Category: Music

Bless the Gaga

I Heart Jack Johnson

The great thing about Jack Johnson is that you know you’ll get exactly what you were expecting, every time. I like Jack Johnson a lot more than I let people believe, because I get a bit tired of hearing the ‘he’s boring… all his songs sound the same…’ dribble. But there’s no denying that his music can cheer up the grumpiest monkey around.

Looking at ‘To The Sea’s album cover, it took me a while to figure out that what he was building was a big surf (or is it a ship?). And when you open up the sleeve, the first thing you see is a dedication to his dad. So you’re led to think that this will be a sad collection of songs- but they’re the complete opposite. I prefer this album to ‘Sleep Through The Static’ and the one he did for the Curious George movie.

New Music: The Like

The Like have actually been around for ages, but this is the first I’ve heard of them – probably because their new record has been produced by Mark Ronson and it’s my kind of groove. Their new stuff is a bit of a cross between that plastic Motown sound Ronson goes for, but with a bit of a dark indie vibe thrown into the mix. It’s reminds me a bit of poprock from the mid 90’s too… Check out here.

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…

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.

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.