Sam Sparro

Sam Sparro is an electro-funk music producer from Australia.  He is signed to the British Island Records, and is also a child actor.  Gospel-trained vocals and multi-instrumental, his songs are danceable,  state-of-the-art productions.  His sound is said to compare with that of Prince, Jamiroquai, and the Gap Band.

In 2002, while working in a coffee shop, he wrote his hit single "Black and Gold".  His songs feature disco influences, and like most of the songs I post here, feature soothing melodic phrasing and a subtle use of vocal harmonies, with a modern rhythm and blues styling.   I guess that's my style.

 
He released a six-track EP in 2007, and a self-titled record in 2008 after signing with British Island Records.  I would call this 'flamboyant, gangster electronica'.  But, regardless of labels, this song rocks.  Check out his Black and Gold video!  It's awesome!

The Knife

The Knife, a popular music duo from Sweden, was forged in 1999.  The two siblings, singer Karin Andersson and brother Olof Dreijer own a record company called Rabid Records.

The band transcends many genres, including a lot of experimental electronic, synthpop, and ambient 'trip-hop'.  Many of their songs feature new age influences and extensive vamping, with soothing, melodic phrasing.  They take inspiration from vintage synth pop and avant-garde sounds that are just as sinister as they are pleasing.

They were brought to the international stage with their song 'Heartbeats', which appeared in a Sony commercial.  Several of their songs have since appeared on television shows and commercials.  In 2006, they released their critically acclaimed Silent Shout album, and have won several Swedish Grammis (to which they refuse to attend the award ceremony).

They have both done solo projects since, but rumors hint towards an upcoming project which may or may not already be in the works!

Simian Mobile Disco

In 2005, James Ford and Jas Shaw formed Simian Mobile Disco.  From the UK, this duo began after leaving the other members of their previous experimental electronics band, Simian.

Hoping to break from the mold of polished, programmed dance tracks, the duo exclusively uses analog equipment - a style for which they are most known.  Their tracks feature house roots, four-on-the-floor, dancable beats, and electronica influences.

They released a remix album in 2008, entitled Sample and Hold.  A year later, an entirely original album, Temporary Pleasure, appeared with collaboration from some big-named producers.

Last year, they released their studio album Delicatessen & Delicacies, taking the names of their tracks from bizarre delicacies around the world.

Watch their video 'Hustler'.  It's hot.

Queens of the Stone Age - Go With the Flow

Queens of the Stone Age is a rock group from Palm Desert, California.  Josh Homme is their lead vocalist and guitarist, and started the band in 1996.  Their current line-up features Troy Van Leeuwen on guitar, Joey Castillo on drums, and Dean Fertita on keyboard/guitar.

They feature hard rock roots, with blues and grunge influences.  Their subtle use of vocal harmonies and antiphony is a good contrast with their heavy sound. 

On why Homme settled on the name 'Queens' instead of 'Kings', he stated that "...Rock should be heavy enough for the boys and sweet enough for the girls." 

Their popularity peaked when, in 2001, former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl joined to help record their third (and best) album, Songs for the Deaf.   However, other projects required Grohl to leave the band.  He was soon replaced by former Danzig drummer and permanent member Castillo.

Songs for the Deaf reached gold status in 2003 at just under 1 million copies sold, and came very close to the Billboard Top 40.  However, their next album  'Lullabies to Paralyze' debuted at number 6 on the same Billboard Top 40.  Josh Homme also made a guest appearance on Comedy Central's Tosh.O for a web remix with internet sensation Samwell.

P.S.  This is one of my most favorite videos of all time.

iMonster - Daydream in Blue

iMonster is an eclectic, electronic duo from England.  It was formed in 1997 by record producers Jarrod Gosling and Dean Honer.   Together, they own their own label, Twins of Evil.

They feature very docile rock instrumentation and mellow electronica.  They are most renowned for their subtle vocal harmonies, melodic phrasing, and awesome string ensemble.

Their biggest hit came with 'Daydream in Blue' in 2001, which hit #20 in the UK.  Since their acclaimed album 'Neveroddoreven', released in 2003, the duo have done many guest DJ appearances all over the country.

Their most recent album, A Dense Swarm Of Ancient Stars, was released in 2009.  Very good stuff!  Check out some of their other videos!

Glukoza

Russian-born solo artist Natalia Ionova is SMOKING HOT.  Her musical accolades have escalated tremendously since her musical breakthrough in 2002.

Her more common band name, Glukoza (translated ''glucose'') is a cute, punk-pop band with danceable rhythms and major tonalities.

Her musical influences are Madonna, Moby, Mumiy Troll and Agata Kristi (not to be confused with the most boring, horrible mystery author Agatha Christie)

Her first album, titled 'Glukoza Nostra' featured two of her biggest hits, Nenavizhu (I Hate) and Nevesta (Bride), which shot her to the top of the Russian music charts.  After the first two music videos featured a computer animated Natalia, it became common-place; now, all of her videos feature a smooth, CGI version of her band.  Her computer generated charicature was named ''Character of the Year'', and she has won the MTV-EMA award for "Best Russian Act"

Since 2003, she has performed over 500 concerts.  She is a spokeswoman for Motivi, the face of Avon Color Trend, and has been featured on many magainzes, including Elle Girl and Seventeen.

Alkaline Trio

The Alkaline Trio is a punk rock band from Chicago, Illinois.  They are a 3-piece, formed in 1996 with their lead guitarist Matt Skiba being the only original member.

For a 3-piece band, they still cover many sounds and continuously refine their tenor.  The band started small with lead guitarist and vocalist Matt Skiba, bassist Rob Doran and drummer Glen Porter.  In 1997, Slapstick singer and bassist Dan Andriano replaced Rob Doran in 1997, and the band thereafter began to actuate a sizeable fanbase..

Since Dan's arrival, he has added a complementary voice to Matt's singing.  The two write their own songs and lyrics, for which they both do their own vocals.  Due to their contrast in vocal quality, their songs each have a unique feel to it, yet evoke the same fervent  response.

To date, the band has released seven studio albums, with their newest album - "This Addiction" - having been released in February 2010.

Throughout my time in high school, there was always one band that summed up my wasteful youth with its alluring and magnetic sound.  This band was my biggest inspiration for musical endeavors.  My rebellious, adolescent phase syncopated perfectly with their punk roots and omnipotent vocal harmonies.  They are most renowned for their electric wall-o-sound, rhythmic syncopation and verbose melodic phrasing.