Friday Music

This week:

First, one of my “get in the mood to work” songs — because writing always goes much better when you’re primed and ready: Erik B. and Rakim – “Don’t Sweat The Technique.”

An odd track from Robbie Williams’ 2006 album, Rudebox, where he teams with an 80s icon to sing about another 80s icon. Strange, but then again, that’s Williams all over, innit? Robbie Williams (feat. Pet Shop Boys) – “She’s Madonna.”

The first single from M.I.A.’s forthcoming album, Kala has been officially announced and released. Good stuff, but so far I think that I like the earlier stuff better. I’ll reserve judgement until I hear more: M.I.A. – “Boyz.”

Here’s a fun track from a Brazilian trio, who mix rock guitar riffs with funk carioca (Brazilian funk). I’m loving this. Bonde Do Rolê – “James Bonde.”

Summat for tha Goffiks: My favorite track from Rasputina’s debut album, 1996′ s Thanks for the Ether, featuring their signature three-cello sound. Rasputina – “Transylvanian Concubine.”

The Rosebuds are a new indie group who do some interesting stuff. One one track, they might sound like a late 60s garage band and on another, a mid-70s dance group. No matter the historical genre, though, they’ve got the sound down. Here’s one of my favorites: The Rosebuds – “Get Up, Get Out.”

Lastly, another track by South African pop group Johnny Clegg and Savuka. This one was their best known song, (well, best known everywhere but the US), which was a pretty interesting feat at the time this song was released (1987), due to the cultural embargo placed on SA at the time. Johnny Clegg and Savuka – “Scatterlings of Africa.”

Enjoy.