Kanye West's post-'Graduation' campaign is going well. Three great singles, some nice live performances, four Grammys, and now two good videos to his name (unfortunately, 'Stronger' wasn't up to scratch). That's right, the third single has been announced- 'Homecoming', featuring Chris Martin.The video has some nice touches (that outline idea is pretty well executed), and the video fits the jaunty piano and weird dancing, from featuring artist Chris Martin. ... Read Full Story
Rating: 9/10- Estelle delivers once again... only second time around, to much celebrationEstelle- In The Rain (Link 2) (Link 3)Estelle- Pretty Please (ft. Cee-Lo) (Link 2) (Link 3)I can only imagine how Estelle must be feeling at this moment in time. The last ten years, since her career began, have been building towards this moment: recognition. For the first time in her career, she has been pushed to the forefront of music.'1980' was the introduction, charting at 14, and followed by ... Read Full Story
Be afraid... very afraid. Maxl RacksonI love mash-ups. Its two for one. Buy one get one free. Whatever you want to call it. That is, when you are lucky enough to find a good one.Either way, when executed well, a mash-up is elevated a level above the original songs. Generally, you have to search long and hard for a truly brilliant combo, but I've done the work for you. Enjoy, and think of the possibilities. In order of brilliance:Rihanna/New Order- Shut Up On A Blue Monday (ComaR) (Link 2)... Read Full Story
I'm starting to get snowed under by all the emails- if I don't mention you, I apologise... it's not because I don't like you, just time issues!Delorentos- Any Other WayCatchy tunes abound with this Dublin based 4 piece. They particularly caught my eye through their painstaking attention to detail- as well as taking this approach with the music, it also extends across to their home page/Myspace. Oh, and their album titles- latest offering 'In Love With Detail' received ... Read Full Story
Jon Regen- Let It Go Unbeknownst to many, I have a soft spot inside for a bit of jazz. At school, I enjoy messing around on the saxophone, and when someone like Jon Regen gets in touch, I cannot resist indulging myself. It is fitting that he is the first jazz artist to be featured on this blog.This isn't straight jazz, though. The songs on 'Let It Go', his new album, offer a half and half mix of jazz and pop, a la John Legend ('Get Lifted' era, not 'Once Again'). T... Read Full Story
Edit: Okay, so all 14 songs are on Hype machine. They're not doing too badly, but I had an idea. The other day I had chart domination for a little while, (1-4 most popular tracks), and wouldn't it be cool if I got 1-6 or 1-14 (if you so wish). Basically, if you have the time, head over to hype machine, listen to the tracks and drop a big fat heart on them. Cheers...The Cool Volume II: All The Rage (zip file, album artwork included)Single tracks available below...I'm feeling pretty... Read Full Story
Finally. I can almost hear you breathe a sigh of relief. The Cold Cut has been looking a bit dated recently; my writing has come on in leaps and bounds (or so I'm told!), my reputation is starting to build, but I felt like the appearance of my blog was holding me back. Now, its time to become part of the major league. Welcome to The Cold Cut Version 2.0.The new template has been a long time coming; this one looks a lot more professional, and forced me to learn my way around HTML. I can ch... Read Full Story
Rating: 8/10Truly rewarding experimentation from the Eel Pie Island troop...Mystery Jets- HideawayMystery Jets- Half In Love With ElizabethAfter the dulcet tones of 'Young Love', '21' might come as a surprise. Firstly, we weren't expecting air raid sirens as the instrument to herald its arrival, on 'Hideaway', the opening track. Secondly, for some, the fact that the quality of 'Young Love' is translated across to the album might be unexpected- from the begi... Read Full Story
When I first heard Justice's '†', I was impressed, but not as much as the hype said I should be. Worst of all, I found the Daft Punk comparisons confusing: they're a duo, and they're French. Must be the next Homem-Christo and Bangalter, then. Never mind the fact that their music is only loosely similar.However, the album really crept up on me- mostly due to its marketing: the videos have all been excellent (watch DVNO, NOW), and the endless stream of remixes has kept up th... Read Full Story