Next in my series of "If You Like.." playlists is Nick Drake. If you like the brooding sounds of this late, great artist, you'll love this playlist.
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Denver, Colorado-based ATOMGA has just released its first full-length album "Black Belt" which captures the "world-funk fury" that has become the band's signature sound. While the music is rooted in fantastic afrobeat rhythms, the soulful vocals and pulsating horns defy simple categorization. We think they are one of the most original and exciting bands that we've heard in quite some time. ATOMGA is also a band whose onstage presence make them a real breakout candidate. The ten member troupe captivates audiences with both their stage presence and their hypnotically grooving songs. Check out the dynamic performance by the band (featuring uber-cool baritone sax work from Leah Concialdi) in the video below.
Readers of this blog know how much we love afrosoul and vintage African funk (check out our playlists: Vintage African Soul and Afro Disco). We can honestly say that ATOMGA captures those amazing vintage sounds better than any recent band that we've heard, while at the same time, maintaining their own unique identity that brings invigorating life into each track. The band has said that they have created "a style of their own blossoming into an original brand of music slathered with influences ranging from classic funk, Brazilian pop, progressive rock, and beyond." We couldn't agree more!
We first featured ATOMGA on our May 2015 version of The Tasty Turntable playlist. We followed that up with a feature on Volume 4 of THE HAPPY indie HOUR. You can bet that they will continue to be featured in future lists as well. A recent listen to the band's new release “Black Belt” found the band in fine form. One of our favorite tracks is the Grant Phabao remix of "Alaskan Pipeline." As the band notes in the press release for "Black Belt", "both the lyrics and compositions are results of more experience and a musical chemistry that is not afraid to break barriers and try anything. Rather than entering the studio with a catalogue with material ready to go, ATOMGA would polish 2-3 songs at once and record them in small batches. This kept the group fresh and able to display a multitude of influences rather of thinking about the album on a conceptual level. However, when the final track list and song order were crafted, everything flowed effortlessly with no song out of place." We think this is a spot-on description of "Black Belt" we also think that ATOMGA is a band to keep your eyes (and ears) on! Check out their website at atomga.com and listen to more great tracks here:
If you like The Black Keys, then you'll love this playlist of hand-curated songs that are just perfect for fans of The Black Keys. Look for more in our "If You Like..." series coming soon.
Sometimes a song just grows on us...and grows..and grows...until we just need to put it on repeat and call it a day. The culprit this time is the incredibly catchy "Fine By Me (Acoustic Sessions)" by Beecher's Fault. Maybe it's the whistle (we're a sucker for a well blown whistle). Give it a listen below and we think you'll know what we mean (but be forewarned, it can be addictive!).
Based in Astoria, New York, Beecher’s Fault is a quartet made up of Ben Taylor and Ken Lamken with Max Maples on drums and Serge Ruccolo on bass. Earlier this month, the group released its newest song "Liquor Store." We think that song captures the potential of a band poised to really make a name for themselves. We love the sweet lead over the sublime background vocals. The catchy rhythm section makes this one playlist and radio-worthy. Give them a listen. You won't be sorry! Sophie Janes is a force to be reckoned with. Her debut single 'Stop Me' is an emotional powerhouse and the well-produced video showcases the captivating singer at her alluring best (check out the video below). (The video also features a stirring and commanding performance by @RoseAkroyd1. )You can read the story behind the video on Sophie's blog at: sophiejanes.co.uk/blog/ 'Stop Me' was mastered at Abbey Road Studios. Sophie says that she had "this very clear image from the start with 'Stop Me' of a woman finding her power and regaining her strength and general 'baddassness'." We think you'll agree that Sophie's vision is captured both in the video and the powerful performance of this song. In Sophie's words, we love the 'baddassness' of this song, the video and most particularly of Sophie! You can find similarly compelling videos of Sophie (many of them covers) on Sophie's webpage or on YouTube. We HIGHLY recommend checking her out. She'll enchant you. We can't wait to hear more from this breakout artist.
We love the music of Swedish singer, Adna. Adna (who now lives in Berlin) has described her sound as quite soft and melancholic, but we think her sound has an emotional intensity that is rare for a singer just starting to break through. There is a sweet blissfulness to her songs that make each track feel like a work of art. Her latest song, "Run, Lucifer" is a perfect example of what we mean.
We can't wait to hear more from her. For now though, we are more than happy to feature her as the artist of the week.
Wow. We just discovered this amazing album by Curtis Harding, aptly titled "Soul Power." Harding's fantastic vocals are a soulful throwback to the sounds of Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and Wilson Pickett (and those are names that we don't throw around loosely). While channeling the soulful sounds of the '60s and '70s, Harding's vocals and music feel fresh, new and original.
From the moment the drums kicked in on the opening track "Next Time" we were hooked. Curtis sounds cool....like Marvin Gaye cool or Solomon Burke cool. And by cool, we mean hot. Check out "Keep on Shining," "Heaven's on the Other Side" and "I Need a Friend" and you'll know exactly what we mean. The guitar and hypnotic vocals on "Castaway" and "Beautiful People" demonstrate Harding's ability to slow things down while keeping it interesting. The bluesy "Drive My Car" is the perfect song for that late night drive, with the gritty vocals and guitar propelling us along for the ride. These songs sound important and full of substance. Because of that, this is an album that we want to listen to over and over again. We hope you'll give it a listen.
Each year we bring you a mix of the artists that passed away during the year. This comprehensive playlist crosses virtually every genre with artists from around the world. Sadly, this year's list includes Joe Cocker, Pete Seeger, Jimmy Ruffin, Bobby Womack, Jack Bruce, Johnny Winter, Jimmy Scott, Horace Silver, John Holt, Robin Williams and many more.
Raise a farewell toast to these great and talented people.
Our featured artist this week is Brian Hazard who makes music under the name Color Theory. We love the cosmic synthpop feel of the songs and the subtle vocals and harmonies.
To learn more, check out Color Theory's website: http://music.colortheory.com/music and give them a listen on the link below. |
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