Flashback Friday: Babe - Indian Habits

"There ain't no Indian law for you and me"

The political correctness of this song is debatable. I mean, they're not saying anything derogatory about Native Americans, but the entire track is wrapped around cheesy stereotypes--even though the message is a strong, feminist one. Anyway, Babe were a Dutch girl group active in the late seventies and early eighties. I'm completely enamored with them, but mostly because they make me laugh. Throughout their career, they had two lead singers. The first, Gemma Van Eck, has become an obsession of mine. I find her wide smile and awkward dancing/pronunciation charming and completely irresistible. Just check out this video for proof (particularly from 2:45-2:57 -- those are EPIC moments that have defined my past few weeks). This track, though, is from Babe's second incarnation. They were a little edgier here, though they still had their ridiculously funny moments. And lyrics aside, isn't this song amazing? From the production to the bevy of hooks, Indian Habits is more adventurous and energetic than most pop these days. I can really imagine Girls Aloud having recorded something like this. It's just bonkers, off the wall stuff. Just when you think it can't get any catchier or weirder, it does.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Learn more about them here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Muse - Survival

"I'll never lose"

When it comes to Muse, I like a big, dramatic, theatrical track. Hell, when it comes to any artist I like a big, dramatic, theatrical track. But especially Muse. This track, the first from their upcoming album as well as a special recording for the Olympics (see pic above), seems to be getting a lot of flack from critics. You know what, though? I actually really enjoy it. Sure, the melody's not all that memorable, and it's campy as hell, but I like how they don't seem to be taking themselves too seriously here. With Muse's musical output, I'm usually pretty hit and miss. I chalk that up to the fact that a lot of times they just don't sound very fun. Too much self-seriousness makes for music that can be a chore to listen to. With this, it's pretty clear that they're in it for a laugh (especially that insane final note), and I'm right there with them. From the ridiculous operatic background vocals to the constantly escalating rock thunder march, I really hope the new album contains more songs like this.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Preorder the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Kyla La Grange - Walk Through Walls

"My heart is heavy"

Kyla La Grange is on the cusp of stardom. Her song, Heavy Stone, remains her masterpiece and was one of my top ten singles of last year despite being pretty unknown. Now she's back with what sounds like a more proper launch, even though it's an old track. Walk Through Walls has been given a new radio sheen, adding some punch to what was already a great song. But with Kyla it's not about the production. It's all about the voice. Think a little less overpowering Florence + The Machine, maybe with a bit of Stevie Nicks thrown in. This isn't the type of music I post here very often, unless it's really special. Kyla is really special. Radio needs to sit up and pay attention. Luckily, the album's out at the end of this month.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Preorder the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Little Mix - Wings

"Mama told me not to waste your life"

The Powers That Be behind UK X-factor 2011 were pretty smart this time around, releasing the Little Mix single right at the beginning of the Summer. I think the girls needed it, because despite their winning the series, I'm not sure they're the commercial shoe-in that acts like One Direction and Alexandra Burke have been. Girl groups are a harder sell, especially when they're going a bit retro, as Little mix have done. Wings is not the type of style that I prefer in my pop music. It's heavy on the throwback production... coming out very similar to Christina Aguilera's Ain't No Other Man from a few years ago. Still, it's ridiculously commercial and instantly catchy. And as far as this style goes, it's a pretty good representation. I'll be very interested to see how it does on the charts--I'm imagining quite well at the start, but the real test will be the staying power (or lack thereof).



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Preorder the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.