If you’ve been paying attention this week - and we hope you have, because there’ll be a test afterwards – you’ll know that singer-songwriter Diana Gameros is our Artist Of The Month. As well as exclusive interviews, performances and giveaways, we also asked Diana to reveal her favorite music of the moment. Here’s what she had to say:
Want to hear them for yourself? Just click that ‘more’ button and let’s go …
We’re happy to announce that wonderful singer-songwriter Diana Gameros is our Artist Of The Month. Yesterday we featured an exclusive in-depth article and interview with Diana, and – later this week – we’ve got some amazing giveaways in store (including the chance to see Diana live, and even to spend time with her in the studio!).
Today, however, we’re simply going to show you why we’re such big fans. Here’s a special message from Diana herself:
And click on ‘more’ to see a selection of performances from the BAMM.tv archives, as well as Diana’s appearance in our exclusive documentary ‘City Of Fog’. Sit back, chill out and enjoy …
Here’s another of our regular Friday rundowns of what the BAMM.tv team members are listening to right now. This week it’s the turn of Nick Hansen, Co-Founder and Company Director …
1. Caribou – Jamaila (Swim, 2010)
I’m down with songs that are tripped-out and mildly twisted, full of tension and intensity. Well, look no further. I think it was a brilliant decision to make this video (finally), using such a challenging washed-out grading and imagery. The dichotomy really works between the tropical sounds of what sounds like steel drums and what I’m imagining to be a Canadian wilderness, maybe British Columbia, all of it just before it gets seriously cold. Overall, Daniel Snaith is obvioiusly a genius — do have a look at his PhD, but it’s all a bit Greek to me.
There’s no particular order to this rundown, nor are we implying that these are the ‘greatest’ under-rated albums (that’s something you can tell about in the comments box, or let us know if you’d like to see more of them). Just a celebratory look at five albums that – for various reasons – never quite received the acclaim they deserved …
5. ‘Handcream For A Generation’ – Cornershop (2002)
People are primarily familiar with Cornershop thanks to the Fatboy Slim remix of ‘Brimful Of Asha’, which can still regularly be heard clogging up the background of TV commercials. This 2002 release saw them expand on their sound over a selection of irrestible pop hooks – such as ‘Lessons Learned From Rocky I to Rocky III’ – and it really, really should be more well known.
4. ‘In It For The Money’ – Supergrass (1997)
The cheeky, grinning loons who had a massive hit with 1995′s ‘Alright’ become more introspective and intelligent, and create one of the best guitar-pop albums of the 90s. Unfortunately it was buried amidst the general avalanche of sub-par rubbish which marked the tail-end of the Britpop era. Contains one of the best albums openers ever:
3. ’1965′ – The Afghan Whigs (1998)
Gregg Dulli and his band of malcontent misfits deserve wider acclaim across the board, but they excelled themselves with the dark, twisting, sleaze-funk-rock masterpiece ’1965′. ‘Somethin’ Hot’ is a particularly strutting highlight:
2. R.E.M – ‘Monster’ (1994)
For a while, R.E.M were the globe-conquering supergroup it was deemed ‘ok to like’. Then our ultra-cool critical establishment turned on them and declared ‘Monster’ to fall below requisite hipster standards. Spoiler: ‘Monster’ is infact a f**king awesome record.
1. Dandy Warhols – ‘Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia’ (2001)
Okay, so ‘Bohemian Like You’ has soundtracked a million phone ads and romantic comedy trailers, but the album from whence it came has been horribly, horribly overlooked. It retains a killer pop sensibility while flittering from dark introspection to wasted-drunk-on-the-bus danceability to smart, sardonic, sneaky humour. If you haven’t got it, get it. Like, now.
OTHER BAMM.TV STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
BAMM.tv Rundown: The 10 Craziest Album Covers
BAMM.tv Rundown: 10 More Crazy Album Covers
BAMM Playlist Special: Geographer’s Favorite BAMM Videos
Another week, another playlist from one of our all-knowing BAMM Team (that’s ‘all-knowing’ in terms of music, by the way … none of us are too hot on quantum theory). This time around, we find out what Editorial Director Christopher Davies is listening to right now …
1. “Hold On, Hold On” (Fox Confessor Brings The Flood, 2006) – Neko Case
One of the many talents behind The New Pornographers, Neko Case effortlessly transposes the melodic pop strains of that particular supergroup into her solo work. Nothing revolutionary or groundbreaking – just great songwriting.
2. “Green Shirt” (Armed Forces, 1979) – Elvis Costello
For a good decade or so, Costello was quite literally at the top of this whole ‘music’ game. He has too many classic tunes to mention, but this one is often overlooked, so I’m going to stick it here. It’s just great: instantly hummable yet undercut with a weird simmering menace (‘you can please yourself, but somebody’s gonna get it ..’)
3. “Shake This” (Street Hop, 2009) – Royce Da 5’9
This is, quite simply, awesome.
4. “Ladybird” – (Nancy & Lee, 1968) – Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood
Hazlewood and Sinatra are maybe one of the best male-female double acts in history. There are lots of great moments on their 1968 album ‘Nancy & Lee’ (everyone knows ‘Some Velvet Morning’ … or at least they should do) but ‘Ladybird’ is a personal favorite.
5. “Careful” (The Warning, 2006) – Hot Chip
Gotta love these techno-geek ravers and their sense of undying fun and experimentation. ‘Careful’ is, in my humble opinion, one of the best opening tracks to any album EVER …
OTHER BAMM.TV STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
BAMM.tv team playlists: Fernando Estrada, Head of Business Development
BAMM.tv Team Playlists: Jeff LaPenna, Media Director
BAMM.tv Team Playlists: Chris Hansen, CEO
Lots of things change with the dawn of a new year … but some things always remain constant. The BAMM.tv crew, for instance, will still be the same bunch of highly-knowledgeable music masterminds they always were, and we’ll still be sharing a new playlist from one of the team each and every Friday. This week, we ask the multi-talented Ian McPherson to share his current musical choices …
1. “Here I Come” (1996) – Love & Hate: The Best of Dennis Brown
A top male reggae vocalist, Brown is the true king of roots rock reggae and ‘lovers rock’, a sound that was born in the UK, and also one that has been lost in the past. He has smooth vocals that complement the baseline. I love his songs because of the spiritual overtones in his works.
2. “Let’s Stay Together” (1972) Al Green
The harmonies are uplifting and the pure expression in his voice is one of pain, but the words have a comforting vibe that makes a person feel like they are not the only one who suffers. Pure soul in a bottle.
3. “Move on up” (1963) – Curtis Mayfield
Blaxploitation films formed my introduction to Curtis Mayfield. He was a great story teller, painting vivid images with the sound of early New York City, like a roving reporter on the streets. A believable, heartfelt voice with great musical arrangements and melodies, that sadly seem to have been lost to the past.
4. “Microphone Fiend” (Follow the Leader, 1988) – Eric B. & Rakim
I always loved early Hip Hop. There not anyone out there right now in Hip Hop or Rap that has taken nor even touched the crown of Rakim, a Hip hop master of word play with more layers than an onion skin. He’s an artist with a smooth flow … with a message in his story telling … a wordplay wizard with very deep metaphors and cyphers.
5.”Dreams” (1977, ‘Rumours’) Fleetwood Mac
I grew up with Fleetwood Mac and I still have them on my MP3 player today. “You Can Go Your Own Way” and “Dreams” are both epic tunes. A great band bursting with passion, with a sound that takes me back to my youth.
OTHER BAMM.TV STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
BAMM.tv team playlists: Fernando Estrada, Head of Business Development
BAMM.tv Team Playlists: Jeff LaPenna, Media Director
BAMM.tv Team Playlists: Chris Hansen, CEO
Friday rolls round once again, which means that it’s time for another musical mastermind from the BAMM crew to share their current recommendations. This time we ask Cam Op and Editor Diana what she is listening to at the moment …
1. Hot Knife – (The Idler Wheel… 2012) – Fiona Apple
The harmonies of the song are SICK! I had not been so excited about a song like this in a long time, it’s nothing but vocals (hers and her sister’s), piano and percussion. She just proves how good of a singer she is.
2. A Commotion (Metals, 2011) – Feist
A violent song that calls for revolution. I identify with this because of sociopolitical issues developing in Mexico right now… I just wish everyone would just cause A Commotion!
3. Declare Independence (Volta, 2007) – Bjork
The title explains everything. Very present with stuff happening in my country right now. Bjork herself is singing this song as an anthem to claim freedom of speech, as she dedicated this song to Pussy Riot in a concert she gave in Finland a few weeks ago. Such a great message, with intricate beats and electronic distortions.
4. R U Mine (R U Mine, 2012) – Arctic Monkeys
Awesome riffs, great vocals. I love the evolution of this band. Alex Turner went from being a shy and uncomfortable kid, to a rockstar. The dynamic between Turner and drummer Matt Helders is so strong, they remind me of a contemporary Jagger and Richards.
5. Sleep Alone (Two Suns, 2009) – Bat For Lashes
Great, dreamy tune. She’s such a visual musician, and evokes a lot of imagery. I love the chorus. Great sophomore album, looking forward to hear the new stuff.
OTHER BAMM.TV STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
BAMM.tv team playlists: Fernando Estrada, Head of Business Development
BAMM.tv Team Playlists: Jeff LaPenna, Media Director
BAMM.tv Team Playlists: Chris Hansen, CEO
Here’s another look at what the BAMM.tv team are listening to right now. This week, we asked BAMM Latino producer Sonia to share her current recommendations …
1. No Quise Mirar (Déjenme llorar, 2012) – Carla Morrison
The first time I heard this artist I wasn’t very into the tone of her voice, but after listening to a couple of songs, I realized that the tone only emphasized, for me, the melancholic nature of her music. This song, in particular, I enjoy because the lyrics speak about the moment of loss where we realize that things were falling apart but we were refusing to open our eyes, and see reality.
2. Love Created I (Challenges, 2008) – Tarrus Riley
I have many questions about religion and this song states very simply one of the many points I feel: “Don’t tell me, I was born in sin and shaped in inequity when love created I.” Also, I love that the inspiration for this songs come from words of Marcus Garvey.
3. Yo aprendí (Polvo de la Humedad, 2012) – Danay Suarez
Elegant clarity on a difficult issue. Cuban rappers are on the frontier of expressing social and political issues.
4. Resumen de los 90 (Haciendo Historia, 2009) – Habana D’ Primera
The first time I heard this song, there was no way I could ignore the power of the “new” band. Here was a new flavor but winning me over by having a song praising and quoting all the songs that make me miss my times back home.
5. Sina (Ao Vivo no Morro, 2009) – Grupo Revelacao
This is a cover but I dig this version a lot.
OTHER BAMM.TV STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
BAMM.tv team playlists: Fernando Estrada, Head of Business Development
BAMM.tv Team Playlists: Jeff LaPenna, Media Director
BAMM.tv Team Playlists: Chris Hansen, CEO
Short on recommendations for stuff to listen to? Don’t worry – it’s Friday, which means that its time for another crew member of the good ship BAMM to share their five favorite tunes of the moment. Let’s ask Executive Assistant Catherine Le Pape what she’s listening to right now …
1. “Stuck on the Puzzle” (Soundtrack for ‘Submarine’, 2011) – Alex Turner
A different sound for Alex Turner, who wrote the entire soundtrack for this movie. I like the simplicity of the song and the atmosphere it creates.
2. “Le Plus Beau du Quartier” (Quelqu’un m’a dit, 2003) – Carla Bruni
There’s more to Carla Bruni than just being Nicolas Sarkozy’s arm candy. With “Quelqu’un m’a dit”, she delivers a beautiful, folky first album, full of wordplays and literary references. This song – which samples the Lovin’ Spoonful’s ‘Daydream’- remains my favorite.
3. “Right or Wrong” (Wan Santo Condo, 2004) – Wan Santo Condo
I still can’t believe this band, from Austin, TX, only got to release one (but great) album. Guitarist Jason Mozersky is now kicking ass with Ben Harper’s Relentless7.
4. “Swamp Song” – (13, 1999) – Blur
Since 1995, Blur has been and will remain my favorite band. I could have chosen just any song from them, but this one is a good “pick-me-up”.
5. “The Truth” – (So How’s Your Girl, 1999) – Handsome Boy Modeling School feat. Roisin Murphy
For Roisin Murphy’s awesome voice.
OTHER BAMM.TV STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
BAMM.tv team playlists: Fernando Estrada, Head of Business Development
BAMM.tv Team Playlists: Jeff LaPenna, Media Director
BAMM.tv Team Playlists: Chris Hansen, CEO
Another Friday rolls along, and with it another chance to pin down an esteemed member of the BAMM.tv crew and ask them what they’re listening to right now. Let’s crack open the iPod (metaphorically, of course) of Workflow Developer and Systems Admin mastermind Jonathan Pirro …
1. “The House That Heaven Built” (Celebration Rock, 2012) – Japandroids
In a world where loud, fast music is generally associated with negative chaos and angry emotions, Japandroids fill their listeners with hope and a desire to move mountains with their quaking stomps. This song, with its take-no-BS attitude and affirming message, is a great example of their soaring, inspiring brand of furious minimalistic rock.
2. “Do It With A Rockstar” (Theatre Is Evil, 2012) – Amanda Palmer and the Grand Theft Orchestra
Amanda’s characteristic piano and drum accompaniment is now backed by the force of a full-blown rock band, and every moment they come crashing back into this awesomely dynamic song is a brand new thrill for the listener.
3. “Lunacy” (The Seer, 2012) – Swans
If there is truly a record for the end of the world, and all of the devastating beauty and dark splendor associated with it, it is this foreboding dirge by the New York noise rockers known as Swans. Frontman Michael Gira is joined by two members of slowcore founders Low for a piece that conjures images of wonder and despair, ensnaring its audience into the two full hours that span the duration of The Seer.
4. “The Last Time” (Tigermending) – Carina Round
The only label that officially could be used for Carina Round is “singer-songwriter”, and yet it doesn’t even begin to describe her. With a chilling and powerful voice reminiscent of P.J. Harvey or Fiona Apple, and the backing of a thundering band and miniature orchestra, Carina’s passionate lyrics and intensely intricate songwriting are showcased marvelously in this dark, lush number.
5. “Wiped Out” (OFF!, 2012) – OFF! – somewhat NSFW video
Just when you think you’ve started to feel the adrenaline blasting through your system, your heart racing and muscles tensing in anticipation, it’s over — one solid minute of pure punk rock adrenaline. OFF! frontman Keith Morris, formerly of Black Flag and the Circle Jerks, is no stranger to the world of lightning-quick hardcore punk, and this, the first song on his new band’s self-titled debut, is the first of 17 white-hot, blisteringly-fast songs, with the album clocking in at just under 16 minutes total.
OTHER BAMM.TV STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
BAMM.tv team playlists: Fernando Estrada, Head of Business Development
BAMM.tv Team Playlists: Jeff LaPenna, Media Director
BAMM.tv Team Playlists: Chris Hansen, CEO