As I motored down the interstate the other day I saw a guy kicking a box down the side of the road. That immediately made me think of Blake Lewis. Blake is best known as the “beatboxer” from Season Six of American Idol. Isn’t it funny how the mind works. You see, when I saw the guy beating the box I thought of beatboxing, which then made me think of Blake. You still with me?
As the seasons starting adding up over at American Idol, we the audience began to see a contestant pool that was blending together. Folks started looking alike and singing alike. So, it was like a hearty slap in the face when Blake Lewis hit the stage for the first time. Not only did Blake’s clubish clothing and faux hawk catch my attention, it was also his unique infusion of vocal percussion into his performances. As the weeks went on I found myself tuning in just to see what he would do next. In the end it was Jordin Sparks’ candy coated smile that kept him from taking the top spot.
Instant exposure ended up being the greatest prize for Blake. His 2007 major debut album, Audio Day Dream, just went through a major replay in my car stereo. It is safe to say that Blake has not gone on to super stardom, but his unique pop/soul/club style certainly did invade a lot of households across the globe. Audio Day Dream is something worth checking out. It is not your typical pop album. If A.D.D. leaves you wanting more, you can check out his 2009 sophomore album, Heartbreak on Vinyl. Fans of Justin Timberlake are gonna be lovin’ them some Blake Lewis.
KC’s Personal Picks: “Know My Name” featuring Lupe Fiasco, “Break Anotha”, and “Gots to Get Her”
Check out the video for “Break Anotha”
Buy the album
How should I describe the music of Paula Fuga? Soulful? Bluesy? Sure, those will do, but that just doesn’t cut it. How about Hawaiian soul? Yeah, that hits the spot. Not familiar with Hawaiian soul? Well, you need to introduce yourself to the gifted beauty of Paula Fuga. This woman possesses something special and she is ready to share it with anyone willing to listen.
Paula Fuga and Jack Johnson
American Idol enthusiasts that have a freakish memory regarding past contestants will remember Fuga’s audition. If you want to see the judges blow a decision you can watch it here. So AI didn’t work out for her. Were the judges too concerned with selling an image and not finding amazing vocal talent? Well dawg, we will let you be the judge of that one. That “missed” opportunity has not held her back one bit.
Fuga’s 2010 EP, Misery’s End, is the follow up to her 2006 self-released debut album, Lilikoi. Fuga doesn’t need Simon, Paula Abdul and Randy. On Misery’s End she saddles up with Jack Johnson and Ziggy Marley. Yeah, we think she is doing just fine for herself. Fuga’s music is simply beautiful. Her style blends traditional Hawaiian sounds and instrumentation with contemporary blues, soul and jazz. Misery’s End is the perfect music to celebrate the remaining weeks of summer. Support amazing music. Support Paula Fuga!
KC’s Personal Picks: “Country Road” and “Parachute”
Jack Johnson joins Paula Fuga on a live version of “Country Road”
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*Thanks April!*
Whoa. It is kinda like Fresh Scouts can see into the future. Think of our Weekly Jukebox as our crystal ball. Back on February 8, 2010 we first featured Eli “Paperboy” Reed. And earlier this month, we featured him again on August 2, 2010. As we gazed into our crystal ball, a.k.a. the Weekly Jukebox, we just knew that Paperboy was going to be huge. His latest album, Come and Get It!, is a smashing success. So yeah, we will be playing the lotto this weekend.
These guys deliver.
I love a good list. Grocery lists are cool. Letterman’s Top 10 lists are dandy. “List” is in word “Listerine” and it keeps my mouth feeling crisp. Yes sir, I love me a good list. So here you go. My list of why Eli “Paperboy” Reed is the bee’s knees.
- Eli spent a good amount of his formative years practicing his music in Chicago. Chicago is rad.
- Eli has an awesome head of hair.
- He has a nickname that doesn’t refer to slingin’ rocks or killing someone. He just appreciates a good hat.
- The music that he puts out is fun-throwback-party-soul. I will be trademarking that genre so don’t even think about it.
- Listening to Reed makes me wanna dig out my Sam Cooke records.
- The lead single “Come and Get It” is infectious. Infectious in a good way.
- Eli’s backing band, The True Loves, are out of this world.
- The guys have been touring around the world like crazy in support of their new album. Expect to see a lot from them in the States in the coming months.
So there we go. Not only did I have a chance to highlight my passion for lists, but I was also able to focus on my appreciation of Eli “Paperboy” Reed. Join me and take a trip back in time with some *fun-throwback-party-soul music. Paperboy does not disappoint. I guess you can say that he delivers.
KC’s Personal Picks: “Come and Get It”, “Pick a Number”, and “Name Calling”
Check out the video for “Come and Get It”
Buy the Album
*Trademark pending
Well looky here. I am featuring yet another artist from the UK. Maybe it’s because of all of the Monty Python I am watching and the tea I am drinking. My affinity for the UK aside, what it all comes down to is the fact that Florence and the Machine is jolly good. So jolly good, in fact, that I featured them back on June 28, 2010 in our Weekly Jukebox. Some time has passed and yet my love for their music has not waned. If anything, my love for Ms. Florence Welch has only grown stronger.
Why do I love the music of Florence and the Machine? Ah, let me count the ways.
- The cover art for Lungs is both beautiful and creepy all rolled into one. Therefore, I love it.
- The album is chocked full of stand along singles like “Kiss with a Fist”, “Dog Days Are Over”, and “Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)”.
- “Kiss with a Fist” is one helluva punky love song.
- The video for “Dog Days Are Over” is so incredibly artistic and creative. It also made me dream about Smurfs.
- Florence is breathtaking. Her voice, her style and her presence is magical. I get the sense that if I ever stumble into a enchanted forest, Florence would be waiting in a clearing welcoming me.
So yeah, the soulful indie rock styling of Florence and the Machine had me at hello. Their music is catching on in the States with tons of placements in popular television shows. All of you Twilight fans may also recognize her from the Eclipse soundtrack. As the summer continues on, you can rest assured knowing that you will be hearing Florence’s voice calling to you. Florence is getting everything thing she can get out of Lungs, and rumors are out there speculating on the much anticipated second album that is in the works. The music of Florence and the Machine is creative, bright, and powerful. Take time to sit down with some tea and crumpets and soak in the music of the incredibly talented Ms. Florence Welch.
KC’s Personal Picks: “Dog Days Are Over”, “Cosmic Love”, and “Kiss with a Fist”
Experience the video for “Dog Days Are Over”
Feel the love with “Kiss with a Fist”
Buy the Album
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!
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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.
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