For everyone out there that's said there are no really good "songs for the summer" out there, I have one name for you: Mark Ronson. The London-born DJ has been making major waves in the music community lately, and his latest release, Version, released April 17, makes me think the best is still yet to come. While the album isn't the most technically amazing, it is a feel good, summer listen. The other night on the way to my Rakes show, I was feeling particularly down. On a whim I decided to give the album its first listen, and I instantly cheered up, groovin' to the old school sounds of Ronson & Co.
I wouldn't have thought it, but as of today Ronson's album is in the running for Album of The Year here at Café Eclectica. Sure, it's an album made up almost exclusively of covers, but the way Ronson reinvents each track and makes it his own is a feat that should not be downplayed. Furthermore, the list of songs being covered and the artists covering them makes for a truly unique and astounding collection.
The album opens with "God Put A Smile upon Your Face," a Coldplay cover that sounds more like The Go! Team than anything else. If you weren't aware of the track title, you probably wouldn't even realize it was that song - the entire thing is done instrumentally, and it's different enough that it isn't obviously recognizable. The track moves smoothly into the album's best track, "Oh My God," a Kaiser Chiefs cover by Lily Allen that has been featured here on more than one occasion. Good groove, great voice, fun lyrics - the track has it all.
"Stop Me" (The Smiths) is a great cover, done by Daniel Merriweather, rolling into my second favorite version of "Toxic," as covered by rappers Tiggers and Ol' Dirty Bastard (my favorite being the cover Nickel Creek did). "Valerie" showcases the amazing Amy Winehouse and her powerful voice. "Inversion" is the first of three solely Ronson interludes, all of which sound like Motown soul horns pieces, and the other two top tracks in my opinion are the cover of Radiohead's "Just," (which, considering it's status as one of the top tracks ever, is a risky move that works surprisingly well), and his cover of Ryan Adam's "Amy," featuring Kenna.
More than the specific tracks, what really makes me love this album is the overall continuity. Each song seemingly glides into the next, showcasing Ronson's DJ inclinations in never stopping the groove. Check out these tunes, and if they aren't summer beach material, I don't know what is. I bet you'll love it.
[mp3] Mark Ronson - "Just (feat. Phantom Planet)"
Official Site | Buy the Album | More mp3s! | YouTube
3 comments:
Hi Kyle -- I've been waiting patiently for the past two months (here in the US) for Valerie to hit the airwaves. I've sent it to local dj's inviting them to start playing, IMHO, the soon to be #1 song. NOT A PEEP out of any of them. What's the deal -- any idea? This song absolutely HAS IT ALL. Very frustrating. I've had it with this monkey business.
I did a post about the song a while back
I don't get it. What am I missing?
I think it is actually Alex Greenwald on the "Just" track, which was on a Radiohead cover CD awhile back called "Exit Music"
yes, you're right, Alex Greenwald, who is the lead singer of Phantom Planet, covered it with Ronson for Exit Music: Songs with Radio Heads. I believe it's the same version, but it's credited to Phantom Planet instead of Greenwald for some reason.
Post a Comment