Category: Music

Sugarcubes vs Diana Vickers

Sugarcubes (i.e. Baby Bjork) had a little hit called ‘Hit’ back in 1991. That same year, a girl called Diana Vickers was born who ended up being on the UK’s X Factor a couple of years ago. If Norah Jones was a cat, she would sound like Diana Vickers. Diana didn’t win the X Factor, but she ended up making an album anyway that was released earlier this month (which got to number 1, and I must admit, I did buy it… sorry… it was made by Guy Sigsworth and Ellie Goulding and I couldn’t resist). Diana has a cover of ‘Hit’ on her album, which I actually really like. See which one you prefer…

New Music: The Mynabirds

Plastic Motown, but not in an irritating Duffy-I’m a serious artist-Diet Coke way. Check out here.

Is this song too cool for Eurovision?

This is Estonia’s entry for Eurovision this year. Word is going round that this is too underground to do well. Say what you want about Eurovision, but every so often it makes people aware that there’s other countries out there that like to experiment with music. I kinda like it.

New Music: Foster The People

Foster The People are a 4 piece from LA who make catchy pop music that’s cool enough to be ‘edgy’… Makes you want to dance a little. Check out here.

New Music: Niia

Technically, Niia hasn’t made any records yet (as far as I’m aware). She featured in a track by Wyclef called ‘Sweetest Girl’ a while back, but her voice and style are in a league of their own. Sexy voice and sleek piano music production that hasn’t been touched by the big record labels… yet… Check out here.

Jamie Lidell – Compass : Best record of the year so far

I brought Jamie Lidell’s new album, Compass, yesterday and it’s all I’ve been listening to all day. This guy can do no wrong! It’s a cross between soul, blues, a little bit of soft electro and that unique Beck beat (Beck produced Compass). I’m seeing Jamie play in London tommorrow, so excited! Check out here.

FLASHMOB!

Here’s some pics from the London version of the Eurovision Flashmob. Call me a geek, but I was really looking forward to this. The memo said to come dressed in bright colours, and somehow I think I took that too seriously (I looked like an orange…)

It was held outside The Place– which was a bit weird as it was just a little street in Kings Cross  (although it did look very London)

Anyway, there was a massive mix of people, and it was all loads of fun. We started at 6pm, didn’t finish til around 10 at night. Looking forward to seeing the clip on the night of the Final!

New Music: Jamie Woon

I really don’t know much about this guy, other than he’s supporting Ellie Goulding at this summer’s iTunes festival in London. He’s got a smooth, haunting, soulful voice about him. His Myspace is a little empty, but his first single is on Youtube. Be sure to give ‘Spirits a listen too. Check out here.

New Music: Pearly Gate

It takes a few minutes of listening to Pearly Gate before you really get in to it. Their sound makes me think of The Zombies, or a hazy sunny day in the 60’s on a pink cadillac driving down a dusty road somewhere in California. I really like. Check out here.

New Music: MNEK

Before I ran this blog, I shared one with my ex-wifey called Baby Sonic Trap. It didn’t last very long. Anyway, Mnek was one of the artists I featured on that old blog, and I kind of forgot about it for a while but his song, ‘If Truth Be Told’ came on my iTouch yesterday and I remembered just how fun this guy is. He’s only a teenager- something like 15 or 16 maybe? But so so good! Check out here.

New Music: Jennie Abrahamson

I said last week I would mention more about this Swedish lady. I didn’t really know who she was until I saw her live last week at Penguin Prison’s London gig, and I didn’t expect that I would enjoy her stuff as much as I did (her pictures make her look moodier than she actually is). She seems to be more established in Europe than she is in the UK. I guess it’s cool pop- and it’s easy to listen to. Check out here.

Hoosiers are Back!

Check out a clip from their new single, Choices, over on Popjustice right now. Very different to their old stuff- love the electro riff!

Live: Penguin Prison at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen

I managed to catch Penguin Prison in London last night in Shoreditch (this gig was meant to happen last week but because of that volcano cloud thing it had to be put back). He was amazing. Really really amazing. I don’t know how else to put it. I thought he would be headlining the night but turns out he was supporting a band I’d never heard of, which is a bit ironic. Or maybe I’m out of touch. I also saw another lady called Jennie Abrahamson who was also really good. I’ll put up a post on her in a little while- she’s a sort of Kate Bush/ Lykke Li hybrid with a smile.

Live: Alan Pownall at Borderline

I only heard of Alan Pownall last week, so I thought it would be cool to check him out at the Borderline in London last night. It felt like there was a big buzz around the venue, and it was pretty much a packed house (too packed- and I I’m not a big fan of the Borderline), but he was really really good! Chasing Time will be huge. Above is a clip from the night. Go see him if you can!

New Music: Alan Pownall

I heard ‘Chasing Time’ ages ago and never got round to finding out who was behind it, then tonight on the way home from the gym I saw a really cool poster for Alan Pownall on a derelict wall and thought I’d google him. I love when stuff like this happens. Check out here.

New Music: Jenna Andrews

Definitely one for the future – Jenna Andrews has a lush voice and some beautiful melodies. Check out here.

New Music: Florrie

Florrie is from the British Xenomania camp of hit makers- Girls Aloud are probably their biggest success yet (and Alex Gardner later in the year I reckon!). I don’t know much about Florrie, so I’ve stolen her bio from Last.fm…

Florrie Arnold (b. 1988) is a drummer, singer and songwriter. As the drummer in Xenomania house band JFK, she has performed drums on Girls Aloud’s “The Promise” and Alesha Dixon’s “The Boy Does Nothing”.

Give ‘Panic Attack’ a listen. Check out here.