Bed Rugs cover Kavinsky

The next best thing to come out of Antwerp is Bed Rugs. The 4-member band have been around quite a few years, first playing in the formation The Porn Bloopers. The current name refers to both the peed-on carpet in the film The Big Lebowski, and the old time patchwork bedding grandma has lying around. Their debut album 8th Cloud was released late January this year. What Does It Mean is the lead single.
In the new cover series Studio Brussel launched, one each Friday, interpretations of current AC hits, the Rugs take on Kavinsky’s Nightcall. This piece of French electro house, released in 2010, has been getting extensive airplay again as it features on the Original Movie Soundtrack to Drive. A stylish gangster flick worth watching. So is this cover version.

the Vault: 1999

Blur – Coffee + TV
(Graham Coxon, Damon Albarn)
Directed by Hammer & Tongs
>13 (Parlophone)

Adele’s Home Run

After taking home six Grammys last week, Adele took away two prizes at the Brit Awards 2012: British Female Solo Artist and Album of the Year. The artist was thrilled to win in these two categories on home turf. What an incredible run this girl, and her album 21 have had the past year. The roller coaster ride really got a kick start after last year’s performance of Someone Like You at aforementioned Brits.
British Male Solo Artist and Breakthrough Act both went to Ed Sheeran. Coldplay came in winner of British Group. Other live performances included Florence and the Machine, Blur, Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds, Bruno Mars, Olly Murs, Coldplay and Rihanna, who sang in front of three huge paint-boxes. Watch the latter, and Adele’s Rolling In The Deep below. You’d almost believe fairy tales do exist.

Revelation: The Black Box

The Black Box Revelation have their 4th album out, My Perception, and are about to embark on a world tour. Before leaving their home country, they stopped by Studio Brussels Radio on Friday to play a cover of Lana Del Rey’s latest Born To Die. Their energetic guitar-driven sound works well over the lyrics. That’s what a good cover should be: your own. At the other side of the weekend, the clip on YouTube already has over 8000 views. Check it out if you haven’t seen it yet.

Whole lotta love for Kiwanuka

We -like so many- are eagerly awaiting the release of Michael Kiwanuka’s debut album, just days away. The BBC Sound of 2012 winner has already been dubbed a new Bill Withers. Former winners include Adele and Mika. Needless to say this act is very promising. In a session he played at the BBC’s Maida Vale studios, Kiwanuka turns a guitar cruncher into a Soulful Funk-fest. Watch his cover of Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love. Whole lotta love!

R. Kelly touches

Those who sat through the entire 4 hour live stream of Whitney Houston’s funeral last Saturday, held at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, witnessed family and friends pay their respect, and celebrate Whitney’s life. Kevin Costner and Clive Davis shared their fond memories, Alicia Keys and Stevie Wonder did so through their music. Utterly touching was a heartfelt rendition of I Look To You by R. Kelly, and the beautiful Don’t Cry For Me by CeCe Winans. Watch both below.
Truly moving was the finale, when the casket was brought out I Will Always Love You. The legacy lives on.

Will Young is Losing Himself

It’s been 10 years since Will Young was crowned winner of the very first series of Pop Idol. Will is definitely one of those artists who has grown a lot over the years. Last Friday Will appeared on the Graham Norton show for an exclusive performance and a chat. You get another chance to catch the show tonight at 11.35pm.
The next single from Echoes, the third single of his fifth studio album – arguably his best so far, comes out on the 18th March: Losing Myself. The release will include a fantastic Bimbo Jones remix. As mentioned before, Will’s voice really lends itself for this kind of uptempo song.
In the video Will is getting ready for work, looking the part, losing himself in mirror images. Simple feat looking amazing. Enjoy.

Return of the Mack

Out of 78 Awards to be handed out, Adele took home most at this year’s Grammys, winning six out of six nominations. Not the least, the categories in which she won: Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Pop Vocal Album, and Best (Short Form) Music Video. Foo Fighters came in second scooping 5. Amy Winehouse was also awarded, winning Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, for her duet with Tony Bennett.
Performances came courtesy of Katy Perry, Jennifer Hudson, Bruno Mars, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna – solo and with Coldplay, David Guetta, Chris Brown, Sir Paul McCartney, the reunited Beach Boys – teaming up with Maroon 5 and Foster the People, Taylor Swift, Bruce ‘The Boss’ Springsteen, Foo Fighters, and Adele. Tension was running high as this was Adele’s return since her surgery. Initially she intended to save her come back performance for the BRIT Awards later this month. But after her performance at the Brits 2011, record sales and popularity reached incredible status. Thus Grammy night could not be skipped. The audience really digged the impeccable performance, showering everyone’s fave singer with a standing ovation.
Well done girlie!

Grammy Tribute to Whitney

Sunday night the 54th Edition of the Grammy Awards was held in LA, hosted by LL Cool J. Following the dramatic events earlier that night, with the untimely death of Whitney Houston, the man from Cali kicked things off with a prayer. Also Nicki Minaj paid tribute by wearing a black gown, while giving a spectacular performance in an act of exorcism.
More sincere was Jennifer Hudson’s emotional rendition of Whitney’s biggest hit I Will Always Love You, the immaculate Dolly Parton cover. Hudson concluded by singing “We love you, Whitney”.
Luther, Etta, Michael, Amy, Whitney…we love you, always.

Tribute: Whitney Houston 1963 – 2012