T.I. – “Here We Go Again”
I know we’re supposed to have this policy of introducing readers to new artists, and T.I. clearly already has hit it big, but this new song produced Timbaland is without question the hottest track on my playlist. To be fair, I’m an unapologetic Timbo junkie that immediately falls in love with 80% of everything he’s ever done, but this particular track works on just about every level possible. T.I. knows how to rock a track, and he knows how to write a hook. Those two things linked up to a dirty, dirty beat makes for a real gem. Enjoy:
Finger Eleven – “Living In A Dream”
The new Finger Eleven record drops next month, but we’ve been given “Living In A Dream” to help tide us over. You must decide whether it’ll just arouse your appetite without bedding it back down or whether you really need a taste to keep yourselves from starving. Either way, you need to know this stomping, upbeat rock diddy is everything we’ve come to love from F11.
Mark Ronson featuring Ghostface Killah – “Lose It”
We were first introduced to Mark Ronson in 2007 when he teamed up with Lily Allen to put out “Oh My God,” which quietly became an FS favorite that year. Then came that sweet video for “Bang Bang Bang,” which rocked our asses equally hard, and now there’s “Lose It,” featuring one my favorite Wu-Tang Clansters in Ghostface Killah. The track takes about a minute or so to really warm up, but once Ghost hits the beat everything is right in the world. I’m starting to wonder if there’s a Ronson track out there that I wouldn’t like. Hmm.
Laws – Hold You Down (Remix)
Forget for a moment that the hook of this high-octane hip-hop massacre sounds like it’s sung by Optimus Prime (which is awesome in and of itself); what I really love about the track is Laws himself. Born in Brazil and raised in Florida, this budding rap star rounds up a hot trio of featuring Big K.R.I.T. and Emilio Rojas (who kicks things off going like a million miles an hour). This is hot, hot heat, people. Hot, hot heat.
A Fine Frenzy – Electric Twist
Alison Sudol is officially my new celebrity crush, and I’ve got the music video for “Electric Twist” to thank for that. The song itself is perfect—upbeat but patient—a snazzy, thumping rock track that croons and soothes and boogies all at the same time, and Sudol’s subtle dance moves in the video are the epitome of sexy. Talented gal, great song, perfect video.
Simon Webbe – Grace
It’s hard to sing in the lowest registers of the male voice and maintain a legitimately poppy sound, but Webbe just pumps out hit and after hit without having to trill like Christina Aguilera or drill super-high notes like (ugh) Adam Lambert. The man just sings it and means it, and so many of his tracks are rife with positive messages that it’s hard not to just enjoy the whole Simon Webbe experience. “Grace” might be a couple years old, but it’s been getting a lot of play in my iPod lately. Gorgeous melodies drive this track from start the finish, but it’s catchy and moving enough to leave you affected well after the facts.
Eli “Paperboy” Reed – “Come and Get It”
We featured Mr. Reed in our Jukebox back on February 8, 2010. Shortly after that, Tank and I saw Mr. Paperboy live on stage at a show in Boston. Let’s just say we have a man crush on Mr. Eli. The much anticipated album, Come and Get It, drops on August 10. The first single, self-titled, is out now and we are all coo coo for coco puffs about it. Get to know this retro soul music before everyone else jumps on the bandwagon. You can trust us. We are trained professionals.
Buy the Single
Stacy Clark – “Touch and Go”
Well, we first featured Ms. Clark in our Jukebox back on October 26, 2009. We then tracked her down for an exclusive video interview. We are back at it again highlighting “Touch and Go” from her new album, Connect the Dots. Yeah, we have a slight crush on Stacy as well. This track wonderfully showcases what you can expect on her new album. Enjoy!
Buy the Single
Sons of Sylvia – “Love Left To Lose”
Unlike our two previous features in the Jukebox this week, we have not featured Sons of Sylvia before and we don’t have a crush on the guys…yet. This band of brothers are a country act, but they don’t sound like traditional country. Peaked your interest? I knew that would. Give the boys a spin and you might discover that you have a new crush.
Buy the Single
Pharoahe Monch – “Shine”
In my own experience, good rappers are either really intelligent or really fun. Rarely are they both, but Pharoahe Monch rides the fine line between poetry and entertainment as well as anybody, and his new cut “Shine” represents that hip-hop philosophy as good as any track he’s ever put out. We’ve been waiting for his new album “W.A.R.” for a long, long time, and this little teaser is enough to keep us excited as ever about it.
Andrew Belle – “The Ladder”
I keep bumping into Andrew Belle’s music, even though prior to this month I’d never really even heard of the guy. But the fact that he’s from Wheaton, a Chicago ‘burb, makes us feel the need to support him even if we didn’t love his music. Which we do. So… bonus?
The Heavy Pets – “Drenched”
Not sure if The Heavy Pets is an homage to overweight cats or really intense touching above the waist. Either way I guess it’s a cool name for a band, but not as cool as the actual music. First heard these guys on Sirius radio a couple year ago, and the new song from the new album is as soulful and wonderful as anything they’ve done in the past. Good guys, good track.
Shontelle – “Impossible”
Shontelle has been on my radar for some time now. Let me apologize for not featuring her here on Fresh Scouts much sooner. My bad. Now that you have forgiven me, I will go on.
Barbados gave us Rihanna and now the country gives us Shontelle. Way to go Barbados! “Impossible” is made possible because of her upcoming release of No Gravity. Prepare yourself, because you will be listening to Shontelle on the regular. I guarantee.
Buy the Single
Jenna Andrews – “Tumblin’ Down”
I can’t get enough of this track! Canadian singer/songwriter Jenna Andrews is positioning herself to make a huge splash on the music industry. Her soulful voice is absolutely incredible. When I came across the song the order of events went like this:
- Listened to the song and was blown away by the vocals.
- Watched the video and scratched my head in wonder.
- Realized that the old soul voice was actually coming out of her mouth.
- Wrote about the song on Fresh Scouts.
Buy the Single
Freshlyground – “Fire is Low”
Congrats to Spain for taking home their first World Cup title. Ah, the sweet song of the vuvuzela will finally be fading away. Well, not completely. Hello, new ringtone! Another sound that I am sure you will recall is the World Cup theme song, “Waka, Waka” from Shakira. What you might not be aware of is that the backing music and supporting vocals were provided by a group called Freshlyground. This talented band from South Africa mixes traditional South African music with blues, folk and rock. Shakira is great and all, but I am loving me some Freshlyground right now!
