It's been a particularly fruitful beginning to the year especially on the global beat and world music scene. I have thus far been singing the praises of Sevdaliza's divine slice of Persian trip-hop "Bebin", Ibibio Sound Machine's energy-filled afro-beat anthems "The Pot is On Fire" and "Give Me a Reason", while recently spreading the word about Mula's Dominican electro. Continuing in the theme of celebrating diversity, inclusivity and the fusion of cultures, genres and styles, I am bringing you Alo Wala's throbbing new single "Paralyzed". It's a bouncy ride through underground beats, deep bass, urban rhymes, Afro-Indian rhythms and dancehall. Dare I say it's the most delectable offering from this Copenhagen based Indian Tropical Bass force since the inimitable "Cityboy" back in 2014. The Branko & Clap Clap-produced "Paralyzed" is out now!
Jorja Smith returns with a classy single "Beautiful Little Fools" crossing the paths of neo-soul, jazz and R&B. As we read in the official press release, the English vocalist was inspired to write "Beautiful Little Fools" (at the age of 16!) after reading "The Great Gatsby" and, in particular, a passage from the book in which Daisy expresses her hopes that her infant daughter would "be a fool - that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool". Jorja took issue with this statement and so used the phrase to form the basis of her song, in which she laments the restrictions that society and established social constructs place upon women. The visually opulent video was directed by Hector Dockrill.
Corine's disco EP "Fille De Ta Région" swept me off my feet last December when I thought nothing else could possibly surprise me at that stage in 2016. It was a tongue-in-cheek medley of nu disco produced in a truly French style with a generous dose of kitsch. Aside from the instantly anthemic "Pourquoi Pourquoi" it was the luxurious "Pluie Fine" which stole the show for me on this hedonistic 4-tracker released by Kwaidan Records.
Yesterday saw the release of Corine's Remix EP including extended version of "Pourquoi Pourquoi" alongside fresh mixes from Lazare Hoche, Plaisir De France, Pacific State and Polo & Pan who turned "Pluie Fine" into a coquettish house gem ready for your European club escapades. I have literally had it on repeat since Thursday night and simply cannot wait to play it during one of my next sets. Délicieux!
Nite Jewel, who only just scored a Top 5 spot among the greatest tracks of 2016 in our annual #Top100 countdown with "Boo Hoo", is at her creative peak with a brand new album ready to pop! "Real High" drops 5th May via her own label Gloriette Records with contributions from Julia Holter, Droop-E and the Modern Funk emperor DâM-FunK, her artistic partner in crime from Nite Funk. One of the 2 new songs Ramona Gonzalez was already teasing us with during her "Liquid Cool" Tour last autumn - "2 Good 2 Be True" is the first single taken off "Real High". The vintage synth-laden, beat-pulsating song is an enchanting invitation to dance, Nite Jewel's very own take-on house music and a step into more melodic sonic territories for the Los Angeles singer-songwriter. I couldn't be any more thrilled about her 4th LP.
Tracklist:
01. In The Nite
02. Had To Let Me Go
03. 2 Good 2 Be True
04. Real High
05. The Answer
06. I Don’t Know
07. When I Decide (It’s Alright)
08. Who U R
09. Part Of Me
10. Obsession
11. R We Talking Long
