We cannot deny the genius of the Gorillaz—the virtual animated band that can only exist on screen, has now become somewhat of a cult musical favourite. We have to give props where it’s due – Damon Albarn and visual artist Jamie Hewlett definitely struck gold with the Gorillaz concept.

Plastic Beach, Gorillaz’s third release, continues with their genre-bending sounds, and enlisting a large host of talent from legendary soul singer Bobby Womack, Little Dragon, Snoop Dogg, Lou Reed, Mos Def, Gruff Rhys (of Super Furry Animals), The Lebanese National Orchestra for Oriental Arabic Music, to De La Soul to name a few.

Plastic Beach skillfully caters to everyone in some way or another, masterfully blending different cultures and genres together, but also giving the Gorillaz a level of maturity within all the gimmickry. The ultimate highs on Plastic Beach are “Empire Ants” featuring Little Dragon, which starts off with metaphorical, breezy lyrics, then launches into a bass-driven Euro-pop dance track where Yukimi’s vocal lullaby floats beautifully over the song. “Sweepstakes” comes with three musical changes, starting with futuristic repetitive chimes that build into a full clash of percussions, drums, bass, horns, and keys, then add Mos Def’s matter-of-fact repeat of “You’re a winner,” is quite clever, because the tune is a winner. Putting The Lebanese National Orchestra for Oriental Arabic Music together with UK rappers Kano and Bushy on “White Flag” is an instantaneous head nod.

Overall, Plastic Beach is a happy listen, although Danger Mouse is missing on the production (Danger Mouse has been busy with his new band, Broken Bells, whose self-titled debut album comes out today as well), but to Albarn’s defense, he still managed to push the envelope in sounds and bought in a great mix of artists to assist in unfolding the story of our beloved 2D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel. Now, can we get Gorillaz: The Movie, please?

Check out the Little Dragon and Mos Def tunes below, then get yourself a copy; it’s available everywhere!

“Empire Ants” feat. Little Dragon

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“Sweepstakes” feat. Mos Def and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

I absolutely LOVE this tune. It’s somewhat different coming from Mark Pritchard, who goes by many recording names and monikers, and is primarily known for making the illest dubstep tunes. I’ve joked with friends that his neighbours must hate him as his basslines are killers; they can drive out any unwanted spirit. “Heavy As A Stone” is a 12″ released on Deep Medi Music, with two versions of the track–”Elephant Dub” which features Mark’s usual dark, reverberating basslines with futuristic synths and percussion arrangements that can cause a sound system to retire. On the flip-side is a beautiful yet sleepy vocal, spoken word alternative with kalimba type sounds and rich lyrics such as, “There’s a beautiful song that is heard…It begins with an African word…” The tune is like a revival, embracing yourself and who you are. I’m in love with it!

Check it out below. It’s available for purchase on Sounds of the Universe in 12″ format.

Heavy As A Stone

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Hailing from the Netherlands, Joya Mooi (meaning beautiful), got her start while completing an internship at theatre production company MC, where she caught the attention of Brian Elstak, who asked her to produce the soundtrack to the theatre play BH in the Netherlands. From there, she met with producers SirOj, Presto, Big2, Hayzee, Wan and Full Crate to produce Hard Melk. Covering a wide range of musical flavours, it is one of those unique gems that you’re so happy to tell your friends about as it encompasses so many styles, without the risk of sounding forced or even contrite. Featuring jazzy undertones, dub step, electronica, disco pop, and soul sounds, but if one had to make a categorical decision, it would be safe to classify Joya Mooi within the ranks of Little Dragon. Hard Melk is a tight production; ain’t no half steppin’ with this one!

You can hear the entire album on Naldisney.net (can’t seem to find a link for purchase but will update post once it becomes available). Listen to a couple of cuts off the album below and watch the video for “When I Take a Step Back.” And do let me know what you think of this Dutch beauty!

“My Day” feat. Mar

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“Poor Boy”

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If you didn’t catch Suncircle’s debut album, Reborn, which came out last month on the Futuristica Music label and features the wonderful vocals of Deborah Jordan (Silhouette Brown, Masirah, Panacea) and who has appeared on some of future soul’s best works, laid over the the production of DJ Simon S; a really nice union.

I’ve always been a big fan of Deborah Jordan. Can you imagine what it would be like to be a child and have a mum who sings to you like Deborah?! You’d act up to ensure she’d sing to you…regularly! She has such a beautiful and pure sounding voice. Reborn is a chilled collection of tunes with wonderful funk based grooves, with jazz influences. I expect to hear elements of Reborn in films as it truly is mood music with an edge.

Below is the new video for “Stars Fall Down,” co-directed with Suncircle and Think Tank Collective. The setting is perfect, as “Stars Fall Down” has that contemplative feel to it; a video that compliments a song. Enjoy!

Let’s just say, there’s a lot of excitement surrounding the return of Gorillaz and they’ve started off on the good foot. Just hearing that the legendary Bobby Womack would be featured on their debut single, “Stylo,” is testament that Damon Albarn would be pushing Gorillaz further than before.

It’s hard to believe that this somewhat virtual band hit in 2001, bringing all influences into their production, with amazing visuals through video and live performance, and a vast array of musical artists. The next thing Gorillaz should do with the release of the Plastic Beach album, is complete the whole stylo with an animation movie. The band’s story is legend, “world-storming band born out of the sick mind of foul-smelling bass-player and ego-driven mastermind Murdoc Niccals.”

If you didn’t hear the single, check out the two versions below and let me know your thoughts on which one you prefer. The Chiddy Bang remix is available for free download, courtesy of RCRD LBL.

“Stylo” feat. Mos Def & Bobby Womack

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Stylo” feat. Mos Def & Bobby Womack (Chiddy Bang Remix) DOWNLOAD

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The name BUG has been floating around for a while, and I was happy to get this in my in-box this weekend! The 24-year-old Londoner, is a keyboard player, songwriter, and producer whose music is best described as experimental, with elements of hip-hop and neo-soul. “Cosmic Lab” is the first single from the forth-coming album from the new label Jus Like Music Records and is a free download. As his press release says, “Think the smooth richness of the DâM-FunK vibe, the solid construction of a Dilla beat, the electronic wizardry of Flying Lotus and the soulful melodies of Lonnie Liston Smith’s jazz.” His sound is really smooth; I’m digging it. Check it out below and head over to his Bandcamp page to get your FREE download of “Cosmic Lab” and “20 Winks”!

If Jack Kerouac was writing On the Road today, Citizen Cope would be his soundtrack. Cope can be described as an urban folk musician, singer, songwriter of folk, rock n’ roll, soul, funk, and hip hop, without removing the emotive elements of acoustic blues from his sound. His music is like a hot summer’s day, while drinking an ice cool drink and getting to a place of calm.

The Rainwater LP,  his third release, and on his own label, RainWater Recordings stays close to his distinctive style. Following the 10-song format of an LP, that can only hold 45-minutes of music, leaving no room for fillers — just a tightly produced album (and with that vinyl static sound effect throughout too). The Rainwater LP, is a capsule into the stories that have come into or around Cope’s life — personally or simply observed, and creating such vivid scenarios through song and mood. Collaborations are from Preston Crump (OutKast, Organized Noize, Raphael Saadiq), keyboardist James Poyser (D’Angelo, The Roots, Jill Scott, John Legend), percussionist Bashiri Johnson (Whitney Houston, Donald Fagen, Madonna), legendary go-go bassist Michael “Funky Ned” Neal, and DC go-go drummer Paul “Buggy” Edwards. They all bring their unique style creating a full and solid production.

From the release of his debut album Citizen Cope in 2002 and The Clarence Greenwood Recordings in 2006, his music has been featured in countless movies, television shows, and advertisements, most notably “Let The Drummer Kick” and “Bullet and a Target.” He also recorded a version of the Tom Waits gospel song, “Way Down In the Hole,” for HBO’s critically acclaimed series, The Wire; they ended up not using it – have no idea why, because it would have fit the show perfectly. Click on the link below to download it for free (courtesy of CitizenCope.com).

He is currently on his US tour to promote The Rainwater LP; visit CitizenCope.com to see where you can catch him live and also buy a digital copy of The Rainwater LP from the site. The album will be available everywhere March 16th.

Listen to a couple of cuts from the album below.

“Jericho”

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“I Couldn’t Explain Why”

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So here we have it! The first single, “Emotions,” which will be released March 16 and is taken from Ty’s forthcoming album, Special Kind of Fool album, scheduled to release April 19. The single will include remixes by Daz-I-Kue, Waajeed, Dego, and Akwasi. This is really an exciting project for Ty, as he’s taken a more person approach to its creation. “Emotions” sets the tone for the entire album, which is a reflection into who Ty is, his pleasures, struggles, and pain. Click below to hear “Emotions” and enjoy!

Firstly, if you’re a visitor of Muphoric Sounds, you’d know notable artists are selected based on what they are bringing differently to the stage. Baltimore native, CJ, who appeared on Raphael Saadiq’s last album The Way I See It on the song “Never Give You Up” (with Stevie Wonder) is just a young lad of 21-years-old, and is destined for a strong musical career. Watch the video below, where CJ is interviewed by DJ Driis (aka Idris Elba aka Stringer Bell aka Hot Man!). The Package Mixtape produced by Salaam Remi and DJ Driis, is a preview of what’s to come from CJ on J Records this summer. The album is produced by Bangladesh and written by CJ and will feature collaborations with Raphael Saadiq, Rico Love, Dre and Vidal, KP and Malay (Ghet-O-Vision) and Marsha Ambrosius. It highlights the extent of his range – he has an amazing voice (remnants of Marvin Gaye are present in his delivery and harmonies) and he also plays piano. While The Package Mixtape is very commercial, I thoroughly enjoyed how he has sprinkled in the classics (i.e. Don Blackman’s “Heart’s Desire”), all the while keeping it commercial enough for teens and older people to enjoy equally.

Check out my favs below and tell me what you think of this new artist. The Package Mixtape is available for free download here.

“She’s a Problem”

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“We Can Get It In”

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I apologise profusely for not showing any love to Andreya Triana, who has been working tirelessly creating some amazing music! If you’re unfamiliar or didn’t make the connection, Andreya Triana is the owner of the dreamy female vocals on Flying Lotus’s “Tea Leaf Dancers.” Her solo album is scheduled to release spring of this year (more eargasms!), and will be produced by musical partner Bonobo, the UK DJ/producer primarily known for his downtempo electronic sounds. Bonobo’s new album, Black Sands is scheduled to release March 29th and features Andreya on a track called “Eyesdown” (check out the sample below). We’re going to hear a lot from this UK native this year. Click through to Andreya’s Myspace page for tour dates; the tour is pretty extensive. I’m pleased to see she’ll be doing two April dates in my city.

“Eyesdown” feat. Andreya Triana from Black Sands by Bonobo

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Video for “Lost Where I Belong”

The “Year of the Eargasm” is in full swing. New music from Janelle Monáe!! “Tightrope” features Big Boi (Outkast) and is the first taste from her forthcoming album The Arch Android, to be released on her own independent label, Wondaland Arts Society, a subsidiary of Bad Boy/Atlantic, May 18. Not sure if with this release will be the start of the original plan — which is to serialize releases due to the changed face of how people buy music now; we would gladly welcome receiving music from Ms. Monáe quarterly and hope that plan still stands.

“Tightrope” is typical high energy Monáe, with that funky James Brown-esque flavour. I can see her performing this already and I can’t wait! You’ll be able to purchase the single from Jonelle Monáe’s website as of tomorrow. But in the meantime, check it out below and let me know if you’re excited! I know I am!

“Tightrope” feat. Big Boi

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After seven years, Massive Attack, the progenitors of the trip hop sound are back with a new album, Heligoland. During the summer, they released the single “Spitting the Atom” for free download featuring the wonderful vocals of reggae veteran, Horace Andy. With Heligoland, their fifth release, the journey contains their usual distorted guitars, orchestral arrangements, haunting drums and percussions – reminiscent of Bjork’s earlier works. Still using the sleepy vocals of Martina Topley-Bird on “Babel” and “Psyche,” Horace Andy also on “Girl I Love You,” and new collaborative additions with Guy Harvey (Elbow), Damon Albarn (the Gorillaz), Tunde Adebimpe (TV On The Radio) — the return is nothing short of what we’d expect from this innovative band.

As always, their album art work always pushes the envelop. Not many know of the movement Robert “3D” Del Naja has created in designing album covers for particular bands; his work is highly influenced by the late Jean Michel Basquiat. Read this Guardian.co.uk article about his visual art of darkness.

Below are my favourite cuts off the album. Heligoland is available at iTunes, Amazon, and other retailers.

“Atlas Air”

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“Babel” feat. Martina Topley-Bird

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Mark de Clive-Lowe has taken singer Rahel under his wing and the union is sweet. Being among the group of next generation UK soul artists, Rahel is no stranger to alternative sounds. Having collaborated with Dudley Perkins and Georgia Anne Muldrow, and has appeared on Eric Lau’s album, she has been busy over the past few years. Her vocals against de Clive-Lowe’s jazzy arrangement with the dominant piano cords and thumping basslines is a nice combo. Now under the wings of Mark de Clive-Lowe, we will definitely hear more from this young talent in the next coming months. Check it out below. It’s also available for free download from Mark’s bandcamp page.

“Hope” featuring Rahel [Download]

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It felt like an eternity waiting for the sophomore release from Silhouette Brown. And boy, was it worth the wait! Silhouette Brown is the musical masterminds of Kaidi Tatham (Agent K, Bugz In the Attic), Dego (2000 Black/4Hero, DKD), co-writer and producer Bembe Segue, and silky soul Philadelphia-native singer, Lady Alma (known largely for her work on 4Hero’s “Hold it Down”, Soul Dhamma’s “Happy” and Sylk 130’s “When the Funk Hits the Fan,” to name countless club classics she’s sang on over the years).

The album two brings us the first full recording from Lady Alma, displaying her vocal versatility where the warmth of her voice shines through on every note; the production on two seems created just for her. Just beautiful.  two has a more soulful appeal than the debut Silhouette Brown release, however, the arrangements still contain the future soul sounds we expect to hear from Dego and Kaidi, with funk inspired basslines, scatting keyboards, and thumping drums, still ever present. Clever songwriting in care of Lady Alma and Bembe Segue and Dego, and the pleasant surprise of Sadat X appearing on “Get With It,” two is timed perfectly to turn up the heat on your cold nights. Not sure why Deborah Jordan doesn’t appear on the album, but with Lady Alma as the replacement — we’re more than cool de la with the union.

Listen to a couple of songs below and let me know what you think of Silhouette Brown’s return. two can be purchased at 2000 Black’s website. So get it!

“Casualties of Honey”

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“Strawberries in Vinegar”

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Let’s face it, the music industry has changed; the consumer no longer waits in anticipation for the full album anymore. So rather than produce an album over a period of time (6-8 months), you can do what Cubic Zirconia does and release each single as a separate event, then enlist amazing and cutting edge producers to remix the tune, put a music video together, and tour each single like an album. People buy music one track at a time now, which makes this strategy work. “Josephine” features remixes by Waajeed, DJ Sega, Egytprixx, and Greenmoney. It’s also the first release on the band’s new label, Don’t Cry Recordings. In the video for “Josephine” you’ll actually like Tiombe’s remix of Josephine Baker’s persona (and she’s got the great legs to match!). So get your copy of the single on iTunes, with all five versions for the steal price of $2.99!

“Josephine” Waajeed Remix