A-Sides with Jon Chattman: The Bandana Splits, Mira Black and the Spacetime Continuum

Listening to the Brooklyn trio The Bandana Splits and the Canadian singer/songwriter Mira Black one can't help but feel as if they've been trusted into a time warp -- Lost style. The Splits have revived the doo-wop feel with their debut Mister Sam Presents The Bandana Splits, while Mira Black has draw comparisons to Barbara Streisand with her signature, authentic vocals.

Last week, I met up with both acts for an "A-Sides" session and instantly felt a need for sepia. In the Sneak Attack Media offices on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the Splits -- Lauren Balthrop, Annie Nero, and Dawn Landes -- performed their tune "Stay If You Wanna" which instantly evokes the Shirelles' era. Meanwhile, in one of the practice studios in the Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains, Black performed her track "I Remember Love" with nothing but a piano off her forthcoming solo album MIRA. The version of the song contrasts with her upcoming album in that it's not set to an electronica beat. The album marks a change of pace for the artist, who toured with the folk act Acoustically Inclined back in the day. In any event, enjoy these two very different artists below...

The Bandana Splits: "Stay If You Wanna"

Mira Black: "I Remember Love"

About "A-Sides with Jon Chattman"
Jon Chattman's music series features artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometime humorous) way. No bells, no whistles -- just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, I'm hoping this is refreshing.