It feels like there’s a foreign theme to Song of the Week, following from yesterday’s “Jubel” – welcome to the continental world of Stromae, a Belgian artist (who wears the happiest-looking clothes I have ever seen) with a Rwandan father and Flemish mother. Just to confuse matters even further, his single “Papaoutai” is in French. Apart from repeating “Papaoutai” very loudly in the chorus, your guess to the lyrics are as good as mine, but the track is really very nice on the ears. Plus, if played out loud it makes you appear all cultural.
Tag Archives: newmusic
Song of the Day – Jubel
“Jubel” is the latest single by French deep house duo Klingande following on from the success of “Punga”. Featuring the saxophone heavily and simple vocals, “Jubel” has made its way around the alternative music scene and dare I say ‘hipsters’, although I believe the record has only remained off mainstream playlists because of its lack of lyrics. I don’t think that’s a problem, though, and would happily not-sing along to it any day of the week. The video is equally euphoric, too. Check out the pair’s “original mix” of the song for a continental twist if you want to hear more.
Song of the Day – Bonfires
I first met Nottingham-born singer/songwriter Saint Raymond at a tiny warehouse gig in Hull a couple of years ago, when he was just a support act. Since then he has rocketed in popularity, being Track of the Day on Radio 1 and headlining gigs at Scala. He’s a talented musician – both on guitar and vocally – and besides the fact he’s a genuinely nice guy, his music is relatable on some sort of level to everyone. Today’s Song of the Day is “Bonfires” – not from his most recent EP but a record nevertheless that has been stuck in my head from all those years ago when I first heard him play.
Artist of the Week’s Song of the Day – Wet Gold
It’s Monday – yes, it’s back to work, but it also means that today’s Song of the Day comes from guitarleaves’ Artist of the Week – The Octopus Project. If you liked “Sharpteeth”, which we featured on Thursday, then I think you’ll like “Wet Gold”. A bizarre song (although the sanest out of the band’s collection) in its own right, it experiments with a unique set of harmonies and instruments, giving the band their wonderfully odd trademark flavour. Have a listen and let us know what you think.
Song of the Day – Waves
Two words: Mr. Probz. Does it really need an introduction? If you haven’t heard the Robin Schulz remix of “Waves” by Mr. Probz, then you need to go outside. A true continental mash-up, with Mr. Probz (or Dennis in his spare time) being Dutch and Robin Schulz a German DJ, “Waves” unsurprisingly reached the UK No. 1 towards the end of April. If you’re heading to anywhere vaguely music-related this Summer, then be prepared for this insane record to be on repeat – a lot – although that’s not a complaint.
guitarleaves Introducing – Grouplove
Grouplove was featured in yesterday’s hottest gigs post, although they’re so darned good they’re getting their own feature, too. Just look at how cool their picture is. The five-piece Manhattan-germinating group define themselves as rock, but I’d argue it’s alternative rock – I’m not a huge fan of rock, but I am of Grouplove. With Hannah, Christian, Sean, Andrew and Ryan playing up to two instruments each it’s a miracle their tracks are as clear and catchy as they are. I urge you to see them live, and you’ll see why guitarleaves has such big love, for Grouplove.
Watch their (inspiring, but completely politically-incocrrect) video for “Ways to Go”:
Song of the Day – Patterns
Say hello to “Patterns”, a mega-song from Tourist featuring Lianne La Havas. With strong vocals (not dissimilar to Miss. Jessie Ware) and a nice bit of gospel backing, Tourist (London-based producer William Phillips) has really outdone himself, adding electronic textures to a relaxing melody perfect for the Summer. If you like “Patterns”, then check out Tourist’s latest EP of the same name.
Song of the Day – From Eden
Who’s heard of Hozier? If you have then you’ll understand why we’re addicted to his songs so much. Irish-born Andrew Hozier-Byrne truly has written a masterpiece in “From Eden”. Simple melodies combined with husky undertones make this record special, although over-listening may result in spontaneous roadtrips. And even better, though it doesn’t affect the song in the slightest, we really like the graphics on the video. Who says we’re just a music blog? Big respect, Hozier.
guitarleaves Introducing – Chasing Grace
We’re so so pleased to be able to feature “Chasing Grace” on guitarleaves. Made of four school friends from Hertfordshire (Phil, Grace, Phil and Matt) I was first introduced to them at a Naughty Boy concert last year, in which they feature on the album. Though still under the radar, we love their music and Fearne Cotton has played them a lot on her Radio 1 show. They’ve just released their latest single “Run” – my favourite song from their set. It’s such an uplifting song and blends violin melodies with contemporary beats. Take a look at the video:
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