RandomSongForTheWeek

click here for the full playlist on youtube, or here for the spotify playlist, or here to follow on twitter.

[randomsongfortheweek]

RandomSongForTheWeek#89 - Beatenberg - She’s Not Like That

In 2015, masters of melody-writing ‘Beatenberg’ came to prominent success in their home country of South Africa, and have gifted us with countless captivating record releases ever since. The marriage of tender vocals from frontman Matthew Field, with idiosyncratic African rhythms and bass tunes (from Robin Brink & Ross Dorking respectively) makes for some infinitely gratifying numbers. This latest track truly is ‘summer in a single’, and would effortlessly accompany any and every sunshine-soaked BBQ around the globe. Let’s hope they keep on making.

[randomsongfortheweek]

RandomSongForTheWeek#88 - Loyle Carner - Desoleil (Brilliant Corners) ft. Sampha

Mercury Award nominee Loyle Carner has covertly taken the UK hip-hop scene by storm. The English artist has risen to remarkable success through years of supporting world-beating artists - including Nas, Kate Tempest and Tom Misch. This track is a tasty collaboration with the inimitable Sampha, whose velvety vocals elevate any piece he touches. Carner’s genre has been characterised as ‘introspective’ hip-hop and has a more languid vibe than some of his contemporaries. His dulcet tones fused with gritty and resolute lyrics make him a truly standout player in the field.

[randomsongfortheweek]

RandomSongForTheWeek#87 - Sammy Rae & The Friends - Living Room Floor

Offbeat, uplifting and impassioned would be but a few of the go-to words to epitomise Sammy Rae. She’s commonly accompanied by ‘The Friends’ - an American jazz-rock collective who are far from shy to blast out some serious bass, rhythm and brass. Sammy is an outspoken ambassador for the power of musical unification. This number is on the lower-key end of her discography, and is a masterclass in melody formation. A full album is hotly anticipated, and will most likely appear after her prolific US and UK tour.

[randomsongfortheweek]

RandomSongForTheWeek#86 - Leif Vollebekk - Long Blue Light

Hailing from France, Norway and predominantly Canada, Leif Vollebekk is a whole world of excellence. The multi-instrumentalist melds indie soul with contemporary folk, and boy does he do it with flair. He’s in the midst of a UK, Europe and Canada tour, which exhibits his musical capability as well as natural showmanship. Catch it if you can, otherwise slap on the album ‘New Ways’ and take it from there. ‘Long Blue Light’ is his latest single release, narrowly pipping ‘Elegy’ and ‘Transatlantic Flight’ to the post for #86.

[randomsongfortheweek]

RandomSongForTheWeek#85 - Cleo Sol - Spirit

A potent member of R&B outfit ‘Sault’, Cleo Sol is a British singer-songwriter who is making zestful waves on the current UK soul scene. Her latest record ‘Mother’ (released 2021) follows no patterns, with the placid accompaniment leaving plenty of space for her blissful voice to roam free. This track ‘Spirit’ along with ‘Heart Full of Love’ are the pick of the bunch, but, by all means, let that be just the start.

[randomsongfortheweek]

RandomSongForTheWeek#84 - Ed Patrick - Minute of Your Love

Ed Patrick’s music instantaneously builds an atmosphere of ethereum. The singer-songwriter supported Stu Larsen last week at Bush Hall in London, and within seconds of his opening set, the audience were wholly absorbed and silent. No mean feat for a supporting act, usually having to combat the rabble and buzz of the crowd anticipating the headliner. Patrick has a small but compelling repertoire, with a distinctive celestial-acoustic style. An enchanting guitar and vocalist, there's only one way this guy's going - up.

[randomsongfortheweek]

RandomSongForTheWeek#83 - Carlos Rafael Rivera - Sygrayem (Let's Play)

This week we delve into the rousing world of television soundtracks. It has to be said, there’s been some absolute marvels over the past few years. Pieces of original music which drive the plot, incite tension, reflect characters’ emotions and sensations, but don’t distract - this balance is an art. Guatemalan-born American composer Carlos Rafael Rivera wrote the original score for Queen’s Gambit, and is without doubt hugely responsible for the worldwide success of the show. Two honourable mentions along the same line are the Succession soundtrack by American composer Nicholas Britell and the Broadchurch score by Icelandic producer Ólafur Arnalds. Rivera’s work on the Queen’s Gambit is a masterclass in how to capture the essence of a show and entice the audience into the action. This edifying arrangement is performed by the Budapest Art Orchestra and resonates through the final shot of  ‘End Game’. No spoilers given, but if you know, you know.

[randomsongfortheweek]

RandomSongForTheWeek#82 - Cory Henry - Send Me A Sign (feat. Robert Randolph)

Cory Henry and his band ‘The Funk Apostles’ take Retro Pop to a new level of groove. Originally part of jazz and funk collective ‘Snarky Puppy’, Henry decided to fly solo in 2018. A musical marvel from the age of 5, the singer-songwriter really knows his way around the organ (Listen to ‘The Revival - Live’), along with most other instruments. His genre-defying 2020 release ‘Something To Say’ toys with gospel and neo-soul sounds, along with 1970′s groove and modern jazz. This number from ‘Art of Love’ starts with a delicate gospel melody that lays the ground for his organically soulful voice to jaunt over. Tasty stuff.

[randomsongfortheweek]

RandomSongForTheWeek#81 - Lizzy McAlpine - Pancakes For Dinner

An admittedly ‘on the nose’ entry for Shrove Tuesday, but this track has been on the kitchen surface since it came out mid-2020. McAlpine’s first full-length album ‘Give Me A Minute’ showcases her authentically beautiful tone, as well as her natural ability to pull on the heartstrings with unflinchingly honest and raw lyrics. Pancake Day seemed a fitting moment to shoehorn this endearing little number in, so why not put the whole record on and start cooking?

[randomsongfortheweek]

RandomSongForTheWeek#80 - Gregory Alan Isakov - Saint Valentine

Nothing like a bit of rustic folk to warm up the frosty evenings. Horticulturist-turned-musician Gregory Alan Isakov is a South African-American singer, songwriter and independent record owner. As well as being an internationally touring artist, he upholds his agricultural roots by running a small farm in Boulder, Colorado. You can certainly hear the rural vibes coursing through his music, and this number is no exception. The sound is elevated by some tender banjo notes and enchanting harmonies. Warning - some explicit language.

[randomsongfortheweek]

RandomSongForTheWeek#79 - Lianne La Havas - Sour Flower

It’s a near certainty that Lianne La Havas has invented several original chords. Each song from her 2020 self-titled album displays her technical musical aptitude, as well as allowing her innately gorgeous voice to run wild. This captivating little number from the record opens with some almost Spanish-sounding classical guitar riffs, developing into to a more ethereal vibe when the vocals float over the top. It escalates with offbeat rhythms and neo-soul keyboard sounds. What a talent.

[randomsongfortheweek]

RandomSongForTheWeek#78 - HONNE         - la la la that’s how it goes

HONNE bring the beats on the monthly, and wrap them up in snug little melodies. The East London formed electronic duo produce all their own records, and this homemade approach filters through through their entire catalogue. This late-night soul track sees a vintage tune on jazz organ fuse with some mellow vocals, building into a quirky orchestral climax. It’s instantly charming, and makes cosying up indoors all the more tolerable. 

[randomsongfortheweek]

RandomSongForTheWeek#77 - Sons of Kemet - My Queen is Albertina Sisulu

This is an invigorating piece. Originally from Mercury Prize nominated album ‘Your Queen Is a Reptile’, it is the pick of an exceedingly strong bunch. The Sons of Kemet album pays homage to women of colour throughout history, and inspires the listener to explore each track’s ‘Queen’. The band’s dynamic combination of Jazz with ‘Afrofuturism’ looks (on the surface) like a simple blend of brass with percussion. The result is far more spirited - mettlesome tuba sounds along with almost military polyrhythms create a rocking composition, played with consummate precision. 

[randomsongfortheweek]

RandomSongForTheWeek#76 - stories + Hunter Elizabeth - Wait For The Moment

We’re back in town, folks. It needed to happen sometime, and this little number was the only possible option for the ‘comeback track’. Original tune by Vulfpeck (will feature at some point), here covered by the gloriously groovy ‘stories’ (an off-shoot of funk band Scary Pockets), collaborating with silky-voiced Hunter Elizabeth. There’s something about the acoustic-riff plus slap-bass style of this cover which just puts it straight into the top drawer.

[randomsongfortheweek]

RandomSongForTheWeek#75 - Allen Stone - Bed I Made

A few months off - and some large tunes to return with. To start, one from soul artist Allen Stone. The singer-songwriter from Washington performs both acoustic and electric guitar with effortless flair and skill, making his live concerts somewhat of a spectacle. He has a truly sumptuous voice that resonates with the soulful tones of some of the greats - particularly Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. This playful piece gives a taste of Stone’s enchanting sound and singing capabilities - certainly worth also checking out a live version. 

[randomsongfortheweek]

RandomSongForTheWeek#74 - The Gabe Dixon Band - Find My Way

Released in 2008, this week’s track isn’t hot off the scene, but was always going to be featured here at some point. With a style comparable to Ben Folds Five, The Gabe Dixon Band was a three-person American indie rock outfit. They separated in 2010, but Gabe himself went solo. The piano is the driving force of their sound, and this song illustrates Dixon’s aptitude in catchy melody writing. As common with many of their tracks, ‘Find My Way’ has a prominent and emphatic rhythm throughout. Dixon’s silky voice contrasts the rock sound of the piano and drums wonderfully to make a somewhat explosive number. 

[randomsongfortheweek]

RandomSongForTheWeek#73 - The Travelling Band - Passing Ships

As indicated by the name, Mancunian outfit ‘The Travelling Band’ put the majority their time, money and effort into touring and performing live. They’re not very well known, but have been on the road touring the the past 10 years, performing their original folk/American rock music to people all round the world, to high acclaim. This song gives an insight to their sound, although other tracks often have more of a folk-rock sound. Do have a listen to their tidy cover of The Stone Roses’ number “Waterfall”. The build up of drums and rock instruments in ‘Passing Ships’ goes hand in hand with the story of the track, and the pleasant voice of lead singer Jo Dudderidge matches the atmosphere of the piece perfectly. Catch one of their gigs - they’re always touring!