Today is the birthday of one of my biggest musical influences Nile Rodgers. When a Chic record comes on you can’t help but smile. I could even go as far as to say to say you’re going to dance. When I need to get my day started right, “Let’s Dance” by David Bowie has to …
We lost a man whose voice is instantly recognisable to multiple generations. James Earl Jones passed away earlier this week at the age of 93. This track is from the Lion King album the gift which is made up of tracks featuring sound bites from the film, this is the interlude that comes before probably …
What struck me about this track is how quickly it changed within its 3:32 length. It starts off with a fast paced kick drum giving me the impression that it was going to be a bit of a rock track. But then it settles into a steady rhythm based around a snare, kick and high …
Today is the Mercury Music Awards and they are being hosted at @abbeyroadstudios @freshonthenet asked a question on his fabulous #nowplaying show on @bbc6music – what album in the past got nominated but never won? Naturally there are so many, but one I didn’t realise was nominated when looking for my favourite was Take That’s …
The Great Leslie are back with a track that’s an absolute stomper! Big rock drums that swing on the toms, big vocals, big crunchy guitars… well what do you expect from the great Leslie? A lot and then some. This is a message with several layers – let’s start with the cover – a picture …
So. Oasis are back. No-one thought it would happen, not in this lifetime. If Guns n’ Roses can bury the hatchet (Not in each other’s heads…) then maybe there was hope for Oasis yet. Oasis was a huge part of the 1990’s Manchester music scene carrying on a long tradition of great music coming out …
Michelle Ward is back with a new single “World Happy” – I played it on my show and I’m absolutely in love with it. It’s an indie pop tune heavy on the pop elements – catchy melody that brings sunshine – lyrics that get to the point – the world needs more happiness.First verse: God’s …
Well! This combines jazz, hip hop, neo soul, a touch of Motown and some gospel into this lovely track! There’s a flute to kick off proceedings over a bass that I’m suspecting is played live on the recording – it’s got some depth to it. Add to that a Rhodes piano and an upright piano, …
Keeping with their overall vibes of old school soul Summer Lee Carlson and producer Mute Speaker are back. This takes a drop in tempo but maintains the same temperature, there are snare drum rolls with ghost notes as well as some sneaky percussion to keep the groove going – there are some synth pads in …
This track is full of 80s goodness! What do I mean? Well, this track has what I reckon is a LinnDrum machine – very much that synth pop vibe, combined with synth chords with a touch of vibrato, and that bass line is part of the Yamaha DX7 playbook – Lately Bass at least? This …
