JANUARY 25, 2016
Five Songs To Beat
The January Blues With
Post-holiday brokeness is real and the end of the month is
nowhere in sight (how is there ANOTHER week left to
this month?!). Depending on where you are in the world
you’re in for colder and shorter days. And whatever became
of those well-intentioned resolutions? If it feels like it’s all
getting on top if you we have sonic and visual remedies to
help you hang in there.
(Featuring Sena)
Happiness through nostalgia is probably the easiest
feel-good hack there is. Budapest-based African Electronic
Dance Music Duo RedRed play on the fondest memories
of our high school and college years – that carefree time
before the real world snatched from our grasp the earnest
ideals with which we would advance the human race. We
were going to do it all to the backing of joyful 2-step and
4/4 garage which is exactly what Finders Keepers is made
of.British-Ghanaian M3NSA and Budapest-based DJ/Producer
ELO shot the video entirely on two smartphones using
natural sunlight, and on a strict budget of 100 Euros. They
had Sena Dagadu tag along with them while on tour in Malta,
the Mediterranean paradise which also just happens to be
one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones. Winter
seems nowhere in sight for the sun-drenched frolicking trio.
* * *
Allana Verde – So Into You
Still in the vein of happy days gone by, North London newcomer Allana Verde has a “neo-nostalgia” EP due for release shortly, in which she will cover her favourite R&B/pop songs from the 80s and 90s from artists such as Cyndi Lauper, Janet Jackson, and this one – possibly R&B singer Tamia’s best one to date.
* * *
Branko – Let Me Go
Featuring Nonku Phiri
More times than not it’s just easier to put those blues to one side even just momentarily and escape into a world like the one Portuguese film maker Francisco Neffe creates to portray Buraka Som Sistema’s João “Branko” Barbosa ethereal track with South African singer Nonku Phiri and LA-based songwriter/producer Mr Carmack.
* * *
Laura Mvula – Overcome
Other times you just need to just stare things down. Use the wisdom of the elders to reinforce your stance if you have to. This video with its ritualistic choreography references Maya Angelou’s caged bird. Singing especially to the world’s present-day turmoil over Niles Rodgers’ sweet guitar licks she offers the hope that these bad times, they don’t last forever.
* * *
Matshidiso – Fragile
Shot simply and beautifully in her London front room, Matshidiso’s encouragement is quietly powerful. Knowing a power higher than you is looking out for you should help to lighten the load on your shoulders.
Gr8 music