I imagine Baz Luhrman and Jay Z sitting in the Hotel Costes in Paris a few years back, talking about what their next projects might be. The hotel, known for its many CD Compilations, undoubtedly had music piping through the building’s open air, providing a real-life soundtrack for these two visionaires. Enter the burgeoning sound of Parov Stelar, whom we call the father of Electro -Swing, as one of his many upbeat dance/electronic grooves comes over the speakers, the two moguls are inspired to do a movie about the roaring ‘20s… an updated version of “The Great Gatsby,” perhaps?

Here we are, a few years later, and that music trend is hot and the movie arrived this week. As the sound gets an American makeover, the soundtrack also spotlights some great talents that have been perhaps under your radar, as well as some more known hit-makers. Let’s look at the artists involved and see what else they have to offer our Bea”HUE”tiful ears!

Here is an example of Electro swing by the man himself, Parov Stelar’s “The Snake.”

Knocking out two songs with one sonic stone here’s the Andre 3000 & Beyonce remake of Amy Winehouse’s classic track, “Back to Black.” What most pop aficionados don’t know is that the Emeli Sandecover (featured on the soundtrack) of the original Beyonce smash is also a cover of sorts of a Puppini Sisters’ rendition of “Crazy in Love!”

Watch this talented trio performing “Crazy in Love” ala the Andrews Sisters.

Next we have Sia, who has guested on many projects, as well as her own albums including collaborations with Zero 7 (Destiny), singing the closing track to the TV series “Six Feet Under” (Breathe Me), and her recent dance hit with David Guetta (Titanium). She also wrote songs for Christina Aguilera and was the voice coach for Team Christina on “The Voice.” Here is Christina singing Bound to You one of their great ballad collaborations written for the Cher/Aguilara movie, “Burlesque.”

Florence and the Machine’s first album, “Lungs” was packed with great songs like the one found on the “The Great Gatsby” soundtrack including this cut, “Cosmic Love” which was used for the film, “Water For Elephants.”

Lana Del Rey has an amazing song on the soundtrack. It’s the unofficial theme song and is featured heavily throughout the movie. If you like “Young and Beautiful” you’re in luck. Her album “Born to Die,” a huge hit, is packed with similar work and retain her breathy, highly stylized pop chanteuse vocals.

The XX is made up of two guys and a girl from London. Their sound is sparse with mostly a drumbeat and a guitar while the girl, Romy, trades lyrics with one of the guys, Oli, singing about relationships. They are really a neo-hipster version of Sonny and Cher! “Together,” their contribution to the soundtrack, is stellar and a perfect example of their signature style.

Coco O is the singer of Danish Indie pop band, Quadron. Their “Baby Be Mine” is used in the film, “Think Like a Man”. It’s sexy redo of a Michael Jackson track. We can’t wait for their album out June 4th!

I wanted to come back to Scottish artist, Emeli Sande and give her some individual attention. Her album, “Our Version of Events”, is full of power pop and amazing ballads and sounds a little like Beyonce, herself. She is a great songwriter who has written for many British stars such as Leona Lewis and Susan Boyle. “Clown” is one of her most moving ballads.

Gotye’s “Somebody that I Used to Know” won a big Grammy last year and was relentlessly played on the radio. The song featuring his fellow Aussie, Kimbra, who wrote the song. She has a big pop sound and a lot of edge at the same time. Her “Cameo Lover” is a bit like Florence and the Machine with its big sound production.

Finally, just to bring us back to the Electro swing sound we started with and that prevails on “The Great Gatsby” soundtrack, check out this video of an amazing dancer with about 14 million YouTube hits dancing to the aforementioned Parov Stelar.

Music is a vital element in today’s chic, fashion-savvy, world. At HUE we take great care to select songs we play here that highlight the fun, youthful, sleek and happy atmosphere that our salon embodies. “The Great Gatsby” is a fantastic soundtrack to a film that has it’s eye on the sounds of today, with the fashions of nearly 100 years ago. It works and we love it!

If you are looking for a twisty, ‘20s style, or perhaps a pixie bob with sharp edges to unleash your inner Flapper, HUE is ready when HUE are!

Until next time, see you in the mirror!

-Brian McCulloch is a Houston resident and the longtime Music Czar for HUE Salon. If you enjoy the music you hear at HUE, let us know and we’ll pass it on to Brian.

Your Early Summer Playlist