In their day jobs, Black Gold’s Eric Ronick and Than Luu can be found tickling the ivories and beating the skins for the likes of Panic at the Disco and Rachel Yamagata (no? howsbout M.Ward)…respectively. Calling Brooklyn their official home (and who on the East Coast doesn’t anymore?), the duo’s live set brings a familiar brand of key driven indie-pop in the veins of Jack’s Mannequin or even a bit of Panic! themselves; but very much without the theatrical angle.  Ronick and Luu’s talent dominates their live band which is rounded out aptly with a guitarist and bassist providing background vocals. I just thought I’d tell you that they have other members playing with them and NOT a bunch of loops and backing tracks like I’d expected after seeing most 2 person acts use lately. Their recorded songs however sound a bit different live and tip more towards the electronic. Although I wouldn’t say Black Gold is a completely precious metal they do have a bit of shine (Yes I know Black Gold means oil, i just wanted to throw in a metal metaphor) and are worth a look. I go too far sometimes.

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Presenting the best white guy with a black guys voice since Adam Levine, Sam Sparro.

His album drops June 24th if you still buy CDs but you might want to snatch up a Vinyl of this because you will be playing it at your dance parties!

This is the kind of album that people will dance to and fall in love with each other. Wear a condom, kids; I don’t want to see a dance-inspired baby boom.

The singles “Black & Gold”(download) and “21st Century Life” will be the ones that suck you in. They’ve been spinning all over L.A. radio for the past month and I didn’t even figure out who it was until last week. This kids voice has an amazing soul quality reminiscent of the 70’s heavies! Hear for yourself…[myspace]. And he’s only 25. Jealous?

The Hump & Grind Rhythm and Synths in “Cottonmouth” will get you sweaty. “Recycle It!” is like an 80s PSA gone mad! “Clingwrap” eats a Parliment groove and throws enough Prince and Michael Jackson synths to choke a 10-year-old. This whole album plays to my vintage Roland Synth fetish in all the right places.

This record is CHRONIC! Apparently Mr.Sparro did a “Secret Show” at the Echo the other night but I missed it because of some minor alcohol poisoning and the accompanying personal guilt. I will be enjoying this album with a maximum of 3 drinks. What have I become… really!?

No shots please.

Video for Black & Gold.