[Track now available at soundclick]

Although I've included Xanthe's Soundclick site in the header of this review please be aware that If is available ONLY on MP3 Unsigned's London 7/7 page. Still, there's plenty on her Soundclick site for you to taste as well as the London 7/7 track. The list of my favourite Xanthe tracks is very long indeed, and I've been a fan of her particular vocal style since forever. She's a musical throwback, owing more to early '80's electropop artists than just about anything else. With musical tracks that could easily grace a Mute record, and a vocal style that is akin to an understated Alison Moyet, it's easy to see why she is rated so highly by almost everyone I know.

As you well know, I know an awful lot of folks...

At this point in time I have heard all the London 7/7 tracks, including surprisingly enough my own many, many times. Like anyone else I have my favourites amonst them and If is right up there at the very top. When I reviewed Drainage/MaryGottschalk/GreyB's collaboration - London Burning Underground - yesterday I made particular mention of the lyrics, and the same must be said here. Where Mary's lyrics are evocative and sad, Xanthe's are angry and defiant - in both cases they are powerful, intense and imbued with meaning. If, should I have to choose a word to describe it, is beautiful. Haunting vocally and perfectly scored, Xanthe has excelled almost anything that came before for this reviewer, and believe me that's a very high bar to get over. This is, in my very humble opinion, the best London 7/7 track for all sorts of reasons; production, performance, arrangement - yet another list that is endless eh?

You wouldn't believe where this is going to go from the one note sequence that introduces this track, although the early use of strings will give you a clue. One of the comments I've seen about this is track is what a good composition this is, and that's being very understated. Structurally this is a symphonic movement that happens to have a song attached to it - and what a song it is too. While thinking about the events that triggered this musical outpouring you cannot fail to be affected by the HUGE 'let me choose the moment, let me choose the reason' finale. A beautiful, beautiful track that brings joy along with sadness, and glory to a tragic event. Absolutely vintage Xanthe, supported by a whole symphony orchestra and I for one have never heard her sounding better.

11/10. 6 Stars. 110% MUST HAVE

Steve Gilmore
Link: http://www.soundclick.com/pro/?BandID=58145
   

I feel that I've known Xanthe for years, even though I know that cannot be true; it's just some weird internet thing with time. Strange how it seems to elongate online. Anyfekkinhoo, looking back through reviews, I see I first came across her in June 2003 (almost exactly 2 years ago) and pretty much liked what I heard right off the bat. Since then I have discovered three things about Xanthe that I didn't know before; she is a woman (as xkm1969 on forums I had no way of knowing), she is a first class singer with heaps of emotion and soul and - critically - she is one of the best female songwriters around.

I don't like everything Xanthe does (as a sideline, she has been known to deal with show tunes for fun) but I really rate her as a vocalist and songwriter. The list of Xanthe classics is endless: I personally cherish Feels Like 1981, Music Box, Don't Waste A Minute, Sharp Passion, Winter City but even that is just scratching the surface. Xanthe is not just an artist who is good, she has proved to be consistently good over time and that is not an easy task to perform - especially when you consider some of her more heartbreaking peices. As much as I like her music, it's as a compassionate, caring human being as she discloses in her songs, that this artist becomes that bit special.

As much as I detest ballads, especially the tear-jerking ones, it's this side of Xanthe's work that I like the most. I love that slight retro feel she gets, the breathy, insidious vocal licking your ears with pure pleasure. Winter City has a feel similar to This Way; a wistful, yearning track that swallows you up in it's big, big heart. Right now I'm utterly convinced I'm in the presence of one of Xanthe's finer moments, but you may have a different story. If you've never encountered this genuinely talented artist I strongly urge you to check her out and this is a fine track to start with.

Serious Talent. With a capital X.

Steve Gilmore
Link: http://www.soundclick.com/pro/?BandID=58145

Xanthe has been one of my favourite female singers on the internet for a couple of years now and I've seen her go through up and downs that would have put most people off. Not this one, she learns from it and then puts all that back into the highly emotional and beautiful music she is justly famed for. It also helps that she is the proud owner of one of the most distinctive voices on Soundclick or anywhere else for that matter. Once you have heard the singer, there's no turning back and many, many people have found out. The list of her great tracks is pretty much endless going right back to when she first came online and was known by a very anonymous sounding nick - xkm1969.

Hey, I've even heard her do 'show' tunes :-)

There's another side to this artist to, as well as her vocalising. She writes some of the best lyrics I've heard, full of emotion, often controversial but always, always extremely touching. Her music connects with people in ways I haven't seen many artists do and she does tend to appeal to a very broad range of tastes. Although Transition is a bit too lightweight for me (it's all those strings...) it is pure Xanthe. However in my defence I have to say that her Don't Waste A Minute is one of my all time favourite tracks and I'd say she's going to have to go some to beat that.

No matter what I think, most people are going to very, very happy with Transition as it shows both her prowess as a songwriter and a vocalist, and it is a pretty tune she's doing it all with too. It's also, knowing what the last year has been like for Xanthe, heartening to see that she's telling us all about it in her own inimitable style. Do read the lyrics while you listen to the music and you will understand why I hold her in such regard. With a nice line in retro electropop, Transition is going to sit on some peoples hard drives for a very long time.

Highly Recommended.

Steve Gilmore
Link: http://www.soundclick.com/pro/?BandID=58145
   

A long time ago on a long forgotten website I started to meet an artist called xkm1969, who slowly but surely made their talents known. Before much longer there I was writing a (quite glowing) review for this young chap who obviously has learnt a thing or two in his short life. Little did I know that this 'chap' would turn out to be one of my all time favourite female vocalists of the last few years. Not because she has the 'oh my god' factor of - say - Taylor Jordan or even the winsomeness of the lucious Sharma Kaye. Nope the reason that I have such fond affection for this singer is pure and simple - there just isn't anyone else like Xanthe. No one I know sounds like her and no one I know writes songs like her; songs that reach down into your private parts and mutter lifes essentials to you.

Since that first obviously traumatic meeting Xanthe has surprised and astounded me at every turn. At this moment in time I have no less than 10 previous Xanthe tracks - a record for my hard drive almost - including classics such as Don't Waste A Minute, Dawn or The Longer The Silence. It was with much regret that I saw earlier this year that she was going to quit doing what she does so well. I couldn't blame her for that decision, I KNOW what this little 'hobby' costs people like us and it doesn't come cheap - in any form. However, I think Xanthe came to that realisation because she bounced back well and even released (yaaaahhhh) a new track!! Good on you girl!! You keep at this because you are very, very special and don't you forget it...

Now, just let me put away me Dad kit and we'll get on....

As always when I make a statement so sweeping I would have to point you to the music to really make the point for me. Listen now.... The sheer scale of Xanthe's musical breadth is at your throat and chomping mightily within the first 20 seconds of this track. The semi-classical piano riffs sound almost stark and irritatingly repetitive; the only relief being those incredibly warm vocal tones that is Xanthe's greatest strength. Tell me - honestly - who else sounds like this? On a much more telling point, who else writes lyrics of this quality and honesty? As stark and unadorned as this track ultimately is, it is a thing shot through with such exquisitely aching beauty it'll take your breath away. We can only wish we could write something as relevant and meaningful as this. To be sure there are some things I could take issue with, especially some of the sound levels in certain parts, and the overridding repetition of the piano phrase and - when all is said and done - the treatment of Xanthe's voice itself. That's just me being Mr Technician though because most people probably won't even notice it.

Beautiful, just beautiful

Steve Gilmore
Link: http://www.soundclick.com/pro/?BandID=58145

Here's a track I should rightly have reviewed a couple of months ago but it was still in the running for the Ejay Fantasy League competition, so that put the hex on that idea. I am, as you well know, a big fan of this accomplished and talented vocalist so I was looking forward to hearing this, but the lady says no, so there ya go. As such, it's about the only Xanthe track I haven't played immediately. I try not to hear a track prior to reviewing it because it may prejudice me, especially in her case.

It constantly amazes me why the record business isn't more active on the internet in general and sites like Soundclick in particular. The talent you find on here is - in a word - prodigious. It's everywhere you feckin look, in all styles and genres all generally available at the cheapest price possible - free. Given this environment, and I don't think for one second I am over-stating the case, you have to be something else entirely to REALLY stand out amongst us gathered thousands. You have to have talent over and above, and then some. I have met very, very few artists who fill this criteria; a few from Ejay, a handful from Soundclick, some from other sites and scenes but all of them have that indefinable something that sets them apart.

I've been a fan of Xanthe's particular vocal style even when I thought she was a young guy (it's a long and embaressing story) and I have to say that the last few releases from her have been absolute firecrackers, not a dud among 'em. It makes me wish that I had reviewed The Longer The Silence when I first had the chance because then I'd have had a couple of months to live with this perfect, perfect track.

Xanthe exhudes emotion the way most people sweat, as naturally as breathing. The Longer The Silence may at last be the bridge between Xanthe's two vocal obsessions: show tunes and modern electronica. It's a throwback to those smoky, jazzy tunes made famous in Europe during the 1920's and 1930's and performed these days with grand style by the incomparable Ute Lemper and others. Although I've only had a few days with this track there's no doubt that this is right up there with her very, very best. Xanthe right in her stride.

Immaculate. Tremendous. Priceless. Get the picture?

Steve Gilmore
Link: http://www.soundclick.com/pro/?BandID=58145

   
   

Hey. Imagine, a whole month went by and I didn't review a Xanthe track.

All joking aside, although she is incredibly prolific I'm never one to turn down her particular musical treats - as past reviews have shown. Definitely - in my mind anyway - one of the more special artists around these parts, Xanthe's musical ouvre is a brand of electropop that is instantly recognisable and an even more distinctive singing voice. All in all, Xanthe has surprised me much, much more than she has ever disappointed me. Aaah, but you are only as good as your last track, right???

Good thing that Xanthe never ever delivers anything other than a spotless production and performance and Bye Bye encapsulates that and more. Nope where the real acid test would come in whether you like the style/genre or not. Now I say this, having described her style above. See her general musical style is electropop but - every once in a while - she does what is best described as 'show tunes' - of which Bye Bye is a classic example.

I tended to be reminded of the kind of cabaret music of the 1930's from the likes of Kurt Wiell and Berthol Brecht - in fact you could almost picture someone like Marlene Dietrich singing this bathed in the glow of a single spotlight. I would hope Xanthe takes that reference as a high compliment because although I didn't rate Dietrich as a singer at all - by God she could put the sentiment across like no one else. A bit off the beaten path but when this material is done well - and with the proper reverence it can be magical.

Just like this. Miss it at your peril, Beryl....

Steve Gilmore
Link: http://www.soundclick.com/pro/?BandID=58145

Having delivered great track after great track for the past few months - A Friendship Tested, Don't Waste A Minute, V, Dawn, 2004, Sharp Passion - you could imagine Xanthe as being nothing but a music making machine - and you wouldn't be far wrong. However, when you combine that speed of creation with the solid, dependable - and often surprising - tracks she's been coming out with, I have a feeling that this is going to Xanthe's year.

Winter City is Xanthe's entry into the Ejay Fantasy League (Second Round) but let's forget all that competitive stuff and get with the groove.....man....

Oh God, I can't believe I just wrote that. Anyone have a spare silver bullet?

I have a feeling Xanthe won round one, but I may be wrong about that. What I am not wrong about - and I am most definite about this - is that this is about as choice as it gets. Winter City is a beautifully constructed, well performed ballad that aches with each note. No matter how far down this road we go, and Xanthe and I have have quite a lot of track between us now she still manages to make me catch my breath - or in Winter City hold it until I turn blue. Did I tell you this is a beautiful track?

After a few dozen plays the words finally began to focus in my mind, and I became so entranced by them that I went online to find out whether she had left the lyrics anywhere. They are on the website and tell a tale that I know from personal experience; London is a cold, cruel, heartless place for many people. This track tells that tale so well it brought tears to my eyes.

A classic from a classic. A Must Have track.

Steve Gilmore
Link: http://www.soundclick.com/pro/?BandID=58145

Here's an artist who has come a very long way since I first met her as xkm1969 on the Ejay boards over a year ago. Not satisfied with converting that particular board to her unique vocal style she's now doing it all over again on Soundclick. Definitely flavour of the year for last year then but this internet music lark is even worse than the real world because - like that place - you are only as good as your last track. Even more so when you are an established artist which Xanthe definitely is at this stage. Truth is, the girl does definitely have the goods and 2003 is dotted with great (and some other-worldly) Xanthe tracks and collaborations - in particular the groundbreaking collaboration with Kamiiliion on the perfect Music Box track. A track with a heart the size of the Grand Canyon and a great deal to say for itself. Even now, this is one of my all time favourite Xanthe tracks and most probably one of my faourite tracks by any artist.

Put me in the frame for being a sucker about stringed instruments - of all types. However, one of the biggest loves for me in the stringed world has to be the cello. This awesome instrument has always featured strongly whenever I really like a track and in 2004 Xanthe has given me a veritable cornucopia to choose from and -in the process - delivered a substantial jolt to my taste buds. Here I was in my usual 'know it all' mode thinking I was in for a slab of vintage X moozic; throbbing 'lectronic backing track, vibrant, lively vocals and intricate, knowledgeable lyrics. And what does she give me this time??

Music from old, dead, white dudes.

Yep the world of Wolfgang, Beethoven and Bach, bach in all its glory. Gobsmacked, as much as I dislike the word, is about the only thing I can say about my reaction to this. As much as a knockout as this track initially was, it's style, authority and sheer cojones - imagine taking on something as complex as this in under 5 minutes! 2004 works an absolute treat and is - by any yardstick - a bloody awesome track. More so if you actually like classical music (ie string quartets). My admiration for Xanthe as a musician has just taken a HUGE leap. To be convincing in this genre is extraordinarily difficult and she pulls it off with such aural beauty and style, it takes my breath away.

A beautiful track by anyone's standards.

Steve Gilmore
Link: http://www.soundclick.com/pro/?BandID=58145

All artists can expect one thing out of their dedication, time and effort and that is progression as an artist. Some artists do it the hard way increasing their potential track by track, some artists take risks and gain insights that enable them to progress several levels at once. All ways of progression (or learning the 'tricks of the trade' if you would prefer) are equally valid and all ways have their own ups and downs. A constant gripe I hear time and time again is about how this artist or that artist is 'blocked' and can write nothing meaningful. A familiar refrain and one we are all extremely aware of - each and every one of us. One of the hidden beauties of being a reviewer for several years is that you actually get to see and hear these progressions close up and personal, so I more than aware of what it takes and the amount of hard work it takes to move onwards in what we all do...

None, though, as come closer to my heart than Xanthe....

I carry around an enormous amount of her tracks, from the sublime and deeply moving Music Box to her - IMHO - best track to date Don't Waste a Minute. After I reviewed Dont Waste a month or so ago, I raved about it so much my wife decided to see what it was all about. She's now got her very own Xanthe CD for the car and, believe me, I could find no greater praise than that. My wife is a fearsome critic.

The reason for this is, I believe, Xanthe's musical simplicity. She knows what the core of the track should be and she pursues it vigorously as can be seen in the tremendously affecting chorus in Don't Waste a Minute. Sharp Passion should have been reviewed right at the beginning of February but seeing as it is an entry into the Ejay Fantasy League compo being run over on that site by Youth, I shelved 3 tracks from that compo until the results were in. Consequently, I've had a lot more exposure to this track than I would do in a normal review month. And, suffice to say, Xanthe does appear to have won (or at least get some very high scores) in this most interesting of compos.

With a begining that almost convinced me I was going to be listening to 10ccs I'm Not In Love, Sharp Passion soon develops into Xanthe's favourite passion - electronic pop with added sensibility. So if you already know her work, Sharp Passion should fit right along with your collection and will not hold many surprises. Although after endless plays I found myself enjoying the experience as I always do with this vocalists work, I personally felt that the track lacked edge and true emotional depth but that is the merest quibble when faced with work of such quality and even the best artists can't come up with killer tracks EVERY time and this woman has had more than her share of those....

Steve Gilmore - Link: http://www.soundclick.com/pro/?BandID=58145

Very “dance” oriented opening for this Electronica tune. Love the bass drum that kicks in. I can’t miss the piano, it sounds very well … a bit more treble perhaps and less reverb and spread more over both channels? The strings seem to be right there with the piano – a bit too much on the left channel and not bright enough.

This is a lively piece of music! The singer (Xanthe) pops up from nowhere and I’m impressed with the voice! Extraordinary! Very smooth voice which can pretty much sing anything, I can imagine. I’m impressed with the deeper vocals in this song. Great voice!

The theme of the song is very dance oriented, but also a song that can just be listened to. I am remaining impressed by the musical production of this piece and the many changes in percussion (or, beat).

Love the lyrics as well and not to mention, the way this vocalist is presenting them. The voice fits the lyrics – somewhat dark – just like the overall feel of the music (just until we get to the more rhythmic part of the track).

This is an excellently produced tune. Love the composition and the way the arrangement was put together. A lot of Electronica fans (well, including me) should take a listen to this one. You/we might learn a bit here and there.

Have I mentioned that the vocals are excellent?

Xanthe and And-Y have another version of this song in the works. I am curious what will happen to that collaboration. Right now, I am liking this version better than the brief preview of a rough mix I’ve heard yesterday. But, who knows, I may end up tossing the coin and it will stand up – undecided?

Excellent job, Xanthe!!! Who’s never heard this latest version (Xanthe has put some more work on it) absolutely should do so! This is a great piece of Electronica (Sub – I’d say dance   
Mike Kohlgraf a.k.a. Mike-K - Link: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/3/mikek.htm

Throughout the whole of 2003, Xanthe - the artist formerly known as xkm1969 - has delivered hot track after hot track. Matter of fact, its pretty much been her year really. Certainly one of my all time favourites of last year was her collaboration with Kamiiliion on the superlative Music Box, but also - in her own right - tracks like V and Dont Waste A Minute established her as a very definite contender as one of the very best artists I heard last year. Even as I speak Don't Waste A Minute is being appreciated by my neighbours, whose howls of anguish add an even more gratifying sound experience.

Still enough of that, lets get some of this...

The piano sound that caught my attention in DWAM is present on Dawn too, and used to as good effect too, although I thought the whole intro was a bit cluttered, although that may well be a personal thing. Taking a loook at the much bigger picture though, Xanthe certainly ahs a very real grasp on the art of making a good SONG, and Dawn is a good song with Xanthe is her usual fine vocal form. Ideas-wise, Dawn had tons going for it more especially in the vocal department because there were definitely times where I thought the music sagged a bit. That IS just a personal opinion and time, as always, will tell the tale. Of course, I'm going to be keeping this, with Xanthe I think that's a given these days.

The real problem Dawn has is in my mind. If I heard this before DWAM, then I may well be raving about this as much as I did with DWAM, but I heard that first and this track suffers because of it. As far as I can tell, after only a few days of playing, Dawn is certainly the harder song of the two to connect to, but I also get the feeling that when I do get the whole thing, the experience will be infinitely worthwhile. I think a very good start to 2004 for this very talented artist but she spoilt me - in particular - with Don't Waste A Minute and I'm having a hard time seeing through to this track. You, on the other hand, are probably going to gobble it up as yet another fine example of a good artist in full flow.

And you'd be absolutely right.

Steve Gilmore - Link: http://www.soundclick.com/pro/?BandID=58145

The golden couple of the moment, Xanthe and Kami have both had some very favourable reactions to their 'Music Box' track released some while ago (it was the topic of a very long, detailed and incredibly interesting forum thread on the old Ejay site) and - of course - from their own releases. In the case of this review I am going to take Xanthe's is the inspirational version and maybe I'll be able to see then what Kam has come up with from his side. No matter what - before hearing a note - I have to say my interest in this track is very high so if I get all gushy, you have my permission to shoot.
Xanthe's V turns out to be a jaunt around the electronica world of Fruity Loops that is carried out surprisingly well. Although the sounds will be very familiar to users of this software the way that Xanthe tweaks those sounds and makes them her own should give any user pause. Matter of fact, I think this is one of the very first tracks to use that 'Plucked!' sound that I actually LIKE - and that's saying something. It's in the arrangement and pace of the track where this tune really scores though; all of which is presented flawlessly and with a vigor that is a vortex in its own right. Add Xanthe's very particular vocals to it though and you have one of the freshest sounding electronica track this reviewer has heard for a while, and definitely one of her very best works.

Kam's Slip and Slide mix instantly establishes a different, more dance-y groove to the track that - as it develops is equally as catchy and absorbing as the original. Matter of fact, this puts me in mind of the past work of B1nary (aka DJ Mark Lee) so solidly is the rhythm set in stone. As that wasn't pneumatically enough, Kam then slices and dices Xanthe's vocals, using the 'rhythm' phrase in a very percussive way. Moreover, once the main vocal gets started, he's added a very telling, almost Arabic feel to the verses that works a bloody blinder on your musical tastebuds. As much as I liked the original - and beleive me I really did - Kamiiliion's version is pure delight, sex on a stick.

I would recommend downloading both of these because they are so different - and both as worthwhile. I will be keeping both, of course, but I'd be a fool to admit that I would play xkm's version more. Tracks as good as Kam's Slip and Slide Mix don't come along that often, don't be foolish enough to miss this very magical moment. Hats of to Xanthe for writing a great track, and Kamiiliion - you can have my children.

You sir, are inspirational even in remix stylee..

Steve Gilmore - Link: http://www.soundclick.com/pro/?BandID=58145

One of my favourite She-Jayers this year has been Xanthe aka xkm1969, mostly because her development in that year has been nothing less than startling. From her first hesitant postings to the full blown musical treats she's now delivering as regularly as Tescos, I have watched this woman's online activity with more than a warm glow of satisfaction. Not that I had anything to do with her achievements this year, other than reviewing that is, but I do like to see people progress in this - the most wonderful of the arts.

From the sublime collaboration of Kamiiliion and Xanthe comes one of my top tracks of 2003, Music Box and she is definitely strongly in the running for my Artist Of The Year spot, so it was with great excitement that I crept up upon this latest track. I must say since Xanthe first picked up Fruity Loops she hasn't gone far wrong and Don't Waste A Minute is a great example of how advanced she has already become on this program. The reason I liked V - her last track - was because of the way she uses Fruity Loops and its instruments. Now to those who don't know, FLP can be a right bi** to work with and unless you really work at it, your track could end up sounding exactly like any other Fruity track. Just a cursory listen of this track will show you how much work Xanthe puts into this very important area - work very, very well spent.

Songwise, Don't Waste A Minute is just to die for. Great hooks, singalongachorus and some superb vocalising from the lady herself. Much has been said about xkm's vocal talents and believe me all of it is true. She has one of the most recognisable voices around, even if it often sounds like someone else - ie there are touches of Alison Moyet in this light, bubbly track. Taken as a whole - for me anyway - this is a high spot track, flawless in every single direction and one that I am keeping, and thereby playing it until it bleeds. This is that good, her elegant spoken/rap vocals held down by an awesomely sharp piano figure that is so REAL it fair makes me sick. Why can't I get a piannner like that? Waaaaaaahhhhhhh

Get this. Don't hesitate. Brilliant. <---- stuck for words

Steve Gilmore - Link: http://www.soundclick.com/pro/?BandID=58145

One of my favourites finds this year has been the very prolific Dead Company. Part of that is down to the eccentric compositions they are capable of, and partly its because of the vocal delivery of the unique Black Circles. In case you didn't know he speaks the lyrics, and as bizzare as that may sound it actually works.

Errr....s'cuse I??

Aren't you supposed to be reviewing Blue Tears Falling?

Yes, I AM reviewing BTF, if you'd stop the buttinski routine, you may even get to see my point. Always, zu picking of ze nits...tut tut. The reason I drag Sean (Black Circles) into this affair in the first place because here is the FEMALE equivalent, decked out in all its echo drenched glory. Hark though, what is that? Don't I k-k-k-know that voice? Shirley I do? Yep the vocals are handled by none other than the golden throated heroine of the hour Xanthe (aka xkm1969).

Hey! Whadda ya mean 'Oh HER'?

Well, I'm here to tell you 'her' has turned a corner, her has. So nrrrrr

A Friendship Tested - to paraphrase the opening lyrics - 'this was unexpected. I never saw this coming' best describes my initial reaction to this - well, tone poem I guess. Set into a lush ambient background, the lyrics are delivered drenched in a roomy echo that never gets 'boomy', thereby allowing the vocals to properly meld with the backing track. Not an easy thing to achieve, despite it SOUNDING easy. Production on this track is knockout, the stereo is wide open, allowing the sounds the headroom that a track like this requires. Definitely going into my keeper file this one, and I have no doubt its going to feature in my playlist for months.
Steve Gilmore - Link: http://www.soundclick.com/pro/?BandID=58145

I've been looking forward to this track ever since I first read about it because it features two of my favourite contemporary community artists, xkm1969 and Spiral Lounge aka Kitsch Dave. Both artists have tracks already in my Best Tracks of...list, and judging by whats going on in this track, this is probably gonna join them, with a bullet.

Whatever that may mean

Using some very recognisable acoustic guitar samples, Becoming Visible is really a showcase for one of the best voices the Ejay forums has thrown up, Xanthe aka xkm1969. On this track, she reminds me of a younger, clearer toned Marriane Faithful and that can't be half bad eh? More to the point, a concentrated lyric listening session shows that this is not just great musically, but it has lots of underlying qualities too.

If I had to pin it down to the mat, I'd have to say that Becoming Visible is pretty much a straight forward rock-ish song that could stand on its own two legs as a commercial track and is - by far - the best thing I have ever heard from either of these two very talented musicians. The whole track sparkles and glows with rude good health, the strings used lightly and with a sure touch to back up those splendid vocals, everything works together so well it's sick making.

Yep, that good. Get a listen and you'll see for your self....

And who could resist the line 'I don't want to come over like an Oprah'?

This one I am going to cling to for many years to come. Really top stuff.

Steve Gilmore - Link: http://www.soundclick.com/pro/?BandID=58145

Xanthe, Xanthe. What a lovely name that is...

Xanthe is, of course, more popularly known on these forums as Xkm1969, and even for such a new arrival has already created several waves in this densely populated place. Rightly so, I might add because not only is Xkm1969 a woman, she's also an extremely interesting and accomplished vocalist. In only a few short months, Xkm has caught the attention of some of the more senior members, leading to some very distinct collaborations. One of which I am reviewing later this month - the much lauded Music Box.

Judging by the bassline that introduces this track, you would have to agree that Xkm has certainly got that 80's feel right. This impression is reinforced by the very Soft Cell sound of the lead synth that introduced the first verse. Excellent reproduction of a classic era. Vocally, I'd have to say that Xanthe sounds much stronger on this track than anything I've heard from here so far. The lyrics are easily picked out of the track and are delivered in an almost deadpan stylee that works wickedly well.

Certainly if you have the misfortune to be English and alive in 1981 (she was still at school then she says) almost every line of this track will appeal to your sense of nostalgia. Although nostalgia for what is debateable. I certainly couldn't put my hand on my heart and say that the 80's were a 'golden age' - unless of course you hung out with Loadsamoney... The 60's it DEFINITELY wasn't. Mind you, musically, the 80's were pretty neat spawning some very awesome sounds - a lot of which you'll find resurrected loveingly on this track. If you like the period, you will love the track.

On a more personal note, I'd have to say that Xanthe's vocals - as good as they undoubtedly are - really need some kind of counterpoint. To my ears, the vocal really needs some counter lines or even (dare I say it) a 2 or 3 part harmony on the chorus. For my standards that kind of treatment would then put this track RIGHT UP THERE with some of the best around... Even so, it's still an outstandingly good track that fully deserves your attention...

Once, of course, have you have your makeup on

Steve Gilmore - Link: http://www.soundclick.com/pro/?BandID=58145

Here's a track featuring the talents of Ejay forum regulars Kameleon (or is it Kamiiliion now?) and the golden tonsils of xkm1969. Seeing as this got a right royal going over in the Ejay's R&R forum in an extended review that has become a HUGE thread in its own right, I am not even going to THINK about analysing this tracks 'meaning'. It's all been said, I tell you.

Nope, lets just take it as regular peice of music and see what blows its skirts up...

Tinkly music box sounds, some very impressive violin work and - of course - the aformentioned voice, all combining in a very powerful track that veers from pretty, pretty (at the beginning) to red hot and passionate (towards the end). The prettiness courtesy of the tinkly shit, and the passion from the almost Romanesque (that's Gypsy to you guys) feel to the violin solos that really put fire and soul into this tracks belly.

If I hadn't waded through the ton of deep analysis about this track, I still think it would have it me in the same way. There's no doubt in my mind that this is a POWER track in every sense of the word. The music has drama, light and shade and a tremendously productive mix that makes use of every single inch of stereo space. The lyrics add enormously to this inherent tension in the music and its really that combination that seals the deal for this track. An absolute cracker of a track, miss it at your peril. Steve Gilmore - Link: http://www.soundclick.com/pro/?BandID=58145

Hi and welcome to..................... jazz! An artist that is rapidly rising into the ranks and becoming a force to be reckoned with, a smooth vocal technique and an ear for a tune and a refrain..... nice! cool .....ok ok...Fast Show be as it may, 'The Things I Do is as jazz track....yep you heard that correctly!!!! What an unusual thing within the Community!!!! Of course we have Youth (who I mentioned in my last review...and of course Gilmore's latest....actually it ain’t that unusual now) XKM has a lovely voice!! slightly breathless, rather sultry, LOTS of emotion there (which is always good) Perfect for this track in fact. WaaaaaahhhHHHHHHH I can't find anything negative to say about this either!!!!! Right....that's it....I'm deliberately looking for a crap N00b to review next....I least I can get my teeth into criticising something then!!!! ATTENTION ALL CRAP N00BS!!! load your spammy cut and paste choons here and let me at 'em!!!!! ********* From the sleek shell of the production....very 'late night mood' and seductive emphasis on the double bass this baby aims to impress..and impress it does!! XKM deserves a maximum credit for getting the layout spot on..never mind the vocals!!! Doing something like this, not only takes guts...it takes a certain panache and a willingness to practice....and practice... In any case I have utmost respect for those who sing on their tracks!!! There ain’t many of us!!! Myself, Slippy, ConKuss..occasionally, Boris Debs and Dreamer...that's about it really. Now that the layers of embellished sound and that, far away and wistful musical soundscape are established, we can concentrate on the quality of the vocals....and my word what a joy that is!!!!! what do we have here????? Look at whom we have joining us in our Community!!!!! A female vocalist....and my god those are as rare as gold dust.....not only that; but one with a very distinctive voice, one that oozes presence and dominates the room with her identity. 'The Things I Do'...and the style of music inherent within this track are in any case perfect for XKM (what is your real name...just for the record???). The voice and the manner in which the lyrics are performed are expressed in a series of sharp bullet points...each one saturated with a gritty realism that underpins the emotion contained within the story that unfolds. This is NOT a 'pop' voice...neither will it scream out hard rock tracks!!!!! There is rather a cinematic quality here that will waft sensually through smoke filled rooms, late on a Saturday night. Pop on my headphones for a moment and it is possible to appreciate the manner in which they are produced. Dead center (I usually do my own vocals slightly off kilter to give a wide effect) but in this case able to dominate the focus of attention due to their 'straight ahead' feel....flawless and obviously highly practiced...but keeping a certain spontaneity. Not easy!!!! I love this song..I hope you will too. Jazz may not be your thing but I would urge you to download it all the same, otherwise you are missing out on the chance to hear a true professional at work. I can't wait to hear what she comes up with next...and you can be sure that The Delivery System will be begging her to appear as a guest vocalists at some point... *beg beg* ....It kills me to do this....but I'm gonna have to make this one another Download of the month as well....sheesh that's two in one session...I must be going soft!!!!! Excellent!!!!! Ffabbia : The Delivery System - Link: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/3/thedeliverysystem.htm

Well much, and I mean much has been made recently of the artists that are, or appear to be finding success away from these boards and in the ‘real world’… well having listened to this track I can’t see that it will be long before there is another genuine star shining amongst us. Don’t Turn Your Back On Me oozes class from the very first note, with some excellent instrumentation (presumably from Mezzer – though I know that Xanthe is no slouch musically)… the piano line chosen is a good opener, the strings that accompany the vocals are simply sublime. The thing that really drags this track screaming and kicking out of the ordinary is the vocals. At first they strike me as having a sort of 60s feel with a modern touch… reminds me very much of Dusty Springfield, but then has overtones of the likes of Sade… simply wonderful vocals. Funnily enough, the structure has that 60s feel I alluded to, as there isn’t really a great deal of variation within the track… just a wonderful feeling of class and, well, happiness for me… An excellent track, superbly produced by two of the boards more versatile artists. Dark Wolf! - Link: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/3/darkwolf.htm

My Country & Western experience is limited to a youth when my mother loved Jim Reeves (I think that was his name) and a somewhat childish drooling at the site of Shania Twain…but this little tongue-in-cheek country and western number by Xanthe is contagious, infectious…wonderful. It is a track that I – please note the ‘I’ – think is absolutely wonderfully produced and realised. The music is fantastically appropriate, perfect chord support is surrounded by drumloops that are ‘just right’…whilst the vocals are simply Xanthe at her best…well chorused and perfectly placed in the stereo spectrum!!! I don’t want to say too much because I think this is worthy of downloading…YOU might not like it BUT you will revel in the fact that Xanthe has achieved a production quality on this track that many don’t get close to.

XANTHE my dear…please PLEASE do that abba-esque remake of this track. Please also note I hate C&W music but I thought this was special in a very genuine way. I’m actually going to keep this on my machine…THAT is the biggest compliment I can pay you! ;0)

Very well done indeed...!!!

Youth - Link: www.soundclick.com/bands/3/youthuk.htm

Oooh, chillout with a c-c-capital c-c-c-cube. Music for brass monkeys I can't say I am that great a fan of chillout but this cute little urchin of a track has far more going for it than a few pre-made spheres and those delightful nylon string guitar samples from DE5. As expected those same samples imbue this track with a vaguely Spanish atmosphere whenever they appear. The real jewel embedded in this track, however, appears to be home made and it is bloody great! The main vocal line, which is a complete peice, is literally a spoken poem that has style, elegance and a winsome appeal that stretches far beyond the music that backs it. On that score alone, xkm1969 has delivered something that is....well, different. Its also so well arranged and produced that it would not be out of place in a more commercial setting. What really seals the deal for me is the vocal, and I'll be absolutely honest about it. Musically, My Life Without You is very, very decent but there's only so much you can do with the genre, know what I mean? The vocal sits so well in the track and is delivered in such an appealing tone that it'll raise those little hairs at the back of your neck. It is, moreover, a very pretty little pome (as the Americans would have it) and one I'm happy to stack on my hard drive for those more tranquil moments. I've never heard of this artist before this track, but you can be sure I'll be watching for more.

Steve Gilmore
Link: http://www.soundclick.com/pro/?BandID=58145