The world is quite rightly gripped with Olympic fever, and quite rightly so. That doesn't mean there isn't time to revel in other forms of entertainment - indeed, it can offer up some much needed sanctuary from the sometimes relentless media onslaught. There may well be times when you don't want to mention the Olympics at all (instead, why not call these moments Voldersport??) and the following three acts are the perfect pause from sporting triumphs...
Aston ~ Born To Die (Lana Del Ray cover):
Ah my beloved Aston return. Following on from their sensational Monster Symphony (with a genuinely magnificent accompanying video), they have now turned their sights to Lana Del Ray's modern day classic, Born To Die. First off, I must say that the entire band looks amazing in the promo shot that accompanies the above video. The girls always look effortlessly gorgeous, while the guys all suited and booted look extremely dapper and handsome. This may not seem important, but the image matches the sheer elegance and sophistication of their music. Their interpretation begins with some solitary piano providing a haunting embrace of the intricate melody. Warming, complementary strings are added, providing a layered effect that begins the song's gentle crescendo. Subtly, these strings become the melodic anchor and it's this seamless weaving between piano and strings that brings the song to life as an instrumental - lyrics aren't necessary because the instruments do such an expressive job. This is down to the talent and expertise of the Aston group members, and not an easy feat to pull off. It's captivating from start to finish, with truly magical moments - the heavenly post middle 8 couplet that happens around 3m30s is to die for. And after all, we were born to die... STUNNING.
Scarlett's Roses ~ Truth Be Told:
Amidst the gloomy washout that has been the British summer to date, the nation is in dire need of a peppy, engaging pop song to brighten their rain drenched days. And thank the gods that this has come along in the form of Scarlett's Roses tremendous new single, Truth Be Told. Set to an electrifying fusion of a scintillating guitar riff, a throbbing bass, delicious saxophone and a propulsive percussion, the song is a deliriously giddy vocal trade off that entices and delights the listener from the moment it explodes into life. The male vocalist, Ryan, provides rapid fire lyrics detailing how he has fallen for a girl completely wrong for him (and provides a genius convivial moment that will sound brilliant live when the pub goers in the video shout out "Ryan, you're dumb, son!" - 58s). And when Miss Scarlett Rose provides her own point of view to the song, her vocals playfully wrap around Ryan's before her own solo kicks in, showcasing her witty charm & sparkling vocal style. And therein lies the perspicacity of this song - the trade-off vocals, the addition of Ollie's rap providing a new perspective on the story, the hand clap moments coming out of the middle 8 & the final sing-a-long chorus. All these combined with that gleeful instrumental have created a song for the everyman that is fucking hard to resist. Make sure to watch the video above which oozes with wit and personality. Truth be told, I've fallen and fallen hard for Scarlett's Roses...:)
Conor Maynard ~ Starships (Nicki Minaj cover):
Well goodness me. This is a turn up for the books. Fresh faced pop sensation du jour, Conor, has really outdone himself with this laid back, acoustic version of the frenetic, ubiquitous Starships. Showing a talent for deconstructing the song to it's bare minimum, then building into something completely different yet completely recognisable, the young Mr Maynard gives a lovely, restrained vocal that gives the song a new, wistful, dreamy element that was missing from the original. He even gives the more ridiculous elements of the song ("jump in my hoop de hoop") a grounded feel, while naturally flowing into Michael Jackson's Remember The Time adds to the nostalgic nature he's created within this version. It's completely lovely and just a very little bit playful & cheeky. If this doesn't persuade you to check out his debut album then you are a fool to yourself. A fool I tells you :)
Top 21 songs of the week:
21 ~ Jason Mraz, Living For The Moment (NE)
20 ~ Christopher, Colours (NE)
19 ~ Maroon 5, Payphone
18 ~ Madonna, Turn Up The Radio
17 ~ Carly Rae Jepsen & Owl City, Good Time (NE/VIDEO)
16 ~ fun, One Foot
15 ~ Regina Spektor, Don't Leave Me
14 ~ Marina & The Diamonds, Bubblegum Bitch
13 ~ Little Mix, Wings
12 ~ Nicki Minaj, Pound The Alarm
11 ~ Kylie, Timebomb
10 ~ Ola, I'm In Love
09 ~ Little Jackie, 21st Birthday Party
08 ~ Mika, Celebrate
07 ~ P!nk, Blow Me (One Last Kiss)
06 ~ Chantal Claret, Honey Honey
05 ~ No Doubt, Settle Down
04 ~ The Killers, Runaways
03 ~ Pet Shop Boys, Winner
02 ~ Maroon 5, One More Night
01 ~ Stooshe, Black Heart (6 weeks)
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