In the four years since his debut in 2008, Sam Sparro‘s done a lot of growing as an artist. And by that, I mean he has a mustache now.
No, no–he’s matured, his sound and style has developed further, and “I Wish I Never Met You”–the lead single from his upcoming album Return to Paradise–represents that overall evolution. Stripping away the extra synthesizers but maintaining the sleekness of “Black & Gold,” Sparro’s latest is an unbelievably well-crafted marriage between soulful ’70′s disco, piano-led balladry and chilly blasts of Euro-tinged 21st century electronica (a bit Kleerupian, if you will).
The song, which was co-written by Swedish singer-songwriter Erik Hassle (so you already know it’s good), sees Sparro alternating between aggression and anguish as he laments his last love affair. It’s just amazing.
Actually, it’s so amazing, I just started listing out bits and pieces of its amazingness, including (but not limited to):
Above & Beyond have always held a special place in my heart.
From their sublime remixes of Madonna‘s “What It Feels Like For A Girl” and Britney‘s “Everytime” to their incredible 2008 album, Sirens of the Sea (released under the name OceanLab in collaboration with British vocalist Justine Suissa), the British-Finnish trance trio have produced some of the finest tranced-out thumpers this side of the ’00′s.
“Sun & Moon” is the lead single from their upcoming album, Group Therapy, which is due out in May.
Featuring the emotive vocals of British singer Richard Bedford (who previously worked with Above & Beyond on their debut album Tristate, including 2006 single, “Alone Tonight”) “Sun & Moon” is a devastating, soulful dance floor ballad set to ambient beats and rave-ready synthesizers that continue to build and explode as the song progresses, somewhat reminiscent of Sam Sparro‘s “Black & Gold.”
“I’m sorry baby, you were the sun and moon to me / I’ll never get over you, you’ll never get over me,” Bedford croons during the spine-tingling chorus before the song dives into an immensely satisfying trance break.
The song’s accompanying video is equally sad–but don’t take my word for it! Here’s a perfect description of the narrative, courtesy of the official press release:
Drawing aesthetic cues from the Northern Soul era, the “Sun & Moon†video makes a direct link between the legendary 70s dance music scene and Above & Beyond’s unique take on modern club culture. 
Styled perfectly with a tartan Harrington jacket and a crisp shirt emblazoned with an Above & Beyond “Sun & Moon†Northern Soul badge, the lead male is seen re-living the relationship and the final breakdown through a series of emotive flash back scenes and some lonesome, drink and music-fuelled longing. With the song finding its release through its emphatic, riff-based breakdown, the male recognizes the song and finds his own peace of mind the only way he knows – by dancing.
Well said…now dance.
“Sun & Moon” will be released on March 21. (iTunes)
Ali Love is a name that’s been floating around the blogosphere for some time now. Originally slated to release his debut album in 2007, Love was briefly sidelined by label shifts and complications. After signing with Back Yard Recordings last year, Love is now back on track.
Following the release of singles “Diminishing Returns” and “Love Harder,” as well as upcoming single “Smoke & Mirrors” on July 26, the singer will be releasing his debut album, Love Harder, later this year. To tide us over until then, I’ve just been given a track off of the new record to share with my Muusers, entitled “Love In Darkness.”
The song is a slow building scorcher that brings to mind the pacing of Sam Sparro‘s genius “Black & Gold” and the vocal style of Empire of the Sun.
Think gay disco, dark electronica, and moody beats. Sound up your alley? Check, check, check!
So go ahead….start spreading the love.
DL: Ali Love – Love in Darkness
For more on Ali Love, check out his MySpace here.
I like giving people a chance that are new; that are very talented and cool. I want to find the RedOnes of tomorrow, you know?
After debuting the fabulously over-the-top “Sexy People” back in August of last year, Lolene is finally on her way to the premiere of her long awaited debut, The Electrick Hotel, due out this summer on Capitol Records.
I spoke with Lolene two weeks ago about the album’s concept, her musical endeavors, and her plans for the future. With today’s release of her incredible Electrick Hotel teaser trailer (which brings to mind the excitement I felt the first time I saw Lady Gaga‘s EPK), I thought there was no better time to reveal this interview then right now. Click below to read!
This is Livvi Franc–and she’s a Being In Total Control of Herself.
That’s the meaning behind “Now I’m That Bitch,” which should really be titled “Now I’m That B.I.T.C.H.” The concept is sort of like Mariah Carey‘s upcoming album track, “H.A.T.E.U.”, which means “Having Another Typical Emotional Upset,” except the title isn’t nearly as drama and the song is probably much less of a shit show.
And now for the better-than-good, more-than-slightly Ciara-inspired video, which literally features the EXACT SAME choreography and styling that I imagined for Brit Brit‘s “Phonography” had it been properly released/performed/acknowledged. (Instead of multi-colored, bungee cord material however, it would be done with phone cords. Is that not the most fucking clever thing you’ve ever even imagined? I digress.) This video is the fierceness, and the last minute alone is worth the price of admission.
Alright, then: We’ve proved that Livvi Franc is actually quite capable of being something more than a one-time urban dancefloor diva. With any luck, she’ll become a Being with A Never-ending Array of No-Nonsense Artistry (or B.A.N.A.N.A. for short.)
You’ll also want to head to her MySpace to check out mixes by some other rather adept professionals, including Jason Nevins and Sam Sparro(!).
This here remix, completely free and available for your download pleasure, is a bit more chilly and sparkling than the original. Quite nice, so take as you will!
DL: Livvi Franc – Now I’m That Bitch (Serafin Remix)
The single, which is already out in the US, will be available for pre-order in the UK starting on Monday, and in digital outlets on September 6.
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