Next Big Thing: Lily Allen. at Orkney Bands

Next Big Thing: Lily Allen.

Published by Matthias April 23rd, 2006 in The Next Big Thing.

Tomorrow see’s the release of Lily Allen’s first single ‘LDN’, a limited edition 7inch which will likely be snapped up exclusively by Shoreditchers and not make it anywhere near this far north. But don’t worry, Lily’s hit on the sound of the summer (not bad going for April), and if we’re lucky might even bring us some decent weather (yes, it really is that good).

The best way I can think of describing Lily would be to take the quick-quipped London edge of Dizzee Rascal and take out the grime, replace it with some lovely ska-pop melodies and piano loops, and oh drop a lot of heavy beats. Click the link below to listen to LDN, and you’ll be rhyming ‘Tesco’ and ‘al-fresco’ in no time.

Listen to tracks LDN, Knock ‘em Out & Little Things:
Lily Allen on Myspace

With so many pop songs tapping into the same r&b, latin, and soul sources, the ska vibe is what I think really gives these songs an edge. As far as pop music goes, I think ska is one of those wonderful styles that manages to stay on the periphery and make well turned out appearances (Save Ferris, No Doubt, Weezer) without being overdone. Lily’s diverse range of other influences can be clearly heard on her excellent mix tape, on which the cheeky songstress has merged her songs with the likes of Cutty Ranks, Dizzee, ODB, Rod Stewart and Squeeze. So pop it on a cdr and put it on repeat to tide you over until her album (and the good weather) hits us.

Lily Allen - My First Mixtape
68.9Mb MP3: right-click and select ’save’ to download.
External link: please report in comments if it goes down.

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