Smalltown Boys and Big Beats

Switzerland’s government is loosening its Covid-19 restrictions. Theoretically, concerts are possible again from Monday onwards. However, the silence will not end just yet. On Thursday, I’ve written a short opinion piece about the upcoming changes in the Corona measures.

The bottom line: It’s still up to us, the music enthusiasts, to support our favourite artists by the means we have. At least by streaming their songs as often as possible. But ideally, we buy records and other merchandise directly from them.

And I hope you will find some new artists to support in these times. Today, I’ve again added five new tracks to the playlist (check it out on Spotify or Apple Music).

The selection features sensual tunes, contemporary world music, sugarcoated riot pop-punk, sexual garage rock and experimental ambient hip-hop.

Let’s discover!

Kele – Smalltown Boy

There’s no way around it: Bronski Beat’s 1984 single Smalltown Boy is an evergreen. In the last decades, the song has been covered countless times – more or less successfully. The latest attempt at this driven hymn takes Kelechukwu Rowland Okereke, known as the frontman of Bloc Party.

However, it’s no coincidence that Kele decided to create his own version of Smalltown Boy. The story of a boy that leaves his parents after his coming out might ring with Kele’s personal life. He came out as homosexual in 2010.

The British musician’s rendition of Smalltown Boy is haunting. Carried by his unique voice, the song takes a more sinister approach, with the eternal melody reverbing in the darkness. Kele’s cover is dark, bittersweet, yet undeniably beautiful.