The Weeknd closes out the year with his final mixtape, Echoes Of Silence, which fans can download here.
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 By Kayode Kendall on December 22, 2011 at 12:36 am
South African artist Spoek Mathambo goes all out for his video for “Control”, a cover of Joy Division’s “She’s Lost Control”. The images combined with the music make for quite to powerful effect. So, I had to curse out one of my peeps over this most recent showdown, and let him know what he needed to do to contribute to the quality of this feature. As suspected, all he did was talk a whole lotta tuss, and I’m now in the position of having to choose a challenger for this week’s showdown. . . . again. The Champion – Lyndsy Fonseca VS. The Challenger – Maimouna Youssef
Baby Monster – The General of Hot Desire: This song reminds me of Talking Head because the lead singer’s voice. This song actually sounds as if it could be a Talking Heads’ song. Talking Heads was one big reason I picked this song this week.
The Black Keys – Sister: This is my jam of the week! This song hits me like gangbusters! (I don’t know what that means, just roll with it.) This is one soulful Rock song; this is what music is in need for. Please, pick up El Camino by The Black Keys; excellence album.
Boots Electric – I love You All the Thyme: I love the upbeat sound to this song. I love the way the lead vocalist flows with the beat. This song reminds me of 80’s New Wave music, if you didn’t know I adore New Wave.
Chaz Kangas Featuring J57 – June to Labor Day: Here is an artist that had contacted my boss man, Ken K. He nicely asked for me to check out his music, you ask and I shall deliver. This beat is very dope! The moment this song came on I was hooked to the beat and the witty content about his summer love. If you would like to hear more of Chaz Kangas’ music check him out at http://chazkangas.bandcamp.com/
Common Featuring John Legend – The Believer: I just might love No I.D. become he can make the simplest beat sound amazing. Do not give me wrong, Common always bring it correct but the hook, beat, and John Legend’s vocals in the background on the beat moves my head.
Easy Does It – Feelin’ Like Ooh 1: I picked this group because their sound sounds like Sublime with that acoustic guitar in the background and the rapping/singing lyrics. I am in need of some kick back, summertime music because that’s what this song is.
Fun. – One Foot: Third jam of the week! This song is so freaking dope! The beat is insane, the lyrics are so catchy but easy listening, and this song is just body moving. I go insane every time I hear this song. I want to put my hands in the air like this ===>
Future Island – Balance: This song is so cool because of that kick drum/snare, riiiiiiight there! This song is an easy listen with its calm vocals and body moving beat. What move can you ask for on a busy Friday like you having?
Gotye – Showdown below My Sombrero – Wait! This is a cool a$$ name for a cool a$$ song! This instrumental is very laid back and head rocking. I usually feature fast pace instrumentals but this week I have been feeling pretty chilled, so enjoy my cool.
Luke Christopher – Letter to Myself: So, I have been doing this thing we call “Fresh Fridays” for six months now I guess I can take my “blogger hat” off. I am going to be frank and say, I do not like this song. I can not recall why I picked this song. Listening to this song for a second time it’s just not a song that catches my ears. Oh well, it made the list.
Rihanna – Birthday Cake: All I am going to say is this is for Shontee and LeRon. Enjoy!
Skizzy Mars – Shangri-La: This is second jam of the week. This song is so smooth, like Miami Vice sport jackets. This is a new artist to my ears but he’s pretty nice so far. He reminds me of Wiz Khalifa with his smooth flow and sex, drug, and women lyrical content. This is really my ish!
St. Motel – At Least I Have Nothing: Do I like this song? I am not sure just yet but you guys give it a listen. Enjoy!
Swizz Lips – U Got the Power: This is a catchy Indie Rock song. The lead vocals are easy on the ears, the lyrical content is solid, and the overall sound is pretty good. Not bad at all.
The Roots Featuring Dice Raw– Lighthouse: Representing Philly once more! All the songs on Undun are dope-ness! I didn’t know which song to pick so I closed my eyes and just picked. I love this song because I love The Roots story telling aspect to their songs. This is a dope song; if you don’t believe me ask “boss man” Ken and LeRon.
Y Luv – Keep It Rollin’: Wait for it, slow start up. Just wait for it and there you go. You hear that kick drum. There, now the song has started. Just listen, cool song right? I know. We just listened to a song together.
“It’s Fresh Fridays; hope you have a nice weekend!”
I see y’all came back in force for this one! And this is what happens when you help me out! Remember, I never vote on these, ’cause it’s all for you. So if anyone of you guys got any picks for who you want Lyndsy to go up against this week, you got ’til tomorrow to chime it. So get on it!
This week is a little different from previous weeks; I decided to do only an Indie or Alternative music play list. I am a big fan of Indie, Alternative and any other type of music in between. From me to your ears, enjoy!
2AM Club – Hipster Girl: This song reminds me of early to mid 80’s urban Rock/R&B sound like Prince. This song is very catchy and synthesizer heavy; kind of like modern day Synthpop. Give this song a listen, I promise you will like it.
Amanda Mair – Doubt: Here is another good song this week. I am a sucker for drums and female lead vocalists, I must admit. This song reminds me of 80’s teen Pop, I love the sound and feel of this song.
The Black Keys – Dead and Gone: My second jam of the week. This is a great, great song! Their new album, El Camino is pretty awesome also. This song is the true essences of Rock n’ Roll, a bit of soul in the vocals with heavy drums and guitars in the background. Love it!
Cillie Barnes – Indian Hill: I love the gritty vocals in this song. We barely ever hear vocals from a woman sounding gritty, reminds me of Black Keys or Bon Iver but a woman. A little Folklore with sprinkles of Rock, I like!
Cultfever – Boys, Girls: I have featured a song from this group in previous Fresh Fridays. This is a good follow up from their first single. This song is a little upbeat with heavy drums. The female’s lead vocals really give this group a cool sound and also her voice makes my ears happy. I would love to hear more from this group.
Florence & The Machine – Spectrum: I am slowly becoming a fan of Florence & The Machine. On this song the lead singer’s voice really reaches out and touches me, this woman can sing! This song is kind of Alternative but there is also a dance feel to it. Good song, enjoy!
Grouplove – Colours (Xaphoon Jones Mega Edit): This is a freaking awesome song! You can rock out and dance to this song at the same time. I’ve always enjoyed when Xaphoon Jones’ remixes. When he takes an Indie Rock song and blends it with his own unique style; it always comes out sounding fantastic.
Hey Champ – Sugar & Spice: This is a cool remix here of music from Luther Vandross. I am a bit surprise it’s this group; they’re more Indie Eletronica but this works for me. I love this remix, it is very dope!
Jade Lawhon – Kittenz: Jam of the week! I love this woman! She’s so adorable for one and two, her songs are so unique from other female vocalists and performers. This song here really confirms that I am a fan. This song is very different from the last song I featured by her last week. This is a great song!
M83 – Wait: I have been listening to this group’s album lately, excellent album. Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming is one of the best albums this year. I picked this song to feature because it’s different from Midnight City, you might have heard Midnight City in a few Victoria’s Secret commercials. Wait is a great, laid back Rock song; nothing fancy in the production to this song. It’s just a great Rock song.
Mansions on the Moon – Fall Leaves: This song is very laid back and chilled; I rarely hear laid back Indie Rock songs nowadays. This song is almost a bit Neo-psychedelia. I love the lead singer’s voice; it’s low and easy going on the ears.
Marmalakes – Geneva Hall 1: This is an interesting song to me. There is a little bit of everything going on in this song. I don’t know if I like or dislike it but I do know I enjoy their modern Rock sound. I would like to hear more from this group so I can understand their direction they’re looking to go.
ReEnactment – Higher Duties: This song took me a few listens to actually like it. Do not get me wrong, this is a good song and catchy. I really don’t know what my problem was at that first moment of listening to it.
Smith Brothers – Don’t Stop ‘Till You get Get Enough (Michael Jackson): I am going to start featuring more independent and local artists each week. Here are two brothers who are very talented; it’s just two guys that are the whole band and also singing. That’s pretty dope! I love this cover because they didn’t try to make this song similar to the original version instead they made this cover unique with their own sound and attitude. If you want to check out the Smith Brothers, go to www.southwork.net for more music from this talented duo.
“It’s Fresh Fridays; hope you have a nice weekend!”
This week on the ‘Cast, Eric, LeRon, and myself talk about the Grammy nominations, The Weeknd’s video for “The Knowing”, and we review Rihanna’s new album, Talk That Talk. We also discuss what happens when we don’t check our Twitter as often as we should! Another week, another showdown. And again I stress, all y’all people who just wanna come and oggle without voting, you’re kind of ruining it for everyone. Even worse, the people who don’t wanna provide me with possible challengers(but always wanna rake me over the coals for my selections. Haters!)! VS.
Star Slinger – Moet & Reese: The moment this song begins I really didn’t care for it because of the overpowering rolling drum. Then something happens, the song starts to grow on me. The background vocals might have something to do with it.
Jellyfish Brigade – Sunflowers: This song totally fooled me; I thought this was going to be a Dubstep or Indie Rock song from the sound of the chorus. I enjoyed the artist’s lyrics on this beat. It has that Dubstep feel with a pitch of Hip-Hop. Dope-ness
Pyyramids – That Ain’t Right: This song has a few elements going on in it. What catches my attraction to this song is the way it comes on, very trippy begins. Next thing that stands out is the female lead vocalist; her voice is very soft but pleasing to the ears. This is a nice song.
Mike Posner – Looks Like Sex: I have heard about this guy for a few weeks now and I can understand why. This song just might be my jam of the week! It’s very sexy, cool, smooth, and catchy. The beat is what makes the song smooth and sensual. Sexy a$$ song!
Jade Lawhon – Sounds From the Tomb: I love the sound of this song, it’s a bit of Hip-Hop in a formal R&B delivery. I love the way she delivers with her flow in this song instead of the beat making the song her voice does a great job for me.
Tyga – Rack City: Every sh*tty artist is allowed their one song for me to like. I believe I like this song for the beat alone. That’s it; I am not going into why I like this song just know it made the list. There you have it!
Frank Ocean – Girlfriend’s Best Friend: This isn’t a bad song by Frank, still no Lovecrime or Swim Good but its solid. The beat is very groovy, nothing amazing but with Frank’s vocals and the combination of the beat this song is cool. The sound on this song is similar to early 2000’s R&B.
Florence + The Machine – Take Care [Drake Cover]: This cover is beautiful! Oh, my God! This version is almost better than the original version; you know what, it is better than the original version. Man, her voice on this song is so beautiful. Great song of the week!
AudioDax – It Goes Cold: Here is another Hip-Hop song I thought was going to be an Indie Rock song; I guess this is an Indie Hip-Hop? Here is a good song; the content is straight to the point and real. The beat is nice and the chorus is simple really making this song likeable to me.
The Roots Featuring Phonte and Dice Raw – One Time: Representing Philly once more! This song is just dope! This is what Hip-Hop is in need of, more Roots!
Swizz Beatz – Off The Cuff: I am not a big fan of Swizz Beatz as a rapper but as a producer he’s amazing. This song for some reason caught my ears, it’s kind of catchy. Enjoy!
Black Star – You Already Knew: I am so excited to hear new Black Star! This song is so smooth and the sample is crazy classic. I think the sample might be Aretha Franklin but do not hold me to that. Enough talk, listen and thank me later.
Cookies – Wilderness Tips: I think I might be in love! This song is so lovely and sexy with its sexy a$$. The beat is insane for one, the female lead vocals are so freaking cool, and this song was not what I’ve expected it to be. Nice!
Lupe Fiasco – The End of the World: Here are two reasons why you should like this song; it’s Lupe Fiasco and the beat is M83 – Midnight City. Yup! Cool right?
Old Wives’ Tales – Momma Devil: Here is another song I didn’t expect to like until the change in the song. This is a great Rock song; no funky studio machinery, just a solid Rock song with a band, mic, and lead singer.
“It’s Fresh Fridays; hope you have a nice weekend!”
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