1. Gorillaz, Plastic Beach (Mar 8
16 track (generally electro) thematic CD. Short orchestral intro merges with Snoop’s TOtally chill-appropriate glide-talk, then catch your breath before gettting to one of the album’s best (White Flag) with the Lebenese National Orchestra bookending UK rappers Kano & Bashy.
Stylo is funk funk funk (and watching the you tube vid is a must).
Guest solo vocals (and even the duets) all fit – regardless if it’s Bobby Womack & Mos Def, or solo Mark Smith.
A smooth ‘n gritty CD all wrapped in one. It so works.
Note: tracks To Binge, Cloud of Unknowing not necessary.
Download: White Flag, Glitter Freeze, Stylo, Superfast Jellyfish
2. Two Door Cinema Club, Tourist History (Mar 1)
Ultimate pure pop summer pleasure. Step 1: Check the sun’s out. Step 2: Open the windows. Step 3: Hit Play/Up volume. No skips. ‘nuf said.
Download: I Can Talk, This is the Life, Cigarettes in the Theatre, Undercover Martyn, Do you want it all, What you know.
3. Groove Armada, Black Light (Feb 23)
Rock/pop but think 80s, synths, and add great guest vocals (eg, suave Bryan Ferry (roxy music), UK Pop Idol winner Will Young, Fenech-Soler).
strong>Download: Paper Romance, Look me in the Eye sister, Shameless, History
4. The Moons, Life on Earth (15 Mar)
1 yr old band, 5 guys, pretty typical right? Well they’ve made mod rock fresh again (Fres’Mod?). Upbeat, tight, riffing. A better rock version of Fratelli Brothers. And depending how you view it (good/bad)..has it Beatle-y moments. A strong debut CD.
Download:Nightmare Day, Promise not to tell, Let it go, Everyday Heroes, Don’t go changin’
5. Chew Lips, Unicorn (Jan 25)
Mild to full-on electro dance pop 3 member band. Tracks requiring Tigs’ strong vocals abilities are best (see below) and could give Deluka a run for their money. A dance remix of Seven would be a hit!
Download:Karen, Seven, Toro, Gold Key
Bonus (while 2009 it’s here cause it’s *still so damn good!): Deluka, Deluka EP (2009)
Blondie punk attitude/sounds meets mod rock. Excellent lyrics.
ps. their CD is out summer 2010. stay tuned…
Link to Deluka Audio & Video…
