A favorite around the cafe in the beginning of this early year, Tinashe releases a new track entitled Mayday. Even though we prefer the acoustic version of this song [here], we can’t be mad at Tinashe for spicing up the song a bit. The more fans Tinashe reaches the better. Which version do you guys prefer?

Tinashe’s EP Mayday hits stores this March 1st [UK]

Tinashe – Mayday

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Ever since we played Driis‘ aka Idris Elba track, Private Garden [here], we been getting a lot of good feedback from readers. Well we have another tune from Driis, this one is entitled Rise Up. His EP, High Class Problems, Vol 1, is dropping February 8th. [here]

Driis – Rise Up

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Driis [Official Page] [MySpace] [Twitter]

It’s been a while since we posted a Throwback track.  This week’s and the last one of the year goes to Tricky.  Definitely a pioneer for Trip Hop with the likes of Portishead and Massive Attack, but a catalog that doesn’t stack up with the other two.  Tricky’s most memorable tune is Hell Is Around The Corner, which is off his 1995 album, Maxinquaye.  The album flew over my head when I was a little lad, but after going back in the crates and giving it a solid listen over the years it gets spins around the Cafe.  Which is why it made the retro tune of the week.

Tricky – Hell Is Around The Corner [Download]

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Melanie Fiona’s third and final video from her Subway Series takes place in London.  Ms. Fiona performs outside on the the legendary Abbey Road and Island Records (label of legendary reggae artists) 50th Anniversary Exhibit.  The two tracks she performs are Ayo and Walk On By.

The Bridge is available via iTunes today, and in your record stores tomorrow.  (Legally) Download and support or Go out and support!

Melanie Fiona traveled to New York, London, and Canada equipped with a camera and her lovely voice.  She went to various landmarks in the respective cities to perform in the subway.  Her first stop, NYC.  Watching this video, I smiled the whole way through (especially the last performance).  Melanie Fiona is an artist in every sense of the word.  This is what  she was destined to do.  You get that feeling every time you watch her sing or perform.  We might have to pick up five copies of Ms. Fiona’s album.

London D is currently two for two when it comes to introducing new artists to my roster, add The Temper Trap to that collection. I recently got a chance to listen to there solid album “Conditions” which still continues to be played daily and the Aussie quartet are quickly becoming one of the most talked about bands this year. Here’s there recent video for one of the more upbeat tracks on the album “Fader,” Conditions is in stores now.

Now that we’ve gotten our hands on The XX’s self titled album, we have a lock on their sound.  It’s a bit of dark, post-punk, 80’s influenced, with a hint of R&B.  What’s insane is that all these guys are in their early twenties.  What we like about these groups that are coming out, such as JJ and The XX, it’s more about music and not their bio.  Granted, The XX went to The Elliot School in London (same school that gave us Hot Chip and Burial), but they make it easier for us to do what we like.  And that’s report on music and not gossip. Check out our favorite track, Islands off their self titled album.

[Last.FM] [MySpace] [Official Page]

The XX | Islands

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London Hip hop songstress Speech Debelle surpassed our favorites Bat For Lashes & Florence and the Machine last night to take home the Mercury Prize award for her album “Speech Therapy.” Here’s what she had to say about winning the prestigious award.

“I feel so good. It feels better than I imagined. My family’s here. My friends are here. I’m from south London I don’t get emotional — I’m emotional,” the 25-year-old said at the ceremony in London. “This proves if you believe in something and you think you can do it, you can achieve it.”

Congrats and check out this list of all the nominees she beat out!

Golden Silvers are the latest installment in our rarest finds catalog.  Hailing from London, this three piece set is creating quite a buzz with there single ‘True No.9 Blues” (True Romance) which draws eerily comparisons to an early Clash sound.  Definitely another band to keep an eye out for in the coming months.  As we continue to move to this tune, somewhere Joe Strummer is smiling.

Golden Silvers- True No.9 Blues (True Romance)

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Fanfarlo is a London based group formed by Swedish musician Simon Balthazar. The seven piece set are sure to continue there growing buzz as the months continue, plus touring with Snow Patrol should help. While some may question there similar Clap Your Hands And Say Yeah sound, the band is fun and full of energy, equipped with melodic sounds that eventually grow on you. There latest single “Luna” is every bit of loveliness, I’m usually right on the money with my artists, expect a growing craze by years end.

Fanfarlo- Luna

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