Crazo for Zaho

Born in Algeria, living in Montréal, and already a widely recognized R&B force on an international stage, Zaho came to me upon a recommendation of a friend (who happens to be Swedish...they're really taking over), and I could not be happier. She draws influence from Senegalese music, with gorgeous guitar lines à la Craig David running behind all her gorgeous melodies. Most notably, Zaho allows her northern African roots to infiltrate her music as her arrangement and melodies have unmistakably middle eastern tinges (think a less-douchy "arab money"). "A Nous" sounds like something straight of Imogen Heap's song list if M.I.A. were to throw her spin on it. "Kif'n'dir (Que vais-je faire?)" sounds a bit like a late-90s Brandy. Her beautiful "Je Te Promets," which is a quiet, unassuming ballad, places a simple guitar line to complement her gorgeous vocal. Zaho is a name worth committing to memory.

A Nous - Zaho

Kif'n'dir (Que vais-je faire?) - Zaho

Je Te Promets (live) - Zaho

So Fresh and SoCal

Johnson and Jonson are emcee Blu and under-the-radar producer Mainframe. They're also one of the greatest acts to hit the hip/hop scene in the past year. The youngsters from Long Beach, California released their self-titled debut last September and are bringing some seriously prolific stuff to the table. Mainframe's beats are easy and laid-back while Blu's flow is steady and determined. Blu's voice has a tone that's soft like Shwayze with lyrics worthy of comparisons to Cool Kids, and even to bigger guys like Common. "J&J" is a hard-hitting, lyrical introduction to J&J, while "Bout it Bout it" throws Blu's smooth lyrics over a spanish guitar, a trumpet, and a stripped down beat - an arrangement that needs to be heard to be understood. "Wow" is my personal favorite, featuring one of the coolest vocal samples harmonizing with old school guitar licks and a soft bongo drum. Assemble some good friends, a sunny day, a bowl packed to the brim (with um... Lucky Charms...or soup...or something), and enjoy J&J the way they're meant to be heard.

WOW - Johnson and Jonson

J&J - Johnson and Jonson

Bout it Bout it - Johnson and Jonson

Kelly Clarkson, A Month Premature...

As much as I hate to admit it, I got goosebumps of excitement when I heard that Kelly Clarkson's new album, All I Ever Wanted, had leaked. Through my magical powers that have absolutely nothing to do with illegal internet downloading (don't worry about it, Tufts), I have obtained the album and thankfully, it bears a much closer resembles to 2004's Breakaway than her shitfest of an album formally known as My December. Overall, it's pretty much what you'd expect from a solid Kelly release (we're on a first name basis). After a couple listens, "I Do Not Hook Up," originally recorded by Katy Perry, is a clear standout. Though I'm usually against faux femine empowerment songs that harp on about the virtues of prudity (lyrics include "I do not hook up up, I go slow...I fall deep"), it's so goddamn catchy that I'm willing to overlook it. "Don't Let Me Stop You" has a chorus as fantastic and catchy as its verses are awful, while the title track, "All I Ever Wanted" is, as a whole, underwhelming. I will note, however, how similar its guitar line is to that of Franz Ferdinand's "Take Me Out," and the melody of its chorus to the Backstreet Boys "As Long As You Love Me" (that last observation may or may not be true). "If I Can't Have You" proves that Clarkson's management was definitely taking notes from Britney's Circus album, while "Long Shot" could easily pass for Katy Perry at her best. The hidden gem of this album, "Ready," lets Kelly's flawless vocals float effortlessly above an arrangement that sits somewhere in between those of Sheryl Crow and Feist. For a good laugh, check out "Whyyawannabringmedown," Clarkson's hot mess of an attempt to pull off a song more aptly suited for the White Stripes or Be Your Own Pet. As a whole, I'll say that it's a solid release, and one that I can safely assume I will hate within two months of Z100 playing it 3-5 times every hour on the hour.

Diduntdidunts

Mark Ronson's collaboration with Saigon on "Diduntdidunt," is amazing for both its hilarity and overall goodness. The beat is typical Ronson - old school feel with yummy, new school beats. The lyrics are genius, as Saigon walks the listener through the tales of his encounter with various "diduntdidunts." Saigon warns, "I'll knock out your teeth, you'll be literally bumpin' your gums." Clap along, nod along, snap along - I can promise that as long as you're listening to "Didundtdidunt," everything feels right.

Diduntdidunt - Mark Ronson Feat. Saigon -

Below is a picture of what I imagine to be a diduntdidunt


Lookin' sharp.

Arr..

What exactly does a pirate's heart sound like? If Québécois up-and-comer Coeur de Pirate is any indication, warm summer days and an endless sunrise. Though she sings in french, no prior knowledge of the language is required to connect with her bubbly pop that sounds a bit like if you took Lily Allen, put her together with Feist, then fast-forwarded to give them a fun chipmunk voice. And I mean that in the best way. "Comme Des Enfants" recalls Edith Piaf with its stripped-down arrangement and beautiful melody. "Ensemble" is a bouncy single that makes you want to spend the afternoon skipping. In short, Coeur de Pirate is worth a listen...and then a hundred more .

Comme des enfants - Coeur de Pirate - mp3
Ensemble - Coeur de Pirate - mp3
C'était Salement Romantique - Coeur de Pirate- video

Chester French...on the mouth.

Chester French are just a couple of Harvard grads who decided to start a pop band. Typical stuff. This preppy duo counts Pharell Williams as a fan, who recently signed them to his Star Trak label. Their music was featured on Entourage, but something tells me these kids have got bigger things up their argyle sleeves than singing backup for Vinny Chase. "She Loves Everybody" is pop-rock at its sleaziest. "The Jimmy Choos" is the catchiest Monkees-esque thr-oh!-back since "That Thing You Do." Who doesn't like their rock n' roll with a popped collar?



She Loves Everybody - Chester French

The Jimmy Choos - Chester French


yum.

Re-seeing Stars

I'd like to talk about an oldie but greatie from the perpetually fantastic Stars. This Québécois group needs no introduction, but I will say their incredible music makes me all fuzzy inside every time I hear it. Though their 2004 release, Set Yourself On Fire, is my favorite Stars album, my favorite song of theirs, "Take Me to the Riot," comes off their 2007 release In Our Bedroom After the War. It's a stunning, anti-apathy call to arms for passion, lust, and all things holy. Well, maybe not, but it's damn good, and that's good enough for me.

Take me to the Riot - Stars