Matt & Kim, “It’s Alright”
Brooklyn duo Matt & Kim continue to reinforce how imaginative and fun they are, which of course I’ve witnessed now twice in concert. The video for what they said at their show is their favourite song on their Lightning album, “It’s Alright”, puts the duo into the bedroom, offering up various positions for everyone to consider. Rock stars (and perhaps especially keyboardists and drummers) should especially take note. But you may need to sleep afterwords! 😉
Semi-Precious Weapons, “Aviation High”
SPW are back with this anthemic love song from their upcoming album. The video for “Aviation High”, directed by Stevy Pyne, puts them out in the desert creating an open-air entertainment/living centre for a day as they recollect some good times. While this is pretty toned down for SPW I think the song and video offer up a side of the band we haven’t yet seen or heard. But I have a funny feeling some good ol’ R&R mayhem is right around the corner.
Willy Moon, “My Girl”
Kiwi-born and London-based singer Willy Moon is out to prove that he’s one of a kind. The video for “My Girl” screams 60s meets 2010s (with some interesting editing and effects) while at other times recalling songs and style by the likes of 80’s Robert Palmer (who ironically also recorded for Island Records), Duran Duran, Power Station, and The Cars. It’s a great under 3 minute follow up to the contagious “Yeah Yeah” that will leave you wanting more. And you’ll get it when his album Here’s Willy Moon drops in April. If you’re in Austin, he is playing several shows at SXSW.
Kim Smith, “Jealousy”
You’ve read about the talented Mr. Smith a few times now in these pages, most recently last week when the dubsteppy Vibekingz remix of “Jealousy” caught my attention – it’s eminently club worthy. The video for the original version of “Jealousy” has a lot of dark, sexy style, with all eyes on Kim, who is captivating with his expressive voice, with thanks to RAM IMAGERY for making it a memorable watch. It’s also a must-play in clubs where videos are shown. Can’t wait long enough for what’s next (hopefully his album Nova, soon!).
MacKenzie Bourg, “Everyone’s Got A Story”
There is only room so much in competitions for unique-styled singers, and the Top 10 ended up being too crowded for 19 year old Louisiana native MacKenzie Bourg, who was a total surprise with a vulnerable-sounding initial performance of “Pumped Up Kicks” on “The Voice” last year. That got him to advance to perform a few more times for us, most winningly with another unexpected joy, a delightful take on “Call Me Maybe”. MacKenzie has a soft-sell singer/songwriter style that’s instantly magnetic, and he showcases it on his debut single “Everyone’s Got A Story”. The video is pretty simple – a guy, a guitar, a motorbike, and a campfire. The lyrics are beautiful – I’ve said it before, it’s probably harder to write simple than difficult. That he’s figured this out this early on bodes well for him, and I hope a full album is forthcoming.
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