Here we go….
Scarlett Johansson is the latest to try the actress-turned-singer route — she’s got her first album coming out later this month. The difference is that Scarlett’s album is a collection of Tom Waits covers — and she’s got folks like David Bowie providing backing vocals. For example: Scarlett Johansson – “Falling Down (feat. David Bowie).”
Also out later this month is Same As It Never Was, the new album from UK jazz/electronic/hip-hop/just-plain-fucking-COOL group The Herbaliser. Since I’m on their mailing list, they sent me a link to a free mp3 from the new stuff — a smoking retro-soul-ish track: The Herbaliser – “You’re Not All That (feat. Jessica Darling — Radio Edit).”
Paris-based DJ Pilooski has done an interesting remix of an old, lesser-known Del Shannon tune. I really like how this one turned out: Del Shannon – “Gemini (Pilooski Edit)”
I’ve been listening quite a bit to the soundtrack of the UK TV series Ashes to Ashes — sequel to Life on Mars, but this time it’s Keeley Hawes sent back to 1981. I enjoyed the show (not quite as much as LOM, but that was uniquely brilliant), and the soundtrack is full of gems from 81. Like this one: Tenpole Tudor – “Swords of a Thousand Men.”
Speaking of the 80s, this one has been stuck in my head for a bit, and I have no other reason to post it other than the fact that it’s one of my all-time favorite songs, and was my introduction to the band: INXS – “The One Thing.”
Saul Williams is the place where hip-hop and spoken-word poetry intersect. This was his debut recording in 1997, from the poetry-slam collection Crucialpoetics, Vol 1. It’s got a lot to say. Some of it isn’t work-safe. You should listen to it, even if you don’t like hip-hop….ESPECIALLY if you don’t like hip-hop. Saul Williams – “Twice the First Time.”
And lastly, a bit of groovy hipster Tarantino-tinged cool, just because: Fun-lovin’ Criminals – “Scooby Snacks.”
Enjoy.