Cosmo Column 2/13

NORDIC DISPATCHES AND WORLD-CLASS FLAMENCO: In this week’s column I will be focusing on great foreign music I came across during my travels abroad. Though this might not relate directly to D.C.’s foreign music scene, the bands I mention will likely be coming through the city at some point, so it is only natural that you should want to be prepared.

Also, on another foreign note, be sure to not miss D.C.’s 7th Annual Flamenco Festival (Feb. 9th-17th) featuring none other than the master guitarist himself, Paco de Lucia.

Having taken a much needed holiday break, I have returned from travels to Sweden and Scotland with treasure troves full of musical finds -- some good, some less than stellar. In no specific order, I give you some tunes that those crazy Swedes and Scots are listening to:

First, there was “Put Your Hands Up For Detroit,” by Fedde Le Grand. This song, featured on the oddly-named album, Ministry Of Sound: The Annual 2007 is nothing short of mind-boggling. For starters, it might be the hottest club hit in Europe and makes Detroit seem cooler than it has ever been. All hail Detroit.

The song is absolutely ridiculous and inescapably catchy and danceable – in a Euro club sort of way. Do not hide from this song, get it. And if you are truly dedicated, you will watch the video: here.

On the same album I also came across “Love Don’t Let Me Go (Walking Away)” by David Guetta Vs The Egg. Yes, The Egg. And if you thought the previous video was absurd, well… brace yourself: check it out.

Moving away from the glamorous world of club music to slightly classier digs, I came across Swedish guitarist Jose Gonzalez. At this point you may already have heard his sulky, smooth songs on various television programs. If not, then check out his album, Veneer, a must-have for acoustic guitar lovers who never fail to be impressed by the sounds one man and a guitar can produce.

Over in Scotland I almost saw The Fratellis but a freak storm cancelled the show, but I was nevertheless struck by their word-of-mouth popularity and if you have not heard them, think O.K. Go goes British and very, very ebullient. Similarly, JET’s album Shine On was getting a good amount of airtime who are similar to the Arctic Monkeys but with a more polished and produced feel.

Also, if you are -- unlike me -- a Damien Rice fan, you will be happy to know he is as popular in Europe (he is Irish after all) as he is here.

Finally, if you liked "Hey Boy" by the Teddybears feat. Swingfly, you will like Swingfly’s single :Something's Got Me Started":
video!

Those are the songs that stuck in my head for the trip, but now, onto bigger things, namely, flamenco.

Paco De Lucia

Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University never ceases to amaze with a great lineup of acts and superb acoustics. This coming week, they are bringing in some heavyweights in the world of flamenco for their annual flamenco festival, and though I could gush about how exciting it is that Paco de Lucia -- one of the greats of flamenco – is coming, I will instead leave it to you to read more on Lisner’s website and only add my sincere advice to not miss out.

That’s all for now. I will attend all the foreign acts I can over the weekend and report back. Please let me know if you have any suggestions, comments or questions.

Cheers!