Continuing our countdown down this year’s top tracks, N*E*R*D’s ‘Hypnotize U’ undoubtedly makes the cut. Electronic music pioneers Daft Punk produced the track, passing it onto Pharrell to finalize with his trademark, softly sung delivery; the outcome is a sensation. It takes a firm grip on today’s mass-compressed electronically produced music and firmly nudges it to one side. Keeping in tune with N*E*R*D’s profound production talents, the French duo create an authentic and futuristic sound, a formula that has trademarked both acts for many years.
Released in September, the release gained huge airplay on the radio stations and clubs in America. Soon after, it crossed the pond to the UK where it was immediately heard across national radio. ‘Hypnotize U’ was taken from the album ‘Nothing’, a solid construction which added to their formidable army of albums. The accompanying video could be mistaken for a deodorant advert at first, but it soon takes the elements of Pharrell’s billion dollar mindset and uncovers a flock of females hanging on his every word. An addictive track from pop’s young pretender to Prince’s crown.
N*E*R*D, the recording project formed by popular production team The Neptunes, are back into the studio giving shape to their fourth album, ‘Nothing’, whose release date is expected for early September.
The funk-loaded ‘Hot ‘N’ Fun’ is the chosen first single and features Canadian star Nelly Furtado, who’s also due for a new English speaking album after her latest fling with the Spanish language.
The video sees Pharrell, Hugo and Haley throwing a wild party somewhere in the desert, perfectly capturing the vibe of a summer that’s nearly here.
Driving to the middle of no-where, getting caked in mud and then having to face a soul destroying trip back to the city is for many part and parcel of what makes a festival. However, for some the effort and cost of traipsing across the country is too much, thus the rise of the ‘City Festival’; all the fun of a full day in a field but with the prospect of a shower and warm bed only a bus ride away. One of the more established of these events is ‘Lovebox’, the brainchild of pop and house music impresarios, Groove Armada. After walking away with the ‘Best Medium Sized Festival’ gong at last year’s UK Festival award, Lovebox build on their policy of combining London’s most talked about underground parties with heaps of populist fun. This year’s line-up puts 80’s icons Duran Duran, Gary Numan and New York Dolls alongside current favourites such as N*E*R*D and Florence And The Machine. Meanwhile, über cool parties such as Horse Meat Disco, Secretsundaze and Disco Bloodbath take care of the tents, meaning that London scenesters can have their fill of minimal/ ironic grooves before getting drunk and making a fool of themselves to ‘Rio’ and ‘Hungry Like A Wolf’ on the main stage. As well as an array of musical delights, Lovebox is also unique in the quality of its culinary goods. With an area run by the folks from Borough Market, well know as a foodies heaven, Lovebox’s ‘Sourced Market’ features a number of top quality restaurants and stalls offering organic food from around the world. That means no sloppy burgers or mystery meat kebabs which are the usual festival fare. The event takes place this weekend at London’s Victoria Park and tickets are still available from www.lovebox.net Lovebox 18/19th July Victoria Park London
