Listen up: TuneSmith’s musical recommendations for May
Posted by Anthony on April 28th, 2011For May, TuneSmith Rob Wood has his ear our for soulful Anglo-American pop and a multi-talented Old Master…
ALBUM OF THE MONTH
Beautiful Imperfection
by Asa
When? The sun’s out, the car windows down
Why? This is techno, but not as we know it
Bukola ‘Asa’ Elemide is a Paris-based Nigerian singer who’s making a name for herself both in France and the UK as a sassy purveyor of potent soul-kissed pop. Her self-conscious lyrics on second album Beautiful Imperfection let her down a touch in places, but her ability to graciously swing from retro-styled soul to reggae, to jazzy grooves makes for a compelling listen. Singing in English and Yoruba, it’s the soaring pop melodies and infectious choruses that have you and anyone in earshot singing along to her carefree, bright and breezy sound. Songs such as ‘Maybe’ and ‘Be My Man’ are outstanding, but there are plenty of other mini anthems that make this album one of 2011’s finest pop releases to date.
Download Beautiful Imperfection now
————————————————————————————————-
THE SMITH CLASSIC
Band of Joy
by Robert Plant
When You’re low on mojo
Why? It puts a swagger in your step
With 2007’s Raising Sand, Robert Plant stepped out of the shadow of Led Zeppelin, and showed he not only could sing tenderly, but could also turn his hand to bluegrass and roots. With Band Of Joy in 2010 he trod a similar path. Instead of Alison Krauss, this time he turned to other leading country voices and musicians, such as Patty Griffin and Buddy Miller, to help take on a brilliantly chosen collection of modern and vintage songs. In particular, guitarist Miller seems to give this record real low-end swagger as his instrument growls through Los Lobos’ ‘Angel Dance’ and the folk rock of Richard Thompson’s ‘House Of Cards’. Covering indie rock such as ‘Silver Rider’ proves no less enticing, as does the eerie version of gospel spiritual ‘Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down’. Menace and mojo mix in equal parts throughout this eclectic bunch: the results may not be cohesive, but, to rockers old and new, they’re intoxicating.
Leave a comment