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WINDY CITY TIMES
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Pop Making Sense
2006-04-19
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This article shared 2155 times since Wed Apr 19, 2006
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BY David Byrne
with Tony Peregrin
People have been inquiring about the song from the Diet Coke commercial, where a gorgeous brunette goes to a barber shop to get a haircut. The dance beats thump over guitars riffs, resembling George Thorogood, the song is 'Ooh La La' by Goldfrapp—not to be confused with the Coolio song of the same name. Knowing the band's fondness for kitsch, the guitar sample could very well be lifted from Doc & Medics' or even Nina Hagen's remake of Norman Greenbaum's classic 'Spirit in the Sky.' Pulled from Goldfrapp's third album Supernature, 'Ooh La La' was released as a single abroad last year with remixes by Teifschwarz and Benny Benassi. Videos for songs 'Number 1' and 'Ride a White Horse' are artistic masterpieces, resembling the '80s favorites that inspire their sound. Often compared to Madonna, lead singer Alison Goldfrapp and keyboardist Will Gregory dish out sexy yet cold electronica. Because of Goldfrapp's avant-garde style, some have even referred to Madonna as Oldfrapp. Alison keeps everything in stride and even jokes about a tabloid rumor having her romantically linked to Bjork. Capable to translate their sound onto stage, the Bath duo released a live DVD, The Wonderful Electric, consisting of two concerts from London.
Another group insists that forthcoming solo projects do not mean an imminent breakup. After a live show in L.A., Dr. Dre approached Floetry singer Marsha Ambrosius, offering her a solo contract on the spot with him producing her solo bow. This may seem like a great contrast between Dr. Dre's hip-hop sound and Floetry's more soulful work. Along with the other half of Floetry, Natalie Stewart, Marsha has scored a writing credit behind Michael Jackson's hit 'Butterfly.' The duo's latest, Flo'Ology, is out now on Geffen Records and the duo is still touring.
Since St. Etienne's concert at the Metro, people have been asking about the opening act Venus Hum. The Nashville-based trio often has been described as Julie Andrews meets Bjork ever since its debut Big Beautiful Sky busted out in 2003. One listen to the standout track 'The Bells' will have this comparison ring true. Accompanied by keyboardists Tony Miracle and Kip Kubin, lead singer Annette Strean fancies an adorable pixie haircut and cat glasses. This would be more fitting for Lisa Loeb's kid sister, rather than Kate Bush's musical counterpart on an acid trip. Fittingly, Venus Hum also collaborated with the Blue Man Group covering Donna Summer's 'I Feel Love' on the painted performance artists' album The Complex. Last year Venus Hum released the EP Songs for Superheroes.
After a very public stint in rehab, Junior Vasquez returns in fine form with his Centaur debut, the Winter Party CD. Having worked with some of the most prominent women in music, including Madonna, Kristine W. and k.d. lang, Vasquez knows his divas. Proving this, the seventh installment in the Winter Party series opens and grabs the listener's attention with 'Stupid Like U' by Fanatic featuring Deborah Cox. Junior keeps the Winter Party going year long with dance floor favorites by Jason Walker, Amuka, Simone Denny and Destiny's Child. These high energy songs will help anybody conquer a cardio workout or get ready for a night out.
Still can't get enough dance music? The release of Master C&J's compilation, Can't Get Enough: The Classics and More, brings back memories when house was just coming out and the eve of freestyle's reign on the airwaves. Master C&J ( Carl Bias and Jesse Jones ) teamed with singer Lisa Torres for some great dance songs filled with attitude. Known for their wild live shows, in particular here in their hometown as well as in New York City, Torres even dubbed herself the supreme 'Queen Bitch' of the gay, Latin, Black, urban underground club scene. Anthems like 'Can't Get Enough' and 'Mind Games' really forged the path for freestyle and house music.
Chicago's Kathy Greenholdt and the Edsel Brothers offer a unique twist. Having sung back up before for other artists, Kathy wanted to write her own songs and pick up playing the guitar. Most artists out there have been honing their craft since their twenties or teenage years; Kathy felt this urge at 38. Her husband, Paul Coady, who also doubles as the group's guitarist and engineer, taught her some chords before Kathy enrolled at The Old Town School of Folk Music. Now working on her third album, Kathy currently is in the process of writing more songs, wanting to record again soon. On the band's second effort, the song 'Little Man' challenges those who oppose same-sex marriage. Kathy sums it up by reflecting, 'I don't understand why people can't let other people be happy. If you are against gay marriage, then don't marry somebody who is gay.' The title track 'Wisdom Days' and 'Dark, Dark Hours' are other strong points on the set. The former is a pure Americana rock song that could only stem from the Midwest, while the latter is hauntingly personal, showing Greenholdt's knack as a songwriter. The band's music is available through cdbaby and at kathygreenholdt.com .
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This article shared 2155 times since Wed Apr 19, 2006
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