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| Photo by: Kristin Tully |
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| Photo from the band's Facebook page |
So....yeah....it feels a bit odd writing up this now given I've recorded podcast #13 already. Shock! I do believe I am doing what they call 'multitasking'. Or as UK comedian Miranda would correct me, it is what everyone calls multitasking, there is no need to add, 'what I call'. Miranda is a strange phenomenon don't you think? I may be isolating any non-UK readers/listeners here so apologies for that. It is a British sitcom based on a very silly thirty-something woman called, surprise surprise, Miranda. It really is just so silly but I do find it almost sidesplittingly funny. It seems to be rather divisive however. A bit like marmite in that people either love it or hate it. I say that about Marmite but I'm a fence-sitter when it comes to the yeast extract. I like it on a sarnie if I'm having cheese or crisps with it but not on its own. And it ruins toast in my opinion. Back to Miranda, some people just don't get it. I like that silly aspect of it, it is stupid but funny with it and at times even clever. Now, <best Heather Small voice please> 'What have you done today to make you feel prooooouuuuuud?' Well, I've almost finished writing a live review of Luke Jackson's recent gig at The Stables in Milton Keynes that he's going to post it up on his very own website. There's loads more I'm working on but I really need to be getting on with this so keep an eye out. Not literally remove your eye from your sockets of course. Oh dear. I think I have caught the Miranda bug. Best crack on with the playlist and stop all this buffoonary! Oooh, what a cool word. Buffoon. Boofunary. Me likes.
The Playlist:
1. Sirens – The Slow Readers Club
2. The Burning & The Falling Down – Face The King
3. Rule And Bant – Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman
4. Shuffle & Deal – Gilmore & Roberts
5. The Stealing Arm – Gilmore & Roberts
6. Evil Girls – The Days
7. Rampart Street – Ben Glover
8. Take Your Loving Back – Michele Stodart
9. The Hill – Flight Brigade
10. Old Scenes – Boat To Row
2. The Burning & The Falling Down – Face The King
3. Rule And Bant – Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman
4. Shuffle & Deal – Gilmore & Roberts
5. The Stealing Arm – Gilmore & Roberts
6. Evil Girls – The Days
7. Rampart Street – Ben Glover
8. Take Your Loving Back – Michele Stodart
9. The Hill – Flight Brigade
10. Old Scenes – Boat To Row
The Slow Readers Club
Naturally, this band featured in my list of top bands I came to last year. With a sound as grand as this I'm expecting big things to come for The Slow Readers Club. Reading off a list of radio plays they have enjoyed since releasing their debut self-titled album last May is like reeling off a list of all the ones that matter these days. From the hugely supportive BBC 6 Music (please give me a job, I make really good tea), BBC Introducing (I make really good tea & have a knack for finding some pretty amazing new music), NME, Q Radio and NME TV. Not only that folks, but also they've had exposure via Sky Sports and ITV.
Their video for the song Block Out The Sun was featured on Coldplay's website helping to bag their YouTube channel a staggering 155,707 views! Amazing. That exposure would certainly have helped but what's most important is the sheer awesome quality of their music which will of course leave listeners begging for more and thus guarantee their return. I find the video for Feet on Fire absolutely fascinating, which is why I've shared it above, for your viewing pleasure. It must have taken ages to animate but the end results are great! Now I want to see what a lego me would look like. My South Park avatar is pretty cool although I did that when I had long hair so it could do with revising a little.
You can sample the entire debut album via the band's Soundcloud page, which I embedded in that review post I mentioned. Alternatively, click on the song above to take you right there. Then get over to their official website and get buying it. These guys are going places. http://www.theslowreadersclub.co.uk
Face The King
There are some really strong big US rock bands out there at the moment. Ones it is a complete pleasure to keep stumbling across via the Twitterverse. Oh, Twitterverse I do love you so. Face The King are epic and anthemic. Their big atmospheric sound is more than capable of filling the biggest arena or stadium, even now. They're also fond of giving their supportive fans FREE downloads which here at the Badger's Set (I don't know why I refer to it as such but it sounds kinda cool - admittedly, cool in just my own freaky mind) we do love indeed. The latest song you can grab is You, Me & the SOUND which is very boisterous, just as it needs to be, but also wonderfully melodic. Visit their website for this FREE download and keep updated with everything going on with the band because things are set to move along fast for them this year.
They are no one trick ponies to be sure and they can do the slower rock ballads with just as much brilliance. Parachutes springs instantly to mind but having heard Due North, there is no way I cannot share it with you here. It is magnificent. To be so good and completely independent is testament to how great a group (and this goes for individuals too of course) can be when putting in all that hard work and commitment. I want these guys to make it bigger because if they do there's a chance I will get to see them when they hit the UK for a tour or festival run.
The song I played on the podcast, The Burning and the Falling Down is taken from their second EP which has received great critical praise and positive reviews not only in print and on the internet but also on local and out of state radio. You, Me & the SOUND is taken from their next EP due out soon. http://www.facethekingband.com
Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman
I was thrilled this contemporary folk couple won the Best Duo award at this year's BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards because they deserve this praise and industry acceptance so very much. Both coming from musical families and meeting each other many years ago when they were a part of the folk-pop group Equation, they have come a long way since those early days.
Live music is where it's at for these guys and having seen them three times already I can assure you they well and truly knock your socks off. Kathryn's voice is so strong she manages to enchant you into a much better reality for the duration of the show and beyond. The most recent one I attended was at The Stables in Milton Keynes last November where the pair were joined by string musician Patsy Reid. As fantastic as the two are together, Patsy added a few more marvelous musical layers to a number of the songs as well as some pretty awesome backing vocals. During their acceptance speech when collecting the above folk award, Sean gave a big thanks to all the people who come out to their shows when they tour, saying they are (we're) the ones who makes these things happen and how incredibly grateful they are. As someone who is a regular show goer I will always try and get to theirs if they are nearby and with such quality on offer I urge anyone reading this to do the same. http://www.kathrynrobertsandseanlakeman.com/
Gilmore & Roberts
Their third album, The Innocent Left is a remarkable record and one you really should own. What I also really enjoy is the alternating mix of one member dominating the main vocals for a song. Mix that up some more with an instrumental here and there like the awesome Over Snake Pass and you get an album with so much to enjoy you'll be wanting to lap up as much Gilmore & Roberts as you possibly can. Live, they are magnificent so that would be a wise and worthy choice for an evening of spectacular musical entertainment too. In fact, you can check out all the tour dates that are up on the website right now and before or after you do this, why not take advantage of their SAVER DEAL. Buy ALL three of their fantastic albums for just £25. For the high quality of music you're getting, this is a bargain. http://www.gilmoreroberts.co.uk/
Ben Glover
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| Photo from Ben's website |
Ben has been over there in his second home for a few months now working on more music after the release of his latest fourth studio album, Do We Burn The Boats. This album impressed me hugely and I've enjoyed listening to his previous records too. While they themselves have a high level of quality, the progress he's made as he's continued working hard through the years is evident. Treat yourself to some top Americana-fused music from a guy at the top of his game. http://www.benglover.co.uk/
Flight Brigade
These guys were awesome at Bakewell Music Festival last August and deserve hefty praise for their self-produced debut EP. This is available as a FREE download from their website so what are you waiting for? Get on it folks. The Shaw Court Sessions is a collection of songs mixed in a bedroom and it sounds damn good for such humble beginnings. There are six great tracks for you to enjoy and they each showcase a quality that is a knock-out when playing live. Their sound is one that sticks with you and for all the right reasons.
Great news about their debut album having now been mixed, which is what the band have been up to over the past two months. There are also a bunch of gig dates up on the website so get along if you can. Take it from someone who has seen them, they are more than worth it. You will have an awesome time. http://www.flightbrigade.com/
Boat To Row
Regular readers/listeners/visitors will know Boat To Row are another band I caught live at a festival last summer. They were perfect at Truck Festival and I was frustrated I couldn't get to one of the dates on their November tour when they were on the road promoting the release of their latest EP, Loyal Light.
They're so vibrant with such cosmic energy if they play near you I highly recommend you go along. Likewise, check out their music and links via their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/boattorowmusic
They're so vibrant with such cosmic energy if they play near you I highly recommend you go along. Likewise, check out their music and links via their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/boattorowmusic
Beyond The Wall to Stornoway
Well, it is rather far north isn't it? You will have to forgive me for the Game of Thrones references for a while as I'm a tad too excited about the new season of the tv show. The new album from this Oxford-based band, Tales From Terra Firma is due for release on 11th March and is available for pre-order worldwide via both iTunes and Amazon. I am beyond ecstatic that Brian's beautiful solo number November Song has made the cut to close the record. I'm not sure how the recorded version will sound, if there will likely be valid additions from other members of the band. I had the immense pleasure of hearing this tune when I saw Stornoway for the first ever time at Beautiful Days in 2010. That makes me feel old now we are already in 2013 but there you go. It is a really lovely song and I wish I could have filmed a better video. The video below via YouTube is much better than my own. The song is just so megagoosebump-inducing! I do hope it is on the set list at the forthcoming gig.
Before I share that oldie - although as it is a song on the new album I guess it is also a newie too - you need to check out the official video for the first single from Tales From Terra Firma, above. It's called Knock Me On The Head, and it is quite simply, stunning! Loving the moustache bassist Oli Steadman is sporting as the news reporter too. Hope that comes out for the song on the tour. Seriously though, the layers of instruments on this particular song, the lyrics, how it all comes together is sublime. It is also very catchy. Something to get into your head and stay there. In the making you want more kind of way, I mean.
I would have loved to have made
it to one of their Oxford
homecoming gigs at the Town Hall but not only would the fuel costs have been a
bit much as the month wears on, the tickets for those gigs were selling quick
and fast! I tried but by the time I could afford to buy some all the standing
tickets had been snapped up. So, on to Leamington Spa it was. Ironically I'll
be seeing them at the same place I saw Water Mountain
and Seth Lakeman exactly a year previous. I wonder who it will be come 2014.
Bring it on! If tickets haven't yet sold out to one of their shows near you on
this tour then do the sensible thing and get some quick. They are an awesome
live act and that one festival slot in 2010 was enough to get me hooked. Their
debut album, Beachcomber's Windowsill was one of my 'walk to work' albums last week,
reminding me of the bags of talent they contain and getting me all the more
excited for not only the gig, but the new album too. http://www.stornoway.eu/
Reichenbach Falls
This EP is a real delight! I'll Never Go Anywhere Without Her Now contains 4 stunning tracks. Kicking off with opener The Best I Could, which buffers you gently into the ambient sound with some neat delicate vocals. Listening to just this track cements in your understanding where the band get their name from. This is tranquility. This is musical beauty that would translate into something akin to the natural beauty of the Reichenbach Falls.
Blessed Blush you may have heard if you read a post I published a few weeks ago - prior to the release of the EP - and this just moves things along perfectly, stepping up a level. Hands aren't holding back on that lever and the level keeps cranking up with Risky. This third track would be my personal favourite of the lot, if I was forced to choose just one. In The Wreckage brings things to a beautiful close but be warned you really will be left wanting more! I'm humming this one in my head already, long after having listened to it. There's something that latches on to you with the music being made and put together here. The mix of instruments intertwine like the finely cooked meal of a master chef. It is indie folk verging on soft rock steeped in contemporary Americana. In sum, it is one heck of a tasty treat. Go buy it, please.
The beauty doesn't stop there either. The physical CD looks like a little vinyl record. Brilliant. This is such a wonderful touch and a tip of the hat to not only the resurgence of vinyl but a good nod to the past. https://www.facebook.com/ReichenbachFalls
Trevor Moss & Hannah Lou
Trevor and Hannah Lou have filmed
this new video for their single, For A Minute There, which is also available as
a FREE download. So much FREE music for you all this time round. This blogcast
was worth the wait wasn't it? There's more to come too. The song is taken from
their beautiful album, La Ferme De Fontenaille, which I highly recommend. It
was a real treat to see them live when they supported Tom McRae on the first
leg of his solo tour at the end of last year. They were amazing. Such
synchronicity when they stand and play together, it really is like they work as
one. And their harmonies are a thing of flawless beauty. I've mentioned how
they've been gigging it up crazy having gone out on their own unique tour of
working men's and social clubs. They also opened for the awesome Beth Orton
last December too.
The single comes with the rare b-side Redemption Movement. Recorded at one of their first duo recording sessions back in 2008, it is a wonderful track. http://trevormossandhannahlou.com/
The Scholars *NEW SINGLE*
Love The Thunder
As I've featured the latest single from this top Oxfordshire-based alternative rock band a few times already I just wanted to point out again here that you can get the track from their bandcamp page for just 79 little pennies. Please do and let's get these guys snowed under with the response. Big time is coming a knocking. There's a storm coming but it's a good one that will see them smash it through to the big time. I'll be playing the song on the next podcast too.
Make sure you check in at their Facebook page and bag yourself a bargain bundle. They are offering a Love The Thunder bundle. £15 gets you two neat physical CDs, a nifty new t-shirt and a mug. Some cool merchandise for you to help promote the guys wherever you're at. https://www.facebook.com/thescholarsofficial
Make sure you check in at their Facebook page and bag yourself a bargain bundle. They are offering a Love The Thunder bundle. £15 gets you two neat physical CDs, a nifty new t-shirt and a mug. Some cool merchandise for you to help promote the guys wherever you're at. https://www.facebook.com/thescholarsofficial
"This is Epic.." BBC Introducing
"Really strong song" - Tom Robinson, BBC6 Music
"I really liked their previous single Wired and so I was eager to hear the band’s new release Love The Thunder – the good news is that it sounds even better.." - Glasswerk
"Really strong song" - Tom Robinson, BBC6 Music
"I really liked their previous single Wired and so I was eager to hear the band’s new release Love The Thunder – the good news is that it sounds even better.." - Glasswerk
"Love The Thunder has a faster pace and the mix of instruments is very well produced. The synth and guitar set the rapid rhythm but there is also a lovely piano melody that flits in and out. The drums are solid, while the bass growls. And above all of this the low pitched vocals are strong. The chorus has some fine backing vocal harmonies too and then a lovely guitar solo cuts in, before an abrupt ending leaves you breathless.." Glasswerk
King Sukh
It's not so much lions and tigers and bears oh no, but rather lions and penguins and bears in this official video for Sukh's recently released debut single, Kings. I featured this in a previous post but the video hadn't been published at that time so here it is again. He is one talented young chap destined for greatness in my opinion.
I'm keeping it brief here as I'll be playing Kings on the next podcast so there will be more featured on Sukh next time. The album is sublime though, I will reiterate that. If iTunes is your thing then click >>here<< to buy the single so it can continue whetting your appetite for the album. http://www.iamsukh.com
Wings of Apollo Flying High
Just randomly coming across bands like Wings of Apollo is one of the chief reasons I could not live without Twitter in my life now. What a huge sound they have! Some of their tunes hark back to some of the massive classic eras and other bands over the years but these guys not only pull things together superbly to sound original, they add so much of their own souls into the mix as well.
There is so much going on I'll admit it is hard to know where to begin. The guitar playing is exquisite. It is perfection. Think Jimmy Page at his experimental best and yes that is a lofty comparison but it's what I'm hearing at times, via this debut self-titled album. It is a FREE album too by the way so why not go grab it for yourself and see (or hear) what all the commotion is about. The ten tracks therein will well and truly rock you in to another week. There's a real heavy and wonderful blues to the likes of Can You Hear Me Now and this is mixed cleverly with the hard rock sound. Son Of A Gun is so hook-laden you'll be singing and humming along before very long. Jesse Korby's vocals cut right through everything to deliver lyrical parcels that remain crystal clear and poignant. It's great how he's able to showcase his range with the likes of In The Morning, too. Don't get me wrong, while it's important to share the huge talents of Jesse, Wings of Apollo is by no means a one-man band. Bassist Pat Graves and drummer Dave Martin are integral. Pat's appreciation for 90s grunge is evident and this spills out through the speakers in such a way it alters the whole in the most positive of ways. The transcendental qualities of the 9 minute closing anthem Temple is sheer musical bliss. The intro builds up with a gradual perfection lasting four minutes. What follows is nothing short of a classic!
In fact, it feels to me like they've done something akin to UK band Syd Arthur. With their debut album On An On they capture the magic and all that was great about late 60's and 70's psychedelia. Using their outstanding talents they rework this into something that's fresh and new. Something that is unlike anything else out there. This is one of the most important things about this kind of stuff. It really is original. It is unique. It is exciting! There's a foot firmly in the past but the eyes are well into the future. Wings of Apollo do something similar but with rock verging on the cusp of some grunge as opposed to the psychedelia. It's so brilliant. It is breathtaking. There should be a warning for listeners to ensure they stock up on oxygen tanks because they'll need them. Wings of Apollo are flying high indeed and making music like this it won't be long before they soar like the eagles of old! http://www.wingsofapollo.com/
There is so much going on I'll admit it is hard to know where to begin. The guitar playing is exquisite. It is perfection. Think Jimmy Page at his experimental best and yes that is a lofty comparison but it's what I'm hearing at times, via this debut self-titled album. It is a FREE album too by the way so why not go grab it for yourself and see (or hear) what all the commotion is about. The ten tracks therein will well and truly rock you in to another week. There's a real heavy and wonderful blues to the likes of Can You Hear Me Now and this is mixed cleverly with the hard rock sound. Son Of A Gun is so hook-laden you'll be singing and humming along before very long. Jesse Korby's vocals cut right through everything to deliver lyrical parcels that remain crystal clear and poignant. It's great how he's able to showcase his range with the likes of In The Morning, too. Don't get me wrong, while it's important to share the huge talents of Jesse, Wings of Apollo is by no means a one-man band. Bassist Pat Graves and drummer Dave Martin are integral. Pat's appreciation for 90s grunge is evident and this spills out through the speakers in such a way it alters the whole in the most positive of ways. The transcendental qualities of the 9 minute closing anthem Temple is sheer musical bliss. The intro builds up with a gradual perfection lasting four minutes. What follows is nothing short of a classic!
In fact, it feels to me like they've done something akin to UK band Syd Arthur. With their debut album On An On they capture the magic and all that was great about late 60's and 70's psychedelia. Using their outstanding talents they rework this into something that's fresh and new. Something that is unlike anything else out there. This is one of the most important things about this kind of stuff. It really is original. It is unique. It is exciting! There's a foot firmly in the past but the eyes are well into the future. Wings of Apollo do something similar but with rock verging on the cusp of some grunge as opposed to the psychedelia. It's so brilliant. It is breathtaking. There should be a warning for listeners to ensure they stock up on oxygen tanks because they'll need them. Wings of Apollo are flying high indeed and making music like this it won't be long before they soar like the eagles of old! http://www.wingsofapollo.com/
Laurence Fox Shoudn't Be Sorry For His Words
The dashing Mr Fox has now released his EP Sorry For My Words. It features that first song he put out, Gunfight which I think caused him to be inundated for more. Where has he been hiding all this time? Well, he hasn't exactly been hiding I suppose. He is a successful actor and fatherhood has no doubt kept him rather busy.
I'm just happy we get to hear the awesome music he can make. Sorry For My Words is a gorgeous collection. You'll notice a familiar face in the video for So Be Damned. It is Laurence's cousin, fellow actress Emilia Fox. Now go and grab yourself a digital copy of the EP via iTunes >>here<<.
I bought the EP from iTunes myself only yesterday and tweeted the woes of forgetting my iTunes password yet again. Almost every single time I buy stuff from there I forget it and have to reset. I suppose that is kind of extra secure as changing it so often means it's less likely to be hacked. Anywho, I included @LozzaFox in those tweets and he replied, 'get in!'. I am still on a high from this. Great stuff. Now go, buy these wonderful tunes. http://www.laurencefox.co.uk/
Jesse Will
What another phenomenal find! So far away down on the other side of the globe but it would be so worth the trip to see this guy play live. AMAZING! It was thanks to the Facebook adverts again. Like with Andy Ruddy, an advert for Jesse's music page popped up while I was on the book of face. I clicked, I read, I watched, I listened. I am now hooked and need more. Luckily for me he has an EP due out imminently. In fact, he is playing a launch show for it on Friday 1st March but sadly that tricksy teleporter is on the blink so I'm unlikely to make it to Aukland in time. Sorry Jesse. Another time. I have Julie Lamb to catch live down in Wellington of course so I should get on with planning and saving for this trip shouldn't I? (Calling all those who would like to sponsor me again please? No-one? Well, you know where I'm at if you do!)
With quality like this, 2013 will be a huge year for Jesse and you'll be hearing lots more from him I have no doubt. More to come from him in future posts. Do keep up to date at his official Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/jessewillmusic
ALBUM CORNER
ARTIST: MARY DILLON
ALBUM: NORTH
LABEL: BACK LANE RECORDS
TRACKS: 10
WEBSITE: http://www.marydillon.com/
As a former member of the acclaimed Irish band Deanta, Mary is no stranger to music and listening to this debut solo album, you would not believe she has been absent from the scene for 15 years. The album was released on 4th February on Back Lane Records so I must apologise for the delay in sharing this. North is vibrant and so full of grace. It contains some wonderful traditional Irish folk songs which Mary delivers with an immaculate precision that enchants. As is only to be expected with many traditional songs, the subject matter is rarely on the cheery side of the spectrum. There is room for the more upbeat kind of song though, such as The Banks of
Claudy. This track is infused with eloquent strings rooting it to the traditional.
Even on songs such as this and the opener When A Man's In Love, Mary's voice rises above everything and
still moves you, albeit it in a different and more gentle manner.
If forced to choose a favourite I'd say it would have to be Mary's original song The Boatman. This is easily one of the stand out tracks from an altogether very impressive record. It manages to capture you and pull you in. When Mary sings about that mist rolling in from the sea, you can feel it wrapping around you. It's cold and dark as it swallows up her dear beloved boatman. The fires lit on those shores roar with a ferocity at the loss. The fires are beacons of a desperate hope. The instrumental arrangement on the track is sublime. Let us also not forget the incredibly moving tale of John Condon. I've heard so many poignant songs over the years spanning so many different genres but I can honestly say I have never heard anything as truly moving as this one delivered via Mary's unique and beautiful voice. Likewise, The Month Of January deserves singling out too.
Mary's is one of those voices you will want to hear sing to you ceaselessly. How she manages to pack such emotion and feeling into it is magnificent. It's as though she has some supernatural ability whereby her vocals wrap themselves around your heart. Depending on the accompanying musical arrangements and the subject matter in question your heart will be gently massaged or probed deeply to the core of your soul. She is deeply affecting, a crucial quality in the diluted music market we find ourselves in today. She may have been away for those 15 years but Mary Dillon is back and with North, she proves without any shadow of a doubt how she stands mountains above her contemporaries.
ARTIST: DAVID BRONSON
ALBUM: STORY
LABEL: INDEPENDENT
TRACKS: 11
WEBSITE: http://www.davidbronsonmusic.com/
Once again I must start off with a sincere apology. Story was released way back at the start of January so it is near unforgiveable I am only just featuring it here now. You all know my issues with lack of time by now though but yes, I have slapped myself many times for being so slow with this one. It's madness considering how much I rate it. It is still in the car stereo so that alone shows how much I'm still enjoying listening to it after what amounts to about three months. Story is part one of a 22 song cycle collectively titled as The Long Lost Story. Part two should be out later this year.
This is a really interesting record. Opening track The Turns does just that. It turns in some way, incorporating a fair bit into this first four or so minute introduction to David Bronson's music. From the softer parts where his vocal gets to shine to the maniacal parts where he struggles to be heard. This is executed beautifully as the subject matter calls for something just like it. And that guitar riff in the final act is quite simply put, magnificent! The wild guitar and rockier tones continue with Times which feels very much like an extension of its predecessor. Now it is time for the journey to begin. So far, quite big in scope but don't get too comfortable just yet. This hectic feel is reigned in a little with If. The pace soon picks up again but producing something akin to what real pop music should sound like. That is before the rock guitar riffs return to dazzle you.
Easier takes a step back, puts its feet up and pulls on the heart strings of contemporary Americana with perfect precision. It is a welcome change of pace and demonstrates a contemplative rest on this journey we've embarked upon. There's another explosion into heavier rock with The Ones. This is a fast-paced romp, razor sharp both in terms of its music and the lyrics. It's time for more melancholic contemplation with the stunning Us. I can really appreciate how amazing this must sound as a live acoustic song as part of a set. Complete with some outstanding backing vocals from Maria Neckham who must get credit for her flawless appearances throughout earlier tracks as well. Us is gentle and delicate. It jumps back into Americana with both feet on the back of some nifty bass. This is a standout track for sure. Momentary too, contains so much within it you can't but keep putting it back on to discover new gems that blend together so seamlessly.
Just when you think all the avenues this journey will take have been explored you're cast Adrift. This is yet another standout track managing to launch you up as if on to a comfortable cloud filled with fluffy calmness. Let yourself be guided by this marvelous music. Float away and enjoy it completely, as is intended. Likewise with Outside. The gentler tones persist and Maria Neckham gets her own solo lines. After all of her exquisite backing vocals so far, these bring with them a tremendous depth. Unending (Underture) brings the album to an adequate close and it is in direct contrast to its opening. The journey has been somewhat a rollercoaster but Unending puts it nicely at rest. End of Part One. To Be Continued...
I must admit Story isn't an album I put on and loved instantly. After really soaking up the talented offerings of David Bronson though, it is one that did grow on me very quickly indeed. That is the most important thing here and where it differs from many other 'growers'. I really wanted to listen again and again. You may well love it instantly but even if it takes a listen or two to bed in, after a couple of times you will wonder why on earth it took you so long. Then you will just keep on listening to it. Like I mentioned, it is one of only two albums I've put in the car that has remained there for quite a number of months. Mixed by legendary producer Godfrey Diamond (Lou Reed, Aerosmith) the end result is well-accomplished and I'm left excited about part two.
IN BRIEF...
Just before I manage to completely collapse this page thanks to all the bits I'm embedding to share I have a couple more things to add that really need your attention.
John Grant
I was fortunate enough to catch John live at Beautiful Days a few years ago and he is mesmerizing. I love his debut album Queen of Denmark which he brings completely to life on stage with his flawless performances. Pale Green Ghosts is the follow up and due out next month. This video proves it is going to be something special. John is also over in the UK on tour in May so don't miss out. Believe me, it is well worth it!
BELLOWHEAD ROLL THAT WOODPILE DOWN
It is wonderful to watch how Bellowhead get their loyal hoards of fans jigging about on their feet. With music so incredibly jig-inducing it is not surprising and none more so than with this video for the latest single from their most recent award-winning album Broadside.
This 11-piece juggernaut of a band are without much doubt one of the best live acts around and this video showcases them in their element live at a sold out Glasgow gig. Bellowhead will be setting out on a UK tour in November. Yes, it is quite a while away yet but given it is only days away until March hits it will be here before you know it. With their tendency to sell out venues you'd be wise to grab your tickets in good time.
07/11 - Bury St Edmunds - The Apex 08/11 - Warrington - Parr Hall
09/11 - Cheltenham - Town Hall 10/11 - Blackburn - King George's Hall
11/11 - Aylesbury - Waterside Theatre 12/11 - Birmingham - Symphony Hall
13/11 - Guildford - G Live 14/11 - Bedford - Corn Exchange
15/11 - Wrexham - William Aston Hall 16/11 - Portsmouth - Guildhall
17/11 - Exeter - Great Hall 18/11 - Truro - Hall for Cornwall
19/11 - Frome - Cheese & Grain 20/11 - Leicester - De Montfort Hall
21/11 - Aberystwyth - Arts Centre 22/11 - Chesterfield - Winding Wheel
23/11 - Folkestone - Leas Cliff Hall
Paul McClure is a Master of War
Well not literally of course but I think you'll agree how mighty fine his version of the classic Bob Dylan song is. What a treat this is. Paul has recently gone solo and is signed with Clubhouse Records whom I rate very highly so get checking out more from Paul and other acts on this wonderful label. I shall be keeping my own eye on Paul and feature more on him in the coming months. In the meantime, I think this cover is stunning! https://www.facebook.com/paulmccluremusic
ANY OTHER BUSINESS?
ACTUALLY YES..JUST ONE MORE THING..
The Spiral Earth Awards 2013 *CAST YOUR VOTES PLEASE*
Please please please get to this website and vote for your favourites across the categories because votes like this from the public, from fans themselves really means a huge amount to bands and artists. http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/spiralawards2013/
This mention here is particularly for you to consider voting for the hugely talented and rather wonderful man that is Nick Burbridge. He is nominated for Best Songwriter and you can read more about why I've personally voted for Nick by reading that post >>here<<.
My appeal here is to point out that although an incredibly strong contender, Nick is a complete outsider insofar as promotion and being out on the gig circuit goes. His unique and poignant songs rarely secure much in the way of high profile airplay and he does not enjoy the support and back up that comes to most in the business. Further, I'd like to point out a few important things about his recent album Gathered, which secured him this nomination. It was made at zero cost; publicised entirely from home; reviewed only on merit; and with nothing more in mind than the desire to fulfill a creative need in writing songs. From the numerous albums I was introduced to last year I selected Gathered as one of a select few top favourites. This is because here is a quality Nick brings to the table that in between records is sadly missed and rarely, if ever, matched. Get yourself to the bandcamp page where you can listen to Gathered in full then hop on to the Spiral Earth Awards website and support this outsider to win an award he so clearly deserves. http://gathered.bandcamp.com/
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT:
Go go Emo Rangers....you mighty moshin emo rangers! Yes, that's right. This is actually a thing! Awesome stuff! Seriously, this is an actual thing. No, this is not what I've been working on since the last blogcast. If it had have been though, I'd be mightily impressed with the results.
And that just about wraps things up folks. I really had better draw this blogcast to a close. Sincere apologies for all delays but these are just a given when juggling a full time job and all the rest of it. I'm still absolutely loving it all so there will be tons more to come. I'll have the Luke Jackson at The Stables gig review up in a matter of days. This will be followed by the fourth and final part of my overview/review of 2012 (yes finally). Then there's the blogcast for podcast #13, which as mentioned is already live so I have made a start on that.
As always there's heaps more stuff I want to share right now but there must be an end at some point. Peace to you all and thanks for your continued support!
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