With each passing year, it seems, the boundaries between various genres of music soften, as new artists join the creative fray and borrow liberally from their various influences to create their own sound. The result is that we at SoulTracks often hear new music that is neither "pure" soul nor R&B but which includes some elements of those genres, often rhythmic, which we suspect may appeal to SoulTrackers even if the artist or band generally is categorized outside of the soul arena. So, as an experiment, we’re launching the "Another Groove" series to introduce SoulTrackers to artists and tracks from other genres which we hope will surprise and delight you. A bit of widening of the music palette and opening of the ear, if you will.
With each passing year, it seems, the boundaries between various genres of music soften, as new artists join the creative fray and borrow liberally from their various influences to create their own sound. The result is that we at SoulTracks often hear new music that is neither "pure" soul nor R&B but which includes some elements of those genres, often rhythmic, which we suspect may appeal to SoulTrackers even if the artist or band generally is categorized outside of the soul arena. So, as an experiment, we’re launching the "Another Groove" series to introduce SoulTrackers to artists and tracks from other genres which we hope will surprise and delight you. A bit of widening of the music palette and opening of the ear, if you will.
For our first such offering, we feature the track "The Less I Know The Better" by the Australian alternative rock band Tame Impala. Founded in 2007 by guitarist Kevin Parker, the band rose to prominence originally with a psychedelic rock sound that won them various Australian music awards as well as Grammy nominations. Parker changed up the sound for the band’s latest Grammy-nominated album, Currents, which he attributes to listening to the Bee Gees while enjoying some of his favorite “substances,” if I may borrow the polite term. And the track reflects that influence: A thumping bass groove sets a dance mood while falsetto Gibb-like vocals glide over crystalline guitars. We hope you enjoy it, and please let us have your thoughts on the new series.
By Robb Patryk