Adele’s "Lovesong”

How is it that one song can tip you back to feelings that you genuinely believed were long gone? This week it’s Adele’s cover of “Lovesong,” originally written and recorded by ‘80‘s indie icons, The Cure. The only cover tune on Adele’s latest album, “Lovesong” has struck a bit of a blow. I find myself thinking about a man, who I really should be over and done with. But those lyrics, “Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am whole again. Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am fun again,” are simple and telling. 

"The kids are gone but the souls remain"

Last weekend my friend Suzy was in town, one of the few hip people at my staight-laced corporate day job.  Like me, she began her career in the music industry. The last time she was in New York, we went to the Brooklyn Soul Festival and discovered The Sweet Divines (see post).  I knew live music was on the agenda for the weekend, but I didn't expect that it would be Suzanne Vega or that I would get a chance to meet her.  I also didn't expect that, like the warmth of good friendship, Vega's music would be so relevant and familiar today.  Despite knowing her first two albums by heart, the songs felt more mature than I remembered; the meanings of the lyrics clearer than ever. I connected to them more now than when I was younger. 

Teenage Torture?

I first read about Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers where I discover a lot of new music, Bust magazine. It’s a hip, art, crafts, and beauty magazine for those of us who still think feminism has value, but also like to wear lipstick and cute outfits. The last issue had a review of Ray’s new album Teenage and Torture which was released earlier this month.  When I went to check out their website and buy the album, I discovered that not only were they from Brooklyn, but also that they were playing that Friday at Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg.  But who could I drag to a concert on short notice to see a relatively obscure indie band?  And Shilpa Ray? She’s raw, edgy, and loud rock ‘n roll. I must admit, it’s not what most of my thirty and forty-something pals listen to these days.

Not Ya Mama's Mixtape

Over the past month I downloaded three new mixtapes, given away by the artists or DJs who created them.  One from Sri Lankan rapper/producer M.I.A. (ViCKi LEEKX) and another from Kid Sister, a Chicago-based rapper (KissKissKiss). The third, a ‘proper’ mixtape full of various artists, Who’s Ya Best Emcee? from Femcees is on heavy rotation in my apartment and on my iPod.  These mixtapes are not ones that you and I remember. They are not the cassette tape kind, where you spliced together your favorite songs for either a party mix or to give to that special someone.  (If you don’t know what a cassette tape is, you’re probably too young to be reading this blog). No. These mixtapes, likely the ones your teenagers are listening to, are a significant part of the hip-hop industry and a critical part of promotion.  But they do originate with those cassette tapes from back in the day.  

Georgia Fireflies on my Mind

I’m not going to attempt any explanation for the silence of the last five months. I could blame work, a lot of travel, and moving SWIK Music to a new home (Blogger vs. WordPress). But life is rough, sometimes life gets in the way of doing the things we love. Sometimes we just get in the way of ourselves. Eventually we walk out of the haze with our priorities renewed. SWIK Music is back. Back with some good old-fashioned nepotism. Why have a blog if not to write about your family and friends? My brother is an amazing drummer and percussionist. He’s toured and recorded with many musicians. Recently he began performing with the Georgia Fireflies. Finally, a band with a critical frontwoman, making them a candidate for SWIK Music. It helps that I really like the music too.

SWIK Summer Concerts 2010

It’s that time of year again. Summer has arrived (at least the steamy temperatures last weekend made me feel like it’s here) so I’m planning my summer concert schedule. Last year when I posted The SWIKest Summer Tours, my good friend Sadie was amused by the fact that I planned my summer concerts the same way some people plan a vacation. Yes, it may seem pathetic. But it’s so easy to miss a good show if you don’t plan ahead, at least a little. I’m generally not much of a planner. I’m more a fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants kinda girl, particularly when it comes to vacations or social activities. But I’ve missed several great shows this year, finding out that someone is coming to town after a show has sold out or missing the show by just a day or two. For example, I already missed Melody Gardot with The New York Pops at Summer Stage in Central Park last week. Ugh!! So frustrating. Therefore, I’m taking time to check out who’s around this summer and mark the dates in my calendar.

A SWIK Connection

I had planned to post my SWIK Summer Tours list this week, but last Tuesday I went to see Imogen Heap at the Hammerstein Ballroom and decided she needed her own post. I wrote about Heap for the SWIKs I Missed post in December, but she deserves a bit more space here. Not only does Heap remind me of Annie Lennox, but she is probably the Annie Lennox of the 21st century. Or maybe the Kate Bush of the 21st century? Yet Heap is uniquely herself and her talent is only more evident in her live show. Dare I admit? She blew me away.