California duo, Rubies, combine the sweet melodies of Fiest and Kings of Convenience with disco beats and a subtle funk undercurrent. All of which is reflected on their debut album, Explode From The Center, which has been described as ‘bedroom disco meets danceable folk’. Indeed. These are the songs that inspired that recording.
Wildbirds and Peacedrums / Doubt/Hope
This is from a relatively new band from Sweden. The first time I heard it, I stood up and started dancing. I love how it’s just vocals and percussion — there is so much energy in this track, it sounds like it’s coming from people that are on the verge of exploding. I want more bands to have this energy. It’s like these guys have never listened to music before and created their own genre. I love them.
Tussle / Warning
These guys are some fellow San Franciscans. They made this incredible basement-style instrumental dance-disco-jazz. I love the production and the rubbery sound of the bass. There are many great melodies happening within the song. It makes me want to go out and dance close with a boy in a dark room.
Michael Jackson / Rock With You
No matter who you are or no matter how ‘over it’ you might be of Michael Jackson, you can’t deny the amazing production and vibe on this track. If you listen close, the background vocals and some of the grooves are quite extraordinary. It’s a super creative track that is always a classic on the dancefloor.
John Martyn / May You Never
This song has my favorite blend of sincere soft vocals and gentle funk. The melodies have these sweet vocal flourishes that I am such a sucker for. It sounds like California to me and reminds me of the jams Terri and I would have in our living room when we used to live together.
Ass / Wheels and Wings
This guitar player, Andreas Soderstrom, is a genius. He might be the only guitar player that has these chord changes that actually bring tears to my eyes. It sounds like the feeling of longing for everything and nothing at the same time. It’s fnger-picking, gentle guitar from a very deep dude. He also plays guitar on our song Turquoise, on the Rubies album.
Switch / I Call Your Name
This song was on repeat on our recent European tour. It’s unfair. There are too many catchy parts in it. They blew all of their hooks on this track. It will be stuck in your head for days. We call this style ‘bubble funk’. Don’t try to sing as high as this kid does. You’ll embarrass yourself in front of your friends.
Paul McCartney / Bluebird
The Sir! One of many great Paul songs. It has the sweetest pace and melodies here. And so many nice harmonies.
Sandy Denny / Who Knows Where the Time Goes
One of our favorite folk singers from British band, The Fairport Convention. It has really beautiful lilting vocals. Her voice captures this feeling like everything could fall apart, all done in this really amazing way.
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album is called ‘explode from the center’— i’m not sure how they came up with ‘explode from the sky’ - simone / rubies