Close, But No Cigar

One of those clichéd expressions I often use but haven't a notion what they actually mean.

A few weeks back, I mentioned that the BBC 'Sound of 2009' shortlist had been unveiled following a poll of music industry gurus to assess which new musical acts are likely to make a splash in 2009. Previous 'Sound of...' predictions have been spookily accurate so I was eager to see the final list.

This week, the Top 10 are being announced (in a somewhat convoluted fashion) and, so far, they've named the fourth and fifth acts most likely to make a name for themselves this year.

At number 5 is La Roux, who I've previously blogged about.

Seemingly, La Roux are a duo and the name is not just a pseudonym for singer, Ellie Jackson. Their sound fuses Jackson's Annie Lennox-esque vocals with luscious synths and quirky beats from her production partner, Ben Langmaid. A mission statement to "bring back the 1980's" is hardly a novel ambition right now, but we'll forgive this silliness if their album delivers on the promise of single, 'Quicksand'.




Fourth position has been bestowed upon Aussie pair, Empire of the Sun. (Is it just me or have duos suddenly become very trendy? Probably something to do with Same Difference, I suspect...)

Empire of the Sun are yet another act drawing on the 1980's for inspiration, both in terms of music and image. The brainchild of Nick Littlemore of electro outfit, Pnau, and Luke Steele of indie band, The Sleepy Jackson, the band are aptly described as "extras from a psychedelic Star Wars" by BBC. With the pair assuming the identities of superheroes Emperor Steele and Lord Littlemore, it seems they're having some fun with the project but, even if the longevity of their appeal is questionable, the blog-hype surrounding this pair suggests we'll be hearing plenty from them over the next few months.

Here's their single "Walking On A Dream":



The Top 3 will most likely contain Lady Gaga and Florence and the Machine. Not sure who else will be there. I'd love it to be Franmusik or Little Boots but I reckon they'll want somebody less poppy so perhaps Passion Pit, Kid Cudi or White Lies will make the cut. We'll soon see.