Sam Sparro’s Black and Gold was a banger back in the day. Unfortunately his label didn’t know how to promote him in the States and he became a UK phenomenon. His follow up, “The Shallow End,” dosen’t have the punch of “Black and Gold,” unfortunately but I’m glad to see this dude back on the scene. Check it.

Click here to view the embedded video.

With Gary Clark Jr, Alabama Shakes, and now Willis Earl Beal, roots, blues and R&B music are making a comeback in a huge way. The under-30 crowd has taken a shine to the long-forgotten artform in a big way. With an XL signing we’re sure to hear more from Beal in 2012. Check it.

Click here to view the embedded video.

We’ve been fans of crooner Miguel’s sound for a while now. His debut album, was one of the best R&B projects to drop last year. Thankfully he’s not resting on his laurels, and he’s already working on a follow-up, Art Dealer Chic: Vol.1. The first track, Adorn dropped last week. Check it. (via OKP)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Diamond District representative Uptown XO, channels El Hajj Malik Shabazz in the black and white video for B.A.M.N. (By Any Means Necessary). In addition to embodying the great Malcolm X, XO embodies the increasingly difficult to find Washington, DC that exists away from monuments and marble steps. XO’s latest solo release, along with rest of his discography, can be downloaded at http://uptownxo202.bandcamp.com/

Click here to view the embedded video.

New music from the ladies at Nina Sky. Ever since they dropped in 2004, the ladies have been constantly refining their sound. “Day Dreaming,” updates the sound further and sounds like a winner. Check it.

Shots (not) fired:

So people want to know: will you respond to Common?
No. Because despite how it’s been worded by him that situation is not a “hip hop moment” or a “battle for the sake of musical integrity”…it’s a ploy for attention around the release of an album. More than anything it was just disappointing cause what kid isn’t a fan of what Common has done for our genre. A guy who made such an incredible career for himself based off expressing genuine feelings about life and love is now targeting me for sharing my story.

I gotta say, I’m tired of this “beef,” if you can call it one, but much props to Drake for being mature about the entire situation, just like Rick Ross did with 50.

You have to excuse the Oklahoma band The Flaming Lips. They simply make music that people probably won’t understand. Honestly, I don’t know exactly what’s going on here, but these guys get points for their use of the iPhone’s Siri, as well as Eyrkah Badu and Biz Markie. Again, listen at your own risk, but it’s an interesting combination. (via SoulCulture)

New visuals from the excellent album Black Up. One of most innovative rap albums to drop in the past few years. Check it.

Click here to view the embedded video.

So it’s finally happened. The one and only D’Angelo made his return in Stockholm, Sweden after almost a decade away from the game. The R&B crooner looked up to form in his live concert, and back to his playing wait as the ladies say. Couch Sessions readers, was his return worth the wait?

Click here to view the embedded video.

We’ve been fans of the Swedish band Miike Snow for years now. Their frist self titled album was a banger, and we have been expecting their return. Their first single from the album, “Devil’s Work,” was bleh. This follow up is better but still can’t match their classic tracks like “Animal.” What do you think?

Paddling Out by miikesnow

Although we’re preparing for Grammy week here at Couch Sessions, we’re always up on what’s happening across the pond. The BRIT Awards are an enjoyable antithesis to the American awards. Artists are usually drunk and spout obenities (we’re looking at you Liam Gallagher).

Nevertheless, the artists this year are pretty strong. British artist Ed Sheeran and Adele lead the nominations. And good look to our homie Aloe Blacc for garnering a nom for his chart topping single “I Need A Dollar” as well. Check it.

British Male Solo Artist
Ed Sheeran
James Blake
James Morrison
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
Professor Green

British Female Solo Artist
Adele
Florence & the Machine
Jessie J
Kate Bush
Laura Marling

Mastercard British Album of the Year
Adele – 21
Coldplay – Mylo Xyloto
Ed Sheeran – +
Florence & The Machine – Ceremonials
PJ Harvey – Let England Shake

British Breakthrough Act
Anna Calvi
Ed Sheeran
Emeli Sandé
Jessie J
The Vaccines

British Group
Arctic Monkeys
Chase & Status
Coldplay
Elbow
Kasabian

British Single
Adele – Someone Like You
Ed Sheeran – The A Team
Example – Changed The Way You Kissed Me
Jessie J ft Bob – Price Tag
JLS ft. Dev – She Makes Me Wanna
Military Wives/Gareth Malone – Wherever You Are
Olly Murs ft Rizzle Kicks – Heart Skips A Beat
One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful
Pixie Lott – All About Tonight
The Wanted – Glad You Came

International Male Solo Artist
Aloe Blacc
Bon Iver
Bruno Mars
David Guetta
Ryan Adams

International Female Solo Artist
Beyoncé
Bjork
Feist
Lady Gaga
Rihanna

International Group
Fleet Foxes
Foo Fighters
Jay Z/ Kanye West
Lady Antebellum
Maroon 5

International Breakthrough Act
Aloe Blacc
Bon Iver
Foster The People
Lana Del Rey
Nicki Minaj

Outstanding Contribution to Music
Blur

Critics Choice
1st – Emeli Sandé
2nd – Maverick Sabre
3rd – Michael Kiwanuka

British Producer
Paul Epworth
Flood
Ethan Jones

We all know that we love Liane La Havas on The Couch. We’ve been playing her EP and her live show tracks on repeat for the past few months. Well, today marks the debut of her first single, “Forget,” and a rather amazing video to boot. Loving the new pop arrangement on this one.

Click here to view the embedded video.