Black and Gold Keep Me Alive

I've been on an electro-inspired binge recently, with these two tracks leading the way.

Sally Shapiro - "He Keeps Me Alive" [MySpace] [Last.fm] [Buy]
Sam Sparro - "Black & Gold" [MySpace] [Last.fm] [Buy]

Sally Shapiro has an ethereal voice when it is in the right context and on "He Keeps Me Alive" she is transcendent. The lyrics are heartbreaking and the synths are otherworldly (but not in the sci-fi sense). The first time I listened to Disco Romance (the UK release) I wasn't very impressed. But even since this song was released on the US version I went back and found that I am quite partial to her Italian disco-influenced pop.

Sam Sparro, on the other hand, is sexy and soulful. His voice caresses the senses and feels like velvet. Given his rich voice I mistakenly thought he was black, so I was surprised to find out that the voice I have fallen in love with comes from a white Californian. "Black & Gold" is a sensual song set to swirling synthesizers and pulsing bass.

Both are highly recommended.

[Sally Shapiro via]
[Sam Sparro via MOKB]