New Music Week Of September 21st, 2009: Boys and Girls Together

I’m Not Your Toy – La Roux – Is a synth duo from London, England, who take off from 80s synth bands like the Human League and Yaz (though the singer isn’t as good) and when they are hitting hard, like this very catchy synth song with an awesome drum machine hammering the hooks home they deserve the hype they’re getting. Single Of The Week
　
　
Walkin Bass – Benga and Stream – This song dates from 2004 but it is remarkable as an almost tracking shot of the nascent dub step scene five years ago. There is a mechanical twitch to the sound and the bass is so deep it is almost an intruding presence. If you’re getting into this electronic sound not a bad place to start. I will send you the mp3 if you like. Thanks to Remy who sent it to me.
　
　
Convinced Of The Hex – The Flaming Lips – Wayne Coyne said that the new album Embryonic Digital would sound like John Lennon but “Convinced Of The Hex” sounds nothing like em except maybe those beeps and blips on the back backing track are a little On The Corner–ish. Still, if you’re not going after modern lo-fi damage rock why are you listening to Flaming Lips? More of the same and that’s a good thing.
　
Lust For Life – Girls – Yeah, I know Girls, a poppy alt rock band, aren’t very cool but I love this song and if you’re gonna risk life and Iggy Pop fans this is the way to do it. Opening for Los Campesinos I thought they still had a way to go though the songs were there. “They should record something and let the audience find them that way” was my recommendation and this song and “Laura” off the new Album suggests they are already thisclose.
　
　
Slow Poison – The Bravery – The guys behind Shakira’s “She Wolf” continue to shake up the world with this ultra modern yet still new-wavey clean sheen rock plus synth intense melodic potential hit. Promises very well for the newbie.
　
　
Blame It On The Girl – Mika – My fellow countryman, the Lebanese Mika , is a phenomenal talent and this is as bright and shiny a pop sound as you will ever want to hear on Radio Clyde on a Sunday afternoon drive. Some songs are just tailor made to be heard in the background, they pop out at you from the sound of cars and the wind blowing from the crack in the window. Should be huge.
　
　
I Want You To Want Me – KSM – This Cheap trick cover by Disney’s latest assault on the charts reminds me exactly of Joan Jett in the 80s. Jett called her taste “anthemy, everybody get up and sing like at an English soccer match” and KSM sound like Gary Glitter’s kid sisters here. And speaking of kid sisters, yours could do a lot worse than listen to KSM.
　

Watcha say – Jason DeRulo – Did you hear where fans of Imogen Heap are complaining about the “Hid And Seek” sample. Are you joking me? This is a terrific sample on a great pop song and heap a) had to give her approval and b) stands to make a ton of money. Every one’s a winner is wat I say.
　
　
Get Lucky – Mark Knopfler – A sweet folk song off the former Dire Straiter’s “If you got a truffle dog you might go truffling …you win some” he hopes before a lovely flute instrumental. Nice song. Wow, I think I liked every song I reviewed today!!! A personal best…