Lately jams have been coming from some unexpected sources, and I love it. Thanks to all of you who have sent in some of your favorites. And as always, we love hearing new jams, so if you want to highlight a favorite artist or song, send us and email or click the link above to drop off a jam for us. Here are a few new ones we've gotten:
Jaya The Cat-Closing Time:
This jam was sent to us by a fan on Soundcloud, and I’ve had it on repeat since. I knew nothing of the Amsterdam-based band until I checked out their site, and although the past nine years has been seriously tumultuous for the band, with only the main vocalist remaining from the original trio, Jaya The Cat seems like they’re making music as dope as their name. “Closing Time” has an upbeat rhythm and an infectious guitar hook, but its cheerfulness is muddied by more melancholy lyrics, an interesting juxtaposition that surprisingly works. The band is carried by the amazing voice of the lead singer Geoff Lagadec. Gravelly and forceful, Geoff’s voice reminded me a lot of Smidge Malone of the Stumblebum Bass Band, and sounds at home talking about the painfulness of having to let something go.
Toodar-Toy
Toodar is a new band from London that’s been together for a little over a year and their first single, “Toy,” features detailed guitar picking in a gloomy sea of electronic ambient noises. Leads singer Tom laments about being played with, about being dragged around, about being used, like he is someone’s plaything. “Toy” plays on the metaphor throughout, and is marked by resignation and defeat. Although not my favorite, “Toy” has an interesting sound and a great video, which you can find here.
Playing For Change-One Love
I love this. I saw the original a while back, and think these have a great message and an unbelievable sound. Taking mainly unknown musicians, while often throwing in the more famous name (like Keb-Mo), the Playing For Change website features street musicians singing some of the world’s most famous songs. As you can see in the video, each part is recorded individually, and through awesome engineering, the various parts come together beautifully. It’s hard not to feel a little fuzzy seeing this. All the individual artists shine with their respective parts, but the combined effort glistens. It’s clear that everyone had a great time making this and the other videos on the site, and the smiles on the faces of the Sinamuva Choir tell all you need to know about this wonderful project. People coming together, making good music. I like it.
