Artists You Should Know: Marina & The Diamonds

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I've just discovered "The Family Jewels" by Marina And The Diamonds, which despite sounding like a group effort is the work of one woman, born Marina Diamandis. Marina explained through her Myspace that 'The Diamonds' refers to her fans rather than a backing band. Marina is a contradiction of sorts; she uses production that you'd expect from a pop star while singing lyrics that are witty and often very tongue in cheek.

To further the confusion, Marina has a strong and quite unique voice, which would be suited for alternative music but is unusual for pop. I haven't made a call on whether she uses pop music to relay her message with ironic/satirical effect or if she is a pop star bringing her intelligence to pop music; the lyrics of her song 'Oh No!' seem like both at the same time ranging from "Don't do love, don't do friends/I'm only after success" to "Don't need money, don't need fame /I just want to make a change." Either way 'Oh No!' is easily my favorite track with 'Girls', 'Seventeen', 'Are You Satisfied', 'I Am Not A Robot', and 'Hermit The Frog' rounding out my favorites.

Marina did a stripped-down cover of 3Oh!3's Starstruck. I know it doesn't sound like it would work, but trust me and take a listen.

This is the dance version of an original music video by a fan and filmmaker. "I Am Not A Princess'  is set to a mix of songs by Marina and is actually how I stumbled upon her music in the first place. So thank you to ELY for that discovery. I like their original edit a bit more, but it clocks in at ten minutes so I thought the five and a half minutes was more easily digestible.

Marina & The Diamonds' Website: http://www.marinaandthediamonds.com/
Marina & Diamonds' Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Marinaandthediamonds 

ELY's Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ProfEugenius?feature=watch

Notes: 'Hermit The Frog', 'Seventeen', and possibly other songs off "The Family Jewels" contain lyrics that may be offensive to some people. 


That's all I have to say for now. Let me know if you like Marina & The Diamonds or if you've just discovered an artist who you really enjoy. Hope everyone is doing well.