Elegant Symphony Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication...

Today's featured artist is Jamie Lidell, hailing from Huntingdon, England. He's been around for a while and has more than a few albums under his belt. I only own his latest, Jim (2008), but I've heard songs from previous albums and highly intend on owning Multiply (2005) at some point.

Jamie Lidell is a soul inspired artist, however, you experience multiple genres incorporated into his soulful sound. I'm a fan of his switching up the beat during songs. This brand of production really keeps you on your toes and engaged throughout the album listening experience. Keep an eye out for Jamie Lidell's latest album Compass, which is slated for release May 18, 2010 (USA).

I recently saw the film No Reservations (2007). While it is a pretty good movie about family, life and love; the soundtrack is phenomenal. It made me hungry and want to dance all at the same time. The soundtrack consists of music that is literally straight out of Sicily (No fist pumping like those crazy kids on Jersey Shore). It features various Opera selections, a jazz number by Paolo Conte, and Ray Gelato's take on the Mambo! Who's ready for some Italian cuisine??

Ps. Did I mention Italian is a beautiful language that I want to learn someday? I have a huge fascination with other cultures and history. Italy is at the top of that list.

I guess it really is 2 for Tuesday (spin on a friend's blog ha). I present this new collaboration from a few familiar faces, Broken Bells. Broken Bells features Danger Mouse(Brian Burton) of Gnarles Barkley and the lead singer and guitarist of The Shins, James Mercer.

If you are a fan of Gnarles Barkley or the Gorillaz then this right up your alley, as Broken Bells sounds like a cross bread of the two bands (fittingly so, Danger Mouse produces for both). Broken Bells' self titled debut album is actually released today so check it out.

I didn't blog at all yesterday and I cant sleep right now, so I present a special 3am edition. The artist for today , who I am currently listening to, is Ayọ, hailing from Cologne, Germany. Ayọ is a German born singer/songwriter of Nigerian descent. Her real name is Joy; Ayọ is the translation of her name in her father's native language of Yoruba.

Ayọ has a voice that is absolutely heavenly. She's not overly expressive in her delivery and she doesn't really have the most powerful voice out there. It is, however, soft and pleasing, hence the reason I'm listening to her at 3am. Her accent is also delightful and adds a bit of flavor. I was first attracted to her graceful voice when I heard the single "What is Love" (featured), from then on I've been a fan.

Ayọ has released two studio albums, Joyful (2006) and Gravity at Last (2008). My personal favorite is Joyful, although Gravity at Last is good in its own right. Joyful is really an acoustic album which mainly features the soft melodies of her voice. She tells a story in her lyrics, with each song painting a beautiful portrait. I'd recommend both albums but definitely check out Joyful.