, pulsating beat and the juxtaposition of the two just wears you out in the best possible way. I just really don't have any other words to say than....wow. There just comes a point when you listen to this album that you just have to stop everything you're doing and just give it all over to him. I mean, hell, he's got you wrapped around his finger anyway, might as well just go all in.
This is easily going to be one of my top five albums of 2012 and there are 6 months left in the year. I will be a huge advocate for him because this album from start to finish is nothing but sheer genius. The album is going to be available for purchase in the States soon so please buy it when it comes out. I want him to have some following in the United States because he has shown that he clearly deserves it. I want to give him all my money.
It doesn't matter what the message behind the song is. It doesn't matter how the track is crafted. All that matters is that Son of of Kid continually puts out track after track that grows on the last one and is just better. I try not to write about every song he releases because I don't want to just gush all the time but it can be hard not to when the music is this good. "Clearly Now" is probably one of the best songs he's ever released. If this is the caliber of work we can expect now that he's signed to a record label you can pretty much be assured that I will buy every record he puts out. From the falsetto to the horns, this song is just packed full of awesome. Sometimes you have to get away from someone in order to be able to see again. It's one of those situations where you were too close to the forest to see the trees and now that you are free everything is going to be ok.
This man can take the phone book and make it uplifting without even trying. This is an acoustic version of what seems to be the first single off his 2013 ablbum, Imagine Paradise. I've written about the original version of this song and the contrast between the simplicity of the acoustic track in comparison to the full on funktastic version is incredible. This version is just so chill and laid back and it just puts you in a super relaxed mood. I honestly have yet to hear a track by Levi that I didn't like and this one is no different. Both versions of the song are great and it just builds the anticipation until the album is released.
Holy shit is this album incredible. If you're a fan of College or the Chromatics then this album is going to blow you away. Mike and Cody are old friends that have been making music for quite sometime and decided to make the leap from Jazz to Pop and I think it was probably the most amazing decision they could have ever made. Let's Go is a 7-track EP that was released over a year ago but it has a sound that will fit in any revitalization of the New Wave era. It's brilliantly crafted and each track builds on the momentum from the one before it. It's just catchy pop music that makes you want to move along and let them take you where you need to go.
"I'm Going to Steal Your Date" is an incredibly well written anthem to seeing someone that you know should be with you over the loser they are with. It really doesn't matter, they will be yours even if you have to just take them. "Headphones On" is this lazy romp that just bounces around and before you know it, you're just bobbing along with it. The bass line, the horns and all the little bits and pieces of "Everything You Do" makes a helluva funky song but then you listen to the lyrics and it's about a disastrous relationship that ends with having your eyes burned out by the sun. "Devilish" needs to be on the soundtrack to Drive. It's got a melancholy to it that makes it very moody. It's like the person that you see across a room and know they have some form of a past. This song is like that. It's been places. "Let's Go" will certainly get your booty shaking. I think it's probably one of the strongest contenders for a mainstream single. It sounds a bit like Patrick Stump and I think that's an incredible thing. "Party Machine" is this great song with a ton of hope about meeting someone in the club and making a connection but having a blast doing it. "My Favorite Place" is about as close to a ballad as the boys are going to pump out. It's one of those great pronouncement songs that you want to be blaring from your boombox outside their house a la John Cusack.
This album doesn't have any missteps as far as I can hear. It's going to be super easy just to throw it on and let it go. From start to finish, each track is as good as the previous one. They also have it on BandCamp where you can pay what you want for it. I love that site because it removes all the bullshit and I know the artist is getting my money. I know that it's not a lot but I would rather pay $5 to an artist for an EP and know they are getting 100% of the proceeds opposed to $15 with a record label and the artist maybe only get .1% of that.
It's a great album and it is unabashedly pop music to it's core and it is good. There are no false pretenses here, from the first lick to the final note, this music is just made to make you sway along.
I've said it before, I don't review remixes unless they are exceptional and this is one of those. TuffCub has taken the original material and accentuated every nuance and made something that is so much greater than the parts. From LMFAO and Akon to Justin Timberlake, there are so many additions to this song that just bring it to a whole new level.
I think he has an immense amount of talent and this remix shows off every minute of that. It's become theatrical and drama filled. I can hear this thumping through the speakers at a HUGE club and a sea of people just losing their collective minds to it. Everything he's added serves a purpose. He seems to have an incredible ear for editing and didn't take it to far (which is something that can be done quite easily).
The tempo is just right for Matt's vocals and they are never overpowered or harmed in any way. It's really a brilliant mix and I think everyone should listen to it because it's great. Support this artist because like so many other independent artists, he deserves our support.
It sucks to be dumped or in come cases to dump someone. I had no desire to pick 5 songs that involved any tears in a beer or pining endlessly. Sometimes you just have to scream, yell, run up their credit card bill or just fuck them off. Here are my Top 5 Getting Over You Songs.
5. Kaiser Chiefs - Every Day I Love You Less and Less
There are a few bands that you can count on when you just need to groove. Moonchild is one of them. It doesn't matter which song you throw on, you are going to quickly fall into the groove and be transported to a smoky club where the dress code is dapper and the guys and dolls are swanky. Amber's vocals never cease to amaze me and she does a killer job channeling funk that is far older than she is. I just want to lay back and let their music wash away the grime of my day and relax. They are another situation where you don't need a label or any of that to create really great music. You just want to bob your head and float along.
Make sure you read up on two of their other singles so that you can be properly inducted into the cult of Moonchild. They are a group to watch out for. I think I would love to see them touring with Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. I think that would be a very cool and funky double bill.
There are few artists that do covers that make me take notice. Michael Henry and Justin Robinett are probably one of my most favorite internet duos because of their way of taking something and turning it into something new. That was until I ran across Mike and Cody. These gentlemen don't just modify the arrangement, they create a brand new one. The synth track they laid down under this is ridiculous and the vocals are top notch. It turns an already great piece of music history into something new and original. I will be doing more scouring of the internet to bring you more but until then, go pick up their album of original songs on their BandCamp. They are doing that really great thing where you tell them how much you want to pay for the album. I think that is the future of all music. No labels, no middlemen...just the artist and the fans.
Also they do a killer cover of Britney's "Toxic". It's really rad indie music and you need in in your life.
After you pick your jaw up from the sheer amazement of her lyrical genius and flow, you may notice that Azaelia Banks is hot. Not just hot but out of this world hot. She has quickly become one of my most favorite female emcees because of her spitfire delivery and uniqueness. (Others include k.Flay and Kreayshawn)
"Liquorice" is the second single off her 1991 EP and it will melt your face right off. Pick up the EP because it's a killer piece of work and proves that there are super intelligent rappers out there that make killer music. The video has her cavorting around the old west in a variety of outfits and weapons. The most dangerous is her vocabulary I think. The video ends up with her facing off against herself in a duel to the death. It's a super cool video with legit visuals that accentuate the video. I am a fan and you should be as well.
P.S. she was also on The Scissor Sisters new album under the name, Krystal Pepasy.
Mika released his new single, "Celebrate" today after Amazon accidentally released a clip of it yesterday. It's a super fun Mika track, but I've heard better from him actually. I like the inclusion of Pharrell because I dig him but it really doesn't push the boundaries like he has in the past. The chorus is catchy and it's poppy and upbeat. Someone online said it reminded them of Alphabeat and I can see how that correlation can be easily made. Do not misunderstand me: It is a brilliant Mika track but it sounds like something that you would have easily heard on his previous two albums. Give it a listen and let me know what you think.
It's June, therefore it must be Gay Pride Month. There are so many songs that have meaning to the members of the gay and lesbian community. Here are my Top 5 Gay Pride anthems.
5. Idina Menzel - Defying Gravity
No matter what anyone tells you, never let them hold you down. Be yourself and everyone else be damned.
4. Diana Ross - I'm Coming Out
True it's cliche but an anthem is an anthem.
3. Donna Summer/Barbara Streisand - No More Tears (Enough is Enough)
One of the best duets of all time and I'm not even a Barbara Streisand fan.
2. Cyndi Lauper - True Colors
I didn't like this song as a kid but as an adult, I have found an appreciation for this song. It means a tremendous amount to me now.
1. Heather Small - Proud
Not only is this my favorite Pride song, but it's one of my favorite songs of all time. I have been a fan of M-People and Heather Small for quite some time. You cannot help but to feel a swelling of pride when you hear this song.
Every so often a song comes along that immediately is launched to anthem status. I think this song is going to be a huge summer anthem or at least a giant pride anthem. The Swedish (there has to be something in the water that allows them to churn out amazing pop artists) duo of Kid and Dandy burn through this song like they have been doing this for more years than they can count. The song is massive, the production soars and it is just an incredibly powerful song. Doubt me... give it whirl and I dare you not to move. It is just an awesome piece of pop music that is delivered with such gusto. I don't know if it's available for purchase or download but you should certainly watch the video, follow them on Facebook and become as awestruck with their delivery as I am
And when the music stops... then you hear me singing LaLaLaLaLaLaLaLa...
I honestly don't think Little Boots can do much wrong. From her killer mixtapes to her original musical work, she turns it out each and every time. I think what I like so much about this song is that it doesn't need to be something it isn't. It's a catchy, fun pop song that harkens back to a day when music was just something that made you feel good. Generally, I kind of want my music to have a purpose and I forget that being happy is one of the most noble purposes there is. This song does a phenomenal job of allowing you to just forget where you are for a bit and just go with it. I can't wait for her album because she has yet to let me down and I totally appreciate what she does.
Also she has mad skills when it comes to just music in general. You should watch some of the videos where she does some amazing multitasking with very cool technology. This clip from Jools Holland is one of my favorite tracks she's done, "Meddle", and it uses a piano, a Tenori-On and a Stylophone. Check her out because she is super cool.
What happens when you take an amazing song and give it to an amazing producer to remix it? You get something brand new and super exciting. I have talked about how Stormby has an uncanny knack of knowing how to accentuate a voice or even a nuance in a song. What he's done in this mix is take the preexisting level of drama the song already had in droves and send it soaring through the roof. There isn't a moment where he overshines Jane and everything he's added cradles her voice and opens the song up to a whole new audience. The addition of the strings and the rapid fire percussion just take the song to a whole new level. It's an amazing mix and I can't stop listening to it.
Here are my top 5 songs that embody some aspect of Girl Power. Some are straightforward others not so much.
5. Salt N Peppa - I Am The Body Beautiful
Sometimes you just have to stop and realize that your beauty is your power and it comes not from external validation but from yourself. Dig deep, sister because there is a queen in there somewhere.
4. Eurythmics & Aretha Franklin - Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves
Two of the most powerful women in all of musicdom came together for this anthem. You don't need anyone to do it for you. Get out there and prove that you can do it on your own and you do not need a man to succeed.
3. Whitney Houston - I'm Every Woman
It doesn't matter who you are or what you do, there is part of you in each and every woman on this planet and they are part of you. Own it!
2. Britney Spears - Stronger
You may have walked out on me but that's fine. I can do it on my own because it only takes me to make it. I am Stonger than yesterday. One day at a time.
1. M.I.A - Bad Girls
Live Fast, Die Young... Bad Girls do it well. If you're living with regrets you aren't living. It's your life and do with it as you need to.
Honorable Mention
Kreayshawn - Gucci Gucci
Basic bitches wear that shit so I don't even bother. I don't need name brand or bandwagons to feel strong.
The Sound of Arrows is probably one of the coolest bands you've never heard of. This is the first single off their album, Voyage. The song is a really great piece of synth magic and the video is pretty awesome as well.. Any video with a crystal powered Delorean is all right by me. Not a lot to say about the video other than to let it speak for itself.
What is the next logical progression for an irrepressible artist that can’t be kept down? Original music. After releasing two successful parody songs on YouTube and iTunes, "RuPaul's Drag Race" head-turner (and new "Drag U" professor) Willam is not about to slow down. His next project is an original song, titled “She Doesn’t Know,” and I had the opportunity to ask the blonde bombshell a few questions about the single and her other upcoming projects.
Pop, Rinse, Repeat: Hey Willam!
Willam: Hi.
Pop, Rinse, Repeat: I'm super excited about the opportunity to talk about your new single. You were actually my favorite queen on the show and I was devastated when you had to leave. I always thought your outspokenness and competitive nature was much more refreshing than the shade and cattiness being thrown. But anyway... down to business. How would you describe the single?
Willam: It's about another woman/whoa-man trying to entice a man to stray… again.
Pop, Rinse, Repeat: When’s it due out?
Willam: Just like RuPaul, it's now available on iTunes.
Pop, Rinse, Repeat: Your other songs are parodies and amazing ones at that. Is this one as well?
Willam: Amazing? Yes this song is amazing. But parody? No. It's for realz.
Pop, Rinse, Repeat: It's about a seductress... did you pull from personal experience to give this track some unfaithful realness?
Willam: Nah. I ain't never been a side piece.
Pop, Rinse, Repeat: I love how you live with, to borrow from Madge, "absolutely no regrets." Do you have any advice for up-and-coming performers?
Willam: I'd say if you're sticking with safe, you're going to get stuck. I can't remember the last time I kicked myself for not speaking up or not doing what I wanted, because I always do. Venture so far outside the box that you'll be all like "I can't even see that stupid box… Is that that box over there?
Pop, Rinse, Repeat: That’s incredible. What do you have coming up in the future? Anything you'd like to shamelessly plug?
Willam: I'm in The Watch in scenes opposite Ben Stiller and Billy Crudup, July 27th in theaters, filming Kicking Zombie Ass for Jesus (a companion piece to the cult classic Ticked-Off Trannies With Knives) and just working on more music with exciting musicians like Cazwell, Markaholic, Vicky Vox and plenty others. Chi Chi La Rue was kind enough to helm my music video for "Trouble" too, and that'll be premiering on Logo in June. I'm looking forward to appearing on RuPaul's Drag U this summer too!
Pop, Rinse, Repeat: Thank you so much for your time and I wish you all the success because you deserve it. I look forward to getting the new single.
Willam: Talk to you soon.
"She Doesn't Know" is available now on iTunes, and as soon as I get my hands on a copy, I will let you all know how amazing it sounds.
I ran across Delta Rae from a FB post a friend forwarded. He made a comment about how Brittany Hölljes reminded him of Hudson Lieck from Xena. He was enthralled with the supernatural aspect of the video and I immediately became impressed with the depth of Brittany's voice and how incredible their harmonies were. There are so many great things about this song and the video. I love how the step team came in to pound out the rhythm and I too loved the treatment for the video.
More importantly, watching this video lead me to watching other videos and I ended up on their website signing up for their mailing list and ultimately a free 11-track live album. I was like, "Really? A whole live album for free... thank you sir I do believe I'll help myself". In my opinion, it's one of the smartest moves they could have made as a band because it has now ensured my support and guaranteed my purchase of their full length album coming out on June 19th, Carry the Fire.
They describe themselves as Alt-Pop Americana Rock (I've called this style Melting Pot Pop or Gumbo Pop in the past because it's a little bit of everything thrown in) and I can see how they fall into this genre. Go out and sign up for the mailing list, get the free album and then get in line and purchase the debut when it comes out.
Not really sure what I like the most about this cover. It's either his very unique vocals or the fact that it's a guy doing a pretty decent cover of one of my favorite Robyn tracks. It took me a couple of listens but I've really come around on it. I like the take on the beat and the melody. His voice reminds me of someone else and I can't think of it. It's from a new wave act and I'm pretty sure they're British but I can't place it. The video is pretty neat and I dig how he mugs for the camera. I think it does a bang up job of paying tribute to our girl and at the same time stands well enough on it's own to not simply be a shadow of a cover. Take a listen and let me know what you think. He's done other covers as well including Flo Rida, Nicki Minaj. He kind of has a Shannon Hoon meets Evan Dando thing going and I appreciate that. Subscribe to his YouTube Channel and watch a couple of vids. I promise, it's worth it.
I am really digging this mix. It's a pretty modern take on a super retro vibe. I can see this being played at Studio 54 easily. I think Little Boots is an amazing artist and she is showing she has quite a range. I want to hear more from her because I am a fan. IF you want a super fun club track, "Headphones" is it.
