Solange Knowles, younger sister of megastar Beyoncé Knowles (although rumors have suggested she’s actually Beyoncé’s daughter) is a singer of much more modest success than her sibling. Two LPs and one EP into her career, she has yet to chart a pop single in the U.S. Perhaps recording for a label named Terrible Records is tempting the hand of fate a little too much…
Still it’s not like Solange hasn’t released some interesting material. 2008’s “I Decided” topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, and follow-up single “Sandcastle Disco” was another dance floor hit, despite the lack of pop crossover success.
The most distinctive characteristic of Solange’s music is the hip infusion of throwback sounds. Her 2008 album Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams was filled with 60’s and 70’s R&B cues (Motown, early Natalie Cole and Pointer Sisters) while 2013 EP True channels more of an 80’s synth-soul vibe. As for the single “Losing You”, it has the engaging sound of an early Madonna single.
Presumably we can expect a 90’s soul montage on her next outing?
Until 20 seconds ago, I’d always assumed singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith was from England. He’s actually Canadian.
If many of our last names–such as Baker, Hunter, Shepherd, Miller–originated from our ancestors’ professions, I’d like to know a little about this guy’s great great great grandfather.
Ron Sexsmith’s talents have won praise from such songwriting luminaries as Paul McCartney, John Hiatt and Elvis Costello in much the same way that the Beatles once name-dropped Harry Nilsson as a lesser-known artist worthy of more attention.
Although the production on Sexsmith’s 11th LP (by Metallica/Motley Crue producer Bob Rock) brings his talents to the fore a little more than on past records, the quality of the songwriting hasn’t changed. It’s melodic tunes with catchy choruses and heart-touching sentiments delivered by a guy with a touch of melancholy in his voice–just what his fans have come to expect.
“Late Bloomer” is an anthem of resiliency for underdogs everywhere. If no one’s singing along to your song, don’t forget there’s always a side 2 to life!
It’s just a stone’s throw From here to eternity From the back roads To where I long to be The world has changed Leaving only the truth intact You think it’s a game To me it means more than that
But I’m a late bloomer I’m a slow learner And I’ve turned the record over I’m a long player My song is my saviour I’ve got to raise it up As far as my spirit can reach That everyone might see
Within earshot Of rose-coloured dreamers at best I don’t mean to eavesdrop It’s just part of my job I guess At one glance They don’t know the truth by half How announcing your plans Is a sure way to hear god laugh
Like a crab apple on the tree They’ll find life more bitter than sweet
But I’m a late bloomer I’m a slow learner And I’ve heard the penny drop I’m a small player With a tall order To come out on top And without selling my soul That everyone might know That I’m a late bloomer
From a turntable to a phone From a revolution to a ring tone
I’m a late bloomer I’m a slow learner And I’ve turned the record over I’m a long player My song is my saviour Got to raise it up
I’m a late bloomer I’m a slow learner And I’ve heard the penny drop I’m a small player With a tall order To come out on top And without selling my soul That’s how a flower grows And I’m a late bloomer I’m a late bloomer
The band’s name comes from co-founding member Kenn Jankowski’s high school mascot. The origin of their sound is more difficult to pin down; it’s a hybrid indie folk with electronic touches adding color. And they come up with the kind of sticky melodies that earn a lot of repeat listens.
The sweetly sad songs of Alasdair MacLean and London quartet The Clientele are achingly beautiful things wrapped in soft textures. MacLean’s vocals combine with subdued acoustic or tremolo guitar and strings for a sound you’d swear the term “dream pop” had been coined to describe. In creating a mood of wistful melancholy this band may have no equal. They also strongly evoke 60’s pop, but it’s damn hard to pin down exactly which 60’s bands their sound is indebted to. Nevertheless, the sound is magical.
From the fourth full-length release by California’s Animal Liberation Orchestra. It’s an appropriate album-opening track for a groove-heavy pseudo-jam band record.
A blast of hormone-fueled power pop by one of the bands that created the template for the genre. Eric Carmen’s image as a sensitive balladeer may predominate as the result of his solo career and hits like “All By Myself”. But those four albums his former band recorded stand as a reminder that he was once a true belter fronting a pretty hard-hitting rock band.
Every Moment Has A Song 