XOXO

 Top of the Pops 4

 

This is a last minute replacement for the group scheduled for today. As this is very much a work in progress, I'm changing things up. I was going to share Ms. John Soda today. They are very deserving. But I felt that this was the time in this musical journey to pull out one of the big guns. This release in & of itself reassured me that the present musical scene still provides exceptional musical talent. If you want to find something new to enjoy, you won't go wrong starting here. 

 

The xx is an English indie pop band from Wandsworth, London, formed in 2005 now consisting of: Romy Madley-Croft - guitar & vocals; Oliver Sim - bass & vocals; & Jamie xx (Smith) - beats, production, keyboards. They have only issued three full-length releases since inception but all have been fantastic. Although their first self-titled is probably my sentimental favorite (it went on to win a Mercury Prize in 2010 for the best album released in the United Kingdom by a British or Irish act) I See You is without a doubt their most brilliant (rated #1 in the UK & #2 on the Billboard 200).

Their soft guitar, prominent bass, & ambient soundscapes create a compelling blend of musical genres, mixing indie pop, electronic, indie rock, dream pop, electro-rock, R&B, & lo-fi  seamlessly. Their music is both sparse & minimalist while being lush & textured. This is the truly Top of the Pop. 

 

The xx - I See You, Young Turks YTCD161, 2017.
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Dangerous
Say Something Loving
Lips
A Violent Noise
Performance
Replica
Brave for You
On Hold
I Dare You
Test Me

bonus tracks -
Naive
Seasons Run
Brave for You (Marfa demo)

Take me to the ICU,
NØ