It’s 10/10 – Edition 13!!
A second 10/10 post in June to close out the month brings you a lot of unique music that requires your full attention in order to win your appreciation. We cover the globe with songs from Germany, England, Ireland, Australia, Denmark, Switzerland and the U.S. with a dashes of mystery and fun!
In 10/10 (or tenoutoften) , I write about 10 hot and fresh songs in no particular order, for your kind consideration and attention.
I continue to write individual blog posts about certain songs. That does not mean that songs in the 10/10 lists are any less than those featured individually, and they are not listed in any particular order.
Writing 10/10 posts means I can cover more songs in one shot. So you get to learn about more new music that I hear but don’t always get a chance to write about.
- YELLO, “Waba Duba”
The Swiss maestros that are Yello can orchestrate the best complex electronic nonsense even into their late 60’s and early 70’s, and have returned with their first release in three years called “Waba Duba” from their upcoming album Point. “Waba Duba” recalls some of their best work of the 80’s, such as “The Race” or “Goldrush”. Don’t try to confound yourself by trying to figure out if there is any plot to the song. Instead enjoy the always-bizarre vocal and the layers of synths and samples that make some of the most unique sounds you will hear in pop music. “Waba Duba” is loads of fun, destined to annoy the heck out of you like “Oh Yeah” did all those years ago while you groove to the beats.
- KID BLOOM, “Wounded/Surrounded”
“Wounded/Surrounded” is an anthemic-sounding, atmospheric new melodic electronica release from L.A. singer/songwriter Kid Bloom. The song takes you on a journey through a sea of emotions, wrought by the singer’s captivating voice. When he sings without effects it sparkles and sometimes sounds like Frankmusik; at other points the song is awash in synths and vocal manipulation and because of it you can feel the bewilderment. Alternately dreamy and thought-provoking, “Wounded/Surrounded” is an ear-grabber and well-worth your attention.
- EBONY BUCKLE, “Ghost”
Ebony Buckle is a London-based singer/songwriter originally hailing from Australia. She has a stunning, controlled, theatrical voice which immediately recalls Kate Bush and Imogen Heap. And her pristine vocal puts all the right human touches in “Ghost”, a pop song that could have otherwise been a difficult listen. It’s a true story about being physically apart for two years from husband (and co-writer) Nick due to visa issues. And that is simply heartbreaking, a separation that could have been irreparable. Instead, they wrote “Ghost” over Skype, turning their story into song so that anyone else in an unfortunate state of separation can relate and heal. Be sure to give “Ghost” your complete attention. It would also be perfect as set to a lyrical dance routine.
- DEAN ROBERT, “Get Up”
It’s strange that even before I read up about Dean Robert, the other voice that came to mind when you hear “Get Up” is The Script’s Danny O’Donoghue. For Dean also hails from Ireland and even opened for The Script when he was part of a band. Now Berlin-based, “Get Up” is bright, energetic dance second release for the singer that will win you over. Dean’s voice may be a little bit too manipulated in the production at times but there’s a great melody afoot in “Get Up” and it moves along briskly and enthusiastically.
- JAZZ MINO, “Like A Drunk Girl”
UK singer/songwriter Jazz Mino releases music that needs to be heard by more of you who enjoy interesting pop with idiosyncratic perspectives. Her latest single, “Like A Drunk Girl”, is more about standing up for yourself and making your own decisions to do what you want than meets the ear. The title is actually negative imagery for what other people might say to put you down, so you cave in and do what they say. Jazz Mino’s always affable nature really shines through in this song which sings from both experience and the heart. Check out the lyric video above.
- AIRPORTS, “U Feel It 2”
You never know these days if an artist is a band or a singer judging by the names in use. “U Feel It 2” is a delightful slice of romantic pop from Australian singer Airports (aka Aaron Lee). It’s definitely a mood-setter with a subtler boy-next-door vocal that shies away from what would be called “boy band pop”. The production focuses on the song’s lovely melody and there is definitely radio play potential here. Check out what alternative video ideas occur above when Airports’ original plans were scuttled by COVID-19.
- TONIIA and SUNNIE WILLIAMS, “Only Human”
Blending hip hop and trap flavours with electronics, German producer Toniia has released “Only Human”. It features the strong and sultry voice of Sunnie Williams, whose vocal is the drawing power for “Only Human” for its first minute, before the beats kick in. After that, the song is a sea of many moods with some big drops and synths that command “Only Human” until its finish. It’s a fast listen at 2:49 with many sounds and qualities to perk up your ears. Watch the lyric video above.
- BOYE & SIGVARDT and H. KENNETH, “Party Sucks”
Don’t let the title fool you – “Party Sucks” is actually a dark slice of deep house music from Danish producers Boye & Sigvardt and Nashville’s H. Kenneth that will appeal to fans of recent work by Mahalo among others. The classic house rhythm is the key with pitched-down vocals that make it perfect for a late night set. And it’s cool that Boye & Sigvardt and H. Kenneth never get stuck in one style or groove, collaborating with UK producers Sondr, creating diverse music that shows they would rather be innovators than producing the next wannabe house anthem.
- SC.UNDERCOVER, “Morals”
“Morals” is a standout song because it sounds like nothing else out there. Brought to you by UK producer/songwriter/vocalist SC.Undercover, the song fuses pop and R&B flavours with drum ‘n bass vibes, making for a fast-paced ride. At its core, the song is about finding love after making mistakes and experiencing significant regret. The warm, vocal is offset by a gentle rap, and at other times hits upper register harmony vocals which remain fascinating and noticeable in the background, forming the song’s hook. “Morals” is unconventional pop/dance music at its most listenable.
- MINDCHATTER, “Language”
Mindchatter is a NYC-based producer of mystery who doesn’t identify him/herself in any of his Twitter, Facebook or Soundcloud bios. “Language” is an intricate, somewhat experimental sounding song that’s intriguing because it seems to borrow from late 90’s Everything But The Girl and Roísin Murphy at their most daring, fusing it with other more contemporary sounds you might associate with label-mate ZHU. “Language” is not for everyone but you have to admit it is one very cool, well-produced song, accompanied by quite a different visualization, above.
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