If you're familiar with Burt Bacharach's work in the 60's and 70's, Bic Runga's "Say After Me" will sound like an old friend. The song from Runga's 2005 "Birds" disc is awash in smooth lead vocals, rich multi-layered backing vocals and a string arrangement by Neil Finn (Split Enz, Crowded House) that is unmistakably Bacharach-esque.
The New Zealand-born Runga debuted in 1994 in her home country, when her first single, "Drive," cruised into the Top Ten. She followed that success with the hit single "Sway," and two critically acclaimed, multi-platinum albums. Although "Birds" didn't see the same success as its predecessors, "Say After Me" is one of her finest songs.
Enjoy!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Friday, February 1, 2013
Glam Attack Flasback: Kenny
In an article today on the Classic Rock Magazine website, Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott discusses some of his favorite nuggets from the Glam Rock era; an era that - although viewed as quite disposable at the time - ended up having massive influence on punk rock, and even the hard-rock era of the late 70s and 80s.
One of Elliott's favorites is "Baby I Love You, Ok" by the fleetingly popular band Kenny. As described by Elliott:
"Kenny were a completely manufactured band – in a way, they were like Milli Vanilli. But they had a few hits. I remember The Bump and Fancy Pants being absolutely massive. And Baby I Love You, OK! has got everything that a glam rock song should have – the Beach Boys harmonies, the Sweet guitars, the handclaps. It’s simply a great pop song full of big, loud, distorted guitars."
For your listening pleasure, a slice of pure 70s Glam goodness. Enjoy!
Read the entire Joe Elliott article on Classic Rock Magazine.
One of Elliott's favorites is "Baby I Love You, Ok" by the fleetingly popular band Kenny. As described by Elliott:
"Kenny were a completely manufactured band – in a way, they were like Milli Vanilli. But they had a few hits. I remember The Bump and Fancy Pants being absolutely massive. And Baby I Love You, OK! has got everything that a glam rock song should have – the Beach Boys harmonies, the Sweet guitars, the handclaps. It’s simply a great pop song full of big, loud, distorted guitars."
For your listening pleasure, a slice of pure 70s Glam goodness. Enjoy!
Read the entire Joe Elliott article on Classic Rock Magazine.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Five Must-Hear Albums of 2012
One of the reasons we started a DJ/mobile entertainment business is because we love music. In the car, in the shower, in the kitchen, on the patio....you name it. But there is a ton of great music that we never get to play at events because, let's face it, not every great song is a good party or dance song.
So, with that in mind, I wanted to share five albums that I've had on repeat much of the year. A few, or all, of these might have missed your radar. If so, it would be worth your time to check them out. If you've heard them, go listen again!
Matchbox Twenty - North
Listen to: Matchbox Twenty – She's So Mean on Spotify
Matchbox Twenty doesn't break any new ground on this album, but on their first full studio album in more than a decade they do bring forth a consistent, enjoyable set that showcases everything that the band does best. Rob Thomas' vocals are excellent - as always - and every song seems radio-ready with lush harmonies and hooks-a-plenty.
Kenny Chesney - Welcome to the Fishbowl
Listen to: Kenny Chesney – To Get To You (55th And 3rd) on Spotify
Chesney's "Welcome to the Fishbowl" is the year's most consistent and enjoyable country album. Chesney has always been able to deliver party songs and somber, reflective ballads with equal aplomb, and he handles the two beautifully here, with some of the strongest songs of his career. Album opener "Come Over" is an instant hit and one of the discs strongest songs, while "To Get To You (55th and 3rd) is one of his best ballads.
Rachael Yamagata - Heavyweight EP
Listen to: Rachael Yamagata – Has It Happened Yet on Spotify
Rachael Yamagata arrived on the popular music scene in 2004, when "Worn Me Down" and other cuts from her debut album began popping up on teen-driven TV shows (the O.C. and others). If you've never heard her, the Heavyweight EP is an excellent showcase for her combination of piano-driven soft pop and strong, emotive vocals. Yamagata has an excellent discography, but this collection is her most consistent effort from start-to-finish.
Nada Surf - The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy
Listen to: Nada Surf – Looking Through on Spotify
Nada Surf has been at it for 20 years, and they're celebrating that milestone with what is probably the best disc of their careers. The hard punk edges that were present in their younger days have worn off, but there is still plenty of rock on this record. It's now accented with a sense of experience, present in the lyrics, harmony and hooks that color every track.
Kathleen Edwards - Voyageur
Listen to: Kathleen Edwards – For The Record on Spotify
In a year of excellent music, this disc has my vote for album of the year. Kathleen Edwards has long been a queen of Alt-Country/Americana, able to weave a vivid picture in every song through words, lyrics and her unmistakable voice. While prior discs have shown occasional brilliance, this one has it in spades. An exceptional album from start to finish. In a career full of gems, this disc's closer, "For The Record", is one of her finest songs.
Enjoy!
--Pat M.
So, with that in mind, I wanted to share five albums that I've had on repeat much of the year. A few, or all, of these might have missed your radar. If so, it would be worth your time to check them out. If you've heard them, go listen again!
Matchbox Twenty - North
Listen to: Matchbox Twenty – She's So Mean on Spotify
Matchbox Twenty doesn't break any new ground on this album, but on their first full studio album in more than a decade they do bring forth a consistent, enjoyable set that showcases everything that the band does best. Rob Thomas' vocals are excellent - as always - and every song seems radio-ready with lush harmonies and hooks-a-plenty.
Kenny Chesney - Welcome to the Fishbowl
Listen to: Kenny Chesney – To Get To You (55th And 3rd) on Spotify
Chesney's "Welcome to the Fishbowl" is the year's most consistent and enjoyable country album. Chesney has always been able to deliver party songs and somber, reflective ballads with equal aplomb, and he handles the two beautifully here, with some of the strongest songs of his career. Album opener "Come Over" is an instant hit and one of the discs strongest songs, while "To Get To You (55th and 3rd) is one of his best ballads.
Rachael Yamagata - Heavyweight EP
Listen to: Rachael Yamagata – Has It Happened Yet on Spotify
Rachael Yamagata arrived on the popular music scene in 2004, when "Worn Me Down" and other cuts from her debut album began popping up on teen-driven TV shows (the O.C. and others). If you've never heard her, the Heavyweight EP is an excellent showcase for her combination of piano-driven soft pop and strong, emotive vocals. Yamagata has an excellent discography, but this collection is her most consistent effort from start-to-finish.
Nada Surf - The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy
Listen to: Nada Surf – Looking Through on Spotify
Nada Surf has been at it for 20 years, and they're celebrating that milestone with what is probably the best disc of their careers. The hard punk edges that were present in their younger days have worn off, but there is still plenty of rock on this record. It's now accented with a sense of experience, present in the lyrics, harmony and hooks that color every track.
Kathleen Edwards - Voyageur
Listen to: Kathleen Edwards – For The Record on Spotify
In a year of excellent music, this disc has my vote for album of the year. Kathleen Edwards has long been a queen of Alt-Country/Americana, able to weave a vivid picture in every song through words, lyrics and her unmistakable voice. While prior discs have shown occasional brilliance, this one has it in spades. An exceptional album from start to finish. In a career full of gems, this disc's closer, "For The Record", is one of her finest songs.
Enjoy!
--Pat M.
Most Requested of 2012
As we wind up another great year, it's time to reflect on the songs that are making feet move then most on our dance floors.
We do everything from weddings to corporate and school parties to private events. This year, the ten most requested songs from guests at the events we played were (in alphabetical order by artist):
Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen
Cupid Shuffle - Cupid
Cha Cha Slide - DJ Casper/Mr. C The Slide Man
Thriller - Michael Jackson
Don't Stop Believin' - Journey
Just A Kiss - Lady Antebellum
Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO
Sexy and I Know It - LMFAO
Gangnam Style - PSY
Wobble - V.I.C. *
*Even the radio edit of this song is barely PG-13, so it doesn't get played without express permission of the event hosts. Even at that, it was huge from about May through the end of the year.
Some of the year's biggest songs are on the list, but as is the tradition, the request contains a healthy dose of popular blasts-from-the-past. "Thriller" is the most requested Michael Jackson song by far, but every event gets at least two or three MJ requests (other popular ones are "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Billie Jean.")
So, what is your favorite song to dance to at a party or wedding?
We do everything from weddings to corporate and school parties to private events. This year, the ten most requested songs from guests at the events we played were (in alphabetical order by artist):
Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen
Cupid Shuffle - Cupid
Cha Cha Slide - DJ Casper/Mr. C The Slide Man
Thriller - Michael Jackson
Don't Stop Believin' - Journey
Just A Kiss - Lady Antebellum
Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO
Sexy and I Know It - LMFAO
Gangnam Style - PSY
Wobble - V.I.C. *
*Even the radio edit of this song is barely PG-13, so it doesn't get played without express permission of the event hosts. Even at that, it was huge from about May through the end of the year.
Some of the year's biggest songs are on the list, but as is the tradition, the request contains a healthy dose of popular blasts-from-the-past. "Thriller" is the most requested Michael Jackson song by far, but every event gets at least two or three MJ requests (other popular ones are "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Billie Jean.")
So, what is your favorite song to dance to at a party or wedding?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)