234. Sam Smith – Nirvana

Posted: August 22, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: #hotfor2013, chillout, electronica, post dubstep | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Forthcoming on PMR (home to Disclosure), it’s another luscious, dreamy soundscaper from Sam. “Nirvana” shows off his vocal and emotional range well, taking in tinges of Blackstreet along the way. There’s always a few stand out artists that emerge in the second half of the year and Sam, alongside the likes of John Newman has forged a path for a new type of electronica soul to emerge. No plans for an album have been announced yet but his body of work to date is strong.

Squiggly Smith

69. Band Of Horses – No One’s Gonna Love You

Posted: March 10, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: alt-rock | Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The brilliant, ever so hairy faced Band Of Horses, hailing from Kurt Cobain’s native town of Seattle (and signed to the same Subpop label) are behind one of my favourite alt-rock tracks of all time. From their “Cease To Begin” album, whilst no hugely commercially successful, has found it’s way onto endless TV programs and received a fantastic cover version from Cee-lo Green & Paul Epworth (see below).

A mournful yet joyful love ditty, perfect Sunday night music.

Merry band of horses

38. Nirvana – Something In The Way

Posted: February 7, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: grunge, rock | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The brilliance of Nirvana and their first album “Nevermind” may never be matched. Playing the tortured artist role to a T, Kurt Cobain whispers and moans through 6 odd minutes of emotional brilliance.

Recorded on a barely in tune 12 string guitar, initially as a solo and then bulked up by the rest of the band, this is Cobain’s swansong, a stripped back emo classic that completes one of the greatest albums of all time.