Bright Light Bright Light - New York Pretty

Pre-order Tales Of The City EP here (external link)

Can I just say that I am in absolute awe of the work ethic and creativity of one Mr. Bright Light Bright Light? Fresh from his still stunning Choreography album and two linked Cinematography EPs, he is launching not only another tour but a brand new EP of music to accompany it. I'm giddy! Having moved to New York City to pursue his craft, this EP (Tales Of The City) will be a testament to his love of his new home and the swirling adventures and delightful folk he has encountered there. With his new 'tache giving me 70s NYC porn star realness, his new single from this EP, New York Pretty, is an equally seductive and tantalising jam. There is an excellent interview over at Billboard magazine (external link here) where he premiered the track and cited it was inspired by luminary divas such as RuPaul, Bette Midler and Kylie Minogue (scream, swoon, dead). This is certainly true as it is a decadent, shimmering slice of feel-good pop that puts a smile on your face from the first intoxicating synth right through to the last beat. While it is first and foremost a summer song, this is gonna sound pretty darn glorious any time of you. Like a song for the grown up Simon from the early 2000-s sitcom, Beautiful People (and that splendid theme song by Dan Gillespie-Sells), it is about living your dreams, pursuing your heart's desire and becoming that empowered individual you always knew you could be. Fueled by references to seventies disco (he does work hard for the money) and the best affirmation song since Savage Garden, this percolating groove is swathed in delicious rhythms, desirous horns and dramatic strings. They all wrap around Bright Light Bright Light's mellifluous vocal, perhaps giving one of the finest true pop performances this year. Sing it loud, sing it proud because it will give you an endorphin rush the size of Brighton. London, Belgium, Paris, Munich are all places to be celebrated but this New York Pretty? It's a hell of a toon!