12 Days Of Christmas – 28th December

Optimash Prime sporting the Winter Collection

Another day, another song. Something a little more chilled out today I think. This is one of the most instantly recognisable songs for a certain generation of French people (think 60+). For me it was lovely to hear a song that my grandad used to sing to me played by one of the greatest guitarists ever.

#24 – The Go! Team

This is only a quick one for you. I was fannying about on the internet the other day and I found out about this girl called Soko. It turns out she’s insanely fit and utterly crazy. She also happens to be a pretty good songwriter. She’s a little bit Regina Spektor, a little bit Coeur De Pirate and generally good girly singer-songwriters. Have a listen to the song I’ve been listening to on repeat over the last

Music For Horses no. 8

The Whitest Boy Alive / Phoenix / Friendly Fires : Remixes so relaxing that you might just release a yuletide log unto your stockings.

First up is ‘Golden Cage’ by The Whitest Boy Alive, a tasty little number remixed by musician and producer Fred Falke. Starting his career as a bass player in 1995, Falke moved into production work in the late 90’s, and since his first release on Vulture ‘INTRO’, he dedicated himself to production work and remixes for the likes of Goldfrapp, Kelis, and Jamiroquai.

The Whitest Boy Alive – Golden Cage (Fred Falke Remix)
Get the song here. Buy their music here.

Next we have a remix so chilled that I almost

#16 – Pilooski

This guy is absurdly cool. First things first, he has a great taste in music. He’s got an ear for finding a good song (60’s Rock & Roll, modern psych-pop, whatever) and then turning into something you would want to dance to ‘all night looong…all night’. Sorry.

Secondly he’s a French DJ, and these days few of them are doing anything wrong. What’s impressive, especially on the old ones, is how he manages to retain the song’s original sound. Even though they’ve been remixed, they almost sound like they could come from the era. It’s more of a re-edit rather than a remix. Anyway, enough chitter chatter.

Dee Edwards – Why Can’t There Be Love (Pilooski Re-edit)

#11 – Soul Covers

Soul Covers

Loads of soul songs are covered, sampled and generally seep their way into popular culture, and this is good. It’s always nice to hear a proper song. Think about how good Kanye West’s early stuff was. Let’s face it, he is a great rapper and the samples made his songs super radio-friendly.

So how often does it work the other way around? Would a soul version of a Les Savvy Fav or Black Flag song work? Okay, I haven’t found any soul covers by them, but there are some good ones out there.

This first one is by a girl called Hawa. I honestly don’t know anything about her other than the fact that she is obviously ace! It is a complete ‘reverse-engineer’ of a dance song. Chilled out yet suitably head-noddy. All in all, a great, great cover.

Hawa – D.A.N.C.E

#10 – Revolutionary Music

Vive La Revolution!

I’ve been in Bordeaux this past week and they’ve been making a right racket about these reforms to the pensions. In a nutshell, the government is trying to up the retirement age to 62 from 60, and up the age when you can claim a state pension from 65 to 67. Obviously the unions are pretty upset about it and so they’re doing what the French do best… Striking.