Music Video of the Day recap week 21 (141 – 147)

Week 21 was back to normal again.

Punk Week concludes tomorrow, and it will be back to normal again. Perhaps another theme week starting on March 18?

Follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/tmmblog to stay current with the Music Video of the Day selection and everything else!

#141 The Cardigans – I Need Some Fine Wine and You, You Need to Be Nicer

From Super Extra Gravity, released in 2005, still the most recent Cardigans release. However Nina et. al. did release a new A-Camp, Colonia in 2009. Anyway, been a while since I listened to it, but I am pretty sure it was good! “I Need Some Fine Wine and You, You Need to Be Nicer” definitely is!

#142 Robyn – Hang with Me

The single from Body Talk Pt. 2. And since posting it is now blocked here! Oh well, still a good song from her Body Talk series.

#143 Sevendust – Denial

As I mentioned on Twitter, I have not listened to Sevendust since Home. The album that features “Denial”. Guess I should get on that!

#144 Incubus – A Certain Shade Of Green

Another good rock song/band that I have to listen to more of!

#145 Bloodhound Gang – Foxtrot Uniform Charlie Kilo.

Probably my favourite Bloodhound Gang track even though One Fierce Beer Coaster has some very good ones, and as a whole is a great one.

#146 The 411 – Dumb

Quite a switch from the above three rock songs. Anyway, really good pop, they disbanded quite a while ago, so only the one album (Between the Sheets, 2004) exists from them.

#147 Fiona Apple – Not About Love

Again, as I mentioned on Twitter, the string section in the original version of this song should have been left in. It made it a spine chilling track, instead it is just quite good, hard to listen to after hearing/knowing the original first. Jon Brion was the original producer. I want to be Zach Galifianakis in the video.

(Some of) The Best of 2010 (Yet another best of list!)

As I have mentioned before, I am not too good at compiling lists, well, that and I am not a big fan of it (at least not creating them). Perhaps if I could be a music critic or someone who is able to listen to music as part of their job on a regular basis, I would have the time to listen to all the notable albums of 2010, both major releases, and those that are much less known. I have not heard the new Gaslight Anthem, I believe I heard the new Of Montreal once, as with the new Goldfrapp. I also have not heard the new Sheryl Crow, and many more. However I do try to listen to what I know I will like, and also what I am looking forward to.

So I’ll list a few highlights of 2010 for me. In no specific order, and all would fit in a top 10 list, be it an overall one, or genre specific.

Janelle Monáe – The ArchAndroid

Janelle’s debut definitely lived up to all the anticipation leading up to its release. It is quite the release, with influences ranging from indie to R&B, soul and funk. Add in the orchestral elements, and it is quite a release, clocking in just shy of 70 minutes.

Robyn – Body Talk

This applies to Body Talk Pt. 1 and Body Talk Pt. 2, as it includes both, with a modified tracklisting, and the five new songs for what is Body Talk Pt. 3.

With the success of Robyn, and “Konichiwa Bitches”, she continues where she left off, that being releasing some excellent electropop/synthpop/dance. And it is some excellent synth/electropop at that!

Nellie McKay – Home Sweet Mobile Home

Nellie McKay rules! No doubt about it. And she does it again on Home Sweet Mobile Home. Her first album of original material since 2007s Obligatory Villagers. “Caribbean Time” sees her foraying into ska/reggae (as with “Unknown Reggae”), Caribbean and Latin on “¡Bodega!”, and “Beneath the Underdog” is a poppy jazz number, however not nearly like her jazz LP, Obligatory Villagers. The album was recorded in New York, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, the Poconos and Jamaica. That alone gives an idea on the varied inspiration that can be found on the LP!

Tracy Bonham – Masts of Mahatta

Tracy Bonham who released the song “Mother Mother” all of 14 years ago, is continuing strong, albeit not with the commercial backing. This is her first album since 2005s terrific Blink the Brightest. Similar to Blink the Brightest, Masts of Mahatta has been released via an independent record label, this time Engine Room Recordings. I find this release has a slight folk influence. And of course Tracy’s violin playing can be found, playing a nice role. Leadoff track, “Devil’s got Your Boyfriend”, even has a slight hip hop influence! I plan on elaborating further in a proper review in the new year!

Joanna Newsom – Have One on Me

Clocking in at a few minutes over 2 hours, on three discs, Joanna Newsom’s third album is a mammoth one! The album art (literally) itself is something to check out (click the cover to see a larger version). I have yet to fully digest this one. Her release deserves The Beatles treatment, listening over and over, and hearing every aspect, including her unique songwriting. Highly recommended.

Sarah Harmer – Oh Little Fire

I have heard people say they do not care for artists or bands that make the same album twice. I can see where they are coming from, even though there are a lot of artists that stick with their genre and style, and continue to release great albums. Anyway, making the same album twice cannot be said about Sarah Harmer. Her 2005 album I’m a Mountain took her style to folk and bluegrass, and did an excellent job. On Oh Little Fire, she returns more to where she has been in the past, pop/rock of sorts from a singer-songwriter perspective. However influence from I’m a Mountain can still be felt, especially in the country tinged “Silverado”. Another solid effort from Sarah. Do not be surprised if at the very least this is longlisted for the 2011 Polaris Music Prize (Canada’s Mercury Prize).

Fefe Dobson – Joy

What was going to be Fefe Dobson second album at the time (2005/6), Sunday Love, never ended up actually being released. While it was being delayed it had its cover art changed, as Fefe felt the new album art more reflected her at the time. Recently at some point I have read that she was happy in the end, as everything happens for a reason, so we finally get a second album in Joy.

Sleigh Bells – Treats

I cannot say I know enough about noise pop to comment fully, however Sleigh Bells are innovating similar to M.I.A. (easy comparison since they are on her label, N.E.E.T. Recordings). And M.I.A. sampled “Treats” on her track “Meds and Feds” from /\/\/\Y/\.

M.I.A. – /\/\/\Y/\

M.I.A.’s latest had mixed reviews, generally either positive or negative. I was on the positive side. Although it is not as upbeat and positive as Arular, or even Kala, it is probably a logical step for her. Knowing M.I.A. she is not going to make the same album, she will continue to experiment.

No doubt similar to Kanye West this year, life events helped shape the album. It definitely has its angrier moments. “Born Free” is an epic track! “It Takes a Muscle” is another great song, a cover of the song originally done by Spectral Display.

Jazmine Sullivan – Love Me Back

Although I have not listened to all the new R&B released this year, I would probably put this on top for 2010. Solid sophomore effort from Jazmine. And although it is probably a cliché, it sounds like it left off where Fearless left off, although with a bit more maturity and confidence in her voice. Missy Elliot returns with production as does Salaam Remi. He produces the second single, “10 Seconds” and “Love You Long Time”. Choice cut that likely will not be a single, “Redemption”.

Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Like him, loathe him, or feel indifferent, Kanye, with the help of numerous guests (especially on “All of the Lights”) has released quite a big album. It pretty much feels big in every way, from the aforementioned guests, to the beats, rapping, and delivery. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy delivers. Perhaps this album being a result of all of what was going on in his life after releasing 808s & Heartbreak. I would like to see him release an album that is similar to Rah Digga’s new effort, where he would be the only performer on the album, and producing it all on his own as well. Rah Digga’s Classic featured only her, however was produced entirely by Nottz.

Rag Digga – Classic

Speaking of Rah Digga, her first new album in 10 years was worth the wait. Her second album (Everything Is A Story) was scheduled for 2004, but in the end was shelved. It ended up working out though, as she rapped like there was no tomorrow, as if she had not aged a day, throwing back to her hip hop of earlier years, while keeping it relevant for today.

Lissie – Catching a Tiger

A solid debut from Rock Island, Illinois’ own Lissie (real name Elisabeth Maurus). It is a fairly mellow album, ranging from rock and pop, and country elements. Americana is often used in the same sentence as Lissie, and I would not disagree. My favourite track from her to date, “Little Lovin’”, definitely feels like a piece of Americana, lyrically and musically. Similarly “Stranger” feels Americana to me. And with “Oh Mississippi”, there is no question! Oddly enough she received the most attention in the United Kingdom! Hopefully her home land has come around!

Charlotte Church – Back to Scratch

Five years after her excellent pop debut album, Tissues and Issues, Charlotte returns with Back to Scratch. In those five years her life undoubtedly changed considerably, including becoming a mother. Back to Scratch sees a more mature Charlotte on the pop side of things. Less leanings toward girl pop (Britney Spears, Sugababes, Girls Aloud, etc.), and more adult pop. Of course her pop material from 2005 was excellent, as it combined great pop with her excellent voice, as is evident from her previous classical crossover material. I had been eagerly anticipating a new album from her for a while, and I am happy it has finally arrived. Maybe not quite what I was expecting (I think I wanted a Tissues and Issues duplicate), but that is more than okay. Although it has yet to fully grow on me, I can tell it is a solid effort.

Kelis – Flesh Tone

Definitely did not expect an electro record, but it sure delivers! Read my full review.

Nina Sky – Starting Today EP

Only an EP, as their full length is currently delayed due to a record label fiasco. Luckily this was released, even it was self released. I am hoping the long-delayed The Other Side sees a release at some point, including the excellent “On Some Bullshit”.

I know I am missing some, if not many that I have heard, and many that I have not heard. Any glaring omissions? Drop a comment below.

Maybe in 2011, I’ll try to keep track of all the new music better!

Happy end of December and 2K11! Stay tuned for my 2011 preview post!

Music video picks (Fefe and Kelis)

Fefe Dobson – Stuttering

Fefe does it again. Another solid track from her finally released Joy! Worth the wait for sure! Nice video too, well acted on Fefe’s part. And she is not bad looking in the video either!

Kelis – Brave

I did not realise this video was out yet, till I saw it here. Fourth single from her latest, Flesh Tone, and one of my favourite cuts from it. Simplistic video, but I like simplistic ones similar in nature. Like Janelle Monáe’s recent video for “Cold War”, and Alanis Morissette’s “Head Over Feet” from 1996.

Watch in HD for the best viewing experience!

It has been a little while since I updated the Music Video of the Day (search hashtag #MVOD on Twitter, or better yet, view my favourites.) on here, but I’ll do so soon. And starting Friday will be the second themed week, Canadian content this time! Hip hop was the last one a couple of weeks back.

Uffie – Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans review

Vocoder, autotune, you name it, Uffie has likely used it.

Uffie’s debut, a surprisingly long time in the making (or at least before being released), as “Pop the Glock” was first released in early 2006. It makes Kid Sister’s gap between first single (“Pro Nails”) and album (Ultraviolet) of approximately two years seem reasonable.

For the most part, provided one can stand her modified vocals, it is not that bad an album. Silliness and goofiness is expected given Uffie’s reputation. Especially the case on the ending of “MCs Can Kiss” when ‘she’ tries playing the saxophone for the first time. Also “NeuNeu” sounds like it collided with a cheesy 80s song, yet still manages

And despite her bragging on “Art of Uff” (“You’re so tired to hear about what I do…”But guess what, Me and my stupid flow, Me and my MySpace, With only three tracks a year, And they still talk about me) she also claims on “Our Song”, that she never claimed to be an artist, or that she can sing.

Mr. Oizo of “Flat Beat” fame produced a few tracks, including the aforementioned “NeuNeu”. Mirwais, among a couple of others shared production duties. A few tracks actually turn out quite well, “Give it Away”, and “Ricky” could be mistaken for some good electropop tracks.

For the most part, I would not recommend it, at least not in the way I’d recommend the new KT Tunstall; or an album that has staying power, that will be remembered years from now. Of course, Uffie may still be remembered, but not in the best light. It is a fun listen, when looking to get in the mood to go out on the town, or when feeling down, and looking to feel better. Even then, choosing select tracks would be best.

Music Video of the Day week 6 weekly recap (September 24 – 30)

All the videos disallow embedding (at least here..), so, once again, click-through to YouTube. Annie’s the only non YouTube video, and I just plain text linked to it (at blastro.com).

Robyn – Konichiwa Bitches (September 24) #36

Even though Robyn has still been around, this fueled her commercial comeback. Electropop as opposed to straight pop, and a style change to boot (the funky hair most noticeably!). From Robyn.

Annie – Heartbeat (September 25) #37

Alongside “Chewing Gum”, “Heartbeat” was another single that from Annie’s excellent debut that made her an underground pop sensation. From the 2004 Anniemal.

http://www.blastro.com/detector/annieheartbeat.html

Goldfrapp – Ooh La La (September 26) #38

First single from Goldfrapp’s third album, Supernature, before changing up their style for 2008′s Seventh Tree.

Sarah Harmer – Pendulums (September 27) #39

From her 2004 album “All of Our Names”. A really good album, and she then released the folk/bluegrass I’m a Mountain, and this past June, Oh Little Fire.

Bad Religion – American Jesus (September 28) #40

For many Bad Religion fans, this is THE Bad Religion song. For many others it would be “Along the Way”. “American Jesus” is from Recipe for Hate, released in 1993.

Solange – I Decided (September 29) #41

I forgot to say this is Solange on Twitter! Also known as Beyoncé’s sister. However she has her own sound, and made it on her own. This is from her second album, Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams, where she really came to be who she is now.

Laura Veirs – Galaxies (September 30) #42

I saw Laura Veirs live a few nights ago, very good show. She does not seem to disappoint in her recorded material, this is no exception. This is from her fifth (!) release, Year of Meteors.

Double LP of the Week Marina and the Diamonds – The Family Jewels and Ladyhawke

Having returned from being out of town for a few days, and not really listening to music, two albums that I listened to before leaving ended up causing a few of their songs to be stuck in my head at various points. I’ll start with the most recent release.

Ever since the first, and subsequent listens, the Marina and the Diamonds debut, The Family Jewels, has only kept getting better. I wrote a brief review a few weeks ago.

The lead off track, “Are You Satisfied”, is a fairly standard indie pop track, in that it is not especially unique. That is not to say it is bad at all. However “Shampain”, an intentional misspelling of Champagne, is quite good. It is apparently a forthcoming single. “I Am Not a Robot” is a very good track, it has been stuck in my head numerous times. One that I do not mind going around in my head at all!

“Mowgli’s Road” is another that had been going around in my head. More so just the rhythm, as I have not followed along with the lyrics very much. Alongside with the video, it definitely feels like it is telling a story. Speaking of the rhythm, it is one that is well worth following the beat with the feet!

The next track, actually the first single released as a double a-side with “Mowgli’s Road”, is a slower song, and fits well with “Are You Satisfied”, in that it does not have anything special about it, aside from being a good track. I did not link the video for it in my mini review, so here it is on Youtube, “Obsessions”.

“Hollywood”, is about celebrity culture, not to mention the American Dream as well. The video does a nice job satirising just that. “Hollywood” was the first song I heard from Marina and the Diamonds, and how she states about not wanting to be the ‘typical‘ pop star, I do not think she has to worry about that. Quoting from the song a good line,

“Oh my god, you look just like Shakira
No no, you’re Catherine Zeta”
Actually, my name’s Marina.

As I mentioned in the mini review, “The Outsider” has some new wave aspects in it, even feeling like it goes back to the 80s.

The latter third of the album settles down a fair amount. I like how she can manage songs that do a good job storytelling, and do not necessarily stick with the standard songwriting structure, “Rootless”, for example. And Marina can also do the silly, zany tracks well, as well as more standard songs, while keeping them good.

I have no doubt that she does have a future. I would like to see her have more songwriting to her name.

The next album is one that has been out for a while, but I only really started listening in full relatively recently. It is the self-titled debut from New Zealand’s Ladyhawke.

Ladyhawke’s Ladyhawke, real name, Phillipa “Pip” Brown, would probably be more indie rock, and also has new wave elements, however more in the vein of Goldfrapp, or Ladytron. Therefore leaning toward synthpop or electropop.

I am partially surprised that “Manipulating Woman”, the second track, was not a single, as it is definitely catchy, and has been one that has been stuck in my head as noted in the introduction to this blog entry.

The album does have a throwback to the 80s a tad, however as the CMJ review put it, “nostalgic but modern and (just slightly) more grown-up.”

I kind of find the album hard to describe, but the fact it contains electro and synth elements says plenty. Perhaps Ladytron junior, or a more playful version of Ladytron.

The fact that she writes all her songs, and is a multi-instrumentalist to boot says a lot about Phillipa.

Check out the NME video Track by Track.

The videos:

Back Of The Van
Paris Is Burning
Dusk Till Dawn
My Delirium
Magic

Obligatory links:

http://www.marinaandthediamonds.com/
http:/www.myspace.com/marinaandthediamonds

http://www.ladyhawkemusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/ladyhawkerock

Almost Brit Pop Music Video Playlist March 3, 2010

I say almost as I have added a Kylie Minogue video in there. She is Australian, but she is fairly popular in the UK. Anyway, on with the playlist.

Kylie Minogue – Wow
La Roux – I’m Not Your Toy
Pixie Lott – Gravity
VV Brown – Shark in the Water
Noisettes – Don’t Upset the Rhythm (Go Baby Go)

The Kylie Minogue video is what you would expect from her, dancing, lights and plenty of visuals. I’ll let Wikipedia explain a little better.

The video features Minogue in dancing in a futuristic nightclub surrounded by dancers in alien outfits.

I really did not notice the alien outfits to be honest, as my eyes are generally on Kylie most of the time! And I have only watched it a handful of times at most.

The La Roux track, “I’m Not Your Toy” is one that will definitely get you feet busy, and perhaps nodding along. The video features her singing in front of a pool with a fair number of people around it. The video cuts to the people a fair amount as they are grooving to the song also as if there is something going on with them. All the while Elly is singing the song. Later, Elly is seated in an elaborate chair, and she is also in the pool. The video ends with her submerging into the pool, funky hair and all!

The Pixie Lott song, “Gravity”, is one I easily could have mistaken for Jordin Sparks, as it is a poppy R&B track. The video is mostly her in a black tutu, but there is also a couple dancers in the background on certain scenes. She does have a couple of other outfits in the video, a black “burlesque inspired outfit”, and in a red catsuit performing an aerial silk routine. The latter two outfits were added by an anonymous Wikipedia user. I do not know clothing too well, however I probably would not have used the term burlesque.

VV Brown’s “Shark in the Water” is the first time I really heard and saw her. The video is basically her singing the song while telling a story. It is a good poppy track.

Lastly, Noisettes with “Don’t Upset the Rhythm (Go Baby Go)”. It is the second single from their second album, Wild Young Hearts. I only really started getting into them recently. Wild Young Hearts is quite a good album.

The video is a fair amount fantasy, with mostly lead singer and bassist, Shingai Shoniwa. The other band members do pop up here and there. The video also features a fair amount of accompanying visuals.

Shakira – She Wolf

Shakira returns with her fourth album, that is since she became a global star, and sixth overall. There is no escaping the first single, “She Wolf”, well, that is to say it is a love or hate track. And I quite enjoy it.

Four tracks were produced by The Neptunes, and co written by Mr. Pharell Williams (tracks 2 – 5). John Hill (of The Apples in Stereo fame, and also a major producer/songwriter for Santigold’s debut) and Sam Endicott of The Bravery are the ones that helped write “She Wolf”, while Hill helped produce. As is the case with “Men in This Town”.

The album is fairly eclectic, from the calypso elements of “Good Stuff” to the rock tinged “Mon Amour”. “Gypsy” does a good job of sounding like you may expect a song with that title would. Well, hard to really know what to expect, however it sounds like it fits well regardless.

After several listens, many tracks have been stuck in my head on numerous occasions. The very catchy “Did it Again”. “Men in This Town” with dance beats, unique delivery of the chorus, and the bridges with slight vocal modification ending with almost video game like sounds, does not disappoint. The Wyclef collaborated effort, “Spy” is another good example.

The Spanish version of “Did It Again”, “Why Wait”, and “She Wolf” all to a very good job of replicating the English version. I assume it is that order. Jorge Drexler helps out with the Spanish songwriting.

The All Music review sums it up well, the album “is giddily addicting”!

Annie – Don’t Stop review

I am on only the third listen of Annie’s sophomore effort, however it is growing on me very quickly.

After really enjoying her self titled debut, the first listen was almost a little disappointing, or weird anyway, as I was expecting it to sound similar.

For starters, I am happy it has been released, and especially on a non major label (Smalltown Supersound). She was on Island (owned by Universal), however she “never felt they were that positive” to her ideas (from her Myspace blog).

In an interview with Elle, she said “I’m happier with the melodies and lyrics on this one.” I may not have thought of it so much in that light, but I do agree with what Erin Clements wrote to introduce the interview, “Don’t Stop, a more polished effort that’s just as much fun as the first, doesn’t disappoint.”

I recall when her debut came out she was pretty big in the underground. I think it is safe to say this could be her breakout album, all while staying popular to the underground. Of course this is a little harder to judge over here in Canada/North America, as she does not receive much rotation, at least not in the same way top 40 receives.

I like how “Hey Annie” starts the album, possibly a reference to her debut where she dropped the lyric “Hey Annie” a fair amount in the catchy “Chewing Gum”.

“I Don’t Like Your Band” feels like it would have fit well onto her debut.

“Songs Remind Me of You” has a distinct synth background, giving it a throwback feel, and has a great melody. It was produced by Richard X, who has produced his fair share of Brit Pop (Sugababes, Rachel Stevens, Alesha Dixon, Róisín Murphy), including Annie’s “Chewing Gum”! Also some sweet M.I.A tracks, “Amazon”, “Hombre”, and “10 Dollar” from Arular. Don’t Stop leaked in 2008, and although I did not realise it did, “Songs Remind Me of You” seems to have been well reviewed, as that was one of the first tracks revealed from the new album in 2008.

Upon reading the BBC review (I normally read reviews after I write mine, so as to not plagiarise, or copy any ideas, mostly unintentionally, but still), I read that “My Love is Better” was produced by Xenomania. It actually was supposed to have featured vocals from Girls Aloud (a prominent UK girl group), but it did not end up so in the end. I would have liked to have heard that version, and compared with the one that made the album.

Xenomania have also produced a fair amount of Brit Pop, so, with Girls Aloud on my mind, I felt “Loco”, also Xenomania produced, had a very Girls Aloud feel to it. “When the Night”, and “Heaven and Hell” are the other Xenomania produced tracks.

Overall, a very poppy, catchy, well produced album. I can’t really see why the major label would not have been interested in releasing it, hard to tell with them, I suppose it must be there is more than one good song! I’m kidding, as I do like a lot of major label releases. Seems the person who was representing her left to work at EMI UK, and the new person did not understand Annie. At least it was not an album that ended up in limbo.

The All Night EP continues with the album, containing the singles, “I Know UR Girlfriend Hates Me”, and “Anthonio”.

A Few Thoughts on Music Videos

I am a fan of music videos. They create visual accompaniment to go along with the music.

I do get the chance to see a fair number of them, however specific television channels do not air them all. Luckily there is the internet.

The idea for this blog post came after watching the video for Little Boots’ “Remedy”. Her debut album Hands is a very good one, so it was enjoyable to see the video after hearing the song so many times.

The video by itself is not amazing, in that it is not groundbreaking. However it does the job. Visually it is pleasurable. After seeing it, I had it stuck in my head a few times, in this case, that is a good thing! And since Victoria Hesketh, a.k.a. Little Boots is in it, all the better. Therefore being able to better associate a face to the music. Oh, and she is easy on the eyes too!

So anyway, here is the video for your convenience.