de-minimis: March 2015

31 March 2015

belle and sebastian - 'the everlasting muse'

I know I promised that last track would be the last of the day but this just popped up randomly on my iTunes and seeing as it's the very best track from a very patchy album, I couldn't resist sticking it on my blog.

missincat - 'don't let her'

Something ethereal to finish the day, I think. This from Milanese singer/songwriter MissinCat and features on her 2015 album 'Wirewalker'.

teitur magnússon - 'munaðarhóf'

Psychedelic Icelandic pop music. Sounds like heaven to me.

looper - 'farfisa song'

One for Belle and Sebastian fans, this is Looper a band with B&S bassist 'Stuart David'. They've been about as prolific as Portishead but there's a new album promised shortly and this will undoubtedly feature on it.

nick cave & warren ellis - 'loin des hommes'

The first track released from the original soundtrack to the film 'Far Men' translated as 'Far From Men'. The album is out in May ALTHOUGH the movie premiered last year. First listen sounds like a halfway house entre Their soundtrack to 'The Road' and the soundtrack to 'The Proposal'. Unfortunately, it's not new Renewed interest in Nick Cave's recent music and That upsets me. I really wish I could get Into His goal newer stuff it just leaves me cold.

oh so quiet - 'motorcycle journey'

Anglo-Argentinians 'Oh So Quiet' have a debut EP out in May but ahead of that they've released this track. It's a pop-rock number with some great harmonies and a sleepy start but a driving, pulsating finish. Great stuff.

son lux - 'change is everything'

Wow! Hot off the press, here's Son Lux's latest single and it's quite something: euphoric, experimental, bass - he's chucked everything bar the kitchen sink at this and boy, does it work.

zero 7 (feat. only girl) - 'the colour of spring'

Zero 7 covers the Mark Hollis classic - and it truly is a classic.

kendrick lamarr - 'hood politics'

I'm warming, albeit slowly, to this album but I'm still of the opinion that it's a little too self-congratulatory. This song however is a corker.

30 March 2015

adna - 'beautiful hell'

Swedish singer Adna has a quite remarkable new album out right now. I've got to say that it's rather scary yet extremely awe-inspiring how these youngsters show so much maturity in their music. I'm quite smitten with the whole album to be honest.

omar souleyman - 'enssa el aatab (produced by modeselektor)'

He's back! Everyone's favourite Syrian wedding singer has got a new album in the offing with prodcution from Kieran Hebden aka Four Tet and this track produced by Modeselektor no less. I can't put my finger on exactly why I love this man's music so much but it pushes all my buttons.

hannah cohen - 'fake it'

Keeping with the downtempo theme, here's Hannah Cohen with one of the best tracks from her new album 'Pleasure Boy'. It's not particularly ground-breaking and she is undoubtedly surfing on the crest of the Lana Del Ray wave, with whom comparisons can legitimately be made in my opinion. Let's not take anything away from her though, her voice harks back to days gone by and even early Hope Sandoval and that means that it's right up my street!

only real - 'cadillac girl'

This lazy track hits the perfect mood for me right now. A lovely mix of smooth delivery, great chorus and top notch lyrics.

fyfe - 'control'

I've lived through a lot of clock changes backwards and forwards and it still doesn't get any easier to adjust. This tune this morning made the commute a lot more bearable.

29 March 2015

evie sands - 'anyway that you want me'

A tune from the 60s from a singer that never quite made it big but a big voice and some cracking Northern Soul classics under her belt means that she has a place in my heart forever.

28 March 2015

the soft moon - 'feel'

'Darkwave'. That's apparently the name for this genre. I love how music slices itself into thinner and thinner pieces each with its own name. To give it a fuller description, I'd definitely keep the word 'dark' but link it to the electronic/Goth crossover of the early to mid-80s but with a fuller, fatter sound to it. Unusually, the artist Vasquez, is a California man, hailing from Oakland and that surprises me as the climate isn't exactly conducive to making dark Gothic music so fair play to him there.

portico - 'atacama'

Beautiful electronica from the London trio.

adamski - 'artificial waltz (feat. the vortex of chaos)'

Here's a name that I bet you haven't heard in a long, long time. The very early nineties and of course the classic 'Killer' would probably have been the first time. He did a few things after that but for all intents and purposes he dropped off the radar some time ago. Well... he's back and with a very eclectic new album with lots of guest stars and some very good new tunes. Check this out.

donnell pitman - 'love explosion'

Who doesn't like a bit of old school disco on a wet and miserable Saturday afternoon?

seasick steve - 'we be moving'

From his new alliterative album 'Sonic Soul Surfer', here's the incomparable Seasick Steve. A bit of trivia for you: he lives in Norfolk, don't you know?

27 March 2015

föllakzoid - 'electric'

Now this is quite something. Chilean electronic prog-rock artists Föllakzoid have recently released their 3rd album and it's quite brilliant. I'm going to avoid the lazy Pink Floyd comparisons because there's as much that separates them as there is that ties the two bands together but suffice to say it's an aural feast. This track for instance clocks in at over 12 minutes and you won't get bored. I guarantee that.

ryley walker - 'sweet satisfaction'

I thought this was John Martyn the first time that I heard it but it's Chicago singer/songwriter Ryle Walker and from his 2015 album. Boy, is this singer a great discovery. I'm going to try to hunt out a stream of his album soon for this blog but in the meantime here's 'Sweet Satisfaction'.

damien jurado - 'the loneliest place i've ever been (demo)'

Here's a little bonus for Jurado fans. He's uploaded a demo of a new song although quite roar and sparse still sounds fantastic.

the staves - 'blood i bled'

The Staves are three sisters from Watford that can best be described as modern folk, very much in a Laura Marling vein. Their new album is extremely easy to listen to and radio-friendly but they still keep a slight edge to their music that makes it all the more interesting. I'm predicting big things for them in the near future.

champs - 'down (alone on the avenue)'

I can't quite put my finger on the track this reminds me of and it's annoying the hell out of me. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

sufjan stevens - 'should have known better'

His latest album is incredibly personal, the title refers to his mother and stepfather, and there's a lot of emotions in play throughout. This song in particular is quite Elliott Smith in delivery with a kind of melancholy happiness that makes me wonder what the back story to the tune is about. I guess it doesn't really matter, the tune is quite wonderful and that's what matters.

twerps - 'adrenaline'

One for the fey lyrics and jangly guitar fans.

the districts - 'young blood'

Their 2015 album has definitely been one of my highlights of the year.

jd mcpherson - 'you must have met little caroline'

New rock n roll sensation JD McPherson is winning lots and lots of new fans with his brand of rockabilly and it's not difficult to see why with barnstormers like this.

26 March 2015

chris joss - 'geo's party'

It's a lot more techno than his previous soul-based albums but it's still packed with lots of great breaks and beats.

25 March 2015

my 2,500th blog entry

Blimey! 2,500 posts in a little over 4 years. Many thanks to everyone whose taken the time to take a peek at the music that interests me and I hope that at least some of it has piqued your interest.

To mark the occasion here's a very cool remix of an already great tune from man of the moment, Ghostpoet. Here's to the next 2,500 posts!

awolnation - 'fat face'

Interesting tune from US indie-electronic act Awolnation. It's the second track from their hot off the press new album 'Run' and shows an interesting direction shift for them.

adam and the ants - 'deutscher girls'

Love this tune. Love, love, love it.

julia marcell mixtape (tallinn music week edition)

Polish/German singer Julia Marcell has produced a mixtape for Under The Radar online magazine and it's pretty good with some classics on there that everyone will love.

colleen green - 'grind my teeth'

It's great that the like of Courtney Barnett is blazing a trail for anarchic pop for female singer/songwriters and here's another name to be taken seriously in this regard: Colleen Green. The LA singer has a great new album out available on Bandcamp where I came across it and it's quite something. Humour, intelligence and catchy tunes aplenty.

24 March 2015

milton wright - 'my ol lady'

Lovely stuff from under-rated 70s soul singer and brother of Betty Wright. His albums have hada recent re-release and are well worth hunting it out.

the decemberists - 'the lake song'

I've really enjoyed their latest album and each listen brings something new. This track especially is just superb.

fka twigs - 'glass & patron'

Now, this is a must-see video, the brand new track from FKA Twigs. The direction and then the choreography are quite something and goodness knows what the story is about. Quite mad but brilliant. The tune's not too shabby either.

lxury - 'square one feat. deptford goth (joe goddard remix)'

Joe Goddard has remixed an absolute belter of a tune that's sure to be a big club favourite. It's crisp, clean, infectious and guaranteed to get your head nodding.

blur - 'lonesome street'

The third track from their next album is now online* and available for streaming. First thoughts are that it's a bit Syd Barrett in both delivery and psychedelic style. It's okay, in my opinion, but it's not a game-changer and hope there's a few killer tunes on he album still to be released.

*thanks to DIY magazine for the heads-up on this.

errors - 'lease of life'

Glaswegian band Errors have moved from the shadow of supporting the likes of Mogwai to becoming headliners themselves and not before time. The latest album is a fully developed and quite stunning collection of tunes. They play a lovely blend of electronic pop with big influences from the likes of New Order but there are heavier pieces there that show just why the guitar-heavy Mogwai have had them as support. This is the title track from the new album.

the cribs - 'simple story'

Their album 'For All My Sisters' has rather slipped under the radar of a lot of music press other than a cursory review but I think it deserves a mention. There are better albums of 2015 so far, but not many. It flits between indie-pop and guitar rock effortlessly and with very accomplished musicianship twinned with at times inspired lyrics makes for a great album. Definitely a solid 8 out of 10.

father john misty - 'nothing ever good happens at the goddamn thirsty crow'

This album just gets better and better with every listen. So much depth and soul.

23 March 2015

dj yoda - 'mantra'

His output has been decidedly patchy for some time now and in my humble opinion his latest album 'Breakfast of Champions' is no different but there are a few juicy nuggets there especially this rather lovely dub reggae track.

humans - 'watusi'

Here's an interesting track from Canadian band, Humans that I think you might enjoy. It reminds me a lot of Casiokids or Peter, Bjorn and John. Sunshine pop, if pushed for a description.

22 March 2015

r.e.m. - 'you are the everything'

The lyrics seem even more ominous now than back in 1988 when Stipe first wrote them. Scary.

beth orton - 'i wish i never saw the sunshine'

Any excuse to play a tune by the incomparable Beth Orton.

marika hackman - 'drown'

One of the highlights of 2015 so far, for me, has been Marika Hackman's debut album. With tracks like this, it's easy to see why.

21 March 2015

kendrick lamarr - 'wesley's theory'

First track from a beast of an album that has the critics praising it like nobody's business. It is one hell of an album for sure, but it does come across as a bit self-knowing and the jazzy undercurrent is a bit messy especially in the interludes - in a good way for sure, but it just becomes a little bit wearing after a few listens. Maybe I'm being too critical and looking for faults where there are none.

songhoy blues - 'irganda'

Mali consistently produces top quality musicians and Songhoy Blues are no exception to this long-held rule. Originally from Timbuktu but exiled to Bamako due to civil unrest, they were picked up by the excellent Africa Express and then Damon Albarn gave them the opportunity on the world stage. This track is taken from their debut album and it's a wonderful African/Western crossover.

the skints - 'this town feat. tippa irie and horseman'

Saxon Sound System legend Tippa Irie guests on this superb track from young Londoners, The Skints. Glad to see that there's a lot of respect from the younger generation from one of the pioneers of British reggae.

modest mouse - 'lampshades on fire'

Definitely one of those videos where you watch it, watch it again, watch it once more and then concede defeat in trying to fathom what's going on. Tell you what, let me cut out the middle-man for you and say that I'm not sure it's supposed to mean anything. With that settled, just enjoy a strange but compelling video to a great tune from a band who are back in a big way in 2015.

courtney barnett - 'pedestrian at best'

Her new album is the absolute dog's bollocks, excusing my French. Definitely one for the end of year best-of lists. This has to be one of the stand-out tracks from what is an extremely good album. Enough superlatives?

dick diver - 'percentage points'

I've a bit of an issue with this band, their name does them no favours whatsoever as they are clearly not a teen garage band. They're an Aussie four-piece from Melbourne who do a great line in lush and full guitar licks and old-school indie-pop delivery. I guess, like Viet Cong, it's a bit late for name-changes now which is a shame as I think it might just hold them back.

grísalappalísa - 'sambýlismannablús'

Now I like this tune a lot. Icelandic punk-pop duo Grísalappalísa have a new album out and this is the first track and reminds me a lot of the very first Sugarcubes album, especially with similarities to the way that Einar Örn used to deliver his lyrics.

If, like me, you miss the Sugarcubes (God, I miss the Sugarcubes so bad) then I think you'll love this band too.

josh rouse - 'sometimes i'm golden all night'

Echoes of James Taylor in Josh Rouse's new album and that can't be a bad thing, right?

dreadzone - 'little britain'

This is a real blast from the past. I love this tune back in the day.

death grips - 'beyond alive'

If this doesn't shake the cobwebs away then nothing will.

20 March 2015

lead belly - 'goodnight irene'

'night all.

joan jett - 'i love rock and roll'

Number one, thirty-three years ago this week and one of the most memorable opening riffs to a pop song you'll ever hear.

19 March 2015

sandra kolstad - 'million'

Brilliant electro-pop from Norwegian pop singer, Sandra Kolstad. If this doesn't put a smile on your face I don't know what will.

17 March 2015

london posse - 'money mad (drumagick jungle remix)'

Who's for some old school jungle? I've played a few tracks from the Tru Thoughts compilation but when the tunes are as good as this then there's always room for another one on this blog.

the white birch - 'solid dirt'

You know that phrase 'achingly beautiful'? I've used it a fair bit in the past until I read an article about music reviews and it was cited as one of the stock cliches most often used and since then I've assiduously tried to avoid using it until now. I'm bereft of other words to describe this quite brilliant track from Norwegian band The White Birch who draw big influences from bands such as Codeine and Sigur Ros. The new album is stunning on first listen and one of those lovely moments when you first hear an album that you know you will grow to love. It really is that good.

Seeing as I'm struggling to describe this tune without resorting to cheap hyperbole I'll let the music do the talking.

16 March 2015

air france - 'never content'

Possibly my all-time favourite Swedish dream pop tune. Love this to bits.

angus and julia stone - 'heartbreak'

This from 2014, it's a great track and no mistake.

15 March 2015

summer camp - 'better off without you'

How about some jangly indie pop?

14 March 2015

twin peaks - 'good lovin (live at wdbm)'

A superb tune to while away the rest of Saturday night.

13 March 2015

radiohead - 'the bends'

The album turns 20 today. I don' quite want to believe it, I still remember going into HMV in Western Road, Brighton to buy my copy a few weeks after it had been released. What an album and arguably not even their best either!

clark - 'word'

Taken from the EP 'Winter Boots Pt1', it's a frenetic dance-floor banger and if you think the voice sounds familiar that's because it's Yolandi from Die Antwoord.

keith mead - 'grow up'

The balladeer theme continues with this track from Keith Mead lifted from his 2015 album 'Sunday Dinner'. Definitely one for the Avi Buffalo fans, there's similarities aplenty here.

natalie prass - 'my baby don't understand me'

This is a beautiful record from Nashville singer Ms Prass. It reminds me of Sharon Van Etten and Orenda Fink in delivery and style and I'm looking forward to hearing her new album soon.

prince and 3rdeyegirl - 'what if'

Hot off the press, here's a brand new track from the Prince/3rdEyeGirl collaboration. Great!

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the honeydrips - 'tanita yo'

Gotta love a bit of Swedish pop.

water music - 'operator'

This was a random discovery on Bandcamp a week ago and I have been mightily impressed with the whole album, so much so that I wrote to the band to congratulate them on such a fine collection of tunes. It reminds me a lot of Elliott Smith's last album and I told them so.

Subsequently, on reading the back story to the album it became apparent why they (both Elliott Smith and Water Music) sound like they do and it's extremely sad to contemplate. Rest in peace, Jodi and Elliott.

12 March 2015

thea hjelmeland - 'cold hands'

Her album last year 'Solar Plexus' passed me by until recently and I've been making amends and thoroughly enjoying it. The mix of pop and folk being right up my street.

evans the death - 'sledgehammer'

Their album has had plenty of rotation on my morning commutes of late and no doubt for many more. It's a cracking album, just check this out for measure.

11 March 2015

eivør pálsdóttir - 'remember me'

This is the first I've heard of Faroe Islands singer Ms Pálsdóttir but her new album has grabbed my attention big time. I'm a sucker for Nordic folk and this is just perfect.

10 March 2015

jose gonzalez - 'let it carry you'

Taken from his upcoming album, this song reminds me a lot of a few tracks from Beck's latest. Lots of class, melancholy, acoustic, just beautiful.

09 March 2015

jungle - 'the heat (joy orbison remix)'

I wasn't aware of this trippy remix of one of THE hits of 2014. There's even a video to go along with it. Great stuff.

lady lamb the beekeeper - 'billions of eyes'

I've listened to the album a few times now and I'm mightily impressed with her wordplay. This lady can write quite brilliant lyrics. Take this for example: "I just want to fall into a pile of warm laundry". Will you hear a better line from a song today?

liam hayes - keys to heaven'

This popped up randomly on my iPod earlier and quite lovely it is too. It's from Liam Hayes' new album and although he's not pulling up any trees with this latest release it is quality throughout. There's a retro feel to it too, it reminds me of the solo John Lennon music from the mid-70s.

to kill a king - 'oh my love'

The London-based quartet are now on their second album and it's already picking up some great reviews. I've heard it a few times and can confirm there's some very strong tracks with a fresh and youthful sound that will undoubtedly appeal to festival-goers this year.

08 March 2015

nina simone - 'don't smoke in bed (live at carnegie hall)'

It's a terribly sad tune with lyrics as if written as a goodbye note to her husband but the tempo probably suits most people's moods on a Sunday evening and it does have extended piano playing from the incomparable Ms Simone.

massive attack v mad professor - 'radiation ruling the nation (no protection)'

I once saw Mad Professor in concert in Brighton in about 1998 and he played this track. I couldn't come within about 10 feet of the speakers without the bass churning my stomach do much that it left me feeling sick. Boy, does that bloke know how to make a dub record.

terry callier and massive attack - 'live with me'

Massive Attack with the late, great Terry Callier.

massive attack - 'future proof'

The album '100th Window' bombed quite spectacularly and isn't regarded as their finest moment but there's a few jewels in there, this being my pick of them.

07 March 2015

blockhead - 'kaput!'

Very trippy breaks and beats from NYC musician, Blockhead.

french fries - 'yo vogue (claude vonstroke remix)'

This is pretty ghetto but it makes me want to vogue.

san cisco - 'too much time together'

Taken from the upcoming new album from the Aussie indie-pop band. They're as bright and bubbly as ever, perfect pop.

dj shadow - 'bring madlib up'

Still sounds so fresh, gotta love proper turntable scratching.

vakula - 'joywind'

A lovely summery tune for a sunny day. There's so much that's gone into this tune but still it sounds very light and airy.

sufjan stevens - 'no shade in the shadow of the cross'

He has a very autobiographical album out at the end of the month, the title of which 'Carrie and Lowell' refers to his late mother and to his step-father who runs his record company. I've heard a sneak preview of it and suffice to say his mother would be very proud of her son; it's a quite beautiful collection of tunes. I'm downstairs by myself drinking tea and listening to it and it's already made today a wonderful day.

06 March 2015

breakfast in fur - 'portrait'

New York dream pop before I head off to bed? Oh, go on then.

danger mouse and sparklehorse (feat. the flaming lips) - 'revenge'

Mark Linkous passed away 5 years ago today. This posthumous collection put together by Danger Mouse as a tribute to the great man always brings a lump to my throat. Just beautiful.

black yaya - 'paint a smile on me'

You may recognise him as one half of the pop duo 'Herman Dune' and he has a self new album out which is perfect if you like your pop music light and frothy and with plenty of smiles - which is extremely apt given the name of this song!

fort knox five - 'superfly mix'

I've got to get back to work but I'll leave you with this superb mix from those funk masters, Fort Knox Five. Perfect sunny Friday music.

sóley - 'ævintýr'

The 8th May is the scheduled date for her new album 'Ask The Deep' and I think it could be one of the most eagerly anticipated albums of 2015 as far as I'm concerned. Her 2011 album 'We Sink' was my album of the year that year so I have a deep admiration for her music. This is the first track from the new album and it's an instant hit with me. Finding this to listen to has made my day complete.

saravah soul - 'mestico (debruit remix)'

From the Tru Thoughts 15th anniversary compilation, here's a lovely piece of Brazil for you.

05 March 2015

nneka - 'book of job'

Nigerian/German singer Nneka is back with a new album and it's a lot more reggae than her previous outings and she does it very well. I've listened to it a few times now and there's lots there to grab your attention both as background music and also with headphones on, it's got a lovely crisp, clean feel to it but still sounds full-bodied with a lot of warmth. I think it's going to be a big hit for her and deservedly so.

water music - 'operator'

Ah, now this is beautiful, very reminiscent of Elliott Smith's last album 'From A Basement On A Hill' and that just happens to be one of my all-time favourite albums so take it from me, this album is very good. Reading some of the back story for the album reveals that it's a deeply personal album tinged with a lot of sadness and so the similarities don't end with the style of music.

One of those tracks for quiet reflection, perfect for the end of the day and a long, long trip home for me. Please do check out the rest of the album as it's top quality throughout.

martin gore - 'europa hymn'

One-third of Depeche Mode by day and now an album as a solo artist. Martin Gore's been very busy with the news that there's an instrumental-only album due for release at the end of April. This is the first track released from it and no need for me to say that production is top-notch.

girl friend - 'monte carlo'

Hailing from Manchester and with obvious Hot Chip influences, this is very bright and poppy Girl Friend.

d'angelo and the vanguard - 'really love'

A really shitty commute this morning was made so much better after hearing this on my iPod. What a tune, so soulful.

04 March 2015

cinnamon chasers - 'oleah'

Last track from me tonight and it's from another new album, this one from electronic outfit Cinnamon Chasers from London. It's quite melodic with a very pleasant driving beat to it. It's quite a grower.

evans the death - 'don't laugh at my angry face'

As song titles go, this is a cracker! From their second album 'Expect Delays' which I think is out right now.

showstar - 'follow me follow'

Taken from Belgian band Showstar's debut album and I'm enjoying listening to it a lot on their Bandcamp website.

panda bear - 'boys latin (andy stott remix)'

Quite brilliant remixing from Andy Stott.

mbongwana star - 'kala'

You'll probably not see a better music video today than this one from Democratic Republic of Congo band Mbongwana Star. Kinshasa's finest dancers really strutting their stuff and pulling some impressive shapes on the dancefloor.

luis bacalov - 'the grand duel (parte prima)'

Originally part of the soundtrack to the great spaghetti Western 'The Grand Duel' and then even more famously as part of the Kill Bill soundtrack, here's the Bacalov classic. It's so atmospheric. A truly wonderful piece of music.

stornoway - 'get low'

They're finally back with a new album in the offing and they sound as great as ever with the harmonies supported by warm and expansive musical support. Great stuff.

h hawkline - 'spooky dog'

It took me some time to get my head around this album, in my mind it veered from fun and interesting whimsical pop to unnecessarily over the top art school music but I finally warmed to it and quite enjoy listening to it now, this track in particular.

ghostpoet - 'off peak dreams (live in session)'

From an album that I can't stop listening to, here's man of the moment Ghostpoet live in session for Guardian Music.

03 March 2015

leon bridges - 'coming home'

You'll like this, trust me on that.

greatest lakes - 'farewell bid'

I was listening to this last night and was so impressed I had it on loop for the next half hour. Great tune.

01 March 2015

james taylor quartet - 'theme from starsky and hutch (huggy's mix)'

I haven't heard the James Taylor Quartet in a long, long time and so let's put that to rights with one of their anthems from their live shows.