Dalf's Fresh Music Picks (30th April 2012)

Welcome to a new feature I’ll be doing in semi-regular instalments on my blog, highlighting my favourite music tracks of the moment from every genre of music you can possible conceive. I never have a preference on musical genres, I just enjoy good music and in my opinion what is listed below is just that. Obviously opinion counts for everything, but I’d like to think people can enjoy a good song for what it’s worth whether it personally suits their taste or not, it’s about giving those songs a chance and this is what I urge you to do with these.

Each song title links to a YouTube video.


STAR PICK

 

 

Artist: The Imagineers
Title: Imagineer
Genre: Indie, Rock
Album: See As I Say EP

I only recently discovered this song on American chat show The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson whilst watching a promo of some Scottish-based shows he had coming up, being Scottish himself. The song that played over the top drew me in and within minutes I was downloading and replaying it on unhealthy levels. The band, The Imagineers, are also Scottish and don’t currently have a record label, which totally baffles me.

Imagineer is ‘I Wanna Be Sedated’ by The Ramones, meets ‘500 Miles’ by The Proclaimers, with a strong hint of influence from The Kooks. I highly recommend downloading their EP if you enjoy the YouTube link provided as it isn’t the full and final version. This way when they become famous, which they undoubtedly will, you can say you knew them when.

 

 

 

 

Artist: Fun
Title: Carry On
Genre: Indie, Pop
Album: Some Nights

If you haven’t heard of the artist then you’ll probably know them as that band who sang that catchy song ‘We Are Young’ and caught everybody’s attention a couple of months back, making appearances on Glee and other various media formats. ‘Carry On’ is a particular gem on what is quite a stellar album that is shockingly diverse and pays homage to some industry legends, particularly Freddie Mercury. It’s what what I’d class as a sing-a-long track and a grower in the way the haunting chorus gets under your skin after multiple plays. The song hasn’t been released as of yet, but I’d bet my left pinky it’s the next single released.

 

 

 

 

Artist: Alex Clare
Title: Too Close
Genre: Soul, Dubstep
Album: The Lateness of the Hour

I first heard this song on an Internet Explorer advert in the UK and the booming chorus, which is its main hook, caught me off guard. I’m not too sure whether the people behind the craze that is Dubstep had any part to play in the formulating of this track, but it’s laced with that signature bass beat and that drives it forward. It’s also the first I was hearing of Alex Clare, who actually released his album The Lateness of the Hour last year, and I proceeded to listen to the entire record. It’s a decent album and definitely deserves more recognition than it has received thus far, and here’s hoping this advert is the springboard to do just that.

 

 

 

 

Artist: Haley Reinhart
Title: Free
Genre: Jazz, Pop
Album: Listen Up!

Haley Reinhart met fame on American Idol as one of the final few contestants from last years’ bunch. Whether you love or hate these shows though there’s no denying her talent and the uniqueness in her voice that sets her apart from the other talent show wannabes. If I was to pigeonhole her to one specific genre it would probably be Jazz and this is showcased in her rendition of Elton John’s ‘Bennie and the Jets’, which is a superb cover. Her album Listen Up! Is due for release soon and if her first single ‘Free’ is anything to go by then we’re in for a real treat, both for the eyes and the ears.

 

 

 

 

Artist: Alabama Shakes
Title: Hold On
Genre: Blues, Rock
Album: Boys & Girls

Another song I discovered on late night American television was ‘Hold On’ by Alabama Shakes. What an apt title that is too, as what you’re exposed to is some pretty gritty southern rock with a bluesy underbelly that takes you for a ride and back. The Alabama four-piece are quickly becoming famous for their distinctive look, and the relationship between the bands lead singer/guitarist Brittany Howard, and their bassist Zac Cockrell, who met in high school and have remained friends ever since. This is another group that is one to look out for in the future, with what I hope is the staying power to have a long and successful career in the industry.



Craig Bryan, NoobFeed
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