When Daft Punk goes a cappella, could Kanye West be “strongest”?

Needless to say, we all know how talented Kanye West is. As a mutli-platinum Hip-Hop producer, rapper, songwriter and an artist, he has proved himself more than adequate and confident to what he is doing. Each time his refreshing take-on of old stuff always rocks the world, from big band sparkling classic “Diamonds Are Forever” to the latest groovy remake of Daft Punk’s anchor piece “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger”. Even Daft Punk themselves showed up on the stage of Grammy with him, what more can you say?

Nevertheless, what I am trying to get to here is not about Kanye West, it’s about THE SONG. Can you imagine to perform this dancy tune through A Cappella? Yes, people already did that before Kanye West made it into a synth rap mega hit. I was on my break of finishing my homework and accidentally found this on YouTube. Suddenly I had difficulty to figure out my preference between single mastermind or group power.

What have I missed? The Brits Awards 2008

Once again, the Brits proved itself to be way more fun than Grammys and American Music Awards, except that period when Robbie Williams has won 5 years straight.

Just checked the nominations for 2008: we have Arctic Monkeys and Mark Ronson for British Albums, we have Bat For Lashes and Kate Nash for Female Solo, we have The Klaxons and Mika for Breakthrough Act, and shockingly but not so over that Take That nominated for album, single, group and live act, while popular Leona Lewis has also 4 nominations. You realize this annual party actually invites everybody, no matter you are mainstream pop idols or twisted indie bands. It appears so dazzling that you would actually think this awards are truly diverse and generous!

Somehow if you compared it to last few years which has been dominated more throughly by indie and rock band, this year is definitely a return of pop. And also, this list indicates once again the profit of record selling has its way into the award surly. While the “academy” chooses the winners for us, do those voted categories by BBC audience and Sun Bizarre column readers really reflects the quality of music? Or it is just another result of powerful brainwash exposes and commercials flooded by mainstream record companies?

Smiley editor Alex Needham in London wrote something interesting about the nomination this year. Read it here.

One small part may be more intriguing to find out is the winner of Critics Choice 2008. Highly praised by DJs of BBC, Adele sings soulfully with folky tune, seeping an overage maturity. This is “Chasing Pavements”.

Adele’s MySpace.

And back to my opening paragraph, what I really missed the Brits this year is the collaborations of The Klaxons with Rihanna, and Mika with Beth Ditto as the opening act! Why bother thinking about the righteousness of awards, let’s watch shows!

Fun Cover: Nelly Furtado “Crazy” (Gnarls Barkley)

Sometimes a good song only takes a good voice and simple instrument to bring out the beauty. Nelly Furtado is definitely one of the most characteristic female vocalist at present. Don’t ever forget how she stunned the world with “I’m Like A Bird” in 2000. “Crazy” of Gnarls Barkley is no doubt one of the most exciting track in 2006. And from BBC Jo Whiley’s Live Lounge, it was presented, the new cover of 9-weeks UK #1 single from this 5-Junos winner.

I like this acoustic version. Or maybe this song is just too brilliant to be covered no matter how. And follows is the offical sound studio footage from Universal Music. I love her singing like this!

Indie Invasions

2007 destines to be a marvelous and exciting year for indie scenes. In January, The Shins‘ Wincing The Night Away debuted at No.2 on the Billboard 200, and now we have another phenomenon.

Eagerly anticipated sophomore album, Neon Bible, from this Montreal-based new hot sensation, Arcade Fire, just likewise embraced an amazing No.2 on Billboard, for 92,000 copies moved in its first week. It seems their international tours and live gigs pulled a massive growth of huge devotees over the world. Even the Weekly Top Chart of Last.fm is overwhelmingly taken over by this 7-piece band. Awesome!

Neon Bible comes in standard edition and special edition. The later contains one cardboard box with 3D cover art (a neon bible, of course), a booklet with lyrics (context arranged as Bible, you will know what I mean) and 2 flip books designed by the band. Compared to their 2004/2005 debut The Funeral wrapped in only paper case (not saying the quality is not good though), this is really extravagant to own. I think we probably should thank Mercury UK for its distribution. But, to support the indie label Merge Records, please purchase it here.

Related news can be found on Pitchfork and CMJ. To find out their promo tour schedule, please go here.

Check out their brilliant live performance of “Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)” on Later with Jools Holland (BBC).

Queen Bjork release Volta in May

I was just thinking about the answer when people ask me, “who is your favorite artist?” then I saw this title on my personal start page.

Icelandic alternative queen Bjork, my all-time favorite, is going to release her latest studio album in May. “Volta” is the name. 10 songs produced by herself and guest list includes infamous hip-hop producer Timbaland (he DOES produce everyone!), two African artists, and a Chinese pipa player(!!). It is extraordinarily surprising to know that after Medulla which has Japanese collaborator, now Chinese tradional instrument will have its place in her music. Exciting!!

Thorough information please check her official website here.

For warming up, let’s review one of her best singles “Pagan Poetry”, live in Riverside Church, New York, 2001.