2011 Barclaycard Mercury Prize announced!
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Lauren Laverne has announced the Barclaycard Mercury Prize ’2011 Albums of the Year’. Addressing an expectant audience at The Hospital Club in London, Lauren revealed the twelve albums shortlisted for this year’s Barclaycard Mercury Prize. They are:
Legendary: “I Wanna be Your Lady” by Hinda Hicks
2Back in the day, there were no Moroccan producers like RedOne or many Arabs in the pop music limelight. Granted, there still isn’t. But back in the day Hinda Hicks was one of the only ones. She rose to fame with made-for-the-US soul hits that did well in R&B unfriendly environments like the UK charts. Her brand of smooth speaks of an era when making pretty music sans overproduction and glamorization was quite cool. Too bad she didn’t make it past all of the obstacles. When Nelly Furtado came out we though Hinda has comeback with a vengence, but was just a resemblance. Word in is that she has a new album titled Journey’s coming out this fall.
Official cover artwork of Lenny Kravitz “Black & White America”
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We haven’t listened to anything from him recently, but some of his tracks go down on the soundtrack of our lives. For some reason, we are very excited about this one because, and only guessing by the title, we feel like it is a much-needed return of the politically-oriented lyrical movement. Great hippie stuff! 7/10.
Keisha Buchanan performs some solo material!
1This is some new stuff from newly ousted Sugababe. What do you think of it? She ain’t no Siobhan Donaghy, is she?
Wait for it…
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Keep your ears open, we have a mini-announcement to make in the next couple of weeks!
Matti Roots performs live version of “Lust”
1More to come from Matti Roots, one of our favorite newcomers!
Exclusive: Music For Summer: Splashine 2
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Summer is here and so is one of your favorite compilations. Last year’s Splashine had much acclaim that we insisted on making it an annual offering. The concept and mindset behind this one is exactly the same as the first but, of course, with new tracks and artists. The album is perfect for tanning on the beach or while having a sunny vacation. The majority of artists on it are not too popular, but a few far away favorites and gems are thrown in there for the balance. Take a dip, lay on the beach and put in Splashine 2. Enjoy!
Video Premiere: “Roosevelt Island” by Eleanor Friedberger
1#JustSaying, Vol. 002
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Video Premiere: “Blanket” by Bachelorette
1Not really our cup of tea.
Sexy Track: “Ouch That Hurt” by Dionne Bromfield
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Many people think that Dione Bromfield is a product of Amy Winehouse‘s imagination. But, that is not the least true. With the rate she is going, she could easily be one of the biggest stars of the decade. Here we see Dionne Bromfield trying to continue the legacy of a genre that died too early, like Jackswing. If there was a natural continuation of Motown, it would be Dionne Bromfield’s Good To The Soul. One this song specially, Bromfield brings the traditional beats with a modern mentality with coquettish lyrics. It brings back puppy love like no other and makes you feel all warm and loved-up inside. This should be the next single!
Video Premiere: “No Surprises” by Amanda Palmer
1When all else fails – cover Radiohead. This is a great little ditty just waiting for September to happen. We just noticed that we associate musical genres with seasons way too much.
Robin Thicke almost done with new album!
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One of our favorite soul crooners, Robin Thicke (Yes, the son of Alan Thick from Growing Pains fame), is ready to unleash his new album. He’s known for putting sex into melody, so we can’t wait for it. He tweeted recently that he is ready to put the final touches to it. Let’s hope for the best.
HURTS interview at Latitude!
1They are doing the gig thing seriously and they need to get their name out there, but we are not sure they have another single under their belt. They should be in the studion.
Official artwork of Little Dragon’s “Ritual Union”
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4/10
Behind the scenes of Beyonce’s Complex photo shoot!
1Beyonce is giving major face here, she knows how to swing it and package it. Plus, the accompanying song is just mesmerizing!
Cher Lloyd covers Bliss magazine
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Katy B’s interview at the Mercury Music Nominations
1We haven’t listened to her album, but now we want to!
