Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Artist of the Week: Fort Minor and Hugo

Oh no, Clemma has beaten me to the weekly blog post. I better catch up hey?

Working in an open plan office is not the easiest thing. You are continuously surrounded by talking colleagues (we are a social bunch) and distractions abound. In order to be productive, I have taken to hiding behind my earphones and music. And I am always grateful when friends and colleagues give me new music.

A while back Clifford (cool colleague with nice cycler’s backside – he wears tight pants okay, not my fault I noticed) gave me some ACDC: tricky to listen to without wanting to jump around on one leg playing air guitar. “I want a Mistress…for Christmas…”He is also responsible for my new-found delight in Mumford and Sons and Lana Del Rey. Someone has to take the blame. As soon as he and his band State Society release their album I will be able to give a review. Note: the boy has talent.

This weekend I had supper with Calvin and Melissa: delicious red curry and Isle Flotante (the first time I have attempted to make custard – with success) with tons of good wine. They gave me movies, series and music. Today I am finding myself bopping my head up and down to hip-hop. Yes. You heard right. What has happened to Gerlinde? Did an alien kidnap her and mess with her brain? I NEVER listen to hip-hop!  But in my defence, this is not any random hip-hop. This is Fort Minor.

You probably remember “Where d’ You Go” on the radio such a long time ago. Fort Minor is a side project of Mike Shinoda, the lead singer of Linkin Park. So now you understand why I’m enjoying Fort Minor (being such a big Linkin Park fan).

The Rising Tied”, their one and only album, is really good. Shocking that I only got around to listening to the album now. I can only describe it as Linkin Park Lite. Catchy tunes, good lyrics and rhythm to the songs. It’s a pity that only one album was released (and 7 years ago at that). I would enjoy hearing more of that collaboration. I guess I’ll have to make do with the new Linkin Park album that’s out “Living Things”.

Another artist Hugo (Hugo Chakrabongse Levy) is keeping me company. He is a half-Thai, half-British singer-songwriter. His album “Old Time Religion” is a blend of country, bluegrass, blues, and old school rock. He even sings in Thai.

I’m discovering that I am rather partial to indie style music which makes use of a blend of styles. None of this “churned out for radio” nonsense. And yes, I am proud to say that I am very grateful to NOT be going to Lady Gaga’s concert at the end of the year. Now Big Concerts, if you are listening, please can you bring us Muse, Linkin Park, Kasabian…

Monday, December 19, 2011

Artist of the week: WOODKID

My friend Bast introduced me to a new artist: Woodkid. His real name is Yoann Lemoine and he's a French music video director, film director and musician. His first album (which I'm currently listening to) is called IRON EP.

I don't know how to describe his music. Definitely indie, with piano, violins, trumpets, drums and orchestration.  His French upbringing definitley comes throughin the melodies. I'm not talking about acordeon java style French music, but the French balads I grew up with. The music will grip you and not let go.I heartily recommend you listen to it.

And watch the music video for Iron. Oh! My! It is stupendously exquisite and haunting. It features Agnes Deyn, an owl, wolves, gorgeous men and mind-blowing cinematography. This guy is damn good at what he does. 

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Artist of the Week: YOAV

Sunday I discovered the most amazing artist: YOAV. He opened Tori Amos' concert.


He is a singer-songwriter of Israeli-Romanian descent and raised in South Africa. His music is based solely on his vocals and an acoustic guitar and uses a loop-station. He has the most insane talent. My jaw just dropped listening to him. Without realising I had heard one of his remixed songs on the radio We all are dancing. Well, let me tell you, the un-mixed version will blow your socks off. It's just superb.


He also did a re-interpretation of the Pixies' Where is my mind that is just haunting. It featured in the movie Sucker Punch's soundtrack.


So whatever you do, please please please find his songs and listen to them. I promise you will not regret it.