Recommended by Bex:
Never an artist to stand still, Ed recorded x at various locations around the globe, drawing on the experiences and influences encountered. He worked with such luminary producers as Rick Rubin (Eminem, Red Hot Chilli Peppers), Pharrell Williams (Daft Punk, N.E.R.D), Benny Blanco (Rhianna, Wiz Khalifa) and Jeff Bhasker (Alicia Keys, Jay-Z).
This new work showcases Ed's growth as an artist, who at 23 exhibits the poise of a seasoned veteran. Ed says: 'I'm really proud of my new album and can't wait for people to hear it ... It's definitely my best work.'
Wednesday, 20 August 2014
Thursday, 14 August 2014
Post-Beatles - The Black Album
Recommended by Bex:
If you're at all a fan of the Beatles, or even contemporary pop music, chances are you've made this mixtape-like album on your own at some point in your life. The Beatles released twelve classic, must-own albums: almost everything from A Hard Day's Night through to Let It Be.
After their break-up in 1970, they also had a rich life of solo albums (admittedly some were patchy). The greatest of them all is probably George Harrison's amazing and undersung double album All Things Must Pass. Ringo Starr's Ringo (which features some great co-writing from Lennon and Harrison) has some classic cuts on it, while Paul McCartney has McCartney, Ram and a few notable albums with Wings.
One of the great things about Richard Linklater's film Boyhood is how it reflects many aspects of life and, in this case, passing down musical taste from generation to generation. The full tracklist is given on Buzzfeed.
If you're at all a fan of the Beatles, or even contemporary pop music, chances are you've made this mixtape-like album on your own at some point in your life. The Beatles released twelve classic, must-own albums: almost everything from A Hard Day's Night through to Let It Be.
After their break-up in 1970, they also had a rich life of solo albums (admittedly some were patchy). The greatest of them all is probably George Harrison's amazing and undersung double album All Things Must Pass. Ringo Starr's Ringo (which features some great co-writing from Lennon and Harrison) has some classic cuts on it, while Paul McCartney has McCartney, Ram and a few notable albums with Wings.
One of the great things about Richard Linklater's film Boyhood is how it reflects many aspects of life and, in this case, passing down musical taste from generation to generation. The full tracklist is given on Buzzfeed.
Wednesday, 6 August 2014
Alisha's Attic - The House We Built
Recommended by Bex:
Alisha's Attic were always the outcasts of pop; always just a bit too out-there and kooky to make a real impact on the charts. Ultimately, it was their lack of promotion and subsequent low record sales that sealed their fate and it's a real shame.
The duo's third album is packed with magic and originality, something that is severely lacking in modern music today. It is full of spark, clever observations and beautiful harmonies. A record that immediately picks you up and out of a bad mood and puts you 'on a vibe'.
Over the years it has gradually become my favourite of the girls' releases. This is an album that deserves a place in everyone's collection.
Alisha's Attic were always the outcasts of pop; always just a bit too out-there and kooky to make a real impact on the charts. Ultimately, it was their lack of promotion and subsequent low record sales that sealed their fate and it's a real shame.
The duo's third album is packed with magic and originality, something that is severely lacking in modern music today. It is full of spark, clever observations and beautiful harmonies. A record that immediately picks you up and out of a bad mood and puts you 'on a vibe'.
Over the years it has gradually become my favourite of the girls' releases. This is an album that deserves a place in everyone's collection.
Thursday, 26 June 2014
Jhené Aiko - Sail Out
Recommended by Bex:
This is a cool EP to vibe with. 'Stay Ready (What a Life)' featuring Kendrick Lamar is a work of art. Overall this is a good debut for her. The album Souled Out will arrive in September, featuring 'To Love & Die'.
This is a cool EP to vibe with. 'Stay Ready (What a Life)' featuring Kendrick Lamar is a work of art. Overall this is a good debut for her. The album Souled Out will arrive in September, featuring 'To Love & Die'.
Thursday, 19 June 2014
Lana Del Rey - Ultraviolence
Recommended by Bex:
Lana Del Rey appears at her most complicated on her second album, Ultraviolence. On the title song, she sings from the throes of a physically abusive relationship. She repeats the title of 'He Hit Me (And It Felt Like a Kiss)', a song recorded by The Crystals in 1962.
The album wraps desire, violence and sadness into a tight bundle that Del Rey doesn't always seem sure how to unpack. The slinky standout 'Sad Girl' is essentially Del Rey's theme song: 'I'm a bad girl/I'm a sad girl,' she announces, her voice slipping from childlike coo to sedated swoon.
It's true that much of Ultraviolence, like Born to Die, rams the same sonic guidepost over and over. But Del Rey allows herself to be coaxed into one striking departure, for the single 'West Coast' – a deep groove that kicks her from chanteuse into frontwoman for a few glorious moments.
Lana Del Rey appears at her most complicated on her second album, Ultraviolence. On the title song, she sings from the throes of a physically abusive relationship. She repeats the title of 'He Hit Me (And It Felt Like a Kiss)', a song recorded by The Crystals in 1962.
The album wraps desire, violence and sadness into a tight bundle that Del Rey doesn't always seem sure how to unpack. The slinky standout 'Sad Girl' is essentially Del Rey's theme song: 'I'm a bad girl/I'm a sad girl,' she announces, her voice slipping from childlike coo to sedated swoon.
It's true that much of Ultraviolence, like Born to Die, rams the same sonic guidepost over and over. But Del Rey allows herself to be coaxed into one striking departure, for the single 'West Coast' – a deep groove that kicks her from chanteuse into frontwoman for a few glorious moments.
Tuesday, 10 June 2014
Kyla La Grange - Cut Your Teeth
Recommended by Bex:
I saw (and met) Kyla at a small gig upstairs in Rise Records around the release of her 2012 debut album Ashes. Two years later, Kyla's second studio album and major debut takes a different direction, hinting at real staying power. It comes preceded by lead single and album title track, 'Cut Your Teeth'.
Teaming up with electro producer and remixer extraordinaire Jakwob for the majority of the record, his credibility with all matters programming evidently provided La Grange with the platform to realise her new musical vision in a fruitful way. See, for example, 'The Knife'.
Mistakenly described as 'brighter' by the accompanying press release, Cut Your Teeth chooses instead to keep its cards close to its chest, at least upon the first meet. The record demands you court it over time in order to even be invited to appreciate the extent of its splendour.
It's also worth checking out her recent cover of 'Wrecking Ball'. Kyla transforms the song from guilty pleasure to subtle indie masterpiece.
I saw (and met) Kyla at a small gig upstairs in Rise Records around the release of her 2012 debut album Ashes. Two years later, Kyla's second studio album and major debut takes a different direction, hinting at real staying power. It comes preceded by lead single and album title track, 'Cut Your Teeth'.
Teaming up with electro producer and remixer extraordinaire Jakwob for the majority of the record, his credibility with all matters programming evidently provided La Grange with the platform to realise her new musical vision in a fruitful way. See, for example, 'The Knife'.
Mistakenly described as 'brighter' by the accompanying press release, Cut Your Teeth chooses instead to keep its cards close to its chest, at least upon the first meet. The record demands you court it over time in order to even be invited to appreciate the extent of its splendour.
It's also worth checking out her recent cover of 'Wrecking Ball'. Kyla transforms the song from guilty pleasure to subtle indie masterpiece.
Sunday, 1 June 2014
Janet Jackson - All for You
Recommended by Bex:
While I was aware of the album around the time of its release, I only listened to it fully this week. Whoa! It has everything you'd expect from a Janet Jackson album - eclecticism, introspective lyrics, big pop dance numbers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
This is a feel-good album full of funky (and very sensual) pop, with gentle production that sounds fresh and true to form. I would recommend 'When We Oooo', 'China Love' and 'Doesn't Really Matter'.
While I was aware of the album around the time of its release, I only listened to it fully this week. Whoa! It has everything you'd expect from a Janet Jackson album - eclecticism, introspective lyrics, big pop dance numbers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
This is a feel-good album full of funky (and very sensual) pop, with gentle production that sounds fresh and true to form. I would recommend 'When We Oooo', 'China Love' and 'Doesn't Really Matter'.
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