Flashback Friday: Boney M - Brown Girl In The Ring

"Show me a motion"

I'd always been hesitant to explore Boney M's music, and I think a lot of that has to do with the band name. But there's no denying their big influence in the late 70's around Europe. In some circles, they're as beloved as Abba. So, I've been delving into their back catalog these past few weeks and picking quite a few tracks that I really like. In these late Summer days, a track like Brown Girl In The Ring is just what I'm in the mood for. It's a cover of a traditional children's song from the Caribbean, but as recorded by Boney M, it became an addictive hit pop single. I feel like the song is particularly appropriate because today was the last day of the kid's summer camp that I lead every year. There's nothing better than spending your summer connecting to your inner child, though to be honest, my inner child is never very far away!



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

Madeon - The City

"There is a place in the distance"

This track premiered a couple of days ago and I can't stop listening to it. I previously featured Madeon's epic Finale on the blog and raved about what an amazingly awesome producer he is. This is gonna be more of the same, though The City is far more uptempo and radio friendly. You can definitely see some Daft Punk influences in the track (it'd sound right at home on their Discovery album), but Madeon continues to do his own thing. I hear that he's been working with Lady Gaga on new material and I hope this is true. I can see him crossing over to even poppier music and being a huge success. For now, he's two for two when it comes to his most recent releases.



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

Michael Jackson - Speed Demon (Nero Remix)

This is why I love remixes. Nero could have chosen a more obvious single from Michael Jackson's classic Bad to reinterpret as part of that album's 25th anniversary, but I think it's awesome that they went for Speed Demon. And boy did they go for it! The song works wonderfully with Nero's usual production style. Who knew that it could work so well as a dubstep track? Unfortunately, the music police have literally disabled streaming of this song on every site possible after it leaked several days ago, so this is the rare instance where I can't let you listen to it. Instead, let me flag this as a necessary track to experience once the "powers that be" deem it appropriate to hear. If you can find it, play it loud. You won't be disappointed. I'm excited for the re-release of Bad, particularly that unseen concert DVD that comes with the deluxe editions. Long live Michael's music, in all its many iterations and remixes!



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

Pop Blitz: 90's Revival Edition

This Fall, the big story is a 90's revival in the music world. Not only do we have artists that sound like they could've been at home back then (I'm looking at you, Carly Rae Jepsen), but we've got a slew of big 90's acts releasing new music--often their first in years. Here's what I think of a few of the singles. And while we're at it, I'd like to request the return of Shania Twain and Janet Jackson (at least in her 90's heydey).

No Doubt - Settle Down
I wrote about this song when it was first released and said that, while I liked it, it didn't strike me as being strong enough for such an anticipated single. I still think this (and its chart placement echoes my thoughts). The song's still great, but it's more of an album track than hit single. Even so, they're by far my most anticipated comeback on this list. B+

Green Day - Oh Love
Well, they never really went away, but it has been a few years. Unfortunately, I just don't think this is one of their best. It straddles the mid-ground between their older, punkier stuff and their newer, more ornate rock. Melody-wise, though, it's just a little repetitive and unsurprising for my tastes. B-

Matchbox Twenty - She's So Mean
They were a band known for making excellent radio hits, even if they didn't always have the critical respect behind them. This is no bad thing in my book, and this new single follows their template exactly. This might sound like a gripe, but in 2012 their sound is downright refreshing. A very pleasant surprise. A-

Alanis Morissette - Guardian
Alanis has never really reached the heights of her breakthrough album, Jagged Little Pill, since its release, though she has put out some good music. This is a nice little comeback and definitely in keeping with her better work. Plus, it's awesome to hear her distinctive voice again. B+

Pop Blitz: 90's Revival Edition - Your Choice!

No Doubt - Settle DownGreen Day - Oh LoveMatchbox Twenty - She's So MeanAlanis Morissette - Guardian

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