Maddy McCarty – “Get It Right”
London singer Maddy McCarty certainly gets it right with this summer groove. It’s got a ska/reggae twist and is totally buoyant and cheery. Blast this on a warm summer day and you’re certain to feel fine.
Jonathan Rado – “Faces”
California native Jonathan Rado is a member of buzz band Foxygen and — somewhat smartly given the constant drama within that band — has released his solo debut this month. Fans of his main gig will certainly enjoy it.
As it says in the press materials on “Law and Order”, “the San Fernando Valley and the Lower East Side flirt over muddy coffee, get married over corned beef, and give birth to a Motown drum beat.”
John Legend –“ Open Your Eyes (Love in the Future)”
John Legend has one of the best voices in modern R&B. Instantly recognizable, always full of emotion. He takes on Bobby Caldwell’s “Open Your Eyes” (a track previously – and fantastically — sampled on Common’s “The Light”, produced by J Dilla).
The singer is about to get married and his 4th solo album reflects his new look at love.
Jon Hopkins — “Breathe This Air feat. Purity Ring”
London-based producer Jon Hopkins recently stopped by the station for an interview with Jason Bentley which you can find in full here. As JB says, his sound strikes a “thoughtful balance between melodic and avant-garde composition” and this track is from his his solo album “Immunity“.
An even better example of his aesthetic might be his excellent 2009 track “Light Through the Veins“.
Editor’s Note: It wasn’t until I finished this post that I realized I selected 3 Johns — with different spellings!