Brendan Benson - The other guy in The Raconteurs

Here's another artist that I first discovered from watching a movie. Benson's song "Tiny Spark" from his 2002 album Lapalco got on the soundtrack for Along Came Polly (2004). I found out it was an artist named Brendan Benson, and that he is awesome.

Brendan Benson is now a guitarist/vocalist in the super group The Raconteurs, but before that journey began he had already released 3 solo albums from 1996-2005. And when you give his stuff a listen you'll instantly discover the flavors that have been mixed with Jack White's (White Stripes, Raconteurs) writing to give The Raconteurs their unique sound.

Benson's first album One Mississippi didn't do so well, but it is just as great as his latter, more successful albums Lapalco and Alternative To Love. Check out all of them. I enjoy all the music equally. Any powerpop lovers should definitely love Benson, as many of the songs from his first two records a co-written by Jason Falkner, who played guitar with Jellyfish for their first album Bellybutton.

Powerpop is a definite influence in Benson's writing as well artists like the Beatles, Paul McCartney, The Who, and Electric Light Orchestra. Hes pop, and hes rock. A Rolling Stones describes very accurately that "Brendan Benson writes pop songs for an alternate universe, one where hits are still forged out of crisp guitars and Beatlesque backing vocals."

There has been announced a fourth solo record due out in 2009 and is being produced by Gil Norton whos produced bands like the Foo Fighters, Pixies, and Counting Crows. "The album is rumored for an August 2009 release." Until the new album, there is some newer material on MySpace from Benson to hear including some songs formed from collaborating with singer Ashley Monroe.

Myspace

The Primitives

They emerged in the mid to late 80's from the UK and ended after 1991, most notably leaving behind the top 5 single "Crash", which you've heard if you've seen Dumb and Dumber. "Crash" is a great song, the first one I heard from the band, but it only lead to a passion for most of the Primitives' catalog. I'm a fan of many rock and pop bands with female vocalists, i.e. No Doubt, Letters To Cleo, Blondie. The Primitives vocalist Tracy Tracy has such a nice soft voice that fits perfectly with the guitar chord based structures in the songs. The electric guitar played a lot of arpeggiated guitar leads and chords similar to the style of R.E.M.'s Peter Buck, with most of the hooks being in the vocal melodies. Picture light-hearted soft pop/alternative/rock that is catchy, simple, and fun.

They released 4 studio albums during their career, but I suggest starting out with one of their greatest hits compilations if you are into rock bands with female vocalists, 80s music, especially indie 80s.

The Primitives Fan Site | Short interview from 1988 | Buy greatest hits

Lily Allen - "It's Not Me, It's You"

A beautifully smooth and innocent voice singing sassy and honest lyrics create a fun sound in pop music. Lily's not afraid to speak her mind. The British singer/songwriter released her second studio album in February with "The Fear" becoming her second #1 single in the UK. There are many moods to the album including electronica tastes "The Fear" and "Back To The Start" to the jazz loops in "He Wasn't There", all with vocal melodies and lyrics that keep you interested until the songs are over. The contrasting moods of her fun melodies and sometimes bratty lyrics sung by a sweet, soft voice are appealing. "The Fear" contains words which inspire deeper thought, while "Not Fair" somewhat comically speaks of a great boyfriend who's only lacking in one aspect of the relationship. Much respect to a pop artist who is writing their own songs.

Check out Lily's official site where Remixes are available for to listen to that fans have submitted. Buying a copy of her new record allows you to access exclusive mp3 clips of individual tracks from the recordings to encourage remixes. Click here.

Official Site | MySpace | Tour Dates

The Noisettes - "Wild Young Hearts"

Unique. Evolving. Amazing live show. With a single that peaked at #2 in the UK driving the recently released second full length album, "Wild Young Hearts", its a great time to check out a band that can re-invent themselves while keeping their intriguing unique identity. From London and started in 2003, Noisettes are led by Shingai Shoniwa who brings beautiful vocals, solid bass lines, and an awesome energy on stage. Dan Smith's sick guitar solos and catchy riffs with the drumming of Jamie Morrison complete the Noisettes.

The charts prove that the new release is more mainstream friendly than their debut album "What's The Time Mr. Wolf?" that was released in early 2007 and had two singles that only got a small taste of the UK charts. Extensive touring followed their debut album in Europe and in the U.S. with bands such as TV On The Radio and Bloc Party. I got to catch the Noisettes open for TVOTR in August 2007 in at the Mercy Lounge in Nashville and both bands rank high in my favorite live performances that I've ever seen.

"What's The Time Mr. Wolf" has more punk and rock influences with driving bass and sweet rocked out guitar solos, highlighted by songs like "Don't Give Up", "Sister Rosetta (Capture The Spirit)", and "Scratch Your Name". Its a great listen with plenty of parts to head bang to. The new "Wild Young Hearts" strays from that style by being more pop and just showing a different set of influences. The songs "Never Forget You" and "So Complicated" are reminiscent of early Motown hits, while "Beat Of My Heart" remind me of some classic 80s pop rock. Shoniwa has a sensual soultry voice and she's been compared to Billie Holiday, but she'll also belt out a fun and raspy shout at times.

Some great bands like the Noisettes show up on UK charts but not on any in the US, so keep an eye on the UK charts now and then. Here's a favorite from the first album, and links to stream both albums and an EP.

Wild Young Hearts | What's The Time Mr. Wolf? | 3 Moods - Check out "Signs"