Sampling Evolution

The original: The 1962 Etta James track peaked at # 37 on the US charts.




Avicii: Levels, the unreleased 2011 track by Avicii samples the original instrumental, giving it an electro-house edge. Love this!



Flo Rida: Good Feeling, the 2011 track samples the original, although the instrumental by Avicii is far superior this version has more holistic appeal. With the inclusion of the vocals, guitar elements and even some dubstep this urban-pop track is a winner.

Either way Etta James is smiling all the way to the bank... call it what you want, but that is a good feeling!

A trip to Madame Zingara's

 

 

New music: Rihanna

 

Fire!! With subtle undercurrents of reggae flavour, We Found Love, a dance-heavy track captures some of what I have been hoping to hear from Rihanna. Although the lyrics could be stronger and the production courtesy of Calvin Harris does feel somewhat overpowering, it is an interesting direction.

This has undoubtedly peaked my interest for the new album... if the above is anything to go by it sounds as they Rihanna is pushing the boundaries further... what I hope to see is her retaining the flavour of songs like Man Down as these seem to bring out the best in her. Maybe she has an ace up her sleeve. In the meantime... "Yellow diamonds in the light..."

What I Learned on Twitter in 2011

I have spent a fair amount of my idle time on Twitter this year. It has truly become a great way to stay informed. The other day I realised just how much I have discovered on Twitter this year - from news to technology.

1. Lady Gaga's release Born This Way (single)

2. Japanese Tsunami

3. Charlie Sheen to be Roasted on Comedy Central

4. The operation that Killed Osama Bin Laden

5. Michele Bachmann for President?

6. Novak Djokovic wins Wimbledon 2011

7. Death of Amy Winehouse

8. Beyonce announces her pregnancy

9. Grooveshark

10. Julius Malema Found Guilty of Hate Speech

Acoustic Perfection

There is seldom an artist that can bring such energy to an acoustic performance. Performing Shark in The Water at Glastonbury, VV Brown who is still flying somewhat under the radar is pure perfection. Pure talent with no frills except an interesting hairdo.