MP3: Asha Ali - Fire, fire
Before this morning, I knew next to nothing about Asha Ali. After reading her fact sheet, I still don't know that much, but I know her music and that is what's most important. "Warm fronts", her debut EP, was a bit of a sleeper in that I liked it whenever I put it on, but somehow it never stuck in my mind. Thankfully, that's been remedied with the release of her self-titled full-length, no doubt at least partially due to the inventive packaging: a stack of cards in a plastic case that can be laid out together to form a poster-sized liner sheet/album cover. Unfortunately, talking about it doesn't really convey how cool it is, so you'll have to take my word for it. Trust me, it's worth checking out. Now, the music! Asha Ali has an assuredly strong grip on the classic Swedish indie sound. You can hear the lineage of older acts such as Souls or Honey is Cool, as well as the modern-day sound of labelmates Montys Loco (I'm sure it helps that they also play on the record). However, what sets Asha apart is her earthiness. Informed by the past, but infused with something new. This is music that's good for the heart and soul. Listen to the song I've posted and let it fill you with its warmth.
Asha Ali - Fire, fire