Blog of the Song Strumpet ~ Speed dating my way through music
By Jane Croft
I’d love to be a die-hard fan; one of those people who has been following a band since an inaugural gig, someone who has built a veritable wardrobe of fan tees, a gal who sticks with a band through the hit singles and the B side releases.
But I’m not that good.
I brazenly jump from genre to genre – loving ‘em and leaving ‘em… and every so often coming back for more. Here’s where my fickle heart finds itself right now.
Bootie Call Ballad
Definition: I’m secretly hot for this song. I won’t talk about it in certain company. I may pretend I’ve never even heard it. But know that I’m thinking about it at 11PM and calling it up on You Tube.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ~ photo courtesy of billboard.com
“Thrift Shop” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis is working its wicked magic on me. It’s a fun rap, with one of the grooviest beats I’ve heard in a bit, about Macklemore’s search for inexpensive frosty gear, typically found at your local bargain basement. Featuring Wanz, who brings an awesome bass voice to the party, the song is fun, pure and simple.
The single is off Macklemore and Lewis’ 2012 album The Heist. It’s receiving much love in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Want to make this your Bootie Call Ballad? Visit http://macklemore.com
Beat with Benefits
Definition: I’ll be seen out in public, blasting this song and lauding the talents of the band. In moments of unbridled passion, I may call it my personal anthem – until I find a new one.
“Underdog” by Kasabian is doing all sorts of wonderful cartwheels in my eardrums and brains. It’s like a modern rock and roll sundae with an Indie feel, an electronic feel and a garage band feel all swirled in together. Off of the band’s 2009 album West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum, the song is pure bravado set to a driving beat.
The band is made up of Tom Meighan on lead vocals; Sergio Pizzorno on guitar, backing vocals, keyboards & electronic programming; Chris Edwards on bass; Ian Matthews on drums and Jay Mehler on guitar. “Underdog” never did amazingly well in the charts, but it’s so good it’ll make you want to rob a bank.
Want to share this beat? Visit http://www.kasabian.co.uk/gb/home
Old Flame
Definition: This band, or this song, has made a few appearances in my life. It reminds me of times gone by and I toss it a small, knowing smile that says “remember when?” each time I hear it.
“Makeda” off of the 1998 Grammy-nominated Princesse Nubienne album by Les Nubians is weaving a magical web this winter. It’s warm, it’s welcoming, full of love and gentle vibes gorgeously sung in French. The song helped earn the duo the 1999 Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards winners for Best New Artist, Group or Duo, as well as two NAACP Image Awards nominations in 2000. Basically, the song stimulates the heart while massaging the psyche.
Sisters in life and song, Helene and Celia Faussart, the members of Les Nubians, came to us from Paris originally, but spent a good part of their lives in Chad. They started singing professionally in 1998 and were immediately embraced by listeners everywhere. What they create musically is an extraordinary mix of soul, R&B and hip hop. For an extra treat, check out their poetry and spoken word projects – just as delicious to the ears.
See if this flame burns for you. Visit http://www.lesnubians.com
The Beat Next Door
Definition: Whenever I’m tired of doing the “long distance relationship thing” with songs that have achieved national or international acclaim, I turn to the local talent to entice me. And it does!
My latest locally-grown crush is Boston-based band Rising Tribe. They’re giving Worcester a lot of calypso love – and Worcester is loving them right back. Their song “Times the Time,” off of the 2012 Live Up album packs a political punch that demands respect. And if you’re looking to just lose yourself to the groove, it allows for that as well.
The band is a funky mix of reggae, pop, rock, dancehall and ska with Caribbean raised Tiffany Gassett, on vocals and guitar, Lindsey Nogueira on bass, Thad Noland on keyboard and saxophone, Nagi Okamoto on saxophone, Shubh Saran on guitar, Justin Croushore on trombone, Thomas Molina and Drew Dorman on drums.
Go meet the Beat Next Door! http://www.risingtribemusic.com
Commitment Material
Definition: I get bitten by the commitment bug sometimes and, through a break in my sanity, believe that I could be a band’s groupie- maybe even play a song for my parents. But after a few days, reality slaps me and I’m back at the players’ ball.
Yo La Tengo was formed back in 1984 by members Ira Kaplan (guitar, piano, vocals), Georgia Hubley (drums, piano, vocals,) and James McNew (bass, vocals.) Although not known for mainstream success, this dream pop, shoegazing band has a viciously strong cult following.
I first fell in love with their 1997 album I Can Hear the Heart Beating As One when their song, “Damage” unceremoniously ripped out my soul. Now, this band has blessed us in 2013 with their album, “Fade” and a little ditty they call “Before We Run.” We’ve got Hubley’s voice lulling us to the dream world where Kaplan and McNew meet us with casual beats, swelling horns and hope-enticing strings. It’s hard not to confess to them a love that’s been building over decades.
Want to commit to this band? Visit http://www.yolatengo.com