You're "kylie" likely to enjoy this post...

Unless you have been living under a rock lately, you will no doubt be aware that K25 is just beginning - a year long celebration of 25 years of Kylie the Pop Goddess. Memories of 25 years of Kylie Minogue deserve a much longer post (indeed, I referenced how Better The Devil You Know was a ships passing in the night moment for Darren and I just the other day), but for now it's time to look at the song that is launching K25 and marvel at how musical empressario Steve Anderson (who worked on the track with Kylie) has any time to eat sleep or breathe. Not only is he spearheading some of the reworked K25 musical moments, he's also working closely on Elouise's tour and album, as well as overseeing the latest stage of Christophe Willem's career. He might be knackered, but based on what you'll see below, thank God the man is a machine...

Kylie ~ Finer Feelings (Abbey Road Version):

Out of all the PWL era single choices, this was one of the most elegant and refined. It peaked at #11 in 1992 as the fourth single from the Let's Get To It album (one of only 2 Kylie singles not to make the top ten at this point in her career). With this in mind, it's perhaps surprising that it was chosen as the launch for K25, but perhaps demonstrates most what Kylie and her able team are looking to achieve this year. Everything about the performance represents a mature, sophisticated Kylie - a singer whose confident in her delivery, and comfortable with her diverse career of songs. The tune itself is swathed in exquisite orchestral bliss where Kylie's voice acts as the melodic anchor, beautifully framed by elegant strings, sweeping bows and the addition of an almost tribal drums playing off against acoustic guitar create a flawless wall of sound that complement but never overpower Ms. Minogue's sweet, heartfelt delivery. It's at times reminiscent of the 'Samsara' section of homecoming, while at others reflective of Confide In Me - it does, however, keep it's own identity all the way through, taking the song to dizzying and effective new heights. It's understated yet always powerful and dramatic. And those operatic notes Kylie hits shows what an amazing singer she really is. Gorgeous audio, gorgeous vocal. I remain, as always, entirely smitten.

If you like this, try these...

• Saint Etienne ~ Tonight: Hurrah! Saint Etienne are back. Everytime I hear their name, I remember that I haven't listened to the darling Hobart Paving or I Was Born On Christmas Day in a while and pop them on my mp3 player. Their latest track (available for free on their homepage!) is what I would call "Classy Disco", the type Sophie Ellis Bextor and Bright Light Bright Light do so very well. The whole track shimmies like a glittering disco ball, drenched in sumptuous harmonies, alluring and persuasive beats & mixed with a sheen of synth. It celebrates music and is in itself a celebration of all that Saint Etienne have achieved. It's a perfect disco moment and one that bodes well for their forthcoming album release. Welcome back lovely people!
• Christophe Willem ~ Si Mes Larmes Tombent: The second single from the accomplished Prismophonic album sees Steve Anderson work his magic for the second time on this blog post. One of my personal favourites from the album, it's a hypnotic, piano driven ballad with enchanting vocal work that acts not only as an additional backing instrument but propels the track forward on it's somewhat heartbreaking journey. Christophe does some of his best work on this song and the track never runs away with itself, but remains focused and centred on piano & voice, weaving it's spell on the listener like a siren's song. The video of the song (below) is nothing short of mesmerising...