#8: KELLY CLARKSON - THE SMOAKSTACK SESSIONS VOL. 2
I debated whether to include this EP as it only contains cover versions, but man are they excellent covers. Kelly Clarkson puts on an excellent vocal display with every track on this EP being impressive. A notable cover is the mash up of 'If I Would Be Good' by Alanis Morissette and 'Use Somebody' by Kings of Leon.
Top Two: That I Would Be Good/Use Somebody, Lies
For some reason a lot of people on here seem to have an unmotivated dislike of Kelly Clarkson, but please listen to it, her voice is just so serene and beautiful. I am not even a Kelly Clarkson stan, I just appreciate amazing things. and her voice is an amazing thing.
I am being very reckless with choosing these EPs, before this an EP of covers and now one of deconstructed versions of existing songs. But, they are EPs and they are my favourite ones of 2012.
The Deconstructed EP made me happy and sad. Supernatural is f-ing amazing and so is Die Young. The Dolly Parton cover showed off her voice beautifully and Blow is amazing, I'll ignore the fact parts of it sound like Landscape by Robert Miles and just continue with life. The Harold Song was a tiny let down, I love it and I love the sounds of it, but I was expecting a Goodbye-type version of The Harold Song only to be disappointed, so I seriously love the deconstructed version of it, but it's not quite what imagined.
The EP built around the single Phone Sex features one of the hottest artists of the year Grimes, on this EP you see her working with close friend Blood Diamonds whose remixes have been promoted by the likes of Ellie Goulding. Grimes often closes her sets with the title track due to its dance-like nature, it really was excellent when I saw her at Leeds festival and she puts so much energy in to it. Blood Diamonds is a producer to keep an eye on.
Quote:
Featuring close friend Grimes (Claire Boucher), ‘Phone Sex’ is a track they made together late last-year in a nightlong quest to create a perfect pop song. Influenced by both K-Pop and big productions, they succeeded in creating something true to their aim, an otherworldly summer anthem. For those new to Blood Diamonds, Mike has been making a name for himself over the last few years.
Calvin's albums is great, could have been better if he hadn't released every other song before the album came out.
I've loved DJ Fresh singles, still have to check his album out though.
The Unapologetic write-up
RED was great, I was quite surprised with it.
I love Kelly's EP but I still prefer the first one she did.
After departing Bloc Party to become a gay pop star Kele Okereke either realised that failed or just wanted to return to Bloc Party to do a fourth album. Although 'Four' hasn't spawned any hits such as Flux, Banquet, Helicopter etc. it's a generally great album and ditches their more electronic vibe for a heavier guitar sound.