Suave_UK "Dirty Shaniqua"

The long legacy of Michael Jackson stays with us - it's utterly amazing to me that just the flash of a glove or fedora hat makes me instantaneously think to myself "OK, here's a 'King of Pop' reference." Such an homage is paid in Suave UK's new song/music video: "Dirty Shaniqua." 

Many CMT readers will remember Suave UK from a previous post earlier in the year. Now he's back with a low-fi track bursting at the seems with ferocious bass drums, distorted guitar, and rapid-fire vocals. There's more than a little reggae inspiration in here with the way the vocals are somewhat melodic. Overall, the music video is quite sharp with bright-colored ladies, an MJ reference, and beautiful lighting. It will be interesting to see what happens in the future with Suave UK.

Meddafore "All Out Together"

 I remember an interview several years ago, Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) was talking about his "Freaks and Geeks" track. He said that a lot of the best Hip Hop had a strong element of comedy (I'm paraphrasing obviously). So, yeah, Meddafore's new track "All Out Together" brought a smile to my face more than a few times. One of the opening lines was "it's a known fact that crackers look better with cheese..." 

Lyrically, these guys have real talent, and thank God for that (I can't tell you how many radio hits are plagued by lazy lyrics) so it's good to hear some cats whose work ethic is self-evident. Another point of praise I can send to Meddafore is that I'm in LOVE with the industrial-style beat that accompanies their vocals. It almost reminds me of early NIN, but Hip-Hop, which is awesome. Overall, I have to give this song 5 stars; I love the style, it's original, and shows real craftsmanship. I imagine if you give it a listen, you'll feel the same way. 

Gnarly Karma "Rags to Riches"

How many times have we all dreamed about infinite resources? If you're anything like me, you've laid awake at night dreaming of ways to pamper yourself with all the things money can buy all the while engaging in philanthropic ventures. In Gnarly Karma's newest track "Rags to Riches" the band ponders some of the parameters surrounding wealth and personal accountability. 

The song itself has a very acoustic rock vibe - it has a slight character (and I mean this as a compliment) of contemporary worship music in that it forces an introspective heart/mind.  The opening line "when your rags turn to riches will your blood stay the same? With no sign of recovery, you've got no one else to blame" made my head nod in agreement. There is also this kick-ass accordion harmony in there that really makes the song in my opinion. Check out Gnarly Karma at their website here. 

Teddy Wender "Summer Shirt"

Summer ought to be a time for vacation, holidays, and enjoying life (that is, if we're tapping into that inner child who looked forward to summer break from school) Multitalented and all-around busy guy Teddy Wender (Singer/Songwriter/Composer/Producer) has released a fun and engaging music video/song "Summer Shirt."

There's a lot I really like about this tune, the groovy bassline that lays down a cool vibe from the get go, Wender's singing is the kind that invites us to have fun with him, I LOVE the video for the gifted chap dancing in the streets - plus, there's a killer synth solo smack in the middle of "Summer Shirt." It's unassuming, tasteful, and unpretentious - just a song about good times and enjoying life. 

Dom Cotton "Get Me Outta Here"

It would be factual to say that we live in troubled times; divided political factions, a global pandemic, and seemingly mass loss of purpose appear to haunt modern global society. Many of us fed up with modern difficulties are seeking some kind of escape. It's that energy that Dom Cotton (a rather handsome Australian singer/songwriter) is tapping into in his new song "Get Me Outta Here."

The music video opens with news clips of the aforementioned troubled times and our singer (and main actor) looking somewhat defeated at the television. The song then breaks into a fun poppy electronic jam with Cotton singing. The tune itself is rather danceable, an ideal track for remixes that would grace DJ nightclub sets. Overall, it's nice to see people embracing the idea that things will get better for us, even if we have to run to a beautiful beach to do it.  

Chris St. John "A Box for Jewels"

One thing that I have always admired in other songwriters, that I lack in my own songs, is the ability to spin a narrative - within me, there is a deep appreciation for the storytellers (the lyrics for my own songs tend to be more stream-of-consciousness). I was thinking about this while listening to Chris St. John's new track "A Box for Jewels;" I don't want to give any spoilers but suffice to say, the poetic experience beautifully matches the musical one. 

"A Box for Jewels" opens with a child's music-box-like into that then morphs into sophisticated guitar, bass, piano, and drum instrumentation. St. John's vocal melody is somewhat monotone in the verses allowing the lyrics to come through uncluttered. It's a love-song to be sure, but there is enough ambiguity to wonder exactly who is the object of such affection (i.e. God, Father, Lover?). Give it a listen, I promise it's edifying. 

Doug Cash "Believe In The Love"

Doug Cash's take on acoustic folk virtuosity shines through in his newest track "Believe In the Love," with shimmering chords that have a bit of gypsy spirit behind them, I'm very enticed by his sound. At about the halfway point, simple percussion and backup vocals join the catchy melody but there is nothing to outshine the main focus, that being the guitar and Cash's singing. 

On one hand "Believe In the Love," is a rather simple song - it's a love song about faith and the commitment that faith demands... This is actually the greatest strength of this tune - but the simple message is married to lush and thick harmonies that make the track so lovely. I hope to hear more from Doug Cash in the future - he seems to have a rather thriving YouTube channel, so that would be a good place to start.