This is a great pop number which was released in February. Nilüfer (@niluferyanya) is a 22 year old London singer. The song is sparse and beautiful, and we think you’ll enjoy this dreamy number.
Just Added: Years & Years – Sanctify
Years & Years (@yearsandyears) released their debut album in 2015, debuting on the UK Album Chart at No.1. They have been on hiatus since 2016 but recently lead singer Olly Alexander announced they had been working on new music with the ubiquitous Julia Michaels and Justin Tranter. This is the first release and a very nice number too!
Delicate
Number 6 trending video on YouTube right now is Delicate, a number from Taylor Swift’s (@taylorswift13) recent album reputation. Its a rather ironic commentary on fame, recognition and attention (she courts all these things but sometimes they don’t play out how she would like, I suspect). It all ties back to the themes running through the album, although we’d thought this was more of a love song. Listen on New Zealand Net Radio.
Just Added: Calum Scott – Give Me Something
A product of the Britain’s Got Talent gristmill, Calum Scott (@calumscott) began writing his own songs. The process of creating his first album was delayed as he realised he needed to write from a position of honesty, especially about his sexuality. Newly released Only Human is the result of that process. Although this song isn’t a big single, we think its a standout number. Calum commented about it on Twitter:
“written about the desperation of love. Those situations when the other person puts up their walls and won’t let you in. Sometimes you just need something to work with, some sort of signal to show it’s worth the fight.”
Just Added: Rae Morris – Someone Out There
This song off Rae Morris’ new album Someone Out There is a stunning, simple song. Her multitracked harmonies rise over a simple piano backing track (the Guardian accurately found a hint of Bjork in her vocals). Very satisfying and a track we’re looking forward to including in our mix. More to come from this talented lady.
Now Playing: Public Image Ltd – Rise
Music journalists love a genre label – Public Image Ltd is categorised as ‘post punk’ although it was a creation of one of the main exponents of punk – John Lydon/Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols. Formed in 1978, Rise was released some years later in 1986 on the album conveniently named Album.
A few years ago he talked about how he wrote the song about Nelson Mandela and apartheid. Go Johnny!
New Music Friday – 9 March 2018
A cyclone is on the way but never fear, we have some fresh tracks getting a first spin, from both new and familiar artists. Every hour on the hour from 9 until 1pm we’ll be premiering a new record. Listen Here or follow us on Tunein .
George Ezra – Pretty Shining People
This is the second single off George’s forthcoming album staying at tamara’s. We’re already playing Paradise off the album from the Bristol-raised lad. Due in a couple of weeks its shaping up to be on a par with his first album (songs like Budapest and Blame It On Me). His voice is just phenomenal – when I saw a photo of him his appearance certainly didn’t match up with my expectation!
Paloma Faith – Make Your Own Kind Of Music
A recurring theme this week – another British artist, this one even more established than Mr Ezra, Paloma Faith’s first album came out in 2009. She debuted this song a couple of weeks ago live in a ‘secret concert’ in Hackney, East London. Its not a new song – it was most well known as a top 40 single for “Mama” Cass (of Mamas and Papas fame) in the 1960s. Faith’s version is enjoyable, and will become well known to UK TV viewers on – of all things – a Skoda car ad!
Jukebox The Ghost – Everybody’s Lonely
Across the Atlantic now to a three piece power pop band from Washington DC. Late last year they announced their fifth album was complete – presumably this single is a teaser. Lead singer Ben Thornewill says the inspiration from the song’s lyrics come from his Grandmother. She asked her mother during World War 2 why all the songs were so sad – she replied “Because everyone is so lonesome”. Love, or lack of – certainly is a universal theme in songs. I like the last verse:
Digging through another playlist
Searching for a piece of art
A Jackson Pollock
Some piece of gossip
Why can’t we tell them all apart?
Willa Amai – Harder Better Faster Stronger
Unusual for covers to make New Music Friday – this week we’ve got two! This is a cover of a Daft Punk song, with an interesting juxtaposition with her sponsor Quickbooks (producers of accounting software). Great number and look forward to hearing more from Willa.
Paul Rey – Soldier
Paul Rey is a Swedish artist who did well last year with a Snoop Dogg collaboration. The 25 year old released his first EP in 2015 and is mentored by the great Quincy Jones (although we don’t agree with his views on The Beatles). There are no signs of an album but with this son’s interesting take on the commitment of love. His fiance (they will marry this year) inspired the idea of her dedication being like that of a soldier who continues to struggle after the war is only. See what you think!
Just Added: G Flip – About You
New on the playlist is this gem from Australian artist Georgia Flipo (@gflipmusic). It’s her debut single but you wouldn’t think so. She’s a multi instrumentalist and builds layers of vocals, synths, bass and drums. The song warms up slowly, cleverly holding off revealing the hook as long as it can. Looking forward to hearing more from G Flip.
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Now Playing Highlight – Just Like A Woman
One distinctive feature of our music blend is the mix of old and new. Every now and then we engage in a bit of nostalgia and press play on a Classic Gold Track. This song is absolutely outstanding, Classic Gold in every possible sense.
Written by the legendary Bob Dylan it was first heard on his 1966 album Blonde on Blonde, an album often rated as one of the greatest albums of all time. Although this original version by Dylan is great, look out for the cover by UK 60s band Manfred Mann. Their version features German artist and musician Klaus Voormann playing the flute (better known for his association with The Beatles and his photography and design of their Revolver album cover). The 60s cover is the classic although a later variant of the band (Manfred Mann’s Earth Band) also covered it.
Like A Prayer
29 years ago today Madonna’s legendary single (and seventh US no. 1) was released. Still sounds just as fantastic today.