I haven't done a "promo day" post in awhile, where I take a moment to talk up stuff that usually may not usually appear on this blog, but (1) I do like it and (2) kind folks have shared it with me. Today I'll feature two tracks that I'm really enjoying these days. One is by a very familiar name, the other is a hip-hop treat.
1. "Don't Know Why" - Smokey Robinson
Motown's poet laureate is certainly not a person who's out of place on Get on Down ..., and his new CD, Time Flies When You're Having Fun (Robso), a celebration of Robinson's 50 years in the business, shows that Smokey can still craft fine songs. Interestingly, though, the first track from the CD to get attention is a cover. Norah Jones' hit "Don't Know Why" gets a delightfully jazzy, "after hours" reading by Robinson, and it really works. The rest of the CD features a decidedly "quiet storm" bent, but Smokey's in good form, and guest turns by Joss Stone, Carlos Santana and Inda.Arie are also good.
2. "Don't Be Sheep (On Friday Night)" - Audible Mainframe
Hip-hop doesn't get much attention on this blog, but I do enjoy it, and I particularly enjoy stuff that's outside of the mainstream sounds that flow, unfortunately sometimes noxiously, from urban radio. I've found that hip-hop bands tend to be much more palatable, and the band Audible Mainframe's new CD, Transients, which is out tomorrow, is a great mixture of thoughtful, intelligent rap and fantastic music. The rock guitar-lead "Don't Be Sheep" is really doing it for me these days. The groove rushes along, and the catchy chorus will stick with you. It's a great slab of "get on down" that stands out on the album.
I'll try to do another "Promo Day" feature later in the week. But for now, dig these two!
Just take a look at this one! This is good...! www.smokeyrobinson.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this. I particularly liked Robinson's cover, because I always thought this song should be sung by someone with a higher voice. :^)
ReplyDeleteI liked Audible Mainframe's track; very peppy, although I could have done without the b-word whizzing past me.
If you dig change of pace hip hop,
ReplyDeletepeep Durham's own LiLa on www.durtydurham.com
Durham could be considered a stepfather of hip hop,
cheers
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