The Barometer: Michael Kiwanuka; Rae Morris; Nerina Pallot; Hard-Fi; Nero; Ice Age; Bob Dylan

What's hot on our playlist

John Hall
Friday 27 May 2011 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Michael Kiwanuka

Tell Me a Tale

Calling this "retro-soul" is inaccurate if only because the term has been hijacked by the likes of Paloma Faith. A jazzy 'Astral Weeks'-esque backing sits atop Kiwanuka's warm vocals. 1968 revisited.

Rae Morris

Did I Ever

Morris' huge voice is accompanied by delicate piano and a subtle guitar line on this slow-burning torch ballad. Understated but strong, this is well worth a listen.

Nerina Pallot

Put Your Hands Up (Like It's 1987)

Just as Michael Kiwanuka does with 1960s soul, this slice of 1980s power-pop imitates its influences perfectly (above). Check out the We Are the Chatterleys remix for the full 1980s affect.

Hard-Fi

Good for Nothing

Remember these guys? Hard-Fi's "comeback" single may sound pretty uninspired but its laddy, Britpop-imitating edge makes a showdown with Brother inevitable. That alone makes it worthy of support.

Nero

Guilt

The drum'n'bass-loving two-piece produce well-structured trance, packed with dubstep synths and explosive beats.

Ice Age

Broken Bone

Fans of noise-punk band Wavves will enjoy this. The new wave-aping chorus brings to mind Squeeze.

Bob Dylan

I Can't Leave Her Behind

In his mid-1960s peak Dylan was writing and forgetting more songs than most artists produce in a lifetime. Thankfully, this soaring, never-performed number was caught on tape – on the rare 1966 UK tour film 'Eat the Document'.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in