Nelson Clemente “Love.Feel.Dangerous.” (EP)
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying Australian electropop singer Nelson Clemente’s songs since I first heard them three years ago. Alternately tantalizing us with mystery, intrigue, sexual innuendo, and that simple act of being human, Nelson’s latest and free download EP release continues with the simplicities and complexities of life. My favourite song within is “You’re A Star”, which starts off with a Darren Hayes-ish vocal but gradually captivates the listener with the basic sense of wonderfulness that the song conveys. It’s not quite as simple/sparse as Nelson’s own “You Me Us We” but like that song its message is convincing. We also have two more mysterious and layered songs, “No Protection” and “Unsaveable”. “No Protection” is somewhat like last year’s “90 Days” (also in the EP in its original and excellent Soundbaker remix), it has a sinewy hook that gets under your skin. “Unsaveable” is quieter food for thought and shows off Nelson’s flair for a lovely melody while name checking the title of the EP, the essence of all of the songs within. Enjoy all of these songs by downloading them right here.
Bright Light Bright Light “How To Make A Heart”
Our favourite current one man show, Welsh singer/producer/DJ Rod Thomas, continues to impress with every record he releases in anticipation of his full length album Make Me Believe In Hope. In the first of a series of animated videos, we have a sad robot starring in “How To Make A Heart”, one of BLx2’s more elegantly beautiful songs which I first enjoyed on a limited EP purchased at the end of BLx2’s late 2010 UK tour. I enjoy how each release is a project unto itself because by the time we have the full album in our hands it is sure to be one of 2011’s very, very best. Not too much you can say about this one except to soak in the video clip above. For anyone in New York City or at SXSW in Austin, TX in March, Rod will be performing some gigs to both showcase his wonderful songs and his DJ skills which you can hear in some mixes he’s posted at http://soundcloud.com/brightlightx2
Matt Blue “What If”
Who is Matt Blue, you may ask? Well all that I know is that he’s 18 years old, resides in the Netherlands, seems to have a loyal Twitter and Facebook fanbase, and has a penchant for spot-on cover versions of recent songs, though I understand he writes his own stuff too. But that’s all I know, and once I know a little more I will update you. Until that time, I must admit that I am totally astonished at his cover version of Jason Derulo’s “What If” – to me, it’s better than the original. And when you have a voice THAT good, as you can hear above, the world simply will not wait. Matt Blue is one to watch for 2011!
Simon Curtis show alert: If you happen to reside near Cornell University in Ithaca NY, you can find Simon performing a set at the university’s “Filthy/Gorgeous” show at 10:00 pm on Saturday, February 26. Event info is right here.
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