Archive for May, 2008
Hercules and Love Affair is basically one Andy Butler, who has invited a variety of people aboard to vocalize his electro-pop experiments. “Blind” is an extraordinary record thanks to the inclusion of Antony (he of the Johnsons), who plays the role of melancholy, amazingly-voiced, electro ingenue like Jimmy Somerville and Alison Moyet before him. The group is signed to James Murphy’s DFA imprint, so you shouldn’t be too surprised when Hercules and Love Affair go global sometime this year.
Click here to visit Antony’s myspace page.
IMPORTANT: Downloads are only free on iTunes for approximately 1 week from this post date.
Argentinean singer Valeria Gastaldi branches out on her own with this new song from her solo album Cuando No Estas. The former reality TV show winner and member of the pop group Bandana creates her own brand of light and hook-filled contemporary rock with a sugary edge. “Despertar” has a dreamy, sing-along quality that makes it one of the stand-out tracks on her new release.
You can visit Valeria’s MySpace page here.
IMPORTANT: Downloads are only free on iTunes for approximately 1 week from this post date.
On this original composition, James Carter lays down a subtle understated groove driven by elegant arrangements, carefully pared down to the essentials. Says Carter: “I’m dealing with more lyricism on this album, and I’m making more concise statements in the music versus playing out for 10 or 11 minutes.” This creates the perfect setting for Carter’s solowork – and work it is, as he leaps large intervals in single bounds that would make any superhero blanch. Little wonder then, that the Detroit native recently topped Downbeat’s annual Critics Poll in the Baritone Saxophone category for the third year in a row.
IMPORTANT: Downloads are only free on iTunes for approximately 1 week from this post date.
The Cool Kids flex a new rap language, inciting both new and old hip-hop heads to exclaim, “They don’t make songs like this anymore.” With all its golden age signifiers – the knocking beats, the “yes yes y’all” chants, the guitar stabs – the Cool Kids show immense affection for rap’s magical year of 1988. “88″ makes the old school futuristic with Mikey and Chuck going sick over cyborg drum breaks, which brings up the question: “Are they indeed rapping about 1988 or reporting from the future and reflecting back on 2088? Decide for yourself.
IMPORTANT: Downloads are only free on iTunes for approximately 1 week from this post date.
As back-to-back winner in television’s Dancing With the Stars (with partners Apolo Anton Ohno and Helio Castroneves), Julianne Hough has a solid foundation as one of America’s premier ballroom dancers. She furthers her winning streak, this time in country music, with “My Hallelujah Song,” the follow-up single to “That Song In My Head,” from her new self-titled debug. Hough takes a moment to reflect on her life and offer thanks in a style that recalls Christina Aguilera and Shania Twain. Hough is the antithesis of today’s tabloid starlets: a sqeaky clean and talented pixie, truly an American sweetheart.
IMPORTANT: Downloads are only free on iTunes for approximately 1 week from this post date.
In the past few years, Puerto Rico’s Tommy Torres has established himself as one of the top Latin pop producers on the globe. His work with Ednita Nazario, Ricky Martin, and Ricardo Arjona brought out the best instincts of these artists. “Tarde o Temprano” is the title track from his third solo album and it’s a sweeping epic, with Torres blending theatrical rock with a more windswept ballad style.
You can check out his myspace page here.
IMPORTANT: Downloads are only free on iTunes for approximately 1 week from this post date.
Kardinal Offishall comes to use straight out of Canada and this cut is a slick, bouncy club favorite that has been all over the charts up north. It wouldn’t be a chart-topper without an Akon appearance. The Senegalese vocalist with the Midas touch adds a few verses and some production duties on this synth-heavy track.
IMPORTANT: Downloads are only free on iTunes for approximately 1 week from this post date.
Leny keeps things as smooth as is humany possible on “Llegara Ese Dia”. He’s got an R&B slickness to his vocals, but the fluid percussion and the bachata rhythms are less about filling up the clubs but more about creating a sophisticated and romantic sound. Fans of Aventura or Juan Luis Guerra or anyone who feel for Leny’s “Debil” last year will find much to savor here.
Click here for Leny’s MySpace page.
IMPORTANT: Downloads are only free on iTunes for approximately 1 week from this post date.
The doors to success began to open very early for Diego Gonzalez. In 2003, he was a top-ranking finalist on a reality TV talent search. He was just 13 years old at the time. What followed was a slew of acting opportunities and his debut album, released in 2005. “Losing Me” is a huge, anthemic ballad from his assured follow-up, Indigo. Pop songwriters and producers Mitch Allen and Kara DioGuardi have also stepped in to give the songs on this new album a bit of polish that is likely to bring the tune to a massive audience.
IMPORTANT: Downloads are only free on iTunes for approximately 1 week from this post date.
Seattle-based indie rockers the Blakes don’t so much perform their songs as swagger through them. “Two Times” is a case in point, a track that allegedly caught the ear of indie rock luminary Iggy Pop who was moved to say “This s**t is good”. We can’t help but agree. The song takes a while to get to the chorus but once there, you find yourself wishing it would never leave. Grunge this most certainly is not but the music exudes a certain undeniable authenticity – clearly the work of a band that has paid its dues. And what could be cooler than a band named after William Blake?
IMPORTANT: Downloads are only free on iTunes for approximately 1 week from this post date.
