easy listening

The gentle breeze and the shining sun is signalling once again that we have conquered the winter -hopefully- and Italian singer songwriter Giorgio Tuma’s sophomore album “My Vocalese Fun Fair” – although released in January – is the perfect soundtrack to spring and the lazy, love filled days it provides.

Misha, the New York duo consisting of Ashley Yao and John Chao which has previously released a limited 12″ on the German Tomlab has released their debut “Teardrop Sweetheart” and it’s a sweet home listening electronic pop album. Nothing groundbreaking or new here but there’s a 11 short & catchy pop songs which mix together well with John’s deep electronic easy listening stuff.

This has the 70s easy listening vibe all over, with acoustic & slide guitars, female backing vocals (by Anna Bertermann), occasional percussion & kalimba support, but the main focus is on the vocal melodies & guitar. It seems Mountaineer had the same ethos while making this album as well, a 40 minute all killer album with no special effects, just good songs.

Here’s a surprise electronic downtempo album from Sweden, which went far beyond my expectations. Otur means the imperative “sit down” in Turkish, but I figured out that it means bad luck in Swedish. 22 years old Emma Bates from Malmoe, Sweden who was previously worked with Jens Lekman and lots more seems to be an active mover and shaker in Sweden.

Zimpala is the brainchild of DJ Fred BNX. A 6 piece band from France, that makes elegant easy listening pop music with all kinds of different influences like nu-jazz, lounge and easy listening. Singer Noémie Brosset is capable of singing and finding melodies in both French and English.