Released: 1966

The opening track of the debut album from The Velvet Underground and was released as a single with “Femme Fatale” the same year. The album “The Velvet Underground & Nico” has been widely regarded as one of the most influential records of its time.

Written by Lou Reed and John Cale on a sunday morning (fact) with the voice of German singer-singwriter and model Nico in mind – but ended up with Reed himself singing the vocal. The bands manager, Paul Morissey, originally was opposed to the idea and regarded Lou Reeds voice as less remarkable than Nico – who in the end supported Reed with the backing vocals. Luckily, artistic expression took precedence  over commercial viability.

The band was managed by Morissey and Andy Warhol, who also did the artwork for the album. Warhol and Morissey had previously used the acting talents of Nico in experimental films like “Chelsea Girls” and insisted that she became a part of the group. It was to be a short fling, and she left the group shortly after the release. She was romantically involved both Reed and Cale, but no drama was behind her decision to quit the band. Both later worked with her. On that note, they were not the only  high profile musicians she was involved with – the list also included Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan, Tim Buckely, Iggy Pop  and Jim Morrison.

The song is laid back and beautiful – perfect for those lazy sundays spent with a long breakfast, a sunny day in the park or in a deep couch of a smoke filled café. The celestas soft and light sound, set in the context of the psychedelic, unpolished and unmistakably british rock sound, with Lou Reeds characteristic voice and simple lyrics creates the perfect contexts for celebrating the lightness of being.

Fast Tube by Casper

Released: 09/11/2009

What an exquisite piece of balearic bliss! I am absolutely in love with Rocha’s debut single “Hands of love (fingers of sand), a record that was recently released on the brand new label International Feel Recordings. If you loved House of House’s “Rushing to paradise” you will adore this one.

The fingers of the artist gently sweeps through the ivory of the piano and interacts with a slow spaced out disco groove to create a monster of a tune. With that description of the soundscape, there is no surprise to see legendary disco producer and dj Harvey coming up with a remix. He dubs it down and adds a sweet layer of sweet, funky bongo percussion. There are rumors saying he actually signed on to do three releases on the label, so keep your eye out in the coming months.

Another hot producer, Reverso 68, takes the original into progressive territory, adding some electro elements, yet not leaving its disco foundation.  There are also remixes from Gatto Frittos and Mugwump.

Listen on YouTube | Juno Records | Soul Seduction |

Released: 20/10/2009

One of the most distinctive voices of Norway, Erlend Øye has a lot going for him. Whether is Dj’ing and releasing compilations on !K7, as The Whitest Boy Alive, solo albums or Kings of Convenience, Øye has tons of artistic integrity creating his own interpretations of influences while jumping easily through invisible but often defining genre boundaries.

The bands signature sound is defined by acoustic guitars, minimal and light percussion leading the lullaby melodies vocals to its rights. Erlend Øye leads the show, accompanied by Eirik Gambak Bøe. Combine that with thought through lyrics about daily concerns most can relate to and you have Kings of Convenience (or as they say; “music your parents can listen to too”). A well defined project that delivers what you expect and still leaves you with appreciation. The ability to create a rich soundscape based on minimal number of elements is quite mesmerizing, sounding effortless and improvised yet so structured and arranged down to every little detail.

Like the two previous albums, the cover artwork on “Declaration of dependence” is a good cue to the atmosphere. It also tells the history of how the record first came about, with Eirik and Erlend spending time on the same beach in Mexico where they did a gig. The duo had not worked together for more than two years and wasn’t sure if there would ever be another Kings of Convenience album, but the circumstances helped them find together yet again.

The album was pre-released to Spotify Premium members almost a month before its full release, and it it refreshing to se artists support new consumer friendly business models. Kudos.

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Released: 1990

An all time Ibiza favourite. The piano line and dreamy pads reminds me of the sunset at Café del Mar, pure ambient bliss while having a meal at Savannah. Something about that Balearic vibe on the white isle never seems dated, yet so peaceful. 

Of course, did not pick this up at the time of release as I would be about eight years old. But that is the beauty of music, digging out stuff years later and it is still beautiful. When it comes down to it, I don’t really know a lot about it. It was written by Ben Angwin, Phil Hope and Tony Newland back in 1990. The first edition included a “Happening mix” and a “Impulse mix” both by Nick Addison. It is included on a couple of great compilations, Groove Armada’s “Back to mine” being one of them, “Renaissance – The classics” another. 

Do you know more about BBG or this release? Let me know! Leave a comment or send an e-mail.

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