Drake Feat. The Weeknd
Agitated and vicious percussion gives way to the hauntingly beautiful synths of The Weeknd’s production, throwing you rather surprisingly into the middle of the most touching song off Drake’s new album. Since the release of Kanye’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” we have not heard such intricate hip-hop production: melodic and sparse piano, pitch perfect voice harmonies and a myriad of bridges and breakdowns. The Weeknd are an excitingly fresh sound in RnB, hailing from Canada; and this collaboration matches Drake’s ever present melancholia perfectly, with their delicate style. Don’t expect to keep your mascara dry if you’re listening to this late at night or in alone in a dark room with scented candles, wearing a hand-crafted poncho whilst lying in a bath of camomile and coconut milk. A heart breaking mixture if there ever was one (not that we’d know).
D.C.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4k7fiwBJwU
Kate Bush- Snowflake
You don’t need me to tell you that Kate Bush is the grande dame of British pop, as genius as genius can be when it’s not curing cancer or solving world hunger. Bush makes songs that are indefinable, born from a curious combination of wild imagination, limitless mythology and earthy sensuality; one minute she’s married to Houdini, the next she is slow dancing with Hitler. So it should come as no surprise that Bush’s latest release, Fifty Years Of Snow, a concept album dedicated to winter, has a song about engaging in sexual relations with a snowman at its core. The track I’ve chosen however, is “Snowflake”, a stunningly atmospheric piece featuring Bush’s son Bertie singing the part of a falling snowflake. Bertie’s pure choirboy voice is almost unbearably ethereal alongside his mother’s now deeper, slightly careworn vocals, while pare piano motifs conjure up a bleak, icy landscape. Brain-freeze inducing loveliness.
R.P.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcEcDhiABew
Ben Harper- Amen Omen
Ben Harper is at his best with this poignant and evocative song that builds in intensity until the breathtaking climax which showcases his beautifully soulful voice. This song is perfect for a stressful day, the moment you hear the first line you feel as though you can stop, take a deep breath and simply enjoy the beauty of Ben Harper.
E.C.
Harry J Allstars- Liquidator
Along with your mother’s breast milk, plenty of fresh air and pureed baby food, you were probably also brought up on this nourishing little tune too. if you weren’t, you probably didn’t learn the fun of dancing either. Poor child. One of the most delightful instrumentals from reggae and ska world purveys to all a sense of fun with it’s toe-tapping beat and uplifting electronic organ chords. If you’re ever feeling down try this one on for size.
D.C.
St. Vincent- Surgeon
From one curly haired siren to another. St Vincent a.k.a Texan multi-instrumentalist Annie Clarke makes top notch Baroque pop, her impossibly smooth almost, crooner vocal delightfully at odds with a penchant for singing songs about dissection and the apocalypse. Like David Lynch soundtracking Walt Disney, no one can hear your cries for help above the swirling ambience and electro bleeping. She’s basically doing what Lana Del Rey is doing now, except she’s been going since 2007.She’s basically doing what Lana Del Rey wants to, except she’s been going since 2007. Draw from that what conclusion you will.
R.P.
Boddika and Joy O- Mercy
We love a good tribal, garage beat here at Vision. When we’re not fretting over deadlines and eating crap takeaway food in the fffice we’re all shaking our batties to the sounds of the rather fidgety ‘Mercy’. Imagine that. A small room filled with pale, exhausted students all, against their will, getting a dirty stomp on to fudgey electronic music. Powerful tune my friends, powerful tune.
D.C
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03vyVU1Fxmo&fb_source=message
The Stars- Look Up
“Look Up” has the rare ability to make bad days and troubles melt away as you close your eyes and take in the magic of lead singer Amy Millan’s voice. Although unusual to have a single oboe as a main instrument in a modern love song, The Stars make it work with this lovely and original song.
E.C.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdPyaFnBQC4&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL3B150438F00451B9
Click the Spotify logo to get the playlist!
[spotify playlist=’http://open.spotify.com/user/rpronger/playlist/0zM67FwkIyitHyA8Wcw0gn’]