Leather Mix 1

Yeah, yeah. I know. This is a round one review and is months late. . . sorry. Round Two review will be done tomorrow.

Big thanks again to leatherdykeuk.

Saber Dance – Vanessa Mae

I wasn’t familiar with Vanessa Mae before hearing this and it’s a fun introduction to her. The main part of the song feels like it is a bit of classical music that I recognise, but I’m not smart enough to remember what it is. . . There’s a hint of gypsy around the edges.

Natachia Atlas – I put a spell on you.

The Screaming Jay Hawkins version of this song, is one of my all time favourites, but this is a really fantastic cover. Strong rhythm, Middle Eastern vibe.

Elvis Crespo – Suavamente

It is impossible to listen to this song and not want to jump up and start salsa dancing. I’m a sucker for this sort of music. Makes me happy.

Bond – Gypsy Rhapsody

I didn’t know Bond before this. It amuses me-- the move to make classical music hip, young and sexy. (See also Vanessa Mae)

I like it.

Gypsy Kings - Bamboleo

The Gypsy Kings are another huge favourite of mine.

I saw them in concert, god, maybe five years ago. My friend Nanci had a Rosh Hashanah party at her house and my gay boyfriend Scott and I were some of the token gentiles in attendance. We pigged out on food, enjoyed amazing company and then in the evening, drove to the Greek Theatre, which is a lovely amphitheatre in Griffith Park (near where the recent fires in LA were). We were on our feet dancing the entire time. It stands out in my head as one of those perfect warm Autumn Los Angeles days, good friends, good food and fantastic music.

Nina Simone – Feeling Good

There are certain things that if someone doesn’t like, you know there is a high statistical chance that there is something seriously wrong with them. Nina Simone is one of those things. If someone doesn’t dig Nina, I suspect they have sold their soul. I’m guessing a few of us feel the same way.

This song is kick ass.

Dead Can Dance – Severance

Didn’t know them. Languid, eerie, mysterious. . . I’m not sure if they are my cup of tea, but I think I want to check more of their stuff out.

Darude – Sandstorm

I have a sudden urge to take E, pop a pacifier (dummy) in my mouth and wave glow sticks around while I dance like a crazy white girl.

I like to visit this kind of music, but I can’t live there the way some people do as it would do my head in.

Diva Ost – Aria From La Wally

I don’t know if I am reading the handwriting correctly for the play list. La Wally?

Lovely opera song. I’m not familiar with it, but she has a clear strong voice.

Portished – Glory Box

Ooooo I likie. It reminds of something that you would hear on KCRW late at night. Doing a quick bit of research, last.fm says that “they are an important part of the trip-hop scene.”

American White girl scratches her head. Trip-hop?

The folks at wikipedia tell me, “Trip hop originated in the '90s in Bristol, England, during a time when American hip hop was taking over Europe's music industry. British DJs decided to put a local spin on the international phenomenon and developed hip-hop into a different style, marking the birth of trip hop. The originators in Bristol developed hip-hop with a laid-back beat (down tempo). Bristol hip hop (trip hop's predecessor) is characterized by the emphasis on slow and heavy drum beats and a wide open sound that draws heavily on acid jazz, Jamaican dub music and electronica.”

Very nifty stuff. I need to check out more of it.

Loreena McKennitt – Mystics Dream

Another of favourite of mine. Mystical and continues with the gypsy theme.

Moroccan Spirit – Moroccan Soul

New-agy Moroccan electronic. It’s nice and chill and interesting. Don't think I could listen to an entire album of it however.

Dead Can Dance – Yulunga

2nd track from them. Interesting stuff. I think I really like them. The vocals are wordless and remind me of a muezzin doing The Call To Prayer. There is something about this group that is spooky- in a good way.

Philip Glass – Kuru Field of Justice

I’m not super familiar with Glass’ work. Some of his film soundtracks, yes, but I don’t own any of them. This song, I discovered with a bit of research is from his opera Satyagraha. It’s nice. . . but it really didn’t pull me in.

Overall, a lot of really interesting songs that connect together with a gypsy, Latin mystical vibe. Some of the genre jumping didn't segue for me but I enjoyed it very much- Thank you!