GBSTL SOUND: The Songs Behind The Blog

These are just some of the songs behind the blog-- where the world quasi-hipsterness comes from. --GB

The Cool Kids were "it" in the hipster heyday of 2008-2009. Special favorites included "Black Mags," "88," and "Mikey Rocks"off of the Cool Ass Ninjas mixtape ("Gold and a Pager" too). I especially liked "Action Figures" for it's potency. The Chicago duo is now a part of Green Label Sound, with When Fish Ride Bicycles under their belt, and with Sir Michael Rocks putting out solo mixtapes every so often (listen to his latest album/mixtape "Lap of Lux" when it drops at 3PM EST), and Chuck Inglish doing the same, also doing the producing thing.

This video shows the essence of Esperanza Spalding's appeal, stripped of the big concert hall stages and elaborate outfits. It's just talent. Her self-titled album Esperanza had a few favorites, including "I Know You Know," and this one "Cuerpo de Alma (Body & Soul)." This up  above is the English version. I also like "Really Very Small" off Chamber Music Society. Really good, pure, music.

This is a relatively new one that I like. The video is all over the place, and I've got to admit that I still have watched it multiple times and love it. Even when they match they do not match. It's called "Love Me" from UK's Stooshe, and their charisma and energy overshadows order. Wouldn't give a second thought to why Nicki Minaj chose them to open up for her on her UK-leg of her tour this year.

I like the doo-wop swing too. UK is good with that.

More to come!!

VIDEO: Esperanza Spalding, "Crowned & Kissed"

Esperanza  Spalding has produced quite a statuesque video for "Crowned & Kissed," off of her Radio Music Society drop a few months prior. Dressed in black garb, her and her dancers produce a tribute to a king sans diamonds and pearls, but not crown. And it's not just eros she's discussing, "This song is about the unsung royalty in your life, men and women who quietly, every day do the mightiest, most honorable things. Although they may not end up in castles or with great riches and power, in the eyes of those who love them, they most certainly are mighty and regal." 

Salute.

VIDEO: Esperanza Spalding "Radio Song"

Pissed? Stuck in traffic? Kid just threw a toy at ya? Feeling like you need a pick me up? Call upon Esperanza Spalding, whose visuals for "Radio Song" will bring a smile to even the infamous Ebenezer (Scrooge, that is).

Off the album Radio Music Society, out now!

Propers-Concrete Loop

Esperanza Spalding Album Preview "Radio Music Society" and LISTEN TO THE ALBUM!

Esperanza Spalding is back again, this time with her newest contribution, Radio Music Society. It’s not exactly what you’d expect coming from the pouffy bristled singer, but let’s say the name says it all.

While this is an album sporting more popular and R&B influences, and contribution in production from Q-Tip, one couldn’t help but notice the conflation—songs about the news, the ups and downs of that old four letter word, and the personification of a cinnamon tree show Esperanza’s versatility. She could’ve crooned “Strange Fruit” on this album, too, if she wanted to, but amidst the shock value is a purity that only Esperanza can deliver.

Do you want to know what to expect when Radio Music Society drops on Tuesday, March 20? And/Or you want to LISTEN to the album yourself and get your two cents in? Those two things for you after the jump….. Flick that switch and read on.

NEW! Esperanza Spalding and Algebra Blessett Video: Black Gold

Esperanza Spalding - Black Gold (feat. Algebra Blessett) from Concrete Loop on Vimeo.

The ever-so-talented Esperanza Spalding and ATL's own Algebra Blessett have released a new video to "Black Gold." The song will be on Esperanza's latest album, entitled Radio Music Society, slated for a release of March 20.

One of the highlights of the supporting actor dialogue in this video is when one boy says, "Today we learned about Africa, and tomorrow we're gonna learn about Rome."  ???

Propers-Concrete Loop.