MP3: Zero 7 - Futures
Up until very recently all I know about Zero 7 was that they helped launch the career of Danish singer/songwriter Tina Dico. Or so she would have you believe at least - she sure milks her contributions in her press materials. I can't say I know much more about 'em now either, but I do know this: José González makes numerous guest appearances on their new album "The garden". Really, that's all I need because I've only been waiting two years or so for new José material. Zero 7's chill, downtempo electronica blends nicely with José's soft voice and gentle fingerpicking. It's not quite dentist office music, but it's definitely in the realm of AM gold ala Cat Stevens. Honestly, I don't think that's such a bad thing and the rest of the record feels pretty similar even though they change up the vocals quite a bit. An aside: I know I'm kind of late to the game with talking about this record (do a quick google search and you'll see it's been blogged to death), but it doesn't come out until June 6. Nice to see that some people still believe in long lead times. It's also worth noting that José will tour with them in the UK around late May/early June. I'd post the dates, but Zero 7's website is an abomination of flash design.
Zero 7 - Futures (ft. José González)