Good Stuff Released 20th September 2010:
Janelle Monae – "Cold War"
First things first, I must just announce that I absolutely love Janelle Monae, and I implore those of you that haven’t encountered her music yet to listen/watch the video below, and then check out her back catalogue. For you R&B heads, she is a beautiful young lady who offers a cool, slick package, with excellent guest stars, and fantastic vocals. For you scoffing rockists out there, she offers real R&B, with fantastic and diverse instrumentation and arrangements; complex, vibrant and innovative timbres and that all-important authenticity. To labour a point, Monae is pure talent, processed in an organically enjoyable and accessible manner. "Cold War" is no different, fulfilling all these labels and determinates. It is heartfelt and passionate, and demonstrates Monae’s formidable vocal talent. The song lyrics and Monae’s delivery are so powerful and focused that the vocals could be completed acapella, but thank God they aren’t, because the instrumentation here is diverse and in my humble opinion, precisely fantastic. Up-to-date synth timbres, well placed percussion and backing harmonies, upbeat/minor key juxaposition-ing, a nice old skool guitar solo, and top-notch production.
Summer Camp – "Around the Moon"
OMG I love Summer Camp! I have to say that nine times out of ten I love everything that Moshi Moshi records release, but Summer Camp are particularly special when it comes to instrumentation and production. The timbres on this song are beyond diverse, marvellously synth orientated and just cool. This is the post-modern sound of now, cool kids. The synth bass is a special personal favourite, so thick, rich and rounded. The lyrics are really sweet and touching too; positive and uplifting, especially as Summer Camp are partners in love as well as music. Cannot wait for the album to come out!
The Wombats – "Tokyo (Vampires and Wolves)"
Ok so yes, the The Wombats are very pop, lets not pretend they’re not, but just because they are pop doesn’t mean they are bad. They make light-hearted indie pop, which is very enjoyable to listen to, and this new track from their impending second album does not disappoint. This track sounds very similar to their previous stuff; with a recognisable vocal style and pronunciation, track build-up, and their trademark distorted bass sound. Various synths are still thrown into the mix in abundance, and the lyrical content continues to be OK; very good in a pop context. Not bad at all.
