Kanye West. All Of The Lights.

So you can finally hear Kanye West’s ‘All of The Lights’ in it’s entirety and the chances are high that you’ll like it. Why? Because it features 11 wholly different artists including the likes of: Rihanna, Alicia Keys, John Legend, The-Dream, Fergie, Kid Cudi, Elton John, Charlie Wilson, Tony Williams and Elly Jackson. Yes, all of them. On one song.

It’s a sweeping, melodic and at times militaristic sounding song. You hear Rihanna on the hook, Elton handling the piano, John Legend adding a soulful touch and Fergie rapping. I’m not quite sure what Elly Jackson, The-Dream and Kid Cudi contributed but then again I might have been overwhelmed at the magnitude of the talent compressed into something just over 5 minutes .

Kanye’s collaboration on all ‘All of The Lights’ is almost like his G.O.O.D. Friday releases but it’s better. You have to respect him for managing that. Idolator sums it pretty well “all we can say is, good luck getting all these folks together for the video. Or a performance.”

Thoughts?

xx

yours in musical madness

N-Dubz. Love Live Life.

Camden- hailing urban pop super-group N-Dubz triumphantly return with their third album ‘Love Live Life’, released via their new musical home, All Around The World & Island Records on 29 November 2010.

Writing with other people was a new experience for the group; while they were open to change, they were insistent on retaining the spirit of what makes them so special. “It’s still N-Dubz, it’s still the heart of what you know us for, but we’re totally changing it up this year,” announces Dappy. Adds Fazer: “The records that we’re doing are out of this world.

Without question, N-Dubz is one of the most culturally significant groups in contemporary British pop music. The trio have sold over 1 million copies of their debut album, Uncle B (2008) and its 2009 follow-up, Against All Odds. Dappy, Tulisa and Fazer have already left an indelible mark on the charts, while their cultural impact – from their look to their sound, slang and catchphrases – is unequivocal.

After selling out a 21-date tour earlier this year, the band are about to announce an Arena tour for 2011, the first UK urban act to embark on such major venues.

As Dappy says; “Considering where we’ve come from, it’s unbelievable to stand here and look at all these fans, the Brit nomination, triple platinum sales, MOBO Awards…. Now we just want to go to America and mess up the world!”

My Top 10. Top songs. For free.

(Collage by Ishaarah Arnold)

So I’ve gone and put a list of my top 10 songs and remixes that are currently on repeat on my iTunes right now. Have a look and download all of them or any one them. Whatever tickles your fancy. The best part? They are free. Gratis. Oh and it’s all perfectly legal of course.

Told Her I’m From Compton (Electrojuice Remix) – The Floor is Made of Lava

This song is glitch, electro madness.  As RCRD LBL says “Call it Post-rock, Club-rock, New-rave or Rock n’ Roll, it all comes down to the same. And “The Floor Is Made Of Lava” delivers”.

‘I’m Good I’m Gone (CB Remix)’ – Lykke Li

Lykke Li is everywhere these days and while this remix might be from 2008 it shows off the Swede’s vast talent. Pop bliss I tell you.

‘Heavy In Your Arms (C-Berg Remix) – Florence & the Machine

Yes, this song was on the Twilight/Eclipse soundtrack but then again it was a rather exceptional one. Florence & Machine’s have an otherworldly sound that is further amplified by C-Berg’s minimalist approach to the remix. I love it to bits.

‘The Recluse (Nero Remix)’ – Plan B

I have a soft spot for Plan B. He turns from rapper to crooner with ‘The Recluse’. This remix is just something special. Think industrial bass and classical instruments. Think Dubstep with a lovely little twist.

‘Golden Train (The Royal Palms Remix)’ – Penguin Prison

This one is simply magical. It’s one of those deftly crafted remixes that could easily pass as the original and undoubtedly surpass it. It’s pure bliss.

Until We Bleed (Feat. Lykke Li) – Kleerup

It’s minimalist. It’s ethereal. It’s magical. Kleerup takes Lykke Li’s vocals and highlights her talent in such an understated way that only serves to create a more superior sound.

Sugarbaby – Robots With Rayguns

One of my favourite Robots With Rayguns tracks has to be ‘Sugarbaby’. It immediately conjures images of legwarmers, Pacman and general 80’s goodness.

Guilty Filthy Soul (feat. Wale) (Sam Ronson Remix) – AWOLNATION

Who knew Samantha Ronson could remix? Well she can. Think Guilty Filthy Soul and amplify it. It’s impossible not enjoy this one.

Hey Stop (Club Mix) – Sunday Girl

One of my favourite new artists Sunday Girl’s ‘Hey Stop’ has been by remixed by Rusko and this club mix is the perfect mix of indie and commercial. It has mass appeal and you’ll love it. It’s hard not to.

For You – Madeon

He’s French, he’s funky oh and he’s 16. Madeon is one of the most exciting up and coming producers I’ve heard lately. You’ll love him. Promise.

Bonus music:

Golden Train EP – Penguin Prison

Last but certainly not least is the Golden Train EP by Penguin Prison. It’s a tasty little treat. It includes remixes by Sam Sparro and remixes of Marina And The Diamonds, Goldfrapp, Elllie Goulding and Kylie. It’s an amazing showcase of Chris Glover’s immense talent. All you have to do is sign up to his mailing list, it’s as simple as that.

xx

yours in musical madness

Rhythm Records bands in support of Worldwide Anti-Whaling Day.

“Sea Shepherd is the epitome of good. Good intentions followed by appropriate actions that strive to conserve one of the miracles of our world: Whales.” – Odendaal Esterhuyse – New Holland

On Friday 5 November, members of Rhythm Records bands Fokofpolisiekar, Van Coke Kartel and New Holland will be joining protesters at the Japanese Embassy in Cape Town at 14:30 in support of marine activist organization Sea Shepherd and Worldwide Anti-Whaling Day.

Rhythm Records pledges its official support to ending the cruel practice of whaling, and adds its voice to those fighting for the preservation of our planet’s oceans and its marine life.

For more information on the practice of whaling and Worldwide Anti-Whaling Day visit here.

Die Heuwels Fantasties. Hyg Duiwel.

Say hello to Die Heuwels Fantasties’s music video for ‘Hyg Duiwel’. It was shot in the Netherlands and the UK during their tour with Jack Parow.

Cue singing. And Jack Parow in glasses. Twice. And Blow darts. And elevators. And festivals. And walks around festivals sites. And backstage views. And candid views. And views of the country. And views of Philip dancing. And a photo flashback of all the awesome times.

Yup, it’s too cool. And it’s in black and white. Which technically makes it even more cool.

Oh and the Deluxe album Double Disc CD/DVD Digipack will be available this month throughout South Africa. More on that soon!

xx

yours in musical madness

Sonic Summer Festival.

What do you get if you take Die Antwoord, Locnville add Jax Panik, and Goldfish? Why it’s The Sonic Summer Festival of course.

This December, a brand spanking new summer festival is hitting South Africa! Bursting onto the scene with a diverse and eclectic line-up, this new grassroots touring festival will take place at some of the best venues in SA.

Omusic will be joining forces with joining forces with the National Tonight (published in The Star, The Pretoria News, The Daily News and The Cape Argus) and Hilltop Live to host the Sonic Summer Festival Tour featuring cutting edge music from some of the biggest names out there.

The festival tour will kick off on the 11 December, at Emmarentia Dam, Johannesburg Botanic Gardens in Johannesburg.  The second leg of the tour is taking place on the 15 December at Wave House, Durban. On the 18 December, the tour will end off at the Backsberg Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.

Tickets range from R150 to R180 and you can get your presale tickets here and from select Musica stores in the coming weeks so keep an eye out for them.

It sounds amazing, I know.  Be sure not to miss one of the hottest summer festival tours providing the best entertainment in local live music.

In Your Arms. Robots With Rayguns.

So Robots With Rayguns, my favourite Baltimore native, who brought you ‘Sugarbaby’ and some of the finest remixes I’ve heard in a long time is back. This time with his very own single ‘In Your Arms’ and yes, you guessed it, it’s a slice of pure electro heaven with just the slightest pop tinge.

What makes this single different from the rest is that you can buy it from iTunes. You finally have the chance to support him after downloading his album and all those remixes for free. What are you waiting for? At $0.99 it’s practically a steal! Go on, get going.

xx
yours in musical madness

Duck Sauce – Barbra Streisand.

It’s like Where’s Wally. Except with really famous people.  Spot-the-famous-person-doing-a-cameo doesn’t have quite the same ring about it does it? I thought not. What am I on about you ask? It’s ‘Barbra Streisand’ by Duck Sauce.

Think you don’t know Duck Sauce? You do. It’s prominent DJ’s A-Trak and Armand Van Helden. They are “fuelled by anything-goes samples, an almost childlike sense of fun, and 100% NYC attitude” and their second single is a guaranteed hit with its instantly addictive, whistling hook and overall fun sound.

Now, back to playing Spot-the-famous-person-doing-a-cameo, the few I will mention are Kanye West, Pharrell, Santigold and (one of my favourites) Chromeo. Good luck with rest! Fun isn’t it?

xx
yours in musical madness