Don't Funk With My Groove

Spring is here.  Maybe you'll be headed to a party in a Brooklyn backyard. Maybe you'll be giving one in a crowded apartment or a spacious, green terrace. No matter where it throws down, it's time to think about the music that will get the party started. Here, a guide to new sounds that will make folks think about moving and how much it would be to dance with that girl over there in the corner.

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.