Martina Topley-Bird is probably best known for her vocal turn on Tricky’s ‘Maxinquaye’ album. At the time she was only in her mid-teens but her remarkable vocals defined what is now regarded as a classic of its kind. Over the intervening 13 years Topley-Bird has sung on several other Tricky albums as well as making a guest slot on David Holmes underrated ‘Bow Down To The Exit Sign’. Her second solo album ‘The Blue God’ is due out next month and includes ‘Valentine’, a smoke filled room of a song full of languid textures and topped off by Topley-Bird’s husky vocals. You could just picture this slipping onto a discerning collection of schmoozers. I quite surprised myself in liking it, perhaps the rough edges are finally beginning to wear down. KD

Martina Topley-Bird – Valentine

Watch The Video To Tricky’s Black Steel Featuring Martina Topley-Bird

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Martina Topley-Bird
Year: 2008