My pick of the new releases out in the shops now.
Oupa - 'Forget'
Oupa is an alter ego of Yuck's Daniel Blumberg recorded at his flat and definitely on the melancholy side of depressing. Sometimes musicians can get too wrapped up in trying to make a downbeat song but when done right it can be truly beautiful.
The War on Drugs - 'Slave Ambient'
This is very much a band being tipped for great things and it will be interesting to see how the critics view this new album. They have a Bruce Springsteen-like sound to their rockier moments but I quite like this slower number.
Balam Acab - 'Apart'
This is the first release from Balam Acab's album 'Wander/Wonder' and it sits in that oddest of genres 'Witch House'. There's a lot to listen to here, he's layered it with so many loops, samples and breaks that it shouldn't really sound as fragile as it does.
Ifan Daffyd - 'No Good'
I love a song with a story behind it. Ifan Daffyd is allegedly a pseudonym of James Blake although Blake claims they are friends. One things for sure, the style is similar...perhaps too similar... This song is a mash up of Amy Winehouse's seminal classic 'No Good' splicing samples from the song onto a very laid back, almost lounge-like mix that seems all so prescient. Amy looked so good when she made that video too. If you are after a fitting tribute to the lady then this is as good as any.
Ambassadors of Sorrow - 'There is no Ending'
I'm a big fan of this group based down in Cornwall. Songwriter and singer Angeline Morrison draws heavily from the Billy Fury, Johnny Kidd and the Pirates era with tales of lost love and tragic romances.
Fionn Regan - '100 Acres of Sycamore'
This Irishman has been bubbling away quite nicely building in musical circles and has a very impressive back catalogue of material already. He's a folk singer who draws inspiration from very orthodox routes: Dylan, Young et al and has already featured on soundtracks to several big named shows. Don't let that put you off if you're thinking it's MOR fluffery because it's far from it. There's a darkness to the lyrics that could give Nick Cave nightmares.
Various Artists - 'Johnny Boy Would Love This'
I've been waiting for this album for ages. A tribute to the late great John Martyn, a lot of big named stars have fought to get on this album: Robert Smith, Beck, Morcheeba and of course Martyn's long time friend and confidant Phil Collins to name but a few. I am a little surprised though to see the likes of housewives' choice Paolo Nutini included on the roster. I'm not making any judgements as I haven't heard his contribution, I'm just saying...
I've picked the one tune by the artist I really wanted to hear: Beth Orton. Ms Orton has always cited Martyn as one of her greatest influences and I've read of her numerous abortive attempts at re-interpreting his songs in a way that is both innovative and in keeping with the intentions of the project. I think her contribution is first rate.
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