HAIM...

Girl crush - Haim the band are three sisters from LA who have thoroughly succeeded in combining the best of folk and R&B. The very best of the 80s nostalgia of Baywatch and Cyndi Lauper with the best of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks. In fact it was a The Guardian who described them as 'think Steve Nicks produced by Dallas Austin or The Staves in a tussle with TLC' - everything about them ticks the box for me.  

They've been on tour here for the last month and they're supporting Florence in a few weeks at London's 02 Arena - they are set for big things - "Forever" is their debut EP. Watch it here:

LIGHTS ON ITS DARK OUTSIDE...

Slightly mirroring the mood of today.. its a Friday afternoon but tonight is all about curling up inside by the fire ready for the weekend ahead, mostly hibernating. King Krule will take you home to the comfort and warmth of the weekend in your car with the lights on because its dark outside at 5.30.

Archy Marshall is 17 years old, fresh out of Brit school and is brilliant - his music is described as new wave or darkwave and inspired by many. Compared with the likes of Morrissey or Edwyn Collins his voice is so distinctive. This particular song is a favourite of mine but all of his music varies in style and impact and influence, yet every one is as strong as the next - 

Here is 'The Noose of Jah City':

LOST IN THE LIGHT...

It would be a nice feeling if it was so hot and sunny that we got lost in the light. Bahamas, aka Afie Jurvanen, has a melancholic way of making you feel both lifted and saddened at the same time. It almost makes you feel like the lights streaming through the windows by the beach in the bahamas and it doesn't get much better than that but your still finding it hard to get out of bed. This man is not from the Bahamas though, he is from  Ontario, and finnish- Canadian. Try it and see. I like it and am sure as the rest of the USA do too it will be coming our way soon.

Lost in the Light - BAHAMAS: 

THE BUSY TWIST...

AFRICAN INFLUENCED BASS MUSIC. Too good for a Thursday afternoon at your desk but it will be a perfect start to your weekend. THE BUSY TWIST is made up of two very talented 21 year old producers Ollie Williams and Gabriel Benn, based in London the two have created unison between the vibrancy and energy of African musical culture with all the good bits from the UK dance scene. 

Established in 2009 on their first trip to Ghana this duo were instantly caught up in the vibrant energy and array of musical talent - since then they have built strong relationships with musicians in Ghana who they continue to work with. They have this quote across all their platforms and I think it sums it all up:

'The colour of poverty is vibrant in Ghana. Constant movement the rush of work towards the next piece of bread, creates not the downbeaten environment that is so often portrayed of a less economically developed country, but a vivid picture of energy' (Tuesday Born) 

Turn it up - it will make you happy. 'Friday Night':

JAMAICA JAMAICA...

If anyone can bring heat to this cold snap its Tanya Stephens. I think the only person who's come close to her in the last 5 years is one of my new favourites Azealia Banks.

Tanya's influential reggae emerged in the 1990's - from Jamaica, kingston - home of heat and sun - she moved later to Sweden where she signed to warner music Sweden before moving back again to Jamaica to release the critically acclaimed 'Gangsta Blues' album in 2004. 

Her label Tarantula has since released 3 of her records and this year we are due another - get ready for punchy reggae all through the winter, until then this will warm you up. 

'Its a Pity':

BACK TO IT...

Winter is looming, coats are back on and after arriving from the heat of sailing in Turkey the only thing to do is wrap up and put on some music that brings you back to warmth and wine and sails and the azur sea. 

Returning to old favourites usually does the trick but in this case a really good cover of an old favourite has done it. 

Boy & Bear from Sydney have worked out the choral harmony thing - much like Alt-J from last weeks post - seems to be a theme for now. Touring with the likes of Angus & Julia Stone and Laura Marling the band have increasingly become favourites amongst the 'drivey indie folk'. Their debut album 'Moonfire' has already reached platinum in the AIRA charts and is definitely worth a purchase, it will help the seasonal change! 

Have a listen; here is their cover of 'Fall at Your Feet'(Crowded House): 

HEAT...

This music deserves to be listened to on a boat in the heat while drinking some cold wine .. Monday morning blues made me feel like it was time for a proper holiday and this almost makes you feel like you are on one just listening to it. 

∆'s name, pronounced 'Alt-J' is used on a mac keyboard to achieve the Greek letter "Delta". It is explained by Gwil Sainsbury (the bassist) as 'the mathematical equation used to show change'. 

I think that in itself is enough to describe how different and inspiring this band are. Their debut album 'An Awesome Wave' is a perfect combination of Hot Chip and Everything Everything; nostalgia and good vibes. They are touring this Autumn - definitely worth ah trip to see. My Favourite song off the album today is MS. 

Here we go: