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More Music from the Inbox, 05 February 2013: Ariane Moffatt, Stefaloo, Midnight Spin, Kinksi and Stubborn Heart

By Scott Jones

Artist: Ariane Moffatt

Album: MA Remix

 

Ms. Moffatt delivers a nice take on what is left to be desired in a relationship. The pumping retro feel, slick production, along with her calm, smooth vocals adds the desire to dance while riding on a bicycle. Just remember, folks: Don’t let the accompanying music video fool you and set a bad example. While attractive, it’s highly dangerous for this many women to be riding the streets of Montreal with nary a visible light on the front of their bikes.

Sounds like: Bouncy ‘80s synth pop on two wheels.

Link/Listen/Watch:

 

Artist: Stefaloo

Album: Would You Stay

Angeleno Steph Thompson wears her heart on her sleeve; that is plain as the ring in her nose. Such emotion is delivered that the black and white video just adds to the somber but powerful message within the words of her song.  This is the beauty of singer/songwriters like Stefaloo (Thompson); being able to remove loud instruments to allow the listener to understand fully what she means.

Sounds like: A nice ballad to help you feel better about yourself after you’ve made a mistake of caring too much for someone who you’re too good for.

Link/Listen/Watch:

 

Artist: Midnight Spin

Album: Don’t Let Me Sleep

The self-titled cut off this record just screams garage rock revival for a new decade.  Lead vocal man Mike Corbett’s big, brash vocals that never seem to colour outside of the lines, while the musical interlude mid-song provide a chance before you start to air-drum again.  Who says leather jackets and mop-headed hairdos are dead? Take a late-night drive blasting these guys with the top down.

Sounds like: The Strokes and the Vines sitting down in a small café, sharing cool, new ideas. And air-drumming. There can never been too much air-drumming.

Link/Listen/Watch:

 

Artist: Kinski

Album: Cosy Moments

The decision for Kinski to add vocals to their repertoire was a good one; Chris Martin’s new direction makes their modern proto-punk and post-hardcore sound a little more like early R.E.M.’s tracks on the college circuit in the mid-‘80s. The multi-layers in Martin’s vocals add to the already awesome production that doesn’t let any of the instruments clash with one another.  A solid rebirth for the Seattle group.

Sounds like: The Stooges gone jangly.

Link/Listen/Watch:

 

Artist: Stubborn Heart

Album: Stubborn Heart

Take the Reverend Al Green’s late-night soulful grooves, combine it with Seal’s emotional pleas, and punctuate it with solid, vintage, vibraphone-laden electronica, and you have yourself a band to listen to in your room after you turn out the light.  There’s nothing stubborn about playing this one at 2 a.m. while curled up under the covers. Now, boys and girls, it’s time to guess who the real lead vocalist is in the video. I’m placing my bet on the lady in red.

Sounds like: Neo-soul at night, providing luscious dreams for all who dig in.

Link/Listen/Watch:

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 38019 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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