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Music Monday reviews
Live's music writers have been busy reviewing the hottest new releases. Read on for the downlow on Kid Cudi, Kid Sister, Tenny Ten and Pearl and The Puppets. Writers: Scarlett Stewart, 15; Emil Ahmed, 16; Daniel Spinola, 22; Itiya Smith, 16; Kerrie Braithewaite, 19.
Kid Sister
Ultra Violet
Fool's Gold/Downtown Records
Kid Sister represents with another good album that covers all bases but is mostly electro hip hop. It features Estelle, Kanye West, Cee-Lo and DJ Gant Man, and the Chicago rapper and singer does really good to mix up her vibes. Best track? Right Hand Hi because of its club vibe. But then with producers including scratch DJ A-Trak, dubstep geezer Rusko and other big club names like Sinden and Herv, what do you expect? (EA)
Hybrid
Disappear Here
Distinctive Records
Hybrid are Welsh producers who have made a mix of very old school instrumentals and vocals. It sounds like country music trying to get modernised with a bit of vocals. You get the feel of a countryside producer and some tunes sound like rock being forced to go a bit slower so people can get what they're about. Let's face it, it's not my style of music but maybe it can take over your speakers? (EA)
Oddisee
Travelling Man
Mellow Music
Washington DC born MC and producer Amir 'Oddisee' Mohamed brings forth an inspiring 24 track LP to the streets. With an impressive passport stamp collection he managed to create this instrumental hip hop masterpiece in 24 cities! Blimey! Oddisee fuses sounds from all corners of the globe from Rio to Brixton, including vintage synth energy and impressive samples. Open your mind and enjoy this laid back, educational head-banging candy. Highlights? 'Miami' and 'Tokyo'. (DS)
Tenny Ten
Oh My Dayz
Unknown
Tenny Ten's debut single is an upbeat tune that is definitely for the clubs. Not only does it have a funky beat but the catchy hook 'Oh My Dayz', will almost certainly be stuck in your head for a long time. The Wolverhampton MC and producer has previously released a mixtape 'Ghetto Brick Road' which made people notice his unique lyrical style. If you like anything between Dizzee Rascal and Skepta, then you're bound to LOVE this track. (IS)
Kid Cudi
The Pursuit Of Happiness
Universal Motown
Cleveland born rapper Kid Cudi seems to be taking hip hop in a different direction from the stereotypical heavy bass, programmed drums 'bop your head' beats. Instead his new seems to be rather indie/electro. Not for hardcore hip-hop lovers, I'd say more for the dance floor of a rave peopled by Basshunter and Cascada. As a hip hop lover myself I can't help but feel that Kid Cudi jumped on the David Guetta/Calvin Harris dance phenomenon that other artists like Kelly Rowland, Dizzie Rascal and Akon have made millions from. (SS)
Young Money Ft. Lloyd
Bedrock
Universal
Young Money and his clique are taking over the radio waves. That means a whole lot of Wayne, Gudda, Minaj, Drake, Tyga and Millz and in the case of this, a rocking tune. It is taken from the album We Are Young Money and features R&B idol Lloyd and is a massive hit. Basically Bedrock adds the Fred Flinstone side to this track. Check it - it'll definitely make your bed rock. (EA)
Pearl And The Puppets
Because I Do
Island Records
Pearl And The Puppets are one of the newly signed bands on the scene. Although the band's music is more of folk-pop theme it is debatable as through their latest album, you can hear many influences of past genre's such as rock, jazz, soul and even at times R'n'B. Pearl, aka Katie Sutherland, sounds like a blend of Catatonia's Cerys Mathews and Alanis Morrissette except sweeter, softer and exceptionally pleasant. At 22 years old the young singer has immediately been signed to Island records and constructed a band that couldn't have more chemistry. An accent has never flowed more perfectly with a bunch of melodies, as Katie's celtic-styled vocals gives the band the cherry on top of a handful of perfect musicians. 'Because I Do' is an album no summer would be complete without. Each song has been beautifully composed giving you that feel good from music vibe, whilst Katie's songwords are both extremely truthful and will occasionally have that hint of humour, whether your looking through rose coloured glasses or suffered a recent heartbreak, this will bring a smile to your face. Unlike those of a pop genre melodies are beautifully unpredictable, changing in the ways you least expect. The songs can't help but put you in a good mood, without buttering you up. Truly a good purchase, you wont regret it. (KB)
Kid Sister
Ultra Violet
Fool's Gold/Downtown Records
Kid Sister represents with another good album that covers all bases but is mostly electro hip hop. It features Estelle, Kanye West, Cee-Lo and DJ Gant Man, and the Chicago rapper and singer does really good to mix up her vibes. Best track? Right Hand Hi because of its club vibe. But then with producers including scratch DJ A-Trak, dubstep geezer Rusko and other big club names like Sinden and Herv, what do you expect? (EA)
Hybrid
Disappear Here
Distinctive Records
Hybrid are Welsh producers who have made a mix of very old school instrumentals and vocals. It sounds like country music trying to get modernised with a bit of vocals. You get the feel of a countryside producer and some tunes sound like rock being forced to go a bit slower so people can get what they're about. Let's face it, it's not my style of music but maybe it can take over your speakers? (EA)
Oddisee
Travelling Man
Mellow Music
Washington DC born MC and producer Amir 'Oddisee' Mohamed brings forth an inspiring 24 track LP to the streets. With an impressive passport stamp collection he managed to create this instrumental hip hop masterpiece in 24 cities! Blimey! Oddisee fuses sounds from all corners of the globe from Rio to Brixton, including vintage synth energy and impressive samples. Open your mind and enjoy this laid back, educational head-banging candy. Highlights? 'Miami' and 'Tokyo'. (DS)
Tenny Ten
Oh My Dayz
Unknown
Tenny Ten's debut single is an upbeat tune that is definitely for the clubs. Not only does it have a funky beat but the catchy hook 'Oh My Dayz', will almost certainly be stuck in your head for a long time. The Wolverhampton MC and producer has previously released a mixtape 'Ghetto Brick Road' which made people notice his unique lyrical style. If you like anything between Dizzee Rascal and Skepta, then you're bound to LOVE this track. (IS)
Kid Cudi
The Pursuit Of Happiness
Universal Motown
Cleveland born rapper Kid Cudi seems to be taking hip hop in a different direction from the stereotypical heavy bass, programmed drums 'bop your head' beats. Instead his new seems to be rather indie/electro. Not for hardcore hip-hop lovers, I'd say more for the dance floor of a rave peopled by Basshunter and Cascada. As a hip hop lover myself I can't help but feel that Kid Cudi jumped on the David Guetta/Calvin Harris dance phenomenon that other artists like Kelly Rowland, Dizzie Rascal and Akon have made millions from. (SS)
Young Money Ft. Lloyd
Bedrock
Universal
Young Money and his clique are taking over the radio waves. That means a whole lot of Wayne, Gudda, Minaj, Drake, Tyga and Millz and in the case of this, a rocking tune. It is taken from the album We Are Young Money and features R&B idol Lloyd and is a massive hit. Basically Bedrock adds the Fred Flinstone side to this track. Check it - it'll definitely make your bed rock. (EA)
Pearl And The Puppets
Because I Do
Island Records
Pearl And The Puppets are one of the newly signed bands on the scene. Although the band's music is more of folk-pop theme it is debatable as through their latest album, you can hear many influences of past genre's such as rock, jazz, soul and even at times R'n'B. Pearl, aka Katie Sutherland, sounds like a blend of Catatonia's Cerys Mathews and Alanis Morrissette except sweeter, softer and exceptionally pleasant. At 22 years old the young singer has immediately been signed to Island records and constructed a band that couldn't have more chemistry. An accent has never flowed more perfectly with a bunch of melodies, as Katie's celtic-styled vocals gives the band the cherry on top of a handful of perfect musicians. 'Because I Do' is an album no summer would be complete without. Each song has been beautifully composed giving you that feel good from music vibe, whilst Katie's songwords are both extremely truthful and will occasionally have that hint of humour, whether your looking through rose coloured glasses or suffered a recent heartbreak, this will bring a smile to your face. Unlike those of a pop genre melodies are beautifully unpredictable, changing in the ways you least expect. The songs can't help but put you in a good mood, without buttering you up. Truly a good purchase, you wont regret it. (KB)
