The British invasion is happening again only this time much more subtly and in the female persuasion…so beware. Before long you’ll be humming the tunes of these lovely ladies each one distinct with their own brand of music from 60’s soul, to finely tuned pop, to a wonderous blend of the two with mystery ingredients. These three  powerhouses we have the pleasure of introducing you to are unpackaged, at times not radio friendly and who can more than likely sear your ears from across the pond. Add them to your summer listening mix, along with Santigold, Trouble Andrew and Matt & Kim for a perfect blend of everything still good in this world.

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Zarif

Bringing together the classic songwriting of Stevie Wonder with the 80s pop sensibilities of Cyndi Lauper, North London based singer songwriter Zarif creates her own brand of quirky retro-tinged soul. After featuring on hip hop production duo The Nextmen’s critically acclaimed album “This Was Supposed To Be The Future” including the single “Something Got You”, Zarif had a busy 2008 touring with the Nextmen, playing countless festivals such as Glastonbury and Bestival, and supporting Taio Cruz on his UK tour. She even caught the attention of the Grammy award winning John Legend, who asked her to duet with him at this year’s Tommy Hilfiger Sessions.

Her debut album is due this spring, produced by Tommy D (Corinne Bailey Rae, Kanye West), Blair Makichan (Lily Allen) and Fraser T Smith (Kano) and includes the infectious “Box Of Secrets”, recently featured on the Sky TV advert.

*from her myspace page

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Mpho (n. pronounced MM’POH)
South African born Mpho who now resides in Brixton is a fresh breath from the studio shclock you’ve been hearing as of late. In the mess of the recession and the evils lurking around every corner of this earth her music moves you out of your stagnant doldrums and will make you smile at least as you snack on some ramen noodles and stick your head in the freezer to get out the ridiculous heat wafting thru your windows. You may or may not recognize the addictive sample in Mpho’s ‘ Box N Locks’ (out July 20th) as 80’s Candian group Martha and The Muffins hit song ‘Echo Beach’, but it will stick in your head long after the tune is over. When I first heard it took me immediately back to the first time I heard ‘Echo Beach’ and then Mpho’s voice came in like a slap rocking my head back and forth, which of course put me on my feet and dancing. She’s got one of those sweet yet rough voices that has the magical power of moving you; figuratively or literally. She has a vicious style all of her own and seems poised to take out some of the bland, over produced asskateers in the business right now. I hope it’s soon before I break the knob off of my radio. Mpho..save us. You can hit up her website up and download a mini mix of her debut cd ‘Pop Art’ which drops later this year.

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Adele

When this lovely london lass opens her mouth it is not the voice you would expect from a 20 year old white girl that passes over her lips. It’s beautiful, raspy, cutting, heartbreaking and soulful. It seems to hold an old pain that just doesn’t seem possible from such a young girl, but trust me it’s happening. When the notes of ‘Hometown Glory’ first hit your ears followed by the molasses thickness of her voice it makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. You realize you’re hearing something special, almost a secret she’s allowing you to be a part of. As if she’s singing the song to herself and you just happen to be overhearing the dialogue within her. It is one of my favorite songs by Adele, but in no way the only one. ‘Cold Shoulder’, a beautifully arranged song that displays the use of strings along with a driving hip hop beat leading the song is a pleading accusatory piece from a jilted woman who is dealing with a cheating lover who she just wants to be honest with her. Her album 19, titled for the age she recorded it is a lovely trip back to simpler music and the haunting beauty of the voice behind it. See her perform live on her website and find her debut album on itunes or Amazon.

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Last 3 posts by Christie Ortiz

• Dreamy Winter Libations - December 23rd, 2009
• Scary Xmas, NERDS! - December 23rd, 2009
• Grindhouse Fridays - December 22nd, 2009