Digby OldridgeCrazy just like you: Alice RussellThese days, apparently, British pop-soul sirens are a dime a dozen. Why, all you have to do is go to any smoke-filled pub in Nottingham, peer under the table, and you'll find the next Joss Stone, Lily Allen, or Amy Crackhouse. Seriously, though, Alice Russell had me at "Crazy." Her stripped-down take on Gnarls Barkley's ubiquitous megahit brought new life to a very good, but overplayed song. Russell's version added another context to the original,
Laura WilliamsAfrican Blues: Vieux Farka Toure
SF's esteemed world music label Six Degrees have added to their already enviable track record (which includes Bebel Gilberto, Bossacucanova, Alice Russell, and Cheb I Sabbah) with Fondo, the latest album from Malian guitarist Vieux Farka Toure. The album, which drops May 26, is a stunning display of traditional African folk music blended with a bit of blues-rock. Though obviously inspired by his late father, the legendary Ali Farka Toure, Fondo fin
Viva Brazil: Ceu
Six Degrees artist Ceu has completed a follow-up to her Grammy-nominated 2007 self-titled debut. The news album, called Vagarosa--a rough translation is "at a relaxed pace"--has been given a July 7 drop date, which is good news for people who love amazing music sung by Brazilian vocalists with incredible voices.
If you just can't wait until then, here's a free download of "Bubuia," which showcases Ceu's marvelous timbre, as well as her penchant for what might be call
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