Swingin' and Away

The electro-swing genre has been growing and growing over the past couple of years. Now MELT favourite Gramaphonedzie's (already) classic 'Why Don't You' has dropped (and there was that Volkswagen Ad..cheers for reminding me of that Ollie), the genre is has been thrust into the mainstream, and as artists forage deeper backwards into the swing collections of the 20's and 30's the creative and inspirational music being pulled forth continues to surprise and excite.

Now a couple of years old, the G-Swing Compilation is a tantalising little menagerie of swing culture. The standout track by a country mile has to be the Ludovic Allen remix of 'Mood Indigo' by Nina Simone. As you might imagine, the vocals on this track are powerful, upbeat and as any fan of Nina will know, hearbreakingly beautiful. 'Diga Diga Doo' a close second.

Next up is a collective from Paris known mysteriously as Caravan Palace, a sort of electronic-live-singy kind of deal, with performance powers unrivalled. They make me believe the 30's might roll right back through the living room at any moment. Here is a track called 'Dragons' available on their self titled album 'Caravan Palace'. 'Envy' is also recommended.

Electro Swing is something which has been around for a while, just not in England. So if ya dig it, check out the following continental offerings.

• Electro Swing Vol 1 & 2

• Jesse Rose 'What do you do if you don't'

• G-Swing: Swing for Modern Clubbing

• White Mink Black Cotton

Good night. Will