Lee Field and the Expressions, You're the Kind of Girl. Here is where I would start, with a Memphis soul groove (horns and all) crossed with a little Wilson Pickett, that would have felt right at home in 1972. But it's brand new from Brooklyn's Truth and Soul record label.
THEESatisfaction, QueenS - Oooh, you'll like this: a rock-steady groove that's two parts R&B, one part hip-hip, one part alternative -- wait, how many parts is that? A Seattle hip-hop duo with brave originality and minimal beats. Get busy - they want to dance with that girl in the corner, too.
Azaelia Banks, 212 - Now this is nasty -- trashy mouth and all. Don't let your Mother listen. But it's a irresistible dance tune, rapped over a techno beat that will be bustin' out of everywhere this summer. Hattie, where did you find this?
The Funk Ark, A Blade Won't Cut Another Blade. New afro-pop from a DC band. Think Santana goes to Nigeria.
Lushlife, Anthem. Philly rapper Raj Halder samples great beats and name-checks some unexpected pop culture references. Check it out for a chilled moment before the evening ends.
Keep the beer cold.
