soleil rare 26 - where's the 25 ?

The answer : banned. Suck it up. 

This time it goes with some weird and/or unexpected.

Lee Hazlewood - No Train To Stockholm. 

The title of this album finds its explanation in the recording place of this album by Mr. Hazlewood : Sweden. I don't exactly know why Lee Hazlewood chose to record there, but it obviously inspired him to compose a themed album. With such a voice, Lee could have been a country singer ; instead, he made folk music. This song is a nice ballad, filled with gentle drums, organ, bass and guitar. Maybe a flute also. 

Leonard Cohen -  Chelsea Hotel No. 2. 

Let's keep it in the same wave with Leonard Cohen, purely folk music. Recorded in 1974, this song showcases Leonard Cohen in conversation with his acoustic guitar, delivering his classic storytelling. For the story, the song refers to Janis Joplin ; Leonard Cohen revealed it, before regretting he did. A love story. 

Everything But The Girl - Goodbye Sunday. 

Being the 4th album of Everything But The Girl, "Idlewild" is mature enough to be a reference of the band. Released in 1988, it is filled with the duo's speciality, soft rock songs. Tracey Thorn's vocals are as relaxing as ever. A song to set the mood of the evening. 

James Blake - Once We All Agree. 

One day, James Blake will have to change his formula. I guess people will grow tired of it. But for the moment, it still works. A voice that sounds to be sent from the clouds, piano notes that sounds to be played randomly, weird sound effects behind to remind you that James Blake is a dubstep artist... "Once We All Agree" sounds like a revelation. You either like it or hate it, either get into it or find it stupid. 

J*Davey - Kill 4 Fun. 

Okayplayer introduced me to J*Davey and I thank them for it. Since I heard their cover of "Smell Like Teen Spirit", my interest for the duo grew even bigger. "Kill 4 Fun" is from their first album. It's on a rock mode. Well, rock mixed with electro music. Jack Davey tries a few words in French, or seems to, I don't know exactly. 

Laïka - Black Narcissus. 

At first, I wondered why the presence of the bass was so prominent on this song. Then, I realized Meshell Ndeogecello is behind it. So, that explains it. The bass contributes to the warm feeling that this song provides. It's jazzy, with a Benson-like guitar and the sweet voice of Laïka. Modern jazz at its best. 

The Nino's - Le Téléfon. 

The Nino's are a band that makes covers of French singer Nino Ferrer. "Le Téléfon" is a classic song from his repertoire. The cover is quite respectful of the original, even if it's not as good, of course. 

I guess that's the "weird" part of this selection. 

Kate Bush - The Kick Inside. 

I'm a proud owner of this one. "The Kick Inside" is the debut album of Kate Bush, released in 1978. With this album, the whole world got introduced to the unique universe of this artist, and to a beautiful voice. The production is mastered, and it's no wonder when you understand who's behind it.

With a two-year recording process, Kate Bush could only deliver the finest. Done. 

At first, I wanted to end this selection with a 20-minute song, but it would have been a bad idea. Go with this 8 songs.