Let's Go Safari ~ Oh Jane Doe:
T'other week I wrote about the phenomenal Hi Heels & Lo Lifes, who share a record label with spunky new band Let's Go Safari. Oh Jane Doe is their scintillating and amazing new single that sparkles with energy, wit and verve from start to finish. The tune itself is a percolating yet complex arrangement which brings to mind the influences of acts as diverse as The Beatles, The Turtles, The Young Knives & The Beach Boys. There's an engaging drum beat, some almost pogo-ing synths bounding about and an assured & charming vocal that glues the entire song together. The vocal particularly shines through around the one minute mark where all instruments are stripped clean and it's entirely acapella. It's a blissful pop moment that elevates the song to genius status. It's all effortlessly memorable from the get go without being throwaway - indeed, the marriage of the lyrics to the instrumental & vocal performance is almost a work of art in itself. I'm expecting big things from this act...
GMD3 ~ Payphone (Maroon 5 cover):
Gawd luv GMD3. They've barely got done with reaping the accolades from their cover of Call Me Mabye (see here) and they are on to their next phone themed song, the upcoming (in the UK anyway) single from Maroon 5 known as Payphone. There are several things that I do actually really like about their cover version of my most favourite song of the moment - firstly, it was published on May 3rd which as you will know if you bothered to pay attention was actually my birthday, so in a way it was like a little gift to me. Secondly, each of their cover videos now has this brief opening "GMD3" graphic whosamawhatsit which is also tres bon to the extreme. Thirdly, there are some nice harmonies within the song itself that showcase the boys vocal abilities alongside some nice moments in the accompanying visual that lets their individual personalities shine through (the dude by the tree is probably the most expressive of them all. Perhaps he just really loves nature :D)I also really like the new middle 8 that they've added instead of the not really needed rap that Maroon 5 have in the track. Win, win, win. Good stuff...
Josh DuBovie ~ Skyfall (Unofficial James Bond Theme):
Is everyone looking forward to a new James Bond movie? If it involves Daniel Craig in his skimpy swimming cossie again, then yes, yes I am. Josh DuBovie certainly is because he's recorded his own version of what he thinks should be the movie's iconic theme tune. And he certainly knows how to create and deliver something that ticks all the classic Bond themes boxes. A dramatic sweeping arrangement gives way to a soaring, timeless vocal from young Josh. Some beautiful guitar intertwines with the elegant & classic melody that frame the touching, eloquent lyrics. At times it's reminiscent of a great George Michael performance and would make a fine addition to the James Bond canon. Consider me smitten.
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