We felt the need to lean on Radio 1 resident club guru, Gilles Peterson for some background on tonight's Hottest Record. What we found out was that the artist Joy Orbison has musical heritage, seems to fit into one of several categories in club at the moment, but is regarded by many to be a new flavour of the incredibly exciting dubstep movement. Equally at home on dancefloors as it will be across radio, this is a credible crossover club record. Enjoy and the spread the word.
One of the great re-inventions of 2009, Ben 'Mr' Hudson can finally enjoy the release of his new album 'Straight No Chaser'. Almost unrecognisable in comparison to his debut, this record is modern electro soul. It sounds like a natural evolution from the likes of Kanye and La Roux. Kicked open the doors to mainstream with their keytars and raw emotions, Hudson adds a little more swagger to this scene. The guy is smooth. And with added Kid Cudi, this track is bonafide Hottest Record.
Something super tough in the HOT dept tonight. A rough slice of dubstep from Breakage with Newham Generals on the mic and David Rodigan's wisdom on the breakdown. It's just rough and rugged and seems to be right in line with the excitement building around sub bass at the moment. Newham Gen's tour with Dizzee Rascal in October and David Rodigan should be seen at all costs. New Hudson tomorrow.
Not much info on this band at the minute. Something to do with Bon Iver and some friends. This song Island, Is is one the most amazing songs of the year. Part electronica, part folk, all soul. Highly recommended.
Hmmm... What kind of a mood are the Foos in this time? For one of two new songs on thier forthcoming Greatest Hits, we find Grohl & Co. in classic rock mode. Wheels is about as perfect an example of Tom Pettyesque american rock as you can get. I love it. But then that's predictable. The Greatest Hits is more than just a collection of singles in chronological order. As Dave pointed out to us earlier, it's a musical document that traces a 15 year journey that has more twists and turns than you may think. Great Band, Greatest Hits!
For an artist who took so long to give us music under his own name, it seems to be a situation that Thom Yorke is now relishing. This week, alone, we got wind that he'll appear on the movie soundtrack 'Twilight New Moon.' And now we get a brand new limited Edition 12" to enjoy...out today and already hard to come by. A sign of things to come now Radiohead have finally stepped off the road. The video apparently features footage of some of Banksy's most famous art. Good taste all round.
Alice In Chains rock. Always have done. I was worried the new songs, their first in 14 years, would lack the urgency they had during the rollercoaster they were on with original and now sadly deceased singer, Layne Staley. No need for alarm. The album is great and tonights Hottest Record proves that. Proper heavy and melodic, this is the return of the heavy stuff. Enjoy.
Julian Casablancas; He from The Strokes, has hit us with a bit of a curve ball here...I honestly wasn't expecting a solo album from the man any time soon. But, low and behold here it is. Called 'Phrazes For The Young' - It is by all accounts a rather electronic effort, but judging from first single Eleventh Dimension, it's a good one. Still want a Strokes record though. They are ready to record apparently. In the meantime, enjoy.
Such is the power of the Twilight movie franchise, that even respected and seasoned indie royalty like Death Cab can't resist the allure of the undead. This is a great Death Cab moment that sounds like it should, given its place as first single from New Moon. If loyal fans ever complained about this band's lack of international success, they shouldn't for much longer. By rights, this will introduce a brilliant band to a bigger audience. And isn't that good news?
Not exactly brand new music tonight, but our early enthusiasm for Passion Pit's instant hit 'Little Secrets' hasn't dampened its appeal over time.
Now ready for release, this sounds like a perfect summer hit. Just in time for Autumn. That said, the band were festival favourites this year. Hopefully we will find them with new songs and a larger audience hungry for them next summer.
Jay Z sure knows how to release a record. Street level leaks to lead up promo time and a leaked album and number one single means anticipation for Blueprint 3 could not be bigger.
We decided to launch its run as our Album Of The Week with a Hottest Record tonight. One of the many creative collaborations and a good day in the studio for Luke from Empire Of The Sun. It's a strong start to a brave album that will divide some old school fans but will set him up for any direction in the future.
UK Hip Hop whizkids The Nextmen lower the BPM on the brand new 'Round Of Applause'. Featuring regular collaborator Dynamite MC, its a good time run through a classic sample and plays to their loyal following brilliantly. The album, 'Join The Dots' is great. Check it out.
Big Snoop Dogg is back etc. After this year's collaboration with UK producers Chase and Status, he's turned back to the dark side. Delivering a heavy slice of West Coast hip hop. As one listener pointed out tonight, it sounds pretty grimey. New album 'Malice N Wonderland' is due out December, but for now celebrate a classic MC who's still sounds hungry.
Muse Night... New Music...New Muse.... Erm... Enjoy!
Chase and Status. Busy guys. In between collaborations with Jay Z, Rhianna and gearing up for their first full scale UK tour, they've been working in the movies. Another team up with Plan B, this time for a movie called 'Harry Brown'. As always the beats are tough, but the rest of this song, appropriately titled 'End Credits' is pure cinematic subtlety. I should write movies. Or not...
It was never going to stay sealed this Jay Z album. The overwhelming anticipation alone would suggest it would leak somewhere down the line ahead of release. Good news for us really. Means we can run with 'Empire State of Mind' ahead of schedule.
Let's be honest, New York isn't the most original subject matter for a song, however if anyone can breath any new life into the Big Apple - it's Jay Z. And Alicia Keys' turns in a brilliant performance making it easily today's hottest record.
Big tunes need BIG remixes. Laidback Luke is clearly aware of this fact. This is HUGE. Almost in two parts. The dark 808 led club banger and the synth riff heavy rave anthem. Both work perfectly. This is a gift to all DJs and listeners late in the summer. Stream for
7 days.
