When we say Jessie J we don’t mean Jesse James, Jesse Jackson, or even Jesse Katsopolis (although he did have a successful career with “the Rippers”, so a solo album would naturally be the next step.) Before you rush to a feeling of disappointment, let me explain to you who we ARE talking about. Jessie J, born Jessie Cornish, is a singer/song writer from London whose single “Do It Like A Dude” only recently presented itself to us here in the US of A after hovering in the UK for awhile. Despite the talent she exudes herself, to strengthen her musical resume further Jessie J has written for a few no-name artists you may not have heard about: Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown, and Christina Aguilera. Mr. Timberlake has even been quoted as saying Jessie is “the best singer in the world right now.” And if you can’t trust Justin Timberlake, then who can you trust?
I hypothetically tripped and fell into the lap of this artist while perusing the World Wide Web to expand my own musical library even further. The song that introduced me to the wonder that is Jessie J was with the hip-hop power ballad “Who You Are”. Listen to this song for 30 seconds, and you’ll find out that this girl can wail. Her voice demands attention. And that’s exactly what I gave it when I first heard her voice. I Google-d, YouTube-d, and MySpace-d Jessie J until I had a sample of every flavor she had to offer and, like the free samples at Whole Foods, it intrigued me to buy in bulk. Lucky for me (and now you) Jessie’s USA debut album is scheduled for release in June of 2011. The album’s debut single is rumored to feature current Top 40 rapper B.O.B. and is said to hit airwaves in February of 2011.
To satisfy the longing I have now instilled in you for Jessie J’s music, you can take a listen to the single “Sexy Silk” which was featured in the recent theatrical release “Easy A.” It’s smooth, it’s sultry, it’s smokin’, and every other “s” word that means “a song you should listen to immediately and share with your friends.” That’s why you have 2,000 friends on Facebook and 500 Twitter followers, right? Share the love.
Buy the single “Do It Like A Dude”:
Robyn. Now that name rings a bell. Does the tune of that bell sound anything like a 90’s hit song called “Show Me Love” or how about “Do You Know (What It Takes)”? That’s weird, because Robyn would be the Swedish pop princess whose American musical career premiered in 1991 with those hit singles. Her spotlight dimmed for a short time (ok maybe a longish time) but was never extinguished. Lucky for us she’s continued to make music and adapt her style to a new generation with the 2010 releases of Body Talk Pt. 1 and Body Talk Pt. 2.
“But Freshscouts, I’ve grown up. Shouldn’t my music grow up too?” Lucky for you, Robyn is on the same page and has branched out lyrically and melodically throughout her nearly 30 years in the business. There’s even a parental advisory warning on the new albums. So, you know, it’s super rebellious now. Robyn turned her personal diary into electropop and R&B splendor with hits like “Dancing On My Own” and “Hang With Me.” She’s even laid down a track with THE Snoop Dogg. That’s fo’ shizzle.
The great thing about Robyn’s music is you can still break out some of those hip 90’s dance moves even if the music isn’t so much 90’s anymore. Don’t pretend like you haven’t been waiting for your chance to make the Tootsie Roll, Cabbage Patch, or Hammer Time publically appropriate again. Watch the video for “Hang With Me” and freshen up. Maybe combine the three. We don’t even give a care. But proceed with caution.
Buy Body Talk Pt. 2:
Honestly, I grew up with 2%. I tried skim on numerous occasions, but it seemed too chalky and gross to me. There wasn’t enough flavor and it didn’t seem worth the trade-off for a fat-free milk experience. But then I discovered Black Milk. It was the perfect combination of everything. It had hip-hop and hot beats and tasted so good it made you want to slap yo’ mama’. It was pretty intense.
So I couldn’t stop. I was addicted to Black Milk. I still am. Except it’s not actually a drink. In fact it’s not even an “it”. It’s a he; and he is a hip-hop producer and MC from Detroit, MI. He’s worked with the likes of Royce Da 5’9″ and Pharoahe Monch, and has been rockin’ (or hip-hoppin’) the rap scene since 2004. But what makes Black Milk so appealing is his lyrical flow and unique style only slightly similar to that of Wale or K’naan.
His music has been classified as “Midwest hip-hop”. And if you’re thinking, “Well that’s not really hardcore” just remember that Chicago is located in the Midwest. Oh, and Lupe Fiasco and Common both got their start in the Midwest. So really, the Midwest is like the new East Coast. So there.
If you’re interested in super-solid Midwest hip-hop, make sure you check out Black Milk. And if you’re interested in the weak stuff, buy skim milk. Wuss.
Check out the video for “Losing Out” featuring Royce da 5’9″:
Buy Album of the Year:
We get a TON of artist submissions on a daily basis, and we absolutely love it. We go through every CD, every song and every press release to find the best stuff out there so we can bring it right to your online doorstep. But sometimes we get something that jumps out so much that we know you’ll dig it after just one listen to the first song. April Smith and The Great Picture Show is one of those bands.
Their unique sound is refreshing and up-lifting. Like using Herbal Essence shampoo or taking your shoes off after work. It contains all of the correct elements to make it “pop” without following a formula, mixing traditional folk with pop, classic rock, old-timey piano and horns. The vocals are also very traditional, but with a very unique twist. She is young and relevant, but it would be quite easy to picture April Smith as the headlining act at a cabaret in the ’30s.
However, updated lyrics and a signature swoon make this lass a popular choice for your latest new music selection. It’s not often you get such a young look and sound out of a band so deeply rooted in traditional musical stylings. But April Smith and The Great Picture Show pulls it off with flying colors.
Judging by the number of instruments they used on the album, one would have to assume that the live show is nothing less than completely interesting. Lucky for you, they have been touring heavily across the nation so you can have your very own opportunity to check them out at one of their upcoming shows. And they’ll even let you stream their entire album for free. How great is that?
Buy the album:
When you get hand-picked by Neil Young to be an opener for a crowd of over 20,000 people every night, it’s kind of a big deal. Whether the stars have aligned or you’re just plain that talented, it’s an opportunity that not many artists can claim. Everest can.
Did you know that Everest is actually a mountain located in the Himalayas AND it’s the biggest mountain in the world? I know, it shocked me too. That’s a little free piece of trivia for you. I guess when this band was choosing a name, they wanted something as big as their musical prowess.
We recently got a chance to check out their live show in Chicago and have to say, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a group as tightly knit as these guys. They blend well together on stage and are completely and utterly absorbed in every facet of their music. These guys believe in destiny and I think their being rewarded for it.
Listening to their most recent album, On Approach, you can easily pick out qualities similar to Neil Young, but also elements of blues, folk, rock, alternative and Indie. I even picked out some Jeff Buckley and Black Keys (whether they were going for that or not) and you can draw some elements of the classic American folk sound.
If you’re looking for a group with a classic sound that sticks to the roots and delivers a solid performance, make sure you check out Everest as your next musical venture.
Check out the video for their latest single “Let Go”:
Buy the album:
