AWmusic

2006’s Public Warning was Lady Sovereign’s introduction to the music world. At the time, Jay Z backed her on Def Jam. Missy did a remix with her on her hit Love Me or Hate Me. Fast forward to end of 2008, Lady Sov’ is on her own with no big label behind her, announcing on her MySpace that she will releasing her sophomore album Jigsaw on her own EMI distributed label “Midget Records”.

In April, Lady Sov released her album Jigsaw. Overall, the album is very different from Public Warning. Aside from her voice, she’s grown up quite a bit. I guess her difficulties in the mainstream industry did quite a number on her personality. She is still the rebellious and quirky character, but her topics are different. She’s no longer rapping about the hardships of everyday life, growing up or proving herself as a rapper. She’s now talking about the complexities of her personality, her likes/dislikes and just having a good time.

The progression on the album is quite evident. For one, the beats are more garage and electronic, which refines her sound more. Second, she sings on some of tracks, including the title track Jigsaw. So Human borrows from The Cure’s Close To Me, giving the track a more pop feel. The leading single I Got You Dancing has a very catchy chorus, a more evolved mainstream track than Love Me or Hate Me. And, the beginning of Food Play sounds straight out of a Snoop Dogg album.

I wouldn’t call this a ‘great’ album, it’s okay (maybe 6.5/10). But, it’s definitely an improvement from the last and good enough for me to continue to looking forward to her work and believing in her potential. I think the same of Lady Sov and Lily Allen. If they continue along the path of self-discovery and self-challenge (particularly in music), once they’ve gotten a full grasp of themselves as people, they can produce and release potentially great music.

Lady Sovereign – I Got You Dancing

Lady Sovereign -So Human

Lady Sovereign – Jigsaw

Track Listing
1. “Let’s Be Mates” – 3:20
2. “So Human” (Lukasz Gottwald, Benjamin Levin, Robert Smith) (based on an interpolation of “Close to Me” by The Cure) – 3:56
3. “Jigsaw” – 3:32
4. “Bang Bang” – 3:22
5. “I Got You Dancing” – 3:33
6. “Pennies” (Gottwald, Levin) – 3:05
7. “Guitar” – 3:32
8. “Student Union” – 3:05
9. “Food Play” – 5:13
10. “I Got the Goods” – 3:01
11. “I Got You Dancing” (Semothy Jones Remix) (iTunes bonus track) – 4:06

Lady Sovereign’s I Got You Dancing, featuring lots of dancing, vogueing and a green face. I forget how short she is at 5′1, until I see her next to other people.

I love remixes. I enjoy the process of taking one idea, cutting elements from that idea and forming your own interpretation. It’s exciting to find new remixes of songs I already enjoy, a blend of familiarity mixed with the giddiness of something new. I am however also completely aware that many people think the direct opposite of me, a belief that somehow the integrity of the original has been destroyed. To each his own I guess.

I’ve started receiving submissions from artists via this website and I have to admit, most don’t really peak my interest. Last weekend was a different story. I got an email from an dj/producer that goes by the name of la ZEBRA and I was about to pass him by when I noticed that beautiful word “remix”. Intrigued, I went on to download his remix of Matt & Kim – Daylight. I was instantly hooked. The catchy piano riff grabbed me and had me stuck on repeat for three to four listens in a row. This 19 year old California native is sure to make some waves soon, so keep an eye and ear open.

I’ve always been a fan of electronic music, since the days of early rave culture, but have recently been getting deep into electro house and bassline breaks. For the last couple months I have been an avid listener of Annie Nightingale on BBC Radio 1. If you haven’t heard her show on Friday nights, it’s a 2 hour collection of the newest tunes from these genres.

After my introduction to la ZEBRA I continued on my ever evolving hunt for good remixes, then earlier today I came across a new version of a Little Boots single called ‘New In Town’ on the NME website. This sparked an idea….. A little Saturday night dance (re)mix party for all of you. A collection of driving beats and bass that makes you shake what your momma gave you.

For those of you jaded by the idea of a remix, sorry. I’m sure you’ll find something else on this site that will peak your interest.

For the rest of us… Let’s get this party started.

Little Boots – New In Town (Drop The Lime Dub)
Lykke Li – Little Bit (Villains Remix)
Ladyhawke – Paris Is Burning (Alex Metric Mix)
Sebastien Tellier – Kilometer (A-trak Dub Mix)
Matt&Kim – Daylight (la ZEBRA Remix)
Lady Sovereign – So Human (JoolsMF Remix)
MGMT – Electric Feel (Justice Remix)
M.I.A – U.R.A.Q.T (Konrad Remix)
Notorious B.I.G – Party and Bullshit (Ratatat Remix)
Does It Offend You, Yeah? – Epic Last Song (Jack Beats Remix)