Work!

Ciara in 'Work' music video

Ciara together with a director Melina Matsoukas made a great video. There are great trucks, great tyres, great spaces, great sand slagheaps. Well, there are some a bit ridiculous moments (just as there were in Beyonce’s ‘Diva’ also directed by Melina; the ridiculous moments are the one that remind of Benny Benassi’s ‘Satisfaction’) and I expected much better choreography from Ciara, but it’s a really strong video. It stays in your mind.

Some scenes are awesome, like the one with Ciara in a futuristic outfit on a yellow construction (as shown in the picture above) doing some crazy things with her ponytail. Or the shot with Ciara in the bright orange dress on a bulldozer. Melina’s use of colours in this video is well-handled, just look at these blues, oranges and yellows.

The song itself is one of my personal favourites from Fantasy Ride, it’s a kind of hit song that makes you wanna dance like crazy instantly (it would be better without Missy’s annoying appearance, though). The CD single will be out in a month.

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Damn, I absolutely love the video! I’ve seen it like million times since yesterday and I can’t get enough! Ciara is one of the sexiest creatures in the world, full stop.

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Oh, I’ve just found another version of the video edited in a slightly different way:

Ebony Bones

Ebony Bones

We had M.I.A. from UK, then Santigold from USA, now it’s UK again (oh, and this time Diplo isn’t involved). Ebony Bones seems to have what it takes to be another lady of chaos: a vivid image, punk attitude and a bit of craziness (okay, she’s got more than a bit but I’m not sure if this is an advantage necessarily).
The single promoting her upcoming debut album Bone of My Bones (to be released on 13th July) is very promising, and the music video’s concept – even though not original at all – is quite entertaining, at least for me. On the other hand, I can’t help feeling sceptical about her… I’m sure I’m gonna make up my mind while listening to the album. Before that happens, let’s have a look at ‘The Muzik’:

Bone Of My Bones

Triangle Walks

Fever Ray

It’s been three months since the self-titled debut album of Fever Ray (one half of The Knife) was released, but even though I was pretty much sure it will be a good one, I wanted to wait for my mood to be more open-minded than usual for the amount of ‘weird’ in one take. I wanted to give the album a proper shot.

Yesterday, the third single from the album – ‘Triangle Walks’ – was released and thanks to Tiga, who remixed the song and who became the necessary link between me and Fever Ray, I decided it was the time to listen to the album.

Below, you can watch the mysterious music video directed by Mikel Cee Karlsson for the original version of the song (just as good). If you’re into airy musical landscapes and unconventional vocals, you’re gonna like it. The quick review of the album coming soon.

Guilty pleasure? Not really.

Little Boots

Little Boots‘ album was quite a disappointment for me. I didn’t found any good tunes except of these I’d already known (‘New In Town’, ‘Meddle’ and ‘Stuck On Repeat’ – and I can’t understand why she put an edited version of this song on the album…).

And except of ‘Remedy’ (the next single).

I’ve been struggling with this song for over a week now. In the beginning there is a cool electro vibe that continues throughout the verses. Then, it turns into a catchy electropop in the first part of the chorus – we’ve got a really great song so far.
BUT here comes the second part of the chorus! Doesn’t it sound cheesy? And the bridge? Come on…
That’s why I couldn’t make up my mind about that song. Partially a pop masterpiece, partially a misunderstanding. It hasn’t stop me from listening to the song again and again, though.

Eventually, I came to decision that the song… rocks! Cheesy or not, it makes me sing along with Victoria, it’s a completely irresistible feeling. Actually, I think that including the cheesy parts was intended. The only thing that worries me a bit is that the song was produced by RedOne who produces ‘Poker Face’ and ‘Just Dance’ for Lady GaGa who I truly despise. On the other hand, Little Boots is charismatic and classy, opposite to sleazy and ridiculous Lady Gaga, so the performer really matters in this case.

Check it for yourself and make your own judgment:

Dizzee

Dizzee Rascal

Although I know that Dizzee Rascal is good (Mercury Prize for his debut album speaks for itself), I have never really felt like listening to him. I guess it’s not my piece of cake. However, his recent two singles are undeniably catchy. I think it’s because of the collaborations that wouldn’t be your first choice when you think of Rascal.
Last summer, his song ‘Dance Wiv Me’ featuring Calvin Harris went straight to #1 on UK charts. Recently, Dizzee collaborated with Armand van Helden on ‘Bonker’ that is #1 on UK iTunes charts currently.
Who knows, maybe I will give his upcoming album Tongue “N” Cheek (due to release in September) a try?

So far, let’s have a look at the videos for these singles:

I’d like to comb your hair

Tiga

Oh gosh, there are so many great tunes coming out recently that I can hardly keep up with all the news, let alone write about it on this blog. Actually, this blog is so two months ago… But let’s keep it running!

Here’s a really cool music video for Tiga’s new single ‘Shoes’ from his upcoming album Ciao! (to be released in three days). As you can see, ’80s are everywhere now. Listen to lyrics carefully, please!

Lights flashing

Calvin Harris

Now that’s what I call a hit. ‘I’m Not Alone’ is one of the best dance recordings that I’ve heard in a long time. That’s why it came as a surprise to me that it’s a track from Scottish singer/songwriter/producer Calvin Harris whose previous singles (‘Girls’, ‘Acceptable in the ’80s’) I didn’t like at all.

‘I’m Not Alone’ switches from melancholic ballad à la Snow Patrol to euphoric dance tune reminiscing ’90s rave anthems. I’m always attracted to dance songs that have a nostalgic note in them:

It’s about feeling too old to go clubbing – says Harris -  I’m 25 now and it does feel a lot older than when I was having my first hit aged 22.

Calvin’s song debuted at #1 on UK singles chart knocking off ridiculous ‘Poker Face’ by even more ridiculous Lady GaGa (thank you, Calvin Harris!). I bet it’s gonna stay there for some time.

Raindrops

Tonight, Basement Jaxx played their new single ‘Raindrops’ on Pete Tong’s programme on BBC Radio 1. The band’s upcoming fifth album Scars will be released in late may/early June.

You can listen to the single on Basement Jaxx myspace. ‘Raindrops’ is a nice tune and there is Felix on vocals ( I can’t remember if he was on any other previous tracks). Maybe I haven’t fallen for this track, but I can honestly say I like it. I just can’t wait to listen to the song with Santigold. And I hope that their song featuring Sam Sparro will be on the album as well. Oh my.

Norwegian summer fling

Yet another Scandinavian singer conquers European dance charts. So far I haven’t find anything special about Annie, her voice is just like hundred of other voices on pop market and her image is not original at all. However, her single ‘Anthonio’ is a killer!

Produced by Richard X, ‘Anthonio’ is an irresistibly pulsating dance track conveying a catchy disco nostalgia. The lyrics with a twist in the end make the song even better as it is released so close to summer; it’s like a trailer of an exotic summer fling. Musically, there’s also a twist in the end with a massive key change – well done, Richard X!

There is no doubt we will all hear the song on holiday parties over and over – the summer disco anthem is born.

Kate Havnevik shows some love

A few days ago Kate Havnevik released a second single ‘Show me love’ from her upcoming album – if you live in US you can download the track from iTunes store, if you don’t – be patient and wait until 14th April that is a day of a world -wide release.

The song is quite different from Kate’s other material. Even though I prefer her more ‘dramatic’ songs with lots of strings, this joyful single suits my spring mood somehow. Visit Kate’s myspace and give it a try! Oh, and you can also listen to her previous single ‘Halo’ there – this one is closer to sound of amazing Melankton.