March music reviews

Selah Sue
Black Part Love

I don’t normally write about EP’s, especially ones that came out in 2008. Ellecanada.com’s monthly music recommendations are meant to introduce to something new but I have to put my ego aside for a moment and just remember that good music is good music, no matter what. I’m no indie hipster music snob and as such, it is my duty to introduce you to Selah Sue, even if I am 2 years behind the curve. This Belgium-born cutie has yet to release a full-length album but her EP is strong enough to illicit great expectations. Ok, enough smoke up her lederhosen (some Belgians do wear them!) let’s get down to why she makes this month’s music list. We all know music has no race, colour or religion, but you have to admit that a white girl from Belgium successfully pulling off a pop-reggae hybrid sound is pretty impressive. All 5 songs that make up the EP are incredibly listenable, catchy and a teaser from a girl who has tremendous talent and a unique ability to make what should be unnatural sound perfect. As soon as I find out, I’ll let you know when she puts out a full-length album but in the meantime, check out her MySpace page and listen especially to “Ragamuffin” and “Fyah Fyah”. Moby joins her in a few of the featured videos including a trés cool cover of Lou Reeds “Take a Walk on The Wild Side”. You heard it here first.

The Submarines
Honeysuckle Weeks (Nettwerk)

With a name like Jason Dragonetti (the male half of LA-based group The Submarines) he was either bound to become a rock star, or maybe a Formula One race car driver. Lucky for us, he chose the former. Real-life married couple Jason Dragonetti and Blake Hazard aren’t completely under the radar; you might recognize the single “You Me and the Bourgeoisie” from one of the latest iPhone commercials which is bound to launch this sweet twosome into the great land of musical worship. Most songs are dedicated to love or loss thereof, but Honeysuckle Weeks is not over-the-top emotional overload. Whether it’s their recent marriage, sunny California or just rainbows and lollipops, The Submarines have created an album full of hugs and kisses. Cheesy? You betcha. Worth picking up? Absolutely.

My top picks: “Submarine Symphonika”, “Xavia” and of course “You and Me and The Bourgeoisie,” but let me know what you think. Have a listen and email me at larissa@ellecanada.com.

More new music on the next page ...