kalatva. » karuna

Janelle Monáe

karuna — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 02:20:36 +0000

Janelle Monáe is an amazing singer, dancer, and performer. Her new song, “Tightrope” is a showcase of her talents as well as of the awesome moves her dancers have up their sleeves. She also gives really exciting and memorable live performances, creating a whole world and persona in her albums and shows.

One of the Youtube comments on her video for “Tightrope” which I think describes it well says, “She’s not bringing something new, but something old. She’s reminding us why wool is superior to polyester,” (user: kitchenlattice). As I see it, she’s bringing us a new, rejuvenated version of something old and it’s beautiful, pure talent.

The Dead Weather

karuna — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:58:26 +0000

There’s something really refreshing about The Dead Weather, the way they perform, the music they sing – kind of a funky punk grunge, different from song to song. Excellent beats, raw vocals and a simple no-frills dedication to the music that I feel like I haven’t seen in awhile. The filming of the live songs is also great – the black & white, high contrast really suits them well.
More videos here.

New Stuff from the Preservation Hall Band

karuna — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:05:59 +0000

Preservation Hall Jazz band has been doing some awesome new collaboration work for a new benefit album, Preservation.

The complete roster of artists includes: Louis Armstrong, Andrew Bird, Terence Blanchard, Pete Seeger, Dr. John, Blind Boys of Alabama, Brandi Carlile, Cory Chisel, Ani DiFranco, Steve Earle, Merle Haggard, Richie Havens, Jason Isbell, Jim James, Angelique Kidjo, Amy LaVere, Del McCoury, Bobby McFerrin, Buddy Miller, Paolo Nutini, and Tom Waits. (link)

All the details of who they’re working with and what songs they’re covering are here and here. You’ll surely be hearing more about this, because it’s some great stuff.

And this here is the song + animated music video to their recent recording of St. James Infirmary with King Britt.

Curumin

karuna — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:03:02 +0000

Big hiatus, but it’s summer again and we’re back. First order of business is: Curumin. Following much in the tradition of Tropicália, Curumin is a modern Brazilian artist who plays funky jazz-rock with elements of the Brazilian classics, samba and bossa nova. Not only is the music fun and danceable, but the Portuguese words are of course beautiful. Enjoy a few songs!

Guerreiro

Tudo Bem Malandro

The Devil Makes Three

karuna — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 23:37:44 +0000

This little Santa Cruz trio needs to be better known by all. They have great talent in such a simple form, with guitar, banjo, and double bass. Their music is a modern version of folky bluegrass, so have a listen. The first is one of their most popular songs, Old Number Seven, and the second is another of my favourites, called The Plank.

Old Number Seven

The Plank

Pere Ubu

karuna — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 06:37:46 +0000

Old stuff, but still not very well-known. Pere Ubu play experimental rock, they call it “Avant Garage”. Some of it’s very experimental, and some of it sounds like surf rock. Their experiments range from mild to bizarre, sometimes sounding along the lines of Captain Beefheart or Frank Zappa. Off of their first album, The Modern Dance, here’s the song Street Waves.

Street Waves
Street Waves

Paris Derniere

karuna — Sat, 31 May 2008 16:09:11 +0000

I’m a huge AC/DC fan, so finding this was amusing and strange at the same time. Paris Derniere does a lot of covers of popular songs, and they do a cover of AC/DC’s Highway to Hell that’s really pretty good. It doesn’t have the same kick and power as AC/DC’s song because it’s a soft and melodic version, but it’s just interesting to see it done because I never would have imagined an AC/DC song in such a different light.

Highway to Hell
highway to hell

Xavier Rudd

karuna — Sat, 17 May 2008 16:07:38 +0000

Xavier Rudd has a really beautiful, delicate style in his music. He’s amazing at slide guitar, and plays the didgeridoo and a whole slew of other instruments too in a many of his songs. He does a beautiful cover of Jimi Hendrix’s The Wind Cries Mary. Here are two of his original songs too, one is more his classic gentle style (“White Moth”) and the other is a more reggae-style upbeat song of his that I really love (“Twist”).

The Wind Cries Mary
the wind cries mary

Twist

White Moth
white moth

I Monster

karuna — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:37:32 +0000

This British band plays one of the prettiest electronic pieces I’ve ever heard. I’m not typically a great lover of electronic music, and it’s not too often that I find an electronic song that I really enjoy, but this one breaks the mold! It’s a nice mix between electronic sound and some pure vocals, which works really well.

Daydream In Blue
daydream in blue

Muxtape

karuna — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:33:30 +0000

Muxtape is a site that lets you create a quick mp3-mixtape of songs. It only lets you upload 12 songs, it looks like, but maybe creating multiple tapes will come later? Anyway, throw a link in the comments if you make any mixes you’re proud of and want to share!