Discover that jungle sound

A musical group named Jungle have recently come to my attention. Comprised of two members previously known merely as "J" and "T", this duo are long-time friends from Shepherd's Bush in London. Their rise in popularity last year was shrouded in mystery. From playing live shows hidden in the shadows on stage to revealing very little about themselves, they let their music speak for itself. Now you may think this could be a marketing tactic - after all think how popular anonymous graffiti artist Banksy has become. However, interviews reveal that the pair merely wanted honest opinions and reactions to the music they shared. 

To cut to the chase, earlier this summer Jungle released one of the most refreshing albums I've heard in a while. The genre is sort of laidback soul or funk, and has a really old school, 1970's feel to it. Some have compared them to a modern-day Daft Punk, probably due to their initial anonymity. After hearing their first single, the falsetto funky "The Heat", I instantly wanted more.

For a sample as you read, check out their follow-up singles, "Platoon" and "Busy Earnin" - both excellent!

Start to finish, the entire self-titled album is great. For me the highlights include "Accelerate", "Julia", "Crumbler" and "Lemonade Lake". Their unique style of music is a welcome change from the pop landscape of radio-friendly hits, all of which seem to have generic boring copycat electro-produced beats. 

Conversely, Jungle's sound is very original. It's exciting. From first listen their album required no time to grow on me. I instantly liked it. It is no wonder that they were signed to the label XL Recordings, home to a myriad of diverse talent such as Adele, Gil Scott-Heron, Jamie XX, M.I.A., Radiohead, Sampha, Sigur Ros and The [awesome] XX. For me, Jungle make music that is part psychedelic, part soul, part trip-hop, part jazz...but purely groovy. 

Don't forget to check out the retro music video for "The Heat". Featuring a superbly talented duo dancing on roller skates, it's no surprise that it instantly went viral!

When I'm in your light

"Wally" Andre de Backer is an awesome Belgian/Australian artist, otherwise known as Gotye. Most are familiar with "Somebody That I Used to Know", a very popular indie song which also fared very well on the club scene after a great remix which pumped it full of energy by none other than Tiesto. His third album Making Mirrors is quite a mixed bag, with some very different songs. Personally I really like this upbeat track "In Your Light". 

And it can settle the sadness
And the voices in my head
When I'm in the glow of the warmth you throw ♥
I can put all that to bed

(In your light, just when I'm in your light)

While you should obviously check out the album in its entirety, I suggest you also listen to this song "Giving Me a Chance" which is extremely different - with very laid-back and ambient vibe.  Enjoy!

Skizzy Mars

A number of years ago I heard a song named "Douchebag" by a young rapper from NY named Skizzy Mars. It's a catchy and comedic account of being perceived as an asshole and generally being misunderstood, but eventually giving in and embracing it.  ("They say that nice guys finish last? Well, thank God I'm a douchebag.")  I followed him for a while on Soundcloud and was impressed with each further release.

Things haven't changed a great deal in 2014. He's still an immature rapper in his young 20's who makes songs about partying and his relationships with girls - but there's something appealing about his laidback flow, funny lyrics and genre-exploring samples / production. He rejects being associated with the "college rap" wave of young rappers, but for me his style reminds me of Chiddy Bang.  I would call his music "pop rap".

Check out this song Numb. If you like it, head over to his website and download the whole mixtape / album for free:  http://skizzymars.com/

I don't think we're in love
That's just the drugs
Don't they make you feel numb?
You can't feel at all
Maybe if we loved ourselves
It wouldn't be so hard 
It wouldn't be so hard
To love each other

I ain't tryna do what everybody else doing

I heard this song on the radio this morning and instantly recognised it. Very catchy and upbeat pop song from a Norwegian duo called Nico & Vinz (previously known as Envy), who have roots in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. The tune was initially very popular in Scandinavia in 2013, before achieving international mainstream success in 2014. Interesting piece of trivia: "Am I Wrong" is apparently the most "Shazamed" song ever - what a title to hold!

All That I Want

You eyes, they did flutter again
And you mouth it did hang wide 
When you told me every little thing is going to be alright 



But we were younger then,

And now we're not
And if there was a plan made 
Then we forgot about it
And if there was time 
I could figure it out now
But life is short
And I don't care for most of it
I don't care for most of it
Because you're all that, all that I want
Because you're all that, all that I want
Because you're all that, all that I want
Because you're all that, all that I want

What a difference your love makes!

Haven't posted anything on this music blog in a while, but thought I'd give it another shot.  This song is in tribute to the woman I love, who has made me the happiest man on earth! ♥  Indeed, What a Difference Your Love Makes :)

I got hooked on this track a few weeks ago. Basement Jaxx have made some classic house jams over the years, e.g. Where's Your Head At, Red Alert, and one of my favourites back in 2009 Raindrops - all of which are still fun to dance to.

Next week, on 25 August they release their first new album in 5 years, entitled "Junto".  If you get a chance, check out the other singles from it: Never Say Never, and Mermaid of Salinas. 

Happy New Year!

Greetings everyone, hope you had a blessed holiday season with a lovely Christmas spent with your family and a jammin and rum-filled New Years.  You should have had AT LEAST as much fun as the dude in the photo below, who seems to be gettin jiggy despite the riot police only meters away.  Considering this is my first post for 2012, it seems appropriate to give you 12 wonderful songs which will make your ears wriggle with pleasure. 

Avid readers of my blog may recall a tune called "Aaron" which I posted way back in September in my "Dreaming" post by this German DJ, Paul Kalkbrenner.  I have since really grown to like this guy, who makes electronic music ranging from deep house to driving techno.  "Gutes Nitzwerk" is my favourite off his latest album Icke Wieder.  No idea what these German terms mean, perhaps someone can help me out?

1) Paul Kalkbrenner - Gutes Nitzwerk

Read on for more music from Kalkbrenner, Deadmau5, Pryda, Youandewan, Way Out West, Gui Boratto and Tom Middleton.  As always, enjoy the music and leave a comment!