Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Todd Terje : It's Album Time

Oslo disco-dance champ, DJ and producer Todd Terje finally releases his debut long-player 'It's Album Time' via his own Olsen Records. Ever since Todd dropped 'Eurodans' back in 2005 he's had many a beady disco eye trained in his direction. His grooves are effortless and his melodies infectious! Here he puts all his experience and nordic sense of fun into twelve tracks of straight up home listening pleasure. It comes packing the huge 'Strandbar' and 'Inspector Norse' tracks, it's got a guest spot from Bryan Ferry on a version of Robert Palmer's 'Johnny and Mary' and in between all that it jumps for joy around his own lit-up balearic world. With killer artwork from illustrator Bendik Kaltenborn this is one solid debut and one that's sure to feature throughout 2014.

Monday, April 14, 2014

Hannah Williams & The Tastemakers : Do Whatever Makes You Feel Hot

Sharon Jones says she's "blessed", Record Kicks latest soul discovery Hannah Williams aka Deep soul's funkiest new diva and The Tastemakers, release their first full length LP "A Hill Of Feathers" with the artistic supervision of golden boy Diesler (Thru Thoughts, Freestyle Records...) responsible for mixing the album.

They have been winning over British audiences gaining continuous support from soul heavyweights such as Charles Bradley, The Dap-kings and Craig Charles, with whom they've shared the stage during the last 12 months. Hannah's stunning vocal performances elevate her to the level of London's greats Adele & Amy Winehouse. The disciplined band, led by Hillman Mondegreen, fall in hard with her as she goes deep into her soul, recorded live with the vocals to capture the true emotion and augmented by epic strings, backing singers and the Tastemaker horn section. So young, so good, so deep ... if you're fans of deep soul, watch out for Hannah Williams & the Tastemakers.

Nicola Conte : Free Souls

Two new gems that anticipate the release of the fifth studio album by Nicola Conte “Free Souls” - pure soul jazz music when Marvin Parks’ voice softly embraces Shades of Joy melody and the lyrics written by Gregory Porter and Bridgette Amofah performing a superb Rhythm and Blues tune writing by Nicola.
Nothing to share with futile trends, these tracks are the result of an urgent need to research in the depth of the soul and musical influences.



Alice Russell : Breakdown feat. Darondo

Alice Russell’s “Breakdown” feat. Darondo has been revealed as the soundtrack to the much-anticipated Mad Men Season 7 US Trailers, currently notching up massive play counts online in the run-up to the final season premiere.

“Breakdown” feat. Darondo is an alternate version to the album track “Let Go (Breakdown)”, the latter having appeared on Russell’s acclaimed 2013 ‘To Dust’ LP. (This single package also includes the album cut as a B side.) In addition to the incredible, heartfelt tones of UK soul sensation Alice Russell, the alternate version of “Breakdown” was given an additional depth and lustre by the collaborative input of late, great soul vocalist Darondo, who sadly passed away in 2013 shortly after its original release. Despite being a relatively exclusive, underground track - having originally appeared as a digital bonus cut, and on a Record Store Day vinyl release - its viscerally soulful energy, unshakable hooks and spirited harmonies have seen this song bubbling up into the spotlight; previous high profile syncs have also included hit US drama The Blacklist.