music in December 2021

Life sounds better to Music in December 2021

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Life sounds better to Music in December 2021, and we’ve reached the end of the year. What a year it was! I doubt that many people will have had the year they were expecting, but we made it, and new music really helped me.

After 50 shows on Real FM Spain, Gary has stepped aside from the radio show with his commitments on the island taking more time. My great mate, and co-host from my previous show on JFSR, Steve has joined me. We’ve played so much great new music throughout the year and celebrated this with a special show on Sunday 2nd January. The show features three hours of great new music – we could have easily played six hours. CLICK HERE to listen to our special look at the year on Mixcloud.

Kenny Lynch~ Half The Day’s Gone ~ Ashlee Beedle remix

While Steve and I were putting together a previous radio show, I rediscovered the original of this track which was huge for us back in the eighties. It was one of my big earworms for the month, and then I discovered this remix by Ashlee Beedle that was released earlier in the year. Whether it’s the original or the remix, Kenny Lynch~ Half The Day’s Gone (and we haven’t earned a penny) is an absolute chooon!

Robin S, Emmaculate – Show Me Love ( Emmaculate Remix)

December also saw a couple of excellent remixes of huge dancefloor anthems from the last century. Robin S “Show Me Love” remixed by Emmaculate takes the track to a totally new place, and it’s well worth a listen.

Spiller ft Sophie Ellis Bextor ~ Groovejet ~ Riva Starr Disco Odyssey Mix

Spiller ft Sophie Ellis Bextor “Groovejet” got a couple of remixes. One from Purple Disco Machine and then this one by Riva Starr. The Disco Odyssey Mix really pumps up the original with lots of strings and added disco vibes and it’s my favourite.

Livio Mode, Paul Venice, Mike Belmondo ft Lee Wilson ~ Do You Believe In Love

Finally, Steve found this one, and what a find! Livio Mode, Paul Venice, Mike Belmondo ft Lee Wilson ~ “Do You Believe In Love” – just click the link!!!


There you go, proof again that life sounds better to Music in December 2021
So, what will 2022 hold? Well, certainly more great new music.
Will it be as good as 2021? Stay tuned to find out.

To hear 3 hours of new music, remixes, and remakes from the last twelve months PLEASE give the Best of 2021 show a listen CLICK HERE, and also give our Fuerte Fine Guys FaceBook page a like/follow CLICK HERE. You can hear us every Sunday on Real FM Spain from 3pm, just click on the “Listen Now” button.

Life Sounds better to music in November

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As the year heads to a close Life Sounds better to music in November. Every month there is still great new music release – OK, some of the tracks I pick are remixes or remade new versions of old songs, but there are also plenty of brand new songs too. This month I’ve picked three new songs, two remakes, and one remix, and I love them all!

Mark Picchiotti & Jersey Street ~ Love Will Be Our Guide

Mark Picchiotti & Jersey Street ~ Love Will Be Our Guide … it just lifts you up. Proof yet again that people are still making great new music.

Marco Valery Free Love feat Sharlene Hector ~ Teddy Douglas

Teddy Douglas has done a whole album of Philly anthems remade with a touch of 2021 magic. “Free Love” was originally recorded by Jean Carne in 1976, Sharlene Hector does a great job in 2021. This month I’ve picked 3 brand new songs,

Garfield Fleming ~ Don’t Send Me Away ~ DJ S remix

This is one of those tracks that wasn’t really on my radar back in the day. However, over the years it’s become a bit of a “chooon” and this remix by DJ S is irresistible.

Luara Mvula ~ Got Me

So, I’ve got Steve to thank for finding this one. Gary is taking a rest from the radio show and Steve has stepped in to help me out. I’m a bit worried because Steve has such a good ear for a great tune and I thought I was the “new music guy”! The shows with Steve are on MixCloud, here’s the first one we did together CLICK HERE.


When Laura burst on to the scene in 2012 she picked a couple of MOBO’s and a Mercury nomination, not bad for a former music supply teacher. I really like the eighties “When The Going Get’s Tough” vibe on this one.

Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak & Silk Sonic ~ Smokin’ Out The Window

The album is out now, it’s so clever, and such a good listen. This is the latest track to be featured as a “single” – and because they’ve got loads of money and a huge deal there’s a video! BONUS!!!

Wayne Soul Avengerz, Odyssey Inc, Vanessa Jackson ~ I Never Knew Love Like This Before 

And then, right at the wire, this one crashed onto my radar … what a fantastic version of a beautiful song. The original was Stephanie Mills.

That’s November done and I already know there still a few more to come before we tumble into 2022.

Take care, stay safe, and count your blessings, remember life sounds better to music, and don’t forget to listen to The Real Beach Party on Real FM Spain.

It’s October and life sounds better to music.

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It’s October and life sounds better to music. If you are a regular visitor you’ll know each month I highlight new music that I’ve been enjoying. It still mazes me how much great new music is out there. CLICK HERE for last months selection. This month I’ve just gone with four tracks, two from relatively new artists, and two from legends. Enjoy!

David A Tobin ~ Go Back And Make It Right  (Rob Hardt mix)

This actually came out back at the end of August but I only just found it … and what a tune. So uplifting! It’s hard to find much about these guys, David A Tobin was been on the scene for at least ten years and sounds great. German producer Rob Hardt is on mix duties and he’s worked with some big names. Check out this live version.

Purple Disco Machine ~ Don’t Stop

 Tino Piontek aka Purple Disco Machine has been responsible for many of the big tracks of the last few years. He is an in-demand remixer and also continues to make great music in his own right. ‘Don’t Stop’ is from his new album ‘Exotica’ and is a rework of the Yarborough & Peoples track of the eighties – ‘Don’t Stop The Music’

Diana Ross ~ If The World Just Danced

Another track from the forthcoming ‘Thank You’ album. ‘If The World Just Danced’ is a real floor filler, to me Diana is sounding very much like her late friend Michael Jackson. She’s now 77, so it’s great to hear her still making new music. The album is now due on 5th November and she is due to tour Europe next June which hopefully see her in the Sunday Afternoon Legends spot at Glastonbury.

Chaka Khan ~ When The Time Comes

‘When The Time Comes’ comes from the soundtrack of the film ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’. It’s a quirky pop sound but I love it.

So, that’s my four songs for you. It’s October and life sounds better to music. I’m not sure if things will slow down between now and Christmas – tune in again next month to see if it has.

Remember you can hear my weekly show with Gary on Real FM Spain every Sunday afternoon between 3 and 6pm. If you miss it then you can get whenever you want on Mixcloud, details on our Fuerte Fine Guys FaceBook page.

music in December 2021

Life Sounds Better To Music in September 2021

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Another month means another look at NEW music because Life Sounds Better To Music in September 2021. Traditionally September is always a strong month for new material as artists release singles to promote their big Christmas albums. Obviously, a lot has changed since I owned a record shop, but there is plenty of great new music around this September.

Carmichael Musiclover ~ ‘Know You Better’

Carmichael Musiclover is a name that many lovers of new soul music may already be familiar with already. “Know You Better” is taken from his new album which went straight in at number one on The UK Soul Chart. The album is called “Slow Motion” and is well worth a listen.

Purple Disco Machine Ft Eyelar ~ ‘Dopamine‘

Tino Piontek (aka Purple Disco Machine) also has a new album ready to go in October, but he’s released a few tracks already – this is the latest. “Dopamine” features Eyelar on vocals – she is Dutch and came to fame via “The Voice of Holland”. They shot this video in Montenegro.

So, when did “Artist X Artist” become a thing?

* asking for a friend

Whitney Houston X Clean Bandit ~ ‘How Will I Know’

Back in July, I featured the David Guetta, Mista Jam, & John Newman CLICK HERE song based on ‘How Will I Know’, and now here it is again courtesy of Whitney Houston and Clean Bandit. A great reworking of a classic. Clean Bandit continue to create great pop dance and this is no exception.

Coldplay X BTS ~ ‘My Universe’

Coldplay X BTS … now there’s a thing! This month we have more new music from Coldplay. This time collaborating with the South Korean 7 piece boy band BTS.

The song is co-written by both bands, alongside Swedish hitmaker Max Martin, it’s sung in both English and Korean. This is the second single to be lifted from Coldplay’s forthcoming album ‘Music Of The Sphere’s’ and here’s a twelve-minute documentary all about it.

There you have it, just four tracks from a month, that proves yet again that there is plenty of great new music around. Life Sounds Better To Music in September 2021 and I’m sure October will bring plenty more.

So, until next time, take care, stay safe, and count your blessings.

Paul x

music in December 2021

New Music June 2021

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Every month (CLICK HERE for the last one) I post some of the music that’s really grabbed my attention. Most of it is new. Sometimes it’s an older track I’ve missed. Occasionally it’s something from an advert – once is actually an advert with not much music, just a guy reading a speech. Anyway, here’s new music June 2021 is a pretty good month.

John Mayer ~ Last Train Home

A new John Mayer track from his upcoming album ‘Sob Rock’. John Mayer is an artist who has never really crossed over in the UK but I’ve been a fan for over 20 years since he first came on my radar. His “relationships” have made him a bit of a reputation in America but he has always delivered great albums. If you don’t know him and like this track I recommend you go down the YouTube rabbit hole – there’s a lot to discover.

Diana Ross ~ Thank You

More brand new material from someone who’s been away for a while! Actually, way more than a “someone” – a legend who should have been touring the world for the last year – indeed, she would have been playing the” Legends” spot as Glastonbury last year.
Taken from her first new album in 15 years, which is now due in September, – Ladies and Gentleman this is Miss Diana Ross “Thank You”!

Diplo & Damian Lazarus – Don’t Be Afraid (feat. Jungle)

If you read these blog posts regularly, you will know I’m a big fan of the act/collective/band Jungle. This is their latest collaboration, the time with American DJ, producer, artist Diplo and Damian Lazarus.

Most of you will have heard of American DJ, producer, artist Diplo who is no stranger to the charts with numerous guest singers.

Googling the latter his website says “Damian Lazarus not only one of the most respected exponents of the contemporary house and techno scene but also one of its key tastemakers and pathfinders.”

P.S. Diplo is short for Diplodocus – from his childhood fascination with dinosaurs!

Jam & Lewis feat Mariah Carey ~ Somewhat Loved (There You Go Breakin’ My Heart) 

Mariah Carey has teamed up with legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis to release a new single. The song is from Jam & Lewis’ upcoming debut studio album as recording artists, and will also feature songs with Mary J. Blige, Boyz II Men and Morris Day, and Toni Braxton. This one is a real grower.

Shapeshifters feat Aria Lyric ~ YOLO

Simon from Shapeshifters is back with another great single, this time featuring New Jersey singer songwriter Aria Lyric on vocals. ‘You Only Live Once’ is another uplifting dance track guaranteed to fill the club dance floors of the world as we return from our numerous quarantines, lock downs and isolations.

And that’s my quick look at new music June 2021. Don’t forget I have my weekly radio show with Gary (CLICK HERE) where you can hear these and many more great songs from the last 60 years … because life sounds better to music.

music in December 2021

Life Sounds Better To Music in May 2021

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Life Sounds Better To Music in May 2021 – another month of uncertainty in a world desperately trying to find normal. Hey, let’s not go there.

Good music keeps coming and this month is no exception. I’m so glad I have the radio show with Gary to keep me sane. If you aren’t already following us on Facebook please do – CLICK HERE.

Mark Knight & Beverley Knight featuring London Community Gospel Choir) – Everything’s Gonna Be Alright

Another great track to reflect the times we live in. Mark Knight gathered a string section, a 14-piece London Community Gospel Choir and the British legend that is Beverley Knight on lead vocals – what a tune! This is features on Mark’s album ‘Untold Business’ which is released next month.

Candace Woodson ~ Midas Touch (Ooh Ooh)

So this one came into the UK Soul chart, and I though “Midas Touch” – that’ll be a new version of the Midnight Starr track – WRONG! It’s a lovely smooth new song by a lady who has been on the scene for many years. She is a Breast Cancer survivor who believes we should never give up on our dreams – and this is a great track. Please give it a listen.

The Pockets ~ Work It Out (Dave Lee Redemption Mix)

Unfortunately another track with no video but don’t let that stop you having a listen. The Pockets “Work It Out” remixed by Dave Lee – Dave Lee is the real name of Joey Negro who is known all over the world for his remixes and production work. The Pockets made three albums in the seventies and they are back with this – more quality new music for 2021. A positive message for these challenging times.

Oliver featuring Yelle ~ Heterotopia

Not new but new to me – thank goodness for Shazam! “Heterotopia” is a track from LA based duo Oliver from 2017. I don’t think it was even released as single. It features vocals from French singer Yelle (Julie Budet) and it’s very cool. It reminds me a bit of “State Of Independence” – the Jon & Vangelis / Donna Summer track – let me know what you think.

That’s it for this month – sorry I’ve actually posted it a few days late. I’ll be back with more great music at the beginning of July when hopefully I’ll be back doing a couple of weddings -yes, I do weddings! PLEASE CLICK HERE

Life Sounds Better To Music ~ July 2020

Life Sounds Better To Music in March 2021

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Life sounds better to music in March 2012. So, going out a couple of days late, sorry. Actually, most of these were collected together a couple of weeks ago and there is so much great new music at the moment it’s difficult to keep up! It’s been another tough month for many of us and to quote D Train’s old hit “What would you do without music? Where would you be without a song? I don’t know, I don’t know!”

Joel Corry x RAYE X David Guetta “Bed”

Pure pop by three people who have all been my radar previously. Once again a Joel Corry track comes with a great video too.

Bruno Mars, Anderson Paak, Silk Sonic ~ “Leave The Door Open”

What a production! When I added this track it was not even released and now it’s everywhere. Very excited to hear what else the Silk Sonic collaboration brings in the coming months. Here’s the video of the track but you may also be interested in this excellent interview by Zane Lowe with Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak CLICK HERE

JD’s Time Machine Feat. Cleveland P Jones, AgapeSoul, U-Nam & Makalini ~ Kiss Of Freedom

Love it! This track was available on vinyl and topped the UK Soul Chart before it was finally released as a download. It is a very fine example of great new music by people I hadn’t even heard of a few weeks ago. Music in March 2021 gave us The Kiss Of Freedom.

Jessie Ware ~ Remember Where You Are

Jessi Ware is possibly more famous for the podcast she does with her mum these days but this track is fantastic. It comes from her “What’s Your Pleasure” album which was actually released last summer, and it’s gorgeous.

Raquel Rodriguez ~ Read The Room

Yes, again! Raquel Rodriguez really has been a breath of fresh to my 2021. I absolutely the stuff her and her partner and their friends produce. This is another fine example of what they are doing.

And that’s where I’m going to stop this month. If you haven’t seen these before I’ve been doing them for over a year now – CLICK HERE for last months. Remember, life sounds better to music in March 2021 – without it I don’t know where I would have ended up!

Thanks for reading ~ Mug of tea raised to you and yours ~ cheers!

P.S. all these tracks were featured on the Real Beach Party radio show which is available on Mixcloud (there are now 16 episodes of 3 hours – that should keep you occupied for a while!)

Life Sounds Better To Music in February 2021

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Life Sounds Better To Music in February 2021 – once again, another testing month for everyone everywhere I’d imagine. Thank goodness for music – new and old. This month a couple of old ones got stuck in my head, both of them because they feature in TV adverts. There have also been more than a few new ones. So let’s get started …

Ace ~ “How Long”

An old song that features in an Amazon Prime advert and brings back lots of memories. Back to 1975 and Ace were booked to play at my school/college but canceled so they could play on Top Of The Pops. The singer and co-writer of the song is Paul Carrack. The song went on to reach number 20 over, and did even better in the States where it made number 3 on the Hot 100. It still sounds great almost 50 years later!

The Zombies ~ “This Will Be Our Year”

If you think “How Long” is an oldie, wait until you get your head around “This Will Be Our Year” which came out in 1968!! In fairness, it wasn’t really on my radar back then but it’s a song I’ve come to love this Century. It comes from the Zombies “Odessey & Oracle” album. An album which is championed by all kinds of people as being a huge influence on them. This includes Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters fame – they even covered it CLICK HERE.

I could go on about The Zombies, Rod Argent, Colin Blunstone etc, etc, for hours. Suffice it to say I’ve seen them several times in recent years and they are always brilliant – I actually have tickets to see them again if the booking ever happens.

“This Will Be Our Year” is being used in the adverts for the National Census which takes place on 21st March this year.

Will Downing ~ “Stand Up”

You may remember the name Will Downing from his 1988 version of John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme”. Thirty-three years later he’s back with “Stand Up”, a really strong single with a great message. I’ve seen this described as “a strong note of encouragement for a lot of folks who are living in a yearlong personal funk, reminding us of our value and our ability to shine”. I’ll drink to that.

Crowded House ~ “To The Island”

I’m a huge Crowded House fan. They are another band I have tickets to see – again the concert needs to be rescheduled from last year. Anyway, they have new music ready now and here’s their latest release. At first I was cautious but by the end of my first listen I was ready to hear it again. It’s taken from their forthcoming album “Dreamers Are Waiting”. Crowded House are now original founding members Neil Finn and Nick Seymour, Mitchell Froom, and Neil’s sons Liam and Elroy Finn.

You’l find plenty of posts about Neil Finn, Crowded House in my blog going back over the years. CLICK HERE for one I did in my “8 Days of 80’s series in 2016.

Raquel Rodriguez ~ “Undone”

OMG! And then there was THIS!!!
I’ve recently discovered the UK Soul chart and have been listening to find tracks for the radio show I do with Gary on Real FM. Raquel Rodriguez released a three-track package this month and every song is brilliant. AND she’s been brilliant for quite some time, so there’s more to discover in her back catalogue. She also does an occasional on-line thing called “Sweet Side Show”. Episode 29 was this week (please note there is a fair amount of “language” – NSFW) CLICK HERE.

I can confirm Life Sounds Better To Music in February 2021. There is plenty of great music out there – old and new. I’m so excited about getting into March and finding more new stuff. If you want to tell me about new stuff please get in touch.

PLEASE remember I do a weekly show on Real FM with Gary which you can find out about on Fuerte Fine Guys FaceBook page. PLEASE CLICK HERE for links and stuff.
AND every week I repost the Gold Shows that Steve and I did ten years ago. PLEASE CLICK HERE to go to that page.
… please, share, tell people – it would be much appreciated.

Stay safe, take care and count your blessings x


Weddings, Where Are We Now? Monday 22nd February 2021

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Weddings, where are we now? It’s Monday 22nd February 2021 the Prime Minister (I could easily have used other words, but kept my cool) has spoken. What do we know now that will help us plan our weddings and events going forward?

Many couples have had their plans dashed over the last 12 months. Many couples have had them dashed more than once. Suppliers have been through the worst year ever in the world of weddings. It’s been a horrible time for everyone and we all want to move forward and get things back to “normal”. Given today’s announcements, how likely is that to be possible?

The positives and negatives

On the positive side, the vaccination program is rolling out ahead of schedule. This is fantastic news, and I’m delighted that I’ve received my first jab. Just as importantly the “R” rate is coming down.

On the negative side, more variants are emerging. The “R” rate can go up again. Most importantly, many lives have been lost.

What’s New?

The easing of lockdown restrictions and new “roadmap” tells how things could go, but nothing is guaranteed. The new phases are five weeks apart to allow for monitoring and confirmation that things are moving in the right direction. When any social gatherings recommence they will be under strict guidelines – restricted numbers, rising when it’s safe to do so. It looks like 21st June is the earliest things might start to feel normal again.

Options

So, if you are planning your wedding, what’s best for you? Hopefully your vulnerable and older friends and family are, or soon will be, protected by the vaccine. So perhaps we can start to look ahead. My advice would be not to rush into anything. If you have already canceled and are looking to reschedule you may feel under pressure to rebook – but you’ve waited this far, so do you need to rush? You’ll know about your suppliers and what they can accommodate, I hope none of them are putting you under any additional pressure. Remember, they are often stressed out too. Juggling couples and dates, keeping everyone happy is a thankless task.

If you have got engaged, or started to plan during the pandemic, you are also already aware of the frustrations. Again do you need to rush? Would it be better to wait and see what happens rather than plan and have to cancel?

I’m not trying to put you off getting married. I just don’t want you to give yourself more, possibly unnecessary, stress. What alternatives are there?

Many of my couples still want the kind of wedding that we experienced before covid. You may just want to be married, possibly to start a family, and have decided to go ahead with a smaller ceremony and celebration. You are all different and will have different reasons to make your own decision. That’s fine and I can help you work out what will work for you – just get in touch.

So, where are we now?

Bottom line, you can’t really book anything until the local authority that controls the area says you can. CLICK HERE to go to the Hampshire County Council weddings information.

Weddings, where are we now? Well, that’s how I see it. If you have any questions or just want to chat through the options please get in touch.