sam sparro

'Bamboo Banga' - M.I.A

Fearless political pop artist and style icon rolled into one. Big Up!!! "we're knockin' on the doors of ya hummer hummer". Play this one loud and get righteously angry.  

'Blind' - Hercules and Love Affair

This album is brilliant but this song is absolutely blissful. That beautiful and haunting voice and the lyrics and the horns and the pure disco-ness of it takes me out of myself.

'Hearts on Fire' - Cut Copy

One of my favourite bands from Australia - they've really made a masterpiece with this one - seamlessly blending early 90's house with future new-wave-disco-post-punk-dance-rock. 

'Sing it Back (Boris Dlugosh mix)' - Moloko

I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it. The moment the rhythm guitar fades in I get excited. I love Roisin Murphy's voice, the lyrics are so smart and playful, the video is dead sexy... I just love everything about this song.  

'I Know You, I Live You' - Chaka Kahn

There is no one like Chaka Kahn - She's got one of the most instantly recognisable voices - so rich and powerful. This is one of my all-time faves   

'The Magnificent Seven' - The Clash

For such an influential band, they weren't together for very long at all. They were much more than a punk band and this track is proof. It's so funky. 

'And I Was A Boy From School' - Hot Chip

I saw these guys play a gig in LA for $5 a few years ago and they've just kept growing and growing. This song has been a good friend to me and whenever I see them play it live I get tingles.

'All Mine (Roseland NYC Live)' - Portishead

I went through I phase as a teenager where I only listened to really melancholy music. Luckily there was Portishead and their music was brilliant and their live show was even better. I'm so happy they are back with a new album.

'Bag Lady' - Erykah Badu

I can't explain what a huge influence and inspiration Erykah Badu has been on my life and my music. She is a true artist in every sense and her work goes way beyond the surface. This one's about a lady who carries around lots of emotional baggage ... so good.

'Umi Says' - Mos Def

Multitalented, good-looking, smart, thoughtful, provocative and effortlessly cool - what's not to love about Mos Def. This, in my opinion, is his most stunning piece of music - it hypnotizes.

'Windowlicker' - Aphex Twin

One of most outstanding pieces of programming ever - It's nasty, twisted and delicious - and the video is a masterpiece.

'I Couldn't Love You More' - Sade

She slays me - It's not even worth talking about. Sade does things to me that no other artist can possible do. I'm mesmerized and completely in love... Sade ... even saying her name makes me feel better.

'Cold Shoulder' - Adele

What a voice and such a talented writer. Thank god for Adele. I think this Mark Ronson produced track will be getting lots of play this summer.  

'Controversy' - Prince

I couldn't leave without picking a song from his Royal Purpleness and this one is possibly my favourite.