Loopa Scava - "A Hot Day"

Two producers release a trip-hop, new-jazz, down tempo classic. Greek producer Ilias Mimilidis a.k.a. Loopa Scava recorded his debut album 'Up and Down' in 2008 with fellow Greek born producer Giorgos Bratanis a.k.a. Cayetano. I discovered the album opener "A Hot Day" from a compilation and a mild obsession became a craving for more. In other words, just another day in the life of this music lover... but certainly A Hot Day!

Randy Newman - "Short People"

Down in Wellington today was the world premier of 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.' So we could have something old and traditional to celebrate, or even something 'new age' to set the tone. But this is much more suitable, don't you think?

Alt-J - "Something Good"

English indie band Alt-J (named after the Mac shortcut for the Greek letter Delta) impressed many critics with the release of their debut album 'An Awesome Wave' a few months ago. The album also won the prestigious Mercury prize. "Something Good" has plenty of melody and as many ideas going on. Definitely no Ctrl-Alt-Del on their keyboard.

Kindness - "Anyone Can Fall In Love"

How to take a tragic 80's song that came out of the 'Eastenders' theme song - with added lyrics and sung by a cast member, Anita Dobson... and make it your own?

Lesson 1. Do what 'Kindness' has done... you probably won't even recognise it.



The original by Anita Dobson


Eastenders Theme

The Sound - "Missiles"

This is a rare repeat song on this blog. For obvious reasons I thought it needs another posting. Good song, bad reason.

Moby - "Study War"

Sometimes a simple song can express more than an editorial, a rant, or a lengthy discussion.....

Metallica - "One"

With the help of the movie clips from 'Johnny Got His Gun' Metallica's "One" turned non metal fans on to metal. They didn't use the movie clips as a way to enhance the power of the song, the association was very close and therefore credible. The theme of the song is based on the anti-war novel 'Johnny Got His Gun' by Dalton Trumbo. The novel was about a soldier trapped inside his own body after losing his limbs, eyes, ears, teeth and tongue in a blast. Dalton Trumbo directed the movie adaptation of his own novel more than 30 years after it was first published. Put everything together and what we have here is a fucking great song with a fascinating video, kind of by default.