Hear this: Band of Horses

Seattle seems to be producing quite a spread of special musicians. You may recall a rather famous off-spring from Seattle, Kurt Cobain. Depending on your age, I suppose. Recently I was introduced to a new group and they go by the name BAND OF HORSES. I'm a big Bon Iver fan and although this sound is slightly more commercial it still has the same ethos. Go have a listen to 'Older' and 'Factory'! The latter of which reminds me of the movie 'Almost Famous'.

Below is one of their more recognizable songs entitled 'THE FUNERAL' which appeared on the 'One Tree Hill' soundtrack.

Hear this: The Plastics

They may have been a somewhat-known Japanese band in the 80's but today 'The Plastics' are a new foursome based in Cape Town. Catch 'Tiny islands' by these talented boys in their retro-styled video on breaking free of the confines of your life. Let me know what you all think and catch their myspace page here for more music!

HEAR THIS: Danny K

Okay, so admittedly Danny K isn't the coolest South African star. However he is very talented and goodlooking and rich so he has the components that matter. I personally think he needs to be less American pseudo-blingy... but that's just me.

Below is the catchy pop-tune he wrote post-break up with the lovely Le-anne Liebenburg. It seems to be on the radio every single time I get in my car. Enjoy!

HEAR THIS: WE ARE THE WORLD 2.0

Featuring the fantastic vocal stylings of P!NK, Jennifer Hudson, Wyclef Jean and even a little Miley Cyrus.
The track is similar to it's former version except that 2010 has added a wall of rappers including Lil' Wayne and Kanye West. It sounds better than I expected!

The track is available on iTunes and proceeds will go to Haiti relief!

While watching it I couldn't help but notice a tartan shirt that I immediately loved. Kanye West and his Rayban Wayfarers (it must have been bright inside)graced the re-recording of We are the world. It's a gold embellished Studded Givenchy shirt from the 2010 spring collection.





Jak and Jil blog snapped a picure of Panos Yiapanis wearing the shorts version.



Amd for the rest of us... we always have the Bedazzler.

Hear this: Joy Williams

Featured on the ever popular and addictive Grey's Anatomy, Joy Williams sings of changes and lack of communication. The haunting ballad entitled 'Speaking a dead language' was appropriate for the gripping season six premiere and can be heard below.

DIY FASHION:
"That Rihanna rain just won't let up!"
Proving once more the power of the modern day Blogger, Pelayo Diaz has ventured into another side of the fashion world. Photographed below in his un-usual but fashion forward attire, sans Mickey Mouse ears unfortunately.



Earlier this year, in fact only a few months back Diaz debuted a T-shirt he made on a lazy Saturday at home. A cross bearing and bordering safety pin (which he no doubt borrowed from his Fashion School) design which has since been remarkably popular in the fashion world. They have even stocked in-store, although you can buy it directly from Diaz' hit blog Kate Loves me, which has nothing to do with him being a handsome often scantily-clad model  Spaniard.






But even more remarkable was his Debut into the Music Video Fashion world where Rihanna has been making her name as a cutting edge and fierce Fashionista. Unlike the often contrived attempts from Beyonce and Shakira, Rihanna in my opinion makes it look more natural. And Lucky design student and model Pelayo Diaz can add her to his growing list of celeb interest. Featured below in the 'Hard' music video was the outfit of safety pins he was asked to make.






Go out and listen to her new CD 'Rated R' because it's exquisite and a must-have for your collection. At first I wasn't a fan of the above mentioned track but it's grown on me! So now that you've seen how far a simple DIY venture can take someone, why not pull out your bedazzler, safety pins or paper transfers and see what you can do?

Hear this: Noisettes

IN-CREDIBLE! The NOISETTES, who I am currently obsessing over is a UK based trio who are taking the music industry by surprise. They have no specific sound although lead singer Shingai Shoniwa, whose versatile vocals have seen her compared to everyone from Deborah Harry and Kate Bush to Billie Holiday and Diana Ross. Shingai also has incredible style and can be seen wearing a futuristic number on David Letterman. Below is a video for the hit song 'Never forget you' which really seems like it comes from another time altogether!



"For us, making music means keeping our ears open. We’re not trying to be trendy – we want to make music for everyone – but we put effort in to every aspect of being in a band. Our aim is to prove that pop music can still be alternative and exciting. With this album, I know we can do that.”

More from the bands Official Website.

Hear this: Jesse Clegg

Some homegrown talent I'd like to share with you. I just got this album and I find it really refreshing. He also writes all his own music like Miss Morrissette did for Jagged Little Pill. Give it a listen and support South African music! No surprise where he got his talent from-- you might have heard of his father 'Johnny Clegg'?

HEAR THIS

I love finding new music and when I heard Zooey Deschanel was releasing an album I had to hear it for myself. I'm a big fan of her dry-humor acting and I expected her music to be pretty out there too. This song is fantastic, and really sounds like it was released some 60 years ago.I believe the twosome call themselves "She and Him". No official video yet but please have a listen.

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BRITNEY SPEARS' TOXIC - COVERED BY YAEL NAIM

HEAR THIS

BEN TAYLOR - I TRY



I love me some melodic man-singing so when I discovered this jewel I thought to share it with you all. Ben Taylor does a rendition on the once famous Macy Gray track I try.
(Yes, it's the Cheerio's guy)

HEAR THIS

BON IVOR delivers a very haunting and personal album 'For Emma, forever ago'. I've been listening to it non-stop all weekend and when you read the lyrics to 'Re: Stacks' it brings it new meaning. As a writer I tend to listen to a certain type of music while I'm stabbing away at the keyboard- and this is a perfect example. So do yourself a favor and check it out on Youtube or iTunes. Very soothing in an Iron and Wine sort of fashion, hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I do!