TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 16-12-12 - Big Boi and Little Dragon, Tom Odell,Paul Banks, Winterhours

Four tracks that were like 'Taste the Difference' brandy butter deep filled mince pies....I want another!

Flycasual:-

Big Boi - 'Mama Told Me' feat Little Dragon (live on Jimmy Fallon) (2012)

This is a great a track, smothered in 80's style funk all thanks to Big Boi's Southern Charm and Little Dragon's quirk. Sweden's Little Dragon are probably one of my favourite bands from the last few years. I don't really know what it is that would make me gladly share a sauna with them, maybe their style or lead singer Yukimi Nagano's voice, either way they push my buttons. So I was suitably excited when I read that they have contributed several tracks to Big Boi's 2nd solo album (3 if you include Speakerboxxxx, released as Outkast along side Andre 3000), 'Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumours', of which 'Mama Told Me' is the first single. However, I was disappointed when I found out that Little Dragon had been dropped from the album cut of this song, only to be replaced by Kelly Rowland. Apparently due to record company 'suits' disagreeing business terms, a real shame as this song is perfectly suited to their style. The original, as seen above is taken from the Jimmy Fallon show on Dec 9th, so they are still friends....you can't stop the music.

SFW:-
Tom Odell - 'Can't Pretend' (2012)

Tom Odell is one to watch in 2013.  He's been included on the BBC Sound of 2013 long list.  Its not quite the Mercury Prize, but previous winners will often become household names - Winners include Adele, Jessie J, Ellie Goulding and Michael Kiwanuka. The male singer-songwriter genre is very crowded house at the moment, but as a fan of this a genre, I'd happily build an extension.

Old Pa's Corner:-
Paul Banks - The Base (2012)

 

Paul Banks the voice from Interpol has a solo album out called simply Banks. This track reminds me in bits of Genesis but I can't remember the song. Nevertheless this is a nice taster from that the album. Paul has such a distintive voice. Time to get these Interpol albums out I think. 'Hey Rosemary'

Shell Hunter:-
Winterhours - 'Ocean Heart' (2013)

It's great to know that there is already going to be some killer tunes out in 2013. When I saw this video for the new Winterhours track 'Ocean Heart' due for release on 7th Jan next year (see their official site here www.winterhours.co.uk), it really struck a chord with me! I recently went to Brighton with my other half and we did all the traditional fun things you should do by the seaside, the open top bus tour, playing on the arcades on the pier and a few drinks followed by another few drinks. Whilst I wish it ended up with us romantically sharing a swig or two from a bottle of wine watching the sunset from the pebble beach like in the video, it was more us stumbling out of a chav infested Wetherspoons pub. Sigh, will we never learn? That asides, I love this track and get all the best elements from it similar to other faves of mine such as Dry The River and The Doves. I really hope 'Ocean Heart' launches these guys into the big time because after seeing them live at an intimate venue The Boileroom in Guildford last year, I know they've got a lot to offer. Check out our 30 Second Interview after that gig with the band here!