Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Cee-Lo Green - The Ladykiller
Cee-Lo GreenThe Ladykiller
Label: Elektra/Asylum
Cee-Lo Green has become a musical hero of mine. His style, talent, and incredibly smooth voice stand out from all others. As the vocalist for the amazing Gnarls Barkley, he caught my attention. Now in solo form, he delivers a smashing release containing the infectious viral hit “Fuck You” (and the censored version “Forget You”) which has received millions of hits on YouTube. The remainder of the album shines with a timeless soul groove that is filled with layers of flavors and tip to hip-hop happiness.
• Cee-Lo Green Website • Cee-Lo Green Facebook • Cee-Lo Green WikiLa Cherga - Revolve
La ChergaRevolve
Label: Asphalt Tango Records
La Cherga is a group of cross cultural sonic recyclers now based in Australia, but they draw from pan Balkan influences. Founded by a Croatian punk gone dub DJ, this release binds Macedonian Gypsy brass with haunting flute melodies and hip-hop accents in addition to integrating the substantial deep grooving funk, dub, rock, pop, reggae with multiple vocal styles.
• La Cherga FacebookWatcha Clan - Rebel Radio
Watcha ClanRebel Radio
Label: Piranha Musik
A multicultural band singing multilingual lyrics who has as much in common with Afropop and Balkan brass as with drum’n bass and hip hop. Their aim is to destroy boundaries everywhere with ‘Rebel Radio.’ This visionary musical eclecticism beams brightest when they connect the European and Middle Eastern worlds.
• Watcha Clan Website • Watcha Clan FacebookChopteeth Afrofunk Band - Chopteeth Live
Chopteeth Afrofunk BandChopteeth Live
Label: GriGri Discs
Infectious big band sounds driven by funky Afropop that pays homage and tribute to this ‘70s style mega dance sound. The live recording really shows off the versatility and dimension of the band while compelling the listener to jump up and shake their bootay.
• Chopteeth Afrofunk Band Website • Chopteeth Afrofunk Band FacebookProng - Carved Into Stone
ProngCarved Into Stone
Label: Long Branch Records
When bands create seminal music in a given genre, what do they do in the years and releases that follow? Prong guitarist Tommy Victor took time off to play with Danzig and Ministry before revisiting his roots and getting revitalized enough to assemble and pen a contemporary sonic barrage under his old moniker that is ready to flood your senses with signature riffs and aggressive themes. The Prong sound is back and ready to exceed the neck- and finger-snapping experiences of the past.
• Prong Website • Prong Facebook • Prong WikiChoban Elektrik - Choban Elektrik
Choban ElektrikChoban Elektrik
Label: self
Although Brooklyn is their home, this progressive power trio finds their musical roots in Albanian, Macedonian, Greek, and Armenian folk melodies. Choban Elektrik means “Electric Shepherds” and is a name that fits them sublimely. ” Vintage Hammond organs and Fender Rhodes are harnessed along with guitar and bass to further bend and blend genres and global visions within their improvisational platitudes.
• Choban Elektrik Website • Choban Elektrik FacebookBeats Antique - Contraption Vol. II
Beats AntiqueContraption Vol. II
Label: Antique Records
I’m pretty smitten with this prolific (7 releases in 5 years!) group. Dreamy alluring Middle Eastern and Gypsy melodies are married to equally intriguing electronic infusions. Add in violin, belly dancing, live drums and special DJ Pizazz, and viola! Brilliance.
• Beats Antique Website • Beats Antique Facebook • Beats Antique WikiSidecar Tommy - Constant Flux
Sidecar TommyConstant Flux
Label: self
Tommy Cappel AKA Sidecar Tommy is best known as being a part of the amazing gypsy-tronic trio Beats Antique. This solo release allows a different aspect of his musical interests to show forth. While still firmly in the electronic realm, we are treated to more chilled, downtempo glitch hop (without the middle eastern element Beats Antique is renowned for). But it is still catchy and quirky and enticing to listen to repeatedly, so we are all good!
• Sidecar Tommy FacebookF-777 - Celtic Dance Machine
F-777Celtic Dance Machine
Label: self-published
When you sacrifice your Riverdancer to the Goddess Electronica, something like this is bound to be the offspring. F-777 is Jesse Valentine, an extremely prolific and quite accomplished 20 year old electronic musician that also produces freelance soundtracks for games in addition to these themed dance explosions.
• F-777 Website • F-777 FacebookJaro Milko and the Cubalkanics - Cigarros Explosivos!
Jaro Milko and the CubalkanicsCigarros Explosivos!
Label: Ashpalt Tango
Sunny days are ahead when you jump right in and start gyrating to this electrifying Balkan and cumbia hybrid. Gypsy brass is fused with Latin inflections and more as this 5-piece produces pulsating poly-rhythm after rhythm, through mood after mood. Tantalizing, titillating, troubadours of world music.
• Jaro Milko and the Cubalkanics Website • Jaro Milko and the Cubalkanics FacebookBig Mean Sound Machine - Contraband
Big Mean Sound MachineContraband
Label: Angry Mom Records
An instant dance party! They throw down the funk with lots of horns, then pump up the Afrobeat before sizzling up some psychedelia and jazzy gyrations. Recorded live to capture their raw 12-member fury only makes me want to experience this party live ASAP!
• Big Mean Sound Machine Website • Big Mean Sound Machine FacebookMark de Clive-Lowe - Church
Mark de Clive-LoweChurch
Label: Mashibeats/Ropeadope
Sophisticated avant soul jazz-tronica that sizzles with intensity. This New Zealand born musician, DJ and producer (who now resides in LA) started playing piano at age 4 and has continued his musical exploration ever since! Layers of flavors, rhythms and instrumentation are conjured for each composition and flow through several diverse styles as well as musical collaborators.
• Mark de Clive-Lowe Website • Mark de Clive-Lowe Facebook • Mark de Clive-Lowe WikiView More
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