It’s a big week for new music on mflow plus we’ve updated a few releases that we’re stuck in the pipe, a small glitch that is now overcome. The big guns are out …

Jay – Z Greatest Hits Collection Volume One

The undisputed heavyweight champion of the rap world

“Allow me to re-introduce myself ….” The minute . . . → Read More: New Releases: Jay Z, Take That, Kanye West, Massive Attack and loads more …]]>

It’s a big week for new music on mflow plus we’ve updated a few releases that we’re stuck in the pipe, a small glitch that is now overcome. The big guns are out …

Jay – Z Greatest Hits Collection Volume One

The undisputed heavyweight champion of the rap world

“Allow me to re-introduce myself ….” The minute you hear those words you know that this is one of the best ever best ofs! Jay Z is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the rap world, there are contenders both current and historical but when you line up a tracklisting like this, there can really be no doubt. An there’s no messing around – Encore, 99 Problems, Empire, Dirt Off Your Shoulder, Roc Boys … If you aren’t into this album and find yourself unable to marvel at probably the most important artist of our age then you need a hearing test immediately!

Recommended Listening:

ALL OF IT !!!! PSA. Encore, I Just Wanna Love You, 99 Problems

This album will be flowed in full from mflowhiphop this week.

Take That – Progress

Already the fastest selling record of the decade.

Already the fastest selling record of the decade. Robbie returns to his original musical family and immediately bags the lead on 5 out of the 11 tracks. It’s a great story more than a great record, there’s no big AOR singles that Coldplay would have cherished. This time its orchestration vs. electropop. Kind of like Gary had been listening to Rudebox and unaware that it almost halted Robbie’s inter-stella career path. It’s likely that the millions of people who have bought this record are sat at home waiting for a song that sounds like Patience or Rule The World. Still we all love a happy ending and doubtless the concerts next year will be spectacular.

Recommended Listening: The Flood, SOS

Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

A modern soul/hiphop masterpiece!

Kanye has returned from exile post MTV Awards with a modern soul/hiphop masterpiece! This was always going to happen. When he started dropping free mp3s every ‘Good Friday’ the writing was on the wall that this was going to be a big FU to all the doubters & haters. There’s a big batch of radio singles too, so expect this to run for the next 9 months! Right through next summer – Kanye for Glasto anyone? That would be an interesting announcement. He’s taken his several years of adversity and transformed them into excellent art. Well worth checking out.

Recommended Listening: Power, Runaway, All The Lights

Best Of The Rest

Tinchy Stryder – Third Strike: a decent uk urban offering, not in the same class as Mr Tempah, but certainly very worthy. Its also features a track with Giggs, Devlin, Tinie, Prof Green, Example & Chipmunk called Game Over – great it is too!

Jon Savage Presents Black Holee: California Punk 1977-1980: Writer of many a punk chronicle, Savage has assembles a collection of some fine tunes from the punk scene that was completely overshadowed by London and New York at the time. But if you are a greying punk rocker (and I know a few of  those), this is a must – have.

Kid Cudi – Man On The moon II (The Legend Of Mr Rager) – what a week for hip hop it is! Kid Cudi is leading a left of centre experimentalist charge on the genre and interesting stuff it is too. Dark, cloudy and oppressive in places but really cool all the same.

Diplo Presents Dubstep: Blow Your Head – 2010 is the dubstep year and super trendy producer & bloggers remixer dream turn has assembled a tough collection that will please fans of the genre

1 – Go to Wikipedia. Hit “random” or click here. The first random Wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.

2 – Go to Quotations Page and select “random quotations” or click here. The last four or five words of the very last quote on the page is the title of your . . . → Read More: How to: Make your band’s album cover]]>

1 – Go to Wikipedia. Hit “random” or click here. The first random Wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.

2 – Go to Quotations Page and select “random quotations” or click here. The last four or five words of the very last quote on the page is the title of your first album.

3 – Go to Flickr and click on “explore the last seven days” or click here. Third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

4 – Use Photoshop or similar to put it all together

Upload your album cover to our Facebook page and the picture with the most ‘likes’ will win £20 mflow credit to spend on tracks of their choice!

Has a record label ever been more cutting edge than Chess? Has a record label ever been more in the right time at the right place than Chess? Two white guys, Leonard & Phil Chess started it in Chicago in 1949 and dealt exclusively in Black American music. More specifically the dealt in the Blues, and . . . → Read More: A History of Chess Records (Part One)]]>

Has a record label ever been more cutting edge than Chess? Has a record label ever been more in the right time at the right place than Chess? Two white guys, Leonard & Phil Chess started it in Chicago in 1949 and dealt exclusively in Black American music. More specifically the dealt in the Blues, and they recorded some of the finest talent in the USA at a time of segregation. More than that though, they recorded the source code for rock ‘n’ roll that lead to a teen revolution in the later fifties. Chess artists became the inspiration for the British love affair with blues that produced some of our most famous bands like The Rolling Stones & Led Zeppelin.

In fact it was in 1948 that Muddy Waters released his hit tune ‘Rolling Stone’ that so inspired those English upstarts some 15 years later. Muddy was Chess first major blues artist and the consummate deep-south blues man who turned electric when the technology was in its infancy. By 1953 he was the leader of the house band that included Little Walter on harmonica, Jimmy Rogers on guitar, Elgin Evans on drums and Otis Spann on piano & songwriter Willie Dixon on bass. This is the ensemble that gave the world ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’, ‘I Just Want To Make Love To You’ & ‘I’m Ready’. Along with Howlin’ Wolf, they reigned over the Chicago blues scene.

Howlin’ Wolf was edgier! A dangerous man with an electric guitar. So many of his tracks became rock standards 2 decades later such as ‘Smokestack Lightning’, ‘Killing Floor’ (later renamed The Lemon Song) by Led Zeppelin & ‘Back Door Man’ covered by The doors.

And from there the list becomes endless; Memphis Slim, Sonny Boy Williamson, the legendary John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy & Jimmy Rogers to name a few. Chess also gave us the first lady of the blues Etta James, whose incredible voice laid the blueprint for soul that followed ten years later.

As the 1950s wore on, the blues morphed into a new up-tempo style personified by Chuck Berry whose guitar playing set the mould for Rock ‘N’ Roll. Bo Diddley also recorded for Chess in the same era. Whilst politicians argued over civil rights, the practicality of keeping black & white teenagers apart at those early rock n roll concerts was just too difficult to achieve. Other labels heard this new phase in music and jumped on board, this time the singers were white like Elvis Presley. The rest is history …

Mflowjazz will start the flows with a selection of blues tunes this afternoon … We’ll pick up the story of Chess in the 60s soul era later in the week.

Here we are stuck in a time of economic troubles; a time of cuts & conservatives. Maybe this will spawn a new type of music because in 1979, as the UK started the Thatcher decade, that’s exactly what happened!

This mini-musical revolution didn’t start in London, Liverpool or Manchester. No, Coventry was the birthplace of a label . . . → Read More: A Celebration of 2Tone]]>

Here we are stuck in a time of economic troubles; a time of cuts & conservatives. Maybe this will spawn a new type of music because in 1979, as the UK started the Thatcher decade, that’s exactly what happened!

This mini-musical revolution didn’t start in London, Liverpool or Manchester. No, Coventry was the birthplace of a label called 2Tone and for a brief period between 1979 & 1981 it dominated the UK’s airwaves. 2Tone grafted punk rock onto ska and brought a whole wave of bands into the public domain and gave us some of the most memorable singles of the period.

The brainchild of keyboard player Jerry Dammers, who also played in the band most synonymous with the label; The Specials. 2Tone had a distinct sound and captured the mood UKs youth bringing together punks, skinheads, rudies & mods.

And the hits came thick & fast; Gangsters, Too Much Too Young & A Message To You, Rudy by The Specials, The Prince by Madness, On My Radio by The Selector & Tears Of A Clown by The Beat. 2Tone artists could leave the label after just one single and consequently most did after getting a taste of success. This lead to its demise with the most notable number one single by The Specials; Ghost Town being the last the swansong (2Tone’s 17^th single release). They tried to continue but by 1985 it was all over and the world had moved on.

So the 2Tone star shone briefly but brightly but left us with some great tracks and the notion that starting your own label, creating a new sound & releasing brilliant music just might work! Mflowalternative will be flowing a whole of bunch of tracks from the ear later today.

Recommended Listening: The Specials, Madness – One Step Beyond, The Selector – Too Much Pressure, Ska Mania

Another week, another bunch of new albums and despite the time of year, there is plenty of great new music to wrap your ears around.

a distinctive voice and nifty turn of phrase

Coco Sumner has released some interesting singles throughout the year including the brilliant Caesar, her debut which was a . . . → Read More: New Releases Out This Week – I Blame Coco, Weezer, LCD Sound System & more …]]>

Another week, another bunch of new albums and despite the time of year, there is plenty of great new music to wrap your ears around.

I Blame Coco – The Constant

a distinctive voice and nifty turn of phrase

Coco Sumner has released some interesting singles throughout the year including the brilliant Caesar, her debut which was a blinding way to kick off. She’s inherited a distinctive voice and nifty turn of phrase from the old man and this outing, uses them to cool electropop effect. Whether this will raise Coco above the crowd remains to be seen. With Eliza going strong with her full out pop offerings & Clare Maguire coming in from left of centre next year. Let alone the big guns Winehouse & Duffy, coming into view; the area of solo females has never been more crowded. However, this is an interesting album and well worthy of spending some time with.

Recommended Listening: Caesar, Summer Rain, Only Love Can Break Your Heart.

Weezer – Death To False Metal

a complete must-have for people with even a passing interest in the band

This is a collection of rare Weezer tracks that haven’t previously been released. And on playing them through it’s very hard to wonder why! Despite these tracks spanning a career that started in the early 90s, its plays like a cohesive body of work and is a complete must-have for people with even a passing interest in the band. Strangest of all is the cover of the R&B standard ‘Unbreak My Heart’ done in power ballad style – very odd.

Recommended Listening: Turning Up The Radio, Blowing My Stack, Unbreak My Heart (if only for novelty value).

LCD Soundsystem – The London Sessions

available for one month only!

A special event release that coincides with their forthcoming tour, this is a 9 track offering from LCD Soundsystem that is available for one month only! All tracks were recorded ‘live’ in one day in a studio in South London on 26th June 2010. Grab it whilst you can as it’ll become folklore in years to come ;0)

Recommended Listening: ALL OF IT!!!

Best Of The Rest

Roll Deep ‘Winner Stays On’ – One of the big Xmas party records of the year in those town centre clubs across the land. You’ll find ‘Good Times’, ‘Green Light’ & ‘Take Control’ amongst the non-stop 4 on the floor grimy club action.

Smokey Robinson ‘The Solo Albums 2’ – is there anything better than listening to Smokey Robinson sing? This collection is delving deeper into his work so don’t expect the big Motown Hits. But do expect quality soul and that incredible voice.

Tradi-Mod Vs Rockers – If you are looking for something completely different this week, then this is the album for you. Tradi-Modern is an expression given to a current wave of Congolese musicians who have been incorporating electronica into traditional music. And it’s caught the imaginations of the likes of Animal Collective, Deerhof & Andrew Bird amongst other US ‘pitchfork’ darlings, who can be found duetting on this unique collection.

Oh… And there’s a new Susan Boyle album out …

Yet another interesting week of new artists, superstars & reissues that are in keeping with the time of year in music. There are some real goodies to listen out for so follow mflowfrontline to get best of the latest tunes flowed in full.

Devlin delivers lyrics packed with social observation & . . . → Read More: This Week’s New Releases: Devlin, Pet Shop Boys, Elliott Smith, Cheryl Cole & Many More]]>

Yet another interesting week of new artists, superstars & reissues that are in keeping with the time of year in music. There are some real goodies to listen out for so follow mflowfrontline to get best of the latest tunes flowed in full.

Devlin – Bud, Sweat & Beers

Devlin delivers lyrics packed with social observation & comment.

Ignore the cheesy title, the album from Essex boy Devlin is one of the gems of the current UK Hiphop scene. This is his first major label offering but his flow has not been toned down in any way. Therefore it runs very much against the trend of UK rappers dropping dance floor bangers. Instead Devlin delivers lyrics packed with social observation & comment. This is not a pop record, consequently you have to ponder this album in terms of commercial success but hopefully tracks like Runaway will see it through. In a time of recession, unemployment & cuts you have to wonder if people will want to hear it – let’s hope they do, as Devlin is head & shoulders above his contemporaries in terms of delivery.

Recommended Listening:

Brainwashed

Community Outcast

Our Father

Click here to buy

An Introduction To … Elliott Smith

A singer-songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist & the owner of a unique whispering vocal.

Its now 7 years since Elliott Smith took his own life. A singer-songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist & the owner of a unique whispering vocal. After a brief career in hardcore rock bands, Smith pursued a solo acoustic career, with his debut album coming out in 1994. He gained widespread recognition when his track Miss Misery was nominated for an Oscar as Best Original Song when it featured in the soundtrack for Good Will Hunting. Never the optimist, Smith fell into depression & addiction, culminating in his apparent suicide in 2003. He left the world a body of work, that combined dark themes with light romantic melodies to wonderful effect. You can’t help but feel that like Nick Drake, Smith’s work will be influential to generations to come. For those not familiar with his work, Domino Records have packaged up an introduction to his songs and brilliant it is!

Recommended Listening:

Waltz #2 (XO)

Miss Misery

Ballad Of Big Nothing

Click here to buy

Pet Shop Boys – Ultimate

One of the most successful singles band of the 80s & 90s

Freshly packaged up before the Xmas rush, you can now find everything great the Pet Shop Boys did in one place. One of the most successful singles band of the 80s & 90s, this retrospective has everything. They were camp, they were quirky and at this point, they are a British institution. Go and indulge your guiltiest of pleasures! Only question is why was ‘Rent’ omitted? Disgraceful!

Recommended Listening:

West End Girls

It’s a Sin

What Have I Done To Deserve This

Click here to buy

Best Of The Rest

Currently number one with Promise This

If the Pet Shop, haven’t satisfied your pop inklings, then Cheryl Cole has a new album out his week. She’s currently number one with Promise This and the album ‘Messy Little Raindrops’ is out this week.

The Temper Trap have a remix album out containing alternative mix versions of all the songs on ‘Conditions’.

On a harder tip, Diplo – King of the remix blogs has put together 16 tracks of dubstep nastiness – mind your bass bins when playing this!

N.E.R.D. are back with their first album in 3 years. ‘Nothing’ may lack a ‘Lapdance’ anthem and is more song – based than previous offerings.

Jamiroquai are also back after a very long sabbatical. Nothing has changed, still as funky as ever!

Here’s a quick run-down on the most popular tunes on mflow. These are the tunes you are recommending the most in the last 30 days … mflowfrontline will be flowing these in full later this week.

Kings of Leon #1 Most Flowed in October

20. Heart & I Robbie Williams

19. What’s In It For? Avi Buffalo

18. Goldust DJ Fresh

17. A Darkness Rises . . . → Read More: Most Flowed October]]>

Here’s a quick run-down on the most popular tunes on mflow. These are the tunes you are recommending the most in the last 30 days … mflowfrontline will be flowing these in full later this week.

Kings of Leon #1 Most Flowed in October

20. Heart & I Robbie Williams

19. What’s In It For? Avi Buffalo

18. Goldust DJ Fresh

17. A Darkness Rises Up Broken Records

16. Constellations Darwin Deez

15. My Rock ‘n’ Roll Dinosaur Pile-Up

14. Only Girl (In The World) Rhianna

13. Barbra Streisand Duck Sauce

12. Back Down South Kings Of Leon

11. Spanish Sahara Foals

10. I’ve Been Trying DJ Shadow

9. Perfect Stranger Magnetic Man feat. Katy B

8. Run With The Boys Carl Barat

7. Ain’t Nobody (Breakage Remix) Clare Maguire

6. Animal Rights Deadmau5

5. All The Eastern Girls Chapel Club

4. Miami 2 Ibiza Swedish House Mafia

3. Hands The Ting Tings

2. Shame Robbie Williams

1. Radioactive Kings Of Leon

Movember has rolled around again and those in the know, are currently taking their first baby steps on the road to Magnum PI glory. Those not in the know will probably be wondering why there has been a sudden spate of men walking around with the  first wisps of a mustache more commonly seen on 14 . . . → Read More: 8 great music mustaches – Celebrating MOvember]]>

Movember has rolled around again and those in the know, are currently taking their first baby steps on the road to Magnum PI glory. Those not in the know will probably be wondering why there has been a sudden spate of men walking around with the  first wisps of a mustache more commonly seen on 14 year old boys.

Movember is a charitable campaign that takes place worldwide every November in order to raise awareness for men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer. We think Movember is a great and we urge you to take part in anyway you can, to celebrate Movember here are 8 great music mustaches.

Lemmy – Motörhead

Irresistible to all women

The man who gave us the Ace Of Spades – is a legendary lothario. Now look closely at the picture above and ask yourself what is it that makes this men virtually irresistible to all women, that’s right! It’s his mustache, and that’s why he’s on the list. The mustache/mutton-chop/wart combo is a hard one to pull of but Lemmy does it. And in style.

Frank Beard (aka: the other one) ZZ Top

Frank Beard seen here on the right

Ironically for a band more well-known for their beards than their music, the only member of the band not to sport a beard, is drummer Frank Beard. Perhaps in some sort of protest at his surname, Frank has instead opted for the Swedish porn star plumber just come round to fix your pipes look, and we think he carries it off. Oh no…his top has got wet…

Jesse Hughes – Eagles of Death Metal

mustache + cheque shirt + aviator sunglasses = slightly camp.

Lead singer of the Eagles of Death Metal and sporting a fine mustache that any man would be jealous of, is perhaps most famous for having his band called the “Pigeons of Shit Metal”, by Guns N’ Roses front man Axl Rose after they opened a show for Guns. Proving Jesse has a sense of humour he recently got a tattoo which reads “Pigeons of Shit Metal” emblazoned on his arm. Jesse also proves the old adage mustache + cheque shirt + aviator sunglasses = slightly camp.

Frank Zappa

None but the most foolhardy have dared to attempt to rival his mustache.

Great, talented, a musical visionary, with a style of facial hair as rare and his extraordinary abilities whilst many have tried (and failed) to rival his musical prowess, none but the most foolhardy have dared to attempt to rival his mustache.

Michael Jackson – how Ebony magazine imagined he would look in 2000

Ebony magazine got it slightly wrong...

Ahh the 1980s – simpler times, games system were 8-bit, music came on tape, and Michael Jackson (too soon) was black. Back in 1985 Ebony magazine gazed into their crystal ball and looked forward to 2000 where they imagined that Michael Jackson a future in which MJ would sport a mustache. And an afro nourished with soul-glo. They got it slightly wrong but, what a mustache. What a talent.

Axl Rose – Guns N’ Roses

Axl Rose doesn't care what you think. Or how your going to get home after a show.

Some may say that Axl Rose looked strange with a beard. Some may say that Axl Rose looks even stranger now with just a mustache. Some may say that Axl Rose should re-adopt the iconic clean-shaven style that he sported in the 1980s and 90s. Fortunately for the purposes of this column, the only opinion to which Axl Rose gives any heed is his own.

Derek Smalls – Spinal Tap

Admired the world over for his mustache.

Mr. Burns has no facial hair. Indeed, he is so repelled by the mere site of side-burns that Don Mattingly felt compelled to shave part of his head when he played for Burn’s softball team. And yet famed bassist Derek Smalls of the seminal British heavy metal band Spinal Tap is admired the world over for his mustache. Now, we’re not saying that Mr. Burns and Derek Smalls are the same person, however, the cast credits for ‘This is Spinal Tap’ raise some questions in our mind.

Freddie Mercury – Queen

Freddie mocked everything for which Gillette stands

A music journalist once referred to Freddy Mercury’s voice in interviews as a combination of a well-schooled British civil servant, and an eccentric aristocrat. Not exactly the image that you want to present when you’re the frontman of a rock n’ roll juggernaut. The solution – a mustache to shame even the most ostentatious stalin-wannabe. While it mocked everything for which Gillette stands, it gave Mercury all that he needed to distract attention from his softly-spoken demeanour (and his oftentimes unflattering apparel).

This week in 2004, the music world was shook by the sad news that John peel had passed away at the age of 65. Peel represented new music like no other radio DJ ever could. His Radio 1 career spanned 5 decades and throughout that time, his shows always reflected the cutting edge of new . . . → Read More: John Peel – 6 Year Anniversary of John Peel’s Death]]>

This week in 2004, the music world was shook by the sad news that John peel had passed away at the age of 65. Peel represented new music like no other radio DJ ever could. His Radio 1 career spanned 5 decades and throughout that time, his shows always reflected the cutting edge of new & alternative music. Therefore it is only fitting that mflow marks the anniversary with a selection of Peel Flows!

Peel started at Radio 1 in 1967 and during his time he became the champion of brand new genres, most notably punk, reggae, psychedelia and later, electronica & dance music. Peel was also famous for his ‘Sessions’ which brought new bands into the BBC to record 3 live tracks, something that happens across a large number of shows at Radio 1 nowadays. Artists included Led Zeppelin, Joy Division and Orbital. Famously, John Walters his producer didn’t go with Sex Pistols as John ‘Rotten’ Lydon didn’t look like the type of child you’d let near the scissors in class.

During the 1980s, John Peel was a regular presenter of Top Of The Pops and the voice behind many an advert. He also famously moved to ‘Peel Acres’ a thatched cottage in Suffolk and its from there that many of Radio 1 programmes in the latter years were actually recorded. He also became a regular face at the Glastonbury Festival, introducing much of the BBC’s coverage. After his death, the Festival changed the name of the new bands tent to the John Peel Stage.

Peel will forever be synonymous with discovery new music. Therefore, all afternoon mflow alternative will flow John Peel’s millennium top 50 favourite tracks – look out for the hashtag #johnpeeltop50

US singer-songwriter & Long-time advocate of mflow; Lauren Pritchard finally releases her debut album, ‘Wasted In Jackson’. Its a soulful affair that, in the fullness of time, will sit alongside Carole King & Laura Nyro, whilst drawing influence from the soul great like Aretha Franklin. Pritchard . . . → Read More: New Releases Lauren Pritchard, Elvis Costello, and more]]>

New Releases Week 25th October 2010

Lauren Pritchard – Wasted In Jackson

US singer-songwriter & Long-time advocate of mflow; Lauren Pritchard finally releases her debut album, ‘Wasted In Jackson’. Its a soulful affair that, in the fullness of time, will sit alongside Carole King & Laura Nyro, whilst drawing influence from the soul great like Aretha Franklin. Pritchard has had a spell on Broadway, befriended Lisa Marie Presley and partnered with the songwriter behind numerous Duffy & Adele tracks. However, it’s with Marcus Mumford that she really shines out on this album with the extraordinary ‘When The Night Kills The Day’, easily one of the songs of 2010 and a former number 1 most flowed tune on mflow, where it was made exclusively available in March of this year.

Click Here To Buy

Elvis Costello – National Ransom

Costello is almost gaining status as national treasure. A true survivor and thoroughbred member of our musical royalty. He’s moved a long way from the angry yound man of the punk era but still retains his edge. It’s the lyrical dexterity that has always made Elvis so special and National Treasure demonstrates his ongoing talent in abundance. This is essentially part 2 of Secret, Profane & Sugarcane and is produced by T Bone Burnet, who also produced the new Elton John & Leon Russell album, ‘The Union’ also out this week. Go with the Costello record, the songs are better!

Click Here To Buy

Broken Records – Let Me Come Home

In this time of major artist release and best of (see also ‘Olympia’ by Bryan Ferry & a strong of ‘Album Classics’ reissued by Sony from the likes of Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis & Sly & The Family Stone), there is a brand new band for you to check out. Take a listen to the 4AD signed Edinburgh sextet, Broken Records. Its grown up stuff, vocals are a cross between The Associates & Editors and the backing is epic.

Click Here To Buy

Best Of The Rest

There are also cracking new tracks out this week – mflow recommends:

Devlin – ‘Runaway: The Essex rapper hits his stride. Devlin, unlike so many of his contemporaries is keeping it real with his tales of what Mike Skinner once described as “Deep – seated urban decay”. Look out for the labum as his delivery is the best in class currently.

Swedish House Mafia – Until One: You just can’t go wrong with this album is banging house music is your thing. The Scandanavian team put a selection of dancefloor bombs.

The Frank & Walters – The Clock: Reformed and back on form. The Irish indie legends are back with their first music in 5 years.