“Rarities”
Streetlight Cadence
(Streetlight Cadence)
With a career trajectory that goes from playing music on Waikiki street corners to winning consecutive Hoku Awards to steady progress in Los Angeles, Streetlight Cadence is an inspiration for many in the local alt-rock underground. The release of “Rarities,” the group’s third CD, increases its published discography to 30 tracks; it includes three remixes.
The liner notes don’t explain what it is about these recordings that makes them rare but all of them provide interesting insights into where the group is going musically. Whether describing a time-challenged relationship or expressing the feelings of a man who loves a woman who is unaware of his feelings, the group’s lyrics are refreshingly literate and their unusual instrumentation is always memorable.
Contact streetlightcadencemgmt@gmail.com.
“Kill ’em With Love”
Jookbox City
(Yucky Apple)
Elements of Afro-American hip-hop are deftly blended with Afro-Caribbean rhythms in this impressive calling card by a talented trio and their studio sidemen. They open strong with “Gimme More,” an uptempo celebration of the “benjies” ($100 bills) and the All-American ideal of consumerism. They maintain their command of the two genres in the songs that follow.
The trio offers inspiration to the discouraged with “Second Time Around,” and pays tribute to Aaliyah (1979-2001) with “Are You That Somebody?” A third song, “The Kind Of Here I Am,” describes an idealized romantic relationship that is relatable to men and women.
Give a listen to “Shadows.” Very, very sad story; very, very catchy arrangement.
Visit jookboxcity.com.
“Loverly”
Frank De Lima
(Pocholinga Productions)
Back in the days of vinyl records Frank De Lima released an album of song parodies and comic character sketches almost yearly. These days he releases download-only singles whenever something catches his fancy. This time De Lima is using a Broadway classic by Lerner & Loewe — “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” from “My Fair Lady” — as the platform for his views of Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump and the presidential campaign.
De Lima is even-handed in his comments on the two least-popular major party candidates in modern history. He concludes that it will be necessary to “hold your nose” regardless of which one you vote for.
“Loverly” is available for free as a download on De Lima’s website. However, a payment of any amount supports his nonprofit Frank De Lima Student Enrichment Program.
Visit frankdelima.com.
