Sweet Sol Music

When I posted on 22nd September that Cleo Sol had released her third album the week before, little did I realise that a week later - and in true SAULT style - a fourth album would follow.

 

So, for the last month, I have been soaking up albums #3 (Heaven) and #4 (Gold), a total of 19 new songs that combined would fit comfortably on a CD but are two thematically if not sonically different propositions.

 

Heaven unsurprisingly draws deep from the well of Cleo's faith and love, for one's self, family and friends and calling out those that have and would do harm. It's a source that she has returned to frequently. If at times the aspiration for a universally resonating message can mean that the words at times distanced from the narrator, Cleo imbues every syllable with a deceptively easy grace and passion that draws you in and brings you along.

 

I'd previously described Heaven as a lighter offering in the sense that it's nine songs are done and dusted in half an hour but lyrically there are sharper, more painful moments. Old Friends is a reflection on a lost relationship,

 

You had my trust and we had choices

But you told my secrets to strangers

(And I hate the fact that we’re over)

 

Miss Romantic is anything but, focusing on the aftermath of a friend's toxic relationship,

 

Now it's all gone left, he said, she said
You knew there were issues before you got there
But he's older, you just don't understand
He should be responsible for an older man

 

Album closer Love Will Lead You There inevitably ends on an optimistic note,

 

So many times, I've gone wrong
But your love, it stayed consistently strong
Never doubted, our faith kept me holding on
Blessings I don't talk about, it's between me and God

 

Gold picks up the pace with a bass-and-piano driven groove birthed in the 1970s that runs throughout the album, bar the occasional stripped back piano ballad. Reviews so far have frequently name dropped the likes of Stevie Wonder and Erykah Badu but perhaps inevitably I'm reminded more of Lovers' Rock artists like Sylvia Tella and (especially) Carroll Thompson. 

 

God is present in the narrative phrasing throughout though it never feels overbearing or preachy. Lost Angel acknowledges, Our Gods may be different / But they see us all the same, but there's plenty to draw from and resonate with in the songs for those that find their way through life without the need for belief in an omniscient being (or beings). 

 

The album ends with the title track, a positive, empowering message - to herself? her partner Inflo? a friend? 

Focus on your dreams and go
I know it's hard for you to trust
Fear will slow you down and not help you grow
But what do I know?

 

Does it really matter? The music itself has a healing, soothing effect, Inflo's sympathetic arrangements and production giving Cleo's - okay, I'll say it - angelic voice flight up into the heavens and wrapping the whole aural experience around you like a longed-for hug.

 

'Cause we gon' keep on smilin'
'Cause it's hard, but we'll work it out

 

I am painfully aware that my previous Cleo Sol posts have elicited zero comments so this may well go the same way. As someone who hasn't had a great deal of interest in contemporary R&B and soul music and is bemused by the latest appellation neo-soul, Cleo Sol is an exception and an exceptional talent. These two albums may not change your life but they may change your mind.

 

Both Heaven and Gold are available on vinyl, CD and digital formats and today is Bandcamp Friday which means that the artists will receive 100% of any purchases there. 

 

In my previous post, I promised a new Dubhed selection. That's been temporarily paused in light of the double whammy of new albums but, as promised, you can find resurrected links to my previous Cleo Sol/SAULT selection from March 2022 right here.

Got To Live Your Life

The wonderful Cleo Sol returned with her third album Heaven last Friday (15th). It's a lighter offering, nine songs, barely troubling half an hour, though it's all in the quality of Cleo's beautiful voice and Inflo's sublime production. 

 

The snippet of Golden Child (Jealous) is on YouTube and Heaven is available on digital and vinyl formats via Bandcamp and other retailers. 

 

I'll follow up fairly soon(ish) with a new Cleo Sol selection, so I'll re-post my previous Cleo Sol/SAULT compilation then.

A SAULT On The Senses

SAULT have only gone and done it again. This message appeared on their official website yesterday (1st November):

 

Here are 5 albums released as an offering to God.

Available for free download for 5 days.

The password to unlock all 5 albums is in the message.

Love SAULT x

Just process that for a minute. Five albums. Fifty six songs. Over three and a half hours of new music. For free.

 

What is even more incredible is that this is SAULT's eleventh album since 2019. Eleventh! 

 

Before yesterday, SAULT had already released one album (AIR) and one EP (Angel) in 2022, which I wrote about last month. My mind is boggling at the statistics, let alone the quality of the music.

When I posted about SAULT for the first time last year, I described the challenge of curating a SAULT selection:

Each album is a compelling listen and trying to compile a selection for this blog is both seemingly impossible and deceptively simple. 

In the end, I copped out by creating an acrostic, tracks from each of the five albums spelling out the collective's name. 

Even so, I think it hangs together really well and will hopefully encourage you to search out more.

I started this post at 5.00am today (2nd) so no, I haven't listened to a single album in full or even begun to scratch the surface of this treasure trove yet. I've picked a random sample of 10 songs, two from each album, to provide a 40-minute selection. As before, but honestly more by luck than design, I think the selection works well as a complete listening experience, an Imaginary Compilation Album*, if you will. 

 

Given my moan about download links yesterday, until I decide on a permanent replacement you can (hopefully) access today's selection either via Box or Mega.

In the meantime, the countdown clock's ticking to November 5th; when they're gone, they're gone. SAULT's message is godislove.

1) Gods Will (AIIR)

2) Fear No One (11)

3) The Plan (Today & Tomorrow)

4) Soul Inside My Beautiful Imagination (Earth)

5) Colour Blind (UNTITLED (God))

6) The Jungle (Today & Tomorrow)

7) Fields (Earth)

8) Glory (11)

9) Luminous (UNTITLED (God))

10) 5am (AIIR)

 

A SAULT On The Senses (41:29) (Box) (Mega)

 

* copyright The Vinyl Villain

SAULT II Sol

I can't think of a better way to celebrate Sunday than with the sweet sounds of Cleo Sol. 

 

This started off as a potential Imaginary Compilation Album for The Vinyl Villain, so you'll find the 10-song selection at the end of this post has been split into two sides, as per the ICA format. However, this seemed like absolutely the right post for today. In truth, there's an embarrassment of riches when it comes to Cleo Sol's music, so I could easily come up with another ICA without repeating a single track from today's selection.

 

Late as ever to the party, I discovered her voice last year via another belated introduction to the incredible albums by SAULT. Well, allegedly, as the mysterious collective headed by producer Inflo aka Dean Josiah Cover don't actually credit Cleo (or any other collaborators, for that matter) on their five albums to date. 

However, Cleo does make credited appearances on tracks by Little Simz (also produced by Inflo), including Woman, one of many standouts from last year's Sometimes I Might Be Introvert. 

Both Little Simz and SAULT featured in my favourite albums of 2021 posts. Had I got my act together and bought them sooner, Cleo's two solo albums - Rose In The Dark (2020) and Mother (2021) - would surely have been in the respective year's lists. As it is, I only purchased both of them earlier this month and they've been on regular circulation ever since. Better late than never, I guess. 

I've since discovered that there are two phases to Cleo Sol's music career. The current phase started in 2018 with the Winter Songs EP. Cleo performed the song Why Don't You for COLORS just over three years ago and it's a thing of understated beauty, both in voice and performance.

 

Why Don't You (A COLORS Show): Cleo Sol (2018)

 

Cleo followed up with a couple of singles in 2019, One and Sweet Blue. Unlike Why Don't You, neither made it onto her debut album, more a comment on the sheer quality of the songs that she had amassed for selection by 2020.

 

Sweet Blue: Cleo Sol (2019)

 

Cleo Sol previously released music between 2008 and 2012, initially guesting on singles by Tinie Tempah and DaVinche, this 'first phase' much more poppy in nature. Great summery sounds if a little by-the-numbers, to be honest, as evidenced by debut solo single High.

High (Remix): Cleo Sol ft. Gappy Ranks (2011) 

For the follow up single in 2012, Never The Right Time (Who Do You Love), Cleo went full-on Beyoncé. Again, a really catchy, slickly-produced song that should've been a hit but with a sense that there wasn't a real understanding of Cleo's full potential.

 

Never The Right Time (Who Do You Love): Cleo Sol (2012)

 

During a 5-year break from releasing music, Cleo connected with Inflo, and the sheer volume of music that's come from this collaboration, whether with SAULT, guesting with Little Simz or on her two solo albums is astonishing in it's breadth and quality. There's a depth and maturity in Cleo's voice and songwriting, enhanced by a sympathetic producer at the top of his game. No surprise that Adele turned to Inflo for a few songs on her latest album. I have little to no interest in Adele, to be honest, and in a fair world, Cleo Sol would similarly be shifting record-breaking numbers of her albums too.

 

So, make a drink, sit back, enjoy the sunshine and immerse yourself in the sounds of Cleo Sol. Just don't forget to buy her music afterwards, you won't regret it.   

By coincidence, after completing this post, I discovered that it's Cleo's birthday on 24th March. Many happy returns!

 

Side One

1) Sunshine: Cleo Sol (2021)

2) Free: SAULT (2020)

3) Wildfires: SAULT (2020)

4) Don't Let It Go To Your Head: Cleo Sol (2021)

5) Light's In Your Hands: SAULT (2021)

Side Two

1) When I'm In Your Arms: Cleo Sol (2020)

2) No Bullshit: SAULT (2019)

3) Protect My Energy: Little Simz (2021)

4) Rewind: Cleo Sol (2020)

5) We Need You: Cleo Sol (2021)

 

Side One (22:17) (KF) (Mega)

Side Two (22:08) (KF) (Mega)

 

Parental advisory: some cussing and blinding, particularly on Side Two. 

Cleo Sol on Soundcloud

Buy Cleo Sol and SAULT on Bandcamp

Insanity By One Man Jury

Beats and rhymes for these uncertain times.

 

With apologies for the potty mouth language throughout.

 

1) War: Chuck D vs. Ticc-Tacc ft. Ambersunshower (1998)

2) Appetite For Destruction: N.W.A. (1991)

3) Woman: Little Simz ft. Cleo Sol (2021)

4) Now Is Tomorrow (Shabba Soul Mix By Donwon & Rimsky Korsokov IV): Definition Of Sound (1991)

5) Mankind (Part 2): Jalal (1993)

6) Spectacular (Kaos Remix By Tucker): Fantastic Plastic Machine ft. Verbal & Afra (2003)

7) Sylvie: Mr. Oizo & Phra ft. Frah Quintale (2022)

8) Females (Get On Up) (12" Edit By The Beatmasters): The Cookie Crew (1987)

9) Another Sound Mission (Mystic Handyman Pt 2) (Single Version By Green Gartside, David Gamson & DJ Revolution): Scritti Politti & Likwit Crew ft. Defari & Tash (1999)

10) California Über Alles (Album Version) (Cover of Dead Kennedys): The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy (1992)

11) Ain't The Devil Happy (Tiny Desk (Home) Concert): Jeru The Damaja (2020)

12) Pink Matter (Remix): Frank Ocean ft. Andre 3000 & Big Boi (2013)

13) Make My: The Roots (2011)
 

Insanity By One Man Jury (56:14)

International Women's Day

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias 

 

Woman: Little Simz ft. Cleo Sol (2021)

Can Anyone Ever Really Get The Chemistry, You Know?

This selection has been done completely on the fly this morning and entirely made up of new digital purchases in the past couple of days, mostly via Bandcamp Friday. It's a reasonably relaxed affair, with occasional musical prods to get your attention.

Swiss Adam introduced me to Andres Y Xavi last year and their collaborations with Rolo McGinty (The Woodentops) were fantastic. What Do You See In Me originally appeared as a dub and it's just been released as an EP, with two further Xavi dubs and a trio of excellent Balearic remixes from Max Essa. I've gone for the full vocal to start things off, Rolo in fine form against a gentle acoustic backdrop and the promise of a beautiful summer to come.

 

Dan Wainwright, another Bagging Area recommendation, released his latest album From The Ground Up in January. Two listens in and I'm loving it. In the promo info Dan describes this as a very personal record that "tells a story through metaphor about being neurodiverse and learning to accept and love [himself] as being unique". If you've enjoyed Dan's music as I have, then this album takes it to whole other level.

 

I stumbled across Ribas Abbas whilst down a Bandcamp rabbit hole, and I'm glad I did. Based in Amsterdam, Ribas' music appears to be a mix of originals and re-edits, all available as a free/name your price download. I've started with two re-edits, one by Christine & The Queens and the other, featured here, a re-edit of Pilooski's 2015 song Completely Sun, featuring Jarvis Cocker.

 

In fact, you get three divine JCs for your trouble (though sadly not this one). Aside from Jarvis Cocker, Julian Cope and John Cale both get the re-edit/remix treatment, courtesy of Paisley Dark Records and their excellent Edits Box series. As is there weren't reason enough to buy, on Bandcamp Friday all of the artists agreed to donate every penny spent on releases to the fund raiser United Help Ukraine, with the label match funding donations up to £100. 

 

I enthused about the new Trentemøller album, Memoria, last month but after streaming it for the last couple of weeks, I have finally got around to buying it. Lisbet Fritze is the perfect choice of vocalist for the album, as evidenced in current single, No More Kissing In The Rain. 

 

On a similar retro vibe, I belated picked up The Divine Comedy's most recent album, Office Politics. Not what I expected - in a good way - with Neil Hannon channeling his inner Goldfrapp on this song. This is preceded by Sleaford Mods, remixed by the Hartnoll brothers to great effect. Parental advisory: you might want to skip this one as, true to form, there's a lot of effin' and jeffin' going on.

 

Xan Tyler makes a welcome return to these pages, following 2021's collaboration with Mad Professor, Clarion Call, which I loved. Whilst I'm looking forward to a new Xan Tyler album this year, this selection steps back to 2020 and Let It Come Down, essentially a solo project by legendary producer Kramer. So far, just the one album - Songs We Sang in Our Dreams - predominantly instrumentals with Xan providing vocals on a couple of tracks, including this beauty.

 

Closing the selection is the wonderful Dnipro by Ukrainian duo Ptakh_Jung, which I discovered earlier this week, and the brilliant Catherine Anne Davies aka The Anchoress. Following last month's cover of R.E.M., here is a wonderful version of The Tradition by Halsey, Davies accompanied by Charlie Cawood to haunting effect. 

 

A perfect way to close the selection, and a prompt to further explore the vast musical soundscapes these artists have created. Buy now.

 

1) What Do You See In Me (Max Essa Extended Vocal Mix): Andres Y Xavi ft. Rolo McGinty (2022)

2) Underwater Cities: Dan Wainwright (2022)

3) Completely Sun (Ribas Abbas Remix): Pilooski ft. Jarvis Cocker (2020)

4) I Don't Rate You (Orbital Remix): Sleaford Mods (2021)

5) Infernal Machines (Album Version): The Divine Comedy (2019)

6) No More Kissing In The Rain: Trentemøller ft. Lisbet Fritze (2022)

7) They Were On Hard Drugs (Matt Gunn Edit): Julian Cope (2022)

8) Hush Hush: Horton Jupiter vs. John Cale (2021)

9) Don't Let It Go To Your Head: Cleo Sol (2021)

10) Pennies: Let It Come Down (Kramer & Xan Tyler) (2020)

11) Dnipro: Ptakh_Jung (2020)

12) The Tradition (Cover of Halsey): The Anchoress (2022)

 

Can Anyone Ever Really Get The Chemistry, You Know? (1:02:34)