Parov Stelar - Coco

"With his unmistakable sound-mix of Jazz- and Swing samples and electronic music, Parov Stelar has secured his own unique position in the world of music. His upcoming fourth album “Coco” is eagerly awaited. The double CD starts off where his successful LP’s “Rough Cuts”, “Seven And Storm” and “Shine” ended. On the other hand he is consequently developing his established jazzy sound, by adding new stylistic elements to his tunes. Also his dancefloor-productions, that up to now have only been published as singles, find a debut to a greater extent on his album. They meet with Stelar’s melancholic-melodious trademark-sound, which is well known from his earlier albums, but now is also spiced up with Hip-Hop beats and synth-pads. Parov Stelar manages to build bridges between his own worlds of sound with these extensive LP as well he as he does with listening- and dance-music in general. An electrifying album to fall for. The two CDs are originally thought of as one with tracks that can be danced to and one with tracks just for listening. Nevertheless the line between those two approaches becomes blurred in Parov Stelar’s newest compositions. The album makes your feet tap more and more with every track. The musician himself sees the whole thing as a “book for musical readers” which is classically defined in introduction, middle part and end. Because of downloading hit numbers on downloading platforms the “listening in” to albums and thereby reflecting on less prominent tracks, is lost. Parov Stelar sets “Coco” as a statement against this habit. Apart from two cooperation-tracks with the saxophone-player from his live-band, Max The Sax, Stelar has cooperated with six singers from different genres. This again gives “Coco” a characteristic, one and only feeling"

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Get Excited...

Ani Difranco - To The Teeth

To The Teeth has been slaughtered in critics reviews and fans alike for it's huge departure from Difranco's trademark acoustic singer-songwriter mould that she'd dug herself into early in her career - and to be honest i don't really understand why. Ani hinted at thsi newfound direction in her previous album Little Plastic Castle which incorporated the use of jazzy horns and playful cancions that only enhanced her back catalogue - this album, i believe, took her sound to a whole other level of maturity.

Title track opener is classic Difranco, a plucked guitar and her unique voice acocmpany each other beautifully as she sings about America's gun ownership laws, with some very witty lyricism if i may add,

"And if i have to hear one more time, about a fools rigths, to his tools of rage...i'm gonna take all my friends and move to Canada...and die of old age"

Her obvious prowress for lyrical ability holds it's own throughout the album, which from this point on drastically shifts from a folk wonderland to something akin to a smokey jazz and swing bar, old men playing poker in the corner smoking cigars while Ani jams out her tunes to precision. From the get go you can tell that Ani is full of angst, pain and suffering - the album is considerably dark and this is evident in both her songwriting and lyrics,

"I dont know if im strong enough, to do this much longer...god i wish...god i wish i was stronger"

Going Once makes use of a saxaphone to perfection anchoring the song all the way through till it fades into Hello Birmingham, an extremely evocative piece surrounding the bombings of abortion clinics in the US. Difranco trades off the sombre for the catchy in the next 'fun' section of the record. Back Back Back contains an infectious sing along chorus while Swing employs the talents of a rap artist, done considerably well with complete with hip hop beats blended conspicuously with folk undertones.

All in all this is a very strong record from one of th emost reveered and prolific female song writers of the last 20 years, and only highlights the depth and broad focus of such a talented artist.

Kill and Eat - Green Bushes (alright now records)

Kill and Eat's record Green Bushes is a sparse and challenging listen. Released in 2008 and awarded a re-run and set free on March 31st 2009, the three track jazz trip can be described as a tidy clusterfuck of jamming between a few friends and an amalgamation of simple ideas to form complex arrangements. No, I don;t really understand what i mean, so i'll lay it out for you.

Green Bushes leads off with the 18 minute title track, ushered in by quavering vocals that never quite seem to find their place but still managing to carry the delicate piano in the background. The two elements compliment each other and somehow manage to (after a few listens) click in your head. At the five minute mark the piano sways and rolls in like constant breaks on a winter's beach growing with intensity, informing you that soon these breaks will pull further in with intricate fingers on the keys.

It is at this point that the song opens up and experimentation begins with the piano rising and falling from whence it came. Just before nine minutes we hear slight hints at what is to come, the song begins to form its main centrepiece as light taps of wood on metal permeate through a smoky jazz bar piano solo. Mmmm yes this is why it takes 10 minutes to build, because when it does it is beautiful. Before long what i can only make out to be a muted trumpet is introduced to the mix adding another layer of complexity before the song make its final dash to the finish line with triumphant emotion.

The remaining two tracks offer the listener a sketch of what the former song built itself to, offering an upbeat vocal pattern, which at times repitive, gives way to an upbeat piano solo that keeps your feet tapping as drums hold tight the jazz pop cacophony. Closing the album is "Elipses" which to me is a perfect way to cap off the journey that this 30 minute record offers you, complete with distorted trumpet, a piano melody that brings a smile to your face and work on the kit that flows underneath it all.

This music is definately new ground for myself, the jazz fuck-a-bout style that is the first track afetr repeated listens doesn't come off so much as messing about as it does a genius way to build to a pleasant conclusion - and is only complimented by the two 'sketches' that round off a solid effort from this little-known American duo.

You can download the album and donate HERE

Also, check out he label Alright Now Records

Wolf Myer Orchestra and Parov Stelar - Femme Fatale

A delicate blend of soul, jazz, trip-hop and pop constitutes Wolf Myer's Femme Fatale. With a myriad of guest vocalists it is diverse and rich in quality with sexy soulful vocals provided by many and is accompanied by Parov Stelar's signature downtempo, smooth sound. At times dark and confronting, with dashes of funk and dance this album is great for those cool nights.

Soil & "Pimp" Sessions Feature Artist

You can tell by the photo above that this is no ordinary Japanese jazz band - these guys are quite possibly the most fun, neergetic and downright awesome band i have come accross in the last year or so. I mean, they have a member who takes on the role of 'the agitator' at live shows - basically requiring him to agitate the crowd and get them ready to dance the night away.

Soil & "pimp" Sessions were formed from the tiring disco scene in Japan - they yearned for something fun to dance to, something fast, hectic and sweaty. What has arisen from this dull era is amazing and must be heard to be believed. Self-described as 'death jazz' the band is an onslaught of blistering horn sections, an astonishing drumming section (the guy does nto let up) and the added element of classy piano. It is fresh, it is danceable, and it'll keep you awake at night wanting more.

Soil & "Pimp" Sessions - Pimp Master (2005)


Soil & "Pimp" Sessions - Planet Pimp

Karate - 595

For those unfamiliar with Karate (it should be obvious that im talking about the band and not the martial art). Jokes aside, Karate led by Farina is what some may regard as an influential band on rock movements to come, but what i regard as a fresh sounding, sonically challenging trio that combined their extensive musical knowledge with rock sensibilites to win hearts accross the globe.

This, their final release before disbanding is their 595th live show recorded in Italy i believe. It showcases the bands jazz/rock genre at it's rawest with prolonged jam sessions and expanded solos that differ considerably from their studios offerings. You will find everything here, the spaced out, soulful and spine tingling guitar playing, delicate and erratic drumming and smooth soothing basslines all combined with the touch of Farina's distinct voice.

Something for a warm summers night drive definately.

Parov Stelar - Monster

Oh yes oh yes, Mr Stelar returns after his too amazing ep's The Flame of Fame and Libella Swing to bring us a new, fresh and tantalising amalgamation of house, electro and of course that nu-jazz sound that Parov is widely knwon for. Heavy drums open the title track with a vocal sample that builds to an eruption of brass instrumentation and club electro beats that would fit on any dancefloor around the world.

It seems this new direction Stelar has taken with his last few Ep's has re-ignited some sort of energy within the man usually known for his downtempo jazz bar scenic tunes - showcasing his strengths in upbeat danceable electronica but still witholding his unique spice of jazz and swing Monster closes with a jazzy-electro number saxaphone heavy and with just enough oomph to have you dancing in your bedroom like the music nerd you are.

Acoustic Ladyland - Skinny Grin

This English trio tend to spazz out alot - at times the instrumentation can be harsh and make your ears bleed - but i think that's what these men are trying to do to you while playing their sax's, drums and guitars as frenetically as they possibly can. The album does have it's slower more....sensual moments which gives me a little time to relax while a collect myself after the hectic nature of their faster tracks. My favourite slice would have to be Cuts and Lies. Built around a funky guitar and bass dual the female vocalist sounds sexy and sassy all over this track - and when the saxaphone kicks in your ready for aural sitmulation of no other kind :)

Parov Stelar - The Flame of Fame

Just when i thought i'd heard it all, Parov Stelar knocks me off my feet with this, his 2008 release "The Flame of Fame". And what a treat it is, Stelar musical and cognitive genious is expounded with four tracks full of electronic beats that are made for the dancefloors mixed with a deadly concoction of 30's swing/jazz samples and vocal dubs that are irresistably danceable.

I'd have to say this EP is even better than the one i just posted, purely because of it's infectious grooves. The title track is the classic Stelar mix of swing and beats, while Fleur De Lille is the most astounding effort on the disc - presenting the lsitneer with a blend of jazz and Daft Punk-style electronic bliss. The EP closes with Matilda - a real rocking number, complete with solid piano throughout, thick bass, a tripped out guitar line and awesome sampled vocals.

Treat Yourself to this wonder.

Soil and Pimp Sessions - Pimp Master

Another japanese band to showcase here at Whatever Takes Your Fancy - did anyone say Jazz? how about psycho jazz? or death jazz as it has been described. I love me some jazz music, you know the laid back kind that you can chill to - so when i first played this album i obviously had no idea what i was getting into - luckily the tunes hit me like a freight train and my face was melted by amazing musicianship and funky ass dance floor jazz. You really feel the energy dripping off these guys as they play - its fun and frenetic and damn right catchy - tight intense drumming is backed by alarming horns, thumping bass and one hell of a crazy frontman who is supposedly only there for the entertainment factor during live shows - do yourself a favour and check this out...

The Cinematic Orchestra - Live at the Royal Albert Hall

I've just bought tickets to this amazing bands show in Adelaide on January the 19th and in doing so it has prompted me to offer you this stunning live album by the Cinematic Orchestra. This eclectic live show brings together genres of all kinds including soul, jazz, classical, pop, electronica and trip-hop offering the listener with a smorgosbord of tastes to dabble into. Perfect for a hot summers night chilling outside with your favourite beverage, this band will help you pass the time without a worry in the world.

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Parov Stelar - Shine

Parov Stelar is a relatively unknown fella, but i recently saw his record in the beats section of my local record store and was presently suprised and somewhat bemused at seeing his most recent offering Shine adorn the endless shelves of mainstream dance music.

This is clever music, it's the kind of stuff you put on in the background on a hot summer's night while sitting out in the backyard sipping on your favourite beverage - carefree. So what does it actually entail? Well, i can tell you that it is a trip into thick beats and downtempo lounge-electronica. It's pleasently fucked up and exceedingly coooool at the same time. You know, the kind of cool that soothes the soul - speaking of soul the guest vocalists (the female vocals) are extremly soulful and pronounced, and they blend beautifully with the warm and alluring bass tones, sharp and funky beats and playful horn sections that Stelar pastes together meticulously.

Shine adds gloss to the melancholic but also to the upbeat (see Love[part1]) for a toe tapping extraveganza complete with a catchy vocal sample and swirling, electrifying synths. The genious in Stelar's work is embedded in his infectious grooves and laid-back jazzy, funky and dare i sexy beats.

Ma Fleur - The Cinematic Orchestra

A dreamy lounge jazz cacophony. The opener "To Build A Home" is a masterpiece of emotive beauty - the song is magical in everyway and form there onwards the listener is treated to an amalgamation of soulful vocals, breathtaking arrangements, and subtle acoustics to full blown electronics. It is a jazz record pure and simple - but a jazz record incorporating all that is electronic and acoustic in 11 amazing tracks.