Album Review

DWELE

It’s that old cliche that almost always gets used to describe talented Soul/R’n’B singers but there is no other way to describe Dwele’s voice other than saying it is as smooth as butter. The words just slide out of his mouth with no strain, just pure passion. His new album combines the contemporary with elements of classic soul which is shown by the way he sings in and around the beat rather than adhering to the conventions  R’n’B dictates.

Dwele’s approach to both songwriting, production and delivery have an authenticity that many mainstream artists can’t seem to match. His new album ‘W.ants, W.orld, W.omen’ contains no hegemony or egocentricsm, instead, it is rich with beautiful lyrics that reflect Dwele’s personal experiences and desires in life. Although some are more confusing to understand than others such as ‘I wanna’ but that might just be me?

Despite the overall sound of the album being easy to listen to there is an off putting undercurrent namely the explicit promotion of a particular denim brand that is dotted throughout the album. It seems silly to ruin what at first appears to be a genuine singer/songwriter’s album but I guess promoting this brand will line Dwele’s pockets just in case the album doesn’t. Despite not being admirable, its understandable. Dwele has been the victim of never making it to the mainstream, he has always been on the outskirts looking in but with this album he might just make it.

The New Muse

THE HOWLS

If you liked Muse in their Absolution days then maybe this is the band for you. Howls are a four piece that came together quite begrudgingly, the band is comprised of old timers in the music business such as Stephen Fretwell (singer/song writer) and Dan Carey a music producer who has worked with the likes of Lily Allen.  All the members have had some previous knowledge of the music industry which may have given them reservations about this venture, however, Howls are now releasing their debut single Hammock.

Hammock starts with a sound very reminiscent of the Rocky theme tune but as soon as Fretwell’s vocals kick in the vibe changes. Fretwell’s haunting voice juxtaposes the jaunty backing track  to perfection, creating a very sublime yet, eerie atmosphere. We think that Howls will do well based on their prior knowledge of the industry and their great talent. Remember where you heard it first!

On the Radar!

KATY. B

(with vocals as fiery as her hair it's no wonder she is on the radar!)

So this fresh faced lady hails from London and will be all over the place before you know it! When you get to work with the likes of Benga for your debut album/single I think you have pretty much got it made! She sings in dialect. She is confident. She has a strong, powerful voice that sounds nice even when it is strained. Soulful and melancholic - the voice appears to be the antithesis of the backing tracks she sings over creating a disequilibrium that works against the odds. Listen to a few of her tracks on myspace and have a look at the video for her new single "Katy on a Mission." 

I think it is is nice to finally have a song set to dubstep instead of having a sample ripped from a song and manipulated to fit the music. This way is more creative and it allows the listeners to not only get a lyrical story, but an introduction to a new artist as well as a great catchy song in a nice Benga stamped package!

Let me know if you don't ooo-ah--ooo-ah-oooo! at least once after hearing this song!
I think you'd be the only one!

My Summer Love 2010.

BOMBA ESTÉREO

(If you know me, you know that when it is the Summer season I like to pretend that I am from some far-away exotic country - as sad as that sounds - this year I have chosen to be Colombian!)

... and why is that you ask? because my love for Bomba Estereo is back with a vengeance! I have had the song I am about to share with you on repeat for the past few days... and it is not looking to get boring anytime soon! There is something so sexy about mixing traditional Colombian music with modern day interpretations of electro and reggae! I bet your ears have pricked up now! This female fronted ensemble know how to have a good party and when they perform audience participation is a key part! Fans are often pulled on stage to dance or play some form of percussion! Now that is the kind of band that understand the concept of good music being more about an atmosphere! I would LOVE to see Bomba Estereo live at some point in the near future but they haven't had any U.K tour dates thus far :(  

The song I am going to share with you has elements of all kinds of musical genre such as Reggae, Rap and Cumbia just to name a few! the layers of this track is what makes it so interesting it seems to change with your mood... if you are feeling annoyed the delivery of the lyrics sound angry.... if you are feeling summery... the Spanish guitar is foregrounded as well as the reggae beat. This track seems to have the ability to manipulate itself to my mindset and I think this is why I love it so much! I can truly say that Bomba Estereo are going to be my favourites this August!

We Are Living In a Material World & I am a...

MATERIAL GIRL

(The new clothing label by Madonna! and baby Madge a.k.a Lourdes)

I think it has been long overdue... but finally Madonna has made 'Material Girl' a brand that targets young, teenage girls who love fashion! Hence why she has enlisted the help of her 13 year old daughter Lourdes to help with designing! (How unfair! I wish I was Lourdes!) So we have all managed to get a sneak peak of a few sketches from the collection and here they are in the above picture! As we can see they capture the youthful Madonna we remember with her edgy but playful look which sits about right for the line's target audience. My guess is that the line might be a toned down version of the 80's Madonna we loved. I get this inkling based on the religious symbols, lashings of bold jewelry and fitted bodices in these sketches alone. One thing I am interested to find out is how Madonna will price her collection - surely it wouldn't be too overpriced? especially if it is for teenagers... but who knows in the crazy world of fashion!  

One thing I do know... is that the main model for the campaign is going to be... wait for it.... TAYLOR MOMSEN! (who I forgot to mention hails from Missouri - where I studied for 6 months! woot woot!) as you can tell this whole concept. Madonna + Taylor + Fashion = My dream come true... now if only I were a little younger! But my theory on the matter is... if Momsen can rock the Material Girl line at 21 then I could at least try and do the same! Luckily I have the ability to fit into children's clothes so that might help a little too! Hopefully it won't be too long before pictures are released of the actual line... but be assured that as soon as they are... they will be posted on this blog!   

New Artists Alert! and my can they provide a cover!

NEON HITCH

(who has helped to write hits for Kesha and 3OH!3 is now starting a career of her own!)

When you read about Neon Hitch's life it sounds like some fantasy story... born into a family of travelling performers, running away to India at 16 and coming back to the UK to open for acts like 50 Cent and The Streets - before releasing a single record. With a lifestory like this you expect some deep and inspirational music but Neon Hitch isn't the type to dwell on the past... her music is fun and as carefree as her nature.  

I am in love with her cover of Travie McCoy (of the Gym Class Heroes') new single 'Billionaire.' Although, I don't know if we can really call it a cover... the musical layout is exactly the same but Neon Hitch has changed the lyrics completely. What was once a happy-go-lucky summer track about dreams and aspirations is spiced up by Neon Hitch with a sprinkle of angst and lashings of truth! Focusing on the political ideas of a world overtaken by materialism and the trials and tribulations of living in a capitalist society Neon Hitch completely changes the meaning of the song - for the better, in my opinion! I think that Neon Hitch will gain a pretty good following as soon as she gets a little more exposure well don't just take it from me... have a listen to her cover of 'Billionaire!'

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SARA LOV

(many have said she isn't very pretty, but I believe her talent makes up for it!)

So... despite not being the perfect parcel of an artist... if we try and forget image in this equation we can appreciate some talent for once. Sara Lov is from California and would easily fit into anyone's 'sleeping playlist' with her haunting voice... that is just as soothing as the music that accompanies it.

Lov's music and voice reminds me of the band Eisley - a band that was introduced to me many years ago by my dear friend Lindsey and a band I still listen to! Anyway this blogpost is all about amazing covers (I have no idea why I tried to theme this post! I guess its because both artists have done some nice covers of songs I love!) Lov has done a cover of 'My Body is a Cage' by Arcade Fire, although it is not as haunting as the original I really enjoy hearing female vocals on male led songs and this is one of them! Although, I have to agree with a youtube comment that states: "I think it's a beautiful song and a good cover but it lacks soul...The brokeness and brittleness of the voice is what gives [a song] soul and depth. Win Butler's voice struggles and strains with the notes and not only does that make it unique but gives it heart" .... but I'll let you judge for yourself!

 

Affordable Fashion Fix

MY CELEBRITY DRESS

(WEBSITE)

So the concept is pretty much stolen from the American website www.girlmeetsdress.com (who have FINALLY decided to ship internationally!) and basically allows the consumer (typically WAG wannabe's) to wear the designer dress they see 'Cheryl Cole' wearing in Heat and OK magazines without having to empty their bank account! I guess you could see these websites as fancy dress hire - literally! You can chose via designer or celebrity and a dress that would cost you £700 could cost you £40 for three days! 

Personally, I would not buy into this idea (although I think it is an amazing concept and is obviously a hit with many people but...) I like to own everything I wear! I couldn't imagine going to a party and explaining that I had hired my dress for the weekend. Also the idea of someone else wearing it before you puts me off... its not exactly the vintage-esq worn look you get with these brand new designer pieces and I can't imagine the wear and tear of new items being so easy to fix therefore I doubt I could justify even thinking of renting any items. As a money savvy kind of girl I have to think about the fact that despite only paying a fraction of the cost price of a particular dress, it would probably be better to save up and invest in a timeless classic designer dress than pay £40-60 here and there on dresses you can wear for a weekend.