Three years have passed by since Damon Gough aka Badly Drawn Boy released his last album Born in the UK. And with "Is there nothing we could do?" he made his second film score. There's no need to say many words about the film, because "The fattest man in Britain" is a mediocre comedy-drama-whatever, surprisingly about the the fattest man in Britain.

So let's stick to the album. It's no surprise either, but in a good way.
His songs are smooth but thrilling and the lyrics are often painful but swell.
Damon Gough proves one more time that he is an outstanding singer and songwriter with a unique style. Gone are the days, when he was compared to Beck, because of his way to merge apparently contradicting musical genres.

So, ignore the film quote samples in the songs and enjoy a selection of beautiful and timeless pop songs. Yummy!

http://www.myspace.com/badlydrawnboy

(and he made some of the funniest and most imaginative music videos ever, love them!)

Cai Marle-Garcia's debut album is like meeting an old friend after many years. He looks a bit different, but you'll definitely recognize him. And after a small talk everything is just like back in the ol' days and you wonder how you could ever forget about him.

Mr. Ears is an amazing piece of jazz fusion, this almost forgotten genre that combines jazz with rock, funk, world and electronic music elements. Although his influences are obvious (Weather Report and Miles Davis) it's contemporary jazz fusion. He creates a deep organic sound and his compositions sometimes hint at Krautrock or even House.

The 22 year old bass player is a pretty talented composer and an awesome musician.
The jazz scene will perk up its ears, no doubt.

http://caimarlegarcia.com/

Finding a little whip on your boyfriend's or girlfriend's bedside table can be a nasty surprise (unless you like to be beaten up). And reading about a new 4Hero remix album could have been the same. A real nasty surprise. But fortunately it's the opposite. No House-Dancefloor-Club-Disco remixes, but relaxed and chilled Nu Jazz sounds. Dego McFarlane and Marc Mac chose the artists, did some recording, mixing and co-producing and made a record that doesn't deserve the stamp "remix". These are twelve beautiful cover versions, sometimes light-years away from the original. Good to know that two pioneers remain true to themselves. Do something nobody expects, but everyone is waiting for.

Alright, I know you've had quite enough of all these 80s wannbe bands.
But this is something different. This is unbelievable. And I think I move to Denmark.
Maybe this was kind of a marketing strategy "hey, we're called private, let's keep it that way."
They released their debut album in 2007 and wow! two years later they're No.1 one the UK Music Week Club charts.
But as we all know, haste makes waste. And they are definitely the opposite.

PRIVATE - "We Got Some Breaking Up To Do" from PRIVATE on Vimeo.

When Prince listened to the song "Let's make love (underneath the apple tree)" he thought of giving himself a new pseudonym, something like TAFKABCOWSS (the artist formerly known as being capable of writing such songs). Just a guess.

This is sophisticated, luxurious pop on it's climax. And I mean it in an absolute carnal sense.
You wanna scream "take me" when the beat hits your body or at least groan a little bit...
You're exhausted and breathless when it's over, but pretty sure you wanna do it again. And again.

PRIVATE - "My Secret Lover" from PRIVATE on Vimeo.

So, if you're ears are ready to get laid again, have a look at their evil twin brother: private party.



http://www.myspace.com/weareprivateparty

And as we all sometimes just need something to snuggle against, I'm happy to announce that Thomas Troelsen aka "head of Private" is planning a classical album. After writing a classical piece for the 2008's fashion show of Danish fashion brand "Noir", looks like he tasted blood.

http://www.noir-illuminati2.com/

At last one tip: have a look at their blog.

http://www.weareprivate.com/blog/

good selected recommendations for fashion, art, architecture and much more stuff.

Here it is, the wake-up call for classical music. Don't try to push the snooze button, you better get up and listen to this. From Alva Noto & Ryuichi Sakamoto and Greg Haines to Max Richter and Final Fantasy, this compilations captures 16 remarkable artists in contemporary classical music.
There could be no better proof to show that classical music is no longer a time-resistant genre and that there is no reason to divide classical music from contemporary influences.
Far from it.
Above all, it points out that there is no definition at all. These days classical music is definitely in the eye of the beholder. I dare say that is kind of a feat, because it really breaks down prejudices.

http://www.xvi-reflections.com/

On silken paws he comes and it may be that you won't hear Ólafur Arnalds at first. But once you've listen to him there will be no escape. What this 22 year old "boy" from Iceland does is absolutely incredible. Gentle piano tunes mixed with melancholic classical strings are pervaded with electronic elements.
These classical compositions wrapped with contemporary instrumentations and influences lead to one conclusion: opposites attract. Classical music and Zeitgeist make a real dream couple.

After his first solo album "Eulogy For Evolution" in 2007 and an EP called "Variations Of Static" in 2008 he created a seven song series this year in April called the "Found songs". Over seven days he recorded one song a day and made them immediately available via twitter. Inspired by the music his fans could submit artwork via Flickr. This collaboration can be seen on the physical release of "Found songs".
Besides he has made the score for British choreographer Wayne McGregor's "Dyad 1909" which will be premiered in London in October and will go on a EU-wide tour.

Last but not least here's another artist, inspired by Ólafur Arnalds. Esteban Diácono, 3D artist from Buenos Aires, created an amazing video for the song "Ljósio", watch it!

http://www.myspace.com/olafurarnalds

let yourself feel. from Esteban Diácono on Vimeo.

There is one genre in this universe which I never wanted to return: shoegaze. These thin and ugly guys who stood on the stage and you were wondering if they are still alive or are just moved by electronical impulses of their guitars. Fortunately these days are over (sorry to all fans of "My bloody Valentine"). And one of the reasons is definitely "They know what ghost know". Without any shame Yppah's mashing up completely opposed styles. Hip Hop beats, bizarre electronically noises, and shoegazing guitars. But it's not just putting existing genres together, he creates a real drifty sound which you never heard before. Smooth and sunny in one way, dirty and powerful in another way. Feels like home with a whole new furnishing. So sit down, make yourself comfortable and love it. And you will know what ghost know: You're listening to one of the best albums of the year.

When you start to listen you may get an idea where Mayer Hawthorne got his inspiration from. And it's just so unbelievable how his voice pampers you with love and desperation. You want to dance, you have to sing along, you need to click your fingers and move your shoulders to the rhythm. Just slip under this blanket and warm yourself with some real Detroit Soul.
I don't need to know where he got his "well, let's make a record that sounds like Curtis Mayfield with the Supremes in 2009" talent from, but I'm praying (although I'm atheistic) that it will last for a very long time. Hallelujah!

http://www.myspace.com/mayerhawthorne

If I had to describe his music I would say Ben Howard's voice is somewhere between José Gonzales and Cat Stevens and his awesome guitar skills remind me in a certain way of Joni Mitchell. But lucky me, I don't have to do this.
I am still trying to figure out how he combines this comfortable familiar sound with a real unique style. And it seems I have to listen to his awesome EP over and over again. The only thing that bothers me: six songs are definitely not enough.

http://www.myspace.com/benjaminjohnhoward

Es gibt Musikrichtungen, die sich so grundsätzlich nicht unbedingt mischen lassen. Klassik und Rock, wie ich finde. Auch wenn mir jetzt alle Metallica Fans widersprechen mögen, aber das fühlt sich an wie Tütü über Latex. Irgendwie eklig. Ich würde jetzt behaupten mit Folk und Ska verhält es sich ähnlich, aber die Rumble Strips belehren mich mit ihrer Musik eines Besseren. Nach dem großartigen Debüt "Girls and weather" hat die Band aus Devon nun ihr zweites Album auf Tonträger gebannt. Durchaus etwas getragener als das erste Album, trotzdem eine Indie-Perle in diesem Sommer. Die herzzerreißend leidende Stimme von Sänger Charlie Waller liefert sich mit Saxophon und Trompete erbitterte Kämpfe in den oberen Tonlagen, aber der Mann und seine Gitarre bleiben ein Siegerteam. The Clash wäre stolz gewesen.

http://www.myspace.com/rumblestripsuk