Other than collecting GQ awards and hitting the party scene Mark Ronson hasn’t done a great deal music-wise since the launch of his super album Versus. In that time he’s honed his Duran Duran keyboard skills and his latest single Bang Bang featuring Q-Tip and The Business Intl is set to be launched today (11th July). Whilst it’s less likely to hit the dance floors as much as Winehouse’s cover of the Zutons’ Valerie, Bang Bang Bang will still be on my playlist for when I’m lounging by the pool this summer.

A couple of weeks ago I posted Diesel’s collaboration with Josep to promote their new range. Not to be outdone on the “we’re a denim company who are all about the music” front Levi’s have launched a site dedicated to music and exclusive to Levi’s. The site’s called Levi Pioneer Sessions and have bands ranging from The Shins, Passion Pit, Jason Mraz and The Kills.

Although there’s a variety of songs in there I’ve picked out two for you.

The First is a Passion Pit cover of Smashing Pumpkins Tonight, Tonight

The second is a cover of the Squeeze’s Goodbye Girl sung by the Shins

There are a load more to download for free if you visit the Levi Pioneer Sessions Website

CS

Eminem’s back with his latest album and I’m liking what I’ve heard so far.

Whilst his biggest tracks have been those mixed with a bit of banter and comedy, I’ve always preferred the ones which were a bit rawer and had a great beat – think Way I Am and Lose Myself (both of which were still hugely successful). His new album Recovery, despite having quite a few cameos such as from pop princesses Pink and Rihanna, see’s Eminem start rapping again and has far less of his attempted singing.

One thing which is definitely noticeable his change in lyrics. There seems to be a lot more self deprecation and it’s like seeing a different side to Eminem. The first track I’ve posted is “Going Through Changes’. I wont lie, the only reason I was first attracted to this song was due to the Ozzy Ozbourne sample but the song itself shows a a fragile side to Emimem

The 2nd song I’m posting is the Rhianna one, “Love the Way You Lie”. This is pretty much the closest you’ll ever get to Eminem writing a love song. Granted he still talks about hitting girls, possibly a Chris Brown reference? But it’s still a nice track to listen to and unexpected.

CS

If you haven’t noticed its World Cup time. In 6 hours time its the cross Atlantic battle, England vs USA. Whilst the odds are stacked heavily in England’s favour, you can never dismiss an American team who are still within the top 20 teams in the world. With World Cups come World Cup songs and this year is no different.

Although in every Englishman’s heart there’s only one song (Three Lions), you can’t blame England for letting two of their hottest musical and comedic talents have a go at representing their country. This year Dizzee Rascal and Jame Corden are flying the flag for England with a rap/chant track. Dizzee raps over a blackstreet beat and Corden chants with a Tears for Fears sample. Unfortunately it doesn’t quite work. Although there’s no question that it’ll hit number one, it lacks the one thing that every football song needs, lyrics which thousands of beer swelled men, women and kids can sing at the top of their lungs. Dizzee can definitely rap better than John Barnes but the chorus just still isn’t Three Lions!

Across the pond, USA have handed the baton to Weezer. Those who follow River Cuomo might know that he’s a big football/soccer fan (see lover in the snow video below – brilliant), so it’s natural that he’d want to sing the USA’s football song. Where this song differs is that minus the intro with the obligatory football commentary sample (oddly commentated by a Englishman), the song isn’t really a football song. It could easily be found on the back of one of Weezer’s latest albums. Whilst it’s not your traditional football song you can still see it being played alongside a crowd of jumping and fist pumping American fans.

Have a listen and decide yourself. England vs USA, Dizzee vs Weezer. I know which one I’ll be backing.

Dizzee Rascal & James Corden – Shout

Weezer – Represent

My favourite song this week is the new single from British rapper Example. Due for release on the 13th June, this track will be a great summer anthem. Cant wait to get this one but as a double treat I’ve posted both the new single Kickstarts and a radio one live lounge cover of Ke$ha’s TikTok.

Example – KickStarts

Example – TikTok

Mystic Meg would have been proud. A while back I almost put a bet on Jessie’s Girl to have a resurgence and make it into the charts. If Journey can do it so can Rick Springfield. Whilst I wasn’t entirely right, the Glee cast still managed to push it into the top 40, not bad for a bit part song!

I’ve just been targeted with and ad from this band I had to share it. The Baseballs are the the sounds of Elvis, the Cheesiness of Cliff Richard but the lyrics of 2009/10. Listen to their new song, a cover of Rihanna’s Umbrella. Get your glittery pants ready for this one

CS

So England are finally world champions at something! Following the amazing Twenty20 World Cup win in the Windies I thought I’d post a Caribbean song with a twist. Bob Marley is without doubt the biggest artist to come out of the Caribbean (although Rihanna is probably giving him a run for his money at the moment) and Redemption song is one of favourite Marley tracks. Without wanting to blaspheme I’ve decided to post a version by Mr Johnny Cash and Joe Strummer. It’s actually a really good version, it probably doesn’t have the emotion of the original but the guitar is a lot cleaner and you can’t doubt that Cash and Strummer add something different.

Enjoy

CS

Vampire Weekend

I love when I come across a good cover. For me it usually has to:

1. Be a song I know and like

2. Have the artists take on it – no one wants karaoke

The following definitely falls under both categories. The only thing I can fault is Vampire Weekends inability to hold a high note. Have a listen to the their rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s Everywhere.

Came across this song whilst on one of my random youTube browses. The songs from the new Diesel video which promotes their spring summer range. Diesel are closely associating themselves with the song name “a hundred lovers” and by the looks of it Josep (the artist) is taking every opportunity to take advantage of the free press.

Have a listen below and check out the Diesel Range here

In case you’re interested in the way Diesel are showcasing their new range here’s their vid.

CS