Sam Sparro: Electro "Gold"

I never thought I would say this, but apparently, I like dance music. This might have been obvious to those who have been forced to listen to my party playlists, but not I'm not referring to danceable rap music by Timbaland, Flo Rida, and others. Since returning from Acapulco Spring Break last March, and frequenting Palladium and Mandara, names like Girl Talk, Bob Sinclair, Million Dollar Mano, and Armand Van Helden have been showing up on my i-Pod. Whether it reminds me of how amazing that trip was or its just mindless fun sound, the synthesizers and thumping bass have struck a chord recently.

While Sam Sparro probably wouldn't classify himself with those listed above, he does make dance music that is more than enjoyable. After being co-signed by one of the best blogs in the Midwest, My Old Kentucky Blog, Sparro's sound has been described by some as "electrosoul" and similar to artists like Goldfrapp. I was quickly hooked on Sparro's latest single, "Black and Gold" in late 2007. Its synth driven beat, psychedelic lyrics, and catchy hook makes for head nodding fun. While I can't say I understand how the colors black and gold relate to the evolution vs. creationism debate, the track's pulsing sound makes you quickly cast aside any need for debate. Look for Sam Sparro to make an impact across the globe with his debut album this summer.

Rothbury: A Music Festival....in Michigan?!?!?

While I was going through my daily routine of scouring music sites for the latest news, I was not very shocked to see another 3-day music festival scheduled for this summer. From Woodstock to South By Southwest, fans have paid their savings ($100-$500) to check out mile-long lists of "it" bands on a long weekend. While Lollapalooza has been the only way for Mid-westerners to join in the fun, without having to drive 8 hours or more, I never thought there would be a festival closer than Chicago.

So imagine my surprise when I ran across an article on Billboard.com stating Rothbury, MI would be hosting "Rothbury - A Sustainable Camping Festival Celebrating Music and Art". What?!?!?! I was sure this was actually a misprint for the rumored Vineland Music Festival supposedly happening in New Jersey, in August, but wrongo bongo my friend. Rothbury Festival will most definitely be taking place about 3 1/2 hours Northwest of Detroit on the coast of Lake Michigan.

So far, the lineup looks like this: Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, 311, Snoop Dogg, Modest Mouse, The Black Keys, Citizen Cope, Ray Lamontagne, Drive-By Truckers, Of Montreal, Gomez, Diplo, and more. I can't say I would be too excited to pay $250 to see that list, but if this year was a success, can you imagine what this could turn into? This wouldn't be too bad, would it? Or how about this?

On another note, Rothbury brands itself as "a music festival revolution". It might also be a hippie's dream with a very cool, "green initiative". Hoping to minimize the damage past Woodstock and other gatherings have caused the environment, Rothbury wants to create a "zero-waste" event. Their mission is "committed to harnessing the spirit of the music festival community into a durable social movement." To make this happen, there are volunteer opportunities, such as "Work Exchange - Green Team" where concert goers volunteer for 5 hour shifts during the show, where they will be reimbursed for their concert ticket. Of course, you have to purchase a ticket at regular price as a "deposit", but not a bad way to give back and listen to great live music at the same time.

While I think I am still going to hold out hope that I'll have the funds and an opportunity to hit Lollapalooza this year, I am ecstatic at the idea of a major music fest in Michigan. It wasn't very long ago when Ms. Waters and I were hoping we could start a festival of our own (never say never). If Rothbury succeeds this summer, it could be the next Coachella? Early bird tickets go on sale February 27th.

The Black Keys - Your Touch

MIA ft Bun B & Rich Boy - Paper Planes (Diplo Remix)

Vampire Weekend: Off the "Wall"

I was late to jump on the Vampire Weekend bandwagon, mostly due to the incessant onslaught of blurbs I read. But believe the hype. They have been labeled as a "blog band" and received some backlash after reaching the mainstream, but Vampire Weekend makes great indie pop.

Their self titled, debut album was released last week, after much delay and emits a sound that infuses African("Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa"), Punk ("A-Punk"), and Classical music ("M79"). Most of their fare isn't especially lyrically ground breaking, but is more than intricate when crafting a brilliant musical landscape. How can you not love a band that manages to slip in a Lil' Jon lyric without sounding ridiculous?

Vampire Weekend will be at the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor tonight.

Vampire Weekend - Campus

Vampire Weekend - Oxford Comma

Showstopper: Girl Talk @ Metro, Chicago 1/26/08

My first concert in Chicago and another great Girl Talk show. Metro was filled from top to bottom with hipsters and dance party enthusiasts galore.

Highlights:
-Everyone in our group made into the venue, despite only 3/8 of us having tickets at 11:00 pm.
-Viewing hundreds of dudes screaming "Since You've Been Gone".
-Falling on my face and being lifted from the ground by a stranger.
-With the help of Journey's "Faithfully", Soulja Boy managed to sound epic.
-Surviving with only a few bruises and slight dehydration.

What more can I say? Sign me up for Round 3.

Estelle: Soon To Be Shining

Newcomer songstress/rapper Estelle is preparing her sophomore album, Shine, to be released this February. After gaining mild success in her native home in London, Ms. Swaray is hoping her hybrid style will breakthrough across the Atlantic. Estelle's debut, The 18th Letter, quickly garnered the attention of then-unknown singer by the name of John Legend. When it came time to get started on her next effort, Estelle wanted Legend to executive produce, but he wanted more. Legend signed her as his first artist on Homeschool Records. Shine is scheduled to feature production from Swizz Beatz, Cee-Lo, Wyclef Jean, and current "it" producer, Mark Ronson.

I am very intrigued to hear more from Estelle. Her lead single, "Wait A Minute (Just A Touch", has generated some heat early with the help of Will.I.Am. Next up is an appearance by Kanye West on the hip-hop flavored "American Boy". I am most interested to see if Mark Ronson can duplicate his success in 2007 with Sharon Jones and Amy Winehouse. While Estelle is more hip-hop than those two singers, Ronson has shown he can make his throwback sound work with artists from many genres (see Lily Allen, Rhymefest, ODB). Carrying a soulful voice mixed with a jazzy flow and A-List backing, Estelle should have no problem glowing in 2008.

*Songs were removed by request of record company : (

Lyrical Genius: Sean Kingston "Take You There"

While I try my best to promote music I love and think should be heard by all, inevitably, I succomb to the latest in pop hits. Some beats are so catchy, it can't be helped. Guilty pleasures. Party music. Songs I would most likely love at the bar, but shun in a sober state. I might get my music snobbery card revoked, but the force that is pop music is sometimes unavoidable.

Where is this embarrassing confession leading? One of my latest and favorite hobbies, lyrical interpretation. While it can be quite rewarding deciphering the vocabulary of Conor Oberst and expounding upon the narrative skills of Common. It can also be just as fun to find offensive analogies by Finger Eleven and translate the wordsmithery of sexual innuendos in Nelly's hits. Yes, I know this is pop music. The word "pop" brings to mind sugary, bubble gum that loses its meaningless flavor faster than Snow can say "Informer". But this is what its here for, right?

The most recent example of lyrical genius is executed on the breezy single by Sean Kingston on "Take You There". This Jamaican flavored young'n clearly filled the void of annoying, commercialized reggae star that Shaggy grew too old for and Sean Paul was too ugly hold on to. You might remember him for making you contemplate "suicidal" thoughts after he butchered Ben E. King's classic, "Stand By Me" all summer long on "Beautiful Girls".

On "Take You There", Kingston once again appeals to the ladies. Over a summery beat that features a blatant rip off of the "haunting effect" Danja & Timbaland used on "Cry Me A River" and "We Takin' Over". Throughout the song, Mr. Kingston offers a young female a variety of options for their romantic endeavors. Specifically, he states:

We can go to the tropics
sip Pina Coladas
Shorty I can take you there
Or we can go to the slums
Where killas get hung
Shorty I can take you there

This gem of a chorus is so classy on so many levels. While our cuddly Jamaican friend starts off right by offering up a trip to a scenic spot, he fails to mention he is 17 and won't be purchasing anyone any alcoholic beverages (well, maybe not). He then shows that the word "shorty" might not be finished, after being used by every rapper/crooner (see 50 Cent, T-Pain & Akon) in 2007. At this point, the generous offer gets interesting as Kingston options to show his counterpart a trip to his part of town. Seems like a nice idea, maybe she could meet his mother, wrong. Instead, he'd rather show her spots in which she might get to meet some slain gangsters? Huh?

Kingston finishes this enchanting pick-up with gun shots, police flying by and possible encounter with "bad men". You never know, this could be "paradise" to some classy female. So, ladies, wouldn't you like Sean Kingston to "Take You There"?

2007 Wrap-Up: Showstopper in 2008

While I am mostly saving my pennies to go to Lollapalooza in 2008, here are a few of the bands I'd like to see live and in person.

#5 Editors/Jack Penate/The Fratellis/The Kooks
Though each of these rising artists/bands from across the pond have very unique styles, I'd love to see them implement their hits on stage. I've already seen Editors, but their expanding catalog would make for a great, dark show.




#4 Georgie James
One of SubPop's newest signees had a great fall with Places. They have already laid plans for part of 2008, hopefully they will bring "More Lights" to Detroit as well.





#3 Girl Talk
While I've already seen this mash-up maestro once (and plan to visit Chicago's Metro for a Jan. 26 sold out show), I could be easily persuaded for another crazy night with Girl Talk. There have been rumors of a new album in early 2008, so why not promote it in "the D."



#2 Neko Case
2006 was chanteuse Neko Case's breakout year with Fox Confessor Brings The Flood, but she still managed to shine in 2007 with The New Pornographer's stellar reunion album, Challengers. From the reviews I have read and evidence from Live From Austin, TX, I'm sure Case's chilling vocals would be more than mesmerizing in person.





#1 Arcade Fire
They made nearly every blogger and critic's top albums list in 2007, but only played a handful of shows in the U.S. to support Neon Bible. The closest Arcade Fire came to Michigan was an October show in Columbus, which wasn't close enough for me to attend. It would be be hard for me to skip a Detroit show with Win Butler's dark orchestra.