It’s official, I got a girl crush. Kitten is the band. Chloe Chaidez is the object of my affection. I got it bad ya’ll. Yeah, I know and I am just as surprised too. Let’s get this straight. I am not some floosy easily enamored by a demi-rock Pop-goddess with the stage presence of a modern day Madge Ciccone (but with prettier and softer edges than M. Sorry Ms. Material Girl). At first brush Kitten is Madonna, Taylor Dane and Cyndi Lauper-ish, but with extra sprinkles and sweeter glitter. Yet, her sound isn’t as simplistic as it seems. There exists depths of influence and elements with deep roots from the late 60’s and 70’s. A heavy dose of the bands stemming from the British Invasion. Along with a spattering of divergent elements as well. I musn’t forget her supporting cast. Guitarist Andy Miller and bassist Chris Vogel bring the goods and then some. Kitten is purely hard candy-Pop with an independent spirit. It’s at times a funkier, more often than not a post-punkier scope and orchestration. She’s like a jawbreaker or an all-day Day-Glo sucker. Kitten’s self-titled debut album is an alt sort of Pop too, which doesn’t don primary colors. No, hers is an ultraviolet and star splashed fluorescent patina. Yes, I have a genuine and unapologetic girl crush indeed. Continue reading “I Was There: The Shelter, Detroit, Michigan | Kitten”
The Truth – Handsome Boy Modeling School (Ft. Roison & J-Dilla)
A thing echos because it cannot die, doesn’t want to give up the ghost and risk forgetfulness. So, it reverberates from the past and slithers and slin
ks a way into your heart space. It sets its eyes upon your ears and whispers in jazzy notes, enwraping your brain cells in coiled shimmer; laying claim to your full attention. Yes, this is a blast from the past but how it shines, Handsome Boy Modeling School (Chest Rockwell (Prince Paul) and Nathaniel Merriwether (Dan the Automator), circa 1999. I ain’t much for words around here, so just chill for a beat or two and experience something potent and oh so powerful. I’m serving up two songs here, “A Truth” taken from The Musical Curriculum From The: Handsome Boy Modeling School (1999) and then there is their sexily clad “I’ve Been Thinking (Ft. Cat Power)” from HBMS‘s 2004 LP White People. Your ears will fall in love. Peace.
“A Truth”
“I’ve Been Thinking (Ft. Cat Power)”