FRESH KEPT SECRET: Little Dragon

Kenny Fresh — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:37:32 +0000

When starting this post, I wasn’t sure whether or not it was fair to include Little Dragon in the Fresh Kept Secrets category, considering their recent success in certain scenes & demographics. But although they definitely have a large following already, I feel like a lot of heads still haven’t been properly exposed to them. So with that said – for those of you who are already up on game, I’ve still get some gems for you guys as well.

While I was already familiar with (and thoroughly impressed by) their lead singer, Yukimi Nagano, from her work with Ge-ology – it wasn’t until Waajeed played two of their songs on his Bling47 Radio podcast that I really got put on to the rest of Little Dragon. And since then, their self-titled debut album has quickly become one of my favorite new discoveries of the year – even if it did come out in 2007.

Although on a surface level, the Swedish-based group make pop music – they definitely do it in their own way. Written with a definite pop song sensibility, yet still played with the techniques of a modern jazz outfit matched infused with stylish, electro-flourishes that fluctuate throughout. And if that wasn’t enough, they still manage to throw in enough bounce & swing to their tracks to appeal to the beatheads without alienating their mainly indie pop/rock fanbase. Both emotionally and sonically, their album runs the gamut – containing everything from flirtatious, electric workouts that are equally as fit for a dance party as they are an upscale lounge (“Wink”) and playful synth-laden songs that’ll keep the 8-bit heads happy (“Turn Left”), to a jazzy anti-materialism swing with apocalyptic undertones (“After The Rain”) and movingly personal ballads (“Twice,” “Stormy Weather,” & “No Love”). These puzzle pieces, all similar in their differences to each other, then come together to form one concise movement that has something to fit nearly every mood. I know that personally, this album has served as my official soundtrack to any late night drives or mellow, rainy days – and living in Portland, Oregon, I’m sure it’ll continue to get plenty of burn as the latter this coming season.

To get better acquainted with what’s on the album, stay tuned after the jump for two examples of the album’s highlights – and in typical Fresh Selects fashion, some bonus treats thrown in as well. For those of you who have already caught on to Lil Drag’s infectious sound (you were probably hip before me even) – I’ve included the short-but-sweet, non-album exclusive, “Infinite Love” below. Hopefully this track is a sign of the quality thats still to come from their forthcoming sophomore album.

DOWNLOAD: Little Dragon “Infinite Love”

For our more visual learners, I’ve provided two Little Dragon videos (1 music video & 1 in-studio live performance) after the jump, along with 3 of my favorites from Yukimi Nagano’s recent guest appearances. Be sure to click Read More at the bottom of the post for all of those.

SUPPORT: Little Dragon’s self-titled debut can be hard to find in a lot of US strores, but it is available now on iTunes – and if you can’t already tell, I highly recommend it.

CREDIT: “Infinite Love” was a free download for Cartier’s LOVE campaign & charity – be sure to click the link & see what they’re all about. Also, thanks to Hadyn for putting me up on the Shuya Okino track.

VIDEOS

Little Dragon “Constant Surprises” music video (directed by Fredrik Egerstrand)

Little Dragon “Twice” live in studio for The Black Room Sessions

BONUS TRACKS

Ge-ology “Blues Alley” (feat. Yukimi Nagano)
© 2007 Mineral Werks Musik

Shuya Okino “Pieces Of You” (feat. Yukimi Nagano, prod. by Dego & Akwasi Mensah)
from the album, United Legends (2007, Geneon)

Hird “I Love You My Hope” (feat. Yukimi Nagano)
from the album Moving On (2004, DNM)

The Foreign Exchange – Leave It All Behind album preview

Kenny Fresh — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:21:55 +0000

Brand new sneak preview to the follow-up to Connected, the geography-defying debut from Phonte & Nicolay as The Foreign Exchange. Connected, as misunderstood by certain hip-hop heads as it was, has always been a personal favorite of mine – so I have high expectations for their new album, Leave It All Behind.

I’ll reserve judgement until I can hear the album as a whole, since the first album’s strongsuit were its sonic cohesion and its completeness as an album rather than a collection of hot songs. But with that said… this sampler sounds pretty damn promising. The subject matter is painfully relevant and the quality of songwriting and musicianship is so necessary in this day and age. A break-up album for the digital area with an organic-leaning sound – now that’s whats up.

Sampler Tracklisting:
1. The Foreign Exhange – LIAB Sampler
a. Take Off The Blues (feat. Darien Brockington)
b. All Or Nothing (feat. Darien Brockington)
c. Something To Behold (feat. Muhsinah)
d. If This Is Love (feat. Yahzarah)
e. If She Breaks Your Heart (feat. Yahzarah) (co-prod. Marc Mac)

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