This week on Jamie Cullum’s BBC Radio 2 show, he features UK soul singer Alice Russell, producer and musician Quantic, and their full band the Combo Bárbaro in session at the BBC Maida Vale Studios. They play tracks from their first full collaborative album and one of Jamie’s favourite releases of the year so far, Look Around The Corner.
You can listen again on BBC iPlayer until Tuesday 30th May.
2012 has been such a strong year for music (so far) that we thought our chart this month should feature a selection of some of our favourite releases of the year to date.
Andrea’s choice…
Classics of Love – ‘Classics of Love’ (Asian Man Records)
“First full-length album from ex-Operation Ivy singer Jesse Michaels. I love his voice and it’s so good to hear him singing new material – I’ve been waiting for this for years.”Listen to the album here.
Paul’s choice…
Django Django – ‘Hail Bop’ (Because Music)
“I love the album but the track ‘Hail Bop’ is the perfect spawn from a sun-soaked Beach Boys indie sound clash with the electronic overtones from an old Aphex record.”
Karen’s choice…
Quantic & Alice Russell with the Combo Bárbaro – ‘Look Around The Corner’ (Tru Thoughts)
“Love this album!!! The best bits of both of them, makes you excited for summer.”
Rachel’s choice…
Hot Chip – ‘Flutes’ (Domino)
“I love this track – a definite grower! I’m always impressed by how Hot Chip manage to up their game with every album, and this is getting me excited for the next one.”
Eliza’s choice…
John Talabot - ‘ƒIN’ (Permanent Vacation)
“This debut album came out in February and was so optimistic of the good weather ahead! Serious Spanish summer music!”
John’s choice…
Clark – ‘Secret’ (Warp Records)
“From the new album ‘Iradelphic’. A great tune this one – heavy duty dubsteppy beats, Latin overtones and haunting vocals courtesy of Martina Topley-Bird. Clark travelled all over the world for this album, gathering audio and going in search of inspiration. With this track the air miles definitely paid off.”
Jim’s choice…
Neil Cowley Trio – ‘Lament’ (Naim Jazz)
“2012 has been an amazing year for jazz albums so far with Gregory Porter second ‘Be Good’, Portico Quartet’s eponymously-titled third and E.S.T.’s ‘301’. But the opening track from Neil Cowley Trio’s latest ‘The Face of Mount Molehill’ is the one I can’t stop playing… just a very beautiful and moving piece of music, simple!”
