RANDOM SIGHTS + SOUNDS

Damiano David, the front man for the popular Italian rock band, Måneskin, has recently released a side project. David, along with fellow musicians, Victoria De Angelis, Thomas Raggi and Ethan Torchio, first came together to form a band as high school students in Rome back in 2016. They chose the name "Måneskin" (which means "Moonlight" in Danish) and developed their skills by playing on the streets for tips. The band soon worked their way on to the Italian version of "X-Factor", finishing in second place. This lead to a recording contract with Måneskin releasing their first album, "Il ballo della vita" that featured a mix of Italian and English-language rock songs. Måneskin's next big achievement was representing Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021 and creating a bit of an upset by winning the finals with their song, "Zitti e buoni (quiet and well-behaved)". This victory helped to drive even more buzz for the band with their previous recordings receiving some new found interest throughout Europe including their cover of the Four Seasons' 1967 hit, "Beggin'" that reached the top-ten in the UK and even charting in the US.

The twenty-six year old singer's debut solo album, "Funny Little Fears" is a clear shift in musical direction from his band, with a softer, pure pop sound. David began writing for the album in Los Angeles (in part to be closer to his current girlfriend, musician Dove Cameron), working with numerous songwriters and producers, and ended up with about seventy songs. This was narrowed down to fourteen English-language tracks which expressed a more personal and sensitive side of the artist, songs that might not fit as well with his band. David plans to hit the road this fall, beginning in Warsaw on Septemeber 11th, that will take him around the world to promote the album.





Here is a collection of new music that I'm connecting with at the moment: Devonté Hynes, better known as the British performer and producer, Blood Orange, has a new track that features the Durutti Column, Tariq Al-Sabir, Caroline Polachek and Daniel Caesar; Christine and the Queens join forces with disco legend, Cerrone for a cover of his 1977 hit, "Supernature" which is remixed by Purple Disco Machine; the pop stylist, Kim Petras is back with "Polo" that has her in a techno-driven vibe; Tinashe teams up with DJ and producer, Disco Lines for a remix to proclaim she wants "No Broke Boys" and an inspired paring of Norah Jones and John Legend with "Summertime Blue"

I am sad to report that Walter Scott, one of the original members of the r&b group, The Whispers that found fame beginning in the post-disco era and shared lead vocal duties with his identical twin, Wallace, passed away on June 26th at the age of eighty-two. Formed in Watts, CA in 1963 with the Scott brothers along with Gordy Harmon, Marcus Hutson, and Nicholas Caldwell, The Whispers first became known as a thrilling live act. Harmon became seriously injured in a car accident in 1973 and was replaced by Friends of Distinction member, Leaveil Degree. The Whispers would get a recording contract but struggled to gain some traction with their music. By 1978, they signed with Solar Records and finally hit it big with the dance tune, "And The Beat Goes On". The song was their first number-one single on the r&b chart and crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number nineteen. More hits followed with "It's a Love Thing", "Keep On Lovin' Me" and "Rock Steady" which became their highest charting on the US pop chart, reaching number seven and their second number one on the R&B chart.

And Calvin Yarbrough of the r&b duo, Yarbrough & Peoples has died on June 19th at the age of seventy-one. Yarbrough and Alisa Peoples both grew up in Dallas, TX, and they had met taking piano lessons as young children. They grew-up to become professional musicians together and formed a group first called Grand Theft. An encounter on the road had them meeting Charlie, Ronnie, and Robert Wilson, who are better known as The Gap Band, and they introduced them to Lonnie Simmons, a songwriter and producer who went on to work with them to help put together their first album. In 1981, Yarbrough & Peoples released their debut, "The Two of Us" which featured, "Don't Stop the Music," that went to number one on the US Billboard R&B chart and also reached the pop chart, making it as far as number nineteen. This would become the most popular song by the duo (who would later marry in 1987) but had four more top-ten R&B hits before heading back to Dallas to start their own music production company in 1986.

RANDOM SIGHTS + SOUNDS

With her ninth studio album, "Visions", Norah Jones dives deeper into the soulful side of her music. Teaming with Leon Michels, a musician and producer who played with several soul bands that includes being a founding member of Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings as well as touring with the alt-rock band, the Black Keys, Jones, now a forty-four year old wife to musician, Pete Remm and mother to their two children, has gotten looser and funkier with her sound. Yet fear not, long time jazz era fans of Jones, there are still elements of her smooth musical style on this record that first brought her fame twenty-two years ago.





Some new music I'm feeling right now is the latest single from Tyla with the South African singer's self titled debut has also just been released; the Irish rocker, Hoizer has dropped an EP with a track enjoying Tik Tok popularity; another single from Colombian performer, Shakira has her teaming up with hip-hop artist, Cardi B.; the new single by the reunited '90's boy-band, New Kids on the Block who are now middle-aged men and Lorde's contribution for a tribute album to Talking Heads which celebrates the re-release of the band's amazing 1984 feature film, "Stop Making Sense" which will be released through the movie studio, A24's music label.

Kim Gordon first found success as one of the founding members of the influential alternative rock band, Sonic Youth. After spending thirty years with this experimental band, Gordon parted ways not only with this musical group but with her husband and fellow band member, Thurston Moore in 2011. She has since spent her time creating art, working on a fashion line, doing a little acting and producing for other musical artists.

Gordon had little interest in recording as a solo artist yet when she met producer, Justin Raisen in 2015, he convinced her to forge ahead. Their first project together was "No Home Record" four years later which was well received. This musical duo set about working together again and their latest collaboration has been released. "The Collective", with the title inspired by Jennifer Egan's novel, "The Candy House", is vigorous blending of thrashing guitars and hip-hop beats. The Tik Tok generation has embraced the seventy year old Gordon and a track from the album, "Bye Bye", which describes a list of items she will pack for a trip enhanced by pulsating, noisy beats.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM . . .

NORAH JONES

For her very first holiday album, "I Dream of Christmas", Norah Jones brings her smooth and smoky vocals to a collection that offers half of the record with original songs she wrote or co-wrote with producer, Leon Michels and the rest features her versions of some familiar Christmas classics. The forty-two year old jazz-pop vocalist has delivered the perfect record to play in the background during a festive holiday party or while snuggling up to a loved one on a cold winter evening. Have a listen to one of the new songs, "Christmas Calling (Jolly Jones)":



KELLY CLARKSON

It's only been about eight years since Kelly Clarkson released her first Christmas album, "Wrapped in Red" but since the singer has expressed how much she loves this holiday, why not record another one?  "When Christmas Comes Around. . . "  has several new songs she co-wrote including the first single, "Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)" (which seems might be directed at her former husband), "Glow", a duet with Chris Stapleton and "Santa, Can't You Hear Me" that features Ariana Grande. And there are covers of some holiday favorites, "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas", Wham!'s "Last Christmas", "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Santa Baby" first made famous by Eartha Kitt. Clarkson, the unexpected host of a popular daytime talk show, had a holiday special of the same title out on December 1st on NBC to promote the album and the program is now available to stream on Peacock. Enjoy a couple of tracks from Clarkson's latest Christmas album:

DARREN CRISS

Darren Criss is best known as an actor, first gaining fame on the musical-comedy series, "Glee" before making a big impression playing serial killer Andrew Cunanan in Ryan Murphy's anthology series, "American Crime Story" which would win him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. Music has always been very important to Criss, having appeared on stage in several Broadway musicals, recording a few EPs and a featured vocalist on "Glee: The Music" soundtrack albums. And for his first studio album is a Christmas record, "A Very Darren Crissmas". But Criss had no interest in making a straight-forward holiday album. This collection features reimagined holiday classics and rarely covered Christmas tunes with country artist, Lainey Wilson and fellow actor, Evan Rachel Wood making appearances. Criss will be performing many songs off of the album during a concert at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on December 20th. This performance will also be available to livestream. In the meantime, here's a bit of some Christmas jazz-pop with Criss teaming up with Adam Lambert on the song, "(Everybody’s Waitin’ For) The Man With The Bag":

I'M ALIVE

When Norah Jones appeared on the scene in 2002 with her debut album, "Come Away With Me", she managed to make smooth, easy-listening music commercially viable again in pop music which hadn't been done in quite a long time. The album's merging of folk, blues and a heavy leaning of jazz along with the single, "Don't Know Why" helped the singer/songwriter win eight Grammy Awards including Album of The Year and, to date, sell an incredible twenty-seven million copies worldwide.

After all of this immediate success, Jones resisted being labeled a "jazz artist" and set out to prove she was much more than that. Her subsequent albums included country, rock, indie pop and she teamed-up to record with a variety of performers from all genres of music.

Last year, Jones worked with musicians/producers, Jeff Tweedy and Thomas Bartlett on "Begin Again", a collection of eclectic singles that were created in the moment with minimal preparation and time in the studio. With many demo tracks not used, this lead to Jones preparing to release another album, "Pick Me Up Off The Floor" which is due in May. The first single, "I'm Alive" was co-written with Tweedy and his son, Spencer plays drums on the track. The song may give off a breezy vibe yet it deals with a darker subject involving women trying to stay empowered and optimistic while coping with oppression from a male-dominated society. Check out the music video for "I'm Alive":

RANDOM SIGHTS + SOUNDS

After her major breakthrough album, "Come Away With Me", a sultry collection of jazz-pop that went on to sell over twenty-six million copies and win five Grammy Awards including "Album of the Year" in 2002, Norah Jones wanted to keep her options open. Not wanting to be pigeonholed as just a jazz singer, she went on with her subsequent work to cover country, folk, blues and indie rock. Jones even gave acting a try with a lead role in the poorly received Wong Kar Wai film, "My Blueberry Nights".

With her sixth studio album, "Day Breaks", Jones has returned to her roots, so to speak, as she has slipped back towards the piano-driven sounds that first brought her fame. Recorded live and inspired by a wide range of jazz music, the singer co-wrote and produced the album. Her adventurous side is still evident as Jones includes some interesting covers from Neil Young and Duke Ellington. Take a look at the video for the first single, "Carry On":



Here are a few new tunes I've been digging:

"Sexual" - Neiked featuring Dyo (2016) mp3

"Keep It Moving" - Alex Newell (2016) mp3

If you want to get a party started right, I recommend you put on anything by The Whispers. This r&b group, formed in Los Angeles in 1964 and featured Marcus Hutson, Nicholas Caldwell, Leavell Degree and twins, Wallace "Scotty" and Walter Scott, scored some minor hits throughout the 1970's but had their biggest smash on the U.S. dance chart with "And The Beat Goes On" in 1980 which topped that chart as well as the soul chart. The Whispers used their classic soul vocals and merged them with a throbbing funky beat, a perfect remedy during the post-disco era for people who still wanted to dance. Enjoy two of their big hits:

"Keep On Loving Me" - The Whispers (1983) mp3

"Rock Steady" - The Whispers (1987) mp3

The Dixie Chicks had loved Beyoncé's country-flavored track "Daddy Issues" and covered it while on their reunion tour. So it was supposed to be a magical moment when the two decided to team up to perform the song during the 50th annual Country Music Awards. But the reaction to the performance brought out a lot of ugliness and thinly-veiled racism, making a big deal about her having no place on the show. I don't seem to recall this response when another pop act, Justin Timberlake sang on the show just last year. Anyway, in case you missed it, here is a clip of the Dixie Chicks and Queen Bey performing the song on the program and I think it's amazing:


Beyonce & Dixie Chicks - Daddy's Lessons (CMA... by sophanit-smart

WELCOME BACK

DARLENE LOVE

The voice of Darlene Love is one of the most recognizable in the rock & roll era. She can be heard on some of most popular songs ever recorded and this was revealed in the Oscar-winning documentary, "20 Feet From Stardom" which put a long overdue spotlight on the singer. Producer Phil Spector (who Love is most closely associated) recognized her amazing gifts and used them frequently on much of his now classic work throughout the 1960's.

Steven Van Zandt of the E Street Band also recognized her great talent. He had encouraged Love to try New York when she was attempting a comeback in the early '80's after falling in to obscurity during the late '70's. This move lead to her joining the Broadway jukebox musical, "Leader of The Pack" and revitalizing her career. Now, Van Zandt is back lending a helping hand. He has produced Love's first studio album in thirty years and it's appropriately titled "Introducing Darlene Love". This wonderful collection puts the seventy-four year old singer front and center after spending most of her career performing background vocals for other singers. The songs range from pop, rock, gospel and Phil Spector. Love does a cover of "River Deep, Mountain High", a song she provided back-up on the original Spector production performed by Tina Turner.

Take a look at this cute video for the first single, "Forbidden Nights". It features cameos by some of the rock legends that contributed songs for the new album including Joan Jett, Elvis Costello and Bruce Springsteen. Be on the lookout for a few other famous faces here:



KEITH RICHARDS

Keith Richards has spent over fifty years as a member of "the greatest rock & roll band on Earth", The Rolling Stones. Although he would perform the occasional lead vocal on tracks throughout the years on Stones albums, the focus for Richards was songwriting and playing guitar while leaving the rock-star stuff to Mick Jagger.

It wasn't until a tense falling out with Jagger in 1986 over putting his solo career ahead of the Stones that he decided to work on his own music. Richards formed a band, the X-Pensive Winos and released his critically acclaimed solo debut, "Talk Is Cheap" in 1988 which he co-wrote and produced with Steve Jordan. These two long-time friends obviously kissed and made up as the Rolling Stones continue to rock this very day. But now, twenty-three years after his second album, "Main Offender", Richards has just released another solo recording, "Crosseyed Heart" before the Stones hit the road next year. The seventy-one year old, back with his band and co-producer Jordan, isn't worried about commercial appeal. He's covering music that he loves like country, reggae and the blues that you won't hear often on your average Rolling Stones record.

Rumor has it that Richards may try to squeeze in a few concert dates this year to promote the album so be on the lookout. In the meantime, listen to one of the highlights from the album. It's a blues ballad that Richards performs as a scorching duet with another singer we haven't heard from in quite a while; Norah Jones:

"Illusion" - Keith Richards & Norah Jones (2015) mp3

HOT AND FRESH OUT THE KITCHEN

"TRESPASSING" - ADAM LAMBERT

On his follow-up to his 2009 debut, "For Your Entertainment", "American Idol" runner-up, Adam Lambert has released the album he really should have made first. "Trespassing" still has a few rock elements but the out and proud singer is now ready to put on his dancing shoes.

With the help of producers, Dr. Luke, Pharrell Williams and disco music legend, Nile Rodgers, Lambert lets loose on some glittering, throbbing tunes that are fun and made with some serious ass-shaking in mind.

Enjoy this single from the album:

"Never Close Our Eyes" - Adam Lambert

"LITTLE BROKEN HEARTS" - NORAH JONES

"Come Away With Me", the 2002 recording that first brought Norah Jones to the world's attention in a very big way. That album sold well over twenty million copies and won the jazz-pop vocalist five Grammy Awards including Album Of The Year.

The singer's soothing sounds evolved to include country, folk and alternative rock on her following albums, so now with her fifth release, "Little Broken Hearts", Norah Jones has decided to go even further with her music. She collaborated with producer, Brian Burton (or as he is better known, Danger Mouse) for the first time on his project with Daniele Luppi with their album, "Rome". That helped opened her up to push her music in a more dramatic and experimental way. Much like Adele's hit album, "21", the songs on "Little Broken Hearts" were inspired by the sad end of a relationship.

Sample the eerie title track:

"Little Broken Hearts" - Norah Jones

"MASTER OF MY MAKE-BELIEVE" - SANTIGOLD

I honestly didn't know much about the background of singer, Santigold but I always thought that she was some musical artist from another country but I just discovered that she's actually Santi White, an American from Philadelphia. I made that assumption based on her 2008 self-titled debut which didn't sound at all like your standard American pop as she included an interesting collage of rock, punk, dub and Europop to sound.more like some otherworldly music.

Santigold is now finally back with her second release,  "Master of My Make-Believe" that was partially recorded in Jamaica which lead her to add dancehall to the mix. Inspiring and innovative, Santigold is a fascinating artist you should definitely check out.

This is a great song:

"Big Mouth" - Santigold

"A JOYFUL NOISE" - GOSSIP

Gossip, a three piece dance-punk band that consists of guitar/bassist, Nathan "Brace Paine" Howdeshell, Hannah Billie on drums and lead vocalist Beth Ditto, have come back together for their fifth album, "A Joyful Noise".

 Following Ms Ditto's fiery solo EP last year, the band now has seemed to have moved even further in to a dance/pop sound with this album being produced by Brian Higgins who is part of the production team of Xenomania. They are responsible for the hits of the British all-female pop acts such as Girls Aloud, The Saturdays and The Sugarbabes. Despite this slight change in direction, Gossip retains their edge with some sparkling new songs.

Here is the first single from the album:

"Perfect World" - Gossip

This is the music video for the second single, "Move In The Right Direction":



"OUT OF THE GAME" - RUFUS WAINWRIGHT

After recording alternative-rock albums, a tribute to Judy Garland and a classical opera, Rufus Wainwright has released his most radio-friendly album in his career. "Out Of The Game" was produced by Mark Ronson who worked with Duran Duran, Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse with the songs coming from the Canadian singer's recent experiences such as the birth of his daughter, the death of his mother, folk singer, Kate McGarrigle and his new home in Montauk, NY.

I can usually only take Mr.Wainwright's voice in small doses but Mr. Ronson's production has slightly smoothed out his more eccentric impulses and surrounds his sound in a pleasing way while making sure that this remains clearly a Rufus Wainwright album.

"Perfect Man" - Rufus Wainwright

This video for the title track features actress, Helena Bonham-Carter looking unusually sexy:




"OUR VERSION OF EVENTS" - EMELI SANDE

Emeli Sande, a songwriter and soul vocalist from Scotland who is already a sensation throughout Europe with her debut album, "Our Version of Events" which hit the top of the U.K. charts on it's release in February. The album has just come out here stateside and while she's been compared to another British singer currently having huge success here, (Adele is actually Sande's first name), Emeli Sande is able to mark her own territory with thoughtful, emotionally uplifting songs and passionate vocals.

Sande opened for Coldplay on their tour in Europe earlier this year and she will return when the band hits North America later this summer.

"Next To You" - Emeli Sande

Take a look at the video for the stunning ballad, "My Kind of Love":

 

Scissor Sisters has a new album out, "Magic Hour" which includes this terrific track, "Baby Come Home". I love this very inventive music video for the song:



JLo and Pitbull have teamed up again for the song, "Dance Again" and they made a very steamy video for it.: