#150 – Remembering Etta James

It’s been about a week now since Etta James, one of the most talented and recognisible characters in the Rhythm and Blues scene of the 50’s and 60’s, passed away. She had a sound that blended Jazz, R&B and Rock & Roll and Gospel in equal parts with a voice that stands head and shoulders above her peers.

#101 – Animal Farm Told Me To

Have you heard of Animal Farm? And no, I’m not talking about the controversial (one-time banned) George Orwell novel. I’m talking about the Hip Hop group out of Portland, Oregon. If not then fret not. We have got a bit of a treat for you, as the five of them have kindly taken the time to do our little musical interview. But before you get to their choices, listen to their track ‘Test Of Time’ which features Talib Kweli who is easily one of my favourites. This song came to my attention thanks to the daily RCRD LBL mailout some time ago and it’s been getting a steady rotation since. A funky sample and a great lyric/flow adds up to a song that you will listen to plenty! We actually featured it a little while back, but seeing as we’re so generous here’s another listen.

Animal Farm – Test Of Time Feat. Talib Kweli

The guys have just released their newest single and you can listen to it here. If you like it, then follow the link to their Soundcloud page and get it free.

Animal Farm – Culture Shock Feat. Rob Swift

Just after the drop we’ve got the guy’s choices and there are some right good eggs in there. I reckon my favourite is probably Fury’s choice. But I’m a sucker for Q-Tip…

#19 – All That Glitters Aint Gold, But Everything SHINee Is!

I’m sure this won’t come as a surprise to Sacha but I, revered Indie music connoisseur, love well crafted Pop music! I also can’t help but find something alluringly exotic about Pop from outside of the English speaking world.

Today I’m going to let you in on a secret that Korea, the good one, has been holding on to for far too long.

SHINee are the embodiment of perfectly crafted Pop,  they were ‘formed’ in 2008 by the Talent Agency/ Producers / Publishers and general Korean media tycoons SM Entertainment who are responsible for other South Korean hitmakers such as H.O.T, S.E.S, f(x) and Super Junior. SHINee stand out from the rest of the crowd, quite literally, as they’re walking fashion statements earning endorsements from Reebok as well as many Korean brands and they’ve also inspired a style following amongst their devoted fans. Made up of five devastating beautiful men, Onew, Jonghyun, Key, Minho and Taemin the ‘band’ specialise in R&B toned Pop music which wouldn’t sound out of place on the Billboard 100 – think N*Sync, Pitbull, Flo Rida but with better choreography;