That International Flair

Hello my lovely LivLux people! I hope your weekend is going splendidly. Considering its music week, I thought I might add a little international flair to it. So here is some of my personal favorites from across the world, from Africa to France, you’re sure to enjoy some of these excellent artists.

When I think of “soulful” music my mind turns to the one and only Nina Simone, but there is someone who is just as powerful, and yet completely different, I would like to introduce you to LadySmith Black Mambazo. Enjoy.

Homeless (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo) - Sarah McLachlan with Ladysmith Black Mambazo

The French are known for quitting, delicious food, and a lovely snobby additute, not to mention unbelievable style, but when it comes to music there isn’t really anything that comes with a “Pop,” that was until Yelle came headfirst into the business of performing. Yelle (Julie Budet) is a French electro/electropop singer who is taking the charts across the world. She is in the soundtrack for Entourage, has remixed with Katy Perry, and is on H&M’s shop soundtrack. Lets just say she gets around. Here is a great one entitled “Je Veux Te Voir,” I’m not sure what it means, but I get a dirty feeling from it (lol).

Je Veux Te Voir - YELLE

You may have heard of her, but if you haven’t then get ready to hear something that will call for a ear-gasm! Robyn has been around for quite awhile, but it isn’t until now where she is finally getting some well deserved fame, a true testament to how perseverance is the best quality to getting your dreams! Please listen, because she truly is something speical. Here is “Cobrastyle” by Robyn!

Cobrastyle - Robyn

I would like to end this with Esperanza Spalding, a women who invokes such passion and soul in her music that you can literally feel her soothing voice, as if she was there with you, sharing her stories. She is perceptive, interpretive, and simply irresistible. With a Jazz like quality that makes you want to curl up with a great novel, and glass of Merlot (or if you’re under 21 Coke). I'll shut up and let her do the talking. :-)

I Know You Know - Esperanza Spalding


-Z

The Underrated

Without music, my life I feel would be void of drive and purpose, and would quickly become all too miserable, this is my passion for music, and I feel others have mutual feelings to the power that is music. So many different emotions, for so many different unique artists that orchestrate our life behind scenes. Certain chords will bring a tear, a laugh, an idea, but all will strike an emotion that can empower. Today I bring you two artists who I feel are underrated, or maybe just not that well known, yet exceptional in what they strive for.

First up we have Get Set Go, an indie band that is funny, depressing, encouraging in a morbid way, and all around just uniquely fun. Many of the lyrics (written by Mike TV, who is also the singer) you will find to be sad, but accompanied with, at times, jolly instrumentals. A personal fav is “I hate everyone.” No matter who you are, unless a saint, I imagine you hate someone or at the very least certain things about life, this song makes you feel better about it all and in no less then two winks of a coal miners eye you will be singing along to these all too potent songs (lol).

Next up we have Basement Jaxx, who are hard to label into any genre, but come together in an artistic fashion that makes the listener want to “Get Off” their seat and onto the dance floor. The song “Good Luck” features the resonant vocals of a one, Lisa Kekaula, who accompanied with the sensational mix of jazz & electronica will have your hips shaking and your feet tapping within seconds of listening to it.

Check out this video. :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO9I61gYlms

Subscribe, comment, and simply, LivLux...

-Z

M.I.A. Does Fashion

Musics new golden child M.I.A. has everybody flying paper airplanes, and now she's out to dress you up...just like her. She recently told WWD that although she was honored to do the ad campaign for Marc Jacobs, it's not realistic to sport the clothes while out performing and on tour. So she now makes her own collection. Featuring bright bold, leggings, bomber jackets, and graphic tee's. For now the line is based out of London, but it's only a matter until it will be available for the masses. So when you do get M.I.A duds, I would imagine you'd look something like this...

(click the video in the top right corner for a dose of M.I.A)

-Doni W