Archive for November, 2009

MOBY - One Time We Lived

November 30th, 2009

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For a guy who made his name driving party people to ecstasy, US electronica figurehead Moby has always had a thing for the blues. Multi-Platinum career-highlight “Play” used them literally, grafting ancient samples into inviting techno grooves. His latest, “Wait For Me”, inhabits them spiritually, giving Moby’s melancholy streak room to brood and blossom, moodily lush arrangements glowing with Eno-esque analog warmth. “One Time We Lived” is off the record’s Deluxe Edition, which features a DVD and a bonus disc of ambient mixes.

by Mark Emge

RICHARD HAWLEY - Open Up Your Door

November 30th, 2009

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Middle age can be difficult subject for pop musicians. Take the opposing forks in the road traveled by two former members of Pulp, Jarvis Cocker and Richard Hawley. Cocker turned into a urbane elder statesman, appreciating life at 22 yet not forgoing new conquests. Alternately, Hawley maintains wistful relationships, with women and with the past. He’s resigned to let time shuffle by but never quite ready to let it disappear, which echoes through his songs like a gentle reverb. “Open Up Your Door” would be just a pop song were it not for lyrical concerns underscored by the only orchestral arrangement on the set: a plea for reconciliation by a husband, who confesses his own shortcomings after a row.

by Mark Emge

ROB ZOMBIE - Sick Bubblegum

November 30th, 2009

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Frontman for metal superstars White Zombie, Rob Zombie formed the group soon after moving to New York City circa 1985. He subsequently worked as a bike messenger, porn-magazine art director, and production assistant for the classic children’s TV series “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse” while leading White Zombie through a series of cult-favorite indie releases. ’92’s major-label hit “La Sexorcisto” gave Zombie the opportunity to try his hand at animation (a hallucinatory sequence in “Beavis & Butt-Head Do America”) and directing (several horror movies, included the remake of “Halloween”). Rob still finds time to rocks out on occasion, and “Sick Bubblegum” is slated for his upcoming fourth solo album, “Hellbilly Deluxe 2″.

by Mark Emge

COLLECTIF MÉTISSÉ - On N’est Pas Couché

November 30th, 2009

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A Euro-dance group from France with a tropical flavor, Collectif Métissé’s first single, “Laisse-Toi Aller Bébé,” was a No. 2 smash this summer. An ethnically diverse group comprised of Soma Riba, Willy William, DJ Fou, and a revolving cast, they made their full-length debut with an eponymous album produced by Frédéric Crépin and released in association with Universal Music. “On N’Est Pas Couché” is the follow-up single, so shake the sand out of your bikini and book a cruise somewhere in the southern hemisphere.

by Mark Emge

Art Taylor Discography

November 30th, 2009

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Art Taylor (real name: Arthur S. Taylor, Jr.) was an American jazz drummer of the hard bop school.  Art Taylor official and complete picture sleeve Discography.

Born On 30 November: Frank Ifield

November 30th, 2009

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Frank Ifield was born as Francis Edward Ifield on November 30, 1937 in Coventry, Warwickshire, England. Frank Ifield is an Australian-English easy listening and country music singer. An early 1960s superstar, this pop vocalist/yodeller had four #1 hits in 12 months with revivals of U.S. standards. Unlike many of his early 1960s UK contemporaries, his records did well internationally. His biggest selling single, “I Remember You”, sold 1.096 million copies in the UK alone. Learn more on Frank Ifield Wikipedia, Allmusic and on his official site. Official Frank Ifield discography.

Born On 30 November: Billy Idol

November 30th, 2009

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Billy Idol was born as William Michael Albert Broad on November 30, 1955 in Stanmore, Middlesex, England. Billy Idol is an English rock musician. He first achieved fame in the punk rock era as a member of the band Generation X. He then embarked on a successful solo career, aided by a series of stylish music videos, making him one of the first MTV stars. Idol continues to tour with guitarist Steve Stevens and has a worldwide fan base. Learn more on Billy Idol Wikipedia, Allmusic and on his official site. Full Billy Idol discography and complete list of lyrics.

Born On 30 November: Des’ree

November 30th, 2009

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Des’ree was born as Desirée Annette Weeks on November 30, 1968 in Barbatos. Des’ree is a pop/soul singer who was popular during the 1990s, mostly remembered for her hits “Feel So High”, “You Gotta Be”, “Kissing You”, and “Life”. Learn more on Des’ree Wikipedia, Allmusic and on his official site. Complete Des’ree discography and list of lyrics.

MARC LAVOINE - Reviens Mon Amour

November 29th, 2009

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After starting his career in the ill-received hard-rock combo Your Vice, French pop balladeer Marc Lavoine moved to Paris in 1981 and landed a supporting role on “Pause Café”. The singer issued his debut solo single in 1983, and with the blockbuster follow-up, “Pour Une Biguine Avec Toi,” he transcended the matinee-idol trappings of his early telenovela fame by emerging as the premier romantic crooner of his generation. His albums peppered with duets by singers and actresses like Cristina Marocco, Françoise Hardy, and Claire Keim, Marc’s acting roles and marriage to ex-Vogue model Denise Pascale did little to dim his female appeal, nor does his high-profile current union with Princess Sarah Poniatowski of Poland. “Reviens Mon Amour” is off the disc “Marc Lavoine, Vol. 10″.

by Mark Emge

SUSAN BOYLE - Silent Night

November 29th, 2009

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For her unlikely debut collection, “I Dreamed A Dream”, Scottish “Britain’s Got Talent” phenom and modern-day freak-show specimen Susan Boyle covers a fittingly bizarre selection of sources. Of The Rolling Stones‘ “Wild Horses”, Boyle says, “How could you help but be drawn in by this haunting theme? It conjures up memories of childhood amongst Council Estates, poverty, and struggle in the first verse.” Huh! We always thought it was about Marianne Faithfull losing her marbles and ditching Mick Jagger! Elsewhere Susan covers Madonna, The Monkees, “Les Misérables”, and, why not, “Silent Night”?

by Mark Emge