The Maroon Cafe

Matt & Kim :: Release Video For Daylight (Official) & Tracklisting

// October 31st, 2008 // No Comments » // News, Video

Green Label Sounds favorite couple Matt & Kim have released there unusual video for “Daylight” the energetic single from there forthcoming debut, I guess if you cater to there newly demographic consisting of tweenagers then this is for you. Full of that crossover appeal Mountain Dew/Pepsi was aiming for, we’re sure that this will be a hit for the duo. Grand is set to be released in January, we have the tracklisting after the click.

(more…)

Teedra Moses- Overlooked & Underrated

// October 30th, 2008 // 1 Comment » // Listening Section, News

Looks like another year has passed and my Teedra Moses fix has yet to be fulfilled. Remembering the days when we had solid R&B albums such as Complex Simplicity seems to be a thing of the past. I never really understood why or how an artist of such susbstantiality would benefit of off a shite label (IMO) such as TVT.  Your return to the current “plastic music scene” is greatly needed, and time will tell if she’ll have a similar story to the plethora of overlooked artists currently starring in “R.L.L” (Record Label Limbo).  Maybe just maybe “The Young Lioness” will see the light of day, until then we’ll have to settle for a reach inside the vintage files of Ms. Moses.

Teedra Moses- Caught Up

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Slug, Verbs and Murs Freestlye (Video)

// October 30th, 2008 // No Comments » // Video

Slug, Project Blowed’s Verbs, and Murs, drop a freestyle at The Basement in Columbus, Ohio. Not the greatest freestyle, but at least you know they are coming off the top of their head. Unlike a couple of rappers last week who were involved in the art known as an improvisational form of rapping (aka a cypher)

Dan Black Launches First Official Single :: Yours (Video)

// October 30th, 2008 // No Comments » // Video

Dan Black the man who put his own twist on the solid cover of the classic (to some) Biggie Smalls tune “Hypnotize”, is ready to break free from the land of coverville and introduce himself as an official artist, with his latest effort (video) and first single “Yours” from his upcoming debut. Seems like the new year will be full of fresh faces striving for that mainstream crowd, and Mr. Black might just be the black sheep of that bunch.

Estelle feat Sean Paul – Come Over (Video)

// October 29th, 2008 // 3 Comments » // Video

Hands down our favorite summer track to come out in the fall,  Come Over, has finally gotten a video.  This Lil X directed video features UK London-bred songstress, Estelle, with dancehall vet, Sean Paul playing a cat and mouse game with each other.

Emmy The Great :: On Your Folkwatch For 2009

// October 29th, 2008 // No Comments » // Listening Section, Video

While 2008 could be considered a year of maturation for some (more on that in a few months) it was also the beginning of what some would call “The New Folk Revolution” starring Fleet Foxes, Laura Marling, Noah & The Whale, Bon Iver, Johnny Flynn & a guest appearance from Mumford & Sons. Now with a lineup like that there is really no need to satisfy my folk fix anymore or is it? All artist previously stated carry there own and could have a lead role any day, however the time has come to discover a potential inductee into that revolution.

Enter Emma Lee Moss or Emmy The Great if you prefer, the Hong Kong native who later emigrated to London, has become a staple in the underground indie folk scene. Notably known for her collabs with Lightspeed Champion, Jamie T & Juno soundtrack princess Kimya Dawson, emma has a distinctive vocal ability yet speaks lyrics of blunt truth & harsh reality.

You have to admit that the cute face with a guitar scenario is becoming a little too repetitive if you ask me, but you must admire an artist who has a honest delivery such as herself. Now unlike most sites who hear an artist for the first time and hail them as some sort of virtuoso, I’ll hold off a bit on a full ride inside the Emma The Great hype machine. In the mean time here’s a brill cover of the pixes “Where Is My Mind” with a bonus live performance of “Easter Parade” from the CMJ festival after the click.

Emmy The Great- Where Is My Mind

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

(more…)

Emonifela: The voice of a poet and the future

// October 28th, 2008 // No Comments » // Listening Section

Looks like the DC/Philly area wants to give – wait for it- Brooklyn a run for it’s money when it comes to talent.   Fresh off the Can A Sista Rock A Mic Festival, (check video of her performance after the jump) DC’s 17-year-old phenom, emoniFela, is a someone to be on the lookout for. 17? Can we get a birth certificate? Her lyrics and voice transcends her years.

According to her bio, emoniFela influences run from Coldplay to Fela Kuti (notice the Fela at the end of her name). We went to emoniFela’s MySpace page and got our hands on a few tracks. From what we’ve heard, we feel like we are listening to the future of (as emoniFela calls) ‘Exotic Hip Hop.’ So those keeping track at home if you mix Coldplay and Kuti, ya’ll get something called similar to this. We don’t know about that, but we do know this girl has a bright future ahead of her.  Sit back and listen to emoniFela’s biblical doctrine , ‘Black Isis.’

emoniFela – “Black Isis”

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

emoniFela’s Official Page and MySpace Page

(more…)

Last Shadow Puppets Perform At The Philharmonic Hall

// October 28th, 2008 // No Comments » // Video

While anticipation increases for another effort from Sheffields own Arctic Monkeys, Alex Tuner & Miles Kane (Last Shadow Puppets) stopped by The Electric Proms Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool last week to perform some of there songs from there stunning debut, The Age Of The Understatement. Here’s a cafe favorite and one of the most subtle tunes in recent years “My Mistakes Were Made For You” accompanied with the lovely sounds of the Symphonic Orchestra. Although the version is stripped down tremendously and in raw form, it’s still worth the price of admission in the for your viewing pleasure aisle.