Latest music recommendations:

Butterflies. Lovebox Weekender is only weeks away and I am looking forward to another great weekend in Victoria Park. 

Great headliners and a bunch of up and coming artists worth checking out. Already confirmed are Groove Armada (obviously), N.E.R.D, Datarock, Dj Sneak, Duran Duran, Doves, Friendly Fires, Simian Mobile Disco, Gary Numan, Jazzie B, Johnny D, Ladyhawke, Severino, The RGBs, VV Brown, and the Twelves. Massive and eclectic lineup – and it is still not complete.

Latest additions are amongst others X-Press 2, Diplo (both doing a dj-set in the Rizla van!), Idjut Boys, Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. 

As always, the VIP area is impressive with champagne, cocktail bars, a la carte restaurant and more to it. However, my problem with the VIP area is justifying missing out on all the great stuff happening on the main stage, the stockade and other areas. Norman Jay and Joey Negro are the first djs comfirmed to the VIP area – and there will no doubt be others. A luxury problem if there ever was one.

There are still tickets left (only £75 for a weekend pass / £149 for a VIP weekend pass) – Click here to get yours!

Released: 18/05/2009

Homecut is the brainchild of Hip-Hop MC/producer Testament. His lyricism, live instrumentation and mix of soul, hip-hop and experimentation recently came to my attention. Four years since the release of his debut single “Come the Revolution” (which I missed), the debut album ”No Freedom Without Sacrifice” just hit the market. 

I always love the sound of organic hiphop, and Homecut get the vibe you know from the soul and jazz orchestration in his productions, and he even performs live as a full seven-piece band.

The first single is “I don’t even know” using the wonderful vocal talents of fellow Leeds resident Corinne Bailey Rae (who also did the vocals on Amp Fiddlers excellent “If I don’t” – remember?) and Soweto Kinch. I love the easy jazz piano, and the sax and clarinets accompanying the slow, yet steady beat. The vocals blend in perfectly, not taking up too much space, yet having a prominent place in arrangement. 

But Homecut have ensembled a cast of contributors that reaches even further. J-Live (BBE), Andreya Triana (Flying Lotus, Bonobo), John Ellis (Cinematic Orchestra), kidkanevil (Stateless) and Ty (Mercury Music Prize Nominee) all play their part on the album. Other tracks that stand out are “Bring it all together”, “Not far to go”, “Breakdown” and “Innovators”. 

“Not far to go” is a varied, yet holistic album that is solidly placed in the UK sound, yet drawing on a wide range of genres. You can say what you want about british hip-hop, but I really respect how the scene has built its own original soundscape, not borrowing too much from the US as many other scenes inevitably do. 

MySpace | Soul Seduction | Play.com | Facebook | Fat City |

Released: 2009

Massive rework of Aretha’s classic “One step ahead” by Featurecast! Turning it into a slow, uplifting hiphop anthem for the summer! Of course, the original was also  popularized by its use in Mos Def’s “Ms. Fat Booty” back in 1999.

I’ve been a big fan of Featurecast for some time now, after first picking up “Channel surfing” back in 2004. That release was on the groovy Catskills label and achieved commercial prominence after it was used in the famous iPod silhouette ads.

The other side sees Loot Beggar mash up Amy Winehouse (”love is a loosing game”) and Alton Ellis – and the result is a spaced out reggae interpretation. Half decent, but it is all about Featurecasts work on this release.

I speak highly of the Wah Wah 45s label and its limited pressings on Wah Dubplate. Check out one of last years mashup favourites for me – Marvin’s Holla. 

Wah Wah 45s | MySpace | Fat City | Picadilly Records |

The wonderful Flevans is back with a new album “27 Devils”. It is a magnificent melting pot of soulful yet catchy songs and irresistible dancefloor tracks, infused with Flevans’ innate knack for an unforgettable hook, and boasting guest vocals from Sarah Scott and Shona Foster, not to mention Flevans himself singing on a few numbers. It is a very much anticipated third album after the great sounds of “Make new friends” (2004) and “Unfabulous” (2007).

The wonderful people at Tru Thoughts Recordings has put together a podcast with Flevans in charge – just to get your groove on. CLick here to listen to the podcast – a guided tour through the whole album from the man himself – I reckon you’ll like it, at least I did! 

Of course, all Tru Thoughts releases can be bought from Etch Shop

Flevans | MySpace | Tru Thoughts |

Released: 24/02/2009

Being on MySpace is all about getting in touch with artists you love and connect with exiting new talent that escapes your radar. Some days ago, The Tones got in touch. The California Bay Area duo provides that soulful, organic and honest vibe that I love in hiphop.

Being compared to the likes of Blackstar, Tribe Called Quest, Slum Village and De La Soul isn’t too far off (I would add Kanye to that as well), but these guys are very much able to claim their own fame. The Tones are rapper and producer Retro, and rapper/singer Suhn. Since the group first formed in 2001, The Tones have toured with the likes of Common, Slum Village, Little Brother, Roots’ drummer QuestLove, and Dr. Cornell West to name a few. 

The five tracks on their MySpace site give you a good feel of the sound on “Dreamtalk”. Quality vocals and good production skills. I could have picked out specific tracks, but this is a really solid album – so I’ll let you choose your own favorites. The album is out on Kero One’s label – Plug – and if you haven’t checked it out yet, you are in for a treat.

MySpace | Amazon | Plug Label |

Quantic is about to unleash the force of his Combo Bárbaro, so in advance of the release of their album ”Tradition In Transition” (6th July), and the release is celebrated with a series of parties at various venues in the UK, before hitting off for a live tour of selected spots in Europe and America throughout August and September.

As you might know, Will “Quantic” Holland moved from the UK to Cali (Columbia) to pursue his passion for both unearthing lost treasures from Colombia’s musical past and making new music with the golden array of talent available today. You probably know his first two albums from this adventure, Quantic Soul Orchestra’s “Tropidelico” and Quantic presenta Flowering Inferno “Death of the revolution“. 

Since 2007 he has brought together a multi-cultural band of exceptional musicians giving an explosive sonic snapshot of the ever-evolving musical landscape of the Americas. The international cast of acclaimed musical creators fusing those rediscovered psychedelic, experimental and rhythmically rich sounds of the past with deep funk and soul elements.

Released: 17/01/2004

I was recently reminded of this album when Dobie payed Gilles Peterson a visit in his Brownswood studio to do a podcast.

The debut album from Dobie originally dropped back in 1998, but was re-released in 2005. Most know from his exploits with legendary UK soul outfit Soul2Soul (who I saw live at the Lovebox festival), Dobie has done tons of great stuff through the years, his remixes being legendary. His remix of Bjork (which she re-did the vocals for) sounds fresh even today.

The album is a tale of two genres really – downtempo and dubby hiphop. There are a lot of good tracks on the album. “Coming up for air” is a perfectly orchestrated downtempo classic, where Dobie’s production and the vocal talents of Rassia melts together into a sweet summerly mood. “Way over” is down the same route only instrumental, and then there is the brilliant “Cloud 98 3/4″ where Ninety 9 provides the vocals. Massive tune. And dont miss out on “Lovesong” either, vocals by Helena Paul.

Juno Download | Last FM |

Released: 20/03/2009

I just got back from Warszawa, and by coincidence I discovered Parov Stelar was playing live. I have been following the artist for quite some time and while walking around the city looking at posters for different clubs (always a good way to get to know the city!) I noticed they were playing somewhere. The problem was that I didn’t know where – and it was sheer coincidence that we entered a outdoor party at the University site – and guess what? First tune I heard was Parov Stelar!

Their live performance was off the hook. With brilliant vocalists, saxophonists and percussionists supporting the electronic production of Parov Stelar himself. I got to get them to do a show here in Oslo, preferably outdoors!

I previously wrote about “Libella Swing” out on the same label. This time I have picked out the latest release “Monster”. It finished off the concert (before the encores) and its driving live percussion, repetitive vocals, harmonica and pumping electro took the crowd to new heights of dancefloor mayhem. The two other tracks are great as well – “Silent snow” being a piano groover in traditional 30s ragtime sounds, while “Nosferatu” is another banging and repetitive dancefloor gem with eastern european inspirations.

Parovstelar.com | Juno Download | MySpace | Etage Noir |

Released: 05/2009

More magic from the soul extraordinaire! After moving out of the heart of northern soul of Detroit and joining forces with Peanut Butter Wolf’s Stones Throw label in L.A. this mans career have taken off! It was the beautiful debut “Just ain’t working out” that caught my attention – and if you haven’t checked it out you know what to do!  

His voice reminds me of Bob Dylan and the production is up there with the best soul music on Motown and Staxx. ”Maybe so, Maybe no” Starts out with electronic, spaced out harp – then breaks down into a driving, chorus backed vocal gem. So uplifting and inspirational. On the flip you get the lovely “I wish it would rain“.

Stones Throw | MySpace |

Released: 07/04/2009

There is usually a few albums that stand out of the pile of records and end up being the soundtrack of the summer. Albums by Just Jack and Plantlife have previously created the perfect summer vibe for me. This year it will be Kero One. 

“Early believers” creates a joyful spirit of optimism. Hip-hop, jazz and soul perfectly blended together in well balanced arrangements, with strong lyrics sung by great vocalists such as personal favorites Ben Westbeech and Tuomo. 

The soundscape is truely organic – honest, personal stories accompanied by fender rhodes, beats, strings and acoustic guitars that gives the sound a live presence. You get that feel good vibe of an intimate concert for just you and your best friends barbecuing on a blanket in the park. My favorite is “When the sunshine comes” one of many examples of how Kero One captures this atmosphere.

“Early Believers” is the San Fransisco arists second album after “Windmills of the soul” (2005), a release that was successfull first in Japan. And if you are familiar with the new jazz and hip-hop coming from Japan you will easily understand why Kero One struck a chord with that audience. “Windmills of the soul”  gave him the opportunity to work with Talib Kweli and tour with KRS-One and EPMD.

A true DIY artist that have worked ever so hard to get the recognition his music deserves, both albums have been put out on his own Plug Label imprint. He has got his hands on most elements of the process, including vocals, production and instrumentation, art design, promotion, and web design. The DIY attitude and determination is expressed through the lyrics, exemplified in the words of “Keep Pushin” – And most these critics, That’s dissin’ or said I’m trippin’, Thank you for picking me up, I ain’t quitting or giving it up”. 

As Kero proudly proclaims he’s bringing “hiphop with a signature sound” yet  ” not saying I’m breaking ground”. Critics will point to the lack of hidden themes and literary mechanisms – but I think the straight forward, no nonsense storytelling is portrayed with real charm and character. No hard stereotypical hip-hop clichés about women, money and violence. 

Get yourself a copy!

Kero1.com | MySpace | YouTube | Amazon |