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“When The Fire is Low” from Radio Africa
While listening to their first single — “When The Fire is Low” off of the new album Radio Africa — I begin to remember all the wonderful things I love about that place. Go there if you get the chance.

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“Doo Be Doo” from Nomvula

This is another one of my favorites. Enjoy.

Freshly Ground July 14th is a post from: KZSC Santa Cruz

Stay Gold is amazing too. Listen to them.

Robyn is the best female voice in pop music today. And I am here to convert you if you believe otherwise.

There are few artists where I will get up in arms and on a soapbox defending (or defaming- Ke$ha and Uffie, I’m looking at you.) Why does this tiny Swedish woman with a couple of early 90′s hits inspire so much vehemence and hopeless stanning from an otherwise calm person? Oh, dear reader, I will tell you why. And I will outline it in three points.

1. She makes you FEEL THINGS, man.

“Pop music” is a genre that ties together disparate voices and sounds around these central tenants: catchy hooks, modern technology, and songs with themes of romance. Robyn has all of those in droves, but there’s a certain quality to her voice that is undeniable. It is packed with such raw emotion that a simple song about a relationship ending is not just a lament: you believe her and ache with her when she sings. Her acoustic songs are her forte, and they swell and soar over simple piano tracks or yearning string orchestras. But nothing, NOTHING can top this song, where you keep yourself from drowning in waves of heartbreak by dancing your heart out.

2. Her lyrics

I am a lover of pop, but it is not a perfect genre because there is a certain predictability about its lyrics: heartbreak, new love, pretty boys and girls and parties abounds. Robyn takes those concepts and makes them fresh and exciting, even a bit edgy. How many times can you say you’ve heard a sweet female voice sing this?

If your man ain't no good
Come on over to my neighborhood
We can jump in the sack and I'll jack u off

If you're tired of the masturbator
Little girl, we can go on a date
And if you like, I'll jack u off

With Robyn, we hear surprisingly compelling stories about fembots, dancehall queens, robotboys and requests for black and female popes and an end to papal celibacy (I’m serious. We’ll talk about this later.) She is tongue-in-cheek and playful, but can sweep you up with unexpected depth. It’s great.

3. Her collaborations are amazing.

What do Royksopp, Yelle, and Snoop Dogg have in common? They all have made amazing songs and collaborations with Robyn. I think this is the time for me to stop dithering and let the music speak for itself.

Robyn’s 3-album collection comes out this year! Body Talk, Part 1 is in stores now. Body Talk, Part 2 will be released in early September, but the single, Hang With Me, is out now!

Collaboration with Royksopp

Robyn – “U Should Know Better” (Featuring Snoop Dogg) by Some Kind of Awesome

I run this thing like a dancehall queen. is a post from: KZSC Santa Cruz

This love interest goes by the name of Gigi – a project by Nick Krgovich of No Kids. This album is the perfect Spring-time album (there’s some sun, so there’s nothing wrong with some faux-spring songs). Think of the glories of 60s pop, including the great girl bands and coordinated opera gloves, plus the beauties of Belle & Sebastian’s bedroom floor pop. If you like She & Him, if you like Phil Spector, and if you like Jens Lekman, this album is 100% for you. Not to mention the huge amount special guests (really, each songs got a back up worth loving). To name a few: Mirah, Karl Blau, and Owen Pallett. Yes, our favorite beautiful voice ocean pop lovers. My top tracks that you should alllll look into:

“No, My Heart Will Go On”, “Everyone Can Tell”, and “Some Second Best”. Get on it!

The newest music love interest! is a post from: KZSC Santa Cruz