Noriel Vilela – 16 Toneladas

If a band is going to make a remake of a popular song, it’s important to make the song your own and in my opinion, these two song remakes not only are owned by their respective groups but are better than the originals.

Los Rockin’ Devils – Gloria

Orchestre Polyrythmo – Min We Tun So

Another fantastic tune from Orchestre Polyrythmo, this one a bit more on the downtempo, melancholy side than the song I featured by them previously. (please click the link to see one of the best videos ever posted on this blog)

More on the band from Discogs:

The T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou hails from the West African nation of Benin. The “T.P.” stands for the French “Tout Puissant”, which means “All Mighty”. The band was formed in 1966 and still records to this day, although band members have changed along the way. Their output has been extremely prolific numbering upwards of 50 LPs and a hundred 45s.
As their name implies, the music relies on a blend of rhythmic persussive elements. It draws from the French heritage of Benin along with the influence of their anglophone neighbors like Nigeria and Ghana. These influences and rhythmic elements form the backdrop for varied styles they play, a mix ranging from afrobeat, highlife, jazz, soul, rhumba and latin music. Tracks are sung in either French or their native Fon tongue.

Romuald – A Strange Light In Your Eyes

More melancholy music for the cooler days and darker nights. A downtempo track full of energy. Love the distorted echo vocals, the haunting synth melody, the old-school backing vocals and the subdued funk that keeps it all together.

From YouTube:

The last track from the first compilation album on Kitsune Music, called Kitsune Love. This track is exclusive to the compilation, and it’s REALLY good. Romuald can make some good tunes, and he’s back working on a Re-Edit of In Love With You with Alan Braxe at the moment. Enjoy this really calm track for now though.

Junip – Line Of Fire (Official Video)

Junip – Your Life Your Call (Official Video)

Since it seems people are still reading this blog (thank you very much), I’m going to commence with the music again. It’s mostly for me to keep track of the music I’m listening to. I tend to forget song names. Hopefully you’ll hear something you like that’s new to your ears.

These two melancholy songs by Junip are a good place to start. The videos are a two-part uncomfortable narrative detailing a life haunting experience between two siblings. The rest is up to you to watch and ponder.

More on the Swedish band Junip here. An excerpt:

The songs are very much the work of the three musicians, all emerging from jamming sessions – although Araya has left the band since we meet. Between them, they aim to keep the melancholic streak at bay. “I found myself asking Tobias to change his chords so they’re not so moody,” says González, with a smile. “Ever since I released my first album, I’ve tried not to use minor chords as the main element in songs. The way I sing is too melancholic. So whenever you find a minor-ish chord that’s pointing towards the sun instead of the ground, that to me is the perfect aim. If it’s too major-ish, it won’t get to you.” Winterkorn adds: “It’s nice to make people feel something.”

Daughter – Amsterdam

If Cat Power and the xx had a pet cat that liked to sleep on your chest while you slept, it would sound like this.